bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure and therapeutic uses of butyrylcholinesterase: Application in detoxification, Alzheimer's disease, and fat metabolism
Authors: Xing Shuaishuai , Li Qi , Xiong Baichen , Chen Yao , Feng Feng , Liu Wenyuan , Sun Haopeng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStructural information of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and its variants associated with several diseases are discussed here. Pure human BChE has been proved safe and effective in treating organophosphorus (OPs) poisoning and has completed Phase 1 and 2 pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety studies. The introduction of specific mutations into native BChE to endow it a self‐reactivating property has gained much progress in producing effective OPs hydrolases. The hydrolysis ability of native BChE on cocaine has been confirmed but was blocked to clinical application due to poor PK properties. Several BChE mutants with elevated cocaine hydrolysis activity were published, some of which have shown safety and efficiency in treating cocaine addiction of human. The increased level of BChE in progressed Alzheimer's disease patients made it a promising target to elevate acetylcholine level and attenuate cognitive status. A variety of selective BChE inhibitors with high inhibitory activity published in recent years are reviewed here. BChE could influence the weight and insulin secretion and resistance of BChE knockout (KO) mice through hydrolyzing ghrelin. The BChE‐ghrelin pathway could also regulate aggressive behaviors of BChE‐KO mice.
One stage microvascular mandible reconstruction by using scapula chimeric flap combined with computer‐aided‐design and computer‐aided‐manufacturing plate including bilateral alloplastic TMJ prosthesis: A case report
Authors: Chauvel‐Picard Julie , Kreutzer Kilian , Heiland Max , Kreusch Thomas , Ebker Tobias , Beck‐Broichsitter Benedicta 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis report focuses a defect comprising the complete mandible due to osteonecrosis, including both condyles, that required bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction with complete mandibular corpus using a computer‐aided‐design and computer‐aided‐manufacturing(CAD‐CAM) planning to harvest a scapula chimeric free flap combined with plate including bilateral alloplastic TMJ prosthesis. This procedure was realized in one and the same surgery. A 73 year‐old‐man developed an osteoradionecrosis of the total mandible including both condyles after radiation therapy for a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base(cT4aN2bM0G3). A CAD‐CAM reconstruction was planned with a plate extended by bilateral individual TMJ prosthesis, individual fossa components and combined with a composite free flap originating from the subscapular vessel system including scapula(circumflex subscapular artery) for reconstruction of the mandibular corpus which was osteotomized in three segments with a resection guide, the parascapular skin paddle (descending branch of circumflex subscapular artery) for compensation of the soft tissue deficiency of the cervical skin and latissimus dorsi muscle(thoracodorsal artery) for the inner mucosal lining and intraoral reconstruction. The subscapular artery was anastomosed to the external carotid artery and two concomitant veins were sutured end‐to‐side to the internal jugular vein. The patient was discharged without feeding tube and tracheostomy. No complications have been observed after 6 months follow‐up. The patient was able to tolerate soft diet and had comprehensible speech. Thus, a total mandibular reconstruction including both condyles using alloplastic and autoplastic reconstruction in one and the same stage is a valid option and may be considered in comparably severe cases.
Operations strategies with snobbish and strategic consumers
Authors: Lee Chang Hwan , Choi Tsan‐Ming , Edwin Cheng T. C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStudying the optimal production and pricing strategies of a luxury brand manufacturer (in this paper, the “manufacturer” is in fact also the “retailer”), we consider the following situation. First, consumers exhibit a prestige‐seeking (snobbish) behavior that values product exclusivity. Their utility decreases as more consumers possess the product. Second, consumers show a forward‐looking (strategic) behavior. They make shop visit decisions based on predicted product availability. Third, the manufacturer's production policy is unobservable to consumers. Given these basic premises, we consider a traditional newsvendor inventory system and analytically derive the equilibrium production and pricing strategies within the rational expectation framework. We then propose two improvement strategies, each using a well‐established channel policy, to steer the game participants to reach a better equilibrium than the one for the traditional system. First, under the limited edition strategy with consumer returns, the firm uses the consumer return policy as a proxy for the limited edition strategy that aims to increase product exclusivity. Second, under the product line extension strategy, the firm applies product line extension as a means to guide the game participants to simultaneously increase product availability and product exclusivity. Finally, we extend the study by incorporating a variety of modeling variations and examine robustness of the research findings.
