bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prelimbic cortical targets of ventromedial thalamic projections include inhibitory interneurons and corticostriatal pyramidal neurons in the rat
Authors: Sieveritz Bianca , Arbuthnott Gordon W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractVentromedial thalamic axons innervate cortical layer I and make contacts onto the apical dendritic tuft of pyramidal neurons. Optical stimulation of ventromedial thalamic axon terminals in prefrontal cortical areas in mouse brain slices evokes responses in corticocortical, corticothalamic and layer I inhibitory interneurons. Using anterograde tracing techniques and immunohistochemistry in male Sprague–Dawley rats, we provide anatomical evidence that ventromedial thalamic axon terminals in prelimbic cortex make contacts onto pyramidal neurons and, in particular, onto corticostriatal neurons as well as layer I inhibitory interneurons. Using stereology, we made quantitative estimates of contacts in uppermost prelimbic layer I onto dendrites of pyramidal neurons, corticostriatal neurons and layer I inhibitory interneurons. Prefrontal cortex has long been associated with decision making. Specifically, corticostriatal neurons in rat prelimbic cortex play an important role in cost–benefit decision making. Although recent experiments have detailed the physiology of this area in thalamocortical circuits, the extent of the impact of ventromedial thalamic input on corticostriatal neurons or layer I inhibitory interneurons has not been explored. Our quantitative anatomical results provide evidence that most ventromedial thalamic input to pyramidal neurons is provided to corticostriatal neurons and that overall more contacts are made onto the population of excitatory than onto the population of inhibitory neurons.
Perioperative outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K. , Karri Santhosh , Bundred James R. , Evans Richard P. T. , Lin Aaron , Kew Tania , Ekeozor Chinenye , Powell Susan L. , Singh Pritam , Griffiths Ewen A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is increasingly performed in an ever ageing population; however, the risks are poorly quantified. The study aims to review the current evidence to quantify further the postoperative risk of cholecystectomy in the elderly population compared to younger patients.MethodA systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases were conducted including studies reporting laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly population. A meta-analysis was reported in accordance with the recommendations of the Cochrane Library and PRISMA guidelines. Primary outcome was overall complications and secondary outcomes were conversion to open surgery, bile leaks, postoperative mortality and length of stay.ResultsThis review identified 99 studies incorporating 326,517 patients. Increasing age was significantly associated with increased rates of overall complications (OR 2.37, CI95%2.00–2.78), major complication (OR 1.79, CI95%1.45–2.20), risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy (OR 2.17, CI95%1.84–2.55), risk of bile leaks (OR 1.50, CI95%1.07–2.10), risk of postoperative mortality (OR 7.20, CI95%4.41–11.73) and was significantly associated with increased length of stay (MD 2.21 days, CI95%1.24–3.18).ConclusionPostoperative outcomes such as overall and major complications appear to be significantly higher in all age cut-offs in this meta-analysis. This study demonstrated there is a sevenfold increase in perioperative mortality which increases by tenfold in patients > 80 years old. This study appears to confirm preconceived suspicions of higher risks in elderly patients undergoing cholecystectomy and may aid treatment planning and informed consent.
In silico analysis of a chimeric fusion protein as a new vaccine candidate against Clostridium perfringens type A and Clostridium septicum alpha toxins
Authors: Haghroosta Ali , Goudarzi Hossein , Faghihloo Ebrahim , Ghalavand Zohreh , Ranjbar Mohammad Mahdi , Langroudi Reza Pilehchian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn silico analysis is the most important approach to understand protein structure and functions, and the most important problem for designing and producing a fusion construct is producing large amounts of functional protein. Clostridium perfringens type A and Clostridium septicum produce alpha (plc) and alpha toxins respectively. C. perfringens can cause gas gangrene and gastrointestinal diseases. C. septicum can cause traumatic and non-traumatic gas gangrene. The aim of current research was in silico analysis of a chimeric fusion protein against C. perfringens type A and C. septicum alpha toxins. Firstly, the chimeric fusion gene was designed according to nucleotide sequences of C. perfringens type A alpha (KY584046.1) and C. septicum alpha (JN793989.2) toxin genes and then its fusion protein is constructed by amino acid sequences of C. perfringens type A and C. septicum alpha toxins. Secondly, online software was used to determine prediction of secondary and tertiary structures and physicochemical characteristics of the fusion protein. Finally, the validation of the fusion protein was confirmed by Rampage and proSA program. The designed fusion protein has 777 amino acids in length. TASSER server and physicochemical parameters are showed: C-score = − 2.68 and molecular weight = 87.9 KD respectively. Rampage and proSA software revealed the fusion protein is valid. Deposited accession number for the sequence of the fusion gene in the GenBank is MK908396. The designed fusion protein is valid and functional. Thus, the fusion gene could be used for clone and expression in a proper prokaryotic cell and also as a recombinant vaccine candidate.
