bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Eutectic Solvents Consisting of 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Chloride and Biobased 2‐Pyrrolidone for Reversible SO2 Capture
Authors: Lv Meng , Yang Dezhong , Chen Jie
Published: June 2020

Deep eutectic solvents are regarded as promising materials for capturing sulfur dioxide (SO2), a toxic and acidic gas. Using biobased material to synthesis DESs is in agreement with the principles of sustainable chemistry. In this work, DESs consisting of biobased 2‐pyrrolidone (2‐Pyr) and solid ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim][Cl]) were used to capture SO2. The SO2 absorption capacities of three DESs, including [Emim][Cl]:2‐Pyr(2 : 1, molar ratio), [Emim][Cl]:2‐Pyr(1 : 1) and [Emim][Cl]:2‐Pyr(1 : 2), at various conditions were determined. The hydrogen bonding interactions between [Emim][Cl] and 2‐Pyr were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was applied to study the thermal stability of DESs. The results indicated that these DESs based on 2‐Pyr could efficiently absorb SO2. In particular, [Emim][Cl]:2‐Pyr(2 : 1) revealed a high SO2 uptake capacity of 1.36 g SO2/g solvent at 1.0 atm, and it also showed an attractive uptake capacity of 0.160 g SO2/g solvent even at 2000 ppm of SO2. Moreover, the absorption mechanism was investigated by using FTIR and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra.
Ion Reservoir Enabled by Hierarchical Bimetallic Sulfides Nanocages Toward Highly Effective Sodium Storage
Authors: Yuan Jin , Qu Baihua , Zhang Qingfei , He Wei , Xie Qingshui , Peng Dong‐Liang
Published: June 2020

Designing and constructing bimetallic hierarchical structures is vital for the conversion‐alloy reaction anode of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Particularly, the rationally designed hetero‐interface engineering can offer fast diffusion kinetics in the interface, leading to the improved high‐power surface pseudocapacitance and cycling stability for SIBs. Herein, the hierarchical zinc–tin sulfide nanocages (ZnS‐NC/SnS2) are constructed through hydrothermal and sulfuration reactions. The unconventional hierarchical design with internal void space greatly optimizes the structure stability, and bimetallic sulfide brings a bimetallic composite interface and N heteroatom doping, which are devoted to high electrochemical activity and improved interfacial charge transfer rate for Na+ storage. Remarkably, the ZnS‐NC/SnS2 composite anode exhibits a delightful reversible capacity of 595 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, and long cycling capability for 500 cycles with a low capacity loss of 0.08% per cycle at 1 A g−1. This study opens up a new route for rationally constructing hierarchical heterogeneous interfaces and sheds new light on efficient anode material for SIBs.
Bioelectronic Skin Based on Nociceptive Ion Channel for Human‐Like Perception of Cold Pains
Authors: Shin Narae , Lee Seung Hwan , Cho Youngtak , Park Tai Hyun , Hong Seunghun
Published: June 2020

A bioelectronic skin device based on nociceptive ion channels in nanovesicles is developed for the detection of chemical cold‐pain stimuli and cold environments just like human somesthetic sensory systems. The human transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (hTRPA1) is involved in transmission and modulation of cold‐pain sensations. In the bioelectronic skin, the nanovesicles containing the hTRPA1 nociceptive ion channel protein reacts to cold‐pain stimuli, and it is electrically monitored through carbon nanotube transistor devices based on floating electrodes. The bioelectronic skin devices sensitively detect chemical cold‐pain stimuli like cinnamaldehyde at 10 fm, and selectively discriminate cinnamaldehyde among other chemical stimuli. Further, the bioelectronic skin is used to evaluate the effect of cold environments on the response of the hTRPA1, finding that the nociceptive ion channel responds more sensitively to cinnamaldehyde at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. The bioelectronic skin device could be useful for a basic study on somesthetic systems such as cold‐pain sensation, and should be used for versatile applications such as screening of foods and drugs.
Toward ontology‐based risk management framework for software projects: An empirical study
Authors: Abioye Temitope Elizabeth , Arogundade Oluwasefunmi Tale , Misra Sanjay , Akinwale Adio T. , Adeniran Olusola John
Published: June 2020

Software risk management is a proactive decision‐making practice with processes, methods, and tools for managing risks in a software project. Many existing techniques for software project risk management are textual documentation with varying perspectives that are nonreusable and cannot be shared. In this paper, a life‐cycle approach to ontology‐based risk management framework for software projects is presented. A dataset from literature, domain experts, and practitioners is used. The identified risks are refined by 19 software experts; risks are conceptualized, modeled, and developed using Protégé. The risks are qualitatively analyzed and prioritized, and aversion methods are provided. The framework is adopted in real‐life software projects. Precision recall and F‐measure metrics are used to validate the performance of the extraction tool while performance and perception evaluation are carried out using the performance appraisal form and technology acceptance model, respectively. Mean scores from performance and perception evaluation are compared with evaluation concept scale. Results showed that cost is reduced, high‐quality projects are delivered on time, and software developers found this framework a potent tool needed for their day‐to‐day activities in software development.
Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nano‐Onions Decorated on Graphene Network: A Novel All‐Carbon Composite Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell with a 10.28% Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Pang Beili , Zhang Meili , Zhou Cheng , Dong Hongzhou , Ma Shuai , Shi Yongtang , Sun Qiong , Li Fang , Yu Liyan , Dong Lifeng
Published: June 2020

