bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Causes Dysfunctional Dopamine Neurotransmission Favoring Nigrostriatal Degeneration in Mice
Authors: Pérez‐Taboada Iara , Alberquilla Samuel , Martín Eduardo D. , Anand Rishi , Vietti‐Michelina Stefania , Tebeka Nchimunya N. , Cantley James , Cragg Stephanie J. , Moratalla Rosario , Vallejo Mario 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies indicate an association between neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Although still a matter of debate, growing evidence from epidemiological and animal studies indicate that preexisting diabetes increases the risk to develop Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanisms of such an association are unknown.ObjectivesWe investigated whether diabetes alters striatal dopamine neurotransmission and assessed the vulnerability of nigrostriatal neurons to neurodegeneration.MethodsWe used streptozotocin‐treated and genetically diabetic db/db mice. Expression of oxidative stress and nigrostriatal neuronal markers and levels of dopamine and its metabolites were monitored. Dopamine release and uptake were assessed using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry. 6‐Hydroxydopamine was unilaterally injected into the striatum using stereotaxic surgery. Motor performance was scored using specific tests.ResultsDiabetes resulted in oxidative stress and decreased levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum. Levels of proteins regulating dopamine release and uptake, including the dopamine transporter, the Girk2 potassium channel, the vesicular monoamine transporter 2, and the presynaptic vesicle protein synaptobrevin‐2, were decreased in diabetic mice. Electrically evoked levels of extracellular dopamine in the striatum were enhanced, and altered dopamine uptake was observed. Striatal microinjections of a subthreshold dose of the neurotoxin 6‐hydroxydopamine in diabetic mice, insufficient to cause motor alterations in nondiabetic animals, resulted in motor impairment, higher loss of striatal dopaminergic axons, and decreased neuronal cell bodies in the substantia nigra.ConclusionsOur results indicate that diabetes promotes striatal oxidative stress, alters dopamine neurotransmission, and increases vulnerability to neurodegenerative damage leading to motor impairment. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A three‐dimensional Hoek–Brown failure criterion based on an elliptical Lode dependence
Authors: Jiang Hua , Yang Yang 
Published: July 2020

SummaryA new three‐dimensional (3D) Hoek–Brown (HB) failure criterion based on an elliptical Lode dependence is proposed to describe failure of rocks and concrete under multiaxial stress states. This criterion not only inherits all benefits of the classical HB criterion that is developed for the triaxial compression (TXC) of rocks but also accounts for the effect of the intermediate principal stress. It is capable of representing the strength difference between the triaxial extension (TXE) and TXC with the introduction of an additional coefficient k (0.5 ≤ k ≤ 1.0), which can be derived from TXE tests or taken as 0.53 for rocks in cases where the TXE test data is unavailable. Other two material constants (mi and σci) involved in this criterion can be obtained from TXC tests. Additionally, the failure surface of this criterion is smooth and convex on the deviatoric stress plane when 0.5 < k ≤ 1.0. The new criterion achieves very good fit to the test data of TXC/TXE, biaxial compression, and polyaxial compression (PXC) on a wide variety of rock materials and concrete, reported in the literature. Comparison of the new criterion with an existing 3D HB criterion based on the same Lode dependence has demonstrated that the new criterion performs better than the latter for test data of rock and concrete under multiaxial stress states except for PXC test data of one rock type. Finally, the influence of values of k on the accuracy of the new criterion is discussed.
Testing interobserver and intraobserver agreement of the original and revised Coimbra Methods
Authors: Jorgensen Kelsey C. , Mallon Laura , Kranioti Elena F. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn 2009, the Coimbra Method was created to standardize observations of entheseal changes, which are often studied as markers of vigorous physical activity formed during life. Low percentage agreement rates of interobserver replicability led to a revised version of the Coimbra Method published in 2016. Robust statistical significance should be expected of a standardized method, yet neither published method statistically tested interobserver and intraobserver agreement. This paper tests reliability of both Coimbra Method versions using Cohen's Kappa and percentage of agreement for comparison with the originally published rates. This paper also marks the first test of reliability for the Coimbra Method that is independent of the original authors. Fibrocartilaginous entheses of the humerus, radius and scapula were observed on 82 individuals from Scottish and Cretan collections. Results ranged from high intraobserver agreement (86.9% to 91.8%) to lower interobserver agreement (70.5% to 76.7%) for both methods. Interobserver agreement only slightly improved between the original (71.8%) and revised (75.2%) Coimbra Methods. Results for Kappa ranged from substantial for intraobserver agreement (k = 0.70) but only moderate for interobserver agreement (k = 0.57) for both methods. Either 80% or ‘substantial’ kappa agreement is considered the minimum for a standardized method, and these results indicate that interobserver agreement from even the revised Coimbra Method is still too low. Future tests and revisions are recommended to further explore the possibility of the Coimbra Method as a standard.
On the stability and convergence rate analysis for the nonlinear uncertain systems based upon active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Wang Yongshuai , Liu Junjie , Chen Zengqiang , Sun Mingwei , Sun Qinglin 
Published: July 2020

