bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlling the concentration of gold nanorods during their dielectrophoresis-assisted deposition
Authors: Ali Khan Ghazanfar , Hassan Muhammad Umair , Manzoor Umair , Bhatti Arshad Saleem , Ahmed Waqqar 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have attracted great interest due to their excellent plasmonic properties which makes them a promising candidate for many applications. However, most of the applications require control over the position and concentration of nanorods (NRs) by processes that are fast, reliable and scalable. The focus of this work is to study the effects of variation of various parameters, such as applied voltage, frequency, solvents and drying time on the concentration of dielectrophoresis (DEP) -assisted deposition of AuNRs. We have seen that the concentration of AuNRs within the electrodes can be considerably increased by increasing the applied voltage and deposition time, and by choosing a more volatile solvent. Furthermore, the applied frequency also strongly influences the deposition of AuNRs. At lower frequencies, the electro-osmotic flows drag AuNRs to the top of electrodes, while at higher frequencies NRs are deposited close to the electrode edge where the electric field and the field gradient are maximum. We have also carried out simulations using the finite element method to generate the electric field patterns for coplanar electrodes. Our results provide insight into ways in which the concentration of AuNRs can be controlled during DEP-assisted deposition.
Study on the interfacial bonding mechanism of Al/Mg gradient material
Authors: Long Luping , Peng Yingbiao , Sun Bin , Liu Wensheng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Ti/Al/Mg impedance-graded material sheet is an alternative to the homogeneous single-layer sheets, which has been presented to improve shielding performance through the high efficient absorption and dissipation of fragment kinetic energy. Nevertheless, one limitation of the Ti/Al/Mg gradient material is associated with the weak Al/Mg interface. The purpose of this study is to investigation the interfacial bonding mechanism of Al/Mg gradient material interface. Microstructure characteristics at the Al/Mg interface have been investigated. It shows that an isolated island structure preferentially generates at the crystal defect as a consequence of interdiffusion, which is composed of Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17. Then such intermetallic compounds (IMCs) grow to continuous layers with distinct convex. Finally, the interface is fully transformed into flat. A theoretical analysis and calculation have been carried out to explain the thermodynamically feasibility of IMCs. The evolution mechanism of voids at the interface is also discussed. Fractographic analysis performed on selected specimens shows typical brittle cleavage fracture characteristics, and detailed analyses reveal that the fracture failure is associated with brittle IMCs.
Microstructure and mechanical properties variation with Ni content in Al0.8CoCr0.6Fe0.7Nix (x = 1.1, 1.5, 1.8, 2.0) eutectic high-entropy alloy system
Authors: Ma Lili , Wang Jianing , Jin Peipeng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Eutectic high-entropy alloys have drawn extensive attention because of their remarkable performance on the combination of strength and plasticity. In this study, a new Al0.8CoCr0.6Fe0.7Ni
x
(x = 1.1, 1.5, 1.8, 2.0) eutectic high-entropy alloy system was designed; the microstructure and mechanical properties variation of alloys with the change in Ni content were investigated detailly. All of four alloys exhibited FCC+B2 dual-phase structure, while the volume fraction of FCC phase increased from 44% to 90% with an increase in Ni content. Meanwhile, the microstructure of alloys variated from an irregular dendrite morphology to a lamellar eutectic microstructure, and finally to a hypoeutectic microstructure composed by primary FCC phase and the rest eutectic mixture. Accordingly, the yield strength of alloys decreased from 625 MPa to 415 MPa, and the total elongation increased from 7.4% to 21.8%. The Al0.8CoCr0.6Fe0.7Ni1.5 alloy displayed a nano-scale lamellar eutectic microstructure and exhibited a relatively good combination of strength and plasticity in these four alloys, with a yield strength of 490 MPa, a ultimate strength of 980 MPa and a total elongation of 14.8%. The findings could contribute to explore HEAs with good combination of strength and plasticity and promote the applications of high-entropy alloys in industrial fields.
Mechanical and corrosion properties of medium carbon low alloy steel after cyclic quenching and tempering heat–treatments
Authors: Hafeez Muhammad Arslan , Inam Aqil , Farooq Ameeq 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Cyclic quenching and tempering (QT) heat–treatment processes have the potential to improve the mechanical properties of steel due to the formation of fine grain size microstructure. This work aims to investigate the mechanical and corrosion properties of experimental medium carbon low alloy steel under cyclic heat–treatment processes. Cyclic single quenching and tempering (SQT), double quenching and tempering (DQT), and triple quenching and tempering (TQT) heat–treatment processes were carried out on the medium carbon low alloy steel. X–ray diffraction analysis validated the formation of fine ε–carbide (Fe2.4C) after intermediate low–temperature tempering in DQT and TQT heat–treatments. These fine carbides provided preferential nucleation sites for the formation of new austenitic grain, resulting in a refined microstructure composed of supersaturated (carbon) lath martensite (α′) and retained austenite (γ). The DQT and TQT heat–treatments improved 19% tensile strength, 100% elongation, and 95% impact absorption energy in comparison to SQT heat–treatment. DQT and TQT heat–treatments also transformed the brittle behavior of SQT steel into a ductile behavior. It was also revealed by the small number and size of dimples along with a large number of short tear ridges in fractographs. Morphology of corrosion products of heat–treated experimental steel was also studied in a 5% NaCl solution. The SQT heat–treated sample showed porous morphology of corrosion products, while the TQT sample showed morphology with less porosity on the surface. The DQT sample showed solid corrosion morphology with little porosity. As the grain size went on decreasing in the cyclic heat–treatments the corrosion rate was also dropped.
Iridescence and thermal properties of Urosaurus ornatus lizard skin described by a model of coupled photonic structures
Authors: Murillo José G , Rodríguez-Romero Juan , Medina-Vázquez José A , González-Ramírez Evelyn Y , Álvarez-Herrera Cornelio , Gadsden Héctor 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This research shows that the morphological characteristics of the external microstructure of the beautiful skin of the Urosaurus ornatus lizard contribute to the explanation of the origin of their iridescent and thermal properties. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that the skin surface of the U. ornatus lizard is constituted by a semi-ordered array of hexagonal photonic crystals with sub-micrometric structural parameters. The iridescence properties of the ventral patch and dorsal surface of the U. ornatus lizard were numerically simulated modeling both surfaces by a set of coupled photonic crystals with structural parameters proposed from statistical measurements of the lattice parameter and holes diameter of its skin surface. The dorsal surface showed the ability to reflect visible light and at least in a significant range the ultraviolet and near infrared radiation. A complete photonic band gap for the transverse magnetic polarization mode of the incident light in both dorsal and ventral surfaces was predicted by calculations. The spectral reflectance and the structure of photonic bands obtained explain the reflection of the infrared radiation by the dorsal surface which might help to the thermoregulation of the lizard body. The results obtained suggest that the selective reflection of incident light performed by the photonic structural array defined on the skin surface of the U. ornatus has a significant contribution to its apparent color.
Hepatitis C virus infection and the role of a pharmaceutical care program
Authors: Chamorro-de-Vega E , Rodríguez-González C G , Giménez-Manzorro Álvaro , Herranz A , Sanjurjo M 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Purpose
The design, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive pharmaceutical care program (CPCP) for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) are described.