A desirable counter electrode material for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) needs to have superior electrocatalytic activity, low charge‐transfer resistance, and long‐term stability. Herein, the development of a composite of nitrogen‐doped carbon nano‐onions with modified reduced graphene (N‐CNOs/mGr) to achieve these merits is reported. The mGr network has high electrical conductivity to improve charge transfer; the N‐CNOs with pyridinic and graphitic N provide more electrocatalytic active sites for the reduction of I3− to I−, and the carbon composite demonstrates excellent electrochemical stability. The constructed DSSC with the N‐CNOs/mGr electrode presents better long‐term stability and a higher power conversion efficiency of 10.28% than those devices with conventional Pt (6.54%) and mGr (5.11%) electrodes. Therefore, the all carbon‐based composite will open up new opportunities for a variety of electrochemical device applications.
Task Preparation and Second Language Speech Production
Authors: Lambert Craig , Aubrey Scott , Leeming Paul
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the relative effects of four forms of task preparation on L2 speech production. One hundred forty‐four Japanese speakers of English completed an oral opinion task after 10 minutes of preparation. The same task repetition condition involved four iterations of the same pedagogic task (same procedures, same content), the parallel task repetition condition involved four iterations of the same type of task (same procedures, different content), the first language (L1) planning condition involved dyadic planning for the task in Japanese, and the second language (L2) planning condition involved the same in English. The effects of these task implementation options were compared in terms of measures of conceptualization, formulation, and monitoring of L2 speech production (Kormos, 2006; Levelt, 1989) as well as overall L2 speech fluency during task performance. Results suggest that different preparatory options might support L2 learners’ speech production in complementary ways by alternately reducing the conceptualization, formulation, and monitoring demands they face on tasks. Results provide an initial basis for implementing tasks to effectively support L2 learners’ emerging abilities to parallel process content and language during real‐time speech production (Skehan, 2009). Options for sequencing preparatory support in task‐based language teaching are discussed.
Synthesis of several 2‐carbaldehyde derivatives of quinoline and 1,4‐dihydroquinoline
Authors: Chinh Pham The , Tham Pham Thi , Van Tuyen Nguyen , Quynh Duong Huong , Van Dinh Thuy , Bang Duong Nghia , Kien Vu Tuan , Giang Bui Duong , Thuy Nguyen Thi , Nhan Bui Thanh , Giang Luu Truong
Published: June 2020

Quinolines represent a versatile class of compounds known for their antimalarial potential. The quinoline derivatives are the class of truly ubiquitous structures involved in the regulation of a wide variety of biological processes. In this paper, several quinoline‐2‐carbaldehyde and 1,4‐dihydroquinoline‐2‐carbaldehyde derivatives were synthesized via Riley reaction. These valuable organic compounds are unique precursors for the synthesis of new plinabulin and new heterocyclic compounds containing ring system of quinolines.
Simultaneous effect of pH, deposition time, deposition potential, and step potential on the stripping peak current of copper on platinum nanoflowers modified glassy carbon electrode (PtNFs/GCE) using response surface methodology
Authors: Lieu Nguyen Thi , Trung Pham Quoc , Trang Le Tran Thu , Giang Le Truong
Published: June 2020

In the present study, the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with platinum nanoflowers (PtNFs/GCE) has been developed for copper determination. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was used to investigate the performance of the modified electrode. The effects of pH, deposition potential, deposition time, and step potential were investigated on the stripping peak current response of copper based on response surface methodology. The results indicated that pH of 5.07, deposition potential (‐0.605 V), deposition time (150.4 s), and step potential (6 mV) results in the maximum current density. Under the optimized conditions, a linear regression was obtained in the range of 0.75‐80 μg.L‐1 and detection limit also was found to be 0.312 μg.L‐1 by DPASV on the PtNFs/GCE surface. The fabricated electrode (PtNFs/GCE) showed good reproducibility and repeatability as well as high recovery. The practical application of the PtNFs/GCE was demonstrated by measuring the concentration of copper in real water samples.
Effects of glycerol and NCO/OH on rigid polyurethane foam based on bio‐polyol of rubber seed oil using water as blowing agent
Authors: Thuy Nuyen Thi , Vuong Trinh Quoc , Duc Vu Minh
Published: June 2020

The work used bio‐polyol from rubber seed oil for rigid polyurethane synthesis. The water was used as the only blowing agent. FTIR spectrum demonstrated the formation of polyurethanes from bio‐polyol, glycerol, isocyanate and water. The effects of water, glycerol content and NCO/OH molar ratio on properties of foam were investigated through compression strength, density, average porous radius, size and distribution of cells. The suitable recipe for materials was chosen and the cream time, the rise time and the tack free time were also determined. The rigid polyurethane foam was synthesized at water and glycerol content of 4 and 3 wt.% of polyol, molar NCO/OH ratio of 0.8 had the compressive strength of 125.11 KPa, density of 62.75 kg/m3 and average porous radius of 237.52 μm.
Pyridylmethylamines a modular and underrated family of ligands in both metal‐ and organo‐catalysis
Authors: Large Benjamin , Plais Romain , Gaucher Anne , Prim Damien
Published: June 2020

