bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust passivity analysis of Markov‐type Lotka–Volterra model with time‐varying delay and uncertain mode transition rates
Authors: Wang Lan , Dong Yiping , Xie Da , Cao Jinde
Published: April 2020

This paper devotes to the global robust passivity problem for a novel Markovian switching Lotka–Volterra (LV) model with time‐varying delay. The Markovian switching with uncertain mode transition rates is first drawn into modeling the predator–prey system and the uncertainty of model parameters is also fully discussed, which can reflect the realistic practical significance. The robust passivity for the uncertain LV model with disturbance input and feedback control is studied by the passivity theories and inequality techniques. Some sufficient criteria are derived by the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, and the corresponding controllers are designed to ensure the passivity of the proposed closed‐loop uncertain LV model. Finally, a three‐specie two‐mode LV model is provided to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Reproducibility of whole‐brain temperature mapping and metabolite quantification using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Yue , Taub Edward , Mueller Christina , Younger Jarred , Uswatte Gitendra , DeRamus Thomas Patrick , Knight David C.
Published: April 2020

Assessing brain temperature can provide important information about disease processes (e.g., stroke, trauma) and therapeutic effects (e.g., cerebral hypothermia treatment). Whole‐brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (WB‐MRSI) is increasingly used to quantify brain metabolites across the entire brain. However, its feasibility and reliability for estimating brain temperature needs further validation. Therefore, the present study evaluates the reproducibility of WB‐MRSI for temperature mapping as well as metabolite quantification across the whole brain in healthy volunteers. Ten healthy adults were scanned on three occasions 1 week apart. Brain temperature, along with four commonly assessed brain metabolites—total N‐acetyl‐aspartate (tNAA), total creatine (tCr), total choline (tCho) and myo‐inositol (mI)—were measured from WB‐MRSI data. Reproducibility was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV). The measured mean (range) of the intra‐subject CVs was 0.9% (0.6%‐1.6%) for brain temperature mapping, and 4.7% (2.5%‐15.7%), 6.4% (2.4%‐18.9%) and 14.2% (4.4%‐52.6%) for tNAA, tCho and mI, respectively, with reference to tCr. Consistently larger variability was found when using H2O as the reference for metabolite quantifications: 7.8% (3.3%‐17.8%), 7.8% (3.1%‐18.0%), 9.8% (3.7%‐31.0%) and 17.0% (5.9%‐54.0%) for tNAA, tCr, tCho and mI, respectively. Further, the larger the brain region (indicated by a greater number of voxels within that region), the better the reproducibility for both temperature and metabolite estimates. Our results demonstrate good reproducibility of whole‐brain temperature and metabolite measurements using the WB‐MRSI technique.
Environmental and social consequences of the increase in the demand for ‘superfoods’ world‐wide
Authors: Magrach Ainhoa , Sanz María José
Published: April 2020

The search for healthy diets has led to a surge in the demand for functional foods or ‘superfoods’, which have now become popular among the middle‐ and high‐income fractions of the society in developed regions of the world. ‘Superfoods’ are predominantly consumed far from their centres of origin and out of their cultural context with different environmental and social effects.

Here, we present a series of case studies to provide an overview of the different environmental impacts driven by superfood expansion.

We show that if these crops are to follow the path of other global commodities, then strong environmental impacts and large carbon footprints are expected in terms of land clearing, use of agrochemicals and transportation during times of high prices (boom) and social problems as farmers have to abandon their livelihoods when prices sink below the cost of production (bust).

We also showcase how a combination of management practices, consumer choices and policy changes could help in alleviating the ecological footprint of these crops.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
A critical review of the professional development literature for paraprofessionals supporting students with externalizing behavior disorders
Authors: Reddy Linda A. , Alperin Alexander , Glover Todd A.
Published: April 2020

The present paper serves as the first systematic review of the training, methodologies, and outcomes reported in the professional development (PD) literature for paraprofessionals working with students with or at risk for externalizing behavior disorders. A total of 16 investigations including 332 paraprofessionals and 852 children and adolescents were reviewed and coded on 44 variables across four dimensions (i.e., PD components, intervention components, methodologies used, and outcomes reported). Strengths of the literature were inclusion of multicomponent PD, training on implementation, paraprofessional characteristics, and inter‐rater reliability estimates. All studies reported paraprofessional and/or student outcomes; however, the details of PD components and interventions delivered varied. The majority of the studies used single‐case designs or descriptive case studies to evaluate effectiveness. Weaknesses were lack of inclusion and exclusion criteria, student characteristics, adult experiential learning methods, monitoring of implementation fidelity, and use of statistical testing. Implications for research and practice are offered.
The impact of parental unaffected allele combination on the diagnostic outcome in the preimplantation genetic testing for myotonic dystrophy type 1 in Japanese ancestry
Authors: Senba Hiroshi , Sueoka Kou , Sato Suguru , Higuchi Nobuhiko , Mizuguchi Yuki , Sato Kenji , Tanaka Mamoru
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The objective is to clarify the practical problem of the preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) in Japanese subjects.