Summary
The advent of DAA regimens has caused the evolution of the role of hospital pharmacists, leading to the development of more specialized models of pharmaceutical care. Three clinical pharmacists were incorporated into the pharmacy department of a general tertiary teaching hospital in Madrid, Spain, with the aim of developing and implementing a CPCP for HCV-infected patients. Pharmacists were responsible for proposing standards and local guidelines to physicians, monitoring adherence to guidelines, managing drug interactions and adverse drug events (ADEs), providing patient education, and evaluating health outcomes and costs. Implementation steps included (1) estimation of the healthcare demand and pharmacy resources, (2) definition of the workflow of the CPCP, (3) definition of the treatment care plan, for which tools were developed to support pharmaceutical validation, detection, and management of ADEs and drug–drug interactions, and (4) program assessment in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness. The pharmacists’ interventions performed, severity of errors intercepted, and patients’ satisfaction with the CPCP were also assessed. This CPCP demonstrates that the involvement of the pharmacist throughout the care plan prevents harmful medication errors in this population (0.1 per patient) and prompts significant cost savings (€1.2 million for 1,930 treated patients).

Conclusion
The implementation of a CPCP developed by hospital pharmacists for patients treated with DAA for HCV infection is an effective approach for preventing harmful medication errors and improving cost- effectiveness.
Bioinformatics pipeline using JUDI: Just Do It!
Authors: Pal Soumitra , Przytycka Teresa M 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Summary
Large-scale data analysis in bioinformatics requires pipelined execution of multiple software. Generally each stage in a pipeline takes considerable computing resources and several workflow management systems (WMS), e.g. Snakemake, Nextflow, Common Workflow Language, Galaxy, etc. have been developed to ensure optimum execution of the stages across two invocations of the pipeline. However, when the pipeline needs to be executed with different settings of parameters, e.g. thresholds, underlying algorithms, etc. these WMS require significant scripting to ensure an optimal execution. We developed JUDI on top of DoIt, a Python based WMS, to systematically handle parameter settings based on the principles of database management systems. Using a novel modular approach that encapsulates a parameter database in each task and file associated with a pipeline stage, JUDI simplifies plug-and-play of the pipeline stages. For a typical pipeline with n parameters, JUDI reduces the number of lines of scripting required by a factor of O(n). With properly designed parameter databases, JUDI not only enables reproducing research under published values of parameters but also facilitates exploring newer results under novel parameter settings.

