bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracting the local electronic states of Pt polycrystalline films surface under electrochemical conditions using polarization-dependent total reflection fluorescence x-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy
Authors: Wakisaka Yuki , Uehara Hiromitsu , Yuan Qiuyi , Kido Daiki , Wada Takahiro , Uo Motohiro , Uemura Yohei , Yokoyama Toshihiko , Kamei Yutaro , Kuroda Seiichi , Ohira Akihiro , Takakusagi Satoru , Asakura Kiyotaka 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The local atomic information about the interface between the 30 nm-thick Pt polycrystalline films and the solution with and without perfluorosulfonic acid polymers (Nafion®) for the model cathode catalyst of fuel cell has been captured under electrochemical conditions using polarization-dependent total reflection fluorescence x-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (PTRF–XANES). The results show that the formation of sub-monolayer-equivalent PtO or adsorbed hydrogen/oxygen species in the surface region can be successfully observed in the PTRF–XANES spectra when the thickness of the solution layer and the incidence angle are properly controlled. This capability enables us to examine the metal /(Nafion®/) solution interface structure through XANES together with other surface analysis methods, which will enhance comprehensive understanding of the nature of the interface of the fuel cell system.
Wool nonwovens as candidates for commodity auxetic materials
Authors: Verma Prateek , Smith Casey L , Griffin Anselm C , Shofner Meisha L 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Advances in the field of auxetics have realized fabricated auxetic materials such as foams, fabrics, and fibers as well as a better theoretical understanding of the auxetic response. Because of their unique properties and applications, commodity auxetic materials are particularly desirable. Needle-punched nonwovens, several kinds of paper, and many knitted and woven fabrics have the potential to be auxetic, either as-produced or through a processing or design solution. In this study, we examine the out-of-plane Poisson’s ratio of as-produced and heat-compressed wool nonwovens. The wool nonwovens were found to be out-of-plane auxetic as-produced, and their auxetic character became more pronounced at higher treatment temperatures. Their behavior could be similar to that of paper, where straightening of a bent fiber was responsible for thickness increase. The prescribed processing conditions to enhance auxeticity could potentially be incorporated in their existing production, providing a pathway to generating commodity auxetics.
Superpositions of unitary operators in quantum mechanics
Authors: Williams Hollis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We discuss the significance of superpositions of unitary operators in the formalism of quantum mechanics. We show that with this viewpoint, it can be demonstrated that one can observe a measurement with zero Ozawa uncertainty in a physically realisable feedback set-up which uses polarised photons coupled to spin. We derive a set of conditions under which a linear combination of unitary matrices is also a unitary matrix and confirm that the conditions are met by a realistic quantum gate.
A survey of US hospitals’ criteria for the allocation of remdesivir to treat COVID-19
Authors: Mun Frederick , Hale Cory M , Hennrikus Eileen F 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Purpose
To determine how hospitals across the United States determined allocation criteria for remdesivir, approved in May 2020 for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through an emergency use authorization, while maintaining fair and ethical distribution when patient needs exceeded supply.

Methods
A electronic survey inquiring as to how institutions determined remdesivir allocation was developed. On June 17, 2020, an invitation with a link to the survey was posted on the Vizient Pharmacy Network Community pages and via email to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy’s Infectious Disease Practice and Research Network listserver.

Results
66 institutions representing 28 states responded to the survey. The results showed that 98% of surveyed institutions used a multidisciplinary team to develop remdesivir allocation criteria. A majority of those teams included clinical pharmacists (indicated by 97% of respondents), adult infectious diseases physicians (94%), and/or adult intensivists (69%). Many teams included adult hospitalists (49.2%) and/or ethicists (35.4%). Of the surveyed institutions, 59% indicated that all patients with COVID-19 were evaluated for treatment, and 50% delegated initial patient identification for potential remdesivir use to treating physicians. Prioritization of remdesivir allocation was often determined on a “first come, first served” basis (47% of respondents), according to a patient’s respiratory status (28.8%) and/or clinical course (24.2%), and/or by random lottery (22.7%). Laboratory parameters (10.6%), comorbidities (4.5%), and essential worker status (4.5%) were rarely included in allocation criteria; no respondents reported consideration of socioeconomic disadvantage or use of a validated scoring system.

Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the inconsistencies of US medical centers’ methods for allocating a limited pharmacotherapy resource that required rapid, fair, ethical and equitable distribution. The medical community, with citizen participation, needs to develop systems to continuously reevaluate criteria for treatment allocation as additional guidance and data emerge.
Test-Retest Reliability of the BREAST-Q IS in the Australian Breast Device Registry
Authors: Merenda Michelle , Vishwanath Swarna , Ng Sze , Parker Emily , Earnest Arul , Klassen Anne , Pusic Andrea , Hopper Ingrid 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly employed in healthcare to assess outcomes. The BREAST-Q Implant Surveillance module (BREAST-Q IS) is a 5-question PROM utilized by the Australian Breast Device Registry to monitor the performance of breast devices. Validation of this tool is needed to assess its utility in this setting.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of the BREAST-Q IS among breast implant recipients within a registry setting.MethodsA test-retest reliability study was undertaken. Patients who underwent breast augmentation or breast reconstruction and registered with the Australian Breast Device Registry were eligible to participate. A total of 250 surveys were distributed. The BREAST-Q IS was administered to the same group of participants on 2 separate occasions with a 2-week test interval. Participants were divided into 2 groups: breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. A weighted kappa coefficient was calculated to assess the degree of test-retest reliability of the BREAST-Q IS.ResultsA total of 207 participants completed both tests. The response rate was 82% (n = 113) for the breast augmentation group and 94% (n = 94) for the breast reconstruction group. All 5 questions on the BREAST-Q IS obtained weighted kappa scores above 0.74 among both groups.ConclusionsThe BREAST-Q IS has good to excellent test-retest reliability for utilization among breast implant recipients in a registry setting. Further validation of the BREAST-Q IS will be required to establish the BREAST-Q IS as a valid and reliable PROM tool for breast implant recipients following breast device surgery.
crisscrosslinkeR: identification and visualization of protein–RNA and protein–protein interactions from crosslinking mass spectrometry
Authors: Gail Emma H , Shah Anup D , Schittenhelm Ralf B , Davidovich Chen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Summary
Unbiased detection of protein–protein and protein–RNA interactions within ribonucleoprotein complexes are enabled through crosslinking followed by mass spectrometry. Yet, different methods detect different types of molecular interactions and therefore require the usage of different software packages with limited compatibility. We present crisscrosslinkeR, an R package that maps both protein–protein and protein–RNA interactions detected by different types of approaches for crosslinking with mass spectrometry. crisscrosslinkeR produces output files that are compatible with visualization using popular software packages for the generation of publication-quality figures.

Availability and implementation
crisscrosslinkeR is a free and open-source package, available through GitHub: github.com/egmg726/crisscrosslinker.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Methrix: an R/Bioconductor package for systematic aggregation and analysis of bisulfite sequencing data
Authors: Mayakonda Anand , Schönung Maximilian , Hey Joschka , Batra Rajbir Nath , Feuerstein-Akgoz Clarissa , Köhler Kristin , Lipka Daniel B , Sotillo Rocio , Plass Christoph , Lutsik Pavlo , Toth Reka 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Motivation
Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) measures DNA methylation at base pair resolution resulting in large bedGraph like coverage files. Current options for processing such files are hindered by discrepancies in file format specification, speed, and memory requirements.

Results
We developed methrix, an R package, which provides a toolset for systematic analysis of large datasets. Core functionality of the package includes a comprehensive bedGraph or similar tab-separated text file reader—which summarizes methylation calls based on annotated reference indices, infers and collapses strands and handles uncovered reference CpG sites while facilitating a flexible input file format specification. Additional optimized functions for quality control filtering, subsetting and visualization allow user-friendly and effective processing of WGBS results. Easy integration with tools for differentially methylated region (DMR) calling and annotation further eases the analysis of genome-wide methylation data. Overall, methrix enriches established WGBS workflows by bringing together computational efficiency and versatile functionality.

