bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inference in receiver operating characteristic surface analysis via a trinormal model‐based testing approach
Authors: Noll Samuel , Furrer Reinhard , Reiser Benjamin , Nakas Christos T.
Published: January 2020

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis is the methodological framework of choice for the assessment of diagnostic markers and classification procedures in general, in both two‐class and multiple‐class classification problems. We focus on the three‐class problem for which inference usually involves formal hypothesis testing using a proxy metric such as the volume under the ROC surface (VUS). In this article, we develop an existing approach from the two‐class ROC framework. We define a hypothesis‐testing procedure that directly compares two ROC surfaces under the assumption of the trinormal model. In the case of the assessment of a single marker, the corresponding ROC surface is compared with the chance plane, that is, to an uninformative marker. A simulation study investigating the proposed tests with existing ones on the basis of the VUS metric follows. Finally, the proposed methodology is applied to a dataset of a panel of pancreatic cancer diagnostic markers. The described testing procedures along with related graphical tools are supported in the corresponding R‐package trinROC, which we have developed for this purpose.
Ermüdungsfestigkeit von Gurtlamellenenden
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Drebenstedt Karl
Published: January 2020

Im Brückenbau werden Gurtlamellen für die Verstärkung von Trägern eingesetzt, um die Momententragfähigkeit in hoch beanspruchten Bereichen an den tatsächlichen Momentenverlauf anzupassen. Die bereichsweise aufgeschweißten Lamellen ermöglichen eine materialsparende Ausführung im Brückenbau. Unter veränderlicher Beanspruchung können an den Gurtlamellenenden aufgrund geometrischer und metallurgischer Kerbwirkung Ermüdungsrisse entstehen. Um für diese kritischen Stellen eine möglichst hohe Ermüdungsfestigkeit zu erreichen, wird das Konstruktionsdetail in Deutschland mit vergleichsweise großer Nahtdicke und kerbfrei bearbeiteten Nahtübergängen hergestellt. Dafür wird die Lamelle bis zu einer bestimmten Höhe angefast und eine möglichst dicke Schweißnaht mit der gleichen Steigung wie die Fase bis zum Trägerblech geführt, sodass an der Lamellenstirn ein ebener Übergang zwischen Lamelle, Schweißnaht und Trägerblech entsteht. Diese Form der Ausführung und Bearbeitung wirkt sich vorteilhaft auf die Ermüdungsfestigkeit aus. Für die Bemessung kann dieser Vorteil jedoch nur im Rahmen des deutschen Nationalen Anhangs genutzt werden, da ein entsprechendes Detail im Kerbfallkatalog von DIN EN 1993‐1‐9 [1] fehlt. Um eine experimentelle Grundlage zu schaffen, die eine Aufnahme in den europäischen Kerbfallkatalog rechtfertigt, wurden an der Universität Stuttgart mehrere Serien von Wöhlerversuchen im Rahmen des IGF‐DASt‐FOSTA‐Projekts 19178 „Neubewertung und Erweiterung des Kerbfallkatalogs nach Eurocode 3“ [2] durchgeführt.
Oberflächenbehandlung von metallischen Werkstoffen: werkstoffimmanente Verfahren und deren Anwendung bei außergewöhnlichen Fassaden
Authors: Schmid Fabian , Teich Martien
Published: January 2020

Die Oberflächenbehandlung von metallischen Werkstoffen ist je nach Legierung, Ver‐ und Bearbeitung sehr vielfältig möglich. Die Ergebnisse werden dabei durch die Kombination aus Legierung, Herstellung, Vor‐ und Nachbearbeitung sowie die physikalische und chemische Oberflächenbehandlung beeinflusst. Die Verfahren sind in Fachbüchern umfassend beschrieben [1–7]. Trotzdem gibt es hinsichtlich der Anwendung immer wieder falsche Vorstellungen, die in Projektgesprächen zutage treten. Die Herausforderungen liegen nicht bei den technischen Möglichkeiten einzelner Schritte, sondern vielmehr sind ein systemisches Verständnis von Abhängigkeiten und Auswirkungen sowie eine durchgängige Betrachtung der Materialwahl, der Fertigungsverfahren, der Oberflächenbehandlung, des Schutzkonzepts, der Montagerandbedingungen, der Pflege, des Recyclings und der projektspezifisch nötigen Prozesssicherheit unentbehrlich.

