bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas‐Sensing Activity of Amorphous Copper Oxide Porous Nanosheets
Authors: Tian Zheng , Bai Hua , Li Yahui , Liu Wei , Li Junfang , Kong Qinghong , Xi Guangcheng
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the gas‐sensing properties of copper oxide porous nanosheets in amorphous and highly crystalline states were comparatively investigated on the premise of almost the same specific surface area, morphology and size. Unexpectedly, the results show that amorphous copper oxide porous nanosheets have much better gas sensing properties than highly crystalline copper oxide to a serious of volatile organic compounds, and the lowest detection limit (LOD) of the amorphous copper oxide porous nanosheets to methanal is even up to 10 ppb. By contrast, the LOD of the highly crystalline copper oxide porous nanosheets to methanal is 95 ppb. Experiments prove that the oxygen vacancies contained in the amorphous copper oxide porous nanosheets play a key role in improving gas sensitivity, which greatly improve the chemical activity of the materials, especially for the adsorption of molecules containing oxygen‐groups such as methanal and oxygen.
Changing the paradigm of disability from stigma to equity in university social work education in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Katsui Hisayo , Kazakunova Gulmira , Mojtahedi Mina C.
Published: January 2020

The main aim of this paper is to tease out the historical and deeply rooted ethical standards, spirituality, and social values that have long supported the social service system in Kyrgyzstan, which, today, faces pressure to align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The data are based on an intervention conducted as part of the European Union‐Social Protection Systems programme in Kyrgyzstan between 2017 and 2018 where 30 university lecturers were part of. Interviews both to the Kyrgyz trainers with disabilities and to the trainees of the university lecturers as well as follow‐up survey conducted in 2019 form important part of data for this paper. We first investigate the conventional ethical standards, spiritual explanations, and social values related to disabilities within the Kyrgyz social protection system and social services. We elaborate on the Kyrgyz context of the societal ethics, spirituality, and values around disability in the Kyrgyz university education for social workers. Second, we analyse the transformation of the perception of disability among the university lecturers. We conclude this paper with a discussion on the negotiation between a charity‐based approach that reinforces the stigmatization of disability and a human rights‐based approach that promotes paradigm change, to contribute to global discourse of social change towards disability inclusion.
Rapid electrothermal response and excellent flame retardancy of ethylene‐vinyl acetate electrothermal film
Authors: Tian Wenxiang , Zhang Yan , Liu Jiajia , Cheng Wenhua , Lu Jingyi , Song Lei , Wang Bibo , Hu Yuan
Published: January 2020

In this study, high electrical conductivity and flame retardant electrothermal ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) films were fabricated by using carbon nanotubes‐wrapped ammonium polyphosphate (CAPP) and conductive carbon black (CCB). CAPP was used as a synergistic conductive filler and flame retardant to improve the electrical conductivity and fire safety of the electrothermal film at the same time. Besides, the heat release rate (HRR) and the total heat release (THR) of EVA‐5 decreased about 81.5% and 57.3% compared with those of pure EVA film, respectively. Moreover, by incorporating a small amount of CAPP, EVA‐5 can reach up to V‐0 rating with an limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 31%. EVA film fabricated by CCB and CAPP as conductive material exhibited almost 10 times increment on electrical conductivity than that of same content for CCB alone. And time vs temperature profiles of EVA‐5 showed a stable trend over 3600 seconds without any offset at a given applied voltage of 15 V. Moreover, its excellent cycle heating performance indicated that the electrothermal film can be recycled, which meets the requirements of sustainable development. In a word, this novel strategy provides a simple and effective way to obtain a high conductive and fire safety electrothermal film.
Linking electronic health data in pharmacoepidemiology: Appropriateness and feasibility
Authors: Rivera Donna R. , Gokhale Mugdha N. , Reynolds Matthew W. , Andrews Elizabeth B. , Chun Danielle , Haynes Kevin , Jonsson‐Funk Michele L. , Lynch Kristine E. , Lund Jennifer L. , Strongman Helen , Bhullar Harshvinder , Raman Sudha R.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To provide guidance on data linkage appropriateness and feasibility to plan purposeful and sustainable new linkages that advance pharmacoepidemiology and healthcare research. Planning a new data linkage requires careful evaluation to weigh the resources required with the potential overall benefits.

Methods

In response to an International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) call for manuscripts, a working group comprised of members from academic, industry, and government determined priority content areas; appropriateness and feasibility of data linkage was selected. Within this topic, scientific and operational considerations were determined, reviewed, and formulated into key areas, and translated into 12 consensus recommendations.

Results

Guidance for feasibility assessment was categorized into five key areas: (1) research objectives and justification; (2) data quality and completeness; (3) the linkage process; (4) data ownership and governance; and (5) overall value added by linkage. Within these key areas, recommendations to consider prior to initiation were developed to evaluate suitability of the linkage to meet research objectives, assess source data completeness and population coverage, and ensure well‐defined data governance standards and protections. When creating novel linked datasets, researchers must assess the feasibility of both scientific (data quality and linkage methods) and operational (access, data use and transfer, governance, and cost) aspects.

