bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Work-related exposure to organic solvents and the risk for multiple sclerosis—a systematic review
Authors: Gerhardsson Lars , Hou Linda , Pettersson Kjell 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive neurological disorder. Several environmental factors have been discussed as possible causing agents, e.g. organic solvents, whose impact on the disease is analysed in this review.

Methods
Systematic search strategies were used to identify high-quality studies of workers exposed to organic solvents, published up to September 30, 2019, in databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane library and Scopus. The exposure was in most studies obtained by questionnaires, supplemented with telephone interviews. The diagnosis MS was mainly detemined following a thorough neurological examination. Finally, fourteen case–control studies and two cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Random effects models were used to pool the results of the studies.

Results
The odds ratios from the 14 case–control studies included in the meta-analysis ranged from 0.12–4.0. Five case–control studies and one cohort study showed a significant association between the development of multiple sclerosis and exposure to organic solvents. The results from the other nine case–control studies and from one of the two cohort studies did not reach statistical significance. The pooled data from the 14 case–control studies gave an OR of 1.44 (95% CI 1.03–1.99), which shows a moderately increased risk of developing MS after exposure to organic solvents.

Conclusions
The final interpretation of the result is that organic solvents may be slightly associated with an increased risk to develop MS. In addition, other factors, e.g. genetic markers and smoking, may contribute to the development of the disease.
Wide-field retinotopy reveals a new visuotopic cluster in macaque posterior parietal cortex
Authors: Rima Samy , Cottereau Benoit R. , Héjja-Brichard Yseut , Trotter Yves , Durand Jean-Baptiste 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe investigated the visuotopic organization of macaque posterior parietal cortex (PPC) by combining functional imaging (fMRI) and wide-field retinotopic mapping in two macaque monkeys. Whole brain blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal was recorded while monkeys maintained central fixation during the presentation of large rotating wedges and expending/contracting annulus of a “shaking” fruit basket, designed to maximize the recruitment of PPC neurons. Results of the surface-based population receptive field (pRF) analysis reveal a new cluster of four visuotopic areas at the confluence of the parieto-occipital and intra-parietal sulci, in a location previously defined histologically and anatomically as the posterior intra-parietal (PIP) region. This PIP cluster groups together two recently described areas (CIP1/2) laterally and two newly identified ones (PIP1/2) medially, whose foveal representations merge in the fundus of the intra-parietal sulcus. The cluster shares borders with other visuotopic areas: V3d posteriorly, V3A/DP laterally, V6/V6A medially and LIP anteriorly. Together, these results show that monkey PPC is endowed with a dense set of visuotopic areas, as its human counterpart. The fact that fMRI and wide-field stimulation allows a functional parsing of monkey PPC offers a new framework for studying functional homologies with human PPC.
Bacterial aggregate size determines phagocytosis efficiency of polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Alhede Maria , Lorenz Melanie , Fritz Blaine Gabriel , Jensen Peter Østrup , Ring Hans Christian , Bay Lene , Bjarnsholt Thomas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe ability of bacteria to aggregate and form biofilms impairs phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The aim of this study was to examine if the size of aggregates is critical for successful phagocytosis and how bacterial biofilms evade phagocytosis. We investigated the live interaction between PMNs andPseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coliandStaphylococcus epidermidisusing confocal scanning laser microscopy. Aggregate size significantly affected phagocytosis outcome and larger aggregates were less likely to be phagocytized. Aggregates ofS. epidermidiswere also less likely to be phagocytized than equally-sized aggregates of the other three species. We found that only aggregates of approx. 5 μm diameter or smaller were consistently phagocytosed. We demonstrate that planktonic and aggregated cells of all four species significantly reduced the viability of PMNs after 4 h of incubation. Our results indicate that larger bacterial aggregates are less likely to be phagocytosed by PMNs and we propose that, if the aggregates become too large, circulating PMNs may not be able to phagocytose them quickly enough, which may lead to chronic infection.
A computational phase transformation model for selective laser melting processes
Authors: Noll Isabelle , Bartel Thorsten , Menzel Andreas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSelective laser melting (SLM) has gained large interest due to advanced manufacturing possibilities. However, the growing potential also necessitates reliable predictions of structures in particular regarding their long-term behaviour. The constitutive and structural response is thereby challenging to reproduce, due to the complex material behaviour. This motivates the aims of this contribution: To establish a material model that accounts for the behaviour of the different phases occurring during SLM but that still allows the use of (basic) process simulations. In particular, the present modelling framework explicitly takes into account the mass fractions of the different phases, their mass densities, and specific inelastic strain contributions. The thermomechanically fully coupled framework is implemented into the software Abaqus. The numerical examples emphasise the capabilities of the framework to predict, e.g., the residual stresses occurring in the final part. Furthermore, a postprocessing of averaged inelastic strains is presented yielding a micromechanics-based motivation for inherent strains.
Patient competence in the context of cancer: its dimensions and their relationships with coping, coping self-efficacy, fear of progression, and depression
Authors: Giesler Jürgen M. , Weis Joachim 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Influenced in part by research on coping, patient empowerment and self-efficacy, and by patient self-help initiatives, the construct of patient competencies (PC) has been elaborated and later integrated into Germany’s National Cancer Plan. As a self-report measure of PC, the Patient Competence Questionnaire 57 (PCQ-57) has only rarely been evaluated psychometrically. Therefore, we aimed to re-examine its dimensionality and its relationships with related constructs and potential psychosocial cancer outcomes.

