bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What do undergraduates with high levels of childhood adversity want to cope with stress?
Authors: Karatekin Canan , Ahluwalia Rohini
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We aimed to determine how universities can tailor delivery of stress‐related interventions and intervention‐related messages for students with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Method

We assessed 762 undergraduates (76% female; average age = 20.3) on an expanded ACEs measure, stress, health, and past use of interventions and what types of interventions they would like to cope with stress. We also experimentally manipulated websites advertising mental health services to test whether certain message frames and types of intervention delivery would appeal differentially to students with more ACEs.

Results

ACEs were associated with worse health, more stress, and a greater likelihood of having used health‐related interventions. Students with more ACEs were more willing to try the interventions on the websites, regardless of messaging and type of delivery. They also expressed a greater desire for face‐to‐face interactions centered on mental health.

Conclusions

School‐wide adoption of ACE‐informed policies can change lifelong trajectories of students with ACEs.
GRP78 effectively protect hypoxia/reperfusion‐induced myocardial apoptosis via promotion of the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Ji Heyu , Xiao Feng , Li Suobei , Wei Ruan , Yu Fei , Xu Junmei
Published: July 2020

Myocardial infarction is a major cause of death worldwide. Despite our understanding of the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction and the therapeutic options for treatment have improved substantially, acute myocardial infarction remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent findings revealed that GRP78 could protect myocardial cells against ischemia reperfusion injury‐induced apoptosis, but the exact function and molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of GRP78 on hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R)‐induced cardiomyocyte injury. Intriguingly, we first observed that GRP78 overexpression significantly protected myocytes from H/R‐induced apoptosis. On mechanism, our work revealed that GRP78 protected myocardial cells from hypoxia/reperfusion‐induced apoptosis via the activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway. We observed the enhanced expression of Nrf2/HO‐1 in GRP78 overexpressed H9c2 cell, while GRP78 deficiency dramatically antagonized the expression of Nrf2/HO‐1. Furthermore, we found that blocked the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling by the HO‐1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (Znpp) significantly retrieved H9c2 cells apoptosis that inhibited by GRP78 overexpression. Taken together, our findings revealed a new mechanism by which GRP78 alleviated H/R‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in H9c2 cells via the promotion of the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway.
Fabrication techniques of biomimetic scaffolds in three‐dimensional cell culture: A review
Authors: Badekila Anjana K. , Kini Sudarshan , Jaiswal Amit K.
Published: July 2020

In the last four decades, several researchers worldwide have routinely and meticulously exercised cell culture experiments in two‐dimensional (2D) platforms. Using traditionally existing 2D models, the therapeutic efficacy of drugs has been inappropriately validated due to the failure in generating the precise therapeutic response. Fortunately, a 3D model addresses the foregoing limitations by recapitulating the in vivo environment. In this context, one has to contemplate the design of an appropriate scaffold for favoring the organization of cell microenvironment. Instituting pertinent model on the platter will pave way for a precise mimicking of in vivo conditions. It is because animal cells in scaffolds oblige spontaneous formation of 3D colonies that molecularly, phenotypically, and histologically resemble the native environment. The 3D culture provides insight into the biochemical aspects of cell–cell communication, plasticity, cell division, cytoskeletal reorganization, signaling mechanisms, differentiation, and cell death. Focusing on these criteria, this paper discusses in detail, the diversification of polymeric scaffolds based on their available resources. The paper also reviews the well‐founded and latest techniques of scaffold fabrication, and their applications pertaining to tissue engineering, drug screening, and tumor model development.
Understanding the degradation of the blue colour in the wall paintings of Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) by non‐destructive techniques
Authors: Prieto‐Taboada Nagore , Fdez‐Ortiz de Vallejuelo Silvia , Santos Anne , Veneranda Marco , Castro Kepa , Maguregui Maite , Morillas Héctor , Arana Gorka , Martellone Alberta , de Nigris Bruno , Osanna Massimo , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: July 2020

Ariadne's house is in the Regio VII of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii (Italy). As it is exposed to external alteration agents (rainfall, water infiltration and atmospheric pollution), the mural paintings located in this important residence clearly show the effects of ongoing degradation processes. This is especially the case of Room 22 (also called the blue room), where the original blue decorations varied towards greyish green hues. In situ and laboratory spectroscopic analyses by means of non‐destructive X‐ray fluorescence, infrared and Raman spectroscopies identified the original pigments and the materials used in the conservation works. Looking in detail at the stratigraphic distribution of the original pigments, using Raman spectroscopy, an inner layer of Egyptian blue mixed with celadonite was detected under a layer of pure Egyptian blue. This discovery proves the presence of a more ancient painting below the one that can be observed today. Considering that celadonite was an inexpensive pigment (thus, probably used to reduce the costs of the paintings), this information strengthens the hypothesis that based on archaeological evidences, there is evidence of an evolution of the socio‐economic status of the ancient owners of the residence. In addition to that, Raman data also proved the occurrence of salt efflorescences; they provided insights about the compromised conservation state of the wall paintings, and they highlighted the action of atmospheric acid gases as an important factor.
The surface degradation of Baltic amber: The depth‐profiling analysis and its application to historical object
Authors: Rygula Anna , Klisińska‐Kopacz Anna , Krupska Paulina , Kuraś Elżbieta , del Hoyo‐Meléndez Julio M.
Published: July 2020