This account outlines our recent investigations towards the synthesis, complexation and properties of pyridylmethylamines (pma) ligands. A careful study combining solid state data, advanced NMR techniques and DFT calculations allowed to study the topology of Pd(II) and Zn(II) complexes and to decipher their privileged structural arrangements. Our approach also permitted to understand the behaviour of catalytic systems in both metal‐ and organo‐catalysis. The efficiency of pma‐catalytic systems towards Suzuki couplings, C‐H alkylation, C‐H arylation, Michael addition and Henry reaction is illustrated through selected examples.
Mobilizing a Culture of Health in the Era of Smart Transportation and Automation
Authors: Schintler Laurie A. , McNeely Connie L.
Published: June 2020

A culture of health, in which good health and healthy lifestyles and environments flourish across geographic, demographic, and social sectors, is a critical focus of policy agendas today in relation to societal and community wellbeing. At the same time, automated vehicles, drones, sidewalk robots, and other “smart” technologies for mechanizing the movement of people and goods are ever‐more present features of communities worldwide. However, while there is increasing attention to the role of transportation in facilitating (or inhibiting) a culture of health, a robust and comprehensive examination of this subject in the context of growing automation is relatively absent. We examine possible effects of transportation automation on health and community wellbeing, considering smart technological developments as a catalyst for cultural change, while providing an overview on direct and indirect impacts of smart transportation on health across different societal contexts and groups. Directions also are offered for future research and practice, with an emphasis on the need to translate evidence into action as it relates to automated transportation and a culture of health.
Well-Posedness for a System of Quadratic Derivative Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations with Radial Initial Data
Authors: Hirayama Hiroyuki , Kinoshita Shinya , Okamoto Mamoru
Published: June 2020

In the present paper, we consider the Cauchy problem of the system of quadratic derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equations. This system was introduced by Colin and Colin (Differ Integral Equ 17:297–330, 2004). The first and second authors obtained some well-posedness results in the Sobolev space $$H^{s}({\mathbb R}^d)$$

H
s

(

R

d

)

. We improve these results for conditional radial initial data by rewriting the system radial form.
Postinfektiöse reaktive Arthritis nach Chlamydieninfektion im Leistungssport
Authors: Klingebiel Sebastian , Rieger Horst , Gosheger Georg , Theil Jan Christoph , Rickert Carolin , Schneider Kristian Nikolaus
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund

Die reaktive Arthritis infolge einer Chlamydieninfektion ist eine seltene, aber wichtige Differenzialdiagnose der atraumatischen Gelenkschwellung. Eine verzögerte Diagnosestellung führt nicht selten zu langen Ausfallzeiten der sportlichen Aktivität, die gerade beim Leistungssportler weitreichende Konsequenzen haben kann.

Ziel der Arbeit

Darstellung des klinischen Managements der postinfektiösen reaktiven Arthritis zur schnellen Diagnosestellung und zielgerichteten Behandlung bei symptomatischem Krankheitsverlauf.

Material und Methoden

Literaturrecherche zu den Themen „Chlamydien“, „reaktive Arthritis“, „postinfektiöse Arthritis“ und „sexually acquired reactive arthritis“ einschließlich Darstellung von zwei klinischen Fällen der postinfektiösen reaktiven Arthritis nach Chlamydieninfektion aus dem Leistungssport.

Ergebnisse und Fazit

Die reaktive Arthritis nach Chlamydieninfektion bei Leistungssportlern ist eine seltene Entität. Sie kann jedoch durchaus mit weitreichenden individuellen Folgen, insbesondere hinsichtlich möglicher Ausfallzeiten, im Sport einhergehen. Auch langfristige Folgen, wie chronische Gelenkschäden bei unterhaltener Synovialitis, müssen bedacht werden. Zur Diagnosestellung ist eine gezielte Anamneseerhebung und der direkte Erregernachweis im Gelenkpunktat durch die Polymerasekettenreaktion essenziell. Dies erlaubt eine sichere Diagnosestellung mit verzögerungsfreier Therapieeinleitung. Jedoch sind auch bei frühzeitigem Therapiebeginn protrahierte Krankheitsverläufe nicht ausgeschlossen.
Reinterpreting shock wave structure predictions using the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Reddy M. H. L. , Dadzie S. K.
Published: June 2020

Classical Navier–Stokes equations fail to predict shock wave profiles accurately. In this paper, the Navier–Stokes system is fully transformed using a velocity variable transformation. The transformed equations termed the recast Navier–Stokes equations display physics not initially included in the classical form of the equations. We then analyze the stationary shock structure problem in a monatomic gas by solving both the classical and the recast Navier–Stokes equations numerically using a finite difference global solution (FDGS) scheme. The numerical results are presented for different upstream Mach numbers ranging from supersonic to hypersonic flows. We found that the recast Navier–Stokes equations show better agreement with the experimentally measured density and reciprocal shock thickness profiles.
The IRI-DICE hypothesis: ionizing radiation-induced DSBs may have a functional role for non-deterministic responses at low doses
Authors: Langen Britta , Helou Khalil , Forssell-Aronsson Eva
Published: June 2020

