bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of flame‐retardant ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber by radiation and steam
Authors: You Jiayi , Yamaguchi Hikaru , Ishii Hiroyuki , Hirai Naoshi , Ohki Yoshimichi
Published: September 2020

Safety‐related cables in nuclear power plants must be functional even during the occurrence of a severe accident. In this regard, flame‐retardant ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (FR‐EPR) widely used for electrical insulation in safety‐related cables was aged under several simulated severe accident conditions. Namely, 60Co gamma rays were irradiated at two different dose rates to sheets of FR‐EPR at room temperature or 100°C. After that, saturated or superheated steam was exposed to several sheets at a constant temperature of 155 or 220°C, or at six stepwise elevating temperatures from 120 to 220°C. Various mechanical properties and complex permittivity were measured for these sheets. As a result, the effects of heat, gamma‐ray irradiation, and steam exposure on the degradation of FR‐EPR were clarified. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Topology of H‐Type High‐Voltage DC Circuit Breaker with Current‐Limiting Function and its Control Strategy
Authors: Wang Zhenhao , Hou Zhaojing , Wang Shiyou , Wang Wei
Published: September 2020

A high‐voltage direct‐current circuit breaker is a key equipment to construct a flexible direct current transmission system. Most of the existing design schemes have some shortcomings such as slow fault‐breaking speed, poor current‐limiting effect, large capacity of the arrester, and long reclosing operation time. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes an H‐type high‐voltage direct current circuit breaker with a current‐limiting function. The current‐limiting inductance is put into operation by judging the fault condition. It has good current‐limiting ability in the process of fault‐breaking and can maintain the dynamic performance of the power grid in the normal operation of the system. It has the advantages of fast fault‐breaking speed, buffered energy consumption, early separation of fault points, and small capacity of the arrester. During reclosing operation, the transfer branch can be turned on at no‐voltage. The different working states in the process of fault‐breaking are analyzed theoretically based on the description of the topological structure and working principle. Finally, using the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation platform, the functional verification and system verification of fault‐breaking and the reclosing operation process is conducted. Compared with the typical scheme, the simulation analysis shows the effectiveness and applicability of the function of fast fault‐breaking and fault current‐limiting. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Oxido‐inflammatory responses and histological alterations in rat lungs exposed to petroleum product fumes
Authors: Owumi Solomon E. , Elebiyo Tobiloba C. , Oladimeji Bidemi Noah
Published: September 2020

Petroleum products—petrol, kerosene, and diesel—composed of volatile organic constituents contribute to air pollution. Exposure of gas station attendants (GSAs) to petroleum products fumes (PPFs) may account for occupation‐related predisposition to respiratory toxicity and disease pathogenesis. We simulated GSA exposure to PPF inhalation and examined their effect on oxido‐inflammatory responses, toxicity, and histopathological alterations in rat lungs, following 8‐hours daily exposure for 60 and 90 days. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, namely: superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), TNF‐α, IL‐1β, xanthine oxidase (XO), nitric oxide (NO) activity were evaluated. Besides, histopathological examination of the lungs and trachea of exposed rats, PPF exposure resulted in significant (P < .05) increases in RONS, biomarkers of oxidative stress, pro‐inflammation cytokines, and reduced (P < .05) GSH levels in rats, secondary to histopathological alteration in lungs and trachea cytoarchitecture examined in an exposure‐duration‐dependent manner. We conclude, therefore, that the observed biochemical and histological changes create a microenvironment that is permissive to diseases pathogenesis of the respiratory system via oxido‐inflammatory mechanistic pathways.
Association mapping of resistance to emerging stem rust pathogen races in spring wheat using genotyping‐by‐sequencing
Authors: Edae Erena A. , Rouse Matthew N.
Published: September 2020

The identification and characterization of resistance genes should outpace the rapid emergence of new P. graminis f. sp. tritici races, such as TTRTF and TTKTT, to mitigate stem rust damage to wheat. The objective of the current study was to identify and characterize P. graminis f. sp. tritici race resistance association signals. A total of 250 North American spring wheat lines were evaluated at the seedling stage with a total of seven isolates including TKKTP, TKTTF, TKTTF, TRTTF, TTRTF, TTKSK, and TTKTT. The lines were genotyped by a GBS platform and 9,042 SNPs were used for identification of chromosome regions associated with resistance against the seven isolates. Strong association signals were detected on chromosomes 6BL (Sr11 gene region) and 4AL, likely Sr7a, for resistance against both TKKTP and TKTTF. Similarly, association signals were also detected on chromosomes 4AL (race TTRTF resistance) and 4BS (race TTKSK and TTKTT resistance). Association analysis based on mean phenotypic differences between closely related isolates identified QTL that were not elucidated by direct association mapping of the responses, individually. Overall, with the exception of race TRTTF, each race shared at least one association signal with another race. However, the number of race‐specific association signals are larger than that of association signals common among races suggesting the need for identifying and characterizing QTL/genes for newly emerging stem rust pathogen races. There was also high concordance between PCA‐based GWAS association signals and association signals from that of both single and multi‐locus mixed models.
Coronaviruses in wild birds – A potential and suitable vector for global distribution
Authors: Rahman Md. Mijanur , Talukder Asma , Chowdhury Mohammed Mehadi Hassan , Talukder Reshma , Akter Rekha
Published: September 2020