A depth profile‐scanning study of an 18th‐century gun‐powder horn as well as reference Baltic amber samples was performed using a Raman confocal microscope equipped with a 785‐nm laser. It was found that spectra collected from the surface are different than those from the bulk. The main changes are observed in the 1,700–1,400 cm−1 range and are caused by degradation of the amber. The degraded layer was characterized mainly by an increase of the 1,615 cm−1 band ascribed to the ν(CC) characteristic of aromatic rings and a decrease of the 1,645 cm−1 band ascribed to the ν(CC) of nonconjugated structures. The degraded layer is estimated at 100–150 μm, where the spectra gradually resembled the spectrum of nondegraded amber. Analogous changes were observed both for the reference samples and for the abovementioned historical object. The observed spectral changes suggest that this technique could be utilized for studying the degradation of amber artifacts in museum collections.
Seventeen‐inch laser backlight in‐plane switching liquid crystal display with 8K, 120‐Hz driving, and BT.2020 color gamut
Authors: Komura Shinichi , Okuda Koichi , Onoda Ken , Kijima Hiroaki
Published: July 2020

We have developed a 17‐inch laser backlight in‐plane switching liquid crystal display satisfying the main BT.2020 specifications, which are 8K, 120‐Hz driving, and a BT.2020 wide color gamut. The color gamut of the developed in‐plane switching liquid crystal display covers 98% of the BT.2020 wide color gamut, thanks to a laser backlight and appropriate color filters. The liquid crystal response time of 5 ms, which is sufficient for 120‐Hz driving, is achieved by adapting a faster in‐plane switching liquid crystal display, namely, the short‐range lurch control in‐plane switching liquid crystal display.
Development of a detailed pyrolysis mechanism for C1–C4 hydrocarbons under a wide range of temperature and pressure
Authors: Cao Xiaomei , Gong Chunming , Liu Jianwen , Ma Huimin , Li Zerong , Wang Jingbo , Li Xiangyuan
Published: July 2020

A model of core mechanism of hydrocarbon pyrolysis with good predictive ability is crucial to the development of active cooling technology for advanced aeroengines. In this work, a detailed core kinetic model of pyrolysis of C1–C4 hydrocarbon fuels is developed through the combination of a series of potential energy surfaces and validated against a series of experimental results. The kinetic model contains 103 species and 1290 reactions, and most of the kinetic and thermochemical parameters are compiled from recent highly accurate quantum chemical calculations without modification. The pressure‐dependent rate constants are considered for the dissociation/association reactions, isomerization reactions, and chemically activated reactions. Simulation results for various alkanes (methane, ethane, propane, n‐butane, isobutane), alkenes (ethylene, propene, 1‐butene, 2‐butene, isobutene, allene, 1,3‐butadiene), and alkynes (acetylene, propyne, vinylacetylene) indicate that the major product distributions at various temperatures (800‐2300 K) and pressures (0.8‐10 atm) can be predicted well by the developed core kinetic model. Thus, the developed pyrolysis mechanism for C1–C4 hydrocarbons can be used as a cornerstone to develop the pyrolysis mechanisms of larger hydrocarbon fuels and thus support the development of thermal management in advanced aeroengines.
The cytotoxic synergy between Clostridioides difficile toxin B and proinflammatory cytokines: an unholy alliance favoring the onset of Clostridioides difficile infection and relapses
Authors: Bassotti Gabrio , Marchegiani Andrea , Marconi Pierfrancesco , Fettucciari Katia
Published: July 2020

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) represents an important health problem worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality. This infection has also high recurrence rates, whose pathophysiological grounds are still poorly understood. Based on our experiments in vitro with Clostridioides difficile toxin B and existing experimental and clinical evidence, we propose that primary CDI and relapses might be favored by a mechanism that involves the enhancement of the toxicity of toxin B by proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma on the enteric glial cells and their network in an environment characterized by a strong dysmicrobism.
Pseudomonas glycinae sp. nov. isolated from the soybean rhizosphere
Authors: Jia Jiayuan , Wang Xiaoqiang , Deng Peng , Ma Lin , Baird Sonya M. , Li Xiangdong , Lu Shi‐En
Published: July 2020

Strains MS586T and MS82, which are aerobic, Gram‐negative, rod‐shaped, and polar‐flagellated bacteria, were isolated from the soybean rhizosphere in Mississippi. Taxonomic positions of MS586T and MS82 were determined using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses of the two strains showed high pairwise sequence similarities (>98%) to some Pseudomonas species. Analysis of the concatenated 16S rRNA, rpoB, rpoD, and gyrB gene sequences indicated that the strains belonging to the Pseudomonas koreensis subgroup (SG) shared the highest similarity with Pseudomonas kribbensis strain 46‐2T. Analyses of average nucleotide identity (ANI), genome‐to‐genome distance, delineated MS586T and MS82 from other species within the genus Pseudomonas. The predominant quinone system of the strain was ubiquinone 9 (Q‐9), and the DNA G+C content was 60.48 mol%. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C17:0 cyclo, and the summed features 3 and 8 consisting of C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c and C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c, respectively. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. Based on these data, it is proposed that strains MS586T and MS82 represent a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas. The proposed name for the new species is Pseudomonas glycinae, and the type strain is MS586T (accession NRRL B‐65441 = accession LMG 30275).
Genetic profile of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A hospital‐based survey in Jinhua
Authors: Chen Xianguo , Xu Bo , Li Qiang , Xu Xiaoyi , Li Xianshuai , You Xia , Yu Zhaonan
Published: July 2020

