bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOW TO NOT MISS A PRODUCTIVITY REVIVAL ONCE AGAIN
Authors: van Ark Bart , de Vries Klaas , Erumban Abdul
Published: March 2021

Over the past 15 years, productivity growth in advanced economies has significantly slowed, giving rise to the productivity paradox of the New Digital Economy – that is, the notion of increased business spending on information and communication technology assets and digital services without a noticeable increase in productivity. We argue that time lags are the most important reason for the slow emergence of the productivity effects from digital transformation. This paper provides evidence that underneath the slowing productivity growth rates at the macro level, signs of structural improvements can be detected. In the United States most of the positive contribution to productivity growth is coming from the digital producing sector. The Euro Area and the United Kingdom show larger productivity contributions from the most intensive digital-using sectors, although the United Kingdom also had a fairly large number of less intensive digital-using industries which showed productivity declines. We also find that increases in innovation competencies of the workforce are concentrated in industries showing faster growth in labor productivity, even though more research is needed to identify causality. Finally, we speculate that as the recovery from the COVID-19 recession gets underway the potential for significant productivity gains from digital transformation in the medium term is larger than during the past 15 years.
RETHINKING EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY
Authors: Pabst Adrian
Published: March 2021

Much of public policy-making has in recent decades been driven by the idea of evidence-based policy – policy rooted in the principles of social science and, more specifically, empirical validation based on social and behavioural science. This article argues that evidence-based policy, while helping to improve the design of policies aimed at changing individual behaviour, lacks a recognition that individual and group choices are embedded in social relationships and institutions. There is a risk of over-relying not only on probabilistic models that under-state our condition of ‘radical uncertainty’ but also on data and metrics that are disconnected from the everyday experience of workers and citizens whose needs and interests cannot always be measured or managed. Since uncertainty is a fundamental reality of both the economy and social life, policy-making needs robust conceptual narratives to make sense of numbers and provide a sound basis on which to make decisions allied to ethical judgements.
After Managerial Capitalism
Authors: John Richard R.
Published: March 2021

Corporations maximize shareholder returns—or so goes the conventional wisdom. It was not always so. In the middle decades of the last century, lawmakers, business leaders, and journalists agreed that the nation's largest and most powerful corporations had obligations to a raft of stakeholders that included (in addition to shareholders) employees, customers, and the localities in which they had set up shop. Some historians have labeled this consensus “corporate liberalism”; contemporaries called it “social responsibility.” Still others, including, most notably, Alfred D. Chandler Jr., regarded these corporate obligations as emblematic of a new stage in economic development—“managerial capitalism”—whose origins could be traced back to the railroad, the country's first “big business.” This consensus had durable consequences, as Kenneth J. Lipartito and others demonstrated in Corporate Responsibility: The American Experience (2012), a multiauthor survey of shifting assumptions regarding corporate governance in the United States from the colonial era to the present.
Physical activity in children and adolescents with CHD: review from a measurement methodological perspective
Authors: Skovdahl Pia , Kjellberg Olofsson Cecilia , Arvidsson Daniel
Published: March 2021

Aim:

To compile a literature overview of physical activity in children with CHD and to critically evaluate the methodology used for physical activity assessment.

Methods:

A review of the literature was performed using PubMed to identify studies examining accelerometer and subjectively assessed physical activity in children and adolescents with CHD.

Result:

A total of 15 studies were included (6 studies using subjective measures and 9 articles using accelerometers for the assessment of physical activity). The patients generally failed to meet the recommendations of physical activity. When compared to healthy controls, the results were widely divergent in the subjectively assessed measures and the accelerometer-based studies showed a tendency of no difference in physical activity. Neither subjective methods nor accelerometer-based studies reported any difference in physical activity in general, in relation to the severity of the heart disease.

Conclusion:

Methodological variation and limitations in the assessment of physical activity largely explain the divergent results and the inability to establish differences in physical activity between children with CHD of different severity and compared to healthy controls. Methodological knowledge and guidelines are provided for improved assessment of physical activity using accelerometers in clinical research.
Repeated pregnancies in uncorrected double outlet right ventricle: a rare occurrence
Authors: Sheokand Seema , Manoj Kumar Rohit , Jain Divya , Sikka Pooja
Published: March 2021

Pregnancy in a woman with double outlet right ventricle, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis is presented. Her previous two pregnancies ended in fetal losses. In the current pregnancy, she had thrombocytopenia, placenta previa, and severe fetal growth restriction. She underwent an emergency caesarean section followed by post-partum haemorrhage and COVID-19 infection. Literature review has been performed.
Association of home cooking with caregiver–child interaction and child mental health: results from the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (A-CHILD) study
Authors: Tani Yukako , Doi Satomi , Isumi Aya , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To examine the associations of home cooking with caregiver–child interaction and child mental health in Japan.

Design:

Cross-sectional data collected in 2018. Frequency of home cooking was assessed by a questionnaire among 4126 caregivers and classified as high (almost every day), medium (4–5 d/week) or low (≤3 d/week). Caregiver–child interaction was evaluated by assessing frequency of talking and playing together (per week). Behaviour problems and prosocial behaviour were assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and resilience was assessed using the Children’s Resilient Coping Scale.

