bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum chemical exploration of formaldehyde clusters (H2CO)n (n = 2–4)
Authors: Ohno Koichi , Kodaya Yoshitomo , Yamakado Hideo
Published: April 2018

Global exploration of equilibrium structures and interconversion pathways on the quantum chemical potential energy surface (PES) is performed for (H2CO)n (n = 2–4) by using the Scaled Hypersphere Search‐Anharmonic Downward Distortion Following (SHS‐ADDF) method. Density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations with empirical dispersion corrections (D3) yielded comparable results for formaldehyde dimer in comparison with recent detailed studies at CCSD(T) levels. Based on DFT‐D3 calculations, trimer and tetramer structures and their stabilities were studied. For tetramer, a highly symmetrical S4 structure was found as the most stable form in good accordance with experimentally determined tetramer unit in the formaldehyde crystal. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness to identify acute myocardial infarction using the Manchester screening in patients with chest pain at the emergency service
Authors: Gonçalves Simone M. , Gomes Karina B. , Carvalho Maria das G. , Magalhães Henrique P. B. , Reis Edna A. , Silva Iêda de Fátima O.
Published: April 2018

Background

Among cardiovascular diseases (CVD), acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the main manifestation, corresponding to signs and symptoms that occur with ischemia and outcome of angina or acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of biochemical markers eligible in a chest pain protocol, using Point of care Test (POCT), in patients in a reference emergency room.

Methods

In this study, 1380 medical records of patients of both genders were evaluated, ranked by applying chest pain protocol using the Manchester Triage System (MTS). Markers for myocardial injury were measured in serial analysis including myoglobin (Mgb), creatine kinase MB fraction mass (CK‐MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI).

Results

Acute myocardial infarction was predominant in males (P < .001), in patients with hypertension (P < .001), and in those with previous myocardial infarction (P < .026) and significant electrocardiogram (ECG) data for AMI screening (P < .001).

A multivariate regression model showed as predictors for AMI the variables ECG data by admittance at the emergency room, previous AMI history, levels of both Mgb at the third hour, and cTnI at the sixth hour after admission.

Conclusion

This study showed the importance of a rapid and serial test as a cardiac marker for AMI screening, as well as has indicated the importance of time between the onset of chest pain and admission to the emergency room as an efficient aid in diagnosing this life‐threatening disease.
Muscle‐restricted nuclear receptor interaction protein knockout causes motor neuron degeneration through down‐regulation of myogenin at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Hsiung , Tsai Li‐Kai , Liao Kuan‐Yu , Wu Tung‐Chien , Huang Yun‐Hsin , Huang Yuan‐Chun , Chang Szu‐Wei , Wang Pei‐Yu , Tsao Yeou‐Ping , Chen Show‐Li
Published: April 2018

Background

Nuclear receptor interaction protein (NRIP) is a calcium/calmodulin (CaM) binding protein. Nuclear receptor interaction protein interacts with CaM to activate calcineurin and CaMKII signalling. The conventional NRIP knockout mice (global knockout) showed muscular abnormality with reduction of muscle oxidative functions and motor function defects.

Methods

To investigate the role of NRIP on neuromuscular system, we generated muscle‐restricted NRIP knockout mice [conditional knockout (cKO)]. The muscle functions (including oxidative muscle markers and muscle strength) and lumbar motor neuron functions [motor neuron number, axon denervation, neuromuscular junction (NMJ)] were tested. The laser‐captured microdissection at NMJ of skeletal muscles and adenovirus gene therapy for rescued effects were performed.

Results

The cKO mice showed muscular abnormality with reduction of muscle oxidative functions and impaired motor performances as global knockout mice. To our surprise, cKO mice also displayed motor neuron degeneration with abnormal architecture of NMJ. Specifically, the cKO mice revealed reduced motor neuron number with small neuronal size in lumbar spinal cord as well as denervating change, small motor endplates, and decreased myonuclei number at NMJ in skeletal muscles. To explore the mechanisms, we screened various muscle‐derived factors and found that myogenin is a potential candidate that myogenin expression was lower in skeletal muscles of cKO mice than wild‐type mice. Because NRIP and myogenin were colocalized around acetylcholine receptors at NMJ, we extracted RNA from synaptic and extrasynaptic regions of muscles using laser capture microdissection and showed that myogenin expression was especially lower at synaptic region in cKO than wild‐type mice. Notably, overexpression of myogenin using intramuscular adenovirus encoding myogenin treatment rescued abnormal NMJ architecture and preserved motor neuron death in cKO mice.

