bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers in a large Spanish reference hospital
Authors: Garcia-Basteiro Alberto L. , Moncunill Gemma , Tortajada Marta , Vidal Marta , Guinovart Caterina , Jiménez Alfons , Santano Rebeca , Sanz Sergi , Méndez Susana , Llupià Anna , Aguilar Ruth , Alonso Selena , Barrios Diana , Carolis Carlo , Cisteró Pau , Chóliz Eugenia , Cruz Angeline , Fochs Silvia , Jairoce Chenjerai , Hecht Jochen , Lamoglia Montserrat , Martínez Mikel J. , Mitchell Robert A. , Ortega Natalia , Pey Nuria , Puyol Laura , Ribes Marta , Rosell Neus , Sotomayor Patricia , Torres Sara , Williams Sarah , Barroso Sonia , Vilella Anna , Muñoz José , Trilla Antoni , Varela Pilar , Mayor Alfredo , Dobaño Carlota
Published: July 2020

Health care workers (HCW) are a high-risk population to acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection from patients or other fellow HCW. This study aims at estimating the seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in a random sample of HCW from a large hospital in Spain. Of the 578 participants recruited from 28 March to 9 April 2020, 54 (9.3%, 95% CI: 7.1–12.0) were seropositive for IgM and/or IgG and/or IgA against SARS-CoV-2. The cumulative prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (presence of antibodies or past or current positive rRT-PCR) was 11.2% (65/578, 95% CI: 8.8–14.1). Among those with evidence of past or current infection, 40.0% (26/65) had not been previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Here we report a relatively low seroprevalence of antibodies among HCW at the peak of the COVID-19 epidemic in Spain. A large proportion of HCW with past or present infection had not been previously diagnosed with COVID-19, which calls for active periodic rRT-PCR testing in hospital settings.
Publisher Correction: Controllability governs the balance between Pavlovian and instrumental action selection
Authors: Dorfman Hayley M. , Gershman Samuel J.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Motion synchronisation patterns of the carotid atheromatous plaque from B-mode ultrasound
Authors: Golemati Spyretta , Patelaki Eleni , Gastounioti Aimilia , Andreadis Ioannis , Liapis Christos D. , Nikita Konstantina S.
Published: July 2020

Asynchronous movement of the carotid atheromatous plaque from B-mode ultrasound has been previously reported, and associated with higher risk of stroke, but not quantitatively estimated. Based on the hypothesis that asynchronous plaque motion is associated with vulnerable plaque, in this study, synchronisation patterns of different tissue areas were estimated using cross-correlations of displacement waveforms. In 135 plaques (77 subjects), plaque radial deformation was synchronised by approximately 50% with the arterial diameter, and the mean phase shift was 0.4 s. Within the plaque, the mean phase shifts between the displacements of the top and bottom surfaces were 0.2 s and 0.3 s, in the radial and longitudinal directions, respectively, and the synchronisation about 80% in both directions. Classification of phase-shift-based features using Random Forests yielded Area-Under-the-Curve scores of 0.81, 0.79, 0.89 and 0.90 for echogenicity, symptomaticity, stenosis degree and plaque risk, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that echolucent, high-stenosis and high-risk plaques exhibited higher phase shifts between the radial displacements of their top and bottom surfaces. These findings are useful in the study of plaque kinematics.
Efficacy of eribulin for metastatic breast cancer based on localization of specific secondary metastases: a post hoc analysis
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Joyce , Cortes Javier , Twelves Chris , Goldstein Lori J. , Alexis Karenza , Xie Ran , Barrios Carlos , Ueno Takayuki
Published: July 2020

Prior pooled analysis of eribulin studies (301 and 305) indicated eribulin prolonged overall survival (OS) in patients with locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer (MBC) regardless of visceral or nonvisceral disease. This hypothesis-generating post hoc analysis examined the efficacy of eribulin according to the location of metastatic sites at baseline in 1864 pretreated patients with locally advanced/MBC from studies 301 and 305. Analyses included OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate; OS and PFS were also analyzed according to estrogen-receptor status. Eribulin appeared efficacious in patients with locally advanced/MBC, irrespective of the location of metastases at baseline. A nominally significant difference in OS in favor of patients randomized to eribulin compared with control in patients with bone, lymph node, and chest wall/breast/skin metastases at baseline was observed. Additionally, a difference in OS was also seen in patients with liver metastases randomized to eribulin versus control (median: 13.4 versus 11.3 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI: 0.72, 0.97]). Results of this exploratory analysis suggest that eribulin may be efficacious for the treatment of locally advanced/MBC for patients with bone, liver, lung, lymph node, and chest wall/breast/skin metastases.
Dissociable neural mechanisms underlie currently-relevant, future-relevant, and discarded working memory representations
Authors: Lorenc Elizabeth S. , Vandenbroucke Annelinde R. E. , Nee Derek E. , de Lange Floris P. , D’Esposito Mark
Published: July 2020

