bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic and predictive significance of nuclear HIF1α expression in locally advanced HNSCC patients treated with chemoradiation with or without nimotuzumab
Authors: Patel Usha , Pandey Manish , Kannan Sadhana , Samant Tanuja A. , Gera Poonam , Mittal Neha , Rane Swapnil , Patil Asawari , Noronha Vanita , Joshi Amit , Patil Vijay M. , Prabhash Kumar , Mahimkar Manoj B.
Published: September 2020

Background

Anti-EGFR-based therapies have limited success in HNSCC patients. Predictive biomarkers are greatly needed to identify the patients likely to be benefited from these targeted therapies. Here, we present the prognostic and predictive association of biomarkers in HPV-negative locally advanced (LA) HNSCC patients.

Methods

Treatment-naive tumour tissue samples of 404 patients, a subset of randomised Phase 3 trial comparing cisplatin radiation (CRT) versus nimotuzumab plus cisplatin radiation (NCRT) were analysed to evaluate the expression of HIF1α, EGFR and pEGFR by immunohistochemistry and EGFR gene copy change by FISH. Progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier method. Hazard ratios were estimated by Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Baseline characteristics of the patients were balanced between two treatment groups (CRT vs NCRT) and were representative of the trial cohort. The median follow-up was of 39.13 months. Low HIF1α was associated with better PFS [HR (95% CI) = 0.62 (0.42–0.93)], LRC [HR (95% CI) = 0.56 (0.37–0.86)] and OS [HR (95% CI) = 0.63 (0.43–0.93)] in the CRT group. Multivariable analysis revealed HIF1α as an independent negative prognostic biomarker. For patients with high HIF1α, NCRT significantly improved the outcomes [PFS:HR (95% CI) = 0.55 (0.37–0.82), LRC:HR (95% CI) = 0.55 (0.36–0.85) and OS:HR (95% CI) = 0.54 (0.36–0.81)] compared to CRT. While in patients with low HIF1α, no difference in the clinical outcomes was observed between treatments. Interaction test suggested a predictive value of HIF1α for OS (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

High HIF1α expression is a predictor of poor clinical response to CRT in HPV-negative LA-HNSCC patients. These patients with high HIF1α significantly benefited with the addition of nimotuzumab to CRT.

Clinical trial registration

Registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (Trial registration identifier—CTRI/2014/09/004980).
The effect of age and body mass index on energy expenditure of critically ill medical patients
Authors: Hölzel Christin , Weidhase Lorenz , Petros Sirak
Published: September 2020

Background

Data on the influence of age and body mass index (BMI) on energy metabolism of the critically ill are heterogeneous. Due to the increasingly aging critically ill population, investigation on age- and BMI-specific energy metabolism is relevant.

Methods

A total of 394 indirect calorimetry measurements were conducted on 348 critically ill adult medical patients, including 46 repeat measurements after 3.6 ± 4.3 days. Measured resting energy expenditure (MREE) was compared for age groups, BMI, and gender. Predicted energy expenditure (PEE) using the Penn State, Swinamer, and Ireton-Jones equations and the ACCP recommendations was also compared with MREE.

Results

The patients were 65.6 ± 14.5 years old. Their mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 27.6 ± 7.8. Mean BMI was 27.8 ± 8.4 kg/m2, and 25.6% were obese. MREE adjusted for ideal body weight decreased with increasing age, while it increased with increasing BMI. Age, BMI, and gender are independent determinants of MREE after adjusting for clinical factors (R2 = 0.34). All four prediction equations showed a proportional bias, with the Penn State equation performing acceptably. In 46 patients with repeat indirect calorimetry, there was no significant difference between the first and second MREE (p = 0.62).

Conclusions

Age, BMI, and gender are independent determinants of resting energy expenditure in critically ill adults. Variations between measured and predicted energy expenditure are considerable. Should prediction equations be used, their performance in the specific population should be taken into consideration. Repeat indirect calorimetry may not always be necessary. However, this may depend on the length of stay and the extent of stress.
Effect of the upward curvature of toe springs on walking biomechanics in humans
Authors: Sichting Freddy , Holowka Nicholas B. , Hansen Oliver B. , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: September 2020

Although most features of modern footwear have been intensively studied, there has been almost no research on the effects of toe springs. This nearly ubiquitous upward curvature of the sole at the front of the shoe elevates the toe box dorsally above the ground and thereby holds the toes in a constantly dorsiflexed position. While it is generally recognized that toe springs facilitate the forefoot’s ability to roll forward at the end of stance, toe springs may also have some effect on natural foot function. This study investigated the effects of toe springs on foot biomechanics in a controlled experiment in which participants walked in specially-designed sandals with varying curvature in the toe region to simulate toe springs ranging from 10 to 40 degrees of curvature. Using inverse dynamics techniques, we found that toe springs alter the joint moments and work at the toes such that greater degrees of toe spring curvature resulted in lower work requirements during walking. Our results help explain why toe springs have been a pervasive feature in shoes for centuries but also suggest that toe springs may contribute to weakening of the foot muscles and possibly to increased susceptibility to common pathological conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Non-coding structural variation differentially impacts attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) gene networks in African American vs Caucasian children
Authors: Liu Yichuan , Chang Xiao , Qu Huiqi , Glessner Joseph , Tian Lifeng , Li Dong , Qiu Haijun , Sleiman Patrick M. A. , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: September 2020

