bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous-variable source-device-independent quantum key distribution against general attacks
Authors: Zhang Yichen , Chen Ziyang , Weedbrook Christian , Yu Song , Guo Hong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe continuous-variable quantum key distribution with entanglement in the middle, a semi-device-independent protocol, places the source at the untrusted third party between Alice and Bob, and thus has the advantage of high levels of security with the purpose of eliminating the assumptions about the source device. However, previous works considered the collective-attack analysis, which inevitably assumes that the states of the source has an identical and independently distributed (i.i.d) structure, and limits the application of the protocol. To solve this problem, we modify the original protocol by exploiting an energy test to monitor the potential high energy attacks an adversary may use. Our analysis removes the assumptions of the light source and the modified protocol can therefore be called source-device-independent protocol. Moreover, we analyze the security of the continuous-variable source-device-independent quantum key distribution protocol with a homodyne-homodyne structure against general coherent attacks by adapting a state-independent entropic uncertainty relation. The simulation results indicate that, in the universal composable security framework, the protocol can still achieve high key rates against coherent attacks under the condition of achievable block lengths.
Aging affects gain and internal noise in the visual system
Authors: Yan Fang-Fang , Hou Fang , Lu Hongyu , Yang Jia , Chen Lijun , Wu Yifan , Chen Ge , Huang Chang-Bing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVisual functions decline with age, but how aging degrades visual functions remains controversial. In the current study, the mechanisms underlying age-related visual declines were examined psychophysically. We developed an efficient method to quickly explore contrast sensitivity as a function of nine spatial frequencies at three levels of external noise in both young and old subjects. Fifty-two young and twenty-six old subjects have been screened for ophthalmological and mental diseases and participated in the experiment. Contrast sensitivity varied significantly with spatial frequency, age, and level of external noise. By adopting a nonlinear observer model, we decomposed contrast sensitivity into inefficiencies in internal additive noise, internal multiplicative noise, perceptual template gain, and/or system non-linearity. Model analysis revealed that aging impacts both internal additive noise and perceptual template gain, and such age-related degradation is tuned to spatial frequency, which is also a good predictor to discriminate old from young. The quick characterization of contrast sensitivity functions at different noise levels and the accompanying analysis developed in the current study may have profound application in other clinical populations.
Early Recognition of the Preference for Exclusive Breastfeeding in Current China: A Prediction Model based on Decision Trees
Authors: Wang Yiting , Shan Chunjian , Zhang Yingying , Ding Lei , Wen Juan , Tian Yingying 
Published: April 2020

AbstractExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is affected by multiple risk factors. Therefore, it is difficult for clinical professionals to identify women who will not practice EBF well and provide subsequent medical suggestions and treatments. This study aimed to apply a decision tree (DT) model to predict EBF at two months postpartum. The socio-demographic, clinical and breastfeeding parameters of 1,141 breastfeeding women from Nanjing were evaluated. Decision tree modelling was used to analyse and screen EBF factors and establish a risk assessment model of EBF. The Chinese version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (CV-BSES) score, early formula supplementation, abnormal nipples, mastitis, neonatal jaundice, cracked or sore nipples and intended duration of breastfeeding were significant risk factors associated with EBF in the DT model. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the DT model were 73.1%, 75.5% and 66.3%, respectively. The DT model showed similar or better performance than the logistic regression model in assessing the risk of early cessation of EBF before two months postpartum. The DT model has potential for application in clinical practice and identifies high-risk subpopulations that need specific prevention.
