bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The secreted inhibitor of invasive cell growth CREG1 is negatively regulated by cathepsin proteases
Authors: Gomez-Auli Alejandro , Hillebrand Larissa Elisabeth , Christen Daniel , Günther Sira Carolin , Biniossek Martin Lothar , Peters Christoph , Schilling Oliver , Reinheckel Thomas
Published: May 2020

Previous clinical and experimental evidence strongly supports a breast cancer-promoting function of the lysosomal protease cathepsin B. However, the cathepsin B-dependent molecular pathways are not completely understood. Here, we studied the cathepsin-mediated secretome changes in the context of the MMTV-PyMT breast cancer mouse model. Employing the cell-conditioned media from tumor-macrophage co-cultures, as well as tumor interstitial fluid obtained by a novel strategy from PyMT mice with differential cathepsin B expression, we identified an important proteolytic and lysosomal signature, highlighting the importance of this organelle and these enzymes in the tumor micro-environment. The Cellular Repressor of E1A Stimulated Genes 1 (CREG1), a secreted endolysosomal glycoprotein, displayed reduced abundance upon over-expression of cathepsin B as well as increased abundance upon cathepsin B deletion or inhibition. Moreover, it was cleaved by cathepsin B in vitro. CREG1 reportedly could act as tumor suppressor. We show that treatment of PyMT tumor cells with recombinant CREG1 reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion; whereas, the opposite was observed with reduced CREG1 expression. This was further validated in vivo by orthotopic transplantation. Our study highlights CREG1 as a key player in tumor–stroma interaction and suggests that cathepsin B sustains malignant cell behavior by reducing the levels of the growth suppressor CREG1 in the tumor microenvironment.
Note on the existence theory for pseudo-monotone evolution problems
Authors: Kaltenbach A. , Růžička M.
Published: May 2020

In this note, we develop a framework which allows to prove an existence result for nonlinear evolution problems involving time-dependent, pseudo-monotone operators. This abstract existence result is applicable to a large class of concrete problems where the standard theorem on evolutionary pseudo-monotone operators (cf. Theorem 1.3) is not applicable. To this end we introduce the notion of Bochner pseudo-monotonicity, and Bochner coercivity, which are appropriate extensions of the concepts of pseudo-monotonicity and coercivity to the evolutionary setting. Moreover, we give sufficient conditions for these new notions, which are easily and widely applicable.
Stent-Assisted Coiling Using Leo+ Baby Stent
Authors: Luecking Hannes , Struffert Tobias , Goelitz Philipp , Engelhorn Tobias , Brandner Sebastian , Kuramatsu Joji B. , Lang Stefan , Schmidt Manuel , Doerfler Arnd
Published: May 2020

Background

Stent-assisted coiling is well-established for treatment of cerebral aneurysms. The technique enables treatment of wide-neck, bifurcation and recurrent aneurysms with high packing rates. While described in extenso for laser cut stents, the results of patients treated with the Leo+ Baby (Balt, Montmorency, France) braided microstent are presented.

Material and Methods

Patients were included if treated with a Leo+ Baby and with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) follow-up available of at least 6 months. Data were evaluated for successful deployment, aneurysm occlusion according to the modified Raymond-Roy classification (MRRC), stent patency and procedure-related morbidity and mortality.

Results

A total of 81 patients were included and Leo+ Baby deployment was successful in all cases. Coils were used in 80 cases. In 1 case 2 stents were used stent-in-stent without additional coiling. Initial aneurysm occlusion rates were MRRCi1 51.9%, MRRCi2 11.1%, MRRCi3a 24.7% and MRRCi3b 12.3%. Occlusion rates after 6 months were MRRC6m1 78.9%, MRRC6m2 3.9%, MRRC6m3a 6.6% and MRRC6m3b 10.5%. Procedure-related morbidity was 1 case of acute stent thrombosis successfully treated with tirofiban and 1 case with transient hemiparesis due to stent thrombosis after 4 months. There was 1 case of coil-associated subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) which caused prolonged hospitalization. No procedure-related mortality was observed.

Conclusion

The results confirm that stent-assisted coiling with the Leo+ Baby stent is safe and efficient for treatment of wide neck or recurrent cerebral aneurysms. Spontaneous progressive aneurysm occlusion over 6 months supports the theory of considerable flow-modulating effects of Leo+ Baby.
Temporal trends in diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of paediatric type 1 diabetes between 2006 and 2016: results from 13 countries in three continents
Authors: Cherubini Valentino , Grimsmann Julia M. , Åkesson Karin , Birkebæk Niels H. , Cinek Ondrej , Dovč Klemen , Gesuita Rosaria , Gregory John W. , Hanas Ragnar , Hofer Sabine E. , Holl Reinhard W. , Jefferies Craig , Joner Geir , King Bruce R. , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Peña Alexia S. , Rami-Merhar Birgit , Schierloh Ulrike , Skrivarhaug Torild , Sumnik Zdenek , Svensson Jannet , Warner Justin T. , Bratina Nataša , Dabelea Dana
Published: May 2020

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this work was to evaluate geographical variability and trends in the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), between 2006 and 2016, at the diagnosis of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes in 13 countries over three continents.