Setting:

Japan.

Participants:

Children aged 9–10 years and their caregivers in Adachi, Tokyo, Japan.

Results:

Low and middle frequency of home cooking were associated with lower frequencies of talking about school life, talking about news with the child, talking about television shows with the child and helping with the child’s homework. Children with low and/or middle frequency of home cooking had more behaviour problems (low frequency: β = 3·95, 95 % CI 1·30, 6·59 and medium frequency: β = 3·38, 95 % CI 2·07, 4·70), lower prosocial behaviour (low frequency: β = −5·85, 95 % CI −10·04, −1·66) and lower resilience (low frequency: β = −6·56, 95 % CI −9·77, −3·35 and medium frequency: β = −4·11, 95 % CI −5·71, −2·51), compared with children with high frequency of home cooking after adjusting covariates including socio-economic status. These associations were mediated by child’s eating behaviours and/or caregiver–child interaction.

Conclusions:

Creating an environment that encourages caregivers to cook at home may be important for children’s mental health.
Increasing dietary calcium intake of children and their parents: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bourne Jessica E , Martin Ginis Kathleen A , Buchholz Andrea C , Schmidtke Skylar , Jung Mary E
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Approximately 25 % of Canadian children aged 4–8 years fail to meet the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of calcium (Ca). Young children’s food choices are primarily determined by their parents. No interventions have directly targeted parents as a medium through which to increase children’s Ca consumption. This study compared the effectiveness of a Ca-specific intervention targeted towards parents, with generic dietary advice on the Ca consumption of children aged 4–10 years.

Design:

A parallel two-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted.

Setting:

The study was conducted across Canada. Both conditions received information on the RDA of Ca and an index of intake requirements. Material sent to the intervention condition included behavioural strategies to increase dietary Ca consumption, information on the benefits of dietary Ca intake and messages addressing perceived barriers to the consumption of Ca-rich foods.

Participants:

A total of 239 parents (93 % mothers) of children aged 4–10 years who consumed less than the RDA of Ca were randomly assigned in a 1:1 allocation ratio.

Results:

There was a significant increase in total Ca intake and Ca from dairy for children at weeks 8, 34 and 52 (P ≤ 0·001) in both conditions. Parental Ca intake and amount spent on dairy products did not significantly increase following the intervention.

Conclusions:

Provision of daily Ca requirements with regular reminders could impact parents’ delivery of Ca-rich foods to their children. This finding is important for public health messaging as it suggests that parents are a potent medium through which to promote Ca intake in children.
Dietary inflammatory index and healthy eating index-2015 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jandari Sajedeh , Mosalmanzadeh Negin , Shadmand Foumani Moghadam Mohammad Reza , Soleimani Davood , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R , Jokar Mohammadhassan , Karamati Mohsen , Abedi Samine Sadat , Malek Nafiseh , Rezvani Reza
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Many arthritic patients have the belief that dietary habits can worsen or ameliorate their symptoms. Whether diet quality can modify the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an issue of continued scientific debate and interest. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between both overall diet quality and the overall diet inflammatory potential on the risk of RA.

Design:

Overall diet quality and the overall inflammatory potential of the diet were evaluated with the use of Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, respectively. Both DII and HEI-2015 scores were calculated based on a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Multivariable-adjusted odds of RA were calculated across tertiles of HEI, and energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) scores using binary logistic regression.

Setting:

Mashhad, Iran.

Participants:

Fifty newly diagnosed RA cases and 100 well-matched healthy people controls.

Results:

Individuals in the highest tertile of DII scores, indicating the most pro-inflammatory diet, were about three times more likely to have RA than those in the lowest tertile (OR: 2·99; 95 % CI 1·08, 8·24; P-trend: 0·037), whereas individuals in the highest tertile of HEI scores, indicating more top dietary quality, had a significantly lower odds of RA than those in the lowest tertile (OR: 0·33; 95 % CI 0·12, 0·87; P-trend: 0·024).

Conclusions:

Our findings show that E-DII and HEI-2015 are positively and negatively associated, respectively, with the odds of RA in a convenience sample of Iranians. These results highlight the importance of overall diet quality in modulating the risk of RA.
The Five-Factor Model of Personality and Generalized Self Efficacy
Authors: Barańczuk Urszula
Published: March 2021

Abstract. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between the Big Five personality traits and generalized self-efficacy. Data for the meta-analysis were collected from 53 studies, which included 60 independent samples, 188 effect sizes, and 28,704 participants. Lower neuroticism and higher extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were associated with greater generalized self-efficacy. Personality traits and generalized self-efficacy measurements, as well as age, moderated the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and generalized self-efficacy. The study extends current knowledge on the associations between personality traits and generalized self-efficacy.
Are Dawn Storms Jupiter's Auroral Substorms?
Authors: Bonfond B. , Yao Z. H. , Gladstone G. R. , Grodent D. , Gérard J.‐C. , Matar J. , Palmaerts B. , Greathouse T. K. , Hue V. , Versteeg M. H. , Kammer J. A. , Giles R. S. , Tao C. , Vogt M. F. , Mura A. , Adriani A. , Mauk B. H. , Kurth W. S. , Bolton S. J.
Published: March 2021

