bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of pH-degradable polyglycerol-based nanogels by iEDDA-mediated crosslinking for encapsulation of asparaginase using inverse nanoprecipitation
Authors: Oehrl Alexander , Schötz Sebastian , Haag Rainer
Published: June 2020

Biocompatible, environmentally responsive, and scalable nanocarriers are needed for targeted and triggered delivery of therapeutic proteins. Suitable polymers, preparation methods, and crosslinking chemistries must be considered for nanogel formation. Biocompatible dendritic polyglycerol (dPG) is used in the mild, surfactant-free inverse nanoprecipitation method for nanogel preparation. The biocompatible, fast, and bioorthogonal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (iEDDA) crosslinking chemistry is used. In this work, the synthesis of pH-degradable nanogels, based on tetrazine, norbonene, and bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne (BCN) functionalized macromonomers, is reported. The macromonomers are non-toxic up to 2.5 mg mL−1 in three different cell lines. Nanogels are obtained in the size range of 47 to 200 nm and can be degraded within 48 h at pH 4.5 (BA-gels), and pH 3 (THP-gels), respectively. Encapsulation of asparaginase (32 kDa) yield encapsulation efficiencies of up to 93% at 5 wt.% feed. Overall, iEDDA-crosslinked pH-degradable dPG-nanogels from inverse nanoprecipitation are promising candidates for biomedical applications.
Chiari malformation type I and basilar invagination originating from atlantoaxial instability: a literature review and critical analysis
Authors: Wagner Arthur , Grassner Lukas , Kögl Nikolaus , Hartmann Sebastian , Thomé Claudius , Wostrack Maria , Meyer Bernhard
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Recently, a novel hypothesis has been proposed concerning the origin of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) abnormalities. Commonly found in patients with these entities, atlantoaxial instability has been suspected to cause both Chiari malformation type I and basilar invagination, which renders the tried and tested surgical decompression strategy ineffective. In turn, C1-2 fusion is proposed as a single solution for all CVJ abnormalities, and a revised definition of atlantoaxial instability sees patients both with and without radiographic evidence of instability undergo fusion, instead relying on the intraoperative assessment of the atlantoaxial joints to confirm instability.

Methods

The authors conducted a comprehensive narrative review of literature and evidence covering this recently emerged hypothesis. The proposed pathomechanisms are discussed and contextualized with published literature.

Conclusion

The existing evidence is evaluated for supporting or opposing sole posterior C1-2 fusion in patients with CVJ abnormalities and compared with reported outcomes for conventional surgical strategies such as posterior fossa decompression, occipitocervical fusion, and anterior decompression. At present, there is insufficient evidence supporting the hypothesis of atlantoaxial instability being the common progenitor for CVJ abnormalities. Abolishing tried and tested surgical procedures in favor of a single universal approach would thus be unwarranted.
Cleansing efficacy of an auto-cleaning electronic toothbrushing device: a randomized-controlled crossover pilot study
Authors: Schnabl Dagmar , Wiesmüller Vera , Hönlinger Vera , Wimmer Simon , Bruckmoser Emanuel , Kapferer-Seebacher Ines
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To compare the cleansing efficacy of a representative “ten seconds” auto-cleaning device with that of uninstructed manual toothbrushing in a pilot study.

Materials and methods

Twenty periodontally healthy probands refrained from oral hygiene for 3 days. Baseline full-mouth plaque scores (Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index, RMNPI) were assessed. After randomization, probands cleaned their teeth either with the auto-cleaning test device according to the manufacturer’s protocol or with a manual toothbrush. Plaque reduction was assessed by two aligned blinded investigators. After a 2-week recovery, the clinical investigation was repeated in a crossover design. The brushing pattern of the auto-cleaning device was analyzed in probands’ casts.

Results

Full-mouth plaque reduction was 11.37 ± 3.70% for the auto-cleaning device and 31.39 ± 5.27% for manual toothbrushing (p < 0.0001). The investigation of the auto-cleaning device’s brushing pattern in dental casts revealed a positive relationship of bristle rows in contact with tooth surfaces and the cleansing efficacy in the respective areas. A maximum of 2/4 bristle rows were in contact with the tooth surfaces; in some areas, the bristles had no contact to the teeth.

Conclusions

Uninstructed manual toothbrushing is superior to auto-cleaning. The alignment and density of the auto-cleaning device’s bristle rows need to be improved, and assorted sizes would be necessary to cover different jaw shapes.

Clinical relevance

The auto-cleaning device has been developed to accommodate individuals with poor dexterity or compliance. To date, it is unable to provide sufficient plaque reduction due to an inappropriate bristle alignment and poor fit with diverse dental arches.
Applying the adjoint-free 4dVar assimilation to modeling the Kuroshio south of Japan
Authors: Miyazawa Yasumasa , Yaremchuk Max , Varlamov Sergey M. , Miyama Toru , Aoki Kunihiro
Published: June 2020