Conclusions

The data linkage feasibility assessment considerations outlined can be used as a guide when designing sustainable linked data resources to generate actionable evidence in healthcare research. These recommendations were constructed for wide applicability and can be adapted depending on the geographic, structural, and data components of the linkage.
Enhancement of Service Life and Electrical Insulation Properties of Polymeric Cables With the Optimum Content of Aromatic Voltage Stabilizer
Authors: Chen Xiangrong , Paramane Ashish , Liu Haiyan , Tie Jiang , Wei Zuojun , Tanaka Yasuhiro
Published: January 2020

This article presents the possibility of extending the service life of XLPE insulation based on high voltage cables by blending the optimum concentration of the aromatic voltage stabilizer. The insulation performance of XLPE is analyzed by adding the 0.5, 1, and 3 wt% of 3‐aminobenzoic acid voltage stabilizer. The investigated insulation properties include the DC step‐by‐step breakdown to estimate the life exponent, space charge, DC conductivity, surface potential decay, dielectric loss, and dielectric constant measurements. The results illustrate that the 1 wt% voltage stabilizer addition increases the life exponent from 10 up to 15, which is highly suitable for the high voltage cables. Moreover, it exhibits the negligible space charge accumulation and the least electrical field distortion inside the insulation bulk. It also exhibits the lower DC conductivity by one order of magnitude comparing to the pure XLPE. The highest bandgap value of 1 wt% addition further supports its better insulating properties. Furthermore, the dielectric measurements show that the XLPE with 1 wt% voltage stabilizer exhibits the least dielectric constant and dielectric loss. The differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis results show that the thermal properties are significantly improved after the voltage stabilizer addition. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:717–731, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Transparent silicon carbide/tunnel SiO2 passivation for c‐Si solar cell front side: Enabling Jsc > 42 mA/cm2 and iVoc of 742 mV
Authors: Pomaska Manuel , Köhler Malte , Procel Moya Paul , Zamchiy Alexandr , Singh Aryak , Kim Do Yun , Isabella Olindo , Zeman Miro , Li Shenghao , Qiu Kaifu , Eberst Alexander , Smirnov Vladimir , Finger Friedhelm , Rau Uwe , Ding Kaining
Published: January 2020

N‐type microcrystalline silicon carbide (μc‐SiC:H(n)) is a wide bandgap material that is very promising for the use on the front side of crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells. It offers a high optical transparency and a suitable refractive index that reduces parasitic absorption and reflection losses, respectively. In this work, we investigate the potential of hot wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD)–grown μc‐SiC:H(n) for c‐Si solar cells with interdigitated back contacts (IBC). We demonstrate outstanding passivation quality of μc‐SiC:H(n) on tunnel oxide (SiO2)–passivated c‐Si with an implied open‐circuit voltage of 742 mV and a saturation current density of 3.6 fA/cm2. This excellent passivation quality is achieved directly after the HWCVD deposition of μc‐SiC:H(n) at 250°C heater temperature without any further treatments like recrystallization or hydrogenation. Additionally, we developed magnesium fluoride (MgF2)/silicon nitride (SiNx:H)/silicon carbide antireflection coatings that reduce optical losses on the front side to only 0.47 mA/cm2 with MgF2/SiNx:H/μc‐SiC:H(n) and 0.62 mA/cm2 with MgF2/μc‐SiC:H(n). Finally, calculations with Sentaurus TCAD simulation using MgF2/μc‐SiC:H(n)/SiO2/c‐Si as front side layer stack in an IBC solar cell reveal a short‐circuit current density of 42.2 mA/cm2, an open‐circuit voltage of 738 mV, a fill factor of 85.2% and a maximum power conversion efficiency of 26.6%.
Visit Characteristics Associated With Opioids Administered or Prescribed During Emergency Department Visits for Ankle Sprain Between 2010 and 2015
Authors: Kosik Kyle B. , Hoch Matthew C. , Villasante‐Tezanos Alejandro G. , Gribble Phillip A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Recent research has demonstrated that patients with ankle sprain who are discharged from the emergency department (ED) are prescribed an opioid. Minimizing the exposure to opioids is important to help prevent future abuse and misuse of these medications.

Objective

Identify ED visit characteristics for an ankle sprain that are associated with an opioid given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both.

Design

Retrospective analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS).

Setting

Hospital.

Participants

Isolated ankle sprain visits to a United States ED.

Main Outcome Measurements

The main outcome was an opioid given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both between 2010 and 2015. Explanatory variables included age, sex, race, attending physician or resident, and geographic location of the hospital. A multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the independent association between an opioid given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both, and all explanatory variables. The analysis accounted for the cluster, strata, and probability weights for each year of the NHAMCS.