In daily life, we use visual working memory (WM) to guide our actions. While attending to currently-relevant information, we must simultaneously maintain future-relevant information, and discard information that is no longer relevant. However, the neural mechanisms by which unattended, but future-relevant, information is maintained in working memory, and future-irrelevant information is discarded, are not well understood. Here, we investigated representations of these different information types, using functional magnetic resonance imaging in combination with multivoxel pattern analysis and computational modeling based on inverted encoding model simulations. We found that currently-relevant WM information in the focus of attention was maintained through representations in visual, parietal and posterior frontal brain regions,
whereas deliberate forgetting led to suppression of the discarded representations in early visual cortex. In contrast, future-relevant information was neither inhibited nor actively maintained in these areas. These findings suggest that different neural mechanisms underlie the WM representation of currently- and future-relevant information, as compared to information that is discarded from WM.
Infant EEG theta modulation predicts childhood intelligence
Authors: Jones E. J. H. , Goodwin A. , Orekhova E. , Charman T. , Dawson G. , Webb S. J. , Johnson M. H.
Published: July 2020

Intellectual functioning is a critical determinant of economic and personal productivity. Identifying early neural predictors of cognitive function in infancy will allow us to map the neurodevelopmental pathways that underpin individual differences in intellect. Here, in three different cohorts we investigate the association between a putative neurophysiological indicator of information encoding (change in frontal theta during a novel video) in infancy and later general cognitive outcome. In a discovery cohort of 12-month-old typically developing infants, we recorded EEG during presentation of dynamic movies of people and objects. Frontal theta power (3–6 Hz) significantly increased during the course of viewing each video. Critically, increase in frontal theta during viewing of a video was associated with a differential response to repetition of that specific video, confirming relation to learning. Further, individual differences in the magnitude of change in frontal theta power were related to concurrent nonverbal cognitive level. We then sought to extend this association in two independent samples enriched for variation in cognitive outcome due to the inclusion of infants at familial risk for autism. We observed similar patterns of theta EEG change at 12 months, and found a predictive relation to verbal and nonverbal cognitive skills measured at 2, 3 and 7 years of age. For the subset of high-risk infants later diagnosed with autism, infant theta EEG explained over 80% of the variance in nonverbal skills at age 3 years. We suggest that EEG theta change in infancy is an excellent candidate predictive biomarker that could yield substantial insight into the mechanisms that underlie individual differences in childhood intelligence, particularly in high risk populations.
Genetic spectrum of retinal dystrophies in Tunisia
Authors: Habibi Imen , Falfoul Yosra , Turki Ahmed , Hassairi Asma , El Matri Khaled , Chebil Ahmed , Schorderet Daniel F. , El Matri Leila
Published: July 2020

We report the molecular basis of the largest Tunisian cohort with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) reported to date, identify disease-causing pathogenic variants and describe genotype–phenotype correlations. A subset of 26 families from a cohort of 73 families with clinical diagnosis of autosomal recessive IRD (AR-IRD) excluding Usher syndrome was analyzed by whole exome sequencing and autozygosity mapping. Causative pathogenic variants were identified in 50 families (68.4%), 42% of which were novel.

The most prevalent pathogenic variants were observed in ABCA4 (14%) and RPE65, CRB1 and CERKL (8% each). 26 variants (8 novel and 18 known) in 19 genes were identified in 26 families (14 missense substitutions, 5 deletions, 4 nonsense pathogenic variants and 3 splice site variants), with further allelic heterogeneity arising from different pathogenic variants in the same gene. The most common phenotype in our cohort is retinitis pigmentosa (23%) and cone rod dystrophy (23%) followed by Leber congenital amaurosis (19.2%). We report the association of new disease phenotypes. This research was carried out in Tunisian patients with IRD in order to delineate the genetic population architecture.
Impacts of the continuous maize cultivation on soil properties in Sainyabuli province, Laos
Authors: Fujisao Kazuhiko , Khanthavong Phanthasin , Oudthachit Saythong , Matsumoto Naruo , Homma Koki , Asai Hidetoshi , Shiraiwa Tatsuhiko
Published: July 2020

In tropical mountainous areas, soil degradation and yield decrease have been anticipated due to conversion from shifting to continuous cultivation and the introduction of cash crops. In our previous report, we quantified the decrease in maize yield under continuous cultivation in farmers’ fields in Laos. In this report, we focused on soil nutritional conditions under continuous cultivation in the farmers’ fields. For the purpose, twelve soil properties were investigated over two years from three sample sites in each of the 40 farmers’ fields with the duration of continuous cultivation varying from 1 to 30 years. Total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and exchangeable calcium in the soil decreased with increasing duration of continuous cultivation in the sloped fields. These soil nutrients decreased to around half of the initial content in these 30 years. However, the decreasing rates of TC and TN were negligible in the flat fields. Other soil properties such as clay and exchangeable magnesium were not related to the duration of continuous cultivation in both sloped and flat fields. The reduction in maize yield was mainly explained by TC, but the determination coefficient was only 0.24. Although further analysis is required to quantify the effect of soil nutrients on maize production, the development of integrated soil management would be necessary in the sloped fields for sustainable crop production in the study site.
Author Correction: Identification of Two Mannosyltransferases Contributing to Biosynthesis of the Fungal-type Galactomannan α-Core-Mannan Structure in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Onoue Takuya , Tanaka Yutaka , Hagiwara Daisuke , Ekino Keisuke , Watanabe Akira , Ohta Kazuyoshi , Kamei Katsuhiko , Shibata Nobuyuki , Goto Masatoshi , Oka Takuji
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ultraviolet aging study on bitumen modified by a composite of clay and fumed silica nanoparticles
Authors: Cheraghian Goshtasp , Wistuba Michael P.
Published: July 2020

