bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low sun exposure increases multiple sclerosis risk both directly and indirectly
Authors: Hedström Anna Karin , Olsson Tomas , Kockum Ingrid , Hillert Jan , Alfredsson Lars
Published: December 2019

Objective

We aimed to study (1) to what extent the influence of low sun exposure on multiple sclerosis (MS) risk is mediated by low vitamin D levels; (2) whether low sun exposure or vitamin D deficiency act synergistically with HLA-DRB1*15:01 and absence of HLA-A*02:01.

Methods

We used two population-based case–control studies (7069 cases, 6632 matched controls). Subjects with different HLA alleles, sun exposure habits and vitamin D status were compared regarding MS risk, by calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) employing logistic regression. Mediation analysis was used to identify the potential mediation effect of vitamin D on the relationship between low sun exposure and MS risk.

Results

Low sun exposure increased MS risk directly as well as indirectly, by affecting vitamin D status. The direct effect, expressed as OR, was 1.26 (95% CI 1.04–1.45) and the indirect effect, mediated by vitamin D deficiency, was 1.10 (95% CI 1.02–1.23). Of the total effect, nearly 30% was mediated by vitamin D deficiency. There was a significant interaction between low sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency (attributable proportion due to interaction 0.3, 95% CI 0.04–0.5) accounting for about 12% of the total effect. Further, both factors interacted with HLA-DRB1*15:01 to increase MS risk.

Interpretation

Our findings indicate that low sun exposure acts both directly on MS risk as well as indirectly, by leading to low vitamin D levels. The protective effect of sun exposure thus seems to involve both vitamin D and non-vitamin D pathways, which is of relevance for prevention, in particular for those with a genetic susceptibility to MS.
RBP2 stabilizes slow Cav1.3 Ca2+ channel inactivation properties of cochlear inner hair cells
Authors: Ortner Nadine J. , Pinggera Alexandra , Hofer Nadja T. , Siller Anita , Brandt Niels , Raffeiner Andrea , Vilusic Kristina , Lang Isabelle , Blum Kerstin , Obermair Gerald J. , Stefan Eduard , Engel Jutta , Striessnig Jörg
Published: December 2019

Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) in cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are essential for hearing as they convert sound-induced graded receptor potentials into tonic postsynaptic glutamate release. To enable fast and indefatigable presynaptic Ca2+ signaling, IHC Cav1.3 channels exhibit a negative activation voltage range and uniquely slow inactivation kinetics. Interaction with CaM-like Ca2+-binding proteins inhibits Ca2+-dependent inactivation, while the mechanisms underlying slow voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI) are not completely understood. Here we studied if the complex formation of Cav1.3 LTCCs with the presynaptic active zone proteins RIM2α and RIM-binding protein 2 (RBP2) can stabilize slow VDI. We detected both RIM2α and RBP isoforms in adult mouse IHCs, where they co-localized with Cav1.3 and synaptic ribbons. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings (tsA-201 cells), we assessed their effect on the VDI of the C-terminal full-length Cav1.3 (Cav1.3L) and a short splice variant (Cav1.342A) that lacks the C-terminal RBP2 interaction site. When co-expressed with the auxiliary β3 subunit, RIM2α alone (Cav1.342A) or RIM2α/RBP2 (Cav1.3L) reduced Cav1.3 VDI to a similar extent as observed in IHCs. Membrane-anchored β2 variants (β2a, β2e) that inhibit inactivation on their own allowed no further modulation of inactivation kinetics by RIM2α/RBP2. Moreover, association with RIM2α and/or RBP2 consolidated the negative Cav1.3 voltage operating range by shifting the channel’s activation threshold toward more hyperpolarized potentials. Taken together, the association with “slow” β subunits (β2a, β2e) or presynaptic scaffolding proteins such as RIM2α and RBP2 stabilizes physiological gating properties of IHC Cav1.3 LTCCs in a splice variant-dependent manner ensuring proper IHC function.
The Impact of International Human Rights Law Ratification on Local Discourses on Rights: the Case of CEDAW in Al-Anba Reporting in Kuwait
Authors: George Rachel
Published: December 2019

By most measures, the impact of international human rights law ratification in the Arab Gulf region primarily in the 1990s and 2000s has been minimal. Scholars have found little evidence of correlation between ratification of the core human rights conventions with the minimal improvements in human rights practice in the region. Ratification of most human rights instruments Arab Gulf states in recent decades has, however, offered new cases from which to explore the impact of international human rights law in countries where human rights monitors find protections to be most limited. Using the case of Kuwait’s ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), this article examines the impact of ratification in 1994 on discourses on discrimination against women in national press on human rights in the country. Through analysis of reporting in national newspaperAl-Anba, the article identifies how ratification has shaped the language used in national press reporting on women’s rights to increasingly reference the convention and frame rights violations in the language of “discrimination.” In tracing these connections between the convention and related content in local press, the article identifies new avenue to explore the “impact” of human rights treaty ratification, even when formal changes in laws and policies so far have been limited.
A comprehensive phylogeographic study of Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855 (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Arionidae) in Europe
Authors: Zając Kamila S. , Hatteland Bjørn A. , Feldmeyer Barbara , Pfenninger Markus , Filipiak Anna , Noble Leslie R. , Lachowska-Cierlik Dorota
Published: December 2019

