bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-based Optimization of Sensor Distribution in Roof Constructions – A Conceptual Study
Authors: Gradeci Klodian , Time Berit , Gullbrekken Lars
Published: June 2020

The objective of placing moisture sensors in roof constructions is to warn about leakage events, and thus avoid undesirable consequences. However, considering that placing an additional sensor is directly related to increasing the total cost of the solution, the distribution and placement of the sensor system should be sought as a risk-based problem seeking for the most optimal solution. This paper conceptualises a risk-based optimization methodology that seeks the optimal solution for the sensor system in roof constructions as the one that maximises the return of investment. The latter is sought as a function of the leakage risk, which is derived as a multiplication of the likelihood that leakage events may occur in a roofing system, and their consequences, defined as the amount of direct (and indirect) costs in case a leakage event occurs. The optimal solution is expressed as the total number of sensors and their geometrical distribution. This conceptual study intends to foster innovative usage of sensor systems within the construction sector to allow owners and contractors to identify and avoid consequences of leakage events in roofing systems.
Case Study – When A Roof is More Than a Roof
Authors: Hutchinson Thomas W.
Published: June 2020

The repurposing of existing buildings is becoming more prevalent. But changing a buildings use is not without concern. A European Company purchased an existing warehouse located north of Chicago, Illinois, USA as the space filled their needs for the layout of their manufacturing equipment. Producing medical grade synthetic mesh requires interior temperatures of 90°F (32.2C) with a relative humidity of 90%. The roof of the facility was low-sloped trapezoidal standing seam metal roof system that was watertight in all types of precipitation: Rain, snow, ice. The insulation, below the roof panels and above the steel purlins, was vinyl face fiberglass batt laid over the structural steel bar joist and pinned by the metal roof panels. Shortly after manufacturing commenced, water build-up in the batt insulation during winter started and was so severe that the vinyl facing would belly downward and split the lap seams, which would release the water, soiling the 2m wide rolls of mesh that then did not meet medical standards and had to be discarded. This case study will review the issues that arose out of repurposing a warehouse to a manufacturing facility and what the solution to correct moisture related issues. Hutchinson Design Group, Ltd. of Barrington, Illinois, was retained to investigate the conditions, determine the causes and develop a corrective solution.
Comparison of the actual and theoretical energy use in nZEB renovations of multi-family buildings using in situ monitoring
Authors: Van de Putte Stijn , Bracke Wolf , Delghust Marc , Steeman Marijke , Janssens Arnold
Published: June 2020

Often there is a significant difference between the actually measured and theoretically calculated energy use. The deviation between the two can be a result of errors in design, construction or commissioning, due to the technical performance of building components and installations that don’t meet the design requirements. But equally, incorrect assumptions in the calculation can largely affect the results, for example the user influence that is simulated in a different way. This paper presents the analysis of data from an on-site monitoring system of two case study multi-family buildings that were deeply refurbished. It points out that the calculated energy use for space heating was largely underestimated, while there was an overestimation of the energy use for domestic hot water. The high indoor temperature and the low occupancy of the apartments were identified as the key parameters to explain this striking difference between the theoretical design and the actual situation.
Towards moisture safe ventilated cold attics – Monitored conditions in a full-scale test building
Authors: Hansen Thor , Møller Eva , Peuhkuri Ruut
Published: June 2020

Existing building stock in Europe accounts for approx. 40% of the total energy consumption. Upgrading the thermal insulation of the existing buildings is an important measure to reduce heat losses through the building envelope. In some cases, increasing the thermal resistance of the construction may compromise the hygrothermal performance of the retrofitted construction. In particular, if vapour barrier is necessary for the good performance and it is practically difficult, if not even impossible, to install a well-sealed air- and vapour tight layer. To investigate the robustness of the hygrothermal performance of ventilated cold attics – with or without a vapour barrier – a monitoring campaign in a full-scale test building was set up. Also role of number of other parameters like moisture buffering capacity of the insulation material and thermal resistance was investigated. This paper presents part of this measuring campaign, which includes conditions both in the attic space and inside the insulation layer. The monitored data covers a period with two winters. The results show that it in temperate climate is practically indifferent for the hygrothermal performance of the monitored, well-ventilated attics with air-tight ceilings whether there is a vapour barrier or not and if the insulation material has moisture buffering capacity or not.
Exploring novel solutions for incorporating vacuum glazing in new and existing window constructions
Authors: Pont Ulrich , Wöltzl Magdalena , Schuss Matthias , Schober Peter , Mahdavi Ardeshir
Published: June 2020

