bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deej‐a Vu: Documentary revisits facilitated communication pseudoscience
Authors: Foster Craig A.
Published: August 2019

Deej is a documentary about a young man named Deej who has autism with complex communication needs (i.e., nonverbal autism). To the uninitiated, Deej might look like a poignant story about people misperceiving Deej until he reveals the intelligence hidden inside him. The documentary uses Deej's story to suggest that other people with complex communication needs are similarly misunderstood. In actuality, the documentary is misleading and concerning. Deej demonstrates his hidden intelligence via facilitated communication. The documentary does not mention the science that discredits facilitated communication or the harm that facilitated communication has enabled. In the present paper, I use the history of facilitated communication to examine Deej. I describe how the documentary promotes facilitated communication by encouraging improper forms of scientific reasoning. Finally, I suggest that skepticism toward facilitated communication is necessary to ameliorate its harmful influence and to encourage genuine acceptance of people with complex communication needs.
Serum interleukin‐33 as a novel marker for long‐term prognosis and recurrence in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Li Xian‐Mei , Wang Xiao‐yang , Feng Xiao‐Wen , Shao Meng‐Meng , Liu Wen‐Fang , Ma Qin‐Qin , Wang En‐Pei , Chen Jie , Shao Bei
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Interleukin‐33, a newly identified member of interleukin‐1 family, had been confirmed to play a crucial role in regulating inflammatory responses in various disease. However, the exact role of interleukin‐33 in the disease process of acute ischemic stroke still remains unclear. This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between interleukin‐33 levels and long‐term functional outcome as well as ischemic stroke recurrence.

Methods

Three hundred and four first‐ever acute ischemic stroke patients were recruited and basic information and history of all subjects taken within 72 hr on admission. The functional outcome was estimated by Barthel index. The multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the prognosis, while the Cox proportional hazard model was applied to assess the recurrence risk.

Results

Out of 304 subjects, 259 patients successfully completed scheduled two‐year follow‐up. We found that higher interleukin‐33 levels correlated positively with better prognosis as compared with those with lower interleukin‐33 levels who presented with poorer outcome (62.45 ± 20.50 ng/ml vs. 51.58 ± 19.16 ng/ml, p < .001). After adjustment of all confounders, interleukin‐33 was associated with the one‐year prognosis with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.956 (95% confidence interval, 0.937–0.976, p < .001). Furthermore, interleukin‐33 levels were also closely related to recurrent ischemic stroke with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.979 (95% confidence interval, 0.961–0.997, p = .025).

Conclusions

IL‐33 can be used to predict the long‐term outcomes and ischemic stroke recurrence in first‐ever acute ischemic stroke patients.
Helping behaviour among people who use drugs: Altruism and mutual aid in a harm reduction program
Authors: Bathje Geoff J. , Pillersdorf Daniel , Kacere Laura , Bigg Dan
Published: August 2019

People who use drugs, and particularly people experiencing addiction, are rarely afforded the opportunity to have their voices heard when it comes to drug treatment or drug policy or even when attempting to define themselves and their life experiences. Of course, there is much more to a person than one area of their behaviour. The current study seeks to capture and understand the lived experiences of people who use drugs, with a focus on their relationships and helping behaviour. We interviewed 32 participants in a harm reduction program seeking to provide understanding beyond stigmatizing and criminalizing drug narratives, by exploring their motivation and context for helping behaviours. Grounded theory methodology was used to understand the patterns of helping behaviour, along with the contexts in which help is or is not given. We particularly focus on participants' distribution of syringes and carrying medicine to reverse overdose (naloxone). Participants shared stories of altruism and mutual aid, along with barriers and disincentives to helping others. We situate these behaviours within contrasting environments of a free harm reduction program and the competitive market system of the U.S. society. Implications for practice and public policy are discussed.
RT‐Hpro‐PCR: A MicroRNA Detection System Using a Primer with a DNA Tag
Authors: Takei Fumie , Akiyama Misaki , Murata Asako , Sugai Ayako , Nakatani Kazuhiko , Yamashita Ichiro
Published: August 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs that regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs and are involved in numerous human diseases. However, current detection techniques lack the sensitivity to detect miRNAs of low abundance. Moreover, at a length of 20–25 bases, miRNAs are too short for the reverse transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here we have developed a new, rapid, and simple miRNA detection system utilizing an RT primer containing a DNA tag at the 5′‐end to increase the length of the cDNA. This strategy increases the length of the hybridized tagged primer and the complementary template DNA, as well as the melting temperature of the primer⋅template DNA duplex. PCR efficiency is thus increased, thereby enhancing miRNA detection sensitivity.
Localized ecthyma gangrenosum without sepsis in a neutropenic patient with a myelodysplastic syndrome—Refractory anemia with excess blasts type 2
Authors: Zanella Anaïs , Faure Cyril , Merle Catherine , Charollais Romain , Aubin François
Published: August 2019

