bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of the acetone method for the δ15N–NO3− analysis of saline water with a low concentration of nitrate
Authors: Tanu Ferdouse Zaman , Miyata Toru , Sadzuka Naotaka , Irie Mami , Nakanishi Yasuhiro
Published: February 2020

Rationale

The recently reported acetone method for δ15N–NO3− analysis is a straightforward sample preparation process. However, the applicability of the method to water samples having high salinity and low concentration of nitrates is not good. Therefore, we developed a new method to measure δ15N–NO3− values in a saline sample having low nitrate concentration by improving the acetone method (the adapted method), and verified its usability.

Methods

The adapted method involves (a) reducing a large volume of sample by evaporation, (b) removing NaCl by mixing acetone twice, (c) changing the volume ratio of the acetone/NaI/n‐hexane solvent from 21/0.35/10 to 30/0.25/5 mL, (d) using an increased volume of BaI2 (0.1 M) – from 0.75 to 1 mL, and (e) using an alternative capsule drying process of lyophilization.

Results

The adapted method has provided nearly exact δ15N–NO3− values of standard materials with high precision and accuracy (<0.1‰) at a lower cutoff of 2 μmol of NO3− in a sample capsule. The recovery of NO3− in this method was significantly dependent (P < 0.05) on the Cl− concentration of the samples. However, a minimum recovery of 60% NO3−, required for the reproducibility of the accurate value of δ15N–NO3−, was possible from the concentrated sample aliquot containing up to 6 g of Cl−. The application of the adapted acetone method to creek water samples, collected from mangrove watersheds, has shown high consistency in the analysis results.

Conclusions

It was proved that the inexpensive and easy‐to‐handle adapted acetone method could be used for the δ15N–NO3− analysis of saline water samples when the sample aliquot contained about 4 μmol of NO3− with less than 6 g of Cl−.
Concurrent, face, content, and construct validity of the RobotiX Mentor simulator for robotic basic skills
Authors: Alshuaibi Muaath , Perrenot Cyril , Hubert Jacques , Perez Manuela
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To assess several criteria, such as concurrent, face, content, and construct validity of the RobotiX Mentor (RXM) simulator for basic robotic skills and to compare virtual and actual dry lab dome.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 using RXM and a da Vinci Si robot. 37 subjects, divided into three groups according to their initial surgical training (expert, intermediate, and novice), were evaluated in terms of six representative exercises of basic robotic specific skills as recommended by the fundamentals of robotic surgery.

Results

There was a correlation between the automatic data from the RXM and the subjective evaluation with the robot. The face and content validity, which were evaluated by the experts, were generally considered high (71.5% and 62.5%, respectively). Three levels (analysis of variance [ANOVA]; P = .01) and two levels (P = .001) of experience were clearly identified by the simulator.

Conclusion

Our study proves the concurrent validity and confirms the face, content, and construct validity of the RXM.
SLAM for autonomous planetary rovers with global localization
Authors: Geromichalos Dimitrios , Azkarate Martin , Tsardoulias Emmanouil , Gerdes Levin , Petrou Loukas , Perez Del Pulgar Carlos
Published: February 2020

This paper describes a novel approach to simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) techniques applied to the autonomous planetary rover exploration scenario to reduce both the relative and absolute localization errors, using two well‐proven techniques: particle filters and scan matching. Continuous relative localization is improved by matching high‐resolution sensor scans to the online created local map. Additionally, to avoid issues with drifting localization, absolute localization is globally corrected at discrete times, according to predefined event criteria, by matching the current local map to the orbiter's global map. The resolutions of local and global maps can be appropriately chosen for computation and accuracy purposes. Further, the online generated local map, of the form of a structured elevation grid map, can also be used to evaluate the traversability of the surrounding environment and allow for continuous navigation. The objective of this study is to support long‐range low‐supervision planetary exploration. The implemented SLAM technique has been validated with a data set acquired during a field test campaign performed at the Teide Volcano on the island of Tenerife, representative of a Mars/Moon exploration scenario.
Young Minority Home‐Language Students’ Biased Reading Self‐Concept and Its Consequences for Reading Development
Authors: Segerer Robin , Niklas Frank , Suggate Sebastian , Schneider Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

Young students who speak a different language at home than that spoken in school (i.e., a minority home‐language) appear to exhibit a biased reading self‐concept. Importantly, this biased reading self‐concept may correspond with altered causal pathways between reading self‐concept and achievement in minority home‐language students. To test this idea, the authors examined cross‐lagged links between reading self‐concept and reading achievement in a large multiple‐group longitudinal study in Germany. Students with German (n = 885), Turkish (n = 193), or another (n = 550) home language were tested yearly in grades 1–4 on measures of reading and reading self‐concept. Despite showing lower reading achievement, students speaking a minority home language exhibited a higher reading self‐concept. Cross‐lagged paths revealed reciprocal effects between reading achievement and reading self‐concept from grade 1 to grade 2, particularly for students with German as a home language. Minority home‐language students showed significantly lower effects of reading achievement on their subsequent reading self‐concept from grade 1 to grade 2. From grade 2 onward, reading achievement predicted reading self‐concept, but not vice versa.
Residual effects of compaction on the subsoil pore system—A functional perspective
Authors: Pulido‐Moncada Mansonia , Schjønning Per , Labouriau Rodrigo , Munkholm Lars J.
Published: February 2020

