bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enabling and promoting walking rehabilitation by paired associative stimulation after incomplete paraplegia: a case report
Authors: Shulga A. , Savolainen S. , Kirveskari E. , Mäkelä J. P. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and induces plastic changes in the human corticospinal tract. We have previously shown that PAS consisting of TMS pulses given at 100% of stimulator output and high-frequency PNS is beneficial for motor rehabilitation of patients with a chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The therapeutic possibilities of this PAS variant for walking rehabilitation of paraplegic patients are unexplored.

Case presentation
A 47-year old man with traumatic incomplete paraplegia (AIS D, neurological level T7) received PAS to his left leg for 3 months at 12 months post injury (PAS1) and for an additional 3 months at 24 months post injury (PAS2). The right leg had normal AIS scores and was not stimulated. Before PAS, the patient was nonambulatory, could not stand without weight support, and was consequently not eligible for conventional walking rehabilitation. After PAS1, the patient could stand for 1.5 min and take 13 steps (24 steps in follow up) on parallel bars without weight support and was enrolled into conventional walking rehabilitation. He achieved independent walking ability with a rollator. During PAS2, walking distance increased 2.4 times faster than during the preceding year. The left leg AIS score and spinal cord independence measure mobility subscore increased. No adverse effects were detected.

Discussion
This is the first report of PAS with a high-frequency peripheral component that enabled and promoted walking rehabilitation. Together with previous reports on this technique, this result encourages further research into its therapeutic potential and mechanism.
Genetic consequences of social structure in the golden-crowned sifaka
Authors: Parreira Bárbara , Quéméré Erwan , Vanpé Cécile , Carvalho Inês , Chikhi Lounès 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMany species are structured in social groups (SGs) where individuals exhibit complex mating strategies. Yet, most population genetic studies ignore SGs either treating them as small random-mating units or focusing on a higher hierarchical level (the population). Empirical studies acknowledging SGs have found an overall excess of heterozygotes within SGs and usually invoke inbreeding avoidance strategies to explain this finding. However, there is a lack of null models against which ecological theories can be tested and inbreeding avoidance quantified. Here, we investigate inbreeding (deviation from random mating) in an endangered forest-dwelling pair-living lemur species (Propithecus tattersalli). In particular, we measure the inbreeding coefficient (FIS) in empirical data at different scales: SGs, sampling sites and forest patches. We observe high excess of heterozygotes within SGs. The magnitude of this excess is highly dependent on the sampling scheme: while offspring are characterised by a high excess of heterozygotes (FIS < 0), the reproductive pair does not show dramatic departures from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Moreover, the heterozygosity excess disappears at larger geographic scales (sites and forests). We use a modelling framework that incorporates details of the sifaka mating system but does not include active inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. The simulated data show that, although apparent “random mating” or even inbreeding may occur at the “population” level, outbreeding is maintained within SGs. Altogether our results suggest that social structure leads to high levels of outbreeding without the need for active inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. Thus, demonstrating and measuring the existence of active inbreeding avoidance mechanisms may be more difficult than usually assumed.
Long-term anti-inflammatory diet in relation to improved breast cancer prognosis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Kang , Sun Jia-Zheng , Wu Qian-Xue , Li Zhu-Yue , Li Da-Xue , Xiong Yong-Fu , Zhong Guo-Chao , Shi Yang , Li Qing , Zheng Jiali , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Foukakis Theodoros , Zhang Xiang , Li Hong-Yuan , Xiang Ting-Xiu , Ren Guo-Sheng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInflammation-modulating nutrients and inflammatory markers are established cancer risk factors, however, evidence regarding the association between post-diagnosis diet-associated inflammation and breast cancer survival is relatively sparse. We aimed to examine the association between post-diagnosis dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and risks of all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality. A total of 1064 female breast cancer survivors in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening (PLCO) Trial prospective cohort, were included in this analysis if they had completed the diet history questionnaire (DHQ). Energy-adjusted DII (E-DIITM) scores were calculated based on food and supplement intake. Cox regression and competing risk models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) by E-DII tertile (T) for all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality. With median follow-up of 14.6 years, there were 296 (27.8%) deaths from all causes and 100 (9.4%) breast cancer-specific death. The E-DII was associated with all-cause mortality (HR T3 vs T1, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01–1.81;Ptrend, 0.049, Table 2) and breast cancer mortality (HR T3 vs T1, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.89–2.43;Ptrend, 0.13; multivariable-adjusted HR for 1-unit increment: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00–1.22). Non-linear positive dose–response associations with mortality from all causes were identified for E-DII scores (Pnon-linearity < 0.05). The post-diagnosis E-DII was statistically significantly associated with mortality risk among breast cancer survivors. Long-term anti-inflammatory diet might be a means of improving survival of breast cancer survivors.
