bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going: Improving the Disaster Preparedness of Health Care Providers: A Single Center’s 4-Year Experience
Authors: Pikoulis Emmanouil , Karamagioli Evika , Kalogeropoulos Athanasios , Pikoulis Andreas , Lykoudis Panagis , Remick Kyle , Malone Debra , Kushner Adam , Domres Bernd , Leppäniemi Ari , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Elster Eric , Rich Norman
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Operation based exercises represent simulation activities, which are of great importance for emergency preparedness, as they simulate real experiences in a guided manner. Whereas their primary purpose is to address the organizational emergency preparedness, little is known about the personal benefits of involved participants and whether these positive changes endure over time.

Methods:

Immediate and medium term assessment of the effectiveness on individual preparedness and benefits of participants, based on self-perception, after participating in a set of 4 interdisciplinary field exercises organized as part of the MSc in Global Health-Disaster Medicine of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. The field exercises were carried out yearly, from 2016 to 2019. Data were collected via questionnaires pre- and post-exercise (1 week and 10 months after participation). The sample size was 228 trainees, with a response rate of 88%.

Results:

The majority (95%) stated that Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) exercises are appropriate for disaster management training in terms of comprehending theory, and for team-building training. In the case of a real MCI, 22% of the participants declared themselves to be ready to respond prior to MCI exercises. Upon completion, the overall perception of readiness among the participants increased to 77%. Trainee feedback indicated enhancement of both technical and non-technical skills (87%), which were persistent over time, and revealed a high level of satisfaction with the training.

Conclusion:

This study shows a positive immediate and medium-term impact of operation-based exercises on technical, non-technical skills, and self-perception of participants.
Pregnant Aboriginal women self-assess health risks from smoking and efficacy to quit over time using an adapted Risk Behaviour Diagnosis (RBD) Scale
Authors: Gould Gillian Sandra , Chiu Simon , Oldmeadow Christopher , Bar-Zeev Yael , Bovill Michelle ,   ICAN QUIT in Pregnancy Pilot Group
Published: October 2020

Introduction

During pregnancy, the imperative to stop smoking becomes urgent due to health risks for mother and baby.

Aim

Explore responses to a smoking-related, pregnancy-focused Risk Behaviour Diagnosis (RBD) Scale over time with Aboriginal1pregnant women.

Methods

Six Aboriginal Medical Services in three states recruited 22 eligible women: ⩽28 weeks' gestation, ⩾16 years old, smoked tobacco, pregnant with an Aboriginal baby. Surveys were completed at baseline (n= 22), 4-weeks (n= 16) and 12-weeks (n= 17). RBD Scale outcome measures included: perceived threat (susceptibility and severity), perceived efficacy (response and self-efficacy), fear control (avoidance), danger control (intentions to quit) and protection responses (protecting babies).

Results

At baseline, the total mean threat scores at 4.2 (95% CI: 3.9–4.4) were higher than total mean efficacy scores at 3.9 (95% CI: 3.6–4.1). Over time there was a non-significant reduction in total mean threat and efficacy; fear control increased; danger control and protection responses remained stable. Reduction of threat and efficacy perceptions, with raised fear control responses, may indicate a blunting effect (a coping style which involves avoidance of risks).

Conclusion

In 22 Aboriginal pregnant women, risk perception changed over time. A larger study is warranted to understand how Aboriginal women perceive smoking risks as the pregnancy progresses so that health messages are delivered accordingly.
Falling from horses: medical controversy in early eighteenth-century England
Authors: Pender Stephen
Published: October 2020

On Tuesday, 12 April 1726, Robert Worger fell from his horse at Barnham Down, Kent, hitting his head on the ground ‘with strong Force’. Unconscious, he was taken to Bridge, a nearby village, and laid out at the home of Sarah Knot, ‘Nurse and Landlady to the Patient’, bled several times, given ‘volatile mixture’ (ammonia, salt, opium) and treated with purgatives and clysters. He vomited as many as five times over the course of his illness and delivered ‘half a score [of] very foul, stinking, loose Stools’. Worger died, ‘without … Agony’, at 5 am, Thursday, 21 April 1726, after living for 8 days in the care of Knot, his wife, two surgeons, an assistant, an apothecary and two physicians, Christopher Packe and John Gray. An autopsy was performed – the next night, by the light of a single candle – and, although there was little extravasation and no severe fractures or depressions in the skull, slight abnormalities were found: the cerebellum ‘Turgid with Blood’, two small fissures appeared on the os frontis. Worger’s illness and death spurred months of rebarbative public controversy: in order to exonerate themselves, both physicians published pamphlets and letters, secured affidavits, importuned surgeons and Worger’s relatives for support, vied for authority and mastery over the circumstances of the case and argued about propriety, professionalism and conduct. This paper explores Worger’s case – controversy about diagnosis and prognosis, concern with ‘knowledge and deportment’, with the status of medical offices and medical jurisprudence and with relationships between physicians, patients, surgeons – as an instance of learned medical controversy in early eighteenth-century England.
Circulating cytokine levels in the treatment of comorbid anxiety disorders
Authors: Johnson Sverre Urnes , Hoffart Asle , Tilden Terje , Toft Helge , Neupane Sudan P. , Lien Lars , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: October 2020

