bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of the in-plane cyclic behaviour of calcium silicate brick masonry walls
Authors: Messali F. , Esposito R. , Ravenshorst G. J. P. , Rots J. G.
Published: April 2020

The material and structural performance of calcium silicate (CS) brick masonry has received relatively little attention in the past, although this material is often used for the construction of low-rise buildings in Central and Northern Europe. Upon the occurrence of induced seismicity in the north of the Netherlands, an extensive testing programme has been conducted since 2014 at Delft University of Technology. The paper presents the outcomes of eight quasi-static cyclic tests performed within this program on CS brick masonry walls under vertical and lateral in-plane loads. Different dimensions, boundary conditions and applied pre-compression loads were considered. Overall, the tests allowed to characterise the in-plane behaviour of CS brick masonry walls. The results confirmed the influence of the shear ratio (i.e. the ratio between the effective height and the length of the wall) on the wall response in terms of prevailing failure mode, initial stiffness, force and deformation capacity, energy dissipation. Besides, the experimental outcomes stressed the difficulty in estimating the effective stiffness and near collapse drift capacity. Additionally, an empirical equation is proposed to predict the peak lateral force. The equation, calibrated against the tests presented in this paper, was validated against an extended dataset of tests performed on CS masonry walls. The equation, which does not need any input of material parameters and is applicable irrespectively of the expected failure mode, can be used to estimate the force capacity of CS masonry walls when no or limited data on the material properties are available.
Hydrogel bacterial cellulose: a path to improved materials for new eco-friendly textiles
Authors: Kamiński Kamil , Jarosz Magdalena , Grudzień Joanna , Pawlik Justyna , Zastawnik Filip , Pandyra Piotr , Kołodziejczyk Agata Maria
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present a novel, ecologically friendly technology for the synthesis and modification of kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose in order to produce textiles of desired physicochemical and mechanical properties. The procedure of manufacturing cellulose in the form of a stable hydrogel bacterial cellulose (HGBC) ensures the desired properties for the application of such a material, e.g., in the textile industry. Bacterial cellulose was obtained from a yeast/bacteria kombucha culture (a symbiotic consortium also known as “tea fungus” or SCOBY) that is easy and cheap to breed. The process of bacterial cellulose manufacturing and modification was optimized in order to obtain a maximum recovery of raw materials, minimal energy consumption and ensure the use of only natural and renewable resources. The obtained materials were characterized in terms of their wettability, mechanical properties, and flame resistance. Moreover, the morphology and composition of the materials were determined by using scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Additionally, it was proven that the HGBC materials might be used to manufacture various articles of clothing using commonly available sewing techniques, which are not adequate for non-modified cellulose-based materials. Finally, the synthesized fabrics were used as wristbands and parts of T-shirts and tested on volunteers to determine a skin-to-skin contact behaviour of the prepared fabrics. The reported results allow for confirming that the HGBC fabric may be used as a new textile and the proposed synthesis method is in accordance with the “green chemistry.”

Graphic abstract
The Lycan–Stich Argument and the Plasticity of “Belief”
Authors: Poslajko Krzysztof
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper is to argue against the claim that the term “belief”, as it functions in philosophical psychology, has natural-kind term semantics; this thesis is central to the famous Lycan–Stich argument against eliminative materialism. I will argue that the current debate concerning the discrepancy between the professed opinions and actions, especially the debate concerning the idea of aliefs, shows that the concept of belief is plastic and amenable to conceptual engineering. The plasticity and amenability to conceptual engineering of the concept of belief give us, in turn, a reason to doubt that “belief” functions in a way that is presupposed in the Lycan–Stich argument. Finally, I point to an alternative to both eliminativism and the natural kind view, namely the idea that we should treat belief as a human kind.
Correlation among Lens Opacities Classification System III grading, the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire, and Visual Function Index-14 for age-related cataract assessment
Authors: Wan Yu , Wang Yinhao , Zhao Liming , Sun Min , An Li , Yang Yang , Jiang Aimin , Xu Yanhui , Chen Zhimin , Li Xuemin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between cataract types and subjective visual function among patients with age-related cataract.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, 831 Chinese patient-based, cross-sectional study. Patients were administered the Visual Function Index-14 (VF-14) and the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) to evaluate their subjective visual function. Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) was used to evaluate the type of cataract. Relationships among these parameters were analyzed.

Results

LOCS III cortical (C) and posterior subcapsular scores are negatively associated with VF-14 (r = − 0.188,P < 0.01;r = − 0.146,P < 0.01) and total score of NEI-VFQ-25 (r = − 0.223,P < 0.01;r = − 0.160,P < 0.01), respectively; LOCS III nuclear opalescence (NO) score is positively associated with VF-14 (r = 0.087,P < 0.05) and total score of NEI-VFQ-25 (r = 0.097,P < 0.05). In multiple linear regression, a decrease in the LOCS III C score is a significant predictor for improvement of the total score of NEI-VFQ-25 (β = − 1.286,P < 0.05). In contrast, an increase in LOCS III NO score is a significant predictor for improvement of VF-14 (β = 3.826,P < 0.01) and total score of NEI-VFQ-25 (β = 4.618,P < 0.01). Patients with LOCS III C score ≤ 2 have higher VF-14 (49.38 versus 43.74,P < 0.01), total (80.73 versus 71.58,P < 0.01) and subscale scores of NEI-VFQ-25 than patients with LOCS III C score > 2.

