bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanofibrillated Cellulose from Banana Pseudostem Reinforced Bagasse Paper Sheets
Authors: Soykeabkaew N , Rattanawongkun P , Kunfong N , Tawichai N , Intatha U
Published: June 2019

Underutilized agro-waste of cultivated banana pseudostem was treated by a soda pulping process and passed through a microfluidizer to prepare nanofibrillated cellulose (BA). TEM images confirmed the presence of thin fibrils and fine webs of BA with average diameter and length of 20.0±7.6 nm and 1.7±0.1 μm, respectively. Reinforcing potential of this BA nanofibers in recycled papers was investigated by adding 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 wt% BA into the recycled bagasse sheets. Tensile testing results indicated that all mechanical properties (i.e. tensile index, breaking length, Young’s modulus, and elongation) were noticeably increased all at once. SEM images revealed that the physically retained BA nanofibers in the sheet structures bridged and linked between bagasse fibers increasing inter-fiber bonding, hence, strengthening the sheets as a result. Toughness of the reinforced sheets was also found to be significantly enhanced (~128% increase with 5.0 wt% BA incorporation). The change in failure mode showing fibers stretching and slippage before breaking was observed on fractured surface of this paper sheet. This BA cellulose nanofiber demonstrated to be highly promising as reinforcement in pulp and paper industry.
Effect of Pineapple Leaf Nanofibers on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bagasse Sheets
Authors: Kunfong N , Rattanawongkun P , Tawichai N , Duangphet S , Intatha U , Soykeabkaew N
Published: June 2019

Agro-waste pineapple leaves (PA) were extracted into cellulose nanofibers by pretreated with soda pulping process and then disintegrated by microfluidizer. The resulting PA nanofibers with an average length of 1.7±0.5 μm and diameter of 15.5±3.6 nm was then used to improve properties of bagasse (BG) pulp sheets at different contents (0.5, 1, and 5 wt%). The results showed that integration of PA nanofibers increased the density of the sheets but decreased their porosity. With addition of 5 wt% PA nanofibers, BG sheets showed the increases in all tensile properties, especially tensile strength (64%) and elongation (140%). SEM images revealed the smoother surface of the sheets and indicated the reduction of the pores by PA nanofibers filling and bridging between BG fibers network. This increased fibers bonding area in the sheet structures and hence improving their mechanical properties.
Voltage Supply Assessment Using Process Capability Concepts: A Case Study
Authors: Vizuete A H , Barbosa G J , Lema E M , Albán M S , Vargas R S , Ruiz L C
Published: June 2019

The following case study examines a company which experienced several difficulties caused by low-quality voltage supply. Two main points were considered in the analysis, one located next to the substation transformer and a second one inside the company. Voltage parameters such as harmonics presence, voltage flickers, average voltage, and power factor were measured in this study. As a result, 62 000 samples were collected. The data obtained from point 2 (control group) revealed the necessity of introducing voltage regulators in order to improve the energy efficiency and save in energy costs at the company. Therefore, 1 500 samples were collected at point 2 (treatment group) to verify the voltage regulators’ efficiency. Comparing the control and treatment group, there was a significant improvement of 93% regarding process capability in power factor phase CN.
Effect of Water Content in Waste Cooking Oil on Biodiesel Production via Ester-transesterification in a Single Reactive Distillation
Authors: Anantapinitwatna Ajala , Ngaosuwan Kanokwan , Kiatkittipong Worapon , Wongsawaeng Doonyapong , Assabumrungrat Suttichai
Published: June 2019

A single-column reactive distillation is employed to convert waste cooking oil to biodiesel via simultaneous esterification and transesterification reactions. The waste cooking oil contained 10 wt% of free fatty acid (FFA) and the contaminated water (2-8 wt%) was used as feedstocks for biodiesel production. Esterification was occurred in the upper of column to reduce FFA content to less than 1 wt% and to prevent the simultaneous saponification by base catalyst. Moreover, the contaminated water and by-product water (from esterification) together was removed in-situ as the distillate product. The reactive distillation has been optimally designed to have 16 stages consisting of 5 esterification, 9 transesterification stages and each stage for reboiler and condenser. The feed locations of oil and methanol were at the top of the column and at stage 6, respectively. The optimum methanol to oil ratio was 6:1 with reflux ratio 0.1 while the reboiler duty was in the range of 100-150 kW depended on the water content. This condition successfully converts 97 wt% of waste cooking oil to biodiesel with 96.5% purity.
Impact of Oxygen Vacancy on the Photocatalytic Selective Hydrogenation of 3-Nitrostyrene via Calcination of TiO2
Authors: Chaitaworn Saknarin , Mekasuwandumrong Okorn , Praserthdam Piyasan
Published: June 2019

