bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pupil dilation reflects English /l//r/ discrimination ability for Japanese learners of English: a pilot study
Authors: Kinzuka Yuya , Minami Tetsuto , Nakauchi Shigeki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe importance of the English language has been increasing as various fields have become more globalized. When Japanese people try to acquire foreign language such as English, learners find it difficult to perceive speech-sounds such as the phonemes /l/ and /r/ that are absent in their native language (e.g., “light”/lάit/ and “right”/rάit/). Recent studies report that a unique sound that deviates from a repetitive background sound induces pupillary dilation response (PDR) regardless of whether attention is directed to the sound or not. In this study, we investigated whether deviation in higher-order processing such as language processing induces PDR, and the possibility of determining implicit subjective English proficiency. A behavioural auditory distinguishing ability test was performed prior to the main experiment to quantitatively evaluate participants’ ability to distinguish English words. Then, by conducting an oddball paradigm-employing stimulus including the phonemes /l/ and /r/ with simultaneous pupil diameter recording, a significant dilation was evoked by /l/-/r/ speech sounds presented as deviant stimuli. Moreover, a strong correlation between the PDR amplitude and participants’ ability to distinguish English words was found; that is, individuals with higher ability to distinguish such words displayed a prominent PDR. Also, the PDR difference between the two groups classified by discrimination ability suggests that PDR might be sensitive to higher-order characteristics involved in language processing, which is independent from the aspects of physical sound and cognitive load.
High efficiency CHO cell display-based antibody maturation
Authors: Luo Ruiqi , Zhao Yun , Fan Yingjun , An Lili , Jiang Tao , Ma Shaohua , Hang Haiying 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPreviously, we developed a CHO cell display-based antibody maturation procedure in which an antibody (or other protein) gene of interest was induced to mutate by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) and then form a library by simply proliferating the CHO cells in culture. In this study, we further improved the efficiency of this maturation system by reengineering AID, and optimizing the nucleic acid sequence of the target antibody gene and AID gene as well as the protocol for AID gene transfection. These changes have increased both the mutation rate and the number of mutation type of antibody genes by more than 10 fold, and greatly improved the maturation efficiency of antibody/other proteins.
Adherence and acceptability of a robot-assisted Pivotal Response Treatment protocol for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: van den Berk-Smeekens Iris , van Dongen-Boomsma Martine , De Korte Manon W. P. , Den Boer Jenny C. , Oosterling Iris J. , Peters-Scheffer Nienke C. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Barakova Emilia I. , Lourens Tino , Staal Wouter G. , Glennon Jeffrey C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to present a robot-assisted therapy protocol for children with ASD based on the current state-of-the-art in both ASD intervention research and robotics research, and critically evaluate its adherence and acceptability based on child as well as parent ratings. The robot-assisted therapy was designed based on motivational components of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), a highly promising and feasible intervention focused at training “pivotal” (key) areas such as motivation for social interaction and self-initiations, with the goal of establishing collateral gains in untargeted areas of functioning and development, affected by autism spectrum disorders. Overall, children (3–8 y) could adhere to the robot-assisted therapy protocol (Mean percentage of treatment adherence 85.5%), showed positive affect ratings after therapy sessions (positive in 86.6% of sessions) and high robot likability scores (high in 79.4% of sessions). Positive likability ratings were mainly given by school-aged children (H(1) = 7.91, p = .005) and related to the movements, speech and game scenarios of the robot. Parent ratings on the added value of the robot were mainly positive (Mean of 84.8 on 0–100 scale), while lower parent ratings were related to inflexibility of robot behaviour.
