bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of aspirin on Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess in diabetic patients
Authors: Tai Chien-Hsiang , Hsu Chien-Ning , Yang Shih-Cheng , Wu Cheng-Kun , Liang Chih-Ming , Tai Wei-Chen , Chuah Seng-Kee , Lee Chen-Hsiang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of aspirin on the risk of pyogenic liver abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP-PLA) and invasive KP-PLA syndrome (IKPS) in diabetic patients. Diabetic patients who were propensity-score matched were retrospectively included from hospital-based database. Kaplan–Meier approach with a log-rank test was used to compare the cumulative incidences of KP-PLA including IKPS between aspirin users and non-users. Totally, 63,500 patients were analyzed after propensity-score matching (1:1). Compared with that of non-users, the incidence of KP-PLA was significantly reduced in aspirin users (0.31% vs. 0.50%, p < 0.01), but not for that of IKPS (0.02% vs. 0.03%, p = 0.29). Patients taking aspirin for ≥ 90 days had a significantly lower risk for KP-PLA (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95%CI, 0.50–0.90). Females, taking clopidogrel or metformin for ≥ 90 days, and taking H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for ≥ 5 days were also associated with a lower risk of KP-PLA. However, cholangitis and a glycated hemoglobin ≥ 8.5% were associated with an increased risk of KP-PLA.
Prediction of nodal-line semimetals in two-dimensional black phosphorous films
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Bao Hairui , Li Yue , Yang Zhongqin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSemimetals are a new kind of quantum materials, in which the conduction and valence bands cross each other near the Fermi level. Based on density-functional theory calculations and symmetry analysis, we propose nodal-line semimetals in layered stacked black phosphorus (BP) films which are designed to have a mirror symmetry lying in the BP layer plane and thus rendering them different from the BP film systems previously studied. A closed nodal-line degenerate band can appear around the Fermi level in the BP films after a biaxial compressive strain is applied. The calculated Z2 number of Z2 =  − 1 indicates the robustness of the nodal-line semimetals obtained in the BP films, protected by the in-plane mirror symmetry. Intriguingly, with the increase of the film thickness, a smaller biaxial compressive strain is required to produce the nodal-line semimetals, more accessible in experiments. Our results provide a promising route to carrying out the nodal-line semimetals based on various two-dimensional materials.
Simultaneous photoadhesion and photopatterning technique for passivation of flexible neural electrodes based on fluoropolymers
Authors: Kim Yong Hee , Jung Sang-Don 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHerein, we introduce a method to simultaneously photoadhere a photocrosslinkable polymer to a plasma-treated fluoropolymer while photopatterning the photocrosslinkable polymer via a single-photo-exposure as a new electrode passivation technique. Photoadhesion was determined to result from plasma-generated radicals of the plasma-treated fluoropolymer. Crystallinity of the fluoropolymer was analysed to determine the photoadhesion strength through its effects on both the formation of radicals and the etching of fluoropolymers. Passivation feasibility of simultaneous photoadhesion and photopatterning (P&P) technique were demonstrated by fabricating an Au electrocorticography electrode array and modifying the electrode with electro-deposited metallic nanoparticles. Adhesion of sputter-deposited Au to the fluoropolymer was dependent on mechanical interlocking, indicated by the formation of Au clusters which are typically influenced by the surface temperature during the sputter-deposition and the glass transition temperature of the fluoropolymer. The adhesion of Au to the fluoropolymer without an additional adhesion promotor and the proposed P&P passivation technique would help prevent detachment of the electrode and the delamination of the passivation layer in fluoropolymer-based neural electrode.
Failure mechanism of TRSS mode in landslides induced by earthquake
Authors: Liu Renli , Han Yanhui , Xiao Jun , Wang Tao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInvestigation of the slopes in the Wenchuan earthquake shows that tension failures appear in the upper part in many landslides. The typical failure mode can be generalized as “tensile-rupture and sheared-sliding” (TRSS). In this paper, the distinct element method (DEM) is employed to simulate the gradual failure process of the Tangjiashan landslide under the excitation of the Wenchuan earthquake. It is found that the first failure is the appearance of deep tension cracks on the top, and then shearing slip along the bottom. The posterior fracture is deep, steep, and rough, and the bottom shear slip surface has a relatively gently dip. The simulation shows the failure mode of TRSS in the slope can be well reproduced, and the geological and mechanical mechanisms can be revealed in the DEM model.