Operational ocean nowcast/forecast systems require real-time sampling of oceanic data for representing realistic oceanic conditions. Satellite altimetry plays a key role in detecting mesoscale variability of the ocean currents. The 10-day sampling period and horizontal gaps between the altimetry tracks of 100 km cause difficulties in capturing shorter-term/smaller-scale ocean current variations. Operational systems based on a three-dimensional variational method (3dVar) do not take into account temporal variability of the data within data assimilation time windows. Four-dimensional data assimilation technique is considered as a possible tool for more efficient utilization of the observations arriving from satellite altimeters by the dynamically constrained interpolation. In this study, we develop and test the performance of the adjoint-free four-dimensional variational method (a4dVar) for operational use in regional models. Numerical experiments targeting the Kuroshio path variations south of Japan demonstrate that the a4dVar scheme dynamically corrects the initial condition so as to effectively reduce the satellite altimetry data misfit during a 9-day time window. The corrected initial condition further contributes to improvements in the skill of reconstruction of the Kuroshio path variation in a 30-day lead hindcast run.
Gulliver’s virtual travels: active embodiment in extreme body sizes for modulating our body representations
Authors: Serino S. , Scarpina F. , Chirico A. , Dakanalis A. , Di Lernia D. , Colombo D. , Catallo V. , Pedroli E. , Riva G.
Published: June 2020

It is noted that the perceptual experience of body and space can be modulated by changing the action capabilities or by manipulating the perceived body dimensions through a multisensory stimulation. This study adds to pre-existing literature by investigating the alterations in bodily experience following embodiment to both enlarged and shrunked bodies, while participants actively navigated in a virtual environment. A normal-sized body served as a reference condition. After each embodied navigation, participants estimated the height and width of three different body parts. Results revealed that the embodiment over shrunked body induced a significant reduction in participants’ body image, while no changes were reported after the embodiment over the enlarged body. Findings were discussed in terms of previous literature exploring the constraints implicated in the ownership over different bodies.
Arterial endoglin does not protect against arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Singh Esha , Redgrave Rachael E. , Phillips Helen M. , Arthur Helen M.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Endoglin (ENG) forms a receptor complex with ALK1 in endothelial cells (ECs) to promote BMP9/10 signalling. Loss of function mutations in either ENG or ALK1 genes lead to the inherited vascular disorder hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), characterised by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, the vessel-specific role of ENG and ALK1 proteins in protecting against AVMs is unclear. For example, AVMs have been described to initiate in arterioles, whereas ENG is predominantly expressed in venous ECs. To investigate whether ENG has any arterial involvement in protecting against AVM formation, we specifically depleted the Eng gene in venous and capillary endothelium whilst maintaining arterial expression, and investigated how this affected the incidence and location of AVMs in comparison with pan-endothelial Eng knockdown.

Methods

Using the mouse neonatal retinal model of angiogenesis, we first established the earliest time point at which Apj-Cre-ERT2 activity was present in venous and capillary ECs but absent from arterial ECs. We then compared the incidence of AVMs following pan-endothelial or venous/capillary-specific ENG knockout.

Results

Activation of Apj-Cre-ERT2 with tamoxifen from postnatal day (P) 5 ensured preservation of arterial ENG protein expression. Specific loss of ENG expression in ECs of veins and capillaries led to retinal AVMs at a similar frequency to pan-endothelial loss of ENG. AVMs occurred in the proximal as well as the distal part of the retina consistent with a defect in vascular remodelling during maturation of the vasculature.

Conclusion

Expression of ENG is not required in arterial ECs to protect against AVM formation.
Impact of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy on sick leave in women with early-stage breast cancer during a 5-year period: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Plym Anna , Johansson Anna L. V. , Bower Hannah , Wennstig Anna-Karin , Fredriksson Irma , Ahlgren Johan , Lambe Mats
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To examine the influence of type of oncological treatment on sick leave in women of working age with early-stage breast cancer.

Methods

We identified 8870 women aged 30–64 diagnosed with stage I–II breast cancer between 2005 and 2012 in the Breast Cancer Data Base Sweden. Associations between type of oncological treatment (radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy) and sick leave were estimated by hazard ratios, probabilities, and length of sick leave using multi-state survival analysis.

Results

During the first 5 years after diagnosis, women aged 50–54 years at diagnosis receiving chemotherapy spent on average 182 (95% CI 151–218) additional days on sick leave compared with women not receiving chemotherapy, but with otherwise similar characteristics. Correspondingly, women initiating endocrine therapy spent 30 (95% CI 18–44) additional days on sick leave and women receiving post-mastectomy radiotherapy 53 (95% CI 37–69) additional days. At year five, the rate of sick leave was increased in women who had received chemotherapy (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11–1.28) or endocrine therapy (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05–1.26). Chemotherapy and endocrine therapy were associated with increased rates of sick leave due to depression or anxiety.