Methods

For the 32 couples who consented to participate in PGT for DM1, CTG repeats number on the unaffected alleles was analyzed. Based on the allele combination, they were classified into 3 groups by the number of diagnostic allelic pattern; “full informative,” “semi informative,” and “noninformative.” According to the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) principle, PGT was performed using the direct diagnosis to the 288 embryos from the 17 couples who received the ethical approval from both our institution and JSOG.

Results

In the 32 couples, the frequency of CTG repeats on the unaffected alleles showed bimodal distribution. The “full informative,” “semi informative,” and “noninformative” couples accounted for 46.9% (15/32 couples), 46.9% (15/32 couples) and 6.2% (2/32 couples), respectively. The transferable embryos accounted for 28.9% (33/114 embryos) in the “full informative” couples, although it was limited to 12.6% (22/174 embryos) in the “semi informative” couples.

Conclusion

The loss of unaffected embryos which cannot be diagnosed as transferable was a clinically major problem and implied an increase in oocyte retrieval, especially for “semi informative” couples.
Zusammenfassung, Forschungsfragen und Hypothesen
Authors: Prochazka Fabian
Published: April 2020

Vertrauen in journalistische Medien ist aus einer demokratietheoretischen Perspektive essenziell für eine Gesellschaft. Der Journalismus ist gegenwärtig diejenige Instanz, die relevante Themen auf die Agenda hebt, einer gesamtgesellschaftlichen Aushandlung zugänglich macht und den Bürger_innen Informationen für politische Entscheidungen bereitstellt. Ein Verlust des Vertrauens in Journalismus kann daher die Informiertheit der Gesellschaft angreifen und eine Einigung auf gemeinsame Probleme und ihre Lösung schwieriger machen.
Inhibition of the prostaglandin D2–GPR44/DP2 axis improves human islet survival and function
Authors: Abadpour Shadab , Tyrberg Björn , Schive Simen W. , Huldt Charlotte Wennberg , Gennemark Peter , Ryberg Erik , Rydén-Bergsten Tina , Smith David M. , Korsgren Olle , Skrtic Stanko , Scholz Hanne , Winzell Maria Sörhede
Published: April 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Inflammatory signals and increased prostaglandin synthesis play a role during the development of diabetes. The prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) receptor, GPR44/DP2, is highly expressed in human islets and activation of the pathway results in impaired insulin secretion. The role of GPR44 activation on islet function and survival rate during chronic hyperglycaemic conditions is not known. In this study, we investigate GPR44 inhibition by using a selective GPR44 antagonist (AZ8154) in human islets both in vitro and in vivo in diabetic mice transplanted with human islets.

Methods

Human islets were exposed to PGD2 or proinflammatory cytokines in vitro to investigate the effect of GPR44 inhibition on islet survival rate. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of GPR44 inhibition were investigated in human islets exposed to high concentrations of glucose (HG) and to IL-1β. For the in vivo part of the study, human islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of immunodeficient diabetic mice and treated with 6, 60 or 100 mg/kg per day of a GPR44 antagonist starting from the transplantation day until day 4 (short-term study) or day 17 (long-term study) post transplantation. IVGTT was performed on mice at day 10 and day 15 post transplantation. After termination of the study, metabolic variables, circulating human proinflammatory cytokines, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were analysed in the grafted human islets.

Results

PGD2 or proinflammatory cytokines induced apoptosis in human islets whereas GPR44 inhibition reversed this effect. GPR44 inhibition antagonised the reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion induced by HG and IL-1β in human islets. This was accompanied by activation of the Akt–glycogen synthase kinase 3β signalling pathway together with phosphorylation and inactivation of forkhead box O-1and upregulation of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 and HGF. Administration of the GPR44 antagonist for up to 17 days to diabetic mice transplanted with a marginal number of human islets resulted in reduced fasting blood glucose and lower glucose excursions during IVGTT. Improved glucose regulation was supported by increased human C-peptide levels compared with the vehicle group at day 4 and throughout the treatment period. GPR44 inhibition reduced plasma levels of TNF-α and growth-regulated oncogene-α/chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 and increased the levels of HGF in human islets.

Conclusions/interpretation

Inhibition of GPR44 in human islets has the potential to improve islet function and survival rate under inflammatory and hyperglycaemic stress. This may have implications for better survival rate of islets following transplantation.
Validation of a semiautomated volumetric approach for fetal neurosonography using 5DCNS+ in clinical data from > 1100 consecutive pregnancies
Authors: Welp Amrei , Gembicki Michael , Rody Achim , Weichert Jan
Published: April 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a semiautomated volumetric approach (5DCNS+) for the detailed assessment of the fetal brain in a clinical setting.

Methods

Stored 3D volumes of > 1100 consecutive 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancies (range 15–36 gestational weeks) were analyzed using a workflow-based volumetric approach 5DCNS+, enabling semiautomated reconstruction of diagnostic planes of the fetal central nervous system (CNS). All 3D data sets were examined for plane accuracy, the need for manual adjustment, and fetal-maternal characteristics affecting successful plane reconstruction. We also examined the potential of these standardized views to give additional information on proper gyration and sulci formation with advancing gestation.

