bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted: HMGB1 regulates SNAI1 during NSCLC metastasis, both directly, through transcriptional activation, and indirectly, in a RSF1‐IT2‐dependent manner
Authors: Wu Xiao‐jin , Chen Yuan‐yuan , Guo Wen‐wen , Li Tao , Dong Hai‐bei , Wang Wei , Xie Min , Ma Gao‐lei , Pei Dong‐sheng
Published: April 2020

High‐mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) has important functions in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. However, the mechanisms of HMGB1 function in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of HMGB1‐dependent tumor cell proliferation and NSCLC metastasis. Firstly, we found high HMGB1 expression in NSCLC and showed that HMBG1 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. HMGB1 could bind to SNAI1 promoter and activate the expression of SNAI1. In addition, HMGB1 could transcriptionally regulate the lncRNA RSF1‐IT2. RSF1‐IT2 was found to function as ceRNA, sponging miR‐129‐5p, which targets SNAI1. Notably, HMGB1 was also identified as a target of miR‐129‐5p, which indicates the establishment of a positive feedback loop. Consequently, high expression of RSF1‐IT2 and SNAI1 was found to closely correlate with tumor progression in both HMGB1‐overexpressing xenograft nude mice and patients with NSCLC. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into molecular mechanisms of HMGB1‐dependent tumor metastasis. Components of the HMGB1–RSF1‐IT2–miR‐129‐5p–SNAI1 pathway may have a potential as prognostic and therapeutic targets in NSCLC.
A novel and clinically useful dynamic conformal arc (DCA)‐based VMAT planning technique for lung SBRT
Authors: Pokhrel Damodar , Visak Justin , Sanford Lana
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is gaining popularity for stereotactic treatment of lung lesions for medically inoperable patients. Due to multiple beamlets in delivery of highly modulated VMAT plans, there are dose delivery uncertainties associated with small‐field dosimetry error and interplay effects with small lesions. We describe and compare a clinically useful dynamic conformal arc (DCA)‐based VMAT (d‐VMAT) technique for lung SBRT using flattening filter free (FFF) beams to minimize these effects.

Materials and Methods

Ten solitary early‐stage I‐II non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were treated with a single dose of 30 Gy using 3–6 non‐coplanar VMAT arcs (clinical VMAT) with 6X‐FFF beams in our clinic. These clinically treated plans were re‐optimized using a novel d‐VMAT planning technique. For comparison, d‐VMAT plans were recalculated using DCA with user‐controlled field aperture shape before VMAT optimization. Identical beam geometry, dose calculation algorithm, grid size, and planning objectives were used. The clinical VMAT and d‐VMAT plans were compared via RTOG‐0915 protocol compliances for conformity, gradient indices, and dose to organs at risk (OAR). Additionally, treatment delivery efficiency and accuracy were recorded.

Results

All plans met RTOG‐0915 requirements. Comparing with clinical VMAT, d‐VMAT plans gave similar target coverage with better target conformity, tighter radiosurgical dose distribution with lower gradient indices, and dose to OAR. Lower total number of monitor units and small beam modulation factor reduced beam‐on time by 1.75 min (P < 0.001), on average (maximum up to 2.52 min). Beam delivery accuracy was improved by 2%, on average (P < 0.05) and maximum up to 6% in some cases for d‐VMAT plans.

Conclusion

This simple d‐VMAT technique provided excellent plan quality, reduced intermediate dose‐spillage, and dose to OAR while providing faster treatment delivery by significantly reducing beam‐on time. This novel treatment planning approach will improve patient compliance along with potentially reducing intrafraction motion error. Moreover, with less MLC modulation through the target, d‐VMAT could potentially minimize small‐field dosimetry errors and MLC interplay effects. If available, d‐VMAT planning approach is recommended for future clinical lung SBRT plan optimization.
An efficient fusion algorithm combining feature extraction and variational optimization for CT and MR images
Authors: Wang Qinxia , Yang Xiaoping
Published: April 2020

In medical image processing, image fusion is the process of combining complementary information from different or multimodality images to obtain an informative fused image in order to improve clinical diagnostic accuracy. In this paper, we propose a two‐stage fusion framework for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. First, the intensity and geometric structure features in both CT and MR images are extracted by the saliency detection method and structure tensor, respectively, and an initial fused image is obtained. Then, the initial fused image is optimized by a variational model which contains a fidelity term and a regularization term. The fidelity term is to retain the intensity of the initial fused image, and the regularization term is to constrain the gradient information of the fused image to approximate the MR image. The primal‐dual algorithm is proposed to solve the variational problem. The proposed method is applied on five pairs of clinical medical CT and MR‐T1\MR‐T2 images, and the comparison metrics SF, MI,