Subsoil compaction caused by heavy traffic affects the soil pore system, resulting in long‐term damage to soil functions. The study contrasted two treatments from compaction experiments conducted at three different sites in Denmark: non‐trafficked control soil and soil subjected to four annual traffic events (2010–2013) with a wheel load of 58 to 78 kN. A cover crop of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was grown in half of the initial experimental plots after completion of the compaction treatments (2013 and onwards). In the spring of 2017, undisturbed soil cores were sampled at 0.3 and 0.5 m depth. The air‐filled porosity (εa), air permeability (ka) and gas diffusivity (Ds/Do) were quantified for samples equilibrated to –100 hPa matric potential. Soil pore structural indicators were estimated from the combination of εa, ka, and Ds/Do. The ratio of non‐Darcian to Darcian ka (R) was also used as a pore morphology indicator. For all sites and depths, compaction reduced εa, Ds/Do, ka‐Darcy, PO1 (ka‐Darcy/εa) and the effective radius ([(8ka‐Darcy)/Ds/Do]0.5) compared to control soil (p < 0.05). The Buckingham‐X variable relating Ds/Do and εa tended to be smaller for compacted soil, significantly for one of the sites. Compacted soils were also characterised by a significantly smaller R‐ratio at high levels of ka‐Darcy (> 32 μm2), but also by having a tendency for the R‐ratio to decrease rapidly with increasing pore air velocity compared to the control. The results reflect a compaction‐induced reduction in the number of marginal pores connected to large arterial pores, promoting a simple pore system formed by continuous vertical pores. The compaction effect was not affected by the cover crop. Neither natural recovery nor fodder radish‐induced mitigation of soil compaction was evident for the studied soils.
Stabilizing Formamidinium Lead Iodide Perovskite by Sulfonyl‐Functionalized Phenethylammonium Salt via Crystallization Control and Surface Passivation
Authors: Shen Chao , Wu Yongzhen , Zhang Shuo , Wu Tianhao , Tian He , Zhu Wei-Hong , Han Liyuan
Published: February 2020

Bulky organic ammonium cations have been widely used to stabilize lead halide perovskites via surface passivation or dimensionality modulation. Herein, a sulfonyl fluoride‐functionalized phenethylammonium salt (SF‐PEA) is reported as a bifunctional additive to stabilize the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite. The sulfonyl group is found to interact with PbI2 in the precursor and slow down the crystallization of FAPbI3 during thermal annealing, leading to improved crystalline quality and decreased structural defects. After annealing, the spontaneous assembly of SF‐PEA on the crystal surface of FAPbI3 not only passivates the surface defects, but also protects the perovskite from phase transition that is caused by strain or moisture invasion. The resulting FAPbI3 films are extremely stable, which can maintain their black phase for more than 3 months in air with 40–50% relative humidity, much better than pristine and unsubstituted phenethylammonium (PEA)‐based samples. Because of the greatly improved phase stability and crystallization quality, a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.25% (certified PCE of 20.70%) is achieved in planar n–i–p structured solar cells, which is the highest one among “methylammonium‐free” FAPbI3 perovskite photovoltaics.
A note on the applicability of the standard nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator for combined incident and prevalent cohort data
Authors: McVittie James H. , Wolfson David B. , Stephens David A.
Published: February 2020

Nonparametric estimation of the survival function for either incident or prevalent cohort failure time data, exclusively, has been well studied in the literature; the Kaplan‐Meier (KM) estimator is routinely used for right‐censored incident cohort failure time data, whereas a modified form of the KM estimator, sometimes referred to as the Tsai–Jewell–Wang (TJW) estimator, is the default estimator used for prevalent cohort data with follow‐up. Often, failure time data comprise observations from a combination of incident and prevalent cohorts. In this note, we justify the use of the TJW estimator for a combined sample of incident and prevalent cohort data with follow‐up. We suggest how the TJW estimator forms the basis for density estimation and hypothesis testing problems, when incident and prevalent cohorts are combined.
Robust Starch/Regenerated Cellulose All‐Polysaccharides Bilayer Films with Excellent Mechanical Properties
Authors: Cheng Geng , Wei Yu‐Jun , Zhou Mi , Cheng Fei , Lin Yi , Zhu Pu‐Xin
Published: February 2020

Starch‐regenerated cellulose bilayer films containing cellulose nanofibers in the casted regenerated cellulose layer are obtained by using a dissolution‐regeneration‐suction filtration approach. Scanning electron micrograph, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction are used to characterize the properties of the composite films. The tensile strength and modulus of the nanocomposite containing 40 wt% regenerated cellulose are increased by 156% and 111%, respectively, compared with pure starch film. Additionally, the obtained films displayed low water absorption, excellent thermal stability, and optical performance. More importantly, the film fabrication process adopted is environmentally benign, cost‐effective, and easy to operate. The all‐polysaccharides bilayer films can be used as a renewable material for industrial applications such as packaging to substitute petroleum‐based polymers in a wide range of applications.
Soil sodicity originating from marginal groundwater
Authors: van de Craats Daniël , van der Zee Sjoerd E.A.T.M. , Sui Chunming , van Asten Piet J.A. , Cornelissen Pavan , Leijnse Anton
Published: February 2020