Insbesondere im Fassadenbau mit hohen Ansprüchen an Qualität und Oberflächengüte werden vorgeschlagene Prozessketten den intendierten Eigenschaften und der Haptik von Architekten und Designern oft nicht gerecht. Dies wird bei Kupferlegierungen, den unterschiedlichen Patinierverfahren und den Einflüssen bei Vor‐ und Nachbehandlung sowie durch Umwelteinflüsse oder Pflege offensichtlich. Der vorliegende Aufsatz fasst deshalb werkstoffgerechte Oberflächenbehandlungen insbesondere zu Kupferlegierungen zusammen, nennt ausgewählte Verfahren und zeigt Einflüsse zur Vor‐ und Nachbehandlung, Verpackung, Transport und Pflege auf. Abschließend werden beispielhafte Projekte mit außergewöhnlichen Oberflächenbehandlungen sowie ihre Besonderheiten beschrieben.
Seismic capacity assessment of postmainshock damaged containment structures using nonlinear incremental dynamic analysis
Authors: Bao Xu , Zhai Chang‐Hai , Zhang Mao‐Hua , Xu Long‐Jun
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates the structural performance and seismic capacity of the postmainshock damaged containment structure through the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). To evaluate the seismic capacity with minimum uncertainty, the damage measure (DM) and intensity measure (IM) for IDA curves are selected in term of the coefficient of variation. The IDA using mainshock records is implemented to examine the seismic damage process of a containment structure and determine key damage states. The static cyclic loading analysis and aftershock IDA are also conducted on mainshock‐damaged containment structures to investigate the effect of initial damage states on the dynamic characteristics of structures. Finally, based on IDA results, limit states of a containment structure are defined using a generalized multidimensional limit‐state function that allows considering the dependence between the mainshock‐damaged level and residual seismic capacity. These proposed bidimensional limit‐state functions can be used in the fragility analysis and risk assessment of containment structures under mainshock–aftershock, which can improve the accuracy of seismic assessment.
Fluorescence visualization of the borders of bladder tumors after TUR with quantitative determination of diagnostic contrast
Authors: Loshchenov Maxim , Seregin Alexander , Kalyagina Nina , Dadashev Elmar , Borodkin Alexander , Babaev Akobirkhon , Loran Oleg , Loschenov Victor
Published: January 2020

The study demonstrates the ability of fluorescence diagnosis to perform intraoperative analysis of the bladder wall. The data of 10 patients with superficial bladder cancer who underwent PDD with the use of the fluorescence video system with excitation wavelenght in the “red” wavelength range and TUR is discussed. General condition of the bladder is assessed, the main foci of the tumor are determined. Then a tumor resection is performed. Further examination and identification of the fluorescing boundaries of the tumor remaining after TUR is performed to make a decision of a re‐resection. In addition, small fluorescing tumor foci, not detected with WL cystoscopy, are detected. Moreover the diagnostic fluorescence contrast is measured, allowing quantitative assessment of the 5‐ALA accumulation in tissues. The applied laser wavelength of 635 nm allows the light to penetrate deeper into the bladder tissue, making it possible to detect tumors including in the deeper layers.
Resveratrol protects human bronchial epithelial cells against nickel‐induced toxicity via suppressing p38 MAPK, NF‐κB signaling, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Cao Xiangyu , Tian Siqi , Fu Mingyang , Li Yanmei , Sun Yueling , Liu Jianli , Liu Yue
Published: January 2020

Nickel is a common environmental pollutant that can impair the lung, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Furthermore, natural products are generally used to inhibit cell damage induced by heavy metal. Resveratrol possesses wide biological activities, including anti‐inflammation and antioxidative stress. This study was conducted to explore the toxicity of nickel on human bronchial epithelial (BEAS‐2B) cells and evaluate the protective effect of resveratrol. The results showed that nickel could induce cell apoptosis, increase oxidative stress, and promote the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, C‐reaction protein. Western blot analysis showed that nickel activated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor‐kappa B, and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor pyrin‐domain‐containing protein 3 pathways, while resveratrol could reverse these effects. Our results suggested that resveratrol could protect BEAS‐2B cells from nickel‐induced cytotoxicity. Therefore, resveratrol is a potential chemopreventive agent against nickel‐induced lung disease.
Individualized inference through fusion learning
Authors: Cai Chencheng , Chen Rong , Xie Min‐ge
Published: January 2020

Fusion learning methods, developed for the purpose of analyzing datasets from many different sources, have become a popular research topic in recent years. Individualized inference approaches through fusion learning extend fusion learning approaches to individualized inference problems over a heterogeneous population, where similar individuals are fused together to enhance the inference over the target individual. Both classical fusion learning and individualized inference approaches through fusion learning are established based on weighted aggregation of individual information, but the weight used in the latter is localized to the target individual. This article provides a review on two individualized inference methods through fusion learning, iFusion and iGroup, that are developed under different asymptotic settings. Both procedures guarantee optimal asymptotic theoretical performance and computational scalability.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Manifold Learning

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods

Data: Types and Structure > Massive Data
Combined expectancies: the role of expectations for the coding of salient bottom-up signals
Authors: Wiesing Michael , Fink Gereon R. , Weidner Ralph , Vossel Simone
Published: January 2020

The visual system forms predictions about upcoming visual features based on previous visual experiences. Such predictions impact on current perception, so that expected stimuli can be detected faster and with higher accuracy. A key question is how these predictions are formed and on which levels of processing they arise. Particularly, predictions could be formed on early levels of processing, where visual features are represented separately, or might require higher levels of processing, with predictions formed based on full object representations that involve combinations of visual features. In four experiments, the present study investigated whether the visual system forms joint prediction errors or whether expectations about different visual features such as color and orientation are formed independently. The first experiment revealed that task-irrelevant and implicitly learned expectations were formed independently when the features were separately bound to different objects. In a second experiment, no evidence for a mutual influence of both types of task-irrelevant and implicitly formed feature expectations was observed, although both visual features were assigned to the same objects. A third experiment confirmed the findings of the previous experiments for explicitly rather than implicitly formed expectations. Finally, no evidence for a mutual influence of different feature expectations was observed when features were assigned to a single centrally presented object. Overall, the present results do not support the view that object feature binding generates joint feature-based expectancies of different object features. Rather, the results suggest that expectations for color and orientation are processed and resolved independently at the feature level.
Visual cues, expectations, and sensorimotor memories in the prediction and perception of object dynamics during manipulation
Authors: Schneider Thomas Rudolf , Buckingham Gavin , Hermsdörfer Joachim
Published: January 2020

