bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thalamic Tremor Following Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for the Treatment of Essential Tremor
Authors: Osterholt Thomas , McGurrin Patrick , Bedard Patrick , Horovitz Silvina , Ehrlich Debra , Haubenberger Dietrich
Published: October 2020

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Reversible Facial Myoclonus in Uremia
Authors: Rani Puja , Sharma Roopa , Tater Priyanka
Published: October 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
A follow‐up study of a Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome type II caused by a truncating mutation of MITF gene
Authors: Yang Shuzhi , Wang Cuicui , Zhou Chengyong , Kang DongYang , Zhang Xin , Yuan Huijun
Published: October 2020

Background

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a highly clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease. The core disease phenotypes of WS are sensorineuronal hearing loss and pigmentary disturbance, which are usually caused by the absence of neural crest cell‐derived melanocytes. At present, four subtypes of WS have been defined, which are caused by seven genes. Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS2) is one of the most common forms. Two genes, MITF and SOX10, have been found to be responsible for majority of WS2.

Methods

In this study, we performed a clinical longitudinal follow‐up and mutation screening for a Chinese family with Waardenburg syndrome type II.

Results

A diversity of clinical manifestations was observed in this WS2 family. In addition to the congenital hearing loss of most affected family members, progressive hearing loss was also found in some WS2 patients. A nonsense mutation of c.328C>T (p.R110X) in MITF was identified in all affected family members. This mutation results in a truncated MITF protein, which is considered to be a disease‐causing mutation.

Conclusion

These findings offer a better understanding of the spectrum of MITF mutations and highlight the necessity of continuous hearing assessment in WS patients.
Comment on the paper “Entropy generation in nanofluid flow of Walters‐B fluid with homogeneous‐heterogeneous reactions, Sumaira Qayyum, Tasawar Hayat, Sumaira Jabeen, Ahmed Alsaedi, Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences 2020, 43: 5657–5672”
Authors: Pantokratoras Asterios
Published: October 2020

Some errors exist in the above paper.
Psychometric longitudinal evaluation of the Chronic Acquired Polyneuropathy Patient‐Reported Index (CAPPRI) in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Sadjadi Reza , Peric Stojan , Gwathmey Kelly , Bozovic Ivo , Aleksa Palibrk , Bjelica Bogdan , Burns Ted , Basta Ivana
Published: October 2020

Background

We studied the performance of a 15‐item, health‐related quality‐of‐life polyneuropathy scale in a longitudinal study of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Methods

Sixty‐one patients with CIDP completed the Chronic Acquired Polyneuropathy Patient‐Reported Index (CAPPRI) scale and Patient Impression of Change (PIC) at baseline and follow‐up visits. Clinicians completed Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability scores at baseline and follow‐up visits. Conventional and modern psychometric analyses were performed on the completed forms.

Results

CAPPRI was psychometrically stable between visits without significant difference in response pattern between visits 1 and 2 (paired t‐test P = .72). There was strong correlation between changes in INCAT and changes in CAPPRI scores between two visits (rho = 0.6, P < .001). In addition, we showed robust CAPPRI effect sizes between PIC categories.

Conclusions

We demonstrated psychometric stability and construct longitudinal validity of CAPPRI.
On n‐dimensional quadratic B‐splines
Authors: Raslan K. R. , Ali Khalid K.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we present new constructions of the n‐dimensional quadratic B‐splines method. The quadratic B‐splines method format is displayed in a single, two, and three‐dimensional format. These constructions are of utmost importance in solving differential equations in their various dimensions, which have applications in many fields of science. Some numerical examples are also presented, through which we can show the accuracy of this construction by giving some comparisons of our results using this new construction and between the results in other works. Some figures also give in this paper for the solutions.
To Transplant or Not to Transplant During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic? That Is the Question
Authors: Marino Dario , Finotto Silvia , Basso Umberto , Galiano Antonella , Bolshinsky Maital , Amato Ottavia , Marson Piero , Tison Tiziana , Colpo Anna , Zagonel Vittorina
Published: October 2020

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 has grown to be a global public health emergency. The rapid spread of the infection has raised many questions in the oncohematological scientific community regarding the appropriateness of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We here report two cases of patients who received ASCT at our Institute during the epidemic in Italy, affected with Hodgkin lymphoma and germ cell tumor, respectively. The two patients underwent a nasopharyngeal swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on hospital admittance and during the period of bone marrow aplasia. They were attended to exclusively by dedicated health care staff who followed specifically implemented protocols for bedside nursing and care. They completed the procedure without unexpected side effect. Our experience demonstrates how ASCT can be performed safely if procedures are reorganized ad hoc to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In Reply
Authors: Papachristos Apostolos , Kemos Polychronis , Kalofonos Haralabos , Sivolapenko Gregory
Published: October 2020

