bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arm Dimensions of Patients with Obesity and Their Experiences with Blood Pressure Measurement: An Observational Study
Authors: Ceglowski Peter , Lehane Katie , Chow Christopher , Pelecanos Anita , Tognolini Angela , Eley Victoria
Published: February 2020

Objective

In patients with obesity, it was determined what proportion had an arm slant angle (SA) < 83° and which measure best predicted arm conicity. Patient experience with noninvasive blood pressure measurement was evaluated.

Methods

Arm SA was calculated from arm measurements. Linear regression determined whether BMI, weight, or right midarm circumference (MAC) best predicted conicity. Patient experiences were evaluated by survey and conventional content analysis of free‐text comments.

Results

One hundred participants had a median (interquartile range; range) BMI of 44.1 (39.1‐53.1; 31.1‐80.8). Thirty‐three (33%) had a right arm SA < 83°. Seven (7%) had a right MAC outside the recommended range. BMI, weight, and the right MAC showed low correlation with and explained little of the variation (with age and sex adjustment) in right arm SA (r = −0.29, −0.27, −0.31; P = 0.003, 0.007, 0.002; R2 = 0.09, 0.08, 0.10). Forty‐two (42%) reported noninvasive blood pressure measurement caused severe pain, and 30 (30%) reported skin damage. Themes identified in free‐text responses were “problems with equipment,” “feelings and experiences,” and “concerns about accuracy.”

Conclusions

Current equipment is inadequate for patients with obesity based on MAC and conicity. Pain and skin damage contributed to negative experiences of these patients.
Halogenation of the N‐Terminus Tyrosine 10 Promotes Supramolecular Stabilization of the Amyloid‐β Sequence 7–12
Authors: Maiolo Daniele , Pizzi Andrea , Gori Alessandro , Gazzera Lara , Demitri Nicola , Genoni Alessandro , Baggi Fulvio , Moda Fabio , Terraneo Giancarlo , Baldelli Bombelli Francesca , Metrangolo Pierangelo , Resnati Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Here, we demonstrate that introduction of halogen atoms at the tyrosine 10 phenol ring of the DSGYEV sequence derived from the flexible amyloid‐β N‐terminus, promotes its self‐assembly in the solid state. In particular, we report the crystal structures of two halogen‐modified sequences, which we found to be stabilized in the solid state by halogen‐mediated interactions. The structural study is corroborated by Non‐Covalent Interaction (NCI) analysis. Our results prove that selective halogenation of an amino acid enhances the supramolecular organization of otherwise unstructured biologically‐relevant sequences. This method may develop as a general strategy for stabilizing highly polymorphic peptide regions.
Physical problem list accompanying the distress thermometer: Its associations with psychological symptoms and survival in patients with metastatic lung cancer
Authors: McFarland Daniel C. , Jutagir Devika R. , Miller Andrew , Nelson Christian
Published: February 2020

Background

The distress thermometer and problem list (DT&PL) is a recommended screening measure but the utility of the physical problem list (PPL) has not been evaluated in patients with metastatic lung cancer who typically have high rates of both physical and psychological symptoms. We hypothesized that the PPL will provide an accurate representation of lung cancer symptoms and be associated with concomitant distress, anxiety, depression, and worsened survival.

Methods

Stage IV lung cancer patients (n = 116) reported physical symptoms from 22 PPL variables and completed the DT&PL for distress, general anxiety disorder‐7 for anxiety, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 for depression. Inferential analyses were controlled for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

The average number of physical problems was 4.7 (SD = 3.8) while the median was 3.0. Fatigue, sleep, pain, and breathing problems were most common. Physical symptom burden was associated with nonmarried/partnered status (P = .003) and depression (P < .001) on multivariate analysis accounting for 43% of physical symptom burden variance. Greater number of physical symptoms and lower BMI were associated with worsened survival. Individual physical symptoms were most often associated with depression.

Conclusion

The PPL of the DT&PL appears to have clinical utility given its associations with the most common lung cancer symptoms, depression, and worsened survival. In addition to its potential role in clinics worldwide already using the DT&PL, physical symptom burden on the DT&PL should trigger a concomitant psychological assessment.
Achieving robotic program best practice performance and cost versus laparoscopy: Two case studies define a framework for optimization
Authors: Feldstein Josh , Coussons Herbert
Published: February 2020

Background

Robotic surgery is seen by many hospital administrators and surgeons as slower and more expensive than laparoscopic surgery despite the implementation of commonly held robotic best practices. Multiple factors, including surgeon learning curves and program governance, are often overlooked, precluding optimal robotic program performance.

Methods

An assessment of several leading robotic surgery publications is presented followed by real‐world case studies from two US hospitals: an existing robotic program in a mid‐sized, regional hospital system and a small, rural hospital that launched a new program.

Results

Improvements in robotic surgery costs/program efficiency were seen at the hospital system vs baseline at 18 months post‐implementation; and high‐performance robotic efficiency and cost benchmarks were matched or surpassed at the rural hospital at 1 year post‐launch.