SummaryEmerging as an effective control method, active disturbance rejection control technique (ADRC) can well deal with disturbances and uncertainties. Then focusing on the general nonlinear uncertain systems, this article illustrates the relation among stability, uncertainties, and parameters of linear ADRC controller when perturbation occurs in control input. On the one hand, if the reference and uncertainties satisfy particular conditions, the estimation and output errors are proved to be ultimately and globally bounded by Lyapunov function and Gronwall‐Bellman inequality, together with rigorous mathematical deducing and simulation verification. On the other hand, a globally and asymptotically stable result is obtained applying Lyapunov method and Cauchy inequality, and the convergence rate can be estimated when uncertainties exist. Besides, numerical simulations are carried out to fully display the correctness and dependability of results and proofs.
Synthesis and in vitro characterization of the genotoxic, mutagenic and cell-transforming potential of nitrosylated heme
Authors: Kostka Tina , Fohrer Jörg , Guigas Claudia , Briviba Karlis , Seiwert Nina , Fahrer Jörg , Steinberg Pablo , Empl Michael T. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractData from epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of red and processed meat is a factor contributing to colorectal carcinogenesis. Red meat contains high amounts of heme, which in turn can be converted to its nitrosylated form, NO-heme, when adding nitrite-containing curing salt to meat. NO-heme might contribute to colorectal cancer formation by causing gene mutations and could thereby be responsible for the association of (processed) red meat consumption with intestinal cancer. Up to now, neither in vitro nor in vivo studies characterizing the mutagenic and cell transforming potential of NO-heme have been published due to the fact that the pure compound is not readily available. Therefore, in the present study, an already existing synthesis protocol was modified to yield, for the first time, purified NO-heme. Thereafter, newly synthesized NO-heme was chemically characterized and used in various in vitro approaches at dietary concentrations to determine whether it can lead to DNA damage and malignant cell transformation. While NO-heme led to a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of DNA strand breaks in the comet assay and was mutagenic in the HPRT assay, this compound tested negative in the Ames test and failed to induce malignant cell transformation in the BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay. Interestingly, the non-nitrosylated heme control showed similar effects, but was additionally able to induce malignant transformation in BALB/c 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Taken together, these results suggest that it is the heme molecule rather than the NO moiety which is involved in driving red meat-associated carcinogenesis.
Outcomes of elective head and neck confirmed or suspected cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Brar Sabrina , Ofo Enyi , Hyde Nicholas , Kim Dae , Odutoye Tunde , Allin David , Rovira Aleix 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To analyse the complication outcomes of COVID-19 negative patients undergoing elective head and neck surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
This was a retrospective case review of all patients undergoing elective head and neck surgery for confirmed or suspected head and neck cancer.

Results
There were no mortalities recorded in the cohort of patients analysed. At 30 days, pulmonary complications had occurred in 4 patients (9%). None of these were related to COVID infection.

