bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Egg quality traits, blood biochemical parameters and performance of laying hens fed diet included processed oak fruit
Authors: Bekri Fatemeh , Torki Mehran
Published: October 2020

To investigate the effects of replacing maize with various levels of raw and processed oak fruit in diet on productive performance of laying hens and egg quality traits, the total number of 168 Bovans white laying hens (30‐week age) were randomly distributed between 28 replicate cages and assigned to 7 experimental diets. Based on a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments including two dietary levels (10% and 20%) of raw, soaked or boiled oak fruit as well as a corn–soybean meal‐based diet, 7 experimental diets with 4 replicates and 6 chickens per replicate cages were evaluated during an 8‐week period. The data were analysed using GLM procedure of SAS. Significantly higher feed consumption was observed in 10% boiled oak compared with soaked oak (p < .05). Significantly improved feed conversion ratio was observed in 10% boiled oak compared with soaked oak (p < .05). Diet inclusion of 10% oak fruit caused significant increased shell weight. Significant interaction between oak level and processing method on the egg‐specific gravity was observed (p < .05), and higher egg‐specific gravity was detected in hens fed the diets included 20% boiled or 20% raw oak compared to 20% soaked oak. Significantly increased blood LDL level was observed in hens fed the diets that included boiled and soaked oak (p < .05). In conclusion, based on the results of the present study, 10% boiled oak can be substituted corn in diet of laying hens with no unfavourable effect on performance.
Quantum Random Numbers Generated by a Cloud Superconducting Quantum Computer
Authors: Tamura Kentaro , Shikano Yutaka
Published: October 2020

A cloud quantum computer is similar to a random number generator in that its physical mechanism is inaccessible to its users. In this respect, a cloud quantum computer is a black box. In both devices, its users decide the device condition from the output. A framework to achieve this exists in the field of random number generation in the form of statistical tests for random number generators. In the present study, we generated random numbers on a 20-qubit cloud quantum computer and evaluated the condition and stability of its qubits using statistical tests for random number generators. As a result, we observed that some qubits were more biased than others. Statistical tests for random number generators may provide a simple indicator of qubit condition and stability, enabling users to decide for themselves which qubits inside a cloud quantum computer to use.
Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ mediates contraction-induced GLUT4 translocation and shows its anti-diabetic action in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Sun A. , Simsek Papur O. , Dirkx E. , Wong L. , Sips T. , Wang S. , Strzelecka A. , Nabben M. , Glatz J. F. C. , Neumann D. , Luiken J. J. F. P.
Published: October 2020

In the diabetic heart, long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) uptake is increased at the expense of glucose uptake. This metabolic shift ultimately leads to insulin resistance and a reduced cardiac function. Therefore, signaling kinases that mediate glucose uptake without simultaneously stimulating LCFA uptake could be considered attractive anti-diabetic targets. Phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase-IIIβ (PI4KIIIβ) is a lipid kinase downstream of protein kinase D1 (PKD1) that mediates Golgi-to-plasma membrane vesicular trafficking in HeLa-cells. In this study, we evaluated whether PI4KIIIβ is involved in myocellular GLUT4 translocation induced by contraction or oligomycin (an F1F0-ATP synthase inhibitor that activates contraction-like signaling). Pharmacological targeting, with compound MI14, or genetic silencing of PI4KIIIβ inhibited contraction/oligomycin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in cardiomyocytes but did not affect CD36 translocation nor LCFA uptake. Addition of the PI4KIIIβ enzymatic reaction product phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate restored oligomycin-stimulated glucose uptake in the presence of MI14. PI4KIIIβ activation by PKD1 involves Ser294 phosphorylation and altered its localization with unchanged enzymatic activity. Adenoviral PI4KIIIβ overexpression stimulated glucose uptake, but did not activate hypertrophic signaling, indicating that unlike PKD1, PI4KIIIβ is selectively involved in GLUT4 translocation. Finally, PI4KIIIβ overexpression prevented insulin resistance and contractile dysfunction in lipid-overexposed cardiomyocytes. Together, our studies identify PI4KIIIβ as positive and selective regulator of GLUT4 translocation in response to contraction-like signaling, suggesting PI4KIIIβ as a promising target to rescue defective glucose uptake in diabetics.
A new formulation using the Schur complement for the numerical existence proof of solutions to elliptic problems: without direct estimation for an inverse of the linearized operator
Authors: Sekine Kouta , Nakao Mitsuhiro T. , Oishi Shin’ichi
Published: October 2020

Infinite-dimensional Newton methods can be effectively used to derive numerical proofs of the existence of solutions to partial differential equations (PDEs). In computer-assisted proofs of PDEs, the original problem is transformed into the infinite-dimensional Newton-type fixed point equation $$w = - {\mathcal {L}}^{-1} {\mathcal {F}}(\hat{u}) + {\mathcal {L}}^{-1} {\mathcal {G}}(w)$$

w
=
-

L

-
1

F

(

u
^

)

+

L

-
1

G

(
w
)

, where $${\mathcal {L}}$$
L
is a linearized operator, $${\mathcal {F}}(\hat{u})$$

