bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Mansoori Anahita , Hosseini Seyedahmad , Zilaee Marzie , Hormoznejad Razie , Fathi Mojdeh
Published: February 2020

Different types of glycosides extract of fenugreek have shown androgenic and anabolic effect in male. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fenugreek extract on total testosterone levels in male. Medline via PubMed, Scopus databases, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to November 2018 for randomized clinical trials comparing intake of fenugreek extract with control group. Data on change in serum total testosterone were pooled using random‐effects models. A total of four trials were included. Fenugreek extract has a significant effect on total serum testosterone. Results from clinical trials suggest that fenugreek extract supplement has an effect on serum total testosterone levels in male.
Defect pattern recognition on wafers using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Wang Rui , Chen Nan
Published: February 2020

In semiconductor manufacturing, wafer testing is performed to ensure the performance of each product after wafer fabrication. The wafer map is used to visualize the color‐coded wafer test results based on the locations. The defects on the wafer map may be randomly distributed or form clustered patterns. The various clustered defect patterns are usually caused by assignable faults. The identification of the patterns is thus important to provide valuable hints for the root causes diagnosis. Solving the problems helps improve the manufacturing processes and reduce costs. In this study, we present a novel convolutional neural network (CNN)–based method to automatically recognize the defect pattern on wafer maps. Our method uses polar mapping before the training of CNN to transform the circular wafer map into a matrix, which can be processed within CNN architecture. This procedure also reduces the input size and solves variations in wafer sizes and die sizes. To eliminate the effects of rotation, we apply data augmentation in the training of CNN. Experiments using the real‐world dataset prove the effectiveness and superiority of our method.
Application of 6‐aminoquinolyl‐N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate derivatization for enhanced peptide mapping analysis of non‐biological complex drug glatiramer acetate using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization collision‐induced dissociation high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Mesonzhnik Natalia V. , Kuznetsov Roman M. , Bochkareva Natalia L. , Appolonova Svetlana A.
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Glatiramer acetate (GA) (Copaxone®) is a non‐biological complex drug (NBCD) comprising random‐sequence polymer chains of four amino acids (MW ~ 5–9 kDa) with unknown structure. The characterization of NBCDs by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (RPLC/MS) peptide mapping is often impeded by insufficient separation and/or low sensitivity. To overcome this issue, pre‐column derivatization of GA peptide digest was used to improve RPLC/MS detectability and to generate a comprehensive peptide profile.

Methods

Amino groups of peptides generated by trypsin digestion of GA were derivatized using 6‐aminoquinolyl‐N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) reagent. The derivatized mixture of random‐sequence peptides was analyzed by liquid chromatography/positive‐mode electrospray ionization collision‐induced dissociation high‐resolution mass spectrometry (RPLC/ESI‐CID‐HRMS/MS). Data‐independent LC/MSE mode was used for data acquisition.

Results

The derivatization of the GA peptide mixture increased the detectability of RPLC/ESI‐CID‐HRMS/MS analysis. The efficacy of the procedure was demonstrated by using selected peptides related to different polymeric chain origins. The resultant peptides were derivatized in a predictable manner giving a minimum of side products. The reproducibility of the developed method was demonstrated by comparing peptide elution profiles derived from six Copaxone® lots.

Conclusions

Application of the AQC pre‐column derivatization provides a framework that could be used as an attractive approach for monitoring the quality and characterization of NBCD products in the pharmaceutical industry.
Initial clinical experience of single‐incision robotic colorectal surgery with da Vinci SP platform
Authors: Noh Gyoung Tae , Oh Bo‐Young , Han Myunghyun , Chung Soon Sup , Lee Ryung‐Ah , Kim Kwang Ho
Published: February 2020

Background

The da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) was introduced to overcome the limitations of single‐incision laparoscopic surgery, which is challenging due to its restrictions regarding triangulation and retraction. The purpose of this article is to describe the initial experience with single‐incision surgery using the da Vinvci Single‐Port Platform (dVSP).

Methods

The medical records of patients with colorectal disease, who underwent single‐incision robotic surgery using the dVSP, were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Five patients with appendiceal and colorectal cancer, and two with diverticulitis were enrolled. All procedures were completed using a pure single‐incision approach, with an exception for low anterior resection. There were two minor complications. For patients with colorectal cancer, the number of retrieved lymph nodes and status of the resection margin were acceptable, and cosmetic results were satisfactory.