Methods
We surveyed 424 breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients from clinics for oncological rehabilitation and private oncology practices who completed the PCQ-57 and self-report measures of coping, coping self-efficacy, fear of progression, and depression. Patients’ PCQ-57 responses were submitted to principal axis factor analyses. Using the original scoring keys, we computed internal consistencies (Cronbach’s α) and Pearson correlations between all measures.

Results
Factor analyses suggested 5 of the 8 original PCQ-57 dimensions to replicate satisfactorily, their internal consistencies ranging from 0.74 to 0.88. The competency of managing distress correlated significantly, highly, and negatively with fear of progression and depression (|r’s| ≥ 0.43) and positively with coping self-efficacy (r = 0.58).

Conclusion
The results support the reliability and validity of 5 of the 8 original PCQ-57 scales while suggesting refinement of the others. The replicated scales may help identify patients in need of support for dealing with the multiple tasks of adjusting to cancer. Further research should clarify the conceptual and empirical relationships between PC, health literacy, and patient activation as well as potential effects of PC on psychosocial cancer outcomes.
Ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro-solid phase extraction using molybdenum disulfide supported on reduced graphene oxide for energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometric determination of chromium species in water
Authors: Pytlakowska Katarzyna , Kocot Karina , Pilch Michał , Zubko Maciej 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMolybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was supported on graphene oxide (GO) by hydrothermal method. The resulting nanocomposite (MoS2-rGO) was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The experiments show that at pH 2, MoS2-rGO has a great affinity for adsorption of hexavalent chromium ions while Cr(III) ions remain in aqueous sample. In the adsorption process, the dominant role plays chemisorption. The determined adsorption capacity is 583.5 mg g−1. Parameters affecting the extraction process, namely sample pH, sample volume, contact time, and matrix ions, were investigated by sequential batch tests. Under optimal conditions (pH 2, sample volume 50 mL, sonication time 10 min, adsorbent mass 1 mg), the calibration curve covers the 1–200 ng mL−1 range with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998. The recovery of the method is 97 ± 3%. Other data of merit include a relative standard deviation of < 3.5%, enrichment factor of 3350, and detection limit of 0.050 ng mL−1. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysis of the reference materials QC1453 (chromium VI in drinking water) and QC3015 (chromium VI in seawater). The method was successfully applied to chromium speciation in water samples, including high salinity ones. The concentration of Cr(III) was calculated as the difference between the total concentration of chromium (after oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) with potassium permanganate) and the initial Cr(VI) content.Graphical abstract
Anesthetics and plants: no pain, no brain, and therefore no consciousness