Previous studies of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have suggested that structural variants (SVs) play an important role but these were mainly studied in subjects of European ancestry and focused on coding regions. In this study, we sought to address the role of SVs in non-European populations and outside of coding regions. To that end, we generated whole genome sequence (WGS) data on 875 individuals, including 205 ADHD cases and 670 non-ADHD controls. The ADHD cases included 116 African Americans (AA) and 89 of European Ancestry (EA) with SVs in comparison with 408 AA and 262 controls, respectively. Multiple SVs and target genes that associated with ADHD from previous studies were identified or replicated, and novel recurrent ADHD-associated SV loci were discovered. We identified clustering of non-coding SVs around neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways, which are involved in neuronal brain function, and highly relevant to ADHD pathogenesis and regulation of gene expression related to specific ADHD phenotypes. There was little overlap (around 6%) in the genes impacted by SVs between AA and EA. These results suggest that SVs within non-coding regions may play an important role in ADHD development and that WGS could be a powerful discovery tool for studying the molecular mechanisms of ADHD
Autophagy is induced and supports virus replication in Enterovirus A71-infected human primary neuronal cells
Authors: Lin Jhao-Yin , Huang Hsing-I
Published: September 2020

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), which belongs to the family Picornaviridae, can invade the central nervous system (CNS) and cause severe CNS complications or death. The EV-A71 antigen has been detected in the neurons in the brains of humans who died from EV-A71 infection. However, the effect of EV-A71 infection on human neuronal cells remains poorly understood. Human neural stem cells (NSCs) and IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells were differentiated into neuronal cells for this study. Although the neuronal cells were permissive to EV-A71 infection, EV-A71 infection did not induce an obvious cytopathic effect on the neuronal cells. EV-A71 infection did not induce apoptosis in neuronal cells. However, autophagy and autophagic flux were induced in EV-A71-infected neuronal cells. The production of autophagosomes was shown to be important for EV-A71 viral RNA (vRNA) replication in neuronal cells.
Beneficial effect of STAT3 decoy oligodeoxynucleotide transfection on organ injury and mortality in mice with cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis
Authors: Imbaby Samar , Matsuda Naoyuki , Tomita Kengo , Hattori Kohshi , Palikhe Sailesh , Yokoo Hiroki , Hattori Yuichi
Published: September 2020

Sepsis is a major clinical challenge with unacceptably high mortality. The signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors is known to activate critical mediators of cytokine responses, and, among this family, STAT3 is implicated to be a key transcription factor in both immunity and inflammatory pathways. We investigated whether in vivo introduction of synthetic double-stranded STAT3 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) can provide benefits for reducing organ injury and mortality in mice with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis. We found that STAT3 was rapidly activated in major end-organ tissues following CLP, which was accompanied by activation of the upstream kinase JAK2. Transfection of STAT3 decoy ODNs downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine overproduction in CLP mice. Moreover, STAT3 decoy ODN transfection significantly reduced the increases in tissue mRNAs and proteins of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and strongly suppressed the excessive elevation in serum HMGB1 levels in CLP mice. Finally, STAT3 decoy ODN administration minimized the development of sepsis-driven major end-organ injury and led to a significant survival advantage in mice after CLP. Our results suggest a critical role of STAT3 in the sepsis pathophysiology and the potential usefulness of STAT3 decoy ODNs for sepsis gene therapy.
Author Correction: Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Bioreactor for Ex Vivo Reprogramming of Human Immune Cells
Authors: Allen Ashley , Vaninov Natalie , Li Matthew , Nguyen Sunny , Singh Maneet , Igo Peter , Tilles Arno W. , O’Rourke Brian , Miller Brian L. K. , Parekkadan Biju , Barcia Rita N.
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A novel WD40-repeat protein involved in formation of epidermal bladder cells in the halophyte quinoa
Authors: Imamura Tomohiro , Yasui Yasuo , Koga Hironori , Takagi Hiroki , Abe Akira , Nishizawa Kanako , Mizuno Nobuyuki , Ohki Shinya , Mizukoshi Hiroharu , Mori Masashi
Published: September 2020

Halophytes are plants that grow in high-salt environments and form characteristic epidermal bladder cells (EBCs) that are important for saline tolerance. To date, however, little has been revealed about the formation of these structures. To determine the genetic basis for their formation, we applied ethylmethanesulfonate mutagenesis and obtained two mutants with reduced levels of EBCs (rebc) and abnormal chloroplasts. In silico subtraction experiments revealed that the rebc phenotype was caused by mutation of REBC, which encodes a WD40 protein that localizes to the nucleus and chloroplasts. Phylogenetic and transformant analyses revealed that the REBC protein differs from TTG1, a WD40 protein involved in trichome formation. Furthermore, rebc mutants displayed damage to their shoot apices under abiotic stress, suggesting that EBCs may protect the shoot apex from such stress. These findings will help clarify the mechanisms underlying EBC formation and function.
A prioriprediction of complex liquid–liquid–liquid equilibria in organic systems using a continuum solvation model
Authors: Bairagya Priyotosh , Kundu Debashis , Banerjee Tamal
Published: September 2020

Application of Rachford–Rice LLLE (RRL3E) and Henley–Rosen LLLE (HRL3E) algorithms for the prediction of liquid–liquid–liquid equilibria phase behavior of ternary and quaternary systems invoking COnductor like Screening MOdel-Segment Activity Coefficient model.
Resonant states in cyanogen NCCN
Authors: Nag Pamir , Čurík Roman , Tarana Michal , Polášek Miroslav , Ehara Masahiro , Sommerfeld Thomas , Fedor Juraj
Published: September 2020