Conclusion

The dVSP is a novel surgical platform that can be used as an alternative surgical modality for colorectal surgery.
Fixed‐time attitude tracking control for spacecraft based on adding power integrator technique
Authors: Jiang Boyan , Li Chuanjiang , Hou Shixi , Ma Guangfu
Published: February 2020

In this article, the fixed‐time attitude tracking problem for rigid spacecraft is investigated based on the adding‐a‐power‐integrator control technique. First, a fixed‐time attitude tracking controller is designed to guarantee fixed‐time convergence of tracking errors. Then, by considering the presence of random disturbance and actuator faults, an adaptive fault‐tolerant attitude tracking controller is designed to guarantee tracking errors converge to a residual set of zero in a fixed time. The complete bounds on settling time are derived independently of initial conditions. The simulation results illustrate the highly precise and robust attitude control performance obtained by using the proposed controllers.
Missed opportunities for observation‐based ecology in the Next Generation Science Standards
Authors: Merritt Eileen G. , Bowers Nicole
Published: February 2020

Observation‐based ecology (OBE) generates critical knowledge about the health of ecological systems and human impacts on these systems. Systematic observations of organisms and processes from an early age can help children develop ecological knowledge and skills, and deepen their connection to the natural world. Yet recent educational reforms may privilege other scientific and engineering practices (SEPs) over OBE methods. We used lexical analysis of Next Generation Science Standards documents to identify instances of observational methods suggested in the SEPs and ecology‐related performance expectations (PEs). We identify where observations are included and omitted in these documents. Only 16 of the 175 (9%) learning progression descriptions for the SEPs explicitly mention observations. Nine out of 142 (6%) PEs related to ecology require observations. OBE opportunities were particularly scarce in middle and high school years, and missing entirely from PEs for disciplinary core ideas related to ecosystems and human impacts on ecosystems. We consider how these missed opportunities may constrain place‐based learning in natural environments, and reflect on implications for educators, students, and nonhuman others.
A hierarchical testing approach for detecting safety signals in clinical trials
Authors: Tan Xianming , Chen Bingshu E. , Sun Jianping , Patel Tejendra , Ibrahim Joseph G.
Published: February 2020

Detecting safety signals in clinical trial safety data is known to be challenging due to high dimensionality, rare occurrence, weak signal, and complex dependence. We propose a new hierarchical testing approach for analyzing safety data from a typical randomized clinical trial. This approach accounts for the hierarchical structure of adverse events (AEs), that is, AEs are categorized by system organ class (SOC). Our approach contains two steps: the first step tests, for each SOC, whether any AEs within this SOC are differently distributed between treatment arms; and the second step identifies signal AEs from SOCs passing the first step tests. We show the superiority, in terms of power of detecting safety signals given controlled false discovery rate, of the new approach comparing with currently available approaches through simulation studies. We also demonstrate this approach with two real data examples.
Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Cherry Tomatoes for Highly Effective Detection of Trifluralin Herbicide in Soil Samples
Authors: Lai Zhan , Guo Xinyuan , Cheng Zhenfang , Ruan Guihua , Du Fuyou
Published: February 2020

A simple, economical and green synthesis method for the preparation of water‐soluble carbon quantum dots (CQDs) has been developed via hydrothermal treatment of fresh cherry tomatoes without any other reagents. The as‐prepared CQDs exhibited excellent excitation‐wavelength‐dependent photoluminescence property and high selective response to trifluralin over other selected herbicide in soil samples, thus, a CQDs‐based sensing platform for trifluralin determination was established by evaluating the change of the fluorescence intensity of CQDs with trifluralin. Under the optimized conditions, the sensing system displayed a linear relationship with the trifluralin concentrations in the range of 0.050‐200 μM, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.5 nM. Satisfactory repeatability, reproducibility, recovery results (94.6‐103.2%) are achieved for the determination of trifluralin in real soil samples. Real sample study in soil samples revealed that the proposed sensing system was promising for applications in environmental monitoring.
CuBr2@g‐C3N4‐Catalyzed Highly Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohol and Toluene Derivatives
Authors: Rani Verma Padma , Payra Soumen , Khan Fahmida , Penta Santosh , Banerjee Subhash
Published: February 2020

Polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) supported CuBr2 hybrid material (CuBr2@g‐C3N4) was developed by impregnation of CuBr2 on g‐C3N4 sheets. The morphology and physiochemical properties were analyzed by powder XRD, SEM, and HRTEM studies. The hybrid CuBr2@g‐C3N4 material showed excellent selectivity in the aerobic oxidation of primary/secondary alcohols and benzoins to the corresponding carbonyl compounds in absence of any oxidizing agents. Further, CuBr2@g‐C3N4 demonstrated direct oxidation of toluene derivatives to corresponding aldehydes in excellent yields. The g‐C3N4 support provides excellent stability and heterogeneity to CuBr2 and was recovered simply by filtration and reused for ten times without appreciable loss in catalytic activity.
Reusable, Free‐Standing MoS2/rGO/Cu2O Ternary Composite Films for Fast and Highly Efficient Sunlight Driven Photocatalytic Degradation
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Arthi , Pratap Singh Satyam , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: February 2020

In this work, a novel free‐standing three‐dimensional MoS2/rGO/Cu2O ternary composite grown on etched carbon paper is successfully synthesized by simple hydrothermal method and demonstrated for very fast photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and binary mixture MB‐RhB under natural sunlight irradiation. Interestingly, the ternary film exhibits fast dyes degradation of ∼98 % within 45 min of irradiation indicating its excellent photocatalytic activity owing to efficient absorption in broad range of spectrum and the combined synergistic effects of the nanostructures. In addition, the stable photocatalyst film is reused six times without any major loss in efficiency thus making it suitable for real time applications for sustainable environment. The as‐prepared free‐standing, reusable and stable film demonstrates a wide potential in environmental monitoring applications such as removal of organic pollutants and wastewater treatment.
FA‐Assistant Iodide Coordination in Organic–Inorganic Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite with Mixed Halides
Authors: Xie Yue‐Min , Zeng Zixin , Xu Xiuwen , Ma Chunqing , Ma Yuhui , Li Menglin , Lee Chun‐Sing , Tsang Sai‐Wing
Published: February 2020