This letter to the editor responds to Le Louedec et al. regarding the recently published article on the correlation between bevacizumab exposure and survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Microglia/macrophages express alternative proangiogenic factors depending on granulocyte content in human glioblastoma
Authors: Blank Anne , Kremenetskaia Irina , Urbantat Ruth M , Acker Güliz , Turkowski Kati , Radke Josefine , Schneider Ulf C , Vajkoczy Peter , Brandenburg Susan
Published: October 2020

Myeloid cells are an inherent part of the microenvironment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). There is growing evidence for their participation in mechanisms of tumor escape, especially in the development of resistance following initially promising anti‐VEGF/VEGFR treatment. Thus, we sought to define the capability of myeloid cells to contribute to the expression of proangiogenic molecules in human GBM. We investigated GBM specimens in comparison with anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III) and epilepsy patient samples freshly obtained from surgery. Flow cytometric analyses revealed two distinct CD11b+CD45+ cell populations in GBM tissues, which were identified as microglia/macrophages and granulocytes. Due to varied granulocyte influx, GBM samples were subdivided into groups with low (GBM‐lPMNL) and high (GBM‐hPMNL) numbers of granulocytes (polymorphonuclear leukocytes; PMNL), which were related to activation of the microglia/macrophage population. Microglia/macrophages of the GBM‐lPMNL group were similar to those of astrocytoma specimens, but those of GBM‐hPMNL tissues revealed an altered phenotype by expressing high levels of CD163, TIE2, HIF1α, VEGF, CXCL2 and CD13. Although microglia/macrophages represented the main source of alternative proangiogenic factors, additionally granulocytes participated by production of IL8 and CD13. Moreover, microglia/macrophages of the GBM‐hPMNL specimens were highly associated with tumor blood vessels, accompanied by remodeling of the vascular structure. Our data emphasize that tumor‐infiltrating myeloid cells might play a crucial role for limited efficacy of anti‐angiogenic therapy bypassing VEGF‐mediated pathways through expression of alternative proangiogenic factors. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation, hydrogen bonding and properties of polyurethane elastomers with 1,2,3‐triazole units by click chemistry
Authors: Gu Xiao , Guo Shiqing , Wang Guiyou
Published: October 2020

Two kinds of diols containing 1,2,3‐triazole units were synthesized through the azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction between propargyl alcohol and 1,4‐diazidobutane. One of the diols, (butane‐1,4/1,5‐diylbis[1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐1,4/1,5‐diyl])dimethanol (BDTDO‐1), containing 1,4/1,5‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole regioisomers, was directly prepared under thermal condition without Cu(I) catalyst. The other diol, (butane‐1,4‐diylbis[1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐1,4‐diyl])dimethanol (BDTDO‐2), containing 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles, was prepared by Cu(I) catalyzed click chemistry. Then, two kinds of 1,2,3‐triazole modified polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) were prepared from the reaction of 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) and poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol, with BDTDO‐1 or BDTDO‐2 as the chain extender (CE). It was found that the introduction of 1,2,3‐triazoles and their substitution positions had significant influences on the hydrogen bonding, thermal and mechanical properties of PUEs. Compared with the PUE prepared from 1,4‐butanediol as the CE, the PUE containing symmetric 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles units in the main chains shows higher values of hydrogen bonding, physical crosslinking density, Young's modulus, tensile strength and melting temperature, while lower glass transition temperature, resulting from the rigid structure and the ability to form more hydrogen bonds. However, the introduction of asymmetric 1,4/1,5‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole moieties decreases the values of hydrogen bonding, thermal and mechanical properties of PUE appreciably due to the destruction of the ordered structure of the hard segments.
Rapid antidepressant‐like effect of Fructus Aurantii depends on cAMP‐response element binding protein/Brain‐derived neurotrophic facto by mediating synaptic transmission
Authors: Wu Lei , Zhang Tian , Chen Ken , Lu Chao , Liu Xiang Fei , Zhou Jia Ling , Huang Yun Ke , Yan Han , Chen Ying , Zhang Chun Jie , Li Jun Feng , Shi Shao Qi , Ren Ping , Huang Xi
Published: October 2020