In a combined experimental and theoretical study we probe the transient anion states (resonances) in cyanogen.
Short range order and network connectivity in amorphous AsTe3: a first principles, machine learning, and XRD study
Authors: Delaizir Gaëlle , Piarristeguy Andrea , Pradel Annie , Masson Olivier , Bouzid Assil
Published: September 2020

The atomic scale structure of amorphous AsTe3 is investigated through coupling X-ray diffraction, and realistic structural models issued from ab initio molecular dynamics and machine learning based interatomic potentials.
Establishing the accuracy of density functional approaches for the description of noncovalent interactions in biomolecules
Authors: Kim Minho , Gould Tim , Rocca Dario , Lebègue Sébastien
Published: September 2020

Biomolecules have complex structures, and noncovalent interactions are crucial to determine their conformations and functionalities.
Mobility and adsorption of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) in soils – environmental hazard perspective
Authors: Zhang Ya-Qi , Stolte Stefan , Alptekin Gizem , Rother Alica , Diedenhofen Michael , Filser Juliane , Markiewicz Marta
Published: September 2020

Investigation of the mobility of liquid organic hydrogen carriers in soils in relation to the environmental hazard assessment.
Turning on/off satellite droplet ejection for flexible sample delivery on digital microfluidics
Authors: Li Haoran , Shen Ren , Dong Cheng , Chen Tianlan , Jia Yanwei , Mak Pui-In , Martins Rui P.
Published: September 2020

Convenient electric control and electrode design allow flexible sample delivery on-chip in a wide range on microfluidics.
Chirality enhancement in macro-chiral liquid crystal nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Huanan , Welch Chris , Qu Wentao , Schubert Christopher J. , Liu Feng , Siligardi Giuliano , Mehl Georg H.
Published: September 2020

Chirality amplification in mesomorphic gold nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with chiral ligands and liquid crystal (LC) groups in LC matrices is detected. Attaching LC groups to NPs leads to a significant increase of the helical twisting power.
Polyphenol scaffolds in tissue engineering
Authors: Zhang Xueqian , Li Zhan , Yang Peng , Duan Gaigai , Liu Xianhu , Gu Zhipeng , Li Yiwen
Published: September 2020

This review focuses on the recent advances in polyphenol-based scaffolds including their structural and functional features, fabrication strategies, and various applications in tissue engineering.
A first-principles study of the switching mechanism in GeTe/InSbTe superlattices
Authors: Ribaldone Chiara , Dragoni Daniele , Bernasconi Marco
Published: September 2020

Via density functional theory calculations, we devise a novel strain-engineered GeTe3/In3SbTe2 superlattice to reduce the power consumption of interfacial phase change memories.
Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots anchored on NiFe layered double-hydroxide nanosheets catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Dong Qibing , Shuai Chao , Mo Zunli , Liu Zhenyu , Liu Guigui , Wang Jia , Chen Ying , Liu Wentong , Liu Nijuan , Guo Ruibin
Published: September 2020

N-GQDs/NiFe-LDH layered nanosheet structure has excellent OER catalytic performance.
Annulations involving 2-arylidene-1,3-indanediones: stereoselective synthesis of spiro- and fused scaffolds
Authors: Das Suven
Published: September 2020

Stereoselective annulations of 2-arylidene-1,3-indanediones towards spiro-carbocycles as well as spiro/fused heterocycles based on various cycloadditions and tandem annulations are described.
Correction: Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over Sn/Al-SBA-15 catalysts
Authors: Kumaravel Sakthivel , Thiripuranthagan Sivakumar , Durai Mani , Erusappan Elangovan , Vembuli Thanigaivel
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over Sn/Al-SBA-15 catalysts’ by Sakthivel Kumaravel et al., New J. Chem., 2020, 44, 8209–8222, DOI: 10.1039/D0NJ01288B.
Cellular localisation of structurally diverse diphenylacetylene fluorophores
Authors: Chisholm David R. , Hughes Joshua G. , Blacker Thomas S. , Humann Rachel , Adams Candace , Callaghan Daniel , Pujol Alba , Lembicz Nicola K. , Bain Angus J. , Girkin John M. , Ambler Carrie A. , Whiting Andrew
Published: September 2020

The cellular localisation of diphenylacetylene fluorophores can be influenced by modifying their structure, modulating lipophilicity and incorporating ionisable groups.
TfOH-promoted synthesis of 4,5-dihydrooxazolo[5,4-c]isoquinolinesviaformal [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 4-diazoisoquinolin-3-one and benzonitriles
Authors: Chen Junrong , Li Zhenmin , Suleman Muhammad , Wang Zaibin , Lu Ping , Wang Yanguang
Published: September 2020

A facile and efficient method for the synthesis of novel 2-substituted 4-tosyl-4,5-dihydrooxazolo[5,4-c]isoquinolines from 4-diazoisoquinolin-3-ones and nitriles is reported.
Correction: A universal method for sensitive and cell-free detection of CRISPR-associated nucleases
Authors: Cox Kurt J. , Subramanian Hari K. K. , Samaniego Christian Cuba , Franco Elisa , Choudhary Amit
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘A universal method for sensitive and cell-free detection of CRISPR-associated nucleases’ by Kurt J. Cox et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, 10, 2653–2662, DOI: 10.1039/C8SC03426E.
Hollow C@TiO2 array nanospheres as efficient sulfur hosts for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Qiu Sheng-You , Wang Chuang , Zhang Li-Su , Gu Liang-Liang , Jiang Zai-Xing , Gao Jian , Sokolowski Joshua , Wu Gang , Zhu Xiao-Dong
Published: September 2020

