bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Designed Micro–Nano Si–Graphite Hybrids for Lithium Storage
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Huang Yongcong , Huang Weijian , Tao Jianming , Lv Fucong , Ye Ruilai , Lin Yingbin , Li Yang yang , Huang Zhigao , Lu Jian
Published: February 2021

Up to now, the silicon‐graphite anode materials with commercial prospect for lithium batteries (LIBs) still face three dilemmas of the huge volume effect, the poor interface compatibility, and the high resistance. To address the above challenges, micro–nano structured composites of graphite coating by ZnO‐incorporated and carbon‐coated silicon (marked as Gr@ZnO‐Si‐C) are reasonably synthesized via an efficient and convenient method of liquid phase self‐assembly synthesis combined with annealing treatment. The designed composites of Gr@ZnO‐Si‐C deliver excellent lithium battery performance with good rate performance and stable long‐cycling life of 1000 cycles with reversible capacities of 1150 and 780 mAh g−1 tested at 600 and 1200 mA g−1, respectively. The obtained results reveal that the incorporated ZnO effectively improve the interface compatibility between electrolyte and active materials, and boost the formation of compact and stable surface solid electrolyte interphase layer for electrodes. Furthermore, the pyrolytic carbon layer formed from polyacrylamide can directly improve electrical conductivity, decrease polarization, and thus promote their electrochemical performance. Finally, based on the scalable preparation of Gr@ZnO‐Si‐C composites, the pouch full cells of Gr@ZnO‐Si‐C||NCM523 are assembled and used to evaluate the commercial prospects of Si–graphite composites, offering highly useful information for researchers working in the battery industry.
Construction of Dual‐Active‐Site Copper Catalyst Containing both CuN3 and CuN4 Sites
Authors: Xiong Yu , Wang Shibin , Chen Wenxing , Zhang Jian , Li Qiheng , Hu Han‐Shi , Zheng Lirong , Yan Wensheng , Gu Lin , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: February 2021

Clear recognition and rational construction of suitable active center for specific reaction is always of great significance in designing highly efficient catalysts. Herein, a dual‐active‐site copper catalyst (DAS‐Cu) containing both CuN3 and CuN4 sites is reported. Such catalysts show extremely high catalytic performance (yield: up to 97%) toward oxyphosphorylation of alkenes, while catalysts with single active site (CuN3 or CuN4) are chemically inert in this reaction. Combined with theoretical and experimental results, the different roles of two different Cu active sites in this reaction are further identified. CuN3 site captures the oxygen and trigger further oxidizing process, while CuN4 site provides moderate adsorption sites for the protection of phosphonyl radicals. This work deeply discloses the significant cooperated role with two single‐atomic sites in one catalytic active center and brings up a valuable clue for the rational design of better‐performing heterogeneous catalyst.
Designing Flexible but Tough Slippery Track for Underwater Gas Manipulation
Authors: Wang Xinsheng , Bai Haoyu , Yang Jingrun , Li Zhe , Wu Yuchen , Yu Cunming , Jiang Lei , Cao Moyuan
Published: February 2021

Lubricant‐infused slippery surface exhibits a series of superior properties such as pressure tolerance, self‐healing, oil‐repellence, etc. Especially when being applied in an aqueous environment, the reliable bubble manipulating ability of slippery surface offers great opportunities to develop advanced systems in the field of gas transport, water splitting, etc. To improve the strength and the functionality of slippery surfaces, a sliced lubricant‐infused slippery (SLIS) track is presented here, possessing both flexibility and toughness for underwater bubble manipulation. The rigid slippery slices with hydrophobic porous structure are linked by the liquid bridge of silicone oil, resulting in a continuous lubricant layer for bubble transfer. Taking advantage of this unique assembled structure, the in situ bubble controlling process, that is, pinning and moving, is achieved via the stretching/releasing of an elastic SLIS track. Besides, on the basis of the integrated design, a hypothesis of underwater gas mining is proved in the all‐in‐one process including the micro‐bubble generation, bubble collection, and gas transport. The current design paves an avenue to reinforce the structure of slippery surfaces, and should promote the function of underwater bubble manipulation toward real‐world applications.
The Renaissance of Proton Batteries
Authors: Xu Yunkai , Wu Xianyong , Ji Xiulei
Published: February 2021

Proton, as a charge carrier, is most attractive due to its size and the associated advantages. Recently, reversible proton insertion in electrodes has emerged in electrochemical energy storage. Unlike the conventional understanding on pseudocapacitive proton storage, more focus is allocated to the topotactic structural changes. To date, different genres of electrode materials have been explored for proton storage. Proton batteries do not compete with nonaqueous batteries in energy density; the salient advantage of proton storage is its rate capability, which is associated with its tiny size and its nature of forming hydrogen bonding. The recent progress on Grotthuss proton storage is the high rate performance. Proton‐conducting electrolytes is another area of the future development of proton batteries. Herein, the recent efforts of this emerging field of batteries are highlighted.
Scaffolding Compositions by Valuing Illustrations in Preschool
Authors: Trujillo Andrea R. , Emerson Andrea M.
Published: February 2021