Conclusions

In summary, we demonstrated that deprivation of NRIP decreases myogenin expression at NMJ, possibly leading to abnormal NMJ formation, denervation of acetylcholine receptor, and subsequent loss of spinal motor neuron. Overexpression of myogenin in cKO mice can partially rescue abnormal NMJ architecture and motor neuron death. Therefore, muscular NRIP is a novel trophic factor supporting spinal motor neuron via stabilization of NMJ by myogenin expression.
A clinical guidance to DFNA22 drawn from a Korean cohort study with an autosomal dominant deaf population: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Bong Jik , Han Jin Hee , Park Hye‐Rim , Kim Min Young , Kim Ah Reum , Oh Seung‐Ha , Park Woong‐Yang , Oh Doo Yi , Lee Seungmin , Choi Byung Yoon
Published: April 2018

Background

The MYO6 gene, if altered, can cause nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) either in an autosomal dominant (AD) (DFNA22) or recessive form. The present study identified MYO6 variants in the cohort of Korean AD NSHL families and investigated the audiological phenotypes of DFNA22 with respect to suggesting clinical guides for the counseling of DFNA22.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on 81 AD NSHL families in two hospitals. Among them, five families (SH21, SB60, SB247, SB290 and SB305) segregating with MYO6 variant were genetically and clinically assessed.

Results

We identified two novel missense variants of MYO6: p.G223R (SB290) and p.T158R (SB305). A known heterozygous truncation variant, p.R205X, reported previously (SH21, SB60), was identified (SB247). The overall frequency of DFNA22 among such cases was 6.2%. Specifically, we found p.R205X from three of five DFNA22 families (60%). Five DFNA22 families demonstrated extremely diverse audiogram configurations and age of onset with even intrafamilial variations, whereas the severity of hearing loss mostly ranged within moderate.

Conclusions

We report a recurring predominant allele and two new missense variants of MYO6, highlighting the significant contribution of MYO6 to AD NSHL in the Korean population. Extremely diverse audiological configurations of DFNA22 suggest that MYO6 should be considered in future genetic studies of patients with AD NSHL. Gradual progression with a good speech audiometry score could provide physicians with clinical insight with respect to advising patients to use hearing aids or consider middle ear implants, whereas, in the case of certain exceptional circumstances, physicians could provide patients with the option to consider a cochlear implant.
Dr. Luigi (Gigi) Varesio: A memorial
Authors: Young Howard , Blasi Elisabetta , Cox George , Carla Bosco Maria
Published: April 2018

Memorial tribute to Dr. Varesio's career and contributions to the field of leukocyte biology.
Effects of gadolinium‐based MRI contrast agents on liver tissue
Authors: Mercantepe Tolga , Tümkaya Levent , Çeliker Fatma Beyazal , Topal Suzan Zehra , Çinar Seda , Akyildiz Kerimali , Mercantepe Filiz , Yilmaz Adnan
Published: April 2018

Background

MRI with contrast is often used clinically. However, recent studies have reported a high accumulation of gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) in kidney, liver, and spleen tissues in several mouse models.

Purpose

To compare the effects on liver tissue of gadolinium‐based MRI contrast agents in the light of biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

Study Type

Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved controlled longitudinal study.

Animal Model

In all, 32 male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into a healthy control group subjected to no procedure (Group 1), a sham group (Group 2), a gadodiamide group (Group 3), and a gadoteric acid group (Group 4).

Field Strength/Sequence

Not applicable.

Assessment

Liver tissues removed at the end of the fifth week and evaluated pathologically (scored Knodell's histological activity index [HAI] method by two histopathologists) immunohistochemical (caspase‐3 and biochemical tests (AST, ALT, TAS, TOS, and OSI method by Erel et al) were obtained.

Statistical Tests

Differences between groups were analyzed using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Tamhane test, and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Turkey's HSD test.

Results

An increase was observed in histological activity scores in sections from rats administered gadodiamide and gadoteric acid, and in caspase‐3, AST and ALT values (P < 0.05). In contrast, we determined no change in TOS (P = 0.568 and P = 0.094, respectively), TAS (P = 0.151 and P = 0.055, respectively), or OSI (P = 0.949 and P = 0.494, respectively) values.

Data Conclusion

These data suggest that gadodiamide and gadoteric acid trigger hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis by causing damage in hepatocytes, although no change occurs in total antioxidant and antioxidant capacity.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1367–1374.
Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry for in situ analysis of intact proteins
Authors: Kocurek Klaudia I. , Griffiths Rian L. , Cooper Helen J.
Published: April 2018

Ambient surface mass spectrometry is an emerging field which shows great promise for the analysis of biomolecules directly from their biological substrate. In this article, we describe ambient ionisation mass spectrometry techniques for the in situ analysis of intact proteins. As a broad approach, the analysis of intact proteins offers unique advantages for the determination of primary sequence variations and posttranslational modifications, as well as interrogation of tertiary and quaternary structure and protein‐protein/ligand interactions. In situ analysis of intact proteins offers the potential to couple these advantages with information relating to their biological environment, for example, their spatial distributions within healthy and diseased tissues. Here, we describe the techniques most commonly applied to in situ protein analysis (liquid extraction surface analysis, continuous flow liquid microjunction surface sampling, nano desorption electrospray ionisation, and desorption electrospray ionisation), their advantages, and limitations and describe their applications to date. We also discuss the incorporation of ion mobility spectrometry techniques (high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry and travelling wave ion mobility spectrometry) into ambient workflows. Finally, future directions for the field are discussed.
Mapping the trajectory of the amygdalothalamic tract in the human brain
Authors: Kamali Arash , Riascos Roy F. , Pillai Jay J. , Sair Haris I. , Patel Rajan , Nelson Flavia M. , Lincoln John A. , Tandon Nitin , Mirbagheri Saeedeh , Rabiei Pejman , Keser Zafer , Hasan Khader M.
Published: April 2018