Availability and implementation
Methrix is implemented as an R package, made available under MIT license at https://github.com/CompEpigen/methrix and can be installed from the Bioconductor repository.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Wide unroofed coronary sinus and cryptogenic stroke: a case report
Authors: Babapoor-Farrokhran Savalan , Kalla Aditi , Bozorgnia Behnam , Amanullah Aman 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Unroofed coronary sinus (UCS) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly in which there is complete or partial absence of the roof of the coronary sinus (CS) resulting in a communication between the right and left atria. There are four types of UCS described in the literature. While usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on imaging, UCS can be the source of a brain abscess or paradoxical embolism.

Case summary
A 62-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of right-sided weakness and subsequent unresponsiveness. His brain computed tomography (CT) was consistent with left-sided stroke. Transthoracic echocardiography was remarkable for a dilated CS and an agitated saline study was suggestive of an UCS. A gated cardiac CT with coronary angiography confirmed a wide communication between the CS and left atrium. Right heart catheterization did not show evidence of left to right shunt. He had no abnormal rhythm on telemetry monitoring throughout his hospital stay.

Discussion
Unroofed coronary sinus is the least prevalent form of an atrial septal defect. Unroofed coronary sinus is usually asymptomatic and is diagnosed incidentally in imaging studies, however, it should be suspected in patients with cerebral emboli or evidence of left to right shunt with unexplained arterial desaturation. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most widely used imaging modality for the diagnosis of UCS but is limited in its ability to visualize the posterior cardiac structures such as the CS and pulmonary veins. Gated cardiac CT is a great diagnostic tool for UCS.
Fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis treated with steroids and mechanical unloading: a case report
Authors: Balthazar Tim , Adriaenssens Tom , Droogne Walter , Vandenbriele Christophe 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Eosinophilic myocarditis is a rare form of myocardial inflammatory disease. Eosinophilic infiltration of the myocardium is often the consequence of a systemic disorder but can remain unexplained in up to a third of patients. The disease course can range from mild to fulminant myocarditis and mortality remains high for fulminant cases.

Case summary
A 42-year-old male was admitted for cardiogenic shock. He presented in another hospital with fever, low blood pressure, diffuse electrocardiogram-abnormalities, and elevated troponin T (4.5 µg/L; reference &lt;0.013 µg/L) levels. Coronary angiography was unremarkable. Mechanical circulatory support with the ImpellaTM CP device was initiated. Since fulminant myocarditis was suspected and magnetic resonance imaging was not feasible in urgency, an endomyocardial biopsy was performed. He transiently developed right ventricular failure after ImpellaTM implantation, requiring the re-institution of an inotropic agent. Biopsy showed eosinophilic myocarditis, even though there was no increase in the peripheral blood eosinophil count. Methylprednisone and Ramipril were initiated to which he responded well. No systemic disease or parasitic infection was found during further work-up. Left ventricular ejection fraction rapidly improved and was completely normalized at discharge.