Authors: Draguhn Andreas , Mallatt Jon M. , Robinson David G. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPlants have a rich variety of interactions with their environment, including adaptive responses mediated by electrical signaling. This has prompted claims that information processing in plants is similar to that in animals and, hence, that plants are conscious, intelligent organisms. In several recent reports, the facts that general anesthetics cause plants to lose their sensory responses and behaviors have been taken as support for such beliefs. These lipophilic substances, however, alter multiple molecular, cellular, and systemic functions in almost every organism. In humans and other animals with complex brains, they eliminate the experience of pain and disrupt consciousness. The question therefore arises: do plants feel pain and have consciousness? In this review, we discuss what can be learned from the effects of anesthetics in plants. For this, we describe the mechanisms and structural prerequisites for pain sensations in animals and show that plants lack the neural anatomy and all behaviors that would indicate pain. By explaining the ubiquitous and diverse effects of anesthetics, we discuss whether these substances provide any empirical or logical evidence for “plant consciousness” and whether it makes sense to study the effects of anesthetics on plants for this purpose. In both cases, the answer is a resounding no.
Grundwasser in ehemaligen deutschen Steinkohlenrevieren – ein wissenschaftlicher Blickwinkel auf Grubenflutungen
Authors: Kessler Timo , Mugova Elke , Jasnowski-Peters Henning , Rinder Thomas , Stemke Marion , Wolkersdorfer Christian , Hilberg Sylke , Melchers Christian , Struckmeier Wilhelm , Wieber Georg , Schafmeister Maria-Th. 
Published: September 2020

ZusammenfassungZum Ende des Jahres 2018 wurde in Deutschland der Steinkohlenbergbau eingestellt. Damit beginnt auch in den bis zuletzt aktiven Revieren die Phase des Nachbergbaus inklusive einer dauerhaften Wasserhaltung. Diese beinhaltet typischerweise eine teilweise Grubenflutung und die Ableitung von Grubenwasser in nahegelegene Vorfluter. Im Blickpunkt der öffentlichen und wissenschaftlichen Diskussion stehen bergbauliche Schadstoffquellen und deren Risiken für die oberflächennahen Trinkwasserressourcen. Es existieren eine Reihe Kriterien und Kontrollmechanismen, um potenziellen Schadstoffaustrag zu erkennen und zu verhindern. Dazu zählen moderne Monitoringprogramme und Modellanwendungen, welche bestehende Schadstoffprognosen verbessern können. Daneben ist auch eine rechtlich und fachlich begründete Bewertung von Gefahrenszenarios eine entscheidende Größe für nachhaltiges Risikomanagement. Der Grubenwasseranstieg eröffnet jedoch auch Chancen, ehemalige Bergwerke für energetische Nutzungen umzurüsten. Bereits heute werden Heizkraftwerke mit Grubenwasser betrieben und es besteht großes Ausbaupotenzial. Dieser Beitrag diskutiert die Chancen und Risiken von Grubenflutungen in Deutschland und gibt einen Ausblick, welche Entwicklungen und Herausforderungen in Zukunft zu erwarten sind.
A prospective clinical pilot study on the effects of a hydrogen peroxide mouthrinse on the intraoral viral load of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gottsauner Maximilian J. , Michaelides Ioannis , Schmidt Barbara , Scholz Konstantin J. , Buchalla Wolfgang , Widbiller Matthias , Hitzenbichler Florian , Ettl Tobias , Reichert Torsten E. , Bohr Christopher , Vielsmeier Veronika , Cieplik Fabian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives
SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted by inhalation of droplets and aerosols. This puts healthcare professionals from specialties with close patient contact at high risk of nosocomial infections with SARS-CoV-2. In this context, preprocedural mouthrinses with hydrogen peroxide have been recommended before conducting intraoral procedures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 1% hydrogen peroxide mouthrinse on reducing the intraoral SARS-CoV-2 load.