Arion vulgarisMoquin-Tandon, 1855 is regarded as one of the 100 most invasive species in Europe. The native distribution range of this species is uncertain, but for many years, the Iberian Peninsula has been considered as the area of origin. However, recent studies indicate thatA. vulgarisprobably originated from France. We have investigated the genetic structure of 33 European populations (Poland, Norway, Germany, France, Denmark, Switzerland) of this slug, based on two molecular markers, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI, mtDNA) and nuclear zinc finger (ZF, nDNA). Our investigation included published data from two previous studies, giving a total of 95 populations ofA. vulgarisfrom 26 countries. This comprehensive dataset shows comparable haplotype diversity in Central, North and Western Europe, and significantly lower haplotype diversity in the East. All haplotypes observed in the East can be found in the other regions, and haplotype diversity is highest in the Central and Western region. Moreover, there is strong isolation by distance in Central and Western Europe, and only very little in the East. Furthermore, the number of unique haplotypes was highest in France. This pattern strongly suggests thatA. vulgarishas originated from a region spanning from France to Western Germany; hence, the slug is probably alien/invasive in other parts of Europe, where it occurs. Our results indicate the necessity to cover as much of the distribution range of a species as possible before making conclusive assumptions about its origin and alien status.
Inactivation by helium cold atmospheric pressure plasma for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lotfy Khaled , Khalil Sayed Mohammed , El-Raheem Hany Abd
Published: December 2019

A helium cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (HCAPPJ) driven by a commercial neon power supply was designed and utilized for inactivation bacteria. The generated reactive spices by HCAPPJ were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy. The reactive species of OH, OI, OI, N21+, N21+ and He were identified in the UV–Vis wavelength region. The reactive species was not detected between 200 nm and 300 nm, as the flow rate of helium gas increased that led to the plasma temperature reducing to a value near to the room temperature. In this work, we studied the impact of HCAPPJ on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The survival amounts of the two types of bacteria were decreased vastly when the rate flow rate was equal to 10 L/min.
A robust optimization model for a biofuel supply chain under demand uncertainty
Authors: Delkhosh Fatemeh , Sadjadi Seyed Jafar
Published: December 2019

The growing demand for fuels combined with the fact that there are limited fossil fuel resources has led the world to seek renewable energy resources such as biofuels. Micro-algae can be an efficient source of biofuel energy, since it significantly reduces air pollution. In this paper, we develop a micro-algae biofuel supply chain through a two-stage approach. This study aims to commercialize micro-algae as a new source of energy. In the first stage, we utilize the Best-Worst Method (BWM) to determine the best cultivation system, and in the second stage, a bi-objective mathematical model is presented which simultaneously optimizes the economic and environmental objectives. We also propose a robust optimization model to deal with the uncertain nature of the biofuel supply chain. Our analysis on the trade-off between the supply chain’s total cost and unfulfillment demand arrives at interesting managerial insights. Furthermore, to show the effectiveness of the robust optimization model, we compare the performance of the robust and deterministic models, and the results show that the robust model dominates over the deterministic model in all scenarios. Finally, sensitivity analysis on critical parameters is conducted to help decision-makers find the optimal trade-off between investment and its benefits.
Synthesis and characterization of PbS nanowires doped with Tb3+ ions by using chemical bath deposition method
Authors: Koao L. F. , Hone Fekadu Gashaw , Dejene F. B.
Published: December 2019

Crystalline lead sulfide (PbS) nanowires doped with terbium (Tb3+) ions were synthesized by the chemical bath deposition method at room temperature. The powder was obtained from an aqueous solutions using lead acetate dehydrate, terbium nitrate, thiourea, potassium hydroxide and ammonia. The terbium molar concentrations were varied in the deposition process to investigate the effect on the structural, optical, morphological and luminescent properties of PbS nanowires. The crystalline size was found to be dependent on the concentration of the Tb3+ ions used. The estimated average crystalline sizes were calculated from the X-ray diffraction and found to be 34, 33 and 37 nm for PbS: 0% Tb3+, PbS: 0.2% Tb3+ and PbS: 0.5% Tb3+, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs depict nanowire shape for the undoped as well as Tb-doped samples. The energy-dispersive X-ray and Auger electron spectroscopy analyses confirmed the presence of all the expected elements. The solid powder nanowires exhibited high absorptions in the UV–Vis regions. The band gap energies were estimated in the range of 1.99–2.46 eV. The absorption edge and the band gap energies of these PbS nanowires have shifted depending on the concentration of the dopant. The maximum luminescence intensity was obtained for PbS: 0.2% Tb3+ ions and luminescent quenching was observed for higher terbium concentrations.