Although the thalamus is not considered primarily as a limbic structure, abundant evidence indicates the essential role of the thalamus as a modulator of limbic functions indirectly through the amygdala. The amygdala is a central component of the limbic system and serves an essential role in modulating the core processes including the memory, decision‐making, and emotional reactions. The amygdalothalamic pathway is the largest direct amygdalo‐diencephalic connection in the primates including the human brain. Given the crucial role of the amygdalothalamic tract (ATT) in memory function and diencephalic amnesia in stroke patients, diffusion tensor imaging may be helpful in better visualizing the surgical anatomy of this pathway noninvasively. To date, few diffusion‐weighted studies have focused on the amygdala, yet the fine neuronal connection of the amygdala and thalamus known as the ATT has yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the utility of high spatial resolution diffusion tensor tractography for mapping the trajectory of the ATT in the human brain. We studied 15 healthy right‐handed human subjects (12 men and 3 women with age range of 24–37 years old). Using a high‐resolution diffusion tensor tractography technique, for the first time, we were able to reconstruct and measure the trajectory of the ATT. We further revealed the close relationship of the ATT with the temporopontine tract and the fornix bilaterally in 15 healthy adult human brains.
Detecting and adjusting artificial biases of long‐term temperature records in Israel
Authors: Yosef Yizhak , Aguilar Enric , Alpert Pinhas
Published: April 2018

Climate trends analyses are studied through the analysis of long‐term records which usually are compromised by artificial non‐climatic factors (e.g., station relocation, instrumental replacements, etc). The impact of these factors on the analysis must be assessed and corrected in a procedure called “Homogenization,” before computing any trends. An unbiased analysis is essential for the East Mediterranean climate change, which suffers from scarcity of long and reliable datasets. Here, for the first time, we address these problems by jointly applying some of the state‐of‐the‐art homogenization methods, to long‐term Israeli temperature records (TX and TN) at five different meteorological stations throughout the period of 1950–2011. All of the studied time series were found to be inhomogeneous, where instrumentational issues were responsible for almost 50% of the breaks. The most frequent adjustments range between [−0.6, +0.6] oC while some larger adjustments do not fall within the range of the [−1, +1] °C interval. The adjustment of these breaks is crucial because they introduce large errors that may lead to wrong conclusions about the estimated trends. The difference in the seasonal and annual trends between raw and homogenized series was analysed applying the Mann–Kendall test. The general annual trend differences before and after homogenization, fell within the range of [−0.12, 0.16] oC/decade.

Based on the homogenized dataset, a highly significant positive trend was found for the annual with 0.15 °C/decade (p = .002) whereas the trend was 0.10 °C/decade (p = .051). In general, the maximum temperature trends are lower and less statistically significant than those for minimum temperature. The most pronounced seasonal trends were recorded for the summer, which was characterized by significant positive trends for (0.15 °C/decade) and (0.23 °C/decade), while the winter had mainly no significant positive trends.
Evaluation of three global gridded precipitation data sets in central Asia based on rain gauge observations
Authors: Hu Zengyun , Zhou Qiming , Chen Xi , Li Jianfeng , Li Qingxiang , Chen Deliang , Liu Wenbin , Yin Gang
Published: April 2018

The accuracies of gridded precipitation data sets are important for regional climate studies and hydrological models. In this study, the performances of Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) V7, Climatic Research Unit (CRU) TS 3.22 and Willmott and Matsuura (WM) precipitation data sets were examined over central Asia by comparing them against observed precipitation records (OBS) from 586 meteorological stations during 1901–2010. The results show that all the three gridded data sets underestimated the observed precipitation at annual and monthly scales, especially in mountainous areas. Both GPCC and WM underestimated seasonal precipitation, especially for spring precipitation. Among the three gridded data sets, GPCC had the highest correlation and lowest bias compared with CRU and WM when against the OBS. WM had a higher correlation than that of CRU, and its bias was larger than that of CRU. In terms of the drought and heavy rainfall events, CRU had the best performance in capturing drought events, and GPCC was best at representing heavy rainfall events. These differences in the performances between the three gridded data sets were primarily induced by their different interpolation methods and the numbers of available meteorological stations used in the interpolations of the three gridded data sets. Therefore, compared to the other two data sets, GPCC is more suitable for studies of long‐term precipitation variations over central Asia.
Sensitivity studies of the RegCM4 simulation in West and central Africa during strong and weak years of Atlantic cold tongue
Authors: Kenfack Sadem C. , Mkankam K. F. , Alory G. , Hounkonnou N. M. , Komkoua Mbienda A. J. , Choumbou P. , Vondou Derbetini A.
Published: April 2018

