bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons Are Functionally Mature In Vitro and Integrate into the Mouse Striatum Following Transplantation
Authors: Comella-Bolla Andrea , Orlandi Javier G. , Miguez Andrés , Straccia Marco , García-Bravo María , Bombau Georgina , Galofré Mireia , Sanders Phil , Carrere Jordi , Segovia José Carlos , Blasi Joan , Allen Nicholas D. , Alberch Jordi , Soriano Jordi , Canals Josep M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are a powerful tool for modelling human development. In recent years, hPSCs have become central in cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases given their potential to replace affected neurons. However, directing hPSCs into specific neuronal types is complex and requires an accurate protocol that mimics endogenous neuronal development. Here we describe step-by-step a fast feeder-free neuronal differentiation protocol to direct hPSCs to mature forebrain neurons in 37 days in vitro (DIV). The protocol is based upon a combination of specific morphogens, trophic and growth factors, ions, neurotransmitters and extracellular matrix elements. A human-induced PSC line (Ctr-Q33) and a human embryonic stem cell line (GEN-Q18) were used to reinforce the potential of the protocol. Neuronal activity was analysed by single-cell calcium imaging. At 8 DIV, we obtained a homogeneous population of hPSC-derived neuroectodermal progenitors which self-arranged in bi-dimensional neural tube-like structures. At 16 DIV, we generated hPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with mostly a subpallial identity along with a subpopulation of pallial NPCs. Terminal in vitro neuronal differentiation was confirmed by the expression of microtubule associated protein 2b (Map 2b) by almost 100% of hPSC-derived neurons and the expression of specific-striatal neuronal markers including GABA, CTIP2 and DARPP-32. HPSC-derived neurons showed mature and functional phenotypes as they expressed synaptic markers, voltage-gated ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. Neurons displayed diverse spontaneous activity patterns that were classified into three major groups, namely “high”, “intermediate” and “low” firing neurons. Finally, transplantation experiments showed that the NPCs survived and differentiated within mouse striatum for at least 3 months. NPCs integrated host environmental cues and differentiated into striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs), which successfully integrated into the endogenous circuitry without teratoma formation. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the potential of this robust human neuronal differentiation protocol, which will bring new opportunities for the study of human neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, and will open new avenues in cell-based therapies, pharmacological studies and alternative in vitro toxicology.
Mixed-integer programming techniques for the connected max-k-cut problem
Authors: Hojny Christopher , Joormann Imke , Lüthen Hendrik , Schmidt Martin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe consider an extended version of the classical Max-$$k$$
k
-Cut problem in which we additionally require that the parts of the graph partition are connected. For this problem we study two alternative mixed-integer linear formulations and review existing as well as develop new branch-and-cut techniques like cuts, branching rules, propagation, primal heuristics, and symmetry breaking. The main focus of this paper is an extensive numerical study in which we analyze the impact of the different techniques for various test sets. It turns out that the techniques from the existing literature are not sufficient to solve an adequate fraction of the test sets. However, our novel techniques significantly outperform the existing ones both in terms of running times and the overall number of instances that can be solved.
Numerical and experimental study on a bypass pig motion in oil transmission pipeline: a case study