In this work, P25-TiO2 was treated by calcination in air at difference temperature (600-900°C) for 5h. Treated catalysts were tested in photocatalytic selective hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene (3-NS) to 3-vinylaniline (3-VA). The properties of treated catalysts were characterized by using XRD, XPS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. 3-vinylaniline and acetone were produced from photocatalytic (λ > 300nm) selective hydrogenation reaction of 3-nitrostyrene in 2-propanol and suspension with P25-TiO2. The Ti3+ at locate with oxygen defect, which at below conduction band were acted as active site for trapped electron to conduction band. These effects leading to excess oxygen defect caused low activity due to recombination center. An optimal calcination temperature was 700°C ascribed to the enhancement of high conversion (71%) with 100% 3-VA selectivity due to optimal oxygen vacancies.
The Recovery Process of Used Hydrocarbon Solvent by Vacuum Distillation
Authors: Savasdipol Apiched , Paradee Nophawan , Niamlang Sumonman
Published: June 2019

In polymer production industry, a large amount of hydrocarbon solvent (HC solvent) are used to clean the reactor. Normally, used HC solvent are managed by Incineration process at high temperature (around 700 – 1200°C) which cause a large amount of waste gas explosion such as CO2. To manage the used solvent for energy saving and global warming reason, used HC solvent should be recycled by refining process. The aliphatic hydrocarbon, EXXSOL D80, was selected as the model HC solvent in this research work. The vacuum distillation was selected as the suitable refining process. To determine the optimum refining condition, the effect of vacuum distillation pressure (13, 15, 20, 25 and 30 kPa) on % yield, purity and assessment of economic value was studied. The purity of used solvent and %carbon atom content were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). %Purity of carbon-12, 13 and 14 atom was decreased with increasing distillation pressure. The economic cost was evaluated. At The suitable condition, 170°C 13 kPa, the highest yield of distilled solvent was observed at 77.18%. Thus the recovery used solvent can be reduce cost for purchase and disposal around 33,651.27 USD/year. Finally, vacuum distillation is suitable for recovery used HC solvent.
Numerical Modeling of Industrial-Scale Pulsed Bed Adsorber for Colorant Removal in Sugar Refining
Authors: Sookkumnerd Terasut
Published: June 2019

Because pulsed bed adsorbers are preferred when the high fluid flow rate is expected, pulsed bed adsorbers are used in many industries; for example, waste water treatment and food industries. However, few attempts have been focused on modeling of pulsed bed adsorbers. In this paper, the mathematical model of an industrial-scale pulsed bed adsorber has been developed. By using the data on adsorption equilibrium constant, mass transfer and axial dispersion in a lab-scaled fixed-bed adsorber, the numerical analysis of an industrial-scale pulsed bed adsorber for colorant removal in sugar refining process is performed and the numerical results are analyzed to gain the better understanding of this unit operation. The optimum cycle time depended on the fraction of adsorbent being removed and replaced in each pulse; the optimum cycle time increases from 4 hours at 5 % pulse to 12 hours at 14% pulse. In addition, the fluctuation of feed flow rate would affect the performance of pulsed bed adsorbers; for example, the 10% increase of flow rate would make the colorant in the syrup at the outlet higher than its specification. The finding of this paper would allow engineers to optimize an industrial-scale pulsed bed adsorber more efficiently.
A COOL Tale: Economic Effects of the U.S. Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Repeal
Authors: Countryman Amanda M , Bonanno Alessandro
Published: June 2019

U.S. Congress repealed Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for beef and pork in December 2015 to avoid retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico. We simulate and compare economic impacts from these retaliatory tariffs with scenarios where COOL was repealed using a global economic modeling framework. Retaliation would have decreased North American trade, decreased U.S. welfare, and increased welfare for Canada and Mexico. Simulated effects of the COOL repeal show modest welfare increases in the United States, Mexico, and globally, with heterogeneous welfare effects for Canada. We discuss whether recent U.S. protectionist policies may lead to similar outcomes to those simulated here.
Multicenter Evaluation of HemoTypeSC as a Point-of-Care Sickle Cell Disease Rapid Diagnostic Test for Newborns and Adults Across India
Authors: Mukherjee Malay B , Colah Roshan B , Mehta Pallavi R , Shinde Nikhil , Jain Dipty , Desai Shrey , Dave Kapilkumar , Italia Yazdi , Raicha Bhavesh , Serrao Erik
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Sickle cell anemia is the commonest genetic disorder in India, and the frequency of the sickle cell gene is very high in the remote tribal areas where facilities are generally limited. Therefore, a rapid and affordable point-of-care test for sickle cell disease is needed.

Methods

The diagnostic accuracy of HemoTypeSC was evaluated against automated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as the gold standard for its efficacy in a newborn screening program.

Results

A total of 1,559 individuals (980 newborns and 579 adults) from four participating centers were analyzed by both methods. HemoTypeSC correctly identified 209 of 211 total hemoglobin (Hb) SS cases, for a 99.1%/99.9% total HbSS sensitivity/specificity. Overall, HemoTypeSC exhibited sensitivity and specificity of 98.1% and 99.1% for all possible phenotypes (HbAA, HbAS, and HbSS) detected. HPLC is relatively expensive and not available in most laboratories in remote tribal areas.

