bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image‐based phenotyping and genetic analysis of potato skin set and color
Authors: Caraza‐Harter Maria V. , Endelman Jeffrey B.
Published: March 2020

Image‐based phenotyping offers new opportunities for fast, objective, and reliable measurement for breeding and genetics research. In the current study, image analysis was used to quantify potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) skin color and skin set, which are critical for the marketability of new varieties. A set of 15 red potato varieties and advanced breeding lines was evaluated over 2 yr at a single location, with two harvest times in the second year. After mechanical harvest and grading, seven to eight representative tubers per plot were photographed, and the photos were analyzed with ImageJ to measure skinning (as percentage surface area) and skin color using the hue, chroma, and lightness (HCL) representation. The plot‐based heritability was consistently high (> .77) across traits and environments; the genetic correlation between environments was also high, ranging from .81–.98. Significant increases in lightness and chroma, as well as a decrease in skinning, were observed at the late compared with early harvest, whereas the opposite trends for color were observed after 6 wk of storage. The three color traits were unexpectedly collinear in this study, with the first principal component explaining 86% of the variation. This result may reflect the physiology of red color in potato, but the highly selected nature of the 15 genotypes may also be a factor. Image‐based phenotyping offers new opportunities to advance genetic gain and understanding for tuber appearance traits that have been difficult to precisely measure in the past.
Comparison of array‐ and sequencing‐based markers for genome‐wide association mapping and genomic prediction in spring wheat
Authors: Liu Caiyun , Sukumaran Sivakumar , Jarquin Diego , Crossa Jose , Dreisigacker Susanne , Sansaloni Carolina , Reynolds Matthew
Published: March 2020

Notwithstanding the rapid development of high‐throughput genotyping platforms in recent years, several plant research programs find themselves in a dilemma of which marker system to use while conducting genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic selection. To gain insight into this, we genotyped an elite spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) association mapping initiative (WAMI, 287 lines) panel with various array‐based platforms—(i) Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT), (ii) Illumina Infinium BeadChip wheat 9K iSelect (I9K), and (iii) wheat 90K iSelect (I90K)—and sequencing‐based platform DArTseq. The raw markers refined using a common set of protocols after the bioinformatics analysis were compared by performing a series of genetic analyses: estimates of genetic diversity through nucleotide diversity (π), population structure and familial relatedness, marker‐trait associations (MTAs), and genomic prediction. Results indicated that genetic data from DArTseq consisted of a high proportion of rare allele markers (1% < minor allele frequency < 5%). The nucleotide diversity statistic (π) was higher for the array‐based single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) than sequencing‐based SNPs. The I9K detected population structure caused by the variety ‘Kauz’ and grouped the population into two subgroups, whereas I90K, DArT, and DArTseq detected five subgroups driven by key pedigrees. The I90K with the highest marker density identified a high number of significant MTAs. Genomic prediction accuracy varied among traits; DArTseq and I90K produced similar prediction accuracies. Among the marker platforms compared, I90K was the best genotyping platform for GWAS, and DArTseq—given the low cost per SNP—was the best platform for genomic prediction in spring wheat.
Identification of quantitative trait loci associated with maize resistance to bacterial leaf streak
Authors: Qiu Yuting , Kaiser Christopher , Schmidt Clarice , Broders Kirk , Robertson Alison E. , Jamann Tiffany M.
Published: March 2020

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS), a foliar disease of maize (Zea mays L.) caused by Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum, recently emerged in the Americas as a disease of major importance. Little is known about the disease cycle, and consequently, management is difficult. No chemical control is available. Host resistance will likely play a major role in controlling the disease, but to date, no data regarding the resistance of maize germplasm to X. vasicola pv. vasculorum have been published. The objective of this study was to examine the genetic architecture of resistance to BLS. We conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for BLS resistance in three maize populations: the Z022 (B73 × Oh43 recombinant inbred line) nested association mapping (NAM) population, the Z023 (B73 × Oh7B recombinant inbred line) NAM population, and the DRIL78 (NC344 × Oh7B chromosome segment substitution line) population. A total of five QTL were detected across two of the mapping populations. Of the QTL detected, one conferred a moderate effect, whereas the others conferred small effects. We also examined the relationship between resistance to BLS and resistance to three foliar diseases of maize, which had been mapped previously. The only significant correlation we found for BLS was with northern corn leaf blight [caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) K. J. Leonard & Suggs] in one of the populations, although two of the five BLS regions were involved in resistance to other diseases. These data will be useful for developing maize varieties resistant to BLS to mitigate the impact of bacterial leaf streak on maize production.
A connected half‐sib family training population for genomic prediction in barley
Authors: Sweeney Daniel W. , Rutkoski Jessica , Bergstrom Gary C. , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: March 2020

