bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome Analysis of iPSC-Derived Neurons from Rubinstein-Taybi Patients Reveals Deficits in Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Calzari Luciano , Barcella Matteo , Alari Valentina , Braga Daniele , Muñoz-Viana Rafael , Barlassina Cristina , Finelli Palma , Gervasini Cristina , Barco Angel , Russo Silvia , Larizza Lidia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a rare multisystem developmental disorder with moderate to severe intellectual disability caused by heterozygous mutations of either CREBBP or EP300 genes encoding CBP/p300 chromatin regulators. We explored the gene programs and processes underlying the morphological and functional alterations shown by iPSC-derived neurons modeling RSTS to bridge the molecular changes resulting from defective CBP/p300 to cognitive impairment. By global transcriptome analysis, we compared the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) marking the transition from iPSC-derived neural progenitors to cortical neurons (iNeurons) of five RSTS patients carrying private CREBBP/EP300 mutations and manifesting differently graded neurocognitive signs with those of four healthy controls. Our data shows a defective and altered neuroprogenitor to neuron transcriptional program in the cells from RSTS patients. First, transcriptional regulation is weaker in RSTS as less genes than in controls are modulated, including genes of key processes of mature functional neurons, such as those for voltage-gated channels and neurotransmitters and their receptors. Second, regulation is subverted as genes acting at pre-terminal stages of neural differentiation in cell polarity and adhesive functions (members of the cadherin family) and axon extension/guidance (members of the semaphorins and SLIT receptors families) are improperly upregulated. Impairment or delay of RSTS neuronal differentiation program is also evidenced by decreased modulation of the overall number of neural differentiation markers, significantly impacting the initial and final stages of the differentiation cascade. Last, extensive downregulation of genes for RNA/DNA metabolic processes confirms that RSTS is a global transcription disorder, consistent with a syndrome driven by chromatin dysregulation. Interestingly, the morphological and functional alterations we have previously appointed as biomarkers of RSTS iNeurons provide functional support to the herein designed transcriptome profile pointing to key dysregulated neuronal genes as main contributors to patients’ cognitive deficit. The impact of RSTS transcriptome may go beyond RSTS as comparison of dysregulated genes across modeled neurodevelopmental disorders could unveil convergent genes of cognitive impairment.
Forensic Brain-Reading and Mental Privacy in European Human Rights Law: Foundations and Challenges
Authors: Ligthart Sjors , Douglas Thomas , Bublitz Christoph , Kooijmans Tijs , Meynen Gerben 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA central question in the current neurolegal and neuroethical literature is how brain-reading technologies could contribute to criminal justice. Some of these technologies have already been deployed within different criminal justice systems in Europe, including Slovenia, Italy, England and Wales, and the Netherlands, typically to determine guilt, legal responsibility, or recidivism risk. In this regard, the question arises whether brain-reading could permissibly be used against the person's will. To provide adequate legal protection from such non-consensual brain-reading in the European legal context, ethicists have called for the recognition of a novel fundamental legal right to mental privacy. In this paper, we explore whether these ethical calls for recognising a novel legal right to mental privacy are necessary in the European context. We argue that a right to mental privacy could be derived from, or at least developed within in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, and that introducing an additional fundamental right to protect against (forensic) brain-reading is not necessary. What is required, however, is a specification of the implications of existing rights for particular neurotechnologies and purposes.
Flow simulation considering adsorption boundary layer based on digital rock and finite element method
Authors: Yang Yong-Fei , Wang Ke , Lv Qian-Fei , Askari Roohollah , Mei Qing-Yan , Yao Jun , Hou Jie-Xin , Zhang Kai , Li Ai-Fen , Wang Chen-Chen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDue to the low permeability of tight reservoirs, throats play a significant role in controlling fluid flow. Although many studies have been conducted to investigate fluid flow in throats in the microscale domain, comparatively fewer works have been devoted to study the effect of adsorption boundary layer (ABL) in throats based on the digital rock method. By considering an ABL, we investigate its effects on fluid flow. We build digital rock model based on computed tomography technology. Then, microscopic pore structures are extracted with watershed segmentation and pore geometries are meshed through Delaunay triangulation approach. Finally, using the meshed digital simulation model and finite element method, we investigate the effects of viscosity and thickness of ABL on microscale flow. Our results demonstrate that viscosity and thickness of ABL are major factors that significantly hinder fluid flow in throats.
Online Mindfulness Stress Intervention for Family Carers of Children and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Flynn Samantha , Hastings Richard P. , Burke Christine , Howes Simon , Lunsky Yona , Weiss Jonathan A. , Bailey Tom 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Family carers of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are twice as likely as other carers to experience stress and mental ill-health, but research exploring interventions is sparse. Online mindfulness may provide an accessible, cost-effective resource. The addition of guided telephone support could help to tailor an existing intervention for this population. A feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to inform the development of a definitive RCT.