In this study, surface morphology, rheological and chemical properties were investigated of bitumen, which was modified by a composite of clay and fumed silica nanoparticles, and exposed to ultraviolet (UV) aging in laboratory. The volume fraction of the nanoparticles within the binder ranged from 1 to 3%, the temperature range considered was 30 to 70 °C. Surface morphology, rheological and chemical binder properties were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. It was found, that the bitumen modification through clay and fumed silica nanoparticles changed resulting binder properties significantly. The index of carbonyl and oxidation degree decreased, and the clay and fumed silica nanoparticles improved aging resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation considerably. The results indicate that the mechanical stability of the modified bitumen is very much driven by the specific concentration of clay and fumed silica nanoparticles.
Assessment of plaque morphology in Alzheimer’s mouse cerebellum using three-dimensional X-ray phase-based virtual histology
Authors: Massimi Lorenzo , Pieroni Nicola , Maugeri Laura , Fratini Michela , Brun Francesco , Bukreeva Inna , Santamaria Giulia , Medici Valentina , Poloni Tino Emanuele , Balducci Claudia , Cedola Alessia
Published: July 2020

Visualization and characterization of$$\beta$$β-amyloid deposits is a fundamental task in pre-clinical study of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to assess its evolution and monitor the efficiency of new therapeutic strategies. While the cerebellum is one of the brain areas most underestimated in the context of AD, renewed interest in cerebellar lesions has recently arisen as they may link to motor and cognitive alterations. Thus, we quantitatively investigated three-dimensional plaque morphology in the cerebellum in APP/PS1 transgenic mouse, as a model of AD. In order to obtain a complete high-resolution three-dimensional view of the investigated tissue, we exploited synchrotron X-ray phase contrast tomography (XPCT), providing virtual slices with histology-matching resolution. We found the formation of plaques elongated in shape, and with a specific orientation in space depending on the investigated region of the cerebellar cortex. Remarkably, a similar shape is observed in human cerebellum from demented patients. Our findings demonstrate the capability of XPCT in volumetric quantification, supporting the current knowledge about plaque morphology in the cerebellum and the fundamental role of the surrounding tissue in driving their evolution. A good correlation with the human neuropathology is also reported.
A novel tracer for in vivo optical imaging of fatty acid metabolism in the heart and brown adipose tissue
Authors: Panagia Marcello , Yang Jing , Gale Eric , Wang Huan , Luptak Ivan , Chen Howard H. , Patel Dakshesh , Croteau Dominique , Pimentel David Richard , Bachschmid Markus Michael , Colucci Wilson S. , Ran Chongzhao , Sosnovik David E.
Published: July 2020

Multiplexed imaging is essential for the evaluation of substrate utilization in metabolically active organs, such as the heart and brown adipose tissue (BAT), where substrate preference changes in pathophysiologic states. Optical imaging provides a useful platform because of its low cost, high throughput and intrinsic ability to perform composite readouts. However, the paucity of probes available for in vivo use has limited optical methods to image substrate metabolism. Here, we present a novel near-infrared (NIR) free fatty acid (FFA) tracer suitable for in vivo imaging of deep tissues such as the heart. Using click chemistry, Alexa Fluor 647 DIBO Alkyne was conjugated to palmitic acid. Mice injected with 0.05 nmol/g bodyweight of the conjugate (AlexaFFA) were subjected to conditions known to increase FFA uptake in the heart (fasting) and BAT [cold exposure and injection with the β3 adrenergic agonist CL 316, 243(CL)]. Organs were subsequently imaged both ex vivo and in vivo to quantify AlexaFFA uptake. The blood kinetics of AlexaFFA followed a two-compartment model with an initial fast compartment half-life of 0.14 h and a subsequent slow compartment half-life of 5.2 h, consistent with reversible protein binding. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging after overnight cold exposure and fasting produced a significant increase in AlexaFFA uptake in the heart (58 ± 12%) and BAT (278 ± 19%) compared to warm/fed animals. In vivo imaging of the heart and BAT after exposure to CL and fasting showed a significant increase in AlexaFFA uptake in the heart (48 ± 20%) and BAT (40 ± 10%) compared to saline-injected/fed mice. We present a novel near-infrared FFA tracer, AlexaFFA, that is suitable for in vivo quantification of FFA metabolism and can be applied in the context of a low cost, high throughput, and multiplexed optical imaging platform.
Enhanced stability in CH3NH3PbI3 hybrid perovskite from mechano-chemical synthesis: structural, microstructural and optoelectronic characterization
Authors: López Carlos A. , Abia Carmen , Rodrigues Joao E. , Serrano-Sánchez Federico , Nemes Norbert M. , Martínez José L. , Fernandez-Díaz María T. , Biškup Neven , Alvarez-Galván Consuelo , Carrascoso Felix , Castellanos-Gomez Andres , Alonso José A.
Published: July 2020

