bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Serotonin is Elevated in Adult Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Drouet Ludovic , Hautefort Charlotte , Vitaux Hélène , Kania Romain , Callebert Jacques , Stepanian Alain , Siguret Virginie , Eliezer Michael , Vodovar Nicolas , Launay Jean-Marie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground The roles of thrombophilia and cardiovascular risk factors in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remain controversial. Cochlear microthrombosis and vasospasm have been hypothesized as possible pathogenic mechanisms of SSNHL. This article investigates the circulating serotonin and homocysteine levels besides thrombophilia screening in patients with idiopathic SSNHL.Methods A total of 133 SSNHL patients and age- and sex-matched controls were investigated (discovery cohort). Measurement included common inherited natural coagulation inhibitors, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor (VWF), antiphospholipid antibodies, homocysteine, and serotonin (whole blood, platelet, and plasma) levels, along with frequent relevant genetic variants. A validation cohort (128 SSNHL patients) was studied for homocysteine and serotonin levels.Results and Conclusion In the discovery cohort, 58.6% of patients exhibited thrombophilia, of which most had a low to moderate titers of antiphospholipid antibodies and high levels of factor VIII/VWF. Twenty-seven patients (20%) had mild-to-moderate hyperhomocysteinemia or were homozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutation. Regarding serotonin, SSNHL patients had elevated whole blood levels that remained within the normal range and normal platelet content. However, approximately 90% patients of both cohorts had elevated plasma serotonin. Elevated plasma serotoninemia was accompanied by serotonylation of platelet rhoA protein. This study shows that increased plasma serotonin appears as a biomarker of SSNHL (specificity: ∼96%, sensitivity: ∼90%) and could participate in the pathophysiology of SSNHL.
Sparking the Debate: Facial Injury Patterns from Fireworks
Authors: Mehta Neil Ketan , Cowan Brandon , Hojjat Houmehr , Johnson Jared , Chung Michael Thomas , Carron Michael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe objective of this article is to estimate the incidence, injury patterns, and demographics of patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) for facial injury sustained from fireworks. This was an analysis of a nationwide database. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was evaluated for facial injuries from fireworks from 2013 to 2017. Relevant entries were examined for incidence, patient characteristics, location of injury, and type of injury. There were 509 NEISS entries, extrapolating to an estimated 19,816 ED visits for head and neck injuries due to fireworks from 2013 to 2017. The number of visits per year due to fireworks has been relatively stable over the past 5 years with an average of 3,963 cases per year. Greater than 90% of injuries occurred in July. Males comprised the majority of patients (67%), with the median age of 16 years. Most common sites of injury were the eyeballs (41%), followed by midface including eyelids, periorbita, and nose (31%), ears (12%), and only minor incidence of oral injuries (2%). After burns, contusions were the second most common injury from fireworks, followed by lacerations and foreign body injuries. The majority of firework injuries occurred in teenagers, reinforcing the importance of greater safety regulations and age limits for purchasing fireworks. Nearly half the incidents were eye injuries, necessitating greater public education in protective eyewear and mandating their use during festive holidays. Furthermore, injury patterns reported in this analysis may serve as a valuable adjunct for enhancing clinical history taking and physical examination to look for concurrent injuries.
Conformation-Specific Blockade of αIIbβ3 by a Non-RGD Peptide to Inhibit Platelet Activation without Causing Significant Bleeding and Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Shen Chuanbin , Liu Ming , Tian Huiwen , Li Jiameng , Xu Runjia , Mwangi James , Lu Qiumin , Hao Xue , Lai Ren 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBleeding and thrombocytopenia to readministration are the most serious side effects of clinical integrin αIIbβ3 antagonists such as RGD-containing peptides. Here we show that a non-RGD peptide ZDPI, identified from skin secretions of Amolops loloensis, inhibited platelet aggregation induced by agonists, such as adenosine diphosphate, collagen, arachidonic acid, PAR1AP, and integrin αIIbβ3 allosteric activator, and reduces soluble fibrinogen binding to activated platelets without perturbing adhesion numbers on immobilized fibrinogen. Further study showed that ZDPI preferred to bind to the active conformation of integrin αIIbβ3, and thus inhibited c-Src-mediated integrin signaling transduction. In contrast to currently used clinical blockers of integrin αIIbβ3, which are all conformation-unspecific blockers, ZDPI conformation specifically binds to activated integrin αIIbβ3, subsequently suppressing platelet spreading. In vivo study revealed that ZDPI inhibited carotid arterial thrombosis with limited bleeding and thrombocytopenia. A non-RGD peptide which targets the active conformation of integrin αIIbβ3, such as ZDPI, might be an excellent candidate or template to develop antithrombotics without significant bleeding and thrombocytopenia side effects.
