bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implantation of Impella CP left ventricular assist device under the guidance of three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography
Authors: Yastrebov Konstantin , Brunel Laurencie , Paterson Hugh S. , Williams Zoe A. , Wise Innes K. , Burrows Christopher S. , Bannon Paul G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImpella CP is a percutaneously inserted left ventricular assist device indicated for temporary mechanical cardiac support during high risk percutaneous coronary interventions and for cardiogenic shock. The potential application of Impella has become particularly relevant during the current COVID-19 pandemic, for patients with acute severe heart failure complicating viral illness. Standard implantation of the Impella CP is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Positioning of the Impella CP can be confirmed with transthoracic or transoesophageal echocardiography. We describe an alternative approach to guide intracardiac implantation of the Impella CP using two-dimensional and three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography. This new technique can be useful in selected groups of patients when fluoroscopy, transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography is deemed inapplicable or limited for epidemiological or clinical reasons. Intracardiac three-dimensional echocardiography is a feasible alternative to the traditional techniques for implantation of an Impella CP device but careful consideration must be given to the potential limitations and complications of this technique.
Influence of tunnel ionization to third-harmonic generation of infrared femtosecond laser pulses in air
Authors: Tamulienė Viktorija , Juškevičiūtė Greta , Buožius Danas , Vaičaitis Virgilijus , Babushkin Ihar , Morgner Uwe 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHere we present an experimental as well as theoretical study of third-harmonic generation in tightly focused femtosecond filaments in air at the wavelength of $$1.5 \,\upmu \hbox {m}$$