The organized TiO2 nanosheets nanoarray grown on the hollow carbon nanospheres fundamentally restricts polysulfides dissolution by polar–polar chemisorption capability of trap polysulfides.
Observability of leader‐based discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with switching topology
Authors: Liu Bo , Shen XiXi , Wu Licheng , Su Housheng
Published: September 2020

The observability of discrete‐time multi‐agent systems (MASs) with switching topology under the framework of leadership coordinated control is studied. Based on the switched control system theory, some algebraic properties on observability of discrete‐time MASs with switching topology are given. Moreover, on the basis of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the system matrices, an effective algebraic characterisation on the observability of discrete‐time MASs is established based on fixed topology. The observability of some special topological graphs is also studied. Finally, numerical example and simulations are given.
Eruptions from coronal hole bright points: Observations and non-potential modelling
Authors: Madjarska Maria S. , Galsgaard Klaus , Mackay Duncan H. , Koleva Kostadinka , Dechev Momchil
Published: September 2020

Context. We report on the third part of a series of studies on eruptions associated with small-scale loop complexes named coronal bright points (CBPs).

Aims. A single case study of a CBP in an equatorial coronal hole with an exceptionally large size is investigated to expand on our understanding of the formation of mini-filaments, their destabilisation, and the origin of the eruption triggering the formation of jet-like features recorded in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray emission. We aim to explore the nature of the so-called micro-flares in CBPs associated with jets in coronal holes and mini coronal mass ejections in the quiet Sun.

Methods. Co-observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory as well as GONG Hα images are used together with a non-linear force free field (NLFFF) relaxation approach, where the latter is based on a time series of HMI line-of-sight magnetograms.

Results. A mini-filament (MF) that formed beneath the CBP arcade about 3−4 h before the eruption is seen in the Hα and EUV AIA images to lift up and erupt triggering the formation of an X-ray jet. No significant photospheric magnetic flux concentration displacement (convergence) is observed and neither is magnetic flux cancellation between the two main magnetic polarities forming the CBP in the time period leading to MF lift-off. The CBP micro-flare is associated with three flare kernels that formed shortly after the MF lift-off. No observational signature is found for magnetic reconnection beneath the erupting MF. The applied NLFFF modelling successfully reproduces both the CBP loop complex as well as the magnetic flux rope that hosts the MF during the build-up to the eruption.

Conclusions. The applied NLFFF modelling is able to clearly show that an initial potential field can be evolved into a non-potential magnetic field configuration that contains free magnetic energy in the region that observationally hosts the eruption. The comparison of the magnetic field structure shows that the magnetic NLFFF model contains many of the features that can explain the different observational signatures found in the evolution and eruption of the CBP. In the future, it may eventually indicate the location of destabilisation that results in the eruptions of flux ropes.
The elusive tidal tails of the Milky Way globular cluster NGC 7099
Authors: Piatti Andrés E. , Carballo-Bello Julio A. , Mora Marcelo D. , Cenzano Carolina , Navarrete Camila , Catelan Márcio
Published: September 2020

We present results on the extra-tidal features of the Milky Way globular cluster NGC 7099, using deepgrphotometry obtained with the Dark Energy Camera (DECam). We reached nearly 6 mag below the cluster’s main sequence (MS) turnoff, so that we dealt with the most suitable candidates to trace any stellar structure located beyond the cluster tidal radius. From star-by-star reddening corrected color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs), we defined four adjacent strips along the MS, for which we built the respective stellar density maps, once the contamination by field stars was properly removed. The resulting, cleaned, field star stellar density maps show a short tidal tail and some scattered debris. Such extra-tidal features are hardly detected when much shallowerGaiaDR2 data sets are used and the same CMD field star cleaning procedure is applied. Indeed, by using 2.5 mag below the MS turnoff of the cluster as the faintest limit (G <  20.5 mag), cluster members turned out to be distributed within the cluster’s tidal radius, and some hints for field star density variations are found across a circle of radius 3.5° centered on the cluster and with similar CMD features as cluster stars. The proper motion distribution of these stars is distinguishable from that of the cluster, with some superposition, which resembles that of stars located beyond 3.5° from the cluster center.
Systemic Effects of Metals Released from Arthroplasty Implants – a Brief Summary
Authors: Rakow Anastasia , Schoon Janosch
Published: September 2020

In recent years, increasing concern has been raised regarding potential systemic toxicity of metals released from arthroplasty implants. A lack of valid metal thresholds for human (organ) toxicity and the prospect of multi-decade survival of modern hip and knee replacements pose special challenges. Indeed, evidence of systemic effects of metals released from such implants is largely missing. Systemic cobalt exposure has repeatedly been associated with cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects, and also with thyroid dysfunction. The toxic potential of chromium is considered less pronounced. Yet, in arthroplasty there is usually a co-exposure to chromium and cobalt which complicates evaluation of element-specific effects. Toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles has been subject to debate among international regulatory authorities. Their wide use in a variety of products in everyday life, such as toothpaste, cosmetics and food colorants, hampers the assessment of an
arthroplasty-induced systemic titanium exposure. To date there is no clear evidence for systemic complications due to titanium dioxide released from arthroplasty implants. Release of further metals such as tantalum, niobium, nickel, vanadium and zirconium from hip and knee replacement implants has been described occasionally, but systemic effects of respective long-term exposure scenarios are unknown. Generally, the characterization of all released metals regarding their chemical and physical specifications is critical for the evaluation of potential systemic risks. Systematic studies investigating the accumulation of metals relevant in arthroplasty in different organs/organ systems and the biological consequences of such accumulations are urgently needed.
Einflussfaktoren auf das väterliche Erleben der Geburt im Kreißsaal: Eine qualitative Studie
Authors: Krulis Jennifer , König-Bachmann Martina , Zenzmaier Christoph
Published: September 2020