Graphic abstract
Film Financing in the Digital Single Market: Challenges to Territoriality
Authors: Hugenholtz P. Bernt , Poort Joost
Published: December 2019

This article discusses the role of territorial licences for feature films against the background of judicial and market developments in the EU. Currently, territorial licences are deemed a cornerstone of the exploitation and financing of films in Europe. However, current models of film financing are under increasing pressure both from market developments such as the turbulent growth of global online video platforms, and from developments in EU law aimed at removing national territorial barriers to the Single Market. Examples are the rule of Union-wide exhaustion of the distribution right, the EU Portability Regulation and the country of origin rules for satellite broadcasting and online simulcasting. EU competition law sets additional limits to grants of territorial exclusivity, and prohibits clauses in broadcasting and pay television licences that prevent or restrict “passive” sales to consumers/viewers in non-licensed territories. The freedom of right holders to preserve territorial exclusivity by way of contract is likely to become increasingly vulnerable to EU competition law, as underlying territorial rights no longer support territorial grants. For the film sector where territorial exclusivity remains indispensable, the European Commission could create specific competition law rules in the form of “block exemptions”. Language exclusivity – i.e. exclusive grants of rights for distinct language versions of a film – could provide a practical and legally more robust alternative to territorial licensing.
Cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia in a cohort of European haemodialysis patients: predictors, therapeutic approaches and outcomes
Authors: Louie Karly S. , Erhard Clement , Wheeler David C. , Stenvinkel Peter , Fouqueray Bruno , Floege Jürgen
Published: December 2019

Background

Calcimimetic treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic dialysis patients is often followed by hypocalcemia.

Methods

We investigated the frequency, predictors, consequences and therapeutic responses following cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia in an incident European hemodialysis cohort of 1068 patients with a cinacalcet prescription.

Results

Of 905 normocalcemic patients initiating cinacalcet, 67% developed hypocalcemia within 12 months: 68% mild, 23% moderate, 9% severe. Compared to persistently normocalcemic patients, those with severe hypocalcemia were more often diabetic, overweight, had cardiovascular disease, shorter dialysis vintage, used a catheter dialysis access, had fewer active vitamin-D sterols, and exhibited higher CRP and iPTH and lower calcium levels. Multivariate predictors of hypocalcemia included a catheter for vascular access, low albumin and high iPTH. Generally, no therapeutic intervention to prevent hypocalcemia was taken prior to cinacalcet initiation. After the hypocalcemic event, the most common clinical response was no change of the dialysis or medical regimen. Following the hypocalcemic event, iPTH remained low even in those with severe hypocalcemia. The number of deaths and cardiovascular events did not differ between patients with and without hypocalcemia within six months following cinacalcet initiation.

Conclusion

Two-thirds of cinacalcet initiated patients experienced hypocalcaemia with 9% being severe. Hypocalcemia was mostly asymptomatic, transient (with and without targeted intervention to correct it) and not associated with an increase in cardiovascular events or deaths.
A wavelet-entropy based segmentation of turbulence measurements from a moored shear probe near the wavy sea surface
Authors: Bakhoday-Paskyabi Mostafa
Published: December 2019

In this study, we explore the applicability of a wavelet-entropy based segmentation technique in reduction of motion-induced contaminations in time-domain from subsurface turbulence measurements made by a moving shear probe. After the quality screening of data, the Shannon entropy procedure is combined with a time-dependent adaptive wavelet thresholding method to split each 60-s long shear segment into a number of motion-reduced subblocks. The wavelet-entropy strategy leads to preventing the false detection effect caused by applying either wavelet de-noising or Shannon entropy alone for conditions where the turbulence (strongly) overlap with scales induced by waves or platform motions. The longest stationary subblock, with a size greater than 16-s, is then used to extract the Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) dissipation rate, $$\varepsilon$$ε. Efficiency of the proposed method is verified by comparing with $$\varepsilon$$ε measurements made by a nearby free-falling microstructure profiler. While the quality of observations is constrained by a number of factors such as sensors’ angle of attack, and the wave kinematical and dynamical effects, results demonstrate significant improvements, by approximately a factor of 5–10, compared with $$\varepsilon$$ε measurements from each 60-s segment using the Goodman et al. [13] method. Furthermore, the magnitudes of the motion-corrected $$\varepsilon$$ε using the proposed method is largely consistent with the scaling suggested by Terray et al. [30].
Effect of Acacia catechu and alum hot sitzbath on post-operative pain in patients treated with herbal seton
Authors: Sreelekshmi V.S. , Rajeshwari P.N. , Tripathy Rabinarayan
Published: December 2019

Background Post-operative pain is the major consequence of Kṣārasūtra, Seton technique employed in Ayurvedic management of Low anal fistula. Surgeons are forced to prescribe Opioids and NSAIDs with pronounced untoward effects. Non pharmacological measures like Balneotherapy are used to improve circulation and relieve spasm in contemporary sciences.

Aim To compare the efficacy of Khadira (Acacia catechu) and Sphaṭika (Potash alum) hot sitzbath with plain hot sitzbath in patients of low anal fistula treated with Kṣārasūtra.

Method The study was single blind, double armed; prospective, randomized control clinical trial in which 30 patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 15 each on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A received hot sitzbath using Acacia catechu and alum infusion twice daily for 21 days. Group B received hot sitzbath using warm water for 21 days. The assessments were made on pain, post-surgical satisfaction burning sensation, tenderness, discharge, constipation, itching and incontinence.

Result The disease was prevalent in the 4th decade of life, more in males (86.67%) involved in sedentary work (53.33%) residing in urban domicile, consuming mixed diet (100%). Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in outcome measures like pain, burning sensation, tenderness, discharge, constipation and itching.