This study evaluates the ability of the Regional Climate Model (RegCM4) to reproduce the observed rainfall and wind over West and central Africa (WCA) during two contrasting years of the Atlantic cold tongue (ACT): the very cold in 1992 and very warm in 2007 depicted by the Caniaux et al.’s index. The convective schemes of Kuo, Massachusetts Institute of Technology‐Emanuel (Ema) and Grell with closure assumptions of Arakawa–Schubert (GAS) and Fritch–Chappel (GFC) were compared and the best scheme was tested to study the sensitivity of WCA climate to ACT in August of each chosen year—the month which follows that of the peak of ACT. Comparisons of simulations for 1992 and 2007 reveal that some areas are sensitive to extreme ACT events. The regional distribution of observed precipitation (wind) in August 2007 was heavier (lower intensity) than that for the 1992, particularly in West than central Africa region. From GPCP data, it is observed that the range of Cameroon highlands and the Bauchi Plateau of Nigeria are not significantly affected by the ACT. It is shown that rainfall of some subregions is very sensitive to ACT. The GFC scheme is capable of reproducing the amount and distribution of the precipitation for the 2 years in the ACT area, the west and east Guinean coasts, and failed to reproduce the rainfall in west and central Soudano–Sahel regions and East Africa. However, the Kuo scheme reproduces well in these three zones. Contrarily to rainfall, the Ema scheme better reproduces, but overestimating, the wind distribution in the Sahara region. GFC better simulates the wind speed sensitivity to ACT far from the coast in Soudano–Sahel and Nigeria–Cameroon zones. The GAS and Kuo are not well correlated with ERA‐Interim in WCA. Most of the schemes adequately mimic the African easterly jet structure.
Analysis of trace‐level nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples by solid‐phase microextraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Kong Jijie , Han Mengshu , Liu Ying , He Huan , Gao Zhanqi , Xian Qiming , Yang Shaogui , Sun Cheng , Li Shiyin , Zhang Limin
Published: April 2018

A solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry method has been developed for the determination of ten nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples. Five different kinds of commerical fibers were used to compare the extraction efficiency, including 65 μm polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene, 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane, 30 μm polydimethylsiloxane, 7 μm polydimethylsiloxane, and 85 μm polyacrylate fibers. Five factors were also selected to optimize conditions, including extraction temperature, time, stirring speed, salt concentration, and headspace volume. Taguchi design was applied to design the experiments and obtain the best parameters. The results show that 65 μm polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene fiber directly immersed into aqueous solution for 35 min at 55°C with a constant stirring rate of 1150 rpm were the optimal conditions. Under these conditions, the limits of quantification were 0.007–0.063 μg/L, and the relative standard deviation based on six replicates ranged from 2.8 to 9.5%. The spiked recoveries ranged from 69.1 to 110.1%. Intra‐ and inter day relative standard deviations at three concentration levels were less than 12%, and the recoveries were 66.4–111.5%. The proposed method is reliable for analyzing nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different water samples.
Identification and metabolite profiling of alkaloids in aerial parts of Papaver rhoeas by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Oh Jae‐Hyeon , Ha In Jin , Lee Min Young , Kim Eun‐Ok , Park Dain , Lee Jun‐Hee , Lee Seok‐Geun , Kim Do‐Wan , Lee Tae‐Ho , Lee Eui‐Ju , Kim Chang‐Kug
Published: April 2018

Papaver plants can produce diverse bioactive alkaloids. Papaver rhoeas Linnaeus (common poppy or corn poppy) is an annual flowering medicinal plant used for treating cough, sleep disorder, and as a sedative, pain reliever, and food. It contains various powerful alkaloids like rhoeadine, benzylisoquinoline, and proaporphine. To investigate and identify alkaloids in the aerial parts of P. rhoeas, samples were collected at different growth stages and analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. A liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method was developed for the identification and metabolite profiling of alkaloids for P. rhoeas by comparing with Papaver somniferum. Eighteen alkaloids involved in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis were used to optimize the liquid chromatography gradient and mass spectrometry conditions. Fifty‐five alkaloids, including protoberberine, benzylisoquinoline, aporphine, benzophenanthridine, and rhoeadine‐type alkaloids, were identified authentically or tentatively by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry in samples taken during various growth stages. Rhoeadine alkaloids were observed only in P. rhoeas samples, and codeine and morphine were tentatively identified in P. somniferum. The liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry method can be a powerful tool for the identification of diverse metabolites in the genus Papaver. These results may help understand the biosynthesis of alkaloids in P. rhoeas and evaluate the quality of this plant for possible medicinal applications.
Diurnal changes of cyanobacteria blooms in Taihu Lake as derived from GOCI observations
Authors: Qi Lin , Hu Chuanmin , Visser Petra M. , Ma Ronghua
Published: April 2018