Psychotherapy research aims to investigate predictors and moderators of treatment outcome, but there are few consistent findings. This study aimed to investigate cytokines in patients undergoing treatment for anxiety disorders and whether the level of cytokines moderated the treatment outcome. Thirty-seven patients with comorbid and treatment-resistant anxiety disorders were investigated using multilevel modelling. Serum cytokine levels were measured three times: pretreatment, in the middle of treatment, and at the end of treatment. Anxiety and metacognitions were measured weekly throughout treatment by self-report. The levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist did not change during therapy or were not related to the level of anxiety. Metacognitive beliefs predicted anxiety, but the relationship between metacognitions and anxiety was not moderated by cytokines. Limitations of the study include that the patients were not fasting at blood sampling, and we did not assess body mass index, which may affect cytokine levels. The lack of significance for cytokines as a predictor or moderator may be due to a lack of power for testing moderation hypotheses, a problem associated with many psychotherapy studies. Cytokines did not predict the outcome in the treatment of comorbid anxiety disorders in our sample. Furthermore, cytokines did not moderate the relationship between metacognitions and anxiety.
Naticid drilling predation from tidal flats in northern Patagonia, SW Atlantic
Authors: Gordillo Sandra , Malvé Mariano E. , Morán Gisela A. , Boretto Gabriella M.
Published: October 2020

Naticids and muricids are the main drilling gastropod families that leave a characteristic hole in their shelled prey. Drilling predation can be evaluated along spatial scales, and different latitudinal patterns (equatorward, poleward, mid-latitude peaks or no trend at all) have already been described. For Argentine Patagonia, most studies have analysed muricid predation, but scant information is available on naticid predation. This study provides evidence of predation by the moon snail Notocochlis isabelleana on a thin and fragile burrowing bivalve, Darina solenoides, along the intertidal sandflats at Pozo Salado, San Matías Gulf, in northern Patagonia. To estimate the incidence of predation, articulated specimens of Darina solenoides (N = 432) were randomly collected in the intertidal zone. Drill holes (N = 94) were recorded in shell lengths ranging between 10 and 35 mm. Taking into account previous studies in the region, the intensity of mortality by drilling (22%) constitutes a higher value than expected for this latitude. These results may help explain local patterns in a particular site in northern Patagonia which has been previously identified as an outlier, but further studies aimed at evaluating macrogeographic patterns are necessary for a better understanding of the regional factors that might be governing these predator–prey interactions.
Peace in the Shadow of Unrest: yinao and the State Response in China
Authors: Huang Xian
Published: October 2020

Much research on contentious politics focuses on the origins and dynamics of contention or the impact of contention on policy change. Although some studies have delved into the state reactions to contention, relatively little is known about the outcome or effectiveness of state responses, especially in non-democratic settings. This paper attempts to fill this gap and to uncover the policy feedback effect in non-democratic settings by studying the Chinese state's repression of violent incidents targeted at healthcare personnel and facilities (yinao). I argue that without comprehensive healthcare reforms to tackle the root causes of yinao, state repression of yinao generates unintended adverse outcomes, causing the doctor–patient relationship to deteriorate. Using the difference-in-differences method with China Family Panel Studies data for 2014 and 2016, I find that the criminalization of yinao diminishes public trust in doctors and confidence in hospitals’ competence and instead increases public concerns about the healthcare system.
Freely adjoining monoidal duals
Authors: Coulembier Kevin , Street Ross , van den Bergh Michel
Published: October 2020

