bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of proliferating neuronal progenitors and immature neurons in the human hippocampus surgically removed from control and epileptic patients
Authors: Seki Tatsunori , Hori Tomokatsu , Miyata Hajime , Maehara Michiyo , Namba Takashi
Published: December 2019

Adult neurogenesis in the mammalian hippocampus is a well-known phenomenon. However, it remains controversial as to what extent adult neurogenesis actually occurs in the adult human hippocampus, and how brain diseases, such as epilepsy, affect human adult neurogenesis. To address these questions, we analyzed immature neuronal marker-expressing (PSA-NCAM+) cells and proliferating neuronal progenitor (Ki67+/HuB+/DCX+) cells in the surgically removed hippocampus of epileptic patients. In control patients, a substantial number of PSA-NCAM+ cells were distributed densely below the granule cell layer. In epileptic patients with granule cell dispersion, the number of PSA-NCAM+ cells was reduced, and aberrant PSA-NCAM+ cells were found. However, the numbers of Ki67+/HuB+/DCX+ cells were very low in both control and epileptic patients. The large number of PSA-NCAM+ cells and few DCX+/HuB+/Ki-67+ cells observed in the controls suggest that immature-type neurons are not recently generated neurons, and that the level of hippocampal neuronal production in adult humans is low. These results also suggest that PSA-NCAM is a useful marker for analyzing the pathology of epilepsy, but different interpretations of the immunohistochemical results between humans and rodents are required.
The modulation of event-related alpha rhythm during the time course of anticipation
Authors: Simonet Marie , Meziane Hadj Boumediene , Runswick Oliver Richard , North Jamie Stephen , Williams Andrew Mark , Barral Jérôme , Roca André
Published: December 2019

Anticipation is the ability to accurately predict future actions or events ahead of the act itself. When attempting to anticipate, researchers have identified that at least two broad sources of information are used: contextual information relating to the situation in question; and biological motion from postural cues. However, the neural correlates associated with the processing of these different sources of information across groups varying in expertise has yet to be examined empirically. We compared anticipation performance and electrophysiological activity in groups of expert (n = 12) and novice (n = 15) performers using a video-based task. Participants made anticipation judgements after being presented information under three conditions: contextual information only; kinematic information only; and both sources of information combined. The experts responded more accurately across all three conditions. Stronger alpha event-related desynchronization over occipital and frontocentral sites occurred in experts compared to the novices when anticipating. The experts relied on stronger preparatory attentional mechanisms when they processed contextual information. When kinematic information was available, the domain specific motor representations built up over many years of practice likely underpinned expertise. Our findings have implications for those interested in identifying and subsequently, enhancing the neural mechanisms involved in anticipation.
Conjunctival pigmented lesion: Clinicopathological analysis of 85 cases in Korean population
Authors: Lee Yun Jeong , Lee Cheol , Kim Mee Kum , Khwarg Sang In , Oh Joo Youn
Published: December 2019

To evaluate histopathological characteristics of conjunctival pigmented lesions and analyze clinical features related to histologic classification in Asian population, we analyzed medical records, anterior segment photographs, and histological specimen of 85 eyes who had undergone biopsy for pigmented conjunctival lesions at Seoul National University Hospital between 1999 and 2018. Compound nevus was the most common type of conjunctival pigmented lesions (67.1%), followed by conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial neoplasia (primary acquired melanosis)(11.8%), subepithelial nevus (8.2%), and malignant melanoma (MM)(7.1%). Patients with compound nevus were younger than those with non-compound nevus (22.1 ± 17.0 vs 39.9 ± 18.8 years, p < 0.001), while patients with MM were older than those without melanoma (55.7 ± 18.2 vs 25.8 ± 18.0 years, p = 0.001). The lesion in compound nevus tended to be more frequently located on the temporal conjunctiva than that in the non-compound nevus group (54.4% vs 32.1%, p = 0.053), and feeder vessels were associated with most of compound nevus (98.2% vs 78.6% of non-compound nevus, p = 0.005). The lesion in MM was larger, involved multiple quadrants, and had extrabulbar location than lesions without melanoma (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.002, respectively). Together, the results would help clinicians to distinguish benign conjunctival pigmentations from malignant counterparts in clinical practice without biopsy.
Computational STAT3 activity inference reveals its roles in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment
Authors: Schaafsma Evelien , Yuan Yiwei , Zhao Yanding , Cheng Chao
Published: December 2019

Transcription factor (TF) STAT3 contributes to pancreatic cancer progression through its regulatory roles in both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of all TFs in patient-derived gene expression datasets and confirmed STAT3 as a critical regulator in the pancreatic TME. Importantly, we developed a novel framework that is based on TF target gene expression to distinguish between environmental- and tumor-specific STAT3 activities in gene expression studies. Using this framework, our results novelly showed that compartment-specific STAT3 activities, but not STAT3 mRNA, have prognostications towards clinical values within pancreatic cancer datasets. In addition, high TME-derived STAT3 activity correlates with an immunosuppressive TME in pancreatic cancer, characterized by CD4 T cell and monocyte infiltration and high copy number variation burden. Where environmental-STAT3 seemed to play a dominant role at primary pancreatic sites, tumor-specific STAT3 seemed dominant at metastatic sites where its high activity persisted. In conclusion, by combining compartment-specific inference with other tumor characteristics, including copy number variation and immune-related gene expression, we demonstrate our method’s utility as a tool to generate novel hypotheses about TFs in tumor biology.
Impact of Health Claims Regulations on the Food Industry and Future Innovation Potential
Authors: Merten-Lentz Katia
Published: December 2019

