bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Measurement of Septic Shock‐induced Acute Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Tanaka Kohei , Yamada Tomoki
Published: May 2020

Background

Skeletal muscle wasting progresses rapidly during critical care. However, the effect of skeletal muscle changes on physical function during intensive care remain poorly understood.

Objective

To examine the changes in skeletal muscle thickness of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for septic shock and the relationship between skeletal muscle thickness and physical function following intensive care.

Design

Longitudinal observational study.

Setting

Single emergency hospital.

Patients

Ten septic shock patients who were mechanically ventilated in the ICU were recruited.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Methods

Ultrasound measurements of thickness of rectus femoris (RF) were conducted within 24 hours after admission and repeated every two days until the 14th hospital day. The correlations between TRF and various parametric data (i.e., age, severity classification, mechanically ventilated period, length of stay (LOS) at the ICU, and physical function) correlations were assessed with Pearson's product moment coefficient of correlation.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Curve estimation for best fit for chronological changes in TRF with respect to the HD and the correlation between TRF and clinical indicators.

Results

Eight septic shock patients were observed completely for 14 days. TRF decreased linearly by 30.6% (IQR: 23.9‐45.7) during the first 14 days. The correlation between TRF at admission and physical function at the 30th hospital day was close to significant. The TRF at the 14th hospital day was negatively correlated with disease severity and age. A positive correlation was observed between the decrease in rate of TRF and LOS at the ICU.

Conclusion

Skeletal muscle thickness of septic shock patients rapidly decreased in a linear manner over 14 days and may predict physical function after critical care.
Reliability and Validity of a New Toileting Assessment Form for Patients with Hemiparetic Stroke
Authors: Kitamura Shin , Otaka Yohei , Murayama Yudai , Ushizawa Kazuki , Narita Yuya , Nakatsukasa Naho , Kondo Kunitsugu , Sakata Sachiko
Published: May 2020

Background

Acquiring toileting independence is an important target of stroke rehabilitation. In planning an intervention for acquiring toileting independence, developing an assessment for individual subtasks that comprise toileting would assist in identifying specific tasks that prevent independence in patients and would facilitate interventions to improve toileting independence.

Objective

To examine the reliability and validity of a newly developed toileting assessment form, the Toileting Tasks Assessment Form (TTAF), for assessing toileting subtasks in hemiparetic stroke.

Design

Validation and test‐retest study.

Setting

Subacute rehabilitation wards in Japan.

Participants

Eighty‐two therapists verified the form's content validity; 30 stroke patients who were using a wheelchair participated in the validation and test‐retest study.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The content validity of the assessment form was initially assessed based on a questionnaire. Subsequently, four occupational therapists used the form to evaluate video‐recorded toileting performances simulated by participants with hemiparetic stroke. Two assessors evaluated each video‐recorded performance once and repeated the evaluation of the same performance at 2 weeks later. The interrater reliability, intrarater reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent validity of the form were examined.

Results

Fleiss’ κ coefficient for interrater reliability for each form item was 0.61 or more. Cohen's κ coefficient for intrarater reliability for each item was 0.60 or more. Cronbach's coefficient alpha ranged from 0.94 to 0.95. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for the mean score on the form and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score for “toileting” ranged from 0.88 to 0.93 (P < .001). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for the mean score on the form and the FIM score for “toilet transfer” ranged from 0.91 to 0.93 (P < .001).

Conclusions

The TTAF demonstrated good reliability and validity. Further multicenter studies involving patients at different stroke phases are required to verify the reliability and validity of TTAF and confirm the generalizability of these findings.
Inter‐spherulitic/inner‐spherulitic localization of PBSU during crystallization of PVDF in PVDF/PBSU blend
Authors: Ye Cuicui , Cao Xiaojun , Wang Hengti , Wang Jiayao , Wang Tao , Wang Zongbao , Li Yongjin , You Jichun
Published: May 2020

In this work, the miscibility effect on the localization of poly(butylene succinate) (PBSU) during the crystallization of PVDF in their blend has been investigated. After annealed at 200 °C and 240 °C, homogeneous and phase‐separated structures can be obtained respectively, which was followed by isothermal crystallization at 141 °C. In the case of 200°C, PBSU tends to enrich in inner‐spherulitic regions because of the excellent miscibility of the blend and the higher growth rate of PVDF crystals. When the specimen was annealed at 240 °C, phase separation produces PVDF and PBSU domains. Upon cooling to 141 °C, one part of PBSU is miscible with , while the other part of it remains as phase‐separated domains due to the high viscosity and slow relaxation of them. The former accounts for the distribution of PBSU in inner‐spherulitic regions. In the latter, however, phase‐separated structures depress the diffusion of PVDF during its crystallization, leading to the lower magnitude of growth rate of spherulites. Both of them contribute to the localization of PBSU in inter‐spherulitic regions. The distribution of PBSU among PVDF spherulites has been validated by long periods, pore size, and mechanical performance of the porous PVDF membranes.
Synthetic chloroinconazide compound exhibits highly efficient antiviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus
Authors: Lv Xing , Xiang Shunyu , Wang Xiangchuan , Wu Lei , Liu Changyun , Yuan Mengting , Gong Weiwei , Win HsuMyat , Hao Chunyan , Xue Yang , Ma Lisong , Cheng Daoquan , Sun Xianchao
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Development of anti‐plant‐virus compounds and improvement of biosafety remain hot research topics in controlling plant viral disease. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infects all tobacco species as well as many other plants worldwide and causes severe losses in tobacco production. To date, no efficient chemical treatments are known to protect plants from virus infection. Therefore, the search for a highly active antiviral compound with high efficacy in field application is required.

