bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nature of STEM Disciplines in the Science Education Standards Documents from the USA, Korea and Taiwan
Authors: Park Wonyong , Wu Jen-Yi , Erduran Sibel
Published: July 2020

Understanding the nature of science (NOS) has emerged as a core curricular goal since at least the 1960s. While science education reforms around the world have shed light on various epistemic and social underpinnings of science, how science curriculum documents portray the nature of other related disciplines such as mathematics and engineering has drawn little attention. Such lack of attention is surprising, given the growing interest among educators in the integrated approach to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and the frequent emphasis on STEM in recent curriculum policy. The study reported in this paper aimed to understand how recent science education reform documents from the USA, Korea and Taiwan compare with regard to their representation of the nature of STEM disciplines. Using the framework of the family resemblance approach (FRA), we present a comparative analysis of three recent science education standards documents to examine their coverage of the epistemic underpinnings of STEM disciplines, particularly with regard to the disciplinary aims, values and practices. The results indicate that the features specific to science and shared by science and engineering were most frequently addressed in the standards documents, whereas mathematics-related features were rarely mentioned. Furthermore, there was variation in the coverage in terms of the nature of STEM disciplines. Based on the findings, we discuss the contributions of the FRA framework in analysing STEM curricula in an interdisciplinary manner and make suggestions for integrating the nature of STEM disciplines in science curriculum documents.
eBrainII: a 3 kW Realtime Custom 3D DRAM Integrated ASIC Implementation of a Biologically Plausible Model of a Human Scale Cortex
Authors: Stathis Dimitrios , Sudarshan Chirag , Yang Yu , Jung Matthias , Weis Christian , Hemani Ahmed , Lansner Anders , Wehn Norbert
Published: July 2020

The Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), like CNN/DNN and LSTM, are not biologically plausible. Despite their initial success, they cannot attain the cognitive capabilities enabled by the dynamic hierarchical associative memory systems of biological brains. The biologically plausible spiking brain models, e.g., cortex, basal ganglia, and amygdala, have a greater potential to achieve biological brain like cognitive capabilities. Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) is a biologically plausible spiking model of the cortex. A human-scale model of BCPNN in real-time requires 162 TFlop/s, 50 TBs of synaptic weight storage to be accessed with a bandwidth of 200 TBs. The spiking bandwidth is relatively modest at 250 GBs/s. A hand-optimized implementation of rodent scale BCPNN has been done on Tesla K80 GPUs require 3 kWs, we extrapolate from that a human scale network will require 3 MWs. These power numbers rule out such implementations for field deployment as cognition engines in embedded systems.

The key innovation that this paper reports is that it isfeasibleandaffordableto implement real-time BCPNN as a custom tiled application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in 28 nm technology with custom 3D DRAM - eBrainII - that consumes 3 kW for human scale and 12 watts for rodent scale. Such implementations eminently fulfill the demands for field deployment.
Behavior of Aluminum Compounds in Soft-Water Lakes Subjected to Experimental Reclamation with Polyaluminum Chloride
Authors: Łopata Michał , Augustyniak Renata , Grochowska Jolanta , Parszuto Katarzyna , Tandyrak Renata , Wiśniewski Grzegorz
Published: July 2020

The research presented in this work concerns the potential aluminum load of soft-water lake ecosystems as a result of performing chemical reclamation works. On a semitechnical scale, different doses of PAC-type aluminum coagulant (polyaluminum chloride) were tested. The required doses of coagulant (on average, 11 mg Al/L) were determined based on the amount of phosphorus that is bioavailable in the lake ecosystem. The research covered the lake water, near-bottom and interstitial water, and bottom sediments of five lakes with low alkalinity (0.4–2.5 meq/L) and low calcium contents (5–35 mg Ca/L). The experiments were conducted in situ for 2 years using mesocosms with a volume of approximately 20 m3. The effectiveness of the flocculation and sedimentation processes of coagulant flocs was closely related to changes in water pH caused by acidic coagulant application, and the corresponding transformation level ranged from 39.8 to 99.8%. In the waters of these lakes, where the alkalinity did not reach 1 meq/L, the coagulant used in doses adequate for intensive full-scale projects caused high water pollution with dissolved aluminum fractions (from 0.05 ± 0.01 to 4.67 ± 1.32 mg Al/L). In all lakes, the penetration of dissolved aluminum into the interstitial water of the bottom sediment was limited to the first 5-cm layer. After the application of coagulant, the aluminum content in the bottom sediments significantly increased in proportion to the amount of the PAC used (by 12–96% in terms of a 5-cm surface layer of sediment). Within 2 years of the research, solid fractions (flocks) of the coagulant moved to a depth of 5–10 cm below the bottom level. Due to high release rates of aluminum from the applied aluminum treatments, modifications to the treatment protocols are needed in soft-water lakes.
A Collaborative Approach to Meeting the Requirements of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data: An Action Research Approach
Authors: Birzenieks Linda , Hivers Lisa , Cole Naomi , Smyth Eleisha , Raap Lena Hoffman , Smith Jane , Wood Justin , Roche Sue , Wrigley Andrew , Arthur-Kelly Michael
Published: July 2020

This paper describes a collaborative approach to professional learning that has provided an opportunity for refreshed practices and growth in capacity in schools supporting students with various learning needs in several schools that are part of the Association of Independent Schools in the Australian Capital Territory. An action research approach to professional learning for school staff was facilitated with the participating schools in 2018/2019, centred on the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability.
A New Natural Defense Against Airborne Pathogens
Authors: Edwards David , Hickey Anthony , Batycky Richard , Griel Lester , Lipp Michael , Dehaan Wes , Clarke Robert , Hava David , Perry Jason , Laurenzi Brendan , Curran Aidan K. , Beddingfield Brandon J. , Roy Chad J. , Devlin Tom , Langer Robert
Published: July 2020