Results

Based on our data, we were able to show that gestational age with an OR of 1.085 (95% CI 1.041–1.132) and maternal BMI with an OR of 1.022 (95% CI 1.041–1.054) only had a slight impact on the number of manual adjustments needed to reconstruct the complete volume, while maternal age and fetal position during acquisition (p = 0.260) did not have a significant effect. For the vast majority (958/1019; 94%) of volumes, using 5DCNS+ resulted in proper reconstruction of all nine diagnostic planes. In less than 1% (89/9171 planes) of volumes, the program failed to give sufficient information. 5DCNS+ was able to show the onset and changing appearance of CNS folding in a detailed and timely manner (lateral/parietooccipital sulcus formation seen in < 65% at 16–17 gestational weeks vs. 94.6% at 19 weeks).

Conclusions

The 5DCNS+ method provides a reliable algorithm to produce detailed, 3D volume–based assessments of fetal CNS integrity through a standardized reconstruction of the orthogonal diagnostic planes. The method further gives valid and reproducible information regarding ongoing cortical development retrieved from these volume sets that might aid in earlier in utero recognition of subtle structural CNS anomalies.
New retinal tack designs: an analysis of retention forces in human scleral tissue
Authors: Schulze Schwering Markus , Oltrup Theo , Rückheim Kai Sinan , Bende Thomas , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Leitritz Martin Alexander
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The study aimed to construct a new retinal tack design with high retention forces to prevent spontaneous disentanglement in cases of complicated retinal surgery.

Methods

Six new forms for the peak of a retinal tack were developed using computer-aided design (CAD); then a prototype was produced for each model. Finally, standardised design testing was conducted using human (ex vivo) sclera by logging 15 consecutive measurements for each model.

Results

Seven different models underwent pull-out testing (six new models and the original tack model), but two tack models (Model 4, Model 5) failed to penetrate the human tissue. The highest pull-out forces (median) were measured for Model 3, followed by Model 6, Model 2 and Model 1. The original Heimann tack (Model H) was found to have the lowest retention forces.

Conclusion

The different tack designs altered the penetration and holding forces. The retention forces of the proposed peak design led to a significant increase in the retention forces that were more than twice as high as those in the original Heimann Model.
Myxovirus resistance 1 (MX1) is an independent predictor of poor outcome in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Aljohani Abrar I. , Joseph Chitra , Kurozumi Sasagu , Mohammed Omar J. , Miligy Islam M. , Green Andrew R. , Rakha Emad A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is a disease with variable morphology, clinical behaviour and response to therapy. Identifying factors associated with the progression of early-stage BC can help understand the risk of metastasis and guide treatment decisions. Myxovirus resistance 1 (MX1), which is involved in the cellular antiviral mechanism, plays a role in some solid tumours; however, its role in invasive BC remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of MX1 in BC.

Methods

MX1 was assessed at the protein level using tissue microarrays from a large well-annotated BC cohort (n = 845). The expression of MX1 mRNA was assessed at the transcriptomic level using the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC; n = 1980) and validated using three publicly available cohorts on Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner (bc-GenExMiner version 4.4). The associations between MX1 expression and clinicopathological factors, and outcome were evaluated.

Results

High MX1 protein expression was associated with features of aggressiveness, including large tumour size, high tumour grade, high Nottingham prognostic index scores, hormone receptor negativity and high Ki67 expression. High MX1 expression showed an association with poor patient outcome and it was an independent predictor of short BC-specific survival (p = 0.028; HR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.0–2.2). Consistent with the protein results, high MX1 mRNA levels showed an association with features of aggressive behaviour and with shorter survival.

Conclusion

This study identified MX1 as an independent predictor of poor outcome in patients with BC. Further functional studies are needed to investigate the biological role of MX1 in BC and its potential value as a therapeutic target.
Interpersonal Coordination Dynamics in Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wiltshire Travis J. , Philipsen Johanne Stege , Trasmundi Sarah Bro , Jensen Thomas Wiben , Steffensen Sune Vork
Published: April 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of interpersonal coordination (i.e., covariation over time) in different modalities (e.g., physiology, language) during psychotherapy and their importance for understanding the dynamics of psychotherapeutic interaction and efficacy.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of all studies examining some form of interpersonal coordination in a psychotherapeutic context.

Results

We first summarize details of the included studies such as gender composition, therapy types, and methods used. The collation of these studies provided evidence that, during psychotherapeutic contexts, interpersonal coordination occurs in physiology, movements, interpersonal displays, and language/vocalizations. Further, it also showed that movement coordination was most frequently associated with psychotherapy outcomes, physiological coordination was most frequently associated with empathy, and coordination in a variety of modalities including language/vocalizations were most frequently associated with therapeutic alliance.