Methods
Sixty participants were randomized to complete Be Mindful (a brief online mindfulness intervention) either with or without additional Peer Mentor support. Feasibility of recruitment, retention, intervention adherence, and acceptability of study design was examined. Preliminary analyses were undertaken on participant-reported outcomes pre- and post-intervention. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted as a process evaluation.

Results
Feasibility outcomes indicate that it would be possible to recruit and retain (88%) participants to a definitive RCT, and that the study design and intervention are acceptable. The addition of guided telephone support was not burdensome; indeed, it was additionally motivating. Telephone support can be delivered with high fidelity, but this is inconsistent and requires further piloting. Preliminary comparison data indicate small, but non-significant, improvements for participants receiving guided telephone support relative to those who did not over time.

Conclusions
It is feasible to deliver online mindfulness with additional telephone-guided support to family carers of people with ID, and this may lead to small benefits over receiving online mindfulness alone. A definitive RCT can be planned to examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this intervention.
Log-based rock compressibility estimation for Asmari carbonate formation
Authors: Ashena Rahman , Behrenbruch Peter , Ghalambor Ali 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRock compressibility has many applications in the upstream petroleum industry, for example, reservoir material balance calculations and geomechanics, as related to possible formation compaction and subsidence. When measurements on core are not available, empirical correlations may need to be considered, derived for specific fields. In the study presented, the suitability of the log-based method for evaluating rock compressibility is investigated, with the aim of deriving a suitable correlation for Asmari carbonate, Southwest Iran. A stepwise log-based method of rock compressibility determination is presented, including the construction of a geomechanical earth model, MEM. In comparing a log approach with core-derived results, it was found that the log-based method showed a rather reliable estimation of pore compressibility for carbonates studied, except for intervals with extremely large wellbore washout. Although the selected procedure is similar to that used for sandstone by other researchers, involving in some cases complex procedures, a relatively good matching result could be obtained with a relatively simple procedure. To validate the results from this study, a comparison of compressibility values is made with several industry correlations. An application of formation compressibility for estimating possible formation compaction and associated subsidence is also presented. However, a minimal effect is indicated in this case, as the carbonates studied are rather consolidated. In summary, this study presents a new correlation for rock compressibility for Southwestern Iranian carbonate oilfields (Asmari carbonate), validating the applicability of a log-based technique.
Alternating N2 gas injection as a potential technique for enhanced gas recovery and CO2 storage in consolidated rocks: an experimental study
Authors: Mohammed Nuhu , Abbas Abubakar Jibrin , Enyi Godpower C. , Suleiman Salihu M. , Edem Donatus E. , Abba Muhammad Kabir 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe promotion of enhanced gas recovery (EGR) and CO2 storage is still shrouded in contention and is not well accepted, due to the excessive in situ CO2 mixing with the nascent natural gas. This adulterates the recovered CH4 and thus results in a high sweetening process cost thereby making the technique impractical. This has not only limited the field application of EGR in actual projects to a few trails but renders it uneconomical. This study aims to present, experimentally, alternating N2 injection as a potential technique for EGR and CO2 storage in sandstone rock cores. A laboratory core flooding experiment was carried out to simulate a detailed process of unsteady-state methane (CH4) displacement using Bandera grey core plug. This was carried out at 40 °C, 1500 psig, and 0.4 ml/min injection rate by alternative injection of N2 and CO2 in succession designed to suit the application based on optimum operating conditions. The results show that both CO2 storage capacity and CH4 recovery improved significantly when gas alternating gas (GAG) injection was considered. The best results were observed at lower N2 cushion volumes (1 and 2 PV). Therefore, the GAG injection method with N2 as cushion gas can potentially increase both CO2 storage and CH4 recovery of the gas reservoir. This technique if employed will assert the current position and provide vital information for further researches aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability of the EGR and CO2 sequestration processes.
Evaluation of the size of time windows for the travelling salesman problem in delivery operations
