bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parent engagement in an original and culturally adapted evidence‐based parenting program, Legacy for Children™
Authors: So Marvin , Almeida Rojo Ana L. , Robinson Lara R. , Hartwig Sophie A. , Heggs Lee Akilah R. , Beasley Lana O. , Silovsky Jane F. , Morris Amanda Sheffield , Stiller Titchener Kelly , Zapata Martha I.
Published: April 2020

Legacy for Children™ (Legacy) is an evidence‐based program focused on promoting sensitive, responsive parenting for socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Legacy has recently been culturally and linguistically adapted for Spanish‐monolingual Latino families and is being piloted in partnership with an early childhood education program. We conducted a mixed methods study to identify barriers and facilitators to engagement, using program monitoring data sources from both participant and group leader perspectives. We conducted qualitative analyses of open‐ended data to identify distinct barriers (e.g., employment challenges, health‐related challenges and appointments) and facilitators (e.g., other mothers in group, interest in program topics) to engagement that emerged across English and Spanish language curriculum versions; curriculum‐specific barriers and facilitators were also documented. We interpret these findings in light of quantitative data on measures of engagement, showing that participants in the Spanish curriculum evidenced comparable levels of parent–group leader relationship quality relative to the English group, and higher levels of parent's group support/connectedness and overall satisfaction. These results offer promising considerations for optimizing families’ engagement in parenting programs in the context of early care and education settings.
Osteogenic properties of manganese‐doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles
Authors: Westhauser Fabian , Wilkesmann Sebastian , Nawaz Qaisar , Schmitz Sarah I. , Moghaddam Arash , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: April 2020

Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) based on the SiO2–P2O5–CaO system have demonstrated promising properties for the local delivery of therapeutically active ions with the aim to improve their osteogenic properties. Manganese (Mn) has been identified as a candidate ion for local application in bone tissue engineering applications. It remains unknown how SiO2–P2O5–CaO‐based MBGNs influence human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) in terms of viability, proliferation, and differentiation and how these features can be modified by the addition of Mn to the MBGNs' composition. Therefore, in this study, MBGNs (composition in mol%: 50 SiO2, 40 CaO, 10 P2O5) and its Mn‐doped derivate 5Mn‐MBGNs (composition in mol%: 50 SiO2, 35 CaO, 10 P2O5, 5 MnO) were applied to a culture of BMSCs in two different concentrations. With increasing concentration, 5Mn‐MBGNs supported osteogenic differentiation and enhanced the upregulation of genes encoding for extracellular matrix proteins but also negatively influenced cell viability and proliferation. When applied in lower concentrations, MBGNs showed not only viability‐ and growth‐enhancing effects but also significant pro‐osteogenic features—however, these positive properties deteriorated with increasing concentration. Two major conclusions can be drawn from this study: (a) supplementation with Mn enhances the osteogenic properties of MBGNs in a dose‐dependent manner and (b) MBGNs constitute an attractive vector for therapeutically active ions since it exhibits an intrinsic pro‐osteogenic potential that can be improved and/or modified by incorporation of therapeutically active ions. Future studies should focus on the evaluation of further candidate ions that are known to influence osteogenic differentiation positively.
Identification of serum exosomal lncRNA MIAT as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhou Jie , Tang Jin , Min Xuli , Yi Tingting , Zhao Jing , Ren Yongjun
Published: April 2020

Background

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) MIAT is significantly upregulated in many cancer types including gastric cancer (GC). However, the potential clinical significance of serum exosomal MIAT in GC is unknown.

Methods

In this study, a total of 109 GC patients, 48 gastric adenoma patients, and 50 healthy individuals were recruited. Serum exosomal MIAT levels were detected in all participants using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results

The exosomes we extracted from the serum samples were positive for TSG101, CD63, and Flotillin‐1, which were known exosome markers. Serum exosomal MIAT levels were significantly higher in GC patients than in gastric adenoma patients and healthy controls. Interestingly, gastric adenoma patients with higher serum exosomal MIAT expression were more prone to develop GC. In addition, serum exosomal MIAT levels were significantly decreased in post‐treatment blood samples compared to pre‐treatment samples, while markedly increased in the cases suffering recurrence. Moreover, serum exosomal MIAT upregulation was significantly associated with worse clinical variables and shorter survival. Furthermore, serum exosomal MIAT was identified as an independent prognostic factor for GC.

