bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging preservice teachers’ understandings of globalization: Critical knowledge for global citizenship education
Authors: Myers John P. , Rivero Keith
Published: June 2020

This article addresses the demand for global content knowledge that the process of internationalization has placed on the preparation of social studies teachers. Drawing on scholarship about global perspectives in teacher education, this study examined what one cohort of preservice teachers learned about globalization during participation in a three-week, web-based, international relations simulation. The unit was part of a methods course designed to prepare preservice teachers to teach global issues and internationalize the curriculum. International simulations have long been touted as a means for learning challenging knowledge about global issues yet are rarely studied in teacher education. This qualitative study drew on concept maps and written responses completed before and after the simulation to document the preservice teachers’ learning. The analysis generated two findings: (1) preservice teachers acquired a shared, conceptual vocabulary for globalization that included the events and actors represented in the simulation; and (2) they also demonstrated a more systematic and critical understanding of the ways that power and conflict shaped the events and actors. The study contributes to the question of what teachers need to know to teach with global perspectives and how efforts to internationalize teacher education programs can foster such knowledge.
Impact of early eyelid weight placement on the development of synkinesis and recovery in patients with idiopathic facial paralysis
Authors: Parsa Keon M. , Rieger Caroline , Khatib Dara , White Jennifer R. , Barth Jodi , Zatezalo Chad C. , Reilly Michael J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Determine the impact of upper eyelid weight placement at 3 months post onset of idiopathic facial paralysis (IFP) on the recovery of facial function in patients with lagophthalmos.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients with incomplete recovery of IFP—defined as a Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale (FGS) score of less than 100, 3 months after onset. Only patients with FGS and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scores recorded at 3 and 12 months were included. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: Group A, lagophthalmos with eyelid weight placement; Group B, lagophthalmos without eyelid weight placement; Group C, complete eye closure (CEC) without eyelid weight placement. The eye comfort domain and composite score of the FaCE questionnaire were analyzed. Voluntary eye closure, synkinesis with eye closure, overall synkinesis and the composite score of the FGS were also analyzed. Paired two‐tailed t‐test was used to evaluate the data comparing the 3 and 12 month FaCE and FGS scores within and between the 3 groups.

Results

The change in composite FGS score significantly increased from month 3 to month 12 in Group A as compared to Group B (37 vs 4.25, P = 0.01). While Group A had significantly lower eye comfort (−12.5, P = 0.01), voluntary eye closure (−1.75, P = 0.05) and overall FGS scores (−28.75, P = 0.04) at 3 months compared to those in Group C, there were no differences between these two groups at 12 month follow‐up.

Conclusions

For patients with lagophthalmos at 3 months, early eyelid weight placement may lead to improved facial function at 12 months.
The Assessment and Prediction of Prospective Memory after Stroke
Authors: Hogan Christy , Cornwell Petrea , Fleming Jennifer , Shum David H. K.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Prospective memory (PM) is the memory used when intentions are to be carried out in the future. Little research has been conducted examining PM after stroke. This study aimed to determine if PM is impaired after stroke through comparison of individuals with stroke to healthy controls. Additionally, it aimed to explore the predictors of PM performance post-stroke.

Method:

Twenty-eight individuals with stroke and 27 neurologically healthy controls completed the Cambridge Prospective Memory Test (CAMPROMPT), 2 self-report PM questionnaires, and multiple cognitive measures.

Results:

Individuals with stroke performed significantly lower on both event- and time-based PM than controls on the CAMPROMPT, indicating PM impairment. Event-based PM after stroke was significantly predicted by age, retrospective memory (RM), and global cognitive function, whereas time-based PM was only predicted by the metacognitive skill of note-taking. Age and note-taking predicted time-based PM for controls, whereas only age predicted event-based PM for control participants.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study have helped to confirm that PM impairment does exist after stroke, particularly when using a standardised PM measure. Furthermore, PM impairment may be predicted by variables, such as age, strategy use, RM, and cognitive ability.
Understanding blockchain for insurance use cases
Authors: Popovic D. , Avis C. , Byrne M. , Cheung C. , Donovan M. , Flynn Y. , Fothergill C. , Hosseinzadeh Z. , Lim Z. , Shah J.
Published: June 2020

Insurance industry practitioners have deep knowledge of their industry, but there is a lack of a simple-to-understand, practical blueprint on applying distributed ledger technology solutions, including blockchain. This paper provides a practical guide for actuaries, risk professionals, insurance companies and their Boards on blockchain, including an education piece to provide an understanding of the technology. Examples of real-world applications and use cases in insurance are provided to illustrate the capability of the technology. The current risks and challenges in adopting the technology are also considered. Finally, a checklist of issues to consider in adopting a blockchain solution for insurance business problems is provided.
Erfahrungswelten
Authors: Pape Judith , Schaich Ute , Renz-Rathfelder Sofia
Published: June 2020