Conclusion On comparative analysis Acacia and Alum hot sitzbath was more effective in outcomes like pain, surgical satisfaction, burning sensation and discharge. There was no difference in the effect of both interventions with respect to outcome measures like constipation, itching and incontinence.
Dual-stage intrusion detection for class imbalance scenarios
Authors: Panigrahi Ranjit , Borah Samarjeet
Published: December 2019

In the early morning of 12 May 2017, WannaCry, a class of self-propagating malware, attacked the UK's National Health Service (NHS) hospital network.1It was estimated that a total of 50,000 NHS systems were affected.2WannaCry ransomware and other threats of this type are generally propagated through the Internet or networks. The lethal behaviour of these threats is visible once they start controlling the entire system. This is where the role of an intrusion detection system (IDS) comes into the picture. An effective IDS acts as a second line of defence and comes into action when a firewall fails to detect a threat. The deficiency of firewalls clearly indicates why IDS solutions are progressively more important in the context of hosts in a network of systems.

An intrusion detection system (IDS) encounters many challenges when trying to identify dangerous activity. One of these is the high class imbalance nature of class labels.

Classification and detection models based on high class imbalance datasets tend to be biased to the classes having the majority of instances. Ranjit Panigrahi and Samarjeet Borah of Sikkim Manipal University propose a dual-stage intrusion detection framework that will remain stable even with such a high class imbalance dataset.
Astroniumxylon, Schinopsixylon, andParametopioxylonn. gen. fossil woods from upper Cenozoic of Argentina: taxonomic revision, new taxon and new records
Authors: Franco M. Jimena , Moya Eliana , Brea Mariana , Martínez Martínez Camila
Published: December 2019

This paper presents new descriptions of Anacardiaceae fossil woods from the Ituzaingó Formation (late Cenozoic) at the Toma Vieja, Curtiembre, and Arroyo El Espinillo localities, Argentina. We describe eight silicified woods assigned to four different species in three genera, one of which,Parametopioxylon crystalliferumn. gen. n. sp., is new. Similarities between these three genera and the six Anacardiaceae species previously recorded from the late Cenozoic in northeastern Argentina are investigated using multivariate analysis techniques (correspondence and cluster analysis). Our study is based on 33 characters scored for 17 fossil specimens (10AstroniumxylonBrea, Aceñolaza, and Zucol 2001; fiveSchinopsixylonLutz, 1979; and twoParametopioxylonn. gen.) and four extant species (Astronium balansaeEngl.,Astronium urundeuvaEngl.,Schinopsis balansaeEngl., andMetopiumsp.). Our main goal is to determine the wood anatomical features useful for distinguishing among these species. Results of the multivariate analyses support the previous classification whereSchinopsixylonis distinguished fromAstroniumxylonby having exclusively paratracheal axial parenchyma, ≥30% multiseriate rays, and multiseriate rays that are ≥5 cells wide and commonly 301–400 μm in height. Additionally, we propose thatSchinopsixylon heckiiLutz, 1979 is synonymous withS.herbstiiLutz, 1979. A diagnostic key for the fossil species studied is given. Wood anatomy of Anacardiaceae fossil woods from Argentina (late Cenozoic) suggests a warm, dry to semi-humid climate for this region, supporting previous studies.
Dogs are reservoir hosts for possible transmission of human strongyloidiasis in Thailand: molecular identification and genetic diversity of causative parasite species
Authors: Sanpool O. , Intapan P.M. , Rodpai R. , Laoraksawong P. , Sadaow L. , Tourtip S. , Piratae S. , Maleewong W. , Thanchomnang T.
Published: December 2019

Human strongyloidiasis is a deleterious gastrointestinal disease mainly caused by Strongyloides stercoralis infection. We aimed to study the possible transmission of S. stercoralis between humans and pet animals. We isolated Strongyloides from humans and domestic dogs in the same rural community in north-east Thailand and compared the nucleotide sequences of derived worms using portions of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) genes. Twenty-eight sequences from the 18S rRNA gene were obtained from worms derived from humans (n = 23) and dogs (n = 5), and were identical with S. stercoralis sequences (from Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar) published in the GenBank database. The 28 cox1 sequences from humans and dogs showed high similarity to each other. The available published cox1 sequences (n = 150), in combination with our 28 sequences, represented 68 haplotypes distributed among four clusters. The 28 samples from the present study represented eight haplotypes including four new haplotypes. Dogs and humans shared the same haplotypes, suggesting the possibility of zoonotic transmission from pet dogs to humans. This is of concern since dogs and humans live in close association with each other.
Spiophanes adriaticus, a new species from the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: D'Alessandro Michela , Castriota Luca , Maggio Teresa , Nasi Federica , Carletti Marilyn , Auriemma Rocco , Romeo Teresa , Del Negro Paola
Published: December 2019