The recurrent appearance of novel coronaviruses (CoVs) and the mortality and morbidity caused by their outbreaks aroused a widespread response among the global science community. Wild birds' high biodiversity, perching and migratory activity, ability to travel long distances and possession of a special adaptive immune system may make them alarming sources of zoonotic CoV‐spreading vectors. This review gathers the available evidence on the global spread of CoVs in wild birds to date. The major wild birds associated with different types of CoVs are Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Pelecaniformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Accipitriformes, Ciconiiformes, Gruiformes and so on. However, the main type of CoVs found in wild birds is gammacoronavirus, followed by deltacoronavirus. Consequently, it is imperative to enable thorough research and continuous monitoring to fill the study gap in terms of understanding their role as zoonotic vectors and the frequent appearance of novel CoVs.
Electrochemical disinfection of irrigation water with a graphite electrode flow cell
Authors: Qing Geletu , Anari Zahra , Foster Shelby L. , Matlock Marty , Thoma Greg , Greenlee Lauren F.
Published: September 2020

In this work, we report experimental studies on the disinfection of irrigation water using a flow cell assembled with low‐cost graphite plates as both anode and cathode. Natural irrigation waters collected from two irrigation locations (Reservoir 225 and Bott Well Pond) in Hawaii were used, and synthetic irrigation waters were prepared based on the chemical analysis of natural irrigation waters. The concentration of chloride was 10.2 mg/L in the synthetic Reservoir 225 water and 6.9 mg/L in the synthetic Bott Well pond water. Escherichia coli K12 ER2738 was selected as a model bacterium to evaluate the disinfection capability of the flow cell. Experiments performed in the synthetic irrigation waters showed that E. coli was inactivated by free chlorine species electro‐generated from oxidation of chloride ions at the graphite anode. Complete removal of E. coli was achieved within 10 min in the synthetic irrigation waters. The disinfection of the natural irrigation waters took about four times longer than the disinfection of the synthetic irrigation waters. This result is most likely due to the presence of organic matter (and possibly other oxidizable species) in the natural irrigation waters.

Practitioner points

Electrochemical flow cell disinfects to 99.9% with commercial graphite electrodes.

E. coli is removed in 10 min from synthetic irrigation water by a flow cell.

E. coli removal takes 4× longer in natural irrigation water.

A minimum current density of ≥1 mA/cm2 is required for disinfection.

The primary disinfection mechanism is through chlorine generated from chloride ions.
RNA structures in alternative splicing and back‐splicing
Authors: Xu Bingbing , Meng Yijun , Jin Yongfeng
Published: September 2020

Alternative splicing greatly expands the transcriptomic and proteomic diversities related to physiological and developmental processes in higher eukaryotes. Splicing of long noncoding RNAs, and back‐ and trans‐ splicing further expanded the regulatory repertoire of alternative splicing. RNA structures were shown to play an important role in regulating alternative splicing and back‐splicing. Application of novel sequencing technologies made it possible to identify genome‐wide RNA structures and interaction networks, which might provide new insights into RNA splicing regulation in vitro to in vivo. The emerging transcription–folding–splicing paradigm is changing our understanding of RNA alternative splicing regulation. Here, we review the insights into the roles and mechanisms of RNA structures in alternative splicing and back‐splicing, as well as how disruption of these structures affects alternative splicing and then leads to human diseases.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
Hemodynamic Data Assimilation in a Subject-specific Circle of Willis Geometry
Authors: Gaidzik Franziska , Pathiraja Sahani , Saalfeld Sylvia , Stucht Daniel , Speck Oliver , Thévenin Dominique , Janiga Gábor
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The anatomy of the circle of Willis (CoW), the brain’s main arterial blood supply system, strongly differs between individuals, resulting in highly variable flow fields and intracranial vascularization patterns. To predict subject-specific hemodynamics with high certainty, we propose a data assimilation (DA) approach that merges fully 4D phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) data with a numerical model in the form of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Methods

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide a transient state estimate for the three-dimensional velocity field in a subject-specific CoW geometry using DA. High-resolution velocity state estimates are obtained using the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF).