F
(

u
^

)

is a residual, and $${\mathcal {G}}(w)$$

G
(
w
)

is a nonlinear term. Therefore, the estimations of $$\Vert {\mathcal {L}}^{-1} {\mathcal {F}}(\hat{u}) \Vert $$

‖

L

-
1

F

(

u
^

)

‖

and $$\Vert {\mathcal {L}}^{-1}{\mathcal {G}}(w) \Vert $$

‖

L

-
1

G

(
w
)

‖

play major roles in the verification procedures . In this paper, using a similar concept to block Gaussian elimination and its corresponding ‘Schur complement’ for matrix problems, we represent the inverse operator $${\mathcal {L}}^{-1}$$

L

-
1

as an infinite-dimensional operator matrix that can be decomposed into two parts: finite-dimensional and infinite-dimensional. This operator matrix yields a new effective realization of the infinite-dimensional Newton method, which enables a more efficient verification procedure compared with existing Nakao’s methods for the solution of elliptic PDEs. We present some numerical examples that confirm the usefulness of the proposed method. Related results obtained from the representation of the operator matrix as $${\mathcal {L}}^{-1}$$

L

-
1

are presented in the “Appendix”.
DPP-4 inhibitor induces FGF21 expression via sirtuin 1 signaling and improves myocardial energy metabolism
Authors: Furukawa Nozomi , Koitabashi Norimichi , Matsui Hiroki , Sunaga Hiroaki , Umbarawan Yogi , Syamsunarno Mas Rizky A. A. , Yamaguchi Aiko , Obokata Masaru , Hanaoka Hirofumi , Yokoyama Tomoyuki , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: October 2020

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are widely used incretin-based therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We investigated the cardioprotective effect of a DPP-4 inhibitor, vildagliptin (vilda), on myocardial metabolism and cardiac performance under pressure overload. Mice were treated with either vehicle orvilda, followed by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). After 3 weeks of TAC, cardiac hypertrophy and impairment of systolic function were attenuated invilda-treated mice. Pressure–volume analysis showed thatvildatreatment significantly improved left-ventricular contractile efficiency in TAC heart. Myocardial energy substrate analysis showed thatvildatreatment significantly increased glucose uptake as well as fatty acid uptake. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a peptide involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, increased in TAC heart and was further increased byvildatreatment. FGF21 was strongly expressed in cardiac fibroblasts than in cardiomyocytes in mouse heart after TAC withvildatreatment.Vildatreatment markedly induced FGF21 expression in human cardiac fibroblasts through a sirtuin (Sirt) 1-mediated pathway, suggesting that fibroblast-mediated FGF21 expression may regulate energy metabolism and exertvilda-mediated beneficial effects in stressed heart.Vildainduced a metabolic regulator, FGF21 expression in cardiac fibroblasts via Sirt1, and increased contractile efficiency in murine pressure-overloaded heart.
Radiological evaluation of a new straight electrode array compared to its precursors
Authors: Ketterer Manuel Christoph , Aschendorff A. , Arndt S. , Speck I. , Rauch A. K. , Beck R. , Hassepass F.
Published: October 2020

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine electrode array coverage, scalar position and dislocation rate in straight electrode arrays with special focus on a new electrode array with 26 mm in lengths.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Patients

201 ears implanted between 2013 and 2019.

Main outcome measures

We conducted a comparative analysis of patients implanted with lateral wall electrode arrays of different lengths (F24 = MED-EL Flex24, F26 = MED-EL Flex26, F28 = MED-EL Flex28 and F31.5 = MED-EL FlexSoft). Cone beam computed tomography was used to determine electrode array position (scala tympani (ST) versus scala vestibuli (SV), intracochlear dislocation, position of dislocation and insertion angle).

Results

Study groups show no significant differences regarding cochlear size which excludes influences by cochlear morphology. As expected, the F24 showed significant shorter insertion angles compared to the longer electrode arrays. The F26 electrode array showed no signs of dislocation or SV insertion. The electrode array with the highest rate of ST dislocations was the F31.5 (26.3%). The electrode array with the highest rates of SV insertions was the F28 (5.75%). Most of the included electrode arrays dislocate between 320° and 360° (mean: 346.4°; range from 166° to 502°).

Conclusion

The shorter F24 and the new straight electrode array F26 show less or no signs of scalar dislocation, neither for round window nor for cochleostomy insertion than the longer F28 and the F31.5 array. As expected, the cochlear coverage is increasing with length of the electrode array itself but with growing risk for scalar dislocation and with the highest rates of dislocation for the longest electrode array F31.5. Position of intracochlear dislocation is in the apical cochlear part in the included lateral wall electrode arrays.
Considering additive effects of polypharmacy
Authors: Lexow Monika , Wernecke Kathrin , Schmid Gordian L. , Sultzer Ralf , Bertsche Thilo , Schiek Susanne
Published: October 2020

Background

Potential additive effects of polypharmacy are rarely considered in adverse events of geriatric patients living in long-term care facilities. Our aim, therefore, was to identify adverse events in this setting and to assess plausible concomitant drug causes.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was performed in three facilities as follows: (i) adverse event identification: we structurally identified adverse events using nurses’ interviews and chart review. (ii) Analysis of the concomitantly administered drugs per patient was performed in two ways: (ii.a) a review of summary of product characteristics for listed adverse drug reactions to identify possible causing drugs and (ii.b) a causality assessment according to Naranjo algorithm.