Dawn storms are among the brightest events in the Jovian aurorae. Up to now, they had only been observed from Earth‐based observatories, only showing the Sun‐facing side of the planet. Here, we show for the first time global views of the phenomenon, from its initiation to its end and from the nightside of the aurora onto the dayside. Based on Juno's first 20 orbits, some patterns now emerge. Small short‐lived spots are often seen a couple of hours before the main emission starts to brighten and evolve from a straight arc to a more irregular one in the midnight sector. As the whole feature rotates dawn‐ward, the arc then separates into two arcs with a central initially void region that is progressively filled with emissions. A gap in longitude then often forms before the whole feature dims. Finally, it transforms into an equatorward‐moving patch of auroral emissions associated with plasma injection signatures. Some dawn storms remain weak and never fully develop. We also found cases of successive dawn storms within a few hours. Dawn storms thus share many fundamental features with the auroral signatures of the substorms at Earth, despite the substantial differences between the dynamics of the magnetosphere at the two planets.
New Results on the Direct Observations of Thermal Radio Emission from a Solar Coronal Mass Ejection
Authors: Ramesh R. , Kumari A. , Kathiravan C. , Ketaki D. , Wang T. J.
Published: March 2021

We report observations of thermal emission from the frontal structure of a coronal mass ejection (CME) using data obtained with the Gauribidanur RAdioheliograPH simultaneously at 80 and 53 MHz on May 1, 2016. The CME was due to activity on the far side of the Sun, but near its limb. No nonthermal radio burst activity was noticed. This provided an opportunity to observe the faint thermal radio emission from the CME, and hence directly estimate the electron density, mass, and magnetic field strength of the plasma entrained in the CME. Considering that CMEs are mostly observed only in whitelight and reports on their plasma characteristics are also limited, the rare direct radio observations of thermal emission from a CME and independent diagnosis of its plasma parameters are important measurements in the field of CME physics.
Linking the Different Diameter Types of Aspherical Desert Dust Indicates That Models Underestimate Coarse Dust Emission
Authors: Huang Yue , Adebiyi Adeyemi A. , Formenti Paola , Kok Jasper F.
Published: March 2021

Measurements of dust aerosol size usually obtain the optical or projected area‐equivalent diameters, whereas model calculations of dust impacts use the geometric or aerodynamic diameters. Accurate conversions between the four diameter types are thus critical. However, most current conversions assume dust is spherical, even though numerous studies show that dust is highly aspherical. Here, we obtain conversions between different diameter types that account for dust asphericity. Our conversions indicate that optical particle counters have underestimated dust geometric diameter (Dgeo) at coarse sizes. We further use the diameter conversions to obtain a consistent observational constraint on the size distribution of emitted dust. This observational constraint is coarser than parameterizations used in global aerosol models, which underestimate the mass of emitted dust within 10 ≤ Dgeo ≤ 20 μm by a factor of ∼2 and usually do not account for the substantial dust emissions with Dgeo ≥ 20 μm. Our findings suggest that models substantially underestimate coarse dust emission.
High‐Precision U‐Pb Zircon Dating of Late Magmatism in the Samail Ophiolite: A Record of Subduction Initiation
Authors: Rioux Matthew , Garber Joshua M. , Searle Michael , Kelemen Peter , Miyashita Sumio , Adachi Yoshiko , Bowring Samuel
Published: March 2021

Understanding the tectonic setting in which ophiolites form is necessary to determine how they can be used to study ocean spreading and subduction zone processes. Here, we present high‐precision U‐Pb zircon dates and Sm‐Nd isotopic data from two late magmatic series in the Samail ophiolite in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which constrain its tectonic development. Volcanic rocks in the ophiolite record a progression from MORB‐like V1 lavas to subduction‐related V2 lavas. Plutonic rocks related to V2 magmatism yielded 206Pb/238U dates of 95.557 ± 0.063–95.289 ± 0.067 Ma. A second late magmatic series consists of felsic dikes and sills that intermittently intrude the upper mantle and are attributed to melting of a subducting slab. These dikes in Oman range from 95.201 ± 0.032 to 94.95 ± 0.10 Ma, with εNd(t) = −5.05 to −1.63. A single dike, attributed to V2 magmatism, has a higher εNd(t) = 7.35 and a date of 95.478 ± 0.032 Ma. Similar intrusions in the UAE are younger, ranging from 94.119 ± 0.057 to 90.998 ± 0.052 Ma. Our new and existing data indicate the following timeline of ophiolite formation during subduction initiation: (1) Initial sole metamorphism at ≥96.2 Ma; (2) Formation of the crust through primarily decompression‐related V1 magmatism from 96.1 to 95.6 Ma; (3) V2 magmatism related to H2O‐fluxed mantle melting from 95.6 to 95.2 Ma; and (4) Intrusion of slab‐derived felsic dikes from 95.2 to 95.0 Ma. The temporal progression of magmatism is similar to the timescales of subduction initiation predicted by geodynamic models and observed in the Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana forearc.
MPS‐Based Model to Solve One‐Dimensional Shallow Water Equations
Authors: Sarkhosh Payam , Jin Yee‐Chung
Published: March 2021

