bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification and Application of Genetically Encoded Potassium Ion Indicators for Quantification of Potassium Ion Concentrations within Biological Samples
Authors: Bischof H. , Burgstaller S. , Vujic N. , Madl T. , Kratky D. , Graier W. F. , Malli R.
Published: July 2019

Vital cells maintain a steep potassium ion (K+) gradient across the plasma membrane. Intracellular potassium ion concentrations ([K+]) and especially the [K+] within the extracellular matrix are strictly regulated, the latter within a narrow range of ∼3.5 to 5.0 mM. Alterations of the extracellular K+ homeostasis are associated with severe pathological alterations and systemic diseases including hypo‐ or hypertension, heart rate alterations, heart failure, neuronal damage or abnormal skeleton muscle function. In higher eukaryotic organisms, the maintenance of the extracellular [K+] is mainly achieved by the kidney, responsible for K+ excretion and reabsorption. Thus, renal dysfunctions are typically associated with alterations in serum‐ or plasma [K+]. Generally, [K+] quantifications within bodily fluids are performed using ion selective electrodes. However, tracking such alterations in experimental models such as mice features several difficulties, mainly due to the small blood volume of these animals, hampering the repetitive collection of sample volumes required for measurements using ion selective electrodes. We have recently developed highly sensitive, genetically encoded potassium ion indicators, the GEPIIs, applicable for in vitro determinations of [K+]. In addition to the determination of [K+] within bodily fluids, GEPIIs proved suitable for the real‐time visualization of cell viability over time and the exact determination of the number of dead cells. © 2019 The Authors.
Influence of Van der Waals Interactions on the Solvation Energies of Adsorbates at Pt‐Based Electrocatalysts
Authors: Granda‐Marulanda Laura P. , Builes Santiago , Koper Marc T. M. , Calle‐Vallejo Federico
Published: July 2019

Solvation can significantly modify the adsorption energy of species at surfaces, thereby influencing the performance of electrocatalysts and liquid‐phase catalysts. Thus, it is important to understand adsorbate solvation at the nanoscale. Here we evaluate the effect of van der Waals (vdW) interactions described by different approaches on the solvation energy of *OH adsorbed on near‐surface alloys (NSAs) of Pt. Our results show that the studied functionals can be divided into two groups, each with rather similar average *OH solvation energies: (1) PBE and PW91; and (2) vdW functionals, RPBE, PBE‐D3 and RPBE‐D3. On average, *OH solvation energies are less negative by ∼0.14 eV in group (2) compared to (1), and the values for a given alloy can be extrapolated from one functional to another within the same group. Depending on the desired level of accuracy, these concrete observations and our tabulated values can be used to rapidly incorporate solvation into models for electrocatalysis and liquid‐phase catalysis.
Radio resource allocation using genetic algorithm in heterogeneous networks
Authors: Kao Shang‐Juh , Hsiao Kuo‐Chan , Chang Fu‐Min
Published: July 2019

Radio resource management to enable user association and resource block (RB) allocation is crucial for enhancing the performance of heterogeneous networks (HetNets), which are required for fifth generation (5G) mobile networks. This paper proposed a resource allocation technique based on a genetic algorithm (GA) for use in HetNets. We aimed to optimize user association and RB allocation simultaneously to fulfill multiple objectives, such as throughput and fairness measure. In addition to the four primary phases used in GA process, namely initialization, crossover, mutation, and selection, a further operator was provided for managing illegal offspring generated during a GA process. We performed a simulation to compare the proposed GA‐based approach with best channel quality indicator (CQI) algorithm and integer linear programming (ILP) approach in terms of total throughput and fairness measure. The simulation results revealed that the total throughput obtained using the proposed approach is 32.7% and 37.6% better than that obtained using the ILP and best CQI approaches, respectively. Moreover, the fairness measure obtained using the proposed GA‐based approach was 31.8% and 33.2% higher than that obtained using ILP and best CQI approaches, respectively.
Estimating offsets for avian displacement effects of anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Shaffer Jill A. , Loesch Charles R. , Buhl Deborah A.
Published: July 2019