Among the hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites MAPbX3 (MA: methyl-ammonium CH3–NH3+, X = halogen), the triiodide specimen (MAPbI3) is still the material of choice for solar energy applications. Although it is able to absorb light above its 1.6 eV bandgap, its poor stability in humid air atmosphere has been a major drawback for its use in solar cells. However, we discovered that this perovskite can be prepared by ball milling in a straightforward way, yielding specimens with a superior stability. This fact allowed us to take atomic-resolution STEM images for the first time, with sufficient quality to unveil microscopic aspects of this material. We demonstrated full Iodine content, which might be related to the enhanced stability, in a more compact PbI6 framework with reduced unit-cell volume. A structural investigation from neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data of an undeuterated specimen was essential to determine the configuration of the organic MA unit in the 100–298 K temperature range. A phase transition is identified, from the tetragonal structure observed at RT (space group I4/mcm) to an orthorhombic (space group Pnma) phase where the methyl-ammonium organic units are fully localized. Our NPD data reveal that the MA changes are gradual and start before reaching the phase transition. Optoelectronic measurements yield a photocurrent peak at an illumination wavelength of 820 nm, which is redshifted by 30 nm with respect to previously reported measurements on MAPbI3 perovskites synthesized by crystallization from organic solvents.
Adaptive light: a lighting control method aligned with dark adaptation of human vision
Authors: Takemura Yui , Ito Masaharu , Shimizu Yushi , Okano Keiko , Okano Toshiyuki
Published: July 2020

Light exposure before sleep causes a reduction in the quality and duration of sleep. In order to reduce these detrimental effects of light exposure, it is important to dim the light. However, dimming the light often causes inconvenience and can lower the quality of life (QOL). We therefore aimed to develop a lighting control method for use before going to bed, in which the illuminance of lights can be ramped down with less of a subjective feeling of changes in illuminance. We performed seven experiments in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. In each experiment, we compared two lighting conditions. We examined constant illuminance, linear dimming, and three monophasic and three biphasic exponential dimming, to explore the fast and slow increases in visibility that reflect the dark adaptation of cone and rod photoreceptors in the retina, respectively. Finally, we developed a biphasic exponential dimming method termed Adaptive Light 1.0. Adaptive Light 1.0 significantly prevented the misidentification seen in constant light and effectively suppressed perceptions of the illuminance change. This novel lighting method will help to develop new intelligent lighting instruments that reduce the negative effect of light on sleep and also lower energy consumption.
Plasma proteomics reveals markers of metabolic stress in HIV infected children with severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Gonzales Gerard Bryan , Njunge James M. , Gichuki Bonface M. , Wen Bijun , Potani Isabel , Voskuijl Wieger , Bandsma Robert H. J. , Berkley James A.
Published: July 2020

HIV infection affects up to 30% of children presenting with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Africa and is associated with increased mortality. Children with SAM are treated similarly regardless of HIV status, although mechanisms of nutritional recovery in HIV and/or SAM are not well understood. We performed a secondary analysis of a clinical trial and plasma proteomics data among children with complicated SAM in Kenya and Malawi. Compared to children with SAM without HIV (n = 113), HIV-infected children (n = 54) had evidence (false discovery rate (FDR) corrected p < 0.05) of metabolic stress, including enriched pathways related to inflammation and lipid metabolism. Moreover, we observed reduced plasma levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein, butyrylcholinesterase, and increased levels of complement C2 resembling findings in metabolic syndrome, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. HIV was also associated (FDR corrected p < 0.05) with higher plasma levels of inflammatory chemokines. Considering evidence of biomarkers of metabolic stress, it is of potential concern that our current treatment strategy for SAM regardless of HIV status involves a high-fat therapeutic diet. The results of this study suggest a need for clinical trials of therapeutic foods that meet the specific metabolic needs of children with HIV and SAM.
Cocaine-regulated microRNA miR-124 controls poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 expression in neuronal cells
Authors: Dash Sabyasachi , Balasubramaniam Muthukumar , Martínez-Rivera Freddyson J. , Godino Arthur , Peck Emily G. , Patnaik Srinivas , Suar Mrutyunjay , Calipari Erin S. , Nestler Eric J. , Villalta Fernando , Dash Chandravanu , Pandhare Jui
Published: July 2020

MiR-124 is a highly expressed miRNA in the brain and regulates genes involved in neuronal function. We report that miR-124 post-transcriptionally regulates PARP-1. We have identified a highly conserved binding site of miR-124 in the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of Parp-1 mRNA. We demonstrate that miR-124 directly binds to the Parp-1 3′UTR and mutations in the seed sequences abrogate binding between the two RNA molecules. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-124 post-transcriptionally regulates Parp-1 3′UTR activity in a dopaminergic neuronal cell model. Interestingly, the binding region of miR-124 in Parp-1 3′UTR overlapped with the target sequence of miR-125b, another post-transcriptional regulator of Parp-1. Our results from titration and pull-down studies revealed that miR-124 binds to Parp-1 3′UTR with greater affinity and confers a dominant post-transcriptional inhibition compared to miR-125b. Interestingly, acute or chronic cocaine exposure downregulated miR-124 levels concomitant with upregulation of PARP-1 protein in dopaminergic-like neuronal cells in culture. Levels of miR-124 were also downregulated upon acute or chronic cocaine exposure in the mouse nucleus accumbens (NAc)-a key reward region of brain. Time-course studies revealed that cocaine treatment persistently downregulated miR-124 in NAc. Consistent with this finding, miR-124 expression was also significantly reduced in the NAc of animals conditioned for cocaine place preference. Collectively, these studies identify Parp-1 as a direct target of miR-124 in neuronal cells, establish miR-124 as a cocaine-regulated miRNA in the mouse NAc, and highlight a novel pathway underlying the molecular effects of cocaine.
A machine learning workflow for raw food spectroscopic classification in a future industry
Authors: Tsakanikas Panagiotis , Karnavas Apostolos , Panagou Efstathios Z. , Nychas George-John
Published: July 2020