Authors: Talbizadeh Asghar , Keshtkar Mohammad Mehdi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the oil and gas industry, pipeline networks can be used to transport oil and petroleum products from production center to the consumption center. Regular cleaning and inspecting these pipelines is necessary due to the presence of oil deposits. Typically, pigging operation can be applied to clean and inspect of these pipelines. It is important that the velocity of a pig during its passage in the oil pipeline be controlled. Therefore, it is necessary to identify accurately the fluid flow around the pig in order to describe and evaluate the pigs’ motion. In this study, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach has been applied to model fully turbulent flow around a sample of bypass pig and measure its dynamic velocity. This study tried not only to study the pig motion, but also to investigate the parameters affecting the bypass pig pressure drop and then the optimal state of these basic parameters in the design of a pig is determined. Finally, a numerical analysis of the pig motion is performed for a case study of a 20-ih pipeline to transport of gas oil between Rafsanjan, Yazd and Nain located in Iran and compared with the field test results. The results indicated that the fluid passing through the bypass, the weight and contact force had a significant effect on the pig’s speed, and when bypass diameter was larger, leading to the greater fluctuations.
A complex network of QTL for thousand-kernel weight in the rye genome
Authors: Masojć Piotr , Kruszona Piotr , Bienias Anna , Milczarski Paweł 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHere, QTL mapping for thousand-kernel weight carried out within a 541 × Ot1-3 population of recombinant inbred lines using high-density DArT-based map and three methods (single-marker analysis with F parametric test, marker analysis with the Kruskal–Wallis K* nonparametric test, and the recently developed analysis named genes interaction assorting by divergent selection with χ2 test) revealed 28 QTL distributed over all seven rye chromosomes. The first two methods showed a high level of consistency in QTL detection. Each of 13 QTL revealed in the course of gene interaction assorting by divergent selection analysis coincided with those detected by the two other methods, confirming the reliability of the new approach to QTL mapping. Its unique feature of discriminating QTL classes might help in selecting positively acting QTL and alleles for marker-assisted selection. Also, interaction among seven QTL for thousand-kernel weight was analyzed using gene interaction assorting by the divergent selection method. Pairs of QTL showed a predominantly additive relationship, but epistatic and complementary types of two-loci interactions were also revealed.
Screening for multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: what is effective and justifiable?
Authors: Nijsingh Niels , Munthe Christian , Lindblom Anna , Åhrén Christina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEffectiveness is a key criterion in assessing the justification of antibiotic resistance interventions. Depending on an intervention’s effectiveness, burdens and costs will be more or less justified, which is especially important for large scale population-level interventions with high running costs and pronounced risks to individuals in terms of wellbeing, integrity and autonomy. In this paper, we assess the case of routine hospital screening for multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN) from this perspective. Utilizing a comparison to screening programs for Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) we argue that current screening programmes for MDRGN in low endemic settings should be reconsidered, as its effectiveness is in doubt, while general downsides to screening programs remain. To accomplish justifiable antibiotic stewardship, MDRGN screening should not be viewed as a separate measure, but rather as part of a comprehensive approach. The program should be redesigned to focus on those at risk of developing symptomatic infections with MDRGN rather than merely detecting those colonised.
Chronotyp, Arbeitszeit und Arbeitssicherheit
Authors: Hirschwald Barbara , Nold Annette , Bochmann Frank , Heitmann Thomas , Sun Yi 
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund und Zielsetzung
Viele Arbeitszeitregelungen greifen in den Biorhythmus der Beschäftigten ein und wirken sich negativ auf Konzentration und Schlafqualität aus. Schichtarbeitende leiden doppelt so häufig an Schlafstörungen wie andere Erwerbstätige. Schlafmangel und gestörter Schlaf erhöhen das Unfallrisiko. In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, ob die Schlafdauer von der Lage der Arbeitszeit und vom individuellen Chronotyp beeinflusst wird.

