bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the prostaglandin D2–GPR44/DP2 axis improves human islet survival and function
Authors: Abadpour Shadab , Tyrberg Björn , Schive Simen W. , Huldt Charlotte Wennberg , Gennemark Peter , Ryberg Erik , Rydén-Bergsten Tina , Smith David M. , Korsgren Olle , Skrtic Stanko , Scholz Hanne , Winzell Maria Sörhede 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
Inflammatory signals and increased prostaglandin synthesis play a role during the development of diabetes. The prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) receptor, GPR44/DP2, is highly expressed in human islets and activation of the pathway results in impaired insulin secretion. The role of GPR44 activation on islet function and survival rate during chronic hyperglycaemic conditions is not known. In this study, we investigate GPR44 inhibition by using a selective GPR44 antagonist (AZ8154) in human islets both in vitro and in vivo in diabetic mice transplanted with human islets.

Methods
Human islets were exposed to PGD2 or proinflammatory cytokines in vitro to investigate the effect of GPR44 inhibition on islet survival rate. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of GPR44 inhibition were investigated in human islets exposed to high concentrations of glucose (HG) and to IL-1β. For the in vivo part of the study, human islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of immunodeficient diabetic mice and treated with 6, 60 or 100 mg/kg per day of a GPR44 antagonist starting from the transplantation day until day 4 (short-term study) or day 17 (long-term study) post transplantation. IVGTT was performed on mice at day 10 and day 15 post transplantation. After termination of the study, metabolic variables, circulating human proinflammatory cytokines, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were analysed in the grafted human islets.

Results
PGD2 or proinflammatory cytokines induced apoptosis in human islets whereas GPR44 inhibition reversed this effect. GPR44 inhibition antagonised the reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion induced by HG and IL-1β in human islets. This was accompanied by activation of the Akt–glycogen synthase kinase 3β signalling pathway together with phosphorylation and inactivation of forkhead box O-1and upregulation of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 and HGF. Administration of the GPR44 antagonist for up to 17 days to diabetic mice transplanted with a marginal number of human islets resulted in reduced fasting blood glucose and lower glucose excursions during IVGTT. Improved glucose regulation was supported by increased human C-peptide levels compared with the vehicle group at day 4 and throughout the treatment period. GPR44 inhibition reduced plasma levels of TNF-α and growth-regulated oncogene-α/chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 and increased the levels of HGF in human islets.

Conclusions/interpretation
Inhibition of GPR44 in human islets has the potential to improve islet function and survival rate under inflammatory and hyperglycaemic stress. This may have implications for better survival rate of islets following transplantation.
Validation of a semiautomated volumetric approach for fetal neurosonography using 5DCNS+ in clinical data from > 1100 consecutive pregnancies
Authors: Welp Amrei , Gembicki Michael , Rody Achim , Weichert Jan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a semiautomated volumetric approach (5DCNS+) for the detailed assessment of the fetal brain in a clinical setting.

Methods
Stored 3D volumes of > 1100 consecutive 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancies (range 15–36 gestational weeks) were analyzed using a workflow-based volumetric approach 5DCNS+, enabling semiautomated reconstruction of diagnostic planes of the fetal central nervous system (CNS). All 3D data sets were examined for plane accuracy, the need for manual adjustment, and fetal-maternal characteristics affecting successful plane reconstruction. We also examined the potential of these standardized views to give additional information on proper gyration and sulci formation with advancing gestation.

Results
Based on our data, we were able to show that gestational age with an OR of 1.085 (95% CI 1.041–1.132) and maternal BMI with an OR of 1.022 (95% CI 1.041–1.054) only had a slight impact on the number of manual adjustments needed to reconstruct the complete volume, while maternal age and fetal position during acquisition (p = 0.260) did not have a significant effect. For the vast majority (958/1019; 94%) of volumes, using 5DCNS+ resulted in proper reconstruction of all nine diagnostic planes. In less than 1% (89/9171 planes) of volumes, the program failed to give sufficient information. 5DCNS+ was able to show the onset and changing appearance of CNS folding in a detailed and timely manner (lateral/parietooccipital sulcus formation seen in < 65% at 16–17 gestational weeks vs. 94.6% at 19 weeks).

Conclusions
The 5DCNS+ method provides a reliable algorithm to produce detailed, 3D volume–based assessments of fetal CNS integrity through a standardized reconstruction of the orthogonal diagnostic planes. The method further gives valid and reproducible information regarding ongoing cortical development retrieved from these volume sets that might aid in earlier in utero recognition of subtle structural CNS anomalies.
New retinal tack designs: an analysis of retention forces in human scleral tissue
Authors: Schulze Schwering Markus , Oltrup Theo , Rückheim Kai Sinan , Bende Thomas , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Leitritz Martin Alexander 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to construct a new retinal tack design with high retention forces to prevent spontaneous disentanglement in cases of complicated retinal surgery.