Conclusion

Cortical cataract has adverse effects on subjective visual function, while mild-to-moderate nuclear cataract has positive effects. Furthermore, “LOCS III C score > 2” can be a potential cutoff as a reference for cataract surgery without self-assessing questionnaires.
Regional variability in landscape effects on forest bird communities
Authors: Spake Rebecca , Soga Masashi , Kawamura Kazuhiro , Cooke Robert S. , Yamaura Yuichi , Eigenbrod Felix
Published: April 2020

Context

Functional responses to landscape heterogeneity are context-dependent, hampering the transferability of landscape-scale conservation initiatives. Japan provides a unique opportunity to test for regional modification of landscape effects due to its broad temperature gradient, coincident with a gradient of historical disturbance intensity.

Objectives

To quantify and understand how regional contexts modify forest bird community responses to landscape heterogeneity across Japan.

Methods

We characterised the functional trait composition and diversity of breeding bird communities from 297 forest sites, and applied a cross-scale analytical framework to explain regional variation in community responses.

Results

The effects of landscape diversity, coincident with forest loss, varied in strength and even direction across the temperature gradient. Cool regions of Japan with highly forested, homogeneous landscapes supported bird communities dominated by forest specialists: those with narrow habitat breadths and insectivorous diets. Warmer regions comprised communities dominated by generalists with wider habitat breadths, even in contiguous, highly forested landscapes. Heterogeneous landscapes selected for generalists, and only promoted functional trait diversity in cool regions where both specialists and generalists can be supplied by a diverse regional pool.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that regional variation in trait responses to landscape heterogeneity—driven by past environmental filtering and broad-scale climates—leads to differential community responses across Japan. Future research that seeks a nuanced understanding of the regional modification of landscape variables will better serve to inform and target real-world conservation efforts.
Polysomnographic characteristics of severe obstructive sleep apnea vary significantly between hypertensive and normotensive patients of both genders
Authors: Leppänen T. , Kulkas A. , Töyräs J. , Myllymaa S. , Gadoth N. , Oksenberg A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Hypertension is a common finding in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but it has remained unclear whether or not the amount of disturbed breathing and characteristics of individual respiratory events differ between hypertensive and normotensive patients with severe OSA.

Methods

Full polysomnographic recordings of 323 men and 89 women with severe OSA were analyzed. Differences in the duration of individual respiratory events, total apnea and hypopnea times, and the percentage of disturbed breathing from total sleep time (AHT%) were compared between normotensive and hypertensive patients separately by genders. Furthermore, differences in the respiratory event characteristics were assessed between three AHT% groups (AHT% ≤ 30%, 30% < AHT% ≤ 45%, and AHT% > 45%).

Results

Hypertensive women had lower percentage apnea time (15.2% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.003) and AHT% (33.5% vs. 36.5%, p = 0.021) when compared with normotensive women. However, these differences were not observed between hypertensive and normotensive men. Percentage hypopnea time was higher in hypertensive men (13.5% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.043) but not in women (15.2% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.130) compared with their normotensive counterparts. The variation in AHI explained 60.5% (ρ = 0.778) and 65.0% (ρ = 0.806) of the variation in AHT% in normotensive and hypertensive patients, respectively. However, when AHT% increased, the capability of AHI to explain the variation in AHT% declined.

Conclusions

There is a major inter- and intra-gender variation in percentage apnea and hypopnea times between hypertensive and normotensive patients with severe OSA. OSA is an important risk factor for hypertension and thus, early detection and phenotyping of OSA would allow timely treatment of patients with the highest risk of hypertension.
Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients as Preparation for Kidney Transplantation. Matched Pair Analysis in a High-Volume Bariatric and Transplant Center
Authors: Dobrzycka Małgorzata , Proczko-Stepaniak Monika , Kaska Łukasz , Wilczyński Maciej , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Kobiela Jarosław
Published: April 2020

Background

The number of morbidly obese kidney transplant candidates is growing. They have limited access to kidney transplantation and are at a higher risk of postoperative complications. Bariatric surgery is considered as a safe weight loss method in those patients.

Objectives

Matched pair analysis was designed to analyze the preparatory and postoperative weight loss after bariatric procedures in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and non-ESKD morbidly obese patients.

Methods

Twenty patients with ESKD underwent bariatric surgery in our Centre of Excellence for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery between 2015 and 2019 (nine one-anastomosis gastric bypasses, nine Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses, and two sleeve gastrectomies). They were compared with matched pairs from a dataset of 1199 morbidly obese patients without ESKD. Data on demographic factors and comorbidities was recorded. BMI was obtained at the start of the preparatory period preceding the bariatric procedure, at the time of procedure, and during the 1-year follow-up.

