bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altering toenail biomechanic in managing ingrown toenail. Randomized controlled study
Authors: Habeeb Tamer A.A.M. , Elaidy Mostafa M. , Mawla Walid A.
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

ingrown toenail is commonly met in clinical practice especially in adolescent. However, there are few literatures on managing this problem regarding the change of biomechanics of toe. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of central resection of toenail on changing toe biomechanics in dealing with ingrown toenail as regard easy technique, rapid resolution of the problem, post-technique pain and recurrence rate.

Aim:

To compare between central toenail resection with ordinary lateral wedge toenail resection in managing ingrown toenail as regard technique duration (in minutes), postoperative pain (according to visual analogue scale of pain) and postoperative recurrence rate.

Method:

One hundred Patients in a representative sample from January 2017 to January 2018 who had ingrown toenail. These patients were divided into 2 groups: group (A): underwent central toenail resection and group (B): underwent wedge toenail resection at the side of the affected toe. Treatment was prescribed and outcome at one month, two month and six months after management were analyzed.

Result:

in group (A): There was a significant shorter operative time, shorter hospital stay, better postoperative outcome as regard pain and no recurrence, after 6 month follow up period.

Conclusion:

Ingrown toenail is best be treated by central nail resection as it is simple surgical technique with no significant complications.

Highlights:
Lessons from A-bomb survivors: Researching Hiroshima & Nagasaki survivors’ perspectives for use in U.S. social studies classrooms
Authors: Maguth Brad M. , Yamaguchi Misato
Published: April 2020

As world leaders strengthen their nuclear arsenals, and fears of global nuclear proliferation increase, social studies teachers must be prepared to help learners investigate the devastating consequences on human life and property associated with their use. This manuscript presents an ethnological study of six atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. Participants completed a qualitative questionnaire describing their experiences during World War II, and making recommendations to U.S. social studies teachers when teaching about the dropping of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Data was analyzed to identify patterns and themes, and two categories emerged related to our research question. Findings suggest participants support U.S. teachers imparting global perspectives that speak directly to the destructive power of the atomic bomb and its impact on humans and the environment for years to come. This includes a movement away from using the social studies curriculum to point fingers of historic blame in the use of atomic weapons, and towards empowering learners to become agents of change in actualizing a nuclear free and peaceful world. We discuss the implications of this study's findings in social studies and global education.
Beyond the Governance Gap: Accountability in Privatized Migration Control
Authors: Davitti Daria
Published: April 2020

This Article focuses on the accountability challenges raised by the increased involvement of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSC) in migration control. I argue that migration control activities outsourced to PMSC can be classified as high-risk operations for the purposes of the application of relevant business and human rights standards. This reclassification of migration control activities as high-risk business operations, in turn, has two significant implications in terms of establishing accountability for PMSC’s wrongful conduct. First, it acknowledges that the privatization of migration control, especially within the context of continued containment and deterrence trends, entails a high risk of human rights abuses to which PMSC may contribute, both directly and indirectly. Second, this reclassification enables us to identify heightened obligations vested upon the home state of a PMSC, as well as the heightened responsibility of PMSC themselves. The article also examines what these heightened obligations and responsibilities entail.
Bread or Circuses? Repoliticization in the Italian Populist Government Experience
Authors: Baldini Gianfranco , Giglioli Matteo F.N.
Published: April 2020

The majority view within political science is that populism is best understood as a (thin) ideology. We problematize the ideational approach by broadening the scope of analysis, linking populism to the rise of long-term generalized anti-political sentiments, against interpretations that tend to tie the populist wave to conjunctural factors related to recent crises. We argue that the essence of populism lies at the intersection of the ‘material constitution’ of advanced industrial democracies (that is, how macroeconomic governance relates to democratic decision-making) and the feelings of societal alienation that are at the heart of anti-political sentiments. We show the peculiar coexistence of economic turbulence, heralded by the crisis of the cartel party and of the neoliberal economic consensus, and an appeal to a post-democratic ‘virtual politics’ of performed but ineffectual popular sovereignty. The policies of the populist coalition governing Italy in 2018–19 provide a key case to test the relevance of our arguments.
Under Heavy Fire: Brazil and the Politics of Anti-Memory
Authors: Fausto Carlos
Published: April 2020

What kind of times are these when a talk about trees is almost a crime? Among other things, they are times of forgetfulness. Forgetting does not mean that reminiscences just vanish as time goes by. It is, on the contrary, a major cultural force grounded in a politics of anti-memory. One needs to forget in order to keep repeating oneself. In this article, I argue that the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro did not burn to the ground merely because of the lack of resources, but because being burned to the ground has always been a virtual feature of the existence of the museum since it was created in 1818. It burned as part of a long-term politics of anti-memory in Brazilian history.
An ultra-wide bandwidth (704 to 4 032 MHz) receiver for the Parkes radio telescope
Authors: Hobbs George , Manchester Richard N. , Dunning Alex , Jameson Andrew , Roberts Paul , George Daniel , Green J. A. , Tuthill John , Toomey Lawrence , Kaczmarek Jane F. , Mader Stacy , Marquarding Malte , Ahmed Azeem , Amy Shaun W. , Bailes Matthew , Beresford Ron , Bhat N. D. R. , Bock Douglas C.-J. , Bourne Michael , Bowen Mark , Brothers Michael , Cameron Andrew D. , Carretti Ettore , Carter Nick , Castillo Santy , Chekkala Raji , Cheng Wan , Chung Yoon , Craig Daniel A. , Dai Shi , Dawson Joanne , Dempsey James , Doherty Paul , Dong Bin , Edwards Philip , Ergesh Tuohutinuer , Gao Xuyang , Han JinLin , Hayman Douglas , Indermuehle Balthasar , Jeganathan Kanapathippillai , Johnston Simon , Kanoniuk Henry , Kesteven Michael , Kramer Michael , Leach Mark , Mcintyre Vince , Moss Vanessa , Osłowski Stefan , Phillips Chris , Pope Nathan , Preisig Brett , Price Daniel , Reeves Ken , Reilly Les , Reynolds John , Robishaw Tim , Roush Peter , Ruckley Tim , Sadler Elaine , Sarkissian John , Severs Sean , Shannon Ryan , Smart Ken , Smith Malcolm , Smith Stephanie , Sobey Charlotte , Staveley-Smith Lister , Tzioumis Anastasios , van Straten Willem , Wang Nina , Wen Linqing , Whiting Matthew
Published: April 2020