Methods

An international retrospective study on DKA at diagnosis of diabetes was conducted. Data on age, sex, date of diabetes diagnosis, ethnic minority status and presence of DKA at diabetes onset were obtained from Australia, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, USA and the UK (Wales). Mean prevalence was estimated for the entire period, both overall and by country, adjusted for sex and age group. Temporal trends in annual prevalence of DKA were estimated using logistic regression analysis for each country, before and after adjustment for sex, age group and ethnic minority status.

Results

During the study period, new-onset type 1 diabetes was diagnosed in 59,000 children (median age [interquartile range], 9.0 years [5.5–11.7]; male sex, 52.9%). The overall adjusted DKA prevalence was 29.9%, with the lowest prevalence in Sweden and Denmark and the highest in Luxembourg and Italy. The adjusted DKA prevalence significantly increased over time in Australia, Germany and the USA while it decreased in Italy. Preschool children, adolescents and children from ethnic minority groups were at highest risk of DKA at diabetes diagnosis in most countries. A significantly higher risk was also found for females in Denmark, Germany and Slovenia.

Conclusions/interpretation

DKA prevalence at type 1 diabetes diagnosis varied considerably across countries, albeit it was generally high and showed a slight increase between 2006 and 2016. Increased awareness of symptoms to prevent delay in diagnosis is warranted, especially in preschool children, adolescents and children from ethnic minority groups.
Plasma fatty acids and the risk of vascular disease and mortality outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes: results from the ADVANCE study
Authors: Harris Katie , Oshima Megumi , Sattar Naveed , Würtz Peter , Jun Min , Welsh Paul , Hamet Pavel , Harrap Stephen , Poulter Neil , Chalmers John , Woodward Mark
Published: May 2020

Aims/hypothesis

This biomarker study aimed to quantify the association of essential and other plasma fatty acid biomarkers with macrovascular disease, microvascular disease and death in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A case-cohort study (N = 3576), including 654 macrovascular events, 341 microvascular events and 631 deaths during 5 years of (median) follow-up, was undertaken as a secondary analysis of the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified-Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) study (full details of the study design and primary endpoints of the ADVANCE trial and its case-cohort have been published previously). This current study considers new data: fatty acids measured from baseline plasma samples by proton NMR analysis. The fatty acids measured were n-3, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), n-6, linoleic acid, and polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. HRs were modelled per SD higher (percentage) fatty acid. C statistics and continuous net reclassification improvement were used to test the added value of fatty acids compared with traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, an inverse association was observed for n-3 fatty acids and DHA with the risk of macrovascular events (HR [95% CI]: 0.87 [0.80, 0.95] and 0.88 [0.81, 0.96], respectively, per 1 SD higher percentage), and for n-3 fatty acids with the risk of death (HR 0.91 [95% CI 0.84, 0.99] per 1 SD higher percentage). Such associations were also evident when investigating absolute levels of fatty acids. There were no statistically significant associations between any fatty acids and microvascular disease after adjustment. However, there was limited improvement in the predictive ability of models when any fatty acid was added.

Conclusions/interpretation

Plasma n-3 fatty acids and DHA were found to be inversely associated with macrovascular disease, while n-3 fatty acids were also inversely associated with death. These results support the cardioprotective effects of n-3 fatty acids and DHA and further merit testing the role of high-dose supplementation with n-3 fatty acids in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00145925.
Source-related smart suspect screening in the aqueous environment: search for tire-derived persistent and mobile trace organic contaminants in surface waters
Authors: Seiwert Bettina , Klöckner Philipp , Wagner Stephan , Reemtsma Thorsten
Published: May 2020

A variant of suspect screening by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) is proposed in this study: Samples of a potential source of contamination and of an environmental sample close to this source are first analyzed in a non-targeted manner to select source-related suspects and to identify them. The suspect list compiled from such an exercise is then applied to LC-HRMS data of environmental samples to ascribe and to identify persistent and mobile contaminants in the water cycle that may originate from the source under study. This approach was applied to tire crumb rubber (source) and road dust (close to source); by comparison of the two data sets, 88% of the features detected in tire leachate could be excluded. Of the 48 suspects remaining, a total of 41 could be tentatively identified as either related to hexamethoxymethyl melamine or cyclic amines, benzothiazoles, or glycols. Subsequently, environmental samples were searched for these suspects: 85% were determined in an urban creek after a combined sewer overflow and 67% in the influent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). These exceptionally high rates of positive findings prove that this source-related smart suspect screening effectively directs the effort of selecting and identifying unknown contaminants to those related to the source of interest. The WWTP effluent and the urban creek during dry weather also showed the presence of numerous contaminants that may stem from tire and road wear particles (TRWP) in road runoff. Contribution from other sources, however, cannot be ruled out.
Dietary calcium intake does not meet the nutritional requirements of children with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis
Authors: McAlister Louise , Silva Selmy , Shaw Vanessa , Shroff Rukshana
Published: May 2020

Background

Adequate calcium (Ca) intake is required for bone mineralization in children. We assessed Ca intake from diet and medications in children with CKD stages 4–5 and on dialysis (CKD4–5D) and age-matched controls, comparing with the UK Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) and international recommendations.