Zusammenfassung. Der Artikel fasst die Ergebnisse eines Forschungsprojekts zur Übertragbarkeit von Lernwerkstattarbeit auf den Krippenbereich zusammen. Auf der Grundlage von videografischen und teilnehmenden Beobachtungen von acht Lernwerkstattbesuchen mit Kindern zwischen einem und drei Jahren und deren Auswertung durch die an die Grounded Theory angelehnte Videointeraktionsanalyse werden die Dimensionen Umgebungsgestaltung, Materialauswahl, pädagogische Begleitung, Peer- und Genderprozesse herausgearbeitet.
Controls on Primary Productivity in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific, East of the Galapagos Islands, During the Penultimate Deglaciation
Authors: Quirós‐Collazos Lucía , Calvo Eva , Schouten Stefan , van der Meer Marcel T. J. , Rodrigo‐Gámiz Marta , Pena Leopoldo D. , Cacho Isabel , Pelejero Carles
Published: June 2020

Modern biogeochemical conditions of the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) region are characterized by high macronutrient concentrations but low phytoplankton abundance due to both iron and silicic acid limitation. Since primary producers significantly impact the global carbon cycle, paleoproductivity in relation to climate change and nutrient availability in this region has been a topic of a number of studies. However, the complex dynamics of this region, especially east of the Galapagos Islands, has led to some discrepancies when linking reconstructed paleoproductivity with potential mechanisms for higher primary productivity. Here we focus on reconstructing primary productivity of haptophyte algae and diatoms, as well as continental material input, sea surface salinity, and sea surface temperature, and compare these reconstructions with existing records for the period comprised between 150 and 110 ka (the penultimate deglaciation period) with the aim to understand the mechanisms that most significantly influence phytoplankton growth over the EEP region east of the Galapagos Islands. Our results suggest enhanced upwelling in the EEP system during the penultimate deglaciation and increased phytoplankton abundance mainly as the result of both the increasing influence of nutrient‐rich Southern Ocean sourced waters through the Equatorial Undercurrent and a higher input of iron through atmospheric deposition. The highest phytoplankton abundances recorded at the study site during the penultimate deglaciation also suggest that maximum input of nutrients might have occurred during the millennial‐scale event Heinrich Event 11 in the North Atlantic as a result of global atmospheric and oceanic reorganizations.
Subseasonal Prediction of Land Cold Extremes in Boreal Wintertime
Authors: Xiang Baoqiang , Sun Y. Qiang , Chen Jan‐Huey , Johnson Nathaniel C. , Jiang Xianan
Published: June 2020

Subseasonal climate prediction has emerged as a top forecast priority but remains a great challenge. Subseasonal extreme prediction is even more difficult than predicting the time‐mean variability. Here we show that the wintertime cold extremes, measured by the frequency of extreme cold days (ECDs), are skillfully predicted by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model 2–4 weeks in advance over a large fraction of the Northern Hemisphere land region. The physical basis for such skill in predicting ECDs is primarily rooted in predicting a small subset of leading empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes of ECDs identified from observations, including two modes in Eurasia (North Atlantic Oscillation and Eurasia Meridional Dipole mode) and three modes in North America (North Pacific Oscillation, Pacific‐North America teleconnection mode, and the North America Zonal Dipole mode). It is of interest to note that these two modes in Eurasia are more predictable than the three leading modes in North America mainly due to their longer persistence. The source of predictability for the leading EOF modes mainly originates from atmospheric internal modes and the land‐atmosphere coupling. All these modes are strongly coupled to dynamically coherent planetary‐scale atmospheric circulations, which not only amplify but also prolong the surface air temperature anomaly, serving as a source of predictability at subseasonal timescales. The Eurasian Meridional Dipole mode is also tied to the lower‐boundary snow anomaly, and the snow‐atmosphere coupling helps sustain this mode and provides a source of predictability.
Exhumation of the High‐Pressure Tsäkkok Lens, Swedish Caledonides: Insights From the Structural and White Mica 40Ar/39Ar Geochronological Record
Authors: Barnes C. J. , Jeanneret P. , Kullerud K. , Majka J. , Schneider D. A. , Bukała M. , Klonowska I.
Published: June 2020

Integrated structural, geochemical, and geochronological investigations were conducted on metasedimentary rocks in the eclogite‐bearing Tsäkkok Lens of the Seve Nappe Complex (Scandinavian Caledonides) to resolve its exhumation history. Three deformation events are defined. D1 is likely related to the prograde to peak‐metamorphic stages, represented by a locally preserved S1. D2 resulted in vertical shortening and is defined by a pervasive S2 and cm‐/m‐scale F2 closed folds. D2 terminated with Scandian thrusting, which emplaced the overlying Köli Nappe Complex. D3 records NE‐SW shortening and constitutes m‐/km‐scale F3 open folds that deformed the Tsäkkok Lens and Köli Nappe Complex together. In situ white mica 40Ar/39Ar geochronology was conducted on select metasedimentary samples possessing S1 or S2 to resolve the timing of exhumation. Postdecompression cooling of the Tsäkkok Lens is best recorded by samples containing S1 or S2 that yield homogeneous white mica chemistry and 40Ar/39Ar dates. The timing of cooling is resolved to 477.2 ± 4.1 Ma (S1) and 475.3 ± 3.5 Ma (S2). Vertical shortening of the lens during exhumation may have proceeded until 458.1 ± 9.0 Ma. Later‐stage deformation during Scandian thrusting penetrated the Tsäkkok Lens at 429.9 ± 9.0 Ma, or younger. This resulted in noncoaxial deformation of the metasedimentary rocks, producing heterogeneous white mica chemistry and partially reset the older 40Ar/39Ar cooling record. Temperatures for deformation are resolved to the upper greenschist‐lower amphibolite facies. Altogether, the Tsäkkok Lens records rapid exhumation from eclogite‐facies conditions to midcrustal depths or shallower, followed by emplacement of the overlying Köli Nappe Complex.
Sestrin2 inhibits YAP activation and negatively regulates corneal epithelial cell proliferation
Authors: Lee Ji-Su , Park Hwan-Woo , Cho Kyong Jin , Lyu Jungmook
Published: June 2020