Results

Quantitative evaluation shows a considerable reduction (up to 90%) in the uncertainty of the velocity field state estimate after the data assimilation step. Velocity values in vessel areas that are below the resolution of the PC-MRI data (e.g., in posterior communicating arteries) are provided. Furthermore, the uncertainty of the analysis-based wall shear stress distribution is reduced by a factor of 2 for the data assimilation approach when compared to the CFD model alone.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential of data assimilation to provide detailed information on vascular flow, and to reduce the uncertainty in such estimates by combining various sources of data in a statistically appropriate fashion.
Multi-objective constrained Bayesian optimization for structural design
Authors: Mathern Alexandre , Steinholtz Olof Skogby , Sjöberg Anders , Önnheim Magnus , Ek Kristine , Rempling Rasmus , Gustavsson Emil , Jirstrand Mats
Published: September 2020

The planning and design of buildings and civil engineering concrete structures constitutes a complex problem subject to constraints, for instance, limit state constraints from design codes, evaluated by expensive computations such as finite element (FE) simulations. Traditionally, the focus has been on minimizing costs exclusively, while the current trend calls for good trade-offs of multiple criteria such as sustainability, buildability, and performance, which can typically be computed cheaply from the design parameters. Multi-objective methods can provide more relevant design strategies to find such trade-offs. However, the potential of multi-objective optimization methods remains unexploited in structural concrete design practice, as the expensiveness of structural design problems severely limits the scope of applicable algorithms. Bayesian optimization has emerged as an efficient approach to optimizing expensive functions, but it has not been, to the best of our knowledge, applied to constrained multi-objective optimization of structural concrete design problems. In this work, we develop a Bayesian optimization framework explicitly exploiting the features inherent to structural design problems, that is, expensive constraints and cheap objectives. The framework is evaluated on a generic case of structural design of a reinforced concrete (RC) beam, taking into account sustainability, buildability, and performance objectives, and is benchmarked against the well-known Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and a random search procedure. The results show that the Bayesian algorithm performs considerably better in terms of rate-of-improvement, final solution quality, and variance across repeated runs, which suggests it is well-suited for multi-objective constrained optimization problems in structural design.
Method development and validation for the quantification of organic acids in microbial samples using anionic exchange solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Heyen Simone , Scholz-Böttcher Barbara M. , Rabus Ralf , Wilkes Heinz
Published: September 2020

Organic acids play a key role in central metabolic functions of organisms, are crucial for understanding regulatory processes and are ubiquitous inside the cell. Therefore, quantification of these compounds provides a valuable approach for studying dynamics of metabolic processes, in particular when the organism faces changing environmental conditions. However, the extraction and analysis of organic acids can be challenging and validated methods available in this field are limited. In this study, we developed a method for the extraction and quantification of organic acids from microbial samples based on solid-phase extraction on a strong anionic exchange cartridge and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. Full method validation was conducted to determine quality parameters of the new method. Recoveries for 12 of the 15 aromatic and aliphatic acids were between 100 and 111% and detection limits between 3 and 272 ng/mL. The ranges for the regression coefficients and process standard deviations for these compound classes were 0.9874–0.9994 and 0.04–0.69 μg/mL, respectively. Limitations were encountered when targeting aliphatic acids with hydroxy, oxo or enol ester functions. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of the method on cell extracts of the bacterium Escherichia coli and the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum.
A novel one-day phage-based test for rapid detection and enumeration of viable Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in cows’ milk
Authors: Foddai Antonio C. G. , Grant Irene R.
Published: September 2020

Bacteriophage-based methods for the rapid detection of viable Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in veterinary specimens are a recent addition to the Johne’s disease diagnostic toolbox. Here, we report the use of D29 mycobacteriophage-coated tosylactivated paramagnetic beads to capture and concentrate MAP cells from samples (termed phagomagnetic separation, PhMS) and then naturally lyse viable MAP cells (from the inside out) to provide DNA for IS900 qPCR purposes. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that D29 phages had bound to beads in the correct orientation and that the phage-coated beads captured MAP cells from a suspension. During test optimization, conventional IS900 PCR results were used to subjectively assess the effect of different phage:bead coating ratios, differing amounts of coated beads during PhMS, optimal incubation time post-PhMS to obtain maximal MAP DNA, and the potential benefit of a brief heat shock (55 °C/1 min) prior to IS900 TaqMan qPCR. The limit of detection 50% (LOD50%) of the optimised PhMS-qPCR assay was 10.00 MAP cells/50 ml milk (95% CI 1.20–82.83). Finally, in order to demonstrate the new assay’s ability to detect viable MAP in naturally contaminated milk, bulk tank milk samples from 100 dairy farms were tested. Forty-nine (49%) of these tested PhMS-qPCR-positive, with viable MAP numbers detected ranging from 3–126 MAP/50 ml. The novel PhMS-qPCR assay is a sensitive, specific and easy-to-apply phage-based assay for viable MAP, with potential application for milk surveillance or diagnosis of Johne’s disease.

Key points

• Phage-coated magnetic beads could capture, concentrate and lyse MAP cells from milk.

• PhMS-qPCR assay proved to be a rapid, sensitive and specific test for viable MAP.