Several studies reported the relative antidepressant effects of Fructus Aurantii (FRA) with repeated treatment, the rapid antidepressant effects of FRA and the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. We, therefore, examined the rapid antidepressant actions of FRA in behavioral tests in mice and tested the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found FRA, like ketamine, reversed the behavioral deficits both in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐induced and learned helplessness (LH) models at 1 day after a single administration. FRA was also capable of increasing the expressions of protein kinase A/cAMP‐response element‐binding protein/brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (PKA/CREB/BDNF) signaling in hippocampus. Consistent with ketamine, FRA up‐regulated the expressions of GABAergic receptor (GAD67) and glutamatergic receptor 1 (GluR1) in mouse hippocampus both exposed to LPS and LH. Moreover, synaptic proteins such as postsynaptic density‐95 (PSD95) and synapsin1 were also up‐regulated by a single dose of FRA both in LH and LPS models, like ketamine. Finally, metadoxine (an antagonist of CREB) inhibited the antidepressant effects of FRA in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) in LPS‐induced mice, which also blocked the phosphorylation of CREB and the expressions of neurotransmitters and synaptic molecules. Therefore, FRA had rapid antidepressant effects, which depended on PKA/CREB/BDNF pathway, subsequently regulated the downstream synaptic transmission.
Grape seed extract supplementation along with a restricted‐calorie diet improves cardiovascular risk factors in obese or overweight adult individuals: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Yousefi Reyhaneh , Parandoosh Maryam , Khorsandi Hoda , Hosseinzadeh Nima , Madani Tonekaboni Masoumeh , Saidpour Atoosa , Babaei Hossein , Ghorbani Arman
Published: October 2020

Grape seed extract (GSE) is a flavonoid‐rich supplement, recently discussed as a potential moderator of inflammation and obesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of GSE supplementation along with a restricted‐calorie diet (RCD), on changes in blood lipid profile, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). We designed a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Forty obese or overweight individuals (25 ≤ body mass index < 40 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to receive GSE (300 mg/day) or placebo, plus RCD, for 12 weeks. We studied the anthropometric measures, biochemical biomarkers and dietary intake within the study timelines. Levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and HDL‐C/low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) significantly increased in the GSE group as compared with the placebo group at week 12 (p = .03 and .008, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, energy and saturated fatty acid intake). We also observed a significant reduction in LDL‐C following GSE supplementation in comparison to placebo (adjusted for age, sex and energy intake, p = .04). VAI, AIP, total cholesterol and triglyceride significantly decreased in the GSE group compared with the baseline (p = .04, .02, .01, and .02, respectively). GSE supplementation may have a modulatory role in improving blood lipid profile in obese or overweight individuals, when accompanied by RCD.
Characterization of α‐tocopherol‐loaded MCM‐41 mesoporous silica with different pore sizes and antioxidant active packaging films
Authors: Sun Li‐nan , Lu Li‐xin , Pan Liao , Wang Qing , Qiu Xiao‐lin
Published: October 2020

Antioxidant active packaging films were prepared with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) being incorporated with α‐tocopherol‐loaded MCM‐41 mesoporous silica. In order to study the influence of pore size and morphology of the mesoporous material on physical and release properties of films, the mesoporous materials were synthesized with various pore sizes and morphologies. MCM‐41 mesoporous silica materials before and after being loaded with α‐tocopherol were characterized, as well as the active films. The results show that physical properties and release profiles of active films can be changed when being incorporated with mesoporous materials with different structures: crystallinity of films prepared ranged from 11.30% to 18.13%, and the tendency of change was in good accordance with that of specific surface area of mesoporous silica materials. Variation of release rates of the antioxidant in packaging films can be achieved by changing MCM‐41 pore size, and the release period can be prolonged by ~64% in the scope of this study. These demonstrate that LDPE/α‐tocopherol/MCM‐41 films with adjustable release profile and physical properties have the potential to be used as antioxidant active packaging films.
Robust H−/H∞ fault detection observer design for polytopic spatially interconnected systems over finite frequency domain
Authors: Zhai Xiaokai , Xu Huiling , Wang Guopeng
Published: October 2020

This article aims at solving the problem of robust H−/H∞ fault detection (FD) over finite frequency domain for spatially interconnected systems (SISs) with polytopic uncertainties. A fault detection observer is designed to generate the residual signal, and in order for the observer to work, the well‐posedness, robust stability, and finite frequency H−/H∞ indexes are properly defined for the error systems. A sufficient condition for the well‐posedness and robust stability of error systems is given based on the theory of continuous semigroup. Then, to obtain the H−/H∞ performance indexes conditions, a reformed generalized Kalman‐Yakubovich‐Popov (GKYP) lemma for polytopic SISs is derived, which takes the noncasual structure of SISs into account. It turns out that the reformed GKYP lemma is an extension of some existing results in traditional multidimensional casual systems. By resorting to Finsler's lemma and a linearization technique, the existence conditions of finite frequency H−/H∞ FD observer for polytopic SISs are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Synergistic effect of nanofat and mouse nerve-growth factor for promotion of sensory recovery in anterolateral thigh free flaps
Authors: Xiao Shune , Zhang Fengling , Zheng Yongjian , Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Dali , Wei Zairong , Deng Chengliang
Published: October 2020

Anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flaps are widely used for reconstruction, but poor sensory recovery of the flap tissue can cause unsatisfactory outcomes and poor function. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) promote neural regeneration, but the clinical use of stem-cell therapy has been limited by lack of regulatory approval. Nanofat is an autologous product that is prepared mechanically from harvested fat. It is enriched in ADSCs and does not contain any exogenous substances. The developmental and adult neurobiology of nerve-growth factor (NGF) are well investigated, and mouse (m)NGF has been used to promote recovery following peripheral nerve injury. We investigated the promotion of nanofat and mNGF as either mono- or combined therapy on the sensory recovery of ALT free flaps. We found that nanofat and mNGF had a synergistic effect on sensory recovery that was associated with stimulation of angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Nanofat combined with mNGF was better at promoting neural regeneration and improving sensory recovery than treatment with either agent alone. The results provide a theoretical rationale for further study of the clinical use of nanofat combined with mNGF to promote the sensory recovery of ALT free flaps.
Asymmetric role of tourism development and technology innovation on carbon dioxide emission reduction in the Chinese economy: Fresh insights from QARDL approach
Authors: Razzaq Asif , Sharif Arshian , Ahmad Paiman , Jermsittiparsert Kittisak
Published: October 2020

This study examines the association between tourism development, technology innovation, and carbon emissions by simultaneously testing Environment Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in China. The study develops and uses a novel composite index of tourism development and technology innovation. Utilizing quarterly data from 1995Q1 to 2017Q4, the study employs QARDL (Quantile Autoregressive Distributive Lag) approach and Granger causality‐in‐quantiles. The outcome of the study reveals that the observed relationship is quantile‐dependent, which may disclose misleading results in previous studies using traditional linear methodologies (such as OLS/ARDL) that address the averages. Primarily, the findings indicate that tourism development (TOR) and technology innovation (TII) significantly mitigate the level of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in the long run at lower‐higher (0.05–0.95) emissions quantiles and higher‐highest (0.7–0.95) emissions quantiles, respectively. Economic growth (GDP) and globalization (GLO) exert a positive asymmetric influence on CO2 only at lower‐medium (0.05–0.40) emissions quantiles and medium‐higher emissions quantiles (0.50–0.95), respectively. In the short run, TII, and GDP2 possess an insignificant impact across all emissions levels, while TOR shows a positive influence on CO2 only at lowest‐lower (0.05–0.20) emissions quantiles. The study confirms the presence of the EKC hypothesis at lower‐higher (0.05–0.70) emissions quantiles in the long run. Moreover, the outcomes of Granger causality in quantiles confirm asymmetric bidirectional quantile causality between TOR, TII, GLO, and CO2, while a unidirectional causality running from GDP to CO2. The results recommend that the Chinese government should implement integrated “tourism‐technology” policies based on the asymmetric emissions‐reduction effects of tourism and technology innovation in the long run.
Analysis of time‐to‐event for observational studies: Guidance to the use of intensity models
Authors: Kragh Andersen Per , Pohar Perme Maja , van Houwelingen Hans C. , Cook Richard J. , Joly Pierre , Martinussen Torben , Taylor Jeremy M. G. , Abrahamowicz Michal , Therneau Terry M.
Published: October 2020

This paper provides guidance for researchers with some mathematical background on the conduct of time‐to‐event analysis in observational studies based on intensity (hazard) models. Discussions of basic concepts like time axis, event definition and censoring are given. Hazard models are introduced, with special emphasis on the Cox proportional hazards regression model. We provide check lists that may be useful both when fitting the model and assessing its goodness of fit and when interpreting the results. Special attention is paid to how to avoid problems with immortal time bias by introducing time‐dependent covariates. We discuss prediction based on hazard models and difficulties when attempting to draw proper causal conclusions from such models. Finally, we present a series of examples where the methods and check lists are exemplified. Computational details and implementation using the freely available R software are documented in Supplementary Material. The paper was prepared as part of the STRATOS initiative.
The benefits and negative impacts of citizen science applications to water as experienced by participants and communities
Authors: Walker David W. , Smigaj Magdalena , Tani Masakazu
Published: October 2020

Citizen science is proliferating in the water sciences with increasing public involvement in monitoring water resources, climate variables, water quality, and in mapping and modeling exercises. In addition to the well‐reported scientific benefits of such projects, in particular solving data scarcity issues, it is common to extol the benefits for participants, for example, increased knowledge and empowerment. We reviewed 549 publications concerning citizen science applications in the water sciences to examine personal benefits and motivations, and wider community benefits. The potential benefits of involvement were often simply listed without explanation or investigation. Studies that investigated whether or not participants and communities actually benefitted from involvement, or experienced negative impacts, were uncommon, especially in the Global South. Assuming certain benefits will be experienced can be fallacious as in some cases the intended benefits were either not achieved or in fact had negative impacts. Identified benefits are described and we reveal that more consideration should be given to how these benefits interrelate and how they build community capitals to foster their realization in citizen science water projects. Additionally, we describe identified negative impacts showing they were seldom considered though they may not be uncommon and should be borne in mind when implementing citizen science. Given the time and effort commitment made by citizen scientists for the benefit of research, there is a need for further study of participants and communities involved in citizen science applications to water, particularly in low‐income regions, to ensure both researchers and communities are benefitting.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Human Water
Climate Change Adaptation: Implications for Food Security and Nutrition
Authors: Ajilogba Caroline Fadeke , Walker Sue
Published: October 2020

It is apparent that climate change affects every facet of life as no living organism lives outside of the universal environment (air, water, land), and all of these are affected by one or more climate or weather conditions. Climate affects agriculture and vice versa as they are deeply interconnected. The effect of climate change on agriculture goes a long way to increase or decrease food security and invariably food nutrition through its impacts on agricultural lands. This is because the more food insecurity there is, the more issues of undernutrition are observed.