Background

We describe the clinical features, genetic profile, and their correlation in NSCLC patients.

Methods

A total of 256 Chinese patients with NSCLC were enrolled in this study. NGS‐based genomic profiling of major lung cancer‐related genes was performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tumor samples.

Results

Of 256 patients with NSCLC, 219 were adenocarcinoma and most of them were in the early stage. Among patients, 63.3% patients have more than two gene mutations. By analyzing variant allele frequency (VAF), we found that the median VAF has significant differences between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, as well as early stage and advanced stage. The frequency of mutations in EGFR, MET, and RET were significantly higher in nonsmokers than in smokers. Besides, Pearson correlation analysis found that ALK, BRAF, and MET mutations had a strong correlation with age. Notably, higher frequencies of ALK and BRAF alterations were associated with younger age, while more frequent MET mutations appear in the patients at age 55 or older.

Conclusion

More unique features of cancer driver genes in Chinese NSCLC were identified by next‐generation sequencing. These findings highlighted that it is necessary to carry out targeted detection according to different clinical features for NSCLC.
Similarity of hybrid numbers
Authors: Öztürk İskender , Özdemir Mustafa
Published: July 2020

The set of hybrid numbers
is a noncommutative number system that unified and generalized the complex, dual, and double (hyperbolic) numbers with the relation ih  =−hi=ε+i. Two hybrid numbers p and q are said to be similar if there exist a nonlightlike hybrid number x satisfying the equality x−1qx = p. And, it is denoted by p∼q. In this paper, we study the concept of similarity for hybrid numbers by solving the linear equations px = xq and qx−xp = c for
Protein conformational changes affect the sodium triple‐quantum MR signal
Authors: Kleimaier Dennis , Schepkin Victor , Hu Ruomin , Schad Lothar R.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate possible sodium triple‐quantum (TQ) signal dependence on pH variation and protein unfolding which may happen in vivo. The model system, composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA), was investigated over a wide pH range of 0.70 to 13.05 and during urea‐induced unfolding. In both experimental series, the sodium and BSA concentration were kept constant so that TQ signal changes solely arose from an environmental change. The experiments were performed using unique potential to detect weak TQ signals by implementing a TQ time proportional phase increment pulse sequence. At a pH of 0.70, in which case the effect of the negatively charged groups was minimized, the minimum TQ percentage relative to single‐quantum of 1.34% ± 0.05% was found. An increase of the pH up to 13.05 resulted in an increase of the sodium TQ signal by 225%. Urea‐induced unfolding of BSA, without changes in pH, led to a smaller increase in the sodium TQ signal of up to 40%. The state of BSA unfolding was verified by fluorescence microscopy. Results of both experiments were well fitted by sigmoid functions. Both TQ signal increases were in agreement with an increase of the availability of negatively charged groups. The results point to vital contributions of the biochemical environment to the TQ MR signals. The sodium TQ signal in vivo could be a valuable biomarker of cell viability, and therefore possible effects of pH and protein unfolding need to be considered for a proper interpretation of changes in sodium TQ signals.
On accounting for screen resolution in adaptive video streaming: QoE‐driven bandwidth sharing framework
Authors: Belmoukadam Othmane , Jawad Khokhar Muhammad , Barakat Chadi
Published: July 2020

Screen resolution along with network conditions are main objective factors impacting the user experience, in particular for video streaming applications. User terminals on their side feature more and more advanced characteristics resulting in different network requirements for good visual experience. Previous studies tried to link mean opinion score (MOS) to video bitrate for different screen types (e.g., Common Intermediate Format [CIF], Quarter Common Intermediate Format [QCIF], and High Definition [HD]). We leverage such studies and formulate a Quality of Experience (QoE)‐driven resource allocation problem to pinpoint the optimal bandwidth allocation that maximizes the QoE over all users of a network service provider located behind the same bottleneck link, while accounting for the characteristics of the screens they use for video playout. For our optimization problem, QoE functions are built using curve fitting on datasets capturing the relationship between MOS, screen characteristics, and bandwidth requirements. We propose a simple heuristic based on Lagrangian relaxation and Karush Kuhn Tucker (KKT) conditions to efficiently solve the optimization problem. Our numerical simulations show that the proposed heuristic is able to increase overall QoE up to 20% compared to an allocation with a TCP look‐alike strategy implementing max‐min fairness.
Re‐analysing the Baining: TheMytho‐Poeticsof Race, Gender and Art
Authors: Lattas Andrew
Published: July 2020