We describe an ultra-wide-bandwidth, low-frequency receiver recently installed on the Parkes radio telescope. The receiver system provides continuous frequency coverage from 704 to 4032 MHz. For much of the band (${\sim}60\%$), the system temperature is approximately 22 K and the receiver system remains in a linear regime even in the presence of strong mobile phone transmissions. We discuss the scientific and technical aspects of the new receiver, including its astronomical objectives, as well as the feed, receiver, digitiser, and signal processor design. We describe the pipeline routines that form the archive-ready data products and how those data files can be accessed from the archives. The system performance is quantified, including the system noise and linearity, beam shape, antenna efficiency, polarisation calibration, and timing stability.
BAYESIAN ANALYSIS OF DOUBLY STOCHASTIC MARKOV PROCESSES IN RELIABILITY
Authors: Ay Atilla , Soyer Refik , Landon Joshua , Özekici Süleyman
Published: April 2020

Markov processes play an important role in reliability analysis and particularly in modeling the stochastic evolution of survival/failure behavior of systems. The probability law of Markov processes is described by its generator or the transition rate matrix. In this paper, we suppose that the process is doubly stochastic in the sense that the generator is also stochastic. In our model, we suppose that the entries in the generator change with respect to the changing states of yet another Markov process. This process represents the random environment that the stochastic model operates in. In fact, we have a Markov modulated Markov process which can be modeled as a bivariate Markov process that can be analyzed probabilistically using Markovian analysis. In this setting, however, we are interested in Bayesian inference on model parameters. We present a computationally tractable approach using Gibbs sampling and demonstrate it by numerical illustrations. We also discuss cases that involve complete and partial data sets on both processes.
Relocation of the 17 June 2017 Nuugaatsiaq (Greenland) Landslide Based on Green's Functions From Ambient Seismic Noises
Authors: Xie Jun , Chu Risheng , Ni Sidao
Published: April 2020

Landslide is one of the most dangerous geological hazards in mountainous regions, which causes large casualties. Fast and accurate location of a landslide is critical to disaster mitigation and early warning of secondary hazards. The landslide location is a difficult problem in a remote region with sparse seismic network due to low resolution of the velocity structure model. Green's functions from ambient seismic noises can be used to calibrate effects due to the uncertainty of velocity structure. In this study, we relocate a large landslide occurred in Nuugaatsiaq, Greenland, on 17 June 2017 using relative location method based on Green's functions from ambient seismic noises. The location result of the landslide is about 2.5 km away from the site given by satellite image. This is better than the result based on traditional location method, which has a deviation up to ~17 km. Our result demonstrates that this algorithm can provide accurate location of landslide with seismographic stations in global and regional networks, thus providing timely assistance to early warning of secondary hazards.
The Transpolar Drift as a Source of Riverine and Shelf‐Derived Trace Elements to the Central Arctic Ocean
Authors: Charette Matthew A. , Kipp Lauren E. , Jensen Laramie T. , Dabrowski Jessica S. , Whitmore Laura M. , Fitzsimmons Jessica N. , Williford Tatiana , Ulfsbo Adam , Jones Elizabeth , Bundy Randelle M. , Vivancos Sebastian M. , Pahnke Katharina , John Seth G. , Xiang Yang , Hatta Mariko , Petrova Mariia V. , Heimbürger‐Boavida Lars‐Eric , Bauch Dorothea , Newton Robert , Pasqualini Angelica , Agather Alison M. , Amon Rainer M. W. , Anderson Robert F. , Andersson Per S. , Benner Ronald , Bowman Katlin L. , Edwards R. Lawrence , Gdaniec Sandra , Gerringa Loes J. A. , González Aridane G. , Granskog Mats , Haley Brian , Hammerschmidt Chad R. , Hansell Dennis A. , Henderson Paul B. , Kadko David C. , Kaiser Karl , Laan Patrick , Lam Phoebe J. , Lamborg Carl H. , Levier Martin , Li Xianglei , Margolin Andrew R. , Measures Chris , Middag Rob , Millero Frank J. , Moore Willard S. , Paffrath Ronja , Planquette Hélène , Rabe Benjamin , Reader Heather , Rember Robert , Rijkenberg Micha J. A. , Roy‐Barman Matthieu , Rutgers van der Loeff Michiel , Saito Mak , Schauer Ursula , Schlosser Peter , Sherrell Robert M. , Shiller Alan M. , Slagter Hans , Sonke Jeroen E. , Stedmon Colin , Woosley Ryan J. , Valk Ole , van Ooijen Jan , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: April 2020

