bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain in bicupsid aortic valve patients: head-to-head comparison between computed tomography, 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance and speckle-tracking echocardiography
Authors: van den Hoven Allard T. , Yilmazer Sultan , Chelu Raluca G. , van Grootel Roderick W. J. , Minderhoud Savine C. S. , Bons Lidia R. , van Berendoncks An M. , Duijnhouwer Anthonie L. , Siebelink Hans-Marc J. , van den Bosch Annemien E. , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Hirsch Alexander
Published: May 2020

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) analysis is a sensitive measurement of myocardial deformation most often done using speckle-tracking transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We propose a novel approach to measure LVGLS using feature-tracking software on the magnitude dataset of 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and compare it to dynamic computed tomography (CT) and speckle tracking TTE derived measurements. In this prospective cohort study 59 consecutive adult patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) were included. The study protocol consisted of TTE, CT, and CMR on the same day. Image analysis was done using dedicated feature-tracking (4D flow CMR and CT) and speckle-tracking (TTE) software, on apical 2-, 3-, and 4-chamber long-axis multiplanar reconstructions (4D flow CMR and CT) or standard apical 2-, 3-, and 4-chamber acquisitions (TTE). CMR and CT GLS analysis was feasible in all patients. Good correlations were observed for GLS measured by CMR (− 21 ± 3%) and CT (− 20 ± 3%) versus TTE (− 20 ± 3%, Pearson’s r: 0.67 and 0.65, p < 0.001). CMR also correlated well with CT (Pearson’s r 0.62, p < 0.001). The inter-observer analysis showed moderate to good reproducibility of GLS measurement by CMR, CT and TTE (Pearsons’s r: 0.51, 0.77, 0.70 respectively; p < 0.05). Additionally, ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic and end-systolic volume measurements (EDV and ESV) correlated well between all modalities (Pearson’s r > 0.61, p < 0.001). Feature-tracking GLS analysis is feasible using the magnitude images acquired with 4D flow CMR. GLS measurement by CMR correlates well with CT and speckle-tracking 2D TTE. GLS analysis on 4D flow CMR allows for an integrative approach, integrating flow and functional data in a single sequence. Not applicable, observational study.
Short-Term Environmental Enrichment is a Stronger Modulator of Brain Glial Cells and Cervical Lymph Node T Cell Subtypes than Exercise or Combined Exercise and Enrichment
Authors: Singhal Gaurav , Morgan Julie , Corrigan Frances , Toben Catherine , Jawahar Magdalene C. , Jaehne Emily J. , Manavis Jim , Hannan Anthony J. , Baune Bernhard T.
Published: May 2020

Physical exercise (PE) and environmental enrichment (EE) can modulate immunity. However, the differential effects of short-term PE, EE, and PE + EE on neuroimmune mechanisms during normal aging has not been elucidated. Hence, a cohort of 3-, 8-, and 13-month-old immunologically unchallenged C57BL/6 wild-type mice were randomly assigned to either Control, PE, EE, or PE + EE groups and provided with either no treatment, a running wheel, a variety of plastic and wooden objects alone or in combination with a running wheel for seven weeks, respectively. Immunohistochemistry and 8-color flow cytometry were used to determine the numbers of dentate gyrus glial cells, and the proportions of CD4+and CD8+T cell numbers and their subsets from cervical lymph nodes, respectively. An increase in the number of IBA1+microglia in the dentate gyrus at 5 and 10 months was observed after EE, while PE and PE + EE increased it only at 10 months. No change in astroglia number in comparison to controls were observed in any of the treatment groups. Also, all treatments induced significant differences in the proportion of specific T cell subsets, i.e., CD4+and CD8+T naïve (TN), central memory (TCM), and effector memory (TEM) cells. Our results suggest that in the short-term, EE is a stronger modulator of microglial and peripheral T cell subset numbers than PE and PE + EE, and the combination of short-term PE and EE has no additive effects.
Mosul Dam: Is it the Most Dangerous Dam in the World?
Authors: Al-Ansari Nadhir , Adamo Nasrat , Knutsson Sven , Laue Jan , Sissakian Varoujan
Published: May 2020

Mosul Dam is an earth fill dam, with a storage capacity of 11.11 km3 constructed on highly karstified gypsum beds alternating with marl and limestone. After impounding in 1986, seepage locations were recognized. The dam situation now indicates that it is in a state of extreme relative risk. If it fails, then 6 million people will be affected and 7202 km2 area will be flooded. Grouting operations will elongate the life of the dam but will not solve the problem. Building a protection dam downstream will be the best measures to secure the safety of the downstream area and its’ population.
Space of minimal discs and its compactification
Authors: Creutz Paul
Published: May 2020

We investigate the class of geodesic metric discs satisfying a uniform quadratic isoperimetric inequality and uniform bounds on the length of the boundary circle. We show that the closure of this class as a subset of Gromov-Hausdorff space is intimately related to the class of geodesic metric disc retracts satisfying comparable bounds. This kind of discs naturally come up in the context of the solution of Plateau’s problem in metric spaces by Lytchak and Wenger as generalizations of minimal surfaces.
A framework for exploration of relationship between the psychosocial and physical learning environment
Authors: Baars S. , Schellings G. L. M. , Krishnamurthy S. , Joore J. P. , den Brok P. J. , van Wesemael P. J. V.
Published: May 2020