Conclusion
With careful pre-operative screening of patients for COVID-19 and post-operative care in a COVID-19 clean ward, head and neck surgery can proceed safely during the epidemic. This data could help to minimise delay in treatment by allowing a greater number of elective head and neck cancer operations to proceed.
Cochlear implants in adults with partial deafness: subjective benefits but associated psychological distress
Authors: Kobosko Joanna , Jedrzejczak W. Wiktor , Barej Anna , Pankowska Agnieszka , Geremek-Samsonowicz Anna , Skarzynski Henryk 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The present study investigated adults with partial deafness (PD) and asked them to rate the benefits of their cochlear implant (CI), their general level of satisfaction with it, and their level of psychological distress. Of particular interest was the role of gender.

Methods
The study comprised 71 participants (41 females) with PD who had been provided with a CI. The Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) was used to assess the benefits of their CI. Satisfaction with their CI was measured using a visual analog scale. The severity of mental distress was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).

Results
On various NCIQ scales, the average benefits of a CI were rated at 66%. Females gave a lower rating than males. The mental distress experienced by the group was significantly higher than in the general population. Females had more severe symptoms of anxiety and insomnia than males. There was a significant relationship between psychological distress and CI benefit, but only in females. Besides general distress, the most affected spheres were related to psychosocial functioning—“self-esteem”, “activity limitation”, and “social interaction”. Contrary to expectations, there was no relationship between mental distress and CI satisfaction.

Conclusions
The perceived benefits of a CI in subjects with PD relate mostly to the level of mental distress, although gender is an important factor. For females, their emotional state affects how beneficial their CI is perceived. Due to the higher levels of mental distress, females tend to need more psychological intervention and support.
Effects of low temperature on photoinhibition and singlet oxygen production in four natural accessions of Arabidopsis
Authors: Mattila Heta , Mishra Kumud B. , Kuusisto Iiris , Mishra Anamika , Novotná Kateřina , Šebela David , Tyystjärvi Esa 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMain conclusionsLow temperature decreases PSII damage in vivo, confirming earlier in vitro results. Susceptibility to photoinhibition differs among Arabidopsis accessions and moderately decreases after 2-week cold-treatment. Flavonols may alleviate photoinhibition.AbstractThe rate of light-induced inactivation of photosystem II (PSII) at 22 and 4 °C was measured from natural accessions ofArabidopsis thaliana(Rschew, Tenela, Columbia-0, Coimbra) grown under optimal conditions (21 °C), and at 4 °C from plants shifted to 4 °C for 2 weeks. Measurements were done in the absence and presence of lincomycin (to block repair). PSII activity was assayed with the chlorophyllafluorescence parameterFv/Fmand with light-saturated rate of oxygen evolution using a quinone acceptor. When grown at 21 °C, Rschew was the most tolerant to photoinhibition and Coimbra the least. Damage to PSII, judged from fitting the decrease in oxygen evolution orFv/Fmto a first-order equation, proceeded more slowly or equally at 4 than at 22 °C. The 2-week cold-treatment decreased photoinhibition at 4 °C consistently in Columbia-0 and Coimbra, whereas in Rschew and Tenela the results depended on the method used to assay photoinhibition. The rate of singlet oxygen production by isolated thylakoid membranes, measured with histidine, stayed the same or slightly decreased with decreasing temperature. On the other hand, measurements of singlet oxygen from leaves with Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green suggest that in vivo more singlet oxygen is produced at 4 °C. Under high light, the PSII electron acceptorQAwas more reduced at 4 than at 22 °C. Singlet oxygen production, in vitro or in vivo, did not decrease due to the cold-treatment. Epidermal flavonols increased during the cold-treatment and, in Columbia-0 and Coimbra, the amount correlated with photoinhibition tolerance.
From Shadow IT to Business-managed IT: a qualitative comparative analysis to determine configurations for successful management of IT by business entities
Authors: Kopper Andreas , Westner Markus , Strahringer Susanne 
Published: July 2020