,

, and VIFF are calculated for assessment. Compared with seven state‐of‐the‐art methods, the proposed method shows a comprehensive advantage in preserving the salient intensity features, as well as texture structure information, not only in visual effects but also in objective assessments.
Volumetric assessment of paranasal sinus opacification on computed tomography can be automated using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Humphries Stephen M. , Centeno Juan Pablo , Notary Aleena M. , Gerow Justin , Cicchetti Giuseppe , Katial Rohit K. , Beswick Daniel M. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Alam Rafeul , Lynch David A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Computed tomography (CT) plays a key role in evaluation of paranasal sinus inflammation, but improved, and standardized, objective assessment is needed. Computerized volumetric analysis has benefits over visual scoring, but typically relies on manual image segmentation, which is difficult and time‐consuming, limiting practical applicability. We hypothesized that a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm could perform automatic, volumetric segmentation of the paranasal sinuses on CT, enabling efficient, objective measurement of sinus opacification. In this study we performed initial clinical testing of a CNN for fully automatic quantitation of paranasal sinus opacification in the diagnostic workup of patients with chronic upper and lower airway disease.

Methods

Sinus CT scans were collected on 690 patients who underwent imaging as part of multidisciplinary clinical workup at a tertiary care respiratory hospital between April 2016 and November 2017. A CNN was trained to perform automatic segmentation using a subset of CTs (n = 180) that were segmented manually. A nonoverlapping set (n = 510) was used for testing. CNN opacification scores were compared with Lund‐MacKay (LM) visual scores, pulmonary function test results, and other clinical variables using Spearman correlation and linear regression.

Results

CNN scores were correlated with LM scores (rho = 0.82, p < 0.001) and with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percent predicted (rho = −0.21, p < 0.001), FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio (rho = −0.27, p < 0.001), immunoglobulin E (rho = 0.20, p < 0.001), eosinophil count (rho = 0.28, p < 0.001), and exhaled nitric oxide (rho = 0.40, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Segmentation of the paranasal sinuses on CT can be automated using a CNN, providing truly objective, volumetric quantitation of sinonasal inflammation.
Using clear plastic CD cases as low‐cost mini‐rhizotrons to phenotype root traits
Authors: Cassidy Steven T. , Burr Audrey A. , Reeb Rachel A. , Melero Pardo Ana L. , Woods Kamron D. , Wood Corlett W.
Published: April 2020

Premise

We developed a novel low‐cost method to visually phenotype belowground structures in the plant rhizosphere. We devised the method introduced here to address the difficulties encountered growing plants in seed germination pouches for long‐term experiments and the high cost of other mini‐rhizotron alternatives.

Methods and Results

The method described here took inspiration from homemade ant farms commonly used as an educational tool in elementary schools. Using compact disc (CD) cases, we developed mini‐rhizotrons for use in the field and laboratory using the burclover Medicago lupulina.

Conclusions

Our method combines the benefits of pots and germination pouches. In CD mini‐rhizotrons, plants grew significantly larger than in germination pouches, and unlike pots, it is possible to measure roots without destructive sampling. Our protocol is a cheaper, widely available alternative to more destructive methods, which could facilitate the study of belowground phenotypes and processes by scientists with fewer resources.
Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) Analysis of the Adaptations to Anatomical Education in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland in Response to the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Longhurst Georga J. , Stone Danya M. , Dulohery Kate , Scully Deirdre , Campbell Thomas , Smith Claire F.
Published: April 2020

The Covid‐19 pandemic has driven the fastest changes to higher education across the globe, necessitated by social distancing measures preventing face‐to‐face teaching. This has led to an almost immediate switch to distance learning by higher education institutions. Anatomy faces some unique challenges. Intrinsically, anatomy is a three‐dimensional subject that requires a sound understanding of the relationships between structures, often achieved by the study of human cadaveric material, models, and virtual resources. This study sought to identify the approaches taken in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland to deliver anatomical education through online means. Data were collected from 14 different universities in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and compared adopting a thematic analysis approach. Once themes were generated, they were collectively brought together using a strength, weakness, opportunity, threat (SWOT) analysis. Key themes included the opportunity to develop new online resources and the chance to engage in new academic collaborations. Academics frequently mentioned the challenge that time constrains could place on the quality and effectiveness of these resources; especially as in many cases the aim of these resources was to compensate for a lack of exposure to cadaveric exposure. Comparisons of the actions taken by multiple higher education institutions reveal the ways that academics have tried to balance this demand. Discussions will facilitate decisions being made by higher education institutions regarding adapting the curriculum and assessment methods in anatomy.
Using online discussions to connect theory and practice in core engineering undergraduate courses
Authors: Bosman Lisa , Roy Somesh , McDonald Walter , Ababei Cristinel
Published: April 2020