Mixed‐halide wide‐bandgap perovskites are key components for the development of high‐efficiency tandem structured devices. However, mixed‐halide perovskites usually suffer from phase‐impurity and high defect density issues, where the causes are still unclear. By using in situ photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, it is found that in methylammonium (MA+)‐based mixed‐halide perovskites, MAPb(I0.6Br0.4)3, the halide composition of the spin‐coated perovskite films is preferentially dominated by the bromide ions (Br−). Additional thermal energy is required to initiate the insertion of iodide ions (I−) to achieve the stoichiometric balance. Notably, by incorporating a small amount of formamidinium ions (FA+) in the precursor solution, it can effectively facilitate the I− coordination in the perovskite framework during the spin‐coating and improve the composition homogeneity of the initial small particles. The aggregation of these homogenous small particles is found to be essential to achieve uniform and high‐crystallinity perovskite film with high Br− content. As a result, high‐quality MA0.9FA0.1Pb(I0.6Br0.4)3 perovskite film with a bandgap (Eg) of 1.81 eV is achieved, along with an encouraging power‐conversion‐efficiency of 17.1% and open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.21 V. This work also demonstrates the in situ PL can provide a direct observation of the dynamic of ion coordination during the perovskite crystallization.
Tumor mutational load, CD8+ T cells, expression of PD-L1 and HLA class I to guide immunotherapy decisions in NSCLC patients
Authors: Hurkmans Daan P. , Kuipers Merian E. , Smit Jasper , van Marion Ronald , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , Postmus Piet E. , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Aerts Joachim G. J. V. , von der Thüsen Jan H. , van der Burg Sjoerd H.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

A minority of NSCLC patients benefit from anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. A rational combination of biomarkers is needed. The objective was to determine the predictive value of tumor mutational load (TML), CD8+ T cell infiltration, HLA class-I and PD-L1 expression in the tumor.

Materials and methods

Metastatic NSCLC patients were prospectively included in an immune-monitoring trial (NTR7015) between April 2016-August 2017, retrospectively analyzed in FFPE tissue for TML (NGS: 409 cancer-related-genes) and by IHC staining to score PD-L1, CD8+ T cell infiltration, HLA class-I. PFS (RECISTv1.1) and OS were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier methodology.

Results

30 patients with adenocarcinoma (67%) or squamous cell carcinoma (33%) were included. High TML was associated with better PFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.025). Interaction analyses revealed that patients with both high TML and high total CD8+ T cell infiltrate (p = 0.023) or no loss of HLA class-I (p = 0.026), patients with high total CD8+ T cell infiltrate and no loss of HLA class-I (p = 0.041) or patients with both high PD-L1 and high TML (p = 0.003) or no loss of HLA class-I (p = 0.032) were significantly associated with better PFS. Unsupervised cluster analysis based on these markers revealed three sub-clusters, of which cluster-1A was overrepresented by patients with progressive disease (15 out of 16), with significant effect on PFS (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

This proof-of-concept study suggests that a combination of PD-L1 expression, TML, CD8+ T cell infiltration and HLA class-I functions as a better predictive biomarker for response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Consequently, refinement of this set of biomarkers and validation in a larger set of patients is warranted.
Correction to: Prognostic Assessment of Non‐functioning Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Neoplasms as a Basis for Risk‐Adapted Resection Strategies
Authors: Watzka F. M. , Meyer F. , Staubitz J. I. , Fottner C. , Schad A. , Lang H. , Musholt T. J.
Published: February 2020

This article contains parts of the doctoral thesis of F. Meyer.
Thesen zu Zukunft und Verfahrensvielfalt in psychotherapeutischer Forschung, Aus- und Weiterbildung
Authors: Strauß Bernhard
Published: February 2020

Die vom Gesetzgeber im vergangenen Jahr verabschiedete Reform der Psychotherapieausbildung hat zur Folge, dass die bestehenden Psychologie-Bachelor- und Psychologie-Master-Studiengänge an die neuen Regelungen angepasst werden müssen. Dadurch werden auch neue Rahmenbedingungen für die Weiterentwicklung der Psychotherapie geschaffen. Bei der Frage, wie die Psychotherapie der Zukunft aussehen soll, wird kaum ein Thema so kontrovers diskutiert wie die Rolle der Verfahrensvielfalt in Forschung, Aus- und Weiterbildung. Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychologie und der Fakultätentag Psychologie haben aus diesem Anlass Vertreterinnen und Vertreter unterschiedlicher Psychotherapierichtungen und Interessensgruppen zu einem konstruktiven Dialog eingeladen. Als Ergebnis dieses Symposiums wurden die sog. Osnabrücker Thesen zur Zukunft der Psychotherapie formuliert. Zusätzlich wurden erste Ideen zusammengetragen, wie sich Aspekte der Verfahrensvielfalt strukturell weiterentwickeln lassen.
Sidescan sonar meets airborne and satellite remote sensing: challenges of a multi-device seafloor classification in extreme shallow water intertidal environments
Authors: Capperucci R. M. , Kubicki A. , Holler P. , Bartholomä A.
Published: February 2020