Low-dose ionizing radiation (IR) responses remain an unresolved issue in radiation biology and risk assessment. Accurate knowledge of low-dose responses is important for estimation of normal tissue risk in cancer radiotherapy or health risks from occupational or hazard exposure. Cellular responses to low-dose IR appear diverse and stochastic in nature and to date no model has been proposed to explain the underlying mechanisms. Here, we propose a hypothesis on IR-induced double-strand break (DSB)-induced cis effects (IRI-DICE) and introduce DNA sequence functionality as a submicron-scale target site with functional outcome on gene expression: DSB induction in a certain genetic target site such as promotor, regulatory element, or gene core would lead to changes in transcript expression, which may range from suppression to overexpression depending on which functional element was damaged. The DNA damage recognition and repair machinery depicts threshold behavior requiring a certain number of DSBs for induction. Stochastically distributed persistent disruption of gene expression may explain—in part—the diverse nature of low-dose responses until the repair machinery is initiated at increased absorbed dose. Radiation quality and complexity of DSB lesions are also discussed. Currently, there are no technologies available to irradiate specific genetic sites to test the IRI-DICE hypothesis directly. However, supportive evidence may be achieved by developing a computational model that combines radiation transport codes with a genomic DNA model that includes sequence functionality and transcription to simulate expression changes in an irradiated cell population. To the best of our knowledge, IRI-DICE is the first hypothesis that includes sequence functionality of different genetic elements in the radiation response and provides a model for the diversity of radiation responses in the (very) low dose regimen.
Long-term efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab in patients with RRMS: 12-year follow-up of CAMMS223
Authors: Steingo Brian , Al Malik Yaser , Bass Ann D. , Berkovich Regina , Carraro Matthew , Fernández Óscar , Ionete Carolina , Massacesi Luca , Meuth Sven G. , Mitsikostas Dimos D. , Pardo Gabriel , Simm Renata Faria , Traboulsee Anthony , Choudhry Zia , Daizadeh Nadia , Compston D. Alastair S. ,   the CAMMS223, CAMMS03409, and TOPAZ Investigators
Published: June 2020

Background

In the phase 2 CAMMS223 trial (NCT00050778), alemtuzumab significantly improved clinical and MRI outcomes versus subcutaneous interferon beta-1a over 3 years in treatment-naive patients with relapsing–remitting MS. Here, we assess efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab over 12 years in CAMMS223 patients who enrolled in the CAMMS03409 extension (NCT00930553), with available follow-up through the subsequent TOPAZ extension (NCT02255656).

Methods

In CAMMS223, patients received 2 alemtuzumab courses (12 mg/day; baseline: 5 days; 12 months later: 3 days); 22% received a third course. In the open-label, nonrandomized extensions, patients could receive as-needed additional alemtuzumab or other disease-modifying therapies.

Results

Of 108 alemtuzumab-treated patients in CAMMS223, 60 entered the CAMMS03409 extension; 33% received a total of 2 alemtuzumab courses, and 73% received no more than 3 courses through Year 12. Over 12 years, annualized relapse rate was 0.09, 71% of patients had stable or improved Expanded Disability Status Scale scores, and 69% were free of 6-month confirmed disability worsening. In Year 12, 73% of patients were free of MRI disease activity. Cumulatively throughout the extensions (Years 7–12), 34% of patients had no evidence of disease activity. Adverse event (AE) incidence declined through Year 12. Infusion-associated reactions peaked at first course and declined thereafter. Cumulative thyroid AE incidence was 50%; one immune thrombocytopenia event occurred, and there were no autoimmune nephropathy cases.

Conclusions

Alemtuzumab efficacy was maintained over 12 years in CAMMS223 patients, with 73% receiving no more than three courses. The safety profile in this cohort was consistent with other alemtuzumab clinical trials.
Systematic literature review of burden of illness in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Authors: Querol Luis , Crabtree M. , Herepath M. , Priedane E. , Viejo Viejo I. , Agush S. , Sommerer P.
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological disorder characterised by muscle weakness and impaired sensory function. The present study provides a comprehensive literature review of the burden of illness of CIDP.

Methods

Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and key conferences in May 2019. Search terms identified studies on the epidemiology, humanistic burden, current treatment, and economic burden of CIDP published since 2009 in English.

Results

Forty-five full texts and nineteen conference proceedings were identified on the epidemiology (n = 9), humanistic burden (n = 7), current treatment (n = 40), and economic burden (n = 8) of CIDP. Epidemiological studies showed incidence and prevalence of 0.2–1.6 and 0.8–8.9 per 100,000, respectively, depending on geography and diagnostic criteria. Humanistic burden studies revealed that patients experienced physical and psychosocial burden, including impaired physical function, pain and depression. Publications on current treatments reported on six main types of therapy: intravenous immunoglobulins, subcutaneous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids, plasma exchange, immunosuppressants, and immunomodulators. Treatments may be burdensome, due to adverse events and reduced independence caused by treatment administration setting. In Germany, UK, France, and the US, CIDP economic burden was driven by direct costs of treatment and hospitalisation. CIDP was associated with indirect costs driven by impaired productivity.