In force since July 2007, the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (NHCR, EC No 1924/2006) ensures a compromise between consumers protection and economic competitiveness in the food sector. Many food companies develop innovative products in response to increased consumer demand for nutrition that is more conscientious of health. Thus, the use of claims, which assert that a food has particular nutritional properties or a relationship with health, supports better understanding by consumers, enables them to make more appropriate choices, and allows food business operators to propose more attractive products for the market. However, in order to protect consumers against misleading communications, assure fair competition and promote innovation, the NHCR lays down conditions for the authorisation of claims, which includes justification through generally accepted scientific evidence.
Food Allergen Labelling Regulation
Authors: Bucchini Luca , Daly Matthew , Mills E. N. Clare
Published: December 2019

Food allergies have risen in prominence over the last 20–30 years and currently, as there is no accepted cure, individuals usually have to practice life-long avoidance of their problem food(s). There are many different types of food allergy and intolerance, but those involving the immune system are amongst the most important. This chapter focuses on the food labelling of allergens that seeks to protect those with immune-mediated allergies.
Hybrid polyoxometalates as post-functionalization platforms: from fundamentals to emerging applications
Authors: Anyushin Alexander V. , Kondinski Aleksandar , Parac-Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: December 2019

The post-functionalizable hybrid-polyoxometalate platforms offer an opportunity to covalently link redox responsive POM cores with virtually any organic molecule or metal cation, generating a wide range of materials with tailored properties.
Universal unilateral electro-spinning/spraying strategy to construct water-unidirectional Janus membranes with well-tuned hierarchical micro/nanostructures
Authors: Yan Linlin , Yang Xiaobin , Long Jun , Cheng XiQuan , Pan Duo , Huang Yifeng , Shao Lu
Published: December 2019

Janus membranes with hierarchical micro/nanostructures were constructed by a unilateral electro-spinning/spraying strategy to realize water directional transportation.
Impacts on carbon dioxide electroreduction of cadmium sulfidesviacontinuous surface sulfur vacancy engineering
Authors: Cheng Ling , Li Yuhang , Chen Aiping , Zhu Yihua , Li Chunzhong
Published: December 2019

CdS nanorods with a medium surface S vacancy content give the highest CO partial current density for aqueous CO2electroreduction.
Substituent effect on the packing architecture of adamantane and memantine derivatives of sulfonamide molecular crystals
Authors: Voronin Alexander P. , Volkova Tatyana V. , Ilyukhin Andrey B. , Proshin Alexey N. , Perlovich German L.
Published: December 2019

A specific number of structures described in this paper with adamantane and memantine fragments have been synthesised and characterised.
Judging the phase transition pressure of the unknown parent phase if the resulting state is known
Authors: Zhu Sheng-Hai , Qin Han , Zeng Wei , Fan Dai-He , Tang Bin , Liu Fu-Sheng , Liu Qi-Jun
Published: December 2019

Under the condition that the parent phase is unknown, we have directly judged the phase transition points from the new phase.
In situ study of metal leaching from Pd/Al2O3 induced by K2CO3
Authors: Newton Mark A. , Ferri Davide , Mulligan Christopher J. , Alxneit Ivo , Emerich Hermann , Thompson Paul B. J. , Hii King Kuok (Mimi)
Published: December 2019

In situ quick extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (QEXAFS) was employed to study temporally and spatially the leaching of Pd from a heterogeneous catalyst caused by K2CO3.
CNN pincer ruthenium complexes for efficient transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived carbonyl compounds
Authors: Figliolia Rosario , Cavigli Paolo , Comuzzi Clara , Del Zotto Alessandro , Lovison Denise , Strazzolini Paolo , Susmel Sabina , Zuccaccia Daniele , Ballico Maurizio , Baratta Walter
Published: December 2019

Robust and easily accessible CNNOMepincer ruthenium complexes show unprecedented selectivity and productivity in the TH of lignocellulose-derived carbonyl compounds with 2-propanol.
FSGHF3 and peptides, prepared from fish skin gelatin, exert a protective effect on DSS-induced colitis via the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Deng Zhao , Cui Chenbin , Wang Yanan , Ni Jiangjin , Zheng Liufeng , Wei Hong-Kui , Peng Jian
Published: December 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colon, and its incidence is rising worldwide.
Thickness of elemental and binary single atomic monolayers
Authors: Hess Peter
Published: December 2019

The thickness of monolayers is a fundamental property of two-dimensional (2D) materials that has not found the necessary attention. Since the boundary is not well-defined and it changes its value with the surrounding, the thickness is difficult to grasp.
Novel liquid crystalline organogelators based on terephthalic acid and terephthalaldehyde derivatives: properties and promotion through the formation of halogen bonding
Authors: Huang Yaodong , Zhang Xiaojie , Cui Wei , Wang Xin , Li Bin , Zhang Yongxin , Yang Junjiao
Published: December 2019

Terephthalic acid-based aromatic amides A1 and A2 and a terephthalaldehyde Schiff-base SB are synthesized, allowing stable gelation with numerous types of organic solvents.
Atomic-scale oxidation mechanisms of single-crystal magnesium
Authors: Sun Yong , Wang Jinming , Guo Jianxin , Zu Qun , Huang Jianyu , Peng Qiuming
Published: December 2019