Discussion

When best practices are utilized in robotic programs, surgical case times, costs, and efficiency performance metrics equaling or exceeding laparoscopy can be achieved.
Healthcare software design and implementation—A project failure case
Authors: Ebad Shouki A.
Published: February 2020

Electronic health records (EHRs) are implemented by many health care organizations as a potential service solution. Despite the appeal of EHRs, failure in their implementation can lead to negative consequences, ranging from the loss of money to reputation damage, for health care providers. However, the causes of this problem have not attracted the attention of a sufficient number of researchers. This paper aims to investigate this phenomenon objectively and subjectively in a public context using an interview‐based qualitative approach supported by archival data and records of a real‐world failed EHR project. The results show that the factors influencing failure are divergent and include technical and managerial issues. In particular, the timing and duration of the training as well as the integration of EHR with the enterprise systems were found to be the strongest influencing factors, followed by reasons related to the software design (eg, a lack of required pharmacy functionality) and software people management (eg, resistance to change). The paper also discusses points related to EHR development and design, such as the development paradigm, data quality and validation, architecture for security, and source code naming convention.
Microstructure, Crystallographic Texture, and Stretch‐Flangeability of Hot‐Rolled Multiphase Steel
Authors: Moura Ariane Neves , Ferreira Jetson Lemos , Martins João Batista Ribeiro , Souza Marden Valente , Castro Nicolau Apoena , Orlando Marcos Tadeu D'Azeredo
Published: February 2020

The microstructure, crystallographic texture, strain hardening in the hole edge‐punched and stretch‐flangeability of hot‐rolled multiphase sheet steel is investigated by scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and microhardness measurements. The results show that the strain hardening in the hole edge‐punched is not the main factor that influences the hole expansion ratio. The bainite fraction, average grain area, and kernel average misorientation distribution mean are microstructure factors that improve the hole expandability and reduce the effect of strain hardening in the hole edge‐punched on the hole expansion ratio. The crystallographic texture affects the hole expandability. The high intensity of {332}<113>α and {111}<112>α components that have higher normal anisotropy () also reduces the effect of strain hardening at the hole edge‐punched. The cracks propagate through the interfaces following the banded microstructure direction at the hole edge‐punched during the punching process. The gamma distribution analysis of the kernel average misorientation distribution indicates that there are different energy transfer (β parameter) and dislocation densities due to different cooling rates.
Wind interference effects of a ventilated supertall building on its neighboring supertall building—A case study
Authors: Liang Ruoran , Xu An , Zhao Ruohong
Published: February 2020

Opening ventilating holes on a supertall building is an effective way to reduce its wind‐induced structural response and enhance its wind‐resistant performance. However, its interference effect on the neighboring supertall buildings has seldom been studied yet. Taking two actual neighboring buildings, the Guangdong International Financial Center (IFC) and the Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre (CTF) as examples, this study carried out high‐frequency force balance wind tunnel tests to investigate the interference effect of the IFC's ventilating openings on the wind‐induced response of CTF. Results show that when CTF is located in the downstream area of IFC, the ventilating openings on IFC make the high‐energy frequency band of the power spectral density (PSD) of CTF's crosswind aerodynamic load offset obviously towards the lower frequency interval. Consequently, the wind‐induced response of CTF can be significantly magnified or minified depending on the reduced structural natural frequencies. Since the reduced natural frequency for the structural base bending moment computation is usually smaller than that for the acceleration response computation, ventilation openings on IFC can be advantageous to the crosswind base bending moment response relevant to structural safety design, and disadvantageous to the acceleration response relevant to occupant comfort assessment.
Aerobic exercise and eugenol supplementation ameliorated liver injury induced by chlorpyrifos via modulation acetylcholinesterase activation and antioxidant defense
Authors: Nikbin Sina , Tajik Atefeh , Allahyari Pooneh , Matin Gity , Hoseini Roote Seyede S. , Barati Elahe , Ayazi Mehras , Karimi Leila , Dayani Yazdi Fatemeh , Javadinejad Nassrin , Azarbayjani Mohammad A.
Published: February 2020

The primary metabolize of chlorpyrifos (CPF) is in the liver tissue, which it can cause oxidative damage and apoptosis in liver cells. The use of exercise with antioxidant supplements could have a protective effects in the liver tissue especially by improve mitochondria function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of aerobic exercise and eugenol (Eu) supplementation on destructive effects of CPF in liver tissue. Sixty‐four adult male albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups (eight rats in each group). Four experimental groups received intraperitoneal injection of either 3.0 mg/kg body weight CPF in dimethyl sulfoxide for six consecutive weeks. Aerobic exercise was performed 5 days per week over 4 weeks for exercise groups. Finally, the animals were sacrificed for the histomorphometric analysis and biochemical measurement in the liver tissue. The result of this study show that consumption of CPF alone, caused collagen deposition, increased apoptosis, tumor necrosis factor α, malondialdehyde, and decreased catalase, superoxide dismutase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) compared to control and exercise groups (healthy groups) in liver tissue (P ˂ .05). Prescription of exercises and Eu supplements in CPF consumer groups, neutralized this destructive effects of CPF. However, concomitant administration of Eu with exercise had better effects on liver tissue (P ˂ .05). It seems that consumption of Eu with aerobic exercise have a protective role in tissue destruction, inflammatory damage by improving antioxidant defense and modulating AChE activity in hepatocytes.
Correction to: Enabling Sustainable Energy Transitions
Authors: Sareen Siddharth
Published: February 2020

This book was inadvertently published with the incorrect copyright holder “The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG”. This has now been amended throughout the book to the correct copyright holder “The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)”.
Validation of radiological reduction criteria with intraoperative cone beam CT in unstable syndesmotic injuries
Authors: Vetter Sven Yves , Euler Jeannie , Beisemann Nils , Swartman Benedict , Keil Holger , Grützner Paul Alfred , Franke Jochen
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Acute unstable syndesmotic lesions are regularly treated with closed or open reduction and fixation with either a positioning screw or tight rope. Conventional fluoroscopy is limited to identify a malreduction of the ankle mortise. The aim of the study was to validate the reduction criteria of intraoperative cone beam CT in unstable syndesmotic injuries by analyzing the clinical outcome.