Conclusions

Collectively, serum exosomal lncRNA MIAT might serve as a promising novel biomarker for monitoring the progression of GC.
Comparison of CMIP6 and CMIP5 simulations of precipitation in China and the East Asian summer monsoon
Authors: Xin Xiaoge , Wu Tongwen , Zhang Jie , Yao Junchen , Fang Yongjie
Published: April 2020

We evaluate and compare the simulation of summer precipitation in China and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) by eight climate models from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) and the corresponding eight previous models from CMIP5. Skill metrics are calculated to assess the climatology, interannual variation and linear trends during the time period 1961–2005. The CMIP6 multimodel ensemble (MME) is more skillful than the CMIP5 MME in the spatial correlation and standard deviation (SD) of the climatological precipitation over Eastern China. All the CMIP6 models improve the skill scores in the climatological pattern of the EASM relative to the previous models of CMIP5, which is related to their smaller sea surface temperature (SST) biases over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The models with a higher capability in reproducing the climatological pattern of the EASM tend to have a better skill in simulating summer precipitation over Eastern China. Most (six of eight) of the CMIP6 models have advantages over the previous CMIP5 models in reproducing the interannual anomalous rainfall pattern over Eastern China related to the EASM. Ten of the 16 models partly reproduce the weakening trend of the EASM during 1961–2005. The high‐skill models (GISS‐E2‐H, GISS‐E2‐1‐H) that simulate a clear weakening trend in the EASM also reasonably simulate the negative correlation between the EASM and the SST over Eastern Indian and the Western Pacific Oceans (EIWP). By contrast, the two models (CESM2 and CESM2‐WACCM) that simulate a positive correlation over the EIWP both produce increasing trends in the EASM indices. This indicates the importance of climate models in simulating the relationship between the EASM and the SST over the EIWP. Among the 16 models, only 2 CMIP6 models (BCC‐CSM2‐MR and GISS‐E2‐1‐H) partly reproduce the linear trend of precipitation over Eastern China, featured by the pattern of “southern flood and northern drought.”
On the Conceptual Overlap between the Fluency Contamination Effect in Divergent Thinking Scores and the Chance View on Scientific Creativity
Authors: Forthmann Boris , Szardenings Carsten , Dumas Denis
Published: April 2020

The equal odds baseline is a parsimonious model that describes the relationship between quantity and quality of output in scientific creativity. Specifically, it is posited that quality is a linear function of quantity, and therefore, strong positive correlations between these two variables are expected. Strong positive correlations also play a crucial role in a recurring issue in divergent thinking research: the fluency contamination effect. This effect refers to the problem that any other summative scoring of divergent thinking tests such as the number of original responses (i.e., quality of responses) is confounded by fluency (i.e., quantity of responses). The current work sheds further light into the conceptual overlap between the equal odds baseline, and the fluency contamination effect by demonstrating that a recent formalization of the fluency contamination effect can be used to derive the equal odds baseline. This result is then utilized within a structural equation modeling approach with simulated datasets to thoroughly examine the equal odds baseline. The findings of the structural equation modeling approach are discussed with respect to their potential to better understand the relationship between quantity and quality of productions in creativity research.
Using Artificial Intelligence for Predicting Survival of Individual Grafts in Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wingfield Laura R. , Ceresa Carlo , Thorogood Simon , Fleuriot Jacques , Knight Simon
Published: April 2020

The demand for liver transplantation far outstrips the supply of deceased donor organs, and so, listing and allocation decisions aim to maximize utility. Most existing methods for predicting transplant outcomes use basic methods, such as regression modeling, but newer artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have the potential to improve predictive accuracy. The aim was to perform a systematic review of studies predicting graft outcomes following deceased donor liver transplantation using AI techniques and to compare these findings to linear regression and standard predictive modeling: donor risk index (DRI), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and Survival Outcome Following Liver Transplantation (SOFT). After reviewing available article databases, a total of 52 articles were reviewed for inclusion. Of these articles, 9 met the inclusion criteria, which reported outcomes from 18,771 liver transplants. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were the most commonly used methodology, being reported in 7 studies. Only 2 studies directly compared machine learning (ML) techniques to liver scoring modalities (i.e., DRI, SOFT, and balance of risk [BAR]). Both studies showed better prediction of individual organ survival with the optimal ANN model, reporting an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.82 compared with BAR (0.62) and SOFT (0.57), and the other ANN model gave an AUC ROC of 0.84 compared with a DRI (0.68) and SOFT (0.64). AI techniques can provide high accuracy in predicting graft survival based on donors and recipient variables. When compared with the standard techniques, AI methods are dynamic and are able to be trained and validated within every population. However, the high accuracy of AI may come at a cost of losing explainability (to patients and clinicians) on how the technology works.
Intraoperative Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy During Liver Transplantation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Huang Hui‐Bin , Xu Yuan , Zhou Hua , Zhu Yan , Qin Jun‐Ping
Published: April 2020