Conclusions

This first systematic review of CIDP burden of illness demonstrates the high physical and psychosocial burden of this rare disease. Future research is required to fully characterise the burden of CIDP, and to understand how appropriate treatment can mitigate burden for patients and healthcare systems.
Olfactory testing does not predict β-amyloid, MRI measures of neurodegeneration or vascular pathology in the British 1946 birth cohort
Authors: Buchanan Sarah M. , Parker Thomas D. , Lane Christopher A. , Keshavan Ashvini , Keuss Sarah E. , Lu Kirsty , James Sarah-Naomi , Murray-Smith Heidi , Wong Andrew , Nicholas Jennifer , Cash David M. , Malone Ian B. , Coath William , Thomas David L. , Sudre Carole , Fox Nick C. , Richards Marcus , Schott Jonathan M.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To explore the value of olfactory identification deficits as a predictor of cerebral β-amyloid status and other markers of brain health in cognitively normal adults aged ~ 70 years.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational cohort study. 389 largely healthy and cognitively normal older adults were recruited from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (1946 British Birth cohort) and investigated for olfactory identification deficits, as measured by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. Outcome measures were imaging markers of brain health derived from 3 T MRI scanning (cortical thickness, entorhinal cortex thickness, white matter hyperintensity volumes); 18F florbetapir amyloid-PET scanning; and cognitive testing results. Participants were assessed at a single centre between March 2015 and January 2018.

Results

Mean (± SD) age was 70.6 (± 0.7) years, 50.8% were female. 64.5% had hyposmia and 2.6% anosmia. Olfaction showed no association with β-amyloid status, hippocampal volume, entorhinal cortex thickness, AD signature cortical thickness, white matter hyperintensity volume, or cognition.

Conclusion and relevance

In the early 70s, olfactory function is not a reliable predictor of a range of imaging and cognitive measures of preclinical AD. Olfactory identification deficits are not likely to be a useful means of identifying asymptomatic amyloidosis. Further studies are required to assess if change in olfaction may be a proximity marker for the development of cognitive impairment.
De novo CACAN1D Ca2+ channelopathies: clinical phenotypes and molecular mechanism
Authors: Ortner Nadine J. , Kaserer Teresa , Copeland J. Nathan , Striessnig Jörg
Published: June 2020

The identification of rare disease-causing variants in humans by large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies has also provided us with new insights into the pathophysiological role of de novo missense variants in the CACNA1D gene that encodes the pore-forming α1-subunit of voltage-gated Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels. These CACNA1D variants have been identified somatically in aldosterone-producing adenomas as well as germline in patients with neurodevelopmental and in some cases endocrine symptoms. In vitro studies in heterologous expression systems have revealed typical gating changes that indicate enhanced Ca2+ influx through Cav1.3 channels as the underlying disease-causing mechanism. Here we summarize the clinical findings of 12 well-characterized individuals with a total of 9 high-risk pathogenic CACNA1D variants. Moreover, we propose how information from somatic mutations in aldosterone-producing adenomas could be used to predict the potential pathogenicity of novel germline variants. Since these pathogenic de novo variants can cause a channel-gain-of function, we also discuss the use of L-type Ca2+ channel blockers as a potential therapeutic option.
Identification of novel genetic variants associated with short stature in a Baka Pygmies population
Authors: Zoccolillo Matteo , Moia Claudia , Comincini Sergio , Cittaro Davide , Lazarevic Dejan , Pisani Karen A. , Wit Jan M. , Bozzola Mauro
Published: June 2020

Human growth is a complex trait determined by genetic factors in combination with external stimuli, including environment, nutrition and hormonal status. In the past, several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have collectively identified hundreds of genetic variants having a putative effect on determining adult height in different worldwide populations. Theoretically, a valuable approach to better understand the mechanisms of complex traits as adult height is to study a population exhibiting extreme stature phenotypes, such as African Baka Pygmies. After phenotypic characterization, we sequenced the whole exomes of a cohort of Baka Pygmies and their non-Pygmies Bantu neighbors to highlight genetic variants associated with the reduced stature. Whole exome data analysis revealed 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with the reduced height in the Baka group. Among these variants, we focused on SNP rs7629425, located in the 5′-UTR of the Hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2) gene. The frequency of the alternative allele was significantly increased compared to African and non-African populations. In vitro luciferase assay showed significant differences in transcription modulation by rs7629425 C/T alleles. In conclusion, our results suggested that the HYAL2 gene variants may play a role in the etiology of short stature in Baka Pygmies population.
Volumetric analysis of bilateral spinal canal decompression via hemilaminectomy versus laminoplasty in cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Hernández-Durán Silvia , Zafar Noman , Behme Daniel , Momber Matthias , Rohde Veit , Mielke Dorothee , Fiss Ingo
Published: June 2020

Background

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative process of the cervical spine requiring surgical decompression to prevent neurological deterioration. While both anterior and posterior approaches yield satisfactory results, posterior decompression is preferred in cases of the multilevel disease. In 2015, we described a muscle-sparing, novel technique of bilateral osteoligamentous decompression via hemilaminectomy (OLD) for CSM. In this study, we investigate whether this technique offers comparable volumetric results to laminoplasty in terms of spinal canal enlargement and whether this technique can yield significant clinical improvement.