• A potential application of PhMS-qPCR assay for milk surveillance was demonstrated.
PSMA PET total tumor volume predicts outcome of patients with advanced prostate cancer receiving [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy in a bicentric analysis
Authors: Seifert Robert , Kessel Katharina , Schlack Katrin , Weber Manuel , Herrmann Ken , Spanke Maximilian , Fendler Wolfgang P. , Hadaschik Boris , Kleesiek Jens , Schäfers Michael , Weckesser Matthias , Boegemann Martin , Rahbar Kambiz
Published: September 2020

Introduction

[177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (Lu-PSMA) radioligand therapy is an emerging treatment option for patients with end-stage prostate cancer. However, response to Lu-PSMA therapy is only achieved in approximately half of patients. It is clinically important to identify patients at risk of poor outcome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate pretherapeutic PSMA PET derived total tumor volume and related metrics as prognosticators of overall survival in patients receiving Lu-PSMA therapy.

Methods

A total number of 110 patients form the Departments of Nuclear Medicine Münster and Essen were included in this retrospective analysis. Baseline PSMA PET-CT was available for all patients. Employing a previously published approach, all tumor lesions were semi-automatically delineated in PSMA PET-CT acquisitions. Total lesion number, total tumor volume (PSMA-TV), total lesion uptake (PSMA-TLU = PSMA-TV * SUVmean), and total lesion quotient (PSMA-TLQ = PSMA-TV / SUVmean) were quantified for each patient. Log2 transformation was used for regressions.

Results

Lesion number, PSMA-TV, and PSMA-TLQ were prognosticators of overall survival (HR = 1.255, p = 0.009; HR = 1.299, p = 0.005; HR = 1.326, p = 0.002). In a stepwise backward Cox regression including lesion number, PSMA-TV, PSA, LDH, and PSMA-TLQ, only the latter two remained independent and statistically significant negative prognosticators of overall survival (HR = 1.632, p = 0.011; HR = 1.239, p = 0.024). PSMA-TLQ and LDH were significant negative prognosticators in multivariate Cox regression in contrast to PSA value.

Conclusion

PSMA-TV was a statistically significant negative prognosticator of overall survival in patients receiving Lu-PSMA therapy. PSMA-TLQ was an independent and superior prognosticator of overall survival compared with PSMA-TV.
Diagnostic accuracy of spleen stiffness to evaluate portal hypertension and esophageal varices in chronic liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Xing , Huang Xiaojie , Hou Jianhua , Ding Lei , Su Chunling , Meng Fankun
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To systematically review studies on the diagnostic accuracy of spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) for the detection of clinical significant portal hypertension (CSPH), severe portal hypertension (SPH), esophageal varices (EV), and high-risk esophageal varices (HREV) in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD).

Methods

Through a systematic search, we identified 32 studies reporting the accuracy of SSM for the diagnosis of portal hypertension (PH) and/or EV in adults with CLD. A bivariate random-effects model was performed to estimate pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR). The clinical utility of SSM was evaluated by Fagan plot.

Results

A total of 32 studies assessing 3952 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivities of SSM were 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69–0.93) for CSPH; 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75–0.90) for SPH; 0.90 (95% CI, 0.83–0.94) for any EV; and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.77–0.93) for HREV. The pooled specificities of SSM were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.74–0.93) for CSPH; 0.84 (95% CI, 0.72–0.91) for SPH; 0.73 (95% CI, 0.66–0.79) for EV; and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.53–0.77) for HREV. Summary PPV and NPV of SSM for detecting HREV were 0.54 (95% CI, 0.47–0.62) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.81–0.95), respectively.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that SSM could be used as a helpful surveillance tool in management of CLD patients and was quite useful for ruling out the presence of HREV thereby avoiding unnecessary endoscopy.

Key Points

• SSM could be used to rule out the presence of HREV in patients with CLD thereby avoiding unnecessary endoscopy.

• SSM has significant diagnostic value for CSPH and SPH with high sensitivity and specificity in patients with CLD.

• SSM could be used as a helpful surveillance tool for clinicians managing CLD patients.
Achieving high spatial and temporal resolution with perfusion MRI in the head and neck region using golden-angle radial sampling
Authors: Tomppert Andrea , Wuest Wolfgang , Wiesmueller Marco , Heiss Rafael , Kopp Markus , Nagel Armin M. , Tomita Hayato , Meixner Christian , Uder Michael , May Matthias Stefan
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Conventional perfusion-weighted MRI sequences often provide poor spatial or temporal resolution. We aimed to overcome this problem in head and neck protocols using a golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) sequence.

Methods

We prospectively included 58 patients for examination on a 3.0-T MRI using a study protocol. GRASP (A) was applied to a volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) with 135 reconstructed pictures and high temporal (2.5 s) and spatial resolution (0.94 × 0.94 × 3.00 mm). Additional sequences of matching temporal resolution (B: 2.5 s, 1.88 × 1.88 × 3.00 mm), with a compromise between temporal and spatial resolution (C: 7.0 s, 1.30 × 1.30 × 3.00 mm) and with matching spatial resolution (D: 145 s, 0.94 × 0.94 × 3.00 mm), were subsequently without GRASP. Instant inline-image reconstructions (E) provided one additional series of averaged contrast information throughout the entire acquisition duration of A. Overall diagnostic image quality, edge sharpness and contrast of soft tissues, vessels and lesions were subjectively rated using 5-point Likert scales. Objective image quality was measured as contrast-to-noise ratio in D and E.