Conclusions

We discuss these results, shortcomings with the current literature, and highlight three crucial questions for future research. Research on interpersonal coordination in psychotherapy has potential to advance the both the research and practice of psychotherapy.
A comparative analysis of policies, strategies and programmes for information and communication technology integration in education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the republic of Ireland
Authors: Alghamdi Jawaher , Holland Charlotte
Published: April 2020

This paper provides a comparative analysis of policies, strategies and programmes for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in primary and post-primary education, that were active in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and in the Republic of Ireland in 2016. The analysis showed that while KSA was a relative newcomer to the integration of ICT in education, it was responsive in seeking to enhance the quality of education and support transitions to the knowledge economy through a range of initiatives, including: reform of the curriculum, provision of teacher professional development in ICT integration, and supply of computer technologies and infrastructure. However, as in the Irish context, the framing of the ICT in education’ policies, strategies and programmes needed to be strengthened through participatory partnerships with key stakeholders that endured throughout the life-cycle of ICT policy implementation in primary and post-primary settings. Furthermore, the review showed a need for governments in both jurisdictions to make better provision for financial and human resourcing to fully operationalize the teacher training and supports necessary for effective integration by teachers of ICT in primary and post-primary settings. Finally, the evaluation protocols within ICT in education’ policies, strategies and programmes in both countries needed to be re-casted to make evidence of their enactment publicly available in a timely manner. Moreover, the resultant evaluation reports further needed to be detailed at a level that made visible the national progress on ICT integration in schools, and the corresponding impact on learners’ ICT skills and broader competencies.
Mitigating heat-related mortality risk in Shanghai, China: system dynamics modeling simulations
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Tian Zhan , Sun Laixiang , Liu Junguo , Wu Wei , Xu Hanqing , Sun Landong , Wang Chunfang
Published: April 2020

Numerous studies in epidemiology, meteorology, and climate change research have demonstrated a significant association between abnormal ambient temperature and mortality. However, there is a shortage of research attention to a systematic assessment of potential mitigation measures which could effectively reduce the heat-related morbidity and mortality risks. This study first illustrates a conceptualization of a systems analysis version of urban framework for climate service (UFCS). It then constructs a system dynamics (SD) model for the UFCS and employs this model to quantify the impacts of heat waves on public health system in Shanghai and to evaluate the performances of two mitigation measures in the context of a real heat wave event in July 2013 in the city. Simulation results show that in comparison with the baseline without mitigation measures, if the hospital system could prepare 20% of beds available for emergency response to heat waves once receiving the warning in advance, the number of daily deaths could be reduced by 40–60 (15.8–19.5%) on the 2 days of day 7 and day 8; if increasing the minimum living allowance of 790 RMB/month in 2013 by 20%, the number of daily deaths could be reduced by 50–70 (17.7–21.9%) on the 2 days of day 8 and day 12. This tool can help policy makers systematically evaluate adaptation and mitigation options based on performance assessment, thus strengthening urban resilience to changing climate.
Between Atomism and Superatomism
Authors: Dixon T. Scott
Published: April 2020

There are at least three vaguely atomistic principles that have come up in the literature, two explicitly and one implicitly. First, standard atomism is the claim that everything is composed of atoms, and is very often how atomism is characterized in the literature. Second, superatomism is the claim that parthood is well-founded, which implies that every proper parthood chain terminates, and has been discussed as a stronger alternative to standard atomism. Third, there is a principle that lies between these two theses in terms of its relative strength: strong atomism, the claim that every maximal proper parthood chain terminates. Although strong atomism is equivalent to superatomism in classical extensional mereology, it is strictly weaker than it in strictly weaker systems in which parthood is a partial order. And it is strictly stronger than standard atomism in classical extensional mereology and, given the axiom of choice, in such strictly weaker systems as well. Though strong atomism has not, to my knowledge, been explicitly identified, Shiver appears to have it in mind, though it is unclear whether he recognizes that it is not equivalent to standard atomism in each of the mereologies he considers. I prove these logical relationships which hold amongst these three atomistic principles, and argue that, whether one adopts classical extensional mereology or a system strictly weaker than it in which parthood is a partial order, standard atomism is a more defensible addition to one’s mereology than either of the other two principles, and it should be regarded as the best formulation of the atomistic thesis.
Noise-Induced Transitions in a Nonsmooth Producer–Grazer Model with Stoichiometric Constraints
Authors: Yuan Sanling , Wu Dongmei , Lan Guijie , Wang Hao
Published: April 2020

Stoichiometric producer–grazer models are nonsmooth due to the Liebig’s Law of Minimum and can generate new dynamics such as bistability for producer–grazer interactions. Environmental noises can be extremely important and change dynamical behaviors of a stoichiometric producer–grazer model. In this paper, we consider a stochastically forced producer–grazer model and study the phenomena of noise-induced state switching between two stochastic attractors in the bistable zone. Namely, there is a frequent random hopping of phase trajectories between attracting basins of the attractors. In addition, by applying the stochastic sensitivity function technique, we construct the confidence ellipse and confidence band to find the configurational arrangement of equilibria and a limit cycle, respectively.
Chloroquine-induced QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients
Authors: van den Broek M. P. H. , Möhlmann J. E. , Abeln B. G. S. , Liebregts M. , van Dijk V. F. , van de Garde E. M. W.
Published: April 2020

Background

In the battle against the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic, chloroquine has emerged as a new potential therapeutic option for the treatment of infected patients. A safety consideration for the application of chloroquine is its QTc-prolonging potential. Thus far, no data are available on the QTc-prolonging potential of chloroquine in COVID-19 patients.