The diagnosis of ecthyma gangrenosum should be evoked in front of maculopapular lesions rapidly evolving to necroting ulcers, particularly in the presence of prolonged neutropaenia or other hematological malignancies.
Ni1‐xCoxOy, Ni1‐xCoxSy and Ni1‐xCoxPy Catalysts Prepared from Ni1‐xCox‐ZIF‐67 for Hydrogen Production by Electrolysis in Alkaline Media
Authors: Cui Yuchen , Liu Zhi , Guo Hailing , Chai Yongming , Liu Chenguang , Mintova Svetlana
Published: August 2019

The uniform homeotypic bimetallic Ni1‐xCoxOy, Ni1‐xCoxSy and Ni1‐xCoxPy catalysts were synthesized from Ni1‐xCox‐ZIF‐67 crystals (120‐135 nm) reacting with oxygen, sublimed sulfur and sodium hypophosphite, respectively under control conditions. The catalysts were deposited on glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and their electro‐catalytic activity for hydrogen production in alkaline media by electrolysis was investigated. The electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) decreased in the following order Ni0.1Co0.9Py>Ni0.2Co0.8Oy>Ni0.5Co0.5Sy>Ni0.1Co0.9‐ZIF‐67. The Ni0.1Co0.9Py exhibited the highest electrocatalytic activity towards HER due to the high crystallinity, high specific surface area and the synergistic effect of nickel and cobalt that accelerate the electron transfer process.
Intra‐ and Intermolecular Fluorescence Quenching of Alkylthio‐Substituted Phthalimides by Photoinduced Electron Transfer: Distance, Position and Conformational Dependence
Authors: Atar Murat , Öngel Banu , Riedasch Henrik , Lippold Tim , Neudörfl Jörg , Sampedro Diego , Griesbeck Axel G.
Published: August 2019

The photophysical properties of fluorescent phthalimides with thioether groups directly connected to the chromophore or separated by alkyl spacers, respectively, were studied. Intermolecular fluorescence quenching by electron transfer from dimethylsulfide to the 4,5‐dimethoxy phthalimide (DMPht) model compound 6 is dynamic and fast. The fluorescence properties of 6 and the remote C5‐spaced thioether derivative 5 are nearly identical. In compounds 1–4 with shorter spacer lengths, fluorescence quenching is strong for C2 and C3‐spaced 2 and 3 and less pronounced for C1‐ and C4‐spaced compounds 1 and 4, mapping the conformational landscape of these molecules. The o‐,m‐,p‐substituted N‐(thiomethyl)benzyl DMPht 7 are almost non‐fluorescent which correlates very well with the intermolecular thioanisole fluorescence quenching of 6. In contrast, the 3‐ and 4‐thiomethyl phthalimides 8 and 9 show divergent fluorescence that is also rationalized by DFT calculation results. The fluorescence properties can be switched by oxidation of the thioethers to sulfoxides with H2O2 or 1O2 (off→on for 1,4,7 and on→off for 9). Further functionalized molecules that were based on the model compounds are the sulfur‐containing amino acid methionine derivative 10, dipeptides 11 a,b, and S‐alkylated cysteine derivatives 12 to 14 a–d with strong side‐chain‐dependent fluorescence.
Antiviral effects of a niobium‐substituted heteropolytungstate on hepatitis B virus‐transgenic mice
Authors: Li Qingmei , Zhang Hong , Qi Yanfei , Wang Juan , Li Juan , Niu Junqi
Published: August 2019

To study the efficacy of a polyoxometalate, Cs2K4Na[SiW9Nb3O40]·H2O, as an antiviral treatment in HBV transgenic mice. HBV transgenic mice were treated with Cs2K4Na[SiW9Nb3O40]·H2O by intragastric administration. Adefovir and distilled water were administered as controls. Serum HBV DNA, liver HBV RNA levels were measured by quantitative RT‐PCR. Serum HBsAg levels were measured by ELISA. The hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in liver cells was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Pathological changes in the liver tissues were also observed by light and electron microscopy. Cs2K4Na[SiW9Nb3O40]·H2O significantly decreased serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels. Cs2K4Na[SiW9Nb3O40]·H2O resulted in a 98% decrease in serum HBV DNA at 28 days, from 4.3 log10 copies/ml at baseline to 2.5 log10 copies/ml after treatment, and the inhibition rate of HBV DNA was higher than ADV at the same dose. The HBV replication levels in each group slightly increased at 7 days after withdrawal, but rebounded slightly more in the Cs2K4Na[SiW9Nb3O40]·H2O treatment group compared to the H2O control group (p < .05). There were no differences in HBV RNA levels. No significant differences were observed in the pathology, but there were decreased HBsAg levels in the Cs2K4Na[SiW9Nb3O40]·H2O‐treated group compared to the control group. The results demonstrated that Cs2K4Na[SiW9Nb3O40]·H2O displayed potent anti‐HBV activity in HBV transgenic mice and supported for future clinic study.
Solid State Structures, Solution Behavior, and Luminescence of Simple Tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine Lanthanide Complexes
Authors: Ayers Kaitlynn M. , Schley Nathan D. , Ung Gael
Published: August 2019