Methods

Acute unstable syndesmotic injuries were treated with a positioning screw fixation, and the reduction in the ankle mortise was evaluated with intraoperative cone beam CT. The patients were grouped postoperatively according to the radiological reduction criteria in the intraoperative 3D images. The reduction criteria were unknown to the surgeons. Malreduction was assumed if one or more reduction criteria were not fulfilled.

Results

Seventy-three of the 127 patients could be included in the study (follow-up rate 57.5%). For 41 patients (56.2%), a radiological optimal reduction was achieved (Group 1), and in 32 patients (43.8%) a radiological adverse reduction was found (Group 2). Group 1 scored significantly higher in the Olerud/Molander score (92.44 ± 10.73 vs. 65.47 ± 28.77) (p = 0.003), revealed a significantly higher range of motion (ROM) (53.44 vs. 24.17°) (p = 0.001) and a significantly reduced Kellgren/Lawrence osteoarthritis score (1.24 vs. 1.79) (p = 0.029). The linear regression analysis revealed a correlation for the two groups with the values scored in the Olerud/Molander score (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The reduction criteria in intraoperative cone beam CT applied to unstable syndesmotic injuries could be validated. Patients with an anatomic reduced acute unstable syndesmotic injury according to the criteria have a significantly better clinical outcome.
Genauigkeit der konventionellen Röntgendiagnostik bei der Beurteilung der Daumensattelgelenkarthrose
Authors: Erne H. , Moog P. , Cerny M. , Loew S. , Betzl J. , Machens H.-G. , Schmauss D.
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Die Daumensattelgelenkarthrose ist ein häufiges und schmerzhaftes Krankheitsbild, das mittels konventioneller Röntgenbildgebung und Arthroskopie diagnostiziert und ggf. therapiert werden kann. Dabei stellt die Röntgenklassifikation oft den arthroskopisch dargestellten Knorpelschaden nicht angemessen dar.

Ziel der Arbeit (Fragestellung)

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war, die Genauigkeit von konventioneller Röntgendiagnostik im Vergleich zu Arthroskopie bei Daumensattelgelenkarthrose zu beurteilen.

Material und Methoden

Die präoperativen konventionellen Röntgenbilder von 23 Patienten wurden 10 erfahrenen Handchirurgen vorgelegt, die gegenüber den dazugehörigen Arthroskopiebefunden verblindet waren. Ihre Beurteilungen wurden anschließend mit den Befunden der Arthroskopien verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Elf Patienten wiesen Läsionen 4. Grades nach der Outerbridge-Klassifikation auf, 8 Läsionen 3. Grades, 4 Läsionen 2. Grades und keiner Läsionen 1. Grades. Insgesamt wurden 43 % (95 %-KI[Konfidenzintervall] 37–49 %) der Knorpelläsionen mittels konventionellen Röntgens korrekt diagnostiziert. Für die Läsionen 4. Grades stellten 73 % (95 %-KI 65–81 %) der Untersucher korrekte Diagnosen, für die 3. Grades 38 % (95 %-KI 27–49 %) und für die 2. Grades 13 % (95 %-KI 3–23 %).

Schlussfolgerung

Diese Studie präsentiert ein arthroskopisches Klassifikationssystem, das spezifisch für die Daumensattelgelenkarthrose ist und eine weitere Beurteilungsmöglichkeit darstellen kann, falls die Bilder für die röntgenologischen Klassifikation nach Eaton und Littler zu unspezifisch sind. Hier kann die Arthroskopie eine genauere Einteilung in therapierelevante Stadien ermöglichen und umfasst zudem auch therapeutische Optionen.
A Relaxed Kačanov iteration for the p-poisson problem
Authors: Diening L. , Fornasier M. , Tomasi R. , Wank M.
Published: February 2020

In this paper we introduce and analyze an iteratively re-weighted algorithm, that allows to approximate the weak solution of the p-Poisson problem for $$1 < p \leqslant 2$$1<p⩽2 by iteratively solving a sequence of linear elliptic problems. The algorithm can be interpreted as a relaxed Kačanov iteration, as so-called in the specific literature of the numerical solution of quasi-linear equations. The main contribution of the paper is proving that the algorithm converges at least with an algebraic rate.
Correction to: One‑year clinical outcomes in patients with renal insuffciency after contemporary PCI: data from a multicenter registry
Authors: Scholz Sean S. , Lauder Lucas , Ewen Sebastian , Kulenthiran Saarraaken , Marx Nikolaus , Sakhov Orazbek , Kauer Floris , Witkowski Adam , Vaglimigli Marco , Wijns William , Scheller Bruno , Böhm Michael , Mahfoud Felix
Published: February 2020