Genomic prediction accuracy is affected by population size, trait heritability, relatedness of training and validation populations, marker density, and genetic architecture. Nested association mapping (NAM) populations have advantages in many of these features compared with biparental families and may be an effective strategy for increasing prediction accuracy. The classic NAM design was modified to create a two‐row spring malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) population of 1341 F3:F4 lines in seven families that was phenotyped for heading date, plant height, leaf rust, spot blotch, pre‐harvest sprouting, and grain protein. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected for plant height, leaf rust, pre‐harvest sprouting, and spot blotch with genome‐wide association analyses. Prediction accuracies were assessed in validation populations consisting of a single family or multiple families. Across‐family prediction accuracy (.607–.811) generally surpassed within‐family prediction accuracy, particularly for traits with high across‐family variance. Reductions in marker density (70–80%) and training population size (25–50%) did not cause significant loss of prediction accuracy. Addition of fixed marker effects from genome‐wide association had minimal impact on prediction accuracy in the full training population but improved accuracy in reduced training populations. Within‐family prediction for traits highly influenced by family structure was improved by adding half‐sibs to the training population. Connected half‐sib training populations could be useful for new and established breeding programs looking to implement genomic selection due to benefits of family structure on prediction accuracy, genotyping, genetic diversity, and genetic mapping.
ALK and ROS1 rearrangement tested by ARMS‐PCR in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients via cytology specimens: The experience of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital
Authors: Cao Ziyang , Wu Wei , Zhang Wei , Li Zhixin , Gao Caixia , Huang Yan , Zhang Liping
Published: March 2020

Background

Cytology specimens are the main samples used for the diagnosis of advanced lung cancer. The objective of our study was to assess anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and c‐ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) genes by an amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using cytology specimens and to then evaluate the mutation frequency of ALK and ROS1 in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

A large cohort that consisted of 8180 NSCLC patients who were genetically tested using cytology samples or formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples (tumor tissue or biopsy) from January 2015 to December 2018 were screened. The gene rearrangement ratio and clinical characteristics of the two sample groups were analyzed by SPSS software.

Results

In our hospital, cytology specimens are the main resource used for gene testing in NSCLC. In most cases, an abundant quantity of nucleic acid was extracted from the residual liquid‐based cell pellet for testing the ALK and ROS1 genes. In certain cases, when the residual cell pellet was insufficient for the gene testing, the cell block and liquid‐based cell smear served as alternative options. In addition, we retrospectively analyzed our previous data, and the mutation ratio of the ALK/ROS1 rearrangements obtained by using the cytology samples (4.98%/1.80%) and the FFPE samples (6.06%/1.62%) was almost the same (P‐value = .09/.634).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that AMRS‐PCR method can effectively identify ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements and cytology specimens might be an excellent source for routine molecular testing in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Stay on the right side of FERPA while providing accommodations
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: March 2020

During one of my recent internet searches for news on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, I was surprised to find that the authors of a scholarly article had listed FERPA as one of the factors that negatively impact the success of students with disabilities in higher education. The article erroneously stated that FERPA does not allow the staff of a postsecondary institution's Disability Services Office to disclose the students’ accommodations information to faculty.
Create an inclusive environment with focus on accessibility, diversity
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2020

Disability is a difference, not necessarily a disorder, said Kelly Hermann, Vice President of Accessibility, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Phoenix. She explained how she promotes an inclusive environment throughout her institution.
New housing guidelines provide clarifications for documentation, expectations for support animals
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2020

The Trump administration has issued new guidelines regarding the reasonable housing accommodations of service and other assistance animals for people with disabilities. The guidelines, issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, refine and clarify some of the processes for accommodating requests for assistance animals, as outlined in the Fair Housing Act. Some of the clarifications involve the types of animals that can be considered reasonably accommodated under the FHA and what type of documentation should be considered as sufficient proof that an individual needs an animal as an accommodation.
A computer‐based Pinyin intervention for disadvantaged children in China: Effects on Pinyin skills, phonological awareness, and character reading
Authors: Li Yixun , Chen Xi , Li Hong , Sheng Xiaotian , Chen Liu , Richardson Ulla , Lyytinen Heikki
Published: March 2020

Pinyin is an alphabetic script that denotes pronunciations of Chinese characters. Studies have shown that Pinyin instruction enhances both phonological awareness (e.g., Shu et al., Developmental Science, 2008, 11, 171–181) and character reading (e.g., Lin et al., Psychological Science, 2010, 21, 1117–1122) in Chinese children. In the present study, we provided a 3‐week Pinyin intervention with a computer‐based Pinyin GraphoGame to disadvantaged migrant children with poor Pinyin skills. A total of 252 first graders who were children of migrant workers in a large Chinese city were assessed to identify poor Pinyin readers. Fifty‐six 7‐year‐old children with poor Pinyin skills were selected and randomly divided into a training group and a control group, with 28 children in each group. The training group played the Pinyin GraphoGame for 3 weeks, while the control group received school instruction only during the same period. Results showed that the children in the training group outperformed their peers in the control group on Pinyin reading accuracy and fluency, onset–rime and phonemic awareness, and character reading. These results suggest that the Pinyin GraphoGame may be a cost‐effective method to enhance Pinyin and literacy outcomes for underprivileged children in China.
Parallel, targeted analysis of environmental samples via high‐throughput quantitative PCR
Authors: Wilcox Taylor M. , McKelvey Kevin S. , Young Michael K. , Engkjer Cory , Lance Richard F. , Lahr Andrew , Eby Lisa A. , Schwartz Michael K.
Published: March 2020