1.5

μ
m

. At low intensities, longitudinal phase matching is dominating in the formation of 3rd harmonics, whereas at higher intensities locked X-waves are formed. We provide the arguments that the X-wave formation is governed mainly by the tunnel-like ionization dynamics rather than by the multiphoton one. Despite of this fact, the impact of the ionization-induced nonlinearity is lower than the one from bound–bound transitions at all intensities.
On the effects of memory and topology on the controllability of complex dynamical networks
Authors: Kyriakis Panagiotis , Pequito Sérgio , Bogdan Paul 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRecent advances in network science, control theory, and fractional calculus provide us with mathematical tools necessary for modeling and controlling complex dynamical networks (CDNs) that exhibit long-term memory. Selecting the minimum number of driven nodes such that the network is steered to a prescribed state is a key problem to guarantee that complex networks have a desirable behavior. Therefore, in this paper, we study the effects of long-term memory and of the topological properties on the minimum number of driven nodes and the required control energy. To this end, we introduce Gramian-based methods for optimal driven node selection for complex dynamical networks with long-term memory and by leveraging the structure of the cost function, we design a greedy algorithm to obtain near-optimal approximations in a computationally efficiently manner. We investigate how the memory and topological properties influence the control effort by considering Erdős–Rényi, Barabási–Albert and Watts–Strogatz networks whose temporal dynamics follow a fractional order state equation. We provide evidence that scale-free and small-world networks are easier to control in terms of both the number of required actuators and the average control energy. Additionally, we show how our method could be applied to control complex networks originating from the human brain and we discover that certain brain cortex regions have a stronger impact on the controllability of network than others.
Explosive-driven double-blast exposure: molecular, histopathological, and behavioral consequences
Authors: Murphy Erin K. , Iacono Diego , Pan Hongna , Grimes Jamie B. , Parks Steven , Raiciulescu Sorana , Leonessa Fabio , Perl Daniel P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTraumatic brain injury generated by blast may induce long-term neurological and psychiatric sequelae. We aimed to identify molecular, histopathological, and behavioral changes in rats 2 weeks after explosive-driven double-blast exposure. Rats received two 30-psi (~ 207-kPa) blasts 24 h apart or were handled identically without blast. All rats were behaviorally assessed over 2 weeks. At Day 15, rats were euthanized, and brains removed. Brains were dissected into frontal cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and brainstem. Western blotting was performed to measure levels of total-Tau, phosphorylated-Tau (pTau), amyloid precursor protein (APP), GFAP, Iba1, αII-spectrin, and spectrin breakdown products (SBDP). Kinases and phosphatases, correlated with tau phosphorylation were also measured. Immunohistochemistry for pTau, APP, GFAP, and Iba1 was performed. pTau protein level was greater in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and brainstem and APP protein level was greater in cerebellum of blast vs control rats (p < 0.05). GFAP, Iba1, αII-spectrin, and SBDP remained unchanged. No immunohistochemical or neurobehavioral changes were observed. The dissociation between increased pTau and APP in different regions in the absence of neurobehavioral changes 2 weeks after double blast exposure is a relevant finding, consistent with human data showing that battlefield blasts might be associated with molecular changes before signs of neurological and psychiatric disorders manifest.
Mechano-chemistry of human femoral diaphysis revealed by correlative Brillouin–Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Cardinali M. A. , Govoni M. , Dallari D. , Caponi S. , Fioretto D. , Morresi A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBrillouin–Raman microspectroscopy is presented as an innovative label-free all-optical investigation approachable to characterize the chemical composition and the mechanical properties of human tissues at micrometric resolution. Brillouin maps unveil mechanical heterogeneities in a human femoral diaphysis, showing a ubiquitous co-existence of hard and soft components, even in the most compact sections. The novel correlative analysis of Brillouin and Raman maps shows that the relative intensity of Brillouin peaks is a good proxy for the fraction of mineralized fibers and that the stiffness (longitudinal elastic modulus) of the hard component is linearly dependent on the hydroxyapatite concentration. For the soft component, a gradient of composition is found, ranging from an abundance of proteins in the more compact, external, bone to abundance of lipids, carotenoids, and heme groups approaching the trabecular, inner, part of the diaphysis. This work unveils the strong potential of correlative mechano-chemical characterization of human tissues at a micrometric resolution for both fundamental and translational research.
Quantitative bone single photon emission computed tomography analysis of the effects of duration of bisphosphonate administration on the parietal bone
Authors: Hata Hironobu , Kitao Tomoka , Sato Jun , Asaka Takuya , Imamachi Kenji , Miyakoshi Masaaki , Hirata Kenji , Magota Keiichi , Munakata Yamato , Shiga Tohru , Yamazaki Yutaka , Kitagawa Yoshimasa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEffects of long-term bisphosphonate (BP) administration on the metabolism of healthy bone and the concomitant changes in imaging are unclear. Hence, we aimed to retrospectively investigate the effects of long-term BP administration on the intact parietal bone using the standardised uptake value (SUV) derived from single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We enrolled 29 patients who had odontogenic infection, osteoporosis, bone metastasis cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis, and classified them into BP-naïve: A (14 patients) and BP-treated: B, < 4 years (7 patients) and C, ≥ 4 years (8 patients) groups. We measured the maximum bilateral SUV (SUVmax) of the parietal bone using quantitative bone SPECT software. There were significant differences in the duration of BP administration and SUVmax of the parietal bone among the diseases (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0086, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the duration of BP administration and SUVmax of the parietal bone (rs = 0.65, P = 0.0002). The SUVmax was significantly different between A and B (P = 0.02) and between A and C (P = 0.0024) groups. This is the first report on the correlation between long-term BP administration and the SUVmax of the parietal bone using the quantitative bone SPECT analysis.
The daily resolved temperature dependence and structure of planktonic foraminifera blooms
Authors: Chernihovsky N. , Almogi-Labin A. , Kienast S. S. , Torfstein A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPlanktonic foraminifera (PF) life cycles are highly sensitive to marine conditions, which are evolving rapidly due to anthropogenic climate change. Even though PF shells in the sedimentary record serve as prominent proxies of past ocean conditions, very little is still known about their life cycles, particularly in oligotrophic environments. Here, we present a full annual record of PF fluxes (> 63 µm) from the oligotrophic Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, sampled at daily timescales during 2015–2016 using an automated time-series sediment trap. These results are coupled with daily surface chlorophyll-a concentrations, sea surface temperatures (SSTs), particulate organic carbon and bulk fluxes, together with monthly resolved vertical profiles of chlorophyll-a, temperatures and nutrient concentrations. The annual cycle of PF fluxes is controlled by SST changes that drive water column mixing and changes in food availability. PF species flux patterns and succession dynamics vary throughout the year, displaying large variability on previously undocumented daily-weekly timescales, and are not synchronized with lunar periodicity. On daily timescales, spring blooms show a complex structure and interplay between SSTs, chlorophyll-a surface concentrations and PF fluxes. These events deliver about a third of the total annual PF flux over a period of several weeks.
Easy-hard phase transition in parameter estimation for optical waveguides
Authors: Claussen Gunnar , Hartmann Alexander K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe determination of the parameters of cylindrical optical waveguides, e.g. the diameters $$\vec {d}=(d_1,\ldots ,d_r)$$