We propose the nasal administration of calcium-enriched physiological salts as a new hygienic intervention with possible therapeutic application as a response to the rapid and tenacious spread of COVID-19. We test the effectiveness of these salts against viral and bacterial pathogens in animals and humans. We find that aerosol administration of these salts to the airways diminishes the exhalation of the small particles that face masks fail to filter and, in the case of an influenza swine model, completely block airborne transmission of disease. In a study of 10 human volunteers (5 less than 65 years and 5 older than 65 years), we show that delivery of a nasal saline comprising calcium and sodium salts quickly (within 15 min) and durably (up to at least 6 h) diminishes exhaled particles from the human airways. Being predominantly smaller than 1 μm, these particles are below the size effectively filtered by conventional masks. The suppression of exhaled droplets by the nasal delivery of calcium-rich saline with aerosol droplet size of around 10 μm suggests the upper airways as a primary source of bioaerosol generation. The suppression effect is especially pronounced (99%) among those who exhale large numbers of particles. In our study, we found this high-particle exhalation group to correlate with advanced age. We argue for a new hygienic practice of nasal cleansing by a calcium-rich saline aerosol, to complement the washing of hands with ordinary soap, use of a face mask, and social distancing.
Participatory authoritarianism: From bureaucratic transformation to civic participation in Russia and China
Authors: Owen Catherine
Published: July 2020

This article explores the way in which Russian and Chinese governments have rearticulated global trends towards active citizenship and participatory governance, and integrated them into pre-existing illiberal political traditions. The concept of ‘participatory authoritarianism’ is proposed in order to capture the resulting practices of local governance that, on the one hand enable citizens to engage directly with local officials in the policy process, but limit, direct, and control civic participation on the other. The article explores the emergence of discourses of active citizenship at the national level and the accompanying legislative development of government-organised participatory mechanisms, demonstrating how the twin logics of openness and control, pluralism and monism, are built into their rationale and implementation. It argues that as state bureaucracies have integrated into international financial markets, so new participatory mechanisms have become more important for local governance as government agencies have lost the monopoly of information for effective policymaking. Practices of participatory authoritarianism enable governments to implement public sector reform while directing increased civic agency into non-threatening channels.
American Pediatrics and the Transition from Mental Health to Illness Since the 1960s
Authors: HIRSHBEIN LAURA
Published: July 2020

American pediatricians are now bearing the brunt of massive increases in demand for treatment of mental illness in children and adolescents, areas in which many pediatricians have not been well trained. It would be logical to encourage policy measures to increase pediatricians’ expertise in this area to improve access to care. But the expanses in demand for services are about much more than increased incidence of biologically-based illnesses. Instead, pediatricians are caught juggling between their traditional focus on health and prevention and a rapid rise in broad socially, culturally, and economically mediated distress among young people and their families. This article explores the historical context of pediatricians’ engagement with mental health and the hazards of the push toward treatment for mental illness. The historical perspective can help us develop policy more directed to broader goals of improving the mental health of our nation’s children and adolescents.
Application of ordinal logistic regression analysis to identify the determinants of illness severity of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Xu Kandi , Zhou Min , Yang Dexiang , Ling Yun , Liu Kui , Bai Tao , Cheng Zenghui , Li Jian
Published: July 2020

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented an unprecedented challenge to the health-care system across the world. The current study aims to identify the determinants of illness severity of COVID-19 based on ordinal responses. A retrospective cohort of COVID-19 patients from four hospitals in three provinces in China was established, and 598 patients were included from 1 January to 8 March 2020, and divided into moderate, severe and critical illness group. Relative variables were retrieved from electronic medical records. The univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression models were fitted to identify the independent predictors of illness severity. The cohort included 400 (66.89%) moderate cases, 85 (14.21%) severe and 113 (18.90%) critical cases, of whom 79 died during hospitalisation as of 28 April. Patients in the age group of 70+ years (OR = 3.419, 95% CI: 1.596–7.323), age of 40–69 years (OR = 1.586, 95% CI: 0.824–3.053), hypertension (OR = 3.372, 95% CI: 2.185–5.202), ALT >50 μ/l (OR = 3.304, 95% CI: 2.107–5.180), cTnI >0.04 ng/ml (OR = 7.464, 95% CI: 4.292–12.980), myohaemoglobin>48.8 ng/ml (OR = 2.214, 95% CI: 1.42–3.453) had greater risk of developing worse severity of illness. The interval between illness onset and diagnosis (OR = 1.056, 95% CI: 1.012–1.101) and interval between illness onset and admission (OR = 1.048, 95% CI: 1.009–1.087) were independent significant predictors of illness severity. Patients of critical illness suffered from inferior survival, as compared with patients in the severe group (HR = 14.309, 95% CI: 5.585–36.659) and in the moderate group (HR = 41.021, 95% CI: 17.588–95.678). Our findings highlight that the identified determinants may help to predict the risk of developing more severe illness among COVID-19 patients and contribute to optimising arrangement of health resources.
Observing variation and change in Ontario French through internal, external and identity factors
Authors: Bigot Davy , Papen Robert
Published: July 2020