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The given name and family name of the fourth author Saaraaken Kulenthiran were switched in the original publication.
Acetabular defects in revision hip arthroplasty: a therapy-oriented classification
Authors: Wirtz Dieter Christian , Jaenisch Max , Osterhaus Thiemo Antonius , Gathen Martin , Wimmer Matthias , Randau Thomas Martin , Schildberg Frank Alexander , Rössler Philip Peter
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The treatment of severe acetabular bone loss remains a difficult challenge. No classification system is available that combines intuitive use, structured design and offers a therapeutic recommendation according to the current literature and modern state of the art treatment options. The goal of this study is to introduce an intuitive, reproducible and reliable guideline for the evaluation and treatment of acetabular defects.

Methods

The proposed Acetabular Defect Classification (ADC) is based on the integrity of the acetabular rim and supporting structures. It consists of 4 main types of defects ascending in severity and subdivisions narrowing down-defect location. Type 1 presents an intact acetabular rim, type 2 includes a noncontained defect of the acetabular rim ≤ 10 mm, in type 3 the rim defect exceeds 10 mm and type 4 includes different kinds of pelvic discontinuity. A collective of 207 preoperative radiographs were graded according to ADC and correlated with intraoperative findings. Additionally, a randomized sample of 80 patients was graded according to ADC by 5 observers to account for inter- and intra-rater reliability.

Results

We evaluated the agreement of preoperative, radiographic grading and intraoperative findings presenting with a k value of 0.74. Interobserver agreement presented with a k value of 0.62 and intraobserver at a k value of 0.78.

Conclusion

The ADC offers an intuitive, reliable and reproducible classification system. It guides the surgeon pre- and intraoperatively through a complex field of practice.
Exponential Stability for the Schlögl System by Pyragas Feedback
Authors: Gugat Martin , Mateos Mariano , Tröltzsch Fredi
Published: February 2020

The Schlögl system is governed by a nonlinear reaction-diffusion partial differential equation with a cubic nonlinearity. In this paper, feedback laws of Pyragas-type are presented that stabilize the system in a periodic state with a given period and given boundary traces. We consider the system both with boundary feedback laws of Pyragas type and distributed feedback laws of Pyragas and classical type. Stabilization to periodic orbits is important for medical applications that concern Parkinson’s disease. The exponential stability of the closed loop system with respect to the L2-norm is proved. Numerical examples are provided.
Scratch Card Near-Miss Outcomes Increase the Urge to Gamble, but Do Not Impact Further Gambling Behaviour: A Pre-registered Replication and Extension
Authors: Stange Madison , Dixon Mike J.
Published: February 2020

Scratch card near-misses, outcomes in which two out of three required jackpot symbols are uncovered, have been shown to erroneously increase the urge to continue gambling. It remains unknown if and how these outcomes influence further gambling behaviour. Previous studies examining the influence of near-misses on purchasing behaviour offered a low-stakes gamble to participants after experiencing a near-miss or a regular loss. We sought to investigate the influence of these outcomes on scratch card purchasing behaviour with a stronger test of participants’ gambling behavior by having them either “cash out” or risk all of their winnings to purchase another card. Additionally, we sought to test an original hypothesis that endorsement of the illusion of control might influence the decision to purchase additional scratch cards. We pre-registered our hypotheses, sample size, and data analysis plan. 138 subjects experienced two custom-made scratch card games that included a win on the first card (for all participants) and either a regular loss or a near-miss in the final outcome position on the second card (between-subjects manipulation). Although near-miss outcomes increased the urge to continue gambling relative to regular losses, no differences in the rates of purchasing were found between the conditions. Additionally, no support for our hypotheses concerning the influence of the illusion of control in near-miss outcomes was found. These results are discussed in terms of previous studies on scratch card gambling behaviour and subjective reactivity.
Verletzungen des Akromioklavikulargelenks
Authors: Tauber Mark , Hradecky Katarina , Martetschläger Frank
Published: February 2020

In den letzten Jahren haben sich neue Aspekte in der Behandlung des Schultereckgelenks eröffnet, welche sich in der Klassifikation, Diagnostik und Indikationsstellung akuter Verletzungen niederschlagen. Insbesondere die horizontale Instabilität rückte dabei in den Fokus der Wissenschaft und fand Berücksichtigung sowohl in der bildgebenden Diagnostik als auch in der Erstellung neuer Klassifikationssysteme und operativen Stabilisierungstechniken. Inwieweit dies im Versorgungsalltag von klinischer Relevanz sein wird, müssen hochwertige Studien in Zukunft aufzeigen. Als Standardbildgebung gelten eine Panoramaaufnahme mit Belastung sowie eine bilaterale Alexander-Aufnahme. Hinsichtlich Operationsindikation gelten weiterhin höhergradige Verletzungsformen Typ IV–VI als klare Indikation, während Typ I–III konservativ behandelt werden sollte. Biomechanische Daten sprechen für eine so anatomisch wie mögliche Versorgung mit Adressierung sowohl der vertikalen als auch horizontalen Instabilität.
Applied precision cancer medicine in metastatic biliary tract cancer
Authors: Taghizadeh H. , Müllauer L. , Mader R. , Prager G. W.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Advanced therapy-refractory biliary tract cancer (BTC) has poor prognosis and constitutes a major challenge for adequate treatment strategies. By mapping the molecular profiles of advanced BTC patients, precision cancer medicine may provide targeted therapies for these patients.

