bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing of carotenoid-tryptophan hydrogen bonding dynamics in the single-tryptophan photoactive Orange Carotenoid Protein
Authors: Maksimov Eugene G. , Protasova Elena A. , Tsoraev Georgy V. , Yaroshevich Igor A. , Maydykovskiy Anton I. , Shirshin Evgeny A. , Gostev Timofey S. , Jelzow Alexander , Moldenhauer Marcus , Slonimskiy Yury B. , Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Friedrich Thomas
Published: July 2020

The photoactive Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) plays a key role in cyanobacterial photoprotection. In OCP, a single non-covalently bound keto-carotenoid molecule acts as a light intensity sensor, while the protein is responsible for forming molecular contacts with the light-harvesting antenna, the fluorescence of which is quenched by OCP. Activation of this physiological interaction requires signal transduction from the photoexcited carotenoid to the protein matrix. Recent works revealed an asynchrony between conformational transitions of the carotenoid and the protein. Intrinsic tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence has provided valuable information about the protein part of OCP during its photocycle. However, wild-type OCP contains five Trp residues, which makes extraction of site-specific information impossible. In this work, we overcame this problem by characterizing the photocycle of a fully photoactive OCP variant (OCP-3FH) with only the most critical tryptophan residue (Trp-288) in place. Trp-288 is of special interest because it forms a hydrogen bond to the carotenoid’s keto-oxygen to keep OCP in its dark-adapted state. Using femtosecond pump-probe fluorescence spectroscopy we analyzed the photocycle of OCP-3FH and determined the formation rate of the very first intermediate suggesting that generation of the recently discovered S* state of the carotenoid in OCP precedes the breakage of the hydrogen bonds. Therefore, following Trp fluorescence of the unique photoactive OCP-3FH variant, we identified the rate of the H-bond breakage and provided novel insights into early events accompanying photoactivation of wild-type OCP.
Mapping the local viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids flowing through disordered porous structures
Authors: Eberhard U. , Seybold H. J. , Secchi E. , Jiménez-Martínez J. , Rühs P. A. , Ofner A. , Andrade J. S. , Holzner M.
Published: July 2020

Flow of non-Newtonian fluids through topologically complex structures is ubiquitous in most biological, industrial and environmental settings. The interplay between local hydrodynamics and the fluid’s constitutive law determines the distribution of flow paths. Consequently the spatial heterogeneity of the viscous resistance controls mass and solute transport from the micron to the meter scale. Examples range from oil recovery and groundwater engineering to drug delivery, filters and catalysts. Here we present a new methodology to map the spatial variation of the local viscosity of a non-Newtonian fluid flowing through a complex pore geometry. We use high resolution image velocimetry to determine local shear rates. Knowing the local shear rate in combination with a separate measurement of the fluid’s constitutive law allows to quantitatively map the local viscosity at the pore scale. Our experimental results—which closely match with three-dimensional numerical simulations—demonstrate that the exponential decay of the longitudinal velocity distributions, previously observed for Newtonian fluids, is a function of the spatial heterogeneity of the local viscosity. This work sheds light on the relationship between hydraulic properties and the viscosity at the pore scale, which is of fundamental importance for predicting transport properties, mixing, and chemical reactions in many porous systems.
Translating GWAS-identified loci for cardiac rhythm and rate using an in vivo image- and CRISPR/Cas9-based approach
Authors: von der Heyde Benedikt , Emmanouilidou Anastasia , Mazzaferro Eugenia , Vicenzi Silvia , Höijer Ida , Klingström Tiffany , Jumaa Sitaf , Dethlefsen Olga , Snieder Harold , de Geus Eco , Ameur Adam , Ingelsson Erik , Allalou Amin , Brooke Hannah L. , den Hoed Marcel
Published: July 2020

A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified eight loci that are associated with heart rate variability (HRV), but candidate genes in these loci remain uncharacterized. We developed an image- and CRISPR/Cas9-based pipeline to systematically characterize candidate genes for HRV in live zebrafish embryos. Nine zebrafish orthologues of six human candidate genes were targeted simultaneously in eggs from fish that transgenically express GFP on smooth muscle cells (Tg[acta2:GFP]), to visualize the beating heart. An automated analysis of repeated 30 s recordings of beating atria in 381 live, intact zebrafish embryos at 2 and 5 days post-fertilization highlighted genes that influence HRV (hcn4 and si:dkey-65j6.2 [KIAA1755]); heart rate (rgs6 and hcn4); and the risk of sinoatrial pauses and arrests (hcn4). Exposure to 10 or 25 µM ivabradine—an open channel blocker of HCNs—for 24 h resulted in a dose-dependent higher HRV and lower heart rate at 5 days post-fertilization. Hence, our screen confirmed the role of established genes for heart rate and rhythm (RGS6 and HCN4); showed that ivabradine reduces heart rate and increases HRV in zebrafish embryos, as it does in humans; and highlighted a novel gene that plays a role in HRV (KIAA1755).
Deep learning-based classification of the mouse estrous cycle stages
Authors: Sano Kyohei , Matsuda Shingo , Tohyama Suguru , Komura Daisuke , Shimizu Eiji , Sutoh Chihiro
Published: July 2020