Methods

Three-day prospective diet diaries were recorded in 23 children with CKD4–5, 23 with CKD5D, and 27 controls. Doses of phosphate (P) binders and Ca supplements were recorded.

Results

Median dietary Ca intake in CKD4–5D was 480 (interquartile range (IQR) 300–621) vs 724 (IQR 575–852) mg/day in controls (p = 0.00002), providing 81% vs 108% RNI (p = 0.002). Seventy-six percent of patients received < 100% RNI. In CKD4–5D, 40% dietary Ca was provided from dairy foods vs 56% in controls. Eighty percent of CKD4–5D children were prescribed Ca-based P-binders, 15% Ca supplements, and 9% both medications, increasing median daily Ca intake to 1145 (IQR 665–1649) mg/day; 177% RNI. Considering the total daily Ca intake from diet and medications, 15% received < 100% RNI, 44% 100–200% RNI, and 41% > 200% RNI. Three children (6%) exceeded the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) upper limit of 2500 mg/day. None with a total Ca intake < RNI was hypocalcemic, and only one having > 2 × RNI was hypercalcemic.

Conclusions

Seventy-six percent of children with CKD4–5D had a dietary Ca intake < 100% RNI. Restriction of dairy foods as part of a P-controlled diet limits Ca intake. Additional Ca from medications is required to meet the KDOQI guideline of 100–200% normal recommended Ca intake.
Ultrasound 3D reconstruction of malignant masses in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy using the PAF rail system: a comparison study
Authors: Wang Chongyun , Komninos Charalampos , Andersen Stephanie , D’Ettorre Claudia , Dwyer George , Maneas Efthymios , Edwards Philip , Desjardins Adrien , Stilli Agostino , Stoyanov Danail
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), the use of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) helps to localise and outline the tumours as well as the blood vessels within the kidney. The aim of this work is to evaluate the use of the pneumatically attachable flexible (PAF) rail system for US 3D reconstruction of malignant masses in RAPN. The PAF rail system is a novel device developed and previously presented by the authors to enable track-guided US scanning.

Methods

We present a comparison study between US 3D reconstruction of masses based on: the da Vinci Surgical System kinematics, single- and stereo-camera tracking of visual markers embedded on the probe. An US-realistic kidney phantom embedding a mass is used for testing. A new design for the US probe attachment to enhance the performance of the kinematic approach is presented. A feature extraction algorithm is proposed to detect the margins of the targeted mass in US images.

Results

To evaluate the performance of the investigated approaches the resulting 3D reconstructions have been compared to a CT scan of the phantom. The data collected indicates that single camera reconstruction outperformed the other approaches, reconstructing with a sub-millimetre accuracy the targeted mass.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that the PAF rail system provides a reliable platform to enable accurate US 3D reconstruction of masses in RAPN procedures. The proposed system has also the potential to be employed in other surgical procedures such as hepatectomy or laparoscopic liver resection.
E-democracy and the Matter of Scale. Revisiting the Democratic Promises of the Internet in Terms of the Spatial Dimension
Authors: Kneuer Marianne , Datts Mario
Published: May 2020

The emergence of the Internet fueled euphoric—partially utopian—visions that can be summarized as democratic promises. In most cases, the normative and empirical discussion so far has considered e‑democracy tools and their potential, regardless of the scale of interaction—be it local, national, or transnational—as a one-size-fits-all approach, assuming that what is applicable for the national level will be equally true for the subnational and transnational levels. We argue that the question of whether the Internet and digital tools can fulfill the democratic promises must be confronted in a more differentiated way, examiningunder which spatial conditionse‑democracy is more likely to incentivize citizens to engage and to involve more citizens as well as marginalized citizens in public debates and decision making. The article introduces scale as a new element for a better theoretical understanding of e‑democracy. We establish a conceptual framework that enables us to capture scale as distance in terms of territorial, cognitive, and affective distance. The spatial perspective brings an innovative spin to the somewhat petrified positions on the mobilizing or reinforcing effects of digital tools as well as a new theoretical argument for the debate on e‑democracy in general.
Cardiothoracic robotic assisted surgery in times of COVID-19
Authors: Van den Eynde Jef , De Groote Senne , Van Lerberghe Robin , Van den Eynde Raf , Oosterlinck Wouter
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses an immense threat to healthcare systems worldwide. At a time when elective surgeries are being suspended and questions are being raised about how the remaining procedures on COVID-19 positive patients can be performed safely, it is important to consider the potential role of robotic assisted surgery within the current pandemic. Recently, several robotic assisted surgery societies have issued their recommendations. To date, however, no specific recommendations are available for cardiothoracic robotic assisted surgery in COVID-19 positive patients. Here, we discuss the potential risks, benefits, and preventive measures that need to be taken into account when considering robotic assisted surgery for cardiothoracic indications in patients with confirmed COVID-19. It is suggested that robotic assisted surgery might have various advantages such as early recovery after surgery, shorter hospital stay, and reduced loss of blood and fluids as well as smaller incisions. However, electrosurgical and ultrasonic devices, as well as CO2 insufflation should be managed with caution to prevent the risk of aerosolization of viral particles.
Study of evaluation method for the overseas oil and gas investment based on risk compensation
Authors: Li Zu-Xin , Liu Jian-Ye , Luo Dong-Kun , Wang Jian-Jun
Published: May 2020