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is frequently used to treat recipients with renal failure before or after liver transplantation (LT), though evidence supporting its use during surgery remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a quantitative meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of intraoperative continuous renal replacement therapy (IORRT) in recipients with pretransplant severe renal dysfunction. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database for trials focusing on LT recipients supported with or without IORRT. Outcomes assessed were mortality, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative data, and predefined postoperative outcomes. Seven trials with 1051 recipients were eligible. Preoperatively, the IORRT group recipients had higher Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores (weighted mean difference [WMD], 6.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.51‐9.87), Charlson scores (WMD, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.09‐0.80), acute liver failure (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95% CI, 1.27‐2.61), serum creatinine (WMD, 71.33 μmol/L; 95% CI, 1.98‐140.69 μmol/L), total bilirubin level (WMD, 5.05 μmol/L; 95% CI, 1.75‐8.35 μmol/L), intensive care unit admission (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.23‐10.13), vasoactive therapy (OR, 3.80; 95% CI, 2.64‐5.46), ventilator care (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.18‐5.35), and renal replacement therapy (RRT) (OR, 29.37; 95% CI, 7.66‐112.54) compared with control patients. IORRT patients also required more intraoperative blood product transfusion and had more post‐LT RRT (OR, 25.67; 95% CI, 4.92‐133.85). However, there were no significant differences in short‐term mortality (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 0.82‐5.44) between the groups. In addition, worse longterm mortality was seen in the IORRT group. In conclusion, IORRT is feasible and safe and may help sicker recipients tolerate the LT procedure to achieve short‐term clinical outcomes comparable with less ill patients without IORRT. More high‐quality evidence is needed to verify our conclusion in the future.
Bazelon Center urges reduction of jail population with MI
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2020

Amid the COVID‐19 crisis, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law released a statement April 6 urging all jurisdictions to: (1) immediately release a majority of the individuals with mental illness held in jails and (2) take immediate steps to divert from jail the majority of individuals with mental illness who are arrested. Some emergency funding is available to support these efforts, officials stated. In addition, Medicaid funding is available for services, especially in Medicaid expansion states.
Raised-Footrope Gill-Net Modification Significantly Reduces Subadult Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch
Authors: Hager Christian , Levesque Juan C. , Dickey R. Jason , Kahn Jason E.
Published: April 2020

Bycatch is a major problem in most commercial fisheries around the world and is among the greatest challenges for fisheries managers tasked with conserving, protecting, and sustaining marine resources. Bycatch of protected species is particularly problematic because even small levels of bycatch mortality can hinder conservation efforts. The federally protected Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus is one such example. Unknown numbers of Atlantic Sturgeon are caught as bycatch in commercial gill-net fisheries along the U.S. Atlantic coast, with discard mortality rates as high as 51%. The Striped Bass Morone saxatilis sink gill-net fishery in the James River, a tributary to Chesapeake Bay, is the only inshore fishery in Virginia with mesh sizes (13.3–20.3-cm stretched mesh) that are large enough to have high levels of Atlantic Sturgeon bycatch. This study was conducted during the spring fishery and examined a modified gill-net design that incorporated a raised footrope at the bottom of the net, creating an approximately 1-m space between the benthos and the net. The modified net was fished alongside conventional commercial gear to evaluate catch rates of Striped Bass and Atlantic Sturgeon in each gear. Our findings showed that the experimental net significantly reduced bycatch of Atlantic Sturgeon (64.3%) and significantly increased the landings of Striped Bass (45.6%). This gear should be considered as a management option for the spring Striped Bass fishery in Virginia and any fishery in which subadult Atlantic Sturgeon are the primary bycatch. Additional research on seasonal orientation of Atlantic Sturgeon in the water column is needed before adopting the raised-footrope design in the presence of adults on spawning runs.
Achieving Productivity to Recover and Restore Columbia River Stream-Type Chinook Salmon Relies on Increasing Smolt-To-Adult Survival
Authors: Petrosky Charles E. , Schaller Howard A , Tinus Eric S. , Copeland Timothy , Storch Adam J.
Published: April 2020

We analyzed and compared productivity and survival rates of populations of stream-type Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha from the upper and middle ranges of their distribution in the Columbia River basin. These two groups of populations undergo vastly different exposures during migration through the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Declines of the Snake River populations, listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, have been associated with the development and operation of the FCRPS. In contrast, John Day River stream-type Chinook Salmon populations, which were less affected by the FCRPS, have declined to a lesser extent and are not listed. Smolt-to-adult survival rates (SARs) accounted for a majority of the variation in life cycle survival rates of Snake River Chinook Salmon. Productivity declined to 13% and 44% of historical productivity levels for Snake River and John Day River populations, respectively. A synthesis of previous studies contrasting anthropogenic impacts between the two regions supports the conclusion that FCRPS impacts explain the large difference in population productivity. Our results suggest that SARs of 4% would result in an expected productivity of up to 70% of historical levels (a SAR level consistent with regional restoration objectives). The SARs have been shown to be highly influenced by conditions within the FCRPS (e.g., water velocity and passage through dam powerhouses). Marine conditions also influence SARs; however, meaningful management actions are only available to affect conditions within the FCRPS. Given the importance of SARs to overall life cycle productivity, recovery and restoration strategies need to prioritize actions that have potential to substantially increase SARs by addressing the significant impacts of main-stem dams. This study highlights the importance of considering river management options in the face of increasingly variable and warming ocean conditions.
Carpino's protecting groups, beyond the Boc and the Fmoc
Authors: El‐Faham Ayman , Albericio Fernando
Published: April 2020