There is a rapidly growing demand for female animals in preclinical animal, and thus it is necessary to determine animals' estrous cycle stages from vaginal smear cytology. However, the determination of estrous stages requires extensive training, takes a long time, and is costly; moreover, the results obtained by human examiners may not be consistent. Here, we report a machine learning model trained with 2,096 microscopic images that we named the "Stage Estimator of estrous Cycle of RodEnt using an Image-recognition Technique (SECREIT)." With the test dataset (736 images), SECREIT achieved area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.962 or more for each estrous stage. A test using 100 images showed that SECREIT provided correct classification that was similar to that provided by two human examiners (SECREIT: 91%, Human 1: 91%, Human 2: 79%) in 11 s. The SECREIT can be a first step toward accelerating the research using female rodents.
BAFF attenuates oxidative stress-induced cell death by the regulation of mitochondria membrane potential via Syk activation in WiL2-NS B lymphoblasts
Authors: Park Sojin , Jang Ju-Won , Moon Eun-Yi
Published: July 2020

Cell survival is facilitated by the maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). B cell activating factor (BAFF) plays a role in survival, differentiation, and maturation of B cells. In the present study, we examined whether BAFF could attenuate oxidative stress-induced B cell death by the regulation of MMP collapse via spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) activation using WiL2-NS human B lymphoblast cells. BAFF binds to receptors on WiL2-NS cells. When the cells were incubated in serum-deprived conditions with 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS), BAFF reduced the percentage of dead cells as determined through trypan blue staining and caspase 3 activity. BAFF also inhibited MMP collapse with 1% FBS, as indicated by a decrease in the number of cells with high-red fluorescence of MitoProbe™ JC-1 reagent or a decrease in the percentage of DiOC6-stained cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was reduced by incubation with BAFF in the presence of 10% or 1% FBS. BAFF inhibited MMP collapse, cell growth retardation, dead cell formation, and caspase 3 activation caused by treatment with H2O2. Syk phosphorylation on tyrosine (Y) 525/526 was increased in cells incubated with 1% FBS in the presence of BAFF than cells incubated with 1% FBS or BAFF alone. BAY61-3606, a Syk inhibitor reduced the effect of BAFF on MMP collapse, caspase 3 activation, cell growth retardation, and dead cell formation. Together, these data demonstrate that BAFF might attenuate oxidative stress-induced B cell death and growth retardation by the maintenance of MMP through Syk activation by Y525/526 phosphorylation. Therefore, BAFF and Syk might be therapeutic targets in the pathogenesis of B cell-associated diseases such as autoimmune disease.
Mitigation of B1+ inhomogeneity for ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging: hybrid mode shaping with auxiliary EM potential
Authors: Park Minkyu , Noh Hansol , Park Namkyoo
Published: July 2020

The notion of mode shaping based on evanescent coupling has been successfully applied in various fields of optics, such as in the dispersion engineering of optical waveguides. Here, we show that the same concept provides an opportunity for the seemingly different field of ultra-high-field MRI, addressing transmit RF magnetic field (B1+) inhomogeneity. In this work, treating the human phantom as a resonator, we employ an evanescently coupled high-index cladding layer to study the effects of the auxiliary potential on shaping the B1+ field distribution inside the phantom. Controlling the strength and coupling of the auxiliary potential ultimately determining the hybridized mode, we successfully demonstrate the global 2D homogenization of axial B1+ for a simplified cylindrical phantom and for a more realistic phantom of spheroidal geometry. The mode-shaping potentials with a magnetic permeability or material loss are also tested to offer additional degrees of freedom in the selection of materials as well as in the manipulation of the B1+ distribution, opening up the possibility of B1+ homogenization for 3D MRI scanning.
Specialized adaptations allow vent-endemic crabs (Xenograpsus testudinatus) to thrive under extreme environmental hypercapnia
Authors: Allen Garett J. P. , Kuan Pou-Long , Tseng Yung-Che , Hwang Pung-Pung , Quijada-Rodriguez Alex R. , Weihrauch Dirk
Published: July 2020