Soil salinity and sodicity are among the oldest soil and groundwater pollution problems and are widespread across the globe. Where salinity affects crop water uptake and yield, sodicity may additionally cause poorly reversible soil structure degradation and a severely reduced hydraulic conductivity. We use the model HYDRUS‐1D to simulate sodicity development in soils with shallow, Na‐rich groundwater under a normal weather regime with distinct dry seasons. Attention is given to the impact of a sudden fresh water input on the formation of a sodic layer. The complex interplay between soil chemistry, soil physics, soil mechanics (as far as swell–shrink behavior is concerned), and fluctuating atmospheric conditions results in a remarkably regular relation between depth, location, and severity of a sodic layer that forms within the soil as a function of rainfall intensity. A threshold behavior is observed: sodic layer formation is absent at rainfall intensities below this threshold, whereas sodic layer thickness and hydraulic conductivity reduction increase rapidly with intensities exceeding this threshold. This is the case even for different soil types and groundwater depths. Field observations agree with our simulations: the properties of the layer with sodicity‐induced structure degradation are more strongly developed, as this layer is situated at a shallower depth. The implementation of hydraulic conductivity reduction as a function of exchangeable Na percentage and ionic strength in HYDRUS‐1D can be improved towards a smooth reduction function, changing soil physical parameters due to swelling and dispersion of clay and reconsideration of the reversibility of sodicity development.
Quark-lepton connections in Z′ mediated FCNC processes: gauge anomaly cancellations at work
Authors: Aebischer Jason , Buras Andrzej J. , Cerdà-Sevilla Maria , De Fazio Fulvia
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We consider scenarios with a heavy Z′ gauge boson with flavour non-universal quark and lepton couplings with the goal to illustrate how the cancellation of gauge anomalies generated by the presence of an additional U(1)′ gauge symmetry would imply correlations between FCNC processes within the quark sector, within the lepton sector and most interestingly between quark flavour and lepton flavour violating processes. To this end we present simple scenarios with only left-handed flavour-violating Z′ couplings and those in which also right-handed flavour-violating couplings are present. The considered scenarios are characterized by a small number of free parameters but in contrast to gauge anomaly cancellation in the Standard Model, in which it takes place separately within each generation, in our scenarios anomaly cancellation involves simultaneously quarks and leptons of all three generations. Our models involve, beyond the ordinary quarks and leptons, three heavy right-handed neutrinos. The models with only left-handed FCNCs of Z′ involve beyond $$ {g}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

g

Z
′

and $$ {M}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

M

Z
′

two real parameters characterizing the charges of all fermions under the U(1)′ gauge symmetry and the CKM and PMNS ones in the quark and lepton sectors, respectively. The models with the right-handed FCNCs of Z′ involve few additional parameters. Imposing constraints from well measured ∆F = 2 observables we identify a number of interesting correlations that involve e.g. ε′/ε, Bs,d→ μ+μ−, B → K(K*)ℓ+ℓ−, $$ {K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu},{K}_L\to {\pi}^0\nu \overline{\nu} $$

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν
¯

,

K
L

→

π
0

ν

ν
¯

and purely lepton flavour violating decays like μ → eγ, μ → 3e, τ → 3μ and μ − e conversion among others. Also (g − 2)μ,e are considered. The impact of the experimental μ → eγ, μ → 3e and in particular μ − e conversion bounds on rare K and B decays is emphasized.
Searches for atmospheric long-lived particles
Authors: Argüelles C. , Coloma P. , Hernández P. , Muñoz V.
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Long-lived particles are predicted in extensions of the Standard Model that involve relatively light but very weakly interacting sectors. In this paper we consider the possibility that some of these particles are produced in atmospheric cosmic ray showers, and their decay intercepted by neutrino detectors such as IceCube or Super-Kamiokande. We present the methodology and evaluate the sensitivity of these searches in various scenarios, including extensions with heavy neutral leptons in models of massive neutrinos, models with an extra U(1) gauge symmetry, and a combination of both in a U(1)B−L model. Our results are shown as a function of the production rate and the lifetime of the corresponding long-lived particles.
Are “Superentropic” black holes superentropic?
Authors: Appels Michael , Cuspinera Leopoldo , Gregory Ruth , Krtouš Pavel , Kubizňák David
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We study a critical limit in which asymptotically-AdS black holes develop maximal conical deficits and their horizons become non-compact. When applied to stationary rotating black holes this limit coincides with the “ultraspinning limit” and yields the Superentropic black holes whose entropy was derived recently and found to exceed the maximal possible bound imposed by the Reverse Isoperimetric Inequality [1, 2]. To gain more insight into this peculiar result, we study this limit in the context of accelerated AdS black holes that have unequal deficits along the polar axes, hence the maximal deficit need not appear on both poles simultaneously. Surprisingly, we find that in the presence of acceleration, the critical limit becomes smooth, and is obtained simply by taking various upper bounds in the parameter space that we elucidate. The Critical black holes thus obtained have many common features with Superentropic black holes, but are manifestly not superentropic. This raises a concern as to whether Superentropic black holes actually are superentropic.1 We argue that this may not be so and that the original conclusion is likely attributed to the degeneracy of the resulting first law.
Investigation of mechanical and thermal loads in pcBN tooling during machining of Inconel 718
Authors: Agmell Mathias , Bushlya Volodymyr , M’Saoubi Rachid , Gutnichenko Oleksandr , Zaporozhets Oleg , Laakso Sampsa VA , Ståhl Jan-Eric
Published: February 2020