Results

The ESKD and non-ESKD patients did not differ significantly in preoperative weight loss (13.00 ± 11.69 kg and 15.22 ± 15.96 kg respectively, p = 0.619). During the 1-year follow-up, the weight loss was similar to the non-ESKD group. In the first 3 months, faster weight loss in ESKD was observed. Initial and follow-up BMI values did not differ significantly between groups. We demonstrated that obese patients with ESKD can lose weight as effectively as non-ESKD patients.

Conclusion

Morbidly obese ESKD patients have an equal weight loss to patients without ESKD. Bariatric surgery could improve access to kidney transplantation and may potentially improve transplantation outcomes of obese patients with ESKD.
Optimization of delivery adherence based on capacity planning and bid pricing
Authors: Denkena B. , Dittrich M.-A. , Wilmsmeier S. , Stamm S.
Published: April 2020

Sales revenues of enterprises are often subject to seasonal fluctuation. This leads to high or low utilized resources and this in turn to revenue losses. Hence, the enterprises invest a high effort to improve long and short-term resource utilization. In this context, disregarding future capacity utilization within the process of quotation leads to short-timed capacity adjustments for instance, additional work hours across seasons. This paper presents an approach which focuses on dependencies between costs and capacity by linking cost pricing and production scheduling. A first evaluation at an MTO supplier shows that order delays can be reduced by up to 95% and total costs by 21% compared to using the most appropriate priority rule.
Diagenesis and petrophysical characteristics of the shallow Pliocene sandstone reservoirs in the Shinfas Gas Field, onshore Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Leila Mahmoud , Mohamed Ahmed
Published: April 2020

The Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh (KES) Formation in the onshore Nile Delta region hosts numerous shallow gas accumulations. These are readily detected on seismic profiles by definable direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHI). However, the presence of residual gases causes many production failures. Two shallow (< 1500 m) pay zones were investigated in this study; both display seismic flat bright spots. The shallower pay zone (pay zone 1) comprises prograding distributary channel-fill sandstones, whereas the deeper pay zone 2 constitutes the transgressive distal sand bars. Pay zone 1 sandstones have better reservoir quality in terms of porosity (Av. 25.68%), permeability (86 md), water saturation (Av. 43.26%), and hence host thick gas accumulation (~ 15 m) with high net/gross (N/G) ratio ~ 0.98. On the other hand, pay zone 2 has a significant reservoir heterogeneity and contains only residual gases with N/G ratio of 0.26. The eodiagenetic infiltration of clays (Av. 31.46%), authigenic precipitation of glauconite (Av. 7%), and formation of pseudomatrix materials (Av. 2%) in pay zone 2 sandstones have the most detrimental impact on their reservoir quality. Elevated water saturation in pay zone 2 (Av. 64%) reduced the movable hydrocarbon content and results in accumulation of residual gases. Mild mechanical compaction preserved the intergranular porosity of the pay zone 1 sandstones, and incursion of meteoric water facilitated the dissolution of feldspars, the neoformation of secondary pore spaces (Av. 2.9%), and thus increased the reservoir storage and flow capacities. This study highlights that the initial depositional setting of the shallow siliciclastic reservoirs controls their diagenetic pathways and hence their reservoir quality.
Primary cilia mediate Klf2-dependant Notch activation in regenerating heart
Authors: Li Xueyu , Lu Qiang , Peng Yuanyuan , Geng Fang , Shao Xuelian , Zhou Huili , Cao Ying , Zhang Ruilin
Published: April 2020

Unlike adult mammalian heart, zebrafish heart has a remarkable capacity to regenerate after injury. Previous study has shown Notch signaling activation in the endocardium is essential for regeneration of the myocardium and this activation is mediated by hemodynamic alteration after injury, however, the molecular mechanism has not been fully explored. In this study we demonstrated that blood flow change could be perceived and transmitted in a primary cilia dependent manner to control the hemodynamic responsive klf2 gene expression and subsequent activation of Notch signaling in the endocardium. First we showed that both homologues of human gene KLF2 in zebrafish, klf2a and klf2b, could respond to hemodynamic alteration and both were required for Notch signaling activation and heart regeneration. Further experiments indicated that the upregulation of klf2 gene expression was mediated by endocardial primary cilia. Overall, our findings reveal a novel aspect of mechanical shear stress signal in activating Notch pathway and regulating cardiac regeneration.
Evolution in the formation of graphene nanocapsules from coal tar pitch
Authors: Puente-Siller D. M. , García-Castillo A. E. , López-Corpus J. A. , Perea-Garduño A.
Published: April 2020

It has recently been reported that coal tar pitch (CTP) can be utilised as raw material for the production of graphene nanocapsules (GNCs) because it is formed by a great quantity of aromatic organic compounds (which promote the rearrangement of double bonds by a process of polymerisation). Due to the importance of graphene and the search for a non-expensive methodology to produce it, this work used CTP to synthesise GNCs using an in situ activation technique at low temperatures and evaluating the effect of the working temperature on the formation of such nanostructures. In other words, analysing the form of the particle as the temperature rises from 600 to 900 °C. As result of the experimentation, powders were obtained and analysed by the techniques of X-Ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy and Microscopy, employing Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy by normal mode as well as by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and a High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results show that working with temperatures between 800 and 850 °C promotes the production of GNCs, considering that their size reduces as the working temperature rises.
Acute psychosis secondary to isoniazid in pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Alfawaz Saleh , Alattas Nadia , Alhammadi Moza , Waqar Saadia , Alola Sulaiman Al
Published: April 2020