Results

Ankle sprain visits for patients ≤17 years of age had a lower odds of an opioid being given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both, compared to visits for patients 18 to 24 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1, 0.5]; P < .001). Visits in the West (aOR = 2.5 [95% CI = 1.2, 5.4]) or South (aOR = 2.9 [95% CI = 1.6, 5.4]; P = .010) had higher odds of an opioid being given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both, compared to visits in the Northeast.

Conclusions

Ankle sprain visits for patients ≤17 years of age had a lower odds of an opioid compared to visits for patients 18 to 24 years of age. Ankle sprain visits in the South or West had a higher odds of an opioid compared to visits in the Northeast. These findings provide a direction for future work aimed at minimizing exposure to opioids after an ankle sprain.
The Effectiveness of Core Exercising for Postural Control in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cabrera‐Martos Irene , Ortiz‐Rubio Araceli , Torres‐Sánchez Irene , López‐López Laura , Jarrar Majd , Valenza M. Carmen
Published: January 2020

Objective

Patients with stroke frequently present postural control impairment. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of core exercising on postural control in patients with stroke.

Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Literature Survey

Systematic review in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, Scopus, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Studies up to July 2019 were included.

Methodology

Studies were included if the sample was composed of adults with stroke, the intervention followed a core exercising approach (alone or combined with another intervention), and the study was a randomized controlled trial including at least one measurement related to posture control. Studies were independently screened for inclusion and data were extracted by two researchers, with a third researcher arbitrating any disputes. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black scale.

Synthesis

After screening of 1540 records, a total of 14 studies met the specified inclusion criteria and involved 520 participants. Two studies exhibited “excellent” quality and five exhibited “poor” quality. The meta‐analysis was performed with data from the Trunk Impairment Scale (mean difference 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.69 to 1.27; P < .001), Berg Balance Scale (mean difference 0.27; 95% confidence interval, −0.25 to 0.79; P = .317), and Timed Up and Go test (mean difference −0.09; 95% confidence interval, −0.49 to 0.31; P = .656). The results favored core exercising alone or in combination with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation when compared with conventional training or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in patients with stroke. No significant differences in total values were found in the other measures.

Conclusions

The studies reviewed suggest that core exercising alone or in combination with other therapies had an impact on trunk performance when compared with conventional training in patients with stroke. However, total analyses did not show significant differences for the other measures related to balance ability analyzed.
Noninvasive Temperature Measurement in Dental Materials Using Nd3+, Yb3+ Doped Nanoparticles Emitting in the Near Infrared Region
Authors: Yakovliev Artem , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y. , Ziniuk Roman , Dias Tereza , Wang Xin , Xu Hao , Chen Guanying , Qu Junle , Gomes Anderson S. L.
Published: January 2020

In this work, the application of near infrared (NIR)‐emitting NaYbF4:1%Tm3+@NaLuF4:30%Nd3+ core–shell nanoparticles is reported for noninvasive probing and monitoring the temperature during photopolymerization of dental materials. When excited at 808 nm, the synthesized nanoparticles emit NIR photoluminescence (PL) with two distinctive peaks at 865 and 980 nm which correspond to radiative transitions from the doped Nd3+ and Yb3+ ions, respectively. Luminescence intensity ratio between these two bands is found to vary with temperature due to temperature‐dependent electronic excitation energy transfer between Nd3+ and Yb3+ ions at the core/shell interface. This finding allows luminescence ratiometric evaluation of the in situ temperature during photopolymerization of resin cement (doped with nanoparticles) in a veneer placement procedure. In addition, the NIR emission also enables PL imaging of the distribution of the adhesive under the veneer. The results highlight that rare‐earth ions–doped nanoparticles with both excitation and emission in the NIR spectral range are advantageous for both PL‐based nanothermometry and imaging due to the reduced attenuation of NIR light by dental ceramics.
A Systematic Review of the Root Canal Microbiota Associated with Apical Periodontitis: Lessons from Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Manoil Daniel , Al‐Manei Khaled , Belibasakis Georgios N.
Published: January 2020

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has now been applied for a decade to characterize the microbiota composition of infected dental root canals associated with apical periodontitis. Here, the study aims at systematically and critically reviewing these reports within the outcome of interest selected; the microbiota composition in different endodontic infection types. Standard methodological guidelines as stated by the PRISMA and the Joanna Briggs Institute are followed, including a risk of bias assessment. A literature search is conducted using the PubMed Advanced‐Search Builder on April 8, 2019; only original research articles that investigated the microbiota of infected root‐canals by means of NGS are screened. Among the 26 articles initially identified, 18 are included and evaluated for the following parameters; sampling protocol, sequencing strategy, and microbiota composition. The endodontic infections include primary apical periodontitis (PAP), secondary apical periodontitis (SAP), and apical abscess (AA). All infection types are associated with a highly diverse microbiota. Although some taxa appear differentially abundant between PAPs, SAPs, and AAs, no evident clustering of the microbiota by infection type is observed. These studies collectively formulate a comprehensive map of the taxa associated with endodontic infections and provide evidence of compositionally unspecific, yet abundance differentiates, community profiles according to clinical diagnosis.
Generalized joint hypermobility in siblings with anterior cruciate ligament injuries and matched unrelated healthy siblings
Authors: Keays Susan L. , Newcombe Peter , Keays Anthony C.
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are common knee injuries, and siblings of individuals with an ACL injury may be at higher risk of ACL injury. Generalized hypermobility may be a familial factor predisposing siblings to ACL injury and may also relate to faulty lower limb alignment. There is a need to determine whether the interaction between hypermobility, family history, and faulty alignment makes siblings with hypermobility at higher risk for ACL injury so that appropriate preventative measures can be taken. This study therefore aimed to (a) compare the prevalence of generalized hypermobility and faulty limb alignment in siblings with and without injury and (b) assess the relationship between generalized hypermobility and lower limb alignment.