Results

(i) We found 424 adverse events with a median of 4 per patient (range 1–14) in 103 of the 104 enrolled patients (99%). (ii.a) We identified a median of 3 drugs (range 0–11) with actually occurring adverse events listed as an adverse drug reaction in the summary of product characteristics. (ii.b) Causality was classified in 198 (46.9%) of adverse events as “doubtful,” in 218 (51.2%) as “possible,” in 7 (1.7%) as “probable,” and in 1 (0.2%) adverse event as a “definitive” cause of the administered drugs. In 340 (80.2%) of all identified adverse events several drugs simultaneously reached the highest respective Naranjo score.

Conclusion

Patients in long-term facilities frequently suffer from many adverse events. Concomitantly administered drugs have to be frequently considered as plausible causes for adverse events. These additive effects of drugs should be more focused in patient care and research.
Infiltrative gliomas of the thalamus in children: the role of surgery in the era of H3 K27M mutant midline gliomas
Authors: Dorfer Christian , Czech Thomas , Gojo Johannes , Hosmann Arthur , Peyrl Andreas , Azizi Amedeo A. , Kasprian Gregor , Dieckmann Karin , Filbin Mariella G. , Haberler Christine , Roessler Karl , Slavc Irene
Published: October 2020

Background

The role of surgery in the management of pediatric non-pilocytic infiltrative thalamic gliomas needs to be revisited specifically with regard to molecularly defined subtypes.

Methods

A retrospective review of a consecutive series of children operated on a thalamic tumor between 1992 and May 2018 was performed. Neuroimaging data were reviewed for localization and extent of resection; pathology was re-reviewed according to the current WHO classification, including assessment of histone H3 K27 mutational status.

Results

Forty-nine patients with a thalamic tumor aged < 18 years at diagnosis were identified. Twenty-five patients (51%) had a non-pilocytic infiltrative glioma, of which the H3 K27M status was available in 22. Fourteen patients were diagnosed as diffuse midline glioma (DMG) H3 K27M mutant. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between patients harboring the H3 K27M mutation and wildtype. Resection (“any resection > 50%” vs “biopsy”) and histological tumor grade (“°II” vs “°III+°IV”) were statistically significant predictors of survival (univariate: p = 0.044 and p = 0.013, respectively). These results remained significant on multivariate analysis (HR 0.371/p = 0.048, HR 9.433/p = 0.035).

Conclusion

We advocate to still consider an attempt at maximal safe resection in the multidisciplinary treatment of unilateral thalamic non-pilocytic gliomas irrespective of their H3 K27-mutational status.
Relationships between cystatin C- and creatinine-based eGFR in Japanese rural community- dwelling older adults with sarcopenia
Authors: Kusunoki Hiroshi , Tsuji Shotaro , Kusukawa Tomoyuki , Wada Yosuke , Tamaki Kayoko , Nagai Koutatsu , Itoh Masako , Sano Kyoko , Amano Manabu , Maeda Hatsuo , Sugita Hideyuki , Hasegawa Yoko , Kishimoto Hiromitsu , Shimomura Soji , Shinmura Ken
Published: October 2020

Background

Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The indices of physical function, such as grip power and gait speed, decreased according to the decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods

We examined the relationships between cystatin C-based GFR (eGFRcys), creatinine-based GFR (eGFRcre), their ratio (eGFRcys/eGFRcre) and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults in Japan. This cross-sectional study included 302 men aged 73.9 ± 6.2 years and 647 women aged 72.9 ± 5.8 years from a rural area in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. eGFRcys and eGFRcre were simultaneously measured, and sarcopenia based on the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria was evaluated.

Results

eGFRcys and the eGFRcys/eGFRcre ratio were significantly correlated with grip power and gait speed (p < 0.001). The eGFRcys/eGFRcre ratio was also correlated with skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) (p < 0.01). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed eGFRcys and eGFRcys/eGFRcre ratio but not eGFRcre were associated with sarcopenia (p < 0.01). The presence of low eGFRcys (CKDcys) and low eGFRcys/eGFRcre ratio (< 1.0) but not that of low eGFRcre (CKDcre) were associated with sarcopenia (p < 0.01). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, when the eGFRcys/eGFRcre ratio was added as a covariate to the basic model, it was significantly associated with sarcopenia in women (p < 0.05). Moreover, low eGFRcys/eGFRcre ratio (< 1.0) was associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia in men (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In conclusion, CKDcys but not CKDcre is associated with sarcopenia. A lower eGFRcys/eGFRcre ratio may be a practical screening marker of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.
Engineering of a thermo-alkali-stable lipase from Rhizopus chinensis by rational design of a buried disulfide bond and combinatorial mutagenesis
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Shang , Xu Yan , Yu Xiaowei
Published: October 2020