When analyzing environmental samples for DNA from multiple taxa, researchers must usually decide between iterative analyses with single‐taxon assays—which are reliable and sensitive, but also laborious to apply—and approaches such as metabarcoding that can simultaneously target multiple species, but which are less sensitive for detection across taxa. Here, we test an intermediate approach that allows efficient, parallel assessment of taxon‐specific qPCR assays via high‐throughput quantitative PCR (HT‐qPCR). Based on an assessment of over 500 environmental samples, we found that sensitivity and specificity of our HT‐qPCR approach were similar (concordance 0.900–1.000) to values achieved through single‐species qPCR in six out of seven assays tested. Thus, HT‐qPCR may provide analyses of similar quality as single‐species qPCR analyses for environmental DNA, but at a lower cost per taxon. We see this approach as being a valuable addition to the eDNA sampling toolbox, particularly for situations where reliable inferences are needed for a defined suite of rare invasive or imperiled taxa.
Racial differences in takotsubo cardiomyopathy outcomes in a large nationwide sample
Authors: Zaghlol Raja , Dey Amit K. , Desale Sameer , Barac Ana
Published: March 2020

Aims

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is characterized by transient ventricular impairment, often preceded by emotional or physical stress. Racial differences affect the outcomes of several cardiovascular conditions; however, the effect of race on TC remains unknown. This investigation aims to assess the effect of race on in‐hospital outcomes of TC in a large national sample.

Methods and results

We conducted a US‐wide analysis of TC hospitalizations from 2006 to 2014 by querying the National Inpatient Sample database for the International Classification of Diseases‐ninth Revision TC code, characteristics, and inpatient outcomes. Patients with a primary diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome were excluded to reduce selection bias. Caucasians were compared with African Americans (AA) for differences in baseline characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes. Multivariate regression models were created to adjust for potential confounders. Of 97 650 TC patients, 83 807 (86.9%) were women, 89 624 (91.8%) identified as Caucasians, and 8026 (8.2%) as AA. The annual number of TC hospitalizations increased significantly from 2006 to 2014 in both races (from 335 to 21 265 annual cases, P < 0.001). In‐hospital mortality initially increased (1–2% in 2006 to 5–6% in 2009, P < 0.001) and subsequently remained relatively stable around 5–7% with no significant difference between races. In unadjusted analysis, AA had more cardiac arrests [304 (3.8%) vs. 2569 (2.9%), P = 0.04], invasive mechanical ventilation [1671 (20.8%) vs. 15 897 (17.7%), P = 0.002], tracheostomies [242 (3%) vs. 1600 (1.8%), P = 0.001], acute kidney injuries [1765 (22%) vs. 14 608 (16.3%), P < 0.0001], and longer hospital stays [4.5 (3.2–4.8) vs. 3.8 (3.7–3.9) days, P < 0.0001] compared with Caucasians. After the adjustment for differences in age, gender, comorbidities (using the enhanced Charlson comorbidity index), hospital location/teaching status, and socio‐economic factors, all differences were significantly attenuated or eliminated. Additionally, the adjusted risk was lower in AA compared with Caucasians, for cardiogenic shock [odds ratio (OR) 0.61 (0.47–0.78), P < 0.0001], mechanical ventilation [OR 0.8 (0.70–0.92), P = 0.002] and intraaortic balloon pump insertion [OR 0.63 (0.41–0.99), P = 0.04].

Conclusions

Our investigation is the first large US‐wide analysis studying racial variations in TC outcomes. AA overall have more in‐hospital complications; however, the differences are driven by racial disparities in demographics, comorbidities, and socio‐economic factors.
Direct Stereoselective β‐Arylation of Enol Ethers by a Decarboxylative Heck‐Type Reaction
Authors: Hachem Mahmoud , Schneider Cédric , Hoarau Christophe
Published: March 2020

Despite remarkable advances to promote regio‐ and stereoselective decarboxylative arylation of inactivated olefins with benzoic acid derivatives, methodologies involving hetero‐substituted alkenes are still lacking. Herein, PdII‐catalyzed decarboxylative Heck coupling of α‐alkoxyacrylates with (hetero)aryl carboxylic acids for the stereocontrolled production of (Z)‐β‐heteroarylated vinyl ethers is reported. This methodology offers a rational and step‐economical route to the synthesis of attractive β‐arylated α‐alkoxy α,β‐unsaturated carboxylates family which emerged as a relevant class of building blocks with different applications. Mechanistically, whereas electron rich benzoic acids undergo a PdII‐catalyzed decarboxylation, electron‐deficient substrates proceed through silver(I)‐mediated decarboxylation, explaining thus the formation of stereoisomers (E) and (Z) of β‐arylated vinyl ethers in presence of these latter.
mGluR5 receptor availability is associated with lower levels of negative symptoms and better cognition in male patients with chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Régio Brambilla Cláudia , Veselinović Tanja , Rajkumar Ravichandran , Mauler Jörg , Orth Linda , Ruch Andrej , Ramkiran Shukti , Heekeren Karsten , Kawohl Wolfram , Wyss Christine , Kops Elena Rota , Scheins Jürgen , Tellmann Lutz , Boers Frank , Neumaier Bernd , Ermert Johannes , Herzog Hans , Langen Karl‐Josef , Jon Shah N. , Lerche Christoph , Neuner Irene
Published: March 2020