Characterization of the global distribution and diversified plasmid reservoirs of the colistin resistance gene mcr-9
Authors: Li Ying , Dai Xiaoyi , Zeng Jing , Gao Yan , Zhang Zhikun , Zhang Luhua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe emergence and spread of mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes have triggered extensive concerns worldwide. Here, we characterized the global distribution of mcr-9, a newly-identified variant of mcr, by assembling the data set of mcr-9-positive isolates from GenBank database and the literature available. Genetic features of all the mcr-9-harboring plasmids were determined by bioinformatic analysis. We showed that mcr-9 is globally distributed in 21 countries across six continents, with a wide dissemination among various species of Enterobacteriaceae strains from human, animal, food and environment. IncHI2-ST1 plasmids were found to be the predominant replicon type carrying mcr-9. Comparative genomics highlighted that IncHI2-type plasmids may also serve as a critical reservoir of mcr-9, from which different types of circulating plasmids acquired the mcr-9. Results revealed that the rcnR-rcnA-pcoE-pcoS-IS903-mcr-9-wbuC structure was consistent in most mcr-9 cassettes, suggesting a relatively unitary model involved in the mobilization of mcr-9. It is most likely that the spread of mcr-9 was mainly attributed to the conjugation and recombination events of mcr-9-carrying plasmids. In summary, our results provide a comprehensive picture of the distribution and genetic environment of mcr-9, and demonstrate the central roles played by IncHI2 plasmids in the worldwide dissemination of mcr-9.
Effectiveness of serum beta-2 microglobulin as a tool for evaluating donor kidney status for transplantation
Authors: Cha Sung Whan , Shin In Sik , Kim Deok Gie , Kim Sung Hoon , Lee Jun Young , Kim Jae Seok , Yang Jae Won , Han Byoung-Geun , Choi Seung Ok 
Published: May 2020

AbstractKidney transplantations using expanded criteria donors (ECD) are being increasingly adopted, but no consensus tools are available to evaluate donor kidney status. Beta-2 microglobulin (B2MG) is a marker of kidney function, and herein, we evaluate the usefulness of assessing B2MG to evaluate donor kidney status. Fifty-seven kidney transplantations were performed from March 2017 to April 2019. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and relationships between clinical and laboratory variables and transplant outcomes were investigated. Thirty-eight patients received a standard criteria donor kidney and 19 patients an ECD kidney. Ten patients experienced delayed graft function (DGF), but no patient experienced primary nonfunction. Of the parameters studied, only donor renal replacement therapy (RRT) [odds ratio (OR) 24.162; p = 0.018] and donor serum B2MG (OR 22.685; p = 0.022) significantly predicted DGF. The presence of either of these two risk factors can better reflect the condition of the donor than previous classification. However, on their last follow-up creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate values in those with or without these risk factors were not significantly different. For an ECD with a B2MG level of <7.18 and no history of RRT, kidney transplantation can be undertaken without considering the possibility of kidney discard.
Tetracycline-inactivating enzymes from environmental, human commensal, and pathogenic bacteria cause broad-spectrum tetracycline resistance
Authors: Gasparrini Andrew J. , Markley Jana L. , Kumar Hirdesh , Wang Bin , Fang Luting , Irum Sidra , Symister Chanez T. , Wallace Meghan , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Andleeb Saadia , Tolia Niraj H. , Wencewicz Timothy A. , Dantas Gautam 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTetracycline resistance by antibiotic inactivation was first identified in commensal organisms but has since been reported in environmental and pathogenic microbes. Here, we identify and characterize an expanded pool of tet(X)-like genes in environmental and human commensal metagenomes via inactivation by antibiotic selection of metagenomic libraries. These genes formed two distinct clades according to habitat of origin, and resistance phenotypes were similarly correlated. Each gene isolated from the human gut encodes resistance to all tetracyclines tested, including eravacycline and omadacycline. We report a biochemical and structural characterization of one enzyme, Tet(X7). Further, we identify Tet(X7) in a clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate and demonstrate its contribution to tetracycline resistance. Lastly, we show anhydrotetracycline and semi-synthetic analogues inhibit Tet(X7) to prevent enzymatic tetracycline degradation and increase tetracycline efficacy against strains expressing tet(X7). This work improves our understanding of resistance by tetracycline-inactivation and provides the foundation for an inhibition-based strategy for countering resistance.
Polyphenol oxidases exhibit promiscuous proteolytic activity
Authors: Biundo A. , Braunschmid V. , Pretzler M. , Kampatsikas I. , Darnhofer B. , Birner-Gruenberger R. , Rompel A. , Ribitsch D. , Guebitz G. M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTyrosinases catalyse both the cresolase and catecholase reactions for the formation of reactive compounds which are very important for industrial applications. In this study, we describe a proteolytic activity of tyrosinases. Two different tyrosinases originating from mushroom and apple are able to cleave the carboxylesterase EstA. The cleavage reaction correlates with the integrity of the active site of tyrosinase and is independent of other possible influencing factors, which could be present in the reaction. Therefore, the cleavage of EstA represents a novel functionality of tyrosinases. EstA was previously reported to degrade synthetic polyesters, albeit slowly. However, the EstA truncated by tyrosinase shows higher degradation activity on the non-biodegradable polyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a well-established environmental threat.