Objective

To assess the degree of chloroquine-induced QTc prolongation in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Methods

A baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) and ECGs recorded during chloroquine treatment were retrospectively collected in patients suspected of having COVID-19. The QTc interval was calculated by computerised and manual interpretation. Baseline and follow-up QTc intervals were compared using the paired samples t-test.

Results

A total of 95 patients had a baseline ECG recording and at least one ECG recording during chloroquine therapy. Chloroquine treatment resulted in a mean QTc prolongation of 35 ms (95% CI 28–43 ms) using computerised interpretation and 34 ms (95% CI 25–43 ms) using manual interpretation. No torsade de pointes was observed during chloroquine treatment. After manual review, 22 patients (23%) had a QTc interval exceeding 500 ms during chloroquine treatment. None of these patients had a prolonged QTc interval prior to the initiation of chloroquine treatment.

Conclusions

Chloroquine significantly prolongs the QTc interval in a clinically relevant matter. This highlights the need for ECG monitoring when prescribing chloroquine to COVID-19 patients.
Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) radiolarians from the Crawford Group, Scotland
Authors: Perera Siyumini , Aitchison Jonathan C. , Nothdurft Linda
Published: April 2020

A diverse assemblage of moderately well-preserved radiolarians occurs in the Ordovician cherts of the Crawford Group in the Southern Uplands terrane of the Scottish borders. A total of 8 genera and 11 species are described. Taxa present correlate to the Middle Ordovician Pygodus anserinus biozone. Key species identified include: Proventocitum procerulum, Inanigutta gansuensis, Inanigutta sp. cf. I. complanata, Inanibigutta sp. cf. I. verrucula, Inanibigutta sp. cf. I. pinglianensis, ?Inanibigutta inconstans, ?Inanihella penrosei, Haplentactinia armillata, ?Oriundogutta ramificans and Syntagentactinia sp. A new species Haplotaeniatum albaensis is introduced here and described on the basis of details of skeletal architecture observed using microcomputed tomography, demonstrating the potential of this technique as a tool for improving the understanding of radiolarian taxonomy.
Microbiota-independent immunological effects of non-digestible oligosaccharides in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Del Fabbro Stefania , Calder Philip C. , Childs Caroline E.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the present paper is to review the effects of non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDO) on immunity, focusing on their microbiota-independent mechanisms of action, as well as to explore their potential beneficial role in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD are chronic, inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals with IBD have an aberrant immune response to commensal microbiota, resulting in extensive mucosal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability. NDO are prebiotic fibres well known for their role in supporting intestinal health through modulation of the gut microbiota. NDO reach the colon intact and are fermented by commensal bacteria, resulting in the production of SCFA with immunomodulatory properties. In disease states characterised by increased gut permeability, prebiotics may also bypass the gut barrier and directly interact with intestinal and systemic immune cells, as demonstrated in patients with IBD and in infants with an immature gut. In vitro models show that fructooligosaccharides, inulin and galactooligosaccharides exert microbiota-independent effects on immunity by binding to toll-like receptors on monocytes, macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells and by modulating cytokine production and immune cell maturation. Moreover, animal models and human supplementation studies demonstrate that some prebiotics, including inulin and lactulose, might reduce intestinal inflammation and IBD symptoms. Although there are convincing preliminary data to support NDO as immunomodulators in the management of IBD, their mechanisms of action are still unclear and larger standardised studies need to be performed using a wider range of prebiotics.
Tuning out tone errors? Native listeners do not down-weight tones when hearing unsystematic tone errors in foreign-accented Mandarin
Authors: Pelzl Eric , Carlson Matthew T. , Guo Taomei , Jackson Carrie N. , van Hell Janet G.
Published: April 2020

Listeners can adapt to errors in foreign-accented speech, but not all errors are alike. We investigated whether exposure to unsystematic tone errors in second language Mandarin impacts responses to accurately produced words. Native Mandarin speakers completed a cross-modal priming task with words produced by foreign-accented talkers who either produced consistently correct tones, or frequent tone errors. Facilitation from primes bearing correct tones was unaffected by the presence of tone errors elsewhere in the talker's speech. However, primes bearing tone errors inhibited recognition of real words and elicited stronger accentedness ratings. We consider theoretical implications for tone in foreign-accent adaptation.
Bewegungsstörungen: Was machen Sie? Was können wir?
Authors: Oertel Markus F. , Baumann Christian R. , Stieglitz Lennart H.
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung. Störungen der Bewegung sind gängig und vielfältig. Häufige Ursachen sind Systemerkrankungen wie die Parkinson-Syndrome und der essenzielle Tremor. Behandlungsoptionen in Praxis und Krankenhaus umfassen konservative, vorwiegend medikamentöse Strategien wie die orale Gabe von Dopamin-Präkursoren und -Agonisten, und pharmakologische oder nichtpharmakologische Eskalationsstrategien wie die intramuskulären Botulinumtoxin-A-Injektionen, die subkutanen oder enteralen Medikamentenpumpen für Apomorphin beziehungsweise Levodopa und Carbidopa, die wirkungsvolle Tiefe Hirnstimulation und die neuartige fokussierte Ultraschalltherapie, die an hierfür hochspezialisierte Zentren gebunden sind und allesamt durchaus früher und häufiger als Behandlungsoption in Betracht gezogen werden sollten.
Kann die unkomplizierte Appendizitis des Erwachsenen auch konservativ behandelt werden?
Authors: Heeren Nickolaus , Gass Markus
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Appendektomie ist seit über einem Jahrhundert die Erstlinientherapie zur Behandlung einer akuten Appendizitis. Sie ist trotz moderner Bildgebung eine nicht ganz einfach zu diagnostizierende Erkrankung und zählt zu den häufigsten Notfalleingriffen weltweit. Das Thema der konservativen Therapie einer unkomplizierten Appendizitis des Erwachsenen rückt zunehmend in den Mittelpunkt der Diskussion. Aufgrund der aktuellen Datenlage kann eine Empfehlung zur konservativen Therapie einer unkomplizierten Appendizitis des Erwachsenen nicht gegeben werden. Sie sollte vorerst einem ausgewählten Patientenkollektiv vorbehalten sein.
Psychodynamic Assessment of Psychosis in Adolescence
Authors: Sleiman Haidar Haya , De Luca Manuella
Published: April 2020