Authors: Budak Gerçek , Chen Xin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA great challenge in operational research is to apply time-efficient algorithms to find the optimal solutions to the travelling salesman problem (TSP) and its many variations. The TSP with time windows (TSPTW) arises due to intense pressure for business to improve customer service. As online shopping becomes more popular, customer satisfaction increases if customers can decide when their orders are delivered to them. Customers may choose a time window, which is defined by an earliest delivery time and a latest delivery time, during which the package is delivered. Delivering packages to multiple customers is a typical TSPTW. One main challenge for a delivery business is to determine the size of the time window (i.e., the difference between the latest and earliest delivery times), which affects delivery cost and customer satisfaction. Although many previous studies investigated the TSPTW, none of those focused on the size of time windows. This study is the first that experiments with different time window sizes and determines their impact on tour duration, customer satisfaction, and solution time of the optimal delivery routes. The experiment results show that increasing the size of the time window decreases tour duration and customer satisfaction and increases solution time. Decreasing the size of the time window increases tour duration and customer satisfaction and decreases solution time. A small solution time is necessary for the scheduling of deliveries to many customers. A large solution time prevents a delivery business from delivering packages using optimal routes, which increases delivery cost and decreases customer satisfaction. The results of this study indicate that a general guideline for business is to allow customers to choose a time window size that is within the cost limit but is sufficiently small to maximize customer satisfaction and optimize delivery routes.
Perianastomotic cyst following rectosigmoidectomy due to adenocarcinoma of the proximal rectum: a case report
Authors: Sena Fernando Simões de , Nogueira Raquel Ferreira , Barroso Lorena de Oliveira , Santos Marco Antônio Miranda dos , Leite Sinara Mônica de Oliveira 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe implantation cyst occurs from the imprisonment and subsequent proliferation of the colonic mucosa below the submucosa during mechanical stapling. The understanding and definition of the evaluation protocol of these lesions is important, since they can generate the need for a new complex surgical procedure and cause anxiety in patients and surgeons. This case reports the occurrence of a subepithelial lesion in follow-up imaging of a patient who underwent videolaparoscopic rectosigmoidectomy for adenocarcinoma of the proximal rectum, submitted to an endoscopic attempt to drain/detangle the lesion and subsequent histopathological analysis showing colic mucosa without changes. In line with Katsumata, it is suggested to asymptomatic patients without alteration of the CEA or suspicious imaging signs a follow up with periodic imaging methods. For symptomatic patients with normal CEA, or whose lesions are growing at follow-up exams, it is suggested to continue with the investigation, with biopsy and/or effluent sample for histopathological study in addition to an attempt at symptomatic resolution. Finally, in the presence of an alteration in CEA, despite symptoms, it is suggested that the lesion be managed as a suspected local tumor recurrence.
Ex Vivo Radiation Leads to Opposing Neurite Growth in Whole Ganglia vs Dissociated Cultured Pelvic Neurons
Authors: Randolph Joshua T. , Pak Elena S. , Koontz Bridget F. , Hannan Johanna L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundProstatic radiation therapy (RT) often causes erectile dysfunction (ED) and the mechanisms governing RT-induced ED are unclear with a lack of therapeutic strategies.AimTo determine the effects of ex vivo RT on major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neuron survival, and neurite growth in whole vs dissociated culture.MethodsMPGs were removed and irradiated (0 or 8 Gy) from male Sprague Dawley rats. For dissociated culture, MPG neurons were digested in collagenase/dispase and cultured on coverslips. Immunofluorescent staining for beta-tubulin III (TUBB3; neuron marker), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS; nitrergic marker), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; sympathetic marker), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assessed neurite length, branching, autonomic neuron density, and apoptosis. For whole organ culture, MPGs were grown in Matrigel. Gene expression of apoptotic markers (caspase 1, 3), TUBB3, nNOS, TH, and Schwann cells (Sox10, Krox20, glial fibrillary acid protein) was measured in whole organ cultured MPGs by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.OutcomesAfter 72 hours, neurite length, branching, autonomic neuron density, and apoptosis were assessed, and gene expression was measured.ResultsRT increased apoptosis in dissociated neurons measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (P &lt; .001) and whole MPG culture via upregulation of caspase 3 gene expression (P &lt; .05). Nitrergic neurons were markedly decreased in irradiated dissociated culture (P &lt; .05), while nNOS gene expression was upregulated in irradiated whole organ culture (P &lt; .05). The proportion of dissociated sympathetic neurons and whole organ TH gene expression remained unchanged after RT. Interestingly, RT dissociated neurites were 22% shorter than controls, while RT whole organ neurites were 15% longer than controls (P &lt; .01). MPG Schwann cells markers (Sox10, Krox20) were elevated after RT in whole organ culture.Clinical TranslationProstatic RT leads to increased neuronal cell death and less erectogenic nitrergic neurons contributing to ED.Strengths & LimitationsThe advantages of dissociated neuron culture include distinct neurites which are easily measured for apoptosis, length/branching, and specific neuron types. In contrast, whole MPG culture is advantageous as it contains all the supporting cells present in vivo.ConclusionThe 2 different culture methods demonstrated opposing neurite growth after RT indicating the importance of supporting cell network to promote pelvic neuron neuritogenesis and survival following RT.
Evaluating the Impact of Penile Girth Discrepancy on Patient Bother in Men with Peyronie's Disease: An Observational Study
Authors: Salter Carolyn A. , Nascimento Bruno , Terrier Jean-Etienne , Taniguchi Hisanori , Bernie Helen , Miranda Eduardo , Jenkins Lawrence , Schofield Elizabeth , Mulhall John P. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Men with Peyronie's disease (PD) may experience penile narrowing. Little data on penile girth changes and their psychosocial impact exist.