Comparative proteomic analysis of the sweetpotato provides insights into response mechanisms to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas
Authors: Lin ShiQiang , Yang ZhiJian , Huang BiFang , Bi ChuYun , Huang XiaoFang , Chen GuoTai , Nijiati Nuerla , Chen XuanYang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Fusarium wilt disease caused byFusarium oxysporumf. sp.batatas(Fob) is one of the devastating diseases of sweetpotato. However, the molecular mechanisms of sweetpotato response to Fob is poorly understood. In the present study, comparative quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate the defense mechanisms involved. Two sweetpotato cultivars with differential Fob infection responses were inoculated with Fob spore suspensions and quantitatively analyzed by Tandem Mass Tags (TMT). 2267 proteins were identified and 1897 of them were quantified. There were 817 proteins with quantitative ratios of 1.2-fold change between Fob-inoculated and mock-treated samples. Further, nine differentially expressed proteins were validated by Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM). According to Gene Ontology (GO) annotation information, the proteins functioned in molecular metabolism, cellular component formation, and biological processes. Interestingly, the results showed that sweetpotato resistant response to Fob infection included many proteins associated with signaling transduction, plant resistance, chitinase and subtilisin-like protease. The functions and possible roles of those proteins were discussed. The results provides first insight into molecular mechanisms involved in sweetpotato defense responses to Fob.
Essential role of submandibular lymph node dendritic cells in protective sublingual immunotherapy against murine allergy
Authors: Miyanaga Noriaki , Takagi Hideaki , Uto Tomofumi , Fukaya Tomohiro , Nasu Junta , Fukui Takehito , Nishikawa Yotaro , Sparwasser Tim , Choijookhuu Narantsog , Hishikawa Yoshitaka , Nakamura Takeshi , Tono Tetsuya , Sato Katsuaki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWhile sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is known as an allergen-specific treatment for type-1 allergies, how it controls allergic pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we show the prerequisite role of conventional dendritic cells in submandibular lymph nodes (ManLNs) in the effectiveness of SLIT for the treatment of allergic disorders in mice. Deficiency of conventional dendritic cells or CD4+Foxp3+regulatory T (Treg) cells abrogates the protective effect of SLIT against allergic disorders. Furthermore, sublingual antigenic application primarily induces antigen-specific CD4+Foxp3+Tregcells in draining ManLNs, in which it is severely impaired in the absence of cDCs. In ManLNs, migratory CD11b+cDCs are superior to other conventional dendritic cell subsets for the generation of antigen-specific CD4+Foxp3+Tregcells, which is reflected by their dominancy in the tolerogenic features to favor this program. Thus, ManLNs are privileged sites in triggering mucosal tolerance mediating protect effect of SLIT on allergic disorders that requires a tolerogenesis of migratory CD11b+conventional dendritic cells.
Energy limit of oil‐immersed transformers: A concept and its application in different climate conditions
Authors: Daminov Ildar , Prokhorov Anton , Caire Raphael , Alvarez‐Herault Marie‐Cécile 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe reality of modern power grids requires the use of flexibilities from generation, load and storage. These flexibilities allow system operators to modify a transformer loading in a smart way. Therefore, power constraints of transformers can be overcome by using the appropriate flexibility. However, transformers have a physical limit of energy transfer which cannot be overpassed. This energy limit represents the unique transformer's loading profile, ensuring the highest energy transfer under a given ambient temperature profile.The paper explains how the energy limit can be calculated. Typical characteristics of an energy limit are estimated in cold continental climate of Russia and warm temperate climate in France. Maximal, minimal and mean loadings are identified for each month. Loading durations of energy limit are determined for each cooling system. It is found that winding temperatures of transformers, operating at energy limits, remain in the vicinity of design winding temperature. Therefore, transformer operation at energy limit avoids a high temperature stress and simultaneously maximizes the energy transfer.The application of energy limits for power system problems is briefly explained along the paper. Energy limit application can reduce an energy cost, maximize a renewable generation and increase a hosting capacity of distribution network.