Providing engineering undergraduate students opportunities to connect real‐world applications with a theory is key to preparing them for the workforce; however, this task often requires a balancing act between meeting course objectives in content‐heavy core engineering undergraduate courses and providing experiences that connect real‐world applications with theory. This study seeks to address this problem through the integration of online discussion prompts to promote a connection to real‐world practical applications. The study included undergraduate students enrolled in three engineering core courses. The hypothesis was that participation in online discussions (using prompts) would lead to (a) an increase in student empowerment towards self‐regulated learning and (b) enhanced student engagement and perception of participating in online discussions. Students participated in eight online discussions and were evaluated using pre‐ and post‐assessments. Findings show students across disciplines liked online discussions because they allowed enough time to develop thoughts and promote critical thinking through extending class topics, which increased the control of their own learning. In addition, students were more active in the course activities and offered useful feedback and reflection, which enhanced student engagement. Such feedback included ideas to improve the online discussion, for example, the need for clearer instructions and instructor feedback, better scheduling of due dates, and more engaging discussion prompt. In summary, integrating online discussions into core engineering courses, without sacrificing class content, can indeed have positive implications for self‐regulated learning and higher student engagement.
Student interactions in a flipped classroom‐based undergraduate engineering statistics course
Authors: Kayaduman Halil
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the study is to explore student–content, student–interface, student–instructor, and student–student interactions in a flipped classroom (FC)‐based undergraduate engineering course using the transactional distance (TD) theory. Understanding student interactions that occur in and out of the classroom to reduce the TD can help one design and develop high‐quality FC‐based courses and, thus, produce better learning outcomes and teaching experiences. A mixed‐methods case study was implemented in a Probability and Statistics course, and 37 undergraduate students from a developing university's faculty of engineering participated in the study. Data were collected via an anonymous online survey and focus group interviews. The initial findings indicated that the FC approach facilitated the students’ learning process and increased their interest in the course. Furthermore, the students found favorable student–content, student–instructor, student–interface, and student–student interactions. Based on the findings, all interaction types and their relationship with each other in the scope of the FC approach were discussed. Recommendations for reducing the TD include preparing videos that are understandable and comprehensive enough to be studied by students, provision of sufficient support, and positive attitude to students by instructors, encouraging collaboration among students, and utilizing easy‐to‐use digital platforms.
Fournier's gangrene that initially mimicked pubic cellulitis in an elderly woman administered a Janus kinase inhibitor, methotrexate, and prednisolone for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shiratori Takahiro , Oiso Naoki , Yamauchi Kohei , Kawada Akira
Published: April 2020

This is the first reported case of FG during administration of a JAK inhibitor. The case appeared to be a less serious manifestation when first examined; however, extremely serious clinical features developed immediately after the withdrawal of TOF.
Analysis of a hybrid distillation‐pervaporation column in a single unit: Intermediate membrane section in the rectifying and stripping section
Authors: León Juan A. , Fontalvo Javier
Published: April 2020

Distillation‐pervaporation in a single unit (DPSU) column can perform separations that are not possible in conventional distillation by overcoming distillation boundaries. Unlike conventional hybrid distillation‐pervaporation columns, in a DPSU system the pervaporation membrane is located inside the column. The separation by distillation and pervaporation is carried out simultaneously inside the same column section. In a previous work, a simplified model was used to design and analyze distillation‐pervaporation in a single unit (DPSU) systems with a hybrid rectifying‐pervaporation section, where the membrane constitutes the whole section. In this study, this simplified model is applied to DPSU columns where the membrane partially constitutes the rectifying or the stripping sections, including the model derivation of the stripping section and the operation leaves. The simplified model is applied for the separation of two mixtures with different Serafimov's topology classifications: acetone‐isopropanol‐water (topology type 1.0‐2) and ethyl acetate‐ethanol‐methanol (topology type 2.0‐2b). Thermodynamic limitations are identified for the separation of the ethyl acetate‐ethanol‐methanol mixture. Multiple operation leaves are produced depending on the liquid composition at the beginning of the membrane section, hindering the conditions that help to overcome the distillation boundary through a DPSU column. For some conditions, a section that is partially constituted by a membrane performs better than if the membrane constitutes the whole section.
Synergistic Catalysis of Se and Cu for the Activation of α‐H of Methyl Ketones with Molecular Oxygen/Alcohol to Produce α‐Keto Acetals†
Authors: Chen Chao , Cao Zhicheng , Zhang Xu , Li Yiming , Yu Lei , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Selenium and copper synergistically catalyzed the oxidation/alkoxylation of methyl ketones to synthesize α‐keto acetals directly. Using O2 as oxidant and alcohol as solvent and alkoxylation reagent, the reaction is practical from industrial viewpoint. Mechanistic studies revealed that copper promoted the oxidation of organoselenium intermediates with O2 to allow the key rearrangement and selenoxide syn‐elimination regenerating the catalytically active organoselenium species.
Rapid Access to Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane Skeleton through Cu(I)‐Catalyzed Generation and Trapping of Vinyl‐o‐quinodimethanes (Vinyl‐o‐QDMs)†
Authors: Luo Hejiang , He Chuan , Jiang Huanfeng , Zhu Shifa
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A Cu(I)‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of terminal enynals/enynones, diazo compounds, and alkenes has been developed. With this method, a series of oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes were effectively synthesized in high yields under mild reaction conditions. This transformation is proposed to proceed through trapping of the cyclic vinyl‐o‐quinodimethanes (vinyl‐o‐QDMs) species, which were generated from terminal enynals/enynones and diazo compounds by alkenes. The obvious advantages of wide substrate scopes, mild reaction conditions, and high seteroselectivity and atom efficiency make this reaction highly appealing for construction of highly rigid [2.2.2]octane skeleton.
Comprehensive characterization of myeloid cells during wound healing in healthy and healing‐impaired diabetic mice
Authors: Joshi Natasha , Pohlmeier Lea , Ben‐Yehuda Greenwald Maya , Haertel Eric , Hiebert Paul , Kopf Manfred , Werner Sabine
Published: April 2020