The insufficiency of circulating miRNA and DNA as diagnostic tools or as biomarkers of treatment efficacy for Onchocerca volvulus
Authors: Macfarlane Cara L. , Quek Shannon , Pionnier Nicolas , Turner Joseph D. , Wanji Samuel , Wagstaff Simon C. , Taylor Mark J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSkin snip evaluation for onchocerciasis has insufficient sensitivity when skin microfilarial (mf) densities are low, such as following ivermectin treatment. Mf density is suitable for assessing microfilaricidal efficacy but only serves as an indirect indicator of macrofilaricidal activity. We assessed circulating nucleic acids from Onchocerca volvulus as an alternative to skin snips. We screened a plasma sample set of infected individuals followed up at four, 12 and 21 months after microfilaricidal (ivermectin, n = four), macrofilaricidal (doxycycline, n = nine), or combination treatment (n = five). Two parasite-derived miRNAs, cel-miR-71-5p and bma-lin-4, and O-150 repeat DNA were assessed. Highly abundant DNA repeat families identified in the O. volvulus genome were also evaluated. miRNAs were detected in two of 72 plasma samples (2.8%) and two of 47 samples (4.3%) with microfilaridermia using RT-qPCR. O-150 DNA was detected in eight (44.4%) baseline samples by qPCR and the number of positives declined post-treatment. One doxycycline-treated individual remained O-150 positive. However, only 11 (23.4%) samples with microfilaridermia were qPCR-positive. Analysis by qPCR showed novel DNA repeat families were comparatively less abundant than the O-150 repeat. Circulating parasite-derived nucleic acids are therefore insufficient as diagnostic tools or as biomarkers of treatment efficacy for O. volvulus.
Tuneable quantum spin Hall states in confined 1T' transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Das Biswapriyo , Sen Diptiman , Mahapatra Santanu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInvestigation of quantum spin Hall states in 1T' phase of the monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides has recently attracted the attention for its potential in nanoelectronic applications. While most of the theoretical findings in this regard deal with infinitely periodic crystal structures, here we employ density functional theory calculations and $$k.p$$
k
.
p
Hamiltonian based continuum model to unveil the bandgap opening in the edge-state spectrum of finite width molybdenum disulphide, molybdenum diselenide, tungsten disulphide and tungsten diselenide. We show that the application of a perpendicular electric field simultaneously modulates the band gaps of bulk and edge-states. We further observe that tungsten diselenide undergoes a semi-metallic intermediate state during the phase transition from topological to normal insulator. The tuneable edge conductance, as obtained from the Landauer-Büttiker formalism, exhibits a monotonous increasing trend with applied electric field for deca-nanometer molybdenum disulphide, whereas the trend is opposite for other cases.
Bio-properties of Saba banana (Musa ‘saba’, ABB Group): Influence of maturity and changes during simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Reginio Florencio Collado , Qin Wei , Ketnawa Sunantha , Ogawa Yukiharu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSaba banana, a popular fruit crop grown in Southeast Asia, is an economical source of a variety of beneficial agents. This study examined the variations in total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activities of five maturity stages of Saba banana, and their changes during simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion as affected by varying structural compositions. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal ion chelating (MIC) activity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Results of DPPH and ABTS were compared in terms of TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) and VCEAC (Vitamin C Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) values. Bio-properties were found to be highest in mature green stage with values slightly decreased as ripening proceeded. Simulated digestion showed a continuous increase in total phenolic with comparatively faster release in structure-less state (slurry) than samples with intact structure (cut). The trend of antioxidant activities was increased in the gastric phase and then decreased at the onset of intestinal phase, except for MIC which showed a reverse effect. Our study indicated that the bio-properties of Saba banana were affected by maturity and modifications in its physical structure and composition could influence the release behaviors of food components during simulated digestion.