Machine learning for accelerating the discovery of high-performance donor/acceptor pairs in non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Wu Yao , Guo Jie , Sun Rui , Min Jie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntegrating artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science together with current approaches in material synthesis and optimization will act as an effective approach for speeding up the discovery of high-performance photoactive materials in organic solar cells (OSCs). Yet, like model selection in statistics, the choice of appropriate machine learning (ML) algorithms plays a vital role in the process of new material discovery in databases. In this study, we constructed five common algorithms, and introduced 565 donor/acceptor (D/A) combinations as training data sets to evaluate the practicalities of these ML algorithms and their application potential when guiding material design and D/A pairs screening. Thus, the best predictive capabilities are provided by using the random forest (RF) and boosted regression trees (BRT) approaches beyond other ML algorithms in the data set. Furthermore, >32 million D/A pairs were screened and calculated by RF and BRT models, respectively. Among them, six photovoltaic D/A pairs are selected and synthesized to compare their predicted and experimental power conversion efficiencies. The outcome of ML and experiment verification demonstrates that the RF approach can be effectively applied to high-throughput virtual screening for opening new perspectives to design of materials and D/A pairs, thereby accelerating the development of OSCs.
Insights into a 429-million-year-old compound eye
Authors: Schoenemann Brigitte , Clarkson Euan N. K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn all arthropods the plesiomorphic (ancestral character state) kind of visual system commonly is considered to be the compound eye. Here we are able to show the excellently preserved internal structures of the compound eye of a 429 Mya old Silurian trilobite, Aulacopleura koninckii (Barrande, 1846). It shows the characteristic elements of a modern apposition eye, consisting of 8 (visible) receptor cells, a rhabdom, a thick lens, screening pigment (cells), and in contrast to a modern type, putatively just a very thin crystalline cone. Functionally the latter underlines the idea of a primarily calcitic character of the lens because of its high refractive properties. Perhaps the trilobite was translucent. We show that this Palaeozoic trilobite in principle was equipped with a fully modern type of visual system, a compound eye comparable to that of living bees, dragonflies and many diurnal crustaceans. It is an example of excellent preservation, and we hope that this manuscript will be a starting point for more research work on fossil evidence, and to develop a deeper understanding of the evolution of vision.
Different functions of two putative Drosophila α2δ subunits in the same identified motoneurons
Authors: Heinrich Laurin , Ryglewski Stefanie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractVoltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) regulate neuronal excitability and translate activity into calcium dependent signaling. The α1 subunit of high voltage activated (HVA) VGCCs associates with α2δ accessory subunits, which may affect calcium channel biophysical properties, cell surface expression, localization and transport and are thus important players in calcium-dependent signaling. In vertebrates, the functions of the different combinations of the four α2δ and the seven HVA α1 subunits are incompletely understood, in particular with respect to partially redundant or separate functions in neurons. This study capitalizes on the relatively simpler situation in the Drosophila genetic model containing two neuronal putative α2δ subunits, straightjacket and CG4587, and one Cav1 and Cav2 homolog each, both with well-described functions in different compartments of identified motoneurons. Straightjacket is required for normal Cav1 and Cav2 current amplitudes and correct Cav2 channel function in all neuronal compartments. By contrast, CG4587 does not affect Cav1 or Cav2 current amplitudes or presynaptic function, but is required for correct Cav2 channel allocation to the axonal versus the dendritic domain. We suggest that the two different putative α2δ subunits are required in the same neurons to regulate different functions of VGCCs.
