bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of CIGS, CISSe and CZTS-based solar cells with In2S3 as buffer layer and Au as back contact using SCAPS 1D
Authors: Ashraf Md Ali , Alam Intekhab 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A solar cell capacitance simulator named SCAPS 1D was used in the prediction study of Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS), CuIn(S, Se)2 (CISSe) and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) based solar cells where indium sulphide (In2S3), fluorine-doped tin oxide/FTO (SnO2:F) and gold (Au) were used as buffer layer, window layer and back contact respectively. We investigated the effect of thickness, defect density and carrier density of the different absorber layers, thickness of the buffer layer and at 300 K temperature and standard illumination, the optimum devices revealed highest efficiencies of 18.08%, 22.50%, 16.94% for CIGS, CISSe, CZTS-based cells respectively. Effect of operating temperature, wavelength of light and electron affinity of the buffer layer on the optimized solar cell performance was also observed. Moreover, simulations were run with tin (Sn) doped In2S3 buffer layer to see the change in electrical measurements in comparison with undoped condition and also, investigation was carried out by replacing In2S3 buffer layer with traditional cadmium sulphide (CdS) buffer layer with the aim of comparing their respective output parameters. All these simulation results will provide some vital guidelines for fabricating higher efficiency solar cells.
Effects of herbivory and its timing on reproductive success of a tropical deciduous tree
Authors: Quiroz-Pacheco Enya N , Mora Francisco , Boege Karina , Domínguez César A , del-Val Ek 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
The implications of herbivory for plant reproduction have been widely studied; however, the relationship of defoliation and reproductive success is not linear, as there are many interacting factors that may influence reproductive responses to herbivore damage. In this study we aimed to disentangle how the timing of foliar damage impacts both male and female components of fitness, and to assess when it has greater impacts on plant reproductive success.

Methods
We measured herbivore damage and its effects on floral production, male and female floral attributes as well as fruit yield in three different phenological phases of Casearia nitida (Salicaceae) over the course of two consecutive years. Then we tested two models of multiple causal links among herbivory and reproductive success using piecewise structural equation models.

Key Results
The effects of leaf damage differed between reproductive seasons and between male and female components of fitness. Moreover, the impact of herbivory extended beyond the year when it was exerted. The previous season’s cumulated foliar damage had the largest impact on reproductive characters, in particular a negative effect on the numbers of inflorescences, flowers and pollen grains, indirectly affecting the numbers of infructescences and fruits, and a positive one on the amount of foliar damage during flowering.