MIF inhibitor, ISO-1, attenuates human pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, and suppresses xenograft tumour growth in vivo
Authors: Cheng Bo , Wang Qiaofang , Song Yaodong , Liu Yanna , Liu Yanyan , Yang Shujun , Li Dejian , Zhang Yan , Zhu Changju 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study sought to investigate the biological effects of specific MIF inhibitor, ISO-1, on the proliferation, migration and invasion of PANC-1 human pancreatic cells in vitro, and on tumour growth in a xenograft tumour model in vivo. The effect of ISO-1 on PANC-1 cell proliferation was examined using CCK-8 cell proliferation assay. The effect of ISO-1 on collective cell migration and recolonization of PANC-1 cells was evaluated using the cell-wound closure migration assay. The effect of ISO-1 on the migration and invasion of individual PANC-1 cells in a 3-dimensional environment in response to a chemo-attractant was investigated through the use of Transwell migration/invasion assays. Quantitative real time PCR and western blot analyses were employed to investigate the effects of ISO-1 on MIF, NF-κB p65 and TNF-α mRNA and protein expression respectively. Finally, a xenograft tumor model in BALB/c nude mice were used to assess the in vivo effects of ISO-1 on PANC-1-induced tumor growth. We found high expression of MIF in pancreatic cancer tissues. We demonstrated that ISO-1 exerts anti-cancer effects on PANC-1 cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, and inhibited PANC-1 cell-induced tumour growth in xenograft mice in vivo. Our data suggests that ISO-1 and its derivative may have potential therapeutic applications in pancreatic cancer.
Culturally Competent Care for Transgender Voice and Communication Intervention
Authors: Smith Carey J. 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
Despite constituting 4.5% of the population, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+ community is poorly understood by the health care community. Seventy percent of transgender individuals report discrimination in health care, and 51% of speech-language pathologists do not know clinical techniques for transgender clients. This community is particularly obscured by its high degree of diversity, which can be confusing for clinicians who are unfamiliar with the nuances of the culture or unprepared to adapt to a gender-affirming therapy model.

Method
Methods focus on gender affirmation and community trust building. Specific targets included exploring self-expression through reflection, metatherapy, and observation of self and others in regard to various communication strategies. Clients were provided opportunities to practice and experience a gradient of degrees of gendered communication to make the experience affirming to their gender identity.

Results
Results were reflected in two case studies, Kasi, a transfeminine client, and RJ, a transmasculine client. Kasi began therapy as directionless, abrasive, and conflicted about their voice and transition goals. They concluded therapy focused, motivated to communicate more clearly, and achieving technical targets that were unexpected given starting points. Kasi made this progress in collaboration with the resilient focus of the clinical team on their validity and affirmation. RJ began therapy highly distrustful of therapy but unable to pursue hormone replacement therapy for pitch lowering. Their goal was to achieve voice modification through therapy. RJ finished their treatment consistently gendered as male on the phone and in public, with 130 Hz without testosterone.

Conclusions
Voice therapy is a vital health safety service for transgender clients, and increasing access to culturally competent care should be a concern for all speech pathologists. Building trust and empathy with this community will be a significant step in breaking down gatekeeping practices in the field and in the larger medical practice.
Update Reanimation – innerklinische Reanimation
Authors: Seewald Stephan , Schewe Jens-Christian , Lenkeit Stefan , Jantzen Tanja , Bein Berthold 
Published: April 2020

ZusammenfassungDas innerklinische Notfallmanagement ist ein zentraler Baustein für die Patientensicherheit im Krankenhaus. Durch Frühwarnsysteme und die Etablierung Medizinischer Einsatzteams (MET) können sich verschlechternde Patienten frühzeitig erkannt und vermeidbare Todesfälle verhindert werden. Dieser Beitrag stellt wesentliche Elemente eines modernen innerklinischen Notfallmanagements dar.
Laparoscopy-assisted versus balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Tønnesen Christer Julseth , Young Juliet , Glomsaker Tom , Mala Tom , Løberg Magnus , Bretthauer Michael , Refsum Erle , Aabakken Lars 
Published: April 2020

Background Patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are at increased risk of biliary disease necessitating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The most widely used approaches to perform ERCP after RYGB are laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) and balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (BEA-ERCP). There are few studies comparing these procedures. We aimed to compare the performance, benefits, and harms of LA-ERCP and BEA-ERCP in RYGB patients.
Methods We identified all RYGB patients who underwent ERCP at two tertiary care endoscopy centers in Oslo, Norway between May 2013 and December 2017. One center performed BEA-ERCP, the other LA-ERCP. Procedure success was defined as fulfillment of the therapeutic or diagnostic aim, according to the procedure description. Adverse events were classified according to the Clavien–Dindo grading system.
