bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability and Indigenous Aesthetics: Musical Resilience in Sámi and Indigenous Canadian Theatre
Authors: HARRISON KLISALA
Published: January 2020

Histories of colonial cultural erasure, unsuccessful decolonisation or postcolonialism and rapid modernisation are typically seen as the challenges to sustaining Indigenous traditional musics (Harrison, in press). The Indigenous peoples of Canada have experienced colonial assimilationist policies of government and church, including residential schools that took children away from their families and forbade song, dance and language. These policies resulted in musics and even entire cultures being erased. Although there have been recent improvements in Scandinavia, similar kinds of discrimination happened where the traditional Sámi vocal form,joik(in pan-Sámijuoiggas) was long (and in some cases, still is) regarded as sinful, and Sámi children were forbidden to use their mother tongues at school (for example, from about 1850 to 1980 during Norway’sFornorskningor Norwegianisation policy). In recent years, the Indigenous musics of Canada and the Nordic countries, among others, have reflected, articulated and interpellated sociocultural interrelations and politics (Diamond 2002; Diamond et al. 2018; Harrison 2009; Hilder 2012, 2015; Moisala 2007; Ramnarine 2009, 2017), and Indigenous artists have taken action on politicised issues through a range of contemporary and flourishing artistic expressions (Robinson and Martin 2016).
Ancient Sounds in the New World: Syro-Maronite Chant in Lebanese Maronite Communities in the United States
Authors: MOUFARREJ GUILNARD
Published: January 2020

Abstract (French)

Cet article élucide les enjeux de transmission et d’adaptation musicales au sein des communautés libanaises maronites aux États-Unis. Il examine le rôle de l’ancien répertoire de chants en délimitant les aspects religieux et culturels de l’Église et de la communauté maronites diasporiques tout en fournissant un espace religieux qui dépasse les différences ethniques et linguistiques. Il explore la participation des chants à élaborer un sentiment d’appartenance à la communauté malgré l’existence de multiples générations d’émigrés. Bien que le choix de la langue des chants (Anglais vs. Arabe) ait suscité dans certaines communautés des contestations parmi les fidèles, le maintien des mélodies des chants a contribué à la formation d’une Église maronite transnationale unissant les communautés maronites de plusieurs pays à l’église mère au Liban.
On Diasporic Generation and Syrian-Argentine Musicking in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: ESPINOSA ANDREA SHAHEEN
Published: January 2020

الملخص

تتمتع بوينس آيرس، عاصمة الأرجنتين، حاليًا بمشهد موسيقي عربي مفعم بالحيوية حيث يؤدي الموسيقيون والراقصون عروضاً أصيلة من الأساليب التقليدية. وأصبحت هذه العروض أيضًا مواقع شائعة لإثبات الهوية والتضامن والمطالبة بحق الفرد في أداء التقليد العربي. وفي الوقت الذي يُعْتَبر فيه الموسيقيون البارزون محكمين في الموسيقى الكلاسيكية السورية، إلا أنّ أداء كل منهم يختلف اختلافًا كبيرًا. وتُظهِر مفاهيمهم المتنوعة للتقاليد، وبوضوح، جذورًا في تجربة شتات معينة يمكن أن تبدأ في مراعاة الاختلاف والانحراف. يستكشف هذا المقال إذاً الطرق التي يهيمن بها الطابع الزماني المؤقت، بدلاً منه المكاني، على ممارسات الشتات لفناني الأداء السوريين الأرجنتينيين

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In-hospital outcomes of patients with non-iatrogenic civilian	vascular trauma
Authors: Meyer Alexander , Huebner Viola , Lang Werner , Almasi-Sperling Veronika , Rother Ulrich
Published: January 2020

Summary: Background: Morbidity, lesion pattern, management and short-term outcomes of civilian vascular trauma are rarely evaluated. Therefore, analysis of in hospital results in patients with non-iatrogenic vascular trauma in a tertiary referral hospital was performed. Patients and methods: Retrospective evaluation of patients with vascular trauma from 2007–2017 was done. 48 patients (34 male, 14 females, mean age 56 years) were included. Excluded were patients with iatrogenic vascular complications. Major cause of vascular trauma were traffic accidents in 43.8 %, fall from great heights in 27.1 %, sport and home related injuries in 16.8 %, suicidal injuries in 4.2 % and gunshot wounds in 2.1 % (other 6.3 %). 60.4 % of patients presented with blunt, 39.6 % of patients with penetrating vascular trauma. More than half of the cases included polytraumatized patients (54.4 %). Results: Most commonly affected were the popliteal (25.0 %) and the axillar artery (18.8 %). Aortic injuries were present in 14.6 % of cases, whereas the femoral and subclavian artery were involved in 12.6 % and 10.4 %. Vascular reconstruction was performed by interposition graft in 45.9 %, direct suture in 18.8 %, patchplasty in 10.4 %, ligation in 12.4 %, and implantation of stentgraft in 12.5 %. Postoperative complication rate was 54.2 %. Rate of in-hospital major amputation was 14.6 % and in-hospital mortality was 14.6 % as well. Comparison between blunt and penetrating trauma as to postoperative complication (p = 0.322), blood transfusion (p = 0.452) and amputation (p = 0.304) showed no significant differences, whereas lethality in blunt trauma was 20.6 % vs. 5.2 % in penetrating trauma. Injury severity score (ISS) was significantly elevated for blunt trauma patients (mean ISS Score blunt 32 vs 21 penetrating, p = 0.043). Conclusions: The majority of vascular lesions is caused by blunt trauma. Blunt lesions do also show a severe injury pattern, compared to penetrating trauma, and the complication rate remains high. However, by means of vascular reconstruction, limb salvage is feasible in a high percentage of cases.
Ultrasonography for the diagnosis of extra-cranial carotid occlusion	– diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis
Authors: Rojoa Djamila M. , Lodhi Ahmad Q. D. , Kontopodis Nikos , Ioannou Christos V. , Labropoulos Nicos , Antoniou George A.
Published: January 2020