This contribution discusses recent progress in development of windows equipped with vacuum glass. Vacuum glazing is commonly understood as glass products consisting of two parallel glass panes with a very narrow gap. Moreover, they feature a tight edge seal and house a grid of distance pillars. During production the gap is evacuated. As a result, vacuum glazing products widely eliminate convective heat transfer and minimize conductive heat transfer. As such, they represent highly-insulating glass products that regularly feature U-values in the range of triple-glazing, or even below (about 0.2 to 0.3 W.m-2.K-1). While the research pertaining to the development of vacuum glass can be traced back to the first patent of 1913 [1], relatively few research efforts have been conducted regarding the application of vacuum glazing in window constructions. In this context, the present contribution focuses on the application of vacuum glass products in window constructions. Toward this end, two application cases are addressed in detail. One effort addresses the application of vacuum glass in new window constructions. The major objective of this effort is the reduction of heat flow through the window construction. Thereby, innovative paradigms involving multiple operation, size, and construction options are considered. The second case deal with the potential of vacuum glazing products in view of deployment in thermal retrofit of existing buildings. This application case does not only focus on the thermal performance of the windows, but also on the necessity to protect the appearance of heritage building facades (including those of the historical window constructions). As such, vacuum glazing products provide an alternative to replacing existing windows with high-insulating triple-glazed products.
Monitoring and thermal performance evaluation of two building envelope solutions in an apartment building
Authors: Arregi Beñat , Garay-Martinez Roberto , Astudillo Julen , Ramos Juan Carlos
Published: June 2020

A bio-based multi-layer building envelope assembly has been developed for its integration in newly built and retrofitted buildings. Forest-based materials and biocomposite profiles are used as an alternative to fossil-based insulants and metallic framing, providing a well-insulated and low-thermal-bridge technical solution. The wall assembly has been installed as the external envelope of one apartment of a housing block in Donostia-San Sebastián (Basque Country, Spain). A comparative study has been performed for the bio-based wall and the reference wall of the building. Their in-situ thermal resistance has been obtained by means of three different methods: (1) the steady-state average method, (2) a semi-dynamic method from heat balance at the internal surface, and (3) a dynamic multiple regression method. Reasonably consistent results have been obtained with the three methods: a discussion is provided on the influence of measuring periods and boundary conditions. Outputs from this experimental campaign are valuable as a counterpoint to desktop studies and tests under controlled laboratory conditions. Learnings and outputs from the present study should contribute to a better understanding of the in-situ performance of building envelope assemblies and their assessment methods.
Potential of Renewable Energy Sources usage in an energy demand of a single-family houses neighbourhood, constituting an Energy Cluster – a case study
Authors: Zygmunt Marcin , Gawin Dariusz
Published: June 2020

Worldwide policy referring to global warming and air pollution assumes several main guidelines, in which Renewable Energy Sources (RES) usage simultaneously with limitation of fossil fuels in energy production seems to be a major goal. Nowadays, the continuous growth of RES usage within final energy consumption is becoming an obvious part of many country’s development. Adding to that relentless pursuit for improvement of building energy efficiency results in prediction, that in nearest future one should expect the development of advanced city-scale areas constituting an Energy Cluster. The paradigm of Energy Cluster (EC) allows us to define an energy flexibility neighbourhood. This article presents the results of energy analysis of a model neighbourhood of single-family houses with possible usage of RES. The neighbourhood constituting an EC was defined considering the Polish household sector statistical study. The analyzed area consists of representative single-family houses of Poland, characterized by different built periods, building shape and geometry as well as building enclosure parameters. Within the analysis, a detailed examination of a defined EC was performed by means of TEAC – computer tool developed by authors. TEAC is based on the results of energy simulations obtained by means of Energy Plus software and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) usage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used for energy demand predictions of buildings. Among possible RES a detailed analysis of solar and wind energy usage was performed. As a result, we obtained an hourly energy demand space- and time distribution, RES outputs, ecological analysis concerning greenhouse gasses emission and profitability analysis of proposed modernizations for the neighbourhood.
Impact of reflective roofs on the overall energy savings of whole buildings
Authors: Saber Hamed H. , Hajiah Ali E. , Maref Wahid
Published: June 2020

Many previous studies by the authors of this paper and others have shown that installing white/reflective/cool roofing systems resulted in energy savings. The amount of energy savings depended on the longwave thermal emissivity and the short-wave solar reflectivity of the rooftop surfaces. The question is “what is the percentage energy savings for the whole building as a result of using cool roofing systems instead of conventional/black roofing systems? To answer this question, three-dimensional energy simulations are conducted for typical Saudi buildings when they are subjected to the natural weathering conditions of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Several Window-to-Wall Ratios (WWRs) having different thermal resistances (R-values) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGCs) are considered in the study. The windows are located in the different main solar orientations. To investigate the effect of the area ratio of the roof to the walls on the potential energy saving due to using cool roofs, one storey and two-storey are considered in this study. Results showed that using reflective materials with lower short-wave solar absorption coefficients in the roofing systems have resulted in a decrease in the yearly total energy loads of one-storey building and two-storey building.
On the nightglow polarisation for space weather exploration
Authors: Bosse Léo , Lilensten Jean , Gillet Nicolas , Rochat Sylvain , Delboulbé Alain , Curaba Stephane , Roux Alain , Magnard Yves , Johnsen Magnar G. , Løvhaug Unni-Pia , Amblard Pierre-Olivier , Le Bihan Nicolas , Nabon Maxime , Marif Hanane , Auriol Frédérique , Noûs Camille
Published: June 2020

