bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global trends in mangrove forest fragmentation
Authors: Bryan-Brown Dale N. , Connolly Rod M. , Richards Daniel R. , Adame Fernanda , Friess Daniel A. , Brown Christopher J.
Published: April 2020

Fragmentation is a major driver of ecosystem degradation, reducing the capacity of habitats to provide many important ecosystem services. Mangrove ecosystem services, such as erosion prevention, shoreline protection and mitigation of climate change (through carbon sequestration), depend on the size and arrangement of forest patches, but we know little about broad-scale patterns of mangrove forest fragmentation. Here we conduct a multi-scale analysis using global estimates of mangrove density and regional drivers of mangrove deforestation to map relationships between habitat loss and fragmentation. Mangrove fragmentation was ubiquitous; however, there are geographic disparities between mangrove loss and fragmentation; some regions, like Cambodia and the southern Caribbean, had relatively little loss, but their forests have been extensively fragmented. In Southeast Asia, a global hotspot of mangrove loss, the conversion of forests to aquaculture and rice plantations were the biggest drivers of loss (>50%) and fragmentation. Surprisingly, conversion of forests to oil palm plantations, responsible for >15% of all deforestation in Southeast Asia, was only weakly correlated with mangrove fragmentation. Thus, the management of different deforestation drivers may increase or decrease fragmentation. Our findings suggest that large scale monitoring of mangrove forests should also consider fragmentation. This work highlights that regional priorities for conservation based on forest loss rates can overlook fragmentation and associated loss of ecosystem functionality.
A neck compression injury criterion incorporating lateral eccentricity
Authors: Whyte Tom , Melnyk Angela D. , Van Toen Carolyn , Yamamoto Shun , Street John , Oxland Thomas R. , Cripton Peter A.
Published: April 2020

There is currently no established injury criterion for the spine in compression with lateral load components despite this load combination commonly contributing to spinal injuries in rollover vehicle crashes, falls and sports. This study aimed to determine an injury criterion and accompanying tolerance values for cervical spine segments in axial compression applied with varying coronal plane eccentricity. Thirty-three human cadaveric functional spinal units were subjected to axial compression at three magnitudes of lateral eccentricity of the applied force. Injury was identified by high-speed video and graded by spine surgeons. Linear regression was used to define neck injury tolerance values based on a criterion incorporating coronal plane loads accounting for specimen sex, age, size and bone density. Larger coronal plane eccentricity at injury was associated with smaller resultant coronal plane force. The level of coronal plane eccentricity at failure appears to distinguish between the types of injuries sustained, with hard tissue structure injuries more common at low levels of eccentricity and soft tissue structure injuries more common at high levels of eccentricity. There was no relationship between axial force and lateral bending moment at injury which has been previously proposed as an injury criterion. These results provide the foundation for designing and evaluating strategies and devices for preventing severe spinal injuries.
RNase E-dependent degradation of tnaA mRNA encoding tryptophanase is prerequisite for the induction of acid resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kanda Takeshi , Abiko Genta , Kanesaki Yu , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Iwai Noritaka , Wachi Masaaki
Published: April 2020

Acid-resistance systems are essential for pathogenic Escherichia coli to survive in the strongly acidic environment of the human stomach (pH < 2.5). Among these, the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) system is the most effective. However, the precise mechanism of GAD induction is unknown. We previously reported that a tolC mutant lacking the TolC outer membrane channel was defective in GAD induction. Here, we show that indole, a substrate of TolC-dependent efflux pumps and produced by the tryptophanase encoded by the tnaA gene, negatively regulates GAD expression. GAD expression was restored by deleting tnaA in the tolC mutant; in wild-type E. coli, it was suppressed by adding indole to the growth medium. RNA-sequencing revealed that tnaA mRNA levels drastically decreased upon exposure to moderately acidic conditions (pH 5.5). This decrease was suppressed by RNase E deficiency. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the RNase E-dependent degradation of tnaA mRNA is accelerated upon acid exposure, which decreases intracellular indole concentrations and triggers GAD induction.
Bmi1 inhibitor PTC-209 promotes Chemically-induced Direct Cardiac Reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Testa Gianluca , Russo Michele , Di Benedetto Giorgia , Barbato Matteo , Parisi Silvia , Pirozzi Flora , Tocchetti Carlo Gabriele , Abete Pasquale , Bonaduce Domenico , Russo Tommaso , Passaro Fabiana
Published: April 2020

The development of therapeutic approaches based on direct cardiac reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced-cardiomyocytes (iCM) has emerged as an attractive strategy to repair the injured myocardium. The identification of the mechanisms driving lineage conversion represents a crucial step toward the development of new and more efficient regenerative strategies. To this aim, here we show that pre-treatment with the Bmi1 inhibitor PTC-209 is sufficient to increase the efficiency of Chemical-induced Direct Cardiac Reprogramming both in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and adult cardiac fibroblasts. PTC-209 induces an overall increase of spontaneously beating iCM at end-stage of reprogramming, expressing high levels of late cardiac markers Troponin T and myosin muscle light chain-2v. The inhibition of Bmi1 expression occurring upon PTC-209 pre-treatment was maintained throughout the reprogramming protocol, contributing to a significant gene expression de-regulation. RNA profiling revealed that, upon Bmi1 inhibition a significant down-regulation of genes associated with immune and inflammatory signalling pathways occurred, with repression of different genes involved in interleukin, cytokine and chemokine pathways. Accordingly, we observed the down-regulation of both JAK/STAT3 and MAPK/ERK1-2 pathway activation, highlighting the crucial role of these pathways as a barrier for cardiac reprogramming. These findings have significant implications for the development of new cardiac regenerative therapies.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Age and Trabecular Meshwork Height to Predict the Risk of Glaucoma
Authors: Choi Wungrak , Bae Hyoung Won , Cho Hyuna , Kim Eun Woo , Kim Chan Yun , Seong Gong Je
Published: April 2020