Isoniazid (INH) is a first-line tuberculosis (TB) drug and is currently recommended as part of active and latent TB treatment in all ages. INH adverse reactions range from mild hepatitis to severe neurological symptoms and psychosis. Since its introduction in the 1950s, many case reports have explored INH- induced psychosis. We describe a 12-year-old girl with acute onset hallucinations and delusions as a rare complication of INH and review previous case reports and identified risk factors. Pediatricians need to be aware of this less common side effect as they work through a differential of acute psychosis in children.
Hemostatic efficacy of an advanced bipolar sealer in open gynecologic, thoracic, and colectomy procedures: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Schilder Jeanne , Anderson David , Shah Fatima , Holcomb Bryan , Shah Ahmar , Fullarton Grant , Ashraf Shazad , Fegan Scott , Paterson Hugh , Schwiers Michael L. , Singleton David W. , Waggoner Jason R. , Fryrear Raymond , Robb Bruce W.
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

An advanced bipolar (ABP) tissue sealer designed for division of major vessels in open procedures was evaluated in a prospective post-market study. The objective was to provide clinical data for assessment of vessel transection, hemostatic performance and ease of use of the ABP device during open colectomy, gynecologic, and thoracic operations.

Materials and methods:

The ABP test device was used in colectomy (n = 36), gynecologic (n = 44), and thoracic (n = 21) procedure groups. Vessels transected with the ABP device were graded intraoperatively on a hemostasis scale of 1–4, defined as follows: Grade1, no bleeding; Grade 2, minor bleeding with no intervention; Grade 3, minor bleeding requiring touchup with the test device or monopolar cautery; and Grade 4, significant bleeding requiring intervention with any additional hemostatic product. The primary performance measure was the percentage of vessels that achieved hemostasis grades ≤3. The primary safety endpoint was the summarization of all ABP device-related adverse events (AEs).

Results:

For all three procedure groups together, 302 (96.2%) of 314 total vessel transections were scored as hemostasis grades ≤ 3, including 270 (86.0%) that were rated Grade 1. Twelve transections (3.8%) were Grade 4, which included 9 vessels transected in the gynecologic group and 3 in the thoracic group. Three subjects experienced a total of 4 device-related AEs, consisting of hematoma, hypotension, procedural pain, and superficial thermal burn. All 4 device-related AEs were mild in severity.

Conclusion:

The advanced bipolar device exhibited effective hemostasis, an acceptable safety profile, and ease of use during colectomy, thoracic, and gynecologic procedures.

Trial registry number:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT034411.

Highlights:
The incidence and factors associated with failed spinal anesthesia among parturients underwent cesarean section, 2019: A prospective observational study
Authors: Ashagrie Henos Enyew , Ahmed Seid Adem , Melesse Debas Yaregal
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Spinal anesthesia is the method of choice for cesarean section as it is associated with low occurrence of intra-operative and post-operative morbidities. Despite this significant move towards spinal anesthesia, it has a risk of failure reported in the range of 1–17%. Failed spinal is a disgusting event for the mother and the anesthetist that may lead to decreased maternal satisfaction and may potentially impact fetal and maternal outcomes.

Objective:

The study was designed to determine the incidence and factors associated with failed spinal anesthesia during cesarean section.

Methods:

A prospective institution based observational study was conducted on 275 parturients from October 1st to December 31st, 2019. After collection, the data was data entered and analyzed by SPSS version 21. The main outcome measure was the incidence of failed spinal anesthesia and the chi-square test was used to compare failure rates and multivariable regression analysis was performed to investigate potential factors.

Results:

The study involved 275 parturients and the overall incidence of failed spinal was 19.5%. Co-morbidity (OR = 9.615; CI = 1.255–7.368), emergency procedure (AOR = 2.191; CI = 1.087–4.417), needle size (2.3; CI = 0.92–0.615), anesthetist's experience (AOR = 4.23; CI = 2.14–8.34), surgeon's experience (AOR = 2.530; CI = 1.319–4.853), bloody CSF flow (AOR = 2.440; CI = 0.103–0.582), and volume of local anesthetics (AOR = 2.781; CI = 1.432–5.398) were significantly associated with failed spinal anesthesia.

Conclusions and recommendations:

The incidence of failed spinal anesthesia was found to be high compared to previous studies. Since the study tried to identify risk factors for failure, we should act accordingly to minimize the failure rate.