Wound healing involves the concerted action of various lymphoid and in particular myeloid cell populations. To characterize and quantitate different types of myeloid cells and to obtain information on their kinetics during wound healing, we performed multiparametric flow cytometry analysis. In healthy mice, neutrophil numbers increased early after injury and returned to near basal levels after completion of healing. Macrophages, monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs), and eosinophils were abundant throughout the healing phase, in particular in early wounds, and Langerhans cells increased after wounding and remained elevated after epithelial closure. Major differences in healing‐impaired diabetic mice were a much higher percentage of immune cells in late wounds, mainly as a result of neutrophil, macrophage, and monocyte persistence; reduced numbers and percentages of macrophages and monocyte‐derived DCs in early wounds; and of Langerhans cells, conventional DCs, and eosinophils throughout the healing process. Finally, unbiased cluster analysis (PhenoGraph) identified a large number of different clusters of myeloid cells in skin wounds. These results provide insight into myeloid cell diversity and dynamics during wound repair and highlight the abnormal inflammatory response associated with impaired healing.
Clinical potential of introducing next‐generation sequencing in patients at relapse of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Flach Johanna , Shumilov Evgenii , Wiedemann Gertrud , Porret Naomi , Shakhanova Inna , Bürki Susanne , Legros Myriam , Joncourt Raphael , Pabst Thomas , Bacher Ulrike
Published: April 2020

Relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a major determinant of outcome. A number of molecularly directed treatment options have recently emerged making comprehensive diagnostics an important pillar of clinical decision making at relapse. Acknowledging the high degree of individual genetic variability at AML relapse, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has opened the opportunity for assessing the unique clonal hierarchy of individual AML patients. Knowledge on the genetic makeup of AML is reflected in patient customized treatment strategies thereby providing improved outcomes. For example, the emergence of druggable mutations at relapse enable the use of novel targeted therapies, including FLT3 inhibitors or the recently approved IDH1/2 inhibitors ivosidenib and enasidenib, respectively. Consequently, some patients may undergo novel bridging approaches for reinduction before allogeneic stem cell transplantation, or the identification of an adverse prognostic marker may initiate early donor search. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of NGS in identifying clonal stability, clonal evolution, and clonal devolution in the context of AML relapse. In light of recent improvements in AML treatment options, NGS‐based molecular diagnostics emerges as the basis for molecularly directed treatment decisions in patients at relapse.
The evolving epidemic of breast cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa: Results from the African Cancer Registry Network
Authors: Joko‐Fru Walburga Yvonne , Jedy‐Agba Elima , Korir Anne , Ogunbiyi Olufemi , Dzamalala Charles P. , Chokunonga Eric , Wabinga Henry , Manraj Shyam , Finesse Anne , Somdyala Nontuthuzelo , Liu Biying , McGale Paul , Jemal Ahmedin , Bray Freddie , Parkin Donald Maxwell
Published: April 2020

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) with rapidly increasing incidence rates reported in Uganda and Zimbabwe. However, the magnitude of these rising trends in premenopausal and postmenopausal women is unknown in most African countries. We used data from the African Cancer Registry Network on incident breast cancers in women from 11 population‐based cancer registries in 10 countries representing each of the four SSA regions. We explored incidence changes among women before and after age 50 by calendar period and, where possible, generational effects in this unique sub‐Saharan African cohort. Temporal trends revealed increasing incidence rates in all registries during the study period, except in Nairobi where rates stabilised during 2010 to 2014 after rapidly increasing from 2003 to 2010 (APC = 8.5 95%, CI: 3.0‐14.2). The cumulative risk varied between and within regions, with the highest risks observed in Nairobi‐Kenya, Mauritius and the Seychelles. There were similar or more rapidly increasing incidence rates in women aged 50+ compared to women <50 years in all registries except The Gambia. Birth cohort analyses revealed increases in the incidence rates in successive generations of women aged 45 and over in Harare‐Zimbabwe and Kampala‐Uganda. In conclusion, the incidence of BC is increasing rapidly in many parts of Africa; however, the magnitude of these changes differs. These results highlight the need for urgent actions across the cancer continuum from in‐depth risk factor studies to provision of adequate therapy as well as the necessity of supporting the maintenance of good quality population‐based cancer registration in Africa.
Fluorine as a Lewis acid: A symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory based on density functional theory and interacting quantum atoms study of noncovalent interactions in the NCF⋯NH3 complex
Authors: Orangi Nasim , Eskandari Kiamars
Published: April 2020