Using frequent and long‐term measurements (eight times per day, 2011 to present) from a geostationary satellite sensor (Geostationary Ocean Color Imager, GOCI), this study investigates diurnal changes of cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa blooms (near‐surface high concentrations or surface scums) in Taihu Lake, from which vertical migration patterns could be inferred. After proper atmospheric correction, a cyanobacterial index algorithm is used to quantify equivalent surface cyanobacterial density (σ, 0–100%) at both pixel and synoptic scales from each cloud‐free image, followed by analysis of diurnal changing patterns of σ at both scales. Three typical diurnal changing patterns are identified from all images, which show distinctive and different seasonality from the long‐term statistics. Spatial distributions of the “hotspot” regions where diurnal changes are most often observed have also been established. While the seasonality of the three patterns appears to be a result of seasonality in both temperature and light availability, large blooms only occur 1 d after major wind events. Based on several lines of evidence, we hypothesize that the diurnal changes of such observed surface bloom patterns are likely a result of vertical migration rather than horizontal dissipation/aggregation of cyanobacteria. The mean migration speeds inferred from either a simple model or a radiative transfer model (< 0.03 cm s−1 or < 1 m h−1) are consistent with those reported earlier from laboratory measurements for certain cyanobacteria colony sizes. Complete understanding of the three types of diurnal patterns and direct validation of the hypothesis, however, require further investigations from field measurements.
Prospective study of removing solar lentigines in Asians using a novel dual‐wavelength and dual‐pulse width picosecond laser
Authors: Negishi Kei , Akita Hirotaka , Matsunaga Yukiko
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Quality‐switched (QS) lasers are known to be an effective treatment for removing solar lentigines, however, high incidence of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a concern in darker skin types. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dual‐wavelength and dual‐pulse width picosecond Nd:YAG laser for removing solar lentigines in Asians.

Methods

This was a prospective, IRB‐approved study. Twenty cases with solar lentigines on the face were enrolled for treatment and evaluated at 1‐ and 3‐month after the final treatment. Results were assessed by blinded evaluators using a 5‐grade percentage improvement scale and Melanin index (MI) measured by a reflectance spectrophotometer. A patient self‐assessment questionnaire was also administered using a 5‐grade improvement scale. Additional treatment was performed if the improvement was less than 75% or the lentigo partially remained after 4 weeks. Histological evaluation was performed to compare the differences between the current picosecond laser and a QS Nd:YAG laser 532‐nm using light and electron microscopy.

Results

Forty‐three lesions in 20 females, skin type III or IV, age 53.7 ± 9.75 were treated and evaluated. The laser setting was: 532‐nm, 750 picoseconds, average fluence of 0.35 ± 0.06 J/cm [2] using a spot size of 3 or 4 mm. Forty lesions (93.02%) achieved over 75% clearance with a single treatment and the other three lesions (6.98%) needed two treatments. PIH occurred only in 4.65% of lesions. The average score of the blinded evaluators’ assessment was 4.77 and 4.58 on a 5‐grade percentage improvement scale. The patients’ self‐assessment rating was 4.76 and 4.67 on a 5‐grade scale at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up, respectively. The improvement rate of relative MI (MI in the lesion minus that of the normal area) was 77.60 ± 36.27% and 76.93 ± 20.95% at 1‐and 3‐month follow‐up. Histology showed vacuolar formation by both lasers in the epidermis that were different sizes between lasers. Electron microscopy showed destruction of melanosomes with surrounding tissue damage with the QS laser and without particular damage with the picosecond laser.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using a picosecond Nd:YAG laser 532‐nm for removing solar lentigines in darker skin types that includes histological evaluation. Although there are many options to treat solar lentigines, our results suggest that picosecond laser with preferable endpoint determination can be a safer and more effective treatment over conventional treatments in Asian patients. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:851–858, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determinants of process innovation introductions: Evidence from 115 developing countries
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Nelson Michael A.
Published: April 2018

This paper examines determinants of process innovation introductions across 115 (mostly) developing countries. Empirical research on process innovations lags behind product innovations. Accounting for firm characteristics, R&D, regulations and taxes, and corruption, results show that sole proprietors and R&D‐performing firms were more likely to introduce innovations, whereas greater prosperity made them less likely to do so. Corruption had a greasing effect, whereas firms in island nations were less likely to introduce, ceteris paribus. Effects of regulations and taxes and other firm characteristics were largely insignificant. Finally, some differences existed across manufacturing and service industries and across prevalence of innovation introductions.
Study of generalized Stokes operator in a thin domain with friction law (casep< 2)
Authors: Dilmi Mohamed , Dilmi Mourad , Benseridi Hamid
Published: April 2018

In this work, we consider a mathematical model of an incompressible fluid governed by the generalized Stokes system in a stationary regime in a 3‐dimensional thin domain Ωϵwith Tresca friction law. The problem statement and variational formulation of the problem are formulated. Then the estimates on velocity and pressure are proved in a fixed domain. Finally, our main goal concerns the specific Reynolds equation and the uniqueness of the solutionare obtained.
Overestimation of cardiac lactate production caused by liver metabolism of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate
Authors: Wespi Patrick , Steinhauser Jonas , Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to study the contribution of liver [1‐13C]lactate to the lactate signal detected in the heart following injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate.