Methode
In einer Querschnittsuntersuchung wurden 374 Beschäftigte mit meldepflichtigem Arbeitsunfall zu ihrem Chronotyp und ihren üblichen Schlafenszeiten befragt. Zur Chronotypermittlung wurde die Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) in der deutschsprachigen Version verwendet. Die Effekte von Schichtarbeit, Chronotyp und Alter auf die Schlafdauer wurden mittels multivariabler linearer bzw. logistischer Regression untersucht.

Ergebnisse
Ohne Schichtarbeit (Tagarbeitszeiten [TA]) betrug die durchschnittliche Schlafdauer an Arbeitstagen 7,2 h (SD 0,9). Vor einer Frühschicht (FS) war die Schlafdauer verkürzt auf 6,4 h (SD 0,6). Ein früher Arbeitsbeginn ist ein Risikofaktor für eine kurze Schlafdauer (<7 h) vor FS Odds Ratio (OR) = 13,8 (95 % Konfidenzintervall [KI] 3,38–56,25) im Vergleich zu einem späten Arbeitsbeginn (Spätschicht). Ein später Chronotyp erhöht ebenfalls das Risiko für kurze Schlafdauer an Arbeitstagen OR = 2,7 (95 % KI 0,97–7,67). An arbeitsfreien Tagen haben Frühtypen eine signifikant kürzere Schlafdauer als Intermediärtypen OR = 2,2 (95 % KI 1,16–4,31).

Diskussion
Ein späterer und flexibler Arbeitsbeginn unter Einbeziehung des Chronotyps sowie Maßnahmen für gesundheitsförderlichen Schlaf könnten dazu beitragen, müdigkeitsbedingte Arbeitsunfälle zu verhindern.
Beneficiation of coal using supercritical water and carbon dioxide extraction: sulfur removal
Authors: DeCuir Matthew J. , Gupta Ram B. , Sastri Bhima 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis work explores the use of carbon dioxide, water, and their mixtures as solvent for the precombustion beneficiation of raw coal without using any toxic mineral acids in the temperature range of 200–400 °C. The fluid polarity, ionic constant, and supercritical point can be adjusted by H2O/CO2 ratio and temperature. Adding carbon dioxide to hydrothermal fluid also increases the ionization by forming carbonic acid. Extractions with supercritical fluids have several benefits including enhanced mass transport, ease of separation and recycle, wide range of extractive capability and tunability, better inherent safety, and in the case of carbon dioxide and water–low cost. A semi-continuous extraction system was designed and built in which pressure, temperature and the relative flow rates of CO2 and H2O can be controlled. Coal powder is kept in a packed bed and the extraction is carried out at 143 bar pressure. Using sulfur as a model heteroatom, extractive efficiency is examined as a function of the temperature, fluid composition, fluid flow, and extraction time. The results indicate that carbon dioxide, water, and supercritical water-carbon dioxide (ScWC) all can effectively extract about 50% of total sulfur from bituminous coal in 1 h. Extraction above 350 °C decreased effectiveness, and extraction above the supercritical point of pure water caused hydrothermal carbonization. ScWC extraction may provide necessary control to prevent organic dissolution while removing sulfur.
Cognitive Load of Exercise Influences Cognition and Neuroplasticity of Healthy Elderly: An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Chao Yi-Ping , Wu Changwei W. , Lin Li-Jung , Lai Cheng-Hung , Wu Hong-Yi , Hsu Ai-Ling , Chen Chiao-Nan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study explored the effects of exercise with either high cognitive load or low cognitive load on cognitive performance and neuroplasticity in healthy elderly. Twenty-eight sedentary community-dwelling seniors participated in this study. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: the control group (C), low-cognitive load exercise group (LE), or high-cognitive load exercise group (HE). Individuals in both exercise groups engaged in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 4 months. Resting-state functional MRI and diffusion MRI were used to investigate the effects of intervention on functional and structural connectivity, respectively. Analysis of covariance with baseline, age and the education year as covariates was used to determine the effects of intervention. We found 4 months of exercise with high-cognitive load, but not exercise with low-cognitive load, improved the overall cognitive function of healthy elderly. Additionally, the HE group showed increased resting-state functional connectivity of superior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex and decreased functional connectivity of middle occipital gyrus and postcentral gyrus. The age-related alterations in local efficiency and betweenness were protected by exercise. Our findings might suggest that exercise with greater cognitive load likely results in greater training effects on cognition and brain connectivity than exercise requiring lower cognitive loads for healthy elderly.
Impact of a Training Programme on Police Attitudes Towards Victims of Rape: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: McKee Zoe , Mueller-Johnson Katrin , Strang Heather 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Research Question
Does an in-service training programme designed to address the attitudes of student officers, uniformed response officers and specialist rape crime investigators towards victims of rape change their perspective on adult victims, both male and female, who report rape offences?
Data Police officers from four separate policing roles completed questionnaires designed to measure their attitudes towards victims of rape. The questions were already validated and used four specific subscales: ‘Asked for it’, ‘Didn’t mean to’, ‘It wasn’t really rape’ and ‘S/he lied’. Two questionnaires, one focused on male victims and one on females, were administered at different points in time.

