bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reservoir heterogeneity of the Longmaxi Formation and its significance for shale gas enrichment
Authors: Zhang Qin , Feng Liang , Pang Zhenglian , Liang Pingping , Guo Wei , Zhou Shangwen , Guo Wei , Lu Bin
Published: September 2020

To better determine the sweet spot in the vertical profile of the Longmaxi Formation, the shale heterogeneity was systematically investigated. A series of experiments were conducted on 40 shale samples collected from the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Weiyuan shale gas field. The results indicated that total organic carbon (TOC), the mineral composition, methane adsorption capacity, and porosity of the four sub‐layers in the Longmaxi shale varied significantly. In terms of the TOC, the mid‐lower Long111 had the highest value, followed by Long113, while the TOC values of Long112 and Long114 were quite low. As for mineral composition, the mid‐lower Long111 had the highest quartz content, Long112 and Long113 had equivalent quartz, carbonate, and clay mineral contents, and Long114 had higher clay mineral and carbonate contents, but a lower quartz content. Shale porosity and methane adsorption capacity were the highest in the mid‐lower Long111, followed by Long113, Long112, Long114, and the upper Long111. The micro‐heterogeneity represented by the fractal dimension ranged from 2.590 to 2.750, with an average of 2.670. The mid‐lower Long111 had the largest fractal dimension, followed by Long113, Long112, Long114, and the upper part of Long111 had the smallest fractal dimension. The sedimentary environment controls the macro‐heterogeneity in the vertical profile. The micro‐heterogeneity depends on diagenesis, which can be investigated by the different effects of minerals on micropore development. The strong micro‐heterogeneity results in better preservation conditions for shale gas. The mid‐lower Long111 was rich in gas generation material (TOC) with enough storage space and is characterized by good preservation conditions, leading to the highest gas content of the four sub‐layers. In addition, the high brittle mineral content is conducive to fracturing and the formation of a fracture network. Thus, the middle ‐Long111 is the “sweet spot” in the vertical profile for the shale gas development.
An efficient priority‐based convolutional auto‐encoder approach for electrocardiogram signal compression in Internet of Things based healthcare system
Authors: Mahendran Rakesh Kumar , Velusamy Parthasarathy , R Parthasarathy , J Shanmugapriyan , Pandian Prakash
Published: September 2020

Due to advancements in healthcare monitoring systems, the Internet of Things concepts are proficiently utilized in the medical field to detect and diagnose the physical health problems. The compression of more substantial medical information is a significant issue that requires ample data storage space and takes longer transmission time. Though several compression algorithms are actualized in past cases, there is an absence of an upgraded approach to achieve improved signal compression without influencing signal quality. Hence a proficient signal compression algorithm is proposed in our work to provide an enhanced electrocardiogram (ECG) signal compression without any data loss and to acquire increased compression ratio (CR) and zero construction error. In this proposed approach, the input ECG signal dataset from the MIT‐BIH arrhythmia database gets influenced by noise because of the electrical measuring gadget. Hence, preprocessing is done by the proposed multi‐scoop notch filter (MSNF) to denoise this signal by removing the specified noise frequency range of around (1‐50) Hz. This proposed MSNF is designed with adaptiveness that has achieved the enhanced denoising by adjusting the notch frequency. In addition, to extricate the sophisticated ECG signal features, Fast Fourier Transform is being utilized, and that performs and decomposes the signal elegantly and obtains characteristics of the signal in the frequency domain. After feature extraction, optimal signal compression is performed by our proposed priority‐based convolutional auto‐encoder (PCAE) that provides better compression with almost zero reconstruction error by encoding the signals into lower‐dimensional vectors in convolutional layers which are again reconstructed using a decoding approach. The experimental results are then assessed using the performance metrics that include signal to noise ratio (SNR), CR, and percentage root‐mean‐square difference (PRD). The attained results are 1.83% as average PRD value, average SNR is about 33 dB, and average CR is about 35.2% whereas the traditional CAE approach has average values of 2.05% PRD, 23.45 dB SNR, and 32.2% CR.
Genes, culture, and the human niche: An overview
Authors: O'Brien Michael J. , Bentley R. Alexander
Published: September 2020