Tidal ecosystems like the Wadden Sea are particularly valuable for their ecological and economic importance. Here, the natural dynamics of the abiotic and biotic processes is threatened by the human pressure, and great efforts are made on mapping and monitoring programs. Remote sensing techniques (e.g., satellite and airborne sources) are commonly used on land and intertidal areas, whereas hydroacoustic devices are deployed in the subtidal zones. The overlap of hydroacoustics (sidescan sonar) and airborne Lidar data in such sensitive transitional zone (inter- to subtidal) is rather uncommon. In order to test the limitations of both techniques in extremely shallow waters (0.7 m min, water depth) and to find the most efficient methods for the spatial classification of intertidal areas, a portion of the backbarrier tidal flat of Norderney was investigated. Lidar bathymetric data were used for extracting high resolution morphological information. Sidescan sonar mosaics were collected in two following years under contrasting weather conditions. An expert classification based on sidescan sonar backscatter intensity, seafloor texture, morphology, and surface sediment data subdivided the research area into 10 classes. The outcomes were compared with an existing RapidEye-based classification. The tested methods showed both advantages and limitations, which were discussed based on statistical analyses. Satellite and Lidar approaches were most suitable for mapping biogenic features (e.g., shellfish beds) over large areas, whereas sidescan sonar was superior for detail detection and discrimination of morpho-sedimentary regions. As an outlook, it is postulated to perform ground-truthed hydroacoustic mapping on small testing areas, and to use the obtained classification for training satellite-based classification algorithms.
LICOM Model Datasets for the CMIP6 Ocean Model Intercomparison Project
Authors: Lin Pengfei , Yu Zhipeng , Liu Hailong , Yu Yongqiang , Li Yiwen , Jiang Jirong , Xue Wei , Chen Kangjun , Yang Qian , Zhao Bowen , Wei Jilin , Ding Mengrong , Sun Zhikuo , Wang Yaqi , Meng Yao , Zheng Weipeng , Ma Jinfeng
Published: February 2020

The datasets of two Ocean Model Intercomparison Project (OMIP) simulation experiments from the LASG/IAP Climate Ocean Model, version 3 (LICOM3), forced by two different sets of atmospheric surface data, are described in this paper. The experiment forced by CORE-II (Co-ordinated Ocean–Ice Reference Experiments, Phase II) data (1948–2009) is called OMIP1, and that forced by JRA55-do (surface dataset for driving ocean–sea-ice models based on Japanese 55-year atmospheric reanalysis) data (1958–2018) is called OMIP2. First, the improvement of LICOM from CMIP5 to CMIP6 and the configurations of the two experiments are described. Second, the basic performances of the two experiments are validated using the climatological-mean and interannual time scales from observation. We find that the mean states, interannual variabilities, and long-term linear trends can be reproduced well by the two experiments. The differences between the two datasets are also discussed. Finally, the usage of these data is described. These datasets are helpful toward understanding the origin system bias of the fully coupled model.
Improving prediction of two ENSO types using a multi-model ensemble based on stepwise pattern projection model
Authors: Wang Lin , Ren Hong-Li , Zhu Jieshun , Huang Bohua
Published: February 2020

This study focuses on improving prediction of the two types of ENSO by combining multi-model ensemble (MME) with a statistical error correction method that is based on a stepwise pattern projection and applied to all models before doing the MME. We evaluate such a combinational approach using five dynamical model datasets from the North American Multi-model Ensemble (NMME) project for the period of 1982–2010. The prediction skills of the proposed MME show an improvement over most tropical Pacific regions. With regard to the two ENSO types, improvements in prediction skills of the proposed MME are particularly evident for the Niño indices for short lead time. The differences between the Eastern Pacific and Central Pacific ENSO types are more pronounced in the corrected forecasts compared with the uncorrected ones. The zonal center position of sea surface temperature anomalies for the corrected MME is closer to the observed than that for the uncorrected MME. The results indicate that reducing prediction errors of each model member by a good correction method before applying the MME method can provide an effective way for empirically improving forecasts of the two ENSO types.
Quantifying two-way influences between the Arctic and mid-latitudes through regionally increased CO2 concentrations in coupled climate simulations
Authors: Semmler Tido , Pithan Felix , Jung Thomas
Published: February 2020