RESULTS

We reported the synthesis of a novel antiviral halogenated acyl compound Chloroinconazide (CHI) using tryptophan as a substrate and examined its anti‐TMV activity. We found that CHI displayed the ability to strongly inhibit the infection of TMV on Nicotiana benthamiana via multiple mechanisms. We observed that CHI was able to impair the virulence of TMV by directly altering the morphological structure of virions and increasing the activity of anti‐oxidative enzymes, resulting in reduced TMV‐induced ROS production during infection of the plant. In addition, the expression of salicylic acid‐responsive genes was significantly increased after CHI application. However, after application of CHI on SA‐deficient NahG plants no obvious anti‐TMV activity was observed, suggesting that the SA signaling pathway was required for CHI‐induced anti‐TMV activity associated with reduced infection of TMV. CHI exhibited no effects on plant growth and development.

CONCLUSION

The easily synthesized CHI can actively induce plant resistance against TMV as well as act on virus particles and exhibits high biosafety, which provides a potential for commercial application of CHI in controlling plant virus disease in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The control of the brown planthopper by the rice Bph14 gene is affected by nitrogen
Authors: Sun Ze , Shi Jin‐Hua , Fan Tao , Wang Chao , Liu Le , Jin Huanan , Foba Caroline Ngichop , Wang Man‐Qun
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Brown rice planthopper (BPH) is a devastating rice pest in Asia. Bph14 is the first cloned BPH‐resistance gene in rice, inducing callose deposition while impeding BPH feeding. Nitrogen application affects plant growth and resistance. However, there is little evidence on the influence of nitrogen on the callose content or regulation of rice BPH resistance. In this study, Luoyou9348 (containing Bph14 and highly resistant to BPH) and Yangliangyou6 (without Bph14 and susceptible to BPH) were planted under varying nitrogen regimes (0 , 90, 180 kg ha−1) to determine their effects on the resistance levels of rice to BPH feeding. The experiments involved BPH performance, plant volatile profiling and BPH preferences in laboratory and field experiments.

RESULTS

We found that BPH egg hatching rate, total number of eggs laid and BPH preference increased with increasing nitrogen application in both rice varieties. However, the expression of Bph14, callose content and BPH feeding significantly declined with an increase in nitrogen fertilization in Luoyou9348, compared with Yangliangyou6. Also, the emission of volatile terpene compounds increased with increasing nitrogen application, which resulted in an increase in BPH numbers on both varieties. Two‐way analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between rice variety and nitrogen in BPH feeding behavior.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide an insight for addressing problems involved in the incorporation of insecticidal genes into crop plants. The effects of nitrogen on insecticidal gene expression in rice plant defense are discussed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Perspective: enhancing economic evaluations and impacts of integrated pest management Farmer Field Schools (IPM‐FFS) in low‐income countries
Authors: Rejesus Roderick M , Jones Michael S
Published: May 2020

Over the last few decades, the use of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) have been considered one of the best approaches to disseminate integrated pest management (IPM) practices that aim to reduce reliance on and misuse of chemical pest control methods in agriculture. However, the published empirical literature has been decidedly mixed in terms of the effectiveness of the IPM‐FFS approach to improve economic outcomes in the short‐term (e.g. reduce chemical use, improve profits), and the potential for scaling‐up and IPM dissemination in the medium‐term. This article briefly explores the empirical IPM‐FFS literature and draws implications for future research directions that can potentially enhance IPM knowledge diffusion methods (including IPM‐FFS) and increase the economic impact of IPM techniques in low‐income countries. We find that promising research directions to improve understanding of IPM dissemination and IPM impacts will need to involve: (i) interdisciplinary long‐run studies using rigorous evaluation methods; (ii) in‐depth assessments of spillover effects; (iii) careful examination of IPM and IPM‐FFS impact heterogeneity; (iv) evaluation of novel IPM packages with herbicide‐ and genetics‐centered components; (v) piloting and impact assessments of alternative IPM knowledge diffusion structures; and (vi) piloting and impact analysis of IPM dissemination and learning programs with private sector involvement. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance of Sesamia nonagrioides on cultivated and wild host plants: Implications for Bt maize resistance management
Authors: M Camargo Ana , Arias‐Martín María , Castañera Pedro , P Farinós Gema
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Sesamia nonagrioides is an important maize pest in the Mediterranean basin that is effectively controlled by Cry1Ab‐expressing maize (Bt maize). The continued cultivation of Bt maize in Spain exerts high selection pressure on the target pests, which could lead to the development of resistance. Provision of refuges of non‐Bt plants is an essential component in the high‐dose/refuge (HDR) strategy to delay resistance evolution. Here we analyze the suitability of cultivated (rice and sorghum) and wild (Johnsongrass, cattail, common reed and giant reed) plants, reported as hosts of S. nonagrioides, for larval development and oviposition of this pest compared to maize, and we evaluate their potential role in delaying resistance development to Bt maize.