The sharp distinction between biological traits and culturally based traits, which had long been standard in evolutionary approaches to behavior, was blurred in the early 1980s by mathematical models that allowed a co‐dependent evolution of genetic transmission and cultural information. Niche‐construction theory has since added another contrast to standard evolutionary theory, in that it views niche construction as a cause of evolutionary change rather than simply a product of selection. While offering a new understanding of the coevolution of genes, culture, and human behavior, niche‐construction models also invoke multivariate causality, which require multiple time series to resolve. The empirical challenge lies in obtaining time‐series data on causal pathways involved in the coevolution of genes, culture, and behavior. This is a significant issue in archeology, where time series are often sparse and causal behaviors are represented only by proxies in the material record.
Impact of COVID‐19 on Psychology among the University Students
Authors: Dhar Bablu Kumar , Ayittey Foster Kofi , Sarkar Sabrina Maria
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the study is to find out the psychological impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on university students. The study focuses on the university students from different public and private universities of Bangladesh through a set of questionnaires according to the guideline of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7). The result among 15 543 respondents shows that 44.59% are suffering from severe anxiety, 48.41% moderate anxiety, and only 3.82% mild anxiety. The results highlight that all epidemic‐related stressors are positively correlated with the level of anxiety. Among the epidemic‐related stressors, worry about economic influences during and after COVID‐19 (r = 0.342, p < 0.001) and worry about the influence of COVID‐19 on daily life (r = 0.340, p < 0.001) have a highly positive impact on the level of anxiety. Following these stressors, worry about academic delays due to COVID‐19 (r = 0.326, p < 0.001) and worry about the social support during COVID‐19 (r = 0.321, p < 0.001) have moderately and positively correlated with the level of anxiety. The study suggests that proper government support, as well as social awareness, should be monitored during epidemics for decreasing anxiety and maintaining a good mental health of the university students.
Stable Self‐Floating Reduced Graphene Oxide Hydrogel Membrane for High Rate of Solar Vapor Evaporation under 1 sun
Authors: Zhuang Pengyu , Li Duo , Xu Ning , Yu Xiaoqiang , Zhou Lin
Published: September 2020

Highly efficient vapor generation with considerable stability under natural solar irradiance is a promising technology for seawater desalination and wastewater purification. Here a broadband solar absorber of reduced graphene oxide hydrogel membrane (rGOHM), synthesized via an environmentally friendly one‐step hydrothermal reduction process, is demonstrated, which shows a high rate of solar vapor production and superior stability. The porous rGOHM containing more than 99.5% water within its small volume floats on the surface of water, exhibiting efficient solar absorption of ≈98% across 300–2500 nm, as well as sufficient water‐pumping pathways. The evaporation rate can be tuned by changing the water volume. By controlling the water volume, the self‐floating rGOHM can enable efficient interfacial solar vapor generation at a high rate of ≈2.33 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun, which is comparable to the rate generated by the evaporator with an extra insulator. In addition, the evaporation rate of rGOHM is only slightly affected at a high saltwater concentration (at least 15 wt%), and the rGOHM shows mechanical and physical stability. The superior evaporation performance combined with efficient eradication of wastewater contaminants, cost‐effectiveness, and straightforward fabrication process, makes this rGOHMs ideal for advanced high‐concentration seawater desalination and wastewater treatment technologies.
Association of leisure sedentary time with common chronic disease risk factors: A longitudinal study of China Health and Nutrition Surveys
Authors: Yin Xiaolu , Chen Minfang , He Ruibo , Wu Song , Xia Hongjie , Xie Feili , Wang Huajing
Published: September 2020

Background

Although the common risk factors were identified and controlled for many years, the overall prevalence of chronic diseases continued to increase in China.

Objective

We presumed the leisure sedentariness as a latent but pivotal factor of chronic diseases, and examined its distribution and changing trend, analysed its interaction effects on common risk factors, which could provide a new perspective for the prevention and management.

Methods

A total of 5013 participants were screened out from China Health and Nutrition Survey. Random‐effects ordered logistic models were used for ordinal dependent variables, and fixed‐effects or random‐effects logit models were used for binary dependent variables.

Results

From 2004 to 2011, the prevalence of high leisure sedentary time (LSED) increased by 58.58%. Members of the high LSED group were likely to choose fast food, salty snacks, soft drinks and more likely to smoke or drink alcohol compared with those of the low LSED group. However, they preferred walking, sports and body building more than those of the low LSED group.

Conclusions

For the unhealthy dietary, tobacco and alcohol consumption, more targeted introduction and guidance related to sedentary time should be promoted. Meanwhile, the appeal for physical exercise as well as adequate facilities should be initiated.
Unsteady flow and heat transfer of a ferrofluid between two rotating, vertical moving and stretching disks
Authors: Bhandari Anupam , Husain Akmal
Published: September 2020

Unsteady flow and heat transfer of a magnetic fluid between two rotating disks is investigated. Both the disks are stretchable and the lower disk moves in the vertical direction. A new approach of similarity transformation is adopted to transform the equation of continuity, momentum, and the energy equation into ordinary nonlinear coupled differential equations. The numerical solution of the converted nonlinear differential equations is obtained using the finite element method. The effects of magnetization force, rotational viscosity, Prandtl number, and Eckert number on the velocity and temperature distributions are studied. The impact of stretching, movement, and rotation of the disk is also considered in this computational study. The skin friction coefficients and heat transfer rate on the lower disk for different physical parameters are calculated. Different types of motion of the disks and the magnetization force are crucial aspects in the stress distribution and heat transfer rate near the lower disk.
An experimental investigation to augment the efficiency of photovoltaic panels by using longitudinal fins
Authors: Farhan Ammar A. , Hasan Duaa J.
Published: September 2020