Over the years, technology has changed the way we produce and have access to our food through the development of applications, robotics, data analysis, and processing techniques. The implementation of these approaches by the food industry ensure quality and affordability, reducing at the same time the costs of keeping the food fresh and increase productivity. A system, as the one presented herein, for raw food categorization is needed in future food industries to automate food classification according to type, the process of algorithm approaches that will be applied to every different food origin and also for serving disabled people. The purpose of this work was to develop a machine learning workflow based on supervised PLS regression and SVM classification, towards automated raw food categorization from FTIR. The system exhibited high efficiency in multi-class classification of 7 different types of raw food. The selected food samples, were diverse in terms of storage conditions (temperature, storage time and packaging), while the variability within each food was also taken into account by several different batches; leading in a classifier able to embed this variation towards increased robustness and efficiency, ready for real life applications targeting to the digital transformation of the food industry.
A metagenomics-based diagnostic approach for central nervous system infections in hospital acute care setting
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Rubayet , Sundararaju Sathyavathi , Tang Patrick , Tsui Kin-Ming , Lopez Andres Perez , Janahi Mohammad , Tan Rusung , Tilley Peter
Published: July 2020

The etiology of central nervous system (CNS) infections such as meningitis and encephalitis remains unknown in a large proportion of cases partly because the diversity of pathogens that may cause CNS infections greatly outnumber available test methods. We developed a metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS)-based approach for broad-range detection of pathogens associated with CNS infections suitable for application in the acute care hospital setting. The analytical sensitivity of mNGS performed on an Illumina MiSeq was assessed using simulated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens (n = 9). mNGS data were then used as a training dataset to optimize a bioinformatics workflow based on the IDseq pipeline. For clinical validation, residual CSF specimens (n = 74) from patients with suspected CNS infections previously tested by culture and/or PCR, were analyzed by mNGS. In simulated specimens, the NGS reads aligned to pathogen genomes in IDseq were correlated to qPCR CT values for the respective pathogens (R = 0.96; p < 0.0001), and the results were highly specific for the spiked pathogens. In clinical samples, the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the mNGS with reference to conventional methods were 100%, 95% and 96%, respectively. The clinical application of mNGS holds promise to benefit patients with CNS infections of unknown etiology.
Stereotactic irradiation of non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases: evaluation of local and cerebral control in a large series
Authors: Fessart Etienne , Mouttet Audouard Raphaëlle , Le Tinier Florence , Coche-Dequeant Bernard , Lacornerie Thomas , Tresch Emmanuelle , Scherpereel Arnaud , Lartigau Eric , Mirabel Xavier , Pasquier David
Published: July 2020

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) of brain metastases (BM) results are often reported in the heterogeneous primitive population. Here, we report our experience in consecutively treated patients who underwent SRT alone for BM from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective analysis included consecutive patients with no history of cerebral treatment who underwent Cyberknife™ SRT for BM from NSCLC in our institution from 2007 to 2016. One hundred patients were included in the study, with a median follow-up of 33 months (20–64). Mean age was 63 years (SD ± 10); 88% had Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) > 70; 67% had unique BM; 18 patients received single-fraction SRT (20–25 Gy), and 82 received hypo-fractionated SRT (HSRT) (24–36 Gy in 3–5 fractions). We reported a complication rate of 17% (2% of G3-4). Median survival was 10.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8–13.9]. At 1 year, local and cerebral control rates were respectively 78.7% (95% CI 70–86.5%) and 43% (95% CI 33.5–53%). Thirty patients underwent salvage treatment (whole brain radiation therapy, n = 13; SRT, n = 14; surgery, n = 3). Cyberknife™-based SRT is an effective treatment associated with high local control rate with low morbidity for patients with NSCLC’s BM. Close follow-up is necessary to perform salvage treatment.
Sturgeon hydrolysates alleviate DSS-induced colon colitis in mice by modulating NF-κB, MAPK, and microbiota composition
Authors: Gao Ruichang , Shen Yang , Shu Wanghui , Jin Wengang , Bai Fan , Wang Jinlin , Zhang Yuhao , El-Seedi Hesham , Sun Quancai , Yuan Li
Published: July 2020

Sturgeon hydrolysates (SH) dramatically decreased inflammatory cytokines, preserved intestinal structure, and increased beneficial bacteria by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK activation and reshaping the gut microbiota.
Ionic liquid polymer materials with tunable nanopores controlled by surfactant aggregates: a novel approach for CO2 capture
Authors: Bhaskar Reddy Ambavaram Vijaya , Moniruzzaman Muhammad , Bustam Mohamad A. , Goto Masahiro , Saha Bidyut B. , Janiak Christoph
Published: July 2020

Micelles are formed using a CO2-philic surfactant (N-ethyl perfluorooctyl sulfonamide) and embedded in in situ formed polymeric materials (SMI-ILPs) to enhance CO2 sorption.
Tri-functional molecular relay to fabricate size-controlled CoOx nanoparticles and WO3 photoanode for an efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Hu Gui-Lin , Hu Rong , Liu Zhi-Hong , Wang Kai , Yan Xiang-Yang , Wang Hong-Yan
Published: July 2020