This study evaluated age-related trabecular meshwork (TM) height variations in the eyes of adults in different age groups. We hypothesised that a reduction in TM occurs with increasing age. This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital between January 2015 and June 2019. We randomly included 250 eyes of 125 patients who underwent anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The distance from the scleral spur to Schwalbe’s line in patients with normal open anterior chamber angle was measured using AS-OCT. Results were stratified based on patients’ age group—≤40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, 71–80, and 81–92 years. Thereafter, the results were compared among the age groups. The mean TM height of the patients was 770.929 ± 76.776 μm. TM height was 853.188 ± 94.117 μm in patients aged ≤40 years; it was 815.309 ± 75.723, 798.115 ± 66.040, 770.942 ± 52.774, 726.716 ± 63.979, and 715.968 ± 63.403 μm in patients aged 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, 71–80, and 81–92 years, respectively. The TM height tended to decrease with increasing age (P < 0.001). TM height was significantly shorter in older patients than in younger ones. Therefore, TM height may change with age and may contribute to increased glaucoma risk and prevalence.
Photosynthetic protein classification using genome neighborhood-based machine learning feature
Authors: Sangphukieo Apiwat , Laomettachit Teeraphan , Ruengjitchatchawalya Marasri
Published: April 2020

Identification of novel photosynthetic proteins is important for understanding and improving photosynthetic efficiency. Synergistically, genome neighborhood can provide additional useful information to identify photosynthetic proteins. We, therefore, expected that applying a computational approach, particularly machine learning (ML) with the genome neighborhood-based feature should facilitate the photosynthetic function assignment. Our results revealed a functional relationship between photosynthetic genes and their conserved neighboring genes observed by ‘Phylo score’, indicating their functions could be inferred from the genome neighborhood profile. Therefore, we created a new method for extracting patterns based on the genome neighborhood network (GNN) and applied them for the photosynthetic protein classification using ML algorithms. Random forest (RF) classifier using genome neighborhood-based features achieved the highest accuracy up to 87% in the classification of photosynthetic proteins and also showed better performance (Mathew’s correlation coefficient = 0.718) than other available tools including the sequence similarity search (0.447) and ML-based method (0.361). Furthermore, we demonstrated the ability of our model to identify novel photosynthetic proteins compared to the other methods. Our classifier is available at http://bicep2.kmutt.ac.th/photomod_standalone, https://bit.ly/2S0I2Ox and DockerHub: https://hub.docker.com/r/asangphukieo/photomod.
Quantum Walks in Periodic and Quasiperiodic Fibonacci Fibers
Authors: Nguyen Dan T. , Nguyen Thien An , Khrapko Rostislav , Nolan Daniel A. , Borrelli Nicholas F.
Published: April 2020

Quantum walk is a key operation in quantum computing, simulation, communication and information. Here, we report for the first time the demonstration of quantum walks and localized quantum walks in a new type of optical fibers having a ring of cores constructed with both periodic and quasiperiodic Fibonacci sequences, respectively. Good agreement between theoretical and experimental results has been achieved. The new multicore ring fibers provide a new platform for experiments of quantum effects in low-loss optical fibers which is critical for scalability of real applications with large-size problems. Furthermore, our new quasiperiodic Fibonacci multicore ring fibers provide a new class of quasiperiodic photonics lattices possessing both on- and off-diagonal deterministic disorders for realizing localized quantum walks deterministically. The proposed Fibonacci fibers are simple and straightforward to fabricate and have a rich set of properties that are of potential use for quantum applications. Our simulation and experimental results show that, in contrast with randomly disordered structures, localized quantum walks in new proposed quasiperiodic photonics lattices are highly controllable due to the deterministic disordered nature of quasiperiodic systems.
Determinants of normal haemoglobin concentration among children in Ghana: a positive deviance analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional survey data
Authors: Amugsi Dickson A.
Published: April 2020

Anaemia among children under 5, is a public health problem of serious concern. In Ghana, an estimated 8 out of every 10 children are anaemic. This study employed a novel approach to investigate the determinants of normal haemoglobin (Hb) concentration among children aged 6 to 59 months, using data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys. The results showed that maternal schooling was positively associated with normal Hb concentration among children. Children of non-anaemic mothers were 1.67 (CI = 1.32, 2.10; P < 0.001) times more likely to have normal Hb concentration relative to children of anaemic mothers. Compared to mothers who had less than 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits, mothers who had at least 4 ANC visits increased the odds of their children having a normal Hb concentration by 1.62 (CI = 1.09, 2.40; P < 0.018). Children living in middle and rich households had respectively 1.48 (CI = 1.06, 2.07; p < 0.021) and 1.59 (CI = 1.08, 2.33; p < 0.018) increased odds of having a normal Hb concentration relative to those living in poor households. Maternal education, anaemia, ANC attendance, and household wealth index are strong determinants of normal Hb concentration among children in Ghana. Strategies aimed at addressing childhood anaemia should take into account maternal anaemia, education, poverty and ANC attendance.
Lack of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific cell-mediated immune response using QuantiFERON-CMV assay in CMV-seropositive healthy volunteers: fact not artifact
Authors: Valle-Arroyo Jorge , Aguado Rocío , Páez-Vega Aurora , Pérez Ana B. , González Rafael , Fornés Gema , Torre-Cisneros Julián , Cantisán Sara
Published: April 2020