Here, a moving particle simulation method is presented to spatially integrate the cross‐sectional average shallow water equations using a prediction‐correction procedure for the time discretization. A density‐ratio equation is derived for the water depth computation according to the particle number density concept. The newly derived equation does not miscalculate the water depth in case an incorrect searching radius parameter is adopted, unlike the typical volume‐summation formula in meshless shallow water flows. A new one‐dimensional Spiky kernel function is developed to satisfy the unity condition employed in the Newton‐Raphson iteration to calculate the water depth. Dynamic stabilization is adopted to capture shockwave problems, a case‐independent technique based on the inelastic collision with unequal masses. The convective flux term is eliminated under the Lagrangian framework, and so the momentum is adequately conserved without the need for any special treatment. The proposed scheme maintains the exact C‐property, meaning that the water depth gradient and bed slope are hydrostatically well balanced within a discretized solution domain. Compared to analytical solutions and experimental data, the results of this study reveal that the present model is a robust numerical solver without unphysical oscillations. It can capture various shock problems, including steep gradient shock‐front, discontinuous wet bed, transcritical flow regimes, and irregular bed topography. The present model can also simulate the dry‐wet flow transition influenced by friction without experiencing any divisions by zero, negative values, or unphysical perturbations. This advantage is basically due to the water particles' absence and presence for the dry and wet regions, respectively.
Self-sustainable and recyclable ternary Au@Cu2O–Ag nanocomposites: application in ultrasensitive SERS detection and highly efficient photocatalysis of organic dyes under visible light
Authors: Wu Tong , Zheng Hui , Kou Yichuan , Su Xinyue , Kadasala Naveen Reddy , Gao Ming , Chen Lei , Han Donglai , Liu Yang , Yang Jinghai
Published: March 2021

Ternary noble metal–semiconductor nanocomposites (NCs) with core–shell–satellite nanostructures have received widespread attention due to their outstanding performance in detecting pollutants through surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and photodegradation of organic pollutants. In this work, ternary Au@Cu2O–Ag NCs were designed and prepared by a galvanic replacement method. The effect of different amounts of Ag nanocrystals adsorbed on the surfaces of Au@Cu2O on the SERS activity was investigated based on the SERS detection of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) reporter molecules. Based on electromagnetic field simulations and photoluminescence (PL) results, a possible SERS enhancement mechanism was proposed and discussed. Moreover, Au@Cu2O–Ag NCs served as SERS substrates, and highly sensitive SERS detection of malachite green (MG) with a detection limit as low as 10−9 M was achieved. In addition, Au@Cu2O–Ag NCs were recycled due to their superior self-cleaning ability and could catalyze the degradation of MG driven by visible light. This work demonstrates a wide range of possibilities for the integration of recyclable SERS detection and photodegradation of organic dyes and promotes the development of green testing techniques.
Dorsal raphe serotonin neurotransmission is required for the expression of nursing behavior and for pup survival
Authors: Muzerelle Aude , Soiza-Reilly Mariano , Hainer Cornelia , Ruet Pierre-Louis , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Bader Michael , Alenina Natalia , Scotto-Lomassese Sophie , Gaspar Patricia
Published: March 2021

Proper maternal care is an essential factor of reproductive success in mammals, involving a repertoire of behaviors oriented toward the feeding and care of the offspring. Among the neurotransmitters involved in the initiation of these behaviors, serotonin (5-HT) seems to play an important role. Here we compared pup-oriented maternal behaviors in mice with constitutive 5-HT depletion, the tryptophan hydroxylase 2-knock-out (Tph2-KO) and the Pet1-KO mice. We report that the only common pup-oriented defect in these 2 hyposerotoninergic models is a defective nursing in parturient mice and altered nursing-like (crouching) behavior in virgin mice, while pup retrieval defects are only present in Tph2-KO. Despite a normal mammary gland development and milk production, the defect in appropriate nursing is responsible for severe growth retardation and early lethality of pups born to hyposerotonergic dams. This nursing defect is due to acute rather constitutive 5-HT depletion, as it is reproduced by adult knockdown of Tph2 in the dorsal raphe nucleus in mothers with a prior normal maternal experience. We conclude that 5-HT innervation from the dorsal raphe is required for both the initiation and maintenance of a normal nursing behavior. Our findings may be related to observations of reduced maternal/infant interactions in human depression.
Electrically programmable magnetoresistance in $$\text{AlO}_{x}$$-based magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Hong Jhen-Yong , Hung Chen-Feng , Yang Kui-Hon Ou , Chiu Kuan-Chia , Ling Dah-Chin , Chiang Wen-Chung , Lin Minn-Tsong
Published: March 2021

We report spin-dependent transport properties and I–V hysteresis characteristics in an $$\text{AlO}_{x}$$

AlO
x

-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). The bipolar resistive switching and the magnetoresistances measured at high resistance state (HRS) and low resistance state (LRS) yield four distinctive resistive states in a single device. The temperature dependence of resistance at LRS suggests that the resistive switching is not triggered by the metal filaments within the $$\text{AlO}_{x}$$

AlO
x

layer. The role played by oxygen vacancies in $$\text{AlO}_{x}$$

AlO
x

is the key to determine the resistive state. Our study reveals the possibility of controlling the multiple resistive states in a single $$\text{AlO}_{x}$$