Male grey seal commits fatal sexual interaction with adult female harbour seals in the German Wadden Sea
Authors: Rohner Simon , Hülskötter Kirsten , Gross Stephanie , Wohlsein Peter , Abdulmawjood Amir , Plötz Madeleine , Verspohl Jutta , Haas Ludwig , Siebert Ursula 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMales of several seal species are known to show aggressive copulating behaviour, which can lead to injuries to or suffocation of females. In the North Sea, grey seal predation on harbour seals including sexual harassment is documented and represents violent interspecific interaction. In this case series, we report pathological and molecular/genetic findings of 11 adult female harbour seals which were found dead in Schleswig–Holstein, Germany, within 41 days. Several organs of all animals showed haemorrhages and high loads of bacteria, indicating their septic spread. All females were pregnant or had recently been pregnant. Abortion was confirmed in three cases. Lacerations were seen in the uterus and vagina in six cases, in which histology of three individuals revealed severe suppurative inflammation with intralesional spermatozoa. Molecular analysis of vaginal swabs and paraffin-embedded samples of the vagina identified grey seal DNA, suggesting violent interspecific sexual interaction with fatal outcome due to septicaemia. This is the first report of female harbour seals dying after coercive copulation by a male grey seal in the Wadden Sea.
Design of uniform permanent magnet electronic optical system for 220 GHz sheet electron beam traveling wave tube
Authors: Liu Wenxin , Guo Jiaqi , Zhao Chao , Guo Xin , Wang Meng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe sheet electron beam (SEB), for which is the low current density and large current, is highly attractive in the region of millimeter wave and terahertz vacuum electronic devices (VEDs). A uniform permanent magnet (UPM) electronic optical system (EOS) driven by a SEB for 220 GHz traveling wave tube (TWT) is designed in present work, in which the voltage and current for SEB is 17 kV and 0.3 A, respectively. For obtaining the stable high transmission rate EOS, the characteristics of SEB in UPM EOS are studied, including the emittance, orbital angle, and beam trajectories, which are discussed through the CST simulation. The results show that the emittances in the x-direction are varied from 0.003 to 0.016 mm rad and in y-direction are various from 1 × 10−4 to 3 × 10−4 mm rad, respectively, keeping below than 2.5 × 10−4 mm rad during transmission, which guarantees the stability of SEB in y-direction. For the design of complete EOS, the normal rectangular collector is used, in which the SEB is uniformed scattering.
Clinical characteristics and corticosteroids application of different clinical types in patients with corona virus disease 2019
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Ji Chengcheng , Luo Jiajun , Wu Weiwei , Zhang Junchang , Zhong Zhiqiang , Lankford Seth , Huang Huang , Lin Fang , Wang Yonggang , Mo Guoxin , Hu Xingshuo , Jiang Tianjun , Shao Yanling , Ji Sumin , Zhang Yawei , Qin Enqiang , Mu Jinsong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTo describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Beijing. To analyze the application of corticosteroids in patients with severe pneumonia. We collected information on demographic characteristics, exposure history, clinical characteristics, corticosteroids use, and outcomes of the 65 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from Jan 20 to Feb 23, 2020. The final follow-up date observed was April 15th, 2020. The number of patients with mild, general, severe, and critical type were 10 (15.38%), 32 (49.23%), 8 (12.31%), and 15 (23.08%), respectively. The median incubation period was 6 days. Notable outliers were 1 patient at 16 days and 1 patient at 21 days. In lymphocyte subgroup