The QuantiFERON-CMV (QF) assay measures cell-mediated immunity against cytomegalovirus (CMV-CMI), which is particularly useful in individuals susceptible to CMV infection such as transplant patients. A positive QF result identifies patients that are better protected against CMV infection. However, the significance of a negative QF result in CMV-seropositive individuals needs to be clarified. CMV-CMI was analyzed in healthy subjects using the QF assay, and, in parallel, the Flow-cytometric Assay of Specific Cell-mediated Immune response in Activated whole blood (FASCIA). FASCIA assay measures T-cell proliferation using CMV lysate as stimulus whereas QF assay use a mix of peptides. A total of 93 healthy volunteers were enrolled, and 13/71 CMV-seropositive individuals (18.3%) showed humoral/cellular discordance using QF assay (CMV+ QF−). Interestingly, with FASCIA assay CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferations were lower in CMV+ QF− than in CMV+ QF+ individuals. Furthermore, CMV+ QF− volunteers had a lower level of anti-CMV IgG than CMV+ QF+ subjects. Discordant CMV+ QF− volunteers can be defined as low responder individuals since they show lower CMV-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in comparison to CMV+ QF+ individuals. Immune discordance shows the high heterogeneity of immunity to CMV in healthy subjects.
Machine learning approach for prediction of hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Cha Dongchul , Shin Seung Ho , Kim Sung Huhn , Choi Jae Young , Moon In Seok
Published: April 2020

In vestibular schwannoma patients with functional hearing status, surgical resection while preserving the hearing is feasible. Hearing levels, tumor size, and location of the tumor have been known to be candidates of predictors. We used a machine learning approach to predict hearing outcomes in vestibular schwannoma patients who underwent hearing preservation surgery: middle cranial fossa, or retrosigmoid approach. After reviewing the medical records of 52 patients with a pathologically confirmed vestibular schwannoma, we included 50 patient’s records in the study. Hearing preservation was regarded as positive if the postoperative hearing was within serviceable hearing (50/50 rule). The categorical variable included the surgical approach, and the continuous variable covered audiometric and vestibular function tests, and the largest diameter of the tumor. Four different algorithms were lined up for comparison of accuracy: support vector machine(SVM), gradient boosting machine(GBM), deep neural network(DNN), and diffuse random forest(DRF). The average accuracy of predicting hearing preservation ranged from 62% (SVM) to 90% (DNN). The current study is the first to incorporate machine learning methodology into a prediction of successful hearing preservation surgery. Although a larger population may be needed for better generalization, this study could aid the surgeon’s decision to perform a hearing preservation approach for vestibular schwannoma surgery.
Evaluation of the effects of cell-dispensing using an inkjet-based bioprinter on cell integrity by RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Yumoto Masayuki , Hemmi Natsuko , Sato Naoki , Kawashima Yudai , Arikawa Koji , Ide Keigo , Hosokawa Masahito , Seo Manabu , Takeyama Haruko
Published: April 2020

Bioprinting technology is expected to be applied in the fields of regenerative medicine and drug discovery. There are several types of bioprinters, especially inkjet-based bioprinter, which can be used not only as a printer for arranging cells but also as a precision cell-dispensing device with controlled cell numbers similar to a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). Precise cell dispensers are expected to be useful in the fields of drug discovery and single-cell analysis. However, there are enduring concerns about the impacts of cell dispensers on cell integrity, particularly on sensitive cells, such as stem cells. In response to the concerns stated above, we developed a stress-free and media-direct-dispensing inkjet bioprinter. In the present study, in addition to conventional viability assessments, we evaluated the gene expression using RNA-seq to investigate whether the developed bioprinter influenced cell integrity in mouse embryonic stem cells. We evaluated the developed bioprinter based on three dispensing methods: manual operation using a micropipette, FACS and the developed inkjet bioprinter. According to the results, the developed inkjet bioprinter exhibited cell-friendly dispensing performance, which was similar to the manual dispensing operation, based not only on cell viability but also on gene expression levels.
Optical polarization properties of (11–22) semi-polar InGaN LEDs with a wide spectral range
Authors: Poyiatzis N. , Bai J. , Smith R. M. , Athanasiou M. , Ghataora S. , Wang T.
Published: April 2020