Abstract. This article illustrates the 4-month follow-up projective case study of John, a 16-year-old boy hospitalized for below-threshold psychotic symptoms. Emphasizing the relevance of a psychodynamic approach to emerging psychosis, the authors briefly describe the psychoanalytical framework of the adolescent process theory as well as the French School projective method. The aim of the study is to show that this method of assessment does not fall into the criticized standpoints of naïve complacency or of excessive zealotry against early detection and intervention. On the contrary, the complementary use of both the Rorschach and the Thematic Apperception Test, alongside clinical interviews, was valuable in uncovering the complex heterogeneity of adolescent functioning. Results revealed core psychotic impairments of self-representation and thought processes as well as non-negligible psychological changes and transformation, which allowed for engagement in therapeutic treatments and reinforced a more positive prognostic outcome. Limitations regarding the short-term interval and the qualitative analysis of discrepancies are discussed.
Hydrothermal Vapor‐Phase Fluids on the Seafloor: Evidence From In Situ Observations
Authors: Li Lianfu , Zhang Xin , Luan Zhendong , Du Zengfeng , Xi Shichuan , Wang Bing , Lian Chao , Cao Lei , Yan Jun
Published: April 2020

Subseafloor phase separation is a common and significant process in hydrothermal systems and may result in a large of fluid composition differences. The temperatures of hydrothermal fluids are generally considered to be below the associated fluid boiling temperature due to mixing with ambient seawater and the phase separation process. However, we report here shimmering water with temperatures up to 383.3 °C observed in a hot overturned lake at the Yokosuka site, Okinawa Trough, East China Sea, where in situ Raman spectra suggest the presence of a superheated vapor phase. Hydrothermal vents similar to the low‐density hydrothermal system found at the Yokosuka site have also been observed in many other regions. Therefore, much more attention should be given to the impacts of low‐density hydrothermal fluid emanations on marine environments and resource distributions.
Nonturbulent Liquid‐Bearing Polar Clouds: Observed Frequency of Occurrence and Simulated Sensitivity to Gravity Waves
Authors: Silber Israel , Fridlind Ann M. , Verlinde Johannes , Russell Lynn M. , Ackerman Andrew S.
Published: April 2020

A common feature of polar liquid‐bearing clouds (LBCs) is radiatively driven turbulence, which may variously alter cloud lifecycle via vertical mixing, droplet activation, and subsequent feedbacks. However, polar LBCs are commonly initiated under stable, nonturbulent conditions. Using long‐term data from the North Slope of Alaska and McMurdo, Antarctica, we show that nonturbulent conditions prevail in ~25% of detected LBCs, surmised to be preferentially early in their lifecycle. We conclude that nonturbulent LBCs are likely common over the polar regions owing primarily to atmospheric temperature and stability. Such stable environments are known to support gravity wave activity. Using large‐eddy simulations, we find that short to intermediate period gravity waves may catalyze turbulence formation when aerosol particles available for activation are sufficiently small. We posit that the frequent occurrence of nonturbulent LBCs over the polar regions has implications for polar aerosol‐cloud interactions and their parameterization in large‐scale models.
Explaining the Zonal Asymmetry in the Air‐Sea Net Heat Flux Climatology Over the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Song Xiangzhou
Published: April 2020

Surface heating occurs over the streamline of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and balances the heat transport associated with the global meridional overturning circulation. With a combination of ocean assimilation model output, objectively analyzed products, and atmospheric reanalysis, this paper investigates the mechanism of climatological surface cooling in the Pacific sector with zonal asymmetry. The poleward shift of the ACC path in the Pacific with barotropic potential vorticity conservation was found to account for this cooling. The southward transport of warm/wet surface waters encounters relatively cold/dry air at high latitudes, causing strong turbulent heat fluxes. Sensible heat flux related to the sea‐air heat convection plays an equivalent role alongside the sea surface evaporative latent heat flux, both of which dominate the surface cooling in the Pacific sector. Solar radiation decreases with a poleward meandering of the ACC, which aggravates the cooling process. A significant seasonal cycle of the ensemble mean net surface heat flux (Qnet) is demonstrated, that is, approximately half‐year heating (cooling) during austral warm (cool) seasons. The estimated magnitude of Qnet over the ACC is approximately 20 W m−2 by averaging 10 heat flux climatologies and 4 W m−2 in an ocean state estimate model. However, efforts are still needed to reduce the excess heat flux over the sea surface in the Southern Ocean for the heat flux products.
Analysis of E-mail Account Probing Attack Based on Graph Mining
Authors: Wen Yi , Chen Xingshu , Zeng Xuemei , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