Different computational methods are used to investigate the nature of interaction in the NCF⋯NH3 model complex, in which the fluorine atom acts as a Lewis acid and forms a noncovalent bond with the ammonia (Lewis base). Symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory based on density functional theory (SAPT(DFT)) indicates that the noncovalent interaction in the NCF⋯NH3 complex is mainly electrostatics. However, dispersion and induction terms also play important roles. Although fluorine noncovalent interactions are typically classified as halogen bonds, they are somewhat different from the well‐known halogen bonds of iodine, bromine, and chlorine. The halogen bonds of NCCl⋯NH3 and NCBr⋯NH3 are directional and the C  X  N (X = Cl or Br) angle tends to be linear. In contrast, the fluorine interaction in NCF⋯NH3 is not directional; the interaction energy shows no sensitivity to the angular (C  F  N) distortions, and the energy profile is flat over a wide angular range (from 180° to about 140°). However, for the angles less than 130°, the energy curve shows a clear angular dependence and the interaction between NCF and NH3 becomes stronger as the C  F  N angle decreases. It seems that at the tighter angles, a tetrel‐bonded NCF⋯NH3 complex is preferred. Moreover, interacting quantum atoms (IQA) analysis shows that the competition between different intra‐atomic and interatomic interactions determines the geometry of NCF⋯NH3 complex.
Silver nanoparticles synthesis using Wedelia urticifolia (Blume) DC. flower extract: Characterization and antibacterial activity evaluation
Authors: Rather Mohd Yousuf , Shincy Maroli , Sundarapandian Somaiah
Published: April 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized by green methods with the property to kill microbes, are highly valuable in medical sciences. So, the current study was aimed at using the flower extract of Wedelia urticifolia for synthesizing AgNPs with antibacterial properties. The AgNPs were produced by adding the extract to three different AgNO3 concentrations (1, 10, and 100 mM) in nine possible flower extract to metal salt ratios (9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8, and 1:9). The formation of brown color and the presence of a peak at 431 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum of the colloidal solution indicates the synthesis of AgNPs, which were also characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The DLS results exposed that the smallest sized AgNPs were obtained in 10 mM AgNO3 solution and 4E6M was the optimized extract to metal salt solution ratio. The characterization techniques revealed that the synthesized AgNPs were spherical shaped and crystalline with a diameter of less than 30 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles were tested against two Gram‐positive (Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacterial strains for their antibacterial efficiency. Although the studied strains showed limited growth, overall, the effect of nanoparticles was found to be insignificant. It is concluded that the current study is advantageous over other previous studies because the AgNPs were synthesized at room temperature from 10 mM AgNO3 concentration in only 2 hours. Additionally, the present work is simple, ecofriendly, and in‐expensive.
Morphological investigations on the lips and cheeks of the goat (Capra hircus): A scanning electron and light microscopic study
Authors: Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Mohamed Salma A. , Abdalla Kamal E. H.
Published: April 2020

The current study was done to provide comprehensive information on the anatomical features of the lips and cheeks of the goat by gross examination and morphometric analysis in addition to scanning electron microscope (SEM). Samples from 12 normal healthy adult goat's heads of both sexes were collected directly after slaughtering. The lips and cheeks were dissected, and specimens were collected for both light and SEM. The lips of goat were soft and mobile. The free border of both lips was characterized rostrally by the presence of labial projections. The number, size, and arrangement of labial projections differed in the upper and lower lips. On the other hand, the buccal papillae were arranged into 6–8 longitudinal rows parallel to the cheek teeth. The length of these papillae decreased caudally while they were absent on the most caudal part of the cheek. Presence of several types and shapes of labial projections and papillae, and buccal papillae suggest a high degree of mechanical adaptation of the lips and cheeks of the goat. This study provides baseline data for clinical studies. This study is the first report to shed light on the morphology of the lips and cheeks of the goat by gross and scanning electron microscopy.
A semi‐objective circulation pattern classification scheme for the semi‐arid Northeast Brazil
Authors: Laux Patrick , Böker Brian , Martins Eduardo Sávio , das Chagas Vasconcelos Junior Francisco , Moron Vincent , Portele Tanja , Lorenz Christof , Philipp Andreas , Kunstmann Harald
Published: April 2020

The semi‐arid Northeast Brazil (NEB) is just recovering from a very severe water crisis induced by a multiyear drought. With this crisis, the question of water resources management has entered the national political agenda, creating an opportunity to better prepare the country to deal with future droughts. In order to improve climate predictions, and thus preparedness in NEB, a circulation pattern (CP) classification algorithm offers various options. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop a computer aided CP classification based on the Simulated ANnealing and Diversified RAndomization clustering (SANDRA) algorithm. First, suitable predictor variables and cluster domain setting are evaluated using ERA‐Interim reanalyses. It is found that near surface variables such as geopotential at 1,000 hPa (GP1,000) or mean sea level pressure (MSLP) should be combined with horizontal wind speed at the upper 700 hPa level (UWND700). A 11‐cluster solution is favoured due to the trade‐offs between interpretability of the cluster centroids and the explained variances of the predictors. Second, occurrence and transition probabilities of this 11‐cluster solution of GP1,000 and UWND700 are analysed, and typical CPs, which are linked to dry and wet conditions in the region are identified. The suitability of the new classification to be potentially applied for statistical downscaling or CP‐conditional bias correction approach is analysed. The CP‐conditional cumulative density functions (CDFs) exhibit discriminative power to separate between wet and dry conditions, indicating a good performance of the CP approach.
Trends in sunshine duration in Poland (1971–2018)
Authors: Bartoszek Krzysztof , Matuszko Dorota , Węglarczyk Stanisław
Published: April 2020