Objective

In this analysis, we aimed to show the potential of PCM in metastatic BTC.

Methods

In this single-center, real-world retrospective analysis of our PCM platform, we describe the molecular profiling of 30 patients diagnosed with different types of metastatic BTC. Tumor samples of the patients were examined using a 161-gene next-generation sequencing panel, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomal translocations.

Results

In total, we identified 35 molecular aberrations in 30 patients. The predominant mutations were KRAS (n = 8), TP53 (n = 7), IDH2 (n = 4), and IDH1 (n = 3) that accounted for the majority of all molecular alterations (62.86%). BRAF mutations were observed in two patients. Less frequent alterations were noted in ARID1A, CTNNB1, ESR1, FBXW7, FGFR2, MET, NOTCH2, PIK3CA, PTCH1, SMAD4, and SRC1, each in one case. FGFR fusion gene was detected in one patient. No mutations were detected in eight patients. IHC revealed EGFR and p-mTOR expression in 28 patients. Applying these results to our patients, targeted therapy was recommended for 60% of the patients (n = 18). One patient achieved stable disease.

Conclusions

PCM is a feasible treatment approach and may provide molecular-guided therapy recommendations for metastatic BTC.
PLATON: use of romiplostim to treat chronic primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mihaylov Georgi , Skopec Barbara , Sninska Zuzana , Tzvetkov Nikolai , Cerna Olga , Ivanushkin Vladlen , Niepel Daniela , Björklöf Katja , Černelč Peter
Published: February 2020

Chronic primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease involving the formation of antibodies to thrombocytes, leading to increased platelet destruction and chronic thrombocytopenia. Additionally, impaired platelet production is due to relative thrombopoietin deficiency. Romiplostim, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, normalized platelet counts in affected patients in randomized controlled trials and real-world observational studies. The present study collected real-world practice data from Central and Eastern Europe, i.e. Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Russia, and Czech Republic, between December 2010 and July 2017. This was an ambidirectional observational, noninterventional cohort study within the approved romiplostim indication. One-hundred patients were analyzed. Prior to romiplostim start, 98% had received other ITP medications and, in the prior 6 months, 40% had experienced bleeding events. Romiplostim was started 1.92 years (median) after ITP diagnosis. The median mean on-study dose was 2.62 µg/kg/week. During romiplostim treatment, platelet counts rapidly normalized to >50 × 109/L, 20% of patients experienced bleeding events (none grade 3/4), and 13% required splenectomy. At the end of study, 25% of patients were in remission. One patient experienced serious adverse drug reactions (thrombosis, dysphagia), none were fatal. In conclusion, romiplostim dosing, effectiveness and safety in these unselected ITP patients seemed comparable with observations in clinical trials and similarly designed observational studies.
Aluminium in Brain Tissue in Non-neurodegenerative/Non-neurodevelopmental Disease: A Comparison with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Linhart C. , Davidson D. , Pathmanathan S. , Kamaladas T. , Exley C.
Published: February 2020

Human exposure to aluminium is a burgeoning issue. The brain is a sink for systemically available aluminium and a putative target of neurotoxicity. An increasing number of studies continue to confirm the presence of aluminium in human brain tissue though primarily in relation to donors who have died of a neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorder. Herein, we have measured aluminium in brain tissue in donors who died of a specific disease or condition though without showing any neurodegeneration. The donors were diagnosed as not suffering from multiple sclerosis. Herein, these novel data are compared with recent data on aluminium in brain tissue in multiple sclerosis. Brain tissues from all four lobes were obtained from the Multiple Sclerosis Society Tissue Bank. Tissues were digested using microwave-assisted acid digestion and their aluminium content was measured by transversely heated graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Both are established methods in our laboratory. Detailed statistical analyses were used to compare new data with recent data for multiple sclerosis. Aluminium was found in brain tissue in each donor with a high proportion of measurements (189/291) being below 1.00 μg/g dry weight. The data for all cases (median and IQR) were 0.74 (0.48–1.28), 1.23 (0.62–1.63), 0.84 (0.45–1.14) and 1.01 (0.62–1.65) μg/g dry weight for occipital, parietal, temporal and frontal lobes, respectively. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between aluminium content of brain tissue and the age of donor. Comparison of data for this non-multiple sclerosis group with brain aluminium data for donors dying with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis showed that the latter had a statistically significant higher content of brain aluminium. The data reinforce a previous conclusion that the aluminium content of brain tissue in multiple sclerosis is elevated and support the suggestion that human exposure to aluminium may have a role to play in the aetiology of multiple sclerosis.
Unexpectedly curved spines in a Cambrian trilobite: considerations on the spinosity in Kingaspidoides spinirecurvatus sp. nov. from the Anti-Atlas, Morocco, and related Cambrian ellipsocephaloids
Authors: Geyer Gerd , Pais Miguel Caldeira , Wotte Thomas
Published: February 2020