Conclusion

Our findings of increased long-term risks of sick leave after oncological treatment for breast cancer warrant attention from caregivers taking part in cancer rehabilitation. In light of the ongoing debate about overtreatment of early-stage breast cancer, our findings point to the importance of properly selecting patients for chemotherapy not only for the medical toxicity but also the possible impact on their livelihood.
Dual-energy CT angiography in suspected pulmonary embolism: influence of injection protocols on image quality and perfused blood volume
Authors: Kosmala Aleksander , Gruschwitz Philipp , Veldhoen Simon , Weng Andreas Max , Krauss Bernhard , Bley Thorsten Alexander , Petritsch Bernhard
Published: June 2020

To compare intravenous contrast material (CM) injection protocols for dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism with regard to image quality and pulmonary perfused blood volume (PBV) values. A total of 198 studies performed with four CM injection protocols varying in CM volume and iodine delivery rates (IDR) were retrospectively included: (A) 60 ml at 5 ml/s (IDR = 1.75gI/s), (B) 50 ml at 5 ml/s (IDR = 1.75gI/s), (C) 50 ml at 4 ml/s (IDR = 1.40gI/s), (D) 40 ml at 3 ml/s (IDR = 1.05gI/s). Image quality and PBV values at different resolution settings were compared. Pulmonary arterial tract attenuation was highest for protocol A (397 ± 110 HU; p vs. B = 0.13; vs. C = 0.02; vs. D < 0.001). CTPA image quality of protocol A was rated superior compared to protocols B and D by reader 1 (p = 0.01; < 0.001), and superior to protocols B, C and D by reader 2 (p < 0.001; 0.02; < 0.001). Otherwise, there were no significant differences in CTPA quality ratings. Subjective iodine map ratings did not vary significantly between protocols A, B, and C. Both readers rated protocol D inferior to all other protocols (p < 0.05). PBV values did not vary significantly between protocols A and B at resolution settings of 1, 4 and 10 (p = 0.10; 0.10; 0.09), while otherwise PBV values displayed a decreasing trend from protocol A to D (p < 0.05). Higher CM volume and IDR are associated with superior CTPA and iodine map quality and higher absolute PBV values.
Flame retardant effect of lignin/carbon nanotubes/potassium carbonate composite coatings on cotton roving
Authors: Łukawski Damian , Grześkowiak Wojciech , Lekawa-Raus Agnieszka , Widelicka Małgorzata , Lisiecki Filip , Dudkowiak Alina
Published: June 2020

A new composite flame retardant coating for cotton roving has been investigated. The proposed coating comprises natural lignin, pure carbon allotrope carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and non-toxic potassium carbonate (K2CO3). The series of complementary experiments, including thermogravimetric analysis, vertical burning in fire tube, limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurement and combustion in mass loss calorimeter enabled the formulation of an optimum composition including aqueous suspension with 1 wt% of CNTs, 1 wt% lignin (L) as well as 1 wt% of K2CO3. Applying L/CNT/K2CO3 on cotton roving increased LOI from 17.1 to 38.5%, decreased final mass loss and temperature during vertical burning from 100 to 78% and 457 to 190 °C, respectively. Moreover, peak heat release rate and total heat released dropped from 97.5 to 70.4 kW/m2 and from 4.2 to 1.6 MJ/m2, respectively . The above experiments supported by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy allowed also the explanation of the complementary mechanisms responsible for the overall fire retardant effect.
Conceptualising Violence in Close Relationships: Discrepancies Between Police Conceptions and the Letter of the Law in Finland
Authors: Fagerlund Monica , Houtsonen Jarmo , Notko Marianne , Husso Marita
Published: June 2020

The focus in this Finland-based study is on violence in close relationships—a term that partly overlaps with the more commonly used ‘domestic violence’, ‘family violence’ and ‘intimate partner violence’. We demonstrate how police officers’ conceptualisations of such violence differ from how it is defined in relevant legal documents. The data consists of the Government Bill and legal text on the subject issued as part of a legal reform enacted in 2010, and of a qualitative sample of freelist responses from 79 police officers. We examined both sets of data using theory-driven directed content analysis and deriving from prevailing theoretical frameworks reflecting the family- and gender-based perspectives on violence. The results expose the predominance of a narrow definition of ‘family’ in police understandings of close relationships, but also a notably broad spectrum of conceptualisations of both physical and non-physical forms of violence. In contrast, the legal definition of a close relationship is broader and encompasses multiple types of relationships, whereas forms of violence are more strictly defined. These findings could explain some of the discrepancies between legal policies on violence in close relationships and police responses to it.
A framework for dependency estimation in heterogeneous data streams
Authors: Fouché Edouard , Mazankiewicz Alan , Kalinke Florian , Böhm Klemens
Published: June 2020

Estimating dependencies from data is a fundamental task of Knowledge Discovery. Identifying the relevant variables leads to a better understanding of data and improves both the runtime and the outcomes of downstream Data Mining tasks. Dependency estimation from static numerical data has received much attention. However, real-world data often occurs as heterogeneous data streams: On the one hand, data is collected online and is virtually infinite. On the other hand, the various components of a stream may be of different types, e.g., numerical, ordinal or categorical. For this setting, we propose Monte Carlo Dependency Estimation (MCDE), a framework that quantifies multivariate dependency as the average statistical discrepancy between marginal and conditional distributions, via Monte Carlo simulations. MCDE handles heterogeneity by leveraging three statistical tests: the Mann–Whitney U, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and the Chi-Squared test. We demonstrate that MCDE goes beyond the state of the art regarding dependency estimation by meeting a broad set of requirements. Finally, we show with a real-world use case that MCDE can discover useful patterns in heterogeneous data streams.
Epistemic Curiosity and Situational Interest: Distant Cousins or Identical Twins?
Authors: Schmidt Henk G. , Rotgans Jerome I.
Published: June 2020