The temperature of a photovoltaic (PV) panel has a negative effect on the generated power. As the solar irradiance that falls on the PV increases, the operating PV temperature rises, which leads to a decrease in electrical efficiency. Therefore, there arises a need to introduce a cooling system to minimize PV temperature. In this study, the simple passive cooling method of extending its surfaces with fins was used to reduce the PV temperature. Different numbers of longitudinal aluminum fins were attached to the bottom surface of a PV panel and their effects were examined under realistic weather conditions for Baghdad, Iraq. Results show that the use of the passive cooling method under natural convection will be more effective in reducing PV temperature before solar noon than after solar noon. The maximum power enhancement was about 2.5 W and occurred at solar noon when using 10 aluminum fins. The peak efficiency value of the PV panel with fin cooling was about 15.3% against 14% for the unfinned PV panel.
Developmental delay and parenting: The role of behaviour problems in toddlers
Authors: Diemer Maire Claire , Gerstein Emily D.
Published: September 2020

Developmental delays (DD) are missed early childhood developmental milestones in cognitive, motoric or linguistic domains. DD associated with behaviour problems may compound to impact parenting. This study investigated whether DD would moderate the relation between behaviour problems and parenting in families of toddlers. Data were drawn from an Early Head Start (n = 564) sample. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire‐Third Edition measured developmental status at age 2 (typically developing, in a monitoring zone, or having a DD), behaviour problems were assessed at age 2, and supportive and negative parenting at age 3. Developmental delay moderated the relationship between behaviour problems and supportive parenting such that greater behaviour problems were unrelated to parental supportiveness for children with DD, while greater behaviour problems led to less parental supportiveness for typically developing children. These findings suggest distinct developmental processes, with parental supportiveness acting as potentially protective for children with DD.
A Google–Wikipedia–Twitter Model as a Leading Indicator of the Numbers of Coronavirus Deaths
Authors: O'Leary Daniel E. , Storey Veda C.
Published: September 2020

Forecasting the number of cases and the number of deaths in a pandemic provides critical information to governments and health officials, as seen in the management of the coronavirus outbreak. But things change. Thus, there is a constant search for real‐time and leading indicator variables that can provide insights into disease propagation models. Researchers have found that information about social media and search engine use can provide insights into the diffusion of flu and other diseases. Consistent with this finding, we found that a model with the number of Google searches, Twitter tweets, and Wikipedia page views provides a leading indicator model of the number of people in the USA who will become infected and die from the coronavirus. Although we focus on the current coronavirus pandemic, other recent viruses have threatened pandemics (e.g. severe acute respiratory syndrome). Since future and existing diseases are likely to follow a similar search for information, our insights may prove fruitful in dealing with the coronavirus and other such diseases, particularly in the early phases of the disease.

Subject terms: coronavirus, COVID‐19, unintentional crowd, Google searches, Wikipedia page views, Twitter tweets, models of disease diffusion.
Reliability assessment on intravascular photoacoustic imaging of lipid: ex vivo animal and human sample validation
Authors: Lei Peng , Hao Jiheng , Wang Lei , Wen Xue , Xiong Kedi , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Liyong , Yang Sihua
Published: September 2020

Abstact

Although the lipid‐detecting IVPA imaging system has been developed in resolution, speed, and catheter size, there is no parameterization study of the reliability on the IVPA imaging for lipid diagnosis. Here, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated to assess the reliability of the IVPA imaging of lipid. Abdominal aortas from six rabbits with atherosclerosis, were subjected to the IVPA imaging and Oil Red O staining, and 75 groups of IVPA as well as corresponding histological images were obtained. Similarly, 125 groups of IVPA and histological results were obtained from five human carotid plaque samples. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, calculated from the statistical data, were 96.8%, 83.3%, 94.6% and 97.3%, 72.7%, 95.2%, respectively. The numerical values of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy demonstrated the reliability of IVPA imaging on distinguishing the lesions vessel with lipid‐rich plaque, which provided the foundation for IVPA translation to clinical application.
Natural compounds from Leea macrophylla enhance phagocytosis and promote osteoblasts differentiation by alkaline phosphatase, type 1 collagen, and osteocalcin gene expression
Authors: Raiyan Sayema , Rahman Md Atiar , Al Mamun Md Abdullah , Asim Md Muzammal Haque , Makki Arwa , Hajjar Dina , Alelwani Walla , Tangpong Jitbanjong , Mathew Bijo
Published: September 2020