A major surface circulation feature of the Arctic Ocean is the Transpolar Drift (TPD), a current that transports river‐influenced shelf water from the Laptev and East Siberian Seas toward the center of the basin and Fram Strait. In 2015, the international GEOTRACES program included a high‐resolution pan‐Arctic survey of carbon, nutrients, and a suite of trace elements and isotopes (TEIs). The cruises bisected the TPD at two locations in the central basin, which were defined by maxima in meteoric water and dissolved organic carbon concentrations that spanned 600 km horizontally and ~25–50 m vertically. Dissolved TEIs such as Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Hg, Nd, and Th, which are generally particle‐reactive but can be complexed by organic matter, were observed at concentrations much higher than expected for the open ocean setting. Other trace element concentrations such as Al, V, Ga, and Pb were lower than expected due to scavenging over the productive East Siberian and Laptev shelf seas. Using a combination of radionuclide tracers and ice drift modeling, the transport rate for the core of the TPD was estimated at 0.9 ± 0.4 Sv (106 m3 s−1). This rate was used to derive the mass flux for TEIs that were enriched in the TPD, revealing the importance of lateral transport in supplying materials beneath the ice to the central Arctic Ocean and potentially to the North Atlantic Ocean via Fram Strait. Continued intensification of the Arctic hydrologic cycle and permafrost degradation will likely lead to an increase in the flux of TEIs into the Arctic Ocean.
A Synthesis Inversion to Constrain Global Emissions of Two Very Short Lived Chlorocarbons: Dichloromethane, and Perchloroethylene
Authors: Claxton Tom , Hossaini Ryan , Wilson Chris , Montzka Stephen A. , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Wild Oliver , Bednarz Ewa M. , Carpenter Lucy J. , Andrews Stephen J. , Hackenberg Sina C. , Mühle Jens , Oram David , Park Sunyoung , Park Mi‐Kyung , Atlas Elliot , Navarro Maria , Schauffler Sue , Sherry David , Vollmer Martin , Schuck Tanja , Engel Andreas , Krummel Paul B. , Maione Michela , Arduini Jgor , Saito Takuya , Yokouchi Yoko , O'Doherty Simon , Young Dickon , Lunder Chris
Published: April 2020

Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and perchloroethylene (C2Cl4) are chlorinated very short lived substances (Cl‐VSLS) with anthropogenic sources. Recent studies highlight the increasing influence of such compounds, particularly CH2Cl2, on the stratospheric chlorine budget and therefore on ozone depletion. Here, a multiyear global‐scale synthesis inversion was performed to optimize CH2Cl2 (2006–2017) and C2Cl4 (2007–2017) emissions. The approach combines long‐term surface observations from global monitoring networks, output from a three‐dimensional chemical transport model (TOMCAT), and novel bottom‐up information on prior industry emissions. Our posterior results show an increase in global CH2Cl2 emissions from 637 ± 36 Gg yr−1 in 2006 to 1,171 ± 45 Gg yr−1 in 2017, with Asian emissions accounting for 68% and 89% of these totals, respectively. In absolute terms, Asian CH2Cl2 emissions increased annually by 51 Gg yr−1 over the study period, while European and North American emissions declined, indicating a continental‐scale shift in emission distribution since the mid‐2000s. For C2Cl4, we estimate a decrease in global emissions from 141 ± 14 Gg yr−1 in 2007 to 106 ± 12 Gg yr−1 in 2017. The time‐varying posterior emissions offer significant improvements over the prior. Utilizing the posterior emissions leads to modeled tropospheric CH2Cl2 and C2Cl4 abundances and trends in good agreement to those observed (including independent observations to the inversion). A shorter C2Cl4 lifetime, from including an uncertain Cl sink, leads to larger global C2Cl4 emissions by a factor of ~1.5, which in some places improves model‐measurement agreement. The sensitivity of our findings to assumptions in the inversion procedure, including CH2Cl2 oceanic emissions, is discussed.
Crustal Porosity of Lunar Impact Basins
Authors: Wahl D. , Wieczorek M. A. , Wünnemann K. , Oberst J.
Published: April 2020

Lateral variations in bulk density and porosity of the upper lunar highland crust are mapped using a high‐resolution Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) gravity field model and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) derived topography. With a higher spatial resolution gravity model than previous studies, we focus on individual impact basins with diameters greater than 200 km. The bulk density of the upper few kilometers of the lunar crust is estimated by minimizing the correlation between the topography and Bouguer gravity at short wavelengths that are unaffected by lithospheric flexure. Porosity is then derived using estimates of the grain density obtained from remote sensing data of the surface composition. The near surface crust in proximity to many large basins is found to exhibit distinct radial porosity signatures. Low porosities are found in the basin centers within the peak ring, whereas high porosities are identified near and just exterior to the main rim. The larger basins exhibit a more pronounced porosity signature than the smaller basins. Though the number of basins investigated in this study is limited, younger basins appear to be associated with the largest amplitude variations in porosity. For basins with increasing age the magnitude of the porosity variations decreases.
Kumamoto and Thom Receive 2019 Mineral and Rock Physics Graduate Research Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: April 2020

Kathryn M. Kumamoto and Christopher A. Thom received the 2019 Mineral and Rock Physics Graduate Research Award at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2019, held 9–13 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is “presented annually to one or more promising young scientists and recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of mineral and rock physics achieved during the honoree’s Ph.D. research.”
β-hydroxybutyrate and its metabolic effects on age-associated pathology
Authors: Han Young-Min , Ramprasath Tharmarajan , Zou Ming-Hui
Published: April 2020