The fully developed remnant of a neutrino-driven supernova
Authors: Orlando S. , Wongwathanarat A. , Janka H.-T. , Miceli M. , Ono M. , Nagataki S. , Bocchino F. , Peres G. 
Published: December 2020

Context. The remnants of core-collapse supernovae (SNe) are probes of the physical processes associated with their parent SNe.
Aims. Here we aim to explore to which extent the remnant keeps memory of the asymmetries that develop stochastically in the neutrino-heating layer due to hydrodynamic instabilities (e.g., convective overturn and the standing accretion shock instability; SASI) during the first second after core bounce.
Methods. We coupled a three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic model of a neutrino-driven SN explosion, which has the potential to reproduce the observed morphology of the Cassiopeia A (Cas A) remnant, with 3D (magneto)-hydrodynamic simulations of the remnant formation. The simulations cover ≈2000 yr of expansion and include all physical processes relevant to describe the complexities in the SN evolution and the subsequent interaction of the stellar debris with the wind of the progenitor star.
Results. The interaction of large-scale asymmetries left from the earliest phases of the explosion with the reverse shock produces, at the age of ≈350 yr, an ejecta structure and a remnant morphology which are remarkably similar to those observed in Cas A. Small-scale structures in the large-scale Fe-rich plumes that were created during the initial stages of the SN, combined with hydrodynamic instabilities that develop after the passage of the reverse shock, naturally produce a pattern of ring- and crown-like structures of shocked ejecta. The consequence is a spatial inversion of the ejecta layers with Si-rich ejecta being physically interior to Fe-rich ejecta. The full-fledged remnant shows voids and cavities in the innermost unshocked ejecta, which are physically connected with ring-like features of shocked ejecta in the main shell in most cases, resulting from the expansion of Fe-rich plumes and their inflation due to the decay of radioactive species. The asymmetric distributions of 44Ti and 56Fe, which are mostly concentrated in the northern hemisphere, and pointing opposite to the kick velocity of the neutron star, as well as their abundance ratio are both compatible with those inferred from high-energy observations of Chandra and NuSTAR. Finally, the simulations show that the fingerprints of the SN can still be visible ≈2000 yr after the explosion.
Conclusions. The main asymmetries and features observed in the ejecta distribution of Cas A can be explained by the interaction of the reverse shock with the initial large-scale asymmetries that developed from stochastic processes (e.g., convective overturn and SASI activity) that originate during the first seconds of the SN blast.
Seeds of Life in Space (SOLIS)
Authors: Benedettini M. , Viti S. , Codella C. , Ceccarelli C. , Neri R. , López-Sepulcre A. , Bianchi E. , Busquet G. , Caselli P. , Fontani F. , Lefloch B. , Podio L. , Spezzano S. , Vastel C. 
Published: December 2020

Context. The isotopic ratio of nitrogen presents a wide range of values in the Solar System: from ~140 in meteorites and comets to 441 in the solar wind. In star-forming systems, we observe even a higher spread of ~150–1000. The origin of these differences is still unclear.
Aims. Chemical reactions in the gas phase are one of the possible processes that could modify the 14N/15N ratio. We aim to investigate if and how the passage of a shock wave in the interstellar medium, which activates a rich chemistry, can affect the relative fraction of nitrogen isotopes. The ideal place for such a study is the chemically rich outflow powered by the L1157-mm protostar, where several shocked clumps are present.
Methods. We present the first measurement of the 14N/15N ratio in the two shocked clumps, B1 and B0, of the protostellar outflow L1157. The measurement is derived from the interferometeric maps of the H13CN (1–0) and the HC15N (1–0) lines obtained with the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) interferometer as part of the Seeds of Life in Space (SOLIS) programme.