We present here observations of the polarisation of four auroral lines in the auroral oval and in the polar cusp using a new ground polarimeter called Petit Cru. Our results confirm the already known polarisation of the red line, and show for the first time that the three other lines observed here (namely 557.7 nm, 391.4 nm and 427.8 nm) are polarised as well up to a few percent. We show that in several circumstances, this polarisation is linked to the local magnetic activity and to the state of the ionosphere through the electron density measured with EISCAT. However, we also show that the contribution of light pollution from nearby cities via scattering can not be ignored and can play an important role in polarisation measurements. This series of observations questions the geophysical origin of the polarisation. It also leaves open its relation to the magnetic field orientation and to the state of both the upper atmosphere and the troposphere.
Median Nerve Injury in Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection and Corticosteroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Hsu Yi-Chih , Yang Fu-Chi , Hsu Hsian-He , Huang Guo-Shu
Published: June 2020

Purpose Permanent nerve damage after corticosteroid injection has been suggested when symptoms of median nerve injury (MNI) are irreversible. We assess the outcomes of MNI and their association with ultrasonography (US)-guided hydrodissection and the following corticosteroid injection for symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods US-guided hydrodissection and the following corticosteroid injections were administered to 126 CTS patients. Occurrence of MNI, clinical data, and post-hydrodissection findings were evaluated. Post-hydrodissection findings included vascular injury during hydrodissection, altered echogenicity, reduced flattening ratio, and increased cross-sectional area of the MN at the inlet of the carpal tunnel (MN-CSA-Inlet) on ultrasonography after hydrodissection. The relevance of MNI with respect to these clinical data and findings was determined. The outcome was rated using Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores.

Results Nine patients suffered MNI (incidence, 7.1 %) but improved significantly at follow-up. Clinical data and vascular injury during hydrodissection, altered echogenicity, and reduced flattening ratio after hydrodissection were unrelated to prolonged transient MNI (p > 0.05). MNI was significantly associated with increased CSA (p = 0.005). A CSA increase > 2 mm2 after hydrodissection yielded the greatest performance (0.979) for MNI in the receiver operating characteristic analysis. Decreases in BCTQ scores after injection did not differ significantly between groups with and without MNI (p > 0.05).

Conclusion MNI during hydrodissection may be reversible. MNI is indicated by an increase in MN-CSA-inlet immediately after hydrodissection.
HR-positives, HER2-negatives fortgeschrittenes Mammakarzinom
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: June 2020

CDK4/6-Inhibitoren (Cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors) sind als Kombinationspartner zur endokrinen Therapie als wichtiges Standbein der Erst- und Zweitlinienbehandlung des HR-positiven (HR +), HER2-negativen (HER2–) metastasierten Mammakarzinoms etabliert. Allerdings treten auch unter den CDK4/6-Inhibitoren Resistenzen auf. Bislang wurden verschiedene Resistenzmechanismen und -wege identifiziert. Von den zahlreichen untersuchten Kandidaten zur Therapie nach Progress unter einer CDK4/6-Inhibition wird der PIK3-Inhibitor Alpelisib in Kombination mit dem Antiöstrogen Fulvestrant nach bereits erfolgter FDA-Zulassung als eine erste Alternative wahrscheinlich demnächst auch in der EU verfügbar sein.
Virtual reality distraction for patients to relieve pain and discomfort during colonoscopy
Authors: Veldhuijzen Govert , Klaassen Nienke J.M. , Van Wezel Richard J.A. , Drenth Joost P.H. , Van Esch Aura A.
Published: June 2020

Background and study aims Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure that may cause patients pain and discomfort. Routine use of sedation, while effective, is expensive and requires logistical planning. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, three-dimensional experiences that distract the attention and might comfort patients. We performed a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of VR distraction during colonoscopy.

Patients and methods Adults referred for colonoscopy were considered for inclusion and divided over two groups: with and without VR glasses. The main outcome was patient acceptance of wearing VR glasses during colonoscopy without compromising the technical success of the procedure. Secondary outcomes were patient comfort, pain, and anxiety before, during and after the procedure, using validated patient questionnaires. Patient comments were collected through a qualitative interview.

Results We included 19 patients, 10 of whom were offered VR glasses. All patients accepted VR glasses without prolonging procedural time. No disadvantages of the VR glasses were reported in terms of communication or change of position of the patient. We found that patient comfort, pain, anxiety, and satisfaction in relation to the procedure were similar in both groups. Patients described a pleasant distracting effect using VR glasses.