Methods
This randomised controlled trial used a block design, randomly assigning eligible police officers to treatment and control conditions within each of four groups. Participants were grouped as rape detectives (N = 40), uniformed response officers in urban areas (N = 50); uniformed response officers in rural areas (N = 50) and student officers (N = 53). Officers in the treatment condition undertook a bespoke training programme, based on an online College of Policing e-learning programme, enhanced with audio and video content, discussion groups and short online webinar sessions delivered by a psychologist specialising in sexual offending. Both groups were surveyed before and after the treatment group was trained.

Findings
The training programme resulted in positive attitude changes towards male and female rape victims when responses are combined across all four police groups (but not within all groups separately) compared with the attitudes of those who did not undertake the training. Effects were found for both levels of rape myth acceptance and assessment of victim credibility. The effect was largest for the subscales ‘S/he lied’ and ‘it wasn’t really rape’. Training had more effect on attitudes towards female victims than towards males and more effect on uniformed response officers than on other categories of officers.

Conclusion
The use of this mixed online webinar and in-person discussion group training delivery was effective in changing attitudes towards rape victims on issues relating to the treatment of people who report being raped.
Path-Following Methods for Calculating Linear Surface Wave Dispersion Relations on Vertical Shear Flows
Authors: Maxwell Peter , Ellingsen Simen Å. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe path-following scheme in Loisel and Maxwell (SIAM J Matrix Anal Appl 39(4):1726–1749, 2018) is adapted to efficiently calculate the dispersion relation curve for linear surface waves on an arbitrary vertical shear current. This is equivalent to solving the Rayleigh stability equation with linearized free-surface boundary condition for each sought point on the curve. Taking advantage of the analyticity of the dispersion relation, a path-following or continuation approach is adopted. The problem is discretized using a collocation scheme, parametrized along either a radial or angular path in the wave vector plane, and differentiated to yield a system of ODEs. After an initial eigenproblem solve using QZ decomposition, numerical integration proceeds along the curve using linear solves as the Runge–Kutta $$F(\cdot )$$

F
(
·
)

function; thus, many QZ decompositions on a size 2N companion matrix are exchanged for one QZ decomposition and a small number of linear solves on a size N matrix. A piecewise interpolant provides dense output. The integration represents a nominal setup cost whereafter very many points can be computed at negligible cost whilst preserving high accuracy. Furthermore, a two-dimensional interpolant suitable for scattered data query points in the wave vector plane is described. Finally, a comparison is made with existing numerical methods for this problem, revealing that the path-following scheme is the most competitive algorithm for this problem whenever calculating more than circa 1,000 data points or relative normwise accuracy better than $$10^{-4}$$