The current study investigated the immunomodulating and osteoblast differentiation potential of the natural compounds from Leea macrophylla (LMN). Immunomodulatory effects have been investigated by the phagocytosis of Candida albicans using polymorphonuclear neutrophil cells in the in vitro slide method. A bioactivity‐guided fractionation technique was used to evaluate the stimulating effect of L. macrophylla methanol extract on osteoblast differentiation using mouse osteoblastic cells. A low dose of LMN was found to stimulate the phagocytic effect better than a higher dose. The natural compounds from L. macrophylla have significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin activities. The LMN promoted the osteoblast differentiation through upregulation of ALP, osteocalcin, and type 1 collagen in a dose‐dependent manner. These natural compounds also upregulated ALP, osteocalcin, and type 1 collagen gene expressions. The data suggest that LMN has potential anabolic sequel on bone formation and osteoblast differentiation.
Skin wound healing assisted by angiogenic targeted tissue engineering: A comprehensive review of bioengineered approaches
Authors: Nour Shirin , Imani Rana , Chaudhry G. Rasul , Sharifi Ali Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Skin injuries and in particular, chronic wounds, are one of the major prevalent medical problems, worldwide. Due to the pivotal role of angiogenesis in tissue regeneration, impaired angiogenesis can cause several complications during the wound healing process and skin regeneration. Therefore, induction or promotion of angiogenesis can be considered as a promising approach to accelerate wound healing. This article presents a comprehensive overview of current and emerging angiogenesis induction methods applied in several studies for skin regeneration, which are classified into the cell, growth factor, scaffold, and biological/chemical compound‐based strategies. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of these angiogenic strategies along with related research examples are discussed in order to demonstrate their potential in the treatment of wounds.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)/chondroitin sulfate composite hydrogels containing strontium‐doped hydroxyapatite as promising biomaterials
Authors: Grazioli Guillermo , Silva Adriana F. , Souza Jaqueline F. , David Carla , Diehl Lisiane , Sousa‐Neto Manoel D. , Cava Sergio S. , Fajardo André R. , Moraes Rafael R.
Published: September 2020

Novel poly(vinyl alcohol)/chondroitin sulfate (PVA/CS) composite hydrogels containing hydroxyapatite (HA) or Sr‐doped HA (HASr) particles were synthesized by a freeze/thaw method and characterized aiming towards biomedical applications. HA and HASr were synthesized by a wet‐precipitation method and added to the composite hydrogels in fractions up to 15 wt%. Physical–chemical characterizations of particles and hydrogels included scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, porosity, compressive strength/elastic modulus, swelling degree, and cell viability. Particles were irregular in shape and appeared to have narrow size variation. The thermal behavior of composite hydrogels was altered compared to the control (bare) hydrogel. All hydrogels exhibited high porosity. HA/HASr particles reduced total porosity without reducing pore size. The mechanical strength was improved as the fraction of HA or HASr was increased. HASr particles led to a faster water uptake but did not interfere with the total hydrogel swelling capacity. In cell viability essay, increased cell growth (above 120%) was observed in all groups including the control hydrogel, suggesting a bioactive effect. In conclusion, PVA/CS hydrogels containing HA or HASr particles were successfully synthesized and showed promising morphological, mechanical, and swelling properties, which are particularly required for scaffolding.
Real‐time time‐dependent density functional theory using density fitting and the continuous fast multipole method
Authors: Müller Carolin , Sharma Manas , Sierka Marek
Published: September 2020

An implementation of real‐time time‐dependent density functional theory (RT‐TDDFT) within the TURBOMOLE program package is reported using Gaussian‐type orbitals as basis functions, second and fourth order Magnus propagator, and the self‐consistent field as well as the predictor–corrector time integration schemes. The Coulomb contribution to the Kohn–Sham matrix is calculated combining density fitting approximation and the continuous fast multipole method. Performance of the implementation is benchmarked for molecular systems with different sizes and dimensionalities. For linear alkane chains, the wall time for density matrix time propagation step is comparable to the Kohn‐Sham (KS) matrix construction. However, for larger two‐ and three‐dimensional molecules, with up to about 5,000 basis functions, the computational effort of RT‐TDDFT calculations is dominated by the KS matrix evaluation. In addition, the maximum time step is evaluated using a set of small molecules of different polarities. The photoabsorption spectra of several molecular systems calculated using RT‐TDDFT are compared to those obtained using linear response time‐dependent density functional theory and coupled cluster methods.
Effects of a biomimetic analog‐based experimental bonding system on caries‐affected and sound dentin
Authors: Gomes Bianca Silva , Rossi André Linhares , da Silva Eduardo Moreira , Moreira Karla Tatiana Toro , dos Santos Juliane Cucinello , Ferreira‐Pereira Antônio , Portela Maristela Barbosa
Published: September 2020

This study compared the ultrastructure, chemical composition, and proteases activity (PA) of sound (SD) and caries‐affected dentin (CAD) in the dentin hybrid layer after using an experimental bonding system containing pyromellitic dianhydride glycerol methacrylate and biomimetic analogs. The bonding system used a three step and a total‐etch procedure. Polyacrylic acid (5%) and sodium trimetaphosphate (5%) were added to the primer and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (9%), beta‐tricalcium phosphate (10.5%), and calcium hydroxide (0.5%) were added to the adhesive. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the resultant structure, particularly the adhesive‐dentin and the demineralized‐SD interfaces. The chemical composition was evaluated through energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The PA was measured with the Coomassie Blue‐G250 coloring test, and the PA data were analyzed by ANOVA. EDS identified the presence of isolated calcium phosphate nanoparticles in the demineralized region; however, the SAED analysis did not show any evidences of hydroxyapatite (HA) neoformation in SD and CAD. The biomimetic analog‐based adhesive system inhibited the activities of dentin proteases immediately after treatment. Additionally, the proteolytic activity on the affected dentin resembled that of the SD. In conclusion, no HA formed in the demineralized SD and CAD although there were calcium and phosphate deposits. The experimental adhesive system inhibited dentin proteases.