In which direction is the influence larger: from the Arctic to the mid-latitudes or vice versa? To answer this question, CO2 concentrations have been regionally increased in different latitudinal belts, namely in the Arctic, in the northern mid-latitudes, everywhere outside of the Arctic and globally, in a series of 150 year coupled model experiments with the AWI Climate Model. This method is applied to allow a decomposition of the response to increasing CO2 concentrations in different regions. It turns out that CO2 increase applied in the Arctic only is very efficient in heating the Arctic and that the energy largely remains in the Arctic. In the first 30 years after switching on the CO2 forcing some robust atmospheric circulation changes, which are associated with the surface temperature anomalies including local cooling of up to 1 °C in parts of North America, are simulated. The synoptic activity is decreased in the mid-latitudes. Further into the simulation, surface temperature and atmospheric circulation anomalies become less robust. When quadrupling the CO2 concentration south of 60° N, the March Arctic sea ice volume is reduced by about two thirds in the 150 years of simulation time. When quadrupling the CO2 concentration between 30 and 60° N, the March Arctic sea ice volume is reduced by around one third, the same amount as if quadrupling CO2 north of 60° N. Both atmospheric and oceanic northward energy transport across 60° N are enhanced by up to 0.1 PW and 0.03 PW, respectively, and winter synoptic activity is increased over the Greenland, Norwegian, Iceland (GIN) seas. To a lesser extent the same happens when the CO2 concentration between 30 and 60° N is only increased to 1.65 times the reference value in order to consider the different size of the forcing areas. The increased northward energy transport, leads to Arctic sea ice reduction, and consequently Arctic amplification is present without Arctic CO2 forcing in all seasons but summer, independent of where the forcing is applied south of 60° N. South of the forcing area, both in the Arctic and northern mid-latitude forcing simulations, the warming is generally limited to less than 0.5 °C. In contrast, north of the forcing area in the northern mid-latitude forcing experiments, the warming amounts to generally more than 1 °C close to the surface, except for summer. This is a strong indication that the influence of warming outside of the Arctic on the Arctic is substantial, while forcing applied only in the Arctic mainly materializes in a warming Arctic, with relatively small implications for non-Arctic regions.
Vesicle shrinkage in hydrous phonolitic melt during cooling
Authors: Allabar A. , Dobson K. J. , Bauer C. C. , Nowak M.
Published: February 2020

The ascent of hydrous magma prior to volcanic eruptions is largely driven by the formation of H2O vesicles and their subsequent growth upon further decompression. Porosity controls buoyancy as well as vesicle coalescence and percolation, and is important when identifying the differences between equilibrium or disequilibrium degassing from textural analysis of eruptive products. Decompression experiments are routinely used to simulate magma ascent. Samples exposed to high temperature (T) and pressure (P) are decompressed and rapidly cooled to ambient T for analysis. During cooling, fluid vesicles may shrink due to decrease of the molar volume of H2O and by resorption of H2O back into the melt driven by solubility increase with decreasing T at P < 300 MPa. Here, we quantify the extent to which vesicles shrink during cooling, using a series of decompression experiments with hydrous phonolitic melt (5.3–3.3 wt% H2O, T between 1323 and 1373 K, decompressed from 200 to 110–20 MPa). Most samples degassed at near-equilibrium conditions during decompression. However, the porosities of quenched samples are significantly lower than expected equilibrium porosities prior to cooling. At a cooling rate of 44 K·s−1, the fictive temperature Tf, where vesicle shrinkage stops, is up to 200 K above the glass transition temperature (Tg), Furthermore, decreasing cooling rate enhances vesicles shrinkage. We assess the implications of these findings on previous experimental degassing studies using phonolitic melt, and highlight the importance of correctly interpreting experimental porosity data, before any comparison to natural volcanic ejecta can be attempted.
Sex differences in spiders: from phenotype to genomics
Authors: Cordellier Mathilde , Schneider Jutta M. , Uhl Gabriele , Posnien Nico
Published: February 2020

Sexual reproduction is pervasive in animals and has led to the evolution of sexual dimorphism. In most animals, males and females show marked differences in primary and secondary sexual traits. The formation of sex-specific organs and eventually sex-specific behaviors is defined during the development of an organism. Sex determination processes have been extensively studied in a few well-established model organisms. While some key molecular regulators are conserved across animals, the initiation of sex determination is highly diverse. To reveal the mechanisms underlying the development of sexual dimorphism and to identify the evolutionary forces driving the evolution of different sexes, sex determination mechanisms must thus be studied in detail in many different animal species beyond the typical model systems. In this perspective article, we argue that spiders represent an excellent group of animals in which to study sex determination mechanisms. We show that spiders are sexually dimorphic in various morphological, behavioral, and life history traits. The availability of an increasing number of genomic and transcriptomic resources and functional tools provides a great starting point to scrutinize the extensive sexual dimorphism present in spiders on a mechanistic level. We provide an overview of the current knowledge of sex determination in spiders and propose approaches to reveal the molecular and genetic underpinnings of sexual dimorphism in these exciting animals.
Crescentic glomerulonephritis in children
Authors: Mayer Ulrike , Schmitz Jessica , Bräsen Jan Hinrich , Pape Lars
Published: February 2020

Background

To date, there is insufficient knowledge about crescentic glomerulonephritis (cGN), the most frequent immunologic cause of acute kidney injury in children.

Methods

Over a period of 16 years, we retrospectively analyzed kidney biopsy results, the clinical course, and laboratory data in 60 pediatric patients diagnosed with cGN.

