bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of control charts for Poisson count data in health‐care monitoring
Authors: Scagliarini Michele , Boccaforno Nunzia , Vandi Marco 
Published: July 2020

AbstractStatistical surveillance is a noteworthy endeavor in many health‐care areas such as epidemiology, hospital quality, infection control, and patient safety. For monitoring hospital adverse events, the Shewhartu‐control chart is the most used methodology. One possible issue of theu‐chart is that in health‐care applications the lower control limit (LCL) is often conventionally set to zero as the adverse events are rare and the sample sizes are not sufficiently large to obtain LCL greater than zero. Consequently, the control chart loses any ability to signal improvements. Furthermore, as the area of opportunity (sample size) is not constant over time, the in‐control and out‐of‐control run length performances of the monitoring scheme are unknown. In this article, on the basis of a real case and through an intensive simulation study, we first investigate the in‐control statistical properties of theu‐chart. Then we set up several alternative monitoring schemes with the same in‐control performances and their out‐of‐control properties are studied and compared. The aim is to identify the most suitable control chart considering jointly: the ability to detect unexpected changes (usually worsening), the ability to test the impact of interventions (usually improvements), and the ease of use and clarity of interpretation. The results indicate that the exponentially weighted moving average control chart derived under the framework of weighted likelihood ratio test has the best overall performance.
Stability of d‐luciferin for bioluminescence to detect gene expression in freely moving mice for long durations
Authors: Nakajima Kanako , Hamada Kazuko , Ito Ryoga , Yoshida Yukina , Sutherland Kenneth , Ishikawa Masayori , Ozaki Michitaka , Shirato Hiroki , Hamada Toshiyuki 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCircadian disturbance of clock gene expression is a risk factor for diseases such as obesity, cancer, and sleep disorders. To study these diseases, it is necessary to monitor and analyze the expression rhythm of clock genes in the whole body for a long duration. The bioluminescent reporter enzyme firefly luciferase and its substrate d‐luciferin have been used to generate optical signals from tissues in vivo with high sensitivity. However, little information is known about the stability of d‐luciferin to detect gene expression in living animals for a long duration. In the present study, we examined the stability of a luciferin solution over 21 days. l‐Luciferin, which is synthesized using racemization of d‐luciferin, was at high concentrations after 21 days. In addition, we showed that bioluminescence of Period1 (Per1) expression in the liver was significantly decreased compared with the day 1 solution, although locomotor activity rhythm was not affected. These results showed that d‐luciferin should be applied to the mouse within, at most, 7 days to detect bioluminescence of Per1 gene expression rhythm in vivo.
Synthesis and mechanoluminescence study of Li6Y(BO3)3:Dy3+/Eu3+ phosphor
Authors: Yawalkar Mrunal M. , Nayar Renu , Nayar Vinit , Dhoble S.J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLi6Y(BO3)3 phosphor was prepared using solid‐state synthesis by varying europium/dysprosium (Eu/Dy) concentrations in the range 0.05–1.0 mol%. X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared characterizations provided insight into the phase, crystallinity, morphology and functional groups. Photoluminescence (PL) of the Li6Y(BO3)3:Dy3+ phosphor was also studied. Li6Y(BO3)3:Dy3+ displayed excellent PL due to the characteristic emission of Dy3+ ions in the visible region at 482 nm (4F9/2→6H15/2) and 580 nm (4F9/2→6H13/2,), when excited at 352 nm. The Li6Y(BO3)3:Eu3+ phosphor was discussed in our previous publication. Uniaxial compression experiments on Li6Y(BO3)3 showed that the mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity was linearly dependent on mechanical power. When pressure was applied to these phosphors mixed in an epoxy resin, initially the ML intensity increased with time, attained a peak value Im at a particular time tm, and decreased further with increase in time. After tm, ML intensity decreased exponentially, initially at a faster rate that subsequently slowed down, ML intensity increased linearly for a wide measurement range of dynamic load that made the Li6Y(BO3)3 phosphor a good elastico ML (EML) material to be utilized as a stress sensor with Li6Y(BO3)3:Eu3+ and showing greater ML intensity than Li6Y(BO3)3:Dy3+.