Methods
Six new forms for the peak of a retinal tack were developed using computer-aided design (CAD); then a prototype was produced for each model. Finally, standardised design testing was conducted using human (ex vivo) sclera by logging 15 consecutive measurements for each model.

Results
Seven different models underwent pull-out testing (six new models and the original tack model), but two tack models (Model 4, Model 5) failed to penetrate the human tissue. The highest pull-out forces (median) were measured for Model 3, followed by Model 6, Model 2 and Model 1. The original Heimann tack (Model H) was found to have the lowest retention forces.

Conclusion
The different tack designs altered the penetration and holding forces. The retention forces of the proposed peak design led to a significant increase in the retention forces that were more than twice as high as those in the original Heimann Model.
Myxovirus resistance 1 (MX1) is an independent predictor of poor outcome in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Aljohani Abrar I. , Joseph Chitra , Kurozumi Sasagu , Mohammed Omar J. , Miligy Islam M. , Green Andrew R. , Rakha Emad A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer (BC) is a disease with variable morphology, clinical behaviour and response to therapy. Identifying factors associated with the progression of early-stage BC can help understand the risk of metastasis and guide treatment decisions. Myxovirus resistance 1 (MX1), which is involved in the cellular antiviral mechanism, plays a role in some solid tumours; however, its role in invasive BC remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of MX1 in BC.

Methods
MX1 was assessed at the protein level using tissue microarrays from a large well-annotated BC cohort (n = 845). The expression of MX1 mRNA was assessed at the transcriptomic level using the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC; n = 1980) and validated using three publicly available cohorts on Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner (bc-GenExMiner version 4.4). The associations between MX1 expression and clinicopathological factors, and outcome were evaluated.

Results
High MX1 protein expression was associated with features of aggressiveness, including large tumour size, high tumour grade, high Nottingham prognostic index scores, hormone receptor negativity and high Ki67 expression. High MX1 expression showed an association with poor patient outcome and it was an independent predictor of short BC-specific survival (p = 0.028; HR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.0–2.2). Consistent with the protein results, high MX1 mRNA levels showed an association with features of aggressive behaviour and with shorter survival.

Conclusion
This study identified MX1 as an independent predictor of poor outcome in patients with BC. Further functional studies are needed to investigate the biological role of MX1 in BC and its potential value as a therapeutic target.
Interpersonal Coordination Dynamics in Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wiltshire Travis J. , Philipsen Johanne Stege , Trasmundi Sarah Bro , Jensen Thomas Wiben , Steffensen Sune Vork 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of interpersonal coordination (i.e., covariation over time) in different modalities (e.g., physiology, language) during psychotherapy and their importance for understanding the dynamics of psychotherapeutic interaction and efficacy.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review of all studies examining some form of interpersonal coordination in a psychotherapeutic context.

Results
We first summarize details of the included studies such as gender composition, therapy types, and methods used. The collation of these studies provided evidence that, during psychotherapeutic contexts, interpersonal coordination occurs in physiology, movements, interpersonal displays, and language/vocalizations. Further, it also showed that movement coordination was most frequently associated with psychotherapy outcomes, physiological coordination was most frequently associated with empathy, and coordination in a variety of modalities including language/vocalizations were most frequently associated with therapeutic alliance.