d
→

=

(

d
1

,
…
,

d
r

)

of r layers of (semi-) transparent optical fibres, can be executed by inverse evaluation of the scattering intensities that emerge under monochromatic illumination. The inverse problem can be solved by optimising the mismatch $$R(\vec {d})$$

R
(

d
→

)

between the measured and simulated scattering patterns. The global optimum corresponds to the correct parameter values. The mismatch $$R(\vec {d})$$

R
(

d
→

)

can be seen as an energy landscape as a function of the diameters. In this work, we study the structure of the energy landscape for different values of the complex refractive indices $$\vec {n}$$

n
→

, for $$r=1$$

r
=
1

and $$r=2$$

r
=
2

layers. We find that for both values of r, depending on the values of $$\vec {n}$$

n
→

, two very different types of energy landscapes exist, respectively. One type is dominated by one global minimum and the other type exhibits a multitude of local minima. From an algorithmic viewpoint, this corresponds to easy and hard phases, respectively. Our results indicate that the two phases are separated by sharp phase-transition lines and that the shape of these lines can be described by one “critical” exponent b, which depends slightly on r. Interestingly, the same exponent also describes the dependence of the number of local minima on the diameters. Thus, our findings are comparable to previous theoretical studies on easy-hard transitions in basic combinatorial optimisation or decision problems like Travelling Salesperson and Satisfiability. To our knowledge our results are the first indicating the existence of easy-hard transitions for a real-world optimisation problem of technological relevance.
Exciton-to-trion conversion as a control mechanism for valley polarization in room-temperature monolayer WS2
Authors: Carmiggelt Joris J. , Borst Michael , van der Sar Toeno 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTransition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers are two-dimensional semiconductors with two valleys in their band structure that can be selectively addressed using circularly polarized light. Their photoluminescence spectrum is characterized by neutral and charged excitons (trions) that form a chemical equilibrium governed by the net charge density. Here, we use chemical doping to drive the conversion of excitons into trions in $$\text {WS}_{2}$$