Shallow hydrothermal vent environments are typically very warm and acidic due to the mixing of ambient seawater with volcanic gasses (> 92% CO2) released through the seafloor making them potential ‘natural laboratories’ to study long-term adaptations to extreme hypercapnic conditions. Xenograpsus testudinatus, the shallow hydrothermal vent crab, is the sole metazoan inhabitant endemic to vents surrounding Kueishantao Island, Taiwan, where it inhabits waters that are generally pH 6.50 with maximum acidities reported as pH 5.50. This study assessed the acid–base regulatory capacity and the compensatory response of X. testudinatus to investigate its remarkable physiological adaptations. Hemolymph parameters (pH, [HCO3−], $${\text{P}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$PCO2, [NH4+], and major ion compositions) and the whole animal’s rates of oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion were measured throughout a 14-day acclimation to pH 6.5 and 5.5. Data revealed that vent crabs are exceptionally strong acid–base regulators capable of maintaining homeostatic pH against extreme hypercapnia (pH 5.50, 24.6 kPa $${\text{P}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$PCO2) via HCO3−/Cl− exchange, retention and utilization of extracellular ammonia. Intact crabs as well as their isolated perfused gills maintained $${\text{P}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$PCO2tensions below environmental levels suggesting the gills can excrete CO2 against a hemolymph-directed $${\text{P}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$PCO2 gradient. These specialized physiological mechanisms may be amongst the adaptations required by vent-endemic animals surviving in extreme conditions.
Low serum lymphocyte level is associated with poor exercise capacity and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Moon Sung Woo , Leem Ah Young , Kim Young Sam , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Tae-Hyung , Oh Yeon-Mok , Shin Hyejung , Chang Joon , Jung Ji Ye ,   KOLD Study Group
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of serum lymphocyte level with several clinical parameters in COPD. The study population included 451 COPD patients from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease cohort study. Serum lymphocyte level was measured every year along with various clinical parameters, such as lung function, 6-min walking (6 MW) distance, quality of life using COPD assessment test (CAT) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, exacerbations, and survival. Serum lymphocyte level less than 20% was considered as a low lymphocyte level. Normal lymphocyte and low lymphocyte groups comprised of 409 (90.7%) and 42 (9.3%) patients, respectively. Clustered analysis showed that patients in low lymphocyte group had a lower post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted (estimated mean =  − 5.70%;P = 0.001), a lower forced vital capacity % predicted (estimated mean =  − 5.63%;P = 0.005), a shorter 6 MW distance (estimated mean =  − 41.31 m;P < 0.001), a higher CAT score (estimated mean = 2.62;P = 0.013), and a higher SGRQ score (estimated mean = 10.10;P < 0.001). Serum lymphocyte level was not associated with frequent acute exacerbations nor mortality. Low serum lymphocyte group showed poorer pulmonary function, lower 6 MW distance, and worse quality of life. Serum lymphocyte levels could be a simple and widely available predictive marker for variable clinical outcomes in COPD patients.
Mass sterilization of a common palm species by elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Midgley Jeremy J. , Coetzee Bernard W. T. , Tye Donovan , Kruger Laurence M.
Published: July 2020

Chronic herbivory by elephants rarely eliminates any species of woody savanna plants because these plants are typically vigorous basal resprouters after damage by fire or herbivory. In some instances, resprouting after elephant herbivory even increases stem numbers per unit area compared to protected areas. It is thus difficult to know whether an area has been severely degraded by elephant herbivory or not because although trees may be severely reduced in size, they will still be present and may even be relatively dense. By using an elephant exclosure in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, we demonstrate that this resprouting ability masks the fact that entire populations of a widespread African palm, Hyphaene petersiana, are prevented from reaching sexual maturity by chronic elephant herbivory. Besides sterilizing these palms and thus preventing their evolution and seed dispersal, the absence of the palm fruits, flowers and tall stems has other negative biodiversity impacts on their associated fauna. We suggest that to determine sustainable elephant impacts on savanna plants, conservation managers also use the reproductive condition of savanna plants rather than their presence, height or stem density.
Outcome prediction with resting-state functional connectivity after cardiac arrest
Authors: Wagner Franca , Hänggi Matthias , Weck Anja , Pastore-Wapp Manuela , Wiest Roland , Kiefer Claus
Published: July 2020

Predicting outcome in comatose patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation is challenging. Our primary aim was to assess the potential contribution of resting-state-functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) in predicting neurological outcome. RS-fMRI was used to evaluate functional and effective connectivity within the default mode network in a cohort of 90 comatose patients and their impact on functional neurological outcome after 3 months. The RS-fMRI processing protocol comprises the evaluation of functional and effective connectivity within the default mode network. Seed-to-voxel and ROI-to-ROI feature analysis was performed as starting point for a supervised machine-learning approach. Classification of the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1–3 (good to acceptable outcome) versus CPC 4–5 (adverse outcome) achieved a positive predictive value of 91.7%, sensitivity of 90.2%, and accuracy of 87.8%. A direct link to the level of consciousness and outcome after 3 months was identified for measures of segregation in the precuneus, in medial and right frontal regions. Thalamic connectivity appeared significantly reduced in patients without conscious response. Decreased within-network connectivity in the default mode network and within cortico-thalamic circuits correlated with clinical outcome after 3 months. Our results indicate a potential role of these markers for decision-making in comatose patients early after cardiac arrest.
High prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis infections and coinfection with hepatitis virus in riverside villages in northeast China
Authors: Gao Yanhang , Li Yanqing , Liu Xiaowen , Zhang Tong , Yu Ge , Wang Yang , Shi Ying , Chi Xiumei , Wang Xiaomei , Gao Xiuzhu , Wu Ruihong , Zhang Yingyu , Hang Lei , Sun Shijuan , Guan Yazhe , Xu Ying , Meng Jing , Liu Xu , Jiang Chang , Ma Heming , Luo Liting , Yan Qi , Yin Xin , Peng Fei , Zhi Yixiao , Qu Weige , Zhang Xia , Ren Tianqi , Liu Lili , Zhao Jinming , Zhang Feiyu , Yakepu Adila , Pan Yu , Xu Hongqin , Niu Junqi
Published: July 2020