In order to construct a shared body of knowledge, research involving the relationship between the psychosocial learning environment (PSLE) and the physical learning environment (PLE) needs a commonly-accepted conceptual framework. By means of a thematic literature review, we collected the main aspects of the PSLE and PLE, their definitions and their relations as identified by earlier research. These findings led to a conceptual framework that structures the dimension of the PSLE into the sub-dimensions of personal development, relationships, and system maintenance and change, and the dimension of the PLE into the sub-dimensions of naturalness, individualisation, and stimulation. For each of these sub-dimensions, the framework distinguishes an intended, implemented and attained representation. A conceptual PSLE-PLE Relationship (PPR) model enables relations to be visualised. The review confirms that PSLE and PLE are interrelated in interactions between different sub-dimensions and their representations. However, evidence regarding these relationships is still weak because of the limited number of studies and their methodological limitations.
The governance of laws of nature: guidance and production
Authors: Wilsch Tobias
Published: May 2020

Realists about laws of nature and their Humean opponents disagree on whether laws ‘govern’. An independent commitment to the ‘governing conception’ of laws pushes many towards the realist camp. Despite its significance, however, no satisfactory account of governance has been offered. The goal of this article is to develop such an account. I base my account on two claims. First, we should distinguish two notions of governance, ‘guidance’ and ‘production’, and secondly, explanatory phenomena other than laws are also candidates for governance. My goal is to develop a unified account which captures both guidance and production as well as the governance of phenomena, such as essence and logical consequence. The account of governance I develop belongs to the family of modal accounts, which was popularized by David Armstrong, but it also employs essentialist resources. If successful, this modal-essentialist account not only reveals the costs that proponents of governance incur, but it also puts that important notion on a solid theoretical foundation.
Verifying temporal specifications of Java programs
Authors: Spegni Francesco , Spalazzi Luca , Liva Giovanni , Pinzger Martin , Bollin Andreas
Published: May 2020

Many Java programs encode temporal behaviors in their source code, typically mixing three features provided by the Java language: (1) pausing the execution for a limited amount of time, (2) waiting for an event that has to occur before a deadline expires, and (3) comparing timestamps. In this work, we show how to exploit modern SMT solvers together with static analysis in order to produce a network of timed automata approximating the temporal behavior of a set of Java threads. We also prove that the presented abstraction preserves the truth of MTL and ATCTL formulae, two well-known logics for expressing timed specifications. As far as we know, this is the first feasible approach enabling the user to automatically model check timed specifications of Java software directly from the source code.
Assertion, action, and context
Authors: McKenna Robin , Hannon Michael
Published: May 2020

A common objection to both contextualism and relativism about knowledge ascriptions is that they threaten knowledge norms of assertion and action. Consequently, if there is good reason to accept knowledge norms of assertion or action, there is good reason to reject both contextualism and relativism. In this paper we argue that neither contextualism nor relativism threaten knowledge norms of assertion or action.
Phosphorus and TSS Removal by Stormwater Bioretention: Effects of Temperature, Salt, and a Submerged Zone and Their Interactions
Authors: Søberg Laila C. , Al-Rubaei Ahmed M. , Viklander Maria , Blecken Godecke-Tobias
Published: May 2020

To prevent deterioration of receiving water bodies, phosphorus and total suspended solid (TSS) removal from stormwater is commonly targeted, e.g., by bioretention. However, their removal may vary due to ambient conditions and design features. In this study, the effect of a submerged zone with embedded carbon source (SZC), temperature, and (road) salt on phosphorus removal was investigated using a two-level full factorial design. A sand-based filter material was used. Overall, phosphorus and TSS removal percentages were high. Higher temperature (4.6 vs. 17.1 °C) caused higher outflow concentrations, thus lowering removal rates. The presence of salt deteriorated total phosphorus removal, whereas dissolved phosphorus removal was not affected. The impact of the SZC was statistically significant but not regarded to be of practical significance for P removal. In contrast, TSS removal was enhanced by a SZC. The results demonstrated that a relatively simple filter material could provide excellent P removal, avoiding the need for additives suggested in other studies.
Residual Stress Distributions in Cold-Sprayed Copper 3D-Printed Parts
Authors: Sinclair-Adamson Rebecca , Luzin Vladimir , Duguid Andrew , Kannoorpatti Krishnan , Murray Rebecca
Published: May 2020