The present study uses a new approach to investigate the hybrid layer behavior in dentin.

The experimental adhesive system was synthesized and used on sound and affected‐caries dentin as the substrate to reproduce real clinical conditions.
Removal of hydrocarbon contamination and oxide films from atom probe specimens
Authors: Herbig Michael , Kumar Ankit
Published: September 2020

Many materials science phenomena require joint structural and chemical characterization at the nanometer scale to be understood. This can be achieved by correlating electron microscopy (EM) and atom probe tomography (APT) subsequently on the same specimen. For this approach, specimen yield during APT is of particular importance, as significantly more instrument time per specimen is invested as compared to conventional APT measurements. However, electron microscopy causes hydrocarbon contamination on the surface of atom probe specimens. Also, oxide layers grow during specimen transport between instruments and storage. Both effects lower the chances for long and smooth runs in the ensuing APT experiment. This represents a crucial bottleneck of the method correlative EM/APT. Here, we present a simple and reliable method based on argon ion polishing that is able to remove hydrocarbon contamination and oxide layers, thereby significantly improving APT specimen yield, particularly after EM.
Twin‐jet electropolishing for damage‐free transmission electron microscopy specimen preparation of metallic microwires
Authors: Pourbabak Saeid , Orekhov Andrey , Schryvers Dominique
Published: September 2020

A method to prepare TEM specimens from metallic microwires and based on conventional twin‐jet electropolishing is introduced. The wire is embedded in an opaque epoxy resin medium and the hardened resin is mechanically polished to reveal the wire on both sides. The resin containing wire is then cut into discs of the appropriate size. The obtained embedded wire is electropolished in a conventional twin‐jet electropolishing machine until electron transparency in large areas without radiation damage is achieved.
Predictors of vascular disease in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Faber Mark G. , Lloyd David R. , Singh Abhay , Baron Jeffrey , Przespolewski Amanda , Griffiths Elizabeth A. , Wang Eunice S. , Thota Swapna
Published: September 2020

The escalating link between somatic mutations commonly seen in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and atherosclerotic vascular disease has increased the interest in management and associations of these conditions. We present a retrospective study examining clinical and molecular variables associated with vascular disease in patients with MDS. This study included a comprehensive evaluation of 236 patients with MDS. Our study has multiple findings. Mutations in ASXL1 correlated with increased risk of vascular disease for the entire cohort (P = .013). Though this has been replicated in other studies, there are no guidelines at this time for preventing vascular events in these patients. Our study also showed that lower ferritin levels may be linked to increased vascular events (P = .043), therefore the optimal use of supportive red blood cell transfusions in patients with MDS and the overall impact of inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and c‐reactive protein should be re‐addressed. Furthermore, our study showed that patients with Trisomy 8 in the low‐risk MDS cohort (based on IPSS‐R scores) were protected from vascular events (P = .036). Our findings of lower ferritin being linked with increased risk of vascular events as well as patients with Trisomy 8 being protected from vascular events may impact patient care. There do not appear to be any prior studies with these findings. In addition, given the connection between MDS and atherosclerotic vascular disease, we believe guideline‐based management of cardiac risk factors among MDS patients may improve overall outcomes. Further studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to further investigate these findings.
Long‐term follow‐up with filter paper samples in patients with propionic acidemia
Authors: Stanescu Sinziana , Belanger‐Quintana Amaya , Fernández‐Felix Borja Manuel , Pérez‐Cerdá Celia , Merinero Begoña , Ruiz‐Sala Pedro , Arrieta Francisco , Martínez‐Pardo Mercedes
Published: September 2020

Background

Propionic acidemia (PA) is an inherited disorder caused by deficiency of propionyl CoA carboxylase. Most patients with this disorder are diagnosed during the neonatal period because of severe metabolic acidosis and hyperammonemia. Patients are required to undergo blood and urine analysis at least 3 to 4 times per year, depending on age and metabolic control.

Methods

We designed a prospective study in which we investigated the results from blood and urinary samples collected monthly in filter paper from 10 PA patients followed in a single metabolic reference center from January 2015 to September 2017. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of filter paper samples in the follow‐up of the PA patients.

Results

During the follow‐up period, 163 dried blood spot (DBS) and 119 urine dried spot samples were analyzed and compared with 160 plasma and 103 liquid urine specimens; 64 specimens of plasma were analyzed for odd‐numbered long‐chain fatty acids (OLCFAs). A total of 40 metabolic crises, 18 of them with hyperammonemia were documented. We observed a strong correlation between the filter paper and the urine/plasma samples for the main PA parameters both in stable metabolic conditions as well as in acute decompensations. Also, there was a strong correlation between OLCFAs measured in plasma and quantification of odd number acylcarnitines in DBS.