Summary: Background: The correct diagnosis of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion is crucial as it limits unnecessary intervention, whereas correct identification of patients with severe ICA stenosis is paramount in decision making and selecting patients who would benefit from intervention. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of ICA occlusion. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) of diagnostic test accuracy studies. We interrogated electronic bibliographic sources using a combination of free text and thesaurus terms to identify studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of US in ICA occlusion. We used a mixed-effects logistic regression bivariate model to estimate summary sensitivity and specificity. We developed hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves. Results: We identified 23 studies reporting a total of 5,675 arteries of which 722 were proven to be occluded by the reference standard. The reference standard was digital subtraction or cerebral angiography in all but two studies, which used surgery to ascertain a carotid occlusion. The pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity were 0.97 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 0.99) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.00), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 3,846.15 (95% CI 1,375.74 to 10,752.65). The positive and negative likelihood ratio were 114.71 (95% CI 58.84 to 223.63) and 0.03 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.06), respectively. Conclusions: US is a reliable and accurate method in diagnosing ICA occlusion. US can be used as a screening tool with cross-sectional imaging being reserved for ambiguous cases.
Comment on “Absence of Age‐Related Trends in Stable Oxygen Isotope Ratios From Oak Tree Rings” by Duffy et al. (2019)
Authors: Helama S. , Matskovsky V. V.
Published: January 2020

Duffy et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GB006195) assess age‐related trends in tree‐ring oxygen isotope (δ18O) series from the UK using two approaches. They argue that their conventional approach, which also forms the basis for the frequently used Regional Curve Standardization (RCS) method, is incapable of identifying age‐related trends and that detrending the data would distort climatic indications. However, their study disregards much of the existing dendrochronological literature essential also for their trend detection approaches. Here, we reanalyze the data from their supplementary item and show that detrending δ18O series using the RCS method does not remove long‐term trends—indicative of summertime drying in England and Wales—and that the data set used in Duffy et al. (2019) is likely too small to draw wider implications.
Revisit to Sporadic E Layer Response to Presumably Seismogenic Electrostatic Fields at Middle Latitudes by Model Simulation
Authors: Xu Tong , Hu Yanli , Deng Zhongxin , Zhang Yabin , Wu Jian
Published: January 2020

Ionospheric anomalies before earthquakes termed as seismo‐ionospheric precursors have been extensively discussed due to the importance of earthquake prediction. Electric field driven mechanism is commonly used to explain seismo‐ionospheric precursors. Kim et al. (1993) first theoretically demonstrated that seismogenic electric fields could form intensified sporadic E layers in higher altitudes, which is so influential that motivates considerable statistical work on variations of foEs and h'Es before earthquakes. We attempt to establish a physical model of sporadic E layers at middle latitudes based on wind shear theory with the objective to reexamine the influence of seismogenic electric fields on sporadic E layers. The results show that zonal electric fields of several mV/m can influence the formation of higher sporadic E layers: For existing higher sporadic E layers, eastward/westward electric fields are capable of inhibiting/facilitating the existing layers accompanied by ascent/descent in altitude. For normal E region without sporadic E layers, the effect of eastward electric fields is not notable, while westward electric fields are able to form wider sporadic E layers. Taking into account their complicated response and inherently high variability, a suggestion is made about the necessity to be cautious when attributing variations of sporadic E layers to forthcoming earthquakes.
What Controls Variations in Aftershock Productivity?
Authors: Dascher‐Cousineau Kelian , Brodsky Emily E. , Lay Thorne , Goebel Thomas H. W.
Published: January 2020

The number of aftershocks increases with mainshock size following a well‐defined scaling law. However, excursions from the average behavior are common. This variability is particularly concerning for large earthquakes where the number of aftershocks varies by factors of 100 for mainshocks of comparable magnitude. Do observable factors lead to differences in aftershock behavior? We examine aftershock productivity relative to the global average for all mainshocks () from 1990 to 2019. A global map of earthquake productivity highlights the influence of tectonic regimes. Earthquake depth, lithosphere age, and plate boundary type correspond well with earthquake productivity. We investigate the role of mainshock attributes by compiling source dimensions, radiated seismic energy, stress drop, and a measure of slip heterogeneity based on finite‐fault source inversions for the largest earthquakes from 1990 to 2017. On an individual basis, stress drop, normalized rupture width, and aspect ratio most strongly correlate with aftershock productivity. A multivariate analysis shows that a particular set of parameters (dip, lithospheric age, and normalized rupture area) combines well to improve predictions of aftershock productivity on a cross‐validated data set. Our overall analysis is consistent with a model in which the volumetric abundance of nearby stressed faults controls the aftershock productivity rather than variations in source stress. Thus, we suggest a complementary approach to aftershock forecasts based on geological and rupture properties rather than local calibration alone.
Poroelastic Relaxation in Thermally Cracked and Fluid‐Saturated Glass
Authors: Ògúnsàmì Abdulwaheed , Borgomano Jan V. M. , Fortin Jérôme , Jackson Ian
Published: January 2020