We report the synthesis, characterization, solid‐state structure and solution behavior of simple lanthanide trifluoromethanesulfonate complexes supported by a hexadentate tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine ligand. The complexes' solid‐state structures exhibit different trifluoromethanesulfonate coordination, correlating with the size difference of the lanthanide ions. The ligand is capable of sensitizing Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, and Yb yielding metal‐centered emission with moderate quantum yields.
Spirobicyclic and Tetracyclic Pyrazolidinones: Syntheses and Properties
Authors: Perez Fabien , Leveille Thibault , Bertolotti Mathilde , Rodriguez Jean , Coquerel Yoann
Published: August 2019

The stereoselective syntheses of spirobicyclic and tetracyclic pyrazolidinones are reported based on a (3+2) annulation between hydrazones and α‐oxoketenes. Some of these conformationally constrained molecules were resolved as enantiopure materials by HPLC techniques and evaluated as aminocatalysts for iminium activation in a model Diels–Alder cycloaddition.
Toxicity of Agrochemicals Among Larval Painted Lady Butterflies (Vanessa cardui)
Authors: Peterson Eric M. , Shaw Katherine R. , Smith Philip N.
Published: August 2019

In the Southern High Plains of the United States, beef cattle feed yards and row crop agriculture are predominant sources of agrochemical usage. Beef cattle feed yards use large quantities of veterinary pharmaceuticals to promote cattle growth and health, along with insecticides to control insect pests, whereas row crop-based agriculture relies on herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides to increase yields. Previous studies have documented the occurrence of agrochemicals beyond feed yard and row crop agriculture boundaries in uncultivated, marginal areas, raising concern that migratory pollinators and pollinators indigenous to the Southern High Plains frequenting these remaining habitat corridors may become exposed to toxic agrochemicals. Larvae of the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) were used to investigate the potential toxicity of agrochemicals used on feed yards and in row crop agriculture among pollinators. Moxidectin, an antiparasiticide used on beef cattle feed yards, was determined to be extremely toxic to V. cardui larvae, with a lethal dose at which 50% of larvae died of 2.1 ± 0.1 ng/g. Pyraclostrobin, clothianidin, and permethrin all delayed V. cardui development. However, moxidectin was the only chemical that produced significant toxic effects at environmentally relevant concentrations. These results indicate that agrochemicals originating from feed yards have the potential to adversely impact the development of pollinator larvae occurring in the Southern High Plains. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2629–2636. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Painted lady larvae exposed to agrochemicals commonly detected on wildflowers on the Southern High Plains demonstrated developmental delays, lowered mass as adults, and death.
The relationship between dietary micronutrients intake and cognition test performance among school‐aged children in government‐owned primary schools in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Annan Reginald Adjetey , Apprey Charles , Asamoah‐Boakye Odeafo , Okonogi Satoru , Yamauchi Taro , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: August 2019

Nutrients are critical for optimal brain development, and good nutritional status is associated with cognitive development and improvement. The relationship between micronutrients intake and cognition in Ghanaian school‐aged children has not been studied. The study investigated dietary intakes of micronutrients and cognition test performance of school‐aged children. A cross‐sectional study was undertaken among 438 school children, aged 9–13 years from ten randomly selected basic schools in Kumasi, Ghana. Socio‐demographic data were obtained from a structured questionnaire. Dietary intakes of iron, zinc, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A were determined from repeated 24‐hr dietary recall data from 351 children, while cognition test was performed using a Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), a 36‐question test. Among 351 children, 156 (44.4%) had inadequate zinc intake, whereas 96 (27.4%) had inadequate iron intake. More than 1 in 2 children had inadequate vitamin A intake while 55.8% and 53.0% had inadequate vitamin B12 and folate intakes, respectively. More school‐aged boys (66.3%) than girls (46.8%) had inadequate vitamin B12 intake (χ2 = 13.393, p < .001), while for iron, folate, vitamin B6, zinc, and vitamin A, the differences were not significant. Mean RCPM test score differed significantly between school type (p < .001), but did not differ between the different ages, and between children with adequate and inadequate iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and vitamin A intakes, except for folate intake (p = .050). Weak positive significant associations were observed between RCPM test score and zinc and folate intakes (p = .050). Dietary micronutrient intakes were inadequate in majority of these children, which put them at risk of weakened immune system and poor health, but did not show significant associations with RCPM performance. Further studies using other forms of cognition tests may help confirm our findings, and provide the impetus for the necessary interventions.
BRCA2 loss‐of‐function germline mutations are associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk in Chinese
Authors: Ko Josephine Mun‐Yee , Ning Lvwen , Zhao Xue‐Ke , Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Lei Lisa Chan , Choi Sheyne Sta Ana , Tao Lihua , Law Simon , Kwong Ava , Lee Nikki Pui‐Yue , Chan Kin‐Tak , Lo Anthony , Song Xin , Chen Pei‐Nan , Chang Yun‐Li , Wang Li Dong , Lung Maria Li
Published: August 2019