Conclusions

We conclude that filter paper blood and urinary samples can be used for the follow‐up of the patients with PA, correctly reflecting their metabolic situation.
A Holocene high‐resolution record of aquatic productivity, seasonal anoxia and meromixis from varved sediments of Lake Łazduny, North‐Eastern Poland: insight from a novel multi‐proxy approach
Authors: Sanchini Andrea , Szidat Sönke , Tylmann Wojciech , Vogel Hendrik , Wacnik Agnieszka , Grosjean Martin
Published: September 2020

Anthropogenic eutrophication and spreading anoxia in freshwater systems is a global concern. Little is known about anoxia in earlier historic times under weaker human impact, or under prehistoric natural conditions with different trophic, land cover and climatic regimes. We use a novel approach that combines high‐resolution hyperspectral imaging with µ‐XRF and HPLC‐pigment data, which allows us to assess chloropigments (productivity) and bacteriopigments (anoxia) at seasonal subvarve‐scale resolution. Our ~9700 cal a bp varved sediment record from NE Poland suggests that productivity increased stepwise from oligotrophic Early Holocene conditions (until ~9200 cal a bp) to mesotrophic conditions in the Mid‐ and Late Holocene. Natural eutrophication was mainly a function of progressing landscape evolution with intense weathering under dense forest and warm‐moist climatic conditions. Generally, anoxia increased with increasing productivity. Seasonal anoxia and some multi‐decadal periods of meromixis were the common mixing patterns throughout the Holocene except for a period of persisting meromixis between ~5200 and 2000 cal a bp. Anthropogenic deforestation around 400 cal a bp resulted in substantially better lake oxygenation despite high productivity. In this small lake, aquatic productivity and lakeshore forest cover (wind shield) were more important factors controlling oxic/anoxic conditions than Holocene temperature variability.
Non‐invasive sorptive extraction for the separation of human skin surface chemicals using comprehensive gas chromatography coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: A mosquito‐host biting site investigation
Authors: Wooding Madelien , Rohwer Egmont R. , Naudé Yvette
Published: September 2020

Variation in inter‐human attractiveness to mosquitoes, and the preference of mosquitoes to bite certain regions on the human host, are possible avenues for identifying lead compounds as potential mosquito attractants or repellents. We report a practical, non‐invasive method for the separation and detection of skin surface chemical compounds and comparison of skin chemical profiles between the ankle and wrist skin surface area sampled over a 5‐day period of a human volunteer using comprehensive gas chromatography coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. An in‐house made polydimethylsiloxane passive mini‐sampler, worn as an anklet or a bracelet, was used to concentrate skin volatiles and semi‐volatiles prior to thermal desorption directly in the gas chromatography. A novel method for the addition of an internal standard to sorptive samplers was introduced through solvent modification. This approach enabled a more reliable comparison of human skin surface chemical profiles. Compounds that were closely associated with the wrist included 6‐methyl‐1‐heptanol, 3‐(4‐isopropylphenyl)‐2‐methylpropionaldehyde, 2‐phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, and 2,4,6‐trimethyl‐pyridine. Conversely, compounds only detected on the ankle region included 2‐butoxyethanol phosphate, 2‐heptanone, andp‐menthan‐8‐ol. In addition to known human skin compounds we report two compounds, carvone and (E)‐2‐decenal, not previously reported. Limits of detection ranged from 1 pg (carvone) to 362 pg (indole).
ADRM1 as a therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Yu‐Cen , Wang Ji‐Lin , Wang Hong‐Tao , Liu Hu , Zhang Hong‐Long , Liang Yu‐Xia
Published: September 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary liver tumor, is the third leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. The proteasome system is overactivated in the majority of tumors, including HCC. However, targeting the proteasome system in HCC is not as effective as in other types of cancer. Therefore, a new target of HCC therapy needs to be identified, and the potential mechanism must be studied. Using the The Cancer Gene Genome Atlas and GEO datasets, the present investigation demonstrated for the first time that ADRM1 is overexpressed in HCC, and the high level of its expression predicts poor overall survival in HCC patients. The high expression of ADRM1 in HCC was verified using tumor tissue arrays. By comparing paired tumor and nontumor tissues, it was shown that the majority of HCC patients (76.25%) exhibited higher ADRM1 expression in the tumor than in normal tissues. in vitro experiments demonstrated that targeting ADRM1 with shRNAs significantly suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells. RA190, a specific inhibitor of ADRM1, suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation by HCC cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. The study of the mechanism of the effects of RA190 revealed that targeting ADRM1 blocked the G2/M transition in the cell cycle and induced apoptosis of HCC cells. Together, the obtained results indicate that ADRM1 is a promising target for HCC therapy and suggest that ADRM1 inhibitors, such as RA190, have the potential for clinical application in the treatment of HCC.
Mercury concentrations and associations with dissolved organic matter are modified by water residence time in eastern Canadian lakes along a 30° latitudinal gradient
Authors: Richardson Murray , Chételat John , MacMillan Gwyneth A. , Amyot Marc
Published: September 2020