Electroluminescence polarization measurements have been performed on a series of semi-polar InGaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on semi-polar (11–22) templates with a high crystal quality. The emission wavelengths of these LEDs cover a wide spectral region from 443 to 555 nm. A systematic study has been carried out in order to investigate the influence of both indium content and injection current on polarization properties, where a clear polarization switching at approximately 470 nm has been observed. The shortest wavelength LED (443 nm) exhibits a positive 0.15 polarization degree, while the longest wavelength LED (555 nm) shows a negative −0.33 polarization degree. All the longer wavelength LEDs with an emission wavelength above 470 nm exhibit negative polarization degrees, and they further demonstrate that the dependence of polarization degree on injection current enhances with increasing emission wavelength. Moreover, the absolute value of the polarization degree decreases with increasing injection current. In contrast, the polarization degree of the 443 nm blue LED remains constant with changing injection current. This discrepancy can be attributed to a significant difference in the density of states (DOS) of the valence subbands.
Clinical Prognosis of Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis not Associated with Cardiac Devices or Intravenous Drug use: a Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rigau Pau Vilardell , Moral Sergio , Bosch Daniel , Morales Manel , Frigola Josep Maria , Albert Xavier , Robles Rocío , Ballesteros Esther , Roqué Marta , Aboal Jaime , Brugada Ramon
Published: April 2020

Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE), classically associated with intravenous drug use or intracardiac devices, is considered a good-prognosis infective endocarditis (IE) form. However, predisposing factors and prognosis for “NODID” RSIE (NOt associated with cardiac Devices or Intravenous Drug use) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate predisposing factors and prognosis of NODID RSIE compared to other RSIE forms. A retrospective cohort study (January 2008–January 2019) was conducted in a reference center on 300 patients diagnosed with IE. Endocarditis-related events were defined as related to IE in mortality or open-heart surgery during follow-up. A review and meta-analysis of associated literature (January 2008-January 2019) were also performed. Fifty-seven patients presented RSIE (19%), 22 of which were NODID RSIE (39%). Use of intravascular catheters (23% vs 3%; p = 0.027) and congenital heart diseases (18% vs 0%; p = 0.019) were associated with NODID RSIE. This group had a higher in-hospital mortality (23% vs 3%; p = 0.027) and endocarditis-related event rates (41% vs 6%; p = 0.001) than non-NODID RSIE. Furthermore, NODID RSIE was independently associated with in-hospital endocarditis-related events (OR = 19.29; 95%CI:2.23–167.16; p = 0.007). Our meta-analysis evaluated four studies and identified 96 cases (30%) of NODID RSIE from 320 total RSIE cases. NODID RSIE patients demonstrated higher in-hospital mortality (RR = 2.81; 95%CI:1.61–4.90; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%) and necessity of open-heart surgery (RR = 13.89; 95%CI:4.14–46.60; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%) than non-NODID RSIE cases. Our study suggests that NODID RSIE has the highest endocarditis-related event rate and in-hospital mortality among RSIE cases and therefore should not be considered a good-prognosis IE.
Drone aggregation behavior in the social wasp Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): Effect of kinship and density
Authors: Masciocchi Maité , Angeletti Bárbara , Corley Juan C. , Martínez Andrés S.
Published: April 2020

Inbreeding can have negative consequences on population viability because of the reduced fitness of the progeny. In general, most species have developed mechanisms to minimize inbreeding such as dispersal and kin avoidance behavior. In the eusocial Hymenoptera, related individuals typically share a common nest and have relatively short mating periods, this could lead to inbreeding, and because of their single–locus complementary sex determination system, it may generate diploid males that could result in infertile triploid progeny representing a cost for the colony.Vespula germanica, is an eusocial wasp that has invaded many parts of the world, despite likely facing a reduced genetic pool during the arrival phases. We ask whether male wasp display specific aggregation behavior that favors genetic diversity, key to reduce inbreeding. Through a set of laboratory experiments, we investigated the effects of drone nestmateship and density on the aggregation behavior ofV. germanicadrones. We show that drones avoid aggregating with their nestmates at all densities while non-nestmates are avoided only at high densities. This suggests that lek genetic diversity and density could be regulated through drone behavior and in the long run minimize inbreeding favoring invasion success.
CB1 cannabinoid receptor-mediated plasticity of GABAergic synapses in the mouse insular cortex
Authors: Toyoda Hiroki
Published: April 2020

The insular cortex plays pivotal roles in taste learning. As cellular mechanisms of taste learning, long-term potentiation (LTP) at glutamatergic synapses is well studied. However, little is known about long-term changes of synaptic efficacy at GABAergic synapses in the insular cortex. Here, we examined the synaptic mechanisms of long-term plasticity at GABAergic synapses in layer V pyramidal neurons of the mouse insular cortex. In response to a prolonged high-frequency stimulation (HFS), GABAergic synapses displayed endocannabinod (eCB)-mediated long-term depression (LTDGABA). When cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1Rs) were blocked by a CB1R antagonist, the same stimuli caused LTP at GABAergic synapses (LTPGABA) which was mediated by production of nitric oxide (NO) via activation of NMDA receptors. Intriguingly, NO signaling was necessary for the induction of LTDGABA. In the presence of leptin which blocks CB1 signaling, the prolonged HFS caused LTPGABA which was mediated by NO signaling. These results indicate that long-term plasticity at GABAergic synapses in the insular cortex can be modulated by combined effects of eCB and NO signaling. These forms of GABAergic synaptic plasticity in the insular cortex may be crucial synaptic mechanisms in taste learning.
The challenge of intracellular antibiotic accumulation, a function of fluoroquinolone influx versus bacterial efflux
Authors: Vergalli Julia , Atzori Alessio , Pajovic Jelena , Dumont Estelle , Malloci Giuliano , Masi Muriel , Vargiu Attilio Vittorio , Winterhalter Mathias , Réfrégiers Matthieu , Ruggerone Paolo , Pagès Jean-Marie
Published: April 2020