Cold-spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) builds strong, dense metal parts from powder feedstock without melting and offers potential advantages over alternatives such as casting, liquid phase sintering, laser or e-beam melting or welding. Considerable effort is required to relieve residual stresses that arise from melt/freeze cycling in these methods. While CSAM does not involve melting, it imposes high strain rates on the feedstock and stress anisotropies due to complex build paths. This project explores residual stress in two CSAM objects. The CSAM components were produced from 99% pure copper powder (D50 = 17 µm): (1) a cylinder (∅ = 15 mm, height = 100 mm, weight = 145 g) and (2) a funnel (upper outer ∅ = 60 mm, lower outer ∅ = 40 mm, wall thickness = 8 mm, weight = 547 g). The non-heat-treated components were strain-scanned using a residual stress neutron diffractometer. Maximum residual stresses in any direction were: tensile: 103 ± 16 MPa (cylinder) and 100 ± 23 MPa (funnel); compression: 58 ± 16 MPa (cylinder) and 123 ± 23 MPa (funnel). Compared to the literature, the tensile residual stresses measured in the CSAM components were lower than those measured in cast materials, laser or welding AM methods, and numerical modelling of cold-spray coatings, while within the wide range reported for measurements in cold-spray coatings. These comparatively low residual stresses suggest CSAM is a promising manufacturing method where high residual stresses are undesirable.
High quality genome sequences of thirteen Hypoxylaceae (Ascomycota) strengthen the phylogenetic family backbone and enable the discovery of new taxa
Authors: Wibberg Daniel , Stadler Marc , Lambert Christopher , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Rückert Christian , Kalinowski Jörn , Cox Russell J. , Kuhnert Eric
Published: May 2020

The Hypoxylaceae (Xylariales, Ascomycota) is a diverse family of mainly saprotrophic fungi, which commonly occur in angiosperm-dominated forests around the world. Despite their importance in forest and plant ecology as well as a prolific source of secondary metabolites and enzymes, genome sequences of related taxa are scarce and usually derived from environmental isolates. To address this lack of knowledge thirteen taxonomically well-defined representatives of the family and one member of the closely related Xylariaceae were genome sequenced using combinations of Illumina and Oxford nanopore technologies or PacBio sequencing. The workflow leads to high quality draft genome sequences with an average N50 of 3.0 Mbp. A backbone phylogenomic tree was calculated based on the amino acid sequences of 4912 core genes reflecting the current accepted taxonomic concept of the Hypoxylaceae. A Percentage of Conserved Proteins (POCP) analysis revealed that 70% of the proteins are conserved within the family, a value with potential application for the definition of family boundaries within the order Xylariales. Also, Hypomontagnella spongiphila is proposed as a new marine derived lineage of Hypom. monticulosa based on in-depth genomic comparison and morphological differences of the cultures. The results showed that both species share 95% of their genes corresponding to more than 700 strain-specific proteins. This difference is not reflected by standard taxonomic assessments (morphology of sexual and asexual morph, chemotaxonomy, phylogeny), preventing species delimitation based on traditional concepts. Genetic changes are likely to be the result of environmental adaptations and selective pressure, the driving force of speciation. These data provide an important starting point for the establishment of a stable phylogeny of the Xylariales; they enable studies on evolution, ecological behavior and biosynthesis of natural products; and they significantly advance the taxonomy of fungi.
Setting maximum levels for lead in game meat in EC regulations: An adjunct to replacement of lead ammunition
Authors: Thomas Vernon G. , Pain Deborah J. , Kanstrup Niels , Green Rhys E.
Published: May 2020

Each year, hunters from 12 of the 27 European Union (EU) countries and the UK shoot over 6 million large game mammals, 12 million rabbits and hares and over 80 million birds. They support an international game meat market worth over 1.1 thousand million Euros. Animals shot with lead ammunition frequently contain lead fragments in the carcass which contaminate meals made from game meat with concentrations of lead substantially above the maximum allowable level (ML) set by European Commission Regulation EC1881/2006 for meat from domesticated animals. This poses a health risk to frequent consumers of wild-shot game meat, with children and pregnant women being particularly vulnerable. Total replacement of lead rifle and shotgun ammunition with available non-toxic alternatives is needed for all hunting in EU nations to prevent exposure of humans and wildlife to ammunition-derived lead and to allow the depletion of the long-term environmental legacy of lead from spent ammunition. We propose that EC1881/2006 is amended to incorporate an ML for game meats as a supplementary measure to the replacement of lead ammunition. This would harmonise food safety standards for lead in meats traded across and imported into the EU.
CMIP6 Models Predict Significant 21st Century Decline of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Weijer W. , Cheng W. , Garuba O. A. , Hu A. , Nadiga B. T.
Published: May 2020

We explore the representation of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in 27 models from the CMIP6 multimodel ensemble. Comparison with RAPID and SAMBA observations suggests that the ensemble mean represents the AMOC strength and vertical profile reasonably well. Linear trends over the entire historical period (1850–2014) are generally neutral, but many models exhibit an AMOC peak around the 1980s. Ensemble mean AMOC decline in future (SSP) scenarios is stronger in CMIP6 than CMIP5 models. In fact, AMOC decline in CMIP6 is surprisingly insensitive to the scenario at least up to 2060. We find an emergent relationship among a majority of models between AMOC strength and 21st century AMOC decline. Constraining this relationship with RAPID observations suggests that the AMOC might decline between 6 and 8 Sv (34–45%) by 2100. A smaller group of models projects much less AMOC weakening of only up to 30%.
Extending the Global Mass Change Data Record: GRACE Follow‐On Instrument and Science Data Performance
Authors: Landerer Felix W. , Flechtner Frank M. , Save Himanshu , Webb Frank H. , Bandikova Tamara , Bertiger William I. , Bettadpur Srinivas V. , Byun Sung Hun , Dahle Christoph , Dobslaw Henryk , Fahnestock Eugene , Harvey Nate , Kang Zhigui , Kruizinga Gerhard L. H. , Loomis Bryant D. , McCullough Christopher , Murböck Michael , Nagel Peter , Paik Meegyeong , Pie Nadege , Poole Steve , Strekalov Dmitry , Tamisiea Mark E. , Wang Furun , Watkins Michael M. , Wen Hui‐Ying , Wiese David N. , Yuan Dah‐Ning
Published: May 2020