Results

The underlying diseases were immune complex GN (n = 45/60, 75%), including IgA nephropathy (n = 19/45, 42%), lupus nephritis (n = 10/45, 22%), Henoch-Schoenlein purpura nephritis (n = 7/45, 16%) and post-infectious GN (n = 7/45, 16%), ANCA-associated pauci-immune GN (n = 10/60, 17%), and anti-glomerular basement-membrane GN (n = 1/60, 2%). Patient CKD stages at time of diagnosis and at a median of 362 days (range 237–425) were CKD I: n = 13/n = 29, CKD II: n = 15/n = 9, CKD III: n = 16/n = 7, CKD IV: n = 3/n = 3, CKD V: n = 13/n = 5. Course of cGN was different according to class of cGN, duration of disease from first clinical signs to diagnosis of cGN by biopsy, percentage of crescentic glomeruli, amount of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis and necrosis on renal biopsy, gender, age, nephrotic syndrome, arterial hypertension, dialysis at presentation, and relapse. Forty-eight/60 children were treated with ≥ 5 (methyl-) prednisolone pulses and 53 patients received oral prednis(ol)one in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (n = 20), cyclosporine A (n = 20), and/or cyclophosphamide (n = 6), rituximab (n = 5), azathioprine (n = 2), tacrolimus (n = 1), and plasmapheresis/immunoadsorption (n = 5).

Conclusions

The treatment success of cGN is dependent on early diagnosis and aggressive therapy, as well as on the percentage of crescentic glomeruli on renal biopsy and on the underlying type of cGN. CsA and MMF seem to be effective alternatives to cyclophosphamide.
Re-Framing historischer Grenzlandschaften. Das Beispiel Drachensee
Authors: Reitinger Patrick , Novotný Lukáš
Published: February 2020

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, wie in ländlich-peripheren Grenzregionen produktiv mit transnationalem geschichtlichem Erbe umgegangen werden kann. Durch die besondere historische Entwicklung der bayerisch-tschechischen Grenzregion als geografische Außengrenze während des Kalten Kriegs und aufgrund der Belastungen zahlreicher Transformationen im 20. Jahrhundert suchen die ländlichen Kommunen in Bayern und der Tschechischen Republik nach alternativen Ansätzen der grenzüberschreitenden Regionalentwicklung. Am Beispiel des Drachensees in der bayerischen Stadt Furth im Wald wird aufgezeigt, wie durch eine gezielte Neurahmung historischer Grenzlandschaften Impulse für eine touristische Erschließung schrumpfender Regionen entstehen können.
Radon’s construction and matrix relations generating syzygies
Authors: Carnicer Jesús M. , Godés Carmen , Sauer Tomas
Published: February 2020

Let $$\varPi _n$$Πn be the set of bivariate polynomials of degree not greater than n. A $$\varPi _n$$Πn-correct set of nodes is a set such that the Lagrange interpolation problem with respect to these nodes has a unique solution. A maximal line of a $$\varPi _n$$Πn-correct set is any line containing exactly $$n+1$$n+1 nodes. Syzygy matrices can be used to find linear factors of the fundamental polynomials and detect maximal lines. We suggest to use matrix relations in order to generate syzygies, identify linear factors of fundamental polynomials and detect maximal lines. We interpret our results in the important case of GC sets trying to shed some light on the Gasca-Maeztu conjecture.
Prescribing antipsychotics in child and adolescent psychiatry: guideline adherence
Authors: Dinnissen Mariken , Dietrich Andrea , van der Molen Judith H. , Verhallen Anne M. , Buiteveld Ynske , Jongejan Suzanne , Troost Pieter W. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , van den Hoofdakker Barbara J.
Published: February 2020

Antipsychotics are often prescribed to children and adolescents, mostly off-label. We aimed to assess adherence to recommendations of guidelines for antipsychotic prescription. We reviewed 436 medical records from 155 clinicians from 26 clinics within three Dutch child and adolescent psychiatry organizations (n = 398 outpatient, n = 38 inpatient care). We assessed target symptoms, diagnostic process, prior and concomitant treatment, and consideration of contra-indications. Multiple logistic regression assessed the role of age, sex, and psychiatric diagnosis on adherence to three main recommendations: to (1) prescribe antipsychotics only after other treatments proved insufficient, (2) always combine antipsychotics with psychosocial interventions, and (3) not prescribe multiple antipsychotics simultaneously. Most patients received off-label antipsychotics. Main target symptoms were inattention/hyperactivity (25%), aggression (24%), and other disruptive behaviors (41%). Most patients underwent diagnostic evaluation before the first prescription; however, screening of contra-indications was low (0.2–19%). About 84% had previously received psychosocial treatment and 48% other psychoactive medication, but 9% had not received any treatment. Notably, only 37% continuously received concomitant psychosocial treatment. Simultaneous use of multiple antipsychotics occurred in 3.2%. Younger children were at higher risk of non-adherence to guideline recommendations regarding prior and concomitant treatment, children with autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder more likely not to receive concomitant psychosocial treatment. Sex did not significantly affect adherence. Our findings implicate insufficient adherence to important recommendations regarding antipsychotic use in children and adolescents. Especially younger children are at higher risk of receiving suboptimal care. There is an urgency to consistently offer psychosocial interventions during antipsychotic treatment.
Complete sequential assignment and secondary structure prediction of the cannulae forming protein CanA from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrodictium abyssi
Authors: Kreitner Raphael , Munte Claudia E. , Singer Katrin , Stetter Karl O. , Horn Gudrun , Kremer Werner , Kalbitzer Hans Robert
Published: February 2020