Results. In B1, we find that the H13CN (1–0) and HC15N (1–0) emission traces the front of the clump, that is the apex of the shocked region, where the fast jet impacts the lower velocity medium with an averaged column density of N(H13CN) ~ 7 × 1012 cm−2 and N(HC15N) ~ 2 × 1012 cm−2. In this region, the ratio H13CN (1–0)/HC15N (1–0) is almost uniform with an average value of ~5 ± 1. The same average value is also measured in the smaller clump B0e. Assuming the standard 12C/13C = 68, we obtain 14N/15N = 340 ± 70. This ratio is similar to those usually found with the same species in prestellar cores and protostars. We analysed the prediction of a chemical shock model for several shock conditions and we found that the nitrogen and carbon fractionations do not vary much for the first period after the shock. The observed H13CN/HC15N can be reproduced by a non-dissociative, C-type shock with pre-shock density n(H) = 105 cm−3, shock velocity Vs between 20 and 40 km s−1, and cosmic-ray ionization rate of 3 × 10−16 s−1; this agrees with previous modelling of other chemical species in L1157-B1.
Conclusions. Both observations and chemical models indicate that the rich chemistry activated by the shock propagation does not affect the nitrogen isotopic ratio, which remains similar to that measured in lower temperature gas in prestellar cores and protostellar envelopes.
Smartphone-Based Data Collection in Ophthalmology
Authors: Raber Florian Philipp , Gerbutavicius Rokas , Wolf Armin , Kortüm Karsten 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDue to their widespread use among the population and their wide range of functions and sensors, smartphones are suitable for data collection for medical purposes. App-supported input masks, patient diaries, and patient information systems, mobile access to the patient file as well as telemedical services will continue to find their way into our field of expertise in the future. In addition, the use of smartphone sensors (GPS and motion sensors, touch display, microphone) and coupling possibilities with biosensors (for example with Continuous Glucose Monitoring [CGM] systems), advanced camera technology, the possibility of regular and appointment independent checking of the visual system (visual acuity/contrast vision) as well as real-time data transfer offer interesting possibilities for patient treatment and clinical research. The present review deals with the current status and future perspectives of smartphone-based data collection and possible applications in
ophthalmology.
Cardioprotective Function of Green Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Extract Supplementation in Ex Vivo Ischemic Prediabetic Rat Hearts
Authors: Smit Sybrand Engelbrecht , Manirafasha Claudine , Marais Erna , Johnson Rabia , Huisamen Barbara 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDiabetic patients develop ischemic heart disease and strokes more readily. Following an ischemic event, restoration of blood flow increases oxidative stress resulting in myocardial damage, termed ischemia/reperfusion injury. Aspalathus linearis (rooibos), rich in the antioxidant phenolic compound aspalathin, has been implicated as cardioprotective against ischemia/reperfusion injury with undefined mechanism in control rats. Primarily, the therapeutic potential of Afriplex green rooibos extract to prevent ischemia/reperfusion injury in cardiovascular disease-compromised rats was investigated. Additionally, Afriplex Green rooibos extractʼs cardioprotective signaling on metabolic markers and stress markers was determined using western blotting. Three hundred male Wistar rats received either 16-wk standard diet or high-caloric diet. During the final 6 wk, half received 60 mg/kg/day Afriplex green rooibos extract, containing 12.48% aspalathin. High-caloric diet increased body weight, body fat, fasting serum triglycerides, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance – indicative of prediabetes. High-caloric diet rats had increased heart mass, infarct size, and decreased heart function. Afriplex green rooibos extract treatment for 6 wk lowered pre-ischemic heart rate, reduced infarct size, and improved heart function pre- and post-ischemia, without significantly affecting biometric parameters. Stabilized high-caloric diet hearts had decreased insulin independence via adenosine monophosphate activated kinase and increased inflammation (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase), whereas Afriplex green rooibos extract treatment decreased insulin dependence (protein kinase B) and conferred anti-inflammatory effect. After 20 min ischemia, high-caloric diet hearts had upregulated ataxia–telangiectasia mutated kinase decreased insulin independence, and downregulated insulin dependence and glycogen synthase kinase 3 β inhibition. In contrast, Afriplex green rooibos extract supplementation downregulated insulin independence and inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2. During reperfusion, all protective signaling was decreased in high-caloric diet, while Afriplex green rooibos extract supplementation reduced oxidative stress (c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2) and inflammation. Taken together, Afriplex green rooibos extract supplementation for 6 wk preconditioned cardiovascular disease-compromised rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by lowering inflammation, oxidative stress, and heart rate.