The overseas oil and gas investment evaluation is one of the core tasks in overseas investment of oil and gas companies, among which risk evaluation and benefit evaluation are the most important. This paper sets forth transmission paths of risk factors to the investment benefit by identifying 14 overseas oil and gas investment risks in four categories. On the basis of the concept of risk compensation, different compensation mechanisms specific to each risk are designed. The risk and benefit are integrated objectively to develop a comprehensive evaluation model by correcting the recoverable reserve, adjusting benefit evaluation parameters such as investments on exploration and development, and compensating for the changes in risk factors with time through dynamic discount rate. Moreover, two cases studies, namely the evaluations of Project A in Sudan and comparison among Blocks A–G, are used to describe usage method and applicable scope of such evaluation model, respectively. According to the results, oil price is a key influencing factor for enterprise internal risk and industrial risk. Risk compensation reduces comprehensive benefit of overseas oil and gas investment and undermines the investment feasibility and priority of blocks. The research findings of this paper are free from the effects of some subject factors and avoid multi-objective decision making, and also avoid the undesired repeated calculation of risk factors.
Lithic raw material economy at the Huayang site in Northeast China: localization and diversification as adaptive strategies in the Late Glacial
Authors: Yue Jian-Ping , Li You-Qian , Zhang Yu-Xiu , Yang Shi-Xia
Published: May 2020

The study of lithic raw material plays an important role in developing archeologists’ understanding of the different adaptive strategies and behaviors of prehistoric people. In this paper, we present new evidence from the Huayang site that reveals lithic raw material procurement and exploitation strategies dating to around 14 ka cal. BP. The Huayang site is located in the southern portion of the Lesser Khingan Mountains in Northeast China, a key region for examining migration, diffusion, and interaction among hunter-gatherers in East and Northeast Asia. Our results indicate that diversified lithic raw materials were found and procured from local riverbeds and reduced at the site. Each raw material was reduced with distinctive knapping strategies and, as a result, there is a strong discrete spatial pattern for each of the different raw material types. Intra- and inter-site comparative analyses suggest a uniform trend towards localization and diversification of lithic raw materials in the southern Lesser Khingan Mountains, Northeast China during the Late Glacial, which seems to be associated with the paleoclimatic amelioration and the demographic expansion during this period.
Corneotherapie – Pflege und Reparatur der Haut: präzise, effektiv und nachhaltig
Authors: Keck Cornelia M.
Published: May 2020

Die Pflege und Gesunderhaltung der Haut ist nicht nur für ein gutes Aussehen, sondern auch für das allgemeine Wohlbefinden essenziell. Viele Menschen investieren daher für die Hautpflege nicht nur viel Zeit, sondern auch viel Geld. Oft stellt sich jedoch die Frage, welche Produkte aus der Vielfalt an Angeboten nun besonders effektiv und empfehlenswert sind. Der Artikel gibt darüber Auskunft. Er erläutert die Grundlagen und aktuellen Erkenntnisse der Corneobiologie und zeigt, wie eine präzise, effektive und nachhaltige Hautpflege heute aussehen sollte.
Evaluation of groundwater and surface water quality suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes in Kombolcha town area, eastern Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Berhe Berihu Abadi
Published: May 2020

The appropriateness of groundwater and surface water for domestic and agricultural uses was assessed in Kombolcha town located in Amhara region using water quality indexes. The town is one of the fast developing and emerging as a leading industrial town in Ethiopia and is selected as an industrial zone by the government. A total of eighteen groundwater and five surface water samples were collected using 250-ml sampling bottles at selected points and analyzed for major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl−) in the dry season (May 2017) and wet season (Nov, 2017). A water quality index (WQI) method was applied to evaluate the suitability of the groundwater for drinking purposes using eighteen groundwater sampling points and fourteen parameters (EC, TDS, HCO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl, SO42−, NO3−, PO43−, Cu, Fe and F−), and each parameters were also compared with WHO drinking guidelines. According to WQI, groundwater samples of the present study show excellent (72.2%) and good (27.8%) in the dry season and excellent (83.3%) and good (16.7%) in the wet season. Assessment of groundwater samples from Na+, Mg2+, K+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, NO3−, PO43−, F− and Cu parameters indicates that groundwater of the study area is chemically suitable for drinking purposes. However, some are unsuitable according to the EC, TDS and Ca2+ and all are not suitable with reference to iron (Fe). Groundwater and surface water quality for irrigation were evaluated using SAR, RSC, MR, PI, KI and EC. The results show that most of the groundwater and surface water samples were suitable/excellent for irrigation with some places in the study locations that belong to the good and permissible. The sodium hazard versus salinity hazard of the entire water sample collected in two seasons falls into category C2-S1 and C3-S1, indicating low alkali hazards and excellent irrigation water. Groundwater samples in wet seasons are more suitable than in the dry season for drinking and irrigation purposes, and groundwater samples are less polluted than surface water. The main source of pollution in the study area is the effluents from industries.
Deciphering the possible role of H2O2 in methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Fu Xufeng , Yang Xiuyu , Du Xing , Cui Qinghua
Published: May 2020

Backgrounds

Methylmercury (MeHg) is regarded as a developmental neurotoxicant but the detailed mechanism remains not completely clear.