Aging is a universal process that renders individuals vulnerable to many diseases. Although this process is irreversible, dietary modulation and caloric restriction are often considered to have antiaging effects. Dietary modulation can increase and maintain circulating ketone bodies, especially β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), which is one of the most abundant ketone bodies in human circulation. Increased β-HB has been reported to prevent or improve the symptoms of various age-associated diseases. Indeed, numerous studies have reported that a ketogenic diet or ketone ester administration alleviates symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Considering the potential of β-HB and the intriguing data emerging from in vivo and in vitro experiments as well as clinical trials, this therapeutic area is worthy of attention. In this review, we highlight studies that focus on the identified targets of β-HB and the cellular signals regulated by β-HB with respect to alleviation of age-associated ailments.
PRMT7 deficiency causes dysregulation of the HCN channels in the CA1 pyramidal cells and impairment of social behaviors
Authors: Lee Seul-Yi , Vuong Tuan Anh , So Hyun-Kyung , Kim Hyun-Ji , Kim Yoo Bin , Kang Jong-Sun , Kwon Ilmin , Cho Hana
Published: April 2020

HCN channels regulate excitability and rhythmicity in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells. Perturbation in the HCN channel current (Ih) is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. Recently, protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7) was shown to be highly expressed in the hippocampus, including the CA1 region. However, the physiological function of PRMT7 in the CA1 neurons and the relationship to psychiatric disorders are unclear. Here we showed that PRMT7 knockout (KO) mice exhibit hyperactivity and deficits in social interaction. The firing frequency of the CA1 neurons in the PRMT7 KO mice was significantly higher than that in the wild-type (WT) mice. Compared with the WT CA1 neurons, the PRMT7 KO CA1 neurons showed a more hyperpolarized resting potential and a higher input resistance, which were occluded by the Ih-current inhibitor ZD7288; these findings were consistent with the decreased Ih and suggested the contribution of Ih-channel dysfunction to the PRMT7 KO phenotypes. The HCN1 protein level was decreased in the CA1 region of the PRMT7 KO mice in conjunction with a decrease in the expression of Shank3, which encodes a core scaffolding protein for HCN channel proteins. A brief application of the PRMT7 inhibitor DS437 did not reproduce the phenotype of the PRMT7 KO neurons, further indicating that PRMT7 regulates Ih by controlling the channel number rather than the open probability. Moreover, shRNA-mediated PRMT7 suppression reduced both the mRNA and protein levels of SHANK3, implying that PRMT7 deficiency might be responsible for the decrease in the HCN protein levels by altering Shank3 expression. These findings reveal a key role for PRMT7 in the regulation of HCN channel density in the CA1 pyramidal cells that may be amenable to pharmacological intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders.
The role of dopamine in dynamic effort-reward integration
Authors: Michely Jochen , Viswanathan Shivakumar , Hauser Tobias U. , Delker Laura , Dolan Raymond J. , Grefkes Christian
Published: April 2020

When deciding to act, the neurotransmitter dopamine is implicated in a valuation of prospective effort and reward. However, its role in dynamic effort-reward integration during action, a process central to everyday behaviour, remains unclear. In a placebo-controlled, within-subject, study, we probed the impact of increasing brain dopamine levels (150 mg of levodopa) and blocking dopamine receptors (1.5 mg of haloperidol) in the context of a novel dynamic effort task in healthy human subjects. We show that modulating homoeostatic dopamine balance distinctly alters implicit and explicit effort allocation as a function of instantaneous reward. Pharmacologically boosting dopamine enhanced motor vigour, reflected in an implicit increase in effort allocation for high rewards. Conversely, pharmacological blockade of dopamine attenuated sensitivity to differences in reward context, reflected in reduced strategic effort discounting. These findings implicate dopamine in an integration of momentary physical experience and instantaneous reward, suggesting a key role of dopamine in acting to maximise reward on the fly.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The HOTAIRM1/miR-107/TDG axis regulates papillary thyroid cancer cell proliferation and invasion
Authors: Li Dan , Chai Li , Yu Xiaqing , Song Yingchun , Zhu Xuchao , Fan Suyun , Jiang Wen , Qiao Tingting , Tong Junyu , Liu Simin , Fan Lihong , Lv Zhongwei
Published: April 2020

The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), HOX antisense intergenic RNA myeloid 1 (HOTAIRM1), has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in various human cancers. However, the overall biological roles and clinical significance of HOTAIRM1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) have not been investigated. In this study, we used quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to show that HOTAIRM1 was significantly downregulated in PTC tissues and low HOTAIRM1 expression levels were associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stage. We performed Cell Counting Kit-8, plate colony-formation, flow cytometric apoptosis, transwell, and scratch wound healing assays. Overexpression of HOTAIRM1 was found to inhibit PTC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro. Additionally, we identified miR-107 as a target of HOTAIRM1 using online bioinformatics tools. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to confirm that HOTAIRM1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-107. Furthermore, enhancement of miR-107 could potentially reverse the effects of HOTAIRM1 overexpression in vitro. Inhibition of miR-107 suppressed PTC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro. HOTAIRM1 overexpression and miR-107 inhibition impaired tumorigenesis in vivo in mouse xenografts. Bioinformatics prediction and a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated the binding between miR-107 and the 3′-untranslated region of TDG. The results of qRT-PCR and western blotting assays suggested that HOTAIRM1 could regulate the expression of TDG in an miR-107-meditated manner. In conclusion, we validated HOTAIRM1 as a novel tumor-suppressor lncRNA in PTC and proposed that the HOTAIRM1/miR-107/TDG axis may serve as a therapeutic target for PTC.
Heterogeneous precipitation mediated heterogeneous nanostructure enhances strength-ductility synergy in severely cryo-rolled and annealed CoCrFeNi2.1Nb0.2 high entropy alloy
Authors: Sunkari U. , Reddy S. R. , Rathod B. D. S. , Kumar S. S. Satheesh , Saha R. , Chatterjee S. , Bhattacharjee P. P.
Published: April 2020