To what extent are epistemic curiosity and situational interest different indicators for the same underlying psychological mechanism? To answer this question, we conducted two studies. In Study 1, we administered measures of epistemic curiosity and situational interest to 158 students from an all-boys secondary school. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis to find out whether a one-factor or a two-factor solution provides the best fit to the data. The findings supported a one-factor solution. A two-factor solution was only satisfactorily supported if one accepted that the two latent constructs were correlated .99. Study 2 was an experiment in which we experimentally manipulated the amount of prior knowledge 148 students had about a particular thermodynamic phenomenon. Epistemic curiosity and situational interest were each measured four times: before a text was studied, before and after a problem was presented, and after a second text was read. The treatment group studied a text explaining the problemafterthe problem was presented, whereas the control group read it before the problem was presented. The control group, in other words, gained prior knowledge about the problem. In the treatment group, both epistemic curiosity and situational interest significantly increased while being confronted with the problem. This was not the case in the control group. In addition, only in the treatment group scores on both measures significantly decreased after the text explaining the problem was studied. These findings support a knowledge gap account of both situational interest and epistemic curiosity, suggesting an identical underlying psychological mechanism.
Characterizing the metabolites related to rice salt tolerance with introgression lines exhibiting contrasting performances in response to saline conditions
Authors: Xie Ziyan , Wang Chunchao , Zhu Shuangbing , Wang Wensheng , Xu Jianlong , Zhao Xiuqin
Published: June 2020

Rice is susceptible to salt stress at the seedling stage. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance, the metabolic responses to salt stress were investigated with a metabolite-profiling technique. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to profile metabolite changes in five rice lines with a similar genetic background, but with obviously diverse growth performances under saline conditions. A total of 84 metabolites were detected in rice leaf extracts under control and saline conditions. The data revealed that amino acids were enriched more in three salt-tolerant lines (G58, G1710, and IR64) than in two salt-sensitive lines (G45 and G52) under control conditions, suggesting that there were basal metabolite differences between the tolerant and sensitive lines. Additionally, significantly higher allantoin levels in G58, G1710, and IR64 under both stress and control conditions were observed, implying allantoin was important for the better growth of the three rice lines. Moreover, sorbitol, melezitose, and pipecolic acid levels increased considerably in response to salt stress in the five lines, indicating they contribute to rice responses to salt stress significantly. Interestingly, the similar metabolic patterns were regulated by salt stress in the salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant lines, and the main difference was quantitative. The sensitive lines had more pronounced increases during the early stages of the stress treatment than the tolerant lines. Thus, monitoring the metabolome changes of plants may provide crucial insights into how plants tolerate stress. The results presented herein provide valuable information for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying rice salt tolerance.
Proof-Producing Synthesis of CakeML from Monadic HOL Functions
Authors: Abrahamsson Oskar , Ho Son , Kanabar Hrutvik , Kumar Ramana , Myreen Magnus O. , Norrish Michael , Tan Yong Kiam
Published: June 2020

We introduce an automatic method for producing stateful ML programs together with proofs of correctness from monadic functions in HOL. Our mechanism supports references, exceptions, and I/O operations, and can generate functions manipulating local state, which can then be encapsulated for use in a pure context. We apply this approach to several non-trivial examples, including the instruction encoder and register allocator of the otherwise pure CakeML compiler, which now benefits from better runtime performance. This development has been carried out in the HOL4 theorem prover.
Identification and Modeling of the Airbrake of an Experimental Unmanned Aircraft
Authors: Bauer Peter , Anastasopoulos Lysandros , Sendner Franz-Michael , Hornung Mirko , Vanek Balint
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the modeling, system identification, simulation and flight testing of the airbrake of an unmanned experimental aircraft in frame of the FLEXOP H2020 EU project. As the aircraft is equipped with a jet engine with slow response an airbrake is required to increase deceleration after speeding up the aircraft for flutter testing in order to remain inside the limited airspace granted by authorities for flight testing. The airbrake consists of a servo motor, an opening mechanism and the airbrake control surface itself. After briefly introducing the demonstrator aircraft, the airbrake design and the experimental test benches the article gives in depth description of the modeling and system identification referencing also previous work. System identification consists of the determination of the highly nonlinear (saturated and load dependent) servo actuator dynamics and the nonlinear aerodynamic and mechanical characteristics including stiffness and inertia effects. New contributions relative to the previous work are a unified servo angular velocity limit model considering opening against the load or closing with it, the detailed construction and evaluation of airbrake normal and drag force models considering the whole deflection and aircraft airspeed range, the presentation of a unified aerodynamic - mechanic nonlinearity model giving direct relation between airbrake angle, dynamic pressure and servo torque and the transfer function-based modeling of stiffness and inertial effects in the mechanism. The identified servo dynamical model includes system delay, inner saturation, the aforementioned load dependent angular velocity limit model and a transfer function model. The servo model was verified based-on test bench measurements considering the whole opening angle and dynamic load range of the airbrake. New, unpublished measurements with gradually increasing servo load as the servo moves are also considered to verify the model in more realistic circumstances. Then the full airbrake model is constructed and tested in simulation to check realistic behavior. In the next step the airbrake model integrated into the nonlinear simulation model of the FLEXOP aircraft is tested by flying simulated test trajectories with the baseline controller of the aircraft in software-in-the-loop (SIL) Matlab simulation. First, the standalone airbrake simulation is compared to the SIL results to verify flawless integration of airbrake model into the nonlinear aircraft simulation. Then deceleration times with and without airbrake are compared underlining the usefulness of the airbrake in the test mission. Finally, real flight data is used to verify and update the airbrake model and show the effectiveness of the airbrake.
Solubility of Phenylboronic Acid and its Cyclic Esters in Organic Solvents
Authors: Leszczyński Paweł , Hofman Tadeusz , Sporzyński Andrzej
Published: June 2020