Highlights:
Thermal scanning probe lithography—a review
Authors: Howell Samuel Tobias , Grushina Anya , Holzner Felix , Brugger Juergen
Published: April 2020

Fundamental aspects and state-of-the-art results of thermal scanning probe lithography (t-SPL) are reviewed here. t-SPL is an emerging direct-write nanolithography method with many unique properties which enable original or improved nano-patterning in application fields ranging from quantum technologies to material science. In particular, ultrafast and highly localized thermal processing of surfaces can be achieved through the sharp heated tip in t-SPL to generate high-resolution patterns. We investigate t-SPL as a means of generating three types of material interaction: removal, conversion, and addition. Each of these categories is illustrated with process parameters and application examples, as well as their respective opportunities and challenges. Our intention is to provide a knowledge base of t-SPL capabilities and current limitations and to guide nanoengineers to the best-fitting approach of t-SPL for their challenges in nanofabrication or material science. Many potential applications of nanoscale modifications with thermal probes still wait to be explored, in particular when one can utilize the inherently ultrahigh heating and cooling rates.
Sliding walls: a new paradigm for fluidic actuation and protocol implementation in microfluidics
Authors: Venzac Bastien , Liu Yang , Ferrante Ivan , Vargas Pablo , Yamada Ayako , Courson Rémi , Verhulsel Marine , Malaquin Laurent , Viovy Jean-Louis , Descroix Stéphanie
Published: April 2020

Currently, fluidic control in microdevices is mainly achieved either by external pumps and valves, which are expensive and bulky, or by valves integrated in the chip. Numerous types of internal valves or actuation methods have been proposed, but they generally impose difficult compromises between performance and fabrication complexity. We propose here a new paradigm for actuation in microfluidic devices based on rigid or semi-rigid walls with transversal dimensions of hundreds of micrometres that are able to slide within a microfluidic chip and to intersect microchannels with hand-driven or translation stage-based actuation. With this new concept for reconfigurable microfluidics, the implementation of a wide range of functionalities was facilitated and allowed for no or limited dead volume, low cost and low footprint. We demonstrate here several fluidic operations, including on/off or switch valving, where channels are blocked or reconfigured depending on the sliding wall geometry. The valves sustain pressures up to 30 kPa. Pumping and reversible compartmentalisation of large microfluidic chambers were also demonstrated. This last possibility was applied to a “4D” migration assay of dendritic cells in a collagen gel. Finally, sliding walls containing a hydrogel-based membrane were developed and used to concentrate, purify and transport biomolecules from one channel to another, such functionality involving complex fluidic transport patterns not possible in earlier microfluidic devices. Overall, this toolbox is compatible with “soft lithography” technology, allowing easy implementation within usual fabrication workflows for polydimethylsiloxane chips. This new technology opens the route to a variety of microfluidic applications, with a focus on simple, hand-driven devices for point-of-care or biological laboratories with low or limited equipment and resources.
Automated phenotyping of Caenorhabditis elegans embryos with a high-throughput-screening microfluidic platform
Authors: Baris Atakan Huseyin , Alkanat Tunc , Cornaglia Matteo , Trouillon Raphaël , Gijs Martin A. M.
Published: April 2020

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been extensively used as a model multicellular organism to study the influence of osmotic stress conditions and the toxicity of chemical compounds on developmental and motility-associated phenotypes. However, the several-day culture of nematodes needed for such studies has caused researchers to explore alternatives. In particular, C. elegans embryos, due to their shorter developmental time and immobile nature, could be exploited for this purpose, although usually their harvesting and handling is tedious. Here, we present a multiplexed, high-throughput and automated embryo phenotyping microfluidic approach to observe C. elegans embryogenesis after the application of different chemical compounds. After performing experiments with up to 800 embryos per chip and up to 12 h of time-lapsed imaging per embryo, the individual phenotypic developmental data were collected and analyzed through machine learning and image processing approaches. Our proof-of-concept platform indicates developmental lag and the induction of mitochondrial stress in embryos exposed to high doses (200 mM) of glucose and NaCl, while small doses of sucrose and glucose were shown to accelerate development. Overall, our new technique has potential for use in large-scale developmental biology studies and opens new avenues for very rapid high-throughput and high-content screening using C. elegans embryos.
Combining measures of immune infiltration shows additive effect on survival prediction in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Montfort Anne , Barker-Clarke Rowan J. , Piskorz Anna M. , Supernat Anna , Moore Luiza , Al-Khalidi Sarwah , Böhm Steffen , Pharoah Paul , McDermott Jacqueline , Balkwill Frances R. , Brenton James D.
Published: April 2020

Background

In colorectal and breast cancer, the density and localisation of immune infiltrates provides strong prognostic information. We asked whether similar automated quantitation and combined analysis of immune infiltrates could refine prognostic information in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) and tested associations between patterns of immune response and genomic driver alterations.

Methods

Epithelium and stroma were semi-automatically segmented and the infiltration of CD45RO+, CD8+ and CD68+ cells was automatically quantified from images of 332 HGSOC patient tissue microarray cores.

Results

Epithelial CD8 [p = 0.027, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.83], stromal CD68 (p = 3 × 10−4, HR = 0.44) and stromal CD45RO (p = 7 × 10−4, HR = 0.76) were positively associated with survival and remained so when averaged across the tumour and stromal compartments. Using principal component analysis, we identified optimised multiparameter survival models combining information from all immune markers (p = 0.016, HR = 0.88). There was no significant association between PTEN expression, type of TP53 mutation or presence of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations and immune infiltrate densities or principal components.