Possibilities of enhancing mechanical properties of brittle intermetallic containing high entropy alloys (HEAs) using novel processing and microstructural design strategies were investigated in the present work. For this purpose, homogenized CoCrFeNi2.1Nb0.2 HEA consisting of FCC matrix and complex Laves phase particles was successfully processed by severe cold- or cryo-rolling to 90% reduction in thickness followed by annealing (800 °C/1 hour(h)). As compared to cold-rolling, cryo-rolling resulted in a finer lamellar nanostructure and decidedly greater fragmentation of the Laves phase. Upon annealing, the cold-rolled HEA showed a recrystallized FCC matrix dispersed with D019 structured ε nano-precipitates. In contrast, the finer nanostructure and greater driving force for accelerated precipitation of profuse nano-precipitates at the early stages of annealing inhibited recrystallization in the cryo-rolled HEA and resulted in the formation of heterogeneous microstructure consisting of retained deformed and recrystallized regions. The novel heterogeneous microstructure of the cryo-rolled and annealed HEA resulted in a remarkable enhancement in strength-ductility synergy. The present results indicated that cryo-rolling could be used as an innovative processing strategy for tailoring heterogeneous microstructure and achieving novel mechanical properties.
Qi Dan Li Xin pill improves chronic heart failure by regulating mTOR/p70S6k-mediated autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis
Authors: Shi Binhao , Huang Yuting , Ni Jingyu , Chen Jingrui , Wei Jing , Gao Hui , Li Lan , Zhou Zhengcan , Wang Yili , Xu Yunsheng , Xu Zongpei , Mao Jingyuan , Fan Guanwei
Published: April 2020

Myocardial remodeling represents a key factor in chronic heart failure (CHF) development, and is characterized by chronic death of cardiomyocytes. Cardiac function changes may be attributed to inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy. This study assessed the effects of Qi Dan Li Xin Pill (QD) on heart function, inflammatory factors, autophagy and apoptosis in cardiac remodeling in CHF rats upon myocardial infarction (MI) induction. Male SD rats underwent a sham procedure or left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA) ligation, causing MI. Twenty-eight days after modeling, the animals were treated daily with QD, valsartan and saline for 4 weeks. Echocardiography after 4 weeks of drug intervention revealed substantially improved left ventricular remodeling and cardiac function following QD treatment. As demonstrated by decreased IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α amounts, this treatment also inhibited the apoptotic process and protected the viability of the myocardium. These outcomes may be attributed to enhanced autophagy in cardiomyocytes, which further reduced pro-inflammatory and pro apoptotic effects. This process may be achieved by QD regulation of the mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway, suggesting that the traditional Chinese medicine Qi Dan Li Xin pill is effective in heart protective treatment, and is worth further investigation.
Larval Geoduck (Panopea generosa) Proteomic Response to Ciliates
Authors: Timmins-Schiffman Emma , Guzmán José M. , Elliott Thompson Rhonda , Vadopalas Brent , Eudeline Benoit , Roberts Steven B.
Published: April 2020

The innate immune response is active in invertebrate larvae from early development. Induction of immune response pathways may occur as part of the natural progression of larval development, but an up-regulation of pathways can also occur in response to a pathogen. Here, we took advantage of a protozoan ciliate infestation of a larval geoduck clam culture in a commercial hatchery to investigate the molecular underpinnings of the innate immune response of the larvae to the pathogen. Larval proteomes were analyzed on days 4–10 post-fertilization; ciliates were present on days 8 and 10 post-fertilization. Through comparisons with larval cultures that did not encounter ciliates, proteins implicated in the response to ciliate presence were identified using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Ciliate response proteins included many associated with ribosomal synthesis and protein translation, suggesting the importance of protein synthesis during the larval immune response. There was also an increased abundance of proteins typically associated with the stress and immune responses during ciliate exposure, such as heat shock proteins, glutathione metabolism, and the reactive oxygen species response. These findings provide a basic understanding of the bivalve molecular response to a mortality-inducing ciliate and improved characterization of the ontogenetic development of the innate immune response.
Sea-spray regulates sulfate cloud droplet activation over oceans
Authors: Fossum Kirsten N. , Ovadnevaite Jurgita , Ceburnis Darius , Preißler Jana , Snider Jefferson R. , Huang Ru-Jin , Zuend Andreas , O’Dowd Colin
Published: April 2020