With the spreading of antibiotic resistance, the translocation of antibiotics through bacterial envelopes is crucial for their antibacterial activity. In Gram-negative bacteria, the interplay between membrane permeability and drug efflux pumps must be investigated as a whole. Here, we quantified the intracellular accumulation of a series of fluoroquinolones in population and in individual cells ofEscherichia coliaccording to the expression of the AcrB efflux transporter. Computational results supported the accumulation levels measured experimentally and highlighted how fluoroquinolones side chains interact with specific residues of the distal pocket of the AcrB tight monomer during recognition and binding steps.
Metal extraction from a deep eutectic solvent, an insight into activities
Authors: Cen Peng , Spahiu Kastriot , Tyumentsev Mikhail S. , Foreman Mark R. St. J.
Published: April 2020

By using the SIT equation and solvent extraction to consider activities of chloride and metal complexes in the aqueous and ethylene glycol layers, it is figuratively like viewing the system through a special lens which makes everything clearer.
Thermodynamics of mixing methanol with supercritical CO2 as seen from computer simulations and thermodynamic integration
Authors: Horváth Réka A. , Horvai George , Idrissi Abdenacer , Jedlovszky Pál
Published: April 2020

The thermodynamics of mixing supercritical CO2 with liquid methanol is studied using computer simulations and thermodynamic integration.
Pseudo-ternary LiBH4·LiCl·P2S5 system as structurally disordered bulk electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: El Kharbachi Abdelouahab , Wind Julia , Ruud Amund , Høgset Astrid B. , Nygård Magnus M. , Zhang Junxian , Sørby Magnus H. , Kim Sangryun , Cuevas Fermin , Orimo Shin-ichi , Fichtner Maximilian , Latroche Michel , Fjellvåg Helmer , Hauback Bjørn C.
Published: April 2020

LiCl1−x(BH4)x stabilized by P2S5 addition with high Li+ conduction; further operando XRD in transmission mode of a solid-state battery demonstrated.
Does the structure of CuZn hydroxycarbonate precursors affect the intrinsic hydrogenolysis activity of CuZn catalysts?
Authors: Pospelova Violetta , Aubrecht Jaroslav , Pacultová Kateřina , Lhotka Miloslav , Kikhtyanin Oleg , Kubička David
Published: April 2020

A comparative study of the properties and activity of catalysts derived from single-phase CuZn precursors to elucidate the effect of the precursor structure on the catalyst activity in DMA hydrogenolysis and to examine replacement of CuCr catalysts.
Studies of the labile lead pool using a rhodamine-based fluorescent probe
Authors: Zhu Jianping , Yeo Jia Hao , Bowyer Amy A , Proschogo Nicholas , New Elizabeth J
Published: April 2020

Lead is a heavy metal which has long been known to have toxic effects on the body. However, much remains to be learnt about the labile lead pool and cellular uptake of lead. We report here RPb1 that undergoes a 100-fold increase in fluorescence emission in the presence of Pb2+, and which can be applied to study the labile lead pool within cells. We demonstrate the capacity of RPb1 for investigating labile lead pool in DLD-1 cells and changes in labile lead during differentiation of K562 cells.
Hybrid conjugated polymer/magnetic nanoparticle composite nanofibers through cooperative non-covalent interactions
Authors: Meng Lingyao , Watson Brad W. , Qin Yang
Published: April 2020

Electronically and magnetically responsive core–shell organic–inorganic hybrid nanofibers.
Recent advances in the template-confined synthesis of two-dimensional materials for aqueous energy storage devices
Authors: Tian Zhengnan , Wei Chaohui , Sun Jingyu
Published: April 2020

The template-confined synthesis strategy is a simple and effective methodology to prepare two-dimensional nanomaterials.
The formation and effect of O-vacancies in doped TiO2
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Modak B. , Nayak C. , Nair R. G. , Bhattacharyya D. , Jha S. N. , Tripathi A. K.
Published: April 2020

The formation of O-vacancies along with their local environment and locus of formation for the O-vacancies has been understood using EXAFS and ab initio techniques in a doped (Zn2+) anatase lattice.
Lithium bis(oxalate)borate additive in the electrolyte to improve Li-rich layered oxide cathode materials
Authors: Xiao Zi , Liu Jiuding , Fan Guilan , Yu Meng , Liu Junxiang , Gou Xinglong , Yuan Mingjian , Cheng Fangyi
Published: April 2020

Lithium bis(oxalate)borate electrolyte additive improves the performance of Li-rich layered oxide cathodes due to its preferential combination with the generated active oxygen to form a stable boron-enriched interfacial film.
A study of deactivation by H2S and regeneration of a Ni catalyst supported on Al2O3, during methanation of CO2. Effect of the promoters Co, Cr, Fe and Mo
Authors: Méndez-Mateos David , Barrio V. Laura , Requies Jesús M. , Cambra José F.
Published: April 2020