Results

Overall, the anatomic and pathologic image quality was substantially better with the GRASP sequence for the temporally (A/B/C, all p < 0.001) and spatially resolved comparisons (D/E, all p < 0.002 except lesion edge sharpness with p = 0.291). Image artefacts were also less likely to occur with GRASP. Differences in motion, aliasing and truncation were mainly significant, but pulsation and fat suppression were comparable. In addition, the contrast-to-noise ratio of E was significantly better than that of D (pD-E < 0.001).

Conclusions

High temporal and spatial resolution can be obtained synchronously using a GRASP-VIBE technique for perfusion evaluation in head and neck MRI.

Key Points

• Golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) sampling allows for temporally resolved dynamic acquisitions with a very high image quality.

• Very low-contrast structures in the head and neck region can benefit from using the GRASP sequence.

• Inline-image reconstruction of dynamic and static series from one single acquisition can replace the conventional combination of two acquisitions, thereby saving examination time.
Sub-seasonal variability of surface soil moisture over eastern China
Authors: Zhou Yang , Dong Xuan , Chen Haishan , Cao Lu , Shao Qing , Sun Shanlei , Yang Ben , Rao Jian
Published: September 2020

Various surface soil moisture (SM) data from station observations, the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission, three reanalyses (ERA-Interim, CFSR, and NCEP RII), and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) are used to explore the sub-seasonal variations of SM (SSV-SM) over eastern China. Based on the correlation with SM of SMAP, reanalyses, and GLDAS, it is found that the variations of SM observed by Liuhe and Chunan stations can generally represent the SM variations over eastern China. The correlation coefficients between the SMAP and station SM are around 0.7. The SMAP product can well capture the time variation of SM over eastern China. The spectral analysis suggests that periodic variations of SM are mainly and significantly over the 10–30-day period over eastern China in all the data. The significant spectra over the 10–30-day period basically occur during the rainy season over eastern China. For the spatial aspect of SSV-SM, precipitation is the main factor causing the spatial distribution of SSV-SM over eastern China. However, the spectra of the station precipitation are not consistent with those of the station SM, and there is less coherence between the precipitation and SM over the periods during which SM has significant spectra. This indicates that SSV-SM is also affected by other factors.
Autoantikörper und die autoreaktive Immunantwort
Authors: Scherer H. U.
Published: September 2020

Die Immunantwort gegen posttranslational modifizierte Antigene, insbesondere die Entwicklung von Autoantikörpern gerichtet gegen citrullinierte Proteine („anti citrullinated protein antibodies“, [ACPA]), ist ein sehr spezifisches Phänomen der rheumatoiden Arthritis. Bis heute ist unklar, wie es zur Entwicklung dieser Immunantwort kommt und welche Faktoren dazu beitragen, dass aus dieser zunächst asymptomatischen Autoimmunreaktion eine Autoimmunerkrankung entsteht. Analysen zu genetischen Risikofaktoren legen nahe, dass T‑Helfer-Zellen hierbei eine wichtige Rolle zukommt. Unter ihrem Einfluss kommt es zu einer Reifung der citrullinspezifischen B‑Zell-Immunantwort im Vorfeld des Erkrankungsbeginns. Welche Trigger diese Entwicklung stimulieren ist nicht bekannt. Neue Daten zeigen, dass ACPA nicht nur citrullinierte Antigene erkennen. Auch andere Eiweißmodifikationen wie Homocitrullin und Acetyllysin werden spezifisch erkannt. Diese Kreuzreaktivität konnte für verschiedene monoklonale ACPA nachgewiesen werden. Hierdurch erweitert sich das Spektrum der Antigene, durch die ACPA-exprimierende B‑Zellen stimuliert und aktiviert werden können. Auch T‑Zellen, die selbst nicht autoreaktiv sind, sondern Fremdantigene erkennen, treten als mögliche Helfer in den Vordergrund. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit gibt einen Einblick in die Bedeutung dieser neuen Erkenntnisse für das Krankheitsbild der rheumatoiden Arthritis.
Comparative analysis of dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lorscheider Johannes , Benkert Pascal , Lienert Carmen , Hänni Peter , Derfuss Tobias , Kuhle Jens , Kappos Ludwig , Yaldizli Özgür
Published: September 2020

Background

Dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod are oral disease modifying treatments (DMTs) that reduce relapse activity and slow disability worsening in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod in a real-world setting, where both agents are licensed as a first-line DMT for the treatment of RRMS.

Methods

We identified patients with RRMS commencing dimethyl fumarate or fingolimod in the Swiss Federation for Common Tasks of Health Insurances (SVK) Registry between August 2014 and July 2019. Propensity score-matching was applied to select subpopulations with comparable baseline characteristics. Relapses and disability outcomes were compared in paired, pairwise-censored analyses.