The solubilities of phenylboronic acid, its pinacol ester and azaester in organic solvents (chloroform, 3-pentanone, acetone, dipropyl ether and methylcyclohexane) have been determined experimentally by a dynamic method, in which the disappearance of turbidity was determined by measuring of light intensity using a luminance probe. Phenylboronic acid has high solubility in ether and ketones, moderate in chloroform and very low in hydrocarbon. Pinacol ester and azaester show better solubility than the parent acid in all tested solvents. For pinacol ester differences between particular solvents are small, while for azaester the differences are significant. For both esters the highest solubility is observed in chloroform and the lowest in the hydrocarbon. The results have been correlated by the Wilson, NRTL and Redlich–Kister equations. For the phenylboronic acid better correlation of the data is obtained by polynomials in comparison with the above equations. It is connected with additional acid-anhydride equilibrium in the system. The influence of polarity of the solvents on the solubility is discussed.
Using Technology to Structure and Scaffold Real World Experiential Learning in Distance Education
Authors: James Nikki , Humez Andrea , Laufenberg Philipp
Published: June 2020

Team projects allow students to apply their technical skills to a real-world context and build twenty-first century competencies, including teamwork, project management and communication skills. However, the complex challenges that such experiential learning projects present for students and faculty can limit the scale of implementation. This article argues that Virtual Business Projects (VBP), a model of team-based experiential learning where teams of students complete a virtual business project for an industry sponsor, can mitigate these problems by leveraging instructional technology and learning analytics. The VBP model is deployed in multiple universities, which have provided more than 2500 Virtual Business Projects since 2015. We will discuss how innovative technology, embedded in thoughtful learning design, supports experiential learning by taking advantage of features such as customizable scaffolding, automated reflection and feedback loops, and learning analytics.
Comparison of head impact measurements via an instrumented mouthguard and an anthropometric testing device
Authors: Greybe Desney G. , Jones Christopher M. , Brown M. Rowan , Williams Elisabeth M. P.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the efficacy of head impact measurements via an electronic sensor framework, embedded within a mouthguard, against an anthropometric testing device. Development of the former is in response to the growing issue of head impacts and concussion in rugby union. Testing was conducted in a vehicle safety laboratory using a standard impact protocol utilising the headforms of anthropometric testing devices. The headforms were subjected to controlled front and side impacts. For each impact, the linear acceleration and rotational velocity was measured over a 104-ms interval at a frequency of 1 kHz. The magnitude of peak linear acceleration and peak rotational velocity was determined from the measured time-series traces and statistically compared. The peak linear acceleration and rotational velocity had intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.95 and 0.99, respectively. The root-mean-square error between the measurement systems was 4.3 g with a standard deviation of 3.5 g for peak linear acceleration and 0.7 rad/s with a standard deviation of 0.4 rad/s for rotational velocity. Bland and Altman analysis indicated a systematic bias of 2.5 g and − 0.5 rad/s and limits of agreement (1.96 × standard deviation) of ± 13.1 g and ± 1.25 rad/s for the instrumented mouthguard. These results provide the basis on which the instrumented mouthguard can be further developed for deployment and application within professional rugby, with a view to accurately and reliably quantify head collision dynamics.
Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis Indicates Hemodynamic Compromise in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: von Bieberstein Lita , van Niftrik Christiaan Hendrik Bas , Sebök Martina , El Amki Mohamad , Piccirelli Marco , Stippich Christoph , Regli Luca , Luft Andreas R. , Fierstra Jorn , Wegener Susanne
Published: June 2020

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) in internal carotid artery (ICA) stroke refers to attenuated blood flow and energy metabolism in the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere. CCD is associated with an interruption of cerebro-cerebellar tracts, but the precise mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that in patients with ICA occlusions, CCD might indicate severe hemodynamic impairment in addition to tissue damage. Duplex sonography and clinical data from stroke patients with unilateral ICAO who underwent blood oxygen-level-dependent MRI cerebrovascular reserve (BOLD-CVR) assessment were analysed. The presence of CCD (either CCD+ or CCD−) was inferred from BOLD-CVR. We considered regions with negative BOLD-CVR signal as areas suffering from hemodynamic steal. Twenty-five patients were included (11 CCD+ and 14 CCD−). Stroke deficits on admission and at 3 months were more severe in the CCD+ group. While infarct volumes were similar, CCD+ patients had markedly larger BOLD steal volumes than CCD− patients (median [IQR] 122.2 [111] vs. 11.6 [50.6] ml; p < 0.001). Furthermore, duplex revealed higher peak-systolic flow velocities in the intracranial collateral pathways. Strikingly, posterior cerebral artery (PCA)-P2 velocities strongly correlated with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale on admission and BOLD-CVR steal volume. In patients with strokes due to ICAO, the presence of CCD indicated hemodynamic impairment with larger BOLD-defined steal volume and higher flow in the ACA/PCA collateral system. Our data support the concept of a vascular component of CCD as an indicator of hemodynamic failure in patients with ICAO.
Correction to: Unemployment in administrative data using survey data as a benchmark
Authors: Lafuente Cristina
Published: June 2020