In China, the prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) infections is only evaluated at the provincial level by national sampling surveys, and data from villages and counties are still lacking. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in 10 villages located along the Lalin River in northeast China. Clonorchiasis was diagnosed using a modified Kato–Katz method that detects the C. sinensis egg in stools. A total of 3,068 persons were screened and 2,911 were recruited for the study. Overall, the prevalence of C. sinensis infection was 29.3%. Among 175 participants who were cured after antiparasitic treatment, 54 (30.86%) were re-infected in this survey. After calibration of potential confounders, male gender, occupation as a farmer, smoking, and occasionally or frequently eating raw fish were independent risk factors for C. sinensis infection. The results of laboratory examinations in the C. sinensis/hepatitis B or C virus co-infection group were similar to those in the hepatitis B or C virus mono-infection groups. In conclusion, C. sinensis is highly endemic in villages along the Lalin River, and the primary route of infection is the consumption of raw freshwater fish. Co-infection with C. sinensis did't aggravate the clinical manifestations of viral hepatitis in this cross-sectional study.
Gear-like rotatable optical trapping with radial carpet beams
Authors: Bayat Jamal , Hajizadeh Faegheh , Khazaei Ali Mohammad , Rasouli Saifollah
Published: July 2020

Optical tweezers have become a powerful tool in the fields of biology, soft condensed matter physics, and nanotechnology. Here, we report the use of recently introduced radial carpet beams (RCBs) in the optical tweezers setup to trap multiple particles. An RCB is produced by diffraction of a plane or Gaussian beam from an amplitude radial grating. Because of the radial symmetry of the grating, all the diffraction orders are propagated along the optical axis and are used for trapping. Based on the number of grating spokes, the produced RCB has a definite number of high-intensity spots on the transverse plane located over a circular ring. These high-intensity spots of the beam provide multi-traps when it passes through an objective lens and have enough gradient force to trap polystyrene and silica particles. Moreover, the diffracted light from the grating has this property to transfer the angular momentum. We show that the multi-trapped birefringent particles could rotate in their own traps when polarization of the trapping RCB to be circular. In addition, the orbital rotation of the particles is simply executable by manually rotating the grating in its plane around the optical axis.
Passive training with upper extremity exoskeleton robot affects proprioceptive acuity and performance of motor learning
Authors: Chiyohara Shinya , Furukawa Jun-ichiro , Noda Tomoyuki , Morimoto Jun , Imamizu Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

Sports trainers often grasp and move trainees’ limbs to give instructions on desired movements, and a merit of this passive training is the transferring of instructions via proprioceptive information. However, it remains unclear how passive training affects the proprioceptive system and improves learning. This study examined changes in proprioceptive acuity due to passive training to understand the underlying mechanisms of upper extremity training. Participants passively learned a trajectory of elbow-joint movement as per the instructions of a single-arm upper extremity exoskeleton robot, and the performance of the target movement and proprioceptive acuity were assessed before and after the training. We found that passive training improved both the reproduction performance and proprioceptive acuity. We did not identify a significant transfer of the training effect across arms, suggesting that the learning effect is specific to the joint space. Furthermore, we found a significant improvement in learning performance in another type of movement involving the trained elbow joint. These results suggest that participants form a representation of the target movement in the joint space during the passive training, and intensive use of proprioception improves proprioceptive acuity.
Valproate inhibits mitochondrial bioenergetics and increases glycolysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Salsaa Michael , Pereira Bianca , Liu Jenney , Yu Wenxi , Jadhav Shyamalagauri , Hüttemann Maik , Greenberg Miriam L.
Published: July 2020

The widely used mood stabilizer valproate (VPA) causes perturbation of energy metabolism, which is implicated in both the therapeutic mechanism of action of the drug as well as drug toxicity. To gain insight into these mechanisms, we determined the effects of VPA on energy metabolism in yeast. VPA treatment increased levels of glycolytic intermediates, increased expression of glycolysis genes, and increased ethanol production. Increased glycolysis was likely a response to perturbation of mitochondrial function, as reflected in decreased membrane potential and oxygen consumption. Interestingly, yeast, mouse liver, and isolated bovine cytochrome c oxidase were directly inhibited by the drug, while activities of other oxidative phosphorylation complexes (III and V) were not affected. These findings have implications for mechanisms of therapeutic action and toxicity.
Inverse-designed arbitrary-input and ultra-compact 1 × N power splitters based on high symmetric structure
Authors: Ma Hansi , Huang Jie , Zhang Kaiwang , Yang Junbo
Published: July 2020

Based on high symmetric structure, we propose the arbitrary-input and ultra-compact 1 × 2 and 1 × 3 power splitters by utilizing inverse design method.
These devices can realize the functionality of power splitting, when the optical field is launched from arbitrary port. The shapes of their structures are 3.8 μm-wide regular hexagon and 4.0 μm-wide regular octagon, respectively. By utilizing 3D fine difference time domain solutions, the simulated results indicate that the excess loss of the 1 × 2 power splitter is less than 1.5 dB from 1,500 to 1,600 nm, and the excess loss and crosstalk of the 1 × 3 power splitter are less than 1.9 dB and lower than − 15.5 dB over 100 nm bandwidth at the centered wavelength of 1,550 nm respectively. In addition, the tolerances to fabrication errors are also investigated.
Minimal fatal shocks in multistable complex networks
Authors: Halekotte Lukas , Feudel Ulrike
Published: July 2020