This chapter studies the different ways climate and climate change affect crop production through the different sections of agriculture in terms of plant diseases and biocontrol, food production, livestock rearing, fish production, forestry, and microbial diversity. It goes further to look at the different ways nations and communities are adapting to climate change to mitigate the challenges of food insecurity and nutrition. Finally, some of the solutions that can be pilot tested at the community level, which can later be cascaded to national and regional levels, are also emphasized. Other recommendations that can become a research focus to forestall this threat are also highlighted and would be important in policy development.
NSAIDs for Prophylaxis for Heterotopic Ossification After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Trivellas Andromahi , Eschweiler Jörg , Driessen Arne , Tingart Markus , Maffulli Nicola
Published: October 2020

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have been recommended to prevent of heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but debates are still ongoing. The present Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) compared all available pathways of NSAID treatment as prophylaxis for HO after THA. The present Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted according to The PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-analyses of Health Care Interventions guidelines. All randomized clinical trials comparing two or more interventions to prevent HO after THA were considered for analysis. HO was classified according to Brooker. The quality of the methodological assessment was performed through the risk of bias summary tool of the Review Manager Software 5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen). The network meta-analysis was performed through a STATA routine for Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model analysis, with log odd ratio (LOR) effect measure. Data from 26 studies (6396 THAs; 58% females) were collected. The mean follow-up was 10.50 ± 5.7 months. ANOVA showed good comparability among mean age and gender (P > 0.5). Celecoxib demonstrated the highest rate of Brooker class 0 (LOR 6.96), followed by diclofenac (LOR 6.94). Naproxen demonstrated the lowest rate of Brooker I HO (LOR 2.82), followed by celecoxib (LOR 3.52). Celecoxib demonstrated lowest rate of Brooker class II HO (LOR 1.66), class III (LOR), and class IV (LOR 0.25). The equation for global linearity detected no statistically significant inconsistency (P > 0.5) in all the comparisons. The present Bayesian network meta-analysis encourages the use of celecoxib as a prophylaxis for HO. These conclusions must be interpreted in light of the limitations of the present study. Future investigations are required to establish more definitely the role of celecoxib.

Level of Evidence: I, Bayesian network analysis of RCTs.
Haemodynamic changes in cirrhosis following terlipressin and induction of sepsis—a preclinical study using caval subtraction phase-contrast and cardiac MRI
Authors: Chouhan Manil D. , Taylor Stuart A. , Bainbridge Alan , Walker-Samuel Simon , Davies Nathan , Halligan Steve , Lythgoe Mark F. , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Effects of liver disease on portal venous (PV), hepatic arterial (HA), total liver blood flow (TLBF), and cardiac function are poorly understood. Terlipressin modulates PV flow but effects on HA, TLBF, and sepsis/acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF)-induced haemodynamic changes are poorly characterised. In this study, we investigated the effects of terlipressin and sepsis/ACLF on hepatic haemodynamics and cardiac function in a rodent cirrhosis model using caval subtraction phase-contrast (PC) MRI and cardiac cine MRI.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 18 bile duct–ligated (BDL), n = 16 sham surgery controls) underwent caval subtraction PCMRI to estimate TLBF and HA flow and short-axis cardiac cine MRI for systolic function at baseline, following terlipressin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion, to model ACLF.

Results

All baseline hepatic haemodynamic/cardiac systolic function parameters (except heart rate and LV mass) were significantly different in BDL rats. Following terlipressin, baseline PV flow (sham 181.4 ± 12.1 ml/min/100 g; BDL 68.5 ± 10.1 ml/min/100 g) reduced (sham − 90.3 ± 11.1 ml/min/100 g, p < 0.0001; BDL − 31.0 ± 8.0 ml/min/100 g, p = 0.02), sham baseline HA flow (33.0 ± 11.3 ml/min/100 g) increased (+ 92.8 ± 21.3 ml/min/100 g, p = 0.0003), but BDL baseline HA flow (83.8 ml/min/100 g) decreased (− 34.4 ± 7.5 ml/min/100 g, p = 0.11). Sham baseline TLBF (214.3 ± 16.7 ml/min/100 g) was maintained (+ 2.5 ± 14.0 ml/min/100 g, p > 0.99) but BDL baseline TLBF (152.3 ± 18.7 ml/min/100 g) declined (− 65.5 ± 8.5 ml/min/100 g, p = 0.0004). Following LPS, there were significant differences between cohort and change in HA fraction (p = 0.03) and TLBF (p = 0.01) with BDL baseline HA fraction (46.2 ± 4.6%) reducing (− 20.9 ± 7.5%, p = 0.03) but sham baseline HA fraction (38.2 ± 2.0%) remaining unchanged (+ 2.9 ± 6.1%, p > 0.99). Animal cohort and change in systolic function interactions were significant only for heart rate (p = 0.01) and end-diastolic volume (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Caval subtraction PCMRI and cardiac MRI in a rodent model of cirrhosis demonstrate significant baseline hepatic haemodynamic/cardiac differences, failure of the HA buffer response post-terlipressin and an altered HA fraction response in sepsis, informing potential translation to ACLF patients.