This article criticises primitivist caricatures of the Baining in Melanesia as a society that lacks exegesis, symbolic logics, religion, structures of power and control, and even an interest in play. The mytho‐poetics of gender and procreation in Mali Baining society are documented by focusing on how art and sexuality are traced onto each other. The formative power of painting, barkcloth, dancing masks, netbags and music are merged with the formative power of women. Art and sexuality are made to inform each other's generative potential, and even each other's aesthetic charm. These fertile mytho‐poetic practices also underpin Mali political practices. Mali indigenous identity is celebrated as local control over the original powers of creation, which continue to reside in the earth, in the local landscape and, above all, in that which underpins all creation, women's procreative bodies with their creative potential to bring forth something new. The Mali localise creative processes so as to empower and revalue themselves within a culture of resistance to the hegemony of colonialism, modernity, settlers and regional ethnic elites.
How is childhood maltreatment linked to benign envy/malicious envy? The mediating role of self‐esteem, authentic pride and hubristic pride
Authors: Li Qingyin , Xiang Yanhui
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the role of pride and self‐esteem in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and benign envy/malicious envy in Chinese college students.

Methods

One thousand fifty‐one Chinese college students completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, the Authentic and Hubristic Pride‐Proneness Scale and the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale, and the significance test of mediating variables was performed.

Results

Self‐esteem and hubristic pride independently mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and benign envy/malicious envy, authentic pride only played a mediating role in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and benign envy. More importantly, the model indicated that childhood maltreatment could influence benign envy/malicious envy through the chain mediating path of ‘authentic pride–self‐esteem’ and ‘hubristic pride–self‐esteem’.

Conclusions

Authentic pride, hubristic pride and self‐esteem might be the possible mechanisms through which childhood maltreatment influences benign envy/malicious envy in adulthood. This study provides insights into the role of pride and self‐esteem in the childhood maltreatment–benign (malicious) envy link from the perspective of the learned helplessness theory. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonthermal plasma as part of a novel strategy for vaccination
Authors: Mohamed Hager , Esposito Rita A. , Kutzler Michele A. , Wigdahl Brian , Krebs Fred C. , Miller Vandana
Published: July 2020

Vaccination has been one of the most effective health intervention mechanisms to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases. Vaccines stimulate the body's protective immune responses through controlled exposure to modified versions of pathogens that establish immunological memory. However, only a few diseases have effective vaccines. The biological effects of nonthermal plasma on cells suggest that plasma could play an important role in improving efficacy of existing vaccines and overcoming some of the limitations and challenges with current vaccination strategies. This review summarizes the opportunities for nonthermal plasma for immunization and therapeutic purposes.
Expanding tropical forest monitoring into Dry Forests: The DRYFLOR protocol for permanent plots
Authors: Moonlight Peter W. , Banda‐R Karina , Phillips Oliver L. , Dexter Kyle G. , Pennington R. Toby , Baker Tim R. , C. de Lima Haroldo , Fajardo Laurie , González‐M. Roy , Linares‐Palomino Reynaldo , Lloyd Jon , Nascimento Marcelo , Prado Darién , Quintana Catalina , Riina Ricarda , Rodríguez M. Gina M. , Maria Villela Dora , Aquino Ana Carla M. M. , Arroyo Luzmila , Bezerra Cidney , Tadeu Brunello Alexandre , Brienen Roel J. W. , Cardoso Domingos , Chao Kuo‐Jung , Cotta Coutinho Ítalo Antônio , Cunha John , Domingues Tomas , do Espírito Santo Mário Marcos , Feldpausch Ted R. , Ferreira Fernandes Moabe , Goodwin Zoë A. , Jiménez Eliana María , Levesley Aurora , Lopez‐Toledo Leonel , Marimon Beatriz , Miatto Raquel C. , Mizushima Marcelo , Monteagudo Abel , Soelma Beserra de Moura Magna , Murakami Alejandro , Neves Danilo , Nicora Chequín Renata , César de Sousa Oliveira Tony , Almeida de Oliveira Edmar , P. de Queiroz Luciano , Pilon Alan , Marques Ramos Desirée , Reynel Carlos , Rodrigues Priscyla M. S. , Santos Rubens , Särkinen Tiina , Fernando da Silva Valdemir , Souza Rodolfo M. S. , Vasquez Rodolfo , Veenendaal Elmar
Published: July 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Understanding of tropical forests has been revolutionized by monitoring in permanent plots. Data from global plot networks have transformed our knowledge of forests’ diversity, function, contribution to global biogeochemical cycles, and sensitivity to climate change. Monitoring has thus far been concentrated in rain forests. Despite increasing appreciation of their threatened status, biodiversity, and importance to the global carbon cycle, monitoring in tropical dry forests is still in its infancy. We provide a protocol for permanent monitoring plots in tropical dry forests. Expanding monitoring into dry biomes is critical for overcoming the linked challenges of climate change, land use change, and the biodiversity crisis.
Randomized trial of lung hyperinflation therapy in children with congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Sawnani Hemant , Mayer Oscar H. , Modi Avani C. , Pascoe John E. , McConnell Keith , McDonough Joseph M. , Rutkowski Anne M. , Hossain Md Monir , Szczesniak Rhonda , Tadesse Dawit G. , Schuler Christine L. , Amin Raouf
Published: July 2020

Objective

Respiratory compromise in congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) occurs, in part, from chest wall contractures. Passive stretch with hyperinsufflation therapy could reduce related costo‐vertebral joint contractures. We sought to examine the impact of hyperinsufflation use on lung function and quality of life in children with CMD.