Multistability is a common phenomenon which naturally occurs in complex networks. Often one of the coexisting stable states can be identified as being the desired one for a particular application. We present here a global approach to identify the minimal perturbation which will instantaneously kick the system out of the basin of attraction of its desired state and hence induce a critical or fatal transition we callshock-tipping. The correspondingMinimal Fatal Shockis a vector whose length can be used as a global stability measure and whose direction in state space allows us to draw conclusions on weaknesses of the network corresponding to critical network motifs. We demonstrate this approach in plant–pollinator networks and the power grid of Great Britain. In both system classes, tree-like substructures appear to be the most vulnerable with respect to the minimal shock perturbation.
Imbalances in the disposition of estrogen and naphthalene in breast cancer patients: a potential biomarker of breast cancer risk
Authors: Chen Dar-Ren , Hsieh Wei-Chung , Liao Yi-Lun , Lin Kuo-Juei , Wang Yu-Fen , Lin Po-Hsiung
Published: July 2020

Elevation of naphthoquinones and estrogen quinones, which are reactive metabolites of naphthalene and estrogen, is thought to be an important indicator of naphthalene- and estrogen-induced carcinogenesis. We compared background levels of naphthalene and estrogen quinone-derived adducts in serum albumin (Alb) from 143 women with breast cancer and 119 healthy controls. Cysteinyl adducts of naphthoquinones, including 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NPQ) and 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NPQ), and estrogen quinones, including estrogen-2,3-quinones (E2-2,3-Q) and estrogen-3,4-quinones (E2-3,4-Q), were characterized after adduct cleavage. Levels of estrogen quinones and naphthoquinones were positively correlated in healthy controls, but not in breast cancer patients (p < 0.05). Compared with controls, levels of 1,2-NPQ and E2-3,4-Q were elevated by two- to ten-fold in cancer patients (p < 0.001). To explore the correlation between estrogen- and naphthalene-derived quinone adducts and disease status, we performed linear discriminant analysis of the ratio of 1,2-NPQ-Alb to (1,2-NPQ-Alb plus 1,4-NPQ-Alb) versus the ratio of E2-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb to (E2-2,3-Q-4-S-Alb plus E2-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb) in patients and controls. These two groups were separable using albumin adducts of estrogen quinones and naphthoquinones, with 99.6% overall correct classification rate (overall accuracy). The findings of this study suggest that differences in the disposition of estrogen and naphthalene, and the subsequent elevation of cumulative E2-3,4-Q and 1,2-NPQ may serve as biomarkers of breast cancer risk.
Publisher Correction: Neck circumference is associated with adipose tissue content in thigh skeletal muscle in overweight and obese premenopausal women
Authors: Arias Tellez Maria Jose , Silva Analiza M. , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Martins Sandra S. , Palmeira António L. , Branco Teresa L. , Minderico Claudia S. , Rocha Paulo M. , Themudo-Barata José , Teixeira Pedro J. , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Photodecay of guaiacol is faster in ice, and even more rapid on ice, than in aqueous solution
Authors: Hullar Ted , Bononi Fernanda C. , Chen Zekun , Magadia Danielle , Palmer Oliver , Tran Theo , Rocca Dario , Andreussi Oliviero , Donadio Davide , Anastasio Cort
Published: July 2020

Guaiacol photodegradation rate constants in solution, liquid-like regions in ice (frozen solutions), and at the air–ice interface (vapor-deposited to snow).
Functionalized ionic liquids based on vegetable oils for rare earth elements recovery
Authors: Li Fujian , Zeng Jingyao , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: July 2020

Vegetable oil based ionic liquids for rare earth recovery.
Oscillating syngas production on NiO/YSZ catalyst from methane oxidation
Authors: Chien Andrew C. , Liao Brian Y.
Published: July 2020

Synthesis gas was produced by methane oxidation on a NiO/YSZ cermet by interrupting the oxygen flow.
Preparation and photoelectrochemical properties of BiFeO3/BiOI composites
Authors: Lei Yuxuan , Zhang Yaping , Ding Wenming , Yu Lianqing , Zhou Xinpeng , Lawrence Wu Chi-Man
Published: July 2020

We report the preparation, optical absorption and enhanced photoelectrochemical properties of novel BiOI-decorated BFO thin films heterostructures.
Insight into the photophysics of strong dual emission (blue & green) producing graphene quantum dot clusters and their application towards selective and sensitive detection of trace level Fe3+ and Cr6+ ions
Authors: Bharathi Ganapathi , Nataraj Devaraj , Premkumar Sellan , Saravanan Padmanaban , Thangadurai Daniel T. , Khyzhun Oleg Yu , Senthilkumar Kittusamy , Kathiresan Ramasamy , Kolandaivel Ponmalai , Gupta Mukul , Phase Deodatta
Published: July 2020

Schematic representation for the origin of blue and green emissions, and the resultant PL emission spectra from the GQD interconnected cluster-type sample.
Role of annealing temperature on optimizing the linear and nonlinear optical properties of As40Se50Ge10 films
Authors: Sahoo D. , Priyadarshini P. , Aparimita A. , Alagarasan D. , Ganesan R. , Varadharajaperumal S. , Naik R.
Published: July 2020