Consistent findings postulate disturbed glutamatergic function (more specifically a hypofunction of the ionotropic NMDA receptors) as an important pathophysiologic mechanism in schizophrenia. However, the role of the metabotropic glutamatergic receptors type 5 (mGluR5) in this disease remains unclear. In this study, we investigated their significance (using [11C]ABP688) for psychopathology and cognition in male patients with chronic schizophrenia and healthy controls. In the patient group, lower mGluR5 binding potential (BPND) values in the left temporal cortex and caudate were associated with higher general symptom levels (negative and depressive symptoms), lower levels of global functioning and worse cognitive performance. At the same time, in both groups, mGluR5 BPND were significantly lower in smokers (F[27,1] = 15.500; p = .001), but without significant differences between the groups. Our findings provide support for the concept that the impaired function of mGluR5 underlies the symptoms of schizophrenia. They further supply a new perspective on the complex relationship between tobacco addiction and schizophrenia by identifying glutamatergic neurotransmission—in particularly mGluR5—as a possible connection to a shared vulnerability.
Sensitive and selective determination of 4‐nitrophenol in water and food using modified polyethyleneimine‐capped carbon dots
Authors: Zhai Hui‐Yun , Xiao Wen‐Li , Li Yan , Li Rong‐Zhen , Liu Hua‐Ji , Yu Li‐Ping
Published: March 2020

Hazardous 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) has created serious threats to humans and the environment; therefore, it is highly desirable to develop a facile and practical method for the monitoring of 4‐NP in environment and food. Here, a fluorescence method based on modified polyethyleneimine‐capped carbon dots (mPEI‐CDs) was developed for sensitive and selective determination of 4‐NP in water, fruit, and vegetable samples. First, highly fluorescent mPEI‐CDs (quantum yield about 40.3%) were easily synthesized via a one‐step hydrothermal method by using novel acetic anhydride modified polyethyleneimine (mPEI) and citric acid as precursors. Compared to the unmodified PEI‐CDs, the acetic anhydride mPEI‐CDs exhibited excellent fluorescent stability in a wider pH range of 4.0–9.0. Under pH 8.0, a selective determination of 4‐NP was achieved based on the inner filter effect (IFE) mechanism. After optimization, good linear relationships between fluorescence intensity function (F0‐F)/F0 and the concentration of 4‐NP were obtained in ranges of 0.5–10 and 10–100 μM, respectively, while efficiently avoiding the interferences from two other nitrophenol isomers, possible coexisting metal cations and anions in samples. Finally, the proposed approach was successfully applied for the determination of 4‐NP in water, honey, strawberry, and tomato samples.
Quantitative MRCP Imaging: Accuracy, Repeatability, Reproducibility, and Cohort‐Derived Normative Ranges
Authors: Goldfinger Marc H. , Ridgway Gerard R. , Ferreira Carlos , Langford Caitlin R. , Cheng Lin , Kazimianec Arina , Borghetto Andrea , Wright Thomas G. , Woodward Gary , Hassanali Neelam , Nicholls Rowan C. , Simpson Hayley , Waddell Tom , Vikal Siddarth , Mavar Marija , Rymell Soubera , Wigley Ioan , Jacobs Jaco , Kelly Matt , Banerjee Rajarshi , Brady J. Michael
Published: March 2020

Background

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is an important tool for noninvasive imaging of biliary disease, however, its assessment is currently subjective, resulting in the need for objective biomarkers.

Purpose

To investigate the accuracy, scan/rescan repeatability, and cross‐scanner reproducibility of a novel quantitative MRCP tool on phantoms and in vivo. Additionally, to report normative ranges derived from the healthy cohort for duct measurements and tree‐level summary metrics.

Study Type

Prospective.

Phantoms/Subjects

Phantoms: two bespoke designs, one with varying tube‐width, curvature, and orientation, and one exhibiting a complex structure based on a real biliary tree.

Subjects

Twenty healthy volunteers, 10 patients with biliary disease, and 10 with nonbiliary liver disease.

Sequence/Field Strength

MRCP data were acquired using heavily T2‐weighted 3D multishot fast/turbo spin echo acquisitions at 1.5T and 3T.

Assessment

Digital instances of the phantoms were synthesized with varying resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio. Physical 3D‐printed phantoms were scanned across six scanners (two field strengths for each of three manufacturers). Human subjects were imaged on four scanners (two fieldstrengths for each of two manufacturers).

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman analysis and repeatability coefficient (RC).

Results

Accuracy of the diameter measurement approximated the scanning resolution, with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) from –1.1 to 1.0 mm. Excellent phantom repeatability was observed, with LoA from –0.4 to 0.4 mm. Good reproducibility was observed across the six scanners for both phantoms, with a range of LoA from –1.1 to 0.5 mm. Inter‐ and intraobserver agreement was high. Quantitative MRCP detected strictures and dilatations in the phantom with 76.6% and 85.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity in both. Patients and healthy volunteers exhibited significant differences in metrics including common bile duct (CBD) maximum diameter (7.6 mm vs. 5.2 mm P = 0.002), and overall biliary tree volume 12.36 mL vs. 4.61 mL, P = 0.0026).

Data Conclusion

The results indicate that quantitative MRCP provides accurate, repeatable, and reproducible measurements capable of objectively assessing cholangiopathic change.