Methods

A slice‐selective saturation scheme was incorporated into a hybrid metabolic imaging and spectroscopy approach to selectively presaturate lactate in the liver. Imaging and slice‐selective spectroscopy of [1‐13C]pyruvate and its downstream metabolites were sequentially interleaved in the same experiment with optional presaturation of liver [1‐13C]lactate. Six healthy rats were measured, and metabolic data in the heart acquired with and without presaturation of liver lactate were compared.

Results

When using liver lactate presaturation, a statistically significant reduction of the lactate/pyruvate ratio was observed in the spectroscopic data of the left ventricle (0.18 ± 0.03 versus 0.24 ± 0.04; p < .05) as well as in the imaging data of the blood pool (0.05 ± 0.01 versus 0.11 ± 0.01; p < .05). No significant difference in myocardial lactate was observed when using myocardium only as the region of interest in the imaging data (0.08 ± 0.01 versus 0.11 ± 0.02; p = .2).

Conclusion

Liver metabolism leads to statistically significant overestimation of cardiac lactate production in slice‐selective or nonselective spectroscopic experiments. Therefore, metabolic imaging is preferred over spectroscopy to separate left‐ventricular compartments within the slice and hence avoid contamination of cardiac lactate signals. Alternatively, presaturation pulses should be used in combination with spectroscopy approaches.
Synthesis of anisotropic Janus composite particles based on poly(urushiol borate)
Authors: Xia Jianrong , Chen Baoling , Chen Qinhui
Published: April 2018

Urushiol, the main component of the natural product of raw lacquer, can react with ester easily owing to its two adjacent phenolic hydroxyls, and urushiol‐ester compounds can polymerize further attributing to its unsaturated side chain. In this work, poly(urushiol borate) (PUB) was coated on the surface of polystyrene (PS) microspheres by transesterification between urushiol and tributyl borate. Then, the core–shell composite microspheres of polystyrene@poly(urushiol borate) (PS@PUB) were obtained. Finally, we used a general method to synthesize anisotropic grenade‐like Janus composite particles of PUB/PS, that is, the core–shell composite microspheres of PS@PUB were swelled assisted protrusion in the emulsion of organic monomer and water. The morphologies of PUB/PS Janus composite particles could be tuned by changing the swelling time and the dosage of organic monomer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2304–2310, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Biodegradation and thermal properties of crosslinked chitosan/corn cob biocomposite films by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Chan Ming Yeng , Koay Seong Chun
Published: April 2018

Thermal and biodegradation properties of chitosan (CS)/corn cob (CC) biocomposite films and their irradiation‐crosslinked were tested. The CS/CC biocomposite films after irradiation showed better thermal stability and lower weight loss in enzymatic and soil biodegradation in comparison with unirradiated CS/CC biocomposite films due to the formation of new bonds (radiation‐induced crosslinks). The surface erosion for biodegraded biocomposite films were examined by scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the formation of new bonds in irradiated biocomposite films were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E59–E68, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Crystal structure of the trimeric N‐terminal domain of ciliate Euplotes octocarinatus centrin binding with calcium ions
Authors: Wang Wenming , Zhao Yaqin , Wang Hongfei , Yang Bingsheng
Published: April 2018

Centrin is a member of the EF‐hand superfamily of calcium‐binding proteins, a highly conserved eukaryotic protein that binds to Ca2+. Its self‐assembly plays a causative role in the fiber contraction that is associated with the cell division cycle and ciliogenesis. In this study, the crystal structure of N‐terminal domain of ciliate Euplotes octocarinatus centrin (N‐EoCen) was determined by using the selenomethionine single‐wavelength anomalous dispersion method. The protein molecules formed homotrimers. Every protomer had two putative Ca2+ ion‐binding sites I and II, protomer A, and C bound one Ca2+ ion, while protomer B bound two Ca2+ ions. A novel binding site III was observed and the Ca2+ ion was located at the center of the homotrimer. Several hydrogen bonds, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions between the protomers contributed to the formation of the oligomer. Structural studies provided insight into the foundation for centrin aggregation and the roles of calcium ions.
Prostatic stromal inflammation is associated with bladder outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Inamura So , Ito Hideaki , Shinagawa Tomochika , Tsutsumiuchi Manami , Taga Minekatsu , Kobayashi Motohiro , Yokoyama Osamu
Published: April 2018

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urologic disease in older men. Prostatic inflammation research has focused on the magnitude of inflammation; its location has received little attention. We investigated whether the anatomic location of prostatic inflammation is related to the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), measured subjectively and objectively.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed hematoxylin+eosin‐stained tissue specimens from 179 BPH patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Chronic prostatic inflammation was assessed by the grade (lymphocyte density), extent (lymphocyte distribution), and location of inflammation. Each inflammation‐finding type was evaluated in relation to these clinical parameters: age, prostate volume, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value, body mass index (BMI), the frequency of acute urinary retention (AUR) episodes, the international prostatic symptom score (IPSS), and urodynamic study results.