Methods
Twelve out of 98 initially screened hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were included in this study. Intraoral viral load was determined by RT-PCR at baseline, whereupon patients had to gargle mouth and throat with 20 mL of 1% hydrogen peroxide for 30 s. After 30 min, a second examination of intraoral viral load was performed by RT-PCR. Furthermore, virus culture was performed for specimens exhibiting viral load of at least 103 RNA copies/mL at baseline.

Results
Ten out of the 12 initially included SARS-CoV-2-positive patients completed the study. The hydrogen peroxide mouthrinse led to no significant reduction of intraoral viral load. Replicating virus could only be determined from one baseline specimen.

Conclusion
A 1% hydrogen peroxide mouthrinse does not reduce the intraoral viral load in SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects. However, virus culture did not yield any indication on the effects of the mouthrinse on the infectivity of the detected RNA copies.

Clinical relevance
The recommendation of a preprocedural mouthrinse with hydrogen peroxide before intraoral procedures is questionable and thus should not be supported any longer, but strict infection prevention regimens are of paramount importance.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register (ref. DRKS00022484)
Active Force Generation in Cardiac Muscle Cells: Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of the Actin-Myosin Interaction
Authors: Regazzoni Francesco , Dedè Luca , Quarteroni Alfio 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCardiac in silico numerical simulations are based on mathematical models describing the physical processes involved in the heart function. In this review paper, we critically survey biophysically-detailed mathematical models describing the subcellular mechanisms behind the generation of active force, that is the process by which the chemical energy of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is transformed into mechanical work, thus making the muscle tissue contract. While presenting these models, that feature different levels of biophysical detail, we analyze the trade-off between the accuracy in the description of the subcellular mechanisms and the number of parameters that need to be estimated from experiments. Then, we focus on a generalized version of the classic Huxley model, built on the basis of models available in the literature, that is able to reproduce the main experimental characterizations associated to the time scales typical of a heartbeat—such as the force-velocity relationship and the tissue stiffness in response to small steps—featuring only four independent parameters. Finally, we show how those parameters can be calibrated starting from macroscopic measurements available from experiments.
On the possibility of getting traceable time and frequency measurements via GNSS receivers
Authors: Bauch Andreas , Piester Dirk , Polewka Thomas , Staliuniene Egle 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe realization of Coordinated Universal Time, one of the tasks of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, relies on a network of international time links which currently is organized in a star-like scheme that links all contributing laboratories. GPS signal reception is the technique most widely employed by the laboratories. The PTB currently plays a unique role in the process due to its function as the central pivot in the time transfer between the participating laboratories. We discuss how the PTB meets its obligations to the international timekeeping community as well as to its users in Germany. In its role as an National Metrology Institute (NMI), PTB is entrusted with the realization and dissemination of legal time in Germany. The services were offered to the public support measurements and timing applications traceable to the national and international standards to be made in calibration laboratories and in many industrial sectors. We thus discuss the meaning and definition of traceability, how different GNSS systems can be used to establish traceability and their performance in doing so.
Multiplex gene editing and large DNA fragment deletion by the CRISPR/Cpf1-RecE/T system in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Zhao Nannan , Li Lu , Luo Guangjuan , Xie Shan , Lin Ying , Han Shuangyan , Huang Yuanyuan , Zheng Suiping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Corynebacterium glutamicum is an essential industrial strain that has been widely harnessed for the production of all kinds of value-added products. Efficient multiplex gene editing and large DNA fragment deletion are essential strategies for industrial biotechnological research. Cpf1 is a robust and simple genome editing tool for simultaneous editing of multiplex genes. However, no studies on effective multiplex gene editing and large DNA fragment deletion by the CRISPR/Cpf1 system in C. glutamicum have