Methods

In this case‐controlled study, 24 siblings with ACL injuries from 10 families were matched with 24 healthy uninjured siblings from 10 unrelated families. Generalized hypermobility was assessed using Beighton's criteria. Chi‐square analyses compared generalized hypermobility and lower limb alignment between siblings and sibling pairs with and without injuries. Spearman's rho was used to assess correlations between generalized hypermobility and lower limb alignment.

Results

There were significant differences between the number of injured and uninjured siblings demonstrating generalized hypermobility when tallied individually (p = .003) and in same‐family sibling pairs (p = .019). Significant (or close) differences were found between siblings for knee hyperextension (p < .001), knee valgus (p = .01), and foot pronation (p = .002) and for sibling pairs sharing knee hyperextension (p < .001), knee valgus (p = .06), and foot pronation (p = .06). Generalized hypermobility correlated with knee hyperextension (rs = .722; p < .001), knee valgus (rs = .385; p = .007), and foot pronation (rs = .328; p = .023).

Conclusions

Generalized hypermobility and faulty limb alignment occur significantly more frequently in injured than uninjured families. Screening for both features would assist in identifying at‐risk siblings. Prevention programmes reduce ACL injuries by 50–70% and should target hypermobile siblings of the ACL injured.
Aggregated Markov‐based reliability analysis of multi‐state systems under combined dynamic environments
Authors: Jia Xujie , Xing Liudong , Song Xueying
Published: January 2020

Reliability of a system may differ greatly when operating under different environments. However, the existing works have either neglected the environment factor in system reliability analysis or considered this factor for binary systems or systems subject to a single environment (parameter). In this paper, we make contributions by modeling a multi‐state system operating under hybrid dynamic environments affected by multiple environmental parameters. Different Markov chains with finite states are used to represent the random system behavior and dynamic environments, leading to an aggregated Markov process that models the overall system behavior. An effective approach based on state partitions and aggregations is suggested for assessing the system reliability indexes, including reliability, availability, multi‐point availability, and environment‐based reliability. A high‐pressure homogenizer system is analyzed to demonstrate the proposed model and show the comparison of the reliability of system under fixed and dynamic environment.
DIUTHAME enables matrix‐free mass spectrometry imaging of frozen tissue sections
Authors: Kuwata Keiko , Itou Kayoko , Kotani Masahiro , Ohmura Takayuki , Naito Yasuhide
Published: January 2020

Rationale

A recently developed matrix‐free laser desorption/ionization method, DIUTHAME (desorption ionization using through‐hole alumina membrane), was examined for the feasibility of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) applied to frozen tissue sections. The permeation behavior of DIUTHAME is potentially useful for MSI as positional information may not be distorted during the extraction of analytes from a sample.

Methods

The through‐hole porous alumina membranes used in the DIUTHAME chips were fabricated by wet anodization, were 5 μm thick, and had the desired values of 200 nm through‐hole diameter and 50% open aperture ratio. Mouse brain frozen tissue sections on indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated slides were covered using the DIUTHAME chips and were subjected to MSI experiments in commercial time‐of‐flight mass spectrometers equipped with solid‐state UV lasers after thawing and drying without matrix application.

Result

Mass spectra and mass images were successfully obtained from the frozen tissue sections using DIUTHAME as the ionization method. The mass spectra contained rich peaks in the phospholipid mass range free from the chemical background owing to there being no matrix‐derived peaks in that range. DIUTHAME‐MSI delivered high‐quality mass images that reflected the anatomy of the brain tissue.