Conclusions

We conclude that the rapid, point-of-care testing device HemoTypeSC test is suitable for population and newborn screening for the HbS phenotype.
ShaKer: RNA SHAPE prediction using graph kernel
Authors: Mautner Stefan , Montaseri Soheila , Miladi Milad , Raden Martin , Costa Fabrizio , Backofen Rolf
Published: June 2019

SHAPE experiments are used to probe the structure of RNA molecules. We present ShaKer to predict SHAPE data for RNA using a graph-kernel-based machine learning approach that is trained on experimental SHAPE information. While other available methods require a manually curated reference structure, ShaKer predicts reactivity data based on sequence input only and by sampling the ensemble of possible structures. Thus, ShaKer is well placed to enable experiment-driven, transcriptome-wide SHAPE data prediction to enable the study of RNA structuredness and to improve RNA structure and RNA–RNA interaction prediction. For performance evaluation, we use accuracy and accessibility comparing to experimental SHAPE data and competing methods. We can show that Shaker outperforms its competitors and is able to predict high quality SHAPE annotations even when no reference structure is provided.

Availability and implementation

ShaKer is freely available at https://github.com/BackofenLab/ShaKer.
Modelling cancer progression using Mutual Hazard Networks
Authors: Schill Rudolf , Solbrig Stefan , Wettig Tilo , Spang Rainer
Published: June 2019

Motivation

Cancer progresses by accumulating genomic events, such as mutations and copy number alterations, whose chronological order is key to understanding the disease but difficult to observe. Instead, cancer progression models use co-occurrence patterns in cross-sectional data to infer epistatic interactions between events and thereby uncover their most likely order of occurrence. State-of-the-art progression models, however, are limited by mathematical tractability and only allow events to interact in directed acyclic graphs, to promote but not inhibit subsequent events, or to be mutually exclusive in distinct groups that cannot overlap.

Results

Here we propose Mutual Hazard Networks (MHN), a new Machine Learning algorithm to infer cyclic progression models from cross-sectional data. MHN model events by their spontaneous rate of fixation and by multiplicative effects they exert on the rates of successive events. MHN compared favourably to acyclic models in cross-validated model fit on four datasets tested. In application to the glioblastoma dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas, MHN proposed a novel interaction in line with consecutive biopsies: IDH1 mutations are early events that promote subsequent fixation of TP53 mutations.

Availability and implementation

Implementation and data are available at https://github.com/RudiSchill/MHN.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A helical lock and key model of polyproline II conformation with SH3
Authors: Meirson Tomer , Bomze David , Kahlon Liron , Gil-Henn Hava , Samson Abraham O
Published: June 2019

Motivation

More than half of the human proteome contains the proline-rich motif, PxxP. This motif has a high propensity for adopting a left-handed polyproline II (PPII) helix and can potentially bind SH3 domains. SH3 domains are generally grouped into two classes, based on whether the PPII binds in a positive (N-to-C terminal) or negative (C-to-N terminal) orientation. Since the discovery of this structural motif, over six decades ago, a systematic understanding of its binding remains poor and the consensus amino acid sequence that binds SH3 domains is still ill defined.

Results

Here, we show that the PPII interaction with SH3 domains is governed by the helix backbone and its prolines, and their rotation angle around the PPII helical axis. Based on a geometric analysis of 131 experimentally solved SH3 domains in complex with PPIIs, we observed a rotary translation along the helical screw axis, and separated them by 120° into three categories we name α (0–120°), β (120–240°) and γ (240–360°). Furthermore, we found that PPII helices are distinguished by a shifting PxxP motif preceded by positively charged residues which act as a structural reading frame and dictates the organization of SH3 domains; however, there is no one single consensus motif for all classified PPIIs. Our results demonstrate a remarkable apparatus of a lock with a rotating and translating key with no known equivalent machinery in molecular biology. We anticipate our model to be a starting point for deciphering the PPII code, which can unlock an exponential growth in our understanding of the relationship between protein structure and function.

Availability and implementation

We have implemented the proposed methods in the R software environment and in an R package freely available at https://github.com/Grantlab/bio3d.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MiTPeptideDB: a proteogenomic resource for the discovery of novel peptides
Authors: Guruceaga Elizabeth , Garin-Muga Alba , Segura Victor
Published: June 2019

Motivation

The principal lines of research in MS/MS based Proteomics have been directed toward the molecular characterization of the proteins including their biological functions and their implications in human diseases. Recent advances in this field have also allowed the first attempts to apply these techniques to the clinical practice. Nowadays, the main progress in Computational Proteomics is based on the integration of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic experimental data, what is known as Proteogenomics. This methodology is being especially useful for the discovery of new clinical biomarkers, small open reading frames and microproteins, although their validation is still challenging.

Results

We detected novel peptides following a proteogenomic workflow based on the MiTranscriptome human assembly and shotgun experiments. The annotation approach generated three custom databases with the corresponding peptides of known and novel transcripts of both protein coding genes and non-coding genes. In addition, we used a peptide detectability filter to improve the computational performance of the proteomic searches, the statistical analysis and the robustness of the results. These innovative additional filters are specially relevant when noisy next generation sequencing experiments are used to generate the databases. This resource, MiTPeptideDB, was validated using 43 cell lines for which RNA-Seq experiments and shotgun experiments were available.