To improve the thermostability of the lipase (r27RCL) from Rhizopus chinensis through rational design, a newly introduced buried disulfide bond F223C/G247C was proved to be beneficial to thermostability. Interestingly, F223C/G247C was also found to improve the alkali tolerance of the lipase. Subsequently, six other thermostabilizing mutations from our previous work were integrated into the mutant F223C/G247C, leading to a thermo-alkali-stable mutant m32. Compared to the wild-type lipase, the associative effect of the beneficial mutations showed significant improvements on the thermostability of m32, with a 74.7-fold increase in half-life at 60 °C, a 21.2 °C higher T5030\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$T_{50}^{30}$$\end{document} value and a 10 °C elevation in optimum temperature. The mutated m32 was also found stable at pH 9.0–10.0. Furthermore, the molecular dynamics simulations of m32 indicated that its rigidity was enhanced due to the decreased solvent-accessible surface area, a newly formed salt bridge, and the increased ΔΔG values.
Doing Good by Doing Bad: How Tone at the Top and Tone at the Bottom Impact Performance-Improving Noncompliant Behavior
Authors: Ewelt-Knauer Corinna , Schwering Anja , Winkelmann Sandra
Published: October 2020

This study investigates how tone at the top, implemented by top management, and tone at the bottom, in an employee’s immediate work environment, determine noncompliance. We focus on the disallowed actions of employees that improve their own and, in turn, the company’s performance, referred to as performance-improving noncompliant behavior (PINC behavior). We conduct a survey of German sales employees to investigate specifically how, on the one hand, (1) corporate rules and (2) performance pressure, both implemented by top management, and, on the other hand, (3) others’ PINC expectations and (4) others’ PINC behavior, both arising from the employee’s immediate work environment, influence PINC behavior. When considered in isolation, we find that corporate rules, as top management’s main instrument to guide employee behavior, decrease employee PINC behavior. However, this effect is negatively influenced by the employees’ immediate work environment when employees are expected to engage in PINC or when others engage in PINC. In contrast, even though top management places great performance pressure on employees, that by itself does not increase PINC behavior. Overall, our study informs practitioners and researchers about whether and how the four determinants increase or decrease employees’ PINC behavior, which is important to comprehend triggers and to counteract such misconduct.
Phase I study assessing the mass balance, pharmacokinetics, and excretion of [14C]-pevonedistat, a NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Zhou Xiaofei , Sedarati Farhad , Faller Douglas V. , Zhao Dan , Faessel Hélène M. , Chowdhury Swapan , Bolleddula Jayaprakasam , Li Yuexian , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Papai Zsuzsanna
Published: October 2020

Pevonedistat (TAK-924/MLN4924) is an investigational small-molecule inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme that has demonstrated preclinical and clinical activity across solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Here we report the results of a phase I trial characterizing the mass balance, pharmacokinetics, and clearance pathways of [14C]-pevonedistat in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03057366). In part A (n = 8), patients received a single 1-h intravenous infusion of [14C]-pevonedistat 25 mg/m2. In part B (n = 7), patients received pevonedistat 25 or 20 mg/m2 on days 1, 3, and 5 in combination with, respectively, docetaxel 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC5 plus paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 on day 1 every 3 weeks. Following the single dose of [14C]-pevonedistat 25 mg/m2 in part A, there was a parallel log-linear decline in plasma and whole blood pevonedistat concentration, with systemic exposure of unchanged pevonedistat representing 41% of drug-related material (i.e., unchanged pevonedistat and its metabolites). The mean terminal half-life of pevonedistat and drug-related material in plasma was 8.4 and 15.6 h, respectively. Pevonedistat distributed preferentially in whole blood with a mean whole-blood-to-plasma ratio for pevonedistat AUC∞ of 40.8. By 1 week post dose, the mean recovery of administered radioactivity was 94% (41% in urine and 53% in feces). The pevonedistat safety profile during both study parts was consistent with previous clinical experience, with no new safety signals observed. In part B, pevonedistat in combination with docetaxel or carboplatin plus paclitaxel was generally well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03057366.
Implicit max-stable extremal integrals
Authors: Kremer D.
Published: October 2020

Recently, the notion of implicit extreme value distributions has been established, which is based on a given loss function f ≥ 0. From an application point of view, one is rather interested in extreme loss events that occur relative to f than in the corresponding extreme values itself. In this context, so-called f -implicit α-Fréchet max-stable distributions arise and have been used to construct independently scattered sup-measures that possess such margins. In this paper we solve an open problem in Goldbach (2016) by developing a stochastic integral of a deterministic function g ≥ 0 with respect to implicit max-stable sup-measures. The resulting theory covers the construction of max-stable extremal integrals (see Stoev and Taqqu Extremes 8, 237–266 (2005)) and, at the same time, reveals striking parallels.
Variable Smoothing for Convex Optimization Problems Using Stochastic Gradients
Authors: Boţ Radu Ioan , Böhm Axel
Published: October 2020

We aim to solve a structured convex optimization problem, where a nonsmooth function is composed with a linear operator. When opting for full splitting schemes, usually, primal–dual type methods are employed as they are effective and also well studied. However, under the additional assumption of Lipschitz continuity of the nonsmooth function which is composed with the linear operator we can derive novel algorithms through regularization via the Moreau envelope. Furthermore, we tackle large scale problems by means of stochastic oracle calls, very similar to stochastic gradient techniques. Applications to total variational denoising and deblurring, and matrix factorization are provided.
On the General Properties of Non-linear Optical Conductivities
Authors: Watanabe Haruki , Liu Yankang , Oshikawa Masaki
Published: October 2020