Understanding the oxidation process of active metals plays a crucial role in improving their mechanical/oxidation properties.
Tuning the catalytic properties of P22 nanoreactors through compositional control
Authors: Sharma Jhanvi , Douglas Trevor
Published: December 2019

Fine-tuning of the catalytic activity of enzyme based P22 nanoreactors through compositional control.
A simple fluorescence aptasensor for gastric cancer exosome detection based on branched rolling circle amplification
Authors: Huang Rongrong , He Lei , Li Song , Liu Hongna , Jin Lian , Chen Zhu , Zhao Yongxiang , Li Zhiyang , Deng Yan , He Nongyue
Published: December 2019

Exosomes are membrane nanovesicles carrying molecular information that may reflect the biological and genetic characteristics of their parent cells.
Thermal conductivity of V2O5 nanowires and their contact thermal conductance
Authors: Wang Qilang , Liang Xing , Liu Bohai , Song Yihui , Gao Guohua , Xu Xiangfan
Published: December 2019

Thermal measurements of V2O5 nanowires suggest the vital role of interfacial thermal resistance in the heat dissipation in Li-ion batteries.
Ultra-tough and highly ordered macroscopic fiber assembly from 2D functional metal oxide nanosheet liquid crystals and strong ionic interlayer bridging
Authors: Wang Yalei , Zheng Yuanchuan , Sheng Li , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: December 2019

The formation of liquid crystals with spinnability and the improvement of mechanical properties by ionic interlayer bridging in macroscopic fiber assembly will promise 2D nanosheets a new opportunity for structural-functional applications.
Scaffold-based molecular design with a graph generative model
Authors: Lim Jaechang , Hwang Sang-Yeon , Moon Seokhyun , Kim Seungsu , Kim Woo Youn
Published: December 2019

We propose a scaffold-based graph generative model for designing novel drug candidates that include the desired scaffold as a substructure.
Inhibition of K-Ras4B-plasma membrane association with a membrane microdomain-targeting peptide
Authors: Li Fang-Yi , Zhang Zhen-Feng , Voss Stephanie , Wu Yao-Wen , Zhao Yu-Fen , Li Yan-Mei , Chen Yong-Xiang
Published: December 2019

A membrane ld microdomain-targeting hybrid peptide displays potent inhibition effect toward K-Ras4B-plasma membrane interaction and impairs Ras signaling output.
Direct observation of the attachment behavior of hydrophobic colloidal particles onto a bubble surface
Authors: Arai Nozomi , Watanabe Satoshi , Miyahara Minoru T. , Yamamoto Ryoichi , Hampel Uwe , Lecrivain Gregory
Published: December 2019

This article addresses the attachment behavior of a single particle onto a bubble from a microscopic view, in which a hydrophobic particle abruptly “jumps into” a bubble to satisfy its static contact angle.
A reverse micellar system with Triton X-100: effect of surfactant polydispersity and preparation of monodisperse silica nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Zhen Bin , Hu Yue , Liang Guohong , Feng Yaqing
Published: December 2019

Polydispersity of TX-100 surfactant affects the structure of reverse micelles remarkably, and TX-100 with 5–10 EO units endows the micelles with hierarchical micellar interface, favoring for the preparation of monodisperse silica nanoparticles.
Differential proteolytic activation of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry41Aa parasporin modulates its anticancer effect
Authors: Souissi Wided , Kaloki Arnold , Etherington Stuart , Domanska Barbara , West Michelle J. , Crickmore Neil
Published: December 2019

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram positive spore forming bacterium which produces intracellular protein crystals toxic to a wide variety of insect larvae and is the most commonly used biological pesticide worldwide. More recently, Bt crystal proteins known as parasporins have been discovered, that have no known insecticidal activity but target some human cancer cells exhibiting strong cytocidal activities with different toxicity spectra and varied activity levels. Parasporin-3, also called Cry41Aa, has only been shown to exhibit cytocidal activity towards HL-60 (Human promyelocytic leukemia cells) and HepG2 (Human liver cancer cells) cell lines after being proteolytically cleaved. In order to understand this activation mechanism various mutations were made in the N-terminal region of the protein and the toxicity against both HepG2 and HL-60 cell lines was evaluated. Our results indicate that only N-terminal cleavage is required for activation and that N-terminally deleted mutants show some toxicity without the need for proteolytic activation. Furthermore, we have shown that the level of toxicity towards the two cell lines depends on the protease used to activate the toxin. Proteinase K-activated toxin was significantly more toxic towards HepG2 and HL-60 than trypsin-activated toxin. N-terminal sequencing of activated toxins showed that this difference in toxicity is associated with a difference of just two amino acids (serine and alanine at positions 59 and 60, respectively) which we hypothesize occlude a binding motif.
LOFAR radio search for single and periodic pulses from M 31
Authors: van Leeuwen Joeri , Mikhailov Klim , Keane Evan , Coenen Thijs , Connor Liam , Kondratiev Vlad , Michilli Daniele , Sanidas Sotiris
Published: December 2019

Bright short radio bursts are emitted by sources at a wide range of distances: from the nearby Crab pulsar to remote fast radio bursts (FRBs). FRBs are likely to originate from distant neutron stars, but our knowledge of the radio pulsar population has been limited to the Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds. In an attempt to increase our understanding of extragalactic pulsar populations and their giant-pulse emission, we employed the low-frequency radio telescope LOFAR to search the Andromeda galaxy (M 31) for radio bursts emitted by young Crab-like pulsars. For direct comparison we also present a LOFAR study on the low-frequency giant pulses from the Crab pulsar; their fluence distribution follows a power law with slope 3.04 ± 0.03. A number of candidate signals were detected from M 31, but none proved persistent. FRBs are sometimes thought of as Crab-like pulsars with exceedingly bright giant pulses; based on our sensitivity, we can rule out that M 31 hosts pulsars that are more than an order of magnitude brighter than the Crab pulsar if their pulse scattering follows that of the known FRBs.
Palliativmedizinischer Versorgungsbedarf geriatrischer Patienten
Authors: Heusinger von Waldegg Gernot , Pfisterer Mathias
Published: December 2019

Was ist neu?