Study Design

We conducted a randomized controlled trial on hyperinsufflation therapy in children with CMD at two centers. An individualized hyperinsufflation regimen of 15 minutes twice daily using a cough assist device over a 12 months period was prescribed. We measured lung function, quality of life, and adherence. To demonstrate reproducibility, pulmonary function was measured twice on the same day. A mixed‐effects regression model adjusting for confounders was used to assess the effects of hyperinsufflation.

Results

We enrolled 34 participants in the study; 31 completed the trial (n = 17 treatment group and n = 14 controls). Participants in the treatment group demonstrated a relative gain in lung volume measured at 4 and 8 months, but not at 12 months. The control group required increases in the maximum insufflation pressures to achieve maximum lung volumes while the treatment group did not. Adherence was best early in the study, peaking at the first visit and decreasing at subsequent visits. Caregiver‐reported quality of life was higher in the treatment group.

Conclusion

Hyperinsufflation therapy is effective in increasing and sustaining lung volume over time. Adherence, however, was inconsistent and difficult to maintain. Further research should determine if improved adherence leads to sustained benefits of hyperinsufflation.
Promoting emotional wellness in children with cystic fibrosis, Part I: Child and family resilience
Authors: Prieur Mary G. , Christon Lillian M. , Mueller Amy , Smith Beth A. , Georgiopoulos Anna M. , Boat Thomas F. , Filigno Stephanie S.
Published: July 2020

Attention should be given to individual and family well‐being from a child's first interaction with the medical team and continuing throughout development, especially for families who experience chronic illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). While much attention has been given to the mental health of people with CF 12 years and older, this paper explores various areas for CF teams to assess and provide additional resources during the first 12 years of a child's life to promote child and family wellness. In this paper, we discuss parental mental health, social determinants of health, adherence/self‐care, nutrition, attention to family lifestyle factors, engagement with school and peers, and modulator therapy for this age group of people with CF. This is the first of two companion papers which examines emotional wellness of children during the early years. The second paper examines mental health assessment and intervention for children under 12. Both encourage teams to strive to promote optimal child and family emotional health and wellness, emphasizing holistic health promotion and prevention, early identification, and intervention.
The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system: Role in pathogenesis and potential therapeutic target in COVID‐19
Authors: Braga Cássia L. , Silva‐Aguiar Rodrigo P. , Battaglini Denise , Peruchetti Diogo B. , Robba Chiara , Pelosi Paolo , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Caruso‐Neves Celso , Silva Pedro L.
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 novel coronavirus, has spread worldwide causing high fatality rates. Neither a vaccine nor specific therapeutic approaches are available, hindering the fight against this disease and making better understanding of its pathogenesis essential. Despite similarities between SARS‐CoV‐2 and SARS‐CoV, the former has unique characteristics which represent a great challenge to physicians. The mechanism of COVID‐19 infection and pathogenesis is still poorly understood. In the present review, we highlight possible pathways involved in the pathogenesis of COVID‐19 and potential therapeutic targets, focusing on the role of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.
Use of variable ozone in a radiative transfer model for the global Météo‐France 4D‐Var system
Authors: Coopmann O. , Guidard V. , Fourrié N. , Josse B.
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, the assimilation of satellite observations, particularly radiances from infrared sounders, into numerical weather prediction (NWP) models plays a dominant role in improving weather forecasts. One of the keys to make optimal use of radiances is to simulate them with a radiative transfer model (RTM). At Météo‐France, the RTTOV RTM is used for NWP models. Currently, simulations are carried out taking into account single chemical profiles. However, neglecting the spatial and temporal variability of these gases can affect the accuracy of the simulations and thus the quality of the subsequent analyses and forecasts. To reduce the impact of this assumption on weather forecasts, we use a variational bias correction but it would be more appropriate to correct the bias directly at the source. Ozone is one of the atmospheric constituents with significant impacts on spectral radiances measured by hyperspectral infrared sounders. Thus, the objective of this paper is to replace the use of a single ozone profile with a realistic and variable ozone field in RTTOV for the simulation of infrared observation. The results show that the use of a variable ozone allows us to further reduce biases in simulation of ozone‐sensitive channels but also of channels sensitive mainly to other parameters such as CO2 for example. This has positive effects on the analyses and improves the fit of the short‐range forecasts (or analyses) to other observations such as radiosondes, microwave radiances, GNSS‐RO bending angles, etc. All of these positive impacts allow us to significantly improve weather forecasts.
Monthly and zonally averaged zonal wind information in the equatorial stratosphere provided by GNSS radio occultation
Authors: Healy S. B. , Polichtchouk I. , Horányi A.
Published: July 2020