Methods

Patients undergoing OLD due to CSM were prospectively enrolled in this study and then matched to and compared with a historic cohort of patients with CSM treated by laminoplasty. An independent sample t test was performed to analyze whether the volumetric gain in the two separate groups was statistically significant. Patients in the OLD cohort were clinically evaluated with the mJOA score preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. To assess clinical improvement, a paired sample t test was performed.

Results

A total of 38 patients were included in the analysis: 19 underwent OLD and 19 underwent laminoplasty. Both groups were well matched in terms of sex, age, preoperative spinal canal volume, and involved levels. Both surgical methods yielded statistically significant volumetric gain in the cervical spinal canal, but a trend towards a greater volume gain was seen in the OLD group. In the OLD group, a statistically significant clinical improvement was also demonstrated.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that OLD can yield a comparable extent of decompression to laminoplasty in CSM while also delivering statistically significant clinical improvement.
Pleomorphic archaeal viruses: the family Pleolipoviridae is expanding by seven new species
Authors: Demina Tatiana A. , Oksanen Hanna M.
Published: June 2020

Established in 2016, the family Pleolipoviridae comprises globally distributed archaeal viruses that produce pleomorphic particles. Pseudo-spherical enveloped virions of pleolipoviruses are membrane vesicles carrying a nucleic acid cargo. The cargo can be either a single-stranded or double-stranded DNA molecule, making this group the first family introduced in the 10th Report on Virus Taxonomy including both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA viruses. The length of the genomes is approximately 7–17 kilobase pairs, or kilonucleotides in the case of single-stranded molecules. The genomes are circular single-stranded DNA, circular double-stranded DNA, or linear double-stranded DNA molecules. Currently, eight virus species and seven proposed species are classified in three genera: Alphapleolipovirus (five species), Betapleolipovirus (nine species), and Gammapleolipovirus (one species). Here, we summarize the updated taxonomy of the family Pleolipoviridae to reflect recent advances in this field, with the focus on seven newly proposed species in the genus Betapleolipovirus: Betapleolipovirus HHPV3, HHPV4, HRPV9, HRPV10, HRPV11, HRPV12, and SNJ2.
Symmetry of palatal shape during the first year of life in healthy infants
Authors: Bruggink R. , Baan F. , Kramer G.J.C. , Kuijpers-Jagtman A.M. , Bergé S.J. , Maal T.J.J. , Ongkosuwito E.M.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to quantify the symmetry of the alveolar process of the maxilla and palate during the first year of life in healthy infants with the help of a semiautomatic segmentation technique.

Materials and methods

Maxillary plaster models of seventy healthy babies at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were collected and digitized. A semiautomatic segmentation tool was used to extract the alveolus and palate. The resulting model was aligned within a reference frame and mirrored on its medial plane. Distance maps were created and analyzed to compare and quantify the differences between the two hemispheres. Additional hemispherical width and area measurements were performed. An ANOVA test with additional post hoc tests was performed to check if the symmetry changed during development. Finally, the results were tested on intra- and interobserver variability.

Results

The absolute mean inter-surface distance between the original and mirrored models in each age group ranged between 0.23 and 0.30 mm. Width and area analysis showed a small but significant larger left palatal hemisphere. ANOVA and post hoc tests showed no significant difference in symmetry between groups. Reliability analysis showed no significant differences between observers.

Conclusions

This study showed that in this infant population, only a small degree of palatal asymmetry was present, which can be considered as normal and clinically irrelevant.

Clinical relevance

The data from this study can be used in future comparative studies as reference data. Furthermore, modeling of these data can help in predicting the growth pattern, which may lead to improved treatment protocols for children with craniofacial anomalies.
Landslide precipitation thresholds in Rwanda
Authors: Uwihirwe Judith , Hrachowitz Markus , Bogaard Thom A.
Published: June 2020

Regional empirical-statistical thresholds indicating the precipitation conditions initiating landslides are of crucial importance for landslide early warning system development. The objectives of this research were to use landslide and precipitation data in an empirical-statistical approach to (1) identify precipitation-related variables with the highest explanatory power for landslide occurrence and (2) define both trigger and trigger-cause based thresholds for landslides in Rwanda, Central-East Africa. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) metrics were used to test the suitability of a suite of precipitation-related explanatory variables. A Bayesian probabilistic approach, maximum true skill statistics and the minimum radial distance were used to determine the most informative threshold levels above which landslide are high likely to occur. The results indicated that the event precipitation volumes E, cumulative 1-day rainfall (RD1) that coincide with the day of landslide occurrence and 10-day antecedent precipitation are variables with the highest discriminatory power to distinguish landslide from no landslide conditions. The highest landslide prediction capability in terms of true positive alarms was obtained from single rainfall variables based on trigger-based thresholds. However, that predictive capability was constrained by the high rate of false positive alarms and thus the elevated probability to neglect the contribution of additional causal factors that lead to the occurrence of landslides and which can partly be accounted for by the antecedent precipitation indices. Further combination of different variables into trigger-cause pairs and the use of suitable thresholds in bilinear format improved the prediction capacity of the real trigger-based thresholds.
Frequency-Coded mm-Wave Tags for Self-Localization System Using Dielectric Resonators
Authors: Jiménez-Sáez A. , Alhaj-Abbas A. , Schüßler M. , Abuelhaija A. , El-Absi M. , Sakaki M. , Samfaß L. , Benson N. , Hoffmann M. , Jakoby R. , Kaiser T. , Solbach K.
Published: June 2020