Peptide synthesis is often defined as “the suitable combination of protecting groups and coupling reagents.” This sentence can also be used to define the scientific career of Professor Louis A. Carpino, who revolutionized peptide synthesis through the development of new paradigms in both protecting groups and coupling reagents. This review addresses the contributions of Professor Carpino to the former, not from a historical perspective but rather with the intention of revisiting his work as inspiration for the development of new chemistries.
Age and environmental exposures influence the fecal bacteriome of young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Loman Brett R. , Shrestha Chandra L. , Thompson Rohan , Groner Judith A. , Mejias Asuncion , Ruoff Kathryn L. , O'Toole George A. , Bailey Michael T. , Kopp Benjamin T.
Published: April 2020

Background

Mechanisms that facilitate early infection and inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) are unclear. We previously showed that young CF children with secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) have increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. We aimed to define the impact of SHSe and other external factors upon the fecal bacteriome in early CF.

Methods

Twenty CF infants and children were enrolled, clinical data recorded, and hair nicotine measured as an objective surrogate of SHSe. Fecal samples were collected at clinic visits and bacteriome 16S rRNA gene sequencing performed.

Results

SHSe was associated with increased alpha diversity and increased relative abundance of Acinetobacter and Akkermansia, along with decreased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Recent antibiotic exposure predicted bacterial population structure in children less than 2 years of age and was associated with decreased Bacteroides relative abundance. Age was the strongest predictor of overall fecal bacterial composition and positively associated with Blautia and Parabacteroides. Weight for length was negatively associated with Staphylococcus relative abundance.

Conclusions

SHSe and other external factors such as antibiotics appear to alter fecal bacterial composition in young CF children, but the strongest predictor of overall composition was age. These findings have implications for understanding the intestinal microbiome in young CF children.
One‐Step Process for Press Hardened Steel–Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Polymer Hybrid Parts
Authors: Taylor Tom , Penney David , Yanagimoto Jun
Published: April 2020

A new one‐step process for manufacturing press hardened steel–carbon fiber reinforced (thermoset) polymer hybrid parts with potential for reduced cycle time, infrastructure requirements, and energy consumption compared with traditional two‐ and three‐step processes is developed. The process combines and optimizes the press hardening and prepreg compression molding technologies, traditionally used in isolation for manufacturing press hardened steel and carbon fiber reinforced polymer parts, respectively, to produce hybrid parts in a one‐step, fully integrated process. Heat required for curing and bonding prepreg to steel is provided by residual heat of the steel part immediately following hot forming and interrupted die‐quenching of steel. Thermal conductivity of tool material is investigated to achieve the optimal balance between die‐quenching rate for martensite formation in steel and temperature maintenance for complete curing and bonding of prepreg. Addition of epoxy adhesive and thickness ratio between steel and prepreg are also investigated. Benchmarking is conducted against parts manufactured by the traditional two‐step process, in which the press hardened steel part is formed in isolation before joining with the carbon fiber reinforced polymer part. No sacrifice of part quality is found from the new one‐step process with no loss of mechanical performance, despite clear economic and environmental advantages.
Nuclear EDM from SMEFT flavor-changing operator
Authors: Endo Motoi , Ueda Daiki
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We study nuclear electric dipole moments induced by ∆F = 1 effective operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory. Such contributions arise through renormalization group evolutions and matching conditions at the electroweak symmetry breaking scale. We provide one-loop formulae for the matching conditions. We also discuss correlations of these effects with ∆F = 2 observables such as ϵ