The authors guide early childhood educators through steps for empowering the inner authentic writer in young preschool children by maximizing illustrations. Preschoolers’ emergent writing experiences should be authentic and support positive writing identities as their skills develop. The authors explain how to model flexible and authentic processes through practical strategies to engage children in compositional writing through a focus on illustrations. Four steps will help harness children’s illustrations as a launch pad to encourage emergent writing, scaffold drawing and illustrations through questions, model authenticity, and value making and sharing young children’s picture books in preschool.
Social and Cultural Dynamics of Non-native Invasive Species
Authors: Schelhas John , Alexander Janice , Brunson Mark , Cabe Tommy , Crall Alycia , Dockry Michael J. , Emery Marla R. , Frankel Susan J. , Hapner Nina , Hickman Caleb R. , Jordan Rebecca , LaVoie Michael J. , Ma Zhao , Starinchak Joe , Vukomanovic Jelena
Published: February 2021

Invasive species and their management represent a complex issue spanning social and ecological systems. Invasive species present existing and potential threats to the nature of ecosystems and the products and services that people receive from them. Humans can both cause and address problems through their complex interactions with ecosystems. Yet, public awareness of invasive species and their impact is highly uneven, and public support for management and control of invasive species can be variable. Public perceptions often differ markedly from the perspectives of concerned scientists, and perceptions and support for management are influenced by a wide range of social and ecological values. In this chapter, we present a broad survey of social science research across a diversity of ecosystems and stakeholders in order to provide a foundation for understanding the social and cultural dimensions of invasive species and plan more effective management approaches. This chapter also addresses tribal perspectives on invasive species, including traditional ecological knowledge, unique cultural dimensions for tribes, and issues critical to engaging tribes as partners and leaders in invasive species management. Recognizing that natural resource managers often seek to change people’s perceptions and behaviors, we present and discuss some promising approaches that are being used to engage human communities in ways that empower and enlist stakeholders as partners in management.
Economics of Invasive Species
Authors: Warziniack Travis , Haight Robert G. , Yemshanov Denys , Apriesnig Jenny L. , Holmes Thomas P. , Countryman Amanda M. , Rothlisberger John D. , Haberland Christopher
Published: February 2021

While the subset of introduced species that become invasive is small, the damages caused by that subset and the costs of controlling them can be substantial. This chapter takes an in-depth look at the economic damages non-native species cause, methods economists often use to measure those damages, and tools used to assess invasive species policies. Ecological damages are covered in other chapters of this book. To put the problem in perspective, Federal agencies reported spending more than half a billion dollars per year in 1999 and 2000 for activities related to invasive species ($513.9 million in 1999 and $631.5 million in 2000 (U.S. GAO 2000)). Approximately half of these expenses were spent on prevention. Several states also spend considerable resources on managing non-native species; for example, Florida spent $127.6 million on invasive species activities in 2000 (U.S. GAO 2000), and the Great Lakes states spend about $20 million each year to control sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (Kinnunen 2015). Costs to government may not be the same as actual damages, which generally fall disproportionately on a few economic sectors and households. For example, the impact of the 2002 outbreak of West Nile virus exceeded $4 million in damages to the equine industries in Colorado and Nebraska alone (USDA APHIS 2003) and more than $20 million in public health damages in Louisiana (Zohrabian et al. 2004). Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) cause $300–$500 million annually in damages to power plants, water systems, and industrial water intakes in the Great Lakes region (Great Lakes Commission 2012) and are expected to cause $64 million annually in damages should they or quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) spread to the Columbia River basin (Warziniack et al. 2011).
Legislation and Policy
Authors: Campbell Faith T. , Diaz-Soltero Hilda , Hayes Deborah C.
Published: February 2021

In the United States, biological invaders are managed by all Federal agencies that have responsibility for natural resources, as well as the States, territories, and occasionally regional entities. Federal agencies’ invasive species programs are implemented under the mandates and guidance provided by dozens of laws, which include statutes enacted by the Congress, Executive Orders issued by the President, and regulations adopted by the relevant agencies. Although there are numerous laws implemented by the States or occasionally regional entities, this chapter will focus on Federal legislation and regulations that guide work on all public and private forests, rangelands, and grasslands in the United States. There are three categories of laws: (1) laws to prevent introduction or initial spread; (2) laws for management or control of invasive species; and (3) more generally defined land management laws which serve as an umbrella for invasive species activities.
Invasive Species Response to Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbance
Authors: Meyer Susan E. , Callaham Mac A. , Stewart Jane E. , Warren Steven D.
Published: February 2021

Much of the literature dealing with the biology and management of invasive species has focused on the damaging ecological and economic consequences of invasions (see Chaps.2,3, and14of this volume for review). In this chapter, we shift the focus to the causes of invasion, with the goal of proactively limiting or preventing invasions rather than reacting to them once they have occurred. Preventing the introduction of invasive species is one key element in this proactive approach (Chap.6, this volume). Here, we specifically focus on ecosystem attributes that affect whether or not an ecosystem is vulnerable to invasion, that is, the features that affect its invasibility (Lonsdale 1999), with particular emphasis on the role of natural and anthropogenic disturbance.
Restoration of Landscapes and Habitats Affected by Established Invasive Species
Authors: Koch Jennifer , Pearson Dean E. , Huebner Cynthia D. , Young Michael K. , Sniezko Richard A.
Published: February 2021