In this article, we present the results of an analysis of variation, whose main objectives are to ascertain the ethnocultural identities speakers declare and to measure the impact of internal, external and identity factors on the use of the connectors of consequence(ça) fait quevsdoncvsalorsvsso. Our research emphasizes that while there is no consensus as to the terminology chosen to express these identities, it is important to consider ethnocultural identities as a complementary factor conditioning linguistic variation. It also demonstrates that for communities whose linguistic practices and norms straddle those of minority- and majority-French language communities, the minority/majority dichotomy needs to be nuanced, according to the social and ethnocultural identity dynamics that may characterize specific communities.
Bildgebung beim Schlaganfall
Authors: Winklhofer Sebastian F.-X. , Kulcsár Zsolt
Published: July 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die neuroradiologische Bildgebung ist in den letzten Jahrzehnten für die Diagnose und Therapie des Schlaganfalls unverzichtbar geworden. Sie liefert die notwendigen Informationen, um zwischen hämorrhagischem und ischämischem Schlaganfall zu unterscheiden, die Ursache der Symptome zu identifizieren und den Zeitpunkt des Schlaganfalls zu bestimmen. Zunehmend ist die Bildgebung hilfreich, um therapeutische Entscheidungen optimal treffen zu können. Insbesondere das Aufkommen und die erfolgreiche Etablierung der mechanischen Thrombektomie hat die Behandlung von Patienten mit ischämischem Schlaganfall erheblich verändert. Mit Hilfe der Computertomographie (CT) und der Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) können Patienten identifiziert werden, die von einer revaskularisierenden Therapie profitieren können, auch ausserhalb des bisher gültigen, dogmatischen Zeitfensters. Fortschritte bei den bildgebenden Verfahren sowohl in der CT als auch in der MRT ermöglichen die Identifizierung von rettbarem Hirngewebe, unabhängig vom Zeitfaktor und begünstigen eine individualisierte Entscheidungsfindung für eine optimale Therapie und Prognose. Die Wahl der geeigneten Bildgebungsmodalität hängt von mehreren Kriterien ab, wie z. B. Verdachts- und Differentialdiagnose, Dringlichkeit, Patientenalter und Verfügbarkeit des Scanners.
Diagnostik und interventionell-radiologische Therapie der benignen Prostatahyperplasie
Authors: Kobe Adrian , Donati Olivio , Pfammatter Thomas
Published: July 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die benigne Prostatahyperplasie (BPH) ist eine häufige Erkrankung des älteren Mannes und nimmt mit dem Alter stetig zu. Der Goldstandard in der Therapie der BPH besteht in einer medikamentösen Therapie sowie, bei Versagen derselben, in einer transurethralen Prostataresektion (TURP). Als Alternativverfahren hat sich in den letzten Jahren die minimalinvasive Therapie mittels Embolisation der A. prostatica etabliert. Nach sorgfältiger Abklärung des Patienten mittels MRT und CT zum Ausschluss von Kontraindikationen und zur Evaluation des Zugangswegs, findet die Intervention in örtlicher Betäubung statt und kann ambulant durchgeführt werden. Insbesondere bei Patienten, die einer Operation ablehnend gegenüberstehen oder polymorbide sind, ist die Prostaatembolisation eine nebenwirkungsarme Alternative zur TURP.
Bildgebung des peripheren Nervensystems
Authors: Grunder Lorenz , Guggenberger Roman , Wurnig Moritz C.
Published: July 2020

Zusammenfassung. Mit den in den letzten Jahren erzielten technischen Fortschritten in der Schnittbildgebung wurde der Stellenwert der Radiologie im klinischen Alltag zunehmend bedeutender. So auch in der Diagnostik und Evaluation von Neuropathien. Die hochsensitive Elektrophysiologie wird zunehmend durch spezifische Bildgebung ergänzt. Therapierelevante Informationen aus der Bildgebung sind unter anderem die Lokalisation und Ursache, aber auch das Verteilungsmuster einer Neuropathie. Die MR-Neurographie hilft, die diagnostische Sicherheit zu erhöhen und bildet einen wichtigen Pfeiler im Management der Patienten. Die Möglichkeiten und den aktuellen Stellenwert der Bildgebung von Ultraschall (US), über die Computertomographie (CT), bis zur Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT), möchten wir in diesem Artikel darstellen.
Neue Wege in der Senologischen Bildgebung
Authors: Boss Andreas , Rohrer Lysiane , Berger Nicole
Published: July 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Untersuchung der Brust, insbesondere als Vorsorgeuntersuchung für Brustkrebs, wurde bisher vor allem mittels Mammographie und gelegentlich ergänzendem Ultraschall durchgeführt. Diese Vorsorgeuntersuchungen haben sich etabliert, da eine frühe Diagnose eines Brustkrebses die Heilungschancen erhöht. Brustkrebs ist die häufigste Krebs­erkrankung der Frau (ca. jede 8. Frau ist betroffen). Während als weitere Abklärung sich die MRI Untersuchung, welche eine hohe Sensitivität und Spezifität bietet, bisher durchgesetzt hat, ergaben sich in der jüngsten Vergangenheit neue Untersuchungsmethoden, welche einerseits die Untersuchung für die Frauen angenehmer machen (z. B. keine Kompression des Brustdrüsengewebes, wie dies bei der Mammographie üblich ist) und welche möglicherweise auch diagnostisch ebenbürtig sein könnten. Insbesondere werden in diesem Artikel der automatische Brustultraschall (ABUS) und die Computertomo­graphie der Brust (Mamma-CT) genannt. Zudem könnten in Zukunft Programme mit künstlicher Intelligenz helfen, die Diagnosen zu erhärten bzw. die Treffsicherheit zu erhöhen, damit möglichst keine relevante Läsion übersehen wird.
Mysterious Engine of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation
Authors: Zhang Chidong
Published: July 2020