Availability and implementation

MiTPeptideDB is available at http://bit.ly/MiTPeptideDB.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Sexual selection and male-biased size dimorphism in a lineage of lungless salamander (Ampibia: Plethodontidae)
Authors: Camp Carlos D , Soelter Tabea M , Wooten Jessica A
Published: June 2019

Evolutionary biologists have long focused on the patterns and causes of sexual size dimorphism (SSD). While female-biased SSD is common among ectotherms, a few lineages predominately exhibit male-biased SSD. One example is the clade of desmognathans, a monophyletic group of two genera within the Plethodontinae of the lungless salamander family Plethodontidae. Members of these two genera have a unique pattern of SSD: males mature earlier and at smaller sizes than females but reach greater maximum sizes. We used comparative phylogenetic methods to test whether SSD in these salamanders is the result of sexual selection on males. Spatial evolutionary and ecological vicariance analysis indicated a significant divergence in SSD associated with the phylogenetic origin of the desmognathans. Phylogenetic least-squares regression across the two most speciose genera of the subfamily determined a significant relationship between SSD and adult sex ratio. While male desmognathans are not sexually dimorphic in head size, they have a unique head morphology that causes their heads to grow more rapidly as their body size increases as compared with the heads of other salamanders. This pattern of allometric growth combines with a powerful bite force and enlarged premaxillary teeth to create formidable weaponry that probably is more responsive to sexual selection.
Diel schedules of locomotor, reproductive and feeding activity in wild populations of African annual killifish
Authors: ŽáK Jakub , Vrtílek Milan , Reichard Martin
Published: June 2019

Diel patterns of different activities arise from adaptations to periodic cycling of environmental parameters and may involve trade-offs between acquiring benefits and minimizing associated costs. In this study, we provide fundamental baseline data on diel activity of natural populations of Nothobranchius fishes, model organisms in laboratory studies, including links between diurnal rhythms and ageing. Initially, we quantified the diel change in activity in wild populations of three African killifish species (Nothobranchius furzeri, Nothobranchius orthonotus and Nothobranchius pienaari) and compared average activity between sexes. In all species, males were more active than females, probably as a result of their active pursuit of females. Swimming activity peaked at midday. In N. furzeri, the only species occurring at all sites, oocytes were ovulated in the early morning, and most spawning events had occurred by the early afternoon. Gut fullness and diet richness increased before spawning activity and peaked in the morning. Daytime diet was dominated by chironomid larvae, whereas notonectid bugs were the dominant prey at night, perhaps as a result of different prey detectability over the diel cycle. Finally, no loyalty to any particular pool section was detected in N. furzeri. Collectively, these data provide the first empirical description of diel activity in three wild populations of African killifish.
Procalcitonin to Distinguish Viral From Bacterial Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kamat Ishan S , Ramachandran Vignesh , Eswaran Harish , Guffey Danielle , Musher Daniel M
Published: June 2019

Because of the diverse etiologies of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and the limitations of current diagnostic modalities, serum procalcitonin levels have been proposed as a novel tool to guide antibiotic therapy. Outcome data from procalcitonin-guided therapy trials have shown similar mortality, but the essential question is whether the sensitivity and specificity of procalcitonin levels enable the practitioner to distinguish bacterial pneumonia, which requires antibiotic therapy, from viral pneumonia, which does not. In this meta-analysis of 12 studies in 2408 patients with CAP that included etiologic diagnoses and sufficient data to enable analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of serum procalcitonin were 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], .37–.71; I2 = 95.5%) and 0.76 (95% CI, .62–.86; I2 = 94.1%), respectively. Thus, a procalcitonin level is unlikely to provide reliable evidence either to mandate administration of antibiotics or to enable withholding such treatment in patients with CAP.
The assessment of coronary artery disease in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Poli Federica E , Gulsin Gaurav S , McCann Gerry P , Burton James O , Graham-Brown Matthew P
Published: June 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Clustering of traditional atherosclerotic and non-traditional risk factors drive the excess rates of coronary and non-coronary CVD in patients with ESRD. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a key disease process, present in ∼50% of the haemodialysis population ≥65 years of age. Patients with ESRD are more likely to be asymptomatic, posing a challenge to the correct identification of CAD, which is essential for appropriate risk stratification and management. Given the lack of randomized clinical trial evidence in this population, current practice is informed by observational data with a significant potential for bias. For this reason, the most appropriate approach to the investigation of CAD is the subject of considerable discussion, with practice patterns largely varying between different centres. Traditional imaging modalities are limited in their diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value for cardiac events and survival in patients with ESRD, demonstrated by the large number of adverse cardiac outcomes among patients with negative test results. This review focuses on the current understanding of CAD screening in the ESRD population, discussing the available evidence for the use of various imaging techniques to refine risk prediction, with an emphasis on their strengths and limitations.
Draft Genome of the Rice Coral Montipora capitata Obtained from Linked-Read Sequencing
Authors: Helmkampf Martin , Bellinger M Renee , Geib Scott M , Sim Sheina B , Takabayashi Misaki
Published: June 2019