K
and

$$ \Delta {M}_{B_d} $$

Δ

M

B
d

.
Holomorphic Chern-Simons theory and lambda models: PCM case
Authors: Schmidtt David M.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In this note we consider the symplectic reduction of a four-dimensional holomorphic Chern-Simons theory recently introduced in [1] for describing integrable field theories. We work out explicitly the case of the lambda deformed Principal Chiral Model (PCM) and show that the symplectic reduction works as a localization mechanism. The reduced Chern-Simons theory restricts to the set of poles of the twist function underlying the theory, where the known classical integrability of the lambda deformed PCM can be reconstructed from the phase space data associated to this set of points in the spectral space.
A tale of three — tensionless strings and vacuum structure
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Banerjee Aritra , Chakrabortty Shankhadeep , Dutta Sudipta , Parekh Pulastya
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Within the premise of canonical quantisation, we re-examine the quantum structure of bosonic tensionless string theory. In the classical theory, the worldsheet metric degenerates and the Bondi-Metnzer-Sachs (BMS) algebra arises as the residual symmetries on fixing the tensionless equivalent of the conformal gauge. In the quantum regime, we find, on careful examination, that there are multiple ways to impose constraints to restrict the physical Hilbert space, which in turn lead to three distinct choices of tensionless vacua. We analyse these vacua in detail, commenting on various aspects like the central charges and the spectrum around each of them.
A random unitary circuit model for black hole evaporation
Authors: Piroli Lorenzo , Sünderhauf Christoph , Qi Xiao-Liang
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Inspired by the Hayden-Preskill protocol for black hole evaporation, we consider the dynamics of a quantum many-body qudit system coupled to an external environment, where the time evolution is driven by the continuous limit of certain 2-local random unitary circuits. We study both cases where the unitaries are chosen with and without a conserved U(1) charge and focus on two aspects of the dynamics. First, we study analytically and numerically the growth of the entanglement entropy of the system, showing that two different time scales appear: one is intrinsic to the internal dynamics (the scrambling time), while the other depends on the system-environment coupling. In the presence of a U(1) conserved charge, we show that the entanglement follows a Page-like behavior in time: it begins to decrease in the middle stage of the “evaporation”, and decreases monotonically afterwards. Second, we study the time needed to retrieve information initially injected in the system from measurements on the environment qudits. Based on explicit numerical computations, we characterize such time both when the retriever has control over the initial configuration or not, showing that different scales appear in the two cases.
Dynamical RG and critical phenomena in de Sitter space
Authors: Green Daniel , Premkumar Akhil
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Perturbative quantum field theory in de Sitter space is known to give rise to a variety of contributions that grow with time (secular terms). Despite significant progress, a complete understanding of the physical origin of this growth remains an outstanding problem. In this paper, we will study the origin this secular growth in de Sitter space for interacting theories that are near attractive conformal fixed points. We show that the secular terms are determined by the anomalous dimensions of the same theory in flat space and can be re-summed using the dynamical renormalization group. This behavior is mandatory at the conformal fixed point but we show that it holds away from the fixed point as well. We analyze this problem in general using conformal perturbation theory and study conformally coupled scalar fields in four and 4 − ϵ dimensions as examples.
Lattices and quantales of ideals of semigroups and their preservation under Morita contexts
Authors: Laan Valdis , Márki László , Reimaa Ülo
Published: April 2020

We study properties of the lattice of unitary ideals of a semigroup. In particular, we show that it is a quantale. We prove that if two semigroups are connected by an acceptable Morita context then there is an isomorphism between the quantales of unitary ideals of these semigroups. Moreover, factorisable ideals corresponding to each other under this isomorphism are strongly Morita equivalent.
A holistic view on plant effector-triggered immunity presented as an iceberg model
Authors: Thordal-Christensen Hans
Published: April 2020

The immune system of plants is highly complex. It involves pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), which is signaled and manifested through branched multi-step pathways. To counteract this, pathogen effectors target and inhibit individual PTI steps. This in turn can cause specific plant cytosolic nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors to activate effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Plants and pathogens have many genes encoding NLRs and effectors, respectively. Yet, only a few segregate genetically as resistance (R) genes and avirulence (Avr) effector genes in wild-type populations. In an attempt to explain this contradiction, a model is proposed where far most of the NLRs, the effectors and the effector targets keep one another in a silent state. In this so-called “iceberg model”, a few NLR-effector combinations are genetically visible above the surface, while the vast majority is hidden below. Besides, addressing the existence of many NLRs and effectors, the model also helps to explain why individual downregulation of many effectors causes reduced virulence and why many lesion-mimic mutants are found. Finally, the iceberg model accommodates genuine plant susceptibility factors as potential effector targets.
Mechanisms of Schwann cell plasticity involved in peripheral nerve repair after injury
Authors: Nocera Gianluigi , Jacob Claire
Published: April 2020

The great plasticity of Schwann cells (SCs), the myelinating glia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), is a critical feature in the context of peripheral nerve regeneration following traumatic injuries and peripheral neuropathies. After a nerve damage, SCs are rapidly activated by injury-induced signals and respond by entering the repair program. During the repair program, SCs undergo dynamic cell reprogramming and morphogenic changes aimed at promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery. SCs convert into a repair phenotype, activate negative regulators of myelination and demyelinate the damaged nerve. Moreover, they express many genes typical of their immature state as well as numerous de-novo genes. These genes modulate and drive the regeneration process by promoting neuronal survival, damaged axon disintegration, myelin clearance, axonal regrowth and guidance to their former target, and by finally remyelinating the regenerated axon. Many signaling pathways, transcriptional regulators and epigenetic mechanisms regulate these events. In this review, we discuss the main steps of the repair program with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that regulate SC plasticity following peripheral nerve injury.
Optimal error analysis of MJO prediction associated with uncertainties in sea surface temperature over Indian Ocean
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Tang Youmin , Zhou Lei , Yao Zhixiong , Shen Zheqi , Li Junde , Liu Ting
Published: April 2020