Corneal wound healing is essential for the maintenance of corneal integrity and transparency and involves a series of physiological processes that depend on the proliferation of epithelial cells. However, the molecular mechanisms that control corneal epithelial cell proliferation are poorly understood. Here, we show that Sestrin2, a stress-inducible protein, is downregulated in the corneal epithelium during wound healing and that the proliferation of epithelial basal cells is enhanced in Sestrin2-deficient mice. We also show that YAP, a major downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, regulates cell proliferation during corneal epithelial wound repair and that Sestrin2 suppresses its activity. Moreover, increased levels of reactive oxygen species in the Sestrin2-deficient corneal epithelium promote the nuclear localization and dephosphorylation of YAP, activating it to enhance the proliferation of corneal epithelial cells. These results reveal that Sestrin2 is a negative regulator of YAP, which regulates the proliferative capacity of basal epithelial cells, and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for corneal epithelial damage.
Regulating tumor suppressor genes: post-translational modifications
Authors: Chen Ling , Liu Shuang , Tao Yongguang
Published: June 2020

Tumor suppressor genes cooperate with each other in tumors. Three important tumor suppressor proteins, retinoblastoma (Rb), p53, phosphatase, and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) are functionally associated and they regulated by post-translational modification (PTMs) as well. PTMs include phosphorylation, SUMOylation, acetylation, and other novel modifications becoming growing appreciated. Because most of PTMs are reversible, normal cells use them as a switch to control the state of cells being the resting or proliferating, and PTMs also involve in cell survival and cell cycle, which may lead to abnormal proliferation and tumorigenesis. Although a lot of studies focus on the importance of each kind of PTM, further discoveries shows that tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) form a complex “network” by the interaction of modification. Recently, there are several promising strategies for TSGs for they change more frequently than carcinogenic genes in cancers. We here review the necessity, characteristics, and mechanisms of each kind of post-translational modification on Rb, p53, PTEN, and its influence on the precise and selective function. We also discuss the current antitumoral therapies of Rb, p53 and PTEN as predictive, prognostic, and therapeutic target in cancer.
POU4F1 promotes the resistance of melanoma to BRAF inhibitors through MEK/ERK pathway activation and MITF up-regulation
Authors: Liu Lin , Yue Qiao , Ma Jingjing , Liu Yu , Zhao Tao , Guo Weinan , Zhu Guannan , Guo Sen , Wang Shiyu , Gao Tianwen , Li Chunying , Shi Qiong
Published: June 2020

BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have shown remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment of melanoma with BRAF mutation. Nevertheless, most patients end up with the development of BRAFi resistance, which strongly limits the clinical application of these agents. POU4F1 is a stem cell-associated transcriptional factor that is highly expressed in melanoma cells and contributes to BRAF-activated malignant transformation. However, whether POU4F1 contributes to the resistance of melanoma to BRAFi remains poorly understood. Here, we report that over-expressed POU4F1 contributed to the acquired resistance of melanoma cells to Vemurafenib. Furthermore, POU4F1 promoted the activation of ERK signaling pathway via transcriptional regulation on MEK expression. In addition, POU4F1 could increase the expression of MITF to retain the resistance of melanoma cells to BRAFi. Collectively, our findings reveal that POU4F1 re-activates the MAPK pathway by transcriptional regulation on MEK expression and promotes MITF expression, which ultimately results in the resistance to BRAFi in melanoma. Our study supports that POU4F1 is a potential combined therapeutic target with BRAFi therapy for melanoma.
Association between BMI, vitamin D, and estrogen levels in postmenopausal women using adjuvant letrozole: a prospective study
Authors: Elliott Mitchell J. , Ennis Marguerite , Pritchard Kathleen I. , Townsley Carol , Warr Dave , Elser Christine , Amir Eitan , Bedard Philippe L. , Rao Lakshmi , Stambolic Vuk , Sridhar Srikala , Goodwin Pamela J. , Cescon David W.
Published: June 2020