To test theoretical models of modulus dispersion and dissipation in fluid‐saturated rocks, we have investigated the broadband mechanical properties of four thermally cracked glass specimens of simple microstructure with complementary forced‐oscillation (0.004–100 Hz) and ultrasonic techniques (~1 MHz). Strong pressure dependence of moduli (bulk, Young's, and shear), axial strain, and ultrasonic wave speeds for dry conditions attests to essentially complete crack closure at a confining pressure of 15 MPa—consistent with ambient‐pressure crack aspect ratios ≤2 × 10−4. Oscillation of the confining pressure reveals bulk modulus dispersion and a corresponding dissipation peak, near 0.002 Hz only at the lowest effective pressure (2.5 MPa)—attributed to the transition with increasing frequency from the drained to saturated‐isobaric regime. The observations are consistent with Biot‐Gassmann's theory, with dispersion and dissipation adequately represented by Zener model. Above the draining frequency, axial forced‐oscillation tests show dispersion of Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, and an associated broad dissipation peak centered near 0.3 Hz, thought to reflect local “squirt” flow and adequately modeled with a continuous distribution of relaxation times over two decades. Observations of Young's and shear moduli dispersion and dissipation from complementary flexural and torsional oscillation measurements for differential pressure ≤10 MPa provide supporting evidence of the transition with increasing frequency from the saturated‐isobaric to the saturated‐isolated regime—also probed by ultrasonic technique. These findings validate predictions from theoretical models of dispersion in cracked media and emphasize need for caution in the seismological application of laboratory ultrasonic data for cracked media.
Impact of Rapid‐Scan‐Based Dynamical Information From GOES‐16 on HWRF Hurricane Forecasts
Authors: Li Jinlong , Li Jun , Velden Christopher , Wang Pei , Schmit Timothy J. , Sippel Jason
Published: January 2020

Observations of dynamical information in the upper levels of tropical cyclones at high spatiotemporal resolutions are rare but very important to the analysis and prediction of the storm evolution and landfall impacts. These observations are now becoming routinely available from the new generation of geostationary weather satellites. Understanding and optimizing the utilization of that information in numerical weather prediction models is a vital step toward simulating tropical cyclone behavior and improving forecasts. The Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) onboard GOES‐16 is providing high spatial and temporal resolution images that can be targeted on North Atlantic tropical cyclones. In addition to a full‐disk scan every 10 min and a CONUS scan every 5 min, the ABI also has a flexible “mesoscale scan” mode featuring limited moving domains at 1‐min intervals. The mesosector can focus on a targeted storm center with a 10°×10° domain coverage that follows the storm movement. Using this 1‐min ABI imagery to track cloud motions, automated algorithms have been developed to produce enhanced, high‐resolution atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) during a targeted tropical cyclone event. These high spatiotemporal AMVs represent estimates of the wind field around the storm and can provide critical dynamical information on the targeted storm and its near environment. This information can help improve the representation of the initialized vortex in numerical model analyses. To study the impact of the enhanced AMV observations on numerical weather prediction, the Hurricane Weather Research Forecast (HWRF) model is used in a series of assimilation and forecast experiments. Three destructive Atlantic hurricane cases from 2017, Harvey, Irma, and Maria, are chosen as case studies. The results show that the assimilation of the enhanced AMVs from GOES‐16 consistently improves the HWRF hurricane track and size forecasts, and have mixed impacts on intensity forecasts. These results augment previously published studies on optimizing the quantitative use of new generation geostationary satellite rapid‐scan observations for improving high impact weather forecasts.
230Th Normalization: New Insights on an Essential Tool for Quantifying Sedimentary Fluxes in the Modern and Quaternary Ocean
Authors: Costa Kassandra M. , Hayes Christopher T. , Anderson Robert F. , Pavia Frank J. , Bausch Alexandra , Deng Feifei , Dutay Jean‐Claude , Geibert Walter , Heinze Christoph , Henderson Gideon , Hillaire‐Marcel Claude , Hoffmann Sharon , Jaccard Samuel L. , Jacobel Allison W. , Kienast Stephanie S. , Kipp Lauren , Lerner Paul , Lippold Jörg , Lund David , Marcantonio Franco , McGee David , McManus Jerry F. , Mekik Figen , Middleton Jennifer L. , Missiaen Lise , Not Christelle , Pichat Sylvain , Robinson Laura F. , Rowland George H. , Roy‐Barman Matthieu , Tagliabue Alessandro , Torfstein Adi , Winckler Gisela , Zhou Yuxin
Published: January 2020