Morphological and genetic investigations have led to the identification of Spiophanes adriaticus sp. nov. (Polychaeta: Spionidae) from the North Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean). A total of 81 specimens were recorded along the sublittoral zone between 8 and 27.5 m of depth. This species differs from other congeners by having: two pairs of black eyes, a cirriform occipital antenna, dorsal ciliated organs as thin bands usually extending to chaetigers 11–12, dorsal ciliated crests from chaetiger 14–17, undulate glandular opening on chaetigers 5–7, unhooded hooks from the 15th chaetiger and Y shaped tubes. A detailed description and illustrations are provided for the new species. Through DNA barcoding results and comparison of DNA sequences of the new species with those of other congeners available in the GenBank database, the validity of the new finding was confirmed. Spiophanes adriaticus sp. nov. represents the eighth species of Spiophanes recorded for the Mediterranean Sea. A key for the identification of Mediterranean Spiophanes species is also provided.
Neglectful maternal caregiving involves altered brain volume in empathy-related areas
Authors: Rodrigo María José , León Inmaculada , García-Pentón Lorna , Hernández-Cabrera Juan Andrés , Quiñones Ileana
Published: December 2019

The maternal brain undergoes adaptations to sensitive caregiving that are critical for infant well-being. We investigated structural alterations associated with neglectful caregiving and their effects on mother–child interactive behavior. High-resolution 3D volumetric images were obtained on 25 neglectful (NM) and 23 non-neglectful control (CM) mothers. Using voxel-based morphometry, we compared differences in gray and white matter (GM and WM, respectively) volume. Mothers completed an empathy scale and participated with their children in a play task (Emotional Availability Scale, EA). Neglectful mothers showed smaller GM volume in the right insula, anterior/middle cingulate (ACC/MCC), and right inferior frontal gyrus and less WM volume in bilateral frontal regions than did CM. A greater GM volume was observed in the right fusiform and cerebellum in NM than in CM. Regression analyses showed a negative effect of greater fusiform GM volume and a positive effect of greater right frontal WM volume on EA. Mediation analyses showed the role of emotional empathy in the positive effect of the insula and right inferior frontal gyrus and in the negative effect of the cerebellum on EA. Neglectful mothering involves alterations in emotional empathy-related areas and in frontal areas associated with poor mother–child interactive bonding, indicating how critical these areas are for sensitive caregiving.
The effect of milrinone on hemodynamic and gas exchange parameters in children
Authors: Loomba Rohit S. , Dorsey Vincent , Villarreal Enrique G. , Flores Saul
Published: December 2019

Milrinone is a drug frequently used for hemodynamic support in children during critical illness. Although the hemodynamic changes induced by milrinone in children may appear similar to those of adults, the physiologic contributors of these changes remain vastly unknown. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies characterising the hemodynamic effects of milrinone in children during critical illness for hemodynamic support for various medical conditions. Studies were assessed for quality and those of satisfactory quality with pre- and post-operative hemodynamics for each patient were included in the final analyses. Those not limited to children and those not limited to patients with critical illness were excluded from the final analyses. A total of six studies with 791 patients were included in the final analyses. Milrinone infusion doses ranged from 0.3 to 0.75 mcg/kg/minute with the mean infusion dose being 0.5 mcg/kg/minute. Patients whom received milrinone infusion had greater cardiac output, greater left ventricle shortening fraction, lower right ventricular systolic pressure, and lower serum lactate levels. Systolic blood pressure mean arterial blood pressure and arterial oxygen concentration did not significantly change with administration of milrinone. These results were irrespective of milrinone infusion dose, infusion duration, and study size. Milrinone was found to have several beneficial hemodynamic effects in children during critical illness when used at usual clinical doses.
Prenatal diagnosis of anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery branch by two-dimensional echocardiography: summary of 12 cases
Authors: Wenxiu Li , Yuan Zhang , Chaoning Huang , Bin Geng , Jiang Wu , Shuang Yang
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

To improve the prenatal diagnosis for anomalous origin of pulmonary artery branches by comparing and analyzing different types of fetal echocardiography features.

Methods:

Between June 2012 and December 2018, fetal echocardiographic features were analyzed retrospectively from fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of anomalous origin of pulmonary artery branch. The main points of identification were summarized.

Results:

A total of 12 fetuses were diagnosed, including anomalous origin of a pulmonary artery branch from the innominate artery and six cases with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery. The shared characteristic sonographic finding was the lack of confluence at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. The differences between the two conditions are highlighted by the origin of the anomalous vessel. In fetuses with anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery branch, the affected pulmonary artery arose from the posterior wall of the ascending aorta as noted on three vessels and trachea view as well as the long axis of the left ventricular outflow tract. This is in contrast to fetuses with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery, where the origin of affected pulmonary artery arises from the base of the innominate artery via the ipsilateral patent arterial duct as evident on the three vessels and trachea view and the coronal view of innominate (brachiocephalic) artery.