Bridging the Missing Link with Emicizumab: A Bispecific Antibody for Treatment of Hemophilia A
Authors: Gelbenegger Georg , Schoergenhofer Christian , Knoebl Paul , Jilma Bernd 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHemophilia A, characterized by absent or ineffective coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), is a serious bleeding disorder that entails severe and potentially life-threatening bleeding events. Current standard therapy still involves replacement of FVIII, but is often complicated by the occurrence of neutralizing alloantibodies (inhibitors). Management of patients with inhibitors is challenging and necessitates immune tolerance induction for inhibitor eradication and the use of bypassing agents (activated prothrombin complex concentrates or recombinant activated factor VII), which are expensive and not always effective. Emicizumab is the first humanized bispecific monoclonal therapeutic antibody designed to replace the hemostatic function of activated FVIII by bridging activated factor IX and factor X (FX) to activate FX and allow the coagulation cascade to continue. In the majority of hemophilic patients with and without inhibitors, emicizumab reduced the annualized bleeding rate to almost zero in several clinical trials and demonstrated a good safety profile. However, the concurrent use of emicizumab and activated prothrombin complex concentrate imposes a high risk of thrombotic microangiopathy and thromboembolic events on patients and should be avoided. Yet, the management of breakthrough bleeds and surgery remains challenging with only limited evidence-based recommendations being available. This review summarizes published clinical trials and preliminary reports of emicizumab and discusses the clinical implications of emicizumab in treatment of hemophilia A.
Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia may be Poor Responders to Enteric-Coated Aspirin, but not to Plain Aspirin
Authors: Scavone Mariangela , Rizzo Jessica , Femia Eti A. , Podda Gian Marco , Bossi Elena , Caberlon Sabrina , Paroni Rita , Cattaneo Marco 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEssential thrombocythemia (ET) patients are treated with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) to prevent thrombosis. Previous studies showed that serum thromboxane (Tx) B2 was high 24 hours after enteric-coated (EC)-ASA in ET patients, due to increased number of noninhibited reticulated platelets (RPs), consequent to high platelet turnover, and that ASA should be given twice a day to ET patients. We studied ET patients (n = 17) and healthy subjects (n = 10) on 100 mg EC-ASA once daily; experiments were repeated after 14-day treatment with 100 mg plain-ASA once daily. Serum TxB2, plasma ASA, and salicylic acid (SA) were measured before the morning dose and up to 8 hours thereafter. Blood activity of ASA-deacethylating esterases, in vitro inhibition of collagen-induced TxB2 production by ASA (10–1,000 µM), and number of RP were measured. TxB2 inhibition by ASA in vitro and esterases activities were normal in all subjects. EC-ASA elicited highly variable responses; 6 ET patients were poor responders, as their serum TxB2 was high after EC-ASA; their plasma levels of ASA and SA were low/undetectable. In contrast to EC-ASA, plain ASA decreased serum TxB2 and increased plasma ASA and SA in all subjects. Serum TxB2 was high in ET patients at 24 hours and significantly correlated with RP count (but not RP percentage) and platelet count. Plain ASA should be used in ET patients to inhibit platelets efficiently. The identification of ET patients who might benefit from twice a day ASA could simply be based on their platelet count: since their platelet turnover is not increased, ET patients with normalized platelet count should not need twice a day ASA treatment.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Ding Wern Yew , Mandrola John , Gupta Dhiraj 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThere are several situations whereby oral anticoagulation may be unsuitable for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion has received much attention in this area. Various devices have already been developed and tested for this purpose. Data from registries and cohort studies have indicated favourable short- and long-term outcomes with LAA occlusion, and several international guidelines recommend its use in AF patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation. However, prospective controlled trials in this very population are lacking. Furthermore, while modelling studies on cost analyses have suggested that LAA occlusion may be a cost-effective strategy compared with standard medical therapy, these have not been performed in high-risk patients who may have limited survival in the medium to long term. Thus, while LAA occlusion offers promise, there is a strong need for additional research to investigate its exact role, its long-term outcomes and cost efficacy.