AbstractShadow IT describes covert/hidden IT systems that are managed by business entities themselves. Additionally, there are also overt forms in practice, so-called Business-managed IT, which share most of the characteristics of Shadow IT. To better understand this phenomenon, we interviewed 29 executive IT managers about positive and negative cases of Shadow IT and Business-managed IT. By applying qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), we derived four conditions that characterize these cases: Aligned, local, simple, and volatile. The results show that there are three sufficient configurations of conditions that lead to a positive outcome; one of them even encompasses Shadow IT. The most important solution indicates that IT systems managed by business entities are viewed as being positive if they are aligned with the IT department and limited to local requirements. This allows to balance local responsiveness to changing requirements and global standardization. In contrast, IT systems that are not aligned and permanent (and either organization-wide or simple) are consistently considered as negative. Our study is the first empirical quantitative–qualitative study to shed light on the success and failure of Shadow IT and Business-managed IT.
Impact of vaccination policy on changes in rubella virus antibody in Japanese pregnant women
Authors: Hanaoka M. , Yamaguchi K. , Yamaguchi S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Aim
As a result of the 2012–2013 rubella epidemics in Japan, many cases of congenital rubella syndrome have been reported. Given the frequent changes to rubella vaccination policy in Japan, we investigated antibody prevalence among pregnant women according to birth year.

Subjects and methods
Participants comprised 55,400 pregnant Japanese women for whom rubella-specific hemagglutination inhibition antibody had been measured during early pregnancy in our institute from 1987 to 2016. Birth year was considered for the 47,978 cases for which age was known.

Results
The ratio of rubella antibody-negative cases among pregnant women born after 1962 decreased significantly with mandatory vaccination. In the transition phase, during which the administration target was changed from schoolgirls to children of both sexes (born 1979–1987) as temporary vaccination, the ratio of rubella antibody-negative pregnant women started increasing in the latter period of this phase. For generations born in or after 1988, the ratio of rubella antibody-negative pregnant women clearly increased when the vaccination target changed to non-mandatory vaccination of children of both sexes.