The rice coral, Montipora capitata, is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific and comprises one of the most important reef-building species in the Hawaiian Islands. Here, we describe a de novo assembly of its genome based on a linked-read sequencing approach developed by 10x Genomics. The final draft assembly consisted of 27,870 scaffolds with a N50 size of 186 kb and contained a fairly complete set (81%) of metazoan benchmarking (BUSCO) genes. Based on haploid assembly size (615 Mb) and read k-mer profiles, we estimated the genome size to fall between 600 and 700 Mb, although the high fraction of repetitive sequence introduced considerable uncertainty. Repeat analysis indicated that 42% of the assembly consisted of interspersed, mostly unclassified repeats, and almost 3% tandem repeats. We also identified 36,691 protein-coding genes with a median coding sequence length of 807 bp, together spanning 7% of the assembly. The high repeat content and heterozygosity of the genome proved a challenging scenario for assembly, requiring additional steps to merge haplotypes and resulting in a higher than expected fragmentation at the scaffold level. Despite these challenges, the assembly turned out to be comparable in most quality measures to that of other available coral genomes while being considerably more cost-effective, especially with respect to long-read sequencing methods. Provided high-molecular-weight DNA is available, linked-read technology may thus serve as a valuable alternative capable of providing quality genome assemblies of nonmodel organisms.
Complete Genomes of Symbiotic Cyanobacteria Clarify the Evolution of Vanadium-Nitrogenase
Authors: Nelson Jessica M , Hauser Duncan A , Gudiño José A , Guadalupe Yessenia A , Meeks John C , Salazar Allen Noris , Villarreal Juan Carlos , Li Fay-Wei
Published: June 2019

Plant endosymbiosis with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria has independently evolved in diverse plant lineages, offering a unique window to study the evolution and genetics of plant–microbe interaction. However, very few complete genomes exist for plant cyanobionts, and therefore little is known about their genomic and functional diversity. Here, we present four complete genomes of cyanobacteria isolated from bryophytes. Nanopore long-read sequencing allowed us to obtain circular contigs for all the main chromosomes and most of the plasmids. We found that despite having a low 16S rRNA sequence divergence, the four isolates exhibit considerable genome reorganizations and variation in gene content. Furthermore, three of the four isolates possess genes encoding vanadium (V)-nitrogenase (vnf), which is uncommon among diazotrophs and has not been previously reported in plant cyanobionts. In two cases, the vnf genes were found on plasmids, implying possible plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfers. Comparative genomic analysis of vnf-containing cyanobacteria further identified a conserved gene cluster. Many genes in this cluster have not been functionally characterized and would be promising candidates for future studies to elucidate V-nitrogenase function and regulation.
Physical activity and the built environment: perceptions of policy-makers in Oman
Authors: Mabry Ruth M , Al Siyabi Huda , Kannan Muhssen , Al Siyabi Amal
Published: June 2019

The prevalence of physical activity is low in the Sultanate of Oman. The built environment is a key barrier to physical activity in the region. Our aim is to examine urban planners’ perceptions of the relevance and feasibility of the proposed urban planning and design interventions in the draft WHO technical package on physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 professionals using a pre-tested interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis based on the socio-ecological framework (policy, physical, socio-cultural and information environment) was used to identify the perceived urban design challenges and solutions. Urban sprawl due to haphazard urban and transport design, limited accessibility to parks and sports facilities, negative perceptions about active travel and limited understanding of physical activity were key challenges identified by interviewees. Participants suggested strengthening governance through policy and intersectoral collaboration, improving community design and accessibility to parks, considering the needs of diverse populations and improving knowledge and attitudes of physical activity as priority when adapting the WHO technical package to Oman. Mid-level managers prioritized three interventions from the package: the need for political commitment and capacity building on how the built environment can promote physical activity, a national political on physical activity that promotes a safe infrastructure for active transport, and accessibility to sports and recreational facilities. Negative perceptions of active travel and cultural expectations that constrain mobility requires a society-wide paradigm shift, the first objective of the WHO global action plan.
Robotic resection of a thymoma behind the left innominate vein
Authors: Zhang Hanlu , Zheng Yu , Chen Long-Qi , Wang Yun
Published: June 2019

Anatomical variations of one or both thymic upper poles located behind the left innominate vein (LIV) are found in some patients; however, minimally invasive dissection of ectopic thymic tissues behind the LIV is technically complex. We describe a case of a dumbbell-shaped thymoma behind the LIV. The patient was successfully treated with trans-subxiphoid robot-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy. Both the LIV and tumour capsule were preserved intact. In our opinion, robotic surgery might expand the indications for minimally invasive thymectomy. It can be applied in selected difficult cases and sternotomy can be avoided in some situations.
Associations of individual social capital with subjective well-being and mental health among migrants: a survey from five cities in China
Authors: Zhu Yongkai , Gao Junling , Nie Xin , Dai Junming , Fu Hua
Published: June 2019

Background

We aimed to examine the associations of cognitive and structural social capital with subjective well-being (SWB) and mental health among internal migrants in five cities in China.