This study aims to characterize temporal and spatial trends of sunshine duration in Poland based on data from the years 1971–2018 and to make an attempt to explain their causes. Daily sunshine duration came from 31 Polish meteorological stations. Data from 10 stations came only from a traditional Campbell–Stokes heliograph, while in the other 21 synoptic stations Campbell–Stokes heliograph was replaced with an automatic sensor in 2014 and since then only such data are available. The smallest sunshine duration occurs in December (average areal total—39.7 hr), and the highest in July (average areal total—230.1 hr). The spatial distribution of sunshine duration in Poland shows great diversity associated with different day lengths depending on latitude. In the cool part of the year (November, December, January, and February) the isolines of totals of sunshine duration run from the highest values in the south to the lowest in the north of the country, while in the months of the warm part of the year (March to September) the system is reversed. The multi‐annual trends in sunshine duration in Poland are similar to the changes taking place in other parts of the world. The years 1971–1980 mark the end of “global dimming,” which was manifested in very low values of actual and relative sunshine duration. “Global brightening” confirms a statistically significant growing trend in sunshine duration at all the analysed meteorological stations in Poland from April to September. There is a strong statistically significant relationship between the areal totals of sunshine duration and the type of pressure system, average monthly cloud cover, and atmospheric optical depth.
Thin‐layer chromatography combined with surface‐enhanced Raman scattering for rapid detection of benzidine and 4‐aminobiphenyl in migration from food contact materials based on gold nanoparticle doped metal‐organic framework
Authors: Cai Guohui , Ge Kun , Ouyang Xiaoyan , Hu Yuling , Li Gongke
Published: April 2020

In this work, a rapid and sensitive thin‐layer chromatography combined with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy method was established for rapid detection of benzidine and 4‐aminobiphenyl in migration from food contact materials based on Au nanoparticle doped metal‐organic framework. Benzidine and 4‐aminobiphenyl were firstly separated by thin‐layer chromatography to solve the limitation of their overlapping Raman peaks. Then the target molecules were monitored by adding AuNPs/MIL‐101(Cr) on the sample spots. Under the optimum conditions, the concentration of benzidine and 4‐aminobiphenyl can be quantitatively measured in the range of 2.0‐20.0 and1.0‐15.0 μg/L, respectively with good linear relationship, and the limits of detection were 0.21 and 0.23 μg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the developed method was applied to analyze benzidine and 4‐aminobiphenyl in migration of different food contact materials. The recoveries of benzidine and 4‐aminobiphenyl for migration of food contact materials, including paper cups, polypropylene food containers, and polyethylene glycol terephthalate bottles, were 80.6‐116.0 and 80.7‐118% with relative standard deviations of 1.1‐9.1 and 3.1‐9.9%, respectively. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection was performed conveniently in the on‐plate mode without additional elution process. The method shows great potential in rapid monitoring of hazardous substances with overlapping characteristic Raman peaks in food contact materials.
A strategy based on the strain‐to‐kinetic energy ratio to ensure stability and convergence in topology optimization of globally resonating one‐material structures
Authors: Silva Olavo M. , Neves Miguel M.
Published: April 2020

The authors propose a new formulation of SIMP‐based topology optimization problems aiming to obtain resonating one‐material structures through a stable maximization process. The new formulation is capable of achieving globally resonant lightly damped “0‐1” structures for frequencies close to those of interest. The proposed strategy successfully deals with known issues like design “degeneration” and instability of the gradient‐based optimization process around the resonance frequency (which is a local maximum when maximizing vibration responses) at which harmonic excitation forces shall be applied. In this work, the authors use the concept of complex input power to overcome the mentioned issues. It is proposed a topology optimization procedure where a weighted sum between the active input power (real part of the complex input power) and the static compliance is minimized with a constraint on the reactive input power (imaginary part of the complex input power), which is converted to a ratio between the time‐averaged potential and kinetic energies of the system named quotient R. By this way, it is possible to ensure viability to the procedure by preventing the resonance frequency from reaching exactly the excitation frequency throughout the process, which otherwise causes difficulties on convergence. The process achieves resonance frequencies very close to given values of interest by keeping the “side” of R<1 or R>1. Several examples are presented to illustrate the potential of the proposed method.
Morphological Variation of Cisco across Gradients of Lake Productivity
Authors: Jacobson Peter C. , Zimmer Kyle D. , Grow Ryan , Eshenroder Randy L.
Published: April 2020

