bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Covalent immobilization of luminescent oxygen indicators reduces cytotoxicity
Authors: Välimäki Hannu , Hyvärinen Tanja , Leivo Joni , Iftikhar Haider , Pekkanen-Mattila Mari , Rajan Dhanesh Kattipparambil , Verho Jarmo , Kreutzer Joose , Ryynänen Tomi , Pirhonen Jonatan , Aalto-Setälä Katriina , Kallio Pasi , Narkilahti Susanna , Lekkala Jukka 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLuminescence-based oxygen sensing is a widely used tool in cell culture applications. In a typical configuration, the luminescent oxygen indicators are embedded in a solid, oxygen-permeable matrix in contact with the culture medium. However, in sensitive cell cultures even minimal leaching of the potentially cytotoxic indicators can become an issue. One way to prevent the leaching is to immobilize the indicators covalently into the supporting matrix. In this paper, we report on a method where platinum(II)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorphenyl)-porphyrin (PtTFPP) oxygen indicators are covalently immobilized into a polymer matrix consisting of polystyrene and poly(pentafluorostyrene). We study how the covalent immobilization influences the sensing material’s cytotoxicity to human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (hiPSC-derived) neurons and cardiomyocytes (CMs) through 7–13 days culturing experiments and various viability analyses. Furthermore, we study the effect of the covalent immobilization on the indicator leaching and the oxygen sensing properties of the material. In addition, we demonstrate the use of the covalently linked oxygen sensing material in real time oxygen tension monitoring in functional hypoxia studies of the hiPSC-derived CMs. The results show that the covalently immobilized indicators substantially reduce indicator leaching and the cytotoxicity of the oxygen sensing material, while the influence on the oxygen sensing properties remains small or nonexistent.
Stage-specific survival has improved for young breast cancer patients since 2000: but not equally
Authors: Trewin Cassia Bree , Johansson Anna Louise Viktoria , Hjerkind Kirsti Vik , Strand Bjørn Heine , Kiserud Cecilie Essholt , Ursin Giske 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The stage-specific survival of young breast cancer patients has improved, likely due to diagnostic and treatment advances. We addressed whether survival improvements have reached all socioeconomic groups in a country with universal health care and national treatment guidelines.

Methods
Using Norwegian registry data, we assessed stage-specific breast cancer survival by education and income level of 7501 patients (2317 localized, 4457 regional, 233 distant and 494 unknown stage) aged 30–48 years at diagnosis during 2000–2015. Using flexible parametric models and national life tables, we compared excess mortality up to 12 years from diagnosis and 5-year relative survival trends, by education and income as measures of socioeconomic status (SES).

Results
Throughout 2000–2015, regional and distant stage 5-year relative survival improved steadily for patients with high education and high income (high SES), but not for patients with low education and low income (low SES). Regional stage 5-year relative survival improved from 85 to 94% for high SES patients (9% change; 95% confidence interval: 6, 13%), but remained at 84% for low SES patients (0% change; − 12, 12%). Distant stage 5-year relative survival improved from 22 to 58% for high SES patients (36% change; 24, 49%), but remained at 11% for low SES patients (0% change; − 19, 19%).