Einleitung Der Großteil der werdenden Väter ist heute bei
der Geburt seiner Kinder im Kreißsaal zugegen. Dabei stellt die
Anwesenheit der werdenden Väter ein bedeutendes Ereignis in deren Leben
dar.

Ziel dieser Studie ist es, beeinflussende Faktoren auf das
väterliche Geburtserleben im Kreißsaal zu identifizieren.

Material und Methoden Die Erfahrungen von 12 erstmaligen Vätern
während Schwangerschaft und Geburt und ihr Erleben der Geburt im
Kreißsaal wurden mittels problemzentrierter Interviews erfasst. Die
transkribierten und anonymisierten Interviews wurden mittels Inhaltsanalyse nach
Mayring analysiert.

Ergebnisse Alle Väter beurteilten das Erleben der Geburt ihres
Kindes retrospektiv positiv. Eine Vielzahl an potentiellen Einflussfaktoren auf
das väterliche Geburtserleben konnten eruiert werden, sowohl
biografische Einflussfaktoren, als auch Einflussfaktoren während der
Schwangerschaft und der Geburt. Insbesondere zeigte sich das medizinische
Fachpersonal von Bedeutung, im Speziellen die Hebamme.

Schlussfolgerung Das medizinische Fachpersonal sollte dem
väterlichen Geburtserleben mehr Aufmerksamkeit schenken. Der Fokus
für weitere Forschung könnte auf Konzepte zur Förderung
eines positiven Geburtserlebens der Väter gelegt werden.
The Role of Melatonin, IL-8 and IL-10 in Intrahepatic Cholestasis of
Pregnancy
Authors: Çelik Samettin , Guve Huri , Çalışkan Canan , Çelik Sebahattin
Published: September 2020

Introduction Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a
pregnancy-specific liver disease that usually emerges during the third trimester
of pregnancy. It is characterized by itching and elevated serum total bile acid
levels, and it may lead to severe fetal complications. This study aimed to
investigate the role of interleukin-8, a pro-inflammatory cytokine;
interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine; and melatonin in intrahepatic
cholestasis of pregnancy.

Materials and Methods This prospective, case-controlled study was
conducted with 51 women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (40 mild and
11 severe cases) and 43 healthy pregnant women. Serum interleukin-8,
interleukin-10, and melatonin levels were evaluated.

Results Melatonin and interleukin -10 were significantly lower in
subjects with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (p=0.001;
p=0.001, respectively p<0.05). Interleukin-8 levels were found
to be significantly higher in the cholestasis group than control group
(p=0.001, p<0.05).

Conclusions Because interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and melatonin were
found to be significantly correlated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy,
we believe this finding could shed light on the etiology of the disease.
Bergrettung im Wandel der Zeit – 100 Jahre Bergwacht in Deutschland
Authors: Lischke Volker , Berner Armin , Schiffer Johannes , Müller Ute , Dehne Marius , Pietsch Urs
Published: September 2020

Zu Beginn des letzten Jahrhunderts haben die Freizeitaktivitäten im deutschen Alpenraum und in den Mittelgebirgen rapide zugenommen. Seit der Gründung am 14.06.1920 in München versieht die Bergwacht in Deutschland den Naturschutz- und Rettungsdienst abseits der Straße in unwegsamem Gelände im Gebirge. In diesen Regionen überwiegen traumatologische Not- und Todesfälle gegenüber medizinischen. Die Entwicklung neuer Trendsportarten hat auch die Entwicklung alpiner Rettungstechniken und -gerätschaften geprägt. Moderne Rettungs-/Einsatzhubschrauber mit Rettungswinde oder Fixtau ermöglichen bei Sichtflugbedingungen eine schnelle Zuführung rettungstechnisch und notfallmedizinisch qualifizierter Bergretter und Bergwachtnotärzte sowie einen schnellen Abtransport der notfallmedizinisch versorgten Patienten. Trotz moderner Rettungshubschrauber müssen bodengebundene Rettungsverfahren bei der Bergwacht weiterhin ausgebildet und bei schlechter Sicht, starken Niederschlägen bzw.
teilweise auch bei Nacht jederzeit durchgeführt werden können. Moderne Ausbildungs- und Trainingseinrichtungen der Bergwacht ermöglichen eine situationsgerechte Aus- und Weiterbildung der Bergretter. Die Bergwacht im Deutschen Roten Kreuz versieht zusammen mit der Bergwacht Bayern im Bayerischen Roten Kreuz und der Bergwacht Schwarzwald e. V. die satzungsgemäßen Aufgaben sowie die Anforderungen des „Komplexen Hilfeleistungssystems“ des Deutschen Roten Kreuzes als integraler Bestandteil der präklinischen Notfallrettung abseits der Straße in unwegsamem Gelände seit nunmehr 100 Jahren.
Anatomy of the Orbit
Authors: Lieber Stefan , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C.
Published: September 2020

The orbit is a paired, transversely oval, and cone-shaped osseous cavity bounded and formed by the anterior and middle cranial base as well as the viscerocranium. Its main contents are the anterior part of the visual system, globe and optic nerve, and the associated neural, vascular, muscular, glandular, and ligamentous structures required for oculomotion, lacrimation, accommodation, and sensation.