RESULTS

Bioassays conducted with plant pieces or whole plants showed that the larval cycle could only be completed in the three cultivated plants and in Johnsongrass. Females showed a strong preference for ovipositing on maize in comparison with sorghum or rice. Although young larvae consumed more sorghum than maize in two‐choice bioassays, both larvae and adults had a better performance (shorter larval period and higher pupal weight, fecundity and fertility) when larvae fed on maize throughout their larval stage than when they fed on sorghum or rice.

CONCLUSION

None of the alternative hosts of S. nonagrioides tested here should be considered as natural unstructured refuges within the HDR strategy for Bt maize and this pest in Spain, as some of the necessary requirements to fulfill this strategy would not be met. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Study of SiO2 Etching Processing with CH4/SF6 Plasmas
Authors: Man Xu , Bao Ni , Hao Yongqin , Feng Yuan , Ma Xiaohui
Published: May 2020

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) layers using photoresist (PR) masks are etched by inductively coupled plasma in CH4/SF6 under various etching conditions. A thin CHxFy polymer layer which exists on the surface of sample during steady‐state etching is observed. The steady‐state CHxFy layer reduces the physical sputtering of ions, resulting in the etching rate of PR decreases significantly. Although the high‐density plasmas can enhance the physical sputtering to some extent and give SiO2 more opportunities to react with fluorine atoms, it is helpful to improve the etching rate of SiO2. By optimizing process conditions, the thickness of the steady‐state CHxFy layer and the density of ions are regulated, and a reasonable selective etching is obtained.
Dammarane sapogenins attenuates stress‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors by upregulating ERK/CREB/BDNF pathways
Authors: Jiang Ning , Wang Haixia , Lv Jingwei , Wang Qiong , Lu Cong , Li Yujiao , Liu Xinmin
Published: May 2020

Dammarane sapogenins (DS), an extract derived from ginseng by alkaline hydrolysis of total ginsenosides, possesses high pharmacological activity and higher bioavailability than ginsenosides. The present study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic‐like effects of DS in a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). DS (40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated social avoidance and anxiety‐like behavior in four test models of CSDS, showing increased time in the interaction zone in the social interaction test and in the center of the field in the open field test, an increased percentage of entries and open arm time in the elevated plus maze, and reduced latency to eat in the novelty‐suppressed feeding test. Biochemical analyses showed that DS significantly reduced serum corticosterone levels and increased brain concentration of neurotransmitter 5‐HT and noradrenaline in CSDS mice. Treatment with DS significantly upregulated BDNF (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor), p‐CREB/CREB and p‐ERK1/2/ERK1/2 protein expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of CSDS mice. Collectively, these results suggest that DS exerts anxiolytic‐like effects in CSDS model mice and the action is mediated, at least in part, by modulating the HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) axis and monoamine neurotransmitter levels, and via ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.
The ERA5 global reanalysis
Authors: Hersbach Hans , Bell Bill , Berrisford Paul , Hirahara Shoji , Horányi András , Muñoz‐Sabater Joaquín , Nicolas Julien , Peubey Carole , Radu Raluca , Schepers Dinand , Simmons Adrian , Soci Cornel , Abdalla Saleh , Abellan Xavier , Balsamo Gianpaolo , Bechtold Peter , Biavati Gionata , Bidlot Jean , Bonavita Massimo , De Chiara Giovanna , Dahlgren Per , Dee Dick , Diamantakis Michail , Dragani Rossana , Flemming Johannes , Forbes Richard , Fuentes Manuel , Geer Alan , Haimberger Leo , Healy Sean , Hogan Robin J. , Hólm Elías , Janisková Marta , Keeley Sarah , Laloyaux Patrick , Lopez Philippe , Lupu Cristina , Radnoti Gabor , de Rosnay Patricia , Rozum Iryna , Vamborg Freja , Villaume Sebastien , Thépaut Jean‐Noël
Published: May 2020