Besondere Kompetenzen der Palliativmedizin Zu den besonderen Schwerpunkten der Palliativmedizin gehören die frühzeitige Erfassung von Behandlungsbedarfen und psychosozialen, spirituellen Bedürfnissen sowie die Kommunikation auch in ethischen Fragen.

Frühzeitige Identifizierung des palliativmedizinischen Behandlungsbedarfs In der stationären Versorgung müssen spezifische Instrumente zur Identifikation des palliativmedizinischen Versorgungsbedarfs geriatrischer Patienten weiter entwickelt werden.

Perspektiven für Qualifikation des Behandlungsteams, des geriatrischen Assessments und der palliativen Symptomlinderung Es stehen drei neue Leitlinien zur Verfügung: die erweiterte S3-Leitlinie Palliativmedizin für Patienten mit einer nicht heilbaren Krebserkrankung, die S3-Leitlinie Schmerzassessment bei alten Menschen in der vollstationären Altenhilfe und die S1-Leitlinie Geriatrisches Assessment der Stufe 2 für die palliativmedizinische Versorgung geriatrischer Patienten.

Palliativmedizinische Versorgung von Patienten mit Demenzerkrankungen Die Europäische Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin hat ein Weißbuch mit Forderungen und Empfehlungen herausgegeben.
Durchbruchstörungen bleibender Zähne – Klinik
und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten
Authors: Dürwald Juliane , Köbel Chris , Dannhauer Karl-Heinz
Published: December 2019

Das Wissen um den Mechanismus des Eruptionsvorgangs und die Ätiologie von
Durchbruchstörungen ist hilfreich bei deren Differenzialdiagnostik. So
erlaubt ein frühzeitiges Identifizieren von Malformationen
während der Gebissentwicklung das Einleiten für den Patienten
individuell abgestimmter Therapiestrategien.

Ätiologie, Prävalenz, Ausprägung und Folgen,
diagnostische Maßnahmen, therapeutische Ansätze und
interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit bei Anomalien des Zahndurchbruchs der
zweiten Dentition werden in diesem Artikel beschrieben.
The Fetal Posterior Fossa on Prenatal Ultrasound Imaging: Normal Longitudinal Development and Posterior Fossa Anomalies
Authors: Pertl Barbara , Eder Sophie , Stern Christina , Verheyen Sarah
Published: December 2019

Fetal neurosonography and the assessment of the posterior fossa have gained in importance during the last 2 decades primarily due to the development of high-resolution ultrasound probes and the introduction of 3 D sonography. The anatomical development of the posterior fossa can be visualized well with the newest ultrasound technologies. This allows better knowledge of the anatomical structures and helps with understanding of the development of malformations of the posterior fossa. In this article the longitudinal development of the posterior fossa structures will be reviewed. The embryologic description will be compared with ultrasound descriptions. These embryologic and anatomic illustrations form the basis for the screening and diagnosis of malformations of the posterior fossa. During the first trimester, screening for open spina bifida as well as cystic malformations of the posterior fossa is possible. In the second and third trimester, malformations of the posterior fossa can be subdivided into 3 groups: fluid accumulation in the posterior fossa (Dandy-Walker malformation, Blake’s pouch cyst, mega cisterna magna, arachnoid cyst, vermian hypoplasia), decreased cerebellar biometrics (volume) (cerebellar hypoplasia, pontocerebellar hypoplasia) and suspicious cerebellar anatomy (Arnold-Chiari malformation, rhombencephalosynapsis, Joubert syndrome). This algorithm, in combination with knowledge of normal development, facilitates the diagnostic workup of malformations of the posterior fossa.
Klinische Neurophysiologie im Operationssaal – was den
Diagnostiker erwartet
Authors: Szelényi Andrea , Prell Julian
Published: December 2019

Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die häufig im
intraoperativen Neuromonitoring verwendeten Methoden, deren Indikationen und
Ausführung, sowie die aktuelle Datenlage zur Evidenz.
Automatisierte Berechnung und Visualisierung von Komorbiditätsindizes für den Tumorboard-Entscheid
Authors: Wald Theresa , Birnbaum Klemens , Wiegand Susanne , Dietz Andreas , Zebralla Veit , Wichmann Gunnar
Published: December 2019

Einleitung Komorbidität beeinflusst die für die kurative Therapie von Kopf-Hals-Karzinomen (HNC) verfügbaren Optionen. Das manuelle Zusammentragen der Nebenerkrankungen vor der Anmeldung im interdisziplinären Tumorboard (TB) ist zeitintensiv und oft unvollständig. Eine automatisierte Erfassung von nach ICD-10 kodierten Komorbiditätsdaten und deren Darstellung könnte die therapeutische Entscheidungsfindung im TB verbessern sowie bestehenden Informationsbedarf aufzeigen.