Methods

We conducted healthy cities surveys from June 2017 to April 2018. In total, 3038 migrants submitted surveys. Generalized linear regressions for SWB and logistic regressions for mental health were used to examine the associations of social capital, SWB and mental health after controlling for covariates.

Results

The median level of SWB was 75.7 (interquartile range 62.9–85.7). Self-rated health and physical activity were positively associated with SWB. The SWB level among migrants who perceived high individual social cohesion was much higher than that of their counterparts (unstandardized coefficients, β=7.01 [95% confidence interval {CI} 5.82 to 8.21]). The prevalence of poor mental health was 10.0%. High social cohesion (odds ratio [OR] 0.32 [95% CI 0.24 to 0.44]) and high social participation (OR 0.77 [95% CI 0.57 to 0.97]) were significantly associated with a low ratio of poor mental health when compared with their counterparts.

Conclusions

Cognitive social capital is positively associated with SWB, while both cognitive and structural social capitals were negatively associated with poor mental health. It is beneficial to migrants’ mental health and SWB to promote social participation and social cohesion.
‘I treat it but I don’t know what this disease is’: a qualitative study on noma (cancrum oris) and traditional healing in northwest Nigeria
Authors: Farley Elise , Bala Hussaina Muhammad , Lenglet Annick , Mehta Ushma , Abubakar Nura , Samuel Joseph , de Jong Annette , Bil Karla , Oluyide Bukola , Fotso Adolphe , Stringer Beverley , Cuesta Julita Gil , Venables Emilie
Published: June 2019

Background

Noma, a neglected disease mostly affecting children, with a 90% mortality rate if untreated, is an orofacial gangrene that disintegrates the tissues of the face in <1 wk. Noma can become inactive with early stage antibiotic treatment. Traditional healers, known as mai maganin gargajiya in Hausa, play an important role in the health system and provide care to noma patients.

Methods

We conducted 12 in-depth interviews with caretakers who were looking after noma patients admitted at the Noma Children's Hospital and 15 traditional healers in their home villages in Sokoto state, northwest Nigeria. We explored perceptions of noma, relationship dynamics, healthcare practices and intervention opportunities. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed and translated. Manual coding and thematic analysis were utilised.

Results

Traditional healers offered specialised forms of care for specific conditions and referral guidance. They viewed the stages of noma as different conditions with individualised remedies and were willing to refer noma patients. Caretakers trusted traditional healers.

Conclusions

Traditional healers could play a crucial role in the early detection of noma and the health-seeking decision-making process of patients. Intervention programmes should include traditional healers through training and referral partnerships. This collaboration could save lives and reduce the severity of noma complications.
Determination of New Psychoactive Substances in Whole Blood Using Microwave Fast Derivatization and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cláudia Margalho , Pedro Almeida , Tiago Rosado , Francisco Corte Real , Eugenia Gallardo
Published: June 2019

The production and consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has been raising a major concern worldwide. Due to easy access and available information, many NPSs continue to be synthesized with an alarming increase of those available to purchase, despite all the control efforts created. A new analytical method was developed and validated to determine a group of phenethylamines and synthetic cathinones: cathinone, flephedrone, buphedrone, 4-MTA, α-PVP, methylone, 2C-P, ethylone, pentylone, MDPV and bromo-dragonFLY in whole blood. A mixed-mode solid phase extraction was applied to 250 μL of sample, and the extracts were derivatized with fast microwave technique before being analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The validation procedure followed the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX) guidelines with parameters that included selectivity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy, recoveries and stability.

The method presented linearity between 5 and 500 ng/mL for cathinone, buphedrone, 4-MTA, methylone, 2C-P and bromo-dragonFLY, 10–500 ng/mL for flephedrone, ethylone, pentylone and MDPV, and 40–500 ng/mL for α-PVP, with determination coefficients above 0.99 for all analytes. Recoveries ranged between 70.3% and 116.6%, and regarding intra- and inter-day precision, the relative mean errors were typically lower than 8.6%. The method was successfully applied to over 100 authentic samples from the Laboratory of Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology, Centre Branch, of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Portugal.
Wildflower Seed Sales as Incentive for Adopting Flower Strips for Native Bee Conservation: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Authors: Delphia Casey M , O’Neill Kevin M , Burkle Laura A
Published: June 2019