When we grasp and lift novel objects, we rely on visual cues and sensorimotor memories to predictively scale our finger forces and exert compensatory torques according to object properties. Recently, it was shown that object appearance, previous force scaling errors, and previous torque compensation errors strongly impact our percept. However, the influence of visual geometric cues on the perception of object torques and weights in a grasp to lift task is poorly understood. Moreover, little is known about how visual cues, prior expectations, sensory feedback, and sensorimotor memories are integrated for anticipatory torque control and object perception. Here, 12 young and 12 elderly participants repeatedly grasped and lifted an object while trying to prevent object tilt. Before each trial, we randomly repositioned both the object handle, providing a geometric cue on the upcoming torque, as well as a hidden weight, adding an unforeseeable torque variation. Before lifting, subjects indicated their torque expectations, as well as reporting their experience of torque and weight after each lift. Mixed-effect multiple regression models showed that visual shape cues governed anticipatory torque compensation, whereas sensorimotor memories played less of a role. In contrast, the external torque and committed compensation errors at lift-off mainly determined how object torques and weight were perceived. The modest effect of handle position differed for torque and weight perception. Explicit torque expectations were also correlated with anticipatory torque compensation and torque perception. Our main findings generalized across both age groups. Our results suggest distinct weighting of inputs for action and perception according to reliability.
The impact of acute remote ischaemic preconditioning on cerebrovascular function
Authors: Carter Howard H. , Maxwell Joseph D. , Hellsten Ylva , Thompson Andrew , Thijssen Dick H. J. , Jones Helen
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) refers to the protection conferred to tissues and organs via brief periods of ischaemia in a remote vascular territory, including the brain. Recent studies in humans report that RIPC provides neuroprotection against recurrent (ischaemic) stroke. To better understand the ability of RIPC to improve brain health, the present study explored the potential for RIPC to acutely improve cerebrovascular function.

Methods

Eleven young healthy (femalesn = 6, age; 28.1 ± 3.7 years) and 9 older individuals (femalesn = 4, age 52.5 ± 6.7 years) at increased risk for stroke (cardiovascular disease risk factors) underwent assessments of cerebrovascular function, assessed by carbon dioxide (CO2) reactivity and cerebral autoregulation during normo- and hypercapnia (5% CO2) following 40 mins of bilateral arm RIPC or a sham condition. Squat-to-stand manoeuvres were performed to induce changes in blood pressure to assess cerebral autoregulation (0.10 Hz) and analysed via transfer function.

Results

We found no change in middle cerebral artery velocity or blood pressure across 40 mins of RIPC. Application of RIPC resulted in no change in CO2reactivity slopes (sham vs RIPC, 1.97 ± 0.88 vs 2.06 ± 0.69 cm/s/mmHgP = 0.61) or parameters of cerebral autoregulation during normocapnia (sham vs RIPC, normalised gain%, 1.27 ± 0.25 vs 1.22 ± 0.35,P = 0.46).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a single bout of RIPC does not influence cerebrovascular function acutely in healthy individuals, or those at increased cardiovascular risk. Given the previously reported protective role of RIPC on stroke recurrence in humans, it is possible that repeated bouts of RIPC may be necessary to impart beneficial effects on cerebrovascular function.
Extending access to localizer performance with vertical guidance approaches by means of an SBAS to GBAS converter
Authors: Dautermann Thomas , Ludwig Thomas , Geister Robert , Ehmke Lutz
Published: January 2020

Currently, many commercial airline aircraft cannot perform three-dimensionally guided approaches based on satellite-based augmentation systems. We propose a system to rebroadcast the correction and integrity data via a data link as provided by the ground-based augmentation system such that aircraft equipped with a GPS landing system (GLS) can use the wide-area corrections and perform localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches while maintaining the same level of integrity. In consequence, the system loses some availability and the time to alert is slightly increased. We build a prototype system and present data collected for one week, confirming technical feasibility. There is a loss of 5.3 percent of availability during a 1-week data collection cycle in which we compared our system to standalone LPV service. We tested our prototype with two commercially available GLS receivers with positive results and successfully demonstrated the functionality with a conventional Airbus 319 equipped with a standard GLS receiver.
Physical activity levels and sedentary time during school hours of 6th-grade girls in Germany
Authors: Sturm David J. , Kelso Anne , Kobel Susanne , Demetriou Yolanda
Published: January 2020

Aim

Regular physical activity and low levels of sedentary time have positive health effects on youth, and data are needed to base public health recommendations on. Here, findings of device-based physical activity and sedentary time in sixth graders are presented. Data below are presented as mean (SD).