E-mail has become the main carrier of spreading malicious software and been widely used for phishing, even high-level persistent threats. The e-mail accounts with high social reputation are primary targets to be attacked and utilized by attackers, suffering a lot of probing attacks for a long time. In this paper, in order to understand the probing pattern of the e-mail account attacks, we analyse the log of email account probing captured in the campus network based on graph mining. By analysing characteristics of the dataset in different dimensions, we find a kind of e-mail account probing attack and give it a new definition. Based on the analysis results, its probing pattern is figured out. From the point of probing groups and individuals, we find definitely opposite characteristics of the attack. Owing to the probing pattern and its characteristics, attacks can escape from the detection of security devices, which has a harmful effect on e-mail users and administrators. The analysis results of this paper provide support for the detection and defence of such distributed attacks.
Tracing the retina to analyze the integrity and phagocytic capacity of the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Valiente-Soriano Francisco J. , Salinas-Navarro Manuel , Di Pierdomenico Johnny , García-Ayuso Diego , Lucas-Ruiz Fernando , Pinilla Isabel , Cuenca Nicolás , Vidal-Sanz Manuel , Villegas-Pérez María Paz , Agudo-Barriuso Marta
Published: April 2020

We have developed a new technique to study the integrity, morphology and functionality of the retinal neurons and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Young and old control albino (Sprague-Dawley) and pigmented (Piebald Virol Glaxo) rats, and dystrophic albino (P23H-1) and pigmented (Royal College of Surgeons) rats received a single intravitreal injection of 3% Fluorogold (FG) and their retinas were analyzed from 5 minutes to 30 days later. Retinas were imaged in vivo with SD-OCT and ex vivo in flat-mounts and in cross-sections. Fifteen minutes and 24 hours after intravitreal administration of FG retinal neurons and the RPE, but no glial cells, were labeled with FG-filled vesicles. The tracer reached the RPE 15 minutes after FG administration, and this labeling remained up to 30 days. Tracing for 15 minutes or 24 hours did not cause oxidative stress. Intraretinal tracing delineated the pathological retinal remodelling occurring in the dystrophic strains. The RPE of the P23H-1 strain was highly altered in aged animals, while the RPE of the RCS strain, which is unable to phagocytose, did not accumulate the tracer even at young ages when the retinal neural circuit is still preserved. In both dystrophic strains, the RPE cells were pleomorphic and polymegathic.
Forewarned is forearmed: Queensland fruit flies detect olfactory cues from predators and respond with predator-specific behaviour
Authors: Kempraj Vivek , Park Soo Jean , Taylor Phillip W.
Published: April 2020

Animals can gain significant advantages from abilities to detect cues from predators, assess risks, and respond adaptively to reduce the likelihood of injurious interactions. In contrast, predator cue-induced changes in behaviour may interfere with fitness-associated activities such as exploration, foraging and reproduction. Despite the ecological importance of predator-prey interactions in insects, remarkably little is known about the abilities of insects to detect and respond to olfactory cues from predators, or the potential costs of such responses. We here demonstrate that a tephritid fruit fly, the Queensland fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni, is able to detect and respond differentially to volatile olfactory cues from four potential predators (three spiders and an ant) that vary in prevalence and diurnal activity. Male and female flies increased or decreased motility (velocity, active time, distance moved), or exhibited no change in motility, depending on which predator volatiles they encountered. Further, flies significantly reduced foraging, oviposition and mating propensity in the presence of volatiles from any of the predators. This study is the first report of predator-specific responses to olfactory cues in a tephritid fruit fly, and highlights that such anti-predator responses can impose costs on general activity and reproductive behaviour.
Inappropriate Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate with Dry Powder Inhaler in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Chen Shih-Yu , Huang Chun-Kai , Peng Hui-Chuan , Yu Chong-Jen , Chien Jung-Yien
Published: April 2020