Methods

The Xenopus laevis embryos were exposed to methylmercury chloride and the expression of neurodevelopment and oxidative stress genes was detected by qRT-PCR or Western blotting. PC12 cells were exposed to various levels of H2O2, and then cell cycle, neurite length, neurodevelopment-related genes, protein expression of apoptosis and autophagy were detected.

Results

The genes of neurodevelopment and oxidative stress were disrupted by methylmercury chloride and H2O2 were increased interestingly in X. laevis embryos. Then, PC12 cells were exposed to H2O2 and the results showed the cell cycle, neurite length, and neurodevelopment-related genes, the proteins apoptosis and autophagy were changed.

Conclusion

These results supported the idea that neurodevelopment-related gene expression was regulated by oxidative stress and that apoptosis and autophagy pathways were activated by H2O2 and involved in methylmercury neurotoxicity.
Is the sublay self-gripping mesh effective for incisional ventral hernia repair? Our experience and a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Schembari Elena , Sofia Maria , Lombardo Rosario , Randazzo Valentina , Coco Ornella , Mattone Edoardo , La Greca Gaetano , Russello Domenico , Latteri Saverio
Published: May 2020

Sublay mesh repair seems to be the most effective method for treating incisional hernias (IHs). The aim of this study was to report our experience with retromuscular repair and self-gripping mesh for the treatment of midline IHs. In addition, we provided a systematic review of the literature regarding the use of this novel combination. All patients undergoing elective IH repair from June 2016 to November 2018 were included. The self-gripping mesh was placed in the sublay position. Demographic data, defect sizes, postoperative complications and follow-up durations were collected. A systematic review of the available literature was conducted in January 2020 using main databases. A total of 37 patients (20/17M/F) were included in this study, and the mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 58 years and 27 kg/m2, respectively. Minor complications occurred in six patients. Long-term follow-up demonstrated recurrence in three patients. Regarding the review, five publications were considered relevant. The highest complication rate was 28.6%, and the recurrence rate varied from 0 to 5.1%. This is the first review of the literature regarding sublay IH repair using a self-gripping mesh. The low rates of postoperative complications and recurrence in our experience and those reported by most of the reviewed articles demonstrate that this is a safe and effective method for repairing IHs.
Modulus of continuity of controlled Loewner–Kufarev equations and random matrices
Authors: Amaba Takafumi , Friedrich Roland
Published: May 2020

First we introduce the two tau-functions which appeared either as the$$\tau $$τ-function of the integrable hierarchy governing the Riemann mapping of Jordan curves or in conformal field theory and the universal Grassmannian. Then we discuss various aspects of their interrelation. Subsequently, we establish a novel connection between free probability, growth models and integrable systems, in particular for second order freeness, and summarise it in a dictionary. This extends the previous link between conformal maps and largeN-matrix integrals to (higher) order free probability. Within this context of dynamically evolving contours, we determine a class of driving functions for controlled Loewner–Kufarev equations, which enables us to give a continuity estimate for the solution of such an equation when embedded into the Segal–Wilson Grassmannian.
Blocking retrograde axonal transport of autophagosomes contributes to sevoflurane-induced neuron apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Xu Mingliang , Feng Jianguo , Tang Mingxi , Guo Qingxi , Zhan Jian , Zhu Fuzu , Lei Hong , Kang Qingmei
Published: May 2020

Autophagy, a crucial pathway for the degradation of proteins in eukaryotic cells, is linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and the accumulated autophagosomes in the cells resulting in the death of cells. Sevoflurane can impair spatial learning and memory in mice with AD and lead to the apoptosis of nerve cells; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We aim to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of sevoflurane in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 double-transgenic mice. 51 heterozygous APPswe/PS1ΔE9 double-transgenic mice were involved and divided into three groups, including control group, sham group and sevoflurane group. Morris water maze experiment was used to test the learning and memory abilities of mice, flow cytometry was conducted to detect apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential of brain cells in mice, transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the number of autophagosomes at the axon in mice, and western blot was carried out to detect the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, LC3II, P62, KIF3B and DIC proteins of brain cells in mice. In our study, we found that significantly longer escape latencies, fewer crossings of the platform and shorter time spent in the target quadrant of the morris water maze experiment in the sevoflurane group. Flow cytometry showed cellular apoptosis was increased and the membrane potential of the mitochondria was reduced of brain cells in the sevoflurane group. Transmission electron microscopy displayed that there was a remarkable upregulation of autophagosomes at the axon of brain cells in mice after treatment of sevoflurane. Western blot demonstrated that the expression of Bax, LC3II, P62 and KIF3B proteins were elevated, and the expression of Bcl-2 and DIC proteins were reduced in the sevoflurane group. Sevoflurane impaired acquisition learning and memory function, promoted the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 double-transgenic mice, and the mechanism might be related to the activation of autophagy along with the disruption of autophagosomes retrograde transport in axons.
Multi-material design in additive manufacturing—feasibility validation
Authors: Leicher M. , Kamper S. , Treutler K. , Wesling V.
Published: May 2020