This study investigates machining superalloy Inconel 718 with polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (pcBN) tooling both numerically and experimentally. Particular attention is given to mechanical and thermal stresses in the cutting tool arising from segmented chip formation and associated forces and temperatures. The temperature dependence of the mechanical properties of pcBN has been investigated and incorporated into a numerical model. In order to capture the dynamic loads due to a serrated chip formation, the Johnson–Cook damage model has been used. The extreme deformations during a machining process often results in a numerical difficulties due to a distorted elements. This paper uses the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) formulation in Abaqus/Explicit, where the workpiece is modelled with the Eulerian formulation and the cutting tool by the Lagrangian one. This CEL formulation enables to completely avoid mesh distortion. The finite element simulation results are validated via comparison of the modelled static and dynamic cutting forces and thermal loads induced into the cutting tool. The numerical model predicts a temperature of 1100–1200 ∘C at the cutting interface, which is in line with experimental determined data. The principal stresses at the rake up to 300 MPa are recorded, whereas higher level of stresses up to 450 MPa are found in the notch region of the tool, well correlated with experimental observation.
High-throughput screening of environmental polysaccharide-degrading bacteria using biomass containment and complex insoluble substrates
Authors: Monge Estela C. , Levi Marios , Forbin Joseph N. , Legesse Mussie D. , Udo Basil A. , deCarvalho Tagide N. , Gardner Jeffrey G.
Published: February 2020

Carbohydrate degradation by microbes plays an important role in global nutrient cycling, human nutrition, and biotechnological applications. Studies that focus on the degradation of complex recalcitrant polysaccharides are challenging because of the insolubility of these substrates as found in their natural contexts. Specifically, current methods to examine carbohydrate-based biomass degradation using bacterial strains or purified enzymes are not compatible with high-throughput screening using complex insoluble materials. In this report, we developed a small 3D printed filter device that fits inside a microplate well that allows for the free movement of bacterial cells, media, and enzymes while containing insoluble biomass. These devices do not interfere with standard microplate readers and can be used for both short- (24–48 h) and long-duration (> 100 h) experiments using complex insoluble substrates. These devices were used to quantitatively screen in a high-throughput manner environmental isolates for their ability to grow using lignocellulose or rice grains as a sole nutrient source. Additionally, we determined that the microplate-based containment devices are compatible with existing enzymatic assays to measure activity against insoluble biomass. Overall, these microplate containment devices provide a platform to study the degradation of complex insoluble materials in a high-throughput manner and have the potential to help uncover ecologically important aspects of bacterial metabolism as well as to accelerate biotechnological innovation.
Neutrophils are mediators of metastatic prostate cancer progression in bone
Authors: Costanzo-Garvey Diane L. , Keeley Tyler , Case Adam J. , Watson Gabrielle F. , Alsamraae Massar , Yu Yangsheng , Su Kaihong , Heim Cortney E. , Kielian Tammy , Morrissey Colm , Frieling Jeremy S. , Cook Leah M.
Published: February 2020

Bone metastatic prostate cancer (BM-PCa) significantly reduces overall patient survival and is currently incurable. Current standard immunotherapy showed promising results for PCa patients with metastatic, but less advanced, disease (i.e., fewer than 20 bone lesions) suggesting that PCa growth in bone contributes to response to immunotherapy. We found that: (1) PCa stimulates recruitment of neutrophils, the most abundant immune cell in bone, and (2) that neutrophils heavily infiltrate regions of prostate tumor in bone of BM-PCa patients. Based on these findings, we examined the impact of direct neutrophil–prostate cancer interactions on prostate cancer growth. Bone marrow neutrophils directly induced apoptosis of PCa in vitro and in vivo, such that neutrophil depletion in bone metastasis models enhanced BM-PCa growth. Neutrophil-mediated PCa killing was found to be mediated by suppression of STAT5, a transcription factor shown to promote PCa progression. However, as the tumor progressed in bone over time, neutrophils from late-stage bone tumors failed to elicit cytotoxic effector responses to PCa. These findings are the first to demonstrate that bone-resident neutrophils inhibit PCa and that BM-PCa are able to progress via evasion of neutrophil-mediated killing. Enhancing neutrophil cytotoxicity in bone may present a novel therapeutic option for bone metastatic prostate cancer.
Almost-Equidistant Sets
Authors: Balko Martin , Pór Attila , Scheucher Manfred , Swanepoel Konrad , Valtr Pavel
Published: February 2020