Evaluation of a Self-Imaging SD-OCT System for Remote Monitoring of Patients with Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Nahen Kester , Benyamini Gideon , Loewenstein Anat 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The treatment of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) requires frequent office visits to identify fluid in the retina that requires treatment. Frequent office-based examinations using optical coherence tomography (OCT) are a burden on patients and their care givers. The development of OCT systems that can be self-operated by patients at home offers the potential for precise remote monitoring and improved individualized therapy.
Patients/Material and Methods An investigational spectral domain OCT system (Notal Vision Home OCT, NVHO) for automatic patient-guided self-imaging intended for commercialization was evaluated in a total of 69 study participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration with regard to image quality and usability. An artificial intelligence-based algorithm was used to identify, quantify and map intra- and subretinal fluids.
Results Successful imaging with the NHVO was performed in all patients and in 93% of the enrolled eyes. The positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement for detection of fluid, intraretinal fluid, and subretinal fluid in at least one of three consecutive NHVO images was 97/95%, 96/94% and 100/98%, respectively, when compared to commercial in-office OCT systems. In 1.4% of the recorded eyes, fluid was only detected outside of the central 10 × 10° field of view but seen on a commercial OCT system with a larger field of view. The device operation for scanning their own eyes without assistance was rated by 95% of patients as easy. The analysis and depiction of fluid distribution and volume in a longitudinal case study illustrated the acute nature and anti-VEGF therapy response of nAMD.
Conclusion The evaluated OCT system for home use meets the requirements for self-controlled imaging by nAMD patients with regard to image quality, field of view and usability. Image analysis based on artificial intelligence can potentially support clinicians in the assessment and utilization of large amounts of data generated by daily home OCT imaging.
Antiprotozoal activities of Triterpenic Acids and Ester Derivatives Isolated from the Leaves of Vitellaria paradoxa
Authors: Catteau Lucy , Schioppa Laura , Beaufay Claire , Girardi Cynthia , Hérent Marie-France , Frédérich Michel , Quetin-Leclercq Joëlle 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLeaves of Vitellaria paradoxa, also called “Shea butter tree”, are used in traditional medicine to treat various symptoms including malaria fever, dysentery, or skin infections. Composition of the dichloromethane extract of V. paradoxa leaves possessing antiparasitic activities was investigated. Five pentacyclic triterpenic acids together with 6 ester derivatives were isolated and identified by standards comparison, MS and 1H-NMR analysis. Corosolic, maslinic, and tormentic coumaroyl esters and their corresponding triterpenic acids were isolated from this plant for the first time. The antiparasitic activities of the 11 isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, and Leishmania mexicana mexicana and their selectivity determined by cytotoxicity evaluation on WI38 cells. None of the isolated compounds showed good antiplasmodial activity. The antitrypanosomal activity of
individual compounds was in general higher than their antileishmanial one. One isolated triterpenic ester mixture in equilibrium, 3-O-p-E/Z-coumaroyltormentic acids, showed an attractive promising antitrypanosomal activity (IC50 = 0.7 µM) with low cytotoxicity (IC50= 44.5 µM) compared to the corresponding acid. Acute toxicity test on this ester did not show any toxicity at the maximal cumulative dose of 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally on mice. In vivo efficacy evaluation of this compound, at 50 mg/kg by intraperitoneal route on a T. b. brucei-infected mice model, showed a significant parasitemia reduction on day 4 post-infection together with 33.3% survival improvement. Further bioavailability and PK studies are needed along with mode of action investigations to further assess the potential of this molecule.