Conclusion VR glasses during colonoscopy are accepted by patients and do not compromise endoscopic technical success. Patients reported that the VR experience was pleasant and distracting.
COMPARISON OF DENTAL CURRICULUM IN INDIA VERSUS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Authors: Rao Lakshmi Nidhi , Hegde Mithra N. , Hegde Priyadarshini , Shetty Chitharanjan
Published: June 2020

As the importance of good dental care becomes increasingly paramount in a globally connected society, it is imperative that the dental curriculum keep up pace with it.

This means that the large numbers of Indian dental graduates who pass out every year are in sync with latest in the dental world.

Hence this study aims to compare the dental curriculum of the traditional Indian BDS undergraduate program with those of the developed countries (restricted to American and British universities).

It goes onto highlight the strengths of each of curriculums studied. Additionally it identifies specific features of other curriculums which could be incorporated into the Indian dental curriculum.
Progress in Local Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Cavalcante Francisco Pimentel , Millen Eduardo Camargo , Zerwes Felipe Pereira , Novita Guilherme Garcia
Published: June 2020

The present paper reports on the local treatment of breast cancer from a historical perspective. A search for articles written in English was made in the Medline and EMBASE databases, and 40 papers were selected. Over the past 10 years, various randomized, controlled clinical trials on the local treatment of breast cancer indicated that patients with the same molecular subtype may receive different individualized surgical treatments aimed at optimizing systemic adjuvant therapy. With a view to retaining the gains made in disease-free and overall survival, surgical techniques have advanced from radical surgery to conservative mastectomies, thus reducing sequelae, while adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies have contributed toward controlling the disease, both distant metastases and local recurrence. Current studies evaluate whether future breast cancer therapy may even succeed in eliminating surgery to the breast and axilla altogether.
The Effectiveness of Psycho-Educational and Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling on Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Mirzaee Firoozeh , Ahmadi Atefeh , Zangiabadi Zahra , Mirzaee Moghaddameh
Published: June 2020

Introduction Sexual function is a multidimensional phenomenon that is affected by many biological and psychological factors. Cognitive-behavioral sex therapies are among the most common nonpharmacological approaches to psychosexual problems. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral counseling on female sexual dysfunction.

Methods The present study was a clinical trial with intervention and control groups. The study population consisted of women referring to the general clinic of a governmental hospital in Iran. After completing the demographic questionnaire and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), those who obtained the cutoff score ≤ 28 were contacted and invited to participate in the study. Convenience sampling method was used and 35 subjects were randomly allocated for each group. Eight counseling sessions were held for the intervention group (two/week/1.5 hour). Post-test was taken from both groups after 1 month, and the results were statistically analyzed by PASW Statistics for Windows, Version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results The total mean scores of FSFI and the subscales of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group after the intervention. In addition, postintervention pain mean scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The results of the present study indicate that psychoeducational cognitive-behavioral counseling is effective in improving female sexual function. It is recommended to compare the effects of psychoeducational cognitive-behavioral counseling on sexual dysfunctions of couples and with a larger sample size in future research.
Changes in pH as a result of galvanic currents used in percutaneous needle electrolysis
Authors: Margalef Ramón , Minaya-Muñoz Francisco , Valera-Garrido Fermín , Bosque Marc , Santafé Manel M.
Published: June 2020

Aim To determine whether sodium chloride electrolysis causes a change in the pH of tissues.

Methods The effects of a 3 mA galvanic current has been evaluated, applied for 3 seconds and 3 repetitions (3:3:3). In vitro pH changes were evaluated in three experiments: 1) Eppendorf® tubes filled with Ringer's solution; 2) a very small volume of Ringer's solution (100µl); 3) Eppendorf® tubes filled with saline solution (NaCl 0.9%). The pH changes in the gastrocnemius of mice were evaluated, using the left limb as a control and the right limb for the intervention. The gastrocnemius muscles were ground up and the pH of each group was determined.

Results In the in vitro experiments 1 and 2, no variation was observed in the pH of either the cathode in the Ringer's solution or the anode in the Ringer's solution (the variation did not exceed 16% in either of the cases, p> 0.05). In the third in vitro study, the pH after galvanic current application increased by 70% in the saline solution of the cathode and the anode pH decreased by 34% (p < 0.05 in both cases). In the in vivo experiments, no change in pH was obtained (% variation: 0.00 ± 0.00).

Conclusions The galvanic current used in percutaneous needle electrolysis applying the 3:3:3 parameters generates very small changes in the pH, in the area near the needle, which the body is able to rapidly compensate for.
Endothelial Damage of the Portal Vein is Associated with Heparin-Like Effect in Advanced Stages of Cirrhosis
Authors: Shalaby Sarah , Simioni Paolo , Campello Elena , Spiezia Luca , Gavasso Sabrina , Bizzaro Debora , Cardin Romilda , D'Amico Francesco , Gringeri Enrico , Cillo Umberto , Barbiero Giulio , Battistel Michele , Zanetto Alberto , Ruzzarin Alessandro , Burra Patrizia , Senzolo Marco
Published: June 2020

Background Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most common thrombotic complication in cirrhosis; however, local risk factors involved in its pathogenesis are still not fully investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate hemostasis and endothelial damage in the portal vein in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Methods Adult cirrhotics undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt were consecutively enrolled. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), dosage of total circulating glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and endotoxemia levels (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), along with evaluation of endothelial dysfunction by quantification of circulating endothelial microparticles (MPs), were performed on citrated peripheric and portal venous blood samples from each enrolled patient.