Subject and methods

Three hundred and eight sixth-grade girls [11.6 (0.6) years] from the CReActivity study in Germany wore accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X) for 7 consecutive days. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary time (ST) was obtained during school days with a focus on recess times.

Results

Girls spent 79.9 (23.2) minutes in MVPA and 9.4 (1.2) hours in ST during schooldays, of which 20.5 (8.2) minutes and 3.8 (0.4) hours respectively were accumulated during school hours. On average, students had 35.4 (4.5) minutes break, of which 6.3 (3.2) minutes (17.8%) were spent in MVPA activity and 16.5 (6.2) minutes (46.6%) in ST.

Conclusion

School setting is an important factor for physical activity and sedentary time. Therefore policy, curriculums, and school environment should promote physical activity und reduce sedentary time during school hours.
Cytotoxic T cell depletion with increasing epithelial abnormality in women with benign breast disease
Authors: Adhikary Sabina , Hoskin Tanya L. , Stallings-Mann Melody L. , Arshad Muhammad , Frost Marlene H. , Winham Stacey J. , Peña Alvaro , Lee Delphine J. , Murphy Linda M. , Rakoff Michele , Denison Lori A. , Knutson Keith L. , Radisky Derek C. , Visscher Daniel W. , Degnim Amy C.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

We quantified cytotoxic T cells in nonmalignant breast tissues from women with and without subsequent breast cancer to assess evidence of whether immunosurveillance may be suppressed prior to tumor development.

Methods

We used an age-matched set of breast tissues from women with benign breast disease (BBD) who subsequently developed breast cancer (BBD with later BC), women with BBD who remained cancer free (BBD cancer-free), and normal Komen Tissue Bank (KTB) tissue donors (KTB controls). We evaluated terminal duct lobular units (lobules) for degree of epithelial abnormality and density of dual-positive CD8/CD103 T cells, as CD103+ cells are thought to be a subset of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells located primarily in the intraepithelial compartment.

Results

In 10 sets of age-matched women, 256 breast lobules were studied: 85 in BBD women with later BC, 85 in BBD cancer-free women, and 86 in KTB donors. The majority of all lobules were histologically normal (N = 143, 56%), with 65 (25%) nonproliferative fibrocystic change, and 48 (19%) proliferative epithelial change (with or without atypia). In BBD women with later BC, median CD8+/CD103+ cell density was 39.6, 31.7, and 10.5 cells/mm2(p = 0.002) for normal, nonproliferative, and proliferative lobules. In BBD cancer-free women, median CD8+/CD103+ cell density values were 46.7, 14.3, and 0 cells/mm2(p = 0.004) respectively. In KTB donors, CD8+/CD103+ cell density was not significantly different across the lobule types (medians 0, 5.8, 10.7,p = 0.43).

Conclusion

In women with BBD, breast lobules with increasing epithelial abnormality show significant decreases in cytotoxic T cells as measured by CD8/CD103 staining, suggesting that impaired immunosurveillance may be a component of the earliest stages of breast cancer development.
Early Family Life Course Standardization in Sweden: The Role of Compositional Change
Authors: Van Winkle Zachary
Published: January 2020

The diversity of early family life courses is thought to have increased, although empirical evidence is mixed. Less standardized family formation is attributed to compositional changes in educational attainment, labour market participation, and childhood living conditions. I investigate whether and why family trajectories have become more or less standardized across birth cohorts in Sweden. I combine sequence metrics with Oaxaca–Blinder decompositions to assess the compositional shifts that drive changes in family formation standardization. Family trajectories of individuals born in 1952, 1962, and 1972 from age 18 to 35 are reconstructed using Swedish register data. My results demonstrate that early family formation has become more standardized across birth cohorts. Further, compositional differences between birth cohorts partially account for this standardization, especially for women. For example, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with family formation standardization. This substantiates arguments that family formation may re-standardize following the second demographic transition.
Service innovation and internationalization in SMEs: antecedents and profitability outcomes
Authors: Vuorio Anna , Torkkeli Lasse , Sainio Liisa-Maija
Published: January 2020

Both innovating and internationalizing can hold the key to survival and growth among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Service innovation in particular is highly relevant in the increasingly digitalized and high-technology global trade. However, there have been until now few studies on service innovation in international entrepreneurship. Thus, in an effort to illuminate its role in entrepreneurial internationalization, the present study examines the profitability impact of service innovation in SME internationalization, while also outlining the differing impacts of entrepreneurial orientation and human capital as the antecedents of both. The empirical data were collected via an online survey of Finnish SMEs in the information and communications technology (ICT) industrial sector, the final sample comprising 104 companies. The data were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The results indicate, first, that entrepreneurial orientation underlies both degree of internationalization and service innovation, yet different dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation have distinct impacts on the two outcomes. Second, we find that the level human capital also determines the level of service innovation in as an antecedent and third, international expansion, but not service innovation, has a negative impact on profitability. We discuss the implications of these results, which imply that SMEs may face an internationalization-innovation paradox in that engaging in both activities may not be a feasible strategic option for them, and that prioritizing internationalizing in favor of innovating may incur costs and result in lower profitability.
Understanding the role of key amino acids in regulation of proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (prodh/pox)-dependent apoptosis/autophagy as an approach to targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Huynh Thi Yen Ly , Zareba Ilona , Baszanowska Weronika , Lewoniewska Sylwia , Palka Jerzy
Published: January 2020