AlO
x

-based MTJ by the interplay of both electric and magnetic fields, thus providing potential applications for future multi-bit memory devices.
Fast Holocene slip and localized strain along the Liquiñe-Ofqui strike-slip fault system, Chile
Authors: Astudillo-Sotomayor Luis , Jara-Muñoz Julius , Melnick Daniel , Cortés-Aranda Joaquín , Tassara Andrés , Strecker Manfred R.
Published: March 2021

In active tectonic settings dominated by strike-slip kinematics, slip partitioning across subparallel faults is a common feature; therefore, assessing the degree of partitioning and strain localization is paramount for seismic hazard assessments. Here, we estimate a slip rate of 18.8 ± 2.0 mm/year over the past 9.0 ± 0.1 ka for a single strand of the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault System, which straddles the Main Cordillera in Southern Chile. This Holocene rate accounts for ~ 82% of the trench-parallel component of oblique plate convergence and is similar to million-year estimates integrated over the entire fault system. Our results imply that strain localizes on a single fault at millennial time scale but over longer time scales strain localization is not sustained. The fast millennial slip rate in the absence of historical Mw > 6.5 earthquakes along the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault System implies either a component of aseismic slip or Mw ~ 7 earthquakes involving multi-trace ruptures and > 150-year repeat times. Our results have implications for the understanding of strike-slip fault system dynamics within volcanic arcs and seismic hazard assessments.
Biomechanical influence of the surgical approaches, implant length and density in stabilizing ankylosing spondylitis cervical spine fracture
Authors: Liu Yaoyao , Wang Zhong , Liu Mingyong , Yin Xiang , Liu Jiming , Zhao Jianhua , Liu Peng
Published: March 2021

Ankylosing spondylitis cervical spine fractures (ASCFs) are particularly unstable and need special consideration when selecting appropriate internal fixation technology. However, there is a lack of related biomechanical studies. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical influence of the pattern, length, and density of instrumentation for the treatment of ASCF. Posterior, anterior, and various combined fixation approaches were constructed using the finite element model (FEM) to mimic the surgical treatment of ASCFs at C5/6. The rate of motion change (RMC) at the fractured level and the internal stress distribution (ISD) were observed. The results showed that longer segments of fixation and combined fixation approaches provided better stability and lowered the maximal stress. The RMC decreased more significantly when the length increased from 1 to 3 levels (302% decrease under flexion, 134% decrease under extension) than from 3 to 5 levels (22% decrease under flexion, 23% decrease under extension). Longer fixation seems to be more stable with the anterior/posterior approach alone, but 3-level posterior fixation may be the most cost-effective option. It is recommended to perform surgery with combined approaches, which provide the best stability. Long skipped-screwing posterior fixation is an alternative technique for use in ASCF patients.
Intracellular detection and communication of a wireless chip in cell
Authors: Yang Mimi X. , Hu Xiaolin , Akin Demir , Poon Ada , Wong H.-S Philip
Published: March 2021

The rapid growth and development of technology has had significant implications for healthcare, personalized medicine, and our understanding of biology. In this work, we leverage the miniaturization of electronics to realize the first demonstration of wireless detection and communication of an electronic device inside a cell. This is a significant forward step towards a vision of non-invasive, intracellular wireless platforms for single-cell analyses. We demonstrate that a 25 $$\upmu $$
μ
m wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) device can not only be taken up by a mammalian cell but can also be detected and specifically identified externally while located intracellularly. The S-parameters and power delivery efficiency of the electronic communication system is quantified before and after immersion in a biological environment; the results show distinct electrical responses for different RFID tags, allowing for classification of cells by examining the electrical output noninvasively. This versatile platform can be adapted for realization of a broad modality of sensors and actuators. This work precedes and facilitates the development of long-term intracellular real-time measurement systems for personalized medicine and furthering our understanding of intrinsic biological behaviors. It helps provide an advanced technique to better assess the long-term evolution of cellular physiology as a result of drug and disease stimuli in a way that is not feasible using current methods.
Cardiorespiratory synchronisation and systolic blood pressure correlation of peripheral arterial stiffness during endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
Authors: Muneyasu Toshifumi , Hirano Harutoyo , Furui Akira , Soh Zu , Nakamura Ryuji , Saeki Noboru , Okada Yoshiyuki , Kawamoto Masashi , Yoshizumi Masao , Yoshino Atsuo , Sasaoka Takafumi , Yamawaki Shigeto , Tsuji Toshio
Published: March 2021

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is known as an effective measure to evaluate peripheral sympathetic activity; however, it requires invasive measurement with the microneurography method. In contrast, peripheral arterial stiffness affected by MSNA is a measure that allows non-invasive evaluation of mechanical changes of arterial elasticity. This paper aims to clarify the features of peripheral arterial stiffness to determine whether it inherits MSNA features towards non-invasive evaluation of its activity. To this end, we propose a method to estimate peripheral arterial stiffness $$\beta$$
β
at a high sampling rate. Power spectral analysis of the estimated $$\beta$$
β
was then performed on data acquired from 15 patients ($$23.7 \pm 9.0$$