Since June, 2018, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow‐On (GRACE‐FO) is extending the 15‐year monthly mass change record of the GRACE mission, which ended in June 2017. The GRACE‐FO instrument and flight system performance has improved over GRACE. Better attitude solutions and enhanced pointing performance result in reduced fuel consumption and gravity range rate post‐fit residuals. One accelerometer requires additional calibrations due to unexpected measurement noise. The GRACE‐FO gravity and mass change fields from June 2018 through December 2019 continue the GRACE record at an equivalent precision and spatiotemporal sampling. During this period, GRACE‐FO observed large interannual terrestrial water variations associated with excess rainfall (Central US, Middle East), drought (Europe, Australia), and ice melt (Greenland). These observations are consistent with independent mass change estimates, providing high confidence that no intermission biases exist from GRACE to GRACE‐FO, despite the 11‐month gap. GRACE‐FO has also successfully demonstrated satellite‐to‐satellite laser ranging interferometry.
Gene expression regulation by CDK12: a versatile kinase in cancer with functions beyond CTD phosphorylation
Authors: Choi Seung Hyuk , Kim Seongjae , Jones Katherine A.
Published: May 2020

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play critical roles in cell cycle progression and gene expression regulation. In human cancer, transcription-associated CDKs can activate oncogenic gene expression programs, whereas cell cycle-regulatory CDKs mainly induce uncontrolled proliferation. Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) belongs to the CDK family of serine/threonine kinases and has been recently found to have multiple roles in gene expression regulation and tumorigenesis. Originally, CDK12 was thought to be one of the transcription-associated CDKs, acting with its cyclin partner Cyclin K to promote the phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II and induce transcription elongation. However, recent studies have demonstrated that CDK12 also controls multiple gene expression processes, including transcription termination, mRNA splicing, and translation. Most importantly, CDK12 mutations are frequently found in human tumors. Loss of CDK12 function causes defective expression of DNA damage response (DDR) genes, which eventually results in genome instability, a hallmark of human cancer. Here, we discuss the diverse roles of CDK12 in gene expression regulation and human cancer, focusing on newly identified CDK12 kinase functions in cellular processes and highlighting CDK12 as a promising therapeutic target for human cancer treatment.
Stringent control of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase translocation revealed by multiple intermediate structures
Authors: Wang Meihua , Li Rui , Shu Bo , Jing Xuping , Ye Han-Qing , Gong Peng
Published: May 2020

Each polymerase nucleotide addition cycle is associated with two primary conformational changes of the catalytic complex: the pre-chemistry active site closure and post-chemistry translocation. While active site closure is well interpreted by numerous crystallographic snapshots, translocation intermediates are rarely captured. Here we report three types of intermediate structures in an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). The first two types, captured in forward and reverse translocation events, both highlight the role of RdRP-unique motif G in restricting the RNA template movement, corresponding to the rate-limiting step in translocation. By mutating two critical residues in motif G, we obtain the third type of intermediates that may mimic the transition state of this rate-limiting step, demonstrating a previously unidentified movement of the template strand. We propose that a similar strategy may be utilized by other classes of nucleic acid polymerases to ensure templating nucleotide positioning for efficient catalysis through restricting interactions with template RNA.
Impact of warming and reduced precipitation on morphology and chlorophyll concentration in peat mosses (Sphagnum angustifolium and S. fallax)
Authors: Rastogi Anshu , Antala Michal , Gąbka Maciej , Rosadziński Stanisław , Stróżecki Marcin , Brestic Marian , Juszczak Radosław
Published: May 2020

Peatlands are one of the most important ecosystems due to their biodiversity and abundant organic compounds; therefore, it is important to observe how different plant species in peatlands react to changing environmental conditions. Sphagnum spp. are the main component of peatlands and are considered as the creator of conditions favorable for carbon storage in the form of peat. Sphagnum angustifolium and Sphagnum fallax are taxonomically very close species. To examine their adaptability to climate change, we studied the morphology and pigment content of these two species from environmental manipulation sites in Poland, where the environment was continuously manipulated for temperature and precipitation. The warming of peat was induced by using infrared heaters, whereas total precipitation was reduced by a curtain that cuts the nighttime precipitation. Morphology of S. angustifolium stayed under climate manipulation relatively stable. However, the main morphological parameters of S. fallax were significantly affected by precipitation reduction. Thus, this study indicates S. angustifolium is better adapted in comparison to S. fallax for drier and warmer conditions.
CCR3 antagonist protects against induced cellular senescence and promotes rejuvenation in periodontal ligament cells for stimulating pulp regeneration in the aged dog
Authors: Zayed Mohammed , Iohara Koichiro , Watanabe Hideto , Nakashima Misako
Published: May 2020