Studies have suggested that women with elevated BMI or 25-OH vitamin D levels may derive less benefit from AIs versus tamoxifen. We prospectively investigated whether high BMI or 25-OH vitamin D levels were associated with higher estrogen levels in post-menopausal women receiving standard adjuvant letrozole (2.5 mg/day). Furthermore, we evaluated whether an increased dose of letrozole resulted in lower serum estrogens in women with BMI > 25 kg/m2. Correlation between entry BMI and day 29 serum biomarkers (estrogens, 25-OH vitamin D, insulin, CRP, leptin) was assessed in all patients. On day 29, participants with BMI > 25 kg/m2 switched to letrozole 5 mg/day for 4-weeks and blood was drawn upon completion of the study. The change in serum estrogen levels was assessed in these patients (BMI > 25 kg/m2). 112 patients completed days 1–28. The Pearson correlations of estradiol and estrone with BMI or serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were near zero (−0.04 to 0.07, p = 0.48–0.69). Similar results were obtained for correlation with markers of obesity (insulin, CRP, and leptin) with estradiol and estrone (−0.15 to 0.12; p = 0.11–0.82). Thirty-one patients (BMI > 25 kg/m2) completed the interventional component; Increasing the dose of letrozole did not further reduce estradiol or estrone levels (change 0.1 and 0.4 pmol/L respectively; p = 0.74 and 0.36). There was no observed association between markers of obesity (BMI, insulin, leptin, and CRP), serum 25-OH vitamin D levels and estradiol or estrone levels. Additionally, an increased dose of letrozole did not further reduce estradiol or estrone levels compared to the standard dose.
Characterization of amyloid β fibril formation under microgravity conditions
Authors: Yagi-Utsumi Maho , Yanaka Saeko , Song Chihong , Satoh Tadashi , Yamazaki Chiaki , Kasahara Haruo , Shimazu Toru , Murata Kazuyoshi , Kato Koichi
Published: June 2020

Amyloid fibrils are self-assembled and ordered proteinaceous supramolecules structurally characterized by the cross-β spine. Amyloid formation is known to be related to various diseases typified by neurogenerative disorders and involved in a variety of functional roles. Whereas common mechanisms for amyloid formation have been postulated across diverse systems, the mesoscopic morphology of the fibrils is significantly affected by the type of solution condition in which it grows. Amyloid formation is also thought to share a phenomenological similarity with protein crystallization. Although many studies have demonstrated the effect of gravity on protein crystallization, its effect on amyloid formation has not been reported. In this study, we conducted an experiment at the International Space Station (ISS) to characterize fibril formation of 40-residue amyloid β (Aβ(1–40)) under microgravity conditions. Our comparative analyses revealed that the Aβ(1–40) fibrilization progresses much more slowly on the ISS than on the ground, similarly to protein crystallization. Furthermore, microgravity promoted the formation of distinct morphologies of Aβ(1–40) fibrils. Our findings demonstrate that the ISS provides an ideal experimental environment for detailed investigations of amyloid formation mechanisms by eliminating the conventionally uncontrollable factors derived from gravity.
The development of β phase Mg–Li alloys for ultralight corrosion resistant applications
Authors: Cain Taylor W. , Labukas Joseph P.
Published: June 2020

Magnesium alloys with high lithium concentrations possess a lightweight body centered cubic (BCC) matrix structure with densities in the range of 1.3–1.65 g/cm3. These alloys have shown the ability to provide an excellent combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Despite these great properties, the developmental history of Mg–Li alloys has observed widely varying degrees of interest but has regained momentum over the past decade. The intention of this review is to provide an overview of the mechanical properties and available corrosion data from inceptive BCC Mg–Li alloy reports to contemporary works with an emphasis on the chemical and microstructural aspects contributing to corrosion behavior. A discussion on the state of the art of the corrosion mechanism of BCC Mg–Li alloys is provided with an emphasis on hi fidelity characterization techniques that were not available to early researchers working on the Mg–Li system. In the current state, there remains a great potential for further improvement in the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
On the generalization of tones: A detailed exploration of non-speech auditory perception stimuli
Authors: Schutz Michael , Gillard Jessica
Published: June 2020

The dynamic changes in natural sounds’ temporal structures convey important event-relevant information. However, prominent researchers have previously expressed concern that non-speech auditory perception research disproportionately uses simplistic stimuli lacking the temporal variation found in natural sounds. A growing body of work now demonstrates that some conclusions and models derived from experiments using simplistic tones fail to generalize, raising important questions about the types of stimuli used to assess the auditory system. To explore the issue empirically, we conducted a novel, large-scale survey of non-speech auditory perception research from four prominent journals. A detailed analysis of 1017 experiments from 443 articles reveals that 89% of stimuli employ amplitude envelopes lacking the dynamic variations characteristic of non-speech sounds heard outside the laboratory. Given differences in task outcomes and even the underlying perceptual strategies evoked by dynamic vs. invariant amplitude envelopes, this raises important questions of broad relevance to psychologists and neuroscientists alike. This lack of exploration of a property increasingly recognized as playing a crucial role in perception suggests future research using stimuli with time-varying amplitude envelopes holds significant potential for furthering our understanding of the auditory system’s basic processing capabilities.
Ultra-Fast High-Precision Metallic Nanoparticle Synthesis using Laser-Accelerated Protons
Authors: Barberio M. , Giusepponi S. , Vallières S. , Scisció M. , Celino M. , Antici P.
Published: June 2020