23.7
±
9.0

years) who underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. We examined whether $$\beta$$
β
exhibited the features of MSNA where its frequency components synchronise with heart and respiration rates and correlates with the low-frequency component of systolic blood pressure. Regression analysis revealed that the local peak frequency in the range of heartbeat frequency highly correlate with the heart rate ($$R^{2}=0.85$$

R
2

=
0.85

, $$p=6.3\times 10^{-13}$$

p
=
6.3
×

10

-
13

) where the regression slope was approximately 1 and intercept was approximately 0. Frequency analysis then found spectral peaks of $$\beta$$
β
approximately 0.2 Hz that correspond to the respiratory cycle. Finally, cross power spectral analysis showed a significant magnitude squared coherence between $$\beta$$
β
and systolic blood pressure in the frequency band from 0.04 to 0.2 Hz. These results indicate that $$\beta$$
β
inherits the features observed in MSNA that require invasive measurements, and thus $$\beta$$
β
can be an effective non-invasive substitution for MSNA measure.
NG2/CSPG4, CD146/MCAM and VAP1/AOC3 are regulated by myocardin-related transcription factors in smooth muscle cells
Authors: Rippe Catarina , Morén Björn , Liu Li , Stenkula Karin G. , Mustaniemi Johan , Wennström Malin , Swärd Karl
Published: March 2021

The present work addressed the hypothesis that NG2/CSPG4, CD146/MCAM, and VAP1/AOC3 are target genes of myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs: myocardin/MYOCD, MRTF-A/MKL1, MRTF-B/MKL2) and serum response factor (SRF). Using a bioinformatics approach, we found that CSPG4, MCAM, and AOC3 correlate with MYOCD, MRTF-A/MKL1, and SRF across human tissues. No other transcription factor correlated as strongly with these transcripts as SRF. Overexpression of MRTFs increased both mRNA and protein levels of CSPG4, MCAM, and AOC3 in cultured human smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Imaging confirmed increased staining for CSPG4, MCAM, and AOC3 in MRTF-A/MKL1-transduced cells. MRTFs exert their effects through SRF, and the MCAM and AOC3 gene loci contained binding sites for SRF. SRF silencing reduced the transcript levels of these genes, and time-courses of induction paralleled the direct target ACTA2. MRTF-A/MKL1 increased the activity of promoter reporters for MCAM and AOC3, and transcriptional activation further depended on the chromatin remodeling enzyme KDM3A. CSPG4, MCAM, and AOC3 responded to the MRTF-SRF inhibitor CCG-1423, to actin dynamics, and to ternary complex factors. Coincidental detection of these proteins should reflect MRTF-SRF activity, and beyond SMCs, we observed co-expression of CD146/MCAM, NG2/CSPG4, and VAP1/AOC3 in pericytes and endothelial cells in the human brain. This work identifies highly responsive vascular target genes of MRTF-SRF signaling that are regulated via a mechanism involving KDM3A.
Clinical and genomic features of Corynebacterium macginleyi-associated infectious keratitis
Authors: Sagerfors Susanna , Poehlein Anja , Afshar Mastaneh , Lindblad Birgitta Ejdervik , Brüggemann Holger , Söderquist Bo
Published: March 2021

Infectious keratitis is a potentially sight threatening ophthalmological emergency. Contact lens wear is a common risk factor. Diagnostic advances such as MALDI-TOF MS provides new insights into the spectrum of corneal pathogens and on microbes previously considered as commensals. Corynebacterium macginleyi was described in 1995, and in 2018, the genomic features of three isolates were reported after whole-genome sequencing. Here we describe the clinical characteristics of patients with infectious keratitis (n = 29) presumably caused by Corynebacterium macginleyi, and analyze the genomic features of C. macginleyi (n = 22) isolated from the corneal ulcers of these patients. The disease course was uneventful apart from minor interventions such as corneal cross-linking and amniotic membrane transplant. Genome sequencing and comparison revealed a highly conserved core genome of C. macginleyi. Based on the analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms, the population could be divided into two main clades that also differed in a few clade-specific genomic islands. Patients infected with an isolate belonging to the minor clade (n = 7) presented a more severe disease. Comparisons with other corynebacterial species clearly separated C. macginleyi. C. macginleyi may be considered a corneal pathogen; genomic analysis provided insights into its population structure and disease-causing potential.
Heart rate variability analysis for the identification of the preictal interval in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Leal Adriana , Pinto Mauro F. , Lopes Fábio , Bianchi Anna M. , Henriques Jorge , Ruano Maria G. , de Carvalho Paulo , Dourado António , Teixeira César A.
Published: March 2021

Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings, lasting hours before epileptic seizures, have been studied in the search for evidence of the existence of a preictal interval that follows a normal ECG trace and precedes the seizure’s clinical manifestation. The preictal interval has not yet been clinically parametrized. Furthermore, the duration of this interval varies for seizures both among patients and from the same patient. In this study, we performed a heart rate variability (HRV) analysis to investigate the discriminative power of the features of HRV in the identification of the preictal interval. HRV information extracted from the linear time and frequency domains as well as from nonlinear dynamics were analysed. We inspected data from 238 temporal lobe seizures recorded from 41 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy from the EPILEPSIAE database. Unsupervised methods were applied to the HRV feature dataset, thus leading to a new perspective in preictal interval characterization. Distinguishable preictal behaviour was exhibited by 41% of the seizures and 90% of the patients. Half of the preictal intervals were identified in the 40 min before seizure onset. The results demonstrate the potential of applying clustering methods to HRV features to deepen the current understanding of the preictal state.
CD73 facilitates EMT progression and promotes lung metastases in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Petruk Nataliia , Tuominen Sanni , Åkerfelt Malin , Mattsson Jesse , Sandholm Jouko , Nees Matthias , Yegutkin Gennady G. , Jukkola Arja , Tuomela Johanna , Selander Katri S.
Published: March 2021