Conclusions
Regional and distant stage breast cancer survival has improved markedly for high SES patients, but there has been little survival gain for low SES patients. Socioeconomic status matters for the stage-specific survival of young breast cancer patients, even with universal health care.
Predicting the geographic origin of Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) based on DNA variation
Authors: Finch Kristen N. , Cronn Richard C. , Ayala Richter Marianella C. , Blanc-Jolivet Céline , Correa Guerrero Mónica C. , De Stefano Beltrán Luis , García-Dávila Carmen R. , Honorio Coronado Eurídice N. , Palacios-Ramos Sonia , Paredes-Villanueva Kathelyn , Jones F. Andrew 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe legality of wood products often depends on their origin, creating a need for forensic tools that verify claims of provenance for wood products. The neotropical tree species Cedrela odorata (Spanish cedar) is economically valuable for its wood and faces threats of overexploitation. We developed a 140 SNP assay for geographic localization of C. odorata specimens. Target capture and short-read sequencing of 46 C. odorata specimens allowed us to identify 140 spatially informative SNPs that differentiate C. odorata specimens by latitude, temperature, and precipitation. We assessed the broad applicability of these SNPs on 356 specimens from eight Cedrela species, three tissue types, and a range of DNA mass inputs. Origin prediction error was evaluated with discrete and continuous spatial assignment methods focusing on C. odorata specimens. Discrete classification with random forests readily differentiated specimens originating in Central America versus South America (5.8% error), while uncertainty increased as specimens were divided into smaller regions. Continuous spatial prediction with SPASIBA showed a median prediction error of 188.7 km. Our results demonstrate that array SNPs and resulting genotypes accurately validate C. odorata geographic origin at the continental scale and show promise for country-level verification, but that finer-scale assignment likely requires denser spatial sampling. Our study underscores the important role of herbaria for developing genomic resources, and joins a growing list of studies that highlight the role of genomic tools for conservation of threatened species.
Cognition-tracking-based strategies for diagnosis and treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Han Weijia , Zhang Huanqian , Han Ying , Duan Zhongping 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMinimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), which shows mild cognitive impairment, is a subtle complication of cirrhosis that has been shown to affect daily functioning and quality of life. However, until 2014, relevant guidelines do not give much attention to the diagnosis and treatment of MHE, resulting in patients being ignored and denied the benefits of treatment. In this review, we summarize recent cognition-based research about (1) alteration of nerve cells, including astrocytes, microglial cells and neurons, in mild cognitive impairment in MHE; (2) comparison of methods in detecting cognitive impairment in MHE; and (3) comparison of methods for therapy of cognitive impairment in MHE. We hope to provide information about diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with MHE.
Steringophorus merretti n. sp. (Digenea: Fellodistomidae) from the deep-sea fish Cataetyx laticeps Koefoed (Ophidiiformes: Bythitidae) from the Goban Spur, Northeastern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Bray Rodney A. , Waeschenbach Andrea 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA new species of deep-sea digenean, Steringophorus merretti n. sp., is described from the bythitid fish Cataetyx laticeps in deep waters of the Goban Spur, Northeastern Atlantic. It is distinguishable from other described members of the genus by its tiny eggs and large cirrus-sac. A phylogenetic tree, based on 28S rDNA sequences, indicates that this species is embedded within a clade of deep-sea species and is sister to the eurybathic species S. thulini Bray & Gibson, 1980. Steringotrema robertpoulini Pérez-Ponce de León, Anglade & Randhawa, 2018 falls within the Steringophorus Odhner, 1905 clade. In view of this the morphological and biological characteristics of species of Steringophorus and Steringotrema are discussed.
Relationship between severity of trunk decay of Pinus koraiensis and soil properties around roots
Authors: Xu Huadong , Chen Wenjing , Cao Yanjun , Wang Lihai 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe decay rate of standing Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) in natural forests can be as high as 50% and is likely influenced by the soil properties and nutrient and water status of the site. To clarify the relationship between the severity of tree decay and soil properties in order to prevent decay in a natural mixed forest in the Xiaoxing’an Mountains, wood strength of standing trees was nondestructively assessed, and the severity of decay of extracted wood cores was quantified based on differences in mass between two decayed increment cores extracted at breast height and an intact increment core near the decayed ones. Soil samples from the critical root zone (non-rhizosphere) of each tree were analyzed for chemical properties and microbial composition. The abundance of chemical elements (especially total N and K) and the species richness of soil microbes increased as decay severity increased. Fungal number (FN) and actinomycetes number (AN) were related to decay severity (R2 = 0.504). Bacterial number (BN) was higher than FN or AN, but had a minor effect on tree decay. Path analysis showed BN might indirectly inhibit decay by affecting FN. Decay severity was not significantly correlated with either soil fungal or bacterial diversity. These results suggest that forest managers need to monitor levels of fungi and total N and total K levels to reduce the decay of Korean pine.
Nano-silica-decorated Poly(m-Phenylene Isophthalamide) Separator with Enhanced Mechanical and Electrolyte Wetting Properties for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jianjie , Yuan Biao , Pan Fusheng , Qiao Lina , Guo Jun , Duan Cuijia , Wu Wei , Chen Zan , Su Yanlei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHeat-resistant poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) has attracted considerable attention as a novel separator for application in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs); however, its mechanical strength and electrolyte wettability are not ideal. Herein, a nano-silica-decorated poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA@SiO2) separator was fabricated with SiO2 nanoparticles uniformly attached to the pores and pore walls of the PMIA separator. The as-prepared PMIA@SiO2 separator has good mechanical strength (a 16% improvement compared with pristine PMIA) and wettability toward the electrolyte (the contact angle decreases from 34.0° to 23.1°). The PMIA@SiO2 separator also had a high ionic conductivity (0.75 mS/cm) and low interfacial electric resistance (75 Ω). The assembled LiCoO2/PMIA@SiO2-liquid electrolyte/Li cell displays good cycle performance with a capacity retention of 88.1% after 50 cycles. Furthermore, the cycling performance and rate capacity rarely changed after high-temperature treatment. Therefore, the nano-silica-decorated PMIA separator is a potential candidate for application in LIBs with high safety.
Holistic review on geosolar hybrid desalination system for sustainable development
Authors: Shah Dhruvin , Panchal Meet , Sanghvi Aditya , Chavda Hitendrasinh , Shah Manan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWith the increasing scarcity of water and unavailability of portable drinking water at many places, in this paper, we present a feasible solution to this problem. The only solution in sight right now is to carry out the desalination of the huge saline water bodies. The conventional methods to do so have resulted in a failure as with the consumption of fossil fuel to run them, which in turn results in global warming. This draws us more towards the usage of renewable energy and its importance in order to obtain portable water from the saline and brackish water. In this study, we present to you a novel hybrid method that uses the geothermal energy and sun energy to produce fresh drinkable desalinated water from the seawater. This proposed system does not require fossil fuel to run, and hence, along with keeping the environment pure, it is a solution to the burning problem of water crisis throughout the world. With the help of engineering and technological skills, we can draft a better future for humanity.
Investigation of fines migration for a high-pressure, high-temperature carbonate gas reservoir offshore Malaysia
Authors: Sazali Y. A. , Sazali W. M. L. , Ibrahim J. M. , Graham G. , Gödeke S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA high CO2carbonate gas field offshore Sarawak, Malaysia, is scheduled for development. Fines migration has been identified as a potential risk for a sustained and stable production for this field, triggering this investigation. The reservoir investigated (subdivided in S3, S2, S1 formation) has an average 8% clays, of which over 50% are migratory illites and 15% migratory kaolinite. This paper discusses the laboratory findings and factors contributing to fines migration for this reservoir. We conducted core flood tests to determine critical flow rates for the onset of fines migration of high CO2hydrocarbon gas and CO2-saturated brine within the production gas zone. In addition, we measured total suspended solids during each incremental rate stage and performed scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX) analysis on the effluents collected. We also performed mineralogical analysis of formation rocks to determine clay types, amount, and morphology. Core floods performed with CO2-saturated brine on S3 and S2 cores showed damage at a critical flow rate of 10 ml/min with permeability recovery of 65–75%. This shows that CO2-saturated brine tends to mobilize the fines such as illite and kaolinite. Core floods performed with high CO2hydrocarbon gas showed permeability recovery of 93–96% at rates up to 10 ml/min. SEM analysis on effluents collected showed presence of silicate and carbonate particles with size of 5–50 μm. A combined salt dropout and fines mobilization core flood showed a higher degree of formation damage due to fines mobilization with 74% permeability recovery compared to baseline permeability compared to core floods with high CO2hydrocarbon gas. However, the formation damage due to fines mobilization for this experiment was reversible. Overall, the results indicate that a high potential for fines migration in this type of carbonate system exists for CO2-saturated brine flow with significant less potential for dry CO2flow.
Evaluating the reliability of gestalt quality ratings of medical education podcasts: A&nbsp;METRIQ study
Authors: Jason M. Woods Jason M. , Chan Teresa M. , Roland Damian , Riddell Jeff , Tagg Andrew , Brent Thoma Brent 
Published: June 2020