Conclusions
Prevalence of antibody titers depends on vaccine coverage rates. Suitable information needs to be provided prior to conception to all women, their husbands, and family members.
Defining the baseline for river restoration: comparing carabid beetle diversity of natural and human-impacted riparian habitats
Authors: Sprößig Claudia , Buchholz Sascha , Dziock Frank 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNear-natural rivers and riparian ecosystems can represent biodiversity hotspots harbouring many highly specialised, rare and endangered species. During the past centuries, these habitats have been heavily degraded by anthropogenic use, and therefore river restoration is one of the most striking fields of action that is legally defined by the European Union Water Framework Directive. Successful restoration depends on realistic and specified targets that should be defined beforehand and founded on status quo surveys. We present a comparison of carabid beetle communities in riparian habitats of natural and managed river sites of the Mulde River in the Biosphere Reserve Middle Elbe. This endeavour is part of a unique multi-level revitalisation project. Pitfall trapping in 2016 and 2017 yielded 111 carabid species with many species of conservation concern in natural and managed habitats. However, Simpson diversity and functional diversity were lower in the latter. Both habitats harboured specific species assemblages with characteristic indicator species. Additionally, the trap location on slip-off slopes or cut banks was a significant driver of species composition. Our results indicate high ecological development potentials for the Mulde River, but restoration should consider differences between slip-off slopes and cut-off banks. We postulate that future restoration will foster population increases as well as a wider distribution of rare and endangered riparian habitat specialists.
Relational Operant Skills Training Increases Standardized Matrices Scores in Adolescents: A Stratified Active-Controlled Trial
Authors: McLoughlin Shane , Tyndall Ian , Pereira Antonina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn recent years, small-scale studies have suggested that we may be able to substantially strengthen children's general cognitive abilities and intelligence quotient (IQ) scores using a relational operant skills training program (SMART). Only one of these studies to date has included an active Control Condition, and that study reported the smallest mean IQ rise. The present study is a larger stratified active-controlled trial to independently test the utility of SMART training for raising Non-verbal IQ (NVIQ) and processing speed. We measured personality traits, NVIQs, and processing speeds of a cohort of school pupils (aged 12–15). Participants were allocated to either a SMART intervention group or a Scratch computer coding control group, for a period of 3 months. We reassessed pupils’ NVIQs and processing speeds after the 3-month intervention. We observed a significant mean increase in the SMART training group’s (finalnexp = 43) NVIQs of 5.98 points, while there was a nonsignificant increase of 1.85 points in the Scratch active-control group (finalncont = 27). We also observed an increase in processing speed across both conditions (finalnexp = 70;ncont = 55) over Time. Our results suggest that relational skills training may be useful for improving performance on matrices tasks, and perhaps in future, accelerating children’s progression toward developmental milestones.
Designing digital technology tasks for the development of functional thinking
Authors: Günster Stephan Michael , Weigand Hans-Georg 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper we introduce a theoretical framework concerned with fostering functional thinking in Grade 8 students by utilizing digital technologies. This framework is meant to be used to guide the systematic variation of tasks for implementation in the classroom while using digital technologies. Examples of problems and tasks illustrate this process. Additionally, results of an empirical investigation with Grade 8 students, which focusses on the students’ skills with digital technologies, how they utilize these tools when engaging with the developed tasks, and how they influence their functional thinking, are presented. The research aim is to investigate in which way tasks designed according to the theoretical framework could promote functional thinking while using digital technologies in the sense of the operative principle. The results show that the developed framework—Function-Operation-Matrix—is a sound basis for initiating students’ actions in the sense of the operative principle, to foster the development of functional thinking in its three aspects, namely, assignment, co-variation and object, and that digital technologies can support this process in a meaningful way.
Decrease in treatment intensity predicts worse outcome in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing radiochemotherapy
Authors: Mollnar S. , Pondorfer P. , Kasparek A.-K. , Reinisch S. , Moik F. , Stotz M. , Halm M. , Szkandera J. , Terbuch A. , Eisner F. , Gerger A. , Kapp K. S. , Partl R. , Vasicek S. , Weiland T. , Pichler M. , Stöger H. , Thurnher D. , Posch F. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Radiochemotherapy (RCT) is an effective standard therapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC). Nonetheless, toxicity is common, with patients often requiring dose modifications.

Methods
To investigate associations of RCT toxicities according to CTCAE version 5.0 and subsequent therapy modifications with short- and long-term treatment outcomes, we studied all 193 patients with HNSCC who received RCT (70 Gy + platinum agent) at an academic center between 03/2010 and 04/2018.

Results
During RCT, 77 (41%, 95% CI 34–49) patients developed at least one ≥ grade 3 toxicity, including seven grade 4 and 3 fatal grade 5 toxicities. The most frequent any-grade toxicities were xerostomia (n = 187), stomatitis (n = 181), dermatitis (n = 174), and leucopenia (n = 98). Eleven patients (6%) had their radiotherapy schedule modified (mean radiotherapy dose reduction = 12 Gy), and 120 patients (64%) had chemotherapy modifications (permanent discontinuation: n = 67, pause: n = 34, dose reduction: n = 7, change to other chemotherapy: n = 10). Objective response rates to RCT were 55% and 88% in patients with and without radiotherapy modifications (p = 0.003), and 84% and 88% in patients with and without chemotherapy modifications (p = 0.468), respectively. Five-year progression-free survival estimates were 20% and 50% in patients with and without radiotherapy modifications (p = < 0.001), and 53% and 40% in patients with and without chemotherapy modifications (p = 0.88), respectively.

Conclusions
Reductions of radiotherapy dose were associated with impaired long-term outcomes, whereas reductions in chemotherapy intensity were not. This suggests that toxicities during RCT should be primarily managed by modifying chemotherapy rather than radiotherapy.