A method to assess national metal criticality: the environment as a foremost measurement
Authors: Eheliyagoda Disna , Zeng Xianlai , Li Jinhui 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEver-increasing mineral demand inspires nations to inspect the metal criticality situation that would be an indispensable path to ensure supply security in a foreseeable future. A diverse range of methods has been used to analyze the criticality; however, except a few, their applicability is questionable due to varying results. This article presents and discusses an advanced method to measure the degree of national criticality of metals conjoining both previously noted and pioneer indicators while considering China as the sample at the necessary point. The formulated methodology consists of a three-dimensional framework: supply risk, environmental risk, and supply restriction risk. The risk score of each indicator under each dimension is calculated through a specifically designed methodology. The risk score range is interpreted to a general 0–100 scale. The final risk score of each dimension is determined by averaging the total indicator risk score of that dimension. The developed criticality method is applicable for countries, which take part in the mineral production. The environmental-risk assessment is performed for 56–62 countries in reference to copper and aluminum production. Further discussion in relation to the country-specific criticality is decentralized observing the risk severity of indicators under two succinct approaches: single-metal approach and multiple-metal approach. The obtained results associated with China demonstrate that substantial criticalities can be aggregated in supply restriction and environmental sides regarding copper and aluminum, respectively. However, the environmental-risk assessment conducted for various nations in the world shows a very low risk status except the China’s situation. Although, such indicator quantifications in the proposed method are transparent, robust, reliable, and flexible to encounter medium-term perspectives, the conducted assessment is relatively static since the evaluation is almost based on the year 2015 statistics and information. Nevertheless, the created methodology will be advantageous as a decision-making tool to implement productive national strategies and policies to achieve resource sustainability. Here, a national government can address certain issues related to the metal production by distinghushing indicator values. A government can also determine what optimizations would strategically profitable in short and medium terms such as recycling, substitutes, and imports.
The segregated gun as an indicator of racism and representations in film
Authors: Aultman Julie M. , Piatt Elizabeth , Piatt Jason 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFilm emphasizes an ironic history of racism in gun control and ownership and a justification for seeking justice among the Black community, but film also perpetuates structural racism and bias, segregating Black from White, and failing to promote equality, solidarity, and progress. The gun is both a symbol of structural racism, and an expression through which critical attitudes and political statements can carry greater meaning and lead to positive action, empowerment, and desegregation. The symbolic meaning of guns in the hands of Blacks as violent, exceptional or some other stereotypical character trope is illustrated using three selected films including: Django Unchained, John Q., and Proud Mary. This paper is divided into three acts: Act I: The gun as symbol of structural racism in film; Act II: Stereotypical characters and their guns; Act III: Desegregation of the gun in film. These sections illustrate the meaning and representation of the gun as a theatrical object in film, and when in the hands of stereotypical character tropes, has perpetuated racist beliefs and attitudes that have not been adequately addressed in the film industry. To desegregate the gun in film, filmmakers need to critically examine the overt and hidden film texts and how the gun, and the characters wielding it, are perceived among audiences.
Dendritic cells release exosomes together with phagocytosed pathogen; potential implications for the role of exosomes in antigen presentation
Authors: Lindenbergh Marthe F. S. , Wubbolts Richard , Borg Ellen G. F. , van ’T Veld Esther M. , Boes Marianne , Stoorvogel W. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTDendritic cells (DC) have the unique capacity to activate naïve T cells by presenting T cell receptor specific peptides from exogenously acquired antigens bound to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. MHC molecules are displayed on the DC plasma membrane as well as on extracellular vesicles (EV) that are released by DC, and both have antigen‐presenting capacities. However, the physiological role of antigen presentation by EV is still unclear. We here demonstrate that the release of small EV by activated DC is strongly stimulated by phagocytic events. We show that, concomitant with the enhanced release of EV, a significant proportion of phagocytosed bacteria was expulsed back into the medium. High‐resolution fluorescence microscopic images revealed that bacteria in phagosomes were surrounded by EV marker‐proteins. Moreover, expulsed bacteria were often found associated with clustered HLA II and CD63. Together, these observations suggest that exosomes may be formed by the inward budding into phagosomes, whereupon they are secreted together with the phagosomal content. These findings may have important implications for selective loading of peptides derived from phagocytosed pathogens onto exosome associated HLA molecules, and have important implications for vaccine design.
GULFMET key comparison of DC voltage at 1.018 V and 10 V
Authors: Yang Steven , Tsui CM , Solve Stephane , Kim Kyu-Tae , Calija Srdan , Bartholomew Jon , Alrobaish Abdullah 
Published: July 2020

This report presents the GULFMET key comparison (GULFMET.EM.BIPM-K11) results of DC voltages at the 1.018 V and 10 V with two travelling electronic DC reference standards. This comparison was supported by the BIPM and GULFMET associate members, KRISS and SCL, which are from the APMP. The linking difference from the BIPM.EM-K11 KCRV was calculated. The agreement between participating laboratories is good, which could support GULFMET participating laboratories in submitting new calibration and measurement capability entries.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Calibration of thermocouples from 419,527 °C (freezing point of Zn) up to 1492 °C (melting point of the Pd-C eutectic), by the temperature fixed point and comparison methods
Authors: Campo D del , Abdelaziz Y , Anagnostou M , Arifovic N , Bergerud R A , Bojkovski J , Ciocarlan E , Edler F , Elliot C , Hathela O , Hodzic N , Holmsten M , Iacomini L , Kozicki M , Nedialkov S , Sadli M , Simic S , Strnad R , Turzó-András E 
Published: July 2020

This report present the results of the EURAMET inter-comparison carried out to compare the calibration of thermocouples from 419,527 °C (freezing point of Zn) up to 1492 °C (melting point of the Pd-C eutectic). This inter-comparison is intended to be used to support the calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) of the participants in the calibration of thermocouples.