Given a monoidal category $\mathcal C$ with an object J, we construct a monoidal category $\mathcal C[{J^ \vee }]$ by freely adjoining a right dual ${J^ \vee }$ to J. We show that the canonical strong monoidal functor $\Omega :\mathcal C \to \mathcal C[{J^ \vee }]$ provides the unit for a biadjunction with the forgetful 2-functor from the 2-category of monoidal categories with a distinguished dual pair to the 2-category of monoidal categories with a distinguished object. We show that $\Omega :\mathcal C \to \mathcal C[{J^ \vee }]$ is fully faithful and provide coend formulas for homs of the form $\mathcal C[{J^ \vee }](U,\,\Omega A)$ and $\mathcal C[{J^ \vee }](\Omega A,U)$ for $A \in \mathcal C$ and $U \in \mathcal C[{J^ \vee }]$. If ${\rm{N}}$ denotes the free strict monoidal category on a single generating object 1, then ${\rm{N[}}{{\rm{1}}^ \vee }{\rm{]}}$ is the free monoidal category Dpr containing a dual pair – ˧ + of objects. As we have the monoidal pseudopushout $\mathcal C[{J^ \vee }] \simeq {\rm{Dpr}}{{\rm{ + }}_{\rm{N}}}\mathcal C$, it is of interest to have an explicit model of Dpr: we provide both geometric and combinatorial models. We show that the (algebraist’s) simplicial category Δ is a monoidal full subcategory of Dpr and explain the relationship with the free 2-category Adj containing an adjunction. We describe a generalization of Dpr which includes, for example, a combinatorial model Dseq for the free monoidal category containing a duality sequence X0 ˧ X1 ˧ X2 ˧ … of objects. Actually, Dpr is a monoidal full subcategory of Dseq.
Telemedizin in der Rhythmologie – gewappnet für Pandemiezeiten
Authors: Roten Laurent
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat uns gezwungen, viele Abläufe in der Klinik zu reorganisieren. Grosse Bedeutung kommt insbesondere dem Schutz von Risikogruppen zu, für welche jede Konsultation ein Risiko für eine Ansteckung mit dem SARS-CoV-2-Virus bedeutet. Patientinnen und Patienten mit einem Schrittmacher, einem implantierbaren Cardioverter/Defibrillator (ICD) oder einem implantierbaren Ereignisrekorder benötigen nichtsdestotrotz eine regelmässige Nachsorge dieser teils überlebenswichtigen Geräte, um deren einwandfreie Funktionsweise zu gewährleisten. Die telemedizinische Nachsorge dieser Geräte stellt die ideale Lösung dar, um in Pandemiezeiten den Spagat zwischen Patientensicherheit und Gerätesicherheit erfolgreich meistern zu können. Aber auch in normalen Zeiten hat sich die telemedizinische Nachsorge längstens bewährt. In diesem Artikel werden die Funktionsweise der telemedizinischen Nachsorge, der damit verbundene Patientennutzen und die Herausforderungen und Chancen näher beleuchtet.
The Influence of Poststudy Action Congruency on Memory Consolidation
Authors: Zeelenberg René , Remmers Sebastiaan , Blaauwgeers Florence , Pecher Diane
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The actions associated with objects are thought to be automatically activated when processing object names. Recent studies, however, have failed to find evidence for a role of the motor system in long-term memory for objects. One exception is a study by van Dam et al. (2013) in which participants studied object names associated with pressing (e.g., doorbell) or twisting (e.g., jar), followed by pressing or twisting actions in a seemingly unrelated task. In the final memory test, performance for action congruent words was better than for action incongruent words. We aimed to generalize these findings. In Experiments 1 and 2, we found no effect of action congruency on repetition priming in lexical decision and man-made/natural decision. In Experiment 3, the action congruency manipulation was administered immediately after initial study or a day later, just prior to the recognition memory test. We found no effects of action congruency and timing of the action. Finally, Experiment 4 was a direct replication of Experiment 1 of van Dam et al. (2013) . Again, we failed to find an effect of poststudy action congruency. Thus, we obtained no evidence for the view that motor actions play a role in long-term memory for objects.
Pleasantness Only?
Authors: Sailer Uta , Hausmann Marlene , Croy Ilona
Published: October 2020

Abstract. When gently stroked with velocities between 0.1 and 30 cm/s, participants typically rate velocities around 3 cm/s as most pleasant, and the ratings follow an inverted u-shape. This pleasantness curve correlates often, but not always, with the firing rate of unmyelinated C-tactile (CT) afferents, leading to the notion that CT afferents code for the hedonic or emotional aspect of gentle touch. However, there is also evidence that CT firing does not necessarily equal pleasantness, and the range of attributes that CT afferents code for is not known. Here, participants were stroked with different velocities assumed to activate CT afferents to a different extent while they rated the touch on several sensory and emotional attributes. We expected an inverted u-shaped rating curve for pleasantness and other emotional attributes, but not for sensory attributes. Inverted u-shaped rating patterns were found for the emotional attributes “pleasant” and “not burdensome,” but also for the sensory attribute “rough.” CT-directed stimulation is thus not only experienced as hedonic. The sensations arising from CTs together with all other types of mechanoreceptors might be centrally integrated into a percept that represents those aspects which are most salient for the stimulation at hand.
Elemental Composition and Chemical Evolution of Geologic Materials in Gale Crater, Mars: APXS Results From Bradbury Landing to the Vera Rubin Ridge
Authors: Berger Jeff A. , Gellert Ralf , Boyd Nicholas I. , King Penelope L. , McCraig Michael A. , O'Connell‐Cooper Catherine D. , Schmidt Mariek E. , Spray John G. , Thompson Lucy M. , VanBommel Scott J. V. , Yen Albert S.
Published: October 2020

The Alpha Particle X‐ray Spectrometer (APXS) on the rover Curiosity has analyzed the composition of geologic materials along a >20‐km traverse in Gale crater on Mars. The APXS dataset after 6.5 Earth years (2,301 sols) includes 712 analyses of soil, sand, float, bedrock, and drilled/scooped fines. We present the APXS results over this duration and provide stratigraphic context for each target. We identify the best APXS measurement of each of the 22 drilled and scooped samples that were delivered to the instruments Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin; X‐ray diffractometer) and Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM; mass spectrometer and gas chromatograph) during this period. The APXS results demonstrate that the basaltic and alkali‐rich units in the Bradbury group (sols 0–750) show minimal alteration indicating an arid climate. In contrast, the Murray formation of the Mount Sharp group (sols ∼750–2,301) has compositions indicating pervasive alteration. Diagenetic features are common and show fluid interaction with the sediment after (and possibly during) lithification. A sandstone unit, the Stimson formation, overlies part of the Murray formation. This has a composition similar to the basaltic sand and soil, suggesting a shared source. Cross‐cutting, fracture‐associated haloes are evidence of late‐stage fluid alteration after lithification of the sediment. The APXS dataset, evaluated in concert with the full science payload of Curiosity, indicates that Gale crater was habitable, and that liquid water was stable for extended periods.
Intraseasonal Hydrographic Variations and Nearshore Carbonates System Off Northern Chile During the 2015 El Niño Event
Authors: Aguilera Victor M. , Vargas Cristian A. , Dewitte Boris
Published: October 2020