The optical conductivity is the basic defining property of materials characterizing the current response toward time-dependent electric fields. In this work, following the approach of Kubo’s response theory, we study the general properties of the nonlinear optical conductivities of quantum many-body systems both in equilibrium and non-equilibrium. We obtain an expression of the second- and the third-order optical conductivity in terms of correlation functions and present a perturbative proof of the generalized Kohn formula proposed recently. We also discuss a generalization of the f-sum rule to a non-equilibrium setting by focusing on the instantaneous response.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of PIT tagging effects on mortality and growth of juvenile salmonids
Authors: Vollset Knut Wiik , Lennox Robert J. , Thorstad Eva B. , Auer Samuel , Bär Kerstin , Larsen Martin H. , Mahlum Shad , Näslund Joacim , Stryhn Henrik , Dohoo Ian
Published: October 2020

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the appropriate tag:fish size ratio when tagging juvenile salmonids (generaOncorhynchus,Salmo, andSalvelinus). The review yielded 18 publications with 211 control and treatment groups reporting results from laboratory studies on the effects of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, plus a small number of additional studies on acoustic transmitters. A meta-analysis of the PIT tagging studies showed significant heterogeneity among studies with respect to mortality. Meta-regression revealed that juvenile salmonid mortality increased curvilinearly with the tag:fish length ratio, indicating that mortality risk is rapidly enhanced as smaller fish or larger tag sizes are used. The tag:fish length ratio effect on daily length or mass gain increased linearly. The results provide an estimate of the effects of the tag:fish length ratio on mortality and growth parameters in juvenile salmonids. Based on this, we suggest that researchers can follow best practices for tagging juvenile salmonids with tags that are not greater than 17.5% of fish total length (TL). This equates a minimum size threshold of 131 mm TL for tagging salmonids with 23-mm PIT tags, and 69 mm TL with 12-mm PIT tags. This information can assist researchers, managers, and welfare agencies striving to use the best possible evidence to make informed decisions regarding fish tagging.
A knowledge-based approach to the layout optimization of human–robot collaborative workplace
Authors: Rega A. , Vitolo F. , Di Marino C. , Patalano S.
Published: October 2020

Human–robot collaboration (HRC) solutions are replacing classic industrial robot due to the possibility of realizing more flexible production systems. Collaborative robot systems, named cobot, can work side by side with humans combining their strengths. However, obtaining an efficient HRC is not trivial; indeed, the potential advantages of the collaborative robotics increase as complexity increases. In this context, the main challenge is to design the layout of collaborative workplaces facing the facility layout problem and ensuring the safety of the human being. To move through the high number of safety standards could be very tiring and unproductive. Therefore, in this work a list of key elements, linked to reference norms and production needs, characterizing the collaborative workplace has been identified. Then, a graph-based approach has been used in order to organize and easily manage this information. The management by means graphs has facilitated the implementation of the acquired knowledge in a code, developed in Matlab environment. This code aims to help the designer in the layout organization of human–robot collaborative workplaces in standards compliance. The paper presents the optimization code, named Smart Positioner, and the operation is explained through a workflow diagram.
Homogenization of the 1D Peri-static/dynamic Bar with Triangular Micromodulus
Authors: Eriksson Kjell , Stenström Christer
Published: October 2020

In peridynamics, boundary effects generally appear due to nonlocality of interparticle forces; in particular, end effects are found in 1D bars. In a previous work by Eriksson and Stenström (J Peridyn Nonlocal Model 2(2):205–228, 2020), a simple method to remove end effects in certain types of 1D bars, or to homogenize such bars, was presented for bars with constant micromodulus. In this work, which is a continuation of Eriksson and Stenström (J Peridyn Nonlocal Model 2(2):205–228, 2020), the homogenizing procedure is applied to bars with a linear, or “triangular,” micromodulus. For the examples studied, common in practice, the linear elastic behavior of a homogenized bar, is identical to that of a corresponding classical continuum mechanics bar, independently of the interparticle force range and total number of material points of the bar.
Introduction to the Special Issue on “Informing Longitudinal Studies on the Effects of Maternal Stress and Substance Use on Child Development: Planning for the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study”
Authors: Jordan Chloe J. , Weiss Susan R. B. , Howlett Katia D. , Freund Michelle P.
Published: October 2020

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study will establish a large cohort of pregnant women from regions of the country significantly affected by the opioid crisis and follow them and their children for at least 10 years. Findings from this cohort will help researchers understand normative childhood brain development as well as the long-term impact of prenatal and postnatal opioid and other drug and environmental exposures. The study will collect data on pregnancy and fetal development; infant and early childhood structural and functional brain imaging; anthropometrics; medical history; family history; biospecimens; and social, emotional, and cognitive development. Knowledge gained from this research will be critical to help predict and prevent some of the known effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to certain drugs or environmental exposures, including risk for future substance use, mental disorders, and other behavioral and developmental problems. In this special issue, a subset of investigators that received funding for planning grants for the HBCD study provide careful guidelines and frameworks for study design, recruitment and retention of vulnerable populations, culturally sensitive practices, and biospecimen and neurodevelopmental assessment recommendations gathered in feasibility studies that will help inform the full HBCD study planned to begin recruitment in 2022.
Physical Activity of Poles in the Care for Their Health Potential Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zaworski Kamil , Kubińska Zofia , Dziewulska Adrianna , Walasek Olga
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to present the engagement of adult Poles in physical activity (PA) before and during the coronavirus pandemic, taking into consideration: frequency, duration, and types of the activity, depending on the gender and age of the participants.