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) occurs with highest frequency in China with over 90% mortality, highlighting the need for early detection and improved treatment strategies. We aimed to identify ESCC cancer predisposition gene(s). Our study included 4,517 individuals. The discovery phase using whole‐exome sequencing (WES) included 186 familial ESCC patients from high‐risk China. Targeted gene sequencing validation of 598 genes included 3,289 Henan and 1,228 moderate‐risk Hong Kong Chinese. A WES approach identified BRCA2 loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutations in 3.23% (6/186) familial ESCC patients compared to 0.21% (9/4300) in the ExAC East Asians (odds ratio [OR] = 15.89, p = 2.48 × 10−10). BRCA2 LOF mutation frequency in the combined Henan cohort has significantly higher prevalence (OR = 10.55, p = 0.0035). Results were independently validated in an ESCC Hong Kong cohort (OR = 10.64, p = 0.022). One Hong Kong pedigree was identified to carry a BRCA2 LOF mutation. BRCA2 inactivation in ESCC was via germline LOF mutations and wild‐type somatic allelic loss via loss of heterozygosity. Gene‐based association analysis, including LOF mutations and rare deleterious missense variants defined with combined annotation dependent depletion score ≥30, confirmed the genetic predisposition role of BRCA2 (OR = 9.50, p = 3.44 × 10−5), and provided new evidence for potential association of ESCC risk with DNA repair genes (POLQ and MSH2), inflammation (TTC39B) and angiogenesis (KDR). Our findings are the first to provide compelling evidence of the role of BRCA2 in ESCC genetic susceptibility in Chinese, suggesting defective homologous recombination is an underlying cause in ESCC pathogenesis, which is amenable to therapeutic options based on synthetic lethality approaches such as targeting BRCA2 with PARP1 inhibitors in ESCC.
A minimally‐invasive cryogel based approach for the development of human ectopic liver in a mouse model
Authors: Kumari Jyoti , Teotia Arun K. , Karande Anjali A. , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2019

Human liver tissue is preferable over nonhuman liver tissue for preclinical drug screening, as the former can better predict side effects specific to humans. However, due to limited supply and ethical issues with human liver tissue, it is desirable to develop an animal model having functional human liver tissue. In this study, we have established an ectopic functional human liver tissue in a mouse model, using a minimally‐invasive method. Firstly, a human liver tissue mass using HepG2 cells and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) incorporated poly(ethylene glycol)‐alginate‐gelatin (PAG) cryogel matrix was developed in vitro. It was later implanted in mouse peritoneal cavity using a 16 G needle. Viscoelastic nature along with low Young's modulus provided injectable properties to the cryogel. We confirmed minimal cell loss/death while injecting. Further, by in vivo study efficacy of both injectable and surgical implantation approaches were compared. No significant difference in terms of cell infiltration, human serum albumin (HSA) secretion and enzyme activity confirmed efficacy. This model developed using a minimally‐invasive approach can overcome the limitations of surgical implantation due to its cost effective and user friendly nature.
Artificial Intelligence in Musculoskeletal Imaging: A Paradigm Shift
Authors: Burns Joseph E , Yao Jianhua , Summers Ronald M
Published: August 2019

Artificial intelligence is upending many of our assumptions about the ability of computers to detect and diagnose diseases on medical images. Deep learning, a recent innovation in artificial intelligence, has shown the ability to interpret medical images with sensitivities and specificities at or near that of skilled clinicians for some applications. In this review, we summarize the history of artificial intelligence, present some recent research advances, and speculate about the potential revolutionary clinical impact of the latest computer techniques for bone and muscle imaging. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Alchemical Grid Dock (AlGDock): Binding Free Energy Calculations between Flexible Ligands and Rigid Receptors
Authors: Minh David D. L.
Published: August 2019

Alchemical Grid Dock (AlGDock) is open‐source software designed to compute the binding potential of mean force—the binding free energy between a flexible ligand and a rigid receptor—for a small organic ligand and a biological macromolecule. Multiple BPMFs can be used to rigorously compute binding affinities between flexible partners. AlGDock uses replica exchange between thermodynamic states at different temperatures and receptor–ligand interaction strengths. Receptor–ligand interaction energies are represented by interpolating precomputed grids. Thermodynamic states are adaptively initialized and adjusted on‐the‐fly to maintain adequate replica exchange rates. In demonstrative calculations, when the bound ligand is treated as fully solvated, AlGDock estimates BPMFs with a precision within 4 kT in 65% and within 8 kT for 91% of systems. It correctly identifies the native binding pose in 83% of simulations. Performance is sometimes limited by subtle differences in the important configuration space of sampled and targeted thermodynamic states. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined impact of Greenland sea ice, Eurasian snow, and El Niño–Southern Oscillation on Indian and Korean summer monsoons
Authors: Kim In‐Won , Prabhu Amita , Oh Jaiho , Kripalani Ramesh H.
Published: August 2019