Results During the study period, 40 BEA-ERCP and 39 LA-ERCP procedures were performed in 68 patients. Procedure success rate was 72.5 % for BEA-ERCP and 87.2 % for LA-ERCP (P = 0.14). Adverse events occurred in 18 % of BEA-ERCP and 28 % of LA-ERCP (P = 0.23). Serious adverse events (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ 3b) occurred in 2.5 % of BEA-ERCP and 7.7 % of LA-ERCP procedures (P = 0.36). Concomitant cholecystectomy was performed in 25 of the 39 LA-ERCP procedures. The median procedure times for LA-ERCP performed with and without concomitant cholecystectomy were 201 minutes and 140 minutes, respectively, and for BEA-ERCP was 125 minutes.
Conclusions In experienced hands, both LA-ERCP and BEA-ERCP have high success rates after RYGB. The choice of approach should be individualized according to patient characteristics and available physician competence.
Efficacy of a novel self-assembling peptide hemostatic gel as rescue therapy for refractory acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: de Nucci Germana , Reati Raffaella , Arena Ilaria , Bezzio Cristina , Devani Massimo , Corte Cristina della , Morganti Daniela , Mandelli Enzo Domenico , Omazzi Barbara , Redaelli Davide , Saibeni Simone , Dinelli Marco , Manes Gianpiero 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Topical hemostatic products have been developed for endoscopic use to help in the management of difficult bleeding. Our aim was to demonstrate the ease of use, safety, and efficacy of PuraStat, a novel hemostat, to control AGIB.
Methods We describe 77 patients (41 men) who were treated for acute upper and lower AGIB in a 2-year period. In 50 patients, bleeding occurred as a complication of a previous endoscopic procedure, predominantly endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); however, in the other 27 patients, it derived from peptic ulcers, angiodysplasia, cancers, and surgical anastomoses. Bleeding was spurting in 13 of the 77 patients and oozing in 64. PuraStat was used after the failure of at least two conventional hemostatic methods.
Results A mean of 2.6 conventional hemostatic methods had been attempted prior to the application of PuraStat. PuraStat achieved successful hemostasis in 90.9 % of patients. In 41 patients, once hemostasis was obtained with PuraStat, endoscopists further stabilized hemostasis by using at least one additional method. Recurrence of bleeding was observed in eight patients (10.4 %). In 16 patients with intraprocedural bleeding, it was possible to complete the procedures (14 EMR, 2 ERCP) after PuraStat hemostasis. No adverse events related to PuraStat were recorded.
Conclusions PuraStat is feasible, safe, and effective in controlling different types of gastrointestinal hemorrhage after failure of conventional hemostatic methods. Its application also does not hinder continuing endotherapy.
Comparison of antimicrobial resistance in Gram negative bacteria isolated from effluents in coastal districts of Karnataka, India
Authors: Mohan Raj Juliet Roshini , Vittal Rajeshwari , Shivakumaraswamy Santosh Kogaluru , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar , Karunasagar Indrani 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDownstream water systems provide for a conducive environment for horizontal gene transfer. The objective of this study was to determine the burden of antimicrobial resistance in waste water effluents from different sources and their impact on human health. Gram negative bacteria were isolated from 30 samples each of industrial, hospital and domestic effluents. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the 367 isolates from 90 effluent samples was determined by disc diffusion test and presence of antimicrobial resistance genes by polymerase chain reaction. Resistance to ampicillin was 62% in hospital effluents and was higher than that recorded for industrial and domestic effluents. While the highest percentage of resistance to tetracycline was observed in isolates from industrial effluents (42%) a low of 9.5% was observed in hospital effluents. Antimicrobial resistance determinants present on mobile genetic elements were observed in a small fraction (~10%) of the resistant isolates. The resistance profile of isolates in effluents reflect the practices of different industries. Resistant isolates in domestic effluents could be a reflection of the indiscriminate use of antibiotics andthat many of the contents of disinfectants and cleaning agents routinely used may contain structural analogs of antimicrobials used in therapy. Though by phenotypic test a higher prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was recorded the genotypic study revealed the prevalence to be low. This could be due to the limited number of antimicrobial resistance genes included in this study.