Availability and implementation
https://github.com/ncbi/JUDI

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
P185 MULTI-MODAL PREHABILITATION DURING NEOADJUVANT THERAPY PRIOR TO RESECTION FOR OESOPHAGOGASTRIC CANCER: A PILOT RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Allen S K , Brown V , White D , King D , Hunt J , Prabhu P , Rockall T A , Preston S R , Sultan J 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Aim
We aimed to assess the effect of prehabilitation on cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) performance in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for oesophagogastric (OG) cancer.

Background & Methods
NAC reduces fitness as assessed by CPET1 and induces skeletal muscle loss (sarcopenia)2,3. Both are associated with poorer post-operative outcomes.
A parallel-arm RCT was conducted (December 2016 to November 2018), with randomisation to receive a 15-week multi-modal prehabilitation programme (Prehab) or standard-care (Control). Prehab comprised twice-weekly supervised and thrice-weekly home exercise sessions, Medical Coaching, and tailored dietetic input.
CPET was performed before and after NAC, and 1 week pre-operatively. On staging and re-staging CT, skeletal muscle cross-sectional area at L3 was analysed by a blinded investigator.
Becks’ Depression Inventory questionnaires were completed pre- and post-surgery.

Results
Groups (Prehab n=25, Control n=28) were matched at baseline. Supervised and home exercise programme compliance was 76%, and 65% respectively, with no adverse events.
Prehab resulted in an improvement in peak VO2 following NAC (Prehab +31.50ml/min/m2 vs Control -89.57 ml/min/m2; p=0.004) with a trend towards lesser reduction in anaerobic threshold (Prehab -0.87ml/kg/min vs Control -1.44ml/kg/min; p=0.342).
A higher proportion of controls required NAC deferral or dose reduction (Prehab 16% (4/25) vs Control 43% (12/28); p=0.041), with 72% (Prehab) and 46% (Control) completing all cycles at full dose (p=0.076). There was no difference in chemotherapy-related toxicity.
The Prehab group demonstrated less skeletal muscle loss following NAC (Prehab -11.62 vs Control -15.61; p=0.049). Controls showed a trend towards more sarcopenia development after NAC (Prehab: Pre-NAC 37% (9/24) and post-NAC 54% (13/24) vs Control: Pre-NAC 32% (9/28) and post-NAC 64% 18/28) (p=0.404).
Prehab subjects had a significant improvement in depression scores following NAC (Prehab -2.71 vs Control +0.57; p=0.003).
There was a trend towards shorter median length of stay in the Prehab group (Prehab 11 vs Control 16 days; p=0.155) and lower complication rates (Prehab 50% (11/22) vs Control 74% (17/23); p=0.89).

Conclusion
Multi-modal prehabilitation is safe and feasible in OG patients receiving NAC. Despite the effects of NAC, prehabilitation produced a significant improvement in peak VO2, depression scores and less skeletal muscle loss, with a trend towards improved clinical outcomes. This warrants further investigation.
O218 E-CADHERIN EXPRESSION CORRELATES WITH PROGRESSION OF ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Koda Hanako , Yamada Kazuhiko , Terayama Masayoshi , Ryusuke Sumiya , Nohara Kyoko , Enomoto Naoki , Kataoka Atsuko , Mita Hideaki , Takemura Nobuyuki , Kiyomatsu Tomomitsu , Kokudo Norihiro , Kawamura Yuki I 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background & Aim
E-cadherin is a member of the cadherin family and plays a major role in cell–cell adhesion of normal epithelium. Decreased or lack of E-cadherin expression has been reported in breast, colon and bladder cancer, and the disruption of the E-cadherin-mediated cell–cell adhesion is considered the first crucial step of metastasis. The esophageal stratified epithelial cells have many spines that intermingle with each other through desmosomes, in which E-cadherins play an important role for cell–cell adhesion. However, the significance of E-cadherin expression in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) still remains to be clarified. In the present study, we investigated the relation between E-cadherin expression in tumors and the clinicopathological features of ESCC.

Method
E-cadherin expression was evaluated in ESCC specimens of 61 patients who underwent surgery from April 2008 to December 2015 at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine by immunohistochemical staining. Distribution of E-cadherin in cancerous tissues was classified as Preserved (expression in cell membrane alone) or Disturbed (expression in cytoplasm or decreased/lack of expression of E-cadherin). Significance of the distribution pattern was analyzed by comparison to clinicopathological features.