A complex stream of afferent and efferent information passes through the orbit, which necessitates a direct communication with the anterior and middle cranial fossae, the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae, as well as the aerated adjacent frontal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses and the nasal cavity.

This article provides a detailed illustration and description of the microsurgical anatomy of the orbit, with a focus on the intrinsically complex spatial relationships around the annular tendon and the superior orbital fissure, the transition from cavernous sinus to the orbital apex. Sparse reference will be made to surgical approaches, their indications or limitations, since they are addressed elsewhere in this special issue. Instead, an attempt has been made to highlight anatomical structures and elucidate concepts most relevant to safe and effective transcranial, transfacial, transorbital, or transnasal surgery of orbital, periorbital, and skull base pathologies.
A Retrospective Study of an Updated and Traditional Surgical Approach of the Distally Based Sural Flap
Authors: Xu Heng , Cao Xuexin , Kiu-Huen Sally , Zhu Zhu , Chen Jun , Chi Zhenglin , Zhang Yixin
Published: September 2020

Background The distally based sural flap (DBSF) is one of the armamentarium in the lower limb reconstruction. However, the flap has not gained popularity due to concerns about its reliability and donor site morbidity. Based on the anatomy characterization, we combined and developed five modifications to improve the vascular supply and reduce donor site morbidity.

Patients and Methods The authors performed a comparison of retrospective study that included patients who underwent either traditional distally based sural flap (tDBSF) or modified distally based sural flap (mDBSF) surgery approach for ankle, heel, and dorsal foot coverage between January 2007 and May, 2019. The five modifications developed to improve the reliability of the flap include: 1. shift the pivot point more proximally 7.0 cm above the lateral malleolus, 2. preserve the lesser saphenous vein and include branches that communicates with the flap, 3. harvest thinner fascial pedicle, 4. change the skin incision to “S” shape, 5. closure of the donor site with a propeller flap.

Results Thirty-one patients underwent mDBSF, and 23 received tDBSF. There were no significant differences in the size of the DBSF. Mean pedicle width was significantly narrower in mDBSF (1.63 ± 0.52 cm vs. 3.81 ± 0.70 in tDBSF). The pivot point was also found to be higher in mDBSF (8.01 ± 0.63 cm vs. 5.46 ± 0.56 cm) above the lateral malleolus. In mDBSF, the size of the propeller flap required for donor site closure was 53.45 ± 19.06 cm2 (range 33–80 cm2). The rate of partial necrosis between mDBSF and tDBSF was significantly different (9.68 vs. 34.78%). While the other complications had no difference.

Conclusion The modifications applied to the harvesting of the DBSF have achieved higher survival rate, lower dehiscence rate, and shorter hospital stay time in comparison with traditional approach in our retrospective study.
Deep learning characterizes optical pulses using speckle patterns at the end of multimode fibers
Authors: McConnon Aili
Published: September 2020

Single-shot pulse characterization using deep learning for phase recovery shows multimodal fibers are versatile and can be used widely in sensing and imaging applications.
Boron cage effects on Nd–Fe–B crystal structure’s stability
Authors: Nguyen Duong-Nguyen , Dao Duc-Anh , Miyake Takashi , Dam Hieu-Chi
Published: September 2020

In this study, we investigate the structure–stability relationship of hypothetical Nd–Fe–B crystal structures using descriptor-relevance analysis and the t-SNE dimensionality reduction method. 149 hypothetical Nd–Fe–B crystal structures are generated from 5967 LA–T–X host structures in the Open Quantum Materials Database by using the elemental substitution method, with LA denoting lanthanides, T denoting transition metals, and X denoting light elements such as B, C, N, and O. By borrowing the skeletal structure of each of the host materials, a hypothetical crystal structure is created by substituting all lanthanide sites with Nd, all transition metal sites with Fe, and all light element sites with B. High-throughput first-principle calculations are applied to evaluate the phase stability of these structures. Twenty of them are found to be potentially formable. As the first investigative result, the descriptor-relevance analysis on the orbital field matrix (OFM) materials’ descriptor reveals the average atomic coordination number as the essential factor in determining the structure stability of these substituted Nd–Fe–B crystal structures. 19 among 20 hypothetical structures that are found potentially formable have an average coordination number larger than 6.5. By applying the t-SNE dimensionality reduction method, all the local structures represented by the OFM descriptors are integrated into a visible space to study the detailed correlation between their characteristics and the stability of the crystal structure to which they belong. We discover that unstable substituted structures frequently carry Nd and Fe local structures with two prominent points: low average coordination numbers and fully occupied B neighboring atoms. Moreover, there are only three popular forms of B local structures appearing on all potentially formable substituted structures: cage networks, planar networks, and interstitial sites. The discovered relationships are promising to speed up the screening process for the new formable crystal structures.
Optimization of radiochromic film stacks to diagnose high-flux laser-accelerated proton beams
Authors: Curry C. B. , Dunning C. A. S. , Gauthier M. , Chou H.-G. J. , Fiuza F. , Glenn G. D. , Tsui Y. Y. , Bazalova-Carter M. , Glenzer S. H.
Published: September 2020