Understanding the fundamental physics of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation, a phenomenon that occurs over the Indian and Pacific Oceans, remains a challenge in tropical atmospheric research.
Air Quality Impacts at an E‐Waste Site in Ghana Using Flexible, Moderate‐Cost and Quality‐Assured Measurements
Authors: Kwarteng Lawrencia , Baiden Emmanuel Acquah , Fobil Julius , Arko‐Mensah John , Robins Thomas , Batterman Stuart
Published: July 2020

Air quality information is scarce in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study describes the application of moderate cost approaches that can provide spatial and temporal information on concentrations of particulate matter (PM) needed to assess community and occupational exposures. We evaluated PM levels at the Agbogbloshie e‐waste and scrap yard site in Accra, Ghana, and at upwind and downwind locations, obtaining both optical and gravimetric measurements, local meteorological data and satellite aerosol optical depth. Due to overload issues, the gravimetric 24‐hr samplers were modified for periodic sampling and some optical data were screened for quality assurance. Exceptionally high concentrations (e.g., 1‐hr average PM10 exceeding 2000 μg/m3) were sometimes encountered near combustion sources, including open fires at the e‐waste site and spoil piles. 24‐hr PM2.5 levels averaged 31, 88 and 57 μg/m3 at upwind, e‐waste and downwind sites, respectively, and PM10 averaged 145, 214 and 190 μg/m3, considerably exceeding air quality standards. Upwind levels likely reflected biomass burning that is prevalent in the surrounding informal settlements; levels at the e‐waste and downwind sites also reflected contributions from biomass combustion and traffic. The highest PM levels occurred in evenings, influenced by diurnal changes in emission rates, atmospheric dispersion and wind direction shifts. We demonstrate that moderate cost instrumentation, with some modifications, appropriate data cleaning protocols, and attention to understanding local sources and background levels, can be used to characterize spatial and temporal variation in PM levels in urban and industrial areas.
Deacetylation by SIRT1 promotes the tumor-suppressive activity of HINT1 by enhancing its binding capacity for β-catenin or MITF in colon cancer and melanoma cells
Authors: Jung Taek-Yeol , Jin Gyu-Rin , Koo Young-Bin , Jang Mi-Mi , Kim Chan-Woo , Lee Soh-Yeon , Kim Hyelee , Lee Chae-Young , Lee Soo-Young , Ju Bong-Gun , Kim Hyun-Seok
Published: July 2020

Histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1), which belongs to the evolutionarily conserved HIT superfamily, has been shown to possess a tumor-suppressive function by binding to and inhibiting several oncogenic transcription factors, such as β-catenin and microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF), in various types of cancer cells. However, the regulatory mechanism that mediates the binding capacity of HINT1 for partner transcription factors remains elusive. Here, we report that HINT1 is acetylated by CBP at K21 and K30 and deacetylated by SIRT1. Deacetylation of HINT1 by SIRT1 increases the capacity of HINT1 to bind to β-catenin or MITF. As a result, the tumor-suppressive function of HINT1 is increased. In support of this, the deacetylation mimetic HINT1 mutant HINT1 2KR was found to significantly reduce cellular proliferation in colon cancer and melanoma cells and tumorigenesis in xenograft assays. Thus, this study reveals an acetylation-dependent regulatory mechanism that governs the tumor-suppressive function of HINT1.
Loss of function of the mitochondrial peptidase PITRM1 induces proteotoxic stress and Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in human cerebral organoids
Authors: Pérez María José , Ivanyuk Dina , Panagiotakopoulou Vasiliki , Di Napoli Gabriele , Kalb Stefanie , Brunetti Dario , Al-Shaana Rawaa , Kaeser Stephan A. , Fraschka Sabine Anne-Kristin , Jucker Mathias , Zeviani Massimo , Viscomi Carlo , Deleidi Michela
Published: July 2020

Abstracts

Mutations in pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1 (PITRM1), a mitochondrial protease involved in mitochondrial precursor processing and degradation, result in a slow-progressing syndrome characterized by cerebellar ataxia, psychotic episodes, and obsessive behavior, as well as cognitive decline. To investigate the pathogenetic mechanisms of mitochondrial presequence processing, we employed cortical neurons and cerebral organoids generated from PITRM1-knockout human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). PITRM1 deficiency strongly induced mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and enhanced mitochondrial clearance in iPSC-derived neurons. Furthermore, we observed increased levels of amyloid precursor protein and amyloid β in PITRM1-knockout neurons. However, neither cell death nor protein aggregates were observed in 2D iPSC-derived cortical neuronal cultures. On the other hand, over time, cerebral organoids generated from PITRM1-knockout iPSCs spontaneously developed pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including the accumulation of protein aggregates, tau pathology, and neuronal cell death. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a perturbation of mitochondrial function in all cell types in PITRM1-knockout cerebral organoids, whereas immune transcriptional signatures were substantially dysregulated in astrocytes. Importantly, we provide evidence of a protective role of UPRmtand mitochondrial clearance against impaired mitochondrial presequence processing and proteotoxic stress. Here, we propose a novel concept of PITRM1-linked neurological syndrome whereby defects of mitochondrial presequence processing induce an early activation of UPRmtthat, in turn, modulates cytosolic quality control pathways. Thus, our work supports a mechanistic link between mitochondrial function and common neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
Determination of the phylogenetic origins of the Árpád Dynasty based on Y chromosome sequencing of Béla the Third
Authors: Nagy Péter L. , Olasz Judit , Neparáczki Endre , Rouse Nicholas , Kapuria Karan , Cano Samantha , Chen Huijie , Di Cristofaro Julie , Runfeldt Goran , Ekomasova Natalia , Maróti Zoltán , Jeney János , Litvinov Sergey , Dzhaubermezov Murat , Gabidullina Lilya , Szentirmay Zoltán , Szabados György , Zgonjanin Dragana , Chiaroni Jacques , Behar Doron M. , Khusnutdinova Elza , Underhill Peter A. , Kásler Miklós
Published: July 2020