Laser-driven proton acceleration, as produced during the interaction of a high-intensity (I > 1 × 1018 W/cm2), short pulse (<1 ps) laser with a solid target, is a prosperous field of endeavor for manifold applications in different domains, including astrophysics, biomedicine and materials science. These emerging applications benefit from the unique features of the laser-accelerated particles such as short duration, intense flux and energy versatility, which allow obtaining unprecedented temperature and pressure conditions. In this paper, we show that laser-driven protons are perfectly suited for producing, in a single sub-ns laser pulse, metallic nanocrystals with tunable diameter ranging from tens to hundreds of nm and very high precision. Our method relies on the intense and very quick proton energy deposition, which induces in a bulk material an explosive boiling and produces nanocrystals that aggregate in a plasma plume composed by atoms detached from the proton-irradiated surface. The properties of the obtained particles depend on the deposited proton energy and on the duration of the thermodynamical process. Suitably controlling the irradiated dose allows fabricating nanocrystals of a specific size with low polydispersity that can easily be isolated in order to obtain a monodisperse nanocrystal solution. Molecular Dynamics simulations confirm our experimental results.
Remote ischemic conditioning in active ulcerative colitis: An explorative randomized clinical trial
Authors: Godskesen Line E. , Lassen Thomas R. , Jespersen Nichlas R. , Siersbæk Majken , Yan Yan , Nielsen Michael M. , Tjønnfjord Sara K. , Grøntved Lars , Madsen Gunvor , Kjems Jørgen , Bøtker Hans E. , Schmidt Michael R. , Krag Aleksander , Kjeldsen Jens
Published: June 2020

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) by repetitive brief periods of limb ischemia and reperfusion renders organs more resistant to ischemic injury. The protection is partly through down-regulation of the inflammatory response. Our aim was to investigate the clinical and anti-inflammatory effects of RIC in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). We included 22 patients with active UC in this explorative, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. The patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to RIC (induced in the arm through four cycles of 5-min inflation and 5-min deflation of a blood-pressure cuff) or sham (incomplete inflation of the blood-pressure cuff) once daily for 10 days. Outcome variables were measured at baseline and on day 11. When compared with sham, RIC did not affect inflammation in the UC patients measured by fecal calprotectin, plasma C-reactive protein, Mayo Score, Mayo Endoscopic Subscore, Nancy Histological Index or inflammatory cytokines involved in UC and RIC. The mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in the UC patients were measured by RNA sequencing and multiplexed hybridization, respectively, but were not significantly affected by RIC. We used the Langendorff heart model to assess activation of the organ protective mechanism induced by RIC, but could not confirm activation of the organ protective mechanism in the UC patients.
Reproduction of sediment deposition and prediction of 137Cs concentration in the major urban rivers of Tokyo
Authors: Mouri Goro
Published: June 2020

Radioactive caesium- 137 (137Cs) can be used as a tracer to infer sediment dynamics due not only to its long radioactive half-life but also its affinity for fine sediment. A novel advanced interpolation assessment was conducted to examine radionuclide activity in terraced land covered with volcanic ash soil in Tokyo, Japan, which had a time-dependent input function and incorporated the effects of mixed-sediment particle dynamic behaviour on radioactive decay. In addition, transport parameters derived from Chernobyl measurements were applied as predictors of the long-term contamination of the cardinal urban rivers by the fallout from the Tokyo Electric Power Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in 2011. The behaviour of suspended sediment substances, incorporating the effects of deposition and pickup, was assessed using a mixed-sediment particle dynamics model. The concentrations of 137Cs adsorbed on fine sediment particles of each size fraction were determined. Removal of 137Cs from the cardinal urban river channel had significant effects on both long-term decline, including extreme flash flood events, and the dynamic and time-dependent behaviours of interspersed 137Cs and sediment activity. A novel advanced interpolation assessment method was used to examine radionuclide activity in terraced land covered with volcanic ash soil in Tokyo, Japan. The assessment procedure has a time-dependent input function and incorporates the effects of mixed-sediment particle dynamics on this time dependence. The results indicated that sediment and 137Cs concentrations could decline more rapidly than observed in the Fukushima and Chernobyl regions. This rate of decrease depended on terraces covered with volcanic ash soil, which incorporated the effects of fine sediment behaviour for particle adsorption. In addition, comparatively large impacts were observed during extreme flash flooding events, which were associated with the land cover of the major urban river catchments in Tokyo. This work provides a new perspective for understanding 137Cs behaviour associated with reproduction of sediment deposition and prediction of 137Cs concentration in the major urban rivers of Tokyo, incorporating the effects of baseline 137Cs behaviour with the impact of sediment particle adsorption in a volcanic ash soil-covered terrace.
Molecular evolution and genetic variations of  V and W proteins derived by RNA editing in Avian Paramyxoviruses
Authors: Rao Pachineella Lakshmana , Gandham Ravi Kumar , Subbiah Madhuri
Published: June 2020