Biodiversity offsetting, or compensatory mitigation, is increasingly being used in temperate grassland ecosystems to compensate for unavoidable environmental damage from anthropogenic developments such as transportation infrastructure, urbanization, and energy development. Pursuit of energy independence in the United States will expand domestic energy production. Concurrent with this increased growth is increased disruption to wildlife habitats, including avian displacement from suitable breeding habitat. Recent studies at energy‐extraction and energy‐generation facilities have provided evidence for behavioral avoidance and thus reduced use of habitat by breeding waterfowl and grassland birds in the vicinity of energy infrastructure. To quantify and compensate for this loss in value of avian breeding habitat, it is necessary to determine a biologically based currency so that the sufficiency of offsets in terms of biological equivalent value can be obtained. We describe a method for quantifying the amount of habitat needed to provide equivalent biological value for avifauna displaced by energy and transportation infrastructure, based on the ability to define five metrics: impact distance, impact area, pre‐impact density, percent displacement, and offset density. We calculate percent displacement values for breeding waterfowl and grassland birds and demonstrate the applicability of our avian‐impact offset method using examples for wind and oil infrastructure. We also apply our method to an example in which the biological value of the offset habitat is similar to the impacted habitat, based on similarity in habitat type (e.g., native prairie), geographical location, land use, and landscape composition, as well as to an example in which the biological value of the offset habitat is dissimilar to the impacted habitat. We provide a worksheet that informs potential users how to apply our method to their specific developments and a framework for developing decision‐support tools aimed at achieving landscape‐level conservation goals.
The effect of oral essential amino acids on incretin hormone production in youth and ageing
Authors: Abdulla Haitham , Bass Joseph J. , Stokes Tanner , Gorissen Stefan H. M. , McGlory Chris , Phillips Bethan E. , Phillips Stuart M. , Smith Kenneth , Idris Iskandar , Atherton Philip J.
Published: July 2019

Background

The effect of substantive doses of essential amino acids (EAA) on incretin and insulin production, and the impact of age upon this effect, is ill‐defined.

Methods

A 15‐g oral EAA drink was administered to young (N = 8; 26 ± 4.4 years) and older (N = 8; 69 ± 3.8 years) healthy volunteers. Another group of younger volunteers (N = 9; 21 ± 1.9 years) was given IV infusions to achieve equivalent plasma amino acids (AA) profiles. Plasma AA, insulin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) were quantified over 2 hours.

Results

In younger recruits, EAA‐induced rapid insulinaemia and aminoacidaemia with total amino acids(AA), EAA and branched chain amino acids (BCAA) matched between oral and IV groups. Insulin peaked at 39 ± 29 pmol L−1 at 30 minutes following oral feeding compared to 22 ± 9 pmol L−1 at 60 minutes following IV feeding (P: NS). EAA peaked at 3395 μmol L−1 at 45 minutes during IV infusion compared to 2892 μmol L−1 following oral intake (Feeding effect: P < 0.0001. Oral vs IV feeding: P: NS). There was an 11% greater increase in insulin levels in the 120 minutes duration of the study in response to oral EAA as opposed to IV EAA. GIP increased following oral EAA (452 pmol L−1 vs 232 pmol L−1, P < 0.05). Age did not impact insulin or incretins production.