It is demonstrated that a realistic quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) of the zonally averaged zonal winds in the tropical stratosphere can be retrieved from a monthly mean GNSS radio occultation (GNSS‐RO) geopotential height climatology via equatorial thermal wind balance. The retrieved GNSS‐RO zonal winds are compared with a zonal wind climatology from radiosonde measurements at Singapore, and the ERA5 atmospheric reanalysis. Simplified low‐resolution reanalysis experiments also show that assimilating just reprocessed GNSS‐RO bending angles and AMSU‐A channel 14 radiances produces a reasonable QBO. Further, it is demonstrated that the ERA5 and ERA‐Interim tropical zonal winds at 30 and 10 hPa are more consistent after the assimilation of COSMIC GNSS‐RO measurements in 2006.
Recalculation of stable isotope expressions for HCNOS: EasyIsoCalculator
Authors: Skrzypek Grzegorz , Dunn Philip J.H.
Published: July 2020

Rationale

The stable HCNOS isotope compositions can be reported as (a) the isotope ratio of two stable isotopes (R); (b) the isotope delta value (δ); and (c) the atom fraction of the isotopes (x). Recalculations between these different expressions are needed frequently and require the use of the absolute isotope ratio for the zero points of the stable isotope delta scales (Rstd). The inconsistent use of Rstd values may lead to a discrepancy in recalculated results.

Methods

We summarised the recalculation procedures between different expressions of the stable isotope compositions and introduced a user‐friendly EasyIsoCalculator that allows the recalculation between the main expressions of isotope compositions. We mathematically and empirically evaluated the possible inconsistencies in reporting of the stable isotope data due to the use of different Rstd and different normalisation methods.

Results

The recalculation between δ‐values and other expressions of the stable isotope compositions always involves the use of Rstd. The choice of Rstd will have a significant influence on the recalculated values. The use of different Rstd values has a significant influence also on the normalisation of raw values but only when the normalisation is conducted versus the working standard gas value, causing discrepancy, e.g. for δ(13C/12C) up to ~ 0.3 ‰.

Conclusions

Differences in the selection of Rstd value may lead to significant differences among different laboratories. The uncertainty in the calculations originates primarily from the uncertainty in the Rstd determination; however, it is lower than the discrepancy arising from the inconsistent use of Rstd. Consistent use of the same Rstd values is required to eliminate the unnecessary discrepancy if different data sets are recalculated from delta value to other expressions.
Emotion regulation and psychological distress in cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Baziliansky Svetlana , Cohen Miri
Published: July 2020

Emotion regulation may affect the levels of psychological distress of cancer survivors, but inconsistencies exist among studies regarding the direction of this effect. The systematic review and meta‐analysis sought to estimate the associations between emotion regulation patterns (repression, suppression, experiential avoidance and cognitive reappraisal) and psychological distress among cancer survivors. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria for systematic review, and seven studies focussing on suppression were included in the meta‐analysis. The systematic review pointed to a marked variability in associations among the emotion regulation patterns and psychological distress. The three meta‐regressions of the relationships between suppression and psychological distress found significant fixed‐ and random‐effect sizes (except marginal significance of a random‐effect model for partial correlation). Subgroup analysis showed no moderation effect of time since diagnosis or study quality, but a significant difference (fixed‐effect model only, p = 0.005) was found between correlative studies and those controlling for confounders. The current study suggests that suppression is related to elevated levels of psychological distress among cancer survivors, although large inconsistencies exist among studies and publication bias could not be ruled out. Further studies with large samples and a consistent approach are thus required to evaluate the associations of emotion regulation patterns and psychological distress.
Synergizing Phase and Cavity in CoMoOxSy Yolk–Shell Anodes to Co‐Enhance Capacity and Rate Capability in Sodium Storage
Authors: Wang Jinkai , Zhu Lei , Li Fang , Yao Tianhao , Liu Ting , Cheng Yonghong , Yin Zongyou , Wang Hongkang
Published: July 2020

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have been recognized as the promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries for large‐scale applications owing to their abundant sodium resource. Currently, one significant challenge for SIBs is to explore feasible anodes with high specific capacity and reversible pulverization‐free Na+ insertion/extraction. Herein, a facile co‐engineering on polymorph phases and cavity structures is developed based on CoMo‐glycerate by scalable solvothermal sulfidation. The optimized strategy enables the construction of CoMoOxSy with synergized partially sulfidized amorphous phase and yolk–shell confined cavity. When developed as anodes for SIBs, such CoMoOxSy electrodes deliver a high reversible capacity of 479.4 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 100 cycles and a high rate capacity of 435.2 mA h g−1 even at 2000 mA g−1, demonstrating superior capacity and rate capability. These are attributed to the unique dual merits of the anodes, that is, the elastic bountiful reaction pathways favored by the sulfidation‐induced amorphous phase and the sodiation/desodiation accommodatable space benefits from the yolk–shell cavity. Such yolk–shell nano‐battery materials are merited with co‐tunable phases and structures, facile scalable fabrication, and excellent capacity and rate capability in sodium storage. This provides an opportunity to develop advanced practical electrochemical sodium storage in the future.
Structural reliability assessment of offshore wind turbine support structures subjected to pitting corrosion‐fatigue: A damage tolerance modelling approach
Authors: Shittu Abdulhakim Adeoye , Mehmanparast Ali , Shafiee Mahmood , Kolios Athanasios , Hart Phil , Pilario Karl
Published: July 2020