This document corrects 6 errors in Unemployment in administrative data using survey data as a benchmark. The errors consist of 5 superficial typographical errors and a missing footnote. These are as follows:
A novel nonsense mutation in NPR2 gene causing Acromesomelic dysplasia, type Maroteaux in a consanguineous family in Southern Punjab (Pakistan)
Authors: Mustafa Saima , Akhtar Zafrin , Latif Muhammad , Hassan Mubashir , Faisal Muhammad , Iqbal Furhan
Published: June 2020

Background

Acromesomelic dysplasia, type Maroteaux (AMDM) is a rare skeletal dysplasia following autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and characterized by abnormal growth plates, short and abnormal bones in the extremities and spine.

Objective

Present study was designed to report the molecular basis of AMDM in enrolled consanguineous family from Pakistan.

Methods

A consanguineous family from Vehari District in Pakistan having multiple siblings suffering from AMDM was enrolled in present study. Whole exome sequencing (WES) approach was adopted to identify causative agent of AMDM. Human full length NPR2 gene and sequence with nonsense mutation was amplified by using Myc-tagged pXN vector and transformed in E. coli DH5α cells to confirm mutation. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting were done to confirm the production of truncated protein. Computational three dimensional structure generation through homology modeling approach was done to compare protein structure between patients and controls.

Results

WES reveled a nonsense mutation (c.613 C>T, p.R205X) in exon 1 of NPR2 gene leading to premature termination codon in mRNA of NPR2 gene resulting in a truncated protein with 204 amino acid residues that was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Sanger sequencing confirmed that mutation in all subjects and mutation followed Mendalian pattern of inheritance. Multiple sequence alignment by ClustalW revealed that mutated domain of NPR2 is conserved region. Proetin structure comparison revealed a significant structural part of NPR2 was missing in truncated protein as compared to control.

Conclusion

We are reporting that a novel nonsense mutation (c.613 C>T, p.R205X) in exon 1 of NPR2 gene is causing AMDM in a consanguineous Pakistani family.
Characterisation of the Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola population found in Eastern Australia associated with halo blight disease in Vigna radiata
Authors: Noble Thomas J. , Young Anthony J. , Kelly Lisa A. , Barrerro Roberto A. , Douglas Colin A. , Long Hao , Williams Brett , Mundree Sagadevan
Published: June 2020

This study analysed the phenotypic and genotypic variation among 511 Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola (Psp) isolates, causing halo blight in mungbeans. Collected from symptomatic mungbean (Vigna radiata) crops throughout Australia between 2005 and 2018, a total of 352 Psp isolates were phenotypically screened. Our in planta screening against a set of four mungbean cultivars with known susceptible and resistant reactions revealed five distinctive pathotypes. Isolates belonging to pathotype 2 were the most prevalent at 84% and were found to be highly pathogenic towards all tested mungbean genotypes. Genomic variation was investigated for 205 isolates using DNA fingerprints, splitting the halo blight pathogen population into two broad genetic lineages. Further genetic testing for two known avirulence genes, avrPphE and avrPphF, identified the avrPphE gene in all the tested isolates and avrPphF present in all but two. To identify candidate avirulence genes unique to Psp isolates infecting mungbean in Australia, a comparative genomics study was undertaken on the whole-genome sequences of two epidemiologically important Psp isolates, T11544 and K4287. The information presented in this study has the potential to dramatically improve mungbean disease resistance now and into the future.
Approaches and possibilities for reducing residual stresses in induction brazed cemented carbide/steel joints
Authors: Bobzin K. , Öte M. , Hebing J.
Published: June 2020

Induction brazing is widespread in many industries due to its ability for local contactless heating as well as its high heating rates and the associated short cycle times. As a result of these advantages, this brazing process is particularly widespread in the tool industry for mass products made of cemented carbide/steel, for example, in saw blades or milling tools. The state of the art is the use of one or more pyrometers for measuring the surface temperature of the component. However, the measurement can be significantly falsified due to oxidation of the component surface and flux residues or due to the evaporation of the flux. Due to the resulting control deviations and the lack of information about the temperature inside the brazing gap, critical residual stresses can be induced in the joint, which can lead to premature failure of the component. An approach is presented that uses distance and force measurements to monitor the condition of the filler metal in the brazing gap. By using these sensors, the point in time at which the entire filler metal has liquefied can be determined. In this way, overheating of the component can be avoided and the holding time and thus also the residual stresses can be reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, numerical calculations are presented, which compare the resulting residual stresses with conventional brazing foils as well as with brazing foils with a pure copper intermediate layer. In addition, the influence of the thickness of the filler metal was examined. The results show that the choice of the right brazing foil architecture and the thickness of the brazing foil have a significant influence on the residual stresses.
Insights into Enhanced Capacitive Behavior of Carbon Cathode for Lithium Ion Capacitors: The Coupling of Pore Size and Graphitization Engineering
Authors: Zou Kangyu , Cai Peng , Wang Baowei , Liu Cheng , Li Jiayang , Qiu Tianyun , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: June 2020