Results

Of the 2113 included patients, 1922 were matched (dimethyl fumarate, n = 961; fingolimod, n = 961). Relapse rates did not differ between the groups (incident rate ratio 1.0, 95%CI 0.8–1.2, p = 0.86). Moreover, no difference in the hazard of 1-year confirmed disability worsening (hazard ratio [HR] 0.9; 95%CI 0.6–1.6; p = 0.80) or disability improvement (HR 0.9; 95%CI 0.6–1.2; p = 0.40) was detected. These findings were consistent both for treatment-naïve patients and patients switching from another DMT.

Conclusion

Dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod have comparable effectiveness regarding reduction of relapses and disability worsening in RRMS.
Atmospheric H2S exposure does not affect stomatal aperture in maize
Authors: Ausma Ties , Mulder Jeffrey , Polman Thomas R. , van der Kooi Casper J. , De Kok Luit J.
Published: September 2020

Main conclusion

Stomatal aperture in maize is not affected by exposure to a subtoxic concentration of atmospheric H2S. At least in maize, H2S, thus, is not a gaseous signal molecule that controls stomatal aperture.

Sulfur is an indispensable element for the physiological functioning of plants with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) potentially acting as gasotransmitter in the regulation of stomatal aperture. It is often assumed that H2S is metabolized into cysteine to stimulate stomatal closure. To study the significance of H2S for the regulation of stomatal closure, maize was exposed to a subtoxic atmospheric H2S level in the presence or absence of a sulfate supply to the root. Similar to other plants, maize could use H2S as a sulfur source for growth. Whereas sulfate-deprived plants had a lower biomass than sulfate-sufficient plants, exposure to H2S alleviated this growth reduction. Shoot sulfate, glutathione, and cysteine levels were significantly higher in H2S-fumigated plants compared to non-fumigated plants. Nevertheless, this was not associated with changes in the leaf area, stomatal density, stomatal resistance, and transpiration rate of plants, meaning that H2S exposure did not affect the transpiration rate per stoma. Hence, it did not affect stomatal aperture, indicating that, at least in maize, H2S is not a gaseous signal molecule controlling this aperture.
New Examples on Lavrentiev Gap Using Fractals
Authors: Balci Anna Kh. , Diening Lars , Surnachev Mikhail
Published: September 2020

Zhikov showed 1986 with his famous checkerboard example that functionals with variable exponents can have a Lavrentiev gap. For this example it was crucial that the exponent had a saddle point whose value was exactly the dimension. In 1997 he extended this example to the setting of the double phase potential. Again it was important that the exponents crosses the dimensional threshold. Therefore, it was conjectured that the dimensional threshold plays an important role for the Lavrentiev gap. We show that this is not the case. Using fractals we present new examples for the Lavrentiev gap and non-density of smooth functions. We apply our method to the setting of variable exponents, the double phase potential and weighted p-energy.
Genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of methacrylate-based orthodontic adhesives
Authors: Taubmann Andreas , Willershausen Ines , Walter Christian , Al-Maawi Sarah , Kaina Bernd , Gölz Lina
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The biocompatibility of methacrylate-based adhesives is a topic that is intensively discussed in dentistry. Since only limited evidence concerning the cyto- and genotoxicity of orthodontic adhesives is available, the aim of this study was to measure the genotoxic potential of seven orthodontic methacrylate-based adhesives.

Materials and methods

The XTT assay was utilized to determine the cytotoxicity of Assure Plus, Assure Bonding Resin, ExciTE F, OptiBond Solo Plus, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, Transbond MIP, and Transbond XT after an incubation period of 24 h on human gingival fibroblasts. We also performed the γH2AX assay to explore the genotoxic potential of the adhesives within cytotoxic dose ranges after an incubation period of 6 h.

Results

The XTT assay showed a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability. The decrease in cellular viability was in the same dose range most significant for Assure Plus, rendering it the adhesive material with the highest cytotoxicity. Employing the γH2AX assay, a concentration-dependent increase in H2AX phosphorylation was detected, indicating induction of DNA damage.

Conclusions

For most products, a linear correlation between the material concentration and γH2AX foci was observed. The most severe effect on γH2AX focus induction was found for Transbond MIP, which was the only adhesive in the test group containing the co-initiator diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPIHP).