Little is known on the El Niño‐related impacts affecting the CO2 dynamic and fluxes in productive Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems (EBUS). Through 35 oceanographic campaigns conducted between January 2015 and April 2016 in the Humboldt EBUS (23°S), intraseasonal (i.e., daily‐to‐bimonthly) hydrographic variations and nearshore changes in surface carbonates system were assessed during the 2015 El Niño event. Collected hydrographic and carbonates system data (sea surface temperature (SST), subsurface temperature, salinity, oxygen, chlorophyll a, pH, total alkalinity (AT) and pCO2), were analyzed and interpreted considering local (i.e., satellite winds and tide gauge sea level) and remote (i.e., equatorial Kelvin waves) forcing. Permanent alongshore wind conditions prompted a relatively deep mixed layer favoring elevated acidity (7.8–7.9 pHT) and CO2 saturated (>450 μatm) conditions throughout most of the study period. Between austral summer‐fall and fall‐winter transitions, intermittent warm events increased water temperature (SST) above the long‐term climatological state (2000–2010), and gave rise to high acidity‐warm conditions. However, despite warm water particularly high in salinity (>35) and AT (>2,300 μmol kg−1) associated with downwelling Kelvin waves activity observed during the developing phase of the 2015 El Niño event, phytoplankton production and CO2 uptake were favored because of the maintenance of mean upwelling conditions. These results are discussed in terms of data limitations, coastal processes adding variability to carbonates system variability, and requirements for a better understanding of hydrographic forcing and responses in the Humboldt EBUS.
Contrasting signatures of genomic divergence during sympatric speciation
Authors: Kautt Andreas F. , Kratochwil Claudius F. , Nater Alexander , Machado-Schiaffino Gonzalo , Olave Melisa , Henning Frederico , Torres-Dowdall Julián , Härer Andreas , Hulsey C. Darrin , Franchini Paolo , Pippel Martin , Myers Eugene W. , Meyer Axel
Published: October 2020

The transition from ‘well-marked varieties’ of a single species into ‘well-defined species’—especially in the absence of geographic barriers to gene flow (sympatric speciation)—has puzzled evolutionary biologists ever since Darwin1,2. Gene flow counteracts the buildup of genome-wide differentiation, which is a hallmark of speciation and increases the likelihood of the evolution of irreversible reproductive barriers (incompatibilities) that complete the speciation process3. Theory predicts that the genetic architecture of divergently selected traits can influence whether sympatric speciation occurs4, but empirical tests of this theory are scant because comprehensive data are difficult to collect and synthesize across species, owing to their unique biologies and evolutionary histories5. Here, within a young species complex of neotropical cichlid fishes (Amphilophusspp.), we analysed genomic divergence among populations and species. By generating a new genome assembly and re-sequencing 453 genomes, we uncovered the genetic architecture of traits that have been suggested to be important for divergence. Species that differ in monogenic or oligogenic traits that affect ecological performance and/or mate choice show remarkably localized genomic differentiation. By contrast, differentiation among species that have diverged in polygenic traits is genomically widespread and much higher overall, consistent with the evolution of effective and stable genome-wide barriers to gene flow. Thus, we conclude that simple trait architectures are not always as conducive to speciation with gene flow as previously suggested, whereas polygenic architectures can promote rapid and stable speciation in sympatry.
Arsenic pollution in Quaternary sediments and water near a former gold mine
Authors: Stachnik Łukasz , Korabiewski Bartosz , Raczyk Jerzy , Łopuch Michał , Wieczorek Iwo
Published: October 2020

Contamination of water and sediments with arsenic and heavy metals is a global issue affecting human health. Regions covered with Quaternary deposits have received little attention from the point of view of the flux of arsenic and heavy metals from sediments to surface water. This study aims to determine the flux of arsenic and other heavy metals from Quaternary sediments to surface waters in an area affected by the former Złoty Stok gold and arsenic mine. Contamination in surface waters and sediments was caused by arsenic, whereas concentrations of metals were usually within water quality standards. Arsenic contamination of surface water increased in the lower part of the basin covered by Quaternary sediments, and exceeded water quality standards by 2 orders of magnitude. Arsenic mass flux exceeded 8 kg/day near the confluence of the Trująca River with the Nysa Kłodzka, a main tributary of the Oder River. An increase in arsenic concentration in the lower part of the basin is related to mine tailings and preferential flow of groundwater through Quaternary sediments. In future, water resources scarcity may lead to an increase in arsenic contamination in surface and groundwater.
Recombination shapes African swine fever virus serotype-specific locus evolution
Authors: Nefedeva Mariia , Titov Ilya , Tsybanov Sodnom , Malogolovkin Alexander
Published: October 2020