In stress conditions, as neoplastic transformation, amino acids serve not only as nutrients to maintain the cell survival but also as mediators of several regulatory pathways which are involved in apoptosis and autophagy. Especially, under glucose deprivation, in order to maintain the cell survival, proline and glutamine together with other glutamine-derived products such as glutamate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and ornithine serve as alternative sources of energy. They are substrates for production of pyrroline-5-carboxylate which is the product of conversion of proline by proline dehydrogenase/ proline oxidase (PRODH/POX) to produce ATP for protective autophagy or reactive oxygen species for apoptosis. Interconversion of proline, ornithine, and glutamate may therefore regulate PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis/autophagy. The key amino acid is proline, circulating between mitochondria and cytoplasm in the proline cycle. This shuttle is known as proline cycle. It is coupled to pentose phosphate pathway producing nucleotides for DNA biosynthesis. PRODH/POX is also linked to p53 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent pathways. Proline availability for PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis/autophagy is regulated at the level of collagen biosynthesis (proline utilizing process) and prolidase activity (proline supporting process). In this review, we suggest that amino acid metabolism linking TCA and Urea cycles affect PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis/autophagy and the knowledge might be useful to targeted cancer therapy.
The relationship between frequency and severity of vaso-occlusive crises and health-related quality of life and work productivity in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Rizio Avery A. , Bhor Menaka , Lin Xiaochen , McCausland Kristen L. , White Michelle K. , Paulose Jincy , Nandal Savita , Halloway Rashid I. , Bronté-Hall Lanetta
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may experience sickle cell-related pain crises, also referred to as vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), which are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality. The study explored how VOC frequency and severity impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity.

Methods

Three hundred and three adults with SCD who completed an online survey were included in the analysis. Patients answered questions regarding their experience with SCD and VOCs, and completed the Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System (ASCQ-Me) and the Workplace Productivity and Activity Impairment: Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP). Differences in ASCQ-Me and WPAI:SHP domains were assessed according to VOC frequency and severity.

Results

Nearly half of the patient sample (47.2%) experienced ≥ 4 VOCs in the past 12 months. The most commonly reported barriers to receiving care for SCD included discrimination by or trouble trusting healthcare professionals (39.6%, 33.3%, respectively), limited access to treatment centers (38.9%), and difficulty affording services (29.4%). Patients with more frequent VOCs reported greater impacts on emotion, social functioning, stiffness, sleep and pain, and greater absenteeism, overall productivity loss, and activity impairment than patients with less frequent VOCs (P < 0.05). Significant impacts on HRQoL and work productivity were also observed when stratifying by VOC severity (P < 0.05 for all ASCQ-Me and WPAI domains, except for presenteeism).

Conclusions

Results from the survey indicated that patients with SCD who had more frequent or severe VOCs experienced deficits in multiple domains of HRQoL and work productivity. Future research should examine the longitudinal relationship between these outcomes.
Transcriptional and biochemical biomarker responses in a freshwater mussel (Anodonta anatina) under environmentally relevant Cu exposure
Authors: Ekelund Ugge Gustaf Magnus Oskar , Jonsson Annie , Olsson Björn , Sjöback Robert , Berglund Olof
Published: January 2020

Molecular biomarkers, like gene transcripts or enzyme activities, are potentially powerful tools for early warning assessment of pollution. However, a thorough understanding of response and baseline variation is required to distinguish actual effects from pollution. Here, we assess the freshwater musselAnodonta anatinaas a biomarker model species for freshwater ecosystems, by testing responses of six transcriptional (cat,gst,hsp70,hsp90,mt, andsod) and two biochemical (AChE and GST) biomarkers to environmentally relevant Cu water concentrations. Mussels (n = 20), collected from a stream free from point source pollution, were exposed in the laboratory, for 96 h, to Cu treatments (< 0.2 μg/L, 0.77 ± 0.87 μg/L, and 6.3 ± 5.4 μg/L). Gills and digestive glands were extracted and analyzed for transcriptional and biochemical responses. Biological and statistical effect sizes from Cu treatments were in general small (mean log2fold-change ≤ 0.80 and Cohen’sf ≤ 0.69, respectively), and no significant treatment effects were observed. In contrast, four out of eight biomarkers (cat,gst,hsp70, and GST) showed a significant sex:tissue interaction, and additionally one (sod) showed significant overall effects from sex. Specifically, three markers in gills (cat,mt, GST) and one in digestive gland (AChE) displayed significant sex differences, independent of treatment. Results suggest that sex or tissue effects might obscure low-magnitude biomarker responses and potential early warnings. Thus, variation in biomarker baselines and response patterns needs to be further addressed for the future use ofA. anatinaas a biomarker model species.
Particulate matter on foliage of Betula pendula, Quercus robur, and Tilia cordata: deposition and ecophysiology
Authors: Łukowski Adrian , Popek Robert , Karolewski Piotr
Published: January 2020