Benzoate Synthesis from Glucose or Glycerol Using Engineered Pseudomonas taiwanensis
Authors: Otto Maike , Wynands Benedikt , Marienhagen Jan , Blank Lars M. , Wierckx Nick 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBenzoic acid is one of the most commonly used food preservatives, but currently exclusively produced in petrochemical processes. In this study, a bio‐based production pathway using an engineered strain of Pseudomonas taiwanensis is described. In a phenylalanine‐overproducing strain, bacterial and plant genes are heterologously expressed to achieve production of benzoate via a β‐oxidation pathway. Strategic disruption of the native Pseudomonas benzoate degradation pathway further allows the production of catechol and cis,cis‐muconate. Taken together, this work demonstrates new routes for the microbial production of these industrially relevant chemicals from renewable resources.
Off‐line effects of alpha‐frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation on a visuomotor learning task
Authors: Harada Taiki , Hara Masayuki , Matsushita Kojiro , Kawakami Kenji , Kawakami Keisuke , Anan Masaya , Sugata Hisato 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionIt has been suggested that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at both alpha and beta frequencies promotes motor function as well as motor learning. However, limited information exists on the aftereffects of tACS on motor learning and neurophysiological profiles such as entrainment and neural plasticity in parallel. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of tACS on motor learning and neurophysiological profiles using an off‐line tACS condition.MethodsThirty‐three healthy participants were randomly assigned to 10 Hz, 20 Hz, or the sham group. Participants performed visuomotor learning tasks consisting of a baseline task (preadaptation task) and training task (adaptation task) to reach a target with a lever‐type controller. Electroencephalography was recorded from eight locations during the learning tasks. tACS was performed between the preadaptation task and adaptation task over the left primary motor cortex for 10 min at 1 mA.ResultsAs a result, 10 Hz tACS was shown to be effective for initial angular error correction in the visuomotor learning tasks. However, there were no significant differences in neural oscillatory activities among the three groups.ConclusionThese results suggest that initial motor learning can be facilitated even when 10 Hz tACS is applied under off‐line conditions. However, neurophysiological aftereffects were recently demonstrated to be induced by tACS at individual alpha frequencies rather than fixed alpha tACS, which suggests that the neurophysiological aftereffects by fixed frequency stimulation in the present study may have been insufficient to generate changes in oscillatory neural activity.
A Study of the Reactivity of (Aza‐)Quinone Methides in Selective C6‐Alkylations of Indoles
Authors: Yan Jiyao , Zhang Zhihan , Chen Min , Lin Zhenyang , Sun Jianwei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe kinetic and thermodynamic features of indole N1‐ and C6‐alkylation reactions with (aza‐)quinone methides have been studied. The electrophilic reactivity of these quinone methides have also been compared for the first time by both experiments and DFT calculations. The indole N1‐alkylation is typically kinetically favorable, but the C6‐alkylation is more thermodynamically favorable. With suitable conditions, the C6‐alkylation could be achieved with high efficiency and selectivity. Among these quinone methides, the reactivity increases from aza‐p‐QMs to o‐QMs. The results not only provide access to a range of valuable triarylmethanes, but also guide future development of new reactions with these versatile electrophiles.