Heterojunction and element doping to couple light-harvesting semiconductors with catalytic materials have been widely employed for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting.
Ultrafast time-resolved quantum cascade laser diagnostic for revealing the role of surface formate species in the photocatalytic oxidation of methanol
Authors: Schnee Josefine , Daturi Marco , El-Roz Mohamad
Published: July 2020

QCL-assisted operando FT-IR spectroscopy revealed the role of surface formate species in the photocatalytic oxidation of methanol over TiO2.
Ethane dehydrogenation over Cr/ZSM-5: characterization of active sites through probe molecule adsorption FTIR
Authors: Felvey Noah W. , Meloni Michael J. , Kronawitter Coleman X. , Runnebaum Ron C.
Published: July 2020

Dispersed Cr species supported on zeolite ZSM-5 were investigated in the context of catalytic ethane dehydrogenation.
Novel CoNi-metal–organic framework crystal-derived CoNi@C: synthesis and effective cascade catalysis
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhang Jian-Wei , Li Chenchen , Sun Jia-Lu , Wang Guo-Ming , Chen Yu-Zhen
Published: July 2020

In this work, a new bimetallic CoNi-MOF has been designedly synthesized and utilized as precursor to prepare CoNi@C catalyst, which exhibits excellent catalytic activity and great longevity toward the cascade reactions.
A facile synthesis of a ZIF-derived ZnS/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction and enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Song Huihui , Wang Na , Meng Hao , Han Yide , Wu Junbiao , Xu Junli , Xu Yan , Zhang Xia , Sun Ting
Published: July 2020

A novel heterostructure of ZIF-derived ZnS/ZnIn2S4 is formed by nano-ZnS uniformly dispersed in ZnIn2S4 flower, which displays enhanced photocatalytic reactions.
Topological transformation of LDH nanosheets to highly dispersed PtNiFe nanoalloys enhancing CO oxidation performance
Authors: Ding Junfang , Li Liping , Wang Ye , Li Huixia , Yang Min , Li Guangshe
Published: July 2020

Highly dispersed nanoalloys with a tailored metal–oxide interface are pivotal in developing advanced catalysts with superior performance for applications.
The role of pre-nucleation clusters in the crystallization of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Ramamoorthy Raj Kumar , Yildirim Ezgi , Barba Enguerrand , Roblin Pierre , Vargas Jorge A. , Lacroix Lise-Marie , Rodriguez-Ruiz Isaac , Decorse Philippe , Petkov Valeri , Teychené Sébastien , Viau Guillaume
Published: July 2020

The gold nanoparticle nucleation stage identified by XAS is accompanied in SAXS by an abrupt shrinkage of the size of molecular pre-nucleation clusters into gold nuclei, which is interpreted as a non-classical nucleation mechanism.
Photocatalytic dual decarboxylative alkenylation mediated by triphenylphosphine and sodium iodide
Authors: Wang Hong-Yu , Zhong Long-Jin , Lv Gui-Fen , Li Yang , Li Jin-Heng
Published: July 2020

A new transition-metal-free photoredox decarboxylative alkylation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and alkylN-hydroxyphthalimide (NHP) esters by NaI/PPh3catalysis has been developed.
The renaissance of strained 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes as useful reagents for the synthesis of functionalized azetidines
Authors: Andresini Michael , Degennaro Leonardo , Luisi Renzo
Published: July 2020

Since their discovery in the late 1960s, 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes have demonstrated to be interesting precursors of azetidines, because of the peculiar reactivity of the C3–N bond that allows double functionalization in the 1,3 positions.
Correction and removal of expression of concern: Enantio- and diastereocontrolled conversion of chiral epoxides to trans-cyclopropane carboxylates: application to the synthesis of cascarillic acid, grenadamide and l-(−)-CCG-II
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Dubey Abhishek , Harbindu Anand
Published: July 2020

Correction and removal of expression of concern for ‘Enantio- and diastereocontrolled conversion of chiral epoxides to trans-cyclopropane carboxylates: application to the synthesis of cascarillic acid, grenadamide and l-(−)-CCG-II’ by Pradeep Kumar et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2012, 10, 6987–6994, DOI: 10.1039/C2OB25622C.
Perfluorocyclohexenyl (PFCH) aromatic ether polymers from perfluorocyclohexene and polycyclic aromatic bisphenols
Authors: Narayanan Ganesh , Faradizaji Behzad , Mukeba Karl M. , Shelar Ketki E. , De Silva Maleesha , Patrick Amanda , Donnadieu Bruno , Smith Dennis W.
Published: July 2020

Semi-fluorinated Perfluorocycloalkenyl (PFCA) aromatic polymers prepared from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) bisphenols and contain reactive fluoroalkene linkages.
Synthesis of two-phase polymer particles in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Haddleton Alice J. , Bennett Thomas M. , Chen Xinyong , Atkinson Rachel L. , Taresco Vincenzo , Howdle Steven M.
Published: July 2020

A simple method to synthesise phase-separated microparticles avoiding any control agents and post-polymerisation drying steps.
Fluconazole conjugated-gold nanorods as an antifungal nanomedicine with low cytotoxicity against human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Hamad Khawla M. , Mahmoud Nouf N. , Al-Dabash Sabaa , Al-Samad Luma A. , Abdallah Maha , Al-Bakri Amal G.
Published: July 2020