Preventing invasions of aquatic and terrestrial habitats is the preferred and most cost-effective approach to address the invasive species threat (see Chap. 6). However, when prevention efforts fail, invasive species can become widespread and deeply embedded in native ecosystems, causing severe impacts (see Chaps. 2, 3, and 4). In such cases, invader control (see Chap. 7) accompanied by restoration facilitates recovery of native species and prevents reinvasion (e.g., Pearson et al. 2016). Here, we summarize the current state of restoration science and highlight critical information gaps that must be overcome to advance ecosystem restoration in terrestrial and aquatic systems affected by invasive plants, insects, diseases, and vertebrates.
Multi-stakeholder News Recommendation Using Hypergraph Learning
Authors: Gharahighehi Alireza , Vens Celine , Pliakos Konstantinos
Published: February 2021

Recommender systems are meant to fulfil user preferences. Nevertheless, there are multiple examples where users are not the only stakeholder in a recommendation platform. For instance, in news aggregator websites apart from readers, one can consider magazines (news agencies) or authors as other stakeholders. A multi-stakeholder recommender system generates a ranked list of items taking into account the preferences of multiple stakeholders. In this study, news recommendation is handled as a hypergraph ranking task, where relations between multiple types of objects and stakeholders are modeled in a unified hypergraph. The obtained results indicate that ranking on hypergraphs can be utilized as a natural multi-stakeholder recommender system that is able to adapt recommendations based on the importance of stakeholders.
Study on Premium Rent of Refurbished Apartments Based on Bayesian Modeling Using Stated Preference Data of the Tenants
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki
Published: February 2021

In this study, we evaluated the premium rent of refurbished apartment houses in Greater Tokyo. We found that as a residential building’s age increased, the premium rent decreased. Male tenants in the age group of 20–30 years showed the highest willingness to pay (WTP). In addition, a high degree of residential satisfaction and the sense of expense toward rent had negative effects on the WTP toward premium rent.
Feasibility Evaluation for Condominium Reconstruction by Means of the Application of Discriminant Analysis on Real Estate Data
Authors: Hanazato Toshihiro
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses the application of discriminant analysis on real estate data as a feasible estimation method for condominium reconstruction. The proposed method was used in order to verify its prediction capacity managing data from the real estate and resulting in 89.4% accuracy. This method revealed and highlighted the structure of four explanatory variables in terms of prediction impact. Further, it has been clarified that only three out of these four explanatory variables mentioned above were selected and constantly used in order to explain each analytical model.
Introduction: City Planning and New Technology
Authors: Asami Yasushi
Published: February 2021

In Part III, titled “City Planning and New Technology,” we discuss two topics, namely, compact cities and real estate technology in Japan.

Promotion of compact cities is regarded as a high priority issue in urban policies in the era of population decrease. The Act on Special Measures concerning Urban Reconstruction in 2014 was revised to institutionalize the framework for the Location Normalization Plan, a plan for local governments to build compact cities to manage population decline and aging urban infrastructure while placing less burden on environment. Three chapters are devoted to issues related to this movement. In Chap. 18, Ishikawa (2020) discusses how urban functions can be guided by residents’ perspectives. To build a compact city, various day-to-day services must be placed proximal to residential areas; however, some services must be placed at a certain distance from residences because of land use restrictions. Therefore, we must determine the uses allowed in residential areas. In Chap. 19, Morimoto (2020) discusses the history of major contributions made by the development of transportation facilities to urban spread, the important role of traffic facilities to guide land use toward desirable purposes, and impact of self-driving vehicles on land use. In Chap. 20, Ogushi (2020) explains how the Location Normalization Plan in Niigata City was formed in detail.

Real estate technology refers to real estate business-related services that use new technology. Several new services based on new technology have been introduced in the field of real estate in Japan. Three chapters are devoted to issues related to real estate technology. In Chap. 21, Narimoto (2020) explains the outline of real estate technology services in Japan and identifies legal problems associated with handling of information. In Chap. 22, Nishio and Ito (2020) report on creating a sky view factor calculating system that uses Google Street View. Sky view factor is a term that refers to a configuration factor for the amount of sky in a hypothetical hemisphere. In Chap. 23, Kiyota (2020) explains the transition of neural network research and characteristics of deep learning and introduces a system that detects category inconsistencies in real estate property photographs submitted by real estate companies by using deep learning and a system that detects indexes associated with ease of living based on property photographs.
Realities and Challenges of Land Issues in the Era of Depopulation
Authors: Yoshihara Shoko
Published: February 2021