Conclusion

Postprandial rises in EAA levels lead to rapid insulinaemia which is higher with oral compared with IV EAA, that is attributed more to GIP and unaffected by age. This finding supports EAA, on their own or as part of high‐protein meal, as nutritive therapeutics in impaired glycaemia and ageing.
CeMo2B5: A New Type of Arrangement of Puckered Boron Hexagonal Rings
Authors: Flipo Sever , Kohout Miroslav , Roth Friedrich , Weigel Tina , Schnelle Walter , Bobnar Matej , Ormeci Alim , Burkhardt Ulrich , Hennig Christoph , Leisegang Tilmann , Meyer Dirk‐Carl , Leithe‐Jasper Andreas , Gumeniuk Roman
Published: July 2019

REMo2B5(RE= Ce, Pr, Nd) and CeW2B5have been synthesized by arc melting with further annealing at 1300 °C. CeMo2B5crystallizes in a new structure type with space groupPnma, a= 11.0298(2) Å,b= 3.12080(5) Å,c= 9.9594(2) Å,Z= 4. Its structural arrangement reveals puckered [B6]‐hexagonal rings, trigonal‐prismatic‐ and empty pyramidal‐tetrahedral‐slabs. The structure can be related to the derivatives of AlB2and CrB prototypes. The boron atoms form a two‐dimensional network of corrugated ribbons, each composed of four edge‐linked [B6] rings infinitely extending along theb‐axis. CeMo2B5is a Pauli paramagnet. Electrical transport measurements together with the calculated density of states at the Fermi level of 3.81 states eV–1f.u.–1indicate CeMo2B5to be a typical metallic system. Electronic structure calculations reveal significant hybridization of Ce 4f5dstates with Mo 4dstates. The chemical bonding scenario is dominated by chains of [Ce2Mo2] clusters with multi‐center bonds. These clusters are connected via metallic Mo–Mo bonds. This metal‐framework, in turn, is stabilized by bonding interactions with the boron ribbons to which it donates electrons.
Three Fluorinated Trityl Alcohols and their Lithium Salts – Synthesis, Molecular Structures, and Acidity
Authors: Kögel Julius F. , Lork Enno , Lõkov Märt , Parman Elisabeth , Leito Ivo , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Beckmann Jens
Published: July 2019

The fluorinated trityl alcohols (C6F5)3COH, (C6H2F3)3COH and (C6(CF3)2H3)3COH were prepared in good to excellent yields by one‐step procedures. These alcohols and their lithium salts were fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and XRD analysis. The molecular structures reveal that the differences in the fluorination patterns result in a divergent coordination behavior in their lithium salts. Experimental and computational studies concerning the acidity show similar electron withdrawing character of the substituents and disclose acidity properties in the range of phenols.
Diels‐Alder Cycloaddition of C60 with Photochemically Generated Hydroxy to o‐quinodimethanes Governed by Steric Factors: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Roubelakis Manolis M. , Malliaros Nikitas G. , Orfanopoulos Michael
Published: July 2019

Photoexcited o‐alkyl‐substituted benzaldehydes add to C60through their photoenol reactive intermediates producing stable [4 + 2] fullerene adducts. A mechanistic approach for this reactivity of C60 is provided, based mainly on intra‐ and intermolecular kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) studies. It is demonstrated that the rotation of Caromatic–Ccarbonyl single bond in the excited triplet state of o‐alkyl carbonyl compounds, is the rate‐determining step (rds), whereas C‐H(D) bond scission during the photoenolization step, occurs relatively fast.
Room Temperature Reversible Z→E Photoisomerization of Azobenzene Appended to Anthraquinone‐Benzimidazole Based Photoswitches with Resolved n→π* Absorption Band
Authors: Phapale Daulat , Kushwaha Archana , Das Dipanwita
Published: July 2019