The newly assigned subfamily Avulavirinae in the family Paramyxoviridae includes avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) isolated from a wide variety of avian species across the globe. Till date, 21 species of APMVs are reported and their complete genome sequences are available in GenBank. The APMV genome comprises of a single stranded, negative sense, non-segmented RNA comprising six transcriptional units (except APMV-6 with seven units) each coding for a structural protein. Additionally, by co-transcriptional RNA editing of phosphoprotein (P) gene, two mRNAs coding for accessory viral proteins, V and W, are generated along with unedited P mRNA. However, in APMV-11, the unedited mRNA codes for V protein while +2 edited mRNA translates to P protein, similar to members of subfamily Rubulavirinae in the same family. Such RNA editing in paramyxoviruses enables maximizing the coding capacity of their smaller genome. The three proteins of P gene: P, V and W, share identical N terminal but varied C terminal sequences that contribute to their unique functions. Here, we analyzed the P gene editing site, V and W sequences of all 21 APMV species known so far (55 viruses) by using bioinformatics and report their genetic variations and molecular evolution. The variations observed in the sequence and hexamer phase positions of the P gene editing sites is likely to influence the levels and relative proportions of P, V and W proteins’ expressions which could explain the differences in the pathogenicity of APMVs. The V protein sequences of APMVs had conserved motifs similar to V proteins of other paramyxoviruses including the seven cysteine residues involved in MDA5 interference, STAT1 degradation and interferon antagonism. Conversely, W protein sequences of APMVs were distinct. High sequence homology was observed in both V and W proteins between strains of the same species than between species except in APMV-3 which was the most divergent APMV species. The estimates of synonymous and non-synonymous substitution rates suggested negative selection pressure on the V and W proteins within species indicating their low evolution rate. The molecular clock analysis revealed higher conservation of  V protein sequence compared to W protein indicating the important role played by V protein in viral replication, pathogenesis and immune evasion. However, we speculate the genetic diversity of W proteins could impact the degree of pathogenesis, variable interferon antagonistic activity and the wide host range exhibited by APMV species. Phylogenetically, V proteins of APMVs clustered into three groups similar to the recent classification of APMVs into three new genera while no such pattern could be deciphered in the analysis of W proteins except that strains of same species grouped together. This is the first comprehensive study describing in detail the genetic variations and the molecular evolution of P gene edited, accessory viral proteins of Avian paramyxoviruses.
Direct incorporation of mesenchymal stem cells into a Nanofiber scaffold – in vitro and in vivo analysis
Authors: Schüttler Karl F. , Bauhofer Michael W. , Ketter Vanessa , Giese Katja , Eschbach Daphne A. , Yenigün Mesut , Fuchs-Winkelmann Susanne , Paletta Jürgen R. J.
Published: June 2020

Bony defects are a common problem in musculoskeletal surgery. Replacement with autologous bone grafts is limited by availability of transplant material. Sterilized cancellous bone, while being osteoconductive, has limited osteoinductivity. Nanofiber scaffolds are currently used for several purposes due to their capability of imitating the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, they allow modification to provide functional properties. Previously we showed that electrospun nanofiber scaffolds can be used for bone tissue regeneration. While aiming to use the osteoinductive capacities of collagen type-I nanofibers we saw reduced scaffold pore sizes that limited cellular migration and thus colonization of the scaffolds. Aim of the present study was the incorporation of mesenchymal stem cells into the electrospinning process of a nanofiber scaffold to produce cell-seeded nanofiber scaffolds for bone replacement. After construction of a suitable spinning apparatus for simultaneous electrospinning and spraying with independently controllable spinning and spraying devices and extensive optimization of the spinning process, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the resulting scaffolds was conducted. Stem cells isolated from rat femora were incorporated into PLLA (poly-l-lactide acid) and PLLA-collagen type-I nanofiber scaffolds (PLLA Col I Blend) via simultaneous electrospinning and –spraying. Metabolic activity, proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were assessed in vitro. For in vivo evaluation scaffolds were implanted into critical size defects of the rat scull. After 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed and bone healing was analyzed using CT-scans, histological, immunhistochemical and fluorescence evaluation. Successful integration of mesenchymal stem cells into the scaffolds was achieved by iteration of spinning and spraying conditions regarding polymer solvent, spinning distance, the use of a liquid counter-electrode, electrode voltage and spinning duration. In vivo formation of bone tissue was achieved. Using a PLLA scaffold, comparable results for the cell-free and cell-seeded scaffolds were found, while the cell-seeded PLLA-collagen scaffolds showed significantly better bone formation when compared to the cell-free PLLA-collagen scaffolds. These results provide support for the future use of cell-seeded nanofiber scaffolds for large bony defects.
Automated Retinal Layer Segmentation Using Graph-based Algorithm Incorporating Deep-learning-derived Information
Authors: Mishra Zubin , Ganegoda Anushika , Selicha Jane , Wang Ziyuan , Sadda SriniVas R. , Hu Zhihong
Published: June 2020

Regular drusen, an accumulation of material below the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), have long been established as a hallmark early feature of nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Advances in imaging have expanded the phenotype of AMD to include another extracellular deposit, reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) (also termed subretinal drusenoid deposits, SDD), which are located above the RPE. We developed an approach to automatically segment retinal layers associated with regular drusen and RPD in spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. More specifically, a shortest-path algorithm enhanced with probability maps generated through a fully convolutional neural network was used to segment drusen and RPD, as well as 11 retinal layers in SD-OCT volumes. This algorithm achieves a mean difference that is within the subpixel accuracy range drusen and RPD, alongside the other 11 retinal layers, highlighting the high robustness of this algorithm for this dataset. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a validated algorithm for the automated segmentation of the retinal layers including early AMD features of RPD and regular drusen separately on SD-OCT images.
Biosafety of Non-Return Valves for Infusion Systems in Radiology
Authors: Azevedo Marcela Padilha Facetto , Monteiro Rachel Maciel , Castelani Carla , Bim Felipe Lazarini , Bim Lucas Lazarini , Macedo Ana Paula , Oliveira Viviane de Cássia , Watanabe Evandro
Published: June 2020