Conclusions
For perennial and proleptic species, the dynamics of resource acquisition and allocation patterns for reproduction promote and extend the effects of herbivore damage to longer periods than a single reproductive event and growing season, through the interactions among different components of female and male fitness.
C-ECi: a CUBIC-ECi combined clearing method for three-dimensional follicular content analysis in the fish ovary†
Authors: Lesage Manon , Thomas Manon , Bugeon Jérôme , Branthonne Adèle , Gay Stéphanie , Cardona Emilie , Haghebaert Marie , Mahé Fabrice , Bobe Julien , Thermes Violette 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Deciphering mechanisms of oocyte development in the fish ovary still remain challenging, and a comprehensive overview of this process at the level of the organ is still needed. The recent development of optical tissue clearing methods has tremendously boosted the three-dimensional (3D) imaging of large size biological samples that are naturally opaque. However, no attempt of clearing on fish ovary that accumulates extremely high concentration of lipids within oocytes has been reported to date. To face with this ovarian-specific challenge, we combined two existing clearing methods, the nontoxic solvent-based ethyl cinnamate (ECi) method for efficient clearing and the Clear Unobstructed Brain Imaging Cocktails and Computational (CUBIC) method to enhance lipid removal and reduce nonspecific staining. The methyl green fluorescent dye was used to stain nuclei and delineate the follicular structures that include oocytes. Using this procedure (named CUBIC-ECi [C-ECi]), ovaries of both medaka and trout could be imaged in 3D and follicles analyzed. To our knowledge, this is the first procedure elaborated for clearing and imaging fish ovary in 3D. The C-ECi method thus provides an interesting tool for getting precise quantitative data on follicular content in fish ovary and promises to be useful for further developmental and morphological studies.
The Emergence of Social Work Research Between Professionalisation and Nation-Building: A Transnational Case Study
Authors: Mazursky Nofar , Lau Dayana 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This study explores the transnational history of social work and, as a case study, examines the movement of social work research between Germany and Mandatory Palestine in the 1930s and 1940s. This transnational circulation of knowledge and ideas was driven by a group of German-Jewish social workers who migrated to Palestine and helped establish the profession in the new country. Particular attention is paid to early professional schools of social work, which served as hubs for knowledge circulation and laid the academic foundations of social work long before the discipline found its final form. To study this translation process, this article analyses research activities at Alice Salomon’s Academy for Social and Educational Women's Work in Berlin and Siddy Wronsky’s School of Social Services in Jerusalem. Both institutes were influential in establishing the profession in their countries and closely linked the emerging social work training and research. As a transnational research team, we approached and analysed these activities through archival files and documents in Israel and Germany. This analysis is framed by assumptions about the transnational translation of knowledge and, to add context, presents findings on the origins of social work in both countries and its societal embeddedness.
Slo-Mo anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated renal vasculitis
Authors: Avello Alejandro , Fernandez-Prado Raul , Santos-Sanchez-Rey Begoña , Rojas-Rivera Jorge , Ortiz Alberto 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Nephrologists are familiar with severe cases of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis (AAV) presenting as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. However, less is known about AAV with slowly progressive renal involvement. While its existence is acknowledged in textbooks, much remains unknown regarding its relative frequency versus more aggressive cases as well as about the optimal therapeutic approach and response to therapy. Moreover, this uncommon presentation may be underdiagnosed, given the scarce familiarity of physicians. In this issue of Clinical Kidney Journal, Trivioli et al. report the largest series to date and first systematic assessment of patients with AAV and slowly progressive renal involvement, defined as a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25–50% in the 6 months prior to diagnosis after excluding secondary causes. Key findings are that slowly progressive AAV may be less common than previously thought, although it still represents the second most common presentation of renal AAV, it usually has a microscopic polyangiitis, anti-myeloperoxidase, mainly renal phenotype in elderly individuals, diagnosis may be late (over one-third of patients had end-stage kidney disease at diagnosis), clearly identifying an unmet need for physician awareness about this presentation, but those not needing renal replacement therapy at diagnosis still responded to immunosuppression.
School Choice Design, Risk Aversion and Cardinal Segregation
Authors: Calsamiglia Caterina , Martínez-Mora Francisco , Miralles Antonio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe embed the problem of public school choice design in a model of local provision of education. We define cardinal (student) segregation as that emerging when families with identical ordinal preferences submit different rankings of schools in a centralised school choice procedure. With the Boston Mechanism (BM), when higher types are less risk-averse, and there is sufficient vertical differentiation of schools, any equilibrium presents cardinal segregation. Transportation costs facilitate the emergence of cardinal segregation as does competition from private schools. Furthermore, the latter renders the best public schools more elitist. The Deferred Acceptance mechanism is resilient to cardinal segregation.
Supersized Ribosomal RNA Expansion Segments in Asgard Archaea
Authors: Penev Petar I , Fakhretaha-Aval Sara , Patel Vaishnavi J , Cannone Jamie J , Gutell Robin R , Petrov Anton S , Williams Loren Dean , Glass Jennifer B 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The ribosome’s common core, comprised of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and universal ribosomal proteins, connects all life back to a common ancestor and serves as a window to relationships among organisms. The rRNA of the common core is similar to rRNA of extant bacteria. In eukaryotes, the rRNA of the common core is decorated by expansion segments (ESs) that vastly increase its size. Supersized ESs have not been observed previously in Archaea, and the origin of eukaryotic ESs remains enigmatic. We discovered that the large ribosomal subunit (LSU) rRNA of two Asgard phyla, Lokiarchaeota and Heimdallarchaeota, considered to be the closest modern archaeal cell lineages to Eukarya, bridge the gap in size between prokaryotic and eukaryotic LSU rRNAs. The elongated LSU rRNAs in Lokiarchaeota and Heimdallarchaeota stem from two supersized ESs, called ES9 and ES39. We applied chemical footprinting experiments to study the structure of Lokiarchaeota ES39. Furthermore, we used covariation and sequence analysis to study the evolution of Asgard ES39s and ES9s. By defining the common eukaryotic ES39 signature fold, we found that Asgard ES39s have more and longer helices than eukaryotic ES39s. Although Asgard ES39s have sequences and structures distinct from eukaryotic ES39s, we found overall conservation of a three-way junction across the Asgard species that matches eukaryotic ES39 topology, a result consistent with the accretion model of ribosomal evolution.
Comparison of first-line tuberculosis treatment outcomes between previously treated and new patients: a retrospective study in Machakos subcounty, Kenya
Authors: Ndambuki Johannes , Nzomo Joseph , Muregi Lucy , Mutuku Chris , Makokha Francis , Nthusi Jonathan , Ambale Clarice , Lynen Lutgarde , Decroo Tom 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Since 2016, patients with rifampicin-susceptible tuberculosis (TB) have been treated with the 6-month first-line regimen, regardless of treatment history. We assessed treatment outcomes of previously treated and new patients in Machakos subcounty, Kenya.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study in patients started on first-line treatment between 2016 and 2017. Firth's logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of previous treatment on having a programmatic adverse outcome (either lost to follow-up, death, failure) and treatment failure vs treatment success (either cure or completion).