The comparison was organized in three loops with nineteen participating laboratories and it allowed the performance of the measurement either in fixed points and/or by comparison. The method used to analyse the results of the comparison was the generalized weighted mean that takes into account the full covariance matrix that includes correlations between the participants which have similar traceability sources and between measurements performed by the same laboratory (i.e. the pilots that performed measurements at the beginning and at the end of each loop and the measurements performed by the same laboratory in fixed points and by comparison at the same calibration point).

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
An undergraduate laboratory experiment to build and characterize a thermionic triode for use as an audio amplifier
Authors: Murray Andrew James , Cunane Peter , Harvey Matthew 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Although largely superseded by transistors for small signal amplification, the thermionic valve (or tube) still finds use in high-fidelity audio amplifiers, in guitar amplifiers and in high-power radio and television transmitters, where their power to size scalability has advantages over solid state devices. In the undergraduate experiments detailed here students construct a triode inside a vacuum chamber, and investigate the effects of different designs on signal gain. The characteristics of their triodes are measured to determine the optimal condition for signal amplification. The triode is then used to amplify an audio signal to determine the frequency response, and they can listen to the results via headphones using an input signal of their choice. This experiment hence introduces students to vacuum technology, to electron beams and to analog electronics.
Extended Falicov–Kimball model: Hartree–Fock vs DMFT approach
Authors: Kapcia Konrad Jerzy , Lemański Romuald , Zygmunt Marcin Jakub 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this work, we study the extended Falicov–Kimball model at half-filling within the Hartree–Fock approach (HFA) (for various crystal lattices) and compare the results obtained with the rigorous ones derived within the dynamical mean field theory (DMFT). The model describes a system, where electrons with spin-↓ are itinerant (with hopping amplitude t), whereas those with spin-↑ are localized. The particles interact via on-site U and intersite V density–density Coulomb interactions. We show that the HFA description of the ground state properties of the model is equivalent to the exact DMFT solution and provides a qualitatively correct picture also for a range of small temperatures. It does capture the discontinuous transition between ordered phases at U = 2V for small temperatures as well as correct features of the continuous order–disorder transition. However, the HFA predicts that the discontinuous boundary ends at the isolated-critical point (of the liquid-gas type) and it does not merge with the continuous boundary. This approach cannot also describe properly a change of order of the continuous transition for large V as well as various metal–insulator transitions found within the DMFT.
Facile synthesis of CuCo2O4@NiCo2O4 hybrid nanowire arrays on carbon cloth for a multicomponent non-enzymatic glucose sensor
Authors: Liu Shilin , Zeng Wen , Guo Qi , Li Yanqiong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The design of hierarchical heterogeneous structures with rational components is considered as a promising method to enhance the properties of electrocatalyst. Binary metal oxides, with high electrochemical activity, have attracted considerable interest in glucose determination. In this work, we synthesized the CuCo2O4@NiCo2O4 hybrid structure on conductive carbon cloth (CC) via a simple two-step hydrothermal process and investigated its catalytic ability toward glucose. The two individual components that make up this hybrid electrode have good electrical conductivity and excellent catalytic properties for glucose, so the smart combination of these two active materials can provide more catalytic sites and sufficient redox couples for the glucose oxidation. As a result, the CuCo2O4@NiCo2O4 modified CC presented superior glucose sensing properties, including ultrahigh sensitivity, fast response time, wide linear range and acceptable detection limit. Besides, the sample also exhibited good selectivity for substances in human blood that interfere with glucose detection, such as UA, AA, fructose, sucrose and KCl. The potential of the CuCo2O4@NiCo2O4/CC electrode for practical application was investigated by measuring the glucose concentration in real serum samples. These results prove that the construction of hierarchical ordered structure is conducive to the improvement of glucose sensor.
Comment on ‘Improvements for drift-diffusion plasma fluid models with explicit time integration’
Authors: Zou Jiayong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Recently, J Teunissen reported a fully explicit method, namely the current-limit approach, which claimed to overcome the dielectric relaxation time restriction for the drift-diffusion plasma fluid model. In this comment, we point out that the current-limit approach is not mathematically consistent, and discuss about the possible reason why the inconsistency was not visibly noticed.