The present investigations on generative manufacturing using metallic materials pursue the idea of transferring the microscopic structural morphology of a dual-phase steel in modified form to the macroscopic level. The aim is to be able to join materials of different lattice modifications and to combine their positive properties. This applies in particular to the combination of high tensile strength and good formability. For this investigation, a specimen was created from a high-strength ferritic/martensitic (25%) and an austenitic (75%) material with a defined welding sequence. The specimen was deliberately manufactured anisotropically using welding layers in order to quantify its properties. Tensile tests were performed on specimens with different weld seam orientations to determine the direction-dependent properties. As can be proven by the results, the application of welding processes with different materials results in an anisotropic behaviour in generative manufacturing. With regard to tensile strength and elongation, there is an integral value of the mechanical-technological properties of both base materials. The existing anisotropy can be utilized with regard to the design by adapting the alignment of the weld layers to the load.
Microstructure investigation of duplex stainless steel welds using arc heat treatment technique
Authors: Putz Andrea , Hosseini Vahid A. , Westin Elin M. , Enzinger Norbert
Published: May 2020

A heat treatment technique was applied on standard duplex stainless steel welds in order to investigate the influence of thermal treatments, e.g., multi-pass welding, on the microstructure. By using a stationary arc, a spatial steady-state temperature field ranging from liquidus to room temperature evolves within a single sample and results in a graded microstructure. The arc heat treatment was applied for 10 and 60 min respectively, and the experimental results were compared against thermodynamic calculations. Metallographic investigations revealed the formation of secondary phases within distinct zones. For the 10 min arc heat treated sample, the formation of sigma phase was observed in a temperature range of 730–1000 °C and chi phase was found above 700 °C. For the 60 min sample, sigma phase formed between 675 and 1025 °C, while chi phase formed above 600 °C. In both samples, transformation of chi phase to sigma phase as well as the formation of secondary austenite at 575–1100 °C was observed. Hardness measurements identified brittle regions, which correlated with the regions enriched in sigma phase and decomposition of ferrite. Compared to the initial microstructure, regions with secondary phases showed increased sensitization to local corrosion, when tested according to ASTM A262-Practice A.
Clinical significance of fluid biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lewczuk Piotr , Łukaszewicz-Zając Marta , Mroczko Piotr , Kornhuber Johannes
Published: May 2020

The number of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other types of dementia disorders has drastically increased over the last decades. AD is a complex progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting about 14 million patients in Europe and the United States. The hallmarks of this disease are neurotic plaques consist of the Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein (pTau). Currently, four CSF biomarkers: Amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42), Aβ42/40 ratio, Tau protein, and Tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (pTau181) have been indicated as core neurochemical AD biomarkers. However, the identification of additional fluid biomarkers, useful in the prognosis, risk stratification, and monitoring of drug response is sorely needed to better understand the complex heterogeneity of AD pathology as well as to improve diagnosis of patients with the disease. Several novel biomarkers have been extensively investigated, and their utility must be proved and eventually integrated into guidelines for use in clinical practice. This paper presents the research and development of CSF and blood biomarkers for AD as well as their potential clinical significance.

Graphic abstract

Upper panel: Aβ peptides are released from transmembrane Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) under physiological conditions (blue arrow). In AD, however, pathologic accumulation of Aβ monomers leads to their accumulation in plaques (red arrow). This is reflected in decreased concentration of Aβ1-42 and decreased Aβ42/40 concentration ratio in the CSF. Lower panel: Phosphorylated Tau molecules maintain axonal structures; hyperphosphorylation of Tau (red arrow) in AD leads to degeneration of axons, and release of pTau molecules, which then accumulate in neurofibrillary tangles. This process is reflected by increased concentrations of Tau and pTau in the CSF.
First report of the early Eocene pteropods from the Zhepure Formation in Yadong, southern Tibet, China
Authors: Li Xin-fa , Li Guo-biao , Garvie Christopher L. , Wang Tian-yang , Zhao Jun
Published: May 2020

During recent stratigraphical and micropaleontological investigations of the Gulupu section in Tüna, Yadong, of the Eocene Zhepure Formation, numerous holoplanktonic mollusks (pteropods) were recovered. Four species, assignable to two genera of pteropods (includingLimacina yadongensisnew species) were systematically described and illustrated, and a gastropod-bivalve biofacies was identified. This is the first report of Eocene (Ypresian) pteropods in southern Tibet; the same stratum also yields many other neritic faunas. The data presented in this study suggest that a semi-closed restricted gulf in the Tüna area existed and the occurrence of pteropods in Tüna may indicate transport from more open, deep water by oceanic currents during early Eocene. Based on the analysis of paleogeographical distribution of pteropods, it indicates that a Tethys seaway existed during the early Eocene (Ypresian).