Results

The magnitude and extent of inflammation were not associated with any clinical parameters. We classified the BPH patients into stromal (n = 72) versus non‐stromal (n = 105) groups based on their inflammation's dominant location. The stromal group's prostatic volume was significantly larger than the non‐stromal group's (63.8 vs 53.8 mL; P = 0.032). AUR episodes were more significantly frequent in the stromal group (36.1% vs 11.4%; P = 0.006). Between‐group differences in storage parameters (ie, maximum cystometric capacity) in the urodynamic study were not significantly different. Voiding parameters differed significantly between the stromal and non‐stromal groups: maximum detrusor pressure (maxPdet) (116.8 vs 94.5 cmH2O, P = 0.014), Pdet at the maximum flow rate (Qmax) (95.8 vs 75.4 cmH2O, P = 0.014), and the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) (78.5 vs 56.3, P = 0.014). The stromal group's Qmax was significantly lower than the non‐stromal group's (7.3 vs 9.8 mL/s, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The location of inflammation in the prostate might be an important factor affecting the severity of LUTS, especially voiding dysfunction.
Validation of the CHIRPS satellite rainfall estimates over eastern Africa
Authors: Dinku Tufa , Funk Chris , Peterson Pete , Maidment Ross , Tadesse Tsegaye , Gadain Hussein , Ceccato Pietro
Published: April 2018

Long and temporally consistent rainfall time series are essential in climate analyses and applications. Rainfall data from station observations are inadequate over many parts of the world due to sparse or non‐existent observation networks, or limited reporting of gauge observations. As a result, satellite rainfall estimates have been used as an alternative or as a supplement to station observations. However, many satellite‐based rainfall products with long time series suffer from coarse spatial and temporal resolutions and inhomogeneities caused by variations in satellite inputs. There are some satellite rainfall products with reasonably consistent time series, but they are often limited to specific geographic areas. The Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation (CHIRP) and CHIRP combined with station observations (CHIRPS) are recently produced satellite‐based rainfall products with relatively high spatial and temporal resolutions and quasi‐global coverage. In this study, CHIRP and CHIRPS were evaluated over East Africa at daily, dekadal (10‐day) and monthly time‐scales. The evaluation was done by comparing the satellite products with rain‐gauge data from about 1,200 stations. The CHIRP and CHIRPS products were also compared with two similar operational satellite rainfall products: the African Rainfall Climatology version 2 (ARC2) and the Tropical Applications of Meteorology using Satellite data (TAMSAT). The results show that both CHIRP and CHIRPS products are significantly better than ARC2 with higher skill and low or no bias. These products were also found to be slightly better than the latest version of the TAMSAT product at dekadal and monthly time‐scales, while TAMSAT performed better at the daily time‐scale. The performance of the different satellite products exhibits high spatial variability with weak performances over coastal and mountainous regions.
VSSI median control chart with estimated parameters and measurement errors
Authors: Cheng Xiao‐Bin , Wang Fu‐Kwun
Published: April 2018

An adaptive control chart called Shewhart
chart with variable sample size and sampling interval (VSSI) is quicker than Shewhart
chart,
chart with variable sample size (VSS), and
chart with variable sampling interval (VSI) in detecting the mean shifts of a normal process. In practice, the effects of measurement errors on control charts should be included. In this study, we present an VSSI median control chart with estimated parameters in the presence of measurement errors for a normal process. The average time to signal (ATS) is computed by using the Markov chain approach. The results show that the VSSI median control chart performs better than the Shewhart median, VSS median, and VSI median control charts in terms of ATS. The design parameters of the proposed chart are provided. Two examples are used to illustrate the application of the proposed control chart.
Fault diagnosis for satellite sensors and actuators using nonlinear geometric approach and adaptive observers
Authors: Baldi P. , Blanke M. , Castaldi P. , Mimmo N. , Simani S.
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a novel scheme for diagnosis of faults affecting sensors that measure the satellite attitude, body angular velocity, flywheel spin rates, and defects in control torques from reaction wheel motors. The proposed methodology uses adaptive observers to provide fault estimates that aid detection, isolation, and estimation of possible actuator and sensor faults. The adaptive observers do not need a priori information about fault internal models. A nonlinear geometric approach is used to avoid that aerodynamic disturbance torques have unwanted influence on the fault estimates. An augmented high‐fidelity spacecraft model is exploited during design and validation to replicate faults. This simulation model includes disturbance torques as experienced in low Earth orbits. This paper includes an analysis to assess robustness properties of the method with respect to parameter uncertainties and disturbances. The results document the efficacy of the suggested methodology.
Robust adaptive algorithm for nonlinear systems with unknown measurement noise and uncertain parameters by variational Bayesian inference
Authors: Yu Xingkai , Li Jianxun , Xu Jian
Published: April 2018