Gas‐Phase Models for the Nickel‐ and Palladium‐Catalyzed Deoxygenation of Fatty Acids
Authors: Parker Kevin , Weragoda Geethika K. , Pho Victoria , Canty Allan J. , Polyzos Anastasios , O'Hair Richard A. J. , Ryzhov Victor 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUsing fatty acids as renewable sources of biofuels requires deoxygenation. While a number of promising catalysts have been developed to achieve this, their operating mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, model molecular systems are studied in the gas phase using mass spectrometry experiments and DFT calculations. The coordinated metal complexes [(phen)M(O2CR)]+ (where phen=1,10‐phenanthroline; M=Ni or Pd; R=CnH2n+1, n≥2) are formed via electrospray ionization. Their collision‐induced dissociation (CID) initiates deoxygenation via loss of CO2 and [C,H2,O2]. The CID spectrum of the stearate complexes (R=C17H35) also shows a series of cations [(phen)M(R’)]+ (where R’ < C17) separated by 14 Da (CH2) corresponding to losses of C2H4‐C16H32 (cracking products). Sequential CID of [(phen)M(R’)]+ ultimately leads to [(phen)M(H)]+ and [(phen)M(CH3)]+, both of which react with volatile carboxylic acids, RCO2H, (acetic, propionic, and butyric) to reform the coordinated carboxylate complexes [(phen)M(O2CR)]+. In contrast, cracking products with longer carbon chains, [(phen)M(R)]+ (R>C2), were unreactive towards these carboxylic acids. DFT calculations are consistent with these results and reveal that the approach of the carboxylic acid to the “free” coordination site is blocked by agostic interactions for R > CH3.
Lipid levels and risk of new‐onset atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis
Authors: Yao Yisong , Liu Feng , Wang Yangyang , Liu Zengzhang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLipid levels are closely associated with health, but whether lipid levels are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. We thought that blood lipid levels may influence new‐onset AF. Here, we used a meta‐analysis to examine the overall association between lipid levels and new‐onset AF. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched up to 20 December 2019. We conducted a systematic review and quantitative meta‐analysis of prospective studies to clarify the association between lipid levels and the risk of new‐onset AF. Sixteen articles with data on 4 032 638 participants and 42 825 cases of AF were included in this meta‐analysis. The summary relative risk (RR) for a 1 mmol/L increment in total cholesterol (TC) was 0.95 (95% CI 0.93‐0.96, I2 = 74.6%, n = 13). Subgroup analyses showed that follow‐up time is a source of heterogeneity; for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), RR was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92‐0.97, I2 = 71.5%, n = 10). Subgroup analyses indicated that adjusting for heart failure explains the source of heterogeneity; for high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), RR was 0.97 (95% CI 0.96‐0.99, I2 = 26.1%, n = 11); for triglycerides (TGs), RR was 1.00 (95% CI 0.96‐1.03, I2 = 81.1%, n = 8). Subgroup analysis showed that gender, age, follow‐up time, and adjustment for heart failure are sources of heterogeneity. Higher levels of TC, LDL‐C, and HDL‐C were associated with lower risk of new‐onset AF. TG levels were not associated with new‐onset AF in all subjects.
MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy
Authors: Elad Sharon , Cheng Karis Kin Fong , Lalla Rajesh V. , Yarom Noam , Hong Catherine , Logan Richard M. , Bowen Joanne , Gibson Rachel , Saunders Deborah P. , Zadik Yehuda , Ariyawardana Anura , Correa Maria Elvira , Ranna Vinisha , Bossi Paolo ,   for the Mucositis Guidelines Leadership Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO)
Published: July 2020

BackgroundMucositis is a significant toxicity of cancer therapy with numerous systemic sequelae. The goal of this systematic review was to update the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of mucositis.MethodsThe literature was reviewed systematically to identify interventions for mucositis. Studies were rated according to the presence of major and minor flaws according to previously published criteria. The body of evidence for each intervention and in each treatment setting was assigned a level of evidence based on previously published criteria. Guidelines were developed based on the level of evidence, with 3 possible guideline determinations: recommendation, suggestion, or no guideline possible.ResultsThe guideline covers evidence from 1197 publications related to oral or gastrointestinal mucositis. Thirteen new guidelines were developed for or against the use of various interventions in specific treatment settings, and 11 previous guidelines were confirmed after aa review of new evidence. Thirteen previously established guidelines were carried over because there was no new evidence for these interventions.ConclusionsThe updated MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Guidelines for mucositis provide professional health caregivers with a clinical setting‐specific, evidence‐based tool to help with the management of mucositis in patients who have cancer.