A fast implicit difference scheme for solving the generalized time–space fractional diffusion equations with variable coefficients
Authors: Gu Xian‐Ming , Huang Ting‐Zhu , Zhao Yong‐Liang , Lyu Pin , Carpentieri Bruno 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this article, we first propose an unconditionally stable implicit difference scheme for solving generalized time–space fractional diffusion equations (GTSFDEs) with variable coefficients. The numerical scheme utilizes theL1‐type formula for the generalized Caputo fractional derivative in time discretization and the second‐order weighted and shifted Grünwald difference (WSGD) formula in spatial discretization, respectively. Theoretical results and numerical tests are conducted to verify the(2 − γ)‐order and 2‐order of temporal and spatial convergence withγ ∈ (0, 1)the order of Caputo fractional derivative, respectively. The fast sum‐of‐exponential approximation of the generalized Caputo fractional derivative and Toeplitz‐like coefficient matrices are also developed to accelerate the proposed implicit difference scheme. Numerical experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed numerical scheme and its good potential for large‐scale simulation of GTSFDEs.
Fracture behavior and mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of biodegradable films extruded by flat die and calender
Authors: Gigante Vito , Aliotta Laura , Coltelli Maria Beatrice , Cinelli Patrizia , Botta Luigi , La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Lazzeri Andrea 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe development of biodegradable materials for tailored applications, particularly in the field of polymeric films and sheets, is a challenging technological goal as well as a contribution to help protect the environment. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) is a promising substitute for several oil‐based polymers; however, to overcome its thermal and mechanical drawbacks, researchers have developed solutions such as blending PLA with polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), which is capable of increasing the ductility of the final material. In this study, PLA/PBAT binary blends, with minimum possible content of nonrenewable materials, were examined from processing, thermal, morphological, and rheological perspective. An optimized PLA/PBAT ratio was chosen as the polymeric basis to obtain a biodegradable formulation by adding a biobased plasticizer and appropriate fillers to produce a micrometer film with tailored flexibility and tear resistance. The processing technology involved flat‐die extrusion, followed by calendering. The tearing resistance of the produced film was investigated, and the results were compared with literature data. A study on the essential work of fracture was implemented to explore the mode III out‐of‐plane fracture resistance starting from a trouser tear test.
Interventional therapy via flexible bronchoscopy in the management of foreign body‐related occlusive endobronchial granulation tissue formation in children
Authors: Li Shuxian , Wu Lei , Zhou Junfen , Wang Yingshuo , Jin Fang , Chen Xiaoyang , Liu Jinling , Chen Zhimin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundOcclusive granulation tissue formation, as one of the most common sequelae of chronic foreign body aspiration, can cause tracheobronchial obstruction and delayed fixed airway stenosis necessitating interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of interventional therapy via flexible bronchoscopy for treatment of granulation tissue related airway obstruction secondary to foreign body aspiration in children.MethodPatients with long‐term foreign body related granulation tissue were treated with flexible bronchoscopy therapeutic modalities, including forceps, cryotherapy, holmium laser, and balloon dilatation. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by clinical symptoms and endoscopic manifestations.ResultsA total of eight patients with granulation tissue hyperplasia caused by foreign body in bronchus, with a median age of 29.5 (range, 18–54) months, underwent interventional therapy between January 2016 and December 2019. Four patients received forceps and CO2 cryotherapy and one patient required forceps only. The remaining three patients received holmium laser combined with CO2 cryotherapy, and one of them required additional balloon dilatation. Four cases required a second cryotherapy procedure, and one case received three cryotherapy procedures for extensive granulation tissue. The treatment efficacy was 100% without complications.ConclusionInterventional procedure via flexible bronchoscopy is a safe, reliable, and effective method in the management of tracheobronchial obstruction and stenosis caused by foreign body‐related granulation tissue hyperplasia. It is worthy of clinical application.