Testing cardiovascular autonomic function in the COVID-19 era: lessons from Bologna’s Autonomic Unit
Authors: Guaraldi Pietro , Barletta Giorgio , Baschieri Francesca , Calandra-Buonaura Giovanna , Provini Federica , Cortelli Pietro 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way most medical procedures are performed. Autonomic units, as well as other healthcare sectors, are required to undergo a thorough reorganization of the protocols in order to guarantee the safety of patients and healthcare staff. Cardiovascular autonomic function testing (CAFT) is necessary in certain situations; however, it poses several concerns which need to be addressed. Here, we provide some practical advice based on current national and international health authorities’ recommendations and our experience about how to perform CAFT during the COVID-19 emergency. We examine aspects regarding patients, healthcare staff, laboratory preparation, and test performance.
CO2-Fußabdruck indischer Tafeltrauben auf dem Weg zum deutschen Konsumenten – Analyse und Ansätze zu seiner Verminderung
Authors: Golombek Sabine , Blanke Michael 
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungTafeltrauben sind aus den Supermärkten bei uns nicht mehr wegzudenken. Zum Ende des Winters und Frühlingsbeginn – zu einer Zeit, in der noch keine frischen heimischen Früchte zur Verfügung stehen, ist Indien der Hauptlieferant. Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, den Weg dieser Tafeltrauben aus Indien nach Bonn zurückzuverfolgen und seinen ökologischen CO2-Fußabdruck im Vergleich zu südafrikanischen Trauben zu ermitteln sowie Ansätze zu ihrer Minderung aufzuzeigen.Nach Herunterkühlen, Verpacken in PET Schalen und Transport der Tafeltrauben aus dem Hauptanbaugebiet Maharashtra in Mittelindien über 400 km nach Mumbai werden sie per Reefer-Containerschiff bei 0 °C über ca. 11.700 km (6317 Seemeilen) durch den Suezkanal nach Antwerpen verschifft, von dort per Kühl-Lkw ca. 235 km über das jeweilige Verteilungszentrum zum LEH gefahren, wo der Konsument sie mit seinem PKW erwirbt.Den größten Anteil am CO2-Fußabdruck vom Feld bis zum Verbraucher (B2C) von ca. 333 (297–379) g CO2eq/500 g-Schale Trauben hatte der Schiffstransport mit 108 (89–131) g CO2, gefolgt von der PET-Schale mit Deckel (mit Anlieferung innerhalb Indiens) mit ca. 66 g CO2eq/Schale und der Einkaufsfahrt des deutschen Verbrauchers (20 kg, 5 km) und damit Mitverantwortung des Konsumenten von ebenfalls ca. 66 g CO2eq/500 g Trauben, einem Einsparpotenzial neben der Verwendung von R‑PET Schalen, Folienbeuteln statt PET Schalen oder Kartons.Aufgrund des vergleichbaren Seewegs lag der CO2-Fußabdruck von Tafeltrauben aus Indien mit 333 g CO2eq in der gleichen Größenordnung wie Tafeltrauben aus Südafrika mit ca. 11.400 km (6155 Seemeilen) auf dem Reefer-Containerschiff und 309 (260–340) g CO2eq pro 500 g Schale.