We set out to identify the origins of the Árpád Dynasty based on genome sequencing of DNA derived from the skeletal remains of Hungarian King Béla III (1172–1196) and eight additional individuals (six males, two females) originally interred at the Royal Basilica of Székesfehérvár. Y-chromosome analysis established that two individuals, Béla III and HU52 assign to haplogroups R-Z2125 whose distribution centres near South Central Asia with subsidiary expansions in the regions of modern Iran, the Volga Ural region and the Caucasus. Out of a cohort of 4340 individuals from these geographic areas, we acquired whole-genome data from 208 individuals derived for the R-Z2123 haplogroup. From these data we have established that the closest living kin of the Árpád Dynasty are R-SUR51 derived modern day Bashkirs predominantly from the Burzyansky and Abzelilovsky districts of Bashkortostan in the Russian Federation. Our analysis also reveals the existence of SNPs defining a novel Árpád Dynasty specific haplogroup R-ARP. Framed within the context of a high resolution R-Z2123 phylogeny, the ancestry of the first Hungarian royal dynasty traces to the region centering near Northern Afghanistan about 4500 years ago and identifies the Bashkirs as their closest kin, with a separation date between the two populations at the beginning of the first millennium CE.
ERA5-based global meteorological wildfire danger maps
Authors: Vitolo Claudia , Di Giuseppe Francesca , Barnard Christopher , Coughlan Ruth , San-Miguel-Ayanz Jesus , Libertá Giorgio , Krzeminski Blazej
Published: July 2020

Forest fires are an integral part of the natural Earth system dynamics, however they are becoming more devastating and less predictable as anthropogenic climate change exacerbates their impacts. In order to advance fire science, fire danger reanalysis products can be used as proxy for fire weather observations with the advantage of being homogeneously distributed both in space and time. This manuscript describes a reanalysis dataset of fire danger indices based on the Canadian Fire Weather Index system and the ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis dataset, which supersedes the previous dataset based on ERA-Interim. The new fire danger reanalysis dataset provides a number of benefits compared to the one based on ERA-Interim: it relies on better estimates of precipitation, evaporation and soil moisture, it is available in a deterministic form as well as a probabilistic ensemble and it is characterised by a considerably higher spatial resolution. It is a valuable resource for forestry agencies and scientists in the field of wildfire danger modeling and beyond. The global dataset is produced by ECMWF, as the computational centre of the European Forest Fire information System (EFFIS) of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, and it is made available free of charge through the Climate Data Store.
Executive functions predict verbal fluency scores in healthy participants
Authors: Amunts Julia , Camilleri Julia A. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Heim Stefan , Weis Susanne
Published: July 2020

While there is a clear link between impairments of executive functions (EFs), i.e. cognitive control mechanisms that facilitate goal-directed behavior, and speech problems, it is so far unclear exactly which of the complex subdomains of EFs most strongly contribute to speech performance, as measured by verbal fluency (VF) tasks. Furthermore, the impact of intra-individual variability is largely unknown. This study on healthy participants (n = 235) shows that the use of a relevance vector machine approach allows for the prediction of VF performance from EF scores. Based on a comprehensive set of EF scores, results identified cognitive flexibility and inhibition as well as processing speed as strongest predictors for VF performance, but also highlighted a modulatory influence of fluctuating hormone levels. These findings demonstrate that speech production performance is strongly linked to specific EF subdomains, but they also suggest that inter-individual differences should be taken into account.
Efficacy of Acacia nilotica aqueous extract in treating biofilm-forming and multidrug resistant uropathogens isolated from patients with UTI syndrome
Authors: Elamary Rokaia B. , Albarakaty Fawziah M. , Salem Wesam M.
Published: July 2020

Escherichia coli is the dominant bacterial cause of UTI among the uropathogens in both developed and developing countries. This study is to investigate the effect of Acacia nilotica aqueous extract on the survival and biofilm of isolated pathogens to reduce UTIs diseases. A total of 170 urine samples were collected from Luxor general hospital and private medical analysis laboratories in Luxor providence, Egypt. Samples were screened for the incidence of uropathogens by biochemical tests, antibiotics susceptibility, detection of virulence, and antibiotic-resistant genes by multiplex PCR, biofilm formation, and time-killing assay. Escherichia coli is by far the most prevalent causative agent with the percentage of 73.7% followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, and Acinetobacter baumanii. Isolates were multidrug-resistant containing blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX, qnrs, and aac(3)-Ia resistant genes. All isolates were sensitive to 15–16.7 mg ml−1 of Acacia nilotica aqueous extract. Time killing assay confirmed the bactericidal effect of the extract over time (20–24 h). A high percentage of 3-Cyclohexane-1-Carboxaldehyde, 2,6,6-trimethyl (23.5%); á-Selinene (15.12%); Oleic Acid (14.52%); Globulol (11.35%) were detected among 19 bioactive phytochemical compounds in the aqueous extract of A. nilotica over the GC-mass spectra analysis. The plant extract reduced significantly the biofilm activity of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, and P. aeuroginosa by 62.6, 59. 03, 48.9 and 39.2%, respectively. The challenge to improve the production of A. nilotica phytochemicals is considered a very low price for the return.
Overcoming challenges in human saliva gene expression measurements
Authors: Ostheim Patrick , Tichý Ales , Sirak Igor , Davidkova Marie , Stastna Marketa Markova , Kultova Gabriela , Paunesku Tatjana , Woloschak Gayle , Majewski Matthaeus , Port Matthias , Abend Michael
Published: July 2020