Abandoned and unclaimed land has emerged as a major policy issue in Japan, where the population is dwindling and property values are falling in many areas, including big cities. This article analyzes this alarming issue using the results of a nationwide survey conducted by the author targeting 1719 local authorities, which revealed a disconnection between the existing landownership system and rapid demographic change. Policy initiatives are needed to address three basic challenges, namely, how to get people to register title transfers when they inherit real estate; how to protect and manage land that has no immediate prospect for use; and how to improve the data collection and management infrastructure.
Introduction: Real Estate Tax System and Real Estate Market in Japan
Authors: Higano Yoshiro
Published: February 2021

This introduction summarizes chapters of Part II. In Chap. 9, Yamamoto (Jpn J Real Estate Sci 31:88–96, 2018) has compared between the street method, the asset valuation adopted for the imposition of property tax in Japan, and the computer-assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) method generally adopted in North America focusing on education and training of valuators. In Chap. 10, Yamazaki (Jpn J Real Estate Sci 31:97–101, 2018) argues that one of the major causes for relatively low density use of land in the city in Japan is the land tax system. He focuses on property tax and examines defects of the tax from view of economist. In Chap. 11, Kobayashi (Jpn J Real Estate Sci 31:129–138, 2018), taking an actual example, has examined difference between precise legal interpretation of ‘exemption from real estate acquisition tax due to purpose of use’ and taxation practices conducted by local administrative bodies. In Chap. 12, Shirakawa and Okoshi (Jpn J Real Estate Sci 31:88–96, 2017) have shown that the real estate companies were committed to transactions as dual agencies to whatsoever degree, and analyzed attributes of real estate brokerage companies which are able to be dual agencies and how such dual agency affects contract price.

In Chap. 13, Ueno (Jpn J Real Estate Sci 31:97–105, 2017) has analyzed impacts of the macroeconomic conditions on the land price gradient curves which are estimated using real estate data of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area in 1970, 1976, 1985, 1988, 1994, 2008, 2010, and 2016. In Chap. 14, Komatsu (Jpn J Real Estate Sci 31:110–118, 2017) has analyzed impacts that refurbishment of existing apartment has on possible increase in rent using the multinomial probit model and the Tobit model. In Chap. 15, Hanazato (Jpn J Real Estate Sci 31:119–128, 2017) has shown that around 90% of condominium reconstruction cases are predictable using the estimated discriminant function in terms of objective real estate data only. In Chap. 16, Ota et al. (Jpn J Real Estate Sci 31:109–119, 2018) have analyzed determinants of rent for rental house, office, and shop within 10-min walking distance from Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Multiple regression analyses are conducted and have shown that space syntax (SS) measures (Hillier and Hanson, The Social Logic of Space. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1984) significantly affect rent as well as conventional location attributes.
Professional Practices in Fixed Assets Valuation and Assessor Education in North America: Suggestions for Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Takashi
Published: February 2021

This paper examined and compared the situation of and problems with professional practices in fixed assets valuation and assessor education between North America (the United States and Canada) and Japan. Because professional practice in tax assessment takes place within individual municipalities in North America, the opportunities for external experts to participate in the practice are limited. Moreover, external institutions and universities that provide professional education educated the assessors who were in charge of these professional practices. As a result, the costs of professional practices in tax assessment and assessor education and training have been kept low. In Japan, there has been no foundation through which to foster experts within individual municipalities, so much professional practice is outsourced; consequently, this practice has become ineffective and unstable. Thus, Japan can refer to the North American system of providing complete professional tax assessment services within each municipality, as well as the fostering of experts through external organizations.
Meniscal tears are more common than previously identified, however, less than a quarter of people with a tear undergo arthroscopy
Authors: Ahmed Imran , Radhakrishnan Anand , Khatri Chetan , Staniszewska Sophie , Hutchinson Charles , Parsons Nicholas , Price Andrew , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The management of meniscal tears is a widely researched and evolving field. Previous studies reporting the incidence of meniscal tears are outdated and not representative of current practice. The aim of this study was to report the current incidence of MRI confirmed meniscal tears in patients with a symptomatic knee and the current intervention rate in a large NHS trust.

Methods

Radiology reports from 13,358 consecutive magnetic resonance imaging scans between 2015 and 2017, performed at a large UK hospital serving a population of 470,000, were assessed to identify patients with meniscal tears. The hospital database was interrogated to explore the subsequent treatment undertaken by the patient. A linear regression model was used to identify if any factors predicted subsequent arthroscopy.

Results

1737 patients with isolated meniscal tears were identified in patients undergoing an MRI for knee pain, suggesting a rate of 222 MRI confirmed tears per 100,000 of the population aged 18 to 55 years old. 47% attended outpatient appointments and 22% underwent arthroscopy. Root tears [odds ratio (95% CI) 2.24 (1.0, 4.49); p = 0.049] and bucket handle tears were significantly associated with subsequent surgery, with no difference between the other types of tears. The presence of chondral changes did not significantly affect the rate of surgery [0.81 (0.60, 1.08); n.s].