Within the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), ECMWF is producing the ERA5 reanalysis which, once completed, will embody a detailed record of the global atmosphere, land surface and ocean waves from 1950 onwards. This new reanalysis replaces the ERA‐Interim reanalysis (spanning 1979 onwards) which was started in 2006. ERA5 is based on the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) Cy41r2 which was operational in 2016. ERA5 thus benefits from a decade of developments in model physics, core dynamics and data assimilation. In addition to a significantly enhanced horizontal resolution of 31 km, compared to 80 km for ERA‐Interim, ERA5 has hourly output throughout, and an uncertainty estimate from an ensemble (3‐hourly at half the horizontal resolution). This paper describes the general set‐up of ERA5, as well as a basic evaluation of characteristics and performance, with a focus on the dataset from 1979 onwards which is currently publicly available. Re‐forecasts from ERA5 analyses show a gain of up to one day in skill with respect to ERA‐Interim. Comparison with radiosonde and PILOT data prior to assimilation shows an improved fit for temperature, wind and humidity in the troposphere, but not the stratosphere. A comparison with independent buoy data shows a much improved fit for ocean wave height. The uncertainty estimate reflects the evolution of the observing systems used in ERA5. The enhanced temporal and spatial resolution allows for a detailed evolution of weather systems. For precipitation, global‐mean correlation with monthly‐mean GPCP data is increased from 67% to 77%. In general, low‐frequency variability is found to be well represented and from 10 hPa downwards general patterns of anomalies in temperature match those from the ERA‐Interim, MERRA‐2 and JRA‐55 reanalyses.
Effect of Microcracks on Graphite Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Jingbo , Li Yanan , Gao Hong , Chen Qianlin , Yang Min
Published: May 2020

Modified graphite with microcracks was obtained by a combination of microwave heating and KOH activation. KOH enhanced the degree of order of the graphite, and K+increased the spacing of the graphite layer. Microwave heating caused microcracks on graphite and promoted doping of K+into the graphite. The microcracks could increase the contact area of electrode materials and electrolytes and decrease diffusion length. Furthermore, the uniform microcracks dispersed the pressure of the electrode wetted by the electrolyte, relieved stress during lithium removal and increased the degree of order of the graphite. The modified graphite has a capacity of 449 mAh g−1at 0.1 C, 380 mAh g−1at 0.25 C and 367 mAh g−1at 0.5 C. In addition, the capacity retention rate was 96.1% after one hundred cycles at 0.25 C, and the average coulombic efficiency was 99.4%.
Auto QSAR‐ A Fast Approach for Creation and Application of QSAR Models through Automation
Authors: Karnik Kshipra S. , Narula Ishudeep Singh , Sarkate Aniket P. , Wakte Pravin S.
Published: May 2020

A continuous and undefined malignant growth in cancer makes it an extremely heterogeneous complex disease. Different types of enzymes helps in detection of cancerous growth in the human body. In this work, different predictive Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationship (QSAR) models by means of various molecular modeling techniques using 43 novel 6, 7‐disubstituted‐4‐phenoxyquinoline derivatives acting as Tyrosine‐protein kinase Met or hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR) (c‐Met kinase) inhibitors were designed. Best QSAR models were generated through Auto QSAR. Predicted activity of these models was compared with the observed activity from literature, and it was observed that potent compound 18 b gave high docking results. Auto‐QSAR technique provided the perfect model for the designed derivatives. Binding affinity of compounds for c‐Met kinase enzyme was studied by molecular docking and Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA dG) binding studies. Optimized compounds were subjected to in silico ADMET studies for predicting drug‐likeliness and toxicity properties. Reported work will assist to design, refine and construct the novel phenoxyquinoline derivatives as potent c‐Met kinase inhibitors in near future.
On the Influence of Diurnal and Subdiurnal Signals in the Normal Vector on Large Ring Laser Gyroscope Observations
Authors: Tercjak Monika , Gebauer André , Rajner Marcin , Brzeziński Aleksander , Schreiber Karl Ulrich
Published: May 2020

The ring laser gyroscope (RLG) technique has been investigated for over 20 years as a potential complement to space geodetic techniques in measuring Earth rotation. However, RLGs are also sensitive to changes in their terrestrial orientation. Therefore in this paper, we review how the high-frequency band (i.e. signals shorter than 0.5 cycle per day) of the known phenomena causing site deformation contribute to the RLG observable, the Sagnac frequency. We study the impact of solid Earth tides, ocean tidal loading and non-tidal loading phenomena (atmospheric pressure loading and continental hydrosphere loading). Also, we evaluate the differences between available models of the phenomena and the importance of the Love numbers used in modeling the impact of solid Earth tides. Finally, we compare modeled variations in the instrument orientation with the ones observed with a tiltmeter. Our results prove that at the present accuracy of the RLG technique, solid Earth tides and ocean tidal loading effects have significant effect on RLG measurements, and continental hydrosphere loading can be actually neglected. Regarding the atmospheric loading model, its application might introduce some undesired signals. We also show that discrepancies arising from the use of different models can be neglected, and there is almost no impact arising from the use of different Love numbers. Finally, we discuss differences between data reduced with tiltmeter observations and these reduced with modeled signal, and potential causes of this discrepancies.
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids induce DNA damage response in rat liver in a 28-day feeding study
Authors: Ebmeyer Johanna , Rasinger Josef Daniel , Hengstler Jan G. , Schaudien Dirk , Creutzenberg Otto , Lampen Alfonso , Braeuning Albert , Hessel-Pras Stefanie
Published: May 2020