Material und Methoden Die ICD-10-Codes unserer Patienten wurden aus 4 Datenbanken (hospital-information-system (HIS*-MED), der klinikinternen Tumordatenbank, OncoFlow® und OncoFunction®) extrahiert. Nach der Datensatzverknüpfung mittels der Python-Programmbibliotheken Pandas und Record Linkage wurden die ICD-10-Codes bezüglich des Charlson-Scores gewichtet und für die Implementierung in OncoFlow visualisiert. Die Kodierqualität wurde am Beispiel Diabetes an einer 1:1 gematchten Stichprobe von 240 Patienten überprüft.

Ergebnisse 29 073 ICD-10-Codes von 2087 Patienten mit HNC wurden extrahiert. Die Anmeldung eines Patienten im TB triggert die sofortige automatische Erfassung und Visualisierung der Daten als Piktogramm in OncoFlow. Dies ermöglicht die schnelle Erfassung und Bewertung der Komorbidität sowie erforderlicher Diagnostik zur Komplettierung der Daten. Die klinikinterne Validationsstudie ergab eine Präzision der durch Datenimport verfügbaren Information zu Diabetes von 95,0 %.

Diskussion Patienten mit HNC weisen häufig für die Therapieentscheidung relevante Nebenerkrankungen auf. Die automatisierte Erfassung der Komorbidität aus administrativen Daten und deren intuitive Darstellung ist ressourcen- und kostengünstig möglich. Voraussetzung ist eine präzise, vollständige Verschlüsselung der Krankheitsdiagnosen.
Fabrication and Characterization of Chitosan-Collagen Membrane from Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer) Scales for Guided Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Susanto Agus , Satari Mieke Hemiawati , Abbas Basril , Koesoemowidodo R. Setyo Adji , Cahyanto Arief
Published: December 2019

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the synthesis, mechanical strength, and morphology of chitosan–collagen membranes from barramundi scales for guided tissue regeneration technique.

Materials and Methods Collagen was extracted from barramundi scales by immersion in acetic acid. The resulting wet collagen was later dried. The membrane was fabricated by mixing chitosan with collagen from barramundi scales. Membrane characterization parameters were measured using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical property.

Results The FTIR spectrum showed the typical peak of the mixture of chitosan and collagen. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the membrane in dry condition were 0.28 MPa and 8.53%, respectively, while in the wet condition these were 0.12 MPa and 25.6%. The membrane porosity test result was 38.85%; SEM result showed a porous membrane surface with size varying around 16 to 100 µm.

Conclusion The chitosan-collagen membrane from the barramundi scale showed the fibrous membrane surface that has ideal porous size as guided tissue regeneration membrane and the lower mechanical strength.
Transtemporal Ultrasound (US) Assessment of Third Ventricle Diameter (TVD): Comparison of US and MRI TVD in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kerscher Susanne R. , Schweizer Louise L. , Nägele Thomas , Bevot Andrea , Alber Michael , Schuhmann Martin U.
Published: December 2019

Introduction In a retrospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based study, we showed that changes of the third ventricle diameter (TVD) are a reliable mirror of changes of the entire ventricular system. The third ventricle is easily accessible in more than 90% of children and adults using ultrasound (US) via the transtemporal bone-window; thus it can be assessed quickly and free of radiation. In order to use transtemporal US determination of TVD instead of MRI/CT in clinical practice, it is important to know if there is a correlation and bias between both methods, which is addressed in this study.

Materials and Method This prospective study investigates 122 children (newborn–18 years). Diagnoses encompassed hydrocephalus (50%), tumors (14.8%), and other intracranial pathologies (35.2%). US-based TVD was measured via the transtemporal bone-window using a phased array 1 to 4MHz transducer. Results were compared with TVD measured on simultaneously acquired axial T1-weighted axial MRI or computed tomography (CT) scans.

Results Overall mean values for TVD were 6.56 ± 5.84 and 6.47 ± 5.64 mm for US and MRI, respectively. There was an outstanding correlation between TVD measured by MRI and US (r = 0.991, p < 0.01). Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean bias of 0.096 mm with limits of agreement of –0.99 and 1.18 mm.

Conclusion US- and MRI-based TVD measurements correlate excellently and measure almost identical TVD values. US-based TVD is in mean ∼0.096 mm larger than MRI-based TVD due to a more angulated measurement plane. US is equal to the gold-standard MRI, a fact, opening new avenues for US-based TVD as a first-line assessment tool of ventricular width.
The trilemma of sustainable industrial growth: evidence from a piloting OECD’s Green city
Authors: Vuong Quan-Hoang , Ho Manh-Tung , Nguyen Hong-Kong To , Nguyen Minh-Hoang
Published: December 2019