Results Forty-five cirrhotics were enrolled. ROTEM analysis revealed the presence of a significant heparin-like effect in portal blood (median ɑ angle NATEM 50° vs. HEPTEM 55°, p = 0.027; median coagulation time NATEM 665 s vs. HEPTEM 585 s, p = 0.006), which was not detected in peripheral blood, and was associated with a higher concentration of circulating GAGs. Even though total annexin V-MP circulating MPs were less concentrated in the splanchnic district, the proportion of MPs of endothelial origin, with respect to annexin V-MP, was significantly increased in the portal district (p = 0.036). LPS concentration was higher in portal (197 pg/mL) compared with peripheral blood (165 pg/mL) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Evidences of a damage of glycocalyx along with increased concentration of endothelial MPs suggest the presence of a significant endothelial alteration in the portal vein with respect to peripheral veins. Portal site-specific endothelial damage could hamper its antithrombotic properties and may represent an important local risk factor in the pathogenesis of PVT.
Perinatal Outcomes in Women with a History of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Ausbeck Elizabeth B. , Blanchard Christina , Tita Alan T. , Szychowski Jeff M. , Harper Lorie
Published: June 2020

Objective This study aimed to evaluate perinatal outcomes in women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study of singleton and nonanomalous gestations at ≥ 20 weeks who delivered at our academic institution. The exposed group was defined as women with a history of ≥ 2 consecutive spontaneous abortions (SABs) at < 12 weeks. These women were compared with women with a history of ≤ 1 SAB at < 12 weeks. The primary outcome was preterm birth (PTB) at < 37 weeks. Secondary outcomes included gestational age at delivery, gestational diabetes, small for gestational age birth weight, hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, fetal demise, cesarean delivery, and a composite of neonatal complications (5-minute Apgar score < 5, perinatal death, and NICU admission). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounders.

Results Of 17,670 women included, 235 (1.3%) had a history of ≥ 2 consecutive SABs. Compared with women with a history of ≤ 1 SAB, women with ≥ 2 consecutive SABs were not more likely to have a PTB (19.6 vs. 14.0%, p = 0.01, adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–1.33). However, they were more likely to deliver at an earlier mean gestational age (37.8 ± 3.4 vs. 38.6 ± 2.9 weeks, p < 0.01) and to have gestational diabetes (12.3 vs. 6.6%, p < 0.01, AOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.10–2.59). Other outcomes were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion A history of ≥ 2 consecutive SABs was not associated with an increased incidence of PTB but may be associated with gestational diabetes in a subsequent pregnancy.

Key Points
Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nebbia Martina , Yassin Nuha A. , Spinelli Antonino
Published: June 2020

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the incidence has declined over the past 30 years, which is probably attributed to raise awareness, successful CRC surveillance programs and improved control of mucosal inflammation through chemoprevention. The risk factors for IBD-related CRC include more severe disease (as reflected by the extent of disease and the duration of poorly controlled disease), family history of CRC, pseudo polyps, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and male sex. The molecular pathogenesis of inflammatory epithelium might play a critical role in the development of CRC. IBD-related CRC is characterized by fewer rectal tumors, more synchronous and poorly differentiated tumors compared with sporadic cancers. There is no significant difference in sex distribution, stage at presentation, or survival. Surveillance is vital for the detection and subsequently management of dysplasia. Most guidelines recommend initiation of surveillance colonoscopy at 8 to 10 years after IBD diagnosis, followed by subsequent surveillance of 1 to 2 yearly intervals. Traditionally, surveillance colonoscopies with random colonic biopsies were used. However, recent data suggest that high definition and chromoendoscopy are better methods of surveillance by improving sensitivity to previously “invisible” flat dysplastic lesions. Management of dysplasia, timing of surveillance, chemoprevention, and the surgical approaches are all areas that stimulate various discussions. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date focus on CRC in IBD, from laboratory to bedside.
The effect of temperature and pressure on the spin state of cobalt ions in La1−xPrxCoO3 compounds
Authors: Panfilov A. S. , Lyogenkaya A. A. , Grechnev G. E. , Pashchenko V. A. , Vasylechko L. O. , Hreb V. M. , Kovalevsky A. V.
Published: June 2020