CD73 is a cell surface ecto-5′-nucleotidase, which converts extracellular adenosine monophosphate to adenosine. High tumor CD73 expression is associated with poor outcome among triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Here we investigated the mechanisms by which CD73 might contribute to TNBC progression. This was done by inhibiting CD73 with adenosine 5′-(α, β-methylene) diphosphate (APCP) in MDA-MB-231 or 4T1 TNBC cells or through shRNA-silencing (sh-CD73). Effects of such inhibition on cell behavior was then studied in normoxia and hypoxia in vitro and in an orthotopic mouse model in vivo. CD73 inhibition, through shRNA or APCP significantly decreased cellular viability and migration in normoxia. Inhibition of CD73 also resulted in suppression of hypoxia-induced increase in viability and prevented cell protrusion elongation in both normoxia and hypoxia in cancer cells. Sh-CD73 4T1 cells formed significantly smaller and less invasive 3D organoids in vitro, and significantly smaller orthotopic tumors and less lung metastases than control shRNA cells in vivo. CD73 suppression increased E-cadherin and decreased vimentin expression in vitro and in vivo, proposing maintenance of a more epithelial phenotype. In conclusion, our results suggest that CD73 may promote early steps of tumor progression, possibly through facilitating epithelial–mesenchymal transition.
A hospital-based study on etiology and prognosis of bacterial meningitis in adults
Authors: Sunwoo Jun-Sang , Shin Hye-Rim , Lee Han Sang , Moon Jangsup , Lee Soon-Tae , Jung Keun-Hwa , Park Kyung-Il , Jung Ki-Young , Kim Manho , Lee Sang Kun , Chu Kon
Published: March 2021

Bacterial meningitis is a neurological emergency with high morbidity and mortality. We herein investigated clinical features, etiology, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and prognosis of bacterial meningitis in adults from a single tertiary center. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with laboratory-confirmed bacterial meningitis from 2007 to 2016. Patients with recent neurosurgery, head trauma, or indwelling neurosurgical devices were classified as having healthcare-related meningitis. Causative microorganisms were identified by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood cultures, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were evaluated. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. We identified 161 cases (age, 55.9 ± 15.5 years; male, 50.9%), of which 43 had community-acquired and 118 had healthcare-related meningitis. CSF and blood culture positivity rates were 91.3% and 30.4%, respectively. In community-acquired meningitis patients, Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.6%) was the most common isolate, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (18.6%) and Listeria monocytogenes (11.6%). The susceptibility rates of K. pneumoniae to ceftriaxone, cefepime, and meropenem were 85.7%, 81.3%, and 100%, respectively. Among healthcare-related meningitis patients, the most common bacterial isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococci (28.0%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (16.1%) and Enterobacter spp. (13.6%). Neurological complications occurred in 39.1% of the patients and the 3-month mortality rate was 14.8%. After adjusting for covariates, unfavorable outcome was significantly associated with old age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.06), neurological complications (OR 4.53, 95% CI 1.57–13.05), and initial Glasgow coma scale ≤ 8 (OR 19.71, 95% CI 4.35–89.40). Understanding bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility may help optimize antimicrobial therapy in adult bacterial meningitis.
First report on establishment and characterization of a carcinosarcoma tumour cell line model of the bladder
Authors: Eberhard Johannes , Hirsch Daniela , Schilling Oliver , Dirks Wilhelm G. , Guo Feng , Fabarius Alice , Rückert Felix , Reißfelder Christoph , Hohenberger Peter , Pallavi Prama
Published: March 2021

Carcinosarcoma of the urinary bladder is a very rare and aggressive subtype of bladder cancer with poor prognosis. Characteristically carcinosarcomas exhibit biphasic nature with both epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation. Limited information is available regarding its clinical features and appropriate treatments due to its rarity. Development of tumour models can further our understanding of bladder carcinosarcoma. We report establishment and characterization of the first-ever bladder carcinosarcoma cell line MaS-3. It is established by the outgrow method from 86 year-old caucasian male who underwent a radical pelvic resection after neoadjuvant radiotherapy. MaS-3 showed carcinosarcoma profile with high conformity with to the original tumour in terms of immunocytochemistry. Proteome analysis also aligned the MaS-3 cell line with the carcinosarcoma specimen rather than corresponding non-malignant tissue. Chemotherapy sensitivity testing revealed a great sensitivity of MaS-3 growth to 5-Fluorouracil, Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, with almost no impact of Irinotecan. Additionally, the suitability of MaS-3 for 3D in vitro experiments was also demonstrated. The newly established cell line MaS-3 shows typical characteristics of the tumour and may thus be a useful in vitro model system for studying the tumour biology and developing future of treatments of this rare but very aggressive entity.
Effects of deep inspiration breath hold on prone photon or proton irradiation of breast and regional lymph nodes
Authors: Speleers Bruno , Schoepen Max , Belosi Francesca , Vakaet Vincent , De Neve Wilfried , Deseyne Pieter , Paelinck Leen , Vercauteren Tom , Parkes Michael J. , Lomax Tony , Van Greveling Annick , Bolsi Alessandra , Weber Damien C. , Veldeman Liv , De Gersem Werner
Published: March 2021