The paper describes the development of passive, chipless tags for a novel indoor self-localization system operating at high mm-wave frequencies. One tag concept is based on the low-Q fundamental mode of dielectric resonators (DR) which exhibits peak scattering at its resonance frequency. As the radar cross-section (RCS) of DRs at mm-wave frequencies is far too low for the intended application, arrays of DRs and combinations with dielectric lens and corner reflectors are investigated to boost the RCS while keeping the scattering retro-directive over wide-angle incidence. Satisfactory results are demonstrated experimentally in W-band with metal corner reflectors combined with planar arrays of DRs; the tags produce a high RCS level over a moderately broad angular range and a wide frequency range where they exhibit a notch at the resonance frequency of the dielectric resonators. These designs suffer from low coding range of 3 to 6 bit, degradations of RCS in angular range, and a difficult separation of the tag response from strong clutter. Both the suppression of large clutter interference by using time gating of the tag response and a larger coding range are promised by a chipless tag concept based on multiple high-Q resonators in photonic crystal (PhC) technology. Experimental samples are characterized as transmission resonators and as retro-directive tags at the 230 GHz band. As a concept to boost the retro-directive RCS with a truly wide-angle response, the integration of PhC resonators with a Luneburg lens is discussed.
Quality assessment and hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in Kerzaz and Beni Abbes along Saoura valley, southwest of Algeria
Authors: Benmoussa Youcef , Remini Boualem , Remaoun Mohamed
Published: June 2020

The present study focused on the hydrochemistry of groundwater in Kerzaz and Beni Abbes in Saoura oases (southwest of Algeria) to assess the quality of groundwater for determining its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. The study area experiences a hyper-arid climate characterized by low rainfall 50–100 mm/year and excessive drought. Groundwater samples were collected from 24 locations to ensure a good spatial distribution to cover all the study areas. Standards laboratory methods were used to determine physicochemical groundwater properties. The result for this study showed that the water was to be found unsuitable for drinking purposes except for few samples in Kerzaz and Beni Abbes. Except for PI values, all other physicochemical parameters (EC, SAR, MAR), and according to the US salinity diagram, groundwater in Kerzaz was to be found satisfactory for irrigation especially if the soil permeability is improved and the leaching is guaranteed by applying extra frequently irrigation. In Beni Abbes, 58.33% of water samples show that water can be used if rapid permeability is guaranteed, which is the case in Beni Abbes soils, and 25% present medium salinity and low to medium alkalinity (C2S1, C2S2, C3S3) and only the natural spring presents a low salinity and low alkalinity C1S1 permitting the use of water for irrigation with most crops on most soil. Piper diagram indicates groundwater in Kerzaz belongs to CaCl type, while in Beni Abbes four types were recognized, NaCl, CaMgHCO3, CaCl and mixed CaCl type with 16.66%, 8.33%, 41.66% and 33.33%, respectively.
The role of Polish school nurses in the oral health promotion for 7–19 year-old children and adolescents
Authors: Baginska J. , Rodakowska E. , Kobus A. , Kierklo A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The assessment of the role of school nurses in the oral health education and counselling of children and adolescents aged 7–19 years.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate nurses’ practice in oral health education, previous training in caries prevention, collaboration with a dentist and self-assessment of knowledge. Data were analysed with the Chi square test.

Results

The study group consisted of 140 Polish school nurses. Respondents declared the following activities: dietary counselling (99.2%), oral hygiene education (92.8%), NHS-funded supervised fluoride prophylaxis (82.8%), and caries screenings (4.3%). 47.1% participated in training on caries prevention, 25.7% had a collaboration with a dentist. Nurses from schools located in towns less frequently provided oral hygiene education (p < 0.005) and dietary counselling, but more often had a collaboration with a dentist (p < 0.05). The youngest nurses were more confident about their knowledge (p < 0.05). There was an association between participation in training on caries prevention and positive opinion on a school-based fluoride prophylaxis (p < 0.01). Nurses who did not include dental topics in their practice worked mainly with pupils older than 15 years, had shorter experience (p < 0.05), secondary education, worked in urban areas and had no training on dental problems (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Polish school nurses have potentially crucial roles in improving the oral health status in pupils through oral hygiene education, dietary counselling and fluoride prophylaxis included in their duties.
Integrating Web-Based Collaborative Live Editing and Wireframing into a Model-Driven Web Engineering Process
Authors: de Lange Peter , Nicolaescu Petru , Neumann Alexander Tobias , Klamma Ralf
Published: June 2020