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are secondary plant metabolites that occur as food and feed contaminants. Acute and subacute PA poisoning can lead to severe liver damage in humans and animals, comprising liver pain, hepatomegaly and the development of ascites due to occlusion of the hepatic sinusoids (veno-occlusive disease). Chronic exposure to low levels of PA can induce liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, it is not well understood which transcriptional changes are induced by PA and whether all hepatotoxic PA, regardless of their structure, induce similar responses. Therefore, a 28-day subacute rat feeding study was performed with six structurally different PA heliotrine, echimidine, lasiocarpine, senecionine, senkirkine, and platyphylline, administered at not acutely toxic doses from 0.1 to 3.3 mg/kg body weight. This dose range is relevant for humans, since consumption of contaminated tea may result in doses of ~ 8 µg/kg in adults and cases of PA ingestion by contaminated food was reported for infants with doses up to 3 mg/kg body weight. ALT and AST were not increased in all treatment groups. Whole-genome microarray analyses revealed pronounced effects on gene expression in the high-dose treatment groups resulting in a set of 36 commonly regulated genes. However, platyphylline, the only 1,2-saturated and, therefore, presumably non-hepatotoxic PA, did not induce significant expression changes. Biological functions identified to be affected by high-dose treatments (3.3 mg/kg body weight) comprise cell-cycle regulation associated with DNA damage response. These functions were found to be affected by all analyzed 1,2-unsaturated PA.

In conclusion, 1,2-unsaturated hepatotoxic PA induced cell cycle regulation processes associated with DNA damage response. Similar effects were observed for all hepatotoxic PA. Effects were observed in a dose range inducing no histopathological alterations and no increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, transcriptomics studies identified changes in expression of genes known to be involved in response to genotoxic compounds at PA doses relevant to humans under worst case exposure scenarios.
Interactions between different predator–prey states: a method for the derivation of the functional and numerical response
Authors: Berardo Cecilia , Geritz Stefan , Gyllenberg Mats , Raoul Gaël
Published: May 2020

In this paper we introduce a formal method for the derivation of a predator’s functional response from a system of fast state transitions of the prey or predator on a time scale during which the total prey and predator densities remain constant. Such derivation permits an explicit interpretation of the structure and parameters of the functional response in terms of individual behaviour. The same method is also used here to derive the corresponding numerical response of the predator as well as of the prey.
Effects of Hydrocarbons on Wind Waves in a Mine Pit Lake
Authors: Hurley David , Lawrence Gregory , Tedford Edmund
Published: May 2020

The extraction and upgrading of bitumen to crude oil from the Canadian oil sands has produced large quantities of byproducts such as fluid fine tailings (FFT) and oil sands process affected water (OSPW). One reclamation strategy for these byproducts is to backfill a mined-out pit with FFT and cap it with a mix of OSPW and non-process affected water to form a pit lake. We investigated the effects of hydrocarbons, residual bitumen, on the generation and growth of wind waves, both in the laboratory and in a pit lake. In the laboratory, we compared the wind wave characteristics in the presence and absence of a hydrocarbon film. We showed that the hydrocarbon film dampens high frequency waves, resulting in a slower growing wave field dominated by lower frequency waves. These results were consistent with our field observations. Thus, it appears that the presence of a hydrocarbon film on a pit lake leads to a wind wave field dominated by longer wavelength waves that take more time to develop and grow at a slower rate. This is important since wind wave-driven mixing, in tandem with biogeochemical processes, governs water quality in mine pit lakes. Thus, this work improves understanding of the physical processes that effect water quality in mine pit lakes and enhances the ability of mine managers to conduct pit lake reclamation.
Different Spectral Analysis Methods for the Theta/Beta Ratio Calculate Different Ratios But Do Not Distinguish ADHD from Controls
Authors: van Dijk Hanneke , deBeus Roger , Kerson Cynthia , Roley-Roberts Michelle E. , Monastra Vincent J. , Arnold L. Eugene , Pan Xueliang , Arns Martijn
Published: May 2020