CanA from Pyrodictium abyssi forms a heat-resistant organic hollow-fiber network together with CanB and CanC. An N-terminally truncated construct of CanA (K1-CanA) gave NMR spectra of good quality that could be assigned by three-dimensional NMR methods on 15N and 13C–15N enriched protein. We assigned the chemical shifts of 96% of all backbone 1HN atoms, 98% of all backbone 15N atoms, 100% of all 13Cα atoms, 100% of all 1Hα atoms, 90% of all 13C′ atoms, and 100% of the 13Cβ atoms. Two short helices and 10 β-strands are estimated from an analysis of the chemical shifts leading to a secondary structure content of K1-CanA of 6% helices, 44% β-pleated sheets, and 50% coils.
Electric field-driven building blocks for introducing multiple gradients to hydrogels
Authors: Xu Gang , Ding Zhaozhao , Lu Qiang , Zhang Xiaoyi , Zhou Xiaozhong , Xiao Liying , Lu Guozhong , Kaplan David L
Published: February 2020

Gradient biomaterials are considered as preferable matrices for tissue engineering due to better simulation of native tissues. The introduction of gradient cues usually needs special equipment and complex process but is only effective to limited biomaterials. Incorporation of multiple gradients in the hydrogels remains challenges. Here, beta-sheet rich silk nanofibers (BSNF) were used as building blocks to introduce multiple gradients into different hydrogel systems through the joint action of crosslinking and electric field. The blocks migrated to the anode along the electric field and gradually stagnated due to the solution-hydrogel transition of the systems, finally achieving gradient distribution of the blocks in the formed hydrogels. The gradient distribution of the blocks could be tuned easily through changing different factors such as solution viscosity, which resulted in highly tunable gradient of mechanical cues. The blocks were also aligned under the electric field, endowing orientation gradient simultaneously. Different cargos could be loaded on the blocks and form gradient cues through the same crosslinking-electric field strategy. The building blocks could be introduced to various hydrogels such as Gelatin and NIPAM, indicating the universality. Complex niches with multiple gradient cues could be achieved through the strategy. Silk-based hydrogels with suitable mechanical gradients were fabricated to control the osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. Chondrogenic-osteogenic gradient transition was obtained, which stimulated the ectopic osteochondral tissue regeneration in vivo. The versatility and highly controllability of the strategy as well as multifunction of the building blocks reveal the applicability in complex tissue engineering and various interfacial tissues.
Disaster Knowledge Gaps: Exploring the Interface Between Science and Policy for Disaster Risk Reduction in Europe
Authors: Albris Kristoffer , Lauta Kristian Cedervall , Raju Emmanuel
Published: February 2020

Expert scientific knowledge is fast becoming an integral part of disaster management, and, in the process, is changing the role of science for the reduction of disaster risks at the policy level. Yet science and policy operate in different domains between which there are often competing interests and modes of valuing knowledge. Based on research done as part of the research project Enhancing Synergies for Disaster Prevention in the European Union (ESPREssO), we discuss three major issues facing European Union member states with respect to the interface between science and policy for disaster risk reduction: knowledge transfer, disaster expertise, and risk awareness. In doing so, we hone in on three gaps: an epistemological gap, an institutional gap, and a strategic gap. We argue that these gaps can help explain underlying systematic challenges for the integration between science and policy for disaster risk reduction. These gaps need to be addressed by focusing on changes at the governance level.
On motion analysis and elastic response of floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Lamei Azin , Hayatdavoodi Masoud
Published: February 2020

Wind energy industry is expanded to offshore and deep water sites, primarily due to the stronger and more consistent wind fields. Floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) concepts involve new engineering and scientific challenges. A combination of waves, current, and wind loads impact the structures. Often under extreme cases, and sometimes in operational conditions, magnitudes of these loads are comparable with each other. The loads and responses may be large, and simultaneous consideration of the combined environmental loads on the response of the structure is essential. Moreover, FOWTs are often large structures and the load frequencies are comparable to the structural frequencies. This requires a fluid–structure–fluid elastic analysis which adds to the complexity of the problem. Here, we present a critical review of the existing approaches that are used to (i) estimate the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic loads on FOWTs, and (ii) to determine the structures’ motion and elastic responses due to the combined loads. Particular attention is given to the coupling of the loads and responses, assumptions made under each of the existing solution approaches, their limitations, and restrictions, where possible, suggestions are provided on areas where further studies are required.
Nutritional status and functionality in geriatric rehabilitation patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wojzischke Julia , van Wijngaarden Janneke , van den Berg Claudia , Cetinyurek-Yavuz Aysun , Diekmann Rebecca , Luiking Yvette , Bauer Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Since there is only limited evidence available for geriatric rehabilitation patients, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to characterize the nutritional status in this population and its relationship with functionality.