For a positive integerd, a set of points ind-dimensional Euclidean space is calledalmost-equidistantif for any three points from the set, some two are at unit distance. Letf(d) denote the largest size of an almost-equidistant set ind-space. It is known that$$f(2)=7$$f(2)=7,$$f(3)=10$$f(3)=10, and that the extremal almost-equidistant sets are unique. We give independent, computer-assisted proofs of these statements. It is also known that$$f(5) \ge 16$$f(5)≥16. We further show that$$12\le f(4)\le 13$$12≤f(4)≤13,$$f(5)\le 20$$f(5)≤20,$$18\le f(6)\le 26$$18≤f(6)≤26,$$20\le f(7)\le 34$$20≤f(7)≤34, and$$f(9)\ge f(8)\ge 24$$f(9)≥f(8)≥24. Up to dimension 7, our work is based on various computer searches, and in dimensions 6–9, we give constructions based on the known construction for$$d=5$$d=5. For every dimension$$d \ge 3$$d≥3, we give an example of an almost-equidistant set of$$2d+4$$2d+4points in thed-space and we prove the asymptotic upper bound$$f(d) \le O(d^{3/2})$$f(d)≤O(d3/2).
The impact of trisomy 21 on epidemiology, management, and outcomes of congenital duodenal obstruction: a population-based study
Authors:   BAPS-CASS, Bethell George S. , Long Anna-May , Knight Marian , Hall Nigel J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is associated with trisomy 21 (T21), or Down’s syndrome, in around a third of infants. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of T21 on the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of infants with CDO.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected from specialist neonatal surgical centres in the United Kingdom over a 12 month period from March 2016 using established population-based methodology for all babies with CDO. Infants with T21 were compared to those without any chromosomal anomaly.

Results

Of 102 infants with CDO that underwent operative repair, T21 was present in 33 [32% (95% CI 23–41%)] babies. Cardiac anomalies were more common in those with T21 compared to those without a chromosomal anomaly (91 vs 17%, p < 0.001), whereas associated gastrointestinal anomalies were less common in infants with T21 (3 vs 12%, p = 0.03). Surgical management was not influenced by T21. Time to achieve full enteral feed, need for repeat related surgery, and mortality were similar between groups. Infants with T21 had a longer median initial inpatient stay (23 vs 16.5 days, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Infants with T21 have a higher incidence of cardiac anomalies and a longer initial inpatient stay; however, it does not change CDO management or outcomes. This information is important for prenatal and postnatal counselling of parents of infants with CDO and T21.
Comparative drought resistance of temperate grassland species: testing performance trade-offs and the relation to distribution
Authors: Jung Eun-Young , Gaviria Julian , Sun Shanwen , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J.
Published: February 2020

To improve projections of consequences of increasing intensity and frequency of drought events for grasslands, we need a thorough understanding of species performance responses to drought, of performance trade-offs and how drought resistance is related to species distributions. However, comparative and quantitative assessments of whole-plant drought resistance that allow to rigorously address these aspects are lacking for temperate grassland species. We conducted a common garden experiment with 40 common temperate grassland species to compare species survival and growth under intense drought and well-irrigated conditions. Overall, survival and growth were significantly reduced under drought, with the effect varying across species. Species ranking of drought damage and survival remained consistent with progressing drought. No performance trade-offs emerged between optimal growth and drought resistance of survival (‘growth–stress tolerance’ trade-off hypothesis), or between growth under well-watered and dry conditions (‘growth rates’ trade-off hypothesis). Species local- and large-scale association with moisture (Ellenberg F value and rainfall niche) was not related to their drought resistance. Overall, our results imply that trade-offs and differences of species fundamental drought resistance are not the main drivers of hydrological niche differentiation, species coexistence and their distribution across moisture gradients. The comparative experimental assessment of species whole-plant drought responses we present provides a basis to increase our understanding of current grassland responses to variation of moisture regimes and for projecting consequences of future changes.
Morgagni−Larrey diaphragmatic hernia repair in adult patients: a retrospective single-center experience
Authors: Oppelt P. U. , Askevold I. , Bender F. , Liese J. , Padberg W. , Hecker A. , Reichert M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Morgagni−Larrey congenital diaphragmatic hernia (MLH) is rare in adult patients and surgery is performed infrequently. The evidence regarding the most beneficial treatment modality is low. Nevertheless, with increasing experience in minimally-invasive surgery, the literature proves the laparoscopic approach as being safely feasible. However, knowledge on the disease as well as treatment options are based on single surgeon’s experiences and small case series in the literature.

Methods

Retrospective single-center analysis on adult patients (≥ 18 years) with MLH from 01/2003 to 06/2019 regarding symptoms, hernia sac contents, surgical technique and perioperative outcome.

Results

4.0% of diaphragmatic hernia repair procedures were performed for MLH (n = 11 patients). 27.3% of these patients were asymptomatic. Dyspnea or gastrointestinal symptoms were frequently observed (both in 45.5% of the patients). Colon transversum (63.6%), omentum majus (45.5%) and/or stomach (27.3%) were the most common hernia sac contents. Correct diagnosis was achieved preoperatively in 10/11 patients by cross-sectional imaging. All procedures were performed by trans-abdominal surgery (laparotomy in four and laparoscopy in seven patients). All hernias were reinforced by mesh after primary closure. No differences were observed in the perioperative outcome between patients who underwent hernia repair by laparotomy versus laparoscopy. Pleural complications requiring drainage were the most common postoperative complications.