Surface water mercury (Hg) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and their ratios, which play a critical role in food chain bioaccumulation of Hg, were examined in lakes from southern boreal, sub‐Arctic taiga, Arctic tundra and polar desert landscapes of eastern and northern Canada. The study sites investigated span a 30° latitudinal gradient representing differences in climate, ecosystem productivity, and atmospheric mercury deposition. Lakes were selected to obtain a range of simple morphometrics such as area, depth, volume and catchment area, with corresponding differences in water residence times (WRT), ranging from 0.1 to 7.5 years. Total mercury (THg) and mono‐methylmercury (MMHg) concentrations correlated positively but weakly with DOC in lake surface waters along the climate gradient, consistent with lower ecosystem and organic matter productivity at higher latitudes. Specific UV absorbance, an indicator of terrestrial organic matter sources, was found to explain some residual variability in THg not explained by DOC. Concentrations of THg and MMHg and their ratios with DOC, particularly the MMHg : DOC ratio as well as %MMHg, were best explained by inverse associations with WRT. These relationships were apparent both within and between regions along the latitudinal gradient, suggesting a net‐negative effect of in‐lake processing on THg and MMHg concentrations associated with longer WRTs. Since the water MMHg : DOC ratio was previously shown to explain foodweb MMHg in the same study lakes, our results suggest that smaller lakes with shorter residence times are more susceptible to MMHg exposure even at low levels of inorganic Hg loading or MMHg production.
Coastal waters contamination by mining tailings: What triggers the stability of iron in the dissolved and soluble fractions?
Authors: Longhini Cybelle Menolli , Mahieu Léo , Sá Fabian , van den Berg Constant M. G. , Salaün Pascal , Neto Renato Rodrigues
Published: September 2020

The solubility of iron (Fe) in seawater is greatly enhanced by complexation with organic ligands, predominantly occurring as humic substances (HS) in coastal areas. Mining exploitation is believed to change the natural biogeochemical cycle of Fe in coastal waters, even though its impacts on the physical and chemical speciation of the Fe fractions are not known. Here we show that dissolved and soluble Fe concentrations in coastal waters affected by a mining catastrophe (Fundão dam, Southeast Brazil) remain very high, even almost 3 years later, with concentrations of dissolved Fe up to 2.8 μM (0.45 μm filtration) or 700 nM (0.22 μm filtration), and soluble Fe (0.02 μm) up to 40 nM. Levels of humic substances can only explain the binding of 2% and 10% (median values) of dissolved Fe (0.22 μm) and soluble Fe concentrations, respectively, which shows that processes other than complexation with humic substances are at play to maintain such high dissolved Fe concentrations. We hypothesize that the colloidal phase that dominates the dissolved Fe fraction occurs as Fe(III) oxyhydroxides while the soluble fraction is comprised of Fe(III) complexes with amine compounds (widely used in the ore extraction process). Mass balance of dissolved Fe in the water column suggests that sediment resuspension on the continental shelf is by far the dominant process delivering dissolved Fe to coastal and shelf waters. Estimates of dissolved Fe yearly fluxes highlight the sheer magnitude of this catastrophe that might provide a non‐negligible amount of dissolved Fe to the open ocean.
Hybrid Schemes for Excitation of Collective Resonances with Surface Plasmon Polaritons in Arrays of Quantum Dots in the Proximity of Graphene
Authors: Gubin Mikhail Yu. , Shesterikov Alexander V. , Prokhorov Alexei V. , Volkov Valentyn S.
Published: September 2020

Collective near‐field effects in perspective 2D materials containing semiconductor quantum emitters can be used to design novel devices for light manipulation on the nanoscale. The present paper considers an energy conversion from the pump laser field to the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on the base of the hybrid optoplasmonic multi‐level scheme of near‐resonant interaction with semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) placed in the proximity of a graphene surface. Using numerical simulations and semiclassical approach for the light–matter interaction, it is shown that maximum efficiency of SPP generation is achieved in strong coupling conditions for a stationary regime of SPP‐QD interaction. Besides, the conditions for observation of SPP collective resonances in an ordered array of optically excited QDs placed above graphene are determined. Finally, the use of the constructive SPP interference regime in a meta‐layer of QDs above graphene for efficient near‐field amplification and subwavelength light concentration is proposed and discussed.
Motor Cerebellar Connectivity and Future Development of Freezing of Gait in De Novo Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Jung Jin Ho , Kim Bo‐Hyun , Chung Seok Jong , Yoo Han Soo , Lee Yang Hyun , Baik Kyoungwon , Ye Byoung Seok , Sohn Young H. , Lee Jong‐Min , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the role of motor cerebellar connectivity in future development of freezing of gait, because it is a complex network disorder in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

We recruited 26 de novo patients with PD who experienced freezing of gait within 5 years from magnetic resonance imaging acquisition (vulnerable PD group), 61 patients with PD who had not experienced freezing of gait within 5 years (resistant PD group), and 27 healthy control subjects. We compared the resting state functional connectivity between the motor cerebellum and the whole brain between the groups. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between motor cerebellar connectivity and freezing of gait latency.

Results

The vulnerable PD group had increased functional connectivity between the motor cerebellum and parieto‐occipito‐temporal association cortices compared with the control group or the resistant PD group. Connectivity between lobule VI and the right superior parietal lobule, right fusiform gyrus, and left inferior temporal gyrus; between lobule VIIb and the right superior parietal lobule, right hippocampus, and right middle temporal gyrus; and between lobule VIIIb and the bilateral fusiform gyri, right middle occipital gyrus, and bilateral parietal lobes was inversely proportional to freezing of gait latency. The freezing of gait latency‐related cortical functional connectivity from the motor cerebellum was also significantly higher in the vulnerable PD group compared with the control group, as well as the resistant PD group.