Trees in urban and industrial areas significantly help to limit the amount of particulate matter (PM) suspended in the air, but PM has a negative impact on their life. The amount of PM gathered on leaves depends on quantity, size, and morphology of leaves and can also be increased by the presence of epicuticular waxes, in which PM can become stuck or immersed. In this study, we determined the ability of PM to accumulate on leaves in relation to the species of tree and PM source. We tested saplings of three common European tree species (Betula pendula,Quercus robur, andTilia cordata) by experimentally polluting them with PM from different sources (cement, construction, and roadside PM), and then assessing the effects of PM on plant growth and ecophysiology. In all studied species, we have found two types of PM accumulation: a layer on the leaf surface and an in-wax layer. Results showed that the studied species accumulate PM on their leaf blade, reducing the efficiency of its photosynthetic apparatus, which in a broader sense can be considered a reduction in the plants’ normal functioning. Saplings ofQ. robursuffered the least, whereasB. pendula(especially photosynthetic rate and conductivity) andT. cordata(especially increase in leader shoot length) exhibited greater negative effects. The foliage ofB. pendulacollected the most PM, followed byQ. robur, and thenT. cordata, regardless of the dust’s source. All tested species showed a tendency for higher wax production when growing under PM pollution stress. We believe that, potentially,B. pendulabest enhances the quality of the PM-contaminated environment; however, faster leaf fall, reduced productivity, and worse quality of wood should be considered in urban forest management.
The role of primary care in management of rare diseases in Ireland
Authors: Byrne Niall , Turner Jacqueline , Marron Rita , Lambert Deborah M. , Murphy Daniel N. , O’Sullivan Grace , Mason Maureen , Broderick Frank , Burke Mary C. , Casey Sheila , Doyle Marguerite , Gibney David , Mason Fergus , Molony David , Ormond Deirdre , O’ Sé Colm , O’Shea Conor , Treacy Eileen P.
Published: January 2020

Background

‘Slaintecare’ aims to address complex patient care needs in an integrated fashion with an emphasis on patient-centred, patient-empowered community care.Currently there is a lack of knowledge of the impact of rare disease management in primary care and of the information tools required by general practitioners to deliver integrated care for rare disease patients.

Aims

To complete a pilot survey to estimate the general practice clinical workload attributable to selected rare diseases and assess the use of relevant information sources.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional survey was carried out of general practice consultations (2013–2017) for patients with 22 commonly recognised rare diseases.

Results

Around 31 general practitioners from 10 Irish practices completed information on 171 patients with rare diseases over 3707 consultations. General practice-specific coding systems were inadequate for rare disease patient identification. Over 139 (81.3%) patients were adult, and 32 (18.7%) were children. Management of care was hospital and not primary care based in 63%. Those eligible for state-reimbursed care had a significantly higher median number of consultations (23 consultations, IQR = 13–37, or 5.8 consultations/year) than those who paid privately (10 consultations, IQR = 4–19, or 2.5 consultations/year) (p < 0.005).General practitioners had access to public information resources on rare diseases but few had knowledge of (35.5%), or had ever used (12.9%) Orphanet, the international rare disease information portal.

Conclusions

Both specific rare disease-specific coding and use of the relevant rare disease information sources are lacking in general practice in Ireland.
Light-curing effects in acrylic-type dental nanocomposites probed by annihilating positrons: the case of loosely monolith Dipol® restoratives
Authors: Shpotyuk Olha , Ingram Adam , Shpotyuk Oleh , Cebulski Jozef , Smolar Nina
Published: January 2020

The possibility of application of positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy to commercially available dimethacrylate-based dental restorative composites Dipol® (Oksomat-AN Ltd, Ukraine) subjected to photopolymerization due to light curing is analyzed. The governing annihilation process in these composites is identified as mixed positron (e+)-positronium (Ps) trapping, where Ps decaying is caused entirely by input from free-volume holes in polymer matrix superimposed on free e+-trapping contribution from interfacial free-volume holes between filler nanoparticles and surrounded polymer matrix. Photopolymerization shrinkage is revealed through decrease in the average lifetime of annihilating positrons due to opposite changes in Ps-decaying and e+-trapping channels. The growing light-activated polymerization is characteristic of both intensities related to the second and third components in the unconstrained ×3-term decomposed PAL spectra, accompanied by decrease in the corresponding lifetimes. This process resulted in enhanced trapping rate in the defects and depressed fractional free-volume saturation with light curing. Light exposure causes smaller voids in composites owing to free-volume fragmentation in Ps- and e+-trapping sites. The microstructure scenario for these transformations includes photo-induced cross-linking of structural chains in the polymer matrix, followed by conversion of o-Ps traps in interfacial free-volume voids near agglomerated filler nanoparticles. A meaningful description of this process is developed on the basis of the semi-empirical model exploring the  ×3– ×2-coupling decomposition algorithm.
Sustainable Forest Management Beyond the Timber-Oriented Status Quo: Transitioning to Co-production of Timber and Non-wood Forest Products—a Global Perspective
Authors: Sheppard Jonathan P. , Chamberlain James , Agúndez Dolores , Bhattacharya Prodyut , Chirwa Paxie Wanangwa , Gontcharov Andrey , Sagona Willie Cliffie John , Shen Hai-long , Tadesse Wubalem , Mutke Sven
Published: January 2020

Purpose of Review

This review provides perspectives and insights of forest researchers from four continents representing a range of geo-regions, with examples from diverse and dynamic use of forest products that are undervalued and often misrepresented. A comprehensive discussion of the subject provides special attention to property, tenancy, public goods and access rights to non-wood forest products (NWFP), seen as forest ecosystem services in a framework for forest management decisions. The overall purpose is to provide a logical argument for transitioning to sustainable management of forests for timber and NWFP.