The recombination is one of the most frequently identified drivers of double-stranded DNA viruses evolution. However, the recombination events in African swine fever virus (ASFV) genomes have been poorly annotated. We hypothesize that the genetic determinants of ASFV variability are potential hot-spots for recombination. Here, we analyzed ASFV serotype-specific locus (C-type lectin (EP153R) and CD2v (EP402R)) in order to allocate the recombination breakpoints in these immunologically important proteins and reveal driving forces of virus evolution. The recombinations were found in both proteins, mostly among ASFV strains from East Africa, where multiple virus transmission cycles are notified. The recombination events were essentially associated with the domain organization of proteins. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the lack of clonal evolution for African strains which conclusively support the significance of recombinations in the serotype-specific locus. In addition, the signature of adaptive evolution of these two genes, pN/pS > 1, was demonstrated. These results have implications for the interpretation of cross-protection potential between evolutionary distant ASFV strains and strongly suggest that C-type lectin and CD2v may experience substantial selective pressure than previously thought.
Effects of long-term hydrogen intervention on the physiological function of rats
Authors: Xun Zhi-ming , Zhao Qing-hui , Zhang Yan , Ju Fang-di , He Jin , Yao Ting-ting , Zhang Xiao-kang , Yi Yang , Ma Sheng-nan , Zhao Peng-xiang , Jin Xiao-yan , Li Ying-xian , Li Xiao-yang , Ma Xue-mei , Xie Fei
Published: October 2020

The potential therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen (H2) have now been confirmed in various human and animal-disease models. However, the effects of H2 on the physiological function in a normal state have been largely neglected. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) intake and hydrogen inhalation (HI) are the most common used methods for hydrogen administration, the difference in the effects between HRW intake and HI remains elusive. In the present study, the body weight and 13 serum biochemical parameters were monitored during the six-month hydrogen intervention, all these parameters were significantly altered by oral intake of HRW or HI. Among the 13 parameters, the most striking alterations induced by hydrogen treatment were observed in serum myocardial enzymes spectrum. The results also showed that the changes in these parameters occurred at different time points, and the alterations in most of the parameters were much more significant in HI than HRW. The results of this study provides the basic data for the mechanism research and application of molecular hydrogen in the future.
Proteomics of regenerated tissue in response to a titanium implant with a bioactive surface in a rat tibial defect model
Authors: Boteanu Raluca M. , Suica Viorel I. , Ivan Luminita , Safciuc Florentina , Uyy Elena , Dragan Emanuel , Croitoru Sorin M. , Grumezescu Valentina , Chiritoiu Marioara , Sima Livia E. , Vlagioiu Constantin , Socol Gabriel , Antohe Felicia
Published: October 2020

Due to their excellent mechanical and biocompatibility properties, titanium-based implants are successfully used as biomedical devices. However, when new bone formation fails for different reasons, impaired fracture healing becomes a clinical problem and affects the patient's quality of life. We aimed to design a new bioactive surface of titanium implants with a synergetic PEG biopolymer-based composition for gradual delivery of growth factors (FGF2, VEGF, and BMP4) during bone healing. The optimal architecture of non-cytotoxic polymeric coatings deposited by dip coating under controlled parameters was assessed both in cultured cells and in a rat tibial defect model (100% viability). Notably, the titanium adsorbed polymer matrix induced an improved healing process when compared with the individual action of each biomolecules. High-performance mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that recovery after a traumatic event is governed by specific differentially regulated proteins, acting in a coordinated response to the external stimulus. Predicted protein interactions shown by STRING analysis were well organized in hub-based networks related with response to chemical, wound healing and response to stress pathways. The proposed functional polymer coatings of the titanium implants demonstrated the significant improvement of bone healing process after injury.
Test–retest reliability of the 20-min pad test with infusion of strong-desired volume in the bladder for female urodynamic stress incontinence
Authors: Wu Wen-Yih , Hsiao Sheng-Mou , Wu Pei-Chi , Lin Ho-Hsiung
Published: October 2020

The repeatability of the 20-min pad test has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the test–retest reliability of the 20-min pad test in women with urodynamic stress incontinence. Among 89 enrolled women, 67 (75%) women were diagnosed with urodynamic stress incontinence and were examined in this study. The mean strong-desire volume of all the women was 306.7 ± 115.7 mL. The pad weights of the test versus retest were 28.3 ± 41.2 g versus 28.4 ± 38.6 g, p = 0.29, respectively. The test and retest pad weight results had a Spearman’s rho of 0.788 (p < 0.0001). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.793 (95% confidence interval, 0.704–0.882; p < 0.0001). The Bland–Altman plots all revealed good agreement between the test and the retest in the pad weights. In conclusion, the 20-min pad test infused with a strong-desired volume has good test–retest reliability to assess the severity of urine leakage for women with urodynamic stress incontinence.
Effect of riboflavin deficiency on development of the cerebral cortex in Slc52a3 knockout mice
Authors: Jin Congyun , Yonezawa Atsushi , Yoshimatsu Hiroki , Imai Satoshi , Koyanagi Madoka , Yamanishi Kaori , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Itohara Kotaro , Omura Tomohiro , Nakagawa Takayuki , Nagai Junya , Matsubara Kazuo
Published: October 2020