The combined impact of Greenland sea ice, Eurasian snow, and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the out‐of‐phase relationship between the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and Korean summer monsoon (KSM) were investigated through numerical experiments. The results revealed that Indian and Korean summer rainfalls showed nonlinear responses to ENSO and Greenland sea ice forcing when the events co‐occurred. Above‐normal Greenland sea ice and a concurrent La Niña showed a distinct in‐phase relationship with ISM and out‐of‐phase relationship with KSM. Below‐normal and above‐normal Greenland sea ice during boreal autumn surrounded the Greenland region with anomalous low pressure and high pressure, respectively. These were associated with a barotropic +west/−east or –west/+east dipole pattern, respectively, over Eurasia during the subsequent winter and spring seasons. Furthermore, these patterns led to positive and negative snow depth anomalies, respectively, over western Eurasia and the opposite snow tendency over eastern Eurasia during the subsequent spring. This variability in Eurasian snow patterns may play a crucial role in ISM and KSM. The co‐occurrence of ENSO variability also generates high‐ and low‐pressure anomaly patterns over the Indian Ocean that may be related to unfavourable or favourable ISM, respectively, while influencing the negative or positive phases of a Pacific Japan (PJ)‐like teleconnection pattern that may be related to unfavourable or favourable KSM, respectively. Therefore, coexisting ENSO forcing may play a dominant role in ISM and KSM, but Greenland sea ice forcing and Eurasian snow variation intensify the out‐of‐phase relationship between ISM and KSM.
Ibuprofen‐induced intra‐oral fixed drug eruption
Authors: Sai Pawan A. R. , Swamy V. H. T. , Mothi S. N. , Yashaswini Y.
Published: August 2019

Background

Ibuprofen is commonly used in many countries to relieve pain from various conditions, such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches or arthritis. However, it has been reported that ibuprofen can have deleterious and unpredictable side effects at both therapeutic and toxic doses. Herein we report a case of an ibuprofen‐induced fixed drug eruption (FDE).

Clinical details

A 35‐year‐old female underwent surgery for anal fissures at a secondary care hospital in India. After surgery, the patient was prescribed ibuprofen 400 mg, t.i.d., for 7 days. On Day 3, the patient complained of a burning sensation, discoloration of the lips and ulcers in the oral cavity. Based on the presenting signs and symptoms, she was diagnosed as experiencing an ibuprofen‐induced FDE.

Outcome

Symptoms improved significantly after withdrawal of ibuprofen. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids, prednisolone 40 mg oral tablets and levocetirizine 20 mg. A causality assessment of the reaction was undertaken, indicating a probable relationship between the patient's symptoms and her use of ibuprofen.

Conclusion

This report highlights the importance of regular monitoring for adverse drug reactions due to ibuprofen because it is likely to cause an FDE.
Late Pleistocene Eifel eruptions: insights from clinopyroxene and glass geochemistry of tephra layers from Eifel Laminated Sediment Archive sediment cores
Authors: Förster Michael W. , Zemlitskaya Anastasia , Otter Laura M. , Buhre Stephan , Sirocko Frank
Published: August 2019

The Eifel Laminated Sediment Archive (ELSA), which comprises several cores from maar lakes, includes numerous tephra layers spanning the last 140 000 years. The sediment cores are dated by 14C and thermoluminescence as well as tuned to Greenland stadial–interstadial successions. Within the last glacial cycle, the Eifel Volcanic Fields are source to several widespread tephra layers, namely the Laacher See, Eltville, Rambach and Rocourt Tephra. However, a corresponding source volcano was so far only identified for the Laacher See Tephra. In this study we use glass and clinopyroxene geochemistry to link the remaining tephra layers to possible eruption centers within the West and East Eifel Volcanic Fields: while we demonstrate that the Eltville Tephra originated from an earlier eruption of the Laacher See Volcano at 24 300 a bp from within the East Eifel Volcanic Field, the Rambach and Rocourt Tephras are sourced from the West Eifel Volcanic Field and erupted from Wartgesberg at 27 900 a bp and Pulvermaar at 75 000 a bp, respectively. Phases of volcanic activity peaked at 10 000–30 000 and 60 000–80 000 a bp and were thus erupted around the temperature minima of the last glacial cycle. The longest phase of dormancy between individual vents was around 30 000 years long, within the last interglacial.
Prognostic factors influencing survival in small bowel neuroendocrine tumor with liver metastases
Authors: Manguso Nicholas , Nissen Nicholas , Hendifar Andrew , Harit Attiya , Mirocha James , Friedman Marc , Lipshutz H. Gabriel , Amersi Farin
Published: August 2019

Background

Resection of liver metastasis in small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNET) may improve survival, however, factors influencing prognosis are unclear. We evaluated how the extent of resection influences outcomes.

Methods

Patients with SBNET with liver metastasis from 1990 to 2013 who underwent resection of the primary tumor were identified. Outcomes among patients undergoing complete resection (CR), partial resection (PR), or no resection (NR) of liver metastases with resection of the primary tumor only were compared.