Pulp regeneration after transplantation of mobilized dental pulp stem cells (MDPSCs) declines in the aged dogs due in part to the chronic inflammation and/or cellular senescence. Eotaxin-1/C-C motif chemokine 11 (CCL11) is an inflammation marker via chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3). Moreover, CCR3 antagonist (CCR3A) can inhibit CCL11 binding to CCR3 and prevent CCL11/CCR3 signaling. The study aimed to examine the effect of CCR3A on cellular senescence and anti-inflammation/immunomodulation in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs). The rejuvenating effects of CCR3A on neurite extension and migratory activity to promote pulp regeneration in aged dog teeth were also evaluated.In vivo, the amount of regenerated pulp tissues was significantly increased by transplantation of MDPSCs with CCR3A compared to control without CCR3A.In vitro, senescence of HPDLCs was induced afterp-Cresol exposure, as indicated by increased cell size, decreased proliferation and increased senescence markers,p21andIL-1β. Treatment of HPDLCs with CCR3A prevented the senescence effect ofp-Cresol. Furthermore, CCR3A significantly decreased expression of CCL11, increased expression of immunomodulatory factor, IDO, and enhanced neurite extension and migratory activity. In conclusion, CCR3A protects againstp-Cresol-induced cellular senescence and enhances rejuvenating effects, suggesting its potential utility to stimulate pulp regeneration in the aged teeth.
A biomathematical model of human erythropoiesis and iron metabolism
Authors: Schirm Sibylle , Scholz Markus
Published: May 2020

Anaemia therapy or perisurgical support of erythropoiesis often require both, EPO and iron medication. However, excessive iron medication can result in iron overload and it is challenging to control haemoglobin levels in a desired range. To support this task, we develop a biomathematical model to simulate EPO- and iron medication in humans. We combine our previously established model of human erythropoiesis including comprehensive pharmacokinetic models of EPO applications with a newly developed model of iron metabolism including iron supplementation. Equations were derived by translating known biological mechanisms into ordinary differential equations. Qualitative model behaviour is studied in detail considering a variety of interventions such as bleeding, iron malnutrition and medication. The model can explain time courses of erythrocytes, reticulocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells, EPO, serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and transferrin under a variety of scenarios including EPO and iron application into healthy volunteers or chemotherapy patients. Unknown model parameters were determined by fitting the predictions of the model to time series data from literature. We demonstrate how the model can be used to make predictions of untested therapy options such as cytotoxic chemotherapy supported by iron and EPO. Following our ultimate goal of establishing a model of anaemia treatment in chronic kidney disease, we aim at translating our model to this pathological condition in the near future.
Diminution of Phagocytosed Micro/Nanoparticles by Tethering with Immunoregulatory CD200 Protein
Authors: Zhang Jun , Peng Ching-An
Published: May 2020

CD200 is known as an anti-inflammatory transmembrane glycoprotein in the immunoglobulin superfamily. CD200 interacts with its receptor CD200R which is highly expressed on myeloid cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. CD200-CD200R interaction has known to reduce macrophage activation and chronic inflammation. To harness the immunomodulatory property of CD200 for surface modification, CD200-streptavidin fusion protein was expressed from bacteria transformed with pET20b plasmid encoded with CD200 extracellular domain and core streptavidin. The purified CD200-SA protein was bound to biotin-coated fluorescent polystyrene particles of various sizes ranging from 0.15 to 2 µm. THP-1 macrophages were cultivated with CD200-modified micro/nanoparticles in comparison with controls. Our results showed that both nano- and micro-sized particles decorated with CD200 decreased phagocytosis activities of THP-1 macrophages. Such diminution of phagocytosis was examined to be associated with downregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression on the surface of macrophages. Moreover, THP-1 macrophages treated with CD200-coated particles decreased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).
A Portable Smartphone-linked Device for Direct, Rapid and Chemical-Free Hemoglobin Assay
Authors: Lee Junho , Song Jaewoo , Choi Jun-Ho , Kim Soocheol , Kim Uihan , Nguyen Van-Thuan , Lee Jong-Seok , Joo Chulmin
Published: May 2020

We describe the development and clinical evaluation of an automated smartphone-linked sensor capable of chemical-free, quantitative measurement of hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) in whole blood samples. We have demonstrated that our sensor could analyze an unprocessed blood specimen with a mean processing time of <8 s and provided the [Hb] results with ~99% accuracy against a reference hematology analyzer with coefficient of variation (CV) of 1.21% measured at [Hb] = 11.2 g/dL. Its diagnostic capability for anemia was evaluated by measuring [Hb] of 142 clinical blood specimens and comparing the results with those from an automated hematology analyzer (ADVIA 2120i, Siemens AG, Germany) and a portable hemoglobinomteter (Hb201+, Hemocue, Sweden). The sensor yielded comparable sensitivities and specificities of 87.50% and 100.00% for males, and 94.44% and 100.00% for females, respectively, for anemic detection. The results suggested that our optical sensor based on the intrinsic photothermal response of Hb molecules and advances in consumer electronics, particularly smartphone capabilities, enables a direct, chemical-free [Hb] assay accessible to people in both developed and developing countries.
Publisher Correction: Risk Factors for Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Aoki Takanori , Kitazawa Koji , Inatomi Tsutomu , Kusada Natsuki , Horiuchi Noriko , Takeda Kazunori , Yokoi Norihiko , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
ATP induced alteration in the peroxidase-like properties of hollow Prussian blue nanocubes: a platform for alkaline phosphatase detection
Authors: Lv Jie , Wang Shuangling , Zhang Cong , Lin Yulong , Fu Yan , Li Meng
Published: May 2020