Light‐triggered substituted azobenzene‐based molecular switches are well known for their potential applications as molecular machines. The Z‐isomer stability affected by heteroaromatic groups, extended aromaticity, different substituents, and varying the solvents based on their polarity. In this regards, five different anthraquinone/imidazole‐based azobenzene derivatives have been synthesized with different electronic push/pull substituents. The detailed study of photoswitching processes with kinetic data was appraised by using UV/Vis and 1H‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. The investigation of light‐induced hydroxyl group conversion to quinone‐hydrazone tautomerization has been observed during the isomerization. Most importantly, intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction between tautomeric form and a higher polar solvent (DMSO) block the isomerization, but in a less polar solvent (DCM), light‐induced trans ↔ cis isomerization takes place by tautomerization pathway with well‐separated π→π* and n→π* transitions. Further, the detailed mechanistic study of solvent‐assisted light‐induced tautomerization with the role of hydrogen bonding and the following WRITE‐READ‐ERASE‐READ system have been derived by using molecular logic gates.
Simultaneous Determination of Rosmarinic Acid and Protocatechuic Acid at Poly(o‐Phenylenediamine)/Pt Nanoparticles Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Özdokur Kemal Volkan , Koçak Çağrı Ceylan
Published: July 2019

A system of Pt nanoparticles and poly(ortho‐phenylenediamine) film electrochemically deposited onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE/PoPD/Pt) was fabricated. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy techniques were used to identify the surface characteristics of the composite electrode. The conductive polymers and Pt nanoparticles together resulted in a synergistic effect, and the new formed surface was highly active against polyphenolic structures. Rosmarinic acid (RA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) are phenolic compounds found in plants, and they are used in many applications, particularly as pharmaceuticals. The GCE/PoPD/Pt was used for the simultaneous determination of RA and PCA in a pH 2.0 H2SO4 solution for the first time. The RA and PCA concentrations were determined using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry. By the amperometry measurement, for RA and PCA, a linear relation was observed in the concentration ranges of 1–55 μmol L−1 and 1–60 μmol L−1, with detection limits of 0.5 μmol L−1 and 0.6 μmol L−1, respectively. In the simultaneous determination with DPV, the detection limits for both RA and PCA were calculated as 0.7 μmol L−1. The GCE/PoPD/Pt was successfully used for the simultaneous determination of RA and PCA in a real sample, and its accuracy was verified by high‐performance liquid chromatography studies.
Drivers of island beach evolution: insights from an island‐scale study at Boa Vista (Cabo Verde)
Authors: Gomes Cesária , Silva Ana Nobre , Taborda Rui , Santos Filipe , Rebelo Luís , Medina Aníbal
Published: July 2019

Beach erosion poses significant threat to small island economies which are generally highly dependent on coastal tourism. This work investigates the evolution of the low‐lying sandy coast of Boa Vista through an integrated characterization of coastline and shoreline indicators (over the past four decades) based on aerial imagery. It was found that tandem use of the two indicators was important to obtain a reliable perspective of the Boa Vista low‐lying coastal evolution across a wide range of coastal environments. Results indicate that between 1968 and 2010 the coast was relatively stable, although some spatial variability was recognized. The largest changes were observed at the tips of embayed beaches and a clear coastal progradation was found at the southern (downwind) coastal sectors. Coastal evolution has been dominated by sediment budget and the results put in evidence the sedimentary connections between the beaches across the island, either through bypass and overpass processes. Findings show that understanding coastal evolution at low‐lying islands should be supported on island‐scale observations, being the only scale capable to capture the sedimentary connections between beach systems, that often control coastal evolution. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detrital zircon record of Cambrian (meta‐)sedimentary strata in the western part of the Baoshan Block: Constraints on its eastern boundary and Early Palaeozoic palaeoposition
Authors: Xu Benyan , Li Dapeng , Kang Huan , Song Lijun , Chen Yuelong , Zhang Yulong , Geng Jianzhen
Published: July 2019