The present work shows the effect of annealing conditions on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of two-year-old thermally evaporated 800 nm As40Se50Ge10 thin films.
Investigating the reactivity of neutral water-soluble Ru(ii)–PTA carbonyls towards the model imine ligands pyridine and 2,2′-bipyridine
Authors: Battistin Federica , Vidal Alessio , Balducci Gabriele , Alessio Enzo
Published: July 2020

The reactivity of selected Ru(ii)-PTA carbonyls with potentially labile ligands (i.e.H2O, dmso and/or Cl) towards the model imine ligands pyridine and 2,2′-bipyridine was investigated, yielding several neutral and cationic water-soluble derivatives.
The Dimensionality of Oral Language Ability: Evidence From Young Greek Children
Authors: Mouzaki Angeliki , Spyropoulou Elli , Ralli Asimina M. , Antoniou Faye , Diamanti Vassiliki , Papaioannou Sophia
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study investigated component skills in oral language development utilizing and validating a new assessment battery in a large (
N
= 800) and representative sample of Greek students 4–7 years of age.

Method

All participants enrolled in public schools from four geographical regions (Attica, Thessaly, Macedonia, and Crete) that varied demographically (urban, semiurban, and rural). For the individualized language assessments, we utilized mobile devices (tablet PC) to ensure children's interest and joyful participation as well as reliable administration procedures across sites. Results by confirmatory factor analyses specified and validated five different models in each grade to identify the best conceptualization of language dimensionality in the respective age groups.

Results

Four-dimensional model provided a slightly better discriminant validity in language data of the preschool group. However, in kindergarten and first grades, the five-dimensional model had the best fit to the data to the four-dimensional.

Conclusion

These findings support the multidimensionality of oral language ability at this phase of development and increase of factor distinctiveness as children grow.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12649214
Accretion bursts in low-metallicity protostellar disks
Authors: Vorobyov Eduard I. , Elbakyan Vardan G. , Omukai Kazuyuki , Hosokawa Takashi , Matsukoba Ryoki , Guedel Manuel
Published: July 2020

Aims. The early evolution of protostellar disks with metallicities in the Z = 1.0 − 0.01 Z⊙ range was studied with a particular emphasis on the strength of gravitational instability and the nature of protostellar accretion in low-metallicity systems.

Methods. Numerical hydrodynamics simulations in the thin-disk limit were employed that feature separate gas and dust temperatures, and disk mass-loading from the infalling parent cloud cores. Models with cloud cores of similar initial mass and rotation pattern but distinct metallicity were considered to distinguish the effect of metallicity from that of the initial conditions.

Results. The early stages of disk evolution in low-metallicity models are characterized by vigorous gravitational instability and fragmentation. Disk instability is sustained by continual mass-loading from the collapsing core. The time period that is covered by this unstable stage is much shorter in the Z = 0.01 Z⊙ models than in their higher metallicity counterparts thanks to the higher rates of mass infall caused by higher gas temperatures (which decouple from lower dust temperatures) in the inner parts of collapsing cores. Protostellar accretion rates are highly variable in the low-metallicity models reflecting the highly dynamic nature of the corresponding protostellar disks. The low-metallicity systems feature short but energetic episodes of mass accretion caused by infall of inward-migrating gaseous clumps that form via gravitational fragmentation of protostellar disks. These bursts seem to be more numerous and last longer in the Z = 0.1 Z⊙ models than in the Z = 0.01 Z⊙ case.

Conclusions. Variable protostellar accretion with episodic bursts is not a particular feature of solar metallicity disks. It is also inherent to gravitationally unstable disks with metallicities up to 100 times lower than solar.
RCT haben ihre Grenzen
Authors: Vielitz Arne
Published: July 2020

Cook CE, Thigpen CA. Five Good Reasons to Be Disappointed with Randomized Trials. J Man Manip Ther 2019; 27: 63–65. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1589697
Effekt von Manueller Physiotherapie bei einer homogenen Patientengruppe mit subakromialem Schulter-Impingement: Randomisierte kontrollierte Studie
Authors: Klittmann Steffen
Published: July 2020

Land H, Gordon S, Watt K. Effect of manual physiotherapy in homogeneous individuals with subacromial shoulder impingement: A randomized controlled trial. Physiother Res Int 2019; 24: e1768. doi: 10.1002/pri.1768
Niederlage Für B. Braun: Asklepios siegt im Machtkampf um Rhön
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: July 2020

Monatelang hatten sich die beiden Rhön-Großaktionäre Asklepios und B. Braun einen heftigen Streit um die geplante Übernahme der Rhön-Klinikum AG durch Asklepios geliefert. Auf einer außerordentlichen Hauptversammlung setzte sich Asklepios nun durch. B. Braun zog umgehend Konsequenzen.
Krankenhaus Rating Report 2020: Immer mehr Kliniken droht die Insolvenz
Authors: Kucera Martin
Published: July 2020

Der aktuelle Krankenhaus Rating Report wurde auf dem Hauptstadtkongress erstmals virtuell vorgestellt. Er zeichnet ein zunehmend düsteres Bild der wirtschaftlichen Lage vieler deutscher Krankenhäuser.
Patientenentscheidungen: Reiseführer für die Patient Journey
Authors: Anter Carolin , Campe Lothar
Published: July 2020