Saliva, as a non-invasive and easily accessible biofluid, has been shown to contain RNA biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of several diseases. However, systematic analysis done by our group identified two problematic issues not coherently described before: (1) most of the isolated RNA originates from the oral microbiome and (2) the amount of isolated human RNA is comparatively low. The degree of bacterial contamination showed ratios up to 1:900,000, so that only about one out of 900,000 RNA copies was of human origin, but the RNA quality (average RIN 6.7 + /− 0.8) allowed for qRT-PCR. Using 12 saliva samples from healthy donors, we modified the methodology to (1) select only human RNA during cDNA synthesis by aiming at the poly(A)+-tail and (2) introduced a pre-amplification of human RNA before qRT-PCR. Further, the manufacturer’s criteria for successful pre-amplification (Ct values ≤ 35 for unamplified cDNA) had to be replaced by (3) proofing linear pre-amplification for each gene, thus, increasing the number of evaluable samples up to 70.6%. When considering theses three modifications unbiased gene expression analysis on human salivary RNA can be performed.
Inhibition of interaction between Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin and erythrocytes membrane by hydrolysable tannins: structure-related activity study
Authors: Olchowik-Grabarek Ewa , Sekowski Szymon , Bitiucki Maciej , Dobrzynska Izabela , Shlyonsky Vadim , Ionov Maksim , Burzynski Paweł , Roszkowska Anna , Swiecicka Izabela , Abdulladjanova Nodira , Zamaraeva Maria
Published: July 2020

The objective of the study was a comparative analysis of the antihemolytic activity against two Staphylococcus aureus strains (8325-4 and NCTC 5655) as well as α-hemolysin and of the membrane modifying action of four hydrolysable tannins with different molecular mass and flexibility: 3,6-bis-O-di-O-galloyl-1,2,4-tri-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (T1), 1,2,3,4,5-penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (T2), 3-O-galloyl-1,2-valoneoyl-β-d-glucose (T3) and 1,2-di-O-galloyl-4,6-valoneoyl-β-d-glucose (T4). We showed that all the compounds studied manifested antihemolytic effects in the range of 5–50 µM concentrations. However, the degree of the reduction of hemolysis by the investigated tannins was not uniform. A valoneoyl group—containing compounds (T3 and T4) were less active. Inhibition of the hemolysis induced by α-hemolysin was also noticed on preincubated with the tannins and subsequently washed erythrocytes. In this case the efficiency again depended on the tannin structure and could be represented by the following order: T1 > T2 > T4 > T3. We also found a relationship between the degree of antihemolytic activity of the tannins studied and their capacity to increase the ordering parameter of the erythrocyte membrane outer layer and to change zeta potential. Overall, our study showed a potential of the T1 and T2 tannins as anti-virulence agents. The results of this study using tannins with different combinations of molecular mass and flexibility shed additional light on the role of tannin structure in activity manifestation.
The aptamer BT200 effectively inhibits von Willebrand factor (VWF) dependent platelet function after stimulated VWF release by desmopressin or endotoxin
Authors: Kovacevic Katarina D. , Buchtele Nina , Schoergenhofer Christian , Derhaschnig Ulla , Gelbenegger Georg , Brostjan Christine , Zhu Shuhao , Gilbert James C. , Jilma Bernd
Published: July 2020

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays a major role in arterial thrombosis. Antiplatelet drugs induce only a moderate relative risk reduction after atherothrombosis, and their inhibitory effects are compromised under high shear rates when VWF levels are increased. Therefore, we investigated the ex vivo effects of a third-generation anti-VWF aptamer (BT200) before/after stimulated VWF release. We studied the concentration-effect curves BT200 had on VWF activity, platelet plug formation under high shear rates (PFA), and ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (Multiplate) before and after desmopressin or endotoxin infusions in healthy volunteers. VWF levels increased > 2.5-fold after desmopressin or endotoxin infusion (p < 0.001) and both agents elevated circulating VWF activity. At baseline, 0.51 µg/ml BT200 reduced VWF activity to 20% of normal, but 2.5-fold higher BT200 levels were required after desmopressin administration (p < 0.001). Similarly, twofold higher BT200 concentrations were needed after endotoxin infusion compared to baseline (p < 0.011). BT200 levels of 0.49 µg/ml prolonged collagen-ADP closure times to > 300 s at baseline, whereas 1.35 µg/ml BT200 were needed 2 h after desmopressin infusion. Similarly, twofold higher BT200 concentrations were necessary to inhibit ristocetin induced aggregation after desmopressin infusion compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Both stimuli elevated plasma VWF levels in a manner representative of thrombotic or pro-inflammatory conditions such as arterial thrombosis. Even under these conditions, BT200 potently inhibited VWF activity and VWF-dependent platelet function, but higher BT200 concentrations were required for comparable effects relative to the unstimulated state.
Relationship between radiation doses to heart substructures and radiation pneumonitis in patients with thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Tomita Natsuo , Okuda Katsuhiro , Ogawa Yasutaka , Iida Masato , Eguchi Yuta , Kitagawa Yuto , Uchiyama Kaoru , Takaoka Taiki , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: July 2020