The structural integrity of offshore wind turbine (OWT) support structures is affected by one of the most severe damage mechanisms known as pitting corrosion‐fatigue. In this study, the structural reliability of such structures subjected to pitting corrosion‐fatigue is assessed using a damage tolerance modelling approach. A probabilistic model that ascertains the reliability of the structure is presented, incorporating the randomness in cyclic load and corrosive environment as well as uncertainties in shape factor, pit size and aspect ratio. A non‐intrusive formulation is proposed consisting of a sequence of steps. First, a stochastic parametric Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is performed using SMART© crack growth and Design Xplorer© facilities within the software package ANSYS. Secondly, the results obtained from the FEA are processed using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) response surface modelling technique. Finally, the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) is used to calculate the reliability indices of components. The results reveal that for the inherent stochastic conditions, the structure becomes unsafe after the 18th year, before the attainment of the design life of 20 years. The FEA results are in very good agreement with results obtained from analysis steps outlined in design standard BS 7910 and other references designated as ‘theoretical analysis methods’ in this study. The results predict, for the case study, that the pit growth life is approximately 56% of the total pitting corrosion fatigue life. Sensitivity analysis results show that the aspect ratio of pits at critical size plays a significant role on the reliability of the structure.
Chemical waste and allied products
Authors: Hung Yung‐Tse , Aziz Hamidi Abdul , Ramli Siti Fatihah , Paul Howard H. , Huhnke Christopher Robert , Adesanmi Bukola M.
Published: July 2020

This paper reviews the related literature reported in 2019 about various types of wastewaters associated with chemical and allied products. The subjects comprise wastewaters produced from various activities in agricultural, chemical, dye, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical.

Practitioner points

Bioflocculant chitosan was used for sludge dewatering and the treatment of water and wastewater, and polishing of sanitary landfill leachate.

Alkaline lignin‐based flocculants were used to achieve excellent color removal for paper mill sludge.

Powdered activated coke was used to remove COD (chemical oxygen demand) from chemical industry wastewater effluents.
Kombinierte Effekte verschiedener Umweltfaktoren auf die Gesundheit: Luftschadstoffe, Temperatur, Grünflächen, Pollen und Lärm
Authors: Pickford Regina , Kraus Ute , Frank Ulrike , Breitner Susanne , Markevych Iana , Schneider Alexandra
Published: July 2020

Umweltfaktoren wirken sich auf Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden der Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner von Städten aus. Sie wirken jedoch nicht nur einzeln auf den Menschen, sondern zeigen mögliche synergistische oder antagonistische Effekte. Fragen, die sich daraus ergeben, sind: Wie wirkt eine Kombination von Luftschadstoffen mit anderen Umweltfaktoren auf die Gesundheit? Wie gut sind diese Zusammenhänge belegt? Wie können diese methodisch betrachtet werden? In diesem Beitrag werden zunächst methodische Ansätze zur Untersuchung von Kombinationswirkungen verschiedener Umweltfaktoren beschrieben. Anschließend werden Umweltfaktoren untersucht, die zusammen mit verschiedenen Luftschadstoffen auf die menschliche Gesundheit wirken, wie Außentemperatur, Lärm und Pollen sowie das Vorhandensein von Grünflächen. Körperliche Betätigung und Ernährung werden in Bezug auf die Minderung von gesundheitlichen Luftschadstoffeffekten angesprochen.