Results
Of 1024 new and 79 previously treated patients, 88.1% and 74.7% were treated successfully, 6.5% and 7.6% died, 4.2% and 10.1% were lost to follow-up and 1.2% and 7.6% had treatment failure, respectively. Previous treatment predicted having a programmatic adverse outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.4 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.4 to 4.2]) and treatment failure (aOR 7.3 [95% CI 2.6 to 20.4]) but not mortality. Similar correlations were found in 334 new and previously treated patients with confirmed baseline rifampicin susceptibility.

Conclusion
Previously treated patients were more at risk of experiencing a poor treatment outcome, mainly lost to follow-up and treatment failure. Adherence support may reduce lost to follow-up. Rifampicin drug susceptibility testing coverage should increase. More robust retreatment regimens may reduce treatment failure.
Bacterial pneumonia coinfection and antimicrobial therapy duration in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection
Authors: Townsend Liam , Hughes Gerry , Kerr Colm , Kelly Mary , O’Connor Roisin , Sweeney Eileen , Doyle Catriona , O’Riordan Ruth , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Bergin Colm , Bannan Ciaran 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Bacterial respiratory coinfection in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains poorly described. A description of coinfection and antimicrobial usage is needed to guide ongoing antimicrobial stewardship.

Objectives
To assess the rate of empirical antimicrobial treatment in COVID-19 cases, assess the rate and methods of microbiological sampling, assess the rate of bacterial respiratory coinfections and evaluate the factors associated with antimicrobial therapy in this cohort.

Methods
Inpatients with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR were recruited. Antibiotic prescription, choice and duration were recorded. Taking of microbiological samples (sputum culture, blood culture, urinary antigens) and culture positivity rate was also recorded. Linear regression was performed to determine factors associated with prolonged antimicrobial administration.

Results
A total of 117 patients were recruited; 84 (72%) were prescribed antimicrobial therapy for lower respiratory tract infections. Respiratory pathogens were identified in seven (6%) patients. The median duration of antimicrobial therapy was 7 days. C-reactive protein level, oxygen requirement and positive cultures were associated with prolonged duration of therapy.

Conclusions
The rate of bacterial coinfection in SARS-CoV-2 is low. Despite this, prolonged courses of antimicrobial therapy were prescribed in our cohort. We recommend active antimicrobial stewardship in COVID-19 cases to ensure appropriate antimicrobial prescribing.
An Ecological and Miniaturized Biological Method for the Analysis of Daptomycin Potency
Authors: Richardi Jessica Freitas , Kogawa Ana Carolina , Belavenuto Eliane Gandolpho Tótoli , Chorilli Marlus , Salgado Hérida Regina Nunes 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Physicochemical and microbiological methods are found in the literature for the analysis of daptomycin, an antimicrobial.