Results

One hundred eleven patients met the criteria. The median number of liver lesions was seven and median lesions resected was one. Fifty (45%) patients had NR, 41 (36.9%) underwent CR, and 20 (18.1%) underwent PR. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 79.4% for NR, 84.7% for PR, and 100% for CR, demonstrating a trend that CR was best, followed by PR then NR (P = .02). 10‐year OS showed no significant differences (72.7% NR; 84.7% PR; 82.5% CR; P = .10). Greater than 10 liver lesions (hazard ratio [HR] 3.6; P = 0.04) or receiving chemotherapy (HR 3.7; P = .03) were negative predictors of survival.

Conclusion

The extent of resection of liver disease in SBNET influenced survival at 5 years but not at 10 years. In addition, more than 10 liver lesions and chemotherapy were predictors of mortality.
Differential responses of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities to mineral and organic fertilization
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Jie , Li Daming , Xu Changxu , Xiang Xingjia
Published: August 2019

Agricultural fertilization is used extensively to increase soil fertility and maximize crop yield. Despite numerous studies on how fertilization influences plant and bacterial communities, little is known about the roles of long‐term application of different fertilizers in shaping arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) community structures in a comparative manner. The response of AMF community to 28 years of chemical and organic fertilization was investigated using the Illumina Mi‐Seq platform. Soil AMF community composition showed significant and differential responses to long‐term fertilization. Changes in available phosphorus (AP) content were the primary driver shaping AMF community composition. Chemical fertilization significantly decreased AMF alpha‐diversity, whereas the alpha‐diversity remained equally high in organic fertilization treatment as in the control. In addition, soil AMF alpha‐diversity was negatively and positively correlated with elevated soil nutrient level following chemical and organic fertilization, respectively. Plants could directly acquire sufficient nutrients without their AMF partners after chemical fertilization, while plants might rely on AMF to facilitate the transformation of organic matter following organic fertilization, indicating that chemical fertilization might reduce the reliance of plants on AMF symbioses while organic fertilization strengthened the symbiotic relationship between plants and their AMF partners in agricultural ecosystems. This study demonstrated that AMF communities responded differently to long‐term chemical and organic fertilization, indicating that organic fertilization might activate belowground AMF function to maintain soil nutrients and benefit the sustainable development of agriculture.
The efficacy of electrical stimulation in treating children with nocturnal enuresis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cui Huanqin , Yu Wentao , Yan Huilei , Zhou Zhongbao , Wu Jitao , Cui Yuanshan
Published: August 2019

Aim

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of electrical stimulation (ES) in treating children with nocturnal enuresis (NE).

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the use of ES for the treatment of NE in children were searched using EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The references of related articles were also searched. The systematic review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses.

Results

Four RCTs involving 171 patients were studied. We found that there was statistically significant difference in the wet nights per week (mean difference [MD], −0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.89 to −0.51; P < .00001), the number of patients with clinical response (MD, 26.88; 95% CI, 11.16 to 64.74; P < .00001), and bladder capacity (MD, −0.70; 95% CI −0.89 to −0.51; P < .00001) in the ES group compared with the placebo group with the exception of maximum voided volume (MVV) (MD, 19.48; 95% CI, −9.18 to 48.14; P = .18).

Conclusions

The study provides a significant improvement in statistics in the wet nights per week, the number of patients with clinical response and bladder capacity for children with NE compared with the placebo group with the exception of MVV.
Before you click: Publishing accessible websites
Authors: Taylor Zachary W. , LaRonde Susan , Taylor M. Yvonne
Published: August 2019

As technology has advanced in recent years, institutions of higher education have the ability to present digital information in a variety of formats: visual, audio, and interactive. Web accessibility technology has also advanced, allowing students who are deaf, blind, or have other disabilities to access digital content in a variety of formats. For instance, “screen reader” technologies have made it possible for students who are blind to read an entire website, engage with multimedia, and enjoy a web experience that was formerly reserved exclusively for students without disabilities. Technology has increased students with disabilities’ access to and user experience on the internet, yet many institutions of higher education have lagged behind in making their sites fully accessible.
Adaptive backstepping‐based control design for uncertain nonlinear active suspension system with input delay
Authors: Pang Hui , Zhang Xu , Yang Junjie , Shang Yuting
Published: August 2019

This paper addresses the control problem of adaptive backstepping control for a class of nonlinear active suspension systems considering the model uncertainties and actuator input delays and presents a novel adaptive backstepping‐based controller design method. Based on the established nonlinear active suspension model, a projector operator–based adaptive control law is first developed to estimate the uncertain sprung‐mass online, and then the desirable controller design and stability analysis are conducted by combining backstepping technique and Lyapunov stability theory, which can not only deal with the actuator input delay but also achieve better dynamics performances and safety constraints requirements of the closed‐loop control system. Furthermore, the relationship between the input delay and the state variables of this vehicle suspension system is derived to present a simple and effective method of calculating the critical input delay. Finally, a numerical simulation investigation is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
A comparative study of fruit detection and counting methods for yield mapping in apple orchards
Authors: Häni Nicolai , Roy Pravakar , Isler Volkan
Published: August 2019