The new ellipsocephaloid trilobite speciesKingaspidoides spinirecurvatushas a spectacular morphology because of a unique set of two long and anteriorly recurved spines on the occipital ring and the axial ring of thoracic segment 8. Together with the long genal spines this whimsical dorsally directed spine arrangement is thought to act as a non-standard protective device against predators. This is illustrated by the body posture during different stages of enrolment, contrasting with the more sophisticated spinosities seen in later trilobites, which are discussed in brief.Kingaspidoides spinirecurvatusfrom the lower–middle Cambrian boundary interval of the eastern Anti-Atlas in Morocco has been known for about two decades, with specimens handled as precious objects on the fossil market. Similar, but far less spectacular, spine arrangements on the thoracic axial rings are known from other ellipsocephaloid trilobites from the Anti-Atlas of Morocco and the Franconian Forest region of Germany. This suggests that an experimental phase of spine development took place within theKingaspidoidesclade during the early–middle Cambrian boundary interval.
Methylene blue-loaded niosome: preparation, physicochemical characterization, and in vivo wound healing assessment
Authors: Farmoudeh Ali , Akbari Jafar , Saeedi Majid , Ghasemi Maryam , Asemi Neda , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: February 2020

Following skin injury, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the inflammatory phase can cause tissue damage and delay in wound healing. Methylene blue (MB) decreases mitochondrial ROS production and has antioxidant effects. The authors aimed to prepare MB-loaded niosomes using the ultra-sonication technique as a green formulation method. A Box–Behnken design was selected to optimize formulation variables. The emulsifier to cholesterol ratio, HLB of mixed surfactants (Span 60 and Tween 60), and sonication time were selected as independent variables. Vesicle size, zeta potential (ZP), and drug entrapment capacity percentage were studied as dependent variables. The optimized formulation of niosomes showed spherical shape with optimum vesicle size of 147.8 nm, ZP of − 18.0 and entrapment efficiency of 63.27%. FTIR study showed no observable interaction between MB and other ingredients. In vivo efficacy of optimized formulation was evaluated using an excision wound model in male Wistar rat. Superoxide dismutase (SOD, an endogenous antioxidant) and malondialdehyde (MDA, an end product of lipid peroxidation) levels in skin tissue samples were evaluated. After 3 days, MDA was significantly decreased in niosomal gel-treated group, whereas SOD level was increased. Histological results indicate rats that received niosomal MB were treated effectively faster than other ones.
Regularity results for solutions of linear elliptic degenerate boundary-value problems
Authors: El Baraka A. , Masrour M.
Published: February 2020

We give an a-priori estimate near the boundary for solutions of a class of higher order degenerate elliptic problems in the general Besov-type spaces $$B^{s,\tau }_{p,q}$$

B

p
,
q

s
,
τ

. This paper extends the results found in Hölder spaces $$C^s$$

C
s

, Sobolev spaces $$H^s$$

H
s

and Besov spaces $$B^s_{p,q}$$

B

p
,
q

s

, to the more general framework of Besov-type spaces.
Effect of Antimony on Graphite Growth in Ductile Iron
Authors: Dekker Lutz , Tonn Babette , Lilienkamp Gerhard
Published: February 2020

Antimony is used in ductile cast iron melts to avoid graphite degenerations like exploded graphite and chunky graphite. However, the effect of Sb in the melt on the crystallization of ductile cast iron is still unknown, therefore the aim of our investigations. The current study presents thermodynamic calculations showing that at the beginning of the eutectic solidification, Mg3Sb2 is formed. Furthermore, the amount of Sb increases in the austenite and decreases in the remaining melt during solidification. An experiment was conducted, in which a higher amount of Sb than usual was added to a ductile iron melt. In the microstructure of the Sb-containing sample, a higher graphite precipitate count was measured than in the reference sample without Sb. The graphite spheroids of the Sb-containing sample show an almost perfect roundness and a very smooth surface. However, lamellar outgrowths from the graphite spheroids were also observed. Using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, it could be shown that Sb-containing phases have been formed, which are located in the pearlitic matrix and also in graphite spheroids. As a result of spectroscopic investigations, it can be assumed that Sb-containing phases act as nucleant for graphite nucleation. Further investigations by Auger electron spectroscopy showed that a thin layer of Sb at the interface between graphite and matrix has been formed. It seems that this layer constricts the diffusion of carbon to the spheroidal graphite and acts as a surfactant favoring a layer-by-layer growth of the graphite spheroids.
Data, Data Banks and Security
Authors: Albrecht Hans-Jörg
Published: February 2020

The article discusses different examples of data-driven policing, its legal provisions and effects on a society’s understanding of public security. It distinguishes between (a) the collection of classical data such as fingerprints or DNA, which serve to identify suspects and to collect evidence, (b) the processes and the impetus of big data, and (c) the networking of files from different security authorities. Discussing systematic forecasting tools, the article works out a significant difference between the prediction of incidents such as home burglary in the case of predictive policing, and the identification of individuals deemed to be at risk of involvement in various forms of crime in the case of risk control programs. Data and personality protection are interrelated issues.
Late preterm infants – Changing trends and continuing challenges
Authors: Karnati Sreenivas , Kollikonda Swapna , Abu-Shaweesh Jalal
Published: February 2020