Methods:

The study was conducted using an online survey questionnaire. A total of 688 residents of Poland aged 18 to 58 (28.61 ± 9.5) y participated in the study.

Results:

A statistically significant decrease in the frequency of PA was noted in the group of men (P = 0.0001) and in the age group of 39 to 58 y old. The analysis of the duration of a single PA before and during the pandemic has shown a statistically significant reduction in the workout time among both men and women and across all age groups (P = 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of women undertaking flexibility exercises, eg, yoga (P = 0.000), as well as a decrease in marching and walks (P = 0.003). Men significantly less frequently did strength exercises (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:

During the pandemic, there was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and duration of PA. The preferences of the participants as to the type of PA undertaken changed as well.
STRONGLY MINIMAL STEINER SYSTEMS I: EXISTENCE
Authors: BALDWIN JOHN , PAOLINI GIANLUCA
Published: October 2020

A linear space is a system of points and lines such that any two distinct points determine a unique line; a Steiner k-system (for
$k \geq 2$
) is a linear space such that each line has size exactly k. Clearly, as a two-sorted structure, no linear space can be strongly minimal. We formulate linear spaces in a (bi-interpretable) vocabulary
$\tau $
with a single ternary relation R. We prove that for every integer k there exist
$2^{\aleph _0}$
-many integer valued functions
$\mu $
such that each
$\mu $
determines a distinct strongly minimal Steiner k-system
$\mathcal {G}_\mu $
, whose algebraic closure geometry has all the properties of the ab initio Hrushovski construction. Thus each is a counterexample to the Zilber Trichotomy Conjecture.
Determination of lumefantrine as an effective drug against Toxoplasma gondii infection – in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Wang Dawei , Xing Mengen , El-Ashram Saeed , Ding Yingying , Zhang Xiao , Sang Xiaoyu , Feng Ying , Chen Ran , Wang Xinyi , Jiang Ning , Chen Qijun , Yang Na
Published: October 2020

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, which can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, leading to toxoplasmosis. Currently, the effective treatment for human toxoplasmosis is the combination of sulphadiazine and pyrimethamine. However, both drugs have serious side-effects and toxicity in the host. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the discovery of new anti-T. gondii drugs with high potency and less or no side-effects. Our findings suggest that lumefantrine exerts activity against T. gondii by inhibiting its proliferation in Vero cells in vitro without being toxic to Vero cells (P ≤ 0.01). Lumefantrine prolonged mice infected with T. gondii from death for 3 days at the concentration of 50 μg L−1 than negative control (phosphate-buffered saline treated only), and reduced the parasite burden in mouse tissues in vivo (P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.05). In addition, a significant increase in interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production was observed in high-dose lumefantrine-treated mice (P ≤ 0.01), whereas interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-4 levels increased in low-dose lumefantrine-treated mice (P ≤ 0.01). The results demonstrated that lumefantrine may be a promising agent to treat toxoplasmosis, and more experiments on the protective mechanism of lumefantrine should be undertaken in further studies.
Diet-dependent acid load and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma: a case–control study
Authors: Jafari Nasab Saeede , Rafiee Pegah , Bahrami Alireza , Rezaeimanesh Nasim , Rashidkhani Bahram , Sohrab Golbon , Naja Farah , Hejazi Ehsan , Sadeghi Amir
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third and second most prevalent cancer in men and women, respectively. Various epidemiological studies indicated that dietary factors are implicated in the aetiology of CRC and its precursor, colorectal adenomas (CRA). Recently, much attention has been given to the role of acid–base balance in the development of chronic diseases including cancers. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to examine the association of diet-dependent acid load and the risk of CRC and CRA.

Design:

In this case–control study, potential renal acid load (PRAL) was computed based on dietary intake of participants assessed via a validated FFQ. Negative PRAL values indicated a base-forming potential, while positive values of PRAL implied acid-forming potential of diet. Logistic regression was used to derive OR and 95 % CI after adjusting for confounders.

Setting:

Tehran, Iran.

Participants:

A total of 499 participants aged 30–70 years were included in the study (240 hospital controls, 129 newly diagnosed CRC and 130 newly diagnosed CRA). The current study was conducted between December 2016 and September 2018.

Results:

After adjusting for potential confounders, a higher PRAL was associated with increased odds of CRC and CRA. The highest v. the lowest tertile of PRAL for CRC and CRA was OR 4·82 (95 % CI 2·51–9·25) and OR 2·47 (95 % CI 1·38–4·42), respectively.