Key Points

Caval subtraction phase-contrast and cardiac MRI demonstrate:

• Significant differences between cirrhotic/non-cirrhotic rodent hepatic blood flow and cardiac systolic function at baseline.

• Failure of the hepatic arterial buffer response in cirrhotic rodents in response to terlipressin.

• Reductions in hepatic arterial flow fraction in the setting of acute-on-chronic liver failure.
High-Field Pulsed ENDOR with Intra-cavity Radiofrequency Coil
Authors: Annino G. , Moons H. , Fittipaldi M. , Van Doorslaer S. , Goovaerts E.
Published: October 2020

This study compares the performance of two coil configurations for W-band pulsed ENDOR using a setup with both a radiofrequency ‘hairpin’ coil internal to a microwave non-radiative resonator and Helmholtz-like coils external to the resonator. Evaluation of the different coil performances is achieved via the ENDOR study of two model systems. The efficiencies of the coil configurations are first investigated numerically, showing that a higher radiofrequency current-to-magnetic field conversion factor can be achieved with the intra-cavity coil, with a similar radiofrequency magnetic field uniformity. This result is then confirmed by the broadband ENDOR spectra acquired with the two coil arrangements. A gain in the signal-to-noise ratio enabled by the internal coil of about a factor 10 was observed. In some cases, the high conversion factor of the intra-cavity coil led to a saturation of the ENDOR transitions. The possibility to implement a similar intra-cavity radiofrequency coil configuration in higher field spectrometers is finally discussed.
Customs brokers as intermediaries in international trade
Authors: Medin Hege
Published: October 2020

Recent studies suggest that intermediaries like merchants facilitate international trade by reducing fixed trade costs for producers that trade through them instead of exporting or importing directly. This study argues that customs brokers–a type of intermediary rarely studied in economics before–play a similar role by reducing fixed costs of clearing goods through customs for firms that use them instead of self-declaring. Using panel data of Norwegian trade transactions, the paper shows that the majority of manufacturing producers participating in international trade use such brokers, and that the brokers typically handle large trade values on behalf of several different produces. In an econometric analysis, the author finds that the share of a producer’s market specific trade that is self-declared rather than handled by brokers increases with the traded value. This is in line with predictions from theoretical models on trade intermediaries and holds after controlling for observed as well as unobserved factors at the producer, country and product level. Results are similar for exporting and importing, indicating that brokers facilitate both modes of trade.
Investigating the effects of gender, dialect, and training size on the performance of Arabic speech recognition
Authors: Alsharhan Eiman , Ramsay Allan
Published: October 2020

Research in Arabic automatic speech recognition (ASR) is constrained by datasets of limited size, and of highly variable content and quality. Arabic-language resources vary in the attributes that affect language resources in other languages (noise, channel, speaker, genre), but also vary significantly in the dialect and level of formality of the spoken Arabic they capture. Many languages suffer similar levels of cross-dialect and cross-register acoustic variability, but these effects have been under-studied. This paper is an experimental analysis of the interaction between classical ASR corpus-compensation methods (feature selection, data selection, gender-dependent acoustic models) and the dialect-dependent/register-dependent variation among Arabic ASR corpora. The first interaction studied in this paper is that between acoustic recording quality and discrete pronunciation variation. Discrete pronunciation variation can be compensated by using grapheme-based instead of phone-based acoustic models, and by filtering out speakers with insufficient training data; the latter technique also helps to compensate for poor recording quality, which is further compensated by eliminating delta-delta acoustic features. All three techniques, together, reduce Word Error Rate (WER) by between 3.24% and 5.35%. The second aspect of dialect and register variation to be considered is variation in the fine-grained acoustic pronunciations of each phoneme in the language. Experimental results prove that gender and dialect are the principal components of variation in speech, therefore, building gender and dialect-specific models leads to substantial decreases in WER. In order to further explore the degree of acoustic differences between phone models required for each of the dialects of Arabic, cross-dialect experiments are conducted to measure how far apart Arabic dialects are acoustically in order to make a better decision about the minimal number of recognition systems needed to cover all dialectal Arabic. Finally, the research addresses an important question: how much training data is needed for building efficient speaker-independent ASR systems? This includes developing some learning curves to find out how large must the training set be to achieve acceptable performance.
Synthesizing Cognitive Load and Self-regulation Theory: a Theoretical Framework and Research Agenda
Authors: de Bruin Anique B. H. , Roelle Julian , Carpenter Shana K. , Baars Martine ,   EFG-MRE
Published: October 2020