Evidence Level: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:807–820.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of a Multiple Gear Fishing Fleet Exploiting the Caribbean Sea and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Laurent Singh Carolina Mercedes , Aguiar-Santos Jamerson , Gondim Ferreira Efrem Jorge , Evaristo Eucaris del Carmen , Freitas Carlos Edwar de Carvalho
Published: March 2020

An industrial multigear fishing fleet from Venezuela emerged in 2009 as a governmental strategy to reduce the impact of industrial trawling on the Venezuelan coast of the North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem. The current study aimed to examine the spatial–temporal distribution of fishing effort and the catch levels obtained by the Venezuelan industrial multigear fishing fleet during the period 2015–2018. Fishing gear types employed by this fleet in order of preference were as follows: bottom longline (target sea catfishes [family Ariidae]), trap (target snappers [family Lutjanidae]), pelagic longline (target tunas [family Scombridae]), hand line (target mackerels [family Scombridae]), and shark longline (target sea catfishes and sharks [families Carcharhinidae, Squalidae, Sphyrnidae, Ginglymostomatidae, Alopiidae, and Triakidae]). The kernel intensity estimator determined that the main fishing area was the North Brazil Shelf (comprising 95% of the total fishing sets). Fishing effort (fishing sets per trip) distribution may be associated with oceanic fronts present in the region. A change in the dynamics of the fleet were recorded, with an increase in the use of bottom longlines, along with a decrease in the use of traps, possibly due to overfishing of resources caught by traps. The analyses of covariance showed a linear and positive relationship between the catch and fishing effort but with significant changes over the study period for traps and bottom longlines, since in the years where the fishing effort of traps was lower there were greater catches by unit of effort, and vice versa for bottom longlines, where lower catches by unit effort were obtained in years with greater effort.
Aromatic L‐Amino Acid Decarboxylase Gene Therapy Enhances Levodopa Response in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Nutt John G. , Curtze Carolin , Hiller Amie , Anderson Shannon , Larson Paul S. , Van Laar Amber D. , Richardson R. Mark , Thompson Marin E. , Sedkov Alexander , Leinonen Mika , Ravina Bernard , Bankiewicz Krystof S. , Christine Chadwick W.
Published: March 2020

Background

As Parkinson's disease progresses, levodopa treatment loses efficacy, partly through the loss of the endogenous dopamine‐synthesizing enzyme L‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). In the phase I PD‐1101 study, putaminal administration of VY‐AADC01, an investigational adeno‐associated virus serotype‐2 vector for delivery of the AADC gene in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, was well tolerated, improved motor function, and reduced antiparkinsonian medication requirements.

Objectives

This substudy aimed to determine whether the timing and magnitude of motor response to intravenous levodopa changed in PD‐1101 patients after VY‐AADC01 administration.

Methods

Participants received 2‐hour threshold (0.6 mg/kg/h) and suprathreshold (1.2 mg/kg/h) levodopa infusions on each of 2 days, both before and approximately 6 months after VY‐AADC01. Infusion order was randomized and double blinded. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scores, finger‐tapping speeds, and dyskinesia rating scores were assessed every 30 minutes for 1 hour before and ≥3 hours after start of levodopa infusion.

Results

Of 15 PD‐1101 patients, 13 participated in the substudy. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score area under the curve responses to threshold and suprathreshold levodopa infusions increased by 168% and 67%, respectively, after VY‐AADC01; finger‐tapping speeds improved by 162% and 113%, and dyskinesia scores increased by 208% and 72%, respectively, after VY‐AADC01. Adverse events (mild/moderate severity) were reported in 5 participants during levodopa infusions pre–VY‐AADC01 and 2 participants post–VY‐AADC01 administration.

Conclusions

VY‐AADC01 improved motor responses to intravenous levodopa given under controlled conditions. These data and findings from the parent study support further clinical development of AADC gene therapy for people with Parkinson's disease. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Concept of Unburning Ratio and Combustion Modeling of ZPP and BKNO3 in Pyroshock‐Reduced Separation Nut
Authors: Woo Jeongmin , Cha Seung‐Won , Kim Gyubin , Kim Jeong Ho , Roh Tae‐Seong , Cho Jin Yeon , Jang Seung‐Gyo , Lee Hyo‐Nam , Yang Hee Won
Published: March 2020

Although BKNO3 ignited by ZPP is commonly used as an explosive charge for many pyrotechnics, only a limited number of modeling studies can be found in the literature. Thus, recently proposed governing equations for combustion modeling of ZPP are supplemented to simulate the combustion of the BKNO3 with ZPP. The combustion model was independently validated using CBT results with fixed volume chambers of various sizes. In this process, the concept of the unburning ratio was introduced to correlate the combustion modeling with actual phenomena. The term “unburned” means that some fraction of explosive charge turns into non‐reactive solid rather than into combustion products. The model was then coupled with the equations of motion for the internal moving parts of a pyroshock‐reduced separation nut. Tests with prototype were performed to validate the coupled model. For accurate verification, the pressure of the expansion chamber and annular chamber and the displacement of the bolt were measured and compared. All measurements are in good agreement with the analysis results obtained from the coupled model. The results validated the generality of the modeling approach for the simulation of the pyroshock‐reduced separation nut.
Generalized multiple dependent state optimal control charts under ranked set sampling for monitoring process mean
Authors: Nawaz Tahir , Raza Muhammad Ali , Han Dong
Published: March 2020