WS
2

monolayers at room temperature, and study the resulting valley polarization via photoluminescence measurements under valley-selective optical excitation. We show that the doping causes the emission to become dominated by trions with a strong valley polarization associated with rapid non-radiative recombination. Simultaneously, the doping results in strongly quenched but highly valley-polarized exciton emission due to the enhanced conversion into trions. A rate equation model explains the observed valley polarization in terms of the doping-controlled exciton-trion equilibrium. Our results shed light on the important role of exciton-trion conversion on valley polarization in monolayer TMDs.
Spontaneous transition rates near the focus of a parabolic mirror with identification of the vectorial modes involved
Authors: Gutiérrez-Jáuregui R. , Jáuregui R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEach natural mode of the electromagnetic field within a parabolic mirror exhibits spatial localization and polarization properties that can be exploited for the quantum control of its interaction with atomic systems. The region of localization is not restricted to the focus of the mirror leading to a selective response of atomic systems trapped on its vicinity. We report calculations of the spontaneous emission rates for an atom trapped inside the mirror accounting for all atomic polarizations and diverse trapping regions. It is shown that electric dipole transitions can be enhanced near the focus of a deep parabolic mirror with a clear identification of the few vectorial modes involved. Out of the focus the enhancement vanishes gradually, but the number of relevant modes remains small. Ultimately this represents a quantum electrodynamic system where internal and external degrees of freedom cooperate to maximize a selective exchange and detection of single excitations.
Bioprocessing optimization for efficient simultaneous removal of methylene blue and nickel by Gracilaria seaweed biomass
Authors: El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , Rabei Nashwa H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe pollution of water by heavy metal ions and dyes, particularly from industrial effluents, has become a global environmental issue. Therefore, the treatment of wastewater generated from different industrial wastes is essential to restore environmental quality. The efficiency ofGracilariaseaweed biomass as a sustainable biosorbent for simultaneous bioremoval of Ni2+and methylene blue from aqueous solution was studied. Optimization of the biosorption process parameters was performed using face-centered central composite design (FCCCD). The highest bioremoval percentages of Ni2+and methylene blue were 97.53% and 94.86%; respectively, obtained under optimum experimental conditions: 6 g/LGracilariabiomass, initial pH 8, 20 mg/L of methylene blue, 150 mg/L of Ni2+and 180 min of contact time. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra demonstrated the presence of methyl, alkynes, amide, phenolic, carbonyl, nitrile and phosphate groups which are important binding sites involved in Ni2+and methylene blue biosorption process. SEM analysis reveals the appearance of shiny large particles and layers on the biosorbent surface after biosorption that are absent before the biosorption process. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that theGracilariaseaweed biomass is a promising, biodegradable, ecofriendly, cost-effective and efficient biosorbent for simultaneous bioremoval of Ni2+and methylene blue from wastewater effluents.
The structure of the antimicrobial human cathelicidin LL-37 shows oligomerization and channel formation in the presence of membrane mimics
Authors: Sancho-Vaello Enea , Gil-Carton David , François Patrice , Bonetti Eve-Julie , Kreir Mohamed , Pothula Karunakar Reddy , Kleinekathöfer Ulrich , Zeth Kornelius 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe human cathelicidin LL-37 serves a critical role in the innate immune system defending bacterial infections. LL-37 can interact with molecules of the cell wall and perforate cytoplasmic membranes resulting in bacterial cell death. To test the interactions of LL-37 and bacterial cell wall components we crystallized LL-37 in the presence of detergents and obtained the structure of a narrow tetrameric channel with a strongly charged core. The formation of a tetramer was further studied by cross-linking in the presence of detergents and lipids. Using planar lipid membranes a small but defined conductivity of this channel could be demonstrated. Molecular dynamic simulations underline the stability of this channel in membranes and demonstrate pathways for the passage of water molecules. Time lapse studies of E. coli cells treated with LL-37 show membrane discontinuities in the outer membrane followed by cell wall damage and cell death. Collectively, our results open a venue to the understanding of a novel AMP killing mechanism and allows the rational design of LL-37 derivatives with enhanced bactericidal activity.
Nonsense-associated altered splicing of MAP3K1 in two siblings with 46,XY disorders of sex development