Conclusions
We discuss these results, shortcomings with the current literature, and highlight three crucial questions for future research. Research on interpersonal coordination in psychotherapy has potential to advance the both the research and practice of psychotherapy.
A comparative analysis of policies, strategies and programmes for information and communication technology integration in education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the republic of Ireland
Authors: Alghamdi Jawaher , Holland Charlotte 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper provides a comparative analysis of policies, strategies and programmes for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in primary and post-primary education, that were active in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and in the Republic of Ireland in 2016. The analysis showed that while KSA was a relative newcomer to the integration of ICT in education, it was responsive in seeking to enhance the quality of education and support transitions to the knowledge economy through a range of initiatives, including: reform of the curriculum, provision of teacher professional development in ICT integration, and supply of computer technologies and infrastructure. However, as in the Irish context, the framing of the ICT in education’ policies, strategies and programmes needed to be strengthened through participatory partnerships with key stakeholders that endured throughout the life-cycle of ICT policy implementation in primary and post-primary settings. Furthermore, the review showed a need for governments in both jurisdictions to make better provision for financial and human resourcing to fully operationalize the teacher training and supports necessary for effective integration by teachers of ICT in primary and post-primary settings. Finally, the evaluation protocols within ICT in education’ policies, strategies and programmes in both countries needed to be re-casted to make evidence of their enactment publicly available in a timely manner. Moreover, the resultant evaluation reports further needed to be detailed at a level that made visible the national progress on ICT integration in schools, and the corresponding impact on learners’ ICT skills and broader competencies.
Mitigating heat-related mortality risk in Shanghai, China: system dynamics modeling simulations
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Tian Zhan , Sun Laixiang , Liu Junguo , Wu Wei , Xu Hanqing , Sun Landong , Wang Chunfang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNumerous studies in epidemiology, meteorology, and climate change research have demonstrated a significant association between abnormal ambient temperature and mortality. However, there is a shortage of research attention to a systematic assessment of potential mitigation measures which could effectively reduce the heat-related morbidity and mortality risks. This study first illustrates a conceptualization of a systems analysis version of urban framework for climate service (UFCS). It then constructs a system dynamics (SD) model for the UFCS and employs this model to quantify the impacts of heat waves on public health system in Shanghai and to evaluate the performances of two mitigation measures in the context of a real heat wave event in July 2013 in the city. Simulation results show that in comparison with the baseline without mitigation measures, if the hospital system could prepare 20% of beds available for emergency response to heat waves once receiving the warning in advance, the number of daily deaths could be reduced by 40–60 (15.8–19.5%) on the 2 days of day 7 and day 8; if increasing the minimum living allowance of 790 RMB/month in 2013 by 20%, the number of daily deaths could be reduced by 50–70 (17.7–21.9%) on the 2 days of day 8 and day 12. This tool can help policy makers systematically evaluate adaptation and mitigation options based on performance assessment, thus strengthening urban resilience to changing climate.
Between Atomism and Superatomism
Authors: Dixon T. Scott 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere are at least three vaguely atomistic principles that have come up in the literature, two explicitly and one implicitly. First, standard atomism is the claim that everything is composed of atoms, and is very often how atomism is characterized in the literature. Second, superatomism is the claim that parthood is well-founded, which implies that every proper parthood chain terminates, and has been discussed as a stronger alternative to standard atomism. Third, there is a principle that lies between these two theses in terms of its relative strength: strong atomism, the claim that every maximal proper parthood chain terminates. Although strong atomism is equivalent to superatomism in classical extensional mereology, it is strictly weaker than it in strictly weaker systems in which parthood is a partial order. And it is strictly stronger than standard atomism in classical extensional mereology and, given the axiom of choice, in such strictly weaker systems as well. Though strong atomism has not, to my knowledge, been explicitly identified, Shiver appears to have it in mind, though it is unclear whether he recognizes that it is not equivalent to standard atomism in each of the mereologies he considers. I prove these logical relationships which hold amongst these three atomistic principles, and argue that, whether one adopts classical extensional mereology or a system strictly weaker than it in which parthood is a partial order, standard atomism is a more defensible addition to one’s mereology than either of the other two principles, and it should be regarded as the best formulation of the atomistic thesis.
Noise-Induced Transitions in a Nonsmooth Producer–Grazer Model with Stoichiometric Constraints
Authors: Yuan Sanling , Wu Dongmei , Lan Guijie , Wang Hao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractStoichiometric producer–grazer models are nonsmooth due to the Liebig’s Law of Minimum and can generate new dynamics such as bistability for producer–grazer interactions. Environmental noises can be extremely important and change dynamical behaviors of a stoichiometric producer–grazer model. In this paper, we consider a stochastically forced producer–grazer model and study the phenomena of noise-induced state switching between two stochastic attractors in the bistable zone. Namely, there is a frequent random hopping of phase trajectories between attracting basins of the attractors. In addition, by applying the stochastic sensitivity function technique, we construct the confidence ellipse and confidence band to find the configurational arrangement of equilibria and a limit cycle, respectively.
Chloroquine-induced QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients
Authors: van den Broek M. P. H. , Möhlmann J. E. , Abeln B. G. S. , Liebregts M. , van Dijk V. F. , van de Garde E. M. W. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
In the battle against the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic, chloroquine has emerged as a new potential therapeutic option for the treatment of infected patients. A safety consideration for the application of chloroquine is its QTc-prolonging potential. Thus far, no data are available on the QTc-prolonging potential of chloroquine in COVID-19 patients.

Objective
To assess the degree of chloroquine-induced QTc prolongation in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Methods
A baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) and ECGs recorded during chloroquine treatment were retrospectively collected in patients suspected of having COVID-19. The QTc interval was calculated by computerised and manual interpretation. Baseline and follow-up QTc intervals were compared using the paired samples t-test.