The effects of lake productivity and late‐summer hypolimnetic oxygen on the size and shape of Cisco Coregonus artedi were examined in 27 Minnesota lakes. Geometric morphometry analyses of specimens captured in vertical gill nets indicated that Cisco in more productive lakes with hypoxic hypolimnia were larger, with deeper bodies, shorter snouts and caudal peduncles, and longer fins. Cisco in unproductive lakes with oxygenated hypolimnia were smaller, with slender bodies, longer snouts and caudal peduncles, and shorter fins. The effect of hypolimnetic oxygen on depths utilized by Cisco and the resulting vulnerability to predation was an important driver of shape and fin length. Deeper body depths and longer fin lengths were possibly a response to greater vulnerability to predation when hypoxic hypolimnia limit coldwater refugia for Cisco, which are forced to inhabit shallower depths near warmwater predators such as Walleye Sander vitreus and Northern Pike Esox lucius. Differences in size and shape relationships of Cisco in lakes on and off the Canadian Shield were also detected. The availability of late‐summer habitat, depth‐mediated predation risk, and growth potential appear to be important ecological drivers of morphological variation in Cisco.
Methadone does not potentiate the effect of doxorubicin in canine tumour cell lines
Authors: Cueni Claudia , Nytko Katarzyna J. , Thumser‐Henner Pauline , Weyland Mathias S. , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: April 2020

Opioid receptor activation was shown to enhance the efficacy of anti‐neoplastic drugs in several human cancer cell lines. In these cell lines, doxorubicin increased the number of opioid receptors and methadone concurrently enhanced cellular doxorubicin uptake. Triggered through lay press and media, animal owners started to challenge veterinary oncologists with questions about methadone use in anti‐cancer therapy. Especially in veterinary medicine, where side effects of chemotherapy are tolerated to a lesser extent and hence smaller doses are given, agents potentiating chemotherapeutic agents would be an optimal approach to treatment. Canine transitional cell carcinoma cells (TCC, K9TCC), canine osteosarcoma cells (OSA, Abrams) and canine hemangiosarcoma cells (HSA, DAL‐4) were incubated with different combinations of methadone, buprenorphine and doxorubicin, in order to test inhibition of cell proliferation. Opioid receptor density was assessed with fluorescence‐activated cell sorting in drug native and doxorubicin pretreated cells. In TCC and OSA cell lines opioid receptor density increased after doxorubicin pretreatment. In combination treatment, however, we did not find significant potentiation of doxorubicin's inhibitory effect on proliferation in these cell lines. Neither was there a significant increase of the effect of doxorubicin when the opioids were added 24 hr before doxorubicin. Hence, we could not confirm the hypothesis that opioids increase the anti‐proliferative effect of the anti‐neoplastic drug doxorubicin in any of these canine tumour cell lines. The lack of effect on a cellular level does not warrant a clinical approach to use opioids together with doxorubicin in dogs with cancer.
Occurrence and risk assessment of heavy metals in an urban river supplied by reclaimed wastewater
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Yuting , Liu Longyan , Wang Yiping , Song Zilong , Wang Xuewei , Liu Chao , Li Yanning , Meng Weidong , Zhou Yang , Sun Dezhi , Qi Fei
Published: April 2020

Heavy metals in reclaimed water are a global problem that leads to ecological risks for the replenishment water body. This study investigated concentrations and ecological risks posed by heavy metals in SH River, Beijing, which is supplied by reclaimed water. Results showed that Cr was not detected in the sample, Cd and Pb exceeded threshold values according to regulations by 1.19% and 25.00%, respectively. The characterization of temporal and spatial of heavy metals was studied. The potential ecological risks posed by heavy metals in SH River were found to be low and safe. The risk decreased in the order Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd > As by comprehensive index assessment; this changed to Pb > Cd > As > Ni > Cu > Zn according to potential ecological risk assessment. Pb posed the greatest ecological risks and was identified as most contaminated metal. According to discussion of sampling sites and water quality, it was proposed that reclaimed water and exogenous discharges were the main sources of the heavy metals identified. This should be considered when developing catchment management strategies for heavy metals elimination and protection of the aquatic environment. If a higher level of ecological risk management is required, Pb, Cd, and Cu should be considered first and should be removed in situ through ecological remediation methods.

Practitioner points

Reclaimed water and exogenous discharges were the main sources of the heavy metals identified.

The potential ecological risks posed by heavy metals in SH River were found to be low and safe.

The risk decreased in the order Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd > As by comprehensive index assessment.

Potential ecological risk assessment showed Pb > Cd > As > Ni > Cu > Zn.

Pb posed the greatest ecological risks and was identified as most contaminated metal.
Advances and challenges of mainstream nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater with anammox‐based processes
Authors: Ma Wen‐Jie , Li Gui‐Feng , Huang Bao‐Cheng , Jin Ren‐Cun
Published: April 2020

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a novel process of deammonification that exhibits superior ecological and economic potential compared to that of traditional heterotrophic processes. Although this process has been successfully implemented in treating high‐strength nitrogen‐contaminated wastewater, it still faces many challenges in treating mainstream municipal wastewater. This review aims to provide an overview of the status and challenges of mainstream anammox‐based processes. The different configurations and crucial factors are discussed in this review. Finally, the future needs for feasible application are stated.