230Th normalization is a valuable paleoceanographic tool for reconstructing high‐resolution sediment fluxes during the late Pleistocene (last ~500,000 years). As its application has expanded to ever more diverse marine environments, the nuances of230Th systematics, with regard to particle type, particle size, lateral advective/diffusive redistribution, and other processes, have emerged. We synthesized over 1000 sedimentary records of230Th from across the global ocean at two time slices, the late Holocene (0–5,000 years ago, or 0–5 ka) and the Last Glacial Maximum (18.5–23.5 ka), and investigated the spatial structure of230Th‐normalized mass fluxes. On a global scale, sedimentary mass fluxes were significantly higher during the Last Glacial Maximum (1.79–2.17 g/cm2kyr, 95% confidence) relative to the Holocene (1.48–1.68 g/cm2kyr, 95% confidence). We then examined the potential confounding influences of boundary scavenging, nepheloid layers, hydrothermal scavenging, size‐dependent sediment fractionation, and carbonate dissolution on the efficacy of230Th as a constant flux proxy. Anomalous230Th behavior is sometimes observed proximal to hydrothermal ridges and in continental margins where high particle fluxes and steep continental slopes can lead to the combined effects of boundary scavenging and nepheloid interference. Notwithstanding these limitations, we found that230Th normalization is a robust tool for determining sediment mass accumulation rates in the majority of pelagic marine settings (>1,000 m water depth).
Inference of Retention Time From Tracer Tests in Crystalline Rock
Authors: Cvetkovic Vladimir , Poteri Antti , Selroos Jan‐Olof , Zou Liangchao
Published: January 2020

A statistical parametrization of transport combined with a new, general partition function for diffusive mass transfer (Cvetkovic, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR021187) is here developed into a practical tool for evaluating tracer tests in crystalline rock. The research question of this study is how to separate the characteristic times of retention and advection, using tracer test information alone; this decoupling is critical for upscaling of transport. Three regimes are identified based on the unconditional mean number of trapping events. Analytical expressions are derived for inferring transport‐retention parameters; these are first tested on a series of generic examples and then using two sets of tracer test data. Our results indicate that the key transport‐retention parameters can be inferred separately with reasonable accuracy by a few simple steps, provided that the macrodispersion is not too large and retention not too strong. Of particular interest is inference of the retention time from the breakthrough curve peak that avoids costly asymptotic monitoring. Finally, we summarize the retention times as inferred from a series of nonsorbing tracer tests in the Swedish granite, demonstrating the uncertainties when estimating retention based on material and structural properties from samples. Possible strategies for reducing these uncertainties that combine improved understanding of crystalline rock evolution with numerical simulations are noted as topics for future research.
Correction: Guangxi cobra venom-derived NGF promotes the osteogenic and therapeutic effects of porous BCP ceramic
Authors: Jin Pan , Yin Fuqiang , Huang Li , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin , Zhang Xingdong
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Sub-10 nm nanogap fabrication on suspended glassy carbon nanofibers
Authors: Salazar Arnoldo , Hosseini Samira , Sanchez-Domínguez Margarita , Madou Marc. J. , Montesinos-Castellanos Alejandro , Martinez-Chapa Sergio O.
Published: January 2020

Glassy carbon nanofibers (GCNFs) are considered promising candidates for the fabrication of nanosensors for biosensing applications. Importantly, in part due to their great stability, carbon electrodes with sub-10 nm nanogaps represent an attractive platform for probing the electrical characteristics of molecules. The fabrication of sub-10 nm nanogap electrodes in these GCNFs, which is achieved by electrically stimulating the fibers until they break, was previously found to require fibers shorter than 2 µm; however, this process is generally hampered by the limitations inherent to photolithographic methods. In this work, to obtain nanogaps on the order of 10 nm without the need for sub-2 µm GCNFs, we employed a fabrication strategy in which the fibers were gradually thinned down by continuously monitoring the changes in the electrical resistance of the fiber and adjusting the applied voltage accordingly. To further reduce the nanogap size, we studied the mechanism behind the thinning and eventual breakdown of the suspended GCNFs by controlling the environmental conditions and pressure during the experiment. Following this approach, which includes performing the experiments in a high-vacuum chamber after a series of carbon dioxide (CO2) purging cycles, nanogaps on the order of 10 nm were produced in suspended GCNFs 52 µm in length, much longer than the ~2 µm GCNFs needed to produce such small gaps without the procedure employed in this work. Furthermore, the electrodes showed no apparent change in their shape or nanogap width after being stored at room temperature for approximately 6 months.
Creation and validation of a new tool for the monitoring efficacy of neurogenic bowel dysfunction treatment on response: the MENTOR tool
Authors: Emmanuel Anton , Krogh Klaus , Kirshblum Steven , Christensen Peter , Spinelli Michele , van Kuppevelt Dirk , Abel Rainer , Leder Dietrich , Santacruz Bruno Gallo , Bain Kimberly , Passananti Valentina
Published: January 2020

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Objectives

A tool to help decision-making tool for Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) in individuals with SCI is needed. We present a project to create and validate a new tool, the Monitoring Efficacy of NBD Treatment On Response (MENTOR), and to determine its level of concordance with decisions made by experienced clinicians in the field.

Setting

UK, Denmark, USA, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany.

Methods

The first phase was creation of the tool through a modified Delphi process. The second phase was the validation, wherein individuals with spinal cord injury with NBD were asked to complete the MENTOR tool immediately prior to clinic consultation. From the responses to the questionnaire of the tool, each participant was allocated into one of three categories reflecting the possible therapeutic recommendations (“recommend change”, “further discussion” and “monitoring”). An expert clinician then assessed the participant, blinded to MENTOR results, and made an independent treatment decision.