Radiation doses to the heart are potentially high in patients undergoing radiotherapy for thymoma or thymic carcinoma because of their origin site and propensity for pericardial invasion. We investigated potential relationships between radiation pneumonitis (RP) and the dosimetric parameters of lung and heart substructures in patients with thymic epithelial tumors. This retrospective study included 70 consecutive patients who received definitive or postoperative radiotherapy at a median dose of 58.3 Gy. Heart substructures were delineated according to a published atlas. The primary end point of ≥ grade 2 RP was observed in 13 patients (19%) despite a low lung dose; median lung V20 (i.e. percentage of the volume receiving at least 20 Gy) was only 16.6%. In a univariate analysis, four lung parameters, heart V35, three pulmonary artery (PA) parameters, two left ventricle parameters, and left atrium V35 were associated with the development of RP. In a multivariate analysis, only PA V35 remained significant (hazard ratio 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.007). PA V35 of the RP versus non-RP groups were 84.2% versus 60.0% (p = 0.003). The moderate dose sparing of PA could be a candidate as a planning constraint for reducing the risk of RP in thoracic radiotherapy.
Integrated multiomics analysis of hepatoblastoma unravels its heterogeneity and provides novel druggable targets
Authors: Sekiguchi Masahiro , Seki Masafumi , Kawai Tomoko , Yoshida Kenichi , Yoshida Misa , Isobe Tomoya , Hoshino Noriko , Shirai Ryota , Tanaka Mio , Souzaki Ryota , Watanabe Kentaro , Arakawa Yuki , Nannya Yasuhito , Suzuki Hiromichi , Fujii Yoichi , Kataoka Keisuke , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Shimamura Teppei , Sato Yusuke , Sato-Otsubo Aiko , Kimura Shunsuke , Kubota Yasuo , Hiwatari Mitsuteru , Koh Katsuyoshi , Hayashi Yasuhide , Kanamori Yutaka , Kasahara Mureo , Kohashi Kenichi , Kato Motohiro , Yoshioka Takako , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Oka Akira , Taguchi Tomoaki , Sanada Masashi , Tanaka Yukichi , Miyano Satoru , Hata Kenichiro , Ogawa Seishi , Takita Junko
Published: July 2020

Although hepatoblastoma is the most common pediatric liver cancer, its genetic heterogeneity and therapeutic targets are not well elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a multiomics analysis, including mutatome, DNA methylome, and transcriptome analyses, of 59 hepatoblastoma samples. Based on DNA methylation patterns, hepatoblastoma was classified into three clusters exhibiting remarkable correlation with clinical, histological, and genetic features. Cluster F was largely composed of cases with fetal histology and good outcomes, whereas clusters E1 and E2 corresponded primarily to embryonal/combined histology and poor outcomes. E1 and E2, albeit distinguishable by different patient age distributions, were genetically characterized by hypermethylation of the HNF4A/CEBPA-binding regions, fetal liver-like expression patterns, upregulation of the cell cycle pathway, and overexpression ofNQO1andODC1. Inhibition ofNQO1andODC1in hepatoblastoma cells induced chemosensitization and growth suppression, respectively. Our results provide a comprehensive description of the molecular basis of hepatoblastoma and rational therapeutic strategies for high-risk cases.
Half a century of amyloids: past, present and future
Authors: Ke Pu Chun , Zhou Ruhong , Serpell Louise C. , Riek Roland , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Lashuel Hilal A. , Gazit Ehud , Hamley Ian W. , Davis Thomas P. , Fändrich Marcus , Otzen Daniel Erik , Chapman Matthew R. , Dobson Christopher M. , Eisenberg David S. , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: July 2020

Amyloid diseases are global epidemics with profound health, social and economic implications and yet remain without a cure.
Direct synthesis of phosphorotrithioites and phosphorotrithioates from white phosphorus and thiols
Authors: Huangfu Xinlei , Wang Yueqiao , Lu Guozhang , Cao Yinwei , Tang Guo , Zhao Yufen
Published: July 2020

General and high-yielding synthesis of phosphorotrithioites and phosphorotrithioates involving white phosphorus (P4) and thiols under air conditions is presented.
Heat dissipative mechanical damping properties of EPDM rubber composites including hybrid fillers of aluminium nitride and boron nitride
Authors: Cho Jung Keun , Sun Hanna , Seo Hee Won , Chung June-Young , Seol Mina , Kim Sung-Hoon , Kim Ra-Seong , Park In-Kyung , Suhr Jonghwan , Park Joon Chul , Jung Heon Seob , Park Hyun Ho , Choi Hyouk Ryeol , Nam Jae-Do
Published: July 2020

As highly integrated electronic devices and automotive parts are becoming used in high-power and load-bearing systems, thermal conductivity and mechanical damping properties have become critical factors, which could be enhanced by the composites with the different-shaped hybrid fillers.
Interlaboratory method validation of imaged capillary isoelectric focusing methodology for analysis of recombinant human erythropoietin
Authors: Li Xiang , Shi Xingchang , Qin Xi , Yu Lei , Zhou Yong , Rao Chunming
Published: July 2020

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is one of the most important biopharmaceuticals worldwide, with global sales expected to reach US$11.9 billion in 2020.
Machine learning approach for accurate backmapping of coarse-grained models to all-atom models
Authors: An Yaxin , Deshmukh Sanket A.
Published: July 2020

Four different machine learning (ML) regression models: artificial neural network,k-nearest neighbors, Gaussian process regression and random forest were built to backmap coarse-grained models to all-atom models.
A covalent organic polymer as an efficient chemosensor for highly selective H2S detection through proton conduction
Authors: Maiti Sayan , Mandal Biswajit , Sharma Meenu , Mukherjee Shaibal , Das Apurba K.
Published: July 2020

An interdigitated electrode fabricated with a covalent organic polymer (COP) acts as an efficient H2S gas sensor at room temperature.
Nanoscale kinetic imaging of lithium ion secondary battery materials using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy
Authors: Takahashi Yasufumi , Yamashita Tsubasa , Takamatsu Daiko , Kumatani Akichika , Fukuma Takeshi
Published: July 2020