Conclusions

Combining measures of immune infiltration provided improved survival modelling and evidence for the multiple effects of different immune factors on survival. The presence of stromal CD68+ and CD45RO+ populations was associated with survival, underscoring the benefits evaluating stromal immune populations may bring for prognostic immunoscores in HGSOC.
Topography induced stiffness alteration of stem cells influences osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Yang Liangliang , Gao Qi , Ge Lu , Zhou Qihui , Warszawik Eliza M. , Bron Reinier , Lai King Wai Chiu , van Rijn Patrick
Published: April 2020

Topography-driven alterations to single cell stiffness rather than alterations in cell morphology, is the underlying driver for influencing cell biological processes, particularly stem cell differentiation.
A hierarchical LDH/MOF nanocomposite: single, simultaneous and consecutive adsorption of a reactive dye and Cr(vi)
Authors: Soltani Roozbeh , Marjani Azam , Shirazian Saeed
Published: April 2020

A hierarchical trimodal micro-meso-macroporous LDH/MOF nanocomposite as a superior adsorbent for single, simultaneous and consecutive adsorption of a reactive dye and Cr(vi).
Binding patterns and dynamics of double-stranded DNA on the phosphorene surface
Authors: Li Baoyu , Xie Xuejie , Duan Guangxin , Chen Serena H. , Meng Xuan-Yu , Zhou Ruhong
Published: April 2020

Molecular dynamics simulations and electrophoresis experiments show that dsDNA can form a stable binding on the phosphorene surface through the terminal base pairs and adopt an upright orientation regardless of its initial configurations.
Correction: Fabrication of metal/semiconductor nanocomposites by selective laser nano-welding
Authors: Yu Huiwu , Li Xiangyou , Hao Zhongqi , Xiong Wei , Guo Lianbo , Lu Yongfeng , Yi Rongxing , Li Jiaming , Yang Xinyan , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: April 2020

Correction for ‘Fabrication of metal/semiconductor nanocomposites by selective laser nano-welding’ by Huiwu Yu et al., Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 7012–7015.
Advances in intrinsic self-healing polyurethanes and related composites
Authors: Willocq Bertrand , Odent Jérémy , Dubois Philippe , Raquez Jean-Marie
Published: April 2020

The chronological development of intrinsic self-healing polyurethanes and related composites as well as the different strategies employed to confer living-like healing properties are herein reported.
Novel synthesis of divergent aryl imidazoles from ketones involving copper-catalyzed α-amination and oxidative C–C bond cleavage
Authors: Huang Jiangkun , Luo Lan , Xing Naiguo , Gu Linghui , Li Chen , Han Qiao , Zheng Shilong , He Ling
Published: April 2020

A one-pot synthesis, initiated by a copper salt with (NH4)2CO3 as the nitrogen source, forms divergent aryl imidazole derivatives from ketones via C–H activation, α-amination and oxidative C–C bond cleavage and condensation cascade reaction.
Surrogate-based optimization with adaptive sampling for microfluidic concentration gradient generator design
Authors: Yang Haizhou , Hong Seong Hyeon , ZhG Rei , Wang Yi
Published: April 2020

Surrogate-based optimization (SBO) with adaptive sampling method is established for microfluidic concentration gradient generators (μCGGs) design.
Absorption, fluorescence, Raman spectroscopic and density functional theoretical studies on the singlet and triplet excited state decay of 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Duan Aimin , An Suosuo , Xue Jiadan , Zheng Xuming , Zhao Yanying
Published: April 2020

The excited state decay process of N-heterocyclic compounds is attracting increasing attention due to their fundamental applications in pharmaceutical and biological sciences.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Interaction with Cerebral Cortex during Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma
Authors: Toma Milan , Dehesa-Baeza Alfonso , Chan-Akaley Rosalyn , Nguyen Paul D. H. , Zwibel Hallie
Published: April 2020

Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of fatal brain injuries in children younger than 2 years. It is a preventable and severe form of physical child abuse often linked to the forceful shaking of an infant or toddler. Victims of abusive head trauma can suffer permanent neurological damage, resulting in developmental delay and disability. The long-term effects of abusive head trauma are difficult to diagnose and predict. In this model, we use a high-order finite element method paired with the most comprehensive and current head/brain model and next-generation smoothed particle hydrodynamics. This is one of the first fluid–structure interaction frameworks that uses fluid material properties to represent the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) while including all major anatomical features of the brain. The interaction of CSF with the brain cortex during abusive head trauma is demonstrated during multiple shaking cycles. A comprehensive and precise model that calculates for the role of CSF in neurological trauma will be useful both in the prevention and treatment of abusive head trauma and the determination of prognosis and patient outcomes.
Excited-state vibrations, lifetimes, and nonradiative dynamics of jet-cooled 1-ethylcytosine
Authors: Trachsel Maria A. , Blaser Susan , Siffert Luca , Wiedmer Timo , Leutwyler Samuel
Published: April 2020