10

-
4

is sought.
Resilience in adolescence: Prospective Self moderates the association of early life adversity with externalizing problems
Authors: Zinn M. Elizabeth , Huntley Edward D. , Keating Daniel P. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionEarly life adversity (ELA) can result in negative behavioral outcomes, including internalizing and externalizing problems. Evidence suggests that adolescence is a critical developmental period for processing ELA. Identity formation, which is crucial to this developmental period, may moderate the effect between ELA and these problems. One potential moderating variable associated with identity formation is the latent construct Prospective Self, comprised of future‐oriented attitudes and behaviors.MethodsParticipants are from the first wave of an ongoing longitudinal study designed to characterize behavioral and cognitive correlates of risk behavior trajectories. A community sample of 10th and 12th grade adolescents (N = 2017, 55% female) were recruited from nine public school districts across eight Southeastern Michigan counties in the United States. Data were collected in schools during school hours or after school via self‐report, computer‐administered surveys. Structural equation modeling was utilized to assess Prospective Self as a latent construct and to evaluate the relationship between ELA, internalizing and externalizing problems, and Prospective Self.ResultsPreliminary findings indicated a satisfactory fit for the construct Prospective Self. The predicted negative associations between Prospective Self and internalizing and externalizing problems were found and evidence of moderation was observed for externalizing problems, such that the effects of ELA (i.e., childhood maltreatment) on externalizing problems were lower for individuals with higher levels of Prospective Self.ConclusionsThese results indicate that Prospective Self may play a role in supporting resilience against externalizing problems associated with ELA among adolescents.
Diagnostic Yield of MRI for Sensorineural Hearing Loss – An Audit
Authors: Wong Helen , Amoako-Tuffour Yaw , Faiz Khunsa , Shankar Jai Jai Shiva 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT:Purpose:Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI) of the head is frequently employed in investigations of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The yield of these studies is perceptibly low and seemingly at odds with the aims of wise resource allocation and risk reduction within the Canadian healthcare system. The purpose of our study was to audit the use and diagnostic yield of CEMRI for the clinical indication of SNHL in our institution and to identify characteristics that may be leveraged to improve yield and optimize resource utilization.Materials and methods:The charts of 500 consecutive patients who underwent CEMRI of internal auditory canal for SNHL were categorized as cases with relevant positive findings on CEMRI and those without relevant findings. Demographics, presenting symptoms, interventions and responses, ordering physicians, and investigations performed prior to CEMRI testing were recorded. Chi-squared test and t-test were used to compare proportions and means, respectively.Results:CEMRI studies revealed relevant findings in 20 (6.2%) of 324 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria. Pre-CEMRI testing beyond audiometry was conducted in 35% of those with relevant positive findings compared to 7.3% of those without (p < 0.001). Auditory brainstem response/vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials were abnormal in 35% of those with relevant CEMRI findings compared to 6.3% of those without (p < 0.001).Conclusion:CEMRI is a valuable tool for assessing potential causes of SNHL, but small diagnostic yield at present needs justification for contrast injection for this indication. Our findings suggest preferred referral from otolaryngologists exclusively, and implementation of a non-contrast MRI for SNHL may be a better diagnostic tool.
Numerical Investigation of the Flexibility of a New Self-Expandable Tapered Stent
Authors: Shen X. , Jiang J. B. , Zhu H. F. , Deng Y. Q. , Ji S. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTFlexibility is one of the important mechanical performance parameters of stent. The flexibility of tapered stents, especially self-expanding tapered stents, remains unknown. In this study, we developed a new selfexpanding tapered stent for tapered arteries and performed a numerical investigation of stent flexibility by using finite element method. The effect of stent design parameters, including taper and link space width, on stent flexibility was studied. The flexibility of the proposed stent was also compared with that of traditional cylindrical stents. Results show that the tapered stent is more flexible than the traditional cylindrical stent. Furthermore, the flexibility of the tapered stent increases with increasing stent taper and stent link space width. The increase in the stent link space width can contribute to the reduction in the peak stress. Therefore, tapered stents with high link space width will improve the stent flexibility. This work provides useful information for improvement of stent design and clinical selection.
Optimization of an External Gear Pump using Response Surface Method
Authors: Abdellah El-Hadj A. , Abd Rahim Shayfull Zamree Bin 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTDesign of a new gear pump requires many considerations to get good pump efficiency. In order to achieve optimal results, all parameters must be optimized from the design stage. In this study, ANSYS CFX was used to make parametric analysis in order to optimize a new design of gear pump. Two parameters which are inlet diameter and rotation speed are considered. The response surface method gives an optimum design point for inlet diameter of 15mm and rotation speed of 3500 rev/min. Twin vortices are created in the inlet and the outlet of pump, which strangle the flow. In order to reduce their negative effects on the flow, fillets are created at the inlet and the outlet of the pump.