This paper proposes two optimal control charts by using the generalized multiple dependent state (GMDS) plan to monitor the process mean. These charts make advantageous use of the ranked set sampling schemes and integrate them with the GMDS plan to improve the shift detection ability of the Shewhart‐type control charts. The proposed control charts have two pairs of control limits, inner and outer, which enables them to consider the current and previous sample information while making a decision about the process state. The run‐length profiles of the proposed charts are obtained through extensive Monte Carlo simulations. The individual and overall mean shift detection abilities of the proposed charts are compared with various competing control charts by using out‐of‐control average run length (
) and the average extra quadratic loss (
) as performance metrics. The comparison establishes the complete dominance of the proposed charting strategy. In the end, the practical implementation of the proposed charts is demonstrated by using a real data set related to the cement manufacturing industry.
Assessment of Foliar Uptake and Accumulation of Airborne Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons Under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Teke Gábor , Hubai Katalin , Diósi Dorina , Kováts Nora
Published: March 2020

Urban horticulture and community gardening have become more and more popular in the past years, however, the risk of bioaccumulation of atmospheric polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in vegetables grown in polluted areas cannot be neglected. In our study, the No. 227 OECD GUIDELINE FOR THE TESTING OF CHEMICALS: Terrestrial Plant Test: Vegetative Vigour Test was followed to assess foliar uptake of PAHs from aqueous extract of an urban aerosol. Using lettuce (Lactuca sativa) as a test organism, significant accumulation was experienced. The highest bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were experienced for naphthalene and for anthracene, pyrene and fluoranthene showed the lowest bioaccumulation potential. BCF of each PAH showed strong correlation with molecular weight. The standard protocol defined by the Guideline made it possible to assess bioaccumulation pattern under controlled laboratory conditions.
Gross–Pitaevskii Limit of a Homogeneous Bose Gas at Positive Temperature
Authors: Deuchert Andreas , Seiringer Robert
Published: March 2020

We consider a dilute, homogeneous Bose gas at positive temperature. The system is investigated in the Gross–Pitaevskii limit, where the scattering lengthais so small that the interaction energy is of the same order of magnitude as the spectral gap of the Laplacian, and for temperatures that are comparable to the critical temperature of the ideal gas. We show that the difference between the specific free energy of the interacting system and the one of the ideal gas is to leading order given by$$4 \pi a \left( 2 \varrho ^2 - \varrho _0^2 \right) $$4πa2ϱ2-ϱ02. Here$$\varrho $$ϱdenotes the density of the system and$$\varrho _0$$ϱ0is the expected condensate density of the ideal gas. Additionally, we show that the one-particle density matrix of any approximate minimizer of the Gibbs free energy functional is to leading order given by the one of the ideal gas. This in particular proves Bose–Einstein condensation with critical temperature given by the one of the ideal gas to leading order. One key ingredient of our proof is a novel use of the Gibbs variational principle that goes hand in hand with the c-number substitution.
Prevalence of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules among those in need of fine needle aspiration cytology according to ATA 2015, EU-TIRADS, and ACR-TIRADS
Authors: Noto Benjamin , Eveslage Maria , Pixberg Michaela , Gonzalez Carvalho José Manuel , Schäfers Michael , Riemann Burkhard , Kies Peter
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Given the large number of patients with thyroid nodules, improvement of the specificity of current ultrasound-based thyroid nodule classification systems (ATA, EU-TIRADS, and ACR-TIRADS) is warranted to reduce the number of diagnostic thyroidectomies. Thyroid scintigraphy has been shown to demonstrate hyperfunctional nodules, associated with a low malignancy risk, in euthyroid patients. However, it is not known if thyroid scintigraphy could improve specificity of current classification systems. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the frequency of hyperfunctional nodules among those nodules in need of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) according to current classification systems and to test if nodule functional status is associated with sonographic features.

Methods

Five hundred sixty-six euthyroid patients (TSH 0.55–4.20 μU/ml) presenting for thyroid nodule workup including thyroid sonography and scintigraphy at our department between 09/2013 and 02/2018 were included in this retrospective study. All nodules > 10 mm were classified according to ATA, EU-TIRADS, and ACR-TIRADS and correlated to their functional status as assessed by 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy.

Results

Ultrasound detected 1029 thyroid nodules ≥ 10 mm, including 545 nodules ≥ 15 mm. Prevalence of hyperfunctional nodules among those with recommendation for FNA according to ATA 2015, EU-TIRADS, and ACR-TIRADS was 6.4%, 6.9%, and 6.5% for nodules ≥ 10 mm and 7.2%, 7.6%, and 7.5% only considering nodules ≥ 15 mm. No sonographic feature was correlated to hyperfunctionality of nodules.

Conclusion

In euthyroid patients, thyroid scintigraphy demonstrates hyperfunctionality, which cannot be predicted by ultrasound, in up to 6.9% of nodules in need of FNA according to ultrasound-based classifications. Given the known low risk of malignancy in hyperfunctional nodules, thyroid scintigraphy can lower the frequency of fine needle aspirations and—potentially—the frequency of diagnostic hemithyroidectomies in euthyroid patients.
Beneficial effect of 24-month bilateral subthalamic stimulation on quality of sleep in Parkinson’s disease
Authors:   EUROPAR, the IPMDS Non Motor P.D. Study Group, Dafsari Haidar S. , Ray-Chaudhuri K. , Ashkan Keyoumars , Sachse Lena , Mahlstedt Picabo , Silverdale Monty , Rizos Alexandra , Strack Marian , Jost Stefanie T. , Reker Paul , Samuel Michael , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Evans Julian , Antonini Angelo , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Timmermann Lars
Published: March 2020

Background

Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) improves quality of life (QoL), motor, and sleep symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the long-term effects of STN-DBS on sleep and its relationship with QoL outcome are unclear.