Sulfate aerosols are typically the dominant source of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) over remote oceans and their abundance is thought to be the dominating factor in determining oceanic cloud brightness. Their activation into cloud droplets depends on dynamics (i.e. vertical updrafts) and competition with other potential CCN sources for the condensing water. We present new experimental results from the remote Southern Ocean illustrating that, for a given updraft, the peak supersaturation reached in cloud, and consequently the number of droplets activated on sulfate nuclei, is strongly but inversely proportional to the concentration of sea-salt activated despite a 10-fold lower abundance. Greater sea-spray nuclei availability mostly suppresses sulfate aerosol activation leading to an overall decrease in cloud droplet concentrations; however, for high vertical updrafts and low sulfate aerosol availability, increased sea-spray can augment cloud droplet concentrations. This newly identified effect where sea-salt nuclei indirectly controls sulfate nuclei activation into cloud droplets could potentially lead to changes in the albedo of marine boundary layer clouds by as much as 30%.
Accurate surgical navigation with real-time tumor tracking in cancer surgery
Authors: Kok Esther N. D. , Eppenga Roeland , Kuhlmann Koert F. D. , Groen Harald C. , van Veen Ruben , van Dieren Jolanda M. , de Wijkerslooth Thomas R. , van Leerdam Monique , Lambregts Doenja M. J. , Heerink Wouter J. , Hoetjes Nikie J. , Ivashchenko Oleksandra , Beets Geerard L. , Aalbers Arend G. J. , Nijkamp Jasper , Ruers Theo J. M.
Published: April 2020

In the past decades, image-guided surgery has evolved rapidly. In procedures with a relatively fixed target area, like neurosurgery and orthopedics, this has led to improved patient outcomes. In cancer surgery, intraoperative guidance could be of great benefit to secure radical resection margins since residual disease is associated with local recurrence and poor survival. However, most tumor lesions are mobile with a constantly changing position. Here, we present an innovative technique for real-time tumor tracking in cancer surgery. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of real-time tumor tracking during rectal cancer surgery. The application of real-time tumor tracking using an intraoperative navigation system is feasible and safe with a high median target registration accuracy of 3 mm. This technique allows oncological surgeons to obtain real-time accurate information on tumor location, as well as critical anatomical information. This study demonstrates that real-time tumor tracking is feasible and could potentially decrease positive resection margins and improve patient outcome.
X-ray diffraction to probe the kinetics of ice recrystallization inhibition
Authors: Fayter Alice , Huband Steven , Gibson Matthew I.
Published: April 2020

X-ray diffraction is used to monitor the impact of macromolecules on the recrystallization of ice.
Catalytic properties of α-MnO2 for Li–air battery cathodes: a density functional investigation
Authors: Alam Khorsed , Seriani Nicola , Sen Prasenjit
Published: April 2020

Details of the formation and dissociation of the first layer of Li2O2 on the α-MnO2(100) surface as the cathode in Li–air batteries have been studied using first principles density functional theory.
Feed gas exchange (startup/shutdown) effects on Pt/C cathode electrocatalysis and surface Pt-oxide behavior in polymer electrolyte fuel cells as revealed using in situ real-time XAFS and high-resolution STEM measurements
Authors: Samjeské Gabor , Kaneko Takuma , Gunji Takao , Higashi Kotaro , Uruga Tomoya , Tada Mizuki , Iwasawa Yasuhiro
Published: April 2020

Feed gas exchange (startup/shutdown) effects on Pt/C electrocatalysis and surface Pt-oxide behavior in PEFC were investigated by in situ real-time XAFS, synchronized with CV, and high-resolution STEM for the first time.
The matrix effect in TOF-SIMS analysis of two-element inorganic thin films
Authors: Priebe Agnieszka , Xie Tianle , Bürki Gerhard , Pethö Laszlo , Michler Johann
Published: April 2020

Investigation of the matrix effect in Zr-based two-element alloys under continuous bombardment of a Ga+primary ion beam in a study of ionization probability towards exploring the potential and limitations of gas-assisted TOF-SIMS.
Raman spectroscopy and neuroscience: from fundamental understanding to disease diagnostics and imaging
Authors: Payne Taylor D. , Moody Amber S. , Wood Avery L. , Pimiento Paula A. , Elliott James C. , Sharma Bhavya
Published: April 2020

In recent years, Raman spectroscopy-based methods have contributed significantly to the understanding of neurological structure, function, and disease.
Stable liquid foams from a new polyfluorinated surfactant
Authors: Russo Maria , Amara Zacharias , Fenneteau Johan , Chaumont-Olive Pauline , Maimouni Ilham , Tabeling Patrick , Cossy Janine
Published: April 2020

The microfluidic production of highly stable foams using newly synthetized polyfluorinated surfactants is reported herein.
Polymorph induced diversity of photomechanical motions of molecular crystals
Authors: Gao Lei , Hao Yunhui , Zhang Xiunan , Huang Xin , Wang Ting , Hao Hongxun
Published: April 2020

Photomechanical motions of the polymorphs of trans-4,4′-azopyridine are distinct under the influence of different molecular packing and intermolecular interactions.
Twin T-graphene: a new semiconducting 2D carbon allotrope
Authors: Bhattacharya Debaprem , Jana Debnarayan
Published: April 2020

Two dimensional carbon allotropes with multiple atomic layers have attracted significant interest recently.
Phase separation in pore-spanning membranes induced by differences in surface adhesion
Authors: Sibold Jeremias , Tewaag Vera E. , Vagedes Thomas , Mey Ingo , Steinem Claudia
Published: April 2020

A porous scaffold providing different adhesion energies alters the behaviour of coexisting phases in lipid membranes considerably.
Phosphorylation-dependent conformational changes of arrestin in the rhodopsin–arrestin complex
Authors: Wang Dali , Liu Xiangdong , Liu Jianqiang , Song Chen
Published: April 2020