We present a modular end‐to‐end system for yield estimation in apple orchards. Our goal is to identify fruit detection and counting methods with the best performance for this task. We propose a novel semantic segmentation‐based approach for fruit detection and counting and perform extensive comparative analysis against other state‐of‐the‐art techniques. This is the first work comparing multiple fruit detection and counting methods head‐to‐head on the same data sets. Fruit detection results indicate that the semisupervised method, based on Gaussian Mixture Models, outperforms the deep learning‐based methods in the majority of the data sets. For fruit counting though, the deep learning‐based approach performs better for all of the data sets. Combining these two methods, we achieve yield estimation accuracies ranging from 95.56% to 97.83%.
On the self‐triggering Cox model for recurrent event data
Authors: Kim Jung In , Lin Feng‐Chang , Fine Jason P.
Published: August 2019

Recurrent event data frequently occur in longitudinal studies when subjects experience more than one event during the observation period. Often, the occurrence of subsequent events is associated with the experience of previous events. Such dependence is commonly ignored in the application of standard recurrent event methodology. In this paper, we utilize a Cox‐type regression model with time‐varying triggering effect depending on the number and timing of previous events to enhance both model fit and prediction. Parameter estimation and statistical inference is achieved via the partial likelihood. A statistical test procedure is provided to assess the existence of the triggering effects. We demonstrate our approach via comprehensive simulation studies and a real data analysis on chronic pseudomonas infections in young cystic fibrosis patients. Our model provides significantly better predictions than standard recurrent event models.
Evaluation of sulfate and salt resistance of ferrochrome slag and blast furnace slag‐based geopolymer concretes
Authors: Özcan Ahmet , Karakoç Mehmet B.
Published: August 2019

In this study, mechanical, visual, and microstructure changes of geopolymer concrete exposed to sulfate and salt effects were investigated. Elazığ ferrochrome slag (EFS) and blast furnace slag (BFS)‐based geopolymer concretes which completed curing time were immersed in 5% sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) solutions for 12 weeks. The compressive strength values, ultrasonic pulse velocities, visual inspections, weight, and length changes of the samples were determined in this investigation. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was performed for the microstructure analysis of the samples removed from the solutions. Sulfate solutions had a more negative effect on the samples than salt solutions. As the EFS ratio in the mixture increases, the loss rate in the strength of the samples exposed to sulfate and salt solutions decreased. While samples exposed to sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate solutions occurred weight gain, samples exposed to magnesium chloride occurred weight loss. The samples in salt solutions shrank, while the samples in sulfate solutions expanded. No deterioration occurred on the surfaces of the samples exposed to the solutions for 12 weeks.
Comparison of Training Efficacy Between Custom‐Made Skills Simulator (CMSS) and da Vinci Skills Simulators: A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Lee Cho Rok , Rho Seoung Yoon , Han Sang Hyup , Moon Young , Hwang Sun Young , Kim Young Joo , Kang Chang Moo
Published: August 2019

Background

To compare the effectiveness of a custom‐made skills simulator (CMSS) with the commercially available da Vinci® skills simulator (DVSS) that help improving surgical skills for effective and safe robotic surgical interventions.

Methods

A randomized control study was conducted to determine the performance of participants after undergoing robotic surgical training. Total 64 students who had no previous experience with robotic surgery enrolled this study. After 5 min—introduction of robotic surgical system, the participants got random‐assignment into two groups to perform either CMSS‐or DVSS‐exercises. After 15 min‐practicing the corresponding simulator, task‐execution performance and individual questionnaires were compared between participants trained with the CMSS and those trained with the DVSS.

Results

Regardless of simulator the participants used, the system understanding and manipulation ability of the participants was found to be higher than after completing the simulation‐based robotic surgical training (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in terms of the required time to complete the tasks, and improvement of understanding the concept of robotic surgery, or surgical skill capacity between two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The training effectiveness of CMSS was not significantly different to DVSS. It can be synergetic tool to DVSS for novice trainees of robotic surgery to get accustomed to the robotic surgical system and to improve their basic robotic surgical skills.
Mono- and multi-nucleated ventricular cardiomyocytes constitute a transcriptionally homogenous cell population
Authors: Yekelchyk Michail , Guenther Stefan , Preussner Jens , Braun Thomas
Published: August 2019