Was kann ein Krankenhaus tun, um den Wettbewerb um Patienten für sich zu entscheiden? Impulse dazu gibt eine aktuelle Befragung und beantwortet Fragen wie: Wieviel bringt die Betreuung von Einweisern wirklich? Wie kann man den Ruf verbessern? Lassen sich Patienten durch Siegel bzw. Zertifizierungen beeindrucken? Und was soll eigentlich der ganze Rummel um das Internet und Social Media?
IT-Organisation: Die Transformation hat begonnen
Authors: Günther Uwe , Heitmann Christian
Published: July 2020

In nahezu allen geschäftlichen Bereichen ist die Digitalisierung Treiber eines tiefgreifenden Wandels. Davon ist auch und gerade die IT selbst betroffen. Das IT-Management sollte diesen Wandel bereits jetzt gestalten. Das betrifft auch den Gesundheitsmarkt.
Fundraising mit Bienen: Summ, summ, summ, Bienchen summ herum
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: July 2020

Ganze Städte, Gemeinden und Landkreise machen es schon. Ein Krankenhaus in Hannover ist auch dabei. Die Rede ist von einer Partnerschaft im Rahmen der Initiative „Hannover summt!“. Das Stadtteilkrankenhaus in Hannover-List unterstützt mit seinem Bienenpaten-Projekt die Natur sowie die Wild- und Honigbienen im Raum Hannover und betreibt gleichzeitig Fundraising fürs eigene Haus.
Phenological diversity of Maprounea guianensis (Euphorbiaceae) in humid and dry neotropical forests
Authors: dos Santos Marília G. M. , Neves Sâmia P. S. , do Couto-Santos Ana P. L. , Cerqueira Carlianne O. , Rossatto Davi R. , de Miranda Lia D. P. , Funch Ligia S.
Published: July 2020

Phenological diversity, seasonality and leaf longevity may affect leaf habits, reflecting plant responses to environmental conditions. Maprounea guianensis Aubl. is a widespread species in Brazil that is associated with different forest types. We investigated how phenological diversity, seasonality and leaf longevity affect leaf habits of its populations growing in humid and dry forests in the Chapada Diamantina mountains. We made monthly observations of leaf budding and fall in 62 individual trees between 2004 and 2012 (84 months), estimating leaf longevity based on phenophase evaluations. We made use of circular statistics, cross correlations and the Shannon–Wiener Index to evaluate our data. There was little variation in rainfall distribution between the study years, although water availability differed at each site. Phenophase seasonality was found to be negatively correlated with rainfall but positively correlated with photoperiod. Low phenological diversity was observed within each site, but not between sites, and leaf longevity was reduced in the dry forest. Although macroclimatic conditions were similar throughout the range of occurrence of M. guianensis in the region, we found that phenological behaviour and leaf longevity differed according to micro-site differences, demonstrating the plasticity of the species, which may favour its occupation of different environments.
Tactical crop management for improved productivity in winter-dominant rainfall regions: a review
Authors: Anderson W. K. , Brennan R. F. , Jayasena K. W. , Micic S. , Moore J. H. , Nordblom T.
Published: July 2020

This study reviews published information on the tactical management decisions needed to maximise economic grain yield in winter-dominant rainfall regions of the Mediterranean type. Tactical decisions are defined as those relating to the period from immediately before sowing to harvest. Tactical management is the principal means by which farmers respond to changing environmental and short-term economic conditions as the season progresses. The review considers published evidence that underpins these decisions and relates to cereal crops (wheat, barley and oats), pulse crops (field pea, faba bean, chickpea and narrow-leaved lupin) and canola.
The criteria used to guide management decisions during the season involve soil and tissue tests for nutrients, knowledge of weed numbers and resistance status in the current and previous seasons, weather conditions that favour disease development, and knowledge of thresholds and biology of insect pests that may warrant control measures. All of these decisions can be related to the timing of the opening rains and the length of the growing season; the crop, pasture or weeds present in the previous two seasons; the presence of pest- and disease-bearing crop residues; and the type of tillage in use. Most of these indicators require further refinement through research across environments, soil types, crop types and production systems.
The likely interactions between tactical or short-term management decisions, longer term or strategic decisions, and genetic factors are discussed. The prevalent use of chemicals in the management of biotic factors that can impact the crops is noted, as is progress towards various systems of ‘integrated’ management of these threats to crop production. Most tactical decisions in rainfed cropping systems appear to be supported by adequate evidence, although some decisions are still based on practical experience and observations.
Application of tactical management practices together with strategic management and use of improved genotypes provides the possibility of achieving rainfall-limited potential grain yield at a regional scale. The papers reviewed have been selected partly on the basis that the experimental treatments achieved the estimated potential grain yield. Where the potential grain yields are not being achieved in commercial crops, it remains unclear whether this is due to inadequate adoption of existing information or inadequate research to identify and address the underlying causes. We highlight the need to devise a simple decision aid to assist farmers and their advisers to respond to the variable seasonal conditions evident since the turn of the Century.
Comparison of 3 Devices for 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in a Nonclinical Environment Through a Randomized Trial
Authors: Nwankwo Tatiana , Coleman King Sallyann M , Ostchega Yechiam , Zhang Guangyu , Loustalot Fleetwood , Gillespie Cathleen , Chang Tiffany E , Begley Elin B , George Mary G , Shimbo Daichi , Schwartz Joseph E , Muntner Paul , Kronish Ian M , Hong Yuling , Merritt Robert
Published: July 2020

Background

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the use of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) as part of screening and diagnosis of hypertension. The optimal ABPM device for population-based surveys is unknown.