We report on a comparative dosimetrical study between deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) and shallow breathing (SB) in prone crawl position for photon and proton radiotherapy of whole breast (WB) and locoregional lymph node regions, including the internal mammary chain (LN_MI). We investigate the dosimetrical effects of DIBH in prone crawl position on organs-at-risk for both photon and proton plans. For each modality, we further estimate the effects of lung and heart doses on the mortality risks of different risk profiles of patients. Thirty-one patients with invasive carcinoma of the left breast and pathologically confirmed positive lymph node status were included in this study. DIBH significantly decreased dose to heart for photon and proton radiotherapy. DIBH also decreased lung doses for photons, while increased lung doses were observed using protons because the retracting heart is displaced by low-density lung tissue. For other organs-at-risk, DIBH resulted in significant dose reductions using photons while minor differences in dose deposition between DIBH and SB were observed using protons. In patients with high risks for cardiac and lung cancer mortality, average thirty-year mortality rates from radiotherapy-related cardiac injury and lung cancer were estimated at 3.12% (photon DIBH), 4.03% (photon SB), 1.80% (proton DIBH) and 1.66% (proton SB). The radiation-related mortality risk could not outweigh the ~ 8% disease-specific survival benefit of WB + LN_MI radiotherapy in any of the assessed treatments.
Myoglobin and C-reactive protein are efficient and reliable early predictors of COVID-19 associated mortality
Authors: Ali Ashaq , Noman Muhammad , Guo Yong , Liu Xu , Zhang Rong , Zhou Juan , Zheng Yang , Zhang Xian-En , Qi Yong , Chen Xiaohua , Men Dong
Published: March 2021

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, numerous studies have been attempting to determine biomarkers, which could rapidly and efficiently predict COVID-19 severity, however there is lack of consensus on a specific one. This retrospective cohort study is a comprehensive analysis of the initial symptoms, comorbidities and laboratory evaluation of patients, diagnosed with COVID-19 in Huoshenshan Hospital, Wuhan, from 4th February to 12th March, 2020. Based on the data collected from 63 severely ill patients from the onset of symptoms till the full recovery or demise, we found not only age (average 70) but also blood indicators as significant risk factors associated with multiple organ failure. The blood indices of all patients showed hepatic, renal, cardiac and hematopoietic dysfunction with imbalanced coagulatory biomarkers. We noticed that the levels of LDH (85%, P < .001), HBDH (76%, P < .001) and CRP (65%, P < .001) were significantly elevated in deceased patients, indicating hepatic impairment. Similarly, increased CK (15%, P = .002), Cre (37%, P = 0.102) and CysC (74%, P = 0.384) indicated renal damage. Cardiac injury was obvious from the significantly elevated level of Myoglobin (52%, P < .01), Troponin-I (65%, P = 0.273) and BNP (50%, P = .787). SARS-CoV-2 disturbs the hemolymphatic system as WBC# (73%, P = .002) and NEUT# (78%, P < .001) were significantly elevated in deceased patients. Likewise, the level of D-dimer (80%, P < .171), PT (87%, P = .031) and TT (57%, P = .053) was elevated, indicating coagulatory imbalances. We identified myoglobin and CRP as specific risk factors related to mortality and highly correlated to organ failure in COVID-19 disease.
Snow algae blooms are beneficial for microinvertebrates assemblages (Tardigrada and Rotifera) on seasonal snow patches in Japan
Authors: Ono Masato , Takeuchi Nozomu , Zawierucha Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

Although studies on snow algae and macroinvertebrates have been frequently conducted on snow patches, only few surveys have been focused on microinvertebrates which reach high biomass and play various trophic roles in other cold habitats. The aims of this study were (1) to search for microinvertebrates in seasonal surface snow patches located on the slope of Mt. Gassan, in northern Japan, and (2) to identify factors determining their distribution associated with snow algal blooms of various colorations (orange, green, and golden-brown) collected from the same sampling site over two seasons (2018, 2019). Microscopic observation revealed presence of two major groups of microinvertebrates: Tardigrada and Rotifera. They were concentrated in green snow colored by blooms ofChloromonassp. in comparison to orange or golden-brown snow and only a few were found in white snow. Mean body length of tardigrades increased throughout the melt season, their intestine content was green and they laid eggs on colored snow. These results suggest that tardigrades preferentially grew and reproduced on green snow patches. Population densities of tardigrades, rotifers and concentration of chlorophyllawere significantly correlated. Our study indicates that green snow patches in temperate mountainous forests constitute important and unique low-temperature ecosystems for microinvertebrates. Snow covered by algae is an unrecognized novel habitats for tardigrades and rotifers.