Riboflavin transporter 3 (RFVT3), encoded by the SLC52A3 gene, is important for riboflavin homeostasis in the small intestine, kidney, and placenta. Our previous study demonstrated that Slc52a3 knockout (Slc52a3−/−) mice exhibited neonatal lethality and metabolic disorder due to riboflavin deficiency. Here, we investigated the influence of Slc52a3 gene disruption on brain development using Slc52a3−/− embryos. Slc52a3−/− mice at postnatal day 0 showed hypoplasia of the brain and reduced thickness of cortical layers. At embryonic day 13.5, the formation of Tuj1+ neurons and Tbr2+ intermediate neural progenitors was significantly decreased; no significant difference was observed in the total number and proliferative rate of Pax6+ radial glia. Importantly, the hypoplastic phenotype was rescued upon riboflavin supplementation. Thus, it can be concluded that RFVT3 contributes to riboflavin homeostasis in embryos and that riboflavin itself is required during embryonic development of the cerebral cortex in mice.
Author Correction: Hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end products disrupt BBB and promote occludin and claudin-5 protein secretion on extracellular microvesicles
Authors: Rom Slava , Heldt Nathan A. , Gajghate Sachin , Seliga Alecia , Reichenbach Nancy L. , Persidsky Yuri
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Analysis of Ani s 7 and Ani s 1 allergens as biomarkers of sensitization and allergy severity in human anisakiasis
Authors: de las Vecillas Leticia , Muñoz‑Cacho Pedro , López‑Hoyos Marcos , Monttecchiani Vittoria , Martínez‑Sernández Victoria , Ubeira Florencio M. , Rodríguez‑Fernández Fernando
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Changes in coupled carbon‒nitrogen dynamics in a tundra ecosystem predate post-1950 regional warming
Authors: Anderson N. John , Engstrom Daniel R. , Leavitt Peter R. , Flood Sarah M. , Heathcote Adam J.
Published: October 2020

Arctic ecosystems are changing in response to recent rapid warming, but the synergistic effects of other environmental drivers, such as moisture and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, are difficult to discern due to limited monitoring records. Here we use geochemical analyses of 210Pb-dated lake-sediment cores from the North Slope of Alaska to show that changes in landscape nutrient dynamics started over 130 years ago. Lake carbon burial doubled between 1880 and the late-1990s, while current rates (~10 g C m−2 yr−1) represent about half the CO2 emission rate for tundra lakes. Lake C burial reflects increased aquatic production, stimulated initially by nutrients from terrestrial ecosystems due to late-19th century moisture-driven changes in soil microbial processes and, more recently, by atmospheric reactive N deposition. These results highlight the integrated response of Arctic carbon cycling to global environmental stressors and the degree to which C–N linkages were altered prior to post-1950 regional warming.
Determination of the binding site size of hexaammineruthenium(iii) inside monolayers of DNA on gold
Authors: Abi Alireza , Safavi Afsaneh
Published: October 2020

Hexaammineruthenium(iii) metal complex can bind to surface-tethered DNA strands in excess of what is required for the compensation of the DNA charges.
Resolution enhancement in NMR spectra by deconvolution with compressed sensing reconstruction
Authors: Kazimierczuk Krzysztof , Kasprzak Paweł , Georgoulia Panagiota S. , Matečko-Burmann Irena , Burmann Björn M. , Isaksson Linnéa , Gustavsson Emil , Westenhoff Sebastian , Orekhov Vladislav Yu.
Published: October 2020

We introduce Compressed Sensing (CS) with virtual decoupling that increases resolution, sensitivity, and quality of NUS reconstruction of NMR spectra. Its effectiveness is exemplified by HNCA experiments for two large protein systems.
Synthesis, growth, structure analysis and performance characterization of DOST crystal: a nonlinear functional material with a wide range of applications
Authors: Yu Zhe , Wang Tianhua , Wang Guanjun , Xu Kai , Cui Qingtang , Cao Lifeng , Teng Bing
Published: October 2020

A new non-centrosymmetric organic ion nonlinear optical crystal, DOST.
The effect of switchgrass plant cell wall properties on its deconstruction by thermochemical pretreatments coupled with fungal enzymatic hydrolysis orClostridium thermocellumconsolidated bioprocessing
Authors: Kothari Ninad , Bhagia Samarthya , Pu Yunqiao , Yoo Chang Geun , Li Mi , Venketachalam Sivasankari , Pattathil Sivakumar , Kumar Rajeev , Cai Charles M. , Hahn Michael G. , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Wyman Charles E.
Published: October 2020

Switchgrass, thermochemically pretreated switchgrass, and corresponding biologically digested residues were characterized to understand the process of lignocelluose deconstruction.
Green is the new black – a review of technologies for carboxylic acid recovery from black liquor
Authors: Reyes Laura , Nikitine Clémence , Vilcocq Léa , Fongarland Pascal
Published: October 2020

Consdering a long-term production of raw materials from renewable resources, different recovery processes to recover carboxylic acids from black liquor has been studied, opening the range of valorization of these acids nowdays only exploited as energy.
Silsesquioxane-based and triptycene-linked nanoporous polymers (STNPs) with a high surface area for CO2 uptake and efficient dye removal applications
Authors: Alam Akhtar , Hassan Atikur , Bera Ranajit , Das Neeladri
Published: October 2020

Nanoporous STNPs obtained by crosslinking octavinylsilsesquioxane and triptycene have superior gas-storage and dye capture abilities than most silsesquioxanes derived adsorbents.
Assessment of environmentally unsafe pollutants using facile wet-chemically prepared CeO2–ZrO2 nanocomposites by the electrochemical approach
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Alam M. M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Uddin Jamal
Published: October 2020

Selective and sensitive 4-methoxyphenol chemical sensor was developed with a co-doped CeO2–ZrO2 nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode as a sensor probe by electrochemical approach for the safety of environmental and ecological fields in broad scales.
Long-term single cell bioluminescence imaging with C-3 position protected coelenterazine analogues
Authors: Mizui Yuki , Eguchi Masatoshi , Tanaka Masanobu , Ikeda Yuma , Yoshimura Hideaki , Ozawa Takeaki , Citterio Daniel , Hiruta Yuki
Published: October 2020