A simple and highly efficient method for multi‐allelic CRISPR‐Cas9 editing in primary cell cultures
Authors: Hoellerbauer Pia , Kufeld Megan , Arora Sonali , Wu Hua‐Jun , Feldman Heather M. , Paddison Patrick J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundCRISPR‐Cas9‐based technologies have revolutionized experimental manipulation of mammalian genomes. None‐the‐less, limitations of the delivery and efficacy of these technologies restrict their application in primary cells.AimsTo create an optimized protocol for penetrant, reproducible, and fast targeted genome editing in cell cultures derived from primary cells, using patient‐derived glioblastoma stem‐like cells (GSCs) and human neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) for proof‐of‐concept experiments.Methods and resultsWe employed transient nucleofection of Cas9:sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes composed of chemically synthesized 2′‐O‐methyl 3′phosphorothioate‐modified sgRNAs and purified Cas9 protein. Insertion‐deletion mutation (indel) frequency and size distribution were measured via computational deconvolution of Sanger sequencing trace data. We found that this optimized technique routinely allows for >90% indel formation in only 3 days, without the need to create clonal lines for simple loss‐of‐function experiments. Using Western blotting, we observed near‐total protein loss of target genes in cell pools. Additionally, we found that this approach allows for the creation of targeted genomic deletions. Furthermore, by using RNA‐seq in edited NSCs to assess gene expression changes resulting from knockout of tumor suppressors commonly altered in glioblastoma, we also demonstrated the utility of this method for quickly creating a series of gene knockouts that allow for the study of oncogenic activities.ConclusionOur data suggest that this relatively simple method can be used for highly efficient and fast gene knockout, as well as for targeted genomic deletions, even in hyperdiploid cells (such as GSCs). This represents an extremely useful tool for the cancer research community when wishing to inactivate not only coding genes, but also non‐coding RNAs, UTRs, enhancers, and promoters. This method can be readily applied to diverse cell types by varying the nucleofection conditions.
Relationship between pupillary size, brightness, and photoreceptor responses for unrelated self‐luminous stimuli at low photopic light levels
Authors: Sandoval Salinas Claudia , Hermans Stijn , Sandoval José , Smet Kevin A. G. , Hanselaer Peter , Colombo Elisa 
Published: July 2020

AbstractResearch on the correlation between the initial pupillary light reflex, the perceptual brightness, and the excitations of the photoreceptors was performed for unrelated self‐luminous 10° stimuli at low photopic light levels (5 to 80 cd/m2). All stimuli were optically characterized using a spectroradiometer. For determining the pupillary diameter, an Eye Tracker was used. The perceived brightness was evaluated with the magnitude estimation method. Test stimuli were presented alternating with a reference stimulus and the Michelson contrast of the pupillary diameter between test and reference conditions was calculated. Six observers (three female and three male) participated, with ages between 30 and 39 years (with an average of 34.5 years). It was found that the coefficient of determination between the pupillary response and the perceived stimulus brightness was higher than the corresponding value for luminance, allowing the suggestion that brightness has a greater effect on pupillary size than luminance. Nevertheless, this is not the complete story: highly saturated red and blue stimuli both induce a high brightness perception but the pupil contraction induced by the blue stimuli is much greater than for the red stimuli. Pupillary diameter was also studied as a function of the relative excitations of the five photoreceptors. The effect of rod and ipRGC excitations on pupillary size variation seems to be larger than that of the other photoreceptors. However, for the working conditions prevailing in this research, it could be expected that rods are not very active and that the ipRGC response might be the major driving mechanism.