There has been ongoing research on the ratio of theta to beta power (Theta/Beta Ratio, TBR) as an EEG-based test in the diagnosis of ADHD. Earlier studies reported significant TBR differences between patients with ADHD and controls. However, a recent meta-analysis revealed a marked decline of effect size for the difference in TBR between ADHD and controls for studies published in the past decade. Here, we test if differences in EEG processing explain the heterogeneity of findings. We analyzed EEG data from two multi-center clinical studies. Five different EEG signal processing algorithms were applied to calculate the TBR. Differences between resulting TBRs were subsequently assessed for clinical usability in the iSPOT-A dataset. Although there were significant differences in the resulting TBRs, none distinguished between children with and without ADHD, and no consistent associations with ADHD symptoms arose. Different methods for EEG signal processing result in significantly different TBRs. However, none of the methods significantly distinguished between ADHD and healthy controls in our sample. The secular effect size decline for the TBR is most likely explained by factors other than differences in EEG signal processing, e.g. fewer hours of sleep in participants and differences in inclusion criteria for healthy controls.
EndoPredict® in early hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Almstedt K. , Mendoza S. , Otto M. , Battista M. J. , Steetskamp J. , Heimes A. S. , Krajnak S. , Poplawski A. , Gerhold-Ay A. , Hasenburg A. , Denkert C. , Schmidt M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Evaluating consecutive early breast cancer patients, we analyzed both the impact of EndoPredict® on clinical decisions as well as clinico-pathological factors influencing the decision to perform this gene expression test.

Methods

Hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative early breast cancer patients treated between 2011 and 2016 were included in this study to investigate the role of EndoPredict® (EPclin) in the treatment of early breast cancer. A main study aim was to analyze the changes in therapy recommendations with and without EPclin. In addition, the impact of clinico-pathological parameters for the decision to perform EPclin was examined by Pearson's chi-squared test (χ2-test) and Fisher's exact test as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

In a cohort of 869 consecutive early HR-positive, HER-negative breast cancer patients, EPclin was utilized in 156 (18.0%) patients. EPclin led to changes in therapy recommendations in 33.3% (n = 52), with both therapy escalation in 19.2% (n = 30) and de-escalation in 14.1% (n = 22). The clinico-pathological factors influencing the use of EPclin were age (P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 0.498), tumor size (P = 0.011, OR 0.071), nodal status (P = 0.021, OR 1.674), histological grade (P = 0.043, OR 0.432), and Ki-67 (P < 0.001, OR 3.599).

Conclusions

EPclin led to a change in therapy recommendations in one third of the patients. Clinico-pathological parameters such as younger age, smaller tumor size, positive nodal status, intermediate histological grade and intermediate Ki-67 had a significant influence on the use of EndoPredict®.
Really Complex Demonstratives: A Dilemma
Authors: Nowak Ethan
Published: May 2020

I have two aims for the present paper, one narrow and one broad. The narrow aim is to show that a class of data originally described by Lynsey Wolter (That’s that; the semantics and pragmatics of demonstrative noun phrases, PhD thesis, University of California at Santa Cruz, 2006) empirically undermine the leading treatments of complex demonstratives that have been described in the literature. The broader aim of the paper is to show that Wolter demonstratives, as I will call the constructions I focus on, are a threat not just to existing treatments, but to any possible theory that retains the uncontroversial assumptions that relative clauses always form a constituent with the nouns they modify, and that semantic composition proceeds sequentially and locally, with the inputs to interpretation having the structure syntax tells us they do.
Identification of sources of resistance in cowpea mini core accessions to Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae) and their biochemical characterization
Authors: Togola A. , Boukar O. , Servent A. , Chamarthi S. , Tamò M. , Fatokun C.
Published: May 2020

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata(L. Walp) is an important grain legume for human and livestock nutrition, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Aphid,Aphis craccivoraKoch (Homoptera: Aphididae), is one of the most widespread and destructive insect pests of cowpea and host-plant resistance is an effective approach to minimize the pest damage at seedling stage. This study was aimed at identifying resistant sources toA. craccivorawithin the cowpea mini core collection, a set of accessions from the largest world cowpea germplasm collection maintained at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). A total of 375 lines including 373 from IITA mini core collection, one resistant (TVu-801) and one susceptible (TVx-3236) checks were evaluated through artificial infestation in screening cages during the seedling stage. In cages, genotypes were planted in single rows containing four plants. They were arranged in an augmented design in which the two checks were sown in individual cages. Scoring for aphid population and damage levels were carried out on individual plants at 7, 14, and 21 days after planting. Advanced bioassays and biochemical analyses were conducted to investigate the mechanism of resistance toA. craccivora. Overall, three genotypes TVu-6464, TVu-1583, and TVu-15445 showed good levels of resistance comparable to the resistant check TVu-801. The HPLC analyses proved that both low sucrose levels in the plant, as well as high levels of kaempferol and quercetin, aglycones of phenolic compounds, were related with high resistance to aphids. The above genotypes with promising levels of resistance toA. craccivorawill be used in cowpea breeding programs to develop improved resistant lines against this pest.
Coping Style and Early Life Vocalizations in the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Díaz Sergio , Sánchez Susana , Fidalgo Ana
Published: May 2020