Long-term single cell bioluminescence imaging was accomplished with C-3 position protected imidazopyrazinone-type luciferins.
Phospholamban and sarcolipin prevent thermal inactivation of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases
Authors: Fu Minghua , Bombardier Eric , Gamu Daniel , Tupling A. Russell
Published: October 2020

Na+-K+-ATPase from mice lacking the γ subunit exhibits decreased thermal stability. Phospholamban (PLN) and sarcolipin (SLN) are small homologous proteins that regulate sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases (SERCAs) with properties similar to the γ subunit, through physical interactions with SERCAs. Here, we tested the hypothesis that PLN and SLN may protect against thermal inactivation of SERCAs. HEK-293 cells were co-transfected with different combinations of cDNAs encoding SERCA2a, PLN, a PLN mutant (N34A) that cannot bind to SERCA2a, and SLN. One-half of the cells were heat stressed at 40°C for 1 h (HS), and one-half were maintained at 37°C (CTL) before harvesting the cells and isolating microsomes. Compared with CTL, maximal SERCA activity was reduced by 25–35% following HS in cells that expressed either SERCA2a alone or SERCA2a and mutant PLN (N34A) whereas no change in maximal SERCA2a activity was observed in cells that co-expressed SERCA2a and either PLN or SLN following HS. Increases in SERCA2a carbonyl group content and nitrotyrosine levels that were detected following HS in cells that expressed SERCA2a alone were prevented in cells co-expressing SERCA2a with PLN or SLN, whereas co-expression of SERCA2a with mutant PLN (N34A) only prevented carbonyl group formation. In other experiments using knock-out mice, we found that thermal inactivation of SERCA was increased in cardiac left ventricle samples from Pln-null mice and in diaphragm samples from Sln-null mice, compared with WT littermates. Our results show that both PLN and SLN form a protective interaction with SERCA pumps during HS, preventing nitrosylation and oxidation of SERCA and thus preserving its maximal activity.
Fragment-derived modulators of an industrial β-glucosidase
Authors: Makraki Eleni , Darby John F. , Carneiro Marta G. , Firth James D. , Heyam Alex , AB Eiso , O'Brien Peter , Siegal Gregg , Hubbard Roderick E.
Published: October 2020

A fragment screen of a library of 560 commercially available fragments using a kinetic assay identified a small molecule that increased the activity of the fungal glycoside hydrolase TrBgl2. An analogue by catalogue approach and detailed kinetic analysis identified improved compounds that behaved as nonessential activators with up to a 2-fold increase in maximum activation. The compounds did not activate the related bacterial glycoside hydrolase CcBglA demonstrating specificity. Interestingly, an analogue of the initial fragment inhibits both TrBgl2 and CcBglA, apparently through a mixed-model mechanism. Although it was not possible to determine crystal structures of activator binding to 55 kDa TrBgl2, solution NMR experiments demonstrated a specific binding site for the activator. A partial assignment of the NMR spectrum gave the identity of the amino acids at this site, allowing a model for TrBgl2 activation to be built. The activator binds at the entrance of the substrate-binding site, generating a productive conformation for the enzyme–substrate complex.
Genomic characteristics and profile of microsatellite primers for Acanthogobius ommaturus by genome survey sequencing
Authors: Chen Bingjie , Sun Zhicheng , Lou Fangrui , Gao Tian-xiang , Song Na
Published: October 2020

Acanthogobius ommaturus is one of the suitable species to study the genetic mechanism of adaptive evolution, but there are few reports on its genetics. In the present study, the genomic survey sequencing method was used to analyze the genome characters of A. ommaturus. A total of 50.50 G high-quality sequence data were obtained in the present study. From the 19-mer distribution frequency, the estimated genome size was 928.01 Mb. The calculated sequence repeat rate was about 38.31%, the heterozygosity was approximately 0.17%, and the GC% content was approximately 40.88%. Moreover, 475,724 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified. Among them, dinucleotide repeats were the most (53.70% of the total SSRs), followed by tri- (35.36%), hexa- (4.59%), tetra- (4.57%) and penta- (1.77%) nucleotide repeats type. This is the first genome-wide feature of this species to be reported.
Potential role of extracellular vesicles in the pathophysiology of glomerular diseases
Authors: Li Xia-Qing , Lerman Lilach O. , Meng Yu
Published: October 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles released by most cells and are found in diverse biological fluids. The release of EVs provides a new mechanism for intercellular communication, allowing cells to transfer their functional cargoes to target cells. Glomerular diseases account for a large proportion of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. In recent years, an increasing number of research groups have focused their effort on identifying the functional role of EVs in renal diseases. However, the involvement of EVs in the pathophysiology of glomerular diseases has not been comprehensively described and discussed. In this review, we first briefly introduce the characteristics of EVs. Then, we describe the involvement of EVs in the mechanisms underlying glomerular diseases, including immunological and fibrotic processes. We also discuss what functions EVs derived from different kidney cells have in glomerular diseases and how EVs exert their effects through different signaling pathways. Furthermore, we summarize recent advances in the knowledge of EV involvement in the pathogenesis of various glomerular diseases. Finally, we propose future research directions for identifying better management strategies for glomerular diseases.
Vinpocetine protects against the development of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Zhang Chongyang , Hsu Chia George , Mohan Amy , Shi Hangchuan , Li Dongmei , Yan Chen
Published: October 2020