Can green growth policies help protect the environment while keeping the industry growing and infrastructure expanding? The City of Kitakyushu, Japan has actively implemented eco-friendly policies since 1967 and recently inspired the pursuit of sustainable development around the world, especially in the Global South region. However, empirical studies on the effects of green growth policies are still lacking. This study explores the relationship between road infrastructure development and average industrial firm size with air pollution in the city through the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Non-linear Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) methods were applied on nearly 50-years’ time series data, from 1967 to 2015. The results show that the shape of the EKC of industrial growth, measured by average firm size, depends on the type of air pollution: inverted N-shaped relationships with NO2 and CO, and the U-shaped relationships with falling dust particle and Ox. Regarding infrastructure development, on the one hand, our analysis shows a positive effect of road construction on alleviating the amount of falling dust and CO concentration. On the other hand, the emissions of NO2 and Ox are shown to rise when plotted against road construction. The decline of CO emission, when plotted against both industrial growth and road development, indicates that the ruthlessness of the local government in pursuing green growth policies has been effective in this case. However, the story is not straightforward when it comes to other air pollutants, which hints at the limits of the current policies. The case of Kitakyushu illustrates the complex dynamics of the interaction among policy, industry, infrastructure, and air pollution. It can serve as an important reference point for other cities in the Global South when policies are formed, and progress is measured in the pursuit of a green economy. Finally, as an OECD SDGs pilot city and the leading Asian green-growth city, policymakers in Kitakyushu city are recommended to revise the data policy to enhance the findability and interoperability of data, as well as to invest in the application of big data.
Molecular dynamics simulation of nanosized water droplet spreading on chemically heterogeneous surfaces
Authors: Di Jiawei , Yang Zhen , Duan Yuanyuan
Published: December 2019

The wetting kinetics of water droplets on chemically heterogeneous surfaces is important in several industrial technologies, such as biomedicine and microfluidics. Surfaces with different wettabilities can be designed to control the spread of droplets. In this study, nanosized water droplet spreading on chemically heterogeneous surfaces was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Chemically heterogeneous surfaces with different wetting patterns were investigated, and the equivalent spreading radius and dynamic contact angle during the spreading process were analyzed. Results showed that droplet spreading is mainly dependent on the area fractions of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions and the shape of the wetting pattern has a minor influence on the spreading process. The dynamic contact angle can be well predicted by molecular kinetics theory. The static contact angle data remarkably deviate from Cassie’s equation, while they agree better with the modified Cassie’s equation as a function of the hydrophobic length fraction, indicating that the wetting pattern has a substantial influence in the vicinity of the contact line.
Magnetic reconnection with null and X-points
Authors: Boozer Allen H.
Published: December 2019

Null and X-points are not themselves directly important to magnetic reconnection because distinguishable field lines do not approach them closely. Even in a collision-free plasma, magnetic field lines that approach each other on a scale c/ωpe become indistinguishable during an evolution. What is important is the different regions of space that can be explored by magnetic field lines that pass in the vicinity of null and X-points. Traditional reconnection theories made the assumption that the reconnected magnetic flux must be dissipated or diffused by an electric field. This assumption is false in three dimensional systems because an ideal evolution can cause magnetic field lines that cover a large volume to approach each other within the indistinguishability scale c/ωpe. When the electron-ion collision time τei is short compared to the evolution time of the magnetic field τev, the importance of c/ωpe is replaced by the resistive time scale τη=(η/μ0)L2 with L being the system scale. The magnetic Reynolds number Rm≡τη/τev is enormous in many reconnection problems of interest. Magnetic flux diffusion implies the current density required for reconnection to compete with evolution scales as Rm, while flux mixing implies the required current density to compete scales as ln Rm.
Polarization Stark spectroscopy for spatially resolved measurements of electric fields in the sheaths of ICRF antenna
Authors: Kostic A. , Crombé K. , Dux R. , Griener M. , Ochoukov R. , Shesterikov I. , Suárez López G. , Usoltceva M. , Casagrande R. , Martin E. H. , Noterdaeme J.-M.
Published: December 2019

A multichannel spectroscopic diagnostic based on the Stark effect on helium lines was developed and implemented in IShTAR (Ion Cyclotron Sheath Test ARrangement) to measure the spatial distribution of electric fields across the radio frequency sheaths of the ion cyclotron antenna. Direct measurements of the DC electric fields in the antenna sheaths are an important missing component in understanding the antenna-plasma edge interactions in magnetically confined fusion plasmas since they will be used to benchmark theoretical models against real antenna operation. Along with the high-resolution Czerny-Turner monochromator and a detector with an intensifier, the hardware relies on the 2 chained set of linear-to-linear fiber bundles that provide seven optical channels capable of resolving an 8.4 mm region in the vicinity of the antenna’s box. The diagnostic is supported with local helium gas puff, enabling it to operate in nonhelium plasmas. Spatially resolved electric field was measured for two discharge configurations, one with and one without the ICRF antenna. The results show a clear difference in the shape of the DC electric field’s spatial profile for the two cases studied, with the elevated values when the ICRF antenna was operating. This demonstrates the ability of the diagnostic to measure even small relative changes in the intensity of the electric field.
Black aluminum-coated Pt/Pb(Zr0.56Ti0.44)O3/Pt thin film structures for pyroelectric energy harvesting from a light source
Authors: More-Chevalier Joris , Yudin Petr V. , Cibert Christophe , Bednyakov Petr , Fitl Přemysl , Valenta Jan , Novotný Michal , Savinov Maxim , Poupon Morgane , Zikmund Tomáš , Poullain Gilles , Lančok Ján
Published: December 2019