Results
Thirty-seven of 61 (61%) cases revealed Preserved expression pattern while Disturbed distribution was observed in 24 of 61 (39%) cases. Compared to Preserved pattern, Disturbed expression of E-cadherin in tumors was significantly associated with advanced TNM stages (P=0.0462).

Conclusion
E-cadherin was expressed in most cases of ESCC; however, its distribution was not restricted in membrane but in the cytoplasm of tumors. Disturbed expression of E-cadherin in tumors correlated with advanced stage of ESCC, suggesting that the disruption of the E-cadherin-mediated cell–cell adhesion may play an important role in the progression of ESCC.
Belgian IBD Research Group [BIRD] Position Statement 2019 on the Use of Adalimumab Biosimilars in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Somers Michaël , Bossuyt Peter , Ferrante Marc , Peeters Harald , Baert Filip 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The emergence of biosimilars is generally considered as an opportunity to guarantee accessibility to affordable treatments and to enhance financial sustainability of national health systems. Since 2017, five biosimilars of adalimumab were approved by the European Medicines Agency [EMA] for use in inflammatory bowel disease: ABP 510, SB5, GP2017, FKB327, and MSB11022. In this position statement, the available efficacy and safety data of the different adalimumab biosimilars in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are summarised. Furthermore, the Belgian IBD research group [BIRD] formulates statements concerning the use of adalimumab biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease.
Fatal heart block from intentional yew tree (Taxus baccata) ingestion: a case report
Authors: G. Natasha , Chan Mark , Gue Ying X , Gorog Diana A 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Taxus baccata, also known as English yew, is a poison that causes cardiac arrhythmias and can result in death from cardiogenic shock.

Case summary
A 49-year-old gentleman was admitted following yew ingestion with suicidal intent. He was bradycardic at 30 b.p.m. and hypotensive on arrival. Electrocardiography revealed complete heart block with broad complex ventricular escape rate of 30 b.p.m. Bedside echocardiography revealed severe global impairment of right and left ventricular systolic function. Urgent temporary transvenous pacing was instituted, and the patient was considered for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Unfortunately, he deteriorated rapidly and cardiorespiratory arrest ensued, and despite prolonged in-hospital resuscitation, the patient died. Post-mortem examination revealed small needle-shaped plant leaves together with seeds found in the stomach. Ante mortem serum sample analysis sent to the Royal Botanical Gardens and revealed the presence of taxine Type B alkaloids in the patient’s blood.

Discussion
Yew poisoning is a rare occurrence, and there is currently no effective antidote. Treatment involves supportive management, comprising prolonged effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pacing, and mechanical cardiac support. This case illustrates the importance of prompt recognition of yew poisoning, alongside early consideration of pacing and mechanical cardiac support. Due to the rarity of this cause of heart block, and since patients may not always volunteer a history of yew ingestion, yew poisoning is something that physicians should be aware of and this should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with unexpected heart block. Serum analysis for taxine alkaloids can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Ageing, demographics, and heart failure
Authors: Coats Andrew J Stewart 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome resulting from structural or functional cardiac disorders. In the developed world, HF is primarily a disorder of the elderly. It is one that is accompanied by many non-cardiac comorbidities that affect treatments given, the patient’s response and treatment tolerance and outcomes. Even the pathophysiological mechanisms of HF change as we look at older patient populations. Younger HF patients typically have ischaemic heart disease and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), whereas older patients have more hypertension HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The prevalence of HF has progressively increased for many years and rises even more steeply with age. The outcomes of older especially HFpEF patients have not progressed as much younger HFrEF cohorts. We need more studies specifically recruiting older HF patients with more comorbidities, to guide real-world practice, and we need more assessment of patient-reported outcomes and quality of life rather than just mortality effects. The management of elderly patients with HF requires a more holistic approach recognizing individual needs and necessary support mechanisms and our future trials need to guide us more in achieving these gains.
Care plans for the older heart failure patient
Authors: Hill Loreena , Carson Matthew A , Vitale Cristiana 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Heart failure (HF) professionals are managing an older population with multiple, often interconnected comorbidities. The average age of the HF patient has increased substantially and many have a number of comorbidities. For the older HF patient, diligent planning of care has the potential to reduce hospitalization, improve quality of life and mortality; nevertheless, this vital component is often overlooked. Frailty, cachexia, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment are all common in the older HF patient and require special care considerations. Many older HF patients live for many years with troublesome symptoms that could be better addressed through the incorporation of a palliative approach to care. Effective care plans can help patients maximize their health potential through both lifestyle and pharmacological interventions. However, current evidence remains scarce on what constitutes an optimal plan, therefore further studies are urgently needed. We review the care that could be implemented for the complex older HF patient with comorbidities.