Authors: Igarashi Maki , Masunaga Yohei , Hasegawa Yuichi , Kinjo Kenichi , Miyado Mami , Saitsu Hirotomo , Kato-Fukui Yuko , Horikawa Reiko , Okubo Yomiko , Ogata Tsutomu , Fukami Maki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlthough splicing errors due to single nucleotide variants represent a common cause of monogenic disorders, only a few variants have been shown to create new splice sites in exons. Here, we report an MAP3K1 splice variant identified in two siblings with 46,XY disorder of sex development. The patients carried a maternally derived c.2254C>T variant. The variant was initially recognized as a nonsense substitution leading to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (p.Gln752Ter); however, RT-PCR for lymphoblastoid cell lines showed that this variant created a new splice donor site and caused 39 amino acid deletion (p.Gln752_Arg790del). All transcripts from the variant allele appeared to undergo altered splicing. The two patients exhibited undermasculinized genitalia with and without hypergonadotropism. Testosterone enanthate injections and dihydrotestosterone ointment applications yielded only slight increase in their penile length. Dihydrotestosterone-induced APOD transactivation was less significant in patients’ genital skin fibroblasts compared with that in control samples. This study provides an example of nonsense-associated altered splicing, in which a highly potent exonic splice site was created. Furthermore, our data, in conjunction with the previous data indicating the association between MAP3K1 and androgen receptor signaling, imply that the combination of testicular dysgenesis and androgen insensitivity may be a unique phenotype of MAP3K1 abnormalities.
Retroviral analysis reveals the ancient origin of Kihnu native sheep in Estonia: implications for breed conservation
Authors: Rannamäe Eve , Saarma Urmas , Ärmpalu-Idvand Anneli , Teasdale Matthew D. , Speller Camilla 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNative animal breeds constitute an invaluable pool of genetic resources in a changing environment. Discovering native breeds and safeguarding their genetic diversity through specific conservation programs is therefore of high importance. Endogenous retroviruses have proved to be a reliable genetic marker for studying the demographic history of sheep (Ovis aries). Previous research has revealed two migratory episodes of domesticated sheep from the Middle East to Europe. The first episode included predominantly ‘primitive populations’, while the second and most recent is hypothesised to have included sheep with markedly improved wool production. To examine whether the recently discovered Kihnu native sheep in Estonia have historically been part of the first migratory episode and to what extent they have preserved primitive genetic characters, we analysed retroviral insertions in 80 modern Kihnu sheep and 83 ancient sheep from the Bronze Age to Modern Period (850 BCE–1950 CE). We identified that the Kihnu sheep have preserved ‘primitive’, ‘Nordic’, and other ‘ancient’ retrotypes that were present both in archaeological and modern samples, confirming their shared ancestry and suggesting that contemporary Kihnu native sheep originate from the first migratory episode. However, over the course of history, there has been a gradual decrease in the frequency of primitive retrotypes. Furthermore, Kihnu sheep possessed several ‘novel’ retrotypes that were absent in archaeological individuals, but were shared with improvement breeds, suggesting recent crossing within the last two centuries. To preserve these ancient lineages, our results are being applied in the conservation program of the Kihnu Native Sheep Society.
Photodynamic inactivation of Botrytis cinerea by an anionic porphyrin: an alternative pest management of grapevine
Authors: Ambrosini Veronica , Issawi Mohammad , Sol Vincent , Riou Catherine 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBotrytis cinerea is a necrotic plant fungus that causes gray mold disease in over 200 crops, including grapevine. Due to its genetic plasticity, this fungus presents strong resistance to many fungicides. Thus, new strategies against B. cinerea are urgently needed. In this context, antimicrobial photodynamic treatment (APDT) was considered. APDT involves the use of a photosensitizer that generates reactive oxygen species upon illumination with white light. Tetra-4-sulfonatophenyl porphyrin tetra-ammonium (TPPS) was tested on B. cinerea using light. 1.5 µM TPPS completely inhibited mycelial growth. TPPS (12.5 µM) was tested on three grapevine clones from Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon, grown in vitro for 2 months. Treated root apparatus of the three backgrounds increased thiol production as a molecular protection against photoactivated TPPS, leading to a normal phenotype as compared with control plantlets. Finally, 2-month-old grapevine leaves were infected with 4-day-old mycelium of B. cinerea pre-incubated or not with TPPS. The pre-treated mycelium was unable to infect the detached leaves of any of the three grapevine varieties after 72 h growth when subjected to a 16 h photoperiod, contrary to untreated mycelium. These results suggest a strong potential of photo-treatment against B. cinerea mycelium for future agricultural practices in vineyard or other cultures.