A black aluminum (B-Al) film was deposited onto the surface of a stack structure of platinum/Pb(ZrxTi1 − x)O3/platinum (Pt/PZT/Pt) to convert light into a heat variation and the heat variation into a polarization change. A comparison was performed between B-Al/Pt/PZT/Pt and conventional Pt/PZT/Pt structures. An absorbance higher than 95% was measured for the B-Al layer over a large range of wavelengths varying from 350 nm to 1000 nm. The theoretical model shows that heat diffusion was extremely fast through the layers, and the sample holder played a key role in the variation and stabilization of the system temperature. A doubled variation of the polarization was observed when the light was applied onto the surface of the stack structure with stable B-Al on the top. This behavior was interpreted by the larger temperature variations induced under the highly absorptive B-Al layers, in good correlation with the theoretical model prediction based on the heat fluxes in the structures. This result is very promising for possible pyroelectric energy harvesting applications.
Investigation of myostatin and calpain 3 gene polymorphisms and their association with milk-production traits in Sfakia sheep
Authors: Ibrahim Adel H. M. , Tzanidakis Nikolaos , Sotiraki Smaragda , Zhou Huitong , Hickford Jonathan
Published: December 2019

Context
Genetic selection based on genetic markers for economically important traits in Sfakia sheep.

Aims
The aim of the present study was to investigate variation in the ovine myostatin gene (MSTN) and calpain 3 gene (CAPN3), and their association with milk-production traits.

Methods
Records for milk yield, milk fat content, protein content, lactose content, and non-fat solid content, pH and somatic-cell score (log), were obtained from 376 Sfakia ewes. Polymerase chain reaction–single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR–SSCP) analyses were used to detect variation in intron 1 of MSTN and exon 10 of CAPN3. General linear models were then used to test for associations between the variation in MSTN and CAPN3, and milk-production traits.

Key results
The SSCP banding patterns for MSTN showed four variants (A1, A2, A3 and A4), which contained nine nucleotide sequence differences. Four SSCP banding patterns (C1, C2, C3 and C4) were observed for CAPN3 and these contained eight nucleotide-sequence differences. The MSTN variation was associated (P < 0.05) with variation in milk yield and non-fat milk solid content. Variation in CAPN3 was associated with milk yield (P < 0.001), fat content (P < 0.05) and lactose content (P < 0.05). Association analyses between the presence/absence of MSTN and CAPN3 variants and milk-production traits showed that a variant of MSTN that had previously between associated with muscle hypertrophy was associated with decreased milk yield (P < 0.05) and a lower non-fat milk solid content (P < 0.01). A CAPN3 variant that had previously been associated with increased sheep-carcass loin lean-meat yield was associated with a decreased milk yield (P < 0.01) and a decreased milk fat content (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Our results have provided an insight into the effects of variation in ovine MSTN and CAPN3 on milk-production traits in sheep.

Implications
To preserve the dual-purpose characteristics of Sfakia sheep, breeding goals should take into account the possible antagonism between meat and milk traits.
Trends in the ecological character of the world's wetlands
Authors: Davidson N. C. , Dinesen L. , Fennessy S. , Finlayson C. M. , Grillas P. , Grobicki A. , McInnes R. J. , Stroud D. A.
Published: December 2019

We assessed trends in the ecological character of wetlands generally and of Ramsar Sites reported in 2011, 2014 and 2017 by the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in their national reports. There was more widespread deterioration than improvement in the ecological character of wetlands generally, with deterioration increasingly more widespread between 2011 and 2017. The ecological-character trends in Ramsar Sites were significantly better than those of wetlands generally, but an increasingly more widespread deterioration of ecological character was reported between 2011 and 2017. Trends in the ecological character of wetlands generally, and of Ramsar Sites were worst in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, and recently also in Oceania, and better in North America and Europe. Deterioration in the ecological character of Ramsar Site was more widespread in countries with a large average area of their Ramsar Sites. This information on trends of wetland ecological character can contribute to assessing the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal Target 6.6 and Aichi Biodiversity Target 5. Our analysis indicated that the 1971 aim of the Ramsar Convention to stem the degradation of wetlands has not yet been achieved.
Beneficial soil profile differences associated with tropical grass pastures on sodic texture contrast soils in Northern New South Wales
Authors: Banks Robert , Wendling Laura , Basford Kaye , Ringrose-Voase Anthony , Banks Vera
Published: December 2019

Volunteer native pastures on widespread sodic texture contrast soils in northern New South Wales slopes and plains are known for their limited agricultural production. Fertilised tropical grass pastures on these soils are reported to have much increased pasture production, deeper, more abundant root mass and greater soil profile moisture storage. The subsoil physical differences between native and tropical grass pastures are not well understood. This observational study compared root abundance, soil structure and soil physical parameters (dispersion, bulk density, porosity and pore distribution) in sodic texture contrast soils under native and adjacent, well established and fertilised tropical pastures in a 14-year chronosequence. The physical differences observed may have contributed to improved soil water storage reported by other authors. Fourteen years after establishment, mean root abundance was significantly lower in soils under native pasture and greater in the tropical grass pasture system with 4600 and 8400 m of roots m–3 respectively. Dispersion values were high in native pastures but soils under tropical pastures had to be physically worked to cause dispersion. Bulk density under native pasture was significantly higher than in tropical grass pastures by 0.08 g cm–3 at 0–10 cm and by 0.2 g cm–3 in the upper B horizons. Total soil porosity of topsoils and upper B horizons was consequently lower in native than in tropical grass pasture. Tropical grass pasture upper B horizons had a three-fold greater macroporosity (pores > 30 µm), than under native pastures. This is equivalent to significantly greater potential water flow through stable macropores in dense sodic B horizons in tropical pastures. These findings indicate that pasture system selection and management positively affects deep soil structural properties which promote pasture productivity. The study contributes to a better understanding of mechanisms of published deeper water storage in tropical grass pasture systems on these normally low production soils.
The scientific challenge of understanding and estimating climate change
Authors: Palmer Tim , Stevens Bjorn
Published: December 2019