analysis, decreases in total, T, CD4, and CD8 lymphocytes were more common as the disease worsened (All P < 0.05). Methylprednisolone (mPSL) was applied to 31 (47.69%) patients with pneumonia, including 10 (31.25%) general, 8 (100%) severe, and 13 (86.67%) critical patients, respectively. Corticosteroids inhibited Interleukin-6(IL-6) production (P = 0.0215) but did not affect T lymphocyte (P = 0.0796). There was no significant difference between patients using lower dose (≤ 2 mg/kg day) and higher dose (> 2 mg/kg day) mPSL in inhibiting IL-6 production (P = 0.5856). Thirty of 31 patients (96.77%) had stopped mPSL due to improvement of pneumonia. Virus RNA clearance time lengthened with disease progression (P = 0.0001). In general type, there was no significant difference in virus clearance time between patients with (15, 12–19 days) and without (14.5, 11–18 days) (P = 0.7372) mPSL use. Lymphocyte, especially T lymphocyte, in severe and critical patients showed a dramatic decrease. Application of lower dose corticosteroids (≤ 2 mg/kg day) could inhibit IL-6 production (a representative of cytokines) as effectively as a higher dose. Proper use corticosteroids in general type patients did not delay virus clearance.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of rechargeable pouch cell batteries: beating the skin depth by excitation and detection via the casing
Authors: Benders Stefan , Mohammadi Mohaddese , Klug Christopher A. , Jerschow Alexej 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRechargeable batteries are notoriously difficult to examine nondestructively, and the obscurity of many failure modes provides a strong motivation for developing efficient and detailed diagnostic techniques that can provide information during realistic operating conditions. In-situ NMR spectroscopy has become a powerful technique for the study of electrochemical processes, but has mostly been limited to laboratory cells. One significant challenge to applying this method to commercial cells has been that the radiofrequency, required for NMR excitation and detection, cannot easily penetrate the battery casing due to the skin depth. This complication has limited such studies to special research cell designs or to ‘inside-out’ measurement approaches. This article demonstrates that it is possible to use the battery cell as a resonator in a tuned circuit, thereby allowing signals to be excited inside the cell, and for them to subsequently be detected via the resonant circuit. Employing this approach, 7Li NMR signals from the electrolyte, as well as from intercalated and plated metallic lithium in a multilayer (rolled) commercial pouch cell battery were obtained. Therefore, it is anticipated that critical nondestructive device characterization can be performed with this technique in realistic and even commercial cell designs.
Cupid, a cell permeable peptide derived from amoeba, capable of delivering GFP into a diverse range of species
Authors: Fenton Daniel , Phillips Dylan , Maddison Anne , H. George Christopher , Ryves Jonathan , D. Jones Huw 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCell permeating peptides (CPPs) are attracting great interest for use as molecular delivery vehicles for the transport of biologically active cargo across the cell membrane. The sequence of a novel CPP sequence, termed ‘Cupid’, was identified from the genome of Dictyostelium discoideum. A Cupid-Green Fluorescent Protein (Cupid-GFP) fusion protein was tested on mammalian, whole plant cells, plant leaf protoplast and fungal cell cultures and observed using confocal microscopy. GFP fluorescence builds up within the cell cytosol in 60 min, demonstrating Cupid-GFP has permeated them and folded correctly into its fluorescent form. Our combined data suggest Cupid can act as a molecular vehicle capable of delivering proteins, such as GFP, into the cytosol of a variety of cells.