Conclusion

Meniscal tears were found to be more common than previously described. However, less than half present to secondary care and only 22% undergo arthroscopy. These findings should inform future study design and recruitment strategies. In agreement with previous literature, bucket handle tears and root tears were significant predictors of subsequent surgery.

Level of evidence

III.
A design of fuzzy inference systems to predict tensile properties of as-cast alloy
Authors: Tan He , Tarasov Vladimir , Jarfors Anders E. W. , Seifeddine Salem
Published: February 2021

In this study, a design of Mamdani type fuzzy inference systems is presented to predict tensile properties of as-cast alloy. To improve manufacturing of light weight cast components, understanding of mechanical properties of cast components under load is important. The ability of deterministic models to predict the performance of a cast component is limited due to the uncertainty and imprecision in casting data. Mamdani type fuzzy inference systems are introduced as a promising solution. Compared to other artificial intelligence approaches, Mandani type fuzzy models allow for a better result interpretation. The fuzzy inference systems were designed from data and experts’ knowledge and optimized using a genetic algorithm. The experts’ knowledge was used to set up the values for the inference engine and initial values for the database parameters. The rule base was automatically generated from the data which were collected from casting and tensile testing experiments. A genetic algorithm with real-valued coding was used to optimize the database parameters. The quality of the constructed systems was evaluated by comparing predicted and actual tensile properties, including yield strength, Y.modulus, and ultimate tensile strength, of as-case alloy from two series of casting and tensile testing experimental data. The obtained results showed that the quality of the systems has satisfactory accuracy and is similar to or better than several machine learning methods. The evaluation results also demonstrated good reliability and stability of the approach.
Asymmetric vector moving average models: estimation and testing
Authors: De Gooijer Jan G.
Published: February 2021

We propose the class of asymmetric vector moving average (asVMA) models. The asymmetry of these models is characterized by different MA filters applied to the components of vectors of lagged positive and negative innovations. This allows for a detailed investigation of the interrelationships among past model innovations of different sign. We derive some covariance matrix properties of an asVMA model under the assumption of Gaussianity. Related to this, we investigate the global invertibility condition of the proposed model. The paper also introduces a maximum likelihood estimation procedure and a multivariate Wald-type test statistic for symmetry versus the alternative of asymmetry. The finite-sample performance of the proposed multivariate test is studied by simulation. Furthermore, we devise an exploratory test statistic based on lagged sample cross-bicovariance estimates. The estimation and testing procedures are used to uncover asymmetric effects in two US growth rates, and in three US industrial prices.
Inferring functional units in ion channel pores via relative entropy
Authors: Schmidt Michael , Schroeder Indra , Bauer Daniel , Thiel Gerhard , Hamacher Kay
Published: February 2021

Coarse-grained protein models approximate the first-principle physical potentials. Among those modeling approaches, the relative entropy framework yields promising and physically sound results, in which a mapping from the target protein structure and dynamics to a model is defined and subsequently adjusted by an entropy minimization of the model parameters. Minimization of the relative entropy is equivalent to maximization of the likelihood of reproduction of (configurational ensemble) observations by the model. In this study, we extend the relative entropy minimization procedure beyond parameter fitting by a second optimization level, which identifies the optimal mapping to a (dimension-reduced) topology. We consider anisotropic network models of a diverse set of ion channels and assess our findings by comparison to experimental results.
Simultaneous quantification of the most common and proteolytic Pseudomonas species in raw milk by multiplex qPCR
Authors: Maier Christopher , Hofmann Katharina , Huptas Christopher , Scherer Siegfried , Wenning Mareike , Lücking Genia
Published: February 2021

The heat-stable peptidase AprX, secreted by psychrotolerant Pseudomonas species in raw milk, is a major cause of destabilization and premature spoilage of ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk and milk products. To enable rapid detection and quantification of seven frequent and proteolytic Pseudomonas species (P. proteolytica, P. gessardii, P. lactis, P. fluorescens, P. protegens, P. lundensis, and P. fragi) in raw milk, we developed two triplex qPCR assays taking into account species-dependent differences in AprX activity. Besides five species-specific hydrolysis probes, targeting the aprX gene, a universal rpoB probe was included in the assay to determine the total Pseudomonas counts. For all six probes, linear regression lines between Cq value and target DNA concentration were obtained in singleplex as well as in multiplex approaches, yielding R2 values of > 0.975 and amplification efficiencies of 85–97%. Moreover, high specificity was determined using genomic DNA of 75 Pseudomonas strains, assigned to 57 species, and 40 other bacterial species as templates in the qPCR. Quantification of the target species and total Pseudomonas counts resulted in linear detection ranges of approx. 103–107 cfu/ml, which correspond well to common Pseudomonas counts in raw milk. Application of the assay using 60 raw milk samples from different dairies showed good agreement of total Pseudomonas counts calculated by qPCR with cell counts derived from cultivation. Furthermore, a remarkably high variability regarding the species composition was observed for each milk sample, whereby P. lundensis and P. proteolytica/P. gessardii were the predominant species detected.