In this study, the predictability of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) is investigated using the coupled Community Earth System Model (CESM) and the climatically relevant singular vector (CSV) method. The CSV method is an ensemble-based strategy to calculate the optimal growth of the initial error on the climate scale. We focus on the CSV analysis of MJO initialized at phase II, facilitating the investigation of the effect of the initial errors of the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Indian Ocean on it. Six different MJO events are chosen as the study cases to ensure the robustness of the results. The results indicate that for all the study cases, the optimal perturbation structure of the SST, denoted by the leading mode of the singular vectors (SVs), is a meridional dipole-like pattern between the Bay of Bengal and the southern central Indian Ocean. The MJO signal tends to be more converged and significant in the Eastern Hemisphere while the model is perturbed by leading SV. The moist static energy analysis results indicate that the eastward propagation is much more evident in the terms of vertical advection and radiation flux than others. Therefore, the SV perturbation can strengthen and converge the MJO signal mostly by increasing the vertical advection of the moist static energy. Further, the sensitivity studies indicate that the structure of the leading SV is not sensitive to the initial states, which suggests that we might not need to calculate SVs for each initial time in constructing the ensemble prediction, significantly saving computational time in the operational forecast systems.
A model-based estimation of critical torques reduces the experimental effort compared to conventional testing
Authors: Herold Johannes L. , Sommer Andreas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Critical torque (CT) is an important fatigue threshold in exercise physiology and can be used to analyze, predict, or optimize performance. The objective of this work is to reduce the experimental effort when estimating CTs for sustained and intermittent isometric contractions using a model-based approach.

Materials and methods

We employ a phenomenological model of the time course of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque and compute the highest sustainable torque output by solving an optimization problem. We then show that our results are consistent with the steady states obtained when simulating periodic maximum loading schemes. These simulations correspond to all-out tests, which are used to estimate CTs in practice. Based on these observations, the estimation of CTs can be formulated mathematically as a parameter estimation problem. To minimize the statistical uncertainty of the parameter estimates and consequently of the estimated CTs, we compute optimized testing sessions. This reduces the experimental effort even further.

Results

We estimate CTs of the elbow flexors for sustained isometric contractions to be 28% of baseline MVIC torque and for intermittent isometric contractions consisting of a 3 s contraction followed by 2 s rest to be 41% of baseline MVIC torque. We show that a single optimized testing session is sufficient when using our approach.

Conclusions

Our approach reduces the experimental effort considerably when estimating CTs for sustained and intermittent isometric contractions.
Potential influencing factors on the outcome in incisional hernia repair: a registry-based multivariable analysis of 22,895 patients
Authors: Köckerling F. , Hoffmann H. , Adolf D. , Reinpold W. , Kirchhoff P. , Mayer F. , Weyhe D. , Lammers B. , Emmanuel K.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Due to the paucity of randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses of incisional hernia repair can hardly give any insights into the influence factors on the various outcome criteria. Therefore, a multivariable analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry was undertaken with the aim to define potential influencing factors for the outcome.

Methods

Multivariable analysis of the data available for 22,895 patients with primary elective incisional hernia repair was performed to assess the confirmatory predefined potential influence factors and their association with the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes. A model validation procedure was implemented using a bootstrap algorithm in order to account for the robustness of results.

Results

Higher European Hernia Society (EHS) width classification, open procedure, female gender, and preoperative pain have a highly significant association with an unfavorable outcome in incisional hernia repair. Larger defect width and open operation have a highly significantly unfavorable relation to the postoperative surgical complications, general complications, and the complication-related reoperations, while female gender and preoperative pain have a highly significantly unfavorable association with the rates of pain at rest, pain on exertion, and chronic pain requiring treatment at 1-year follow-up. The recurrence rate is significantly unfavorably influenced by higher EHS width classification, higher BMI, and lateral EHS classification.

Conclusion

Higher EHS width classification, open procedure, female gender, higher BMI, and lateral EHS classification, as well as preoperative pain are the most important unfavorable influencing factors associated with a worse outcome in incisional hernia repair.
Comparison of HIV Risk Behaviors Between Clinical Trials and Observational Cohorts in Uganda
Authors: Abaasa Andrew , Nash Stephen , Mayanja Yunia , Price Matt A. , Fast Patricia E. , Kaleebu Pontiano , Todd Jim
Published: April 2020

Many key populations have high-risk behaviors for HIV infection making them suitable for HIV vaccine efficacy trials. However, these behaviors may change when participants enroll into a trial. We used HIV simulated vaccine efficacy trials (SiVETs) nested within observational cohorts of fisherfolks and female sex workers in Uganda to evaluate this difference. We screened observational cohort participants for enrolment into SiVETs, until 572 were enrolled. Those not enrolled (n = 953) continued participation in the observational cohorts. We determined risk behaviors at baseline and at 1 year, assigned a numeric score to each behavior and defined composite score as the sum of reported behaviors. We compared changes in scores over 12 months. Both observational cohorts and SiVETs saw a significant decrease in score but greatest in the SiVETs. Investigators recruiting for trials from these populations should consider the likely effect of reduction in risk behaviors on incident HIV infection and trial statistical power.
Effect of SAMe-TT2R2 score and genetic polymorphism on the quality of anticoagulation control in Qatari patients treated with warfarin
Authors: Elewa Hazem , Qurishi Iqrah , Abouelhassan Rawan , Abou Safrah Salam , Alhamoud Eman , Bader Loulia
Published: April 2020