Während für die Gesundheitseffekte der einzelnen Umweltstressoren häufig klare Evidenz vorliegt, sind für ihr Zusammenspiel inhaltlich noch nicht alle Fragen konsistent beantwortet. Die (statistischen) Methoden müssen noch weiterentwickelt werden. Das Verhältnis der unterschiedlichen Umweltfaktoren zueinander macht deutlich, dass auch (Interventions‑)Maßnahmen zur Verringerung einzelner Faktoren zusammenhängen. So führt etwa im Verkehr der Umstieg von passivem auf aktiven Transport (z. B. durch sichere Radwege und weitere Maßnahmen) zu weniger Luftschadstoffen, langfristig zu geringeren Erhöhungen der Lufttemperatur und gleichzeitig zu einer Verbesserung der Gesundheit des Einzelnen. Demzufolge liegt in einer sinnvollen Planung der bebauten Umwelt ein großes Potenzial zur Reduktion der Umweltstressoren und zur Verbesserung der Gesundheit und des Wohlbefindens der Menschen.
Nuclear magnetic resonance and surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry-based serum metabolomics of kidney cancer
Authors: Nizioł Joanna , Ossoliński Krzysztof , Tripet Brian P. , Copié Valérie , Arendowski Adrian , Ruman Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Kidney cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed and the most lethal urinary cancer. Despite all the efforts made, no serum-specific biomarker is currently used in the clinical management of patients with this tumor. In this study, comprehensive high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) and silver-109 nanoparticle-enhanced steel target laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (109AgNPET LDI MS) approaches were conducted, in conjunction with multivariate data analysis, to discriminate the global serum metabolic profiles of kidney cancer (n = 50) and healthy volunteers (n = 49). Eight potential biomarkers have been identified using 1H NMR metabolomics and nine mass spectral features which differed significantly (p < 0.05) between kidney cancer patients and healthy volunteers, as observed by LDI MS. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model generated from metabolic profiles obtained by both analytical approaches could robustly discriminate normal from cancerous samples (Q2 > 0.7), area under the receiver operative characteristic curve (ROC) AUC > 0.96. Compared with healthy human serum, kidney cancer serum had higher levels of glucose and lower levels of choline, glycerol, glycine, lactate, leucine, myo-inositol, and 1-methylhistidine. Analysis of differences between these metabolite levels in patients with different types and grades of kidney cancer was undertaken. Our results, derived from the combination of LDI MS and 1H NMR methods, suggest that serum biomarkers identified herein appeared to have great potential for use in clinical prognosis and/or diagnosis of kidney cancer.
Effects of force level and task difficulty on force control performance in elderly people
Authors: Strote Caren , Gölz Christian , Stroehlein Julia Kristin , Haase Franziska Katharina , Koester Dirk , Reinsberger Claus , Vieluf Solveig
Published: July 2020

As the proportion of people over 60 years of age rises continuously in westernized societies, it becomes increasingly important to better understand aging processes and how to maintain independence in old age. Fine motor tasks are essential in daily living and, therefore, necessary to maintain. This paper extends the existing literature on fine motor control by manipulating the difficulty of a force maintenance task to characterize performance optima for elderly. Thirty-seven elderly (M = 68.00, SD = 4.65) performed a force control task at dynamically varying force levels, i.e. randomly changing every 3 s between 10%, 20%, and 30% of the individual’s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). This task was performed alone or with one or two additional tasks to increase task difficulty. The force control characteristics accuracy, variability, and complexity were analyzed. Lowest variability was observed at 20%. Accuracy and complexity increased with increasing force level. Overall, increased task difficulty had a negative impact on task performance. Results support the assumption, that attention control has a major impact on force control performance in elderly people. We assume different parameters to have their optimum at different force levels, which remain comparably stable when additional tasks are performed. The study contributes to a better understanding of how force control is affected in real-life situations when it is performed simultaneously to other cognitive and sensory active and passive tasks.
Dissecting two distinct interneuronal networks in M1 with transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Spampinato Danny
Published: July 2020

Interactions from both inhibitory and excitatory interneurons are necessary components of cortical processing that contribute to the vast amount of motor actions executed by humans daily. As transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over primary motor cortex is capable of activating corticospinal neurons trans-synaptically, studies over the past 30 years have provided how subtle changes in stimulation parameters (i.e., current direction, pulse width, and paired-pulse) can elucidate evidence for two distinct neuronal networks that can be probed with this technique. This article provides a brief review of some fundamental studies demonstrating how these networks have separable excitatory inputs to corticospinal neurons. Furthermore, the findings of recent investigations will be discussed in detail, illustrating how each network’s sensitivity to different brain states (i.e., rest, movement preparation, and motor learning) is dissociable. Understanding the physiological characteristics of each network can help to explain why interindividual responses to TMS exist, while also providing insights into the role of these networks in various human motor behaviors.
Chloroplasts in C3 grasses move in response to blue-light
Authors: Krzeszowiec Weronika , Novokreshchenova Maria , Gabryś Halina
Published: July 2020

Key message

Brachypodium distachyonis a good model for studying chloropla st movements in the crop plants, wheat, rye and barley. The movements are activated only by blue light, similar to Arabidopsis.

Chloroplast translocations are ubiquitous in photosynthetic organisms. On the one hand, they serve to optimize energy capture under limiting light, on the other hand, they minimize potential photodamage to the photosynthetic apparatus in excess light. In higher plants chloroplast movements are mediated by phototropins (phots), blue light receptors that also control other light acclimation responses. So far, Arabidopsis thaliana has been the main model for studying the mechanism of blue light signaling to chloroplast translocations in terrestrial plants. Here, we propose Brachypodium distachyon as a model in research into chloroplast movements in C3 cereals. Brachypodium chloroplasts respond to light in a similar way to those in Arabidopsis. The amino acid sequence of Brachypodium PHOT1 is 79.3% identical, and that of PHOT2 is 73.6% identical to the sequence of the corresponding phototropin in Arabidopsis. Both phototropin1 and 2 are expressed in Brachypodium, as shown using quantitative real-time PCR. Intriguingly, the light-expression pattern of BradiPHOT1 and BradiPHOT2 is the opposite of that for Arabidopsis phototropins, suggesting potential unique light signaling in C3 grasses. To investigate if Brachypodium is a good model for studying grass chloroplast movements we analyzed these movements in the leaves of three C3 crop grasses, namely wheat, rye and barley. Similarly to Brachypodium, chloroplasts only respond to blue light in all these species.