Comparison of modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium stems in femoral revision hip arthroplasty: a minimum 6-year follow-up study
Authors: Feng Shuo , Zhang Yu , Bao Yu-Hang , Yang Zhi , Zha Guo-Chun , Chen Xiang-Yang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBoth modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium stems are commonly used in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, which type of femoral stem is superior remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium. The clinical data of patients undergoing primary revision THA from January 2009 to January 2013 in two institutions were retrospectively analyzed. According to the type of prosthesis used on the femoral side, the patients were divided into the modular group (108 hips; Link MP modular stem in 73 hips and AK-MR modular stem in 35 hips) and nonmodular group (110 hips; Wagner SL stem in 78 hips and AK-SL stem in 32 hips). The operative time, hospital stay, blood loss, blood transfusion volume, hip function, hip pain, limb length discrepancy, imaging data, and complications were compared between the two groups.A total of 218 patients were followed up for 78–124 months, with an average of 101.5 months. The incidence of intraoperative fracture in the modular group (16.7%) was significantly higher than that in the nonmodular group (4.5%; (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the limb length difference in the modular group (2.3 ± 2.7 mm) was significantly lower than that in the nonmodular group (5.6 ± 3.5 mm; P < 0.05), and the postoperative prosthesis subsidence in the modular group (averaged 0.92 mm; 0–10.2 mm) was significantly less than that in the nonmodular group (averaged 2.20 mm; 0–14.7 mm; P < 0.05). Both modular and nonmodular tapered fluted titanium stems can achieve satisfactory mid-term clinical and imaging results in patients who underwent femoral revision. The modular stems have good control of lower limb length and low incidence of prosthesis subsidence.
Spatial clustering of food insecurity and its association with depression: a geospatial analysis of nationally representative South African data, 2008–2015
Authors: Tomita Andrew , Cuadros Diego F. , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Sartorius Benn , Ncama Busisiwe P. , Dangour Alan D. , Tanser Frank , Modi Albert T. , Slotow Rob , Burns Jonathan K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWhile food insecurity is a persistent public health challenge, its long-term association with depression at a national level is unknown. We investigated the spatial heterogeneity of food insecurity and its association with depression in South Africa (SA), using nationally-representative panel data from the South African National Income Dynamics Study (years 2008–2015). Geographical clusters (“hotpots”) of food insecurity were identified using Kulldorff spatial scan statistic in SaTScan. Regression models were fitted to assess association between residing in food insecure hotspot communities and depression. Surprisingly, we found food insecurity hotspots (p < 0.001) in high-suitability agricultural crop and livestock production areas with reliable rainfall and fertile soils. At baseline (N = 15,630), we found greater likelihood of depression in individuals residing in food insecure hotspot communities [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.13, 95% CI:1.01–1.27] using a generalized linear regression model. When the panel analysis was limited to 8,801 participants who were depression free at baseline, residing in a food insecure hotspot community was significantly associated with higher subsequent incidence of depression (aRR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.01–1.22) using a generalized estimating equation regression model. The association persisted even after controlling for multiple socioeconomic factors and household food insecurity. We identified spatial heterogeneity of food insecurity at a national scale in SA, with a demonstrated greater risk of incident depression in hotspots. More importantly, our finding points to the “Food Security Paradox”, food insecurity in areas with high food-producing potential. There is a need for place-based policy interventions that target communities vulnerable to food insecurity, to reduce the burden of depression.
Anandamide prevents the adhesion of filamentous Candida albicans to cervical epithelial cells
Authors: Sionov Ronit Vogt , Feldman Mark , Smoum Reem , Mechoulam Raphael , Steinberg Doron 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCandidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species that have formed a biofilm on epithelial linings of the body. The most frequently affected areas include the vagina, oral cavity and the intestine. In severe cases, the fungi penetrate the epithelium and cause systemic infections. One approach to combat candidiasis is to prevent the adhesion of the fungal hyphae to the epithelium. Here we demonstrate that the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and the endocannabinoid-like N-arachidonoyl serine (AraS) strongly prevent the adherence of C. albicans hyphae to cervical epithelial cells, while the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) has only a minor inhibitory effect. In addition, we observed that both AEA and AraS prevent the yeast-hypha transition and perturb hyphal growth. Real-time PCR analysis showed that AEA represses the expression of the HWP1 and ALS3 adhesins involved in Candida adhesion to epithelial cells and the HGC1, RAS1, EFG1 and ZAP1 regulators of hyphal morphogenesis and cell adherence. On the other hand, AEA increased the expression of NRG1, a transcriptional repressor of filamentous growth. Altogether, our data show that AEA and AraS have potential anti-fungal activities by inhibiting hyphal growth and preventing hyphal adherence to epithelial cells.