Aim
To assess girth discrepancy in men with PD and its association with patient bother.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study. All patients with PD at our institution who were seen in the sexual medicine clinic and who completed 3 validated instruments the PD questionnaire (PDQ), Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, and a depression questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and a curvature assessment were included. Patient and PD characteristics are described. Associations of instability and bother to girth differences are assessed. 2 outcomes for girth differences are classified as (i) girth difference of ≥ 1 cm vs less and (ii) girth differences of ≥10% vs less. Unadjusted and adjusted effects of PD and patient characteristics are assessed on the outcome of high bother using logistic regression models.

Outcomes
The main outcomes of this study were penile girth changes, instability, and questionnaire scores. High bother was defined as a PDQ bother score of ≥9.

Results
A total of131 men had midshaft curvature and were the focus of the study. Their mean age was 59 ± 9 (range 31–78) years. PD duration was 16 ± 25 (range 1–180) months, with a mean degree of primary curvature of 37 ± 20o. Mean girth difference between base and point of maximum curvature was 0.78 ± 0.53 cm equating to a mean girth difference at point of maximum curvature of 6 ± 4%. Instability was present in 53% of men. There were 54 men with a girth difference of ≥ 1 cm and 23 men with a ≥10% change in girth. There was no difference in CES-D, SEAR, or PDQ domain scores or high bother in men with significant girth changes. Univariable analysis of predictors of high bother included the degree of curvature (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06; P &lt; .001), instability (OR 6.62; P &lt; .001), CES-D sum (OR 1.09; P = .002), and SEAR score (OR 0.96; P = .001). On multivariate analysis, only the degree of primary curvature was predictive of high bother (OR 1.06; P &lt; .001).