Clinical relevance

The data indicate that orthodontic adhesives, notably Transbond MIP, bear a genotoxic potential. Since the study was performed with in vitro cultivated cells, a direct translation of the findings to in vivo exposure conditions should be considered with great diligence.
Multi-channel spectrograms for speech processing applications using deep learning methods
Authors: Arias-Vergara T. , Klumpp P. , Vasquez-Correa J. C. , Nöth E. , Orozco-Arroyave J. R. , Schuster M.
Published: September 2020

Time–frequency representations of the speech signals provide dynamic information about how the frequency component changes with time. In order to process this information, deep learning models with convolution layers can be used to obtain feature maps. In many speech processing applications, the time–frequency representations are obtained by applying the short-time Fourier transform and using single-channel input tensors to feed the models. However, this may limit the potential of convolutional networks to learn different representations of the audio signal. In this paper, we propose a methodology to combine three different time–frequency representations of the signals by computing continuous wavelet transform, Mel-spectrograms, and Gammatone spectrograms and combining then into 3D-channel spectrograms to analyze speech in two different applications: (1) automatic detection of speech deficits in cochlear implant users and (2) phoneme class recognition to extract phone-attribute features. For this, two different deep learning-based models are considered: convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks with convolution layers.
Methodological aspects for cognitive architectures construction: a study and proposal
Authors: Jiménez Juan P. , Martin Luis , Dounce Iván Axel , Ávila-Contreras Cynthia , Ramos Félix
Published: September 2020

In the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), efforts to achieve human-like behavior have taken very different paths through time. Cognitive Architectures (CAs) differentiate from traditional AI approaches, due to their intention to model cognitive and behavioral processes by understanding the brain’s structure and their functionalities in a natural way. However, the development of distinct CAs has not been easy, mainly because there is no consensus on the theoretical basis, assumptions or even purposes for their creation nor how well they reflect human function. In consequence, there is limited information about the methodological aspects to construct this type of models. To address this issue, some initial statements are established to contextualize about the origins and directions of cognitive architectures and their development, which help to outline perspectives, approaches and objectives of this work, supported by a brief study of methodological strategies and historical aspects taken by some of the most relevant architectures to propose a methodology which covers general perspectives for the construction of CAs. This proposal is intended to be flexible, focused on use-case tasks, but also directed by theoretic paradigms or manifestos. A case study between cognitive functions is then detailed, using visual perception and working memory to exemplify the proposal’s assumptions, postulates and binding tools, from their meta-architectural conceptions to validation. Finally, the discussion addresses the challenges found at this stage of development and future work directions.
How to Improve Behavioral Parent and Teacher Training for Children with ADHD: Integrating Empirical Research on Learning and Motivation into Treatment
Authors: van der Oord Saskia , Tripp Gail
Published: September 2020

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is one of the most common psychiatric disorders of childhood with poor prognosis if not treated effectively. Recommended psychosocial evidence-based treatment for preschool and school-aged children is behavioral parent and teacher training [BPT]. The core elements of BPT are instrumental learning principles, i.e., reinforcement of adaptive and the ignoring or punishment of non-adaptive behaviors together with stimulus control techniques. BPT is moderately effective in reducing oppositional behavior and improving parenting practices; however, it does not reduce blinded ratings of ADHD symptoms. Also after training effects dissipate. This practitioner review proposes steps that can be taken to improve BPT outcomes for ADHD, based on purported causal processes underlying ADHD. The focus is on altered motivational processes (reward and punishment sensitivity), as they closely link to the instrumental processes used in BPT. Following a critical analysis of current behavioral treatments for ADHD, we selectively review motivational reinforcement-based theories of ADHD, including the empirical evidence for the behavioral predictions arising from these theories. This includes consideration of children’s emotional reactions to expected and unexpected outcomes. Next we translate this evidence into potential ADHD-specific adjustments designed to enhance the immediate and long-term effectiveness of BPT programs in addressing the needs of children with ADHD. This includes the use of remediation strategies for proposed deficits in learning not commonly used in BPT programs and cautions regarding the use of punishment. Finally, we address how these recommendations can be effectively transferred to clinical practice.
Reconstruction of Quasi-Local Numerical Effective Models from Low-Resolution Measurements
Authors: Caiazzo A. , Maier R. , Peterseim D.
Published: September 2020

We consider the inverse problem of reconstructing an effective model for a prototypical diffusion process in strongly heterogeneous media based on coarse measurements. The approach is motivated by quasi-local numerical effective forward models that are provably reliable beyond periodicity assumptions and scale separation. The goal of this work is to show that an identification of the matrix representation related to these effective models is possible. On the one hand, this provides a reasonable surrogate in cases where a direct reconstruction is unfeasible due to a mismatch between the coarse data scale and the microscopic quantities to be reconstructed. On the other hand, the approach allows us to investigate the requirement for a certain non-locality in the context of numerical homogenization. Algorithmic aspects of the inversion procedure and its performance are illustrated in a series of numerical experiments.
Photothermal Porosity Estimation in CFRP by the Time-of-Flight of Virtual Waves
Authors: Plasser Holger , Mayr Günther , Thummerer Gregor , Hendorfer Günther , Burgholzer Peter , Major Zoltán
Published: September 2020