Conclusion

MLH repair seems to be safely feasible by laparoscopic surgery. The benefit of mesh augmentation in MLH repair is not clear yet. In contrast to the current literature, all patients in this study received mesh augmentation after primary closure of the hernia. This should be evaluated in larger patient cohorts with long-term follow-up.
The pathophysiological role of angiotensin receptor-binding protein in hypertension and kidney diseases: Oshima Award Address 2019
Authors: Wakui Hiromichi
Published: February 2020

Excessive activation of the tissue renin–angiotensin system through angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and related organ injury. AT1R-associated protein (ATRAP/Agtrap) was identified as a molecule specifically interacting with the carboxyl- terminal domain of AT1R. The results of in vitro studies showed that ATRAP suppresses Ang II-mediated pathological responses in cardiovascular cells by promoting AT1R internalization. With respect to the tissue distribution and regulation of ATRAP expression in vivo, ATRAP is broadly expressed in many tissues as is AT1R including kidney. The results of in vivo study employing genetic engineered mice with modified ATRAP expression showed that ATRAP inhibits cardiovascular injuries provoked by Ang II-induced hypertension, along with preserving physiological AT1R signaling. In addition, we have shown that ATRAP functions as an endogenous modulator so as to prevent hypertension in response to pathological stimuli, by regulating renal sodium handling. Furthermore, ATRAP may have an AT1R-independent function of renal proximal tubule to protect aging and fibrosis. These results suggest the clinical potential benefit of an ATRAP activation strategy in the treatment of hypertension and cardiorenal and vascular diseases.
Transcriptomic Response of In Vitro Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to Piezoelectric Ultrasound
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Hidvégi Norbert , Gulyás Andrea , Tóth Bianka , Dobránszki Judit
Published: February 2020

As part of a wider project to assess the impact of ultrasound on in vitro plant growth, this paper aimed to determine whether the application of piezoelectric ultrasound (PE-US) would induce changes to the transcriptome of in vitro potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). After exposing explants (single-node segments with a single leaf) to PE-US (35 kHz; 70 W) for 20 min, the effect of this stressor was determined at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, and 4 weeks to assess the possible immediate and residual effects of PE-US on the potato transcriptome. After mRNA was isolated, bioinformatic processing and analysis of RNA-seq datasets, KEGG analysis revealed that 24% of up-regulated biological processes were a response to stress immediately after the application of PE-US (reducing to 11% and 9% at 48 h and 4 weeks, respectively). After assessing a total of 40,430 genes for expression intensity at these five time intervals, it was found that 138, 72, 18, 5, and 59 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively, were significantly up-regulated, while 6, 82, 96, 172, and 107 DEGs, respectively, were down-regulated. DEGs coding for universal stress protein, chitinase, catalase, zinc finger proteins, 21 transcription factors, glutathione S-transferase, and 17 heat shock proteins, mainly Hsp70, Hsp20, and Hsp90 proteins, and possibly the first of such discovery in US-based plant stress research, was detected. Following the validation of RNA-seq data by RT-qPCR, between SeqMonk LFC and RT-qPCR LFC, the Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.86 and 0.90, respectively. Plantlets exposed to PE-US had significantly shorter shoots but significantly longer roots as well as higher shoot and root fresh weight, while chl b and total chl were significantly lower but the chl a/b ratio was significantly higher in plantlets exposed to PE-US. PE-US thus constituted an acute abiotic stress, but by 4 weeks, in vitro potato plantlets managed to mitigate the stress through the production of antioxidant enzyme systems and other functional metabolic changes.
Three-dimensional Monte Carlo-based voxel-wise tumor dosimetry in patients with neuroendocrine tumors who underwent 177Lu-DOTATOC therapy
Authors: Goetz Th. I. , Lang E. W. , Prante O. , Maier A. , Cordes M. , Kuwert T. , Ritt P. , Schmidkonz Christian
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the midgut are suitable candidates for 177Lu-DOTATOC therapy. Integrated SPECT/CT systems have the potential to help improve the accuracy of patient-specific tumor dosimetry. Dose estimations to target organs are generally performed using the Medical Internal Radiation Dose scheme. We present a novel Monte Carlo-based voxel-wise dosimetry approach to determine organ- and tumor-specific total tumor doses (TTD).

Methods

A cohort of 14 patients with histologically confirmed metastasized NETs of the midgut (11 men, 3 women, 62.3 ± 11.0 years of age) underwent a total of 39 cycles of 177Lu-DOTATOC therapy (mean 2.8 cycles, SD ± 1 cycle). After the first cycle of therapy, regions of interest were defined manually on the SPECT/CT images for the kidneys, the spleen, and all 198 tracer-positive tumor lesions in the field of view. Four SPECT images, taken at 4 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after injection of the radiopharmaceutical, were used to determine their effective half-lives in the structures of interest. The absorbed doses were calculated by a three-dimensional dosimetry method based on Monte Carlo simulations. TTD was calculated as the sum of all products of single tumor doses with single tumor volumes divided by the sum of all tumor volumes.