Energy storage from renewable sources is possible by chemical procedures, power to gas technology being a possible solution for long-term storage.
Synthesis of oxygen functionalized carbon nanotubes and their application for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Ye Bora , Kim Sun-I , Lee Minwoo , Ezazi Mohammadamin , Kim Hong-Dae , Kwon Gibum , Lee Duck Hyun
Published: April 2020

Oxygen functionalized carbon nanotubes synthesized by surface acid treatment were used to improve the dispersion properties of active materials for catalysis.
A luminescence-based assay for monitoring changes in alpha-synuclein aggregation in living cells
Authors: Nelson Travis J. , Truong Tiffany , Truong BaoLong , Bilyeu Camden V. , Zhao Jia , Stains Cliff I.
Published: April 2020

A re-engineered split-Nluc assay for detecting the influence of mutations and inhibitors on alpha-synuclein aggregation in cells.
An inverted ZnO/P3HT:PbS bulk-heterojunction hybrid solar cell with a CdSe quantum dot interface buffer layer
Authors: Thomas Ajith , Vinayakan R. , Ison V. V.
Published: April 2020

An inverted bulk-heterojunction hybrid solar cell with the structure ITO/ZnO/P3HT:PbS/Au was prepared. The device performance was enhanced by inserting an interface buffer layer of CdSe quantum dots between the ZnO and the P3HT:PbS BHJ active layer.
Spatiotemporal monitoring of intracellular metabolic dynamics by resonance Raman microscopy with isotope labeling
Authors: Yonamine Yusuke , Hiramatsu Kotaro , Ideguchi Takuro , Ito Takuro , Fujiwara Tomomi , Miura Yoshiko , Goda Keisuke , Hoshino Yu
Published: April 2020

We probed production process of a cellular metabolite with a stable isotope-labeled substrate exposed to various conditions.
3D printing of structured electrodes for rechargeable batteries
Authors: Zhang Minggang , Mei Hui , Chang Peng , Cheng Laifei
Published: April 2020

An overview of 3D printed rechargeable batteries is provided, comparing electrodes/electrolytes with different structures and their applications in rechargeable battery systems.
The nature of the methylamine–MAPbI3 complex: fundamentals of gas-induced perovskite liquefaction and crystallization
Authors: Bogachuk Dmitry , Wagner Lukas , Mastroianni Simone , Daub Michael , Hillebrecht Harald , Hinsch Andreas
Published: April 2020

In this work we scrutinize the exact interaction mechanisms between methylamine and perovskite based on extensive experimental evidence.
Hybrid perovskite exchange of PbS quantum dots for fast and high-detectivity visible–near-infrared photodetectors
Authors: Mi Longfei , Chang Yajing , Zhang Yan , Xu Enze , Jiang Yang
Published: April 2020

A hybrid perovskite decorated with PbS-QDs by using a ligand exchange process to fabricate high-performance photodetectors.
The Structure of Word Learning in Young School-Age Children
Authors: Gray Shelley , Lancaster Hope , Alt Mary , Hogan Tiffany P. , Green Samuel , Levy Roy , Cowan Nelson
Published: April 2020

Purpose

We investigated four theoretically based latent variable models of word learning in young school-age children.

Method

One hundred sixty-seven English-speaking second graders with typical development from three U.S. states participated. They completed five different tasks designed to assess children's creation, storage, retrieval, and production of the phonological and semantic representations of novel words and their ability to link those representations. The tasks encompassed the triggering and configuration stages of word learning.

Results

Results showed that a latent variable model with separate phonological and semantic factors and linking indicators constrained to load on the phonological factor best fit the data.

Discussion

The structure of word learning during triggering and configuration reflects separate but related phonological and semantic factors. We did not find evidence for a unidimensional latent variable model of word learning or for separate receptive and expressive word learning factors. In future studies, it will be interesting to determine whether the structure of word learning differs during the engagement stage of word learning when phonological and semantic representations, as well as the links between them, are sufficiently strong to affect other words in the lexicon.
Identification of Foreign-Accented Words in Preschoolers With and Without Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Brosseau-Lapré Françoise , Kim Wan Hee
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of preschoolers with speech sound disorder (SSD) and with typical speech and language development (TD) to understand foreign-accented words, providing a window into the quality of their underlying phonological representations. We also investigated the relationship between vocabulary skills and the ability to identify words that are frequent and have few neighbors (lexically easy words) and words that are less frequent and have many neighbors (lexically hard words).

Method

Thirty-two monolingual English-speaking children (16 with SSD, 16 with TD), ages 4 and 5 years, completed standardized speech and language tests and a two-alternative forced-choice word identification task of English words produced by a native English speaker and a native Korean speaker.

Results

Children with SSD had more difficulty identifying words produced by both talkers than children with TD and showed a larger difficulty identifying Korean-accented words. Both groups of children identified lexically easy words more accurately than lexically hard words, although this difference was not significant when including receptive vocabulary skills in the analysis. Identification of lexically hard words, both those produced by the native English speaker and the nonnative English speaker, increased with vocabulary size.