Reaction mechanism of tetrathionate hydrolysis based on the crystal structure of tetrathionate hydrolase from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Kanao Tadayoshi , Hase Naruki , Nakayama Hisayuki , Yoshida Kyoya , Nishiura Kazumi , Kosaka Megumi , Kamimura Kazuo , Hirano Yu , Tamada Taro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTetrathionate hydrolase (4THase) plays an important role in dissimilatory sulfur oxidation in the acidophilic iron‐ and sulfur‐oxidizing bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The structure of recombinant 4THase from A. ferrooxidans (Af‐Tth) was determined by X‐ray crystallography to a resolution of 1.95 Å. Af‐Tth is a homodimer, and its monomer structure exhibits an eight‐bladed β‐propeller motif. Two insertion loops participate in dimerization, and one loop forms a cavity with the β‐propeller region. We observed unexplained electron densities in this cavity of the substrate‐soaked structure. The anomalous difference map generated using diffraction data collected at a wavelength of 1.9 Å indicated the presence of polymerized sulfur atoms. Asp325, a highly conserved residue among 4THases, was located near the polymerized sulfur atoms. 4THase activity was completely abolished in the site‐specific Af‐Tth D325N variant, suggesting that Asp325 plays a crucial role in the first step of tetrathionate hydrolysis. Considering that the Af‐Tth reaction occurs only under acidic pH, Asp325 acts as an acid for the tetrathionate hydrolysis reaction. The polymerized sulfur atoms in the active site cavity may represent the intermediate product in the subsequent step.
Quantum Fluctuations and New Instantons I: Linear Unbounded Potential
Authors: Mukhanov V. F. , Rabinovici E. , Sorin A. S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe consider the decay of a false vacuum in circumstances where the methods suggested by Coleman run into difficulties. We find that in these cases quantum fluctuations play a crucial role. Namely, they naturally induce both ultraviolet and infrared cutoff scales, determined by the parameters of the classical solution, beyond which this solution cannot be trusted anymore. This leads to the appearance of a broad class of new O(4) invariant instantons, which would have been singular in the absence of an ultraviolet cutoff. We apply our results to a case where the potential is unbounded from below in a linear way and in particular show how the problem of small instantons is resolved by taking into account the inevitable quantum fluctuations.
Organizing pneumonia associated with T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Chan Chrystal , Fagarasanu Andrei D. , Reid Andre , Sadowski Daniel C. , Gillson Ashley‐Mae E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA 61‐year‐old male with a history of coeliac disease was diagnosed with organizing pneumonia (OP) on transbronchial and transthoracic lung biopsies. He then developed refractory coeliac disease type II and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Nine months after his initial diagnosis of OP and after multiple biopsies of the lung, duodenum, and bone marrow, he was diagnosed with enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphoma (EATL). Although OP in patients with lymphoma is most commonly attributed to chemotherapeutic agents or bone marrow transplant, it may be seen in the absence of prior anticancer treatment. The mechanism linking OP and lymphoma is unclear but OP could represent a syndrome of T‐cell dysfunction or develop as a direct reaction to malignant infiltration of the lung. In patients with atypical presentations, exclusion of an alternate diagnosis must be pursued using surgical lung biopsy, wherever possible. This is the first reported case of OP associated with EATL.
A novel robotic system for flexible ureteroscopy
Authors: Shu Xiongpeng , Chen Qi , Xie Le 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterventional robots currently exist for flexible ureteroscopy (fURS). However, force feedback and intra‐renal pressure, which are important in fURS, were rarely considered when designing these robots.MethodsWe propose a novel robotic system for fURS integrated with partial force feedback function that is the bending knob's torque feedback of the flexible ureteroscope, and intra‐renal pressure monitoring. The proposed robotic system adopts commercial haptic device to realize torque feedback. In addition, we further propose a neural network‐based method to optimize the operation of above haptic device.ResultsExperimental results show that the slave robot can capture the variation of bending conditions and feedback to the operator, and can also accurately monitor the intra‐renal pressure. Besides, the neural network‐based method shows its potential in improving the operation.ConclusionsThe results confirm the feasibility of proposed robot's functions. In vivo experiments are needed to further evaluate this system in future work.