Clinical Implications
Penile girth changes have little impact on overall psychosocial well-being. The degree of penile curvature is the primary predictor of patient bother.

Strengths and Limitations
Strengths include a large patient population and use of validated questionnaires. Limitations include single-center, retrospective study and subjective instability grading.

Conclusions
Penile girth discrepancy in men with PD has limited psychosocial impact. Clinically significant bother was associated with the degree of primary curvature.
Radiologic anatomy of the round window relevant to cochlear implantation and inner ear drug delivery
Authors: Nguy Peter L. , Saidha Sheela , Jay Ann , Jeffrey Kim H. , Hoa Michael 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo determine anatomic relationships and variation of the round window membrane to bony surgical landmarks on computed tomography.Study designRetrospective imaging review.Methods100 temporal bone images were evaluated. Direct measurements were obtained for membrane position. Vector distances and angulation from umbo and bony annulus were calculated from image viewer software coordinates.ResultsThe angle of round window membrane at junction with cochlear basal turn was (42.1 ± 8.6)°. The membrane's position relative to plane of the facial nerve through facial recess was (14.7 ± 5.2)° posterior from a reference line drawn through facial recess to carotid canal. Regarding transtympanic drug delivery, the round window membrane was directed 4.1 mm superiorly from the inferior annulus and 5.4 mm anteriorly from the posterior annulus. The round window membrane on average was angled superiorly from the inferior annulus (77.1 ± 27.9)° and slightly anteriorly from the posterior annulus (19.1 ± 11.1°). The mean distance of round window membrane from umbo was 4 mm and posteriorly rotated 30° clockwise from a perpendicular drawn from umbo to inferior annulus towards posterior annulus. Together, these measurements approximate the round window membrane in the tympanic membrane's posteroinferior quadrant.ConclusionsThese radiologic measurements demonstrate normal variations seen in round window anatomy relative to facial recess approach and bony tympanic annulus, providing a baseline to assess round window insertion for cochlear implantation and outlines anatomic factors affecting transtympanic drug delivery.
Surface and Atmospheric Driven Variability of the Single‐Layer Urban Canopy Model Under Clear‐Sky Conditions Over London
Authors: Tsiringakis A. , Holtslag A. A. M. , Grimmond Sue , Steeneveld G. J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUrban canopy models (UCMs) are parametrization schemes that are used to improve weather forecasts in urban areas. The performance of UCMs depends on understanding potential uncertainty sources that can generally originate from the (a) urban surface parameters, (b) atmospheric forcing, and (c) physical description. Here, we investigate the relative importance of surface and atmospheric driven model sensitivities of the single‐layer urban canopy model when fully interactive with a 1‐D configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). The impact of different physical descriptions in UCMs and other key parameterization schemes of WRF is considered. As a case study, we use a 54‐hr period with clear‐sky conditions over London. Our analysis is focused on the surface radiation and energy flux partitioning and the intensity of turbulent mixing. The impact of changes in atmospheric forcing and surface parameter values on model performance appears to be comparable in magnitude. The advection of potential temperature, aerosol optical depth, exchange coefficient and roughness length for heat, surface albedo, and the anthropogenic heat flux are the most influential. Some atmospheric forcing variations have similar impact on the key physical processes as changes in surface parameters. Hence, error compensation may occur if one optimizes model performance using a single variable or combinations that have potential for carryover effects (e.g., temperature). Process diagrams help differences to be understood in the physical description of different UCMs, boundary layer, and radiation schemes and between the model and the observations.