Coping styles describe behavioral differences during stressful or challenging situations. Coping styles are stable over time but little is known about early life manifestation and development of these behavioral differences. We aimed to investigate if differences in the way marmosets produce vocalizations at an early age are related to their coping style in the future. We studied 14 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) from three social groups housed at the marmoset colony at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. We recorded the vocalizations of each marmoset in isolation at 15–17 days of age, analyzing latency to vocalize and calling rate of phee and tsik calls. To measure coping style, we introduced a novel stimulus to the group cages when infants were 3 months old and recorded exploration, headcocking, and approaches to the stimulus. The results showed negative relationships between the latency of phee call (a long-range contact call) at 15–17 days and frequency of exploration and approach to the novel stimulus at 3 months, although both correlations fall above the cut-off points for the false discovery rate. Marmosets that gave long-range calls sooner at 15–17 days of age also showed more exploratory behaviors at 3 months. The results also showed group differences in exploration at 3 months, and twins were more similar to each other than to other infants in the sample. There were no group differences in early vocalizations and no sex differences in any variable. These findings suggest that coping style is stable from as early as 15–17 days after birth and suggest that the group can influence exploration in marmosets.
Strategic Deception in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: van Tiel Bob , Deliens Gaétane , Geelhand Philippine , Murillo Oosterwijk Anke , Kissine Mikhail
Published: May 2020

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often associated with impaired perspective-taking skills. Deception is an important indicator of perspective-taking, and therefore may be thought to pose difficulties to people with ASD (e.g., Baron-Cohen in J Child Psychol Psychiatry 3:1141–1155, 1992). To test this hypothesis, we asked participants with and without ASD to play a computerised deception game. We found that participants with ASD were equally likely—and in complex cases of deception even more likely—to deceive and detect deception, and learned deception at a faster rate. However, participants with ASD initially deceived less frequently, and were slower at detecting deception. These results suggest that people with ASD readily engage in deception but may do so through conscious and effortful reasoning about other people’s perspective.
Does the single-item self-rated health measure the same thing across different wordings? Construct validity study
Authors: Cullati Stéphane , Bochatay Naike , Rossier Clémentine , Guessous Idris , Burton-Jeangros Claudine , Courvoisier Delphine S.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The self-rated health (SRH) item is frequently used in health surveys but variations of its form (wording, response options) may hinder comparisons between versions over time or across surveys. The objectives were to determine (a) whether three SRH forms are equivalent, (b) the form with the best construct validity and (c) the best coding scheme to maximize equivalence across forms.

Methods

We used data from 58,023 respondents of the Swiss Health Survey. Three SRH forms were used. Response options varied across forms and we explored four coding schemes (two considering SRH as continuous, two as dichotomous). Construct validity of the SRH was assessed using 34 health predictors to estimate the explained variance.

Results

Distributions of response options were similar across SRH forms, except for the “good” and “very good” options (“good” in form 1: 58.6%, form 2: 65.0% and form 3: 44.1%). Explained variances differed across SRH forms, with form 3 providing the best overall explained variance, regardless of coding schemes. The linear coding scheme maximised the equivalence across SRH forms.

Conclusion

The three SRH forms were not equivalent in terms of construct validity. Studies examining the evolution of SRH over time with surveys using different forms should use the linear coding scheme to maximise equivalence between SRH forms.
Rethinking Hart: From Open Texture to Prototype Theory—Analytic Philosophy Meets Cognitive Linguistics
Authors: Zeifert Mateusz
Published: May 2020

The article is based on an observation that there are significant and non-arbitrary similarities between two, seemingly quite distant, theories that address the problem of linguistic categorization. One is the theory of open texture put forward by a prominent legal philosopher, Herbert L.A Hart. The other is the theory of prototypes, originated from psychological research by Eleanor Rosch and developed by cognitively-oriented linguists, most notably Charles Fillmore, George Lakoff, and Ronald Langacker. Firstly, the origins of the open texture theory are presented, including the discussion of Friedrich Waismann's and Ludwig Wittgenstein's ideas and their impact on Hart's theory. Secondly, Hart's theory of open texture is examined, based on several articles and his masterpiece:The Concept of Law(Oxford: Oxford University Press 1961). Thirdly, a brief introduction to the prototype theory is provided, focusing on its reception in Cognitive Linguistics. Fourthly, a comparison of both theories is presented, including a sketch of a broader philosophical and historical background, as well as a detailed analysis of similarities and dissimilarities between them. The comparison results in a conclusion that, on linguistic grounds, the open texture theory can be viewed as an anticipation of prototype theory. Finally, several reservations are made in order to avoid possible confusions and some obvious objections.
Cu–Fe Incorporated Graphene-Oxide Nanocomposite as Highly Efficient Catalyst in the Degradation of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Le Giang H. , Nguyen Tuan T. , Nguyen Manh B. , Quan Trang T. T. , Nguyen Trinh Duy , Sapi Andras , Szenti Imre , Mutyala Suresh , Kukovecz Akos , Konya Zoltan , Vu Tuan A.
Published: May 2020