Conclusions

Analytes can be extracted from frozen tissue by capillary action of the through‐holes in DIUTHAME and moisture contained in the tissue without distorting positional information of the analytes. The sample preparation for frozen tissue sections in DIUTHAME‐MSI is simple, requiring no specialized skills or dedicated apparatus for matrix application. DIUTHAME can facilitate MSI at a low mass, as there is no interference from matrix‐derived peaks, and should provide high‐quality, reproducible mass images more easily than MALDI‐MSI.
Tribological behaviors of DLC films in sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions
Authors: Li Wensheng , He Dongqing , Ren Wei , Wang Liping , Shang Lunling , Zhang Guangan
Published: January 2020

Tribological behaviors of three typical kinds of diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films (a‐C, a‐C:Cr, and a‐C:H) in sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions were investigated. The a‐C film showed the lowest stable coefficients of friction (COF) in both sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions but the worst wear resistance in sulfuric acid solution. The a‐C:H film showed the highest COF in sulfuric acid solution and the best wear resistance in both sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions. The a‐C:Cr film exhibited superior comprehensive tribological performance in sulfuric acid solution, while in sodium hydroxide solution, high COF and very poor wear resistance was observed. What is more, friction and wear mechanism was revealed by investigating the friction‐induced material evolutions on the sliding surface.
Sulfonated Graphene‐Oxide as Metal‐Free Efficient Carbocatalyst for the Synthesis of 3‐Methyl‐4‐(hetero)arylmethylene isoxazole‐5(4H)‐ones and Substituted Pyrazole
Authors: Basak Puja , Dey Sourav , Ghosh Pranab
Published: January 2020

A straightforward, simple and unprecedented transformative protocol has been accomplished towards furnishing a wide variety of pharmaceutically promising functionalised 3‐methyl‐4‐(hetero)arylmethylene isoxazole‐5(4H)‐ones and 6‐Amino‐3‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,4‐[2,3‐c]pyrazole‐5‐carbonitriles. Sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO), a new class of heterogeneous carbocatalyst, was found to be efficient for thisone pot rapid conversion of isoxazoles and pyranopyrazoles from aldehyde. The prepared SGO was characterised by FEG‐SEM, HR‐TEM, FTIR and was recyclable up to 5th run without a significant drop in its catalytic activity. Metal free synthesis, good to excellent yield, high atom economy, usage of readily available starting material, operational simplicity, easy workup, and recyclable catalyst are the fundamental features of this protocol.
Long‐term projections of sea‐level rise from ice sheets
Authors: Golledge Nicholas R.
Published: January 2020

Under future climate change scenarios it is virtually certain that global mean sea level will continue to rise. But the rate at which this occurs, and the height and time at which it might stabilize, are uncertain. The largest potential contributors to sea level are the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, but these may take thousands of years to fully adjust to environmental changes. Modeled projections of how these ice masses will evolve in the future are numerous, but vary both in complexity and projection timescale. Typically, there is greater agreement between models in the present century than over the next millennium. This reflects uncertainty in the physical processes that dominate ice‐sheet change and also feedbacks in the ice–atmosphere–ocean system, and how these might lead to nonlinear behavior. Satellite observations help constrain short‐term projections of ice‐sheet change but these records are still too short to capture the full ice‐sheet response. Conversely, geological records can be used to inform long‐term ice‐sheet simulations but are prone to large uncertainties, meaning that they are often unable to adequately confirm or refute the operation of particular processes. Because of these limitations there is a clear need to more accurately reconstruct sea level changes during periods of the past, to improve the spatial and temporal extent of current ice sheet observations, and to robustly attribute observed changes to driving mechanisms. Improved future projections will require models that capture a more extensive suite of physical processes than are presently incorporated, and which better quantify the associated uncertainties.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
Refining the genetic architecture of flag leaf glaucousness in wheat
Authors: Würschum Tobias , Langer Simon M. , Longin C. Friedrich H. , Tucker Matthew R. , Leiser Willmar L.
Published: January 2020

Key message

The cuticle is the plant’s barrier against abiotic and biotic stresses, and the deposition of epicuticular wax crystals results in the scattering of light, an effect termed glaucousness. Here, we dissect the genetic architecture of flag leaf glaucousness in wheat toward a future targeted design of the cuticle.

The cuticle serves as a barrier that protects plants against abiotic and biotic stresses. Differences in cuticle composition can be detected by the scattering of light on epicuticular wax crystals, which causes a phenotype termed glaucousness. In this study, we dissected the genetic architecture of flag leaf glaucousness in a panel of 1106 wheat cultivars of global origin. We observed a large genotypic variation, but the geographic pattern suggests that other wax layer characteristics besides glaucousness may be important in conferring tolerance to abiotic stresses such as heat and drought. Genome-wide association mapping identified two major quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosomes 3A and 2B. The latter corresponds to theW1locus, but further characterization revealed that it is likely to contain additional QTL. The same holds true for the major QTL on 3A, which was also found to show an epistatic interaction with another locus located a few centiMorgan distal to it. Genome-wide prediction and the identification of a few additional putative QTL revealed that small-effect QTL also contribute to the trait. Collectively, our results illustrate the complexity of the genetic control of flag leaf glaucousness, with additive effects and epistasis, and lay the foundation for the cloning of the underlying genes toward a more targeted design of the cuticle by plant breeding.
Complications in cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy: timing of the intervention
Authors: Goedemans Taco , Verbaan Dagmar , van der Veer Olivier , Bot Maarten , Post René , Hoogmoed Jantien , Lequin Michiel B. , Buis Dennis R. , Vandertop W. Peter , Coert Bert A. , van den Munckhof Pepijn
Published: January 2020

Objective

To prevent complications following decompressive craniectomy (DC), such as sinking skin flap syndrome, studies suggested early cranioplasty (CP). However, several groups reported higher complication rates in early CP. We studied the clinical characteristics associated with complications in patients undergoing CP, with special emphasis on timing.