A nanotechnology-based approach was adopted to develop a facile and effective nanoplatform for the treatment of superficial fungal infections.
Formation and characterization of crosslinks, including Tyr–Trp species, on one electron oxidation of free Tyr and Trp residues by carbonate radical anion
Authors: Figueroa Juan David , Zárate Ana María , Fuentes-Lemus Eduardo , Davies Michael J. , López-Alarcón Camilo
Published: July 2020

Exposure of free Tyr and Trp to a high concentration of carbonate anion radicals (CO3˙−), under anaerobic conditions, result in the formation of Tyr–Trp species, as well as dityrosine and ditryptophan crosslinks.
Chemical synthesis and biological activity of peptides incorporating an ether bridge as a surrogate for a disulfide bond
Authors: Zhao Rui , Shi Pan , Chen Junyou , Sun Shuaishuai , Chen Jingnan , Cui Jibin , Wu Fangming , Fang Gemin , Tian Changlin , Shi Jing , Bierer Donald , Liu Lei , Li Yi-Ming
Published: July 2020

We report the first introduction of an ether linkage as surrogate into the disulfide-rich peptides using ether-containing diaminodiacid.
Total scattering reveals the hidden stacking disorder in a 2D covalent organic framework
Authors: Pütz Alexander M. , Terban Maxwell W. , Bette Sebastian , Haase Frederik , Dinnebier Robert E. , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: July 2020

With total scattering methods and stacking fault simulations, we observe previously predicted random local layer offsets in a COF, which are typically disguised by the apparent crystallographic symmetry but strongly influence properties.
Photoresponsive hybrid hydrogel with a dual network of agarose and a self-assembling peptide
Authors: Nowak Benedikt P. , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: July 2020

A dual network of a photoswitchable self-assembling peptide and agarose provides a robust hydrogel with photoresponsive rheological properties and shape memory.
A high-temperature dielectric polymer poly(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) with enhanced energy density and efficiency due to a cyano group
Authors: Wen Fei , Zhang Lin , Wang Ping , Li Lili , Chen Jianguo , Chen Chao , Wu Wei , Wang Gaofeng , Zhang Shujun
Published: July 2020

An ABS film, which exhibits a high gravimetric energy density of 6.3 J g−1 with satisfactory efficiency, excellent thermal stability, and cycling reliability at elevated temperatures, is a promising candidate for high power energy storage capacitors.
Reduction of imine-based cross-linkages to achieve sustainable underwater superoleophobicity that performs under challenging conditions
Authors: Shome Arpita , Das Avijit , Rawat Nidhi , Rather Adil Majeed , Manna Uttam
Published: July 2020

A simple and scalable reduction of GA-crosslinked BSA coating on a fibrous substrate, provided a highly sustainable underwater superolephobic coating that is capable of separating crude oil and other refined oils at practically relevant and severe conditions.
Highly ordered mesoporous carbon/iron porphyrin nanoreactor for the electrochemical reduction of CO2
Authors: Choi Jaecheol , Kim Jeonghun , Wagner Pawel , Na Jongbeom , Wallace Gordon G. , Officer David L. , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: July 2020

A highly ordered mesoporous carbon having a large surface area is utilized as a conductive substrate to immobilize iron porphyrin catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction, resulting in the selective conversion of aqueous CO2 into CO with 92.1% faradaic efficiency.
Comments on ‘Association of FcϵRIβ polymorphisms with risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis: evidence based on 29 case–control studies’
Authors: Yang Haijun , Zheng Lan , Zhang Yanmei , Yang Min , Wei Sha
Published: July 2020

Guo et al. (Bioscience Reports (2018) 38, BSR20180177) published a meta-analysis concerning the association between five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the high-affinity IgE receptor β chain (FcεRIβ) gene, namely E237G, -109 C/T, RsaI_in2, RsaI_ex7, and I181L, and risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis based on available 29 case–control studies. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association of SNPs in FcεRIβ gene with allergic diseases risk. They found that FcεRIβ E237G (237G vs. 237E: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.06–1.53) and −109 C/T (TT vs. CT+CC: OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.26–1.98) were risk factors for allergic diseases. Guo et al.’s findings are interesting, but we found that several issues should be clarified after carefully reading the paper. Here, we intended to comment on these data clarifications.
Toward an Individualized Neural Assessment of Receptive Language in Children
Authors: Petit Selene , Badcock Nicholas A. , Grootswagers Tijl , Rich Anina N. , Brock Jon , Nickels Lyndsey , Moerel Denise , Dermody Nadene , Yau Shu , Schmidt Elaine , Woolgar Alexandra
Published: July 2020

Purpose

We aimed to develop a noninvasive neural test of language comprehension to use with nonspeaking children for whom standard behavioral testing is unreliable (e.g., minimally verbal autism). Our aims were threefold. First, we sought to establish the sensitivity of two auditory paradigms to elicit neural responses in individual neurotypical children. Second, we aimed to validate the use of a portable and accessible electroencephalography (EEG) system, by comparing its recordings to those of a research-grade system. Third, in light of substantial interindividual variability in individuals' neural responses, we assessed whether multivariate decoding methods could improve sensitivity.