Conclusion

Considering the performance of the children with SSD under ideal listening conditions in this study, we can assume that, as a group, children with SSD may experience greater difficulty identifying foreign-accented words in environments with background noise.
Recent progress in polymer dielectrics containing boron nitride nanosheets for high energy density capacitors
Authors: Li He , Ren Lulu , Zhou Yao , Yao Bin , Wang Qing
Published: April 2020

Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are two‐dimensional nanomaterials with graphitic‐like layered nanostructures, high surface areas, and large aspect ratios. Owing to their excellent thermal conductivity, electrical and mechanical strengths, BNNSs are emerging as multifunctional fillers in polymer dielectrics. In this article, the authors review the recent progress in the BN‐containing polymer nanocomposites designed for high‐performance film capacitors. While general synthetic approaches to BNNSs and polymer/BNNS nanocomposites are summarized, particular attention is placed on structure‐property correlation and rational structural design of the composites with optimized dielectric properties and capacitive performances. In stark contrast to the polymer composites employing high dielectric constant fillers to enhance the electric displacement, a new design concept based on the utilization of BNNSs with a wide bandgap to impede electrical conduction and consequently improve breakdown strength and charge‐discharge efficiency of the polymer composites, is highlighted. The significance of developing dielectric capacitors with desirable thermal conductivity and thermal stability to ensure their robust and efficient operation is emphasized. The merits and challenges regarding the existing polymer dielectrics containing BNNSs for energy storage are identified. An outlook for future research opportunities and engineering applications is also presented in this review.
Les malpositions dentaires liées aux maladies parodontales. Écouter pour mieux « entendre »
Authors: Romagna Christine
Published: April 2020

Dans le cadre des maladies parodontales, il est intéressant de porter un autre regard sur les malpositions primaires et les malpositions secondaires. Le développement chez l’enfant et l’adolescent ainsi que les traces qu’il en reste chez l’adulte offrent une lecture des positions dentaires et des symptômes. L’approche somato-psychique aide à comprendre la mise en œuvre neuromusculaire et comportementale de la sphère bucco-dentaire. L’approche psycho-somatiqueprend en compte le « dénouage » qui peut se produire lors des troubles occasionnés par les maladies parodontales avec perte des tissus de soutien des dents. L’accueil et l’examen du patient doivent être guidés par le discernement afin de trouver derrière les symptômes – ces signaux émis par le corps- ce qui clignote pour signifier quelque chose. Une écoute attentive des dires du patient, mais aussi des non-dits, est essentielle afin de le percevoir dans sa dimension holistique allant du biologique à l’ontologique, en passant par la psychologie du sujet et ses comportements.
Une attitude empathique : comment peut-elle tout changer dans la relation patient-praticien ?
Authors: Chaperon Anne-Françoise
Published: April 2020

L’empathie est une compétence complexe qui fait appel à des habiletés sociales et émotionnelles, et qui repose avant tout sur la conscience de soi. Plus nous sommes capables de repérer nos propres émotions, mieux nous sommes à même de déchiffrer celles des autres. Dans l’interaction patient / praticien, l’empathie favorise une bonne alliance thérapeutique toujours nécessaire au traitement, cependant, certains comportements spontanés peuvent se révéler contre-productifs, alors qu’ils peuvent relever d’une bonne intention de la part du praticien. L’accent est mis ici sur la nature des différents comportements plus ou moins efficaces et l’analyse de ceux-ci, afin de comprendre l’intérêt de faire grandir cette compétence indispensable, tant dans la vie professionnelle que personnelle.
Transkulturelle Interaktion
Authors: Möller-Öncü Martina
Published: April 2020

Schwangere aus anderen Kulturen zu betreuen und zu begleiten, ist für viele Hebammen heute ganz selbstverständlich. Und dennoch kann es dabei zu Unsicherheiten und Missverständnissen kommen. Transkulturelle Kompetenzen helfen, diese Stolpersteine zu umgehen. Die Autorin erklärt, wie sie sich erlernen und im Alltag umsetzen lassen und gibt konkrete Tipps, worauf es bei der Betreuung der Frauen und Familien ankommt. Zur Veranschaulichung nutzt sie Fallbeispiele aus ihrem Alltag als Beraterin interkultureller Teams.
Wie kann die Dokumentation in der Physiotherapie durch die Digitalisierung effektiver und effizienter werden? – Eine Delphi-Studie
Authors: Griefahn Annika , Wolf Eduard , Zalpour Christoff
Published: April 2020

Hintergrund Die physiotherapeutische Dokumentation spielt im Therapieprozess eine wichtige Rolle, erfolgt jedoch auf unterschiedlichste Weise. Es existieren derzeit eine Vielzahl von Softwarelösungen für die physiotherapeutische Dokumentation, welche sich jedoch in ihren Funktionalitäten stark unterscheiden.

Ziel Mithilfe einer Befragung soll ein Konsens von Experten aus der Physiotherapie im Themengebiet der softwarebasierten Dokumentation ermittelt werden. Anhand der Ergebnisse wird ein Anforderungskatalog für die Entwicklung einer neuartigen und benutzerorientierten Dokumentationssoftware erstellt.

Methode Online-Delphi-Befragung mit neun Experten über drei Befragungswellen.

Ergebnisse Hinsichtlich der Anforderungen an die Anamnese konnte ein Konsens erzielt werden. Bei der Gliederung des Befundes kam es zu keiner Übereinstimmung der Experten. Das Ergebnis lässt sich durch unterschiedliche manualtherapeutische Konzepte erklären, die für die Befunderhebung verwendet wurden.