Cross-infection in contrast injectors is still a subject under discussion with little understanding. This study evaluated the biosafety of non-return valves (NRVs). Initially, the maximum pressure during backflow of intact and disrupted flexible diaphragms (FDs) from NRVs, as well as the functionality of connectors with NRVs were verified. The performance of air columns interposed by water in connectors with NRVs was analyzed, and the diffusion distance of crystal violet through connectors with NRVs was measured. The efficacy of NRVs as a barrier to bacterial contamination from backflow was evaluated. Finally, a clinical study of bacteriological contamination from syringes was conducted. There were differences among the maximum tolerated pressure by intact and disrupted FDs. Disrupted FDs showed no failures in the functionality of connectors with NRVs based on the lack of air bubbles released. Air columns could move through connectors with NRVs with intact and disrupted FDs. The longest diffusion distance of crystal violet was 6 cm of connector length, and NRVs showed efficacy as a barrier to bacterial contamination. In the clinical study, there was no bacterial growth in any of the evaluated samples. In conclusion, biosafety depends on the functionality of NRVs as well as proper practical clinical performance.
A decrease in spontaneous activity in medial prefrontal cortex is associated with sustained hallucinations in chronic schizophrenia: An NIRS study
Authors: Yanagi Masaya , Hosomi Fumiharu , Kawakubo Yoshihiro , Tsuchiya Aki , Ozaki Satoshi , Shirakawa Osamu
Published: June 2020

In functional imaging, accumulating evidence suggests that spontaneous activity decreases during the resting state in the core brain regions of the default-mode network [e.g. medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)] in schizophrenia. However, the significance of this decreased activity has not been clarified in relation to its clinical symptoms. In this study, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which is a simple imaging modality suitable for resting state paradigm, was used to evaluate the intensity of the spontaneous activity during the resting state in chronic schizophrenia. Consistent with previous findings of fMRI studies, spontaneous activity decreased in the mPFC of patients with schizophrenia. In addition, the decreased spontaneous activity was associated with severe hallucinations in this region where reality monitoring is fundamentally engaged. These results may encourage additional application of NIRS with the resting state paradigm into daily clinical settings for addressing the broad phenotypes and unstable course of schizophrenia.
Gastroprotective effect of phytoncide extract from Pinus koraiensis pinecone in Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Kim Se-eun , Memon Azra , Kim Bae Yong , Jeon Hyelin , Lee Woon Kyu , Kang Se Chan
Published: June 2020

For centuries, herbs have been used by traditional therapists around the world to treat gastrointestinal tract disorders, such as gastritis. We hypothesized that the anti-Helicobacter pylori properties of phytoncide, which is extracted from pinecone waste, would facilitate use as a natural gastroprotective product to treat gastrointestinal tract disorders. Thus, we investigated in vitro antibacterial efficacy against H. pylori by agar diffusion assay. To determine the gastroprotective properties of phytoncide, we conducted hematoxylin and eosin staining, performed assays for the detection of the cytotoxin gene, and evaluated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in H. pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice. Phytoncide significantly inhibited the survival of H. pylori in the gastrointestinal system of C57BL/6 mice. Reduction of gastric severity in H. pylori-infected mice was associated with reductions in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gastric mucosa, and of the cytotoxin CagA gene in phytoncide treated groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). In conclusion, phytoncide significantly inhibited the growth of H. pylori in gastro tissue, possibly due to the abundant α-pinene present in the phytoncide as detected by HPLC analysis. Further studies are needed to validate our findings, but we suggest that phytoncide has the potential to be used as a natural ingredient in anti-H. pylori products.
Observational Study of Peritoneal Washing Cytology-Positive Gastric Cancer without Gross Peritoneal Metastasis in Patients who Underwent Radical D2 Gastrectomy
Authors: Shim Hyun-Jeong , Kim Hyeon-Jong , Lee Seung Hyuk , Bae Woo-Kyun , Hwang Eu-Chang , Cho Sang-Hee , Chung Ik-Joo , Bang Hyun-Jin , Hwang Jun Eul
Published: June 2020

Background The clinical features and therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer with positive peritoneal washing cytology but without visible gross peritoneal metastasis have not been defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and clinical prognostic value of postoperative chemotherapy in gastric cancer patients with positive peritoneal washing cytology without gross peritoneal metastasis who underwent radical D2 gastrectomy in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Materials and Methods Intraoperative peritoneal washing cytology was performed in 285 patients who underwent radical D2 gastrectomy between April 2004 and May 2016. Of them, 88 patients with positive cytology but without gross peritoneal metastasis were included in the study. In total, 64 patients received postoperative chemotherapy, whereas 24 patients underwent surgery only. Results Most gastric cancer patients with positive cytology without gross peritoneal metastasis demonstrated pT4 and/or pN3 disease. Postoperative chemotherapy improved DFS and OS compared to surgery only in gastric cancer patients with positive cytology without gross peritoneal metastasis (median DFS 11.63 vs. 6.98 months, p < 0.001; median OS 25.50 vs. 12.11 months, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses of gastric cancer patients with positive cytology without gross peritoneal metastasis, no chemotherapy was the strongest clinical factor for poorer DFS (hazard ratio [HR] 3.76, p < 0.001) or OS (HR 4.37, p < 0.001). Conclusion Postoperative chemotherapy improves the survival outcome compared to surgery alone in gastric cancer patients with positive peritoneal washing cytology but without visible gross peritoneal metastasis who underwent radical D2 gastrectomy.
Amplification of synoptic to annual variability of West African summer monsoon rainfall under global warming
Authors: Akinsanola Akintomide Afolayan , Zhou Wen , Zhou Tianjun , Keenlyside Noel
Published: June 2020