Practitioner points

Factors restricting mainstream application of anammox‐based processes are reviewed.

Control strategies for selecting and maintaining anammox bacteria are discussed.

Recent advances in nitrite production via partial nitrification or denitrification are summarized.

Future needs for the feasible application of anammox‐based nitrogen removal technology for mainstream municipal wastewater treatment are outlined.
BIEM analysis of a graded nano‐cracked elastic half‐plane under time‐harmonic waves
Authors: Rangelov Tsviatko V. , Dineva Petia S. , Manolis George D.
Published: April 2020

This work addresses the scattering of time‐harmonic waves by a finite, blunt nano‐crack in a graded isotropic bulk material with a free surface. The mechanical model is based on classical elastodynamic theory and describes the elastic, isotropic, graded half‐plane with quadratically varying material parameters along the depth coordinate. This model is extended to nano‐mechanics by using non‐classical boundary conditions and localized constitutive equations at the interface between crack and matrix material following the Gurtin‐Murdoch surface elasticity theory. The computational technique employed is based on the non‐hypersingular traction boundary integral equation method (BIEM) using a closed form Green's function for a half‐plane consisting of a functionally graded material (FGM). The dependences of the diffracted and scattered waves and of the local stress concentration fields on key problem parameters such as size and depth of the embedded crack, surface elasticity effects, type and characteristics of the incident wave, and the dynamic interaction phenomenon between the crack and the free‐surface boundary are all examined through parametric studies.
Analytic functional bootstrap for CFTs in d > 1
Authors: Paulos Miguel F.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We introduce analytic functionals which act on the crossing equation for CFTs in arbitrary spacetime dimension. The functionals fully probe the constraints of crossing symmetry on the first sheet, and are in particular sensitive to the OPE, (double) lightcone and Regge limits. Compatibility with the crossing equation imposes constraints on the functional kernels which we study in detail. We then introduce two simple classes of functionals. The first class has a simple action on generalized free fields and their deformations and can be used to bootstrap AdS contact interactions in general dimension. The second class is obtained by tensoring holomorphic and antiholomorphic copies of d = 1 functionals which have been considered recently. They are dual to simple solutions to crossing in d = 2 which include the energy correlator of the Ising model. We show how these functionals lead to optimal bounds on the OPE density of d = 2 CFTs and argue that they provide an equivalent rewriting of the d = 2 crossing equation which is better suited for numeric computations than current approaches.
Relationship between molecular response and quality of life with bosutinib or imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Brümmendorf Tim H. , Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo , Bushmakin Andrew G. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Viqueira Andrea , Reisman Arlene , Isfort Susanne , Mamolo Carla
Published: April 2020

Patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP CML) can be effectively treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and achieve a lifespan similar to the general population. The success of TKIs, however, requires long-term and sometimes lifelong treatment; thus, patient-assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an increasingly important parameter for treatment selection. Bosutinib is a TKI approved for CP CML in newly diagnosed adults and in those resistant or intolerant to prior therapy. In the Bosutinib Trial in First-Line Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Treatment (BFORE), bosutinib demonstrated a significantly higher major molecular response rate compared with imatinib, with maintenance of HRQoL (measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia (FACT-Leu) questionnaire), after 12 months of first-line treatment. We examined relationships between molecular response (MR) and HRQoL. MR values were represented by a log-reduction scale (MRLR; a continuous variable). A repeated-measures longitudinal model was used to estimate the relationships between MRLR as a predictor and each FACT-Leu domain as an outcome. Effect sizes were calculated to determine strength of effects and allow comparisons across domains. The majority of FACT-Leu domains (with the exception of social well-being and physical well-being) demonstrated a significant relationship with MRLR (p < 0.05). Our results showed variable impact of clinical improvement on different dimensions of HRQoL. For patients who achieved MR5, emotional well-being and leukemia-specific domains showed the greatest improvement, with medium differences in effect sizes, whereas social well-being and physical well-being had the weakest relationship with MR.
Transcallosal, transchoroidal clipping of a hypothalamic collateral vessel aneurysm in Moyamoya disease
Authors: Ho Wing Mann , Görke Alice Stephanie , Dazinger Florian , Pfausler Bettina , Gizewski Elke R. , Petr Ondra , Thomé Claudius
Published: April 2020

Peripheral collateral vessel aneurysms in Moyamoya disease (MMD) remain difficult to treat due to their deep location, small size, and vascular fragility. We report the case of an aneurysm localized in the hypothalamus, which was rapidly increasing in size with repeated hemorrhage despite revascularization surgery. Aneurysm clipping was performed to prevent further progress and rerupture with favorable outcome. To our best knowledge, this is the first description of a hypothalamic aneurysm in MMD being clipped via a transcallosal, transchoroidal approach through the third ventricle.