Key points

• Multiplex qPCR for quantification of seven proteolytic Pseudomonas species and total Pseudomonas counts in raw milk

• High specificity and sensitivity via hydrolysis probes against aprX and rpoB

• Rapid method to determine Pseudomonas contamination in raw milk and predict spoilage potential
A bottom-up approach towards a bacterial consortium for the biotechnological conversion of chitin to l-lysine
Authors: Vortmann Marina , Stumpf Anna K. , Sgobba Elvira , Dirks-Hofmeister Mareike E. , Krehenbrink Martin , Wendisch Volker F. , Philipp Bodo , Moerschbacher Bruno M.
Published: February 2021

Chitin is an abundant waste product from shrimp and mushroom industries and as such, an appropriate secondary feedstock for biotechnological processes. However, chitin is a crystalline substrate embedded in complex biological matrices, and, therefore, difficult to utilize, requiring an equally complex chitinolytic machinery. Following a bottom-up approach, we here describe the step-wise development of a mutualistic, non-competitive consortium in which a lysine-auxotrophic Escherichia coli substrate converter cleaves the chitin monomer N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) into glucosamine (GlcN) and acetate, but uses only acetate while leaving GlcN for growth of the lysine-secreting Corynebacterium glutamicum producer strain. We first engineered the substrate converter strain for growth on acetate but not GlcN, and the producer strain for growth on GlcN but not acetate. Growth of the two strains in co-culture in the presence of a mixture of GlcN and acetate was stabilized through lysine cross-feeding. Addition of recombinant chitinase to cleave chitin into GlcNAc2, chitin deacetylase to convert GlcNAc2 into GlcN2 and acetate, and glucosaminidase to cleave GlcN2 into GlcN supported growth of the two strains in co-culture in the presence of colloidal chitin as sole carbon source. Substrate converter strains secreting a chitinase or a β-1,4-glucosaminidase degraded chitin to GlcNAc2 or GlcN2 to GlcN, respectively, but required glucose for growth. In contrast, by cleaving GlcNAc into GlcN and acetate, a chitin deacetylase-expressing substrate converter enabled growth of the producer strain in co-culture with GlcNAc as sole carbon source, providing proof-of-principle for a fully integrated co-culture for the biotechnological utilization of chitin.

Graphical abstract

Key Points

• A bacterial consortium was developed to use chitin as feedstock for the bioeconomy.

• Substrate converter and producer strain use different chitin hydrolysis products.

• Substrate converter and producer strain are mutually dependent on each other.
Consensus report from the 9th International Forum for Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging: applications of gadoxetic acid-enhanced imaging
Authors: Koh Dow-Mu , Ba-Ssalamah Ahmed , Brancatelli Giuseppe , Fananapazir Ghaneh , Fiel M. Isabel , Goshima Satoshi , Ju Sheng-Hong , Kartalis Nikolaos , Kudo Masatoshi , Lee Jeong Min , Murakami Takamichi , Seidensticker Max , Sirlin Claude B. , Tan Cher Heng , Wang Jin , Yoon Jeong Hee , Zeng Mengsu , Zhou Jian , Taouli Bachir
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The 9th International Forum for Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was held in Singapore in September 2019, bringing together radiologists and allied specialists to discuss the latest developments in and formulate consensus statements for liver MRI, including the applications of gadoxetic acid–enhanced imaging.

Methods

As at previous Liver Forums, the meeting was held over 2 days. Presentations by the faculty on days 1 and 2 and breakout group discussions on day 1 were followed by delegate voting on consensus statements presented on day 2. Presentations and discussions centered on two main meeting themes relating to the use of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI in primary liver cancer and metastatic liver disease.

Results and conclusions

Gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI offers the ability to monitor response to systemic therapy and to assist in pre-surgical/pre-interventional planning in liver metastases. In hepatocellular carcinoma, gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI provides precise staging information for accurate treatment decision-making and follow-up post therapy. Gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI also has potential, currently investigational, indications for the functional assessment of the liver and the biliary system. Additional voting sessions at the Liver Forum debated the role of multidisciplinary care in the management of patients with liver disease, evidence to support the use of abbreviated imaging protocols, and the importance of standardizing nomenclature in international guidelines in order to increase the sharing of scientific data and improve the communication between centers.

Key Points

• Gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI is the preferred imaging method for pre-surgical or pre-interventional planning for liver metastases after systemic therapy.

• Gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI provides accurate staging of HCC before and after treatment with locoregional/biologic therapies.