Given the slow unfolding of what may become catastrophic changes to Earth’s climate, many are understandably distraught by failures of public policy to rise to the magnitude of the challenge. Few in the science community would think to question the scientific response to the unfolding changes. However, is the science community continuing to do its part to the best of its ability? In the domains where we can have the greatest influence, is the scientific community articulating a vision commensurate with the challenges posed by climate change? We think not.
Bubble pinch-off in turbulence
Authors: Ruth Daniel J. , Mostert Wouter , Perrard Stéphane , Deike Luc
Published: December 2019

Although bubble pinch-off is an archetype of a dynamical system evolving toward a singularity, it has always been described in idealized theoretical and experimental conditions. Here, we consider bubble pinch-off in a turbulent flow representative of natural conditions in the presence of strong and random perturbations, combining laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical modeling. We show that the turbulence sets the initial conditions for pinch-off, namely the initial bubble shape and flow field, but after the pinch-off starts, the turbulent time at the neck scale becomes much slower than the pinching dynamics: The turbulence freezes. We show that the average neck size,

d

¯

, can be described by

d

¯

∼

(

t
−

t

0

)

α

, where

t

0

is the pinch-off or singularity time and

α
≈
0.5

, in close agreement with the axisymmetric theory with no initial flow. While frozen, the turbulence can influence the pinch-off through the initial conditions. Neck shape oscillations described by a quasi–2-dimensional (quasi-2D) linear perturbation model are observed as are persistent eccentricities of the neck, which are related to the complex flow field induced by the deformed bubble shape. When turbulent stresses are less able to be counteracted by surface tension, a 3-dimensional (3D) kink-like structure develops in the neck, causing

d

¯

to escape its self-similar decrease. We identify the geometric controlling parameter that governs the appearance of these kink-like interfacial structures, which drive the collapse out of the self-similar route, governing both the likelihood of escaping the self-similar process and the time and length scale at which it occurs.
Cellular redox sensor HSCARG negatively regulates the translesion synthesis pathway and exacerbates mammary tumorigenesis
Authors: Zang Weicheng , Yang Chuanzhen , Li Tingting , Liao Liming , Zheng Xiaofeng
Published: December 2019

Significance

The TLS pathway plays a vital role in maintaining genome integrity during DNA replication. Here we describe a previously unknown TLS regulatory mechanism mediated by HSCARG, a cellular redox sensor. HSCARG enhances the interaction between PCNA and USP1 and thus inhibits PCNA ubiquitination, which further impairs the recruitment of POLH and promotes the generation of DSBs. Consequently, the up-regulation of HSCARG exacerbates mammary tumorigenesis. Importantly, the cellular redox state regulates HSCARG dimerization and subcellular localization and influences the efficiency of HSCARG in regulating the TLS pathway. Our studies discover a regulator of the TLS pathway and identify a crosstalk between the cellular redox status and the DNA damage response.
Inland water bodies in China: Features discovered in the long-term satellite data
Authors: Feng Shuailong , Liu Shuguang , Huang Zhihong , Jing Lei , Zhao Meifang , Peng Xi , Yan Wende , Wu Yiping , Lv Yihe , Smith Andrew R. , McDonald Morag A. , Patil Sopan D. , Sarkissian Arbi J. , Shi Zhihua , Xia Jun , Ogbodo U. S.
Published: December 2019

Water bodies (WBs), such as lakes, ponds, and impoundments, provide essential ecosystem services for human society, yet their characteristics and changes over large areas remain elusive. Here we used unprecedented data layers derived from all Landsat images available between 1984 and 2015 to understand the overall characteristics and changes of WBs between 2 epochs (i.e., 1984 to 1999 and 2000 to 2015) in China. Results show that the abundance estimate of WBs greater than 1 km
2
and the total WB surface area were 0.3 to 1.5 times and 0.2 to 0.5 times more than the previous estimates, respectively. The size-abundance and shoreline-area relationships of WBs in China conformed to the classic power scaling law, in contradiction to most previous studies. WB changes with various occurrence probabilities show widespread coexistence of disappearance of existent and emergence of new WBs across China driven primarily by human activities and climate change. Our results highlight the importance of using appropriate long-term satellite data to reveal the true properties and dynamics of WBs over large areas, which is essential for developing scaling theories and understanding the relative impacts of human activities and climate change on water resources in the world.
Optimizing photoswitchable MEK
Authors: Patel Aleena L. , Yeung Eyan , McGuire Sarah E. , Wu Andrew Y. , Toettcher Jared E. , Burdine Rebecca D. , Shvartsman Stanislav Y.
Published: December 2019

Significance

Controlling access to the active sites of kinases using photo-dimerizable domains revolutionizes the types of possible optogenetic perturbations of cell signaling. This technology, however, is useful only when there is strong kinase activity to harness. We report a strategy to systematically enhance and tune functionality of a kinase activating the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) pathway, MEK, using gain-of-function point mutations that destabilize MEK. Photoswitching mutant MEK activity by reversibly caging its active site controls a large dynamic range of ERK signaling in vivo. Our approach for optimizing and tuning light-activated protein kinases is not limited to MEK and can be used to systematically extend the capabilities of light-activated regulatory enzymes.