There is no strong evidence on pharmacogenetics role on the quality of INR control after the initiation phase and on the maintenance of stable INR on the long term as measured by the time in therapeutic range (TTR). The benefit of a score such as SAMe-TT2R2 is that it can preemptively guide clinicians on whether to start the patient on warfarin or direct oral anticoagulant. To determine the association between genetic variants in CYP2C9, VKORC1, and CYP4F2 and TTR. To validate SAMe-TT2R2 score predictive ability on the quality of anticoagulation in Qatari patients. This is an observational nested case–control study that was conducted on a cohort of Qatari patients treated with warfarin with previously identified genotype for the CYP2C9, VKORC1, and CYP2F4. The sample size of this cohort was 148 patients. Mean TTR was 62.7 ± 21%. TTR was not significantly different among carriers of the CYP2C9*2 &*3, VKORC1(–1639G>A) or CYP4F2*3 compared to their non-carriers alleles. None of the factors in the SAMe-TT2R2 score had a significant effect on the TTR except for the female gender where TTR was significantly lower in females (n = 89) compared to males (n = 59) (59.6 ± 21% vs. 67.2 ± 20%, p = 0.03). Furthermore, patients with SAMe-TT2R2 score of zero had significantly better TTR compared to those with higher scores (76.5 ± 17% vs. 61.8 ± 21%, p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed that high SAMe-TT2R2 score was the only statistically significant predicting factor of poor INR control (odds ratio (OR) 5.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–28.3, p = 0.034). Genetic variants have no contribution to the quality of INR control. SAMe-TT2R2 score was predictive for the poor quality of anticoagulation in a cohort of Qatari patients.
Correction to: Search of anti-allodynic compounds from Plantaginis Semen, a crude drug ingredient of Kampo formula “Goshajinkigan”
Authors: Toume Kazufumi , Hou Zhiyan , Yu Huanhuan , Kato Mitsuru , Maesaka Miki , Bai Yanjing , Hanazawa Shiho , Ge Yuewei , Andoh Tsugunobu , Komatsu Katsuko
Published: April 2020

The article Search of anti-allodynic compounds from Plantaginis Semen, a crude drug ingredient of Kampo formula “Goshajinkigan”.
Correction to: Antiinflammatory constituents of Atractylodes chinensis rhizome improve glomerular lesions in immunoglobulin A nephropathy model mice
Authors: Ishii Toshinari , Okuyama Tetsuya , Noguchi Nao , Nishidono Yuto , Okumura Tadayoshi , Kaibori Masaki , Tanaka Ken , Terabayashi Susumu , Ikeya Yukinobu , Nishizawa Mikio
Published: April 2020

The article Antiinflammatory constituents of Atractylodes chinensis rhizome improve glomerular lesions in immunoglobulin A nephropathy model mice, written by Toshinari Ishii, Tetsuya Okuyama, Nao Noguchi, Yuto Nishidono, Tadayoshi Okumura, Masaki Kaibori, Ken Tanaka, Susumu Terabayashi, Yukinobu Ikeya and Mikio Nishizawa was originally published Online First without Open Access. After publication in volume 74 issue 1, page 51–64 the author decided to opt for Open Choice and to make the article an Open Access publication. Therefore, the copyright of the article has been changed to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.
The Area Preserving Willmore Flow and Local Maximizers of the Hawking Mass in Asymptotically Schwarzschild Manifolds
Authors: Koerber Thomas
Published: April 2020

We study the area preserving Willmore flow in an asymptotic region of an asymptotically flat manifold which is$$C^3$$C3-close to Schwarzschild. It was shown by Lamm, Metzger and Schulze that such a region is foliated by spheres of Willmore type, see (Lamm et al. in Math Ann 350(1):1–78, 2011). In this paper, we prove that the leaves of this foliation are stable under small area preserving$$W^{2,2}$$W2,2-perturbations with respect to the area preserving Willmore flow. This implies, in particular, that the leaves are strict local area preserving maximizers of the Hawking mass with respect to the$$W^{2,2}$$W2,2-topology.
Irlactane and Tremulane Sesquiterpenes from the Cultures of the Medicinal Fungus Irpex lacteus HFG1102
Authors: Chen He-Ping , Ji Xu , Li Zheng-Hui , Feng Tao , Liu Ji-Kai
Published: April 2020

A new irlactane-type, namely irlactin K (1), and 22 tremulane-type sesquiterpenes including fourteen previously undescribed ones, namely irpexolactins A–N (2–15), and a known irlactane-type sesquiterpenoid, were isolated from the fermentation broth of the medicinal fungus Irpex lacteus HFG1102. The structures of all the isolates were characterized by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of irlactin K and the known compound conocenol B (20) were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The vasorelaxant effects of irlactin K (1), irpexolactins A (2), C (4), K (12), and irlactam (22) were evaluated.