Differential timing of a conserved transcriptional network underlies divergent cortical projection routes across mammalian brain evolution
Authors: Paolino Annalisa , Fenlon Laura R. , Kozulin Peter , Haines Elizabeth , Lim Jonathan W. C. , Richards Linda J. , Suárez Rodrigo 
Published: April 2020

Significance
The corpus callosum connects left and right cerebral cortices, integrating sensory-motor and associative functions, and is the largest connection in the human brain. While all mammals have a cerebral cortex, only eutherians evolved a corpus callosum. However, how this occurred remains largely unknown. We compared transcription factors that control subcerebral versus callosal neuron projection fates in eutherians and marsupials and found remarkably high similarity of their gene sequences and functions. However, expression of the callosal gene SATB2 was delayed in mice relative to dunnarts, and premature overexpression was sufficient for reversion to an ancestral-like brain phenotype. Our results suggest that transcriptional heterochrony might have influenced callosal evolution, and that complex traits can originate by differential deployment of existing regulatory genes.
Characterization of a novel shell matrix protein with vWA domain from Mytilus coruscus
Authors: Sun Qi , Jiang Yuting , Fan Meihua , Zhang Xiaolin , Xu Huanzhi , Liao Zhi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Mollusk shell is a product of biomineralization with excellent mechanical properties, and the shell matrix proteins (SMPs) have important functions in shell formation. A vWA domain-containing protein (VDCP) was identified from the shell of Mytilus coruscus as a novel shell matrix protein. The VDCP gene is expressed at a high level in specific locations in the mantle and adductor muscle. Recombinant VDCP (rVDCP) showed abilities to alter the morphology of both calcite and aragonite, induce the polymorph change of calcite, bind calcite, and decrease the crystallization rate of calcite. In addition, immunohistochemistry analyses revealed the specific location of VDCP in the mantle, the adductor muscle, and the myostracum layer of the shell. Furthermore, a pull-down analysis revealed eight protein interaction partners of VDCP in shell matrices and provided a possible protein–protein interaction network of VDCP in the shell.
MiR-711 and miR-183-3p as Potential Markers for Vital Reaction of Burned Skin
Authors: Zhang Kaikai , Cheng Ming , Xu Jingtao , Chen Lijian , Li Jiahao , Li Qiangguo , Xie Xiaoli , Wang Qi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In forensic practice, the identification of antemortem burns and postmortem burns is of the utmost importance. Reports from previous studies have shown that miRNAs, with lengths stretching over 18–25 nucleotides, are highly stable and resistant to degradation. However, there has been little research into the application of miRNAs in identifying antemortem and postmortem burns. This study compared the expression of miR-711 and miR-183-3p levels in mouse and postmortem human burned skins using RT-qPCR assay. RT-qPCR examination of burned mouse skins showed that increased miR-711 and miR-183-3p expression in comparison to intact skin tissues. The increased expressions of these two miRNAs were observed until 120 h after death in burned mouse skins, whereas no significant changes were found in postmortem burned skins. In human burned skins, the increased levels of these two miRNAs at 48 h following autopsy occurred in 19 of 26 subjects, which appeared to be related to the severity of the burn. These findings suggest that miR-711 and miR-183-3p may act as biomarkers for vital reaction of skin burn. Key PointsThis study investigated miR-711 and miR-183-3p levels in mouse and postmortem human burned skins using RT-qPCR.Increased miR-711 and miR-183-3p levels were observed in burned mouse skins.The increased expressions of these two miRNAs were observed until 120 h after death in burned mouse skin.The increased levels of these two miRNAs were observed until 48 h after autopsy in 19 of 26 forensic cases, which appeared to be related to the severity of the burn.