Methods

A single-center observational cohort study was performed, including all patients undergoing CP from 2006 to 2018, to identify predictors of complications.

Results

145 patients underwent CP: complications occurred in 33 (23%): 18 (12%) epi/subdural hemorrhage, 10 (7%) bone flap infection, 4 (3%) hygroma requiring drainage, and 1 (1%) post-CP hydrocephalus. On univariate analysis, acute subdural hematoma as etiology of DC, symptomatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow disturbance (hydrocephalus) prior to CP, and CP within three months after DC were associated with higher complication rates. On multivariate analysis, only acute subdural hematoma as etiology of DC (OR 7.5; 95% CI 1.9–29.5) and symptomatic CSF flow disturbance prior to CP (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.1–7.9) were associated with higher complication rates. CP performed within three months after DC was not (OR 1.4; 95% CI 0.5–3.9). Pre-CP symptomatic CSF flow disturbance was the only variable associated with the occurrence of epi/subdural hemorrhage. (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.6–9.0)

Conclusion

Cranioplasty has high complication rates, 23% in our cohort. Contrary to recent systematic reviews, early CP was associated with more complications (41%), explained by the higher incidence of pre-CP CSF flow disturbance and acute subdural hematoma as etiology of DC. CP in such patients should therefore be performed with highest caution.
Fatigue in cancer patients: comparison with the general population and prognostic factors
Authors: Hinz Andreas , Weis Joachim , Brähler Elmar , Härter Martin , Geue Kristina , Ernst Jochen
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The aims of this examination were to compare cancer patients’ fatigue burden with that of the general population, to identify clinical factors that are associated with fatigue, and to test psychometric properties of the fatigue questionnaire MFI-20 including the short-form MFI-10.

Methods

A sample of 1818 German cancer patients was tested with the MFI-20.

Results

The study confirmed that the cancer patients demonstrate a high level of burden from fatigue. The effect size for the comparison between the cancer patients and a sample of the general population (n = 1993) was d = 0.58 based on MFI-20 total scores. In the cancer patients’ sample, females reported slightly higher levels of fatigue than males did (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect of age on fatigue. Advanced tumor stage, the presence of metastases, and a “poorer” Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status were significantly associated with fatigue. The results of the confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) only partly confirmed the factorial structure of the MFI-20.

Conclusion

Despite the insufficient CFA indices, we believe that the scale structure of the MFI-20 should not be changed and that calculating a total fatigue score is justifiable. For those seeking a shorter questionnaire, the MFI-10, which only contains those 10 items which positively indicate fatigue, is a good alternative.
Microstructure of the interface zone after explosive welding and further annealing of A1050/Ni201 clads using various joining conditions
Authors: Kwiecien Izabella , Bobrowski Piotr , Janusz-Skuza Marta , Wierzbicka-Miernik Anna , Szulc Zygmunt , Wojewoda-Budka Joanna
Published: January 2020

Explosive welding is a joining method suitable for materials difficult or impossible to connect using traditional welding techniques. In this work, the microstructure details occurring in the neighborhood of the aluminum (A1050) and nickel (Ni201) alloys’ interfaces in explosive welds were described. It was shown that using appropriate welding conditions, although the mutual localization of the colliding plates was different, the microstructure of the bonded zone did not change. Moreover, further annealing of the samples at 500 °C revealed the microstructure transformation occurring as a result of the diffusion phenomena. This in turn provides the details essential in proper designing of the multilayers of metallic–intermetallic Al/Ni composites.
Human Inborn Errors of Immunity: 2019 Update on the Classification from the International Union of Immunological Societies Expert Committee
Authors: Tangye Stuart G. , Al-Herz Waleed , Bousfiha Aziz , Chatila Talal , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte , Etzioni Amos , Franco Jose Luis , Holland Steven M. , Klein Christoph , Morio Tomohiro , Ochs Hans D. , Oksenhendler Eric , Picard Capucine , Puck Jennifer , Torgerson Troy R. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Sullivan Kathleen E.
Published: January 2020