Recent Findings

Multifunctional ecosystem-based approaches are transforming our understanding of forests. The prevailing economic relevance of NWFP for trade and sustenance requires their operative integration into forest management. Integration of NWFP will shift a traditional timber-oriented management paradigm towards an inclusive ecosystem forest management approach. We show that the impact of NWFP resources on livelihoods provides multiple benefits to all sectors of global society. Policy and property rights affect the availability and sustainability of the resource, while regulations, restrictions and prohibitions target the sustainable harvest of NWFP under growing demand. Official reporting of production volumes of NWFP is sparse, erratic or inaccurate due to a complex system that is opaque and with inadequately understood value chains, yet research is underway to better understand all NWFP sectors.

A shift from command-and-control forest management to broader governance schemes is observed, yet despite a growing awareness of their importance, NWFP and their potential for a bio-based economy require more research. A conceptual framework for transitioning to sustainable co-production management of timber and NWFP is presented. Such a transition is needed to ensure long-term forest security, health and resilience.
The Role of Nonstructural Carbohydrates Storage in Forest Resilience under Climate Change
Authors: Piper Frida I. , Paula Susana
Published: January 2020

Purpose of Review

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) promote tree survival when photosynthesis is impeded by factors whose impact is expected to increase under climate change, like droughts, herbivory, and fires. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether NSC are depleted under natural conditions and if they mediate tree recovery. To determine if there is a general pattern of NSC variation, we reviewed the recent (2008–2018) literature reporting NSC changes in response to droughts, insect herbivory, and fires, in woody species under natural conditions.

Recent Findings

We found 25 cases in 16 studies examining NSC dynamics post-drought, most of them conducted in species of Pinaceae or Fagaceae in Mediterranean Europe. Drought-affected trees had lower NSC, starch, and sugars concentrations than unaffected counterparts, although these results were entirely driven by roots and trunks of Pinaceae. We found only six studies examining NSC responses to herbivory, which indicate both increases and decreases in NSC concentrations inconsistently related to changes in growth or survival. Fire led to consistent decreases in NSC that mediated a successfully regrowth in absence of drought.

NSC decrease related equivocally to the occurrence of drought, fire, and herbivory and also to post-disturbance recovery, indicating no clear pattern of decreasing forest resilience under current climate change. An exception seems to be Pinaceae, which showed decreased NSC and performance in response to drought or herbivory. We suggest that a more water conservative strategy and smaller NSC pools in gymnosperms relative to angiosperms underlie these results.
Non-Contrast CT and CT-Angiogram for Late Window Ischemic Stroke Treatment Selection
Authors: Beaulieu Marie-Claude , Nehme Ahmad , Fortin Francis , Karkri Fatine , Daneault Nicole , Deschaintre Yan , Gioia Laura C. , Jacquin Grégory , Poppe Alexandre Y. , Stapf Christian , Odier Céline
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

The benefit of late window endovascular treatment (EVT) for anterior circulation ischemic stroke has been demonstrated using perfusion-based neuroimaging. We evaluated whether non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT-angiogram (CTA) alone can select late-presenting patients for EVT.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective comparison of all patients undergoing EVT at a single comprehensive stroke center from January 2016 to April 2017. Patients planned for EVT were divided into early (<6 hours from onset) and late (≥6 hours from onset or last time seen normal) window groups. Incidence of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformations (sHTs) at 24 hours and 3-month modified Rankin scores (mRSs) were compared.

Results:

During the study period, 204 (82%) patients underwent EVT in the early and 44 (18%) in the late window. Median (interquartile range) NIH Stroke Scale Score was similar between groups (early: 18 [15–23] vs. late: 17 [13–21]), as were median ASPECT scores (early: 9 [8–10] vs. late: 9 [7–9]). In the late window, 42 (95%) strokes were of unknown onset. Similar proportions of sHT occurred at 24 hours (early: 12 [6%] vs. late: 4 [9%], p = 0.43). At 3 months, the proportion of patients achieving functional independence (mRS 0–2) were comparable in the early (80/192 [42%]) and late (16/41 [39%]) windows (p = 0.76).