Existence and characterisation of magnetic energy minimisers on oriented, compact Riemannian 3-manifolds with boundary in arbitrary helicity classes
Authors: Gerner Wadim 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper we deal with the existence, regularity and Beltrami field property of magnetic energy minimisers under a helicity constraint. We in particular tackle the problem of characterising local as well as global minimisers of the given minimisation problem. Further we generalise Arnold’s results concerning the problem of finding the minimum magnetic energy in an orbit of the group of volume-preserving diffeomorphisms to the setting of abstract manifolds with boundary.
Employment, Education, and Income for Canadians with Developmental Disability: Analysis from the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability
Authors: Berrigan Patrick , Scott Craig W. M. , Zwicker Jennifer D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study assessed needs and outcomes for people with developmental disability (DD) to understand the socioeconomic status of this group prior to implementation of the Accessible Canada Act in June 2019. The 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) was used to analyze data for a sample of individuals with self-reported disability. Data related to employment, education, income, housing, caregivers, and use of government benefits is reported. Compared to the general Canadian public, persons with DD are less likely to: finish high-school or post-secondary education; participate in the labor force or be employed; and earn on average less/year in total income. To align with recent accessibility legislation, significant progress is needed to address disparities for people with DD.
Towards PDE-Based Video Compression with Optimal Masks Prolongated by Optic Flow
Authors: Breuß Michael , Hoeltgen Laurent , Radow Georg 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLossy image compression methods based on partial differential equations have received much attention in recent years. They may yield high-quality results but rely on the computationally expensive task of finding an optimal selection of data. For the possible extension to video compression, this data selection is a crucial issue. In this context, one could either analyse the video sequence as a whole or perform a frame-by-frame optimisation strategy. Both approaches are prohibitive in terms of memory and run time. In this work, we propose to restrict the expensive computation of optimal data to a single frame and to approximate the optimal reconstruction data for the remaining frames by prolongating it by means of an optic flow field. In this way, we achieve a notable decrease in the computational complexity. As a proof-of-concept, we evaluate the proposed approach for multiple sequences with different characteristics. In doing this, we discuss in detail the influence of possible computational setups. We show that the approach preserves a reasonable quality in the reconstruction and is very robust against errors in the flow field.
Estimation of microbiological contamination of maize seeds using isothermal calorimetry
Authors: Skoczowski Andrzej , Przemieniecki Sebastian W. , Oliwa Jakub , Kula-Maximenko Monika , Rys Magdalena , Stawoska Iwona , Karpiński Stanisław 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe storage of maize seed intended for industrial purposes in foil silo bags is associated with microbiological contamination of the material by bacteria and fungi. This results in the loss of a part of the raw material or its deterioration and causes financial losses. In this paper, the relationship between the number of microorganisms colonizing maize seeds as well as changes in heat flow has been proved. For this purpose, the heat flow and total metabolic heat emission values (total heat) were analyzed. Calorimetric measurements of seed samples were made using the TAM III isothermal calorimeter. The seed samples with the same heat flow curves shape were homogenized, and microbial DNA was isolated from them. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed for detecting the main group of microorganisms colonizing maize seeds. It has been shown that in the case of seeds less affected by Bacillus and fungi (including yeast), the heat flow (in the range of 0–360 min) has a falling shape, while for more infected it grows almost linearly. The more infected maize seeds also show significantly higher values of total heat emission. The described research can be used to quickly assess the degree of seed contamination.
Contactless Vibrational Analysis of Transparent Hydrogel Structures Using Laser-Doppler Vibrometry
Authors: Schwarz S. , Hartmann B. , Sauer J. , Burgkart R. , Sudhop S. , Rixen D. J. , Clausen-Schaumann H. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Investigating the mechanical properties of biological and biocompatible hydrogels is important in tissue engineering and biofabrication. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and compression testing are routinely used to determine mechanical properties of tissue and tissue constructs. However, these techniques are slow and require mechanical contact with the sample, rendering in situ measurements difficult.

Objective
We therefore aim at a fast and contactless method for determining the mechanical properties of biological hydrogels and investigate if an optical method, like Laser-Doppler vibrometry (LDV), can accomplish this task.