Output feedback stabilization within prescribed finite time of asymmetric time‐varying constrained nonholonomic systems
Authors: Gao Fangzheng , Wu Yuqiang , Huang Jiacai , Liu Yanhong 
Published: October 2020

SummaryIn this article, the fixed‐time stabilization problem is investigated for a category of nonholonomic chained‐form systems. Notably, the study possess two important features: the system under investigation is subject to asymmetric time‐varying output constraints (that are equal to the space constraints of mobile robot or other nonholonomic mechanical systems), and only output is available for feedback. A novel universal barrier Lyapunov function (UBLF), which is equivalent to the classical Lyapunov function for unconstrained systems, is introduced to address asymmetric time‐varying output constraint requirements. Under the universal framework in the sense that the proposed scheme can work for system with symmetric/asymmetric constraints or without constraint requirements, an output feedback controller is developed by employing the barrier function and the bi‐limit control techniques. It is shown that the suggested controller ensures the states of the closed‐loop system (CLS) to zero in a prescribed finite time, while the asymmetric time‐varying constraints on system output are not violated. Finally, simulation results are given to confirm the efficacy of the presented control scheme.
Mixed‐Dimensional In‐Plane Heterostructures from 1D Mo6Te6 and 2D MoTe2 Synthesized by Te‐Flux‐Controlled Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Kim Hyeonkyeong , Johns James E. , Yoo Youngdong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMixed‐dimensional van der Waals heterostructures are scientifically important and practically useful because of their interesting exotic properties resulting from their novel hybrid structures. This study reports the composition‐ and phase‐selective fabrication of low‐dimensional molybdenum/tellurium (Mo/Te) compounds and the direct synthesis of mixed‐dimensional in‐plane 1D–2D Mo6Te6–MoTe2 heterostructures. The composition and phase of the Mo/Te compounds are controlled by changing the Te atomic flux that is adjusted by the Te temperature. Metallic 1D Mo6Te6 wires with an intrinsic 1D structure with a diameter of 3–8 nm and length of 100–300 nm are synthesized to form wire networks under low Te flux conditions, whereas the semiconducting few‐layer 2H MoTe2 films preferentially oriented along the <0001> direction are obtained under high Te flux. Under medium Te flux, the mixed‐dimensional in‐plane 1D–2D Mo6Te6–MoTe2 heterostructures are synthesized in which the semiconducting few‐layer 2H MoTe2 circular domains are edge‐contacted by the metallic 1D Mo6Te6 wire networks. Furthermore, the present Te‐flux‐controlled method reveals that the 1D Mo6Te6 networks change to few‐layer MoTe2 films as the Te flux increases. The in‐plane 1D–2D Mo6Te6–MoTe2 heterostructures synthesized by this method can be considered as advanced edge‐contacted 2D semiconductors for high‐performance 2D electronics.
Hydrogels: The Next Generation Body Materials for Microfluidic Chips?
Authors: Nie Jing , Fu Jianzhong , He Yong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe integration of microfluidics with biomedical research is confronted with considerable limitations due to its body materials. With high content of water, hydrogels own superior biocompatibility and degradability. Can hydrogels become another material choice for the construction of microfluidic chips, particularly biofluidics? The present review aims to systematically establish the concept of hydrogel‐based microfluidic chips (HMCs) and address three main concerns: i) why choosing hydrogels? ii) how to fabricate HMCs?, and iii) in which fields to apply HMCs? It is envisioned that hydrogels may be used increasingly as substitute for traditional materials and gradually act as the body material for microfluidic chips. The modifications of conventional process are highlighted to overcome issues arising from the incompatibility between the construction methods and hydrogel materials. Specifically targeting at the “soft and wet” hydrogels, an efficient flowchart of “i) high resolution template printing; ii) damage‐free demolding; iii) twice‐crosslinking bonding” is proposed. Accordingly, a broader microfluidic chip concept is proposed in terms of form and function. Potential biomedical applications of HMCs are discussed. This review also highlights the challenges arising from the material replacement, as well as the future directions of the proposed concept. Finally, the authors′ viewpoints and perspectives for this emerging field are discussed.