Conclusion:

(1) The main similarity is an absence of a confluence at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. (2) The main distinguishing feature is the origin of the anomalous vessel from either the subclavian or directly from the aorta.
You win some, you lose some: Comprehension and event-related potential evidence for L1 attrition
Authors: Miller David , Rothman Jason
Published: December 2019

We examine first language (L1) attrition among 30 L1 Spanish – L2 English speakers living in the United Kingdom. We also tested 30 recently-arrived Spaniards to the UK as a baseline. We present several key findings: 1) attrition fluctuates over time and does not affect all individuals equally; 2) entropy can explain said fluctuation of attritional affects over time such that while length of residence and age of arrival may affect the depth of attrition, how often one is exposed to her native language, how often she uses it and for how long each day, who her friends are, and to which types of input she is regularly exposed, seemingly aid in the maintenance or loss of linguistic knowledge; 3) though offline scalar interpretations among bilinguals were predicted by canonical sociolinguistic variables, the online data revealed an overall insensitivity to pragmatic violations. Thus, offline and online methods combine to be more explanatory regarding the comprehension and processing of implicature generating quantifiers.
Herausforderungen bei Demenz in den eigenen vier Wänden
Authors: Grünzig Manuela , Schiller Christine , Klatt Thomas , Meyer Gabriele , Heinrich Stephanie
Published: December 2019

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Menschen mit Demenz und ihre Angehörigen sind aufgrund der Komplexität einer Demenz vor besondere Herausforderungen gestellt. Die Familien benötigen Informationen sowie Beratung, um sich in der unübersichtlichen Versorgungslandschaft zurechtzufinden und bedarfsgerechte Angebote in Anspruch nehmen zu können. Fragestellung / Ziel: Der Fallbericht zielt darauf ab, die häusliche Situation eines Ehepaares aufzuzeigen, bei dem der Ehemann an einer Demenz bei Parkinson-Krankheit leidet und erhebliche Herausforderungen innerhalb der Familie und im Versorgungssystem bestehen. Methode: Im Rahmen des Dementia Care Nurse Projektes erfolgte eine Fallbegleitung. Anhand unterschiedlicher Assessmentinstrumente wurden die verschiedenen Informationen der Familie zusammengetragen und beschrieben. Ergebnisse: Die Problemfelder und der Hilfebedarf der betroffenen Familie sind vielfältig und reichen über Kostenerstattung, Beantragung von Pflegeleistungen bis hin zum Umgang mit herausfordernden Verhaltensweisen sowie Reduktion der Belastung der pflegenden Angehörigen. Schlussfolgerung: Die Familie, insbesondere die pflegende Ehefrau, konnte wirksam bei den Herausforderungen der Demenzerkrankung unterstützt werden, indem z. B. professionelle Dienste einbezogen und Leistungsansprüche geklärt wurden. Aus Projektperspektive sind unabhängige Beratungsstrukturen im Sinne eines Case Management Ansatzes notwendig, um die häusliche Situation zu stabilisieren.
Rapid Decay of Slowly Moving Typhoon Soulik (2018) due to Interactions With the Strongly Stratified Northern East China Sea
Authors: Park Jae‐Hyoung , Yeo Da‐Eun , Lee KyungJae , Lee Hojun , Lee Seung‐Woo , Noh Suyun , Kim Seongjung , Shin JiYun , Choi Yeon , Nam SungHyun
Published: December 2019

Typhoon Soulik decayed rapidly via two‐way interaction with the northern East China Sea, the extratropical shelf region, before landing on the Korean Peninsula on 23 August 2018. In the northern East China Sea, where the water column is strongly stratified with warm surface and cold subsurface waters, a large cold wake emerged with intense sea surface cooling, which is primarily caused by vertical mixing in the water column. This abrupt sea surface cooling rapidly increased the downward enthalpy flux, mostly in the form of latent heat flux. The slow translation speed of Typhoon Soulik and strong thermal stratification in the region transferred its energy into the ocean, as the typhoon had a long residence time over the wake, and consequently led to rapid decay with energy loss to typhoon intensity ratio of −4.4 ± 1.0 hPa (kJ cm−2)−1.
A Statistical Study of Near‐Earth Magnetotail Evolution During Pseudosubstorms and Substorms With THEMIS Data
Authors: Fukui Kento , Miyashita Yukinaga , Machida Shinobu , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Ieda Akimasa , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: December 2019

Pseudosubstorms (pseudobreakups) and substorms are similar phenomena. In terms of auroral morphology, however, the former are not accompanied by poleward expansion, while the latter are. To understand what causes this difference, we studied temporal and spatial development of the near‐Earth magnetotail at
to
around pseudosubstorm and substorm onsets, based on superposed epoch analysis of Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) data. We find that the earthward flow begins to increase at
to
just before onset and dipolarization for both pseudosubstorms and substorms, possibly due to near‐Earth magnetic reconnection or the preceding relaxation of the thin current sheet in a tailward region, but the earthward flow is slower for pseudosubstorms than for substorms. Dipolarization, together with magnetic field fluctuation, is nearly the same at
for both cases, but it is weaker at other distances for pseudosubstorms than for substorms. This result suggests that the current disruption related to dipolarization does not expand tailward and hence auroral poleward expansion does not occur for pseudosubstorms. Furthermore, the total pressure is larger at
to
for several minutes before onset for substorms than for pseudosubstorms. The total pressure gradient increases more largely after onset for substorms than for pseudosubstorms. We suggest that these differences are important factors for determining whether ballooning instability causing current disruption grows in a wide area, that is, whether the initial action develops into a substorm or subsides as a pseudosubstorm.
Ancient Stratigraphy Preserving a Wet‐to‐Dry, Fluvio‐Lacustrine to Aeolian Transition Near Barth Crater, Arabia Terra, Mars
Authors: Day Mackenzie , Edgett Kenneth S. , Stumbaugh Dominique
Published: December 2019