Methods
LDV is a fast contactless method for mechanical analysis. Nonetheless, LDV setups operating in the visible range of the optical spectrum are difficult to use for transparent materials, such as biological hydrogels, because LDV relies on reflected or back-scattered light from the sample. We therefore use a near-infrared (NIR) scanning LDV to determine the vibration spectra of cylindrical gelatin discs of different gelatin concentration and compare the results to AFM data and unconfined compression testing.

Results
We show that the gelatin test structures can be analyzed, using a NIR LDV, and the Young’s moduli can be deduced from the resonance frequencies of the first normal (0,1) mode of these structures. As expected, the frequency of this mode increases with the square root of the Young’s modulus and the damping constant increases exponentially with gelatin concentration, which underpins the validity of our approach.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that NIR wavelengths are suitable for a fast, contactless vibrational analysis of transparent hydrogel structures.
Dynamics modeling of multicomponent metal ions’ removal onto low-cost buckwheat hulls
Authors: Tomczak Elwira , Kaminski Wladyslaw 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe process of adsorption from water solutions containing a ternary system of Cu (II), Zn (II), and Ni (II) ions onto buckwheat hulls as a biosorbent was considered. The sorption capacity for buckwheat hulls was determined in sorption equilibrium batch experiments. The sorption kinetics equation corresponding to the mechanism of metal ions with the adsorbent was assumed. A new method for modeling sorption in a packed column was presented. A system of partial differential equations describing the mass balance, due to the assumption of a properly defined variable, was transformed into a system of ordinary nonlinear equations, which enables the identification of object parameters. The sorption capacity of the sorbent, sorption isotherms, and kinetics equations were used in dynamics modeling.
Cost analysis and environmental assessment of recycling paint sludge in asphalt pavements
Authors: Ruffino Barbara , Farina Angela , Dalmazzo Davide , Blengini Gianandrea , Zanetti Mariachiara , Santagata Ezio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPaint sludge (PS) is a waste product coming from spray application of paints in automotive industry. For the first time, this work assessed the economic costs and environmental impacts connected to recycling PS in bituminous binders for asphalt pavement applications. Previous works have demonstrated that PS could be used as a replacement of up to 20% (w/w) of neat bitumen in the production of hot mixture asphalts (HMAs), without worsening the technical performances of pavements. The annual production of PS from Italian automotive plants (3000 t/year) could be accommodated in a paved area of 1.64 km2 that, when employed in local roads, with an average width of 5 m, corresponds to approximately 330 km. Costs for treating PS to be prepared for recycling resulted in 144 €/t raw PS. This cost was of the same order, or even less, of that required for PS incineration or disposal in a landfill for hazardous waste (250–300 €). The LCA analysis revealed that the production of HMAs by employing a binder that contains 20% (w/w) of PS, reduced the gross energy requirement (GER) and global warming potential (GWP) indexes by 15% and 39%, respectively, compared to an HMA produced with the traditional process.
Breast imaging and cancer diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations from the Italian College of Breast Radiologists by SIRM
Authors: Pediconi Federica , Galati Francesca , Bernardi Daniela , Belli Paolo , Brancato Beniamino , Calabrese Massimo , Camera Lucia , Carbonaro Luca A. , Caumo Francesca , Clauser Paola , Girardi Veronica , Iacconi Chiara , Martincich Laura , Panizza Pietro , Petrillo Antonella , Schiaffino Simone , Tagliafico Alberto , Trimboli Rubina M. , Zuiani Chiara , Sardanelli Francesco , Montemezzi Stefania 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe Italian College of Breast Radiologists by the Italian Society of Medical Radiology (SIRM) provides recommendations for breast care provision and procedural prioritization during COVID-19 pandemic, being aware that medical decisions must be currently taken balancing patient’s individual and community safety: (1) patients having a scheduled or to-be-scheduled appointment for in-depth diagnostic breast imaging or needle biopsy should confirm the appointment or obtain a new one; (2) patients who have suspicious symptoms of breast cancer (in particular: new onset palpable nodule; skin or nipple retraction; orange peel skin; unilateral secretion from the nipple) should request non-deferrable tests at radiology services; (3) asymptomatic women performing annual mammographic follow-up after breast cancer treatment should preferably schedule the appointment within 1 year and 3 months from the previous check, compatibly with the local organizational conditions; (4) asymptomatic women who have not responded to the invitation for screening mammography after the onset of the pandemic or have been informed of the suspension of the screening activity should schedule the check preferably within 3 months from the date of the not performed check, compatibly with local organizational conditions. The Italian College of Breast Radiologists by SIRM recommends precautions to protect both patients and healthcare workers (radiologists, radiographers, nurses, and reception staff) from infection or disease spread on the occasion of breast imaging procedures, particularly mammography, breast ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging, and breast intervention procedures.