The crystal structure, magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature χ(T) in the range 5–400 K, and the hydrostatic pressure effect on χ at fixed temperatures T = 78, 150, and 300 K, were studied in perovskite-like compounds La1−xPrxCoO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3). The obtained experimental data were analyzed using a two-level model with an energy gap Δ between the ground and excited states of the system that correspond to the spin values S = 0 and 1 for Co3+ ions. In this model, the magnetism of Co3+ ions, which determines the features of the χ (T) dependence, is ensured by the temperature-induced change in the population of the excited state. The anomalously large magnitude of the observed pressure effect is associated with the high sensitivity of Δ to changes in the lattice volume, under the influence of both hydrostatic and chemical pressures, when La is replaced by the smaller Pr ion in the considered system. Theoretical calculations of the electronic structure for the boundary compounds LaCoO3 and PrCoO3 confirm the significant increase in the excitation energy Δ with a decrease in the lattice volume, and also support the scenario of a spin crossover between the states of cobalt ions with low and intermediate spin values.
Ferromagnetic resonance in nanotwinned Ni–Mn–Ga film undergoing martensitic transformation
Authors: Kharlan J. , L’vov V. A. , Golub V. O.
Published: June 2020

The ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in the shape memory alloys (SMAs) exhibiting structural cubic-tetragonal phase transition has been studied. The influence of instability and spatial inhomogeneity of crystal lattice on the FMR spectra of twinned ferromagnetic SMAs films has been analyzed using statistical model of ferromagnetic martensite. It has been shown that the abnormally strong temperature dependence of lattice parameters of martensitic film gives a noticeable contribution to the temperature dependence of the resonance value of external magnetic field. The narrowing of the resonance peak, which had been experimentally observed on cooling of the film slightly below the Curie temperature, has been explained. It is argued that the martensitic films are good candidates for the experimental study of local elastic strains influence on the shape of the FMR peak.
Effect of barrier width between GaAs/InGaAs/GaAs double coupled quantum wells on bipolar transport and terahertz radiation by hot carriers in lateral electric field
Authors: Vinoslavskii M. N. , Belevskii P. A. , Poroshin V. N. , Vainberg V. V. , Baidus N. V.
Published: June 2020

The dependences of the current and integral intraband terahertz electroluminescence intensity on the electric field in the n-InGaAs/GaAs heterostructures with asymmetric double tunnel-coupled quantum wells under the conditions of bipolar lateral transport are established to differ qualitatively for different interwell barrier widths. In the case of the thick (∼50 Å) barriers at electric fields less than those corresponding to the Gunn instability, high-frequency current oscillations are observed, and the emission intensity monotonously increases with increasing electric field strength over the entire studied range up to 3 kV/cm. At small barrier widths (∼30 Å), the current oscillations are practically absent, and the emission intensity substantially increases with the field strength between 1.5 and 2 kV/cm. The emission intensity increase is explained by the addition of direct electron and hole transitions between the size-quantization subbands to the indirect intrasubband transitions. The observed differences may be explained by the different relationships between the interband radiative recombination time of the minority charge carriers (holes) in the narrow wells and the hole tunneling time into the wide wells, dependent on the interwell barrier width.
Recent advances on visible-light-driven CO2 reduction: Strategies for boosting solar energy transformation
Authors: Yuan Jin , Du Yaping , Zhang Hongbo
Published: June 2020

The massive emission of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) has attracted great attention due to its impact on global warming. Researchers have been working on this project for a long time and found that photocatalytic CO2 reduction has shown great potential in developing cost-effective clean energy resources. However, the efficiency of CO2 photo-reduction is low because of limited light absorption efficiency, undesired charge recombination, and high CO2 activation barrier in thermodynamics and kinetics. In this Perspective, we concentrate on recent advanced strategies to improve CO2 photo-reduction and illustrate the mechanism of CO2 activation and we intend to find the most plausible strategy on solving the problems listed. The mainstream approaches for boosting CO2 photo-reduction efficiency lie in (1) tuning the bandgap of the photocatalysts by incorporating heteroatoms in a photosensitizer causing enhanced light absorption; (2) constructing heterojunctions resulting in effective charge separation; and (3) introducing surface defects, basic sites, and functional groups, as well as increasing the surface area of catalysts contributing to enhanced CO2 adsorption and activation. Moreover, this Perspective will conclude with brief perspectives and recommendations regarding the promising research of converting CO2 into valuable fuels.
Charge carrier dynamics and photocatalytic activity of {111} and {100} faceted Ag3PO4 particles
Authors: Sinha Rochan , Friedrich Dennis , Zafeiropoulos Georgios , Zoethout Erwin , Parente Matteo , van de Sanden Mauritius C. M. , Bieberle-Hütter Anja
Published: June 2020