Objective
This paper brings a miniaturized turbidimetric microbiological method for analysis of daptomycin in lyophilized powder.

Methods
The method was performed using 96-well microplates, 4-h incubation, 2, 4 and 8 μg/mL, 7% Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 IAL 2082, and BHI broth.

Results
Linearity was proven by obtaining analytical curves with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.99 and statistical evaluation by ANOVA. The method was also selective, since the standard and sample analytical curves were parallel, proving that the excipient does not interfere with daptomycin analysis. Intraday, interday and inter-analyst precision presented RSDs of 2, 2.27, and 1.08%, respectively. Accuracy was assessed by the recovery test, where known quantities of standard solution are added to the sample and an average recovery value of 100.73% (RSD = 0.71%) was obtained. The present method was robust when minor changes were made in the parameters of used antimicrobial volume, inoculum volume and incubation time.

Conclusions
This work is an innovative and ecological proposal and has advantages such as (i) less waste generation, (ii) miniaturized quantities of sample, culture media and inoculum, (iii) no need to use formaldehyde as in the traditional turbidimetric method, (iv) lower volume of glassware used and (v) shorter incubation time compared to other methods as agar diffusion requiring approximately 24 h.

Highlights
This work is focuses on a current, innovative and sustainable theme for pharmaceutical analysis around the world.
Effects of antibiotic growth promoter and dietary protease on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, intestinal morphology, meat quality, and intestinal gene expression in broiler chickens: a comparison
Authors: Lu Peng , Choi Janghan , Yang Chongwu , Mogire Marion , Liu Shangxi , Lahaye Ludovic , Adewole Deborah , Rodas-Gonzalez Argenis , Yang Chengbo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing broiler diets with a dietary protease on growth performance, digestive function, intestinal morphology, and meat quality as compared with feeding diets with or without an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP). A total of 240 1-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500, 48.3 ± 3.3 g) were distributed to three treatments with eight replicates (10 birds per replicate). Three treatments were: 1) corn–soybean meal basal diets (CTRL), 2) basal diets with 0.003% avilamycin (AB), and 3) basal diets with 0.0125% protease (PRT). The diets were provided as mash form, and birds were fed ad libitum during the whole experimental period. On day 45, birds were euthanized, and tissue and digesta samples were collected. On day 46, the remaining birds were processed in a commercial slaughterhouse, and breast muscle samples were collected. Despite a trend for a decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the AB group during the whole phase (P = 0.071), no significant differences in growth performance parameters and relative weights of organs were observed (P &gt; 0.05) among the groups. The AB and PRT groups showed significantly greater apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids (AA) compared with the CTRL group (P &lt; 0.05). The PRT group significantly improved the morphology of duodenum and jejunum (P &lt; 0.05). No differences were detected for meat quality, white striping, and woody breast among the groups (P &gt; 0.05). For the gene expressions, the AB group showed a greater level of B0-system neutral amino acid co-transporter 1 and excitatory amino acid transporter 1 mRNA abundance compared with PRT group, while a significantly lesser level of cationic amino acid transporter 1 mRNA abundance was observed in the AB group compared with CTRL group (P &lt; 0.05). The PRT group had a lesser level of peptide transporter 1 mRNA abundance in the jejunum than the CTRL group (P &lt; 0.05). The highest mRNA abundances of zonula occludens-1 and cadherin 1 were observed in the CTRL group (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of avilamycin tended to reduce FCR and significantly improved AA utilization, and supplementation of dietary protease significantly enhanced intestinal morphology and AA utilization in broilers. In that respect, exogenous protease use appears to be an interesting tool to be considered in AGP reduction strategies.
Evaluation of ruminal degradability and metabolism of feedlot finishing diets with or without cotton byproducts