Here, we extend flatbed scanner calibrations of GafChromic EBT3, MD-V3, and HD-V2 radiochromic films using high-precision x-ray irradiation and monoenergetic proton bombardment. By computing a visibility parameter based on fractional errors, optimal dose ranges and transitions between film types are identified. The visibility analysis is used to design an ideal radiochromic film stack for the proton energy spectrum expected from the interaction of a petawatt laser with a cryogenic hydrogen jet target.
Photon upconversion in multicomponent systems: Role of back energy transfer
Authors: Meroni Diletta , Monguzzi Angelo , Meinardi Francesco
Published: September 2020

Photon upconversion based on sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation in bi-component systems is a multistep process that involves a triplet–triplet energy transfer (ET) from a donor to an acceptor moiety. This is aimed at sensitizing the population of annihilating optically dark triplets that generates the high energy photoluminescence. A large resonance between the involved triplets is usually recommended because it increases the energy gain between absorbed and emitted upconverted photons. However, it also enables efficient back-ET from acceptor to donor triplets, with potential detrimental consequences on the system performance. Here, we analyze a model system, where the energy difference between donor and acceptor triplets is lower than kBT at room temperature by means of time resolved and steady state photoluminescence spectroscopy, and develop a kinetic model, which describes the iterative loop that transfers the triplet exciton between the donor and acceptor molecules. In such a way, we obtained the guidelines for the optimization of the system composition required to overcome the back-ET effect and maximize the upconversion quantum yield.
Nanofabrication of plasmon-tunable nanoantennas for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Oliveira Bruno S. , Archanjo Bráulio S. , Valaski Rogério , Achete Carlos A. , Cançado Luiz Gustavo , Jorio Ado , Vasconcelos Thiago L.
Published: September 2020

Plasmon-tunable tip pyramids (PTTPs) are reproducible and efficient nanoantennas for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). Their fabrication method is based on template stripping of a segmented gold pyramid with a size-adjustable nanopyramid end, which is capable of supporting monopole localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes leading to high spectral enhancement when its resonance energy is matched with the excitation laser energy. Here, we describe in detail the PTTP fabrication method and report a statistical analysis based on 530 PTTPs’ and 185 ordinary gold micropyramids’ templates. Our results indicate that the PTTP method generates probes with an apex diameter smaller than 30 nm on 92.4% of the batch, which is a parameter directly related to the achievable TERS spatial resolution. Moreover, the PTTPs’ nanopyramid edge size L, a critical parameter for LSPR spectral tuning, shows variability typically smaller than 12.5%. The PTTP’s performance was tested in TERS experiments performed on graphene, and the results show a spectral enhancement of up to 72-fold, which is at least one order of magnitude higher than that typically achieved with gold micropyramids. Imaging resolution is in the order of 20 nm.
Third-order Epstein–Nesbet perturbative correction to the initiator approximation of configuration space quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Ladóczki Bence , Uejima Motoyuki , Ten-no Seiichiro L.
Published: September 2020

We implement Epstein–Nesbet perturbative corrections in the third-order for the initiator approximation of the configuration space quantum Monte Carlo. An improved sampling algorithm is proposed to address the stochastic noise of the corrections. The stochastic error for the perturbative corrections is considerably larger than that for the reference energy, and it fails to provide reasonable results unless a very long imaginary time integration is performed. The new sampling algorithm accumulates rejected walkers from multiple independent steps to cover a larger portion of the secondary space. The performance of the perturbative corrections is demonstrated for small molecules.
Biodegradable cellular polylactic acid ferroelectrets with strong longitudinal and transverse piezoelectricity
Authors: Zhukov Sergey , Ma Xingchen , Seggern Heinz von , Sessler Gerhard M. , Dali Omar Ben , Kupnik Mario , Zhang Xiaoqing
Published: September 2020

Polymers with electrically charged internal air cavities (ferroelectrets) reveal a pronounced piezoelectric response and are regarded as soft electroactive multi-functional materials. This work presents preliminary results on the preparation and piezoelectric effect of ferroelectrets based on the polylactic acid (PLA) polymer. A distinctive feature of the manufactured films is that they are biodegradable. After a microstructure modification of carbon dioxide (CO2) foamed PLA sheets by hot-pressing treatment and corona polarization, these cellular films reveal large piezoelectric d33 and d31 responses in both quasi-static and dynamic modes. For freshly charged films, the maximum quasi-static piezoelectric coefficients are about 600 pC/N (d33) and 44 pC/N (d31) for a relatively thick film of 360 μm and a nominal porosity of about 60%. During the first 20 days after polarization, the piezoelectric activity decreases by half compared to the primary value, but then remains almost unchanged for a long time. Due to an already established inherent biocompatibility of PLA polymers, these eco-friendly ferroelectrets can be potentially used in various biological applications such as biosensors and microenergy harvesters embedded in tissue and artificial muscles.
Broad-beam plasma-cathode electron beam source based on a cathodic arc for beam generation over a wide pulse-width range
Authors: Kazakov A. V. , Medovnik A. V. , Oks E. M. , Panchenko N. A.
Published: September 2020