Silver orthophosphate is a highly promising visible light photocatalyst with high quantum yield for solar driven water oxidation. Recently, the performance of this material has been further enhanced using facet-controlled synthesis. The tetrahedral particles with {111} exposed facets demonstrate higher photocatalytic performance than the cubic particles with {100} exposed facets. However, the reason behind this large difference in photocatalytic performance is still not understood. In this work, we study the free charge carrier dynamics, such as mobility, lifetime, and diffusion lengths, for the {111}-faceted tetrahedral and the {100}-faceted cubic particles using time-resolved microwave conductivity measurements. An order of magnitude higher charge carrier mobility and diffusion length are found for the tetrahedral particles as compared to the cubic particles. The differences in crystal structure, surface composition, and optical properties are investigated in order to understand how these properties impact the charge carrier dynamics and the photocatalytic performance of differently faceted particles.
First records of the introduced African carder bee, Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum (Hymenoptera:Megachilidae), in Western Australia
Authors: Prendergast Kit S.
Published: June 2020

Globalisation has increased the occurrence of species being introduced outside of their natural range. The African carder bee, Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), is one such species. P. repetititum was first recorded in Australia in 2000 in Queensland (north-east Australia), and rapidly spread down the east coast of Australia, and by 2015 was reported to be a common component of bee assemblages in urban community gardens in Victoria (southern Australia). Here, I report the first occurrences of this species in Western Australia, on the other side of the continent, representing a major expansion of the distribution of the species. Thus far there are three confirmed and one unconfirmed localities where this species has been seen, all localised to the Mandurah region in residential areas of Western Australia. Female specimens were collected from a garden in Halls Head, where it was observed to be abundant. Other bees, both native and the introduced European honeybee, were foraging alongside it. The occurrence of P. repetitum represents a major expansion in its distribution. It remains rare and localised; however, given known negative impacts of introduced species on native fauna and flora, especially in Australia, vigilance is required to monitor this species.
Real-time monitoring of peroxiredoxin oligomerization dynamics in living cells
Authors: Pastor-Flores Daniel , Talwar Deepti , Pedre Brandán , Dick Tobias P.
Published: June 2020

Significance

Peroxiredoxins are most central to the cellular adaptation against oxidative stress. They act as oxidant scavengers, stress sensors, transmitters of signals, and chaperones, and they possess a unique quaternary switch that is intimately related to these functions. However, so far it has not been possible to monitor peroxiredoxin structural changes in the intact cellular environment. This study presents genetically encoded probes, based on homo-FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer between identical fluorophores) fluorescence polarization, that allow following these quaternary changes in real time, in living cells. We envisage that these probes can be used to address a broad range of questions related to the function of peroxiredoxins.
Mechanisms underlying homeostatic plasticity in the
Drosophila
mushroom body in vivo
Authors: Apostolopoulou Anthi A. , Lin Andrew C.
Published: June 2020

Significance

When a neuron fires, it excites or inhibits other neurons. These two opposing forces—excitation and inhibition—need to be carefully balanced in the brain for neural networks to function properly. Maintaining this balance requires homeostatic plasticity to compensate for perturbations in neural activity levels. Relatively little is known about how such homeostatic compensation works in the intact central brain in vivo. To address this problem, we developed a model for studying homeostatic plasticity in vivo: the
Drosophila
mushroom body (the fly’s olfactory memory center). We found that this brain structure compensates for prolonged excess inhibition through a combination of increased excitation and decreased inhibition, with these two mechanisms contributing differently for different types of neurons.
Direct evidence of poison-driven widespread population decline in a wild vertebrate
Authors: Mateo-Tomás Patricia , Olea Pedro P. , Mínguez Eva , Mateo Rafael , Viñuela Javier
Published: June 2020

Significance

Pesticides and other toxic substances (e.g. lead ammunition, veterinary drugs) have caused the decline of many animal populations, highlighting the serious threat that wildlife poisoning poses for biodiversity conservation. While compelling evidence demonstrates the harmful effects of poisoning on individuals, its impact on populations rests mostly on indirect evidence. This study directly links poison-induced individual mortality to the population decline of a threatened vertebrate, the red kite (
Milvus milvus
), across hundreds of locations in Spain, offering strong proof of poisoning contributing to countrywide population decline of a once-abundant vertebrate. A greater understanding of the population-level effects of wildlife poisoning may strengthen effective actions against the use of toxic substances harmful for wildlife.
Acquirement of water-splitting ability and alteration of the charge-separation mechanism in photosynthetic reaction centers
Authors: Tamura Hiroyuki , Saito Keisuke , Ishikita Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Significance

In photosynthetic reaction centers from purple bacteria (PbRC) and the water-splitting enzyme, photosystem II (PSII), light-induced electron transfer occurs only in one of the two branches irrespective of the apparent symmetry in the structures. In PSII, the protein components that are involved in the Mn
4
CaO
5
cluster or the proceeding proton-transfer pathway facilitate electron transfer along the active branch. In PbRC, most of these components are not conserved and polar residues on the active side facilitate electron transfer. The energy profile suggests that the initial electron donor differs between PbRC and PSII. It seems likely that the acquirement of oxygen-evolving ability alters the protein environment near the accessory chlorophyll and makes it the initial electron donor in PSII.
Block–spiral magnetism: An exotic type of frustrated order
Authors: Herbrych J. , Heverhagen J. , Alvarez G. , Daghofer M. , Moreo A. , Dagotto E.
Published: June 2020