Today’s Model-Driven Web Engineering (MDWE) approaches automatically generate Web applications from conceptual, domain-specific models. This enhances productivity by simplifying the design process through a higher degree of abstraction. Due to this raised level of abstraction, the collaboration on conceptual models also opens up new use cases, such as the tighter involvement of non-technical stakeholders into Web development. However, especially in the early design stages of Web applications, common practices for requirement elicitation mostly rely on wireframes instead of MDWE, created usually in analog settings. Additionally, state-of-the-art MDWE should integrate established and emerging Web development features, such as Near Real-Time (NRT) collaborative modeling and shared editing on the generated code. The combination of collaborative modeling, coding and wireframing, all in NRT, bears a lot of potential for improving MDWE practices. The challenge when covering these requirements lies with synchronizing source code, wireframes and models, an essential need to cope with regular changes in the software architecture to provide the flexibility needed for agile MDWE. In this contribution, we present a MDWE approach with live code editing and wireframing capabilities. We present the conceptual considerations of our approach, the realization of it and the integration into an overarching development methodology. Following a design science approach, we present the cyclic iterations of developing and evaluating our artifacts, which show promising results for collaborative Web development tasks that could open the gate towards novel, collaborative and agile MDWE techniques.
Computational intractability law molds the topology of biological networks
Authors: Atiia Ali A. , Hopper Corbin , Inoue Katsumi , Vidal Silvia , Waldispühl Jérôme
Published: June 2020

Virtually all molecular interaction networks (MINs), irrespective of organism or physiological context, have a majority of loosely-connected ‘leaf’ genes interacting with at most 1-3 genes, and a minority of highly-connected ‘hub’ genes interacting with at least 10 or more other genes. Previous reports proposed adaptive and non-adaptive hypotheses describing sufficient but not necessary conditions for the origin of this majority-leaves minority-hubs (mLmH) topology. We modelled the evolution of MINs as a computational optimization problem which describes the cost of conserving, deleting or mutating existing genes so as to maximize (minimize) the overall number of beneficial (damaging) interactions network-wide. The model 1) provides sufficient and, assuming $\mathcal {P}\neq \mathcal {NP}$
P
≠
N
P
, necessary conditions for the emergence of mLmH as an adaptation to circumvent computational intractability, 2) predicts the percentage number of genes having d interacting partners, and 3) when employed as a fitness function in an evolutionary algorithm, produces mLmH-possessing synthetic networks whose degree distributions match those of equal-size MINs.
Text sentiment in the Age of Enlightenment: an analysis of spectator periodicals
Authors: Koncar Philipp , Fuchs Alexandra , Hobisch Elisabeth , Geiger Bernhard C. , Scholger Martina , Helic Denis
Published: June 2020

Spectator periodicals contributed to spreading the ideas of the Age of Enlightenment, a turning point in human history and the foundation of our modern societies. In this work, we study the spirit and atmosphere captured in the spectator periodicals about important social issues from the 18thcentury by analyzing text sentiment of those periodicals. Specifically, based on a manually annotated corpus of over 3 700 issues published in five different languages and over a period of more than one hundred years, we conduct a three-fold sentiment analysis: First, we analyze the development of sentiment over time as well as the influence of topics and narrative forms on sentiment. Second, we construct sentiment networks to assess the polarity of perceptions between different entities, including periodicals, places and people. Third, we construct and analyze sentiment word networks to determine topological differences between words with positive and negative polarity allowing us to make conclusions on how sentiment was expressed in spectator periodicals.Our results depict a mildly positive tone in spectator periodicals underlining the positive attitude towards important topics of the Age of Enlightenment, but also signaling stylistic devices to disguise critique in order to avoid censorship. We also observe strong regional variation in sentiment, indicating cultural and historic differences between countries. For example, while Italy perceived other European countries as positive role models, French periodicals were frequently more critical towards other European countries. Finally, our topological analysis depicts a weak overrepresentation of positive sentiment words corroborating our findings about a general mildly positive tone in spectator periodicals.We believe that our work based on the combination of the sentiment analysis of spectator periodicals and the extensive knowledge available from literary studies sheds interesting new light on these publications. Furthermore, we demonstrate the inclusion of sentiment analysis as another useful method in the digital humanist’s distant reading toolbox.
Additive effect of the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans and the fungus Rhizoctonia solani on potato yield and damage
Authors: Viketoft Maria , Flöhr Adam , Englund Jan-Eric , Kardell Jonas , Edin Eva
Published: June 2020

The significance of nematodes for disease development caused by other soil-borne pathogens has been demonstrated in many crops throughout the world and specifically prevalent are interactions between plant-parasitic nematodes and species of plant pathogenic fungi. Here, the interaction between the fungusRhizoctonia solani(AG2) and the migratory endoparasitic root-lesion nematodePratylenchus penetranswas investigated on potato. The hypotheses were that the combination ofR. solaniandP. penetranswould result in more severe canker lesions, reduced quality of the tubers and lower tuber yield, and we also expected higher nematode levels to render more nematode damage. To test this, potato plants were grown in pots in two replicate experiments and the presence and/or abundance of the two pathogens were controlled. The first three hypotheses were rejected as (1) the tuber yield decreased when the fungus and nematode occurred together but not more than the sum of their separate effects, i.e. additive, (2) there was no effect of presence of nematodes on the incidence of stem canker, and (3) the quality of tubers was actually partly improved as the presence of the nematodes reduced the likelihood of elephant hide on the tubers in one of the experiments. As expected, there were more visible nematode damages with addition of more nematodes, but beyond that the different nematode levels rendered in most cases similar responses. To have knowledge about interactions between pathogens, as the one showed here, is essential for disease control through appropriate management methods.