The lack of methods to modulate intrinsic textures of carbon cathode has seriously hindered the revelation of in-depth relationship between inherent natures and capacitive behaviors, limiting the advancement of lithium ion capacitors (LICs). Here, an orientated-designed pore size distribution (range from 0.5 to 200 nm) and graphitization engineering strategy of carbon materials through regulating molar ratios of Zn/Co ions has been proposed, which provides an effective platform to deeply evaluate the capacitive behaviors of carbon cathode. Significantly, after the systematical analysis cooperating with experimental result and density functional theory calculation, it is uncovered that the size of solvated PF6− ion is about 1.5 nm. Moreover, the capacitive behaviors of carbon cathode could be enhanced attributed to the controlled pore size of 1.5–3 nm. Triggered with synergistic effect of graphitization and appropriate pore size distribution, optimized carbon cathode (Zn90Co10-APC) displays excellent capacitive performances with a reversible specific capacity of ~ 50 mAh g−1 at a current density of 5 A g−1. Furthermore, the assembly pre-lithiated graphite (PLG)//Zn90Co10-APC LIC could deliver a large energy density of 108 Wh kg−1 and a high power density of 150,000 W kg−1 as well as excellent long-term ability with 10,000 cycles. This elaborate work might shed light on the intensive understanding of the improved capacitive behavior in LiPF6 electrolyte and provide a feasible principle for elaborate fabrication of carbon cathodes for LIC systems.
Instrumental variables estimation of a simple dynamic model of bidding behavior in private value auctions
Authors: Ham John C. , Lehrer Steven F.
Published: June 2020

We provide the first, in experimental economics, consistent estimates of a dynamic learning model with a continuous outcome. The econometric approach we propose can be used in many experimental studies including auctions, bargaining with transfers, and gift exchange experiments. We focus on affiliated private value auctions, where subjects are generally assumed to converge to the rule-of-thumb bidding, but our general approach is applicable to many other settings. Our IV estimates suggest that subjects become significantly less aggressive over time; specifically, they decrease their bids in proportion to the previous period’s signal minus bid. However, the inconsistent OLS and FE estimators imply that subjects become significantly more aggressive over time—they raise their bids in proportion to the previous period’s signal minus bid. Our instruments are randomly generated by the experiment, and pass popular weak instrument tests.
IRESbase: A Comprehensive Database of Experimentally Validated Internal Ribosome Entry Sites
Authors: Zhao Jian , Li Yan , Wang Cong , Zhang Haotian , Zhang Hao , Jiang Bin , Guo Xuejiang , Song Xiaofeng
Published: June 2020

Internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) are functional RNA elements that can directly recruit ribosomes to an internal position of the mRNA in a cap-independent manner to initiate translation. Recently, IRES elements have attracted much attention for their critical roles in various processes including translation initiation of a new type of RNA, circular RNA (circRNA), with no 5′ cap to support classical cap-dependent translation. Thus, an integrative data resource of IRES elements with experimental evidence will be useful for further studies. In this study, we present IRESbase, a comprehensive database of IRESs, by curating the experimentally validated functional minimal IRES elements from literature and annotating their host linear and circular RNAs. The current version of IRESbase contains 1328 IRESs, including 774 eukaryotic IRESs and 554 viral IRESs from 11 eukaryotic organisms and 198 viruses, respectively. As IRESbase collects only IRES of minimal length with functional evidence, the median length of IRESs in IRESbase is 174 nucleotides. By mapping IRESs to human circRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 2191 circRNAs and 168 lncRNAs were found to contain at least one entire or partial IRES sequence. IRESbase is available at http://reprod.njmu.edu.cn/cgi-bin/iresbase/index.php.
Sunburned Surface Reveals Asteroid Formation and Orbital Secrets
Authors: Sever Megan
Published: June 2020

Thanks to spectacular high-resolution images from Hayabusa2, scientists can now better estimate how and when the asteroid Ryugu formed, how its orbit has changed over time, and what its surface looks like.
The synergistic effect of heterostructured dissimilar metal–organic framework thin films on adsorption properties
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wannapaiboon Suttipong , Henke Sebastian , Paulus Michael , Rodewald Katia , Rieger Bernhard , Fischer Roland A.
Published: June 2020

Two dissimilar metal–organic frameworks are synthesized as heterostructured thin films that show higher storage capacity than both homo-phases and present up-growing adsorption ability with increasing the size of volatile organic compounds.
Fluorescence imaging of hypochlorous acid and peroxynitritein vitroandin vivowith emission wavelength beyond 750 nm
Authors: Wang Linfang , Liu Jing , Zhao Shengwei , Zhang Hongxing , Sun Yuanqiang , Wei Aihua , Guo Wei
Published: June 2020

Hydro-Si-oxazines were exploited as NIR fluorescent probes to monitor HClO/ONOO−produced by phagocytes in inflammation-related diseases.
Normal-pulse-voltage-assisted in situ fabrication of graphene-wrapped MOF-derived CuO nanoflowers for water oxidation
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Shiqi , Liu Dayan , Zhou Lin , Du Ran , Li Ting-Ting , Miao Tingting , Qian Jinjie , Hu Yue , Huang Shaoming
Published: June 2020