A novel colorimetric assay was developed for alkaline phosphatase detection based on ATP enhanced peroxidase activity of hollow Prussian blue nanocubes.
Optimizing the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) leaves and UPLC-MS/MS analysis
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Li Quan , Qiao Guang , Qiu Zhilang , Wen Zhuang , Wen Xiaopeng
Published: May 2020

To study the application value of sweet cherry leaves before abscission, a supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2) extraction method was established for sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) leaves.
Tunable dielectric polarization and breakdown behavior for high energy storage capability in P(VDF–TrFE–CFE)/PVDF polymer blended composite films
Authors: Mao Pu , Wang Jiping , Zhang Lixue , Sun Qinzhao , Liu Xixia , He Liqiang , Liu Shujuan , Zhang Siwen , Gong Hao
Published: May 2020

PVDF polymer and P(VDF–TrFE–CFE) terpolymer were blended, and tunable dielectric polarization and breakdown behavior were achieved for high energy storage capability.
Twin engineering of photocatalysts: a minireview
Authors: Sun Shaodong , Zhang Xiaochuan , Cui Jie , Yang Qing , Liang Shuhua
Published: May 2020

Recent advances in twin engineering of photocatalysts have been highlighted in this mini-review, which is beneficial for the rational design and construction of novel highly-active photocatalysts.
Chromatographic property classification of narrowly distributed ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Süβ Sebastian , Bartsch Katja , Wasmus Christina , Damm Cornelia , Segets Doris , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: May 2020

Quantitative evaluation of chromatographic classification of narrowly distributed ZnS quantum dots regarding band gap ΔEg using methods from particle technology.
Unexpected late-time temperature increase observed in the two neutron star crust-cooling sources XTE J1701−462 and EXO 0748−676
Authors: Parikh A. S. , Wijnands R. , Homan J. , Degenaar N. , Wolvers B. , Ootes L. S. , Page D.
Published: May 2020

Transient low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) that host neutron stars (NSs) provide excellent laboratories for probing the dense matter physics present in NS crusts. During accretion outbursts in LMXBs, exothermic reactions may heat the NS crust, disrupting the crust-core equilibrium. When the outburst ceases, the crust cools to restore thermal equilibrium with the core. Monitoring this cooling evolution allows us to probe the dense matter physics in the crust. Properties of the deeper crustal layers can be probed at later times after the end of the outburst. We report on the unexpected late-time temperature evolution (≳2000 days after the end of their outbursts) of two NSs in LMXBs, XTE J1701−462 and EXO 0748−676. Although both these sources exhibited very different outbursts (in terms of duration and the average accretion rate), they exhibit an unusually steep decay of ∼7 eV in the observed effective temperature (occurring in a time span of ∼700 days) around ∼2000 days after the end of their outbursts. Furthermore, they both showed an even more unexpected rise of ∼3 eV in temperature (over a time period of ∼500–2000 days) after this steep decay. This rise was significant at the 2.4σ and 8.5σ level for XTE J1701−462 and EXO 0748−676, respectively. The physical explanation for such behaviour is unknown and cannot be straightforwardly be explained within the cooling hypothesis. In addition, this observed evolution cannot be well explained by low-level accretion either without invoking many assumptions. We investigate the potential pathways in the theoretical heating and cooling models that could reproduce this unusual behaviour, which so far has been observed in two crust-cooling sources. Such a temperature increase has not been observed in the other NS crust-cooling sources at similarly late times, although it cannot be excluded that this might be a result of the inadequate sampling obtained at such late times.
Dissection-enabled scaffold-assisted resection (DeSCAR): a novel technique for resection of residual or non-lifting gastrointestinal neoplasia of the colon, expanded experience and follow-up
Authors: Villa Edward , Stier Matthew , Donboli Kianoush , Chapman Christopher Grant , Siddiqui Uzma D. , Waxman Irving
Published: May 2020

Background and study aims Colonic lesions may not be amenable to conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) due to previous manipulation, submucosal invasion, or lesion flatness. In 2018, we described Dissection-enabled Scaffold Assisted Resection (DeSCAR) to be safe for the endoscopic resection of non-lifting or residual colonic lesions 1 In this study, we expand our original cohort to describe our expanded experience with patients undergoing DeSCAR and assess the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of DeSCAR for endoscopic resection of non-lifting or residual colonic lesions.

Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed 57 patients from 2015–2019 who underwent DeSCAR for colonic lesions with incomplete lifting and/or previous manipulation. Cases were reviewed for location, prior manipulation, rates of successful resection, adverse events, and endoscopic follow up to assess for residual lesions.