This paper studies an adaptive algorithm for the estimation problem of nonlinear systems with unknown or missing measurement noise and uncertain parameters using variational Bayesian (VB) inference. We combine VB inference with the Monte Carlo sampling technique to settle this problem. There are many cases of missing information, and because of the difficulty in obtaining the analytical results, the existing control methods for uncertain systems lack generality. We present a set of nonlinear recursive adaptive filtering algorithms that address the unknown parameters and probability density function. The proposed algorithms yield a separable variational approximation of the joint posterior distribution of noise parameters with uncertain parameters and states on each step separately. Estimation convergence and robustness against disturbances are guaranteed. A convergence result for VB inference is presented. Extensive simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithms.
Event‐triggered constrained control of positive systems with input saturation
Authors: Yin Yanyan , Lin Zongli , Liu Yanqing , Teo Kok Lay
Published: April 2018

This paper addresses the problem of event‐triggered stabilization for positive systems subject to input saturation, where the state variables are in the nonnegative orthant. An event‐triggered linear state feedback law is constructed. By expressing the saturated linear state feedback law on a convex hull of a group of auxiliary linear feedback laws, we establish conditions under which the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable with a given set contained in the domain of attraction. On the basis of these conditions, the problem of designing the feedback gain and the event‐triggering strategy for attaining the largest domain of attraction is formulated and solved as an optimization problem with linear matrix inequality constraints. The problem of designing the feedback gain and the event‐triggering strategy for achieving fast transience response with a guaranteed size of the domain of attraction is also formulated and solved as an linear matrix inequality problem. The effectiveness of these results is then illustrated by numerical simulation.
Strength of laps and anchorages of plain surface bars
Authors: Cairns John , Feldman Lisa
Published: April 2018

Although plain round or square section reinforcement is no longer used in new construction, there are many older structures still in service built with such bars. As a consequence of the increasing need for assessment of existing construction, there is a continuing need for information on their performance. Research into plain surface bars essentially ceased when ribbed bars became the norm, and plain bars have consequently been bypassed in the developments in the understanding of bond since 1960. An analysis of test data on bond of plain surface bars is presented, and an empirical expression for bond resistance is derived, which parallels that for ribbed bars in the fib Model Code 2010. The analysis finds various parameters that show marked differences in their influence on the bond resistance of ribbed and plain bars. In particular, the strong influence of cover ratio for plain bars observed in the test data was unexpected. A comparison with the provisions of the fib Model Code 90 demonstrates that, in some situations, the margin of safety against failure of straight plain bar anchorages may be too low.
Evaluating indices of lipid and protein content in lesser snow and Ross's geese during spring migration
Authors: Fowler Drew N. , Kuechle Kyle J. , Woodall Brendan A. , Vrtiska Mark P. , Webb Elisabeth B.
Published: April 2018

Assessing nutrient stores in avian species is important for understanding the extent to which body condition influences success or failure in life‐history events. We evaluated predictive models using morphometric characteristics to estimate total body lipids (TBL) and total body protein (TBP), based on traditional proximate analyses, in spring migrating lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) and Ross's geese (A. rossii). We also compared performance of our lipid model with a previously derived predictive equation for TBL developed for nesting lesser snow geese. We used external and internal measurements on 612 lesser snow and 125 Ross's geese collected during spring migration in 2015 and 2016 within the Central and Mississippi flyways to derive and evaluate predictive models. Using a validation data set, our best performing lipid model for snow geese better predicted TBL (root mean square error [RMSE] of 23.56) compared with a model derived from nesting individuals (RMSE = 48.60), suggesting the importance of season‐specific models for accurate lipid estimation. Models that included body mass and abdominal fat deposit best predicted TBL determined by proximate analysis in both species (lesser snow goose, R2 = 0.87, RMSE = 23.56: Ross's geese, R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 13.75). Models incorporating a combination of external structural measurements in addition to internal muscle and body mass best predicted protein values (R2 = 0.85, RMSE = 19.39 and R2 = 0.85, RMSE = 7.65, lesser snow and Ross's geese, respectively), but protein models including only body mass and body size were also competitive and provided extended utility to our equations for field applications. Therefore, our models indicated the importance of specimen dissection and measurement of the abdominal fat pad to provide the most accurate lipid estimates and provide alternative dissection‐free methods for estimating protein. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Sp(4) gauge theory on the lattice: towards SU(4)/Sp(4) composite Higgs (and beyond)
Authors: Bennett Ed , Hong Deog Ki , Lee Jong-Wan , Lin C.-J. David , Lucini Biagio , Piai Maurizio , Vadacchino Davide
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The Sp(4) gauge theory with two Dirac fundamental flavours provides a candidate for the microscopic origin of composite-Higgs models based on the SU(4)/Sp(4) coset. We employ a combination of two different, complementary strategies for the numerical lattice calculations, based on the Hybrid Monte Carlo and on the Heat Bath algorithms. We perform pure Yang-Mills, quenched computations and exploratory studies with dynamical Wilson fermions.

We present the first results in the literature for the spectrum of glueballs of the pure Sp(4) Yang-Mills theory, an EFT framework for the interpretation of the masses and decay constants of the lightest pion, vector and axial-vector mesons, and a preliminary calculation of the latter in the quenched approximation. We show the first numerical evidence of a bulk phase transition in the lattice theory with dynamical Wilson fermions, and perform the technical steps necessary to set up future investigations of the mesonic spectrum of the full theory.