Methods

We compared the proportion of valid blood pressure (BP) readings, mean awake and asleep BP readings, differences between awake ABPM readings and initial standardized BP readings, and sleep experience among three ABPM devices. We randomized a convenience sample of 365 adults to 1 of 3 ABPM devices: Welch Allyn Mobil-O-Graph (WA), Sun Tech Classic Oscar2 (STO) and Spacelabs 90227 (SL). Participants completed sleep quality questionnaires on the nights before and during ABPM testing.

Results

The proportions of valid BP readings were not different among the 3 devices (P > 0.45). Mean awake and asleep systolic BP were significantly higher for STO device (WA vs. STO vs. SL: 126.65, 138.09, 127.44 mm Hg; 114.34, 120.34, 113.13 mm Hg; P < 0.0001 for both). The difference between the initial average standardized mercury systolic BP readings and the ABPM mean awake systolic BP was larger for STO device (WA vs. STO. vs. SL: –5.26, –16.24, –5.36 mm Hg; P < 0.0001); diastolic BP mean differences were ~ –6 mm Hg for all 3 devices (P = 0.6). Approximately 55% of participants reported that the devices interfered with sleep; however, there were no sleep differences across the devices (P > 0.4 for all).

Conclusion

Most of the participants met the threshold of 70% valid readings over 24 hours. Sleep disturbance was common but did not interfere with completion of measurement in most of the participants.
Detecting Food Fraud in Extra Virgin Olive Oil Using a Prototype Portable Hyphenated Photonics Sensor
Authors: Weesepoel Yannick , Alewijn Martin , Wijtten Michiel , Müller-Maatsch Judith
Published: July 2020

Background

Current developments in portable photonic devices for fast authentication of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or EVOO with non-EVOO additions steer towards hyphenation of different optic technologies. The multiple spectra or so-called “fingerprints” of samples are then analyzed with multivariate statistics. For EVOO authentication, one-class classification (OCC) to identify “out-of-class” EVOO samples in combination with data-fusion is applicable.

Objective

Prospecting the application of a prototype photonic device (“PhasmaFood”) which hyphenates visible, fluorescence, and near-infrared spectroscopy in combination with OCC modelling to classify EVOOs and discriminate them from other edible oils and adulterated EVOOs.

Method

EVOOs were adulterated by mixing in 10–50% (v/v) of refined and virgin olive oils, olive-pomace olive oils, and other common edible oils. Samples were analyzed by the hyphenated sensor. OCC, data-fusion, and decision thresholds were applied and optimized for two different scenarios.

Results

By high-level data-fusion of the classification results from the three spectral databases and several multivariate model vectors, a 100% correct classification of all pure edible oils using OCC in the first scenario was found. Reducing samples being falsely classified as EVOOs in a second scenario, 97% of EVOOs adulterated with non-EVOO olive oils were correctly identified and ones with other edible oils correctly classified at score of 91%.

Conclusions

Photonic sensor hyphenation in combination with high-level data fusion, OCC, and tuned decision thresholds delivers significantly better screening results for EVOO compared to individual sensor results.

Highlights

Hyphenated photonics and its data handling solutions applied to extra virgin olive oil authenticity testing was found to be promising.
Impact of asteroid hyalosis on internal higher-order aberrations in eyes with cataract accompanied by acoustic shadows on swept-source optical coherence tomography examination
Authors: Sato Tatsuhiko , Koh Shizuka , Mori Reina , Korehisa Haruka , Hayashi Ken
Published: July 2020

Increased internal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) have been reported in eyes with asteroid hyalosis, which is usually asymptomatic. This report describes 2 patients with cataract and concurrent asteroid hyalosis. In the first case, internal HOAs were within the normal range, and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) did not show acoustic shadows. After cataract surgery, visual acuity improved and internal HOAs remained within normal limits. However, in the second case, SS-OCT revealed multiple acoustic shadows, presumably due to asteroid hyalosis, and internal HOAs increased in both eyes. After combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery, visual acuity and the internal HOA values improved in both eyes, and acoustic shadows disappeared on SS-OCT. Phacovitrectomy should be considered if the cause of visual impairment is cataract and asteroid hyalosis. Objective assessment of internal HOAs by a wavefront sensor and checking for acoustic shadows on SS-OCT might be useful in detecting this combination of ophthalmic conditions.
Current methods for assessing technical skill in cataract surgery
Authors: Alnafisee Nouf , Zafar Sidra , Vedula Satyanarayana Swaroop , Sikder Shameema
Published: July 2020

Surgery is a major source of errors in patient care. Preventing complications from surgical errors in the operating room is estimated to lead to reduction of up to 41 846 readmissions and save $620.3 million per year. It is now established that poor technical skill is associated with an increased risk of severe adverse events postoperatively and traditional models to train surgeons are being challenged by rapid advances in technology, an intensified patient-safety culture, and a need for value-driven health systems. This review discusses the current methods available for evaluating technical skills in cataract surgery and the recent technological advancements that have enabled capture and analysis of large amounts of complex surgical data for more automated objective skills assessment.