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QSAR modeling, molecular docking and ADMET/pharmacokinetic studies: a chemometrics approach to search for novel inhibitors of norepinephrine transporter as potent antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Olasupo Sabitu Babatunde , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon , Uba Sani
Published: April 2020

Chemometrics study that relates biological activity to physicochemical descriptors of a molecule and the prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties in advance are important steps in drugs discovery. In this study, a chemometrics approach was employed on some molecules (inhibitors) of norepinephrine transporter to assess their inhibitory potencies, interactions with the receptor and predict their ADMET/pharmacokinetic properties for identification of novel antipsychotic drugs. The molecules were optimized by using density functional theory at the basis set of B3LYP/6-31G*. The genetic function algorithm technique was used to generate a statistically significant model with a good correlation coefficient R2Train = 0.952 Cross-validated coefficient Q2cv = 0.870, and adjusted squared correlation coefficient R2adj = 0.898. The molecular docking simulation using a neurotransmitter transporter receptor (PDB Code 2A65) revealed that three inhibitors (molecule No 38, 44 and 12) exhibited the highest binding affinity of − 10.3, − 9.9 and − 9.3 kcal/mol, respectively, were observed to inhibit the target by forming strong hydrogen bonds with hydrophobic interactions. The physicochemical and ADMET/pharmacokinetic properties result showed that these three molecules are orally bioavailable, high gastrointestinal absorption, good permeability and non-inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 except for molecule No 38. Also, Molecules No 38 and 44 proved to be non-substrate of P-glycoprotein and nontoxicity to a human ether-a-go-go-related gene with predicted hERG toxicity endpoints (pIC50 < 6) and low ADMET_Risk (< 7.0). The results of this study would provide physicochemical and pharmacokinetics properties needed to identify potent antipsychotic drugs and other relevant information in drug discovery.
Recent developments in methane decomposition over heterogeneous catalysts: an overview
Authors: Hasnan Nur Shamimie Nadzwin , Timmiati Sharifah Najiha , Lim Kean Long , Yaakob Zahira , Kamaruddin Nur Hidayatul Nazirah , Teh Lee Peng
Published: April 2020

The production of hydrogen to be used as an alternative renewable energy has been widely explored. Among various methods for producing hydrogen from hydrocarbons, methane decomposition is suitable for generating hydrogen with zero greenhouse gas emissions. The use of high temperatures as a result of strong carbon and hydrogen (C–H) bonds may be reduced by utilizing a suitable catalyst with appropriate catalyst support. Catalysts based on transition metals are preferable in terms of their activeness, handling, and low cost in comparison with noble metals. Further development of catalysts in methane decomposition has been investigated. In this review, the recent progress on methane decomposition in terms of catalytic materials, preparation method, the physicochemical properties of the catalysts and their performance in methane decomposition were presented. The formation of carbon as part of the reaction was also discussed.

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Integrated care for the management of ageing-related non-communicable diseases: current gaps and future directions
Authors: Monaco Alessandro , Palmer Katie , Marengoni Alessandra , Maggi Stefania , Hassan Tarek A. , Donde Shaantanu
Published: April 2020

Due to the increase in the older population in Europe and associated rise in the absolute number of persons with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), it is becoming increasingly important to find ways to promote healthy ageing, which is defined as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age. Older persons with NCDs can have complex care needs due to the increased risk of frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy. However, current health systems in Europe often provide fragmented care for older people with NCDs; many receive disjointed care from numerous specialists or via different levels of care. In the current article, we discuss barriers and challenges in implementing integrated care models in European settings for older NCD patients. Specifically, we discuss the need for greater use of case managers in the care and treatment persons with complex care needs as well as the lack of training and education in healthcare professionals on topics related to multimorbidity, frailty, and polypharmacy. We discuss the limitations that arise from the current focus on disease-specific guidelines and care models that do not take comorbid conditions into account, and the lack of good quality evidence that evaluates the effectiveness of integrated care interventions, especially in European health settings. We highlight the importance of evaluating and monitoring mental health in conjunction with somatic symptoms in NCD patients and discuss the integral role of information and communication technology in healthcare to streamline integrated care processes and help to achieve better outcomes for patients.
Interseismic Loading of Subduction Megathrust Drives Long‐Term Uplift in Northern Chile
Authors: Jolivet R. , Simons M. , Duputel Z. , Olive J.‐A. , Bhat H. S. , Bletery Q.
Published: April 2020

Large earthquakes are the product of elastic stress that has accumulated over decades to centuries along segments of active faults. Assuming an elastic crust, one can roughly estimate the location and rate of accumulation of elastic stress. However, this general framework does not account for inelastic, irrecoverable deformation, which results in large‐scale topography. We do not know over which part of the earthquake cycle such deformation occurs. Using InSAR and GNSS measurements, we report on a potential correlation between long‐term, inelastic vertical rate and short‐term, interseismic vertical rate in northern Chile. Approximately 4% to 8% of the geodetically derived interseismic vertical rates translate into permanent deformation, suggesting that topography of the forearc builds up during the interseismic period. This observation provides a quantitative basis for an improved understanding of the interplay between short‐term and long‐term dynamics along convergent plate boundaries.