We describe the design, parameters, and characteristics of a modified wide-aperture, plasma-cathode electron beam source operating in the pressure range of 3 Pa–30 Pa and generating large-radius, low-energy (up to 10 keV) electron beams with a pulse width varying from 0.05 ms to 20 ms and a beam current up to several tens of amperes. A pulsed cathodic arc is used to generate the emission plasma, and a DC accelerating voltage is used to form the electron beam. Modernization of the design and optimization of the operating conditions of the electron source have provided a multiple increase in the pulse duration of the electron beam current and the corresponding increase in the beam energy per pulse, as compared to previously developed pulsed forevacuum electron sources.
A cautionary tale: Problems in the valence-CASSCF description of the ground state (X1Σ+) of BF
Authors: Xu Lu T. , Dunning Thom H.
Published: September 2020

In the full optimized reaction space and valence-complete active space self-consistent field (vCAS) methods, a set of active orbitals is defined as the union of the valence orbitals on the atoms, all possible configurations involving the active orbitals are generated, and the orbitals and configuration coefficients are self-consistently optimized. Such wave functions have tremendous flexibility, which makes these methods incredibly powerful but can also lead to inconsistencies in the description of the electronic structure of molecules. In this paper, the problems that can arise in vCAS calculations are illustrated by calculations on the BH and BF molecules. BH is well described by the full vCAS wave function, which accounts for molecular dissociation and 2s–2p near-degeneracy in the boron atom. The same is not true for the full vCAS wave function for BF. There is mixing of core and active orbitals at short internuclear distances and swapping of core and active orbitals at large internuclear distances. In addition, the virtual 2π orbitals, which were included in the active space to account for the 2s–2p near degeneracy effect, are used instead to describe radial correlation of the electrons in the F2pπ-like pairs. Although the above changes lead to lower vCAS energies, they lead to higher vCAS+1+2 energies as well as irregularities and/or discontinuities in the potential energy curves. All of the above problems can be addressed by using the spin-coupled generalized valence bond-inspired vCAS wave function for BF, which includes only a subset of the atomic valence orbitals in the active space.
The impact of ebony wood harvesting on Diospyros samoensis (Ebenaceae) on Vangunu Island, Western Solomon Islands
Authors: Anisi Ramokasa , de Souza Alyse , Brodie Gilianne , Thaman Randy , Peters Stefan , Jessop Laurence W. , Keppel Gunnar
Published: September 2020

Ebony wood, the black heartwood of trees in the genus Diospyros, is a high-value commodity of many Pacific Islands. The revenue earned from the sale of ebony carvings is important for many low-income rural communities, resulting in high harvesting pressure and reported declines of ebony-producing species. This study investigates the impact of ebony wood harvesting on species of Diospyros on Vangunu Island, Western Solomon Islands. Diospyros samoensis, locally known as ‘rihe’, was the main source of ebony wood, with D. vera occasionally harvested but producing poorer quality wood. For D. samoensis, we investigated the existing ethnobotanical knowledge and harvesting dynamics using questionnaires and surveyed 11 populations using five 15×15m plots. Although D. samoensis was common throughout the study area, trees with harvestable ebony heartwood were considered rare. The sale of ebony carvings contributed substantially to the livelihood of carvers. Harvesting practices cause considerable damage to the stem and appeared to alter population structure, with fewer seedlings found in stands with higher harvesting intensities (r=−0.704, P=0.008). Therefore, populations of D. samoensis appear to be negatively impacted by current harvesting practices, which should be modified to (1) cause less damage to individual trees and populations, and (2) protect larger and older trees to help regeneration. Therefore, the increasing rarity of ebony heartwood in the Pacific may not equate to dangerous declines in Diospyros species and implementing low-impact harvesting practices could help improve the health and long-term persistence of Diospyros populations.
Effects of epidermal growth factor and progesterone on oocyte meiotic resumption and the expression of maturation-related transcripts during prematuration of oocytes from small and medium-sized bovine antral follicles
Authors: Bezerra Francisco Taiã G. , Paulino Laís R. F. M. , Silva Bianca R. , Silva Anderson W. B. , Souza Batista Ana L. P. , Silva José R. V.
Published: September 2020

This study evaluated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and progesterone (P4) on growth, the resumption of meiosis and expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E(eIF4E), poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN), oocyte-specific histone H1 (H1FOO), oocyte maturation factor Mos (cMOS), growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) mRNA in oocytes from small and medium-sized antral follicles after prematuration and maturation invitro. Oocytes from small (<2.0mm) and medium (3.0–6.0mm) antral follicles were cultured in medium containing EGF (10ng mL–1), P4 (100 µM) or both. After culture, growth rate, resumption of meiosis and eIF4E, PARN, H1FOO, cMOS, GDF9 and CCNB1 mRNA levels were evaluated. P4 increased cMOS, H1FOO and CCNB1 mRNA levels after the culture of oocytes from small antral follicles, and EGF increased CCNB1 mRNA levels in these oocytes. In the medium-sized antral follicles, P4 alone or in combination with EGF increased oocyte diameter after prematuration invitro. In these oocytes, the presence of either EGF or P4 in the culture medium increased cMOS mRNA levels. In conclusion, P4 increases cMOS, H1FOO and CCNB1 mRNA levels after the culture of oocytes from small antral follicles. P4 and the combination of EGF and P4 promote the growth of oocytes from medium-sized antral follicles, and both EGF and P4 increase cMOS mRNA levels.
Beyond genes and transcription factors: A potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations
Authors: Muller William A.
Published: September 2020

In this issue of JEM, Hong et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20200140) identify a major step in the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), which at the same time offers insight into potential therapy for this disease.