Authors: Warner Andrea L , Beck Paul A , Foote Andrew P , Pierce Kaitlyn N , Robison Colton A , Stevens Nicole E , Wilson Blake K 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Cotton byproducts can be an economical source of protein, fat, and fiber in cattle finishing diets. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess the effects of including whole cottonseed (WCS) and cotton gin trash (CGT) in finishing diets on in situ ruminal degradability and 2) to determine the effects of including cotton byproducts in a finishing diet on rumen fluid pH, lactate, and volatile fatty acid concentrations. Six ruminally cannulated steers were used in a crossover design. Treatments included a control diet (CON; 7% prairie hay [PH], 15% Sweet Bran, 67.25% rolled corn, and 5% liquid supplement) and a cotton byproduct diet (CTN; 7% CGT, 15% WCS, 72.25% rolled corn, and 5% water). Both diets included 0.75% urea and 5% dry supplement. In situ bags containing individual diet ingredients and whole diet samples were incubated in the rumen for up to 96 h. Rumen fluid samples were collected over a 24-h period. No treatment × substrate interactions were detected for any fraction of dry matter (DM) or organic matter (OM) degradability for individual ingredients or whole diets (P ≥ 0.14). The A, B, and C fractions, disappearance rate (Kd), and effective degradability of DM and OM differed between diet ingredients (P ≤ 0.04) but were not different between CON and CTN substrates (P ≥ 0.25). A treatment × substrate interaction (P = 0.04) was detected for the effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of CGT and PH but there was no interaction for other fractions (P ≥ 0.27). The A fraction of NDF was greater (P &lt; 0.001) for CGT than PH; however, the B fraction of NDF tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for PH than CGT. No differences (P ≥ 0.37) were detected for the % NDF disappearance at 48 h between CON and CTN substrates. A tendency for a treatment × substrate interaction (P = 0.10) was observed for the effective degradability of starch among diets; however, when the CON substrate was incubated in steers consuming the CON diet, effective degradability of starch was not different (P = 0.84) from when the CTN diet was incubated in steers consuming the CTN diet. There was no treatment × time interaction or treatment effect for rumen pH; however, there was a time effect (P = 0.03). Steers consuming the CTN diet had greater molar proportions of acetate and decreased molar proportions of propionate compared with CON steers (P &lt; 0.01). This experiment suggests that there are minimal differences between the digestibility of finishing diets containing cotton byproducts and those comprised of traditional finishing diet ingredients.
EML4-ALK, a potential therapeutic target that responds to alectinib in ovarian cancer
Authors: Hui Beina , Zhang Jingping , Shi Xiaobo , Xing Fangfang , Shao Yang W , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaozhi , Wang Shuwen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Ovarian cancer is prone to recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. Ovarian tumours of some patients have been positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene expression (ALK+). Preclinical studies indicate that anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor can suppress the growth of ovarian cancer cells and transplantation tumours. Here, we present a patient with metastatic ALK+ high-grade serous ovarian cancer that testing positive for EML4-ALK (microtubule-associated protein-like 4 gene, fused to the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene), experienced dramatic benefit after administration of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor alectinib. This is the first clinical evidence that treatment with alectinib may provide a personalized maximum benefit for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who are positive for EML4-ALK.
Upper limb phlegmasia cerulea dolens treated with single-session suction thrombectomy: a case report
Authors: Ghaly Paul , Schlaphoff Glen , Crozier John , Ahmad Mehtab 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) of the lower limbs is a rare condition. PCD of the upper limbs is extremely uncommon, with only a select few cases documented in the literature. A complication of severe deep venous thrombosis, PCD, is characterized by the clinical triad of oedema, pain and limb cyanosis. Delays in treatment are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. We present a case of sudden-onset upper limb PCD in a 68-year-old man following haemodialysis through a long-term arteriovenous fistula. Prompt diagnosis and rapid initiation of intravenous anticoagulation followed by urgent single-session suction thrombectomy resulted in the successful restoration of vessel patency without any significant adverse sequelae on 3-month follow-up.