Method

We tested the sensitivity of two child-friendly covert N400 paradigms. Thirty-one typically developing children listened to identical spoken words that were either strongly predicted by the preceding context or violated lexical–semantic expectations. Context was given by a cue word (Experiment 1) or sentence frame (Experiment 2), and participants either made an overall judgment on word relatedness or counted lexical–semantic violations. We measured EEG concurrently from a research-grade system, Neuroscan's SynAmps2, and an adapted gaming system, Emotiv's EPOC+.

Results

We found substantial interindividual variability in the timing and topology of N400-like effects. For both paradigms and EEG systems, traditional N400 effects at the expected sensors and time points were statistically significant in around 50% of individuals. Using multivariate analyses, detection rate increased to 88% of individuals for the research-grade system in the sentences paradigm, illustrating the robustness of this method in the face of interindividual variations in topography.

Conclusions

There was large interindividual variability in neural responses, suggesting interindividual variation in either the cognitive response to lexical–semantic violations and/or the neural substrate of that response. Around half of our neurotypical participants showed the expected N400 effect at the expected location and time points. A low-cost, accessible EEG system provided comparable data for univariate analysis but was not well suited to multivariate decoding. However, multivariate analyses with a research-grade EEG system increased our detection rate to 88% of individuals. This approach provides a strong foundation to establish a neural index of language comprehension in children with limited communication.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12606311
It's About Time: Minimizing Hardware and Software Latencies in Speech Research With Real-Time Auditory Feedback
Authors: Kim Kwang S. , Wang Hantao , Max Ludo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Various aspects of speech production related to auditory–motor integration and learning have been examined through auditory feedback perturbation paradigms in which participants' acoustic speech output is experimentally altered and played back via earphones/headphones “in real time.” Scientific rigor requires high precision in determining and reporting the involved hardware and software latencies. Many reports in the literature, however, are not consistent with the minimum achievable latency for a given experimental setup. Here, we focus specifically on this methodological issue associated with implementing real-time auditory feedback perturbations, and we offer concrete suggestions for increased reproducibility in this particular line of work.

Method

Hardware and software latencies as well as total feedback loop latency were measured for formant perturbation studies with the Audapter software. Measurements were conducted for various audio interfaces, desktop and laptop computers, and audio drivers. An approach for lowering Audapter's software latency through nondefault parameter specification was also tested.

Results

Oft-overlooked hardware-specific latencies were not negligible for some of the tested audio interfaces (adding up to 15 ms). Total feedback loop latencies (including both hardware and software latency) were also generally larger than claimed in the literature. Nondefault parameter values can improve Audapter's own processing latency without negative impact on formant tracking.

Conclusions

Audio interface selection and software parameter optimization substantially affect total feedback loop latency. Thus, the actual total latency (hardware plus software) needs to be correctly measured and described in all published reports. Future speech research with “real-time” auditory feedback perturbations should increase scientific rigor by minimizing this latency.
Dense gas formation in the Musca filament due to the dissipation of a supersonic converging flow
Authors: Bonne L. , Schneider N. , Bontemps S. , Clarke S. D. , Gusdorf A. , Lehmann A. , Steinke M. , Csengeri T. , Kabanovic S. , Simon R. , Buchbender C. , Güsten R.
Published: July 2020

Observations with theHerschelSpace Telescope have established that most star forming gas is organised in filaments, a finding that is supported by numerical simulations of the supersonic interstellar medium (ISM) where dense filamentary structures are ubiquitous. We aim to understand the formation of these dense structures by performing observations covering the12CO(4→3),12CO(3→2), and various CO(2–1) isotopologue lines of the Musca filament, using the APEX telescope. The observed CO intensities and line ratios cannot be explained by PDR (photodissociation region) emission because of the low ambient far-UV field that is strongly constrained by the non-detections of the [C II] line at 158μm and the [O I] line at 63μm, observed with the upGREAT receiver on SOFIA, as well as a weak [C I] 609μm line detected with APEX. We propose that the observations are consistent with a scenario in which shock excitation gives rise to warm and dense gas close to the highest column density regions in the Musca filament. Using shock models, we find that the CO observations can be consistent with excitation by J-type low-velocity shocks. A qualitative comparison of the observed CO spectra with synthetic observations of dynamic filament formation simulations shows a good agreement with the signature of a filament accretion shock that forms a cold and dense filament from a converging flow. The Musca filament is thus found to be dense molecular post-shock gas. Filament accretion shocks that dissipate the supersonic kinetic energy of converging flows in the ISM may thus play a prominent role in the evolution of cold and dense filamentary structures.
The probability of particles screening on the screen, taking into account the interaction of particles over the meshes of the sieve
Authors: Pelevin Aleksei
Published: July 2020

The probability of a single particle screening through the mesh of a screen is usually estimated by the A.M. Goden formula. During screening along a screen sieve, a quantity of particles moves. Particles of different sizes interact with each other. Large particles block the meshes of the sieve and reduce the probability of small particles screening. A screening probability formula is proposed that takes into account the interaction of particles over the sieve meshes and the possibility of several particles passing simultaneously through the sieve mesh. The results of modeling the probability of sieving and screening process are presented. An increase in the fraction of “small” particles in the primary product leads to an increase in the probability of sieving. When the material moves along the screen sieve (from the first to the last row of meshes), the probability of particle sieving decreases.