Optimal peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) is crucial for optimizing dry powder inhaler (DPI) effectiveness for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study provide an insight that there was a substantial proportion of improper PIFRs (not only insufficient but also excessive) among COPD patients using DPIs. We enrolled 138 COPD patients from a medical center in Taiwan and measured PIFRs against different internal resistances of DPIs. Proportion of excessive, optimal, suboptimal, and insufficient PIFRs were 2%, 54%, 41%, 3%, respectively, against medium-high resistance; 2%, 77%, 20%, 1%, respectively, against medium resistance; 27%, 63%, 9%, 1%, respectively, against medium-low resistance; and 42%, 57%, 1%, 0%, respectively, against low resistance (p < 0.01). Although most PIFRs against medium-high (54%), medium (77%), medium-low (63%) and low (57%) resistance were optimal, a substantial proportion of PIFRs against low resistance were excessive (42%, p < 0.01), irrespective of age, body-mass index, dyspnea severity score, and COPD severity. Insufficient PIFRs were infrequent, but suboptimal/insufficient PIFRs were most prevalent in patients older than 75 years than in younger patients (36% vs. 56%, p = 0.036) against medium-high resistance. Regularly monitoring PIFRs against the specific resistance of the DPIs and instructing patients to employ a proper inspiration effort may help to optimize the effects of DPIs.
Compared to conventional, ecological intensive management promotes beneficial proteolytic soil microbial communities for agro-ecosystem functioning under climate change-induced rain regimes
Authors: Lori Martina , Piton Gabin , Symanczik Sarah , Legay Nicolas , Brussaard Lijbert , Jaenicke Sebastian , Nascimento Eduardo , Reis Filipa , Sousa José Paulo , Mäder Paul , Gattinger Andreas , Clément Jean-Christophe , Foulquier Arnaud
Published: April 2020

Projected climate change and rainfall variability will affect soil microbial communities, biogeochemical cycling and agriculture. Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient in agroecosystems and its cycling and availability is highly dependent on microbial driven processes. In agroecosystems, hydrolysis of organic nitrogen (N) is an important step in controlling soil N availability. We analyzed the effect of management (ecological intensivevs. conventional intensive) on N-cycling processes and involved microbial communities under climate change-induced rain regimes. Terrestrial model ecosystems originating from agroecosystems across Europe were subjected to four different rain regimes for 263 days. Using structural equation modelling we identified direct impacts of rain regimes on N-cycling processes, whereas N-related microbial communities were more resistant. In addition to rain regimes, management indirectly affected N-cycling processes via modifications of N-related microbial community composition. Ecological intensive management promoted a beneficial N-related microbial community composition involved in N-cycling processes under climate change-induced rain regimes. Exploratory analyses identified phosphorus-associated litter properties as possible drivers for the observed management effects on N-related microbial community composition. This work provides novel insights into mechanisms controlling agro-ecosystem functioning under climate change.
An artificial chromosome ylAC enables efficient assembly of multiple genes in Yarrowia lipolytica for biomanufacturing
Authors: Guo Zhong-peng , Borsenberger Vinciane , Croux Christian , Duquesne Sophie , Truan Gilles , Marty Alain , Bordes Florence
Published: April 2020

The efficient use of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica as a cell factory is hampered by the lack of powerful genetic engineering tools dedicated for the assembly of large DNA fragments and the robust expression of multiple genes. Here we describe the design and construction of artificial chromosomes (ylAC) that allow easy and efficient assembly of genes and chromosomal elements. We show that metabolic pathways can be rapidly constructed by various assembly of multiple genes in vivo into a complete, independent and linear supplementary chromosome with a yield over 90%. Additionally, our results reveal that ylAC can be genetically maintained over multiple generations either under selective conditions or, without selective pressure, using an essential gene as the selection marker. Overall, the ylACs reported herein are game-changing technology for Y. lipolytica, opening myriad possibilities, including enzyme screening, genome studies and the use of this yeast as a previous unutilized bio-manufacturing platform.
Stimuli-responsive flexible Lewis pair-modified nanoparticles for fluorescence imaging
Authors: Arsenault Nicole E. , Downey Kathleen T. , Wolf Michael O.
Published: April 2020

Environment-responsive fluorophores are attached to mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can be used for sensing water concentration around biologically-relevant substrates.
Wettability read-out strategy for aptamer target binding based on a recognition/hydrophobic bilayer surface
Authors: Fan Yunfei , Xie Yahang , Zhao Zhen , Zhao Yang , Yu Rui , Liu Xiang-yang , Lin Youhui , Lin Changxu
Published: April 2020

A wettability read-out strategy for an aptasensor is setup with a bilayer surface. It targets on methamphetamine and uses hydrophobicity reduction as the signal induced by recognition by the supporting aptamer layer.
Drastic fluorine effect: complete reversal of the selectivity in the Au-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation reaction of fluorinated haloalkynes
Authors: Cloutier Mélissa , Mamone Marius , Paquin Jean-François
Published: April 2020

A drastic fluorine effect has been uncovered where the Au-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation reaction of 1-halo-3,3-difluoroalkynes produces 3,3-difluoroesters as the unique products.
Coordination induced electron redistribution to achieve highly reversible Li-ion insertion chemistry in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Ye Zhao , Liu Yaojun , Fang Chun , Chen Wange , Ou Mingyang , Li Long , Lin Xing , Rao Zhixiang , Liao Yaqi , Zhao Ruirui , Chen Weilun , Huang Yunhui
Published: April 2020

Coordination of Zn2+ with PTCA4− can induce electron redistribution and finally boost the Li-ion insertion reversibility of C6 rings.
Quinonoid vs. aromatic structures of heteroconjugated polymers from oligomer calculations
Authors: Grover Girishma , Peters Garvin M. , Tovar John D. , Kertesz Miklos
Published: April 2020

Conjugated polymers with quinonoid ground states can display low optical band gaps.