Significance

Magnetic frustration in spin or electronic models emerges from the failure of the system to fulfill simultaneously conflicting local requirements. The latter typically arise from the lattice geometry or are induced by special spin–spin interactions in the system at various distances. Here we show that the competing energy scales of the seemingly nonfrustrated orbital-selective Mott phase of the low-dimensional multiorbital Hubbard model can originate a “block–chiral magnetism,” i.e., a state with rigidly rotating spin–magnetic islands. Furthermore, we show how such an exotic spin state influences the electronic properties of the system, revealing parity-breaking quasiparticles.
A lipocalin mediates unidirectional heme biomineralization in malaria parasites
Authors: Matz Joachim M. , Drepper Benjamin , Blum Thorsten B. , van Genderen Eric , Burrell Alana , Martin Peer , Stach Thomas , Collinson Lucy M. , Abrahams Jan Pieter , Matuschewski Kai , Blackman Michael J.
Published: June 2020

Significance

During blood-stage development, the malaria parasite replicates inside erythrocytes of the vertebrate host, where it engulfs and digests most of the available hemoglobin. This results in release of the oxygen-binding prosthetic group heme, which is highly toxic in its unbound form. The parasite crystallizes the heme into an insoluble pigment called hemozoin, a process that is vital for parasite survival and which is exploited in antimalarial therapy. We demonstrate that the parasite uses a protein called PV5 in hemozoin formation and that interfering with PV5 expression can increase the parasite’s sensitivity to antimalarial drugs during blood infection. An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying heme sequestration will provide valuable insights for future drug development efforts.
Enzymatic degradation of liquid droplets of DNA is modulated near the phase boundary
Authors: Saleh Omar A. , Jeon Byoung-jin , Liedl Tim
Published: June 2020

Significance

Biomolecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, can condense into liquid droplets whose biological or technological function depends on interactions with other solutes. We explore such interactions using a system of self-assembled DNA particles that forms liquid droplets which are degraded by an active solute, a restriction enzyme. We find that enzymes are able to penetrate the droplets when the liquid is poised near the phase boundary, enhancing the degradation rate and, in certain cases, causing internal bubbling. These results point to a complex interplay of phase stability and solute transport in liquid–liquid phase-separating macromolecular systems.
MSH1
is required for maintenance of the low mutation rates in plant mitochondrial and plastid genomes
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Waneka Gus , Broz Amanda K. , King Connor R. , Sloan Daniel B.
Published: June 2020

Significance

Plant mitochondrial and plastid genomes maintain unusually low mutation rates, but the mechanisms responsible for their accurate transmission of DNA sequences have remained mysterious. Application of high-fidelity DNA sequencing techniques enabled detection of new mutations still present at low frequencies within tissue samples from the flowering plant
Arabidopsis
and showed that disrupting a gene in the
mutS
mismatch repair family (
MSH1
) increases the frequency of mitochondrial and plastid sequence variants approximately 10-fold to 1,000-fold. This gene has an unusually disjunct distribution across the tree of life, implying a history of horizontal gene transfer among eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses. Its presence in plants and absence in lineages such as animals may contribute to radical differences in organelle mutation rates across eukaryotes.
Functional network analysis reveals an immune tolerance mechanism in cancer
Authors: Mathews James C. , Nadeem Saad , Pouryahya Maryam , Belkhatir Zehor , Deasy Joseph O. , Levine Arnold J. , Tannenbaum Allen R.
Published: June 2020

Significance

A major problem in data science is representation of data so that the variables driving key functions can be uncovered and explored. Correlation analysis is widely used to simplify networks of feature variables by reducing redundancies, but makes limited use of the network topology, relying on comparison of direct neighbor variables. The proposed method incorporates relational or functional profiles of neighboring variables along multiple common neighbors, which are fitted with Gaussian mixture models and compared using a data metric based on a version of optimal mass transport tailored to Gaussian mixtures. Hierarchical interactive visualization of the result leads to effective unbiased hypothesis generation. In a cancer gene expression study, this method uncovered an unanticipated immunosuppressive mechanism resembling maternal–fetal immune tolerance.
A tumor-associated splice-isoform of
MAP2K7
drives dedifferentiation in MBNL1-low cancers via JNK activation
Authors: Ray Debleena , Yun Yu Chye , Idris Muhammad , Cheng Shanshan , Boot Arnoud , Iain Tan Bee Huat , Rozen Steven G. , Tan Patrick , Epstein David M.
Published: June 2020

Significance

Targeting stem-like cells in cancer is critical to overcoming resistance and relapse post chemotherapy or immunotherapy. We elucidate an alternative-splicing driven mechanism of cancer dedifferentiation and define a molecular context wherein stem-like tumor cells show enhanced susceptibility to JNK inhibition. MBNL1 and
MAP2K7
∆exon2 can prognosticate patients for JNK inhibition that can render stem-like tumor cells susceptible to therapy.