Ancient lacustrine and aeolian sediments have been separately identified in a variety of locations on Mars. In this work, we interpret the depositional history of Barth crater and its surrounding area in Arabia Terra where exposed geologic units preserve a record of lacustrine and aeolian interaction. Aeolian sandstone in the study area overlies lacustrine strata and is interbedded with easily eroded interdune deposits. The aeolian sandstone preserves dune strata with structures that indicate paleo‐sediment transport toward the northwest. The aeolian unit also preserves a transition up‐section from separated barchan dunes to continuous transverse dunes, capturing the development of the ancient dune field from sediment limited to sediment rich. Inverted fluvial channels provide evidence that water was delivered to the area at the same time the dune field was present, providing a simple mechanism, via wetting and cementation, for aeolian strata preservation. This example of wet‐system aeolian accumulation preserves an upward drying sequence in the sedimentary record that may have been coincident with the widely hypothesized global climate transition. The terrains described in this work provide a framework for interpreting similar aeolian units in elsewhere on Mars, even where cross‐strata cannot be easily resolved.
Targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer therapy: mechanisms and advances in clinical trials
Authors: Cheng Yuan , He Cai , Wang Manni , Ma Xuelei , Mo Fei , Yang Shengyong , Han Junhong , Wei Xiawei
Published: December 2019

Epigenetic alternations concern heritable yet reversible changes in histone or DNA modifications that regulate gene activity beyond the underlying sequence. Epigenetic dysregulation is often linked to human disease, notably cancer. With the development of various drugs targeting epigenetic regulators, epigenetic-targeted therapy has been applied in the treatment of hematological malignancies and has exhibited viable therapeutic potential for solid tumors in preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the aberrant functions of enzymes in DNA methylation, histone acetylation and histone methylation during tumor progression and highlight the development of inhibitors of or drugs targeted at epigenetic enzymes.
Single-nuclei RNA-seq on human retinal tissue provides improved transcriptome profiling
Authors: Liang Qingnan , Dharmat Rachayata , Owen Leah , Shakoor Akbar , Li Yumei , Kim Sangbae , Vitale Albert , Kim Ivana , Morgan Denise , Liang Shaoheng , Wu Nathaniel , Chen Ken , DeAngelis Margaret M. , Chen Rui
Published: December 2019

Single-cell RNA-seq is a powerful tool in decoding the heterogeneity in complex tissues by generating transcriptomic profiles of the individual cell. Here, we report a single-nuclei RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) transcriptomic study on human retinal tissue, which is composed of multiple cell types with distinct functions. Six samples from three healthy donors are profiled and high-quality RNA-seq data is obtained for 5873 single nuclei. All major retinal cell types are observed and marker genes for each cell type are identified. The gene expression of the macular and peripheral retina is compared to each other at cell-type level. Furthermore, our dataset shows an improved power for prioritizing genes associated with human retinal diseases compared to both mouse single-cell RNA-seq and human bulk RNA-seq results. In conclusion, we demonstrate that obtaining single cell transcriptomes from human frozen tissues can provide insight missed by either human bulk RNA-seq or animal models.
Multi-scale imaging and analysis identify pan-embryo cell dynamics of germlayer formation in zebrafish
Authors: Shah Gopi , Thierbach Konstantin , Schmid Benjamin , Waschke Johannes , Reade Anna , Hlawitschka Mario , Roeder Ingo , Scherf Nico , Huisken Jan
Published: December 2019

The coordination of cell movements across spatio-temporal scales ensures precise positioning of organs during vertebrate gastrulation. Mechanisms governing such morphogenetic movements have been studied only within a local region, a single germlayer or in whole embryos without cell identity. Scale-bridging imaging and automated analysis of cell dynamics are needed for a deeper understanding of tissue formation during gastrulation. Here, we report pan-embryo analyses of formation and dynamics of all three germlayers simultaneously within a developing zebrafish embryo. We show that a distinct distribution of cells in each germlayer is established during early gastrulation via cell movement characteristics that are predominantly determined by their position in the embryo. The differences in initial germlayer distributions are subsequently amplified by a global movement, which organizes the organ precursors along the embryonic body axis, giving rise to the blueprint of organ formation. The tools and data are available as a resource for the community.
In vitro implementation of robust gene regulation in a synthetic biomolecular integral controller
Authors: Agrawal Deepak K. , Marshall Ryan , Noireaux Vincent , Sontag Eduardo D
Published: December 2019