Conformations of GPCR-bound arrestin depend on the phosphorylation patterns of the GPCR C-loop.
Photonic crystal enhancement of Raman scattering
Authors: Ashurov Matin , Baranchikov Alexander , Klimonsky Sergey
Published: April 2020

Inverse opal films impregnated with a methylene blue dye were prepared by a template route. Photonic stop band governs amplitude of spontaneous Raman scattering peaks for metal-free photonic crystals, enhancement factor being over 50.
Enhanced extraction of phenol from model oils using ionic liquids elucidated with neutron diffraction
Authors: Turner Adam H. , Byrne Emily L. , Pereira Thaise , Holbrey John D.
Published: April 2020

Aromatic cation ionic liquids (ILs) based on alkylpyridiniums are shown to be good phenol extractants from model oils (hexane/toluene).
Shifting formic acid dimers into perspective: vibrational scrutiny in helium nanodroplets
Authors: Meyer Katharina A. E. , Davies Julia A. , Ellis Andrew M.
Published: April 2020

A metastable dimer of formic acid has been prepared inside superfluid helium nanodroplets and examined using IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations.
Electron paramagnetic resonance study of ferroelectric phase transition and dynamic effects in a Mn2+doped [NH4][Zn(HCOO)3] hybrid formate framework
Authors: Navickas Marius , Giriūnas Laisvydas , Kalendra Vidmantas , Biktagirov Timur , Gerstmann Uwe , Schmidt Wolf Gero , Mączka Mirosław , Pöppl Andreas , Banys Jūras , Šimėnas Mantas
Published: April 2020

EPR spectroscopy reveals the universality class and dynamic effects of the [NH4][Zn(HCOO)3] hybrid formate framework.
Templated syntheses of heterometal tungsten–cobalt–sulfur clusters with different nuclearities
Authors: Guo Jia-Ting , Chen Xu-Dong
Published: April 2020

A series of heterometal tungsten–cobalt–sulfur clusters with different nuclearities have been synthesized rationally using a chelating template.
A molecular boron cluster-based chromophore with dual emission
Authors: Anderson Kierstyn P. , Waddington Mary A. , Balaich Gary J. , Stauber Julia M. , Bernier Nicholas A. , Caram Justin R. , Djurovich Peter I. , Spokoyny Alexander M.
Published: April 2020

Bromination of the luminescent borane, anti-B18H22, via electrophilic substitution using AlCl3 and Br2, yields the monosubstituted derivative 4-Br-anti-B18H21 as an air-stable crystalline solid.
Effects of bubbles on the electrochemical behavior of hydrogen-evolving Si microwire arrays oriented against gravity
Authors: Kempler Paul A. , Coridan Robert H. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: April 2020

Silicon microwire-arrays mitigate the effects of gas bubbles on the total overpotential of hydrogen-evolving cathodes oriented against gravity.
Fine-tuning of two-dimensional metal–organic nanostructures via alkali–pyridyl coordination
Authors: Zhou Kun , Liang Huifang , Wang Miao , Xing Shuaipeng , Ding Honghe , Song Yang , Wang Yuxu , Xu Qian , He Jing-Hui , Zhu Junfa , Zhao Wei , Ma Yu-qiang , Shi Ziliang
Published: April 2020

Fine-tuning of 2D metal–organic nanostructures is realized by alkali–pyridyl coordination.
Post-synthetic oriented attachment of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystal building blocks: from first principle calculation to experimental demonstration of size and dimensionality (0D/1D/2D)
Authors: Jeon Sanghyun , Jung Myung-Chul , Ahn Junhyuk , Woo Ho Kun , Bang Junsung , Kim Donggyu , Lee Sang Yeop , Woo Ho Young , Jeon Jongchul , Han Myung Joon , Paik Taejong , Oh Soong Ju
Published: April 2020

Immiscible solvent treatment induced oriented attachment of perovskite nanocrystal, resulting in change of size and dimensionality (0D/1D/2D).
Exploratory research about the selective cleaning of calcium sulfate sediments on archaeological potteries
Authors: Liu Yan , Yang Fuwei , Wang Liqin
Published: April 2020

A novel cleaning method for the selective removal of calcium sulfate sediments on archaeological potteries was studied.
A visible-light-induced “on–off” one-pot synthesis of 3-arylacetylene coumarins with AIE properties
Authors: Wu Xinjie , Jia Ming , Huang Mengmeng , Kim Jung Keun , Zhao Zheng , Liu Junkai , Xi Jinhu , Li Yabo , Wu Yangjie
Published: April 2020

A mild one-pot approach to 3-arylacetylene coumarins with potential AIE activities was developed via photosensitizer-free photocatalysis and thermocatalysis.
Cross-linker control of vitrimer flow
Authors: El-Zaatari Bassil M. , Ishibashi Jacob S. A. , Kalow Julia A.
Published: April 2020

The rate of stress relaxation in a vitrimer can be modulated by changing solely the structure of the cross-linker electrophile.
Small nucleolar RNAs: continuing identification of novel members and increasing diversity of their molecular mechanisms of action
Authors: Bergeron Danny , Fafard-Couture Étienne , Scott Michelle S.
Published: April 2020