To visualize the electrochemical reactivity and obtain the diffusion coefficient of the anode of lithium-ion batteries, we developed scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) in a glovebox.
Investigation of the influence of cationic and anionic ions on the oriented dissolution of calcite
Authors: Zhang Yuzhe , Li Jiangfeng , Qi Limin , Ma Yurong
Published: July 2020

Cations (metal ions) have a more significant influence than anions on the oriented dissolution process of calcite and the metastable side faces and step edges of calcite micropyramids, probably due to the strong interaction between cations and CO32−.
Advancing predictions of protein stability in the solid state
Authors: Batens Maarten , Shmool Talia A. , Massant Jan , Zeitler J. Axel , Van den Mooter Guy
Published: July 2020

Investigating the different relaxation dynamics of glassy solid state monoclonal antibody formulations and how these relate to protein stability within the framework of the energy landscape.
Functional movements of the GABA type A receptor
Authors: Várnai Csilla , Irwin B. W. J. , Payne M. C. , Csányi Gábor , Chau P.-L.
Published: July 2020

We have performed a Monte Carlo simulation of the GABA type A receptor. We have analysed the configurations and developed a correlation tensor method to predict receptor gating.
A method for predicting basins in the global optimization of nanoclusters with applications to AlxCuy alloys
Authors: Silva F. T. , Yoshinaga M. , Galvão B. R. L.
Published: July 2020

Repeated calculations are avoided by predicting that a known basin is being visited again.
Spectroscopic identification of fragment ions of DNA/RNA building blocks: the case of pyrimidine
Authors: Chatterjee Kuntal , Dopfer Otto
Published: July 2020

The structure of the predominant fragments of the fundamental pyrimidine cation arising from sequential loss of HCN are identified by infrared spectroscopy of tagged ions and dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations.
Conductivity, structure, and thermodynamics of Y2Ti2O7–Y3NbO7 solid solutions
Authors: Winiarz Piotr , Mielewczyk-Gryń Aleksandra , Lilova Kristina , Wachowski Sebastian , Subramani Tamilarasan , Abramchuk Mykola , Dzik Ewa , Navrotsky Alexandra , Gazda Maria
Published: July 2020

Defect fluorite yttrium niobate Y3NbO7 and pyrochlore yttrium titanate Y2Ti2O7 solid solutions are single-phase oxygen ion- and proton-conducting materials.
Prospects for bioenergy with carbon capture & storage (BECCS) in the United States pulp and paper industry
Authors: Sagues W. J. , Jameel H. , Sanchez D. L. , Park S.
Published: July 2020

The pulp and paper industry is a suitable candidate to lead the deployment of BECCS in the US.
Deriving approximate functionals with asymptotics
Authors: Burke Kieron
Published: July 2020

Could asymtotic expansions make DFT a high accuracy theory?
Cost-effective composite methods for large-scale solid-state calculations
Authors: Donà L. , Brandenburg J. G. , Bush I. J. , Civalleri B.
Published: July 2020

Cost-effective hybrid DFT composite methods allow for large-scale solid-state calculations with small-scale computing resources.
Dry ice-mediated rational synthesis of edge-carboxylated crumpled graphene nanosheets for selective and prompt hydrolysis of cellulose and eucalyptus lignocellulose under ambient reaction conditions
Authors: Idris Abdu Hassan , Eid Kamel , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Sliem Mostafa H. , Elzatahry Ahmed , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: July 2020

Edge-carboxylated graphene (ECG) crumpled nanosheets with tuneable COOH content were synthesized by a facile one pot approach for selective hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose and eucalyptus to xylose and glucose under ambient conditions.
Bio-based solvents as entrainers for extractive distillation in aromatic/aliphatic and olefin/paraffin separation
Authors: Brouwer Thomas , Schuur Boelo
Published: July 2020

A series of bio-based solvents were studied for application as entrainers in extractive distillation with Cyrene™, and compared to sulfolane, 30% energy saving was found for methylcyclohexene distillation from toluene.
Efficient synthesis of bio-derived polycarbonates from dimethyl carbonate and isosorbide: regulating exo-OH and endo-OH reactivity by ionic liquids
Authors: Qian Wei , Ma Xifei , Liu Lei , Deng Lili , Su Qian , Bai Ruibing , Zhang Zengliang , Gou Haibin , Dong Li , Cheng Weiguo , Xu Fei
Published: July 2020

An eco-compatible route to polycarbonates with various molecular weights has been developed by employing ionic liquids that activate monomers.
Evaluation of microflow configurations for scale inhibition and serial X-ray diffraction analysis of crystallization processes
Authors: Levenstein Mark A. , Kim Yi-Yeoun , Hunter Liam , Anduix-Canto Clara , González Niño Carlos , Day Sarah J. , Li Shunbo , Marchant William J. , Lee Phillip A. , Tang Chiu C. , Burghammer Manfred , Meldrum Fiona C. , Kapur Nikil
Published: July 2020

Exploration of crystal growth in microchannels led to effective scale inhibition, enabling time-resolved injector-based serial crystallography-on-a-chip.
A scalable microfluidic chamber array for sample-loss-free and bubble-proof sample compartmentalization by simple pipetting
Authors: Lin Baobao , Guo Zijian , Geng Zhi , Jakaratanopas Siwat , Han Bingqian , Liu Peng
Published: July 2020

A self-compartmentalization device containing an array of microchambers was developed to realize sample-loss-free and bubble-proof sample partitions by manual pipetting.