Conclusion:

NCCT- and CTA-based patient selection led to similar functional independence outcomes and low proportions of sHT in the early and late windows. In centers without access to perfusion-based neuroimaging, this pragmatic approach could be safe, particularly for strokes of unknown onset.
Use of Simulated Patients in Disaster Medicine Training: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ingrassia Pier Luigi , Pigozzi Luca , Bono Mattia , Ragazzoni Luca , Della Corte Francesco
Published: January 2020

Simulation is an effective teaching tool in disaster medicine education, and the use of simulated patients (SPs) is a frequently adopted technique. Throughout this article, we critically analyzed the use and the preparation of SPs in the context of simulation in disaster medicine. A systematic review of English, French, and Italian language articles was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies were included if reporting the use of SPs in disaster medicine training. Exclusion criteria included abstracts, citations, theses, articles not dealing with disaster medicine, and articles not using human actors in simulation. Eighteen papers were examined. All the studies were conducted in Western countries. Case reports represent 50% of references. Only in 44.4% of articles, the beneficiaries of simulations were students, while in most of cases were professionals. In 61.1% of studies SPs were moulaged, and in 72.2%, a method to simulate victim symptoms was adopted. Ten papers included a previous training for SPs and their involvement in the participants’ assessment at the end of the simulation. Finally, this systematic review revealed that there is still a lack of uniformity about the use of SPs in the disaster medicine simulations.
Assessment of Epidemiological Implications Due to Serial Tropical Cyclones in India: Introspecting the Recent Sanitation Interventions
Authors: Giribabu Dandabathula , Muvva Venkata Ramana , Joshi Nitin Kumar , Rao Srinivasa S.
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

The Indian subcontinent is prone to tropical cyclones that used to originate in the North Indian Ocean. Through this study, an inventory of disease outbreaks for the tropical cyclone-affected regions from 2010 to 2018 has been compiled. This inventory is used to assess the success of recent sanitation intervention, Swachh Bharat Mission, also known as the Clean India Mission.

Methods:

Meteorological parameters from the Indian satellites were used to demarcate the cyclone-affected area. Disease outbreaks and epidemics during the tropical cyclones were compiled from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program and other relevant sources. The inventory has been used to track the effect of recent sanitation interventions on disease outbreaks.

Results:

Districts in the eastern coast of India are frequently affected due to tropical cyclones that have originated from the North Indian Ocean. Infectious diseases like the acute diarrheal diseases, vector-borne diseases, viral fevers, enteric fevers, and food poisoning have recursively occurred during the cyclonic events and persisted up to 2 weeks from the cyclonic episode. The effectiveness of the Clean India Mission is evident during the recent cyclones, Ockhi, Titli, and Gaja, where a significantly lower number of infectious disease outbreaks were recorded.

Conclusions:

The Clean India Mission has exhibited positive results on the public health consequences associated with tropical cyclones.
A note on the topology of escaping endpoints
Authors: LIPHAM DAVID S.
Published: January 2020

We study topological properties of the escaping endpoints and fast escaping endpoints of the Julia set of complex exponential$\exp (z)+a$when$a\in (-\infty ,-1)$. We show neither space is homeomorphic to the whole set of endpoints. This follows from a general result stating that for every transcendental entire function$f$, the escaping Julia set$I(f)\cap J(f)$is first category.
Multi-Objective Optimisation of an Aerostatic Pad: Design of Position, Number and Diameter of the Supply Holes
Authors: Colombo F. , Della Santa F. , Pieraccini S.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a rectangular aerostatic bearing with multiple supply holes is optimised with a multiobjective optimisation approach. The design variables taken into account are the supply holes position, their number and diameter, the supply pressure, while the objective functions are the load capacity, the air consumption and the stiffness and damping coefficients. A genetic algorithm is applied in order to find the Pareto set of solutions. The novelty with respect to other optimisations which can be found in literature is that number and location of the supply holes is completely free and not associated to a pre-defined scheme. A vector x associated with the supply holes location is introduced in the design parameters and given in input to the optimizer.
The Eurasian lactase persistence variant LCT-13910 C/T is associated with vitamin D levels in individuals living at high latitude, more so than exposure to sunlight
Authors: Moghaddam Amir
Published: January 2020

Rapid selection of a genetic variant that confers continuous life-long lactase production in Europeans (LCT-13910 C/T) has been attributed to the advantages of acquiring nutrients from consuming milk without the disadvantages of lactose malabsorption. Individuals with this genetic lactase persistence (LP) variant generally consume more milk and have been shown to have higher levels of serum vitamin D. Vitamin D is the principal regulator of Ca absorption and its synthesis in skin is dependent on UVB exposure. The primary aim of the present study was to compare serum vitamin D concentrations with LP variant and to control for UVB exposure. Data from over 100 000 individuals living in Norway, a country with low UVB exposure, was retrospectively retrieved for comparison of genetic LP variant, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and the time of year when serum samples were taken. For comparison, a similar analysis was performed with a natural dairy micronutrient, namely vitamin B12. It was found that individuals with the genetic LP variant had considerably higher levels of serum 25(OH)D (P < 2 × 10−16, Cohen's d = 0·73) but lower levels of vitamin B12 (P < 2 × 10−16, Cohen's d = 0·11), compared with genetic lactase non-persistent individuals, even when controlled for seasonality, age and sex. The difference in serum 25(OH)D levels did not diminish in summer months, showing the role of vitamin D in LP variant selection in areas of low UVB irradiation. LP variant selection advantage through acquiring another dairy micronutrient, vitamin B12, was not observed.