Herein, a normal-pulse-voltage-assisted method is proposed for preparation of high quality graphene-wrapped CuO nanoflowers on CF. The as-obtained CuO NF@G/CF electrode exhibits a competitive OER catalytic performance in 1.0 M KOH solution.
Benefits of Ga, Ge and As substitution in Li2FeSiO4: a first-principles exploration of the structural, electrochemical and capacity properties
Authors: Yan Xiaotong , Hou Yuhua , Zheng Shouhong , Huang Youlin , Li Wei , Shi Zhiqiang , Tao Xiaoma
Published: June 2020

Herein, the feasibility of Fe substitution by Ga, Ge and As in Li2FeSiO4 in modulating its structural, mechanical, electrochemical, capacity and electronic properties was systematically studied via first-principles calculations based on density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation with Hubbard corrections (GGA+U).
Near-infrared emission of CaAl6Ga6O19:Cr3+,Ln3+ (Ln = Yb, Nd, and Er) via energy transfer for c-Si solar cells
Authors: Kong Li , Liu Yingying , Dong Langping , Zhang Liang , Qiao Lu , Wang Wensheng , You Hongpeng
Published: June 2020

In this study, we have reported broadband spectral conversion of UV/visible to near-infrared emission in the CaAl6Ga6O19:Cr3+,Ln3+ (Ln = Yb, Nd, and Er) materials for the c-Si solar cells via energy transfer.
Sustainable high-voltage source based on triboelectric nanogenerator with a charge accumulation strategy
Authors: Lei Rui , Shi Yuxiang , Ding Yafei , Nie Jinhui , Li Shuyao , Wang Fan , Zhai Hua , Chen Xiangyu , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2020

Sustainable high-voltage TENG (SH-TENG) based on charge accumulation strategy can provide an unprecedented high voltage output.
Recent advances in high-performance organic solar cells enabled by acceptor–donor–acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–DA′D–A) type acceptors
Authors: Zhao Jiajun , Yao Chao , Ali Muhammad Umair , Miao Jingsheng , Meng Hong
Published: June 2020

In this review, we focus on the recent advances in organic solar cells enabled by A–DA′D–A type acceptors and summarize the correlation between molecular structure, molecular packings, optoelectronic properties, and photovoltaic performance.
Bronze-type vanadium dioxide holey nanobelts as high performing cathode material for aqueous aluminium-ion batteries
Authors: Cai Yi , Kumar Sonal , Chua Rodney , Verma Vivek , Yuan Du , Kou Zongkui , Ren Hao , Arora Hemal , Srinivasan Madhavi
Published: June 2020

A VO2–B holey nanobelt was rationally proposed as a high-performing cathode material for aqueous aluminium-ion batteries.
Interstratification-assembled 2D black phosphorene and V2CTx MXene as superior anodes for boosting potassium-ion storage
Authors: Wu Xinming , Wang Han , Zhao Zhilin , Huang Bin
Published: June 2020

A novel interstratification-assembled 2D black phosphorene and V2CTx as superior anodes can accelerate the K+ transport rates, and also has a good tolerance to volume changes caused by phase transformations.
HBC-nanofiber hydrogel scaffolds with 3D printed internal microchannels for enhanced cartilage differentiation
Authors: Liu Xiaoyun , Song Shaoshuai , Huang Jie , Fu Han , Ning Xinyu , He Yong , Zhang Zhijun
Published: June 2020

HBC-nanofiber hydrogel scaffolds with 3D printed internal microchannels have been developed to provide a multifunctional biomimetic microenvironment for hMSC chondrogenesis.
How organic ligands affect the phase transition and fluorescent stability of perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Ding Hongwei , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: June 2020

We have investigated the effect of excess ligands including oleylamine (OAm) and oleic acid (OA) on the transformation of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals and have demonstrated that these ligands play a role like a double-sided sword.
Fifteen mRNA-lncRNA expression-based signature predicted the survival of late-staged head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ren He , Li Huaping , Li Ping , Xu Yuhui , Liu Gang , Sun Liping
Published: June 2020

Background: Gene expression is necessary for regulation in almost all biological processes, at the same time, it is related to the prognosis for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The prognosis of late-staged HNSCC is important because of its guiding significance on the therapy strategies.

Methods: In this work, we analyzed the relationship between gene expression and HNSCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, and optimized the panel with random forest survival analysis. Subsequently, a Cox multivariate regression-based model was developed to predict the clinical outcome of HNSCC. The performance of the model was assayed in the training cohort and validated in another three independent cohorts (GSE41614, E-TABM-302, E-MTAB-1328). The underlying pathways significantly associated with the model were identified. According to the results, patients of low-score group (median survival months: 27.4, 95% CI: 18.2–43) had a significant poor survival than those of high-score group (median survival months: 69.4, 95% CI: 58.7–72.1, P=2.7e-5), and the observation was repeatable in the other validation cohorts. Further analysis revealed that the model performed better than the other clinical indicators and is independent of these indicators.

Results: Comparison revealed that the model performed better than existing models for late HNSCC prognosis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) elucidated that the model was significantly associated with various cell processes and pathways.