• Abbreviated protocols for gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI offer potential time and cost savings, but more evidence is necessary. The use of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI for the assessment of liver and biliary function is under active investigation.
Mitigated viral myocarditis in A/J mice by the immunoproteasome inhibitor ONX 0914 depends on inhibition of systemic inflammatory responses in CoxsackievirusB3 infection
Authors: Goetzke Carl Christoph , Althof Nadine , Neumaier Hannah Louise , Heuser Arndt , Kaya Ziya , Kespohl Meike , Klingel Karin , Beling Antje
Published: February 2021

A preclinical model of troponin I-induced myocarditis (AM) revealed a prominent role of the immunoproteasome (ip), the main immune cell-resident proteasome isoform, in heart-directed autoimmunity. Viral infection of the heart is a known trigger of cardiac autoimmunity, with the ip enhancing systemic inflammatory responses after infection with a cardiotropic coxsackievirusB3 (CV). Here, we used ip-deficient A/J-LMP7−/−mice to investigate the role of ip-mediated effects on adaptive immunity in CV-triggered myocarditis and found no alteration of the inflammatory heart tissue damage or cardiac function in comparison to wild-type controls. Aiming to define the impact of the systemic inflammatory storm under the control of ip proteolysis during CV infection, we targeted the ip in A/J mice with the inhibitor ONX 0914 after the first cycle of infection, when systemic inflammation has set in, well before cardiac inflammation. During established acute myocarditis, the ONX 0914 treatment group had the same reduction in cardiac output as the controls, with inflammatory responses in heart tissue being unaffected by the compound. Based on these findings and with regard to the known anti-inflammatory role of ONX 0914 in CV infection, we conclude that the efficacy of ip inhibitors for CV-triggered myocarditis in A/J mice relies on their immunomodulatory effects on the systemic inflammatory reaction.
Postoperative headache after surgical treatment of cerebellopontine angle tumors: a systematic review
Authors: Pogoda Louis , Nijdam Jelle S. , Smeeing Diederik P. J. , Voormolen Eduard H. J. , Ziylan Fuat , Thomeer Hans G. X. M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Postoperative headache (POH) is a complication that occurs after surgical resection of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. The two most common surgical approaches are the translabyrinthine (TL), and retrosigmoid (RS) approach. The objective of this systematic review was to investigate whether POH occurs more frequently after RS compared to TL approaches.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in Cochrane, Pubmed and Embase. Studies were included if POH after CPA tumor removal was reported and both surgical approaches were compared. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

Results

In total, 3,942 unique articles were screened by title and abstract. After the initial screening process 63 articles were screened for relevance to the inquiry, of which seven studies were included. Three studies found no significant difference between both surgical approaches (p = 0.871, p = 0.120, p = 0.592). Three other studies found a lower rate of POH in the TL group compared to the RS group (p = 0.019, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Another study showed a significantly lower POH rate in the TL group after one and six months (p = 0.006), but not after 1 year (p = 0.6).

Conclusion

The results of this systematic review show some evidence of a lower rate of POH in favor of the TL approach versus the RS approach for CPA tumor resection. Prospective research studies are needed to further investigate this finding.
Association between monoamine oxidase A promoter polymorphism and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Qiaoxia , Gong Daoyin , Zhang Yu , Huang Feijun
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The etiology of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains an unsolved problem. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the potential association between monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) promoter variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism and SIDS risk.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies from accessible electronic databases. Each VNTR variant was examined in each gender independently by comparing with the pooled results of other alleles.

Results

A total of six independent case–control studies including 1022 SIDS cases and 1839 controls were enrolled in this meta-analysis. In both of the whole populations and Caucasian populations, male infants with the low-MAOA-expression alleles (2R+3R) were found to exhibit a statistically significant increased risk of SIDS, whereas those with a 4R allele exhibited a reduced risk of SIDS. Besides, an increased risk of SIDS was detected in male Caucasian infants with 2R or 3R alleles. However, none of the allele or genotype variants was associated with SIDS in female victims.

Conclusion

In male Caucasian infants, the low expression of MAOA promoter VNTR alleles (2R and 3R) is associated with an increased risk of SIDS, and the existence of the 4R allele could be regarded as a protective factor.
Retinal capillary involvement in early post-COVID-19 patients: a healthy controlled study
Authors: Savastano Maria Cristina , Gambini Gloria , Cozzupoli Grazia Maria , Crincoli Emanuele , Savastano Alfonso , De Vico Umberto , Culiersi Carola , Falsini Benedetto , Martelli Francesco , Minnella Angelo Maria , Landi Francesco , Pagano Francesco Cosimo , Rizzo Stanislao ,   Gemelli Against COVID-19 Post-Acute Care Study Group
Published: February 2021

Background

Systemic vascular involvement in COVID-19 has been identified in several patients: not only endothelial derangement and increased permeability are reported to be early hallmarks of organ damage in patients with COVID-19 but are also the most important cause of worsening of clinical conditions in severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are several reasons to hypothesize that the eye, and the retina in particular, could be a target of organ damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

This cohort observational study analyzes OCT angiography and structural OCT of 70 post-COVID-19 patients evaluated at 1-month hospital discharge and 22 healthy control subjects. Primary outcomes were macular vessel density (VD) and vessel perfusion (VP); structural OCT features were evaluated as secondary outcomes. In addition, patients and healthy volunteers were evaluated for best corrected visual acuity, slit lamp photograph, and fundus photo image.

Results

VD and VP in 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 mm scans for SCP and DCP showed no significant differences between the groups. Similarly, CMT and GCL did not reveal significant differences between post-COVID-19 and healthy patients. Nine patients (12.9%) featured retinal cotton wool spots and 10 patients had vitreous fibrillary degeneration. The prevalence of epiretinal membrane and macular hole was similar in the two groups. One case of extra papillary focal retinal hemorrhage was reported in the post-COVID-19 group.