We report the updated classification of Inborn Errors of Immunity/Primary Immunodeficiencies, compiled by the International Union of Immunological Societies Expert Committee. This report documents the key clinical and laboratory features of 430 inborn errors of immunity, including 64 gene defects that have either been discovered in the past 2 years since the previous update (published January 2018) or were characterized earlier but have since been confirmed or expanded upon in subsequent studies. The application of next-generation sequencing continues to expedite the rapid identification of novel gene defects, rare or common; broaden the immunological and clinical phenotypes of conditions arising from known gene defects and even known variants; and implement gene-specific therapies. These advances are contributing to greater understanding of the molecular, cellular, and immunological mechanisms of disease, thereby enhancing immunological knowledge while improving the management of patients and their families. This report serves as a valuable resource for the molecular diagnosis of individuals with heritable immunological disorders and also for the scientific dissection of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying inborn errors of immunity and related human diseases.
Identification of Semiochemicals from Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, for Low-input Management of the Legume Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata
Authors: Osei-Owusu Jonathan , Vuts József , Caulfield John C. , Woodcock Christine M. , Withall David M. , Hooper Antony M. , Osafo-Acquaah Samuel , Birkett Michael A.
Published: January 2020

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. (Fabaceae), is one of the most important food legumes grown on the African continent, as it provides an affordable source of dietary protein. Yields of cowpea are significantly reduced through damage by legume pod-borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), caterpillars to flowers, tender leaves and pods. Semiochemical-based strategies are considered as environmentally benign and affordable for pest management, particularly on smallholder farms. In this study, we investigated the importance of cowpea flower volatiles as host location cues for egg-laying M. vitrata, and herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) as M. vitrata repellents and natural enemy (Apanteles taragamae and Phanerotoma syleptae parasitoid) attractants. In oviposition choice assays, M. vitrata laid more eggs on flowering cowpea plants than non-flowering plants. Coupled gas chromatography-electrophysiology (GC-EAG) analysis using the antennae of female M. vitrata and an extract of flower volatiles collected by dynamic headspace collection revealed the presence of five EAG-active components that were identified by coupled GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis as benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, acetophenone, a vinylbenzaldehyde isomer and (E)-cinnamaldehyde. A synthetic blend of the identified compounds, prepared using 3-vinylbenzaldehyde, induced M. vitrata to lay as many eggs on non-flowering cowpea as on flowering plants. The moths also preferred laying eggs on intact plants compared to M. vitrata-infested plants. As the emission of EAG-active floral compounds was determined to be lower in the headspace of infested cowpea flowers, the role of HIPVs emitted by M. vitrata-damaged leaves was also investigated. Of the compounds induced by larval damage, (E)-DMNT, indole, n-hexyl acetate, 1-octen-3-ol and linalool were shown by GC-EAG to possess electrophysiological activity. A synthetic blend of the EAG-active compounds, using racemic 1-octen-3-ol and linalool, significantly reduced egg numbers on flowering cowpea. Larval and egg parasitoids, i.e. A. taragamae and Ph. syleptae, respectively, of M. vitrata both preferred the Y-tube olfactometer arm treated with synthetic (E)-DMNT, whereas preference for racemic linalool and (E)-nerolidol was dose-dependent in A. taragamae. Our results provide the platform for the development of future semiochemical-based pest management strategies against M. vitrata on smallholder farms in West Africa.
Correction to: Gingerol inhibits cisplatin-induced acute and delayed emesis in rats and minks by regulating the central and peripheral 5-HT, SP, and DA systems
Authors: Tian Li , Qian Weibin , Qian Qiuhai , Zhang Wei , Cai Xinrui
Published: January 2020

In the original publication of the article, Figures 2, 3, 5, 11 and 13 were published incorrectly. The corrections version of figures are given below.
Mix and Match: Phenotypic Coexistence as a Key Facilitator of Cancer Invasion
Authors: Strobl Maximilian A. R. , Krause Andrew L. , Damaghi Mehdi , Gillies Robert , Anderson Alexander R. A. , Maini Philip K.
Published: January 2020

Invasion of healthy tissue is a defining feature of malignant tumours. Traditionally, invasion is thought to be driven by cells that have acquired all the necessary traits to overcome the range of biological and physical defences employed by the body. However, in light of the ever-increasing evidence for geno- and phenotypic intra-tumour heterogeneity, an alternative hypothesis presents itself: could invasion be driven by a collection of cells with distinct traits that together facilitate the invasion process? In this paper, we use a mathematical model to assess the feasibility of this hypothesis in the context of acid-mediated invasion. We assume tumour expansion is obstructed by stroma which inhibits growth and extra-cellular matrix (ECM) which blocks cancer cell movement. Further, we assume that there are two types of cancer cells: (i) a glycolytic phenotype which produces acid that kills stromal cells and (ii) a matrix-degrading phenotype that locally remodels the ECM. We extend the Gatenby–Gawlinski reaction–diffusion model to derive a system of five coupled reaction–diffusion equations to describe the resulting invasion process. We characterise the spatially homogeneous steady states and carry out a simulation study in one spatial dimension to determine how the tumour develops as we vary the strength of competition between the two phenotypes. We find that overall tumour growth is most extensive when both cell types can stably coexist, since this allows the cells to locally mix and benefit most from the combination of traits. In contrast, when inter-species competition exceeds intra-species competition the populations spatially separate and invasion arrests either: (i) rapidly (matrix-degraders dominate) or (ii) slowly (acid-producers dominate). Overall, our work demonstrates that the spatial and ecological relationship between a heterogeneous population of tumour cells is a key factor in determining their ability to cooperate. Specifically, we predict that tumours in which different phenotypes coexist stably are more invasive than tumours in which phenotypes are spatially separated.
Experimental characterisation on the behaviour of PLLA for stretch blowing moulding of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds
Authors: Wei Huidong , Menary Gary , Buchanan Fraser , Yan Shiyong , Nixon James
Published: January 2020