The S1 excited-state lifetime of jet-cooled 1-ethylcytosine (1ECyt) is ∼1 ns, one of the longest lifetimes for cytosine derivatives to date. Here, we analyze its S0 → S1 vibronic spectrum using two-color resonant two-photon ionization and UV/UV holeburning spectroscopy. Compared to cytosine and 1-methylcytosine, the S0 → S1 spectrum of 1ECyt shows a progression in the out-of-plane “butterfly” mode ν1′, identified by spin-component scaled-second-order coupled-cluster method ab initio calculations. We also report time-resolved S1 state nonradiative dynamics at ∼20 ps resolution by the pump/delayed ionization technique. The S1 lifetime increases with the number of ν1′ quanta from τ = 930 ps at v1′=0 to 1030 ps at v1′=2, decreasing to 14 ps at 710 cm−1 vibrational energy. We measured the rate constants for S1 ⇝ S0 internal conversion and S1 ⇝ T1 intersystem crossing (ISC): At the v′ = 0 level, kIC is 8 × 108 s−1 or three times smaller than 1-methylcytosine. The ISC rate constant from v′ = 0 to the T1(3ππ*) state is kISC = 2.4 × 108 s−1, 10 times smaller than the ISC rate constants of cytosine, but similar to that of 1-methylcytosine. Based on the calculated S1(1ππ*) state radiative lifetime τrad = 12 ns, the fluorescence quantum yield of 1ECyt is Φfl ∼ 7% and the intersystem crossing yield is ΦISC ∼ 20%. We measured the adiabatic ionization energy of 1-ethylcytosine via excitation of the S1 state as 8.353 ± 0.008 eV, which is 0.38 eV lower than that of amino-keto cytosine. Measurement of the ionization energy of the long-lived T1(ππ*) state formed via ISC reveals that it lies 3.2–3.4 eV above the S0 ground state.
Wildfire decision support tools: an exploratory study of use in the United States
Authors: Rapp Claire , Rabung Emily , Wilson Robyn , Toman Eric
Published: April 2020

In the United States, many decision support tools exist to provide fire managers with weather and fire behaviour information to inform and facilitate risk-based decision-making. Relatively little is known about how managers use these tools in the field and when and how they may serve to influence decisions. To address this gap, we conducted exploratory interviews with 27 wildfire management and fire weather professionals across the United States. Results reveal that barriers to the use of decision support tools are structural and social. Specifically, fire weather and behaviour models may not generate reliable output and managers may not use the information they provide, but technical specialists on incident management teams (IMTs) play an active role in trying to overcome these barriers through their technical expertise and their relationships with other members of the IMT. Although researchers suggest tools such as the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) inform broad, strategic decision-making for line officers and IMTs, our results suggest fire weather and behaviour models are also important for communication and strategic or tactical planning within the IMT, especially for operations. We find that ultimately, managers may make use of fire weather and behaviour models, but they do not dictate decisions.
Cross-regional modelling of fire occurrence in the Alps and the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Bekar İsmail , Tavşanoǧlu Çaǧatay , Pezzatti G. Boris , Vacik Harald , Pausas Juli G. , Bugmann Harald , Petter Gunnar
Published: April 2020

In recent decades, changes in fire activity have been observed in Europe. Fires can have large consequences for the provisioning of ecosystem services and for human well-being. Therefore, understanding the drivers of fire occurrence and improving the predictive capability of fire occurrence models is of utmost importance. So far, most studies have focused on individual regions with rather low spatial resolution, and have lacked the ability to apply the models in different regions. Here, a species distribution modelling approach (Maxent) was used to model fire occurrence in four regions across the Mediterranean Basin and the Alps using several environmental variables at two spatial resolutions. Additionally, a cross-regional model was developed and spatial transferability tested. Most models showed good performance, with fine resolution models always featuring somewhat higher performance than coarse resolution models. When transferred across regions, the performance of regional models was good only under similar environmental conditions. The cross-regional model showed a higher performance than the regional models in the transfer tests. The results suggest that a cross-regional approach is most robust when aiming to use fire occurrence models at the regional scale but beyond current environmental conditions, for example in scenario analyses of the impacts of climate change.
Variation and dynamics of “complementizer agreement” in German
Authors: Fingerhuth Matthias , Lenz Alexandra N.
Published: April 2020

To date, there has been limited empirical research on complementizer agreement (CA). We investigate CA drawing on
a corpus of 144 speakers from 13 locations across Austria that was elicited through computer supported language production
experiments and recorded in conversations. We investigate the linguistic factors that govern the occurrence of CA, as well as its
areal distribution. We further explore the role of CA in speakers’ linguistic repertoires. The study finds evidence for the hypothesis that the
(non-)occurrence of CA is strongly dependent on the structure of its hosting C-elements and finds regional patterns. It also
identifies CA as a phenomenon which speakers place in a non-standard register. We use the collected data to test a theory of the
emergence of CA from clitic pronouns for Bavarian varieties of German.
Language contact through translation
Authors: Pang Shuangzi , Wang Kefei
Published: April 2020