High cycle life all-solid-state fluoride ion battery with La2NiO4+d high voltage cathode
Authors: Nowroozi Mohammad Ali , Wissel Kerstin , Donzelli Manuel , Hosseinpourkahvaz Niloofar , Plana-Ruiz Sergi , Kolb Ute , Schoch Roland , Bauer Matthias , Malik Ali Muhammad , Rohrer Jochen , Ivlev Sergei , Kraus Florian , Clemens Oliver 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFluoride ion batteries (FIBs) are a recent alternative all-solid-state battery technology. However, the FIB systems proposed so far suffer from poor cycling performance. In this work, we report La2NiO4.13 with a Ruddlesden-Popper type structure as an intercalation-based active cathode material in all solid-state FIB with excellent cycling performance. The critical charging conditions to maintain the conductivity of the cell were determined, which seems to be a major obstacle towards improving the cycling stability of FIBs. For optimized operating conditions, a cycle life of about 60 cycles and over 220 cycles for critical cut-off capacities of 50 mAh/g and 30 mAh/g, respectively, could be achieved, with average Coulombic efficiencies between 95 – 99%. Cycling of the cell is a result of fluorination/de-fluorination into and from the La2NiO4+d cathode, and it is revealed that La2NiO4.13 is a multivalent electrode material. Our findings suggest that La2NiO4.13 is a promising high energy cathode for FIBs.
On the role of a graphene oxide/titania catalyst, visible LED and ozone in removing mixtures of pharmaceutical contaminants from water and wastewater
Authors: Checa M. , Beltrán F. J. , Rivas F. J. , Cordero E. 
Published: May 2020

Pharmaceuticals removal by photocatalytic ozonation: evaluation of radiation fluence, GO content and GO–TiO2 dosage synergies in ultrapure water photocatalytic ozonation. Two reaction kinetic periods proposed for wastewater photocatalytic ozonation.
Study on lightning protection scheme of multi‐terminal MMC‐MVDC distribution system
Authors: Gao Yuqun , Han Yongxia , Xiao Fanglei , Chen Changfu , Zhang Jinghan , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yaqi , Li Licheng 
Published: May 2020

Based on a ±10 kV three‐terminal MMC‐MVDC (medium voltage DC distribution system based on modular multilevel converter) system, in this study, the authors mainly study on the influencing factors and protection schemes of the lightning intruding overvoltage (including direct lightning and back‐flashover lightning). Firstly, a lightning intruding overvoltage simulation model of the MMC‐MVDC distribution system using overhead lines is established based on the PSCAD/EMTDC program. The influence of steady‐state operating voltage and the number of converter stations on the simulation results are simulated and analysed. Meanwhile, the proper simulation modelling method of the lightning intruding overvoltage for multi‐terminal MMC‐MVDC system is proposed. Secondly, the lightning intruding overvoltage is simulated when the line is struck by the lightning stroke current that occurs once in 20 years and the different lightning protection schemes are proposed. Finally, based on the lightning impulse withstand voltage, lightning trip‐out rate and the cost of the protection schemes, the lightning protection schemes in different scenarios are proposed. The simulation results show that if the cost of the system is prioritised, the protection scheme of increasing the number of parallel stacks of the DL arresters can be selected, and if the power supply reliability of the system is prioritised, the protection scheme of installing the overhead ground wire as well as reducing grounding resistance can be selected.
Moderne Strahlenbelastung bei Tieren – Ganzheitliche Behandlung eines zunehmenden Problems
Authors: Sonnenschmidt Rosina 
Published: May 2020

ZusammenfassungMensch und Tier sind unter alltäglichen Bedingungen in hohem Maße nichtionisierender Strahlung ausgesetzt. Mögliche Folgen sind unter anderem Defekte an Mitochondrien, Zellmembranen und DNA. Neben der Behandlung eventueller Folgeschäden zielt der ganzheitliche Ansatz auf die Erfassung möglicher Strahlungsquellen und die Vermeidung unnötiger elektromagnetischer Strahlung ab. Neue Wirkstoffe wie Oleander torimaki, Rizol Omega und A oder zusätzliche Schüßler-Salze erweitern das therapeutische Spektrum.