Introduction Podcasts are increasingly being used for medical education. Studies have found that the assessment of the quality of online resources can be challenging. We sought to determine the reliability of gestalt quality assessment of education podcasts in emergency medicine.
Methods An international, interprofessional sample of raters was recruited through social media, direct contact, and the extended personal network of the study team. Each participant listened to eight podcasts (selected to include a variety of accents, number of speakers, and topics) and rated the quality of that podcast on a seven-point Likert scale. Phi coefficients were calculated within each group and overall. Decision studies were conducted using a phi of 0.8.
Results A total of 240 collaborators completed all eight surveys and were included in the analysis. Attendings, medical students, and physician assistants had the lowest individual-level variance and thus the lowest number of required raters to reliably evaluate quality (phi >0.80). Overall, 20 raters were required to reliably evaluate the quality of emergency medicine podcasts.
Discussion Gestalt ratings of quality from approximately 20 health professionals are required to reliably assess the quality of a podcast. This finding should inform future work focused on developing and validating tools to support the evaluation of quality in these resources.
Was ist Wissen, was ist Können? Deutungen des Kompetenzbegriffs und deren psychometrische Konsequenzen im Kontext von Fachwissen und Variablenkontrollstrategie
Authors: Nehring Andreas , Schwichow Martin 
Published: June 2020