Conclusions:

The findings of the current study suggested that higher diet-dependent acid load is associated with higher risk of CRC and CRA.
Associations of sedentary behaviours and incidence of unhealthy diet during the COVID-19 quarantine in Brazil
Authors: Werneck André O , Silva Danilo R , Malta Deborah C , Gomes Crizian Saar , Souza-Júnior Paulo RB , Azevedo Luiz O , Barros Marilisa BA , Szwarcwald Célia L
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Our aim was to analyse the association of change patterns on TV-viewing and computer/tablet use and incidence of elevated consumption of ultra-processed food consumption and lower consumption of fruits and vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

Data of 39 208 Brazilian adults from a Behaviour Web Survey were used. Unhealthy nutrition habits were eating fruits or vegetables for <5 d/week and ultra-processed food (sugary foods, snacks, ready-to-eat frozen foods and embedded foods) for ≥5 d/week. For incidence indicators, we only considered participants without unhealthy behaviour before the quarantine. We created four categories of change in TV-viewing and computer/tablet use, considering a cut-off point of 4 h/d for each behaviour (1 – consistently low, 2 – become low during the quarantine, 3 – become high during the quarantine or 4 – consistently high). Analyses were adjusted for sex, age group, highest academic achievement, per capita income, working status during the quarantine, skin colour and adherence to the quarantine.

Setting:

Brazil.

Participants:

Brazilian adults (nationally representative).

Results:

Logistic regression models revealed that high TV-viewing and computer/tablet use incidence were associated with higher odds for elevated frequency of ultra-processed food consumption (TV-viewing: OR 1·70; 95 % CI 1·37, 2·12; computer/tablet: OR 1·73; 95 % CI 1·31, 2·27) and low consumption of fruit and vegetables (TV-viewing: OR 1·70; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·23; computer/tablet: OR 1·53; 95 % CI 1·08, 2·17) incidence. Consistent high computer/tablet use also presented higher odds for incidence of elevated frequency of ultra-processed food consumption.

Conclusions:

Participants with incidence of sedentary behaviours were also more likely to present incidence of unhealthy diet during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine.
Implementierung eines neonatalen Schmerzassessmentinstruments auf einer neonatologischen Intensivstation – Ein Qualitätsentwicklungsprojekt
Authors: Dietrich Simone , Bürger Florian , Kugler Christiane
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Um die Entwicklung von Frühgeborenen nicht zu gefährden, ist ein optimales Schmerzmanagement notwendig. Ziel: Durchführung und Evaluation eines Projekts zur Umsetzung eines systematischen und bestmöglichen Schmerzassessments mittels des Berner Schmerzscores für Neugeborene (BSN) bei allen Früh- und kranken Termingeborenen einer neonatologischen Intensivstation durch Pflegefachpersonen. Methode: Edukationskonzept basierend auf den drei Schlüsselstrategien Wissensvermittlung (Gruppen- und Einzelschulungen), Reflexion (Fallbesprechungen) und klinisches Training. Die Häufigkeit des Assessments wurde vor (T0) und nach der Implementierungsphase (T1) sowie sechs Monate nach Projektabschluss (T2) erhoben. Ergebnisse: Bereits vor Projektbeginn war die Anwendung des Assessmentinstruments per Verfahrensanweisung vorgeschrieben, lag in der Baseline-Erhebung (T0) jedoch bei einer Erfüllungsquote von 0 %. Nach der Implementierungsphase (T1) konnte eine Erfüllungsquote von 99,1 % mit mindestens einem Assessment pro Schicht und pro Frühgeborenes erreicht werden. In Summe führten Pflegefachpersonen 210 Assessments bei 38 Frühgeborenen durch. Das Follow-up nach sechs Monaten (T2) zeigte, dass bei allen Frühgeborenen mindestens einmal pro Schicht ein Schmerzassessment durchgeführt wurde (Erfüllungsquote 100 %). Insgesamt wurden 188 Schmerzassessment bei 34 Frühgeborenen durchgeführt. Schlussfolgerung: Mithilfe der gewählten Implementierungsstrategie wurde der Einsatz des Assessmentinstruments erfolgreich in der klinischen Praxis verankert.
Detectability of an AMOC Decline in Current and Projected Climate Changes
Authors: Lobelle D. , Beaulieu C. , Livina V. , Sévellec F. , Frajka‐Williams E.
Published: October 2020

Determining whether the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)'s transport is in decline is challenging due to the short duration of continuous observations. To estimate how many years are needed to detect a decline, we conduct a simulation study using synthetic data that mimics an AMOC time series. The time series' characteristics are reproduced using the trend, variance, and autocorrelation coefficient of the AMOC strength at 26.5°N from 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models under the RCP8.5 future scenario, and from RAPID observations (2004–2018). Our results suggest that the 14‐year RAPID length has just entered the lower limits of the trend's “detection window” based on synthetic data generated using CMIP5 trends and variability (14–42 years; median
24 years), but twice the length is required for detectability based on RAPID variability (29–67 years; median
43 years). The annual RAPID trend is currently not statistically significant (−0.11 Sv yr−1, p > 0.05).
Soil Evaporation Stress Determines Soil Moisture‐Evapotranspiration Coupling Strength in Land Surface Modeling
Authors: Dong Jianzhi , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Lei Fangni , Anderson Martha C. , Holmes Thomas R. H. , Hain Christopher , Crow Wade T.
Published: October 2020