Feedback mechanisms play a critical role in the maintenance of cell homeostasis in the presence of disturbances and uncertainties. Motivated by the need to tune the dynamics and improve the robustness of gene circuits, biological engineers have proposed various designs that mimic natural molecular feedback control mechanisms. However, practical and predictable implementations have proved challenging because of the complexity of synthesis and analysis of complex biomolecular networks. Here, we analyze and experimentally validate a synthetic biomolecular controller executed in vitro. The controller ensures that gene expression rate tracks an externally imposed reference level, and achieves this goal even in the presence of certain kinds of disturbances. Our design relies upon an analog of the well-known principle of integral feedback in control theory. We implement the controller in an Escherichia coli cell-free transcription-translation system, which allows rapid prototyping and implementation. Modeling and theory guide experimental implementation with well-defined operational predictability.
Wireless, battery-free, fully implantable multimodal and multisite pacemakers for applications in small animal models
Authors: Gutruf Philipp , Yin Rose T. , Lee K. Benjamin , Ausra Jokubas , Brennan Jaclyn A. , Qiao Yun , Xie Zhaoqian , Peralta Roberto , Talarico Olivia , Murillo Alejandro , Chen Sheena W. , Leshock John P. , Haney Chad R. , Waters Emily A. , Zhang Changxing , Luan Haiwen , Huang Yonggang , Trachiotis Gregory , Efimov Igor R. , Rogers John A.
Published: December 2019

Small animals support a wide range of pathological phenotypes and genotypes as versatile, affordable models for pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and for exploration of strategies in electrotherapy, gene therapy, and optogenetics. Pacing tools in such contexts are currently limited to tethered embodiments that constrain animal behaviors and experimental designs. Here, we introduce a highly miniaturized wireless energy-harvesting and digital communication electronics for thin, miniaturized pacing platforms weighing 110 mg with capabilities for subdermal implantation and tolerance to over 200,000 multiaxial cycles of strain without degradation in electrical or optical performance. Multimodal and multisite pacing in ex vivo and in vivo studies over many days demonstrate chronic stability and excellent biocompatibility. Optogenetic stimulation of cardiac cycles with in-animal control and induction of heart failure through chronic pacing serve as examples of modes of operation relevant to fundamental and applied cardiovascular research and biomedical technology.
Artificially cloaked viral nanovaccine for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Fusciello Manlio , Fontana Flavia , Tähtinen Siri , Capasso Cristian , Feola Sara , Martins Beatriz , Chiaro Jacopo , Peltonen Karita , Ylösmäki Leena , Ylösmäki Erkko , Hamdan Firas , Kari Otto K. , Ndika Joseph , Alenius Harri , Urtti Arto , Hirvonen Jouni T. , Santos Hélder A. , Cerullo Vincenzo
Published: December 2019

Virus-based cancer vaccines are nowadays considered an interesting approach in the field of cancer immunotherapy, despite the observation that the majority of the immune responses they elicit are against the virus and not against the tumor. In contrast, targeting tumor associated antigens is effective, however the identification of these antigens remains challenging. Here, we describe ExtraCRAd, a multi-vaccination strategy focused on an oncolytic virus artificially wrapped with tumor cancer membranes carrying tumor antigens. We demonstrate that ExtraCRAd displays increased infectivity and oncolytic effect in vitro and in vivo. We show that this nanoparticle platform controls the growth of aggressive melanoma and lung tumors in vivo both in preventive and therapeutic setting, creating a highly specific anti-cancer immune response. In conclusion, ExtraCRAd might serve as the next generation of personalized cancer vaccines with enhanced features over standard vaccination regimens, representing an alternative way to target cancer.
An artificial metalloenzyme biosensor can detect ethylene gas in fruits and Arabidopsis leaves
Authors: Vong Kenward , Eda Shohei , Kadota Yasuhiro , Nasibullin Igor , Wakatake Takanori , Yokoshima Satoshi , Shirasu Ken , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: December 2019

Enzyme biosensors are useful tools that can monitor rapid changes in metabolite levels in real-time. However, current approaches are largely constrained to metabolites within a limited chemical space. With the rising development of artificial metalloenzymes (ArM), a unique opportunity exists to design biosensors from the ground-up for metabolites that are difficult to detect using current technologies. Here we present the design and development of the ArM ethylene probe (AEP), where an albumin scaffold is used to solubilize and protect a quenched ruthenium catalyst. In the presence of the phytohormone ethylene, cross metathesis can occur to produce fluorescence. The probe can be used to detect both exogenous- and endogenous-induced changes to ethylene biosynthesis in fruits and leaves. Overall, this work represents an example of an ArM biosensor, designed specifically for the spatial and temporal detection of a biological metabolite previously not accessible using enzyme biosensors.
Enhanced control of self-doping in halide perovskites for improved thermoelectric performance
Authors: Liu Tianjun , Zhao Xiaoming , Li Jianwei , Liu Zilu , Liscio Fabiola , Milita Silvia , Schroeder Bob C. , Fenwick Oliver
Published: December 2019

Metal halide perovskites have emerged as promising photovoltaic materials, but, despite ultralow thermal conductivity, progress on developing them for thermoelectrics has been limited. Here, we report the thermoelectric properties of all-inorganic tin based perovskites with enhanced air stability. Fine tuning the thermoelectric properties of the films is achieved by self-doping through the oxidation of tin (ΙΙ) to tin (ΙV) in a thin surface-layer that transfers charge to the bulk. This separates the doping defects from the transport region, enabling enhanced electrical conductivity. We show that this arises due to a chlorine-rich surface layer that acts simultaneously as the source of free charges and a sacrificial layer protecting the bulk from oxidation. Moreover, we achieve a figure-of-merit (ZT) of 0.14 ± 0.01 when chlorine-doping and degree of the oxidation are optimised in tandem.