Results
A total of 95 patients had a baseline ECG recording and at least one ECG recording during chloroquine therapy. Chloroquine treatment resulted in a mean QTc prolongation of 35 ms (95% CI 28–43 ms) using computerised interpretation and 34 ms (95% CI 25–43 ms) using manual interpretation. No torsade de pointes was observed during chloroquine treatment. After manual review, 22 patients (23%) had a QTc interval exceeding 500 ms during chloroquine treatment. None of these patients had a prolonged QTc interval prior to the initiation of chloroquine treatment.

Conclusions
Chloroquine significantly prolongs the QTc interval in a clinically relevant matter. This highlights the need for ECG monitoring when prescribing chloroquine to COVID-19 patients.
Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) radiolarians from the Crawford Group, Scotland
Authors: Perera Siyumini , Aitchison Jonathan C. , Nothdurft Linda 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA diverse assemblage of moderately well-preserved radiolarians occurs in the Ordovician cherts of the Crawford Group in the Southern Uplands terrane of the Scottish borders. A total of 8 genera and 11 species are described. Taxa present correlate to the Middle Ordovician Pygodus anserinus biozone. Key species identified include: Proventocitum procerulum, Inanigutta gansuensis, Inanigutta sp. cf. I. complanata, Inanibigutta sp. cf. I. verrucula, Inanibigutta sp. cf. I. pinglianensis, ?Inanibigutta inconstans, ?Inanihella penrosei, Haplentactinia armillata, ?Oriundogutta ramificans and Syntagentactinia sp. A new species Haplotaeniatum albaensis is introduced here and described on the basis of details of skeletal architecture observed using microcomputed tomography, demonstrating the potential of this technique as a tool for improving the understanding of radiolarian taxonomy.
Tuning out tone errors? Native listeners do not down-weight tones when hearing unsystematic tone errors in foreign-accented Mandarin
Authors: Pelzl Eric , Carlson Matthew T. , Guo Taomei , Jackson Carrie N. , van Hell Janet G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractListeners can adapt to errors in foreign-accented speech, but not all errors are alike. We investigated whether exposure to unsystematic tone errors in second language Mandarin impacts responses to accurately produced words. Native Mandarin speakers completed a cross-modal priming task with words produced by foreign-accented talkers who either produced consistently correct tones, or frequent tone errors. Facilitation from primes bearing correct tones was unaffected by the presence of tone errors elsewhere in the talker's speech. However, primes bearing tone errors inhibited recognition of real words and elicited stronger accentedness ratings. We consider theoretical implications for tone in foreign-accent adaptation.
Hydrothermal Vapor‐Phase Fluids on the Seafloor: Evidence From In Situ Observations
Authors: Li Lianfu , Zhang Xin , Luan Zhendong , Du Zengfeng , Xi Shichuan , Wang Bing , Lian Chao , Cao Lei , Yan Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSubseafloor phase separation is a common and significant process in hydrothermal systems and may result in a large of fluid composition differences. The temperatures of hydrothermal fluids are generally considered to be below the associated fluid boiling temperature due to mixing with ambient seawater and the phase separation process. However, we report here shimmering water with temperatures up to 383.3 °C observed in a hot overturned lake at the Yokosuka site, Okinawa Trough, East China Sea, where in situ Raman spectra suggest the presence of a superheated vapor phase. Hydrothermal vents similar to the low‐density hydrothermal system found at the Yokosuka site have also been observed in many other regions. Therefore, much more attention should be given to the impacts of low‐density hydrothermal fluid emanations on marine environments and resource distributions.
Nonturbulent Liquid‐Bearing Polar Clouds: Observed Frequency of Occurrence and Simulated Sensitivity to Gravity Waves
Authors: Silber Israel , Fridlind Ann M. , Verlinde Johannes , Russell Lynn M. , Ackerman Andrew S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA common feature of polar liquid‐bearing clouds (LBCs) is radiatively driven turbulence, which may variously alter cloud lifecycle via vertical mixing, droplet activation, and subsequent feedbacks. However, polar LBCs are commonly initiated under stable, nonturbulent conditions. Using long‐term data from the North Slope of Alaska and McMurdo, Antarctica, we show that nonturbulent conditions prevail in ~25% of detected LBCs, surmised to be preferentially early in their lifecycle. We conclude that nonturbulent LBCs are likely common over the polar regions owing primarily to atmospheric temperature and stability. Such stable environments are known to support gravity wave activity. Using large‐eddy simulations, we find that short to intermediate period gravity waves may catalyze turbulence formation when aerosol particles available for activation are sufficiently small. We posit that the frequent occurrence of nonturbulent LBCs over the polar regions has implications for polar aerosol‐cloud interactions and their parameterization in large‐scale models.