ZusammenfassungDer vorliegende Beitrag untersucht, inwiefern sich verschiedene Deutungen des Kompetenzbegriffs in psychometrische Modelle überführen lassen und welche Konsequenzen daraus für das Assessment in quantitativen Studien erwachsen könnten. Auf Grundlage von Verhältnisbestimmungen von deklarativem Fachwissen und prozessorientierten Kompetenzen werden dazu Between- und Within-Item-IRT-Modelle definiert und zur Re-Analyse eines Datensatzes einer Querschnittsstudie zur Variablenkontrollstrategie (n = 990) angewendet. Bei Betrachtung der Personenschätzer für die Kompetenzausprägungen, die aus den Modellen generiert werden, zeigt sich, dass ca. ein Drittel der Schülerinnen und Schüler, je nach Modell, unterschiedlichen Quartilen der Verteilung zugewiesen werden. Gleichzeitig wird deutlich, dass die Modelle zu unterschiedlichen Informationen hinsichtlich der Zunahme an Wissen oder prozessorientierten Kompetenzen über Jahrgänge hinweg wie auch hinsichtlich von Geschlechterunterschieden in der Kompetenzausprägung führen können. Die Ausprägungen prozessorientierter Kompetenzen von Mädchen fallen aufgrund oder vielmehr trotz des (im Mittel) geringeren Fachwissens höher aus, wenn der Psychometrie ein unabhängiges, aber fachwissensrelatives Kompetenzverständnis zugrunde gelegt wird. Der Beitrag diskutiert diese Befunde mit Blick auf Konsequenzen für Grundlagenforschung, Systemmonitoring und Unterrichtsentwicklung.
Effectiveness of perineural and intravenous dexamethasone added to bupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block in post-cesarean delivery pain control: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zemedkun Abebayehu , Admasu Wosenyeleh , Jemal Bedru , Abiy Sileshi , Mola Simeneh , Mulugeta Hailemariam 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:
Cesarean delivery (CD) has been one of the most frequently performed major surgical interventions and causes severe postoperative pain. Abdominal field blocks like TAP block are mostly preferred as postoperative analgesia for this operation. Using different adjuvants like dexamethasone by different routes increases the quality and duration of block and maximizes patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of perineural and intravenous dexamethasone for post-cesarean delivery pain control.

Methodology:
An institutional based prospective cohort study was conducted on 87 patients. Data collection methods include a preoperative chart review, intraoperative observation, and postoperative patient interview at 4 th, 6 th, 8 th, 12 th, and 24 th hours. Kruskal Wallis with post hoc analysis was used to compare postoperative severity of pain score and cumulative analgesic consumption. Time to first analgesic request was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis with log rank. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square.

Result:
Time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in TAP-IVD and TAP-PD compared to TAP alone (p < 0.05). The postoperative NRS score at rest and on coughing was significantly lowered in TAP-PD and TAP-IVD group compared to TAP alone group (p < 0.05). The total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h was significantly lower in TAP-IVD and TAP-PD group compared to TAP alone group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Dexamethasone 8 mg both intravenously and perineurally is effective adjuvant to bupivacaine on bilateral TAP block with prolonged and potent analgesia and reduced analgesic consumption.

Research registry:

UIN = researchregistry5538.

Highlights:
The Compatibility of Private Health Insurance Schemes with EU Law: Applying the Health Insurance Exception beyond Substitutive Private Health Insurance
Authors: NIKOLIĆ Bruno 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe lack of clarity as to the scope of the health insurance exception enshrined in Article 206 of the Solvency II Directive has created uncertainties surrounding the implications for government intervention in the private health insurance market. A contentious interpretation of the health insurance exception, offered by former EU Commissioner Bolkestein, and the approach subsequently taken by the Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union in assessing the compatibility of Member State intervention in private health insurance have led to a divergence in the application of EU law, which further increases uncertainties around the legality of Member State intervention. This article proposes an alternative interpretation of the health insurance exception that draws on a contemporary understanding of private health insurance as a socio-economic institution aimed at achieving a highly competitive social market economy. This alternative interpretation extends the applicability of the health insurance exception from substitutive private health insurance to complementary private health insurance that covers statutory user charges and thus improves the compliance of national health insurance systems in several Member States with EU law and enhances the coherence of EU law.
A New Way of Teaching Criminology for Investigation and Trial: A Narrative-Based Approach
Authors: Schioppetto Giulia , Monzani Marco , Ciappi Silvio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe narrative-based approach acts as the only tool capable of creating and assigning a meaning to individual life stories, linking individuals to their actions. The use of narrative as a reference frame for understanding the motive of the crime therefore offers an innovative perspective into criminology and its forensic application. Through the stories of the criminals and the victims, of society, and the world of justice as a whole, doing narrative criminology means listening to and accurately analysing criminal life stories to shed some light and meaning on the obscure elements of reality that from time to time take shape as a violent act. After a review of the most recent literature in the criminological narrative area, the present work analyses the role of the criminologist as an expert who provides an essential contribution during investigation and trial phases. Moreover, the work proposes the use of a narrative approach and the contribution of a narrative criminologist in two different moments of the criminal procedure: during the investigation phase, through a preventive methodological narrative training of forensic experts, with emphasis on team work, and in the trial phase through the use of criminological interviews to assess criminal liability and dangerousness.