UUID:http://zoobank.org/7eb6f8dd-a973-4834-986a-310008476eb0
Multilocus phylogeography of the world populations of Elaeidobius kamerunicus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), pollinator of the palm Elaeis guineensis
Authors: Haran Julien , Ndzana Abanda Raphael François Xavier , Benoit Laure , Bakoumé Claude , Beaudoin-Ollivier Laurence
Published: May 2020

Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) is one of the specific pollinators on inflorescences of the African oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacquin. This derelomine weevil is native to tropical Africa. During the late 20th century, it was introduced into all tropical regions where E. guineensis is grown, in order to improve its pollination and fruit set. Despite an overall success, a decline in pollination efficiency has been documented in several regions. In this study, we reconstructed a multilocus phylogeography of the world populations of E. kamerunicus, in order to explore its genetic diversity in its native and introduced ranges. Our results showed that African populations of E. kamerunicus are forming two differentiated mitochondrial clusters in West and central Africa, forming a contact zone along the Cameroon Volcanic Line. The existence of this sharp contact zone along this weak altitudinal barrier suggests that other parameters, such as climate, may be driving the distribution of populations. A differential genetic structure between mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and the strong level of genetic structure of the mitochondrial gene, also suggest sex-biased dispersal in this species, with males dispersing more than females. The genetic structure inferred from Asian and South American populations suggests that they originate from populations of both western and central tropical Africa and that a bottleneck has probably been experienced by these populations.
Prosthenhystera gattiin. sp. (Digenea: Callodistomidae), a gallbladder parasite ofBryconamericus ikaafrom the lower Iguazú River, described based on combined molecular and morphological evidence
Authors: Montes M.M. , Barneche J. , Croci Y. , Rodriguez Gil S. , Curran S.S. , Ferrari W. , Casciotta J.R. , Martorelli S.R.
Published: May 2020

Adult forms of members of the Callodistomidae always parasitize the gallbladder of freshwater fishes and occur in Africa and America. This study provides a description of a new South American species belonging inProsthenhysterafrom the gallbladder of a characid fish (Bryconamericus ikaa), and ribosomal gene sequences (28S rDNA and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) are used to demonstrate molecular differences between the new species and congeners as well as explore interrelationships among congeners. Additionally, the first cytological analysis is conducted for a member of the family to determine chromosome number and arrangement.Prosthenhystera gattiin. sp. most closely resemblesProsthenhystera caballeroiin morphology, but the vitellarium is more extensive reaching anterior to the caecal bifurcation in the new species and the uterus is confined to the hindbody inP. gattiin. sp., whereas it extends to the level of the pharynx inP. caballeroi. Also, the testes, cirrus sac, seminal receptacle and the ratio of body length to width are larger inP. gattiin. sp. Independent Bayesian inference analyses of 28S rDNA and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequence fragments produced phylograms that showedP. gattiin. sp. is more similar toProsthenhystera obesa+Prosthenhystera oonasticathanP.caballeroi +two unidentified species ofProsthenhystera, but with poor posterior probability support for the node in the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-based phylogram. Further, the genetic distance betweenP. oonasticaandP. gattiin. sp. are the largest amongProsthenhysteraspp. Cytological analysis revealed ten metacentric chromosomes, which is fewer than the 12–18 chromosomes present in species from the closely related Gorgoderidae.
The Design of the Antonine Wall
Authors: Hanson W.S.
Published: May 2020

This paper assesses the alternative models currently proposed for the original design of the Antonine Wall. It argues that there is sufficient evidence of a pattern in the structural relationships between the Wall and its various garrison posts to confirm that there was a major change of plan during the construction process. This resulted in the addition of a series of secondary forts, several of which can now be shown to have replaced primary fortlets, and a concomitant delay in the construction programme. An explanation is offered for this rapid change of design, which resulted in one of the most intensively garrisoned linear frontiers in the Roman Empire.
A method for mapping submicron-scale crystallographic order/disorder applied to human tooth enamel
Authors: Free R. , DeRocher K. , Xu R. , Joester D. , Stock S. R.
Published: May 2020