Methods

In this prospective, observational, multicenter study including 73 PD patients undergoing bilateral STN-DBS, we examined PDSleep Scale (PDSS), PDQuestionnaire-8 (PDQ-8), Scales for Outcomes in PD-motor examination, -activities of daily living, and -complications (SCOPA-A, -B, -C), and levodopa-equivalent daily dose (LEDD) preoperatively, at 5 and 24 months follow-up. Longitudinal changes were analyzed with Friedman-tests or repeated-measures ANOVA, when parametric tests were applicable, and Bonferroni-correction for multiple comparisons. Post-hoc, visits were compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank/t-tests. The magnitude of clinical responses was investigated using effect size.

Results

Significant beneficial effects of STN-DBS were observed for PDSS, PDQ-8, SCOPA-A, -B, and -C. All outcomes improved significantly at 5 months with subsequent decrements in gains at 24 months follow-up which were significant for PDSS, PDQ-8, and SCOPA-B. Comparing baseline and 24 months follow-up, we observed significant improvements of PDSS (small effect), SCOPA-A (moderate effect), -C, and LEDD (large effects). PDSS and PDQ-8 improvements correlated significantly at 5 and 24 months follow-up.

Conclusions

In this multicenter study with a 24 months follow-up, we report significant sustained improvements after bilateral STN-DBS using a PD-specific sleep scale and a significant relationship between sleep and QoL improvements. This highlights the importance of sleep in holistic assessments of DBS outcomes.
Freiwilliger Verzicht auf Essen und Trinken – zur ethischen Lagebestimmung eines ambivalenten Begriffs
Authors: Starke Philipp
Published: March 2020

Wie ist der Freiwillige Verzicht auf Essen und Trinken und eine medizinische Begleitung dabei ethisch zu bewerten? Die ethische Bewertung des Freiwilligen Verzichts auf Essen und Trinken stellt Patienten und Angehörige, aber auch begleitende Ärzte und Pflegende vor erhebliche Schwierigkeiten. Basierend auf Ergebnissen eigener qualitativer Interviews mit Personen nach dem FVET ihrer Angehörigen legt dieser Artikel die bestehende Unklarheit und inhärente ethische Ambivalenz des Begriffs FVET frei, stellt aber in der Unterscheidung von FVET-Fällen – mit bzw. ohne terminale Erkrankung – einen Weg zur Lösung der Frage nach der ethischen Bewertung des „Sterbefastens“ und seiner medizinischen Begleitung vor: Ethisch wird der Freiwillige Verzicht auf Essen und Trinken und seine medizinische Begleitung erst in der Analyse von Situation und Intention der Handelnden beurteilbar. Ausgehend vom Konzept eines frei gewollten Verzichts auf Essen und Trinken bei einsichts- und einwilligungsfähigen Personen mit dem Bewusstsein, damit ihr Leben zu verkürzen oder zu beenden, wird mit der Philosophie Thomas von Aquins argumentiert, dass eine ethische Bewertung die Begleitumstände und beabsichtigten Ziele miteinschließen muss, ebenso wie die Auswirkungen auf Angehörige und die Implikationen von und für ein Behandlungsteam.
Time-resolved black carbon aerosol vertical distribution measurements using a 356-m meteorological tower in Shenzhen
Authors: Sun Tianlin , Wu Cheng , Wu Dui , Liu Ben , Sun Jia Yin , Mao Xia , Yang Honglong , Deng Tao , Song Lang , Li Mei , Li Yong Jie , Zhou Zhen
Published: March 2020

Black carbon (BC) is an essential climate forcer in the atmosphere. Large uncertainties remain in BC’s radiative forcing estimation by models, partially due to the limited measurements of BC vertical distributions near the surface layer. We conducted time-resolved vertical profiling of BC using a 356-m meteorological tower in Shenzhen, China. Five micro-aethalometers were deployed at different heights (2, 50, 100, 200, and 350 m) to explore the temporal dynamics of BC vertical profile in the highly urbanized areas. During the observation period (December 6–15, 2017), the average equivalent BC (eBC) concentrations were 6.6 ± 3.6, 5.4 ± 3.3, 5.9 ± 2.8, 5.2 ± 1.8, and 4.9 ± 1.4 μg m−3, from 2 to 350 m, respectively. eBC temporal variations at different heights were well correlated. eBC concentrations generally decreased with height. At all five heights, eBC diurnal variations exhibited a bimodal pattern, with peaks appearing at 09:00–10:00 and 19:00–21:00. The magnitudes of these diurnal peaks decreased with height, and the decrease was more pronounced for the evening peak. eBC episodes were largely initiated by low wind speeds, implying that wind speed played a key role in the observed eBC concentrations. eBC wind-rose analysis suggested that elevated eBC events at different heights originate from different directions, which suggested contributions from local primary emission plumes. Air masses from central China exhibited much higher eBC levels than the other three backward trajectory clusters found herein. The absorption Ångström exponent (AAE375–880) showed clear diurnal variations at 350 m and increased slightly with height.
Fate and stability of dissolved organic carbon in topsoils and subsoils under beech forests
Authors: Kalks Fabian , Liebmann Patrick , Wordell-Dietrich Patrick , Guggenberger Georg , Kalbitz Karsten , Mikutta Robert , Helfrich Mirjam , Don Axel
Published: March 2020