Canadian sainfoin and fenugreek as forage and functional foods
Authors: Wijekoon Champa , Acharya Surya N. , Siow Yaw L. , Sura Srinivas , Thandapilly Sijo , Sabra Ali 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.) are two legumes that are being developed as forage crops in Canada with potential benefits for animal and human health. Sainfoin, a perennial crop containing condensed tannins (CTs), is gaining popularity in western Canada because of its benefits for cattle. Its CTs make the crop bloat‐free for grazing cattle while improving protein digestibility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The CT‐containing fenugreek is also considered as a bloat‐free annual forage legume that was developed to serve in short‐term crop rotations in western Canada. These crops are known to provide health and nutritional benefits to cattle with their high protein content and other beneficial nutraceuticals such as crude fiber, 4‐hydroxyisoleucine, steroid sapogenins, and galactomannans. Some of these nutraceuticals have the potential to benefit human health; however, such attributes have not been studied enough to harness the full potential of these legume crops in Canada. Recent research suggests that legumes are a healthy substitute for meat. However, metabolite analysis of sainfoin is mostly limited to proteins and CTs. The CTs reported in sainfoin are involved in reduction of blood pressure and detoxification and providing anticancer properties in humans. Recent studies on fenugreek have highlighted the beneficial nutraceuticals associated with human health but most of those claims are not backed by relevant clinical studies. In this article, we reviewed the nutritional quality attributes of sainfoin and fenugreek and assessed their potential as functional foods and nutraceuticals for animal and human health based on scientific evidence.
The contribution of animal models to understanding the role of the immune system in human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Miles Tylah , Hoyne Gerard F , Knight Darryl A , Fear Mark W , Mutsaers Steven E , Prêle Cecilia M 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPulmonary fibrosis occurs in a heterogeneous group of lung disorders and is characterised by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins within the pulmonary interstitium, leading to impaired gas transfer and a loss of lung function. In the past 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of the immune system and how it contributes to fibrogenic processes within the lung. This review will compare some of the models used to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, in particular those used to study immune cell pathogenicity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages in dissecting human disease.
Experimental and theoretical study of density, potential, and current structures of a helium plasma in front of an radio frequency antenna tilted with respect to the magnetic field lines
Authors: Ledig Jordan , Faudot Eric , Moritz Jérôme , Heuraux Stéphane , Lemoine Nicolas , Devaux Stéphane 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPotential and density structures in the vicinity of an radio frequency (RF) electrode/antenna in a magnetized plasma are investigated using an RF‐compensated cylindrical Langmuir probe. These measurements were performed in the ALINE plasma device in which only electrons can be considered well magnetized. Very precise 2‐D maps of the plasma parameters are drawn thanks to a 3‐D automatic manipulator on which the probe is mounted. The effect of the tilted magnetic angle between the RF‐biased surface and the magnetic lines is also studied thanks to a tilting electrode. Comparison of several simplistic models with the experiments proved the reliability of simple Langmuir probe measurements in such an RF and magnetized environment (space potential vs. tilting angle of the antenna with respect to magnetic field lines and recovery of the floating potential structure using measured currents). A fluid model based on total current density and ion diffusion equations over the biased flux tube provides the same density structures in front of the electrode as the measurements. Those density structures display a “bunny ears” shape and can be explained using transverse RF and collisional current behaviour: In front of the antenna, the transverse ion currents deplete the magnetized flux tube, while at the edge of the biased flux tube, the same currents increase the density.
Eye movements in anorexia nervosa: State or trait markers?
Authors: Phillipou Andrea , Abel Larry A. , Gurvich Caroline , Castle David J. , Rossell Susan L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveDifferences in saccadic eye movements are widely reported in mental illnesses, and can indirectly inform our understanding of neurobiological and cognitive underpinnings of psychiatric conditions, including anorexia nervosa (AN). Preliminary research has suggested that individuals with AN may show specific eye movement abnormalities; whether these deficits are representative of state or trait effects is, however, unclear. The aim of this study was to identify whether there are demonstrable differences in performance on saccadic eye movement tasks in individuals with current AN (c‐AN), those who are weight‐restored from AN (wr‐AN), biological sisters of individuals with AN (AN‐sis), and healthy controls (HC).MethodsEighty participants took part in the study (n = 20/group). A set of saccadic eye movement tasks was administered, including prosaccade, antisaccade, memory‐guided saccade, and visual scanpath tasks.ResultsThe c‐AN group showed an increased rate of inhibitory errors to 10° targets on the memory‐guided saccade task.DiscussionThe results are discussed in terms of the potential role of the superior colliculus in AN, and that the findings may reflect a state measure of AN.