Increased knowledge of future changes in rainfall variability is needed to reduce vulnerability to potential impacts of global warming, especially in highly vulnerable regions like West Africa. While changes in mean and extreme rainfall have been studied extensively, rainfall variability has received less attention, despite its importance. In this study, future changes in West African summer monsoon (WASM) rainfall variability were investigated using data from two regional climate models that participated in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX). The daily rainfall data were band-pass filtered to isolate variability at a wide range of timescales. Under global warming, WASM rainfall variability is projected to increase by about 10–28% over the entire region and is remarkably robust over a wide range of timescales. We found that changes in mean rainfall significantly explain the majority of intermodel spread in projected WASM rainfall variability. The role of increased atmospheric moisture is examined by estimating the change due to an idealized local thermodynamic enhancement. Analysis reveals that increased atmospheric moisture with respect to warming following the Clausius–Clapeyron relationship can explain the majority of the projected changes in rainfall variability at all timescales.
The planctomycete Stieleria maiorica Mal15T employs stieleriacines to alter the species composition in marine biofilms
Authors: Kallscheuer Nicolai , Jeske Olga , Sandargo Birthe , Boedeker Christian , Wiegand Sandra , Bartling Pascal , Jogler Mareike , Rohde Manfred , Petersen Jörn , Medema Marnix H. , Surup Frank , Jogler Christian
Published: June 2020

Bacterial strains of the phylum Planctomycetes occur ubiquitously, but are often found on surfaces of aquatic phototrophs, e.g. alga. Despite slower growth, planctomycetes are not outcompeted by faster-growing bacteria in biofilms on such surfaces; however, strategies allowing them to compensate for slower growth have not yet been investigated. Here, we identified stieleriacines, a class of N-acylated tyrosines produced by the novel planctomycete Stieleria maiorica Mal15T, and analysed their effects on growth of the producing strain and bacterial species likely co-occurring with strain Mal15T. Stieleriacines reduced the lag phase of Mal15T and either stimulated or inhibited biofilm formation of two bacterial competitors, indicating that Mal15T employs stieleriacines to specifically alter microbial biofilm composition. The genetic organisation of the putative stieleriacine biosynthetic cluster in strain Mal15T points towards a functional link of stieleriacine biosynthesis to exopolysaccharide-associated protein sorting and biofilm formation.
Drosophila melanogaster behaviour changes in different social environments based on group size and density
Authors: Rooke Rebecca , Rasool Amara , Schneider Jonathan , Levine Joel D.
Published: June 2020

Many organisms, when alone, behave differently from when they are among a crowd.Drosophilasimilarly display social behaviour and collective behaviour dynamics within groups not seen in individuals. In flies, these emergent behaviours may be in response to the global size of the group or local nearest-neighbour density. Here we investigate i) which aspect of social life flies respond to: group size, density, or both and ii) whether behavioural changes within the group are dependent on olfactory support cells. Behavioural assays demonstrate that flies adjust their interactive behaviour to group size but otherwise compensate for density by achieving a standard rate of movement, suggesting that individuals are aware of the number of others within their group. We show that olfactory support cells are necessary for flies to behave normally in large groups. These findings shed insight into the subtle and complex life ofDrosophilawithin a social setting.
Enhanced ionic conductivity of an F−-assisted Na3Zr2Si2PO12 solid electrolyte for solid-state sodium batteries
Authors: He Shengnan , Xu Youlong , Chen Yanjun , Ma Xiaoning
Published: June 2020

F−-assisted Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity is promising as a solid electrolyte for solid-state sodium batteries.
A versatile dendritical amplification photoelectric biosensing platform based on Bi2S3 nanorods and a perylene-based polymer for signal “on” and “off” double detection of DNA
Authors: Li Hongkun , Jie Guifen
Published: June 2020

A novel versatile dendritical amplification photoelectric biosensing platform using Bi2S3 nanorods and a perylene-based polymer as double signal probes is proposed for the detection of trace target DNA.
In vivo performance of gold nanoparticle-loaded absorbable inferior vena cava filters in a swine model
Authors: Huang Steven Y. , Damasco Jossana A. , Tian Li , Lu Linfeng , Perez Joy Vanessa D. , Dixon Katherine A. , Williams Malea L. , Jacobsen Megan C. , Dria Stephen J. , Eggers Mitchell D. , Melancon Adam D. , Layman Rick R. , Whitley Elizabeth M. , Melancon Marites P.
Published: June 2020

AuNP infusion significantly improved absorbable IVCF's visualization in CT for device monitoring and clot trapping ability with no adverse effects.
Exceptionally effective benzene/cyclohexane separation using a nitro-decorated metal–organic framework
Authors: Sapianik Aleksandr A. , Kovalenko Konstantin A. , Samsonenko Denis G. , Barsukova Marina O. , Dybtsev Danil N. , Fedin Vladimir P.
Published: June 2020

A nitro-decorated MOF is used for the selective separation of benzene and cyclohexane in both liquid and vapor phases.