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from Oa horizons has been proposed to be an important contributor for subsoil organic carbon stocks. We investigated the fate of DOC by directly injecting a DOC solution from 13C labelled litter into three soil depths at beech forest sites. Fate of injected DOC was quantified with deep drilling soil cores down to 2 m depth, 3 and 17 months after the injection. 27 ± 26% of the injected DOC was retained after 3 months and 17 ± 22% after 17 months. Retained DOC was to 70% found in the first 10 cm below the injection depth and on average higher in the topsoil than in the subsoil. After 17 months DOC in the topsoil was largely lost (− 19%) while DOC in the subsoil did not change much (− 4.4%). Data indicated a high stabilisation of injected DOC in the subsoils with no differences between the sites. Potential mineralisation as revealed by incubation experiments however, was not different between DOC injected in topsoil or subsoils underlining the importance of environmental factors in the subsoil for DOC stabilisation compared to topsoil. We conclude that stability of DOC in subsoil is primary driven by its spatial inaccessibility for microorganisms after matrix flow while site specific properties did not significantly affect stabilisation. Instead, a more fine-textured site promotes the vertical transport of DOC due to a higher abundance of preferential flow paths.
Ultrasound risk marker variability in symptomatic carotid plaque: impact on risk reclassification and association with temporal variation pattern
Authors: Stenudd Isak , Sjödin Elias , Nyman Emma , Wester Per , Johansson Elias , Grönlund Christer
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Ultrasound examinations of atherosclerotic carotid plaques can be used to calculate risk markers associated with plaque vulnerability. Recent studies demonstrate significant inter-frame variability in risk markers. Here, we investigate risk marker variability in symptomatic plaques and its impact on reclassification of plaque vulnerability, as well as its association with the shape of the temporal variation over the cardiac cycle.

Methods

56 patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis were included in this study. 88 plaques were identified and the plaque risk markers size (area), echogenicity (gray scale median, GSM) and heterogeneity (coarseness) were measured in all frames of ultrasound B-mode image sequences. Inter-frame variability was quantified using the coefficient of variation (CV).

Results

Inter-frame variabilities of the risk markers were area CV 5–8%; GSM CV 4–7%; coarseness CV 8–15% and was in general significantly lower in large as compared to smaller plaques. The variability in GSM risk marker caused a reclassification of vulnerability in 30 to 38% of the plaques. Temporal variations in GSM with a heart rate periodic or drift/trending pattern were found in smaller plaques (< 26 mm2), whereas random pattern was found in larger plaques. In addition, hypoechoic plaques (GSM < 25) were associated with cyclic variation pattern, independent of their size.

Conclusions

Risk marker variability causes substantial reclassification of plaque vulnerability in symptomatic patients. Inter-frame variation and its temporal pattern should be considered in the design of future studies related to risk markers.
Combining CSEM or gravity inversion with seismic AVO inversion, with application to monitoring of large-scale CO2 injection
Authors: Tveit Svenn , Mannseth Trond , Park Joonsang , Sauvin Guillaume , Agersborg Remy
Published: March 2020

A sequential inversion methodology for combining geophysical data types of different resolutions is developed and applied to monitoring of large-scale CO2injection. The methodology is a two-step approach within the Bayesian framework where lower resolution data are inverted first, and subsequently used in the generation of the prior model for inversion of the higher resolution data. For the application of CO2monitoring, the first step is done with either controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) or gravimetric data, while the second step is done with seismic amplitude-versus-offset (AVO) data. The Bayesian inverse problems are solved by sampling the posterior probability distributions using either the ensemble Kalman filter or ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation. A model-based parameterization is used to represent the unknown geophysical parameters: electric conductivity, density, and seismic velocity. The parameterization is well suited for identification of CO2plume location and variation of geophysical parameters within the regions corresponding to inside and outside of the plume. The inversion methodology is applied to a synthetic monitoring test case where geophysical data are made from fluid-flow simulation of large-scale CO2sequestration in the Skade formation. The numerical experiments show that seismic AVO inversion results are improved with the sequential inversion methodology using prior information from either CSEM or gravimetric inversion.
Biomimicry design thinking education: a base-line exercise in preconceptions of biological analogies
Authors: Stevens Laura , Kopnina Helen , Mulder Karel , De Vries Marc
Published: March 2020

Preliminary empirical research conducted by the leading author has shown that design students using biological analogies, or models across different contexts, often misinterpreted these, intentionally or unintentionally, during design. By copying shape or form without integrating the main function of the mimicked biological model, students failed to consider the process or system directing that function when attempting to solve the design need. This article considers the first step in the development of an applicable educational model using distant analogies from nature, by means of biomimicry thinking methodology. The analysis examines results from a base-line exercise taken by students in the Minor Design with Nature during the Spring semester of Industrial Design Engineering at The Hague University of Applied Sciences in 2019, verifying that students without biomimicry training use this hollow approach automatically. This research confirms the gap between where students are at the beginning of the semester and where they need to be as expert sustainable designers when they graduate. These findings provide a starting point for future interventions in biomimicry workshops to improve systematic design thinking through structural and scientifically based iterations of analogical reasoning.