Bundesweite Bestandsaufnahme zum Konstrukt Gesundheitskompetenz aus der Perspektive der Profession Physiotherapie
Authors: Wirner Corinna , Pott Claudia , Kirschneck Michaela , Coenen Michaela 
Published: May 2020

ZusammenfassungIn einer bundesweiten Online-Befragung unter Angehörigen der Profession Physiotherapie (PT) wurde der Frage nachgegangen, welche Rolle das Thema Gesundheitskompetenz (GK) für das berufliche Selbstverständnis von Physiotherapeut/innen spielt. Das Konstrukt GK wird von Physiotherapeut/innen als wichtig in der Arbeit mit Patient /innen betrachtet. Mangelnde zeitliche Ressourcen wurden mehrheitlich als hemmender Faktor hinsichtlich der Auseinandersetzung mit dem Thema und der Integration in den klinischen Alltag genannt. Fachartikel und Fortbildungsangebote zum Thema GK sind zusätzlich zur Verankerung in Ausbildung und Studium notwendig, um den Kenntnistand von GK und deren Relevanz für die Versorgung von Patient/in der Profession PT zu stärken.
Ginkgo biloba and Its Constituent 6-hydroxykynurenic-acid as well as Its Proanthocyanidins Exert Neurorestorative Effects against Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Yao Jianbiao , Qiao Hongxiang , Jin Zhuming , Wang Ruwei , Huang Haibo , Fang Ling , Chen Yan , Tai Khalid , Chen Yan , Doeppner Thorsten Roland , Chen Zhong , Kuchta Kenny 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNeuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by Ginkgo biloba leaves are commonly attributed to the antioxidant activity of its proanthocyanidins. Furthermore, preliminary experiments identified 6-hydroxykynurenic acid (6-HKA) as a major contributor to this effect of extract of G. biloba leaves (EGb) prepared according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP). In order to elucidate the specific contribution of both proanthocyanidins and 6-HKA to the overall neurorestorative effects of this extract according to ChP, EGb ChP was separated into pure 6-HKA and a newly developed Ginkgo proanthocyanidin extract (GPE), enriched in proanthocyanidins but not containing 6-HKA. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the groups: sham: 8; model (placebo): 25; GPE 80 mg/kg: 13; GPE 40 mg/kg: 13; GPE 20 mg/kg: 16; grape seed extract (negative control) 40 mg/kg: 18; nimodipine (positive control) 2 mg/kg: 8. All non-sham animals were subjected to cerebral I/R injury by occluding the middle cerebral artery with a nylon suture that was removed after 2 h of ischemia to establish reperfusion. For comparison, a parallel series of experiments were performed with 6-HKA. In these in vivo experiments, neurological dysfunctions were reduced by both GPE and 6-HKA, and both average infarct size and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly ameliorated as compared to the model group. This data, therefore, demonstrates that the neuroprotective effects of EGb cannot be explained by a purely chemical antioxidative effect alone as has been previously proposed, especially with regards to the proanthocyanidins. A pharmacological neurorestorative effect of EGb on neurons and brain tissue itself seems to be a much more straightforward explanation for the presented observations. This effect is most likely explained by the synergistic action of both its numerous phenolic constituents (GPE) and 6-hydroxykynurenic acid (6-HKA), which could be identified as one major contributor to the observed activity.
Renovaskuläre Effekte von SGLT-2-Inhibitoren
Authors: Hohenstein Bernd , Hugo Christian 
Published: May 2020

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGFür Diabetes mellitus als eine der kostenintensivsten Erkrankungen weltweit entstand in vielen Jahrzehnten durch zahlreiche Studien ein detailliertes Bild von der optimierten Therapie hinsichtlich mikro- und makrovaskulärer Folgeerkrankungen. Neben der Kontrolle der Hyperglykämie kommt vor allem der RAS-Blockade eine wichtige Bedeutung als nephroprotektiver Ansatz zu. Die Einführung der SGLT-2-Inhibitoren und GLP-1-Analoga hat in den letzten Jahren zu protektiven Effekten bei Patienten mit Typ-2-Diabetes und Nierenschädigung geführt – nicht nur hinsichtlich der kardiovaskulären Morbidität und Mortalität, sondern vor allem im Hinblick auf die Hemmung der Erkrankungsprogression, der Proteinurie und des Eintritts des terminalen Nierenversagens mit Dialysepflichtigkeit. Mechanismus und Ausmaß der Effekte stellen daher die Basis für weitergehende, sämtliche chronischen Nierenerkrankungen einbeziehende Interventionsstudien dar.