Late preterm infants, defined as newborns born between 340/7-366/7 weeks of gestational age, constitute a unique group among all premature neonates. Often overlooked because of their size when compared to very premature infants, this population is still vulnerable because of physiological and structural immaturity. Comprising nearly 75% of babies born less than 37 weeks of gestation, late preterm infants are at increased risk for morbidities involving nearly every organ system as well as higher risk of mortality when compared to term neonates. Neurodevelopmental impairment has especially been a concern for these infants. Due to various reasons, the rate of late preterm births continue to rise worldwide. Caring for this high risk population contributes a significant financial burden to health systems. This article reviews recent trends in regarding rate of late preterm births, common morbidities and long term outcomes with special attention to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Insights from Space: Satellite Observations of Arctic Change
Authors: Duncan Bryan , Ott Lesley , Parkinson Claire
Published: February 2020

New satellite instruments and data, plus a more comprehensive observing network, are key to increasing our understanding of past and future change in the Arctic Boreal Zone.
Firing Up Climate Models
Authors: Chakravorty Adityarup
Published: February 2020

Scientists are working to incorporate wildfire data into climate models, resolving hindrances related to scale, speed, and the complex feedbacks between the climate and wildfire emissions.
Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer to Midnight
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2020

The dual threats of nuclear warfare and climate change move the needle to 100 seconds to midnight.
STEM Supports 67% of U.S. Jobs
Authors: McEntee Chris
Published: February 2020

The real jobs report: A new analysis shows that science, tech, and engineering careers are this country’s engine.
An Ice Sheet’s Footprint on Ancient Shorelines
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: February 2020

Researchers combine observations of ancient shorelines and properties of Earth’s crust to infer the size of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the last glacial cycle.
Poor Water Management Implicated in Failure of Ancient Khmer Capital
Authors: Fritts Rachel
Published: February 2020

Researchers used remote sensing technologies to map Koh Ker’s buried reservoir and calculate its capacity to hold water during the rainy season.
Diagnosing Thwaites
Authors: Barbuzano Javier
Published: February 2020

The water under a vulnerable Antarctic glacier is warming. Its catastrophic collapse could trigger a dramatic increase in global sea level.
Science Gets Up to Speed on Dry Rivers
Authors: Shanafield Margaret , Godsey Sarah , Datry Thibault , Hale Rebecca , Zipper Samuel , Costigan Katie , Krabbenhoft Corey , Dodds Walter , Zimmer Margaret , Allen Daniel , Bogan Michael , Kaiser Kendra , Burrows Ryan , Hammond John , Busch Michelle , Kampf Stephanie , Mims Meryl , Burgin Amy , Olden Julian
Published: February 2020

Nonperennial rivers are a major—and growing—part of the global river network. New research and science-based policies are needed to ensure the sustainability of these long-overlooked waterways.
Northern Europe Set for Increases in Lightning
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: February 2020

As the climate warms across Europe, a rise in severe thunderstorms could bring a dramatic increase in related hazards, including lightning and hailstones.
River Ice Is Disappearing
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: February 2020

Over the past 3 decades, the persistence of river ice has decreased by almost a week. The decrease in ice has important implications for ecology, climate, and the economy.
“Glacial Earthquakes” Spotted for the First Time on Thwaites
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: February 2020

These seismic events, triggered by icebergs capsizing and ramming into Thwaites, reveal that the glacier has lost some of its floating ice shelf.
Jobb�gy and Wysession Receive 2019 Spilhaus Ambassador Award Grants
Authors:   AGU
Published: February 2020

Esteban Jobb�gy and Michael Wysession were awarded the 2019 Spilhaus Ambassador Award Grants at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony on 11 December 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. The grants support work from previous Ambassador Award recipients that address one or more of the following areas: societal impact, service to the Earth and space community, scientific leadership, and promotion of talent/career pool.
How dieting might make some fatter: modeling weight cycling toward obesity from a perspective of body composition autoregulation
Authors: Jacquet Philippe , Schutz Yves , Montani Jean-Pierre , Dulloo Abdul
Published: February 2020

The notion that dieting makes some people fatter has in the past decade gained considerable interest from both epidemiological predictions and biological plausibility. Several large-scale prospective studies have suggested that dieting to lose weight is associated with future weight gain and obesity, with such predictions being stronger and more consistent among dieters who are in the normal range of body weight rather than in those with obesity. Furthermore, the biological plausibility that dieting predisposes people who are lean (rather than those with overweight or obesity) to regain more body fat than what had been lost (referred to as fat overshooting) has recently gained support from a re-analysis of data on body composition during weight loss and subsequent weight recovery from the classic longitudinal Minnesota Starvation Experiment. These have revealed an inverse exponential relationship between the amount of fat overshot and initial adiposity, and have suggested that a temporal desynchronization in the recoveries of fat and lean tissues, in turn residing in differences in lean-fat partitioning during weight loss vs. during weight recovery (with fat recovery faster than lean tissue recovery) is a cardinal feature of fat overshooting. Within a conceptual framework that integrates the relationship between post-dieting fat overshooting with initial adiposity, the extent of weight loss and the differential lean-fat partitioning during weight loss vs. weight recovery, we describe here a mathematical model of weight cycling to predict the excess fat that could be gained through repeated dieting and multiple weight cycles from a standpoint of body composition autoregulation.
Structure and plasticity of silent synapses in developing hippocampal neurons visualized by super-resolution imaging
Authors: Xu Cheng , Liu Hui-Jing , Qi Lei , Tao Chang-Lu , Wang Yu-Jian , Shen Zeyu , Tian Chong-Li , Lau Pak-Ming , Bi Guo-Qiang
Published: February 2020

Excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain exhibit diverse functional properties in transmission and plasticity. Directly visualizing the structural correlates of such functional heterogeneity is often hindered by the diffraction-limited resolution of conventional optical imaging techniques. Here, we used super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to resolve structurally distinct excitatory synapses formed on dendritic shafts and spines. The majority of these shaft synapses contained N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) but not α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs), suggesting that they were functionally silent. During development, as more spine synapses formed with increasing sizes and expression of AMPARs and NMDARs, shaft synapses exhibited moderate reduction in density with largely unchanged sizes and receptor expression. Furthermore, upon glycine stimulation to induce chemical long-term potentiation (cLTP), the previously silent shaft synapses became functional shaft synapses by recruiting more AMPARs than did spine synapses. Thus, silent shaft synapse may represent a synaptic state in developing neurons with enhanced capacity of activity-dependent potentiation.
Human occupation of northern India spans the Toba super-eruption ~74,000 years ago
Authors: Clarkson Chris , Harris Clair , Li Bo , Neudorf Christina M. , Roberts Richard G. , Lane Christine , Norman Kasih , Pal Jagannath , Jones Sacha , Shipton Ceri , Koshy Jinu , Gupta M. C. , Mishra D. P. , Dubey A. K. , Boivin Nicole , Petraglia Michael
Published: February 2020

India is located at a critical geographic crossroads for understanding the dispersal ofHomo sapiensout of Africa and into Asia and Oceania. Here we report evidence for long-term human occupation, spanning the last ~80 thousand years, at the site of Dhaba in the Middle Son River Valley of Central India. An unchanging stone tool industry is found at Dhaba spanning the Toba eruption of ~74 ka (i.e., the Youngest Toba Tuff, YTT) bracketed between ages of 79.6 ± 3.2 and 65.2 ± 3.1 ka, with the introduction of microlithic technology ~48 ka. The lithic industry from Dhaba strongly resembles stone tool assemblages from the African Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Arabia, and the earliest artefacts from Australia, suggesting that it is likely the product ofHomo sapiensas they dispersed eastward out of Africa.
Human FCHO1 deficiency reveals role for clathrin-mediated endocytosis in development and function of T cells
Authors: Łyszkiewicz Marcin , Ziętara Natalia , Frey Laura , Pannicke Ulrich , Stern Marcel , Liu Yanshan , Fan Yanxin , Puchałka Jacek , Hollizeck Sebastian , Somekh Ido , Rohlfs Meino , Yilmaz Tuğba , Ünal Ekrem , Karakukcu Musa , Patiroğlu Türkan , Kellerer Christina , Karasu Ebru , Sykora Karl-Walter , Lev Atar , Simon Amos , Somech Raz , Roesler Joachim , Hoenig Manfred , Keppler Oliver T. , Schwarz Klaus , Klein Christoph
Published: February 2020

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is critical for internalisation of molecules across cell membranes. The FCH domain only 1 (FCHO1) protein is key molecule involved in the early stages of CME formation. The consequences of mutations in FCHO1 in humans were unknown. We identify ten unrelated patients with variable T and B cell lymphopenia, who are homozygous for six distinct mutations in FCHO1. We demonstrate that these mutations either lead to mislocalisation of the protein or prevent its interaction with binding partners. Live-cell imaging of cells expressing mutant variants of FCHO1 provide evidence of impaired formation of clathrin coated pits (CCP). Patient T cells are unresponsive to T cell receptor (TCR) triggering. Internalisation of the TCR receptor is severely perturbed in FCHO1-deficient Jurkat T cells but can be rescued by expression of wild-type FCHO1. Thus, we discovered a previously unrecognised critical role of FCHO1 and CME during T-cell development and function in humans.
Observation of a thermoelectric Hall plateau in the extreme quantum limit
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Wang Peipei , Skinner Brian , Bi Ran , Kozii Vladyslav , Cho Chang-Woo , Zhong Ruidan , Schneeloch John , Yu Dapeng , Gu Genda , Fu Liang , Wu Xiaosong , Zhang Liyuan
Published: February 2020

The thermoelectric Hall effect is the generation of a transverse heat current upon applying an electric field in the presence of a magnetic field. Here, we demonstrate that the thermoelectric Hall conductivity αxy in the three-dimensional Dirac semimetal ZrTe5 acquires a robust plateau in the extreme quantum limit of magnetic field. The plateau value is independent of the field strength, disorder strength, carrier concentration, or carrier sign. We explain this plateau theoretically and show that it is a unique signature of three-dimensional Dirac or Weyl electrons in the extreme quantum limit. We further find that other thermoelectric coefficients, such as the thermopower and Nernst coefficient, are greatly enhanced over their zero-field values even at relatively low fields.