An exponential increase in the availability of information over the last two decades has asked for novel theoretical frameworks to examine how students optimally learn under these new learning conditions, given the limitations of human processing ability. In this special issue and in the current editorial introduction, we argue that such a novel theoretical framework should integrate (aspects of) cognitive load theory and self-regulated learning theory. We describe the effort monitoring and regulation (EMR) framework, which outlines how monitoring and regulation of effort are neglected but essential aspects of self-regulated learning. Moreover, the EMR framework emphasizes the importance of optimizing cognitive load during self-regulated learning by reducing the unnecessary load on the primary task or distributing load optimally between the primary learning task and metacognitive aspects of the learning task. Three directions for future research that derive from the EMR framework and that are discussed in this editorial introduction are: (1) How do students monitor effort? (2) How do students regulate effort? and (3) How do we optimize cognitive load during self-regulated learning tasks (during and after the primary task)? Finally, the contributions to the current special issue are introduced.
Electrochemical cell design and impedance spectroscopy of cement hydration
Authors: Sosa Gallardo Aldo F. , Provis John L.
Published: October 2020

Understanding the complexity of the chemical and microstructural evolution of cement during hydration remains a controversial subject, and although numerous techniques have been used to assess this process, further insight is still needed. Alternating current impedance spectroscopy has been demonstrated to be a sensitive and powerful technique for cement characterisation in both fresh and hardened states; however, it has also shown certain experimental limitations (e.g. data interpretation, electrode, and parasitic effects) that prevent its wider acceptance. This study assesses electrochemical cell design and the impedance response during cement hydration. The results show that a significant decrease in the parasitic effects at high frequencies (caused mainly by leads and electrode effects) can be achieved through an optimal cell design and impedance measurements correction, enabling correlation of impedance measurements to particular aspects of the cement hydration process. However, due the limited solid phase microstructural development and the high conductivity of cement paste at low degrees of hydration, the parasitic effects could not be fully eliminated for fresh or early-age cement pastes.
Microbial production of melanin and its various applications
Authors: Tran-Ly Anh N. , Reyes Carolina , Schwarze Francis W. M. R. , Ribera Javier
Published: October 2020

Melanins are natural biopolymers that are known to contribute to different biological processes and to protect organisms from adverse environmental conditions. During the past decade, melanins have attracted increasing attention for their use in organic semiconductors and bioelectronics, drug delivery, photoprotection and environmental bioremediation. Although considerable advances in these fields have been achieved, real-world applications of melanins are still scarce, probably due to the limited and expensive source of natural melanin. Nevertheless, recent biotechnological advances have allowed for relatively large-scale production of microbial melanins, which could replace current commercial melanin. In this review, we first describe different melanin sources and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each production method. Our focus is on the microbial synthesis of melanins, including the methodology and mechanism of melanin formation. Applications of microbial melanins are also discussed, and an outlook on how to push the field forward is discussed.
The Post-Pandemic World: between Constitutionalized and Authoritarian Orders – China’s Narrative-Power Play in the Pandemic Era
Authors: Chang Yung-Yung
Published: October 2020

The paper aims to address the development of China’s narrative power during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on world order. It argues that in the post-pandemic world, the emergence of the authoritarian sub-order would be prompted by China’s more proactive narrative power, given that the climate of opinion is ambiguous when faced with the uncertainty of the pandemic. (This does not imply the end of the existing liberal order; instead, it features the coexistence of both orders.) To understand how China’s narrative power has encouraged the emergence of the authoritarian sub-order to coexist in parallel with the dominant constitutional order, the article first reviews the existing literature concerning the changing world order. In this section, it also briefly defines and differentiates between the constitutional and authoritarian orders, what defines world order, and what distinguishes authoritarian from constitutional liberal order. Second it looks at the theoretical grounding. The nature, role and power of narratives are explored. Ideas about strategic narratives and the economics of attention are discussed. This theoretical background paves the way to examine China’s narrative power during a pandemic. Lastly, it switches to the Chinese perspective to address its support for the plurality of orders and its awareness of the strength of narrative in influencing dominant ideas. It looks at how China’s narrative power has been exercised from three perspectives (formation, projection and reception). Here, it mainly tackles how China has used its narrative power to spin the pandemic to its advantage in the reorganization of world order: improving its international image and advocating the authoritarian order as an alternative. China has been building its narrative along with its changing strategic diplomacy – from restrained and low-profile to proactive and assertive. In the conclusion, some reflections on China’s narrative power and the implications for world order are considered.
Risks and complications of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients receiving antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy: a retrospective cohort study in a single institute
Authors: Oshima Masashi , Washino Satoshi , Nakamura Yuhki , Konishi Tsuzumi , Saito Kimitoshi , Arai Yoshiaki , Miyagawa Tomoaki
Published: October 2020