Results

The average dose values per cycle were 3.41 ± 1.28 Gy (1.91–6.22 Gy) for the kidneys, 4.40 ± 2.90 Gy (1.14–11.22 Gy) for the spleen, and 9.70 ± 8.96 Gy (1.47–39.49 Gy) for all 177Lu-DOTATOC-positive tumor lesions. Low- and intermediate-grade tumors (G 1–2) absorbed a higher TTD compared to high-grade tumors (G 3) (signed-rank test, p =  < 0.05). The pre-therapeutic chromogranin A (CgA) value and the TTD correlated significantly (Pearson correlation:  = 0.67, p = 0.01). Higher TTD resulted in a significant decrease of CgA after therapy.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Monte Carlo-based voxel-wise dosimetry is a very promising tool for predicting the absorbed TTD based on histological and clinical parameters.
Experimental archaeology and roundhouse excavated signatures: the investigation of two reconstructed Iron Age buildings at Castell Henllys, Wales
Authors: Mytum Harold , Meek James
Published: February 2020

Castell Henllys, a partially reconstructed Iron Age settlement in south-west Wales, has been the site of long-term experiments in building reconstruction for 35 years. The first roundhouse to be excavated and then reconstructed on the site was due to be replaced in 2017, and another reconstructed 30 years ago was examined in 2018. The results indicate how timber structures with wattle walls decay over a period of decades, and the evidence can be compared to that retrieved from the original excavated late prehistoric structures on the site and those found elsewhere. The pattern of wear of floors and surfaces, and the effects of decades of fires within the roundhouses, also produced archaeological signatures that can be compared with prehistoric remains. These investigations reveal for the first time how long-term processes of experimental house use, maintenance and decay in a temperate environment create archaeological signatures very similar to those found from prehistory, indicating how ancient deposits could have been formed. It also demonstrates how even roundhouses with relatively ephemeral below-ground elements can stand for at least a human generation.
Sexual Anal Pain in Gay and Bisexual Men: In Search of Explanatory Factors
Authors: Grabski Bartosz , Kasparek Krzysztof
Published: February 2020

Background

Sexual anal pain—or anodyspareunia—in gay and bisexual men is a scientifically and clinically neglected topic. More understanding of its origins and correlates is needed.

Aim

To search for correlates of painful anal intercourse with the inclusion of minority stress processes.

Methods

The analysis is based on data collected in an Internet study on the sexuality of Polish gay, bisexual, and straight men. Multiple ordinal regression analysis was used to search for the correlates of painful receptive anal intercourse in a group of 1,443 nonheterosexual men who declared practicing this type of intercourse within the last 12 months. The investigated correlates included demographics, sexual patterns and experiences, experiencing minority stress, sexual problems, and mental and physical health. To assess the level of minority stress, we used the Sexual Minority Stress Scale based on Ilan Meyer's Minority Stress Model, with its subscales relating to internalized homophobia, expectation of rejection, concealment, and sexual minority negative events. Sexual problems were measured with single-item questions adapted from the National Health and Social Life Survey. Data on the remaining correlates were obtained using a survey that we developed.

Main Outcome Measures

The intensity of pain during receptive anal sexual intercourse as rated on a 5-point Likert scale was a dependent variable.

Results

Age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.97; P < .001), performance anxiety (OR: 1.94; P < .001), and internalized homophobia (OR: 1.04; P < .001) were the only statistically significant predictors of the intensity of pain during receptive anal sexual intercourse.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians addressing sexual anal pain should consider performance anxiety, internalized homophobia, and younger age as possible operating factors.

Strengths & Limitations

The major strengths of the study include the provision of additional data on this neglected topic derived from a large sample of participants from the little recognized Central European cultural context and the major limitations are the nonrepresentative sampling, retrospective data collection, cross-sectional design, Internet methodology, and lack of information on the clinical relevance of experienced pain, that is, distress or help-seeking, as well as its recurrent or persistent character.

Conclusion

Painful sexual anal activity requires further investigation.
Factors Associated with Patient-Reported Penile Length Loss After Radical Cystoprostatectomy in Male Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Loh-Doyle Jeffrey C. , Han Jullet , Ghodoussipour Saum
Published: February 2020

Background

The perception of penile length loss is common in male patients undergoing radical prostatectomy; however, this has not been described after radical cystoprostatectomy (RC).

Aim

To evaluate perceptions of penile length loss in male patients after RC and contributing factors.

Methods

Patients completed an institutional review board–approved questionnaire comprised the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and supplemental questions including perceived changes in penile length after RC. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine associations between the perception of penile length loss and the amount of length lost with patient and surgery-specific factors.

Outcomes

The rate of patient-reported penile length loss and factors contributing to this perception was the outcome of this study.

Results

From October 2017 to January 2019, 151 patients completed the questionnaire. The median age at cystectomy was 66.1 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 59.4–73.3), and the median duration of follow-up was 28.3 months (IQR: 13–74.1). Preoperative IIEF-5 was available in 55 patients with a median score of 14 (IQR: 3–20). The median IIEF-5 score at time of survey completion was 3 (IQR: 1–18). The majority of patients (55.1%) reported a perceived loss of penile length, 20.4% reported no loss, and 24.5% were unsure. Of those who quantified their loss in penile length, 54.6% reported losses of an inch or more. Neurovascular preservation was not found to protect against penile length loss but did correlate with a reduction in the amount reported lost (P = .008). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified increasing IIEF-5 score at time of survey completion to protect against a perceived loss in penile length (odds ratio: 0.924, 95% confidence interval: 0.878–0.973, P = .0025), whereas increasing body mass index was associated with a loss in perceived penile length (odds ratio: 1.198, 95% confidence interval: 10.53–1.383, P = .0060).