Improving pollinator habitat on farmlands is needed to further wild bee conservation and to sustain crop pollination in light of relationships between global declines in pollinators and reductions in floral resources. One management strategy gaining much attention is the use of wildflower strips planted alongside crops to provide supplemental floral resources for pollinators. However, farmer adoption of pollinator-friendly strategies has been minimal, likely due to uncertainty about costs and benefits of providing non-crop flowering plants for bees. Over 3 yr, on four diversified farms in Montana, United States, we estimated the potential economic profit of harvesting and selling wildflower seeds collected from flower strips implemented for wild bee conservation, as an incentive for farmers to adopt this management practice. We compared the potential profitability of selling small retail seed packets versus bulk wholesale seed. Our economic analyses indicated that potential revenue from retail seed sales exceeded the costs associated with establishing and maintaining wildflower strips after the second growing season. A wholesale approach, in contrast, resulted in considerable net economic losses. We provide proof-of-concept that, under retail scenarios, the sale of native wildflower seeds may provide an alternative economic benefit that, to our knowledge, remains unexplored. The retail seed-sales approach could encourage greater farmer adoption of wildflower strips as a pollinator-conservation strategy in agroecosystems. The approach could also fill a need for regionally produced, native wildflower seed for habitat restoration and landscaping aimed at conserving native plants and pollinators.
Toxicities of Insecticidal Toxic Baits to Control Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae): Implications for Field Management
Authors: Baronio Cléber Antonio , Bernardi Daniel , Schutze Inana Xavier , Baldin Morgana Mattiello , Machota Ruben , Garcia Flávio Roberto Mello , Botton Marcos
Published: June 2019

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is a significant insect pest of fruits produced worldwide and is capable of causing direct and indirect damage to fruit. Chemical control is the most frequently used management strategy, mainly involving organophosphate insecticides. However, the frequent use of this chemical group has resulted in unacceptable chemical residues on fruits. In this study, the toxicity of 18 insecticides was evaluated in adults and larvae of C. capitata in a laboratory. The organophosphate insecticides chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 480BR), phosmet (Imidan 500WP), and malathion (Malathion 1000EC); the spinosyns spinetoram (Delegate 250WG) and spinosad (Tracer); and the pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac 100SC) caused high mortality (>80%) in C. capitata adults in topical application bioassays and by ingestion when mixed with Biofruit 5% food lures. However, the insecticides chlorfenapyr (Pirate), spinetoram and chlorpyrifos produced a significant reduction in larval infestation of the fruits (67, 74, and 84% larval mortality, respectively). Insecticides based on spinosyns, alpha-cypermethrin, and cyantraniliprole are alternatives that can replace organophosphates in the management of C. capitata in the field.
The Myth of Diversification: The Destabilizing Impact of Diversification on Financial Institutions
Authors: Jin Kwon-Yong
Published: June 2019

This article analyses the impact of asset and activity diversification on the stability of major financial institutions. Diversification is typically viewed as a positive element in risk management. However, examining recent examples concerning diversified multinational financial institutions and a theoretical model of failure risk facing them, this article demonstrates that under certain conditions, diversification can actually increase systemic risk. Financial conglomerates can be ‘too big to manage’, they can become too similar to each other and susceptible to coordinated failure, and, most importantly, catastrophic losses in one part of the firm can overwhelm the whole firm. Based on this finding, this article proposes a number of mitigation measures to limit intra-firm spillover and to make the resolution of troubled financial institutions smoother.
A Rare Case of Pseudomyiasis in a Dog by Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Mulieri P R , Patitucci L D , Scolaro A
Published: June 2019

Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), commonly known as black soldier fly is a dipterous species which can produce enteric pseudomyiasis in humans and domestic animals. Veterinary cases of intestinal myiasis caused by H. illucens in dogs have not been reported previously. We present this rare pseudomyiasis (= accidental myiasis) produced by infestation with several larvae of the intestinal tract in a dog inhabiting a city in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Cardiomyopathy in Thalassemia: Quick Review from Cellular Aspects to Diagnosis and Current Treatments
Authors: Ghanavat Majid , Haybar Habib , Pezeshki Seyed Mohammad Sadegh , Shahjahani Mohammad , Jodat Hosein , Elyasi Milad , Saki Najmaldin
Published: June 2019

Background

Cardiomyopathic manifestations induced by continuous blood transfusion are the leading cause of death among patients with thalassemia major (TM). Despite introduction of chelation therapy, heart failure after cardiomyopathic manifestations is still a major threat to patients.

Methods

We performed a search of relevant English-language literature, retrieving publications from the PubMed database and the Google Scholar search engine (2005–2018). We used “thalassemia major”, “cardiomyopathy”, “iron overload”, “cardiac magnetic resonance T2” “chelation therapy”, and “iron burden” as keywords.

Results

The results of the studies we found suggest that cardiac hepcidin is a major regulator of iron homeostasis in cardiac tissue. Unlike previous assumptions, the heart appears to have a limited regeneration capability, originating from a small population of hypoxic cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions

Oxygen levels determine cardiomyocyte gene-expression patterns. Upregulation of cardiac hepcidin in hypoxia preserves cardiomyocytes from forming out of reactive oxygen species catalyzed by free cellular iron in cardiomyocytes. Using the limited regeneration capacity of cardiac cells and gaining further understanding of the cellular aspects of cardiomyopathic manifestations may help health care professionals to develop new therapeutic strategies.
ALMA observations of A0620–00: fresh clues on the nature of quiescent black hole X-ray binary jets
Authors: Gallo Elena , Teague Richard , Plotkin Richard M , Miller-Jones James C A , Russell David M , Dinçer Tolga , Bailyn Charles , Maccarone Thomas J , Markoff Sera , Fender Rob P
Published: June 2019