Porosity is an unavoidable defect in carbon fiber reinforced polymers and has noticeable effects on mechanical properties since gas filled voids weaken the epoxy matrix. Pulsed thermography is advantageous because it is a non-contacting, non-destructive and fast photothermal testing method that allows the estimation of material parameters. Using the Virtual Wave Concept for thermography data, ultrasonic evaluation methods are applicable. In this work, the pulse-echo method for Time-of-Flight measurements is used, whereby the determined Time-of-Flight is directly related to the thermal diffusion time of the examined material. We introduce a signal-to-noise dependent approach, the optimum evaluation time, for evaluating only relevant time ranges which contain information of heat diffusion. After the validation of the method for heterogeneous materials, effective medium theories can be used for quantitative porosity estimation from the estimated diffusion time. This model-based approach for porosity estimation delivers more accurate results for transmission and reflection configuration measurements compared to thermographic state-of-the-art methods. The results are validated by X-ray computed tomography reference measurements on a wide range of different porous carbon fiber reinforced plastic specimens with different number of plies and varying porosity contents.
Using a multimedia semantic graph for web document visualization and summarization
Authors: Rinaldi Antonio M. , Russo Cristiano
Published: September 2020

The synthesis process of document content and its visualization play a basic role in the context of knowledge representation and retrieval. Existing methods for tag-clouds generations are mostly based on text content of documents, others also consider statistical or semantic information to enrich the document summary, while precious information deriving from multimedia content is often neglected. In this paper we present a document summarization and visualization technique based on both statistical and semantic analysis of textual and visual contents. The result of our framework is a Visual Semantic Tag Cloud based on the highlighting of relevant terms in a document using some features (font size, color, etc.) showing the importance of a term compared to other ones. The semantic information is derived from a knowledge base where concepts are represented through several multimedia items. The Visual Semantic Tag Cloud can be used not only to synthesize a document but also to represent a set of documents grouped by categories using a topic detection technique based on textual and visual analysis of multimedia features. Our work aims at demonstrating that with the help of semantic analysis and the combination of textual and visual features it is possible to improve the user knowledge acquisition by means of a synthesized visualization. The whole strategy has been evaluated by means of a ground truth and compared with similar approaches. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our approach, which outperforms state-of-art algorithms in topic detection combining both visual and semantic information.
Range-speed mapping and target-classification measurements of automotive targets using photonic-radar
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Sergeyev Sergey , Kumar Love , Kbashi Hani J.
Published: September 2020

The frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar is an ideal choice for autonomous vehicle and surveillance-related industries due to its ability to measure the relative target-velocity, target-range, and target-characterization. Unlike conventional microwave radar systems, the photonic radar has the potential to offer wider bandwidth to attain high range-resolution at low input power requirements. Subsequently, a frequency-modulated continuous-wave photonic-radar is developed to measure the target-range and velocity of the automotive mobile targets concurrently with acceptable rang resolution keeping in mind the needs of the state-of-the-art autonomous vehicle industry. Furthermore, the target-identification is also an important parameter to be measured to enable the futuristic autonomous vehicles for the recognition of the objects along with their dimensions. Therefore, the reported work is extended to characterize the target-objects by measuring the specular-reflectance, diffuse-reflectance, the ratio of horizontal-axis to vertical-axis, refractive index constants of the targets using the bidirectional reflectance distribution function. Furthermore, the reflectance properties of the target-objects are also measured with different operating wavelengths at different incident angles to assess the influence of the operating wavelength and the angle at which the radar-pulses incident on the surface of the targets. Moreover, to validate the performance of the demonstrated work, a comparison is also presented in distinction with the conventional microwave FMCW-RADAR.
A Biopredictive In Vitro Approach for Assessing Compatibility of a Novel Pediatric Hydrocortisone Drug Product within Common Pediatric Dosing Vehicles
Authors: Wollmer Erik , Karkossa Frank , Freerks Lisa , Hetberg Anna-Elena , Neal Greg , Porter John , Whitaker Martin J. , Margetson Daniel , Klein Sandra
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The objective of the present work was to screen whether a novel pediatric hydrocortisone granule formulation can be co-administered with common food matrices and liquids.

Methods

Pediatric hydrocortisone granules were studied using a biopredictive in vitro approach. Experiments included an in situ chemical compatibility study of active ingredient and drug product with liquid dosing vehicles and soft foods commonly ingested by infants, pre-school- and school children. Drug solubility and stability experiments in the different vehicle types and, drug release/dissolution experiments mimicking age-related pediatric gastric conditions after administering the hydrocortisone granules together with the dosing vehicles and after different exposure/mixing times were performed.

Results

In the simulated dosing scenarios applied in dissolution experiments, in vitro dissolution in gastric conditions was rapid and complete. Results of the chemical compatibility/stability studies indicated that mixing with the different dosing vehicles studied should not be an issue regarding drug degradation products.

Conclusions

A novel in vitro approach ensuring a proper risk assessment of the use of dosing vehicles in the administration of pediatric dosage forms was established and applied to a novel pediatric hydrocortisone drug product. The studied dosing vehicles were shown to not alter performance of the drug product and are thus considered suitable for administration with hydrocortisone granules.