Discussion
This case demonstrates the usefulness of myocardial biopsy in fulminant myocarditis since the only histopathology guided us towards the diagnosis of eosinophilic myocarditis. Treatment with methylprednisone and an angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor resulted in rapid improvement. Awake mechanical circulatory support with the ImpellaTM device proved feasible and might have helped by unloading the left ventricle, as was reflected in an immediate decrease in troponin levels, even before methylprednisone initiation.
Cardiovascular health after menopause transition, pregnancy disorders, and other gynaecologic conditions: a consensus document from European cardiologists, gynaecologists, and endocrinologists
Authors: Maas Angela H E M , Rosano Giuseppe , Cifkova Renata , Chieffo Alaide , van Dijken Dorenda , Hamoda Haitham , Kunadian Vijay , Laan Ellen , Lambrinoudaki Irene , Maclaran Kate , Panay Nick , Stevenson John C , van Trotsenburg Mick , Collins Peter 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Women undergo important changes in sex hormones throughout their lifetime that can impact cardiovascular disease risk. Whereas the traditional cardiovascular risk factors dominate in older age, there are several female-specific risk factors and inflammatory risk variables that influence a woman’s risk at younger and middle age. Hypertensive pregnancy disorders and gestational diabetes are associated with a higher risk in younger women. Menopause transition has an additional adverse effect to ageing that may demand specific attention to ensure optimal cardiovascular risk profile and quality of life. In this position paper, we provide an update of gynaecological and obstetric conditions that interact with cardiovascular risk in women. Practice points for clinical use are given according to the latest standards from various related disciplines (Figure 1).
Laminin-111 Improves the Anabolic Response to Mechanical Load in Aged Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Garg Koyal , Mahmassani Ziad S , Dvoretskiy Svyatoslav , Valero M Carmen , Huntsman Heather D , Lapp Samuel , Wu Yu-Fu , Hauschka Stephen D , Burkin Dean J , Boppart Marni D 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Anabolic resistance to a mechanical stimulus may contribute to the loss of skeletal muscle mass observed with age. In this study, young and aged mice were injected with saline or human LM-111 (1 mg/kg). One week later, the myotendinous junction of the gastrocnemius muscle was removed via myotenectomy (MTE), thus placing a chronic mechanical stimulus on the remaining plantaris muscle for 2 weeks. LM-111 increased α7B integrin protein expression and clustering of the α7B integrin near DAPI+ nuclei in aged muscle in response to MTE. LM-111 reduced CD11b+ immune cells, enhanced repair, and improved the growth response to loading in aged plantaris muscle. These results suggest that LM-111 may represent a novel therapeutic approach to prevent and/or treat sarcopenia.
Omega-3 Supplementation Improves Isometric Strength But Not Muscle Anabolic and Catabolic Signaling in Response to Resistance Exercise in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Dalle Sebastiaan , Van Roie Evelien , Hiroux Charlotte , Vanmunster Mathias , Coudyzer Walter , Suhr Frank , Bogaerts Stijn , Van Thienen Ruud , Koppo Katrien 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Old skeletal muscle exhibits decreased anabolic sensitivity, eventually contributing to muscle wasting. Besides anabolism, also muscle inflammation and catabolism are critical players in regulating the old skeletal muscle’s sensitivity. Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) are an interesting candidate to reverse anabolic insensitivity via anabolic actions. Yet, it remains unknown whether ω-3 also attenuates muscle inflammation and catabolism. The present study investigates the effect of ω-3 supplementation on muscle inflammation and metabolism (anabolism/catabolism) upon resistance exercise (RE). Twenty-three older adults (65–84 years; 8♀) were randomized to receive ω-3 (~3 g/d) or corn oil (placebo [PLAC]) and engaged in a 12-week RE program (3×/wk). Before and after intervention, muscle volume, strength, and systemic inflammation were assessed, and muscle biopsies were analyzed for markers of anabolism, catabolism, and inflammation. Isometric knee-extensor strength increased in ω-3 (+12.2%), but not in PLAC (−1.4%; pinteraction = .015), whereas leg press strength improved in both conditions (+27.1%; ptime &lt; .001). RE, but not ω-3, decreased inflammatory (p65NF-κB) and catabolic (FOXO1, LC3b) markers, and improved muscle quality. Yet, muscle volume remained unaffected by RE and ω-3. Accordingly, muscle anabolism (mTORC1) and plasma C-reactive protein remained unchanged by RE and ω-3, whereas serum IL-6 tended to decrease in ω-3 (pinteraction = .07). These results show that, despite no changes in muscle volume, RE-induced gains in isometric strength can be further enhanced by ω-3. However, ω-3 did not improve RE-induced beneficial catabolic or inflammatory adaptations. Irrespective of muscle volume, gains in strength (primary criterion for sarcopenia) might be explained by changes in muscle quality due to muscle inflammatory or catabolic signaling.
Runaway Slaves, Militant Abolitionists, and the Critique of American Prisons, 1830–60
Authors: Olsavsky Jesse 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This essay reveals the ways that runaways and abolitionists, through their critiques of American prisons in the decades prior to the American Civil War, collectively originated the ideas and practices of prison abolition. It began with fugitive slaves who named slavery the ‘prison house’. Runaways, and the most radical amongst abolitionists, many of whom served time for their activism, used fugitives’ carceral language to grasp the place of prisons within the greater ‘prison house’ of American slavery. They actively assisted others to escape this ‘prison house’. They engaged in projects of prison reform and abolition of capital punishment. They freed incarcerated runaways and abolitionists from jails, and resisted racist policing. In the process, these radicals became disenchanted with the modernizing reform project known as the ‘penitentiary’, in some cases calling for the abolition of prisons and police, alongside the abolition of slavery. In short, because the plantation and the penitentiary merged after the Civil War, abolitionist critiques of both provided the little-studied roots of contemporary prison-abolitionist thought.
Converging Evidence on D-Amino Acid Oxidase–Dependent Enhancement of Hippocampal Firing Activity and Passive Avoidance Learning in Rats
Authors: Nagy Lili Veronika , Bali Zsolt Kristóf , Kapus Gábor , Pelsőczi Péter , Farkas Bence , Lendvai Balázs , Lévay György , Hernádi István 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation requires the binding of a co-agonist on the glycine-binding site. D-serine is the main endogenous co-agonist of NMDA receptors, and its availability significantly depends on the activity of the metabolic enzyme D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO). Inhibition of DAAO increases the brain levels of D-serine and modulates a variety of physiological functions, including cognitive behavior.