Conclusions

The data suggest that the motor cerebellar functional connectivity with the posterior cortical areas play an important role in future development of freezing of gait in PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Clinical Conditions “Suggestive of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy”—Diagnostic Performance
Authors: Grimm Max‐Joseph , Respondek Gesine , Stamelou Maria , Arzberger Thomas , Ferguson Leslie , Gelpi Ellen , Giese Armin , Grossman Murray , Irwin David J. , Pantelyat Alexander , Rajput Alex , Roeber Sigrun , van Swieten John C. , Troakes Claire , Meissner Wassilios G. , Nilsson Christer , Piot Ines , Compta Yaroslau , Rowe James B. , Höglinger Günter U. ,   for the Movement Disorder Society‐Endorsed PSP Study Group
Published: September 2020

Background

The Movement Disorder Society diagnostic criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy introduced the diagnostic certainty level “suggestive of progressive supranuclear palsy” for clinical conditions with subtle signs, suggestive of the disease. This category aims at the early identification of patients, in whom the diagnosis may be confirmed as the disease evolves.

Objective

To assess the diagnostic performance of the defined clinical conditions suggestive of progressive supranuclear palsy in an autopsy‐confirmed cohort.

Methods

Diagnostic performance of the criteria was analyzed based on retrospective clinical data of 204 autopsy‐confirmed patients with progressive supranuclear palsy and 216 patients with other neurological diseases.

Results

The conditions suggestive of progressive supranuclear palsy strongly increased the sensitivity compared to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy criteria. Within the first year after symptom onset, 40% of patients with definite progressive supranuclear palsy fulfilled criteria for suggestive of progressive supranuclear palsy. Two‐thirds of patients suggestive of progressive supranuclear palsy evolved into probable progressive supranuclear palsy after an average of 3.6 years. Application of the criteria for suggestive of progressive supranuclear palsy reduced the average time to diagnosis from 3.8 to 2.2 years.

Conclusions

Clinical conditions suggestive of progressive supranuclear palsy allow earlier identification of patients likely to evolve into clinically possible or probable progressive supranuclear and to have underlying progressive supranuclear palsy pathology. Further work needs to establish the specificity and positive predictive value of this category in real‐life clinical settings, and to develop specific biomarkers that enhance their diagnostic accuracy in early disease stages. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
COVID‐19: Facemasks, healthcare policies and risk factors in the crucial initial months of a global pandemic
Authors: Ahmed Jubair , Harker Anthony , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: September 2020

Previous pandemics have shown that facemask use becomes highly popular in public settings due to fear of the disease spreading. There is, however, a lack of strong scientific evidence that facemasks can significantly reduce the spread of respiratory diseases and as such, most governing policies do not mandate these coverings. There is a stark contrast between the policies and acceptance of facemasks across different geographies. In this work, several data sources have been thoroughly analysed to elucidate how viral diseases are transmitted and spread with particular emphasis on the novel SARS‐CoV‐2 virus which is causing an outbreak of COVID‐19. The different types of facemasks and respirators are also explained, the nature of their design and their efficacy is also examined. Several key factors which have been hypothesised to contribute to the spread of viral infections are elaborated in detail including the effect of temperature and humidity, public transportation systems, population density, socio‐economics and sociology. In this work, data are analysed to explain how the disease is spread, how facemasks function and the differences in the number of initial cases based on several contributing factors to the spread of disease. There are also some dangers in automatically recommending community facemask wearing, such as a reduction in the immune system functionality from the reduced exposure to microbes and the disposal issues which result from the large‐scale use of such materials. The questions of whether facemasks are useful in a community setting or if they divert valuable material away from critical healthcare providers are discussed.
A novel missense heterozygous mutation in MAP3K1 gene causes 46, XY disorder of sex development: case report and literature review
Authors: Al Shamsi Aisha , Al Hassani Noura , Hamchou Moustafa , Almazrouei Raya , Mhanni Aziz
Published: September 2020

Background

Disorders of sex development (DSD) can result from congenital defect in sex determining pathway. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1) is one of the commonest genes that has been identified to cause 46, XY DSD. It can present as complete or partial gonadal dysgenesis even within the same kindred. Few mutations in this gene have previously been identified in a high proportion of individuals with 46, XY gonadal dysgenesis.

Methods and Results

We report three siblings with same novel variant in MAP3K1 gene presenting with variable degrees of partial gonadal dysgenesis. Clinical and genetic assessments were performed for the three siblings, while endocrine evaluation was done for two of them. The identified mutation (p.Thr657Arg) was previously classified as a pathogenic variant, although apparently there are no reported humans with this mutation.

Conclusion

This report adds to the genotype‐phenotype correlation, highlighting the clinical importance of considering MAP3K1 gene defects as part of the differential diagnosis for complete or partial gonadal dysgenesis especially with multiple affected family members.