Conclusions

Macula and perimacular vessel density and perfusion resulted unaltered in mild post-COVID-19 patients at 1-month hospital discharge, suggesting no or minimal retinal vascular involvement by SARS-CoV-2.
Reference values for maximum oxygen uptake relative to body mass in Dutch/Flemish subjects aged 6–65 years: the LowLands Fitness Registry
Authors: van der Steeg Geertje E. , Takken Tim
Published: February 2021

Background

The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is considered the best measure of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Aim

To provide up-to-date reference values for the VO2max per kilogram of body mass (VO2max/kg) obtained by CPET in the Netherlands and Flanders.

Methods

The Lowlands Fitness Registry contains data from health checks among different professions and was used for this study. Data from 4612 apparently healthy subjects, 3671 males and 941 females, who performed maximum effort during cycle ergometry were analysed. Reference values for the VO2max/kg and corresponding centile curves were created according to the LMS method.

Results

Age had a negative significant effect (p < .001) and males had higher values of VO2max/kg with an overall difference of 18.0% compared to females.

Formulas for reference values were developed:

Males: VO2max/kg = − 0.0049 × age2 + 0.0884 × age + 48.263 (R2 = 0.9859; SEE = 1.4364)

Females: VO2max/kg = − 0.0021 × age2 − 0.1407 × age + 43.066 (R2 = 0.9989; SEE = 0.5775).

Cross-validation showed no relevant statistical mean difference between measured and predicted values for males and a small but significant mean difference for females. We found remarkable higher VO2max/kg values compared to previously published studies.

Conclusions

This is the first study to provide reference values for the VO2max/kg based on a Dutch/Flemish cohort. Our reference values can be used for a more accurate interpretation of the VO2max in the West-European population.
Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in wild bird species of the order Columbiformes
Authors: Schumm Yvonne R. , Bakaloudis Dimitris , Barboutis Christos , Cecere Jacopo G. , Eraud Cyril , Fischer Dominik , Hering Jens , Hillerich Klaus , Lormée Hervé , Mader Viktoria , Masello Juan F. , Metzger Benjamin , Rocha Gregorio , Spina Fernando , Quillfeldt Petra
Published: February 2021

Diseases can play a role in species decline. Among them, haemosporidian parasites, vector-transmitted protozoan parasites, are known to constitute a risk for different avian species. However, the magnitude of haemosporidian infection in wild columbiform birds, including strongly decreasing European turtle doves, is largely unknown. We examined the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and subgenera Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus in six species of the order Columbiformes during breeding season and migration by applying nested PCR, one-step multiplex PCR assay and microscopy. We detected infections in 109 of the 259 screened individuals (42%), including 15 distinct haemosporidian mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages, representing five H. (Haemoproteus), two H. (Parahaemoproteus), five Leucocytozoon and three Plasmodium lineages. Five of these lineages have never been described before. We discriminated between single and mixed infections and determined host species-specific prevalence for each parasite genus. Observed differences among sampled host species are discussed with reference to behavioural characteristics, including nesting and migration strategy. Our results support previous suggestions that migratory birds have a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites than resident or short-distance migratory species. A phylogenetic reconstruction provided evidence for H. (Haemoproteus) as well as H. (Parahaemoproteus) infections in columbiform birds. Based on microscopic examination, we quantified parasitemia, indicating the probability of negative effects on the host. This study provides a large-scale baseline description of haemosporidian infections of wild birds belonging to the order Columbiformes sampled in the northern hemisphere. The results enable the monitoring of future changes in parasite transmission areas, distribution and diversity associated with global change, posing a potential risk for declining avian species as the European turtle dove.
A limited-size ensemble of homogeneous CNN/LSTMs for high-performance word classification
Authors: Ameryan Mahya , Schomaker Lambert
Published: February 2021

The strength of long short-term memory neural networks (LSTMs) that have been applied is more located in handling sequences of variable length than in handling geometric variability of the image patterns. In this paper, an end-to-end convolutional LSTM neural network is used to handle both geometric variation and sequence variability. The best results for LSTMs are often based on large-scale training of an ensemble of network instances. We show that high performances can be reached on a common benchmark set by using proper data augmentation for just five such networks using a proper coding scheme and a proper voting scheme. The networks have similar architectures (convolutional neural network (CNN): five layers, bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM): three layers followed by a connectionist temporal classification (CTC) processing step). The approach assumes differently scaled input images and different feature map sizes. Three datasets are used: the standard benchmark RIMES dataset (French); a historical handwritten dataset KdK (Dutch); the standard benchmark George Washington (GW) dataset (English). Final performance obtained for the word-recognition test of RIMES was 96.6%, a clear improvement over other state-of-the-art approaches which did not use a pre-trained network. On the KdK and GW datasets, our approach also shows good results. The proposed approach is deployed in the Monk search engine for historical-handwriting collections.