been reported. Here, we developed a multiplex gene editing method by optimizing the CRISPR/Cpf1-RecT system and a large chromosomal fragment deletion strategy using the CRISPR/Cpf1-RecET system in C. glutamicum ATCC 14067. The CRISPR/Cpf1-RecT system exhibited a precise editing efficiency of more than 91.6% with the PAM sequences TTTC, TTTG, GTTG or CTTC. The sites that could be edited were limited due to the PAM region and the 1–7 nt at the 5′ end of the protospacer region. Mutations in the PAM region increased the editing efficiency of the − 6 nt region from 0 to 96.7%. Using a crRNA array, two and three genes could be simultaneously edited in one step via the CRISPR/Cpf1-RecT system, and the efficiency of simultaneously editing two genes was 91.6%, but the efficiency of simultaneously editing three genes was below 10%. The editing efficiency for a deletion of 1 kb was 79.6%, and the editing efficiencies for 5- and 20 kb length DNA fragment deletions reached 91.3% and 36.4%, respectively, via the CRISPR/Cpf1-RecET system. This research provides an efficient and simple tool for C. glutamicum genome editing that can further accelerate metabolic engineering efforts and genome evolution.
Landslide detection by deep learning of non-nadiral and crowdsourced optical images
Authors: Catani Filippo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe recent development of mobile surveying platforms and crowdsourced geoinformation has produced a huge amount of non-validated data that are now available for research and application. In the field of risk analysis, with particular reference to landslide hazard, images generated by autonomous platforms (such as UAVs, ground-based acquisition systems, satellite sensors) and pictures obtained from web data mining are easily gathered and contribute to the fast surge in the amount of non-organized information that may engulf data storage facilities. Therefore, the high potential impact of such methods is severely reduced by the need of a massive amount of human intelligence tasks (HITs), which is necessary to filter and classify the data, whatever the final purpose. In this work, we present a new set of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) specifically designed for the automated recognition of landslides and mass movements in non-standard pictures that can be used in automated image classification, in supporting UAV autonomous guidance and in the filtering of data-mined information. Computer vision can be of great help in fostering the autonomous capability of intelligent systems to complement, or completely substitute, HITs. Image and object recognition are at the forefront of this research field. The deep learning procedure has been accomplished by applying transfer learning to some of the top-performer CNNs available in the literature. Results show that the deep learning machines, calibrated on a relevant dataset of validated images of landforms, may supply reliable predictions with computational time and resource requirements compatible with most of the UAV platforms and web data mining applications in landslide hazard studies. Average accuracy achieved by the proposed methods ranges between 87 and 90% and is consistently higher than that obtained by general-purpose state-of-the-art image recognition convolutional neural networks. The method can be applied to early warning, vulnerability assessment, residual risk estimation, model parameterisation and landslide mapping. Specific advantages will be the reduction of the present limitations in the intelligent guidance of landslide mapping drones, the classification of fake news, the validation of post-disaster information and the correct interpretation of an impending change in the environment.
Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Rotavirus A in Fruit Bats in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Ariful , Hossain Mohammad Enayet , Rostal Melinda K. , Ferdous Jinnat , Islam Ausraful , Hasan Rashedul , Miah Mojnu , Rahman Mustafizur , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Daszak Peter , Epstein Jonathan H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRotavirus A (RVA) is the primary cause of acute dehydrating diarrhea in human and numerous animal species. Animal-to-human interspecies transmission is one of the evolutionary mechanisms driving rotavirus strain diversity in humans. We screened fresh feces from 416 bats (201 Pteropus medius, 165 Rousettus leschenaultii and 50 Taphozous melanopogon) for RVA using rRT-PCR. We detected a prevalence of 7% (95% CI 3.5–10.8) and 2% (95% CI 0.4–5.2) in P. medius and R. leschenaultii, respectively. We did not detect RVA in the insectivorous bat (T. melanopogon). We identified RVA strains similar to the human strains of G1 and G8 based on sequence-based genotyping, which underscores the importance of including wildlife species in surveillance for zoonotic pathogens to understand pathogen transmission and evolution better.