Results Fifty-seven lesions underwent DeSCAR. Of the patients, 51 % were female, and average patient age was 69 years. Lesions were located in the cecum (n = 16), right colon (n = 27), left colon (n = 10), and rectum (n = 4). Average lesion size was 27.7 mm. Previous manipulation occurred in 54 cases (72 % biopsy, 44 % resection attempt, 18 % intralesional tattoo). The technical success rate for resection of non-lifting lesions was 98 %. There were two delayed bleeding episodes (one required endoscopic intervention) and one small perforation (managed by endoscopic hemoclip closure). Endoscopic follow up was available in 31 patients (54 %) with no residual adenoma in 28 patients (90 % of those surveilled).

Conclusions Our expanded experience with DeSCAR demonstrates high safety, feasibility, and effectiveness for the endoscopic management of non-lifting or residual colonic lesions.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of a Hereditary Antithrombin Deficiency Pedigree Due to a Novel SERPINC1 Mutation (p.Met281Thr)
Authors: Liu Siqi , Luo Shasha , Yang Lihong , Wang Mingshan , Jin Yanhui , Li Xiaolong , Xu Qiyu
Published: May 2020

Antithrombin (AT) is one of the physiological anticoagulants that are mainly synthesized in the liver. As a protease inhibitor belonging to the serpin superfamily, AT is able to inactivate thrombin and inhibit activated coagulation factors IX, X, XI, and XII (FIXa, FXa, FXIa, and FXIIa).1 Moreover, it has been found that AT can inhibit activated FVII (FVIIa) by accelerating dissociation of FVIIa–tissue factor complex and preventing it from recombining.2 The AT gene (SERPINC1), located on chromosome 1 at q23.1–23.9 and spreads 13.5 kb, is composed of seven extrons and six introns.3 Hereditary AT deficiency is a rare thrombotic disorder caused by defects in SERPINC1 gene.4 It is inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner with an incidence of roughly 0.02 to 0.25% in the general population and 2 to 5% in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE).1
5 The most common thrombotic manifestations of patients with AT deficiency are VTEs, and their risks of VTE are approximately 20 times higher than those of nondeficient individuals.6 And the consequences of thrombophilia caused by AT deficiency are more severe than those of protein C and S protein deficiency,2 so it should be given sufficient attention.
Volatile Antimicrobial Agents and In Vitro Methods for Evaluating Their Activity in the Vapour Phase: A Review
Authors: Houdkova Marketa , Kokoska Ladislav
Published: May 2020

This review summarizes data on the in vitro antimicrobial effectiveness of volatile agents of plant origin and in vitro methods for evaluating their activity in the vapour phase. As a result of literature analysis, the antimicrobial efficacy of vapours from 122 different plant species and 19 pure compounds examined in 61 studies using different in vitro tests against a broad spectrum of microorganisms was identified and summarized. In addition, 11 different techniques found in the literature are described in detail. An original classification of methods based on the solid and liquid matrix volatilization principle is proposed because carrier medium/matrix selection is crucial for the volatilization of any agents tested. This review should be useful for medicinal, pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural experts working in areas related to the management of infectious diseases (especially respiratory and skin infections), food preservation (active packaging), and protection of agriculture products (controlled atmosphere). It may also stimulate the interest of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and agriculture industries in the research and development of new antimicrobial agents of natural origin. Since several original apparatuses previously developed for antimicrobial susceptibility testing in the vapour phase are described in this review, labware manufacturers may also be interested in this topic. The review also provides specific guidelines and recommendations for researchers studying the antimicrobial activity of volatile agents. The article will therefore appeal to communities of industrial stakeholders, pharmacists, physicians, food experts, agriculturists, and researchers in related areas such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, microbiology, natural product chemistry, food preservation and plant protection.
Surgery as a Component of Multimodality Care for Known Stage IIIA-N2 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bograd Adam J. , Vallières Eric
Published: May 2020

Locally advanced, stage IIIA-N2 Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a heterogeneous patient population. Considerable controversy exists as to the optimal management of these patients. Local therapy alone with a single modality, namely surgery or radiation, is associated with high recurrence rates and low overall survival. Consequently, multimodality treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, with or without the utilization of surgery) has developed as a means of both local and systemic control for patients with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC, and has led to improved overall survival. While it is clear that multimodality therapy is beneficial, the ideal composition of the treatment regimen remains a work in progress. As a result, the optimal management of patients with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC is widely debated, as is the role for surgery in a multimodality treatment regimen. Herein, we review the current literature supporting multimodality therapy for stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC with an emphasis on the data supporting the role of surgery in resectable and potentially resectable patients.
Update on Lung Cancer Screening
Authors: Brownlee Andrew R. , Donington Jessica S.
Published: May 2020