Surveillance and Control of Asymptomatic Carriers of Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Jamrozik Euzebiusz , Selgelid Michael J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDrug-resistant bacterial infections constitute a major threat to global public health. Several key bacteria that are becoming increasingly resistant are among those that are ubiquitously carried by human beings and usually cause no symptoms (i.e. individuals are asymptomatic carriers) until a precipitating event leads to symptomatic infection (and thus disease). Carriers of drug-resistant bacteria can also transmit resistant pathogens to others, thus putting the latter at risk of infections that may be difficult or impossible to treat with currently available antibiotics. Accumulating evidence suggests that such transmission occurs not only in hospital settings but also in the general community, although much more data are needed to assess the extent of this problem. Asymptomatic carriage of drug-resistant bacteria raises important ethical questions regarding the appropriate public health response, including the degree to which it would be justified to impose burdens and costs on asymptomatic carriers (and others) in order to prevent transmission. In this paper, we (i) summarize current evidence regarding the carriage of key drug-resistant bacteria, noting important knowledge gaps and (ii) explore the implications of existing public health ethics frameworks for decision- and policy-making regarding asymptomatic carriers. Inter alia, we argue that the relative burdens imposed by public health measures on healthy carriers (as opposed to sick individuals) warrant careful consideration and should be proportionate to the expected public health benefits in terms of risks averted. We conclude that more surveillance and research regarding community transmission (and the effectiveness of available interventions) will be needed in order to clarify relevant risks and design proportionate policies, although extensive community surveillance itself would also require careful ethical consideration.
Conceptualizing the Impact of MDRO Control Measures Directed at Carriers: A Capability Approach
Authors: Byskov Morten Fibieger , Rump Babette Olga , Verweij Marcel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMany countries have implemented specific control measures directed at carriers of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in order to prevent further introduction and transmission of resistant organisms into hospitals and other healthcare related settings. These control measures may in many ways affect the lives and well-being of carriers of MDRO, resulting in complex ethical dilemmas that often remain largely implicit in practice. In this chapter, we propose to conceptualize the impact of MDRO control measures on the well-being of individual carriers in terms of capabilities and functionings. A capabilitarian framework for the ethical treatment of MDRO carriers commits us to conceptualize the harm done to carriers in terms of the impact that MDRO control measures have on what they are able to do or be. Adopting and adapting Nussbaum’s list of ten central human capabilities, we present a taxonomy of capabilities and functionings that are normatively relevant for the design and evaluation of MDRO control measures.
Fairness in the Use of Information About Carriers of Resistant Infections
Authors: Francis John G. , Francis Leslie P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOne standard menu of approaches to the prevalence of anti-microbial resistance diseases is to enhance surveillance, fund research to develop new antimicrobials, and educate providers and patients to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use. The primarily utilitarian reasoning behind this menu is unstable, however, if it fails to take fairness into account. This chapter develops an account of the fair uses of information gained in public health surveillance. We begin by sketching information needs and gaps in surveillance. We then demonstrate how analysis of information uses is incomplete if viewed from the perspectives of likely vectors of disease who may be subjects of fear and stigma and likely victims who may be coerced into isolation or quarantine. Next, we consider aspects of fairness in the use of information in non-ideal circumstances: inclusive participation in decisions about information use, resource plans for those needing services, and assurances of reciprocal support. Fairness in information use recognizes the ineluctable twinning of victims and vectors in the face of serious pandemic disease.