Individual adult ventricular cardiomyocytes are either mono- or multi-nucleated and undergo morphological changes during cardiac hypertrophy. However, corresponding transcriptional signatures, reflecting potentially different functions or the ability for cell-cycle entry, are not known. The aim of this study was to determine the transcriptional profile of mono- and multi-nucleated adult cardiomyocytes by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and to investigate heterogeneity among cardiomyocytes under baseline conditions and in pressure-induced cardiac hypertrophy. We developed an array-based approach for scRNA-seq of rod-shaped multi-nucleated cardiomyocytes from both healthy and hypertrophic hearts. Single-cell transcriptomes of mono- or multi-nucleated cardiomyocytes were highly similar, although a certain degree of variation was noted across both populations. Non-image-based quality control allowing inclusion of damaged cardiomyocytes generated artificial cell clusters demonstrating the need for strict exclusion criteria. In contrast, cardiomyocytes isolated from hypertrophic heart after transverse aortic constriction showed heterogeneous transcriptional signatures, characteristic for hypoxia-induced responses. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed an inverse correlation between HIF1α+ cells and CD31-stained vessels, suggesting that imbalanced vascular growth in the hypertrophied heart induces cellular heterogeneity. Our study demonstrates that individual mono- and multi-nucleated cardiomyocytes express nearly identical sets of genes. Homogeneity among cardiomyocytes was lost after induction of hypertrophy due to differential HIF1α-dependent responses most likely caused by none-homogenous vessel growth.
18F‐FDG PET, the early phases and the delivery rate of 18F‐AV45 PET as proxies of cerebral blood flow in Alzheimer's disease: Validation against 15O‐H2O PET
Authors: Ottoy Julie , Verhaeghe Jeroen , Niemantsverdriet Ellis , De Roeck Ellen , Wyffels Leonie , Ceyssens Sarah , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Stroobants Sigrid , Staelens Steven
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Dual‐biomarker positron emission tomography (PET), providing complementary information on cerebral blood flow and amyloid‐β deposition, is of clinical interest for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to validate the perfusion components of early‐phase 18F‐florbetapir (eAV45), the 18F‐AV45 delivery rate (R1), and 18F‐FDG against 15O‐H2O PET and assess how they change with disease severity.

Methods

This study included ten controls, 19 amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and 10 AD dementia subjects. Within‐subject regional correlations between modalities, between‐group regional and voxel‐wise analyses of covariance per modality, and receiver operating characteristic analyses for discrimination between groups were performed.

Results

FDG standardized uptake value ratio, eAV45 (0–2 min) standardized uptake value ratio, and AV45‐R1 were significantly associated with H2O PET (regional Pearson r = 0.54–0.82, 0.70–0.94, and 0.65–0.92, respectively; P < .001). All modalities confirmed reduced cerebral blood flow in the posterior cingulate of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and AD dementia, which was associated with lower cognition (r = 0.36–0.65, P < .025) and could discriminate between patient and control groups (area under the curve > 0.80). However, eAV45 was less sensitive to reflect the disease severity than AV45‐R1 or FDG.

Discussion

R1 is preferable over eAV45 for accurate representation of brain perfusion in dual‐biomarker PET for AD.
Association Between Post-Ejaculatory Refractory Time (PERT) and Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Authors: Bhat Gajanan S. , Shastry Anuradha
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Patients with premature ejaculation (PE) often complain of difficulty in having second erection, which is not yet investigated using scientific methodology.

Aim

Evaluation of the association between post-ejaculation refractory time (PERT) with PE by comparing PERT in premature ejaculators with their age-matched control subjects.

Methods

After ethical committee approval and written informed consent from the participants were obtained, men in a monogamous stable sexual relationship and reporting PE were recruited into the study. Sexually active, matched control subjects were recruited for comparison. Exclusion criteria were erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypogonadism, psychiatric conditions, instrumentation of the genitourinary tract, genitourinary anomalies, and genitourinary infections. Both the premature ejaculators and their control subjects were evaluated with the PE diagnostic tool before initiation of the study. They were asked to record their IELT and PERT over 4 weeks. The statistical analysis was done to obtain descriptive statistics, namely, mean and SD, paired t-tests, and logistic regression analysis. P < .001 was considered significant.

Main Outcome Measure

There was a statistically significant association between prolonged PERT and PE in patients with PE compared with their age-matched control subjects.

Results

102 premature ejaculators and an equal number of matched control subjects were evaluated from January 2016–December 2017. The average PERT in premature ejaculators and control subjects was 330 ± 296.63 minutes and 105.64 ± 98.59 minutes, respectively (P < .0001). Increasing age was associated with increasing PERT. PE was more common in patients when PERT exceeded a threshold of 590 minutes.

Clinical Implications

Until now, the association between PE and PERT with matched-pair analysis was not reported. Our study addresses this association, which can add a new paradigm in the evaluation and management of PE.

Strength & Limitations

The association between PE and prolonged PERT using a statistically appropriate, adequately powered methodology is the strength of the study. The inability to address the causal association between prolonged PERT and PE because of the paucity of evidence at present is the limitation of the study. We believe that the results of this study could trigger further research into such an association, so the mystery of such an association can be unraveled.

Conclusions

The association between prolonged PERT and PE, as seen in our study, is a finding, that needs further research to establish a causal association. However, reporting such an association is necessary because it is contrary to the present understanding.