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), commonly occurring in the aged population, is a degenerative disease that dilate and weaken infrarenal aorta due to progressive degeneration of aortic wall integrity. Vinpocetine, a derivative of alkaloid vincamine, has long been used for cerebrovascular disorders and cognitive impairment in the aged population. Recent studies have indicated that vinpocetine antagonizes occlusive vascular disorders such as intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. However, its role in vascular degenerative disease AAA remains unexplored. Herein, we determined the effect of vinpocetine on the formation of AAA as well as the intervention of pre-existing moderate AAA. AAA was induced by periaortic elastase application in C57BL/6J mice. Systemic vinpocetine treatment was applied daily via intraperitoneal injection. We showed that vinpocetine pre-treatment remarkably attenuated aneurysmal dilation assessed by diameter and volume. More importantly, vinpocetine also significantly suppressed the progression of pre-existing moderate AAA in a post-intervention model. Vinpocetine improved multiple cellular and molecular changes associated with AAA, such as elastin degradation, media smooth muscle cell depletion, collagen fibers remodeling and macrophage infiltration in aneurysmal tissues. Vinpocetine potently suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α-induced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells activation and proinflammatory mediator expression in primary cultured macrophages in vitro, as well as in the aorta wall in vivo, suggesting vinpocetine conferred anti-AAA effect at least partially via the inhibition of inflammation. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel role of vinpocetine in AAA formation, development and progression. Given the excellent safety profile of vinpocetine, the present study suggests vinpocetine may be a novel therapeutic agent for AAA prevention and treatment.
fiddle: a tool to combat publication bias by getting research out of the file drawer and into the scientific community
Authors: Bernard René , Weissgerber Tracey L. , Bobrov Evgeny , Winham Stacey J. , Dirnagl Ulrich , Riedel Nico
Published: October 2020

Statistically significant findings are more likely to be published than non-significant or null findings, leaving scientists and healthcare personnel to make decisions based on distorted scientific evidence. Continuously expanding ´file drawers’ of unpublished data from well-designed experiments waste resources creates problems for researchers, the scientific community and the public. There is limited awareness of the negative impact that publication bias and selective reporting have on the scientific literature. Alternative publication formats have recently been introduced that make it easier to publish research that is difficult to publish in traditional peer reviewed journals. These include micropublications, data repositories, data journals, preprints, publishing platforms, and journals focusing on null or neutral results. While these alternative formats have the potential to reduce publication bias, many scientists are unaware that these formats exist and don’t know how to use them. Our open source file drawer data liberation effort (fiddle) tool (RRID:SCR_017327 available at: http://s-quest.bihealth.org/fiddle/) is a match-making Shiny app designed to help biomedical researchers to identify the most appropriate publication format for their data. Users can search for a publication format that meets their needs, compare and contrast different publication formats, and find links to publishing platforms. This tool will assist scientists in getting otherwise inaccessible, hidden data out of the file drawer into the scientific community and literature. We briefly highlight essential details that should be included to ensure reporting quality, which will allow others to use and benefit from research published in these new formats.
Tracking and disturbance attenuation control for stochastic switched systems with input delay
Authors: Mohanapriya Saminathan , Crispin Sweety Charles Selvaraj Antony , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Almakhles Dhafer Jaber
Published: October 2020

This work precisely deals with the phenomena of state tracking, attenuation of external disturbance and compensation of input delay for switched stochastic dynamical systems via improved‐equivalent‐input‐disturbance (IEID) estimator and Smith predictor based modified repetitive control design. By hosting the stochastic state observer and combining it with the IEID estimator and modified repetitive control design, a new closed‐loop form of control system is formulated. To be specific, for the resultant closed‐loop augmented configuration, a novel criterion which ensures the exponential stability of the considered system is derived in the form of linear‐matrix‐inequalities in accordance with the Lyapunov theory. Simultaneously, an IEID estimator and Smith predictor based modified repetitive control is designed in such a way that the states of the considered system track the specific reference input signals perfectly. Finally, as an example F‐18 aircraft model is provided for describing the competence of the designed controller strategy and to explain the dominance of the obtained proposed controller over the existing results.
Circularly polarised sequential array with enhanced gain and bandwidth for applications in C‐band
Authors: Maddio Stefano , Pelosi Giuseppe , Selleri Stefano
Published: October 2020

This study presents a single‐layer via‐less antenna array operating in circular polarisation for wide‐band operation in C‐band. The antenna comprises disc based elements arranged in a sequential rotation architecture. Each element is tuned to exhibit multiple resonances with good circular polarisation performance over a broadband of frequencies. A proper feeding network is then designed so that the resulting array is capable of a wide‐band operation and enhanced gain, equalising the frequency response of the set of elements. Simulations are validated by fabricating and measuring a prototype realised on a commercial FR408 dielectric substrate. Notwithstanding a dimension of only , that is only at centre frequency, measured performance of the proposed array can be summarised in a gain better than 7 dB over an operation bandwidth of , which is an unmatched result, given the via‐less single‐layer technology and the specific available area.