Over the past 10 years, there has been substantial progress in the study and implementation of lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The National Lung Screening Trial, the recently reported NELSON (NEderlands-Leuvens Longkanker Screenings ONderzoek) trial, and other European trials provide strong evidence for the efficacy of LDCT to reduce lung cancer mortality. This has resulted in the United State's Preventative Task Force and numerous professional medical societies adopting lung cancer screening recommendations. Despite the general acceptance of the positive effect of screening, low adoption and implementation rates remain nationally. In this article, the authors discuss the evolution and current state of the evidence for LDCT screening for lung cancer. The authors will also review the associated risks, cost, and challenges of implementation of an LDCT screening program.
The Inﬂuence of Patellofemoral Degenerative Changes on the Outcome of the Unicompartmental Knee Replacement: A Prospective Study
Authors: Abdulkarim Ali , Newton Ayla C. , O'Donnell Turlough , Neil Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a recognized procedure for treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis. Patellofemoral (PF) joint degeneration is widely considered to be a contraindication to medial compartment UKA. We examined the validity of this preconception using information gathered prospectively on 147 consecutive patients who underwent the Repicci II UKA for medial compartment osteoarthritis between July 1999 and September 2000 by the same surgeon. The status of the PF joint was assessed intraoperatively in all patients, and accordingly patients were divided into two groups. Among them, 69 had associated PF osteoarthritis (group A), while 78 patients had a normal PF compartment (group B). Variables measured included the International Knee Society (IKS) score, limb alignment, and range of motion. Radiographs, demographic data, length of hospital stay, perioperative complications were also measured. All subsequent surgery and survivorship at 10 years were recorded. The mean follow-up was 9.4 years (range: 5–10.7 years) and results of the two groups were compared. We found no significant differences in terms of IKS scores, alignment, and flexion between the two groups. However, measured extension was significantly increased postoperatively in those patients with minimal or no PF joint degenerative disease (p < 0.05).
Using phytolith analysis to reconstruct prehistoric fire regimes in central coastal California
Authors: Rutherford Kea H. , Evett Rand R. , Hopkinson Peter
Published: May 2020

Over the last century, northern coastal scrub has encroached into open grasslands along the central California coast, increasing fire risk in coastal wildland–urban interfaces. Understanding prehistoric ecological conditions is crucial for fire mitigation projects. Current estimates of these conditions in coastal California grasslands and shrublands are largely speculative because tree ring data, lake sediment evidence and ethnographic information are sparse. Phytolith analysis is an alternative palaeoecological tool that has been successfully used to reconstruct the extent of prehistoric grass cover in California. Our study uses phytolith analysis of soil samples from the East Bay hills of the San Francisco Bay region as a novel approach to estimate prehistoric grassland distribution and infer fire frequency in central coastal California. Our data strongly indicate that many areas in the region were dominated by perennial bunchgrasses for at least several hundred years before European contact. Because grass-dominated grasslands in the East Bay hills are disturbance-dependent, our data suggest prehistoric fire frequency was of the order of 5 years or less in the region. Phytolith analysis is a useful technique for prehistoric fire regime reconstruction for grasslands and shrublands worldwide, leading to improved, data-based land management.
Integrating the filler
Authors: Paspali Anastasia
Published: May 2020

This study investigates filler integration by adult native speakers of Greek. Object Relative Clauses (RCs) including ditransitives were tested in order to address (a) whether Greek adults show reactivation of the filler at the gap as proposed by the Trace Reactivation Hypothesis (TRH), and (b) the psychological reality of two theoretical analyses of ditransitives in Greek. The first analysis proposes that the base-generated order is direct object (DO)–indirect object (IO), where the DO c-commands the IO, and the second analysis proposes that the basic word order is IO–DO, where the IO c-commands the DO. Cross-Modal Priming (CMP) (Swinney et al., 1979) and Probe-Classification During Reading aloud (Dekydtspotter et al., 2010) were employed. Trace reactivation effects confirm the TRH only in the CMP task and only when adopting the IO–DO order as basic.
Brain responses elicited by implausible fillers and filled object gaps in German
Authors: Felser Claudia , Jessen Anna
Published: May 2020

We report the results from two experiments on the processing of filler-gap dependencies in German using event-related potentials (ERPs). Our aim was to identify and isolate brain responses linked to semantic vs. syntactic integration processes. Using maximally parallel stimulus materials, we examined ERPs at the subcategorising verb in sentences containing either a semantically implausible direct object filler or a filled direct object gap. Whilst the processing difficulty associated with trying to integrate an implausible filler with its subcategoriser was reflected in an enhanced N400 response, encountering a filled preverbal object gap elicited a P600 response at the verb but no negativity. These results confirm that the semantic and syntactic integration of displaced constituents are dissociable and qualitatively distinct processes.
Processing of pronoun gender by Dutch-Russian simultaneous bilinguals
Authors: Tribushinina Elena , Lomako Julia , Gagarina Natalia , Abrosova Ekaterina , Mak Pim
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the processing of pronoun gender by bilingual children. Prior research shows that Dutch–Russian bilinguals below age 7 often make gender agreement errors in Russian anaphoric pronouns, whereas monolingual children are target-like by age 4. This paper aims to establish whether the frequent production errors in the speech of bilinguals are due to lacking knowledge of grammatical gender or due to incidental performance breakdowns. The results of an eye-tracking experiment demonstrate that 5–6-year-old Dutch-Russian bilinguals are sensitive to gender cues, but are slower than Russian monolingual peers and adults in pronoun resolution. The findings support the view that bilinguals possess abstract grammatical representations, but are less efficient in gender production and processing due to competition cost in bilingualism.