Identified five decades ago amongst the most abundant cellular RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) were initially described as serving as guides for the methylation and pseudouridylation of ribosomal RNA through direct base pairing. In recent years, however, increasingly powerful high-throughput genomic approaches and strategies have led to the discovery of many new members of the family and surprising diversity in snoRNA functionality and mechanisms of action. SnoRNAs are now known to target RNAs of many biotypes for a wider range of modifications, interact with diverse binding partners, compete with other binders for functional interactions, recruit diverse players to targets and affect protein function and accessibility through direct interaction. This mini-review presents the continuing characterization of the snoRNome through the identification of new snoRNA members and the discovery of their mechanisms of action, revealing a highly versatile noncoding family playing central regulatory roles and connecting the main cellular processes.
Warm‐start piecewise linear approximation‐based solution for load pick‐up problem in electrical distribution system
Authors: Yun Jingyang , Hu Weidong , Zhou Yun , Yan Zheng , Feng Donghan , Li Naihu
Published: April 2020

As the core sub‐problem of both network reconfiguration and service restoration of the electrical distribution system (EDS), the load pick‐up (LPP) problem in EDS searches the optimal configuration of the EDS, aiming to minimise the power loss or provide as much power as possible to load ends. The piecewise linearisation (PWL) approximation method can be used to tackle the network power flow constraints’ non‐linearity in the LPP problem model, and transform the LPP model into a mixed‐integer linear programming model (LPP‐MILP model). The errors in the PWL approximation of the network power flow constraints may affect the feasibility of the solving results of the LPP‐MILP model. The single method to reduce the PWL approximation errors by increasing the number of discretisations in PWL function is not stable. Moreover, the solution efficiency of the LPP‐MILP model is sacrificed severely. In this study, a warm‐start PWL approximation‐based solution for the LPP problem is proposed. The variable upper bounds in the PWL approximation functions are renewed dynamically in the warm‐start solution procedure to reduce the PWL approximation errors with higher computational efficiency. Modified IEEE 33‐bus radial distribution test system and a real and large distribution system, 1066‐bus system, are used to test and verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed methodology.
Was erschwert die Aufdeckung organisierter und ritueller Gewaltstrukturen?
Authors: Schröder Johanna , Behrendt Pia , Nick Susanne , Briken Peer
Published: April 2020

Ziel der Studie Untersuchung sexuellen Kindesmissbrauchs in organisierten und rituellen Gewaltstrukturen (d. h. vernetzte Täter_innengruppen mit ideologischen Hintergründen).

Methodik Es wurden 33 Berichte von Betroffenen und Zeitzeug_innen mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Dabei wurden in Bezug auf die Fragestellung, welche Faktoren die Aufdeckung solcher Strukturen erschweren, induktiv Kategorien gebildet.

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass verschiedene (Beziehungs-)Aspekte dreier wechselseitig interagierender Personengruppen die Aufdeckung solcher Strukturen erschweren können: Täter_innen, die Betroffenen und andere Personen (z. B. im direkten Umfeld der Betroffenen und in der Gesellschaft).

Schlussfolgerung Um die beschriebenen Systemfaktoren im Sinne einer verbesserten Aufdeckung dieser Gewaltstrukturen positiv beeinflussen zu können, ist eine sachliche Wissensvermittlung an verschiedene Institutionen der Gesellschaft notwendig.
„Man gesteht sich ja heutzutage keine Depression mehr ein, sondern nennt es Burnout“
Authors: Nowikow Julia , Rechenberg Theresia , Schomerus Georg
Published: April 2020

Ziel der Studie Identifizierung von Überschneidungen und Differenzen zum Störungsbild Depression, die sich in der Berichterstattung über Burnout zeigen.

Methodik Qualitative Inhaltsanalyse von 3 überregionalen Tageszeitungen aus den Jahren 2016 und 2017.

Ergebnisse Häufig weist die dargestellte Symptomatik von Burnout Bezüge zu den Leitsymptomen einer Depression auf. Differenzen werden in den dargestellten Ursachen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen sichtbar.

Schlussfolgerung In der Berichterstattung erscheint das Phänomen Burnout durch den Arbeitsbezug, die bildliche Qualität des Begriffs und die zahlreichen Offenlegungen prominenter Betroffener nahbarer als eine Depression. Vor- und Nachteile dieses Phänomens werden im Hinblick auf Stigmatisierung diskutiert.
Fast Return to Sports and High Level of Activity after Cementless Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Panzram Benjamin , Mandery Mira , Reiner Tobias , Walker Tilman , Merle Christian , Gotterbarm Tobias
Published: April 2020

Physical activity is essential for overall health. For patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, questions about the implant's suitability for sports arise. The general recommendations for physical activity with knee replacements are often based upon experts' opinions, with a lack of scientific data. This study was performed at an independent high-volume center and aimed to investigate what level of activity patients can achieve and how they perform with a well-functioning cementless unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR). Possible differences in outcome in regards to patients' body mass index (BMI) were also examined. A total of 228 knees treated with cementless Oxford UKR (OUKR) were followed up after a mean of 37.1 months. Tegner's and UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) scores were obtained to assess the level of physical activity. The Schulthess Clinical Activity Questionnaire was assessed for detailed information on practiced sports, and the SF-36 questionnaire was evaluated to analyze patients' quality of life. The return to activity rate was 92.9%. In total, 64% of the physically active patients had already taken up sports within 3 months after surgery. Mean Tegner's score was at 3.5, and mean UCLA score was at 6.3. High impact sports were not performed very often after surgery. Higher BMI showed a negative correlation with the numbers of sports (rsp = −0.289) as well as Tegner's (rsp = −0.222) and UCLA (rsp = −0.383) scores. The SF-36 scores were comparably good to those in an age-equivalent standard reference group. In conclusion, cementless OUKR allows a fast return to activity with a high level of physical exercise. Patients with increased BMI tend to practice less types of sports with decreased activity scores.