Clinical Implications

The perception of penile length loss is a commonly held belief in patients after RC, and many patients will perceive losses that exceed 1 inch (2.54 cm).

Strengths and Limitations

This study is the first series to describe the perception of penile length loss after RC. It is strengthened by the study population's size, heterogeneity, and patient-reported results. It is limited by lack of objective measurements of stretched penile length.

Conclusions

RC can result in significant sexual dysfunction including the perceived loss of penile length.
Seasonal Evolution of Canopy Stomatal Conductance for a Prairie and Maize Field in the Midwestern United States from Continuous Carbonyl Sulfide Fluxes
Authors: Berkelhammer M. , Alsip B. , Matamala R. , Cook D. , Whelan M. E. , Joo E. , Bernacchi C. , Miller J. , Meyers T.
Published: February 2020

There are inherent challenges in scaling stomatal conductance (g
) from leaf to canopy particularly over seasonal time scales when species distribution and canopy structure evolve. We address this gap using carbonyl sulfide (OCS) and CO
fluxes from a predominantly C3 prairie and C4 maize field in the midwestern United States. The g
derived from OCS fluxes captured a transition in the stomatal limitation on gross primary productivity (GPP) through the growing season as well as seasonally persistent g
dynamics such as temperature optimum and a positive response of nighttime g
to vapor pressure deficit. Near the termination of the prairie growing season, we observed a decrease in the relative OCS to CO
flux that we hypothesize emerged from a rising contribution of C4 plants to productivity. The results show how plot‐scale OCS and CO
fluxes can be used as a trace gas diagnostic for transitions in the limiting factors for community GPP.
Ground‐Based Auroral Hiss Recorded in Northern Finland with Reference to Magnetic Substorms
Authors: Manninen Jyrki , Kleimenova Natalia , Kozlovsky Alexander , Fedorenko Yury , Gromova Liudmila , Turunen Tauno
Published: February 2020

Very low frequency (VLF) auroral hiss at Kannuslehto (KAN), Finland, was analyzed with reference to the progress of 98 isolated magnetic substorms measured during the winter months of 2015–2018. Of these, 91 were accompanied by auroral hiss during the substorm growth phase. No auroral hiss was recorded during the expansion and recovery phases. We found that auroral hiss was observed under rising polar cap (PC) index, showing an increased solar wind energy input into the magnetosphere during the substorm growth phase. We also found that in 58 of the 65 events studied, KAN was located in the vicinity of enhanced field‐aligned currents (FACs) during auroral hiss occurrence. For the first time, it was established that auroral VLF hiss generation in the equatorial part of the auroral oval is a typical signature of a substorm growth phase.
Chemical Differences Between PM1 and PM2.5 in Highly Polluted Environment and Implications in Air Pollution Studies
Authors: Sun Yele , He Yao , Kuang Ye , Xu Wanyun , Song Shaojie , Ma Nan , Tao Jiangchuan , Cheng Peng , Wu Cheng , Su Hang , Cheng Yafang , Xie Conghui , Chen Chun , Lei Lu , Qiu Yanmei , Fu Pingqing , Croteau Philip , Worsnop Douglas R.
Published: February 2020

Submicron aerosol (PM1) species measured by aerosol mass spectrometers have been widely used to validate chemical transport models; however, the uncertainties due to chemical differences between PM1 and PM2.5 are poorly constrained. Here we characterized such differences in a highly polluted environment in north China in winter. Our results showed that the changes in PM1/PM2.5 ratios as a function of relative humidity (RH) were largely different for primary and secondary species. Secondary organic and inorganic aerosol (SOA and SIA) presented clear decreases in PM1/PM2.5 ratios at RH > 60% during periods with high SIA contributions (>50%), likely driven by the changes in aerosol hygroscopicity and phase states, while the traffic and coal combustion OA had limited dependence on RH. Thermodynamic modeling showed negligible impacts of PM differences on predictions of particle acidity, yet these impacts can cause a difference in aerosol water content by up to 50–70%.
Terrestrial Evaporation and Moisture Drainage in a Warmer Climate
Authors: Short Gianotti Daniel J. , Akbar Ruzbeh , Feldman Andrew F. , Salvucci Guido D. , Entekhabi Dara
Published: February 2020

To determine hydrologic changes in a warmer climate, we impose precipitation and potential evaporation (Eo) perturbations on hydrologic response functions constructed from precipitation and satellite soil moisture observations across the United States. Despite nonlinearities in the evaporation (E) and drainage (D) responses and opposing‐sign perturbations, changes in individual fluxes are superposable. Empirical frameworks (Budyko) can misrepresent changes in E/D partitioning by neglecting shifts/trends in hydrologic regime and subseasonal precipitation dynamics. E/D both increase to balance mean precipitation (
) increases, and increased Eo reduces soil moisture. E and D are generally more elastic to changes in
than Eo. The results suggest that (1) the impacts of regional hydrologic perturbations may allow for simple superposition/scaling, (2) changes in timing/intensity of precipitation may have substantial impacts on mean moisture states and fluxes, and (3) changes to the distribution of surface moisture states are likely more relevant for E/D partitioning than common aridity indices.