The objective of the study was to evaluate the risk of bleeding complications in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) while taking antiplatelet (AP) and/or anticoagulant (AC) agents. We analyzed the data of 334 patients undergoing RARP from May 2015 to May 2019. Patients were categorized into AP, AC, and control groups; the bleeding complications were compared among them. The end points were the estimated blood loss, decrease in hemoglobin level, and bleeding complications. The patient characteristics did not differ significantly among groups, with the exception of ASA scores, which were significantly higher in the AP and AC groups vs. the control group. The estimated blood loss and hemoglobin decrease were not significantly different between the AP and AC groups and the control group. The frequency of bleeding complications did not differ significantly between the AP and the control groups, but was significantly higher in the AC vs. the control group (4.3% in the AP and 23.5% in the AC group vs. 3.7% in the control group;P = 0.63 andP < 0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference in bleeding complications between the AP continuation (continuation of a single AP) and the AP interruption group or between the heparin bridging and the AC interruption group. All bleeding complications observed in the AC group occurred after resuming AC therapy. RARP can be performed safely with continuation of a single AP, and in patients taking ACs by interrupting these agents or via heparin bridging, without increasing intraoperative bleeding, whereas postoperative bleeding complications may increase after resuming ACs.
Non-safety Assessments of Genome-Edited Organisms: Should They be Included in Regulation?
Authors: Myskja Bjørn Kåre , Myhr Anne Ingeborg
Published: October 2020

This article presents and evaluates arguments supporting that an approval procedure for genome-edited organisms for food or feed should include a broad assessment of societal, ethical and environmental concerns; so-called non-safety assessment. The core of analysis is the requirement of the Norwegian Gene Technology Act that the sustainability, ethical and societal impacts of a genetically modified organism should be assessed prior to regulatory approval of the novel products. The article gives an overview how this requirement has been implemented in the regulatory practice, demonstrating that such assessment is feasible and justified. Even in situations where genome-edited organisms are considered comparable to non-modified organisms in terms of risk, the technology may have—in addition to social benefits—negative impacts that warrant assessments of the kind required in the Act. The main reason is the disruptive character of the genome editing technologies due to their potential for novel, ground-breaking solutions in agriculture and aquaculture combined with the economic framework shaped by the patent system. Food is fundamental for a good life, biologically and culturally, which warrants stricter assessment procedures than what is required for other industries, at least in countries like Norway with a strong tradition for national control over agricultural markets and breeding programs.
Enzyme Recovery from Biological Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Liu Ziyi , Smith Stephen R.
Published: October 2020

Enzymes are high value industrial bio-catalysts with extensive applications in a wide range of manufacturing and processing sectors, including the agricultural, food and household care industries. The catalytic efficiency of enzymes can be several orders higher compared to inorganic chemical catalysts under mild conditions. However, the nutrient medium necessary for biomass culture represents a significant cost to industrial enzyme production. Activated sludge (AS) is a waste product of biological wastewater treatment and consists of microbial biomass that degrades organic matter by producing substantial quantities of hydrolytic enzymes. Therefore, enzyme recovery from AS offers an alternative, potentially viable approach to industrial enzyme production. Enzyme extraction from disrupted AS flocs is technically feasible and has been demonstrated at experimental-scale. A critical review of disruption techniques identified sonication as potentially the most effective and suitable method for enzyme extraction, which can be scaled up and is a familiar technology to the water industry. The yields of different enzymes are influenced by wastewater treatment conditions, and particularly the composition, and can also be controlled by feeding sludge with specific target substrates. Nevertheless, hydrolytic enzymes can be effectively extracted directly from waste AS without specific modifications to standard wastewater treatment processes. Purification, concentration and stabilisation/immobilisation techniques can also greatly expand the industrial application and increase the economic value and marketability of enzyme products extracted from AS. Concentrated and purified AS enzymes could readily substitute inorganic and/or commercial bioenzyme catalysts in many industrial applications including, for example, leather processing, and in detergent and animal feed formulation. Enzyme extraction from AS therefore offers significant economic benefits to the Water Industry by recovering valuable resources from wastewater. They can also optimise important waste treatment processes, such as the anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge, increasing biogas and renewable energy production. The enzyme-extracted sludge exhibits improved treatment properties, such as increased settleability, dewaterability, and anaerobic digestibility for biogas production, assisting sludge management by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and enabling the further utilisation of the residual sludge.

Graphic Abstract