The premise to discuss the evolution of an orogenic belt is to understand the origins and tectonic affinities of various blocks that constitute the orogen. The Baoshan Block in the SE Tibetan Plateau is an ultimate window to observe the orogenic evolution, but its origin and eastern boundary remains debated. In this contribution, we report new detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data from the Cambrian Baoshan Formation in the middle–western part of the Baoshan Block. Detrital zircon ages range from the Archean to Early Palaeozoic, with age peaks at ~2.5, ~0.95, and ~0.55 Ga. Zircon εHf(t) values exhibit a wide range from negative to positive for each of the three major age groups, indicating diverse magma sources. The eastern boundary for the Baoshan Block should be extended from the Kejie‐Nandinghe Fault to the Changning‐Menglian suture belt, based on not only comparisons of Early Palaeozoic magmatism, sedimentary facies, and provenances for the Palaeozoic strata that developed on both sides of the Kejie‐Nandinghe Fault but also on the regional tectonic framework correlation. The Baoshan Block should be along the Indian margin as the Qiangtang, Tengchong, and Simao‐Indochina blocks in Early Palaeozoic according to the provenance analyses.
Palaeoenvironmental changes in slope carbonates across the Late Cambrian–Early Ordovician in western Newfoundland
Authors: Wang Luyi , Azmy Karem
Published: July 2019

The Martin Point section (western Newfoundland, Canada) spans the uppermost Cambrian Broom Point and Martin Point members of the Green Point Formation (upper Furongian). The investigated interval (~90 m) consists of rhythmites of thinly‐bedded marine carbonates (lime mudstones) alternating with green and black shale and thin conglomerate beds. Samples were extracted from the micritic carbonates, and their preservation was evaluated by multiple petrographic and geochemical examinations. The δ13Corg profile exhibits a positive shift (~2‰) associated with the globally well‐documented negative δ13Ccarb HERB (Hellnmaria–Red Tops boundary) excursion and correlated with similar distinct shifts in the Al, Si, and ∑REE components, thus suggesting contributions from detrital organic matter relatively depleted in 12C induced likely by a eustatic sea‐level drop and enhancement of terrigenous inputs. Similarly, the δ15Norg variations are consistent with the proposed sea‐level drop. This is also correlated with positive shifts on the Fe and Mn profiles reflecting the overprint of terrigenous inputs rather than redox conditions.
Kazakhstan Orocline bending in response to seamounts subduction
Authors: Yang Gaoxue
Published: July 2019

Oroclines are map‐view deformation of Earth's crust resulting from bending of quasi‐linear elements. The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is one of the largest and long‐lived accretionary orogens in the world and mainly consists of the Kazakhstan and Tuva–Mongolian oroclines. However, the mechanism of the oroclines is still in debate. Therefore, in this paper, we combine some investigation of high bathymetric relief resistance to subduction, review oroclinal bending models of the Kazakhstan Orocline, and propose a tentative model that involves asymmetric rollback in response to seamounts subduction and accretion, followed by bending associated with the convergence of the Siberian and Tarim cratons. Moreover, the role of pinning due to seamount and ridge subduction is probably more important than the convergence of continents in the CAOB. This model is compatible with the occurrence of seamounts, the spatial migration of intra‐oceanic arcs, and the development of multiple rollback processes during amalgamation of Eurasia. However, only geochemical and geochronological data will enable definition of the seamounts in CAOB so far, without much matching structural data. So we need more work to understand seamounts subduction and accretion as well as orocline bending in CAOB.
Validation study of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale for people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in Chinese communities
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Cheng Zaohuo , Li Zemei , Jiang Yan , Zhao Jinfa , Wu Yue , Gu Shouquan , Xu Hong
Published: July 2019

Objective

Our study aimed to verify the validity of the Chinese version of Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale (ADAS‐Cog) for the community‐dwelling older people in China.

Methods

A total of 1276 individuals composed by 628 normal controls (NCs), 572 people living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 76 people living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) were recruited for the current study. All of the participants underwent ADAS‐Cog, clinical interview and examination, Quick Cognitive Screening Scale for the Elderly, and Activities of Daily Living Scale. The sensitivity and specificity of ADAS‐Cog were calculated, and a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to decide the optimal cutoff points of ADAS‐Cog for screening MCI and AD.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups (P <. 001, NC < MCI