Schlussfolgerung Eine softwarebasierte Dokumentation sollte standardisierter als bisher erfolgen, um den Clinical-Reasoning-Prozess zu unterstützten. Gleichzeitig ist dabei eine gewisse Flexibilität geboten. Die gesammelten Anforderungen können für die Entwicklung einer neuartigen und benutzerorientierten mobilen Anwendung zur Effizienzsteigerung in der physiotherapeutischen Dokumentation verwendet werden.
Epidemiologie und Kontrollmaßnahmen bei COVID-19
Authors: Müller Olaf , Neuhann Florian , Razum Oliver
Published: April 2020

Die Pandemie des Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), die durch das Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) verursacht wird, begann im Dezember 2019 in China. SARS-CoV-2 ist durch Tröpfcheninfektion leicht übertragbar. Nach einer Inkubationszeit von 1–14 Tagen zeigt COVID-19 in 80 % der beobachteten Fälle einen leichten und in 20 % einen schweren Verlauf, bei 0,3–5,8 % Letalität. Ältere Menschen und Menschen mit Grunderkrankungen haben ein höheres Risiko für schwere Verläufe mit Beatmungspflicht. Es gibt bisher weder wirksame Medikamente noch eine Impfung, somit stehen nur Public-Health-Interventionen wie einerseits physisches Abstandhalten und Hygienemaßnahmen sowie andererseits gezieltes Testen gefolgt von Isolations- und Quarantänemaßnahmen zur Verfügung. China hat gezeigt, dass ein maximaler Einsatz der Maßnahmen die Epidemie kontrollieren kann. Der weitere Verlauf und auch die Konsequenzen für die Weltwirtschaft sind zurzeit noch nicht klar vorhersehbar.
Evolution of Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision
Authors: Carmichael Heather , Sylla Patricia
Published: April 2020

Minimally invasive techniques continue to transform the field of colorectal surgery. Because traditional surgical approaches for rectal cancer are associated with significant mortality and morbidity, developing less invasive approaches to this disease is paramount. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), commonly known as “no incision surgery,” represents the ultimate minimally invasive approach to disease. Although transgastric and transvaginal approaches for NOTES surgery were the initially explored, a transrectal approach for colorectal disease is intuitive given that it makes use of the resected organ for transluminal access. Furthermore, the transanal approach allows for improved, precise visualization of the presacral mesorectal plane compared with an abdominal viewpoint, particularly in the narrow, male pelvis. Finally, experience with existing transanal platforms that have been used for decades for local excision of rectal disease made the development of a transanal approach to total mesorectal excision (TME) feasible. Here, we will review the evolution of minimally invasive and transanal surgical techniques that allowed for the development of transanal TME and its introduction into clinical practice.
Cystoscopy-Guided Laparoscopic Excision of Prostatic Utricle: Report of a Case
Authors: Boybeyi-Turer Ozlem , Demirbilek Huseyin , Soyer Tutku
Published: April 2020

Prostatic utricle (PU) is incomplete regression of Müllerian duct and may cause recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), stone formation, postvoid dribbling, and recurrent epididymitis. Although surgical excision is recommended to avoid complications, surgical access to PU has been challenging. Cystoscopy-guided laparoscopic management of PU in a 3-year-old boy is reported to discuss use of other endoscopic aids in the surgical treatment of PU. He was admitted with disordered sexual development with karyotype of 47,XYY/46,XY and has been experiencing recurrent UTIs. Voiding cystourethrogram (VCU) demonstrated large PU (IKOMA II). Cystoscopy was performed confirming PU and the cystoscope was left in situ to aid laparoscopic exploration after bladder was emptied. A 5-mm umbilical port and two 5-mm ports in both lower quadrants were inserted. The peritoneum was dissected behind bladder. The cystoscope in PU was used as guidance in identification and dissection of PU. The vas deferens was identified and could be secured. The neck of PU was ligated with surgiloop. PU was retrieved from umbilical port. Postoperative VCU revealed normal posterior urethra. He has been free of UTIs for the last 6 months. Laparoscopy is safe and feasible alternative in surgical management of PU, by providing good visual exposure, easy dissection in deep pelvis, and improved cosmesis. The cystoscopic guidance is an important aid in identification and dissection of PU.
Key problems of the four-dimensional Earth system
Authors: Mao Ho-kwang , Mao Wendy L.
Published: April 2020

Compelling evidence indicates that the solid Earth consists of two physicochemically distinct zones separated radially in the middle of the lower mantle at ∼1800 km depth. The inner zone is governed by pressure-induced physics and chemistry dramatically different from the conventional behavior in the outer zone. These differences generate large physical and chemical potentials between the two zones that provide fundamental driving forces for triggering major events in Earth’s history. One of the main chemical carriers between the two zones is H2O in hydrous minerals that subducts into the inner zone, releases hydrogen, and leaves oxygen to create superoxides and form oxygen-rich piles at the core–mantle boundary, resulting in localized net oxygen gain in the inner zone. Accumulation of oxygen-rich piles at the base of the mantle could eventually reach a supercritical level that triggers eruptions, injecting materials that cause chemical mantle convection, superplumes, large igneous provinces, extreme climate changes, atmospheric oxygen fluctuations, and mass extinctions. Interdisciplinary research will be the key for advancing a unified theory of the four-dimensional Earth system.