Results

A total of 248 MENTOR forms were completed. Strong agreement was found when the MENTOR tool recommended monitoring (92%) or treatment change (83%); the lowest concordance when the decision was for the “further discussion” option (59%). Patient acceptability was reported by 97% of individuals.

Conclusions

MENTOR is an easy to use tool to monitor the treatment of NBD and determinate progression through the clinical pathway. This validation study shows good correspondence between expert clinician opinion and MENTOR result. The tool has potential to be used in other patient groups, following further studies.
Resolving the puzzle of single-atom silver dispersion on nanosized γ-Al2O3 surface for high catalytic performance
Authors: Wang Fei , Ma Jinzhu , Xin Shaohui , Wang Qiang , Xu Jun , Zhang Changbin , He Hong , Cheng Zeng Xiao
Published: January 2020

Ag/γ-Al2O3 is widely used for catalyzing various reactions, and its performance depends on the valence state, morphology and dispersion of Ag species. However, detailed anchoring mechanism of Ag species on γ-Al2O3 remains largely unknown. Herein, we reveal that the terminal hydroxyls on γ-Al2O3 are responsible for anchoring Ag species. The abundant terminal hydroxyls existed on nanosized γ-Al2O3 can lead to single-atom silver dispersion, thereby resulting in markedly enhanced performance than the Ag cluster on microsized γ-Al2O3. Density-functional-theory calculations confirm that Ag atom is mainly anchored by the terminal hydroxyls on (100) surface, forming a staple-like local structure with each Ag atom bonded with two or three terminal hydroxyls. Our finding resolves the puzzle on why the single-atom silver dispersion can be spontaneously achieved only on nanosized γ-Al2O3, but not on microsized γ-Al2O3. The obtained insight into the Ag species dispersion will benefit future design of more efficient supported Ag catalysts.
Habitat compression and ecosystem shifts as potential links between marine heatwave and record whale entanglements
Authors: Santora Jarrod A. , Mantua Nathan J. , Schroeder Isaac D. , Field John C. , Hazen Elliott L. , Bograd Steven J. , Sydeman William J. , Wells Brian K. , Calambokidis John , Saez Lauren , Lawson Dan , Forney Karin A.
Published: January 2020

Climate change and increased variability and intensity of climate events, in combination with recovering protected species populations and highly capitalized fisheries, are posing new challenges for fisheries management. We examine socio-ecological features of the unprecedented 2014–2016 northeast Pacific marine heatwave to understand the potential causes for record numbers of whale entanglements in the central California Current crab fishery. We observed habitat compression of coastal upwelling, changes in availability of forage species (krill and anchovy), and shoreward distribution shift of foraging whales. We propose that these ecosystem changes, combined with recovering whale populations, contributed to the exacerbation of entanglements throughout the marine heatwave. In 2016, domoic acid contamination prompted an unprecedented delay in the opening of California’s Dungeness crab fishery that inadvertently intensified the spatial overlap between whales and crab fishery gear. We present a retroactive assessment of entanglements to demonstrate that cooperation of fishers, resource managers, and scientists could mitigate future entanglement risk by developing climate-ready fisheries approaches, while supporting thriving fishing communities.
White blood cell and cell-free DNA analyses for detection of residual disease in gastric cancer
Authors: Leal Alessandro , van Grieken Nicole C. T. , Palsgrove Doreen N. , Phallen Jillian , Medina Jamie E. , Hruban Carolyn , Broeckaert Mark A. M. , Anagnostou Valsamo , Adleff Vilmos , Bruhm Daniel C. , Canzoniero Jenna V. , Fiksel Jacob , Nordsmark Marianne , Warmerdam Fabienne A. R. M. , Verheul Henk M. W. , van Spronsen Dick Johan , Beerepoot Laurens V. , Geenen Maud M. , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , Jansen Edwin P. M. , van Sandick Johanna , Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg Elma , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , van der Peet Donald L. , van de Velde Cornelis J. H. , Verheij Marcel , Fijneman Remond , Scharpf Robert B. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Cats Annemieke , Velculescu Victor E.
Published: January 2020

Liquid biopsies are providing new opportunities for detection of residual disease in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) after surgery but may be confounded through identification of alterations arising from clonal hematopoiesis. Here, we identify circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) alterations through ultrasensitive targeted sequencing analyses of matched cfDNA and white blood cells from the same patient. We apply this approach to analyze samples from patients in the CRITICS trial, a phase III randomized controlled study of perioperative treatment in patients with operable gastric cancer. After filtering alterations from matched white blood cells, the presence of ctDNA predicts recurrence when analyzed within nine weeks after preoperative treatment and after surgery in patients eligible for multimodal treatment. These analyses provide a facile method for distinguishing ctDNA from other cfDNA alterations and highlight the utility of ctDNA as a predictive biomarker of patient outcome to perioperative cancer therapy and surgical resection in patients with gastric cancer.
How odor cues help to optimize learning during sleep in a real life-setting
Authors: Neumann Franziska , Oberhauser Vitus , Kornmeier Jürgen
Published: January 2020