Processing tubes from poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) by stretch blow moulding (SBM) is used in the manufacture of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) to improve their mechanical performance. To better understand this processing technique, a novel experimental setup by free stretch blow inside a water bath was developed to visualise the tube forming process and analyse the deformation behaviour. PLLA tubes were heated, stretched and blown with no mould present inside a temperature-controlled water bath whilst recording the processing parameters (axial force, inflation pressure). The onset of pressure activation relative to the axial stretch was controlled deliberately to produce a simultaneous (SIM) or sequential (SEQ) mode of deformation. Real-time images of the tube during forming were captured using high speed cameras and the surface strain of the patterned tube was extracted using digital image correlation (DIC). The deformation characteristics of PLLA tubes in SBM was quantified by analysis of shape evolution, strain history and stress-strain relationship.
Feasibility and potential benefit of pre-procedural CMR imaging in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Authors: Gathier W. A. , Salden O. A. E. , van Ginkel D. J. , van Everdingen W. M. , Mohamed Hoesein F. A. A. , Cramer M. J. M. , Doevendans P. A. , Meine M. , Chamuleau S. A. J. , van Slochteren F. J.
Published: January 2020

Aim

To determine the feasibility and potential benefit of a full cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) work-up for assessing the location of scarred myocardium and the region of latest contraction (LCR) in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) undergoing cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT).

Methods

In 30 patients, scar identification and contraction timing analysis was retrospectively performed on CMR images. Fluoroscopic left ventricular (LV) lead positions were scored with respect to scar location, and when placed outside scar, with respect to the LCR. The association between the lead position with respect to scar, the LCR and echocardiographic LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) reduction was subsequently evaluated.

Results

The CMR work-up was feasible in all but one patient, in whom image quality was poor. Scar and contraction timing data were succesfully displayed on 36-segment cardiac bullseye plots. Patients with leads placed outside scar had larger LVESV reduction (−21 ± 21%, n = 19) compared to patients with leads within scar (1 ± 25%, n = 11), yet total scar burden was higher in the latter group. There was a trend towards larger LVESV reduction in patients with leads in the scar-free LCR, compared to leads situated in scar-free segments but not in the LCR (−34 ± 14% vs −15 ± 21%, p = 0.06).

Conclusions

The degree of reverse remodelling was larger in patients with leads situated in a scar-free LCR. In patients with leads situated within scar there was a neutral effect on reverse remodelling, which can be caused both by higher scar burden or lead position. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of a CMR work-up and potential benefit in ICM patients undergoing CRT.
Acute alterations in glucose homeostasis impact coronary microvascular function in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: van Lavieren M. A. , Bax M. , Stegehuis V. E. , van de Hoef T. P. , Wijntjens G. W. M. , de Winter R. J. , Koch K. T. , Henriques J. P. S. , Meuwissen M. , Sjauw K. D. , Piek J. J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Microvascular dysfunction in the setting of ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) is thought to be related to stress-related metabolic changes, including acute glucose intolerance. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between admission glucose levels and microvascular function in non-diabetic STEMI patients.

Methods

92 consecutive patients with a first anterior-wall STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were enrolled. Blood glucose levels were determined immediately prior to PPCI. After successful PPCI, at 1‑week and 6‑month follow-up, Doppler flow was measured in culprit and reference coronary arteries to calculate coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), baseline (BMR) and hyperaemic (HMR) microvascular resistance.

Results

The median admission glucose was 8.3 (7.2–9.6) mmol/l respectively 149.4 mg/dl [129.6–172.8] and was significantly associated with peak troponin T (standardised beta coefficient [std beta] = 0.281; p = 0.043). Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing glucose levels were significantly associated with a decrease in reference vessel CFVR (std beta = −0.313; p = 0.002), dictated by an increase in rest average peak velocity (APV) (std beta = 0.216; p = 0.033), due to a decreasing BMR (std beta = −0.225; p = 0.038) in the acute setting after PPCI. These associations disappeared at follow-up. These associations were not found for the infarct-related artery.

Conclusion

Elevated admission glucose levels are associated with impaired microvascular function assessed directly after PPCI in first anterior-wall STEMI. This influence of glucose levels is an acute phenomenon and contributes to microvascular dysfunction through alterations in resting flow and baseline microvascular resistance.