Methods

Eight databases were searched for full-text articles reporting baseline nutritional intake and status of adults ≥ 60 years in rehabilitation settings. Pooled estimates were calculated for prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and for mean body mass index (BMI). Associations between nutritional status (MNA, MNA short form and BMI) and functional status (Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure) and prevalence of sarcopenia were reviewed.

Results

62 out of 1717 references were eligible for inclusion. Pooled prevalence [95% confidence interval (CI)] of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were 13 (5–20) % and 47 (40–54) %. Pooled estimate (95% CI) for BMI was 23.8 (23.2–24.5) kg/m2. Existing data suggest a risk for low protein and energy intake and vitamin D deficiency. Functional status differed widely. Seven out of ten studies reported significant associations between reduced nutritional status and reduced functionality, whilst two out of seven studies reported significant associations between higher BMI and functionality. Prevalence of sarcopenia was high with 40–76% in this population.

Conclusions

Although geriatric rehabilitation populations and settings were heterogeneous, a relevant percentage of geriatric rehabilitation patients were affected by a reduced nutritional status. Nutritional status was associated with decreased functionality. This emphasizes the need for screening for malnutrition and targeted nutritional intervention.
Socio‐cognitive variables involved in the relationship between violence exposure at home and child‐to‐parent violence
Authors: Contreras Lourdes , León Samuel P. , Cano‐Lozano M. Carmen
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The aim of the current cross‐sectional study was to examine the role of social‐cognitive processing in the relation between violence exposure at home and child‐to‐parent violence.

Methods

The study included 1,624 adolescents (54.9% girls) aged between 12 and 18 years (Mage = 14.7, SD = 1.7 years) from Jaén and Oviedo (Spain) who completed a set of questionnaires about violence exposure, child‐to‐parent violence and social‐cognitive processing.

Results

The data revealed that exposure to violence at home is related to dysfunctional components of social‐cognitive processing, and that whereas some of these components (anger and aggressive response access) are positively related to child‐to‐parent violence motivated by reactive reasons, other components (anticipation of positive consequences and justification of violence) are positively related to the instrumental use of the aggression against parents.

Conclusions

More prevention work is needed with children exposed to violence at home to reduce the risk of intergenerational transmission of violence. Moreover, treatment programs should include intervention on the way in which adolescents process the information in their interactions with parents. These interventions must be focused on different components of social‐cognitive processing, depending on whether these aggressive behaviors are motivated by reactive or instrumental reasons.
Management of rectal stump leak following emergency Hartmann’s procedure
Authors: Johnston Sarah , De Lacavalerie Penelope
Published: February 2020

We report on the management of three cases of rectal stump leak and sepsis following urgent Hartmann’s procedure for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis or large bowel obstruction. Two patients had significant risk factors for poor tissue healing. All patients developed features of sepsis and computer tomography scans demonstrated rectal stump leak with adjacent collections. All patients required reoperation for drainage and washout of abscess. An intraperitoneal catheter system was introduced together with drains in order to continue on the ward until tract was formed. There was no mortality and minimal morbidity. The key to management of rectal stump leak is the early and aggressive drainage of the associated collection and continued irrigation of the stump.
A comparison of glacial and paraglacial denudation responses to rapid glacial retreat
Authors: Williams Haley B. , Koppes Michele N.
Published: February 2020

Glacier thinning and retreat drives initial acceleration of glacier sliding and erosion, de-buttressing of steep valley walls, and destabilization of ice-marginal deposits and bedrock, which can lead to massive rock avalanching and accelerated incision of tributary watersheds. A compelling example of these changes occurred in Taan Fjord in SE Alaska due to the rapid thinning and retreat of Tyndall Glacier over the past half century. Increased glacier sliding speeds led to both increased rates of subglacial erosion and the evacuation of subglacially stored sediments into the proglacial basins. The shrinking glacier also exposed proglacial tributary watersheds to rapid incision and denudation driven by >350 m of baselevel fall in a few decades. Moreover, in October 2015 a large tsunamigenic landslide occurred at the terminus of Tyndall Glacier, largely due to thinning exposing oversteepened, unstable slopes. Sediment yields from the glacier, the landslide and the tributary watersheds, measured from surveys of the sediments in the fjord collected in 1999 and 2016, are compared to ongoing changes in glacier and fjord geometry to investigate the magnitude of glacial and paraglacial denudation in Taan Fjord during retreat. In the last 50 years, sediment yields from the glacier and non-glacial tributaries kept pace with the rapid rate of retreat, and were on par with each other. Notably, basin-averaged erosion rates from the paraglacial landscape were twice that from the glacier, averaging 58 ± 9 and 26 ± 5 mm a−1, respectively. The sharp increases in sediment yields during retreat observed from both the glacier and the adjacent watersheds, including the landslide, highlight the rapid evolution of landscapes undergoing glacier shrinkage.