Kardiovaskuläre Effekte von SGLT-2-Inhibitoren
Authors: Mustroph Julian , Neef Stefan 
Published: May 2020

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGSGLT-2-Inhibitoren sind in den letzten Jahren zunehmend in den Fokus der Diabetologen, aber auch der Kardiologen gerückt. Große Studien zeigen eine Verbesserung der kardiovaskulären Mortalität und Morbidität bei mit SGLT-2-Inhibitoren behandelten Typ-2-Diabetespatienten – insbesondere eine Reduktion der kardiovaskulären und gesamten Mortalität sowie der Hospitalisation wegen Herzinsuffizienz. Neue Studien belegen eine solche Wirksamkeit der „Gliflozine“ bei Herzinsuffizienz auch bei Menschen ohne Diabetes. Immer mehr wird klar, dass der Wirkmechanismus dieser Substanzen noch nicht vollständig verstanden ist und dass möglicherweise auch weitere Patientengruppen von einer Gliflozintherapie profitieren könnten. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die aktuelle Daten- und Zulassungslage.
Targeted Therapy and Traditional Chemotherapy in Melanoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Vincent T. , Haring Catherine T. , Warrier Govind , Swiecicki Paul L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and melanoma encompass the majority of all malignant skin cancers. There has been an increase in their incidence globally in recent decades. In cases of high-risk, unresectable, or metastatic disease; or when patient factors or preferences limit the availability of conventional surgery or radiotherapy; or a systemic therapy is often warranted. Our improved understanding of the molecular and immune pathogenesis underlying tumor growth and development has been critical in advancing cancer therapeutics. Over the past several years, several new systemic agents have been approved for both diseases. The role of cytotoxic chemotherapy is gradually waning with the introduction of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In this article, we review the current and relevant literature and evidence of cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings for cSCC and melanoma. Additionally, we describe their role in the unresectable or metastatic disease setting.
Mohs Surgery versus Standard Local Excision for Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Johnson Timothy M. , Smith Noah R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBasal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma represent the three most common skin cancers that occur on the face. The most common surgical treatments for facial skin cancers are Mohs surgery and standard local excision. The effective utilization of either of these techniques is based on tumor and patient risk stratification incorporating known risk factors for occult invasion and local recurrence, combined with patient comorbidities, expectations, and desires. Best available evidence highlights multiple and consistent risk factors for each specific skin cancer type, and dictate local control rates reported in the literature. Recognizing gaps in the literature, we compare and review surgical treatment guidelines and data for standard local excision versus Mohs surgery for cutaneous nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancer. This article serves as a resource for optimal therapeutic decision making for surgical management of skin cancer on the face.
Improved Visualization by Central Subluxation of the Lateral Meniscus in Comminuted Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Krause Matthias , Guttowski Dario , Püschel Klaus , Kolb Jan Philipp , Hartel Maximilian , Frosch Karl-Heinz 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe goal of surgical reconstruction of comminuted tibial plateau fractures is an anatomical reconstruction and stable fixation of the articular surface. This can be difficult due to poor visualization of the posterolateral and central segments of the articular surface of the proximal tibia. To improve visualization, the lateral approach can be extended with an osteotomy of the femoral epicondyle. In most cases, use of the extended lateral approach allows the whole lateral plateau to be visualized. Nevertheless, in some cases, an osteotomy alone is not enough to expose the entire fracture, especially the central segments of the tibial plateau. For these specific cases, we developed an additional technical trick that significantly improves articular visualization; the lateral meniscocapsular fibers are dissected allowing for central subluxation of the lateral meniscus, while leaving the anterior and posterior roots intact. With central subluxation of the lateral meniscus in comminuted tibial plateau fractures, the joint surface can be completely visualized, allowing an anatomical reduction even in highly complex fractures.