This article investigates the role of translations from English in language change in Chinese. It employs a new corpus, the Chinese Diachronic Composite Corpus (CDCC), which incorporates a parallel corpus and comparable corpus in three sampling periods in the twentieth century, and a refe­rence corpus as a starting point in the timeframe. We examine whether explicitness in English–Chinese translations has exerted an impact on the target language, focusing on adversative conjunctions as a measure of explicitness. The results of the study demonstrate that: (1) translated Chinese texts have changed in step with original Chinese texts in the frequency of adversative conjunctions; (2) translated Chinese texts and original Chinese texts are interrelated throughout the three periods, but the correlation between them has changed perceptibly over the three sample points; and (3) source language interference found in translated Chinese texts increases over the three periods.
Impact of frailty on health-related quality of life 1 year after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Goudzwaard Jeannette A , de Ronde-Tillmans Marjo J A G , van Hoorn Fleurance E D , Kwekkeboom Eline H C , Lenzen Mattie J , van Wiechen Maarten P H , Ooms Joris F W , Nuis Rutger-Jan , Van Mieghem Nicolas M , Daemen Joost , de Jaegere Peter P T , Mattace-Raso Francesco U S
Published: April 2020

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) brings symptom relief and improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the majority of patients treated for symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis. However, there is a substantial group of patients that do not benefit from TAVI. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of frailty on HRQoL 1 year after TAVI.

Methods

The TAVI Care & Cure Program is an ongoing, prospective, observational study including patients referred for TAVI to our institution. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed to evaluate existence of frailty using the Erasmus Frailty Score (EFS). HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5 L at baseline and 1 year after TAVI.

Results

239 patients underwent TAVI and completed HRQoL assessment 1 year after TAVI. Seventy (29.3%) patients were classified as frail (EFS ≥ 3). In non-frail patients, the EQ-5D-5 L index did not change (0.71(± 0.22) to 0.68(± 0.33) points, P = 0.22); in frail patients, the EQ-5D-5 L index decreased from 0.55(±0.26) to 0.44 points (±0.33) (P = 0.022). Frailty was an independent predictor of deteriorated HRQoL 1 year after TAVI (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.07–4.70, P = 0.003). In frail patients, the absence of peripheral artery disease (OR 0.17, 95% 0.05–0.50, P = 0.001) and renal dysfunction (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04–0.41, P = <0.001) at baseline was associated with improved HRQoL 1 year after TAVI.

Conclusion

Frailty is associated with deterioration of HRQoL 1 year after TAVI. Notably, HRQoL did improve in frail patients with no peripheral arterial disease or renal impairment at baseline.
The Internal Limits on Fiduciary Loyalty
Authors: Gold Andrew S
Published: April 2020

In the abstract, the limits on a lawyer’s loyalty obligations could take several forms. For example, constraints on a fiduciary’s loyalty obligations may be derived from a correct understanding of that fiduciary’s loyalty itself. Indeed, violations might count as a form of disloyalty to the client. Alternatively, such constraints could stem from obligations owed to parties other than a lawyer’s client, or even something more abstract like the rule of law. Notably, such constraints could be derived from legal principles that have nothing to do with fiduciary law. Each of these options is a conceptual possibility, contingent on the choices made by a given legal system. Constraints on a loyalty obligation that are implications of that loyalty obligation itself are defined here as internal. Constraints imposed from outside a given fiduciary loyalty obligation are defined as external. This paper seeks to deepen our understanding of a particular type of fiduciary loyalty (the loyalty owed by lawyers) by focusing on the role of such internal constraints, and in the process to elaborate on the scope of loyalty obligations more generally. This paper will also indicate why we should care about the internal/external distinction. Among other things, this distinction helps determine whether lawyers are better seen as private or public fiduciaries, and in practice it may bear on both judicial reasoning and legal compliance.
Improving the Service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through Innovative Practices Between Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers and Social Workers in Hospitals in Victoria, Australia†
Authors: Bnads Helen , Orr Elizabeth , Clements C John
Published: April 2020

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have suffered violence and extreme prejudice in every walk of life as a result of the European colonisation of Australia. We acknowledge the ongoing colonial legacy to this suffering and discuss how cultural safety is a solution to overcoming some elements of the disadvantages that still beset Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in terms of accessing health care. Accessible and culturally safe health services are critical in reducing health inequalities for First Nations’ people because of the burden of ill-health they experience. ‘Cultural safety’ in this context refers to approaches that strengthen and respectfully engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in mainstream services. Alongside holistic Indigenous health and primary prevention approaches, a broad range of medical, socio-cultural and allied health support is needed to alleviate these inequalities. In this article, we describe how the working relationship between Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers and Social Workers in public hospitals in Victoria, Australia, contributes to cultural safety, and thereby improves the quality of care and a reduction in discharges against medical advice by Aboriginal patients. We conclude that elements of this model may be applicable to improving care for First Nation peoples in other countries.
A toxic subset of soluble α-synuclein species in dementia with Lewy body
Authors: Castillo-Carranza Diana L
Published: April 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Analysis of α-synuclein species enriched from cerebral cortex of humans with sporadic dementia with Lewy bodies’, by Sanderson et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcaa010).