Tooth enamel, the outermost layer of human teeth, is a complex, hierarchically structured biocomposite. The details of this structure are important in multiple human health contexts, from understanding the progression of dental caries (tooth decay) to understanding the process of amelogenesis and related developmental defects. Enamel is composed primarily of long, nanoscale crystallites of hydroxyapatite that are bundled by the thousands to form micron-scale rods. Studies with transmission electron microscopy show the relationships between small groups of crystallites and X-ray diffraction characterize averages over many rods, but the direct measurement of variations in local crystallographic structure across and between enamel rods has been missing. Here, we describe a synchrotron X-ray-based experimental approach and a novel analysis method developed to address this gap in knowledge. A ~500-nm-wide beam of monochromatic X-rays in conjunction with a sample section only 1 μm in thickness enables 2D diffraction patterns to be collected from small well-separated volumes within the enamel microstructure but still probes enough crystallites (~300 per pattern) to extract population-level statistics on crystallographic features like lattice parameter, crystallite size, and orientation distributions. Furthermore, the development of a quantitative metric to characterize relative order and disorder based on the azimuthal autocorrelation of diffracted intensity enables these crystallographic measurements to be correlated with their location within the enamel microstructure (e.g., between rod and interrod regions). These methods represent a step forward in the characterization of human enamel and will elucidate the variation of the crystallographic structure across and between enamel rods for the first time.
Daily parenting of children with cerebral palsy: The role of daily child behavior, parents’ daily psychological needs, and mindful parenting
Authors: Dieleman Lisa M. , Soenens Bart , Prinzie Peter , De Clercq Lana , Ortibus Els , De Pauw Sarah S.W.
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to advance the current understanding of the daily dynamics that are involved in raising a child with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Specifically, we examined the role of mindful parenting and of day-to-day variation in parents’ psychological needs and child behavior in explaining day-to-day variation in parents’ autonomy-supportive, psychologically controlling, and responsive parenting behavior. Parents (N= 58) of children with CP (Mage = 12.68 years) participated in a 7-day diary study. Multilevel analyses indicated that parents’ autonomy-supportive, psychologically controlling, and responsive behaviors fluctuate considerably between days. Further, daily fluctuations in both child behavior and parents’ own psychological needs were found to be associated with this daily variability in parenting. In addition, interindividual differences in mindful parenting were associated positively with parents’ responsiveness and negatively with psychologically controlling parenting across the week. These findings point towards the changeability of parenting behavior among parents of a child with CP and suggest that interventions targeting parenting behavior in the context of CP will be most effective when taking into account both the parents’ and the child's functioning.
Introduction. Contemporary Literature in Times of Crisis and Vulnerability: Trauma, Demise of Sovereignty and Interconnectedness
Authors: Pellicer-Ortín Silvia , Sarikaya-Şen Merve
Published: May 2020

The late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries have been dominated by multifarious crises that have given way to individual and collective wounds resulting from environmental disasters, exile and migratory movements, war, terrorism, radicalism and other disturbing historical episodes. Our main contention is that trauma and/or excessive exposure to vulnerable situations can be relieved thanks to diverse narrative practices. Accordingly, we explore the field of Trauma Studies since its emergence to its current evolution towards the vulnerability paradigm, examining the different meanings of vulnerability not only from the perspective of the life sciences but also from the social sciences and its application to the humanities. Then, we move on to the notion of resilience and how it can help us articulate and/or move beyond trauma and vulnerability. In keeping with this, considering the ethical and political relationality between the self and other, we highlight one’s tendency to be affected by the other’s wounds and vulnerability as well as the inevitability of interdependency and interconnectedness between people and non-human entities. Thus, we explore the role of literature in giving voice to the voiceless and to unheard experiences of suffering as well as in representing the demise of the sovereign self and the rise of human and non-human interconnectedness after being exposed to traumatic or disastrous events, as represented in contemporary literatures in English.
Effect of cereal rye and canola on winter and summer annual weed emergence in corn
Authors: DeSimini Stephanie A. , Gibson Kevin D. , Armstrong Shalamar D. , Zimmer Marcelo , Maia Lucas O.R. , Johnson William G.
Published: May 2020

Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at two locations in Indiana to evaluate the influence of cover crop species, termination timing, and herbicide treatment on winter and summer annual weed suppression and corn yield. Cereal rye and canola cover crops were terminated early or late (2 wk before or after corn planting) with a glyphosate- or glufosinate-based herbicide program. Canola and cereal rye reduced total weed biomass collected at termination by up to 74% and 91%, in comparison to fallow, respectively. Canola reduced horseweed density by up to 56% at termination and 57% at POST application compared to fallow. Cereal rye reduced horseweed density by up to 59% at termination and 87% at POST application compared to fallow. Canola did not reduce giant ragweed density at termination in comparison to fallow. Cereal rye reduced giant ragweed density by up to 66% at termination and 62% at POST application. Termination timing had little to no effect on weed biomass and density reduction in comparison to the effect of cover crop species. Cereal rye reduced corn grain yield at both locations in comparison to fallow, especially for the late-termination timing. Corn grain yield reduction up to 49% (4,770 kg ha–1) was recorded for cereal rye terminated late in comparison to fallow terminated late. Canola did not reduce corn grain yield in comparison to fallow within termination timing; however, late-terminated canola reduced corn grain yield by up to 21% (2,980 kg ha–1) in comparison to early-terminated fallow. Cereal rye can suppress giant ragweed emergence, whereas canola is not as effective at suppressing large-seeded broadleaves such as giant ragweed. These results also indicate that early-terminated cover crops can often result in higher corn grain yields than late-terminated cover crops in an integrated weed management program.