Model‐based estimates of soil moisture (SM)‐evapotranspiration (ET) coupling strength (ρ) vary widely and are prone to bias. Here we apply numerical modeling and remote sensing to identify the process‐level source of modeled ρ bias with the goal of improving the fidelity of current Earth system models. Results illustrate that modeled ρ is most strongly determined by soil evaporation (E) stress, and (generally positive) ρ modeling bias is attributable to the oversimplification of soil texture impacts on E stress. Based on new remotely sensed estimates of ρ, we demonstrate that removing ρ bias via a single optimized E stress parameter leads to improved ET accuracy and resolves a well‐known modeling bias in the partitioning of ET into E and T. As such, we highlight the importance of the stress function relating E and SM and its central role in regulating land‐atmosphere coupling processes impacting local climate.
Generic sensor platform based on electro-responsive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (e-NanoMIPs)
Authors: Garcia-Cruz A. , Ahmad O. S. , Alanazi K. , Piletska E. , Piletsky S. A.
Published: October 2020

The present research describes the design of robust electrochemical sensors based on electro-responsive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (e-MIPs). The e-MIPs, tagged with a redox probe, combine both recognition and reporting functions. This system replaces enzyme-mediator pairs used in traditional biosensors. The analyte recognition process relies on the generic actuation phenomenon when the polymer conformation of e-MIPs is changing in response to the presence of the template analyte. The analyte concentration is measured using voltammetric methods. In an exemplification of this technology, electrochemical sensors were developed for the determination of concentrations of trypsin, glucose, paracetamol, C4-homoserine lactone, and THC. The present technology allows for the possibility of producing generic, inexpensive, and robust disposable sensors for clinical, environmental, and forensic applications.
Directly addressable GaN-based nano-LED arrays: fabrication and electro-optical characterization
Authors: Bezshlyakh Daria D. , Spende Hendrik , Weimann Thomas , Hinze Peter , Bornemann Steffen , Gülink Jan , Canals Joan , Prades Joan Daniel , Dieguez Angel , Waag Andreas
Published: October 2020

The rapid development of display technologies has raised interest in arrays of self-emitting, individually controlled light sources atthe microscale. Gallium nitride (GaN) micro-light-emitting diode (LED) technology meets this demand. However, the current technology is not suitable for the fabrication of arrays of submicron light sources that can be controlled individually. Our approach is based on nanoLED arrays that can directly address each array element and a self-pitch with dimensions below the wavelength of light. The design and fabrication processes are explained in detail and possess two geometries: a 6 × 6 array with 400 nm LEDs and a 2 × 32 line array with 200 nm LEDs. These nanoLEDs are developed as core elements of a novel on-chip super-resolution microscope. GaN technology, based on its physical properties, is an ideal platform for such nanoLEDs.
Rapid micro-immunohistochemistry
Authors: Lovchik Robert D. , Taylor David , Kaigala Govind
Published: October 2020

We present a new and versatile implementation of rapid and localized immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) comprises a sequence of specific biochemical reactions and allows the detection of specific proteins in tissue sections. For the rapid implementation of IHC, we fabricated horizontally oriented microfluidic probes (MFPs) with functionally designed apertures to enable square and circular footprints, which we employ to locally expose a tissue to time-optimized sequences of different biochemicals. We show that the two main incubation steps of IHC protocols can be performed on MDAMB468-1510A cell block sections in less than 30 min, compared to incubation times of an hour or more in standard protocols. IHC analysis on the timescale of tens of minutes could potentially be applied during surgery, enabling clinicians to react in more dynamically and efficiently. Furthermore, this rapid IHC implementation along with conservative tissue usage has strong potential for the implementation of multiplexed assays, allowing the exploration of optimal assay conditions with a small amount of tissue to ensure high-quality staining results for the remainder of the sample.
The evolution of coexistence from competition in experimental co-cultures of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Barber Jake N , Sezmis Aysha L , Woods Laura C , Anderson Trenton D , Voss Jasmyn M , McDonald Michael J
Published: October 2020

Microbial communities are comprised of many species that coexist on small spatial scales. This is difficult to explain because many interspecies interactions are competitive, and ecological theory predicts that one species will drive the extinction of another species that competes for the same resource. Conversely, evolutionary theory proposes that natural selection can lead to coexistence by driving competing species to use non-overlapping resources. However, evolutionary escape from extinction may be slow compared to the rate of competitive exclusion. Here, we use experimental co-cultures of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study the evolution of coexistence in species that compete for resources. We find that while E. coli usually outcompetes S. cerevisiae in co-culture, a few populations evolved stable coexistence after ~1000 generations of coevolution. We sequenced S. cerevisiae and E. coli populations, identified multi-hit genes, and engineered alleles from these genes into several genetic backgrounds, finding that some mutations modified interactions between E. coli and S. cerevisiae. Together, our data demonstrate that coexistence can evolve, de novo, from intense competition between two species with no history of coevolution.