Methods
Here, we examined the effects of a novel 4-hydroxypyridazin-3(2H)-one derivative DAAO inhibitor, Compound 30 (CPD30), on passive avoidance learning and on neuronal firing activity in rats.

Results
D-serine administration was applied as reference, which increased cognitive performance and enhanced hippocampal firing activity and responsiveness to NMDA after both local and systemic application. Similarly to D-serine, CPD30 (0.1 mg/kg) effectively reversed MK-801–induced memory impairment in the passive avoidance test. Furthermore, local iontophoretic application of CPD30 in the vicinity of hippocampal pyramidal neurons significantly increased firing rate and enhanced their responses to locally applied NMDA. CPD30 also enhanced hippocampal firing activity after systemic administration. In 0.1- to 1.0-mg/kg doses, CPD30 increased spontaneous and NMDA-evoked firing activity of the neurons. Effects of CPD30 on NMDA responsiveness emerged faster (at 10 minutes post-injection) when a 1.0-mg/kg dose was applied compared with the onset of the effects of 0.1 mg/kg CPD30 (at 30 minutes post-injection).

Conclusions
The present results confirm that the inhibition of DAAO enzyme is an effective strategy for cognitive enhancement. Our findings further facilitate the understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects of DAAO inhibition in the mammalian brain.
Prevalence and genomic analysis of ESBL-producingEscherichia coliin retail raw meats in Singapore
Authors: Guo Siyao , Aung Kyaw Thu , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , Tay Moon Y F , Seow Kelyn L G , Zhong Yang , Ng Lee Ching , Aarestrup Frank Møller , Schlundt Joergen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and genetic characteristics of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in retail raw meats from Singapore markets.MethodsA total of 634 raw meat (chicken, pork and beef) samples were collected from markets in Singapore during June 2017–October 2018. The samples were enriched overnight and then incubated on Brilliance™ ESBL Agar. Presumptive ESBL isolates were confirmed using the double-disc synergy test. Confirmed ESBL-producing E. coli were sent for WGS and bioinformatic analysis was performed.ResultsThe prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in chicken, pork and beef meats was 51.2% (109/213), 26.9% (58/216) and 7.3% (15/205), respectively. A total of 225 ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated from 184 samples. β-Lactam resistance genes were detected in all isolates. After β-lactam resistance genes, the most common antimicrobial resistance genes detected were aminoglycoside resistance genes (92.4%). One hundred and seventy-two (76.4%), 102 (45.3%) and 52 (23.1%) isolates carried blaCTX-M genes, blaTEM genes and blaSHV genes, respectively. blaCTX-M-55 (57/225, 25.3%) and blaCTX-M-65 (40/225, 17.8%) were the most frequent ESBL genes. Colistin resistance genes (including mcr-1, mcr-3 and mcr-5) were found in 15.6% of all isolates.ConclusionsThis study indicates that ESBL-producing E. coli are widely found in retail raw meats, especially chicken, in Singapore. Occurrence of MDR (resistance to at least three classes of antimicrobial) and colistin resistance genes in retail raw meat suggests potential food safety and public health risks.