Effortless learning during sleep is everybody’s dream. Several studies found that presenting odor cues during learning and selectively during slow wave sleep increases learning success. The current study extends previous research in three aspects to test for optimization and practical applicability of this cueing effect: We (1) performed a field study of vocabulary-learning in a regular school setting, (2) stimulated with odor cues during the whole night without sleep monitoring, and (3) applied the odor additionally as retrieval cue in a subsequent test. We found an odor cueing effect with comparable effect sizes (d between 0.6 and 1.2) as studies with sleep monitoring and selective cueing. Further, we observed some (non-significant) indication for a further performance benefit with additional cueing during the recall test. Our results replicate previous findings and provide important extensions: First, the odor effect also works outside the lab. Second, continuous cueing at night produces similar effect sizes as a study with selective cueing in specific sleep stages. Whether odor cueing during memory recall further increases memory performance hast to be shown in future studies. Overall, our results extend the knowledge on odor cueing effects and provide a realistic practical perspective on it.
Si-Mg isotopes in enstatite chondrites and accretion of reduced planetary bodies
Authors: Sikdar Jinia , Rai Vinai K.
Published: January 2020

Among the primitive meteorite classes, Enstatite Chondrites (EC) are believed to share a common origin with the Earth due to its close similarity with terrestrial mantle (Bulk Silicate Earth, BSE) for numerous isotope systematics. Si isotopes are an exception to this trend and the large δ30Si difference of ~0.3‰ between bulk EC and BSE has been used to argue against any major contribution of EC like planetary materials in Earth’s accretion. However, Si possess a bimodal distribution among silicate and metallic fractions of EC because of its formation under highly reducing conditions. Based on high precision Si isotope analyses in micro-milled phase separates of EH3 chondrites, here we report the presence of significantly light Si isotopes in EC-metals (δ30Si ≥ −6.94 ± 0.09‰, Mg/Si = ~0.001) whereas its silicate phases are isotopically heavier (Av. δ30SiEC-silicates = −0.33 ± 0.11‰, Mg/Si = ~1.01) and closer to BSE (δ30SiBSE = −0.29 ± 0.08‰). We discuss the origin of the observed Si isotope heterogeneity in terms of gas-solid interaction processes associated with metal-silicate condensation at high C/O environment (~0.83). Although the elevated δ30Si of BSE compared to chondrites is consistent with earlier conclusions that lighter Si has partitioned into Earth’s metallic core, our results indicate that the super-chondritic Si isotope composition of BSE does not reflect the sole consequence of high temperature-pressure core and mantle equilibration in a deep magma-ocean. Instead, Si along with Mg isotope analyses carried out in the same aliquot of EC micro-phase separates suggest that processes such as metal-silicate Si isotope fractionation at reduced nebular environment and vapor loss of lighter Si isotopes during planetary volatilization were also influential in establishing the Si isotope composition of terrestrial mantle.
Porcine CXCR1/2 antagonist CXCL8(3–72)G31P inhibits lung inflammation in LPS-challenged mice
Authors: Wang Xue , Li Yanchuan , Li Lintao , Jiao Zhe , Liu Xiaoli , Cheng Guofu , Gu Changqin , Hu Xueying , Zhang Wanpo
Published: January 2020

Swine pneumonia is a great threat for pig industry around the world, which is usually accompanied with neutrophils infiltration in the airway. Although interleukin-8 (CXCL8) and its receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 1 and 2 (CXCR1/2) in human have been well documented, the expression and function of CXCR1/2 is still unknown in swine. To explore the feasibility to develop new veterinary anti-inflammatory drugs targeting porcine CXCR1/2, we detected CXCR1/2 expression in swine pneumonia through Real-Time PCR and immunohistochemistry for the first time. Two porcine CXCR1/2 antagonists, CXCL8(3–72)N11R/G31P (pN11R) and CXCL8(3–72)G31P (pG31P) were prepared and their anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using cell chemotaxis assays and animal experiments. Our data showed that CXCR1/2 expression, which was closely related to neutrophil infiltration in the lung, was significantly up-regulated in swine pneumonia. The pN11R and pG31P could effectively inhibit the directional migration of neutrophilsin vitro.In vivodata also indicated that both pN11R and pG31P significantly relieved LPS-induced pneumonia in mice through decreasing the expression ofTNF-α,CXCL8, andIL-1β, and inhibiting neutrophil influx into the lung. pG31P was more efficient. Our study suggested that it is possible to develop new veterinary anti-inflammatory drugs targeting porcine CXCR1/2, and pG31P is a promising candidate.
Predicting collapse of adaptive networked systems without knowing the network
Authors: Horstmeyer Leonhard , Pham Tuan Minh , Korbel Jan , Thurner Stefan
Published: January 2020

The collapse of ecosystems, the extinction of species, and the breakdown of economic and financial networks usually hinges on topological properties of the underlying networks, such as the existence of self-sustaining (or autocatalytic) feedback cycles. Such collapses can be understood as a massive change of network topology, usually accompanied by the extinction of a macroscopic fraction of nodes and links. It is often related to the breakdown of the last relevant directed catalytic cycle within a dynamical system. Without detailed structural information it seems impossible to state, whether a network is robust or if it is likely to collapse in the near future. Here we show that it is nevertheless possible to predict collapse for a large class of systems that are governed by a linear (or linearized) dynamics. To compute the corresponding early warning signal, we require only non-structural information about the nodes’ states such as species abundances in ecosystems, or company revenues in economic networks. It is shown that the existence of a single directed cycle in the network can be detected by a “quantization effect” of node states, that exists as a direct consequence of a corollary of the Perron–Frobenius theorem. The proposed early warning signal for the collapse of networked systems captures their structural instability without relying on structural information. We illustrate the validity of the approach in a transparent model of co-evolutionary ecosystems and show this quantization in systems of species evolution, epidemiology, and population dynamics.
Controlled clustering enhances PDX1 and NKX6.1 expression in pancreatic endoderm cells derived from pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Tran Raymond , Moraes Christopher , Hoesli Corinne A.
Published: January 2020

Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived insulin-producing cells are a promising cell source for diabetes cellular therapy. However, the efficiency of the multi-step process required to differentiate PSCs towards pancreatic beta cells is variable between cell lines, batches and even within cultures. In adherent pancreatic differentiation protocols, we observed spontaneous local clustering of cells expressing elevated nuclear expression of pancreatic endocrine transcription factors, PDX1 and NKX6.1. Since aggregation has previously been shown to promote downstream differentiation, this local clustering may contribute to the variability in differentiation efficiencies observed within and between cultures. We therefore hypothesized that controlling and directing the spontaneous clustering process would lead to more efficient and consistent induction of pancreatic endocrine fate. Micropatterning cells in adherent microwells prompted clustering, local cell density increases, and increased nuclear accumulation of PDX1 and NKX6.1. Improved differentiation profiles were associated with distinct filamentous actin architectures, suggesting a previously overlooked role for cell-driven morphogenetic changes in supporting pancreatic differentiation. This work demonstrates that confined differentiation in cell-adhesive micropatterns may provide a facile, scalable, and more reproducible manufacturing route to drive morphogenesis and produce well-differentiated pancreatic cell clusters.
Estimating Traffic Disruption Patterns with Volunteered Geographic Information
Authors: Camargo Chico Q. , Bright Jonathan , McNeill Graham , Raman Sridhar , Hale Scott A.
Published: January 2020

Accurate understanding and forecasting of traffic is a key contemporary problem for policymakers. Road networks are increasingly congested, yet traffic data is often expensive to obtain, making informed policy-making harder. This paper explores the extent to which traffic disruption can be estimated using features from the volunteered geographic information site OpenStreetMap (OSM). We use OSM features as predictors for linear regressions of counts of traffic disruptions and traffic volume at 6,500 points in the road network within 112 regions of Oxfordshire, UK. We show that more than half the variation in traffic volume and disruptions can be explained with OSM features alone, and use cross-validation and recursive feature elimination to evaluate the predictive power and importance of different land use categories. Finally, we show that using OSM’s granular point of interest data allows for better predictions than the broader categories typically used in studies of transportation and land use.
Single-cell dispensing and ‘real-time’ cell classification using convolutional neural networks for higher efficiency in single-cell cloning
Authors: Riba Julian , Schoendube Jonas , Zimmermann Stefan , Koltay Peter , Zengerle Roland
Published: January 2020

Single-cell dispensing for automated cell isolation of individual cells has gained increased attention in the biopharmaceutical industry, mainly for production of clonal cell lines. Here, machine learning for classification of cell images is applied for ‘real-time’ cell viability sorting on a single-cell printer. We show that an extremely shallow convolutional neural network (CNN) for classification of low-complexity cell images outperforms more complex architectures. Datasets with hundreds of cell images from four different samples were used for training and validation of the CNNs. The clone recovery, i.e. the fraction of single-cells that grow to clonal colonies, is predicted to increase for all the samples investigated. Finally, a trained CNN was deployed on a c.sight single-cell printer for ‘real-time’ sorting of a CHO-K1 cells. On a sample with artificially damaged cells the clone recovery could be increased from 27% to 73%, thereby resulting in a significantly faster and more efficient cloning. Depending on the classification threshold, the frequency at which viable cells are dispensed could be increased by up to 65%. This technology for image-based cell sorting is highly versatile and can be expected to enable cell sorting by computer vision with respect to different criteria in the future.
Differences in signal contrast and camouflage among different colour variations of a stomatopod crustacean, Neogonodactylus oerstedii
Authors: Franklin Amanda M. , Marshall Justin , Feinstein Adina D. , Bok Michael J. , Byrd Anya D. , Lewis Sara M.
Published: January 2020

Animal colouration is often a trade-off between background matching for camouflage from predators, and conspicuousness for communication with con- or heterospecifics. Stomatopods are marine crustaceans known to use colour signals during courtship and contests, while their overall body colouration may provide camouflage. However, we have little understanding of how stomatopods perceive these signals in their environment or whether overall body coloration does provide camouflage from predators. Neogonodactylus oerstedii assess meral spot colour during contests, and meral spot colour varies depending on local habitat. By calculating quantum catch for N. oerstedii’s 12 photoreceptors associated with chromatic vision, we found that variation in meral spot total reflectance does not function to increase signal contrast in the local habitat. Neogonodactylus oerstedii also show between-habitat variation in dorsal body colouration. We used visual models to predict a trichromatic fish predator’s perception of these colour variations. Our results suggest that sandy and green stomatopods are camouflaged from a typical fish predator in rubble fields and seagrass beds, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate signal contrast and camouflage in a stomatopod. These results provide new insight into the function and evolution of colouration in a species with a complex visual system.
A Clinically Relevant Functional Model of Type-2 Cardio-Renal Syndrome with Paraventricular Changes consequent to Chronic Ischaemic Heart Failure
Authors: Harrison Joanne Clare , Smart Scott Duncan George , Besley Emma Maria Hinemoa , Kelly Jessica Renee , Read Morgayn Iona , Yao Yimin , Sammut Ivan Andrew
Published: January 2020