Fe/graphene oxide and Cu–Fe/graphene oxide nanocomposite were synthesized by the atomic implantation method to study the photocatalytic degradation of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by the XRD, N2 isotherms, SEM with EDX, TEM and XPS analysis. Characterization results have reported that oxides of Cu and Fe were uniformly distributed on graphene oxide and exited in the form of Cu+ and Fe2+ ions in Cu–Fe/graphene oxide nanocomposite. The high photocatalytic DDT removal efficiency 99.7% was obtained for Cu–Fe/graphene oxide under the optimal condition of 0.2 g/L catalyst, 15 mg/L H2O2 and pH 5. It was attributed to the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ by Cu+ ions and –OH radicals formation. However, it was dropped to 90.4% in the recycling study by leaching of iron and without a change in phase structure and morphology.

Graphic Abstract
Acute Epidural and Subdural Hematomas After Head Injury: Clinical Distinguishing Features
Authors: Kulesza Bartłomiej , Mazurek Marek , Rams Łukasz , Nogalski Adam
Published: May 2020

Head injury remains the most common cause of death and disability in young people. The most frequent consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are extra-axial hemorrhage, i.e., an acute subdural hematoma (SDH) and epidural hematoma (EDH), which usually require a surgical treatment. The aim of the study is to present the distinguished clinical features associated with patients being surgically treated for post-traumatic EDH and SDH. The study included a group of 128 patients with isolated craniocerebral injuries. All the patients were operated. The following factors from the groups were analyzed: demographic data, physiological factors, laboratory factors, computed tomography scan characteristics, the time between trauma and surgery, and the in-hospital mortality. Using statistical analysis, we compared the studied factors in patients operated on due to EDH and SDH. Patients with SDH were older than patients with EDH. Most often, extra-axial hematomas affected men. Patients with SDH were more severe condition than patients with EDH on admission. Abnormal systolic blood pressure was the most common manifestation of dysautonomia in both groups. In the SDH group, we observed hypotension more often than hypertension. Hyperglycemia was one of the most common anomalies in laboratory factors in both groups. Hypotension and hyperglycemia were that factors significantly associated with outcome after head injuries. SDH caused greater midline shift and often pressed in basal cisterns. Patients with SDH died more often than patients with EDH.
Biological activity and functional diversity in soil in different cultivation systems
Authors: Jezierska-Tys S. , Wesołowska S. , Gałązka A. , Joniec J. , Bednarz J. , Cierpiała R.
Published: May 2020

The aim of the work was to evaluate the impact of use of conventional and organic cultivation systems on selected parameters of microbial activity in the soil under wheat, barley and oat cultivation. Microbiological, biochemical, enzymatic and metabolic activities were analyzed during three seasons over 3 years in soil. The more beneficial effect of organic cultivation was reflected in the increase in bacterial growth, the intensification of the nitrification and higher activity of all analyzed enzymes. The conventional system was more favorable for the development of fungi. The assessment of the metabolic profile of soil microorganisms demonstrated clear differences between the activity of microorganisms in the organic and conventional systems. The results indicate that cultivation of soil in the organic system is more conducive to the environment. The authors conducted research, because there is no unambiguous answer to the question which growing system is more beneficial for soil biological life, i.e., the basis for food production. Microorganisms that are the object of these studies form the basis for the fertility of all soil ecosystems.

Graphic abstract
Epidemiology and Treatment Barriers of Patients With Erectile Dysfunction Using an Online Prescription Platform: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rodler Severin , von Büren Johannes , Buchner Alexander , Stief Christian , Elkhanova Katja , Wülfing Christian , Jungmann Sven
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly common sexual dysfunction of men but often undertreated as patients experience high treatment barriers.

Aim

The aims of this study were to characterize patients with ED using an online prescription platforms (OPPs) and determine treatment barriers that might prevent patients from seeking care in conventional health care settings.

Methods

Data from a German OPP were retrospectively analyzed with focus on patients suffering from ED with at least one online prescription of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors between May 2019 and November 2019. In addition, a voluntary questionnaire was used to assess additional social features and prior treatment barriers.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measures were the epidemiological data, prescription metadata, and follow-up questionnaires.

Results

A total of 11,456 male patients received prescriptions via the OPP (mean age: 49 years [95% CI 46.92–47.45]). Patients lived mainly in rural areas (69%) and frequently sought prescriptions outside the average office times of German urologists (49%). From all patients that responded to a follow-up questionnaire (n = 242), the majority were employed full-time (81%), married (50%), and native German (94%); 63.5% had not used PDE5 inhibitors before. From all repeat users, 41% had received them from unreliable sources. Reasons to seek treatment via the OPP were convenience (48%), shame (23%), and lack of discretion (13%).

Conclusion

In this first study, to epidemiologically characterize ED patients of an OPP, it was confirmed that inconvenience is a treatment barrier, along with shame and perceived lack of discretion. This is the first evidence that OPPs reduce treatment barriers and ease access for patients to the medical system.