We report on Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) continuum observations of the black hole X-ray binary A0620–00 at an X-ray luminosity nine orders of magnitude sub-Eddington. The system was significantly detected at 98 GHz (at 44 ± 7 $\mu$Jy) and only marginally at 233 GHz (20 ± 8 $\mu$Jy), about 40 d later. These results suggest either an optically thin sub-mm synchrotron spectrum, or highly variable sub-mm jet emission on month time-scales. Although the latter appears more likely, we note that, at the time of the ALMA observations, A0620–00 was in a somewhat less active optical-IR state than during all published multiwavelength campaigns when a flat-spectrum, partially self-absorbed jet has been suggested to extend from the radio to the mid-IR regime. Either interpretation is viable in the context of an internal shock model, where the jet’s spectral shape and variability are set by the power density spectrum of the shells’ Lorentz factor fluctuations. While strictly simultaneous radio–mm-IR observations are necessary to draw definitive conclusions for A0620–00, the data presented here, in combination with recent radio and sub-mm results from higher luminosity systems, demonstrate that jets from black hole X-ray binaries exhibit a high level of variability – either in flux density or intrinsic spectral shape, or both – across a wide spectrum of Eddington ratios. This is not in contrast with expectations from an internal shock model, where lower jet power systems can be expected to exhibit larger fractional variability owing to an overall decrease in synchrotron absorption.
Possible evolution of the circum-galactic medium around QSOs with QSO age and cosmic time revealed by Ly α haloes
Authors: Momose Rieko , Goto Tomotsugu , Utsumi Yousuke , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Chiang Chia-Ying , Kim Seong-Jin , Kashikawa Nobunari , Shimasaku Kazuhiro , Miyazaki Satoshi
Published: June 2019

We first present new Subaru narrow-band observations of the Ly α halo around the quasi-stellar object (QSO) CFHQ J232908−030158 at z = 6.42, which appears the most luminous and extended halo at z > 5 (LLy α = 9.8 × 1043 erg s−1 within 37 pkpc diameter). Then, combining these measurements with available data in the literature, we find two different evolutions of QSOs’ Ly α haloes. First is a possible short-term evolution with QSO age seen in four z > 6 QSOs. We find the anticorrelation between the Ly α halo scales with QSOs’ infrared (IR) luminosity, with J2329−0301’s halo being the brightest and largest. It indicates that ionizing photons escape more easily out to circum-galactic regions when host galaxies are less dusty. We also find a positive correlation between IR luminosity and black hole mass (MBH). Given MBH as an indicator of QSO age, we propose a hypothesis that a large Ly α halo mainly exists around QSOs in the young phase of their activity due to a small amount of dust. The second is an evolution with cosmic time seen over z ∼ 2–5. We find the increase of surface brightness towards lower redshift with a similar growth rate to that of dark matter haloes (DHs) that evolve to MDH = 1012–1013 M⊙ at z = 2. The extent of Ly α haloes is also found to increase at a rate scaling with the virial radius of growing DHs, $r_\text{vir} \propto M_\text{DH}^{1/3}(1+z)^{-1}$. These increases are consistent with a scenario that the circum-galactic medium around QSOs evolves in mass and size keeping pace with hosting DHs.
3D optical spectroscopic study of NGC 3344 with SITELLE: I. Identification and confirmation of supernova remnants
Authors: Moumen I , Robert C , Devost D , Martin R P , Rousseau-Nepton L , Drissen L , Martin T
Published: June 2019

We present the first optical identification and confirmation of a sample of supernova remnants (SNRs) in the nearby galaxy NGC 3344. Using high spectral and spatial resolution data, obtained with the CFHT imaging Fourier transform spectrograph SITELLE, we identified about 2200 emission line regions, many of which are H ii regions, diffuse ionized gas regions, and also SNRs. Considering the stellar population and diffuse ionized gas background, which are quite important in NGC 3344, we have selected 129 SNR candidates based on four criteria for regions where the emission lines flux ratio [S ii]/H α ≥ 0.4. Emission lines of [O ii] λ3727, H β, [O iii] λλ4959,5007, H α, [N ii] λλ6548,6583, and [S ii] λλ6716,6731 have been measured to study the ionized gas properties of the SNR candidates. We adopted a self-consistent spectroscopic analysis, based on Sabbadin plots and Baldwin, Phillips & Terlevich diagrams, to confirm the shock-heated nature of the ionization mechanism in the candidates sample. With this analysis, we end up with 42 Confirmed SNRs, 45 Probable SNRs, and 42 Less likely SNRs. Using shock models, the confirmed SNRs seem to have a metallicity ranging between Large Magellanic Cloud and 2×solar. We looked for correlations between the size of the confirmed SNRs and their emission lines ratios, their galaxy environment, and their galactocentric distance: We see a trend for a metallicity gradient among the SNR population, along with some evolutionary effects.