Cardiorenal syndrome, de novo renal pathology arising secondary to cardiac insufficiency, is clinically recognised but poorly characterised. This study establishes and characterises a valid model representative of Type 2 cardiorenal syndrome. Extensive permanent left ventricular infarction, induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in Lewis rats, was confirmed by plasma cardiac troponin I, histology and cardiac haemodynamics. Renal function and morphology was assessed 90-days post-ligation when heart failure had developed. The involvement of the paraventricular nucleus was investigated using markers of inflammation, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species and of angiotensin II involvement. An extensive left ventricular infarct was confirmed following coronary artery ligation, resulting in increased left ventricular weight and compromised left ventricular diastolic function and developed pressure. Glomerular filtration was significantly decreased, fractional excretion of sodium and caspase activities were increased and basement membrane thickening, indicating glomerulosclerosis, was evident. Interestingly, angiotensin II receptor I expression and reactive oxygen species levels in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus remained significantly increased at 90-days post-coronary artery ligation, suggesting that these hypothalamic changes may represent a novel, valuable pharmacological target. This model provides conclusive morphological, biochemical and functional evidence of renal injury consequent to heart failure, truly representative of Type-2 cardiorenal syndrome.
Enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical performance of TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite: Its applications in dye decolorization and as supercapacitors
Authors: Kumar M. R. Anil , Abebe Buzuayehu , Nagaswarupa H. P. , Murthy H. C. Ananda , Ravikumar C. R. , Sabir Fedlu Kedir
Published: January 2020

This work reveals a green combustion route for the synthesis of TiO2, Fe2O3 and TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposites as photocatalysts for decolorization of Titan Yellow (TY) and Methyl Orange (MO) dyes at room temperature in aqueous solution concentration of 20 ppm under UV-light irradiation. We observed that the TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite shows superior photocatalytic activity for TY dye compared to pure TiO2 and Fe2O3. Rate constant (k) values of TiO2, Fe2O3 and TiO2–Fe2O3 for TY and MO are 0.0194, 0.0159, 0.04396 and 0.00931, 0.00772 0.0119 kmin−1 respectively. The surface area and pore volume of TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite were found to be 71.56 m2/g and 0.076 cm3/g, respectively as revealed by BET studies. From the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) plot, the mean pore diameter of TiO2-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was found to be 2.43 nm. Further, the TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite showed good electrochemical behavior as an electrode material for supercapacitors when compared to pure TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles resulted in stable electrochemical performance with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency at a scan rate of 10 mV/s for 1000 cycles. Interestingly, the novelty of this work is that the designed supercapacitors showed stable electrochemical performance even at 1000th cycle, which might be useful for rechargeable supercapacitor applications. The electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites were compared by the data obtained by cyclic voltammograms, charge-discharge tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies. These results demonstrated that the TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite showed stable performance compared to TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles at current density of 5 Ag−1.
The Potential Risk Assessment of Phenoxyethanol with a Versatile Model System
Authors: Akgündüz Mehmet Çağrı , Çavuşoğlu Kültiğin , Yalçın Emine
Published: January 2020

In this study, the toxic effects of phenoxyethanol (Phy-Et), which is widely used in cosmetic industry, has been investigated with Allium test by means of physiological, cytogenetic, anatomical and biochemical parameters. To determine the changes in physiological reactions weight gain, relative injury rate, germination percentage and root length were investigated. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathion and catalase levels were analyzed as biochemical parameters for determining the presence of oxidative stress. Mitotic index, micronucleus and chromosomal abnormality frequencies were studied as cytogenetic evaluation and the anatomical changes in root tip cells were investigated by cross sections. Changes in surface polarity and wettability were investigated by taking contact angle measurements of pressed root preparations. The mechanism of toxicity has been tried to be explained by these contact angles and this is the first study using contact angle measurements in toxicity tests. Consequently, exposure to Phy-Et resulted in a decrease in all measured physiological parameters and in mitotic index. In contrast, significant increases in the micronucleus and chromosomal abnormality frequencies were observed and the most significant toxic effect was found in 10 mM Phy-Et treated group. Phy-Et application induced oxidative damage and caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease in glutathione level compared to control group. Also a response occured against oxidative damage in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and the activities increased in 2.5 mM and 5 mM Phy-Et treated groups and decreased in 10 mM Phy-Et treated groups. Furthermore, Phy-Et treatment resulted in some anatomical damages and changes such as necrosis, cell deformation and thickening of the cortex cell wall in root tip meristem cells of A. cepa. In the contact angle measurements taken against water, it was found that the wettability and hydrophilicity of the root preparations treated with Phy-Et were reduced, and this was the explanation of the growth abnormalities associated with water uptake. As a result, it was found that Phy-Et application caused toxic effects on many viability parameters and A. cepa test material was a reliable biomarker in determining these effects.