Reframing Histological Risk Assessment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Era of UICC 8th Edition TNM Staging
Authors: Rahman Naomi , MacNeill Morna , Wallace William , Conn Brendan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives
To assess whether application of the risk model originally proposed by Brandwein-Gensler, influences survival and disease progression in patients treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCs)

Materials and Methods
Tumours from 134 T1 and T2 OSCC resections (7th edition) were scored independently by 3 histopathologists according to worst pattern of invasion (WPOI), lymphocytic host response (LHR) and perineural invasion (PNI) and categorised according to risk score. Local recurrence, locoregional recurrence, disease progression and overall survival were study endpoints. Interobserver variability of pathologist scoring was also assessed.

Results
Seventy-two patients (54%) were classified with low or intermediate risk and 62 (46%) patients were ‘high risk’. The inter-observer agreement was in moderate to strong agreement with the consensus scores (k range = 0.45–0.82). There was statistical significance between distant metastasis and ‘high risk’ tumours. Thirty tumours were upstaged to T3 in the 8th edition TNM staging, of which 83% had high risk scores. Overall risk score and TNM8 T stage has significant correlation with overall survival in comparison to the TNM 7 T stage.

Conclusion
‘High risk’ tumours were significantly associated with distant metastasis possibly due to the greater likelihood of aggressive features such as WPOI and PNI. Primary tumours are more likely to express high risk features with increasing T stage. None of the patients classified as ‘low risk’ died perhaps suggesting these tumours represent a rare variant of OSCC with excellent prognosis.
Correlation Anxiety, Stress, and Depression with Perceived Social Support Among the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Hosseini Fatemeh Sadat , Sharifi Nader , Jamali Safieh 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOne of the common psychological problems of the elderly is depression, anxiety and stress, and dementia. Social support is one of the variables associated with the elderly lifestyle that can be considered as a product of the social dimension of lifestyle. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of anxiety, stress, and depression with perceived social support among elderly people in Jahrom city. This is an analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted on elderly people in Jahrom city in Iran. The sample size in this study was 210 people and was selected through cluster sampling and random selection of clinics located in Jahrom. Data were collected from two questionnaires: Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and perceived social support. After completing the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation. The results of Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed significant relationships between social support for the elderly and depression (r = −0.627, p < 0.001), also observed between social support for the elderly and stress (r = −0.535, p < 0.001). However, no significant relationship was determined between social support for the elderly and anxiety (r = −0909, p > 0.05). Depression and stress can be reduced by improving social support in the elderly. More attention should also be given to social support for oldermen.
Experimental study of multi-timescale crack blunting in hydraulic fracture
Authors: Dong Jing-Nan , Yuan Guang-Jie , Wang Xiang-Yang , Chen Mian , Jin Yan , Zeng Chao , Zaman Musharraf 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHydraulic fracture is important in unconventional oil and gas exploration. During the propagation of the hydraulic fracture, the crack tip is blunted due to the development of the process zone in the near-tip area. In this study, the blunting of the hydraulic fracture in polymethyl methacrylate specimens due to multi-timescale stress concentration is investigated. The ratio of the initiation toughness to the arrest toughness of the blunted hydraulic fracture is measured using both the dynamic and the static methods. Results show that a hydraulic fracture can be blunted with the time span of stress concentration from 1 ms to 600 s. It is also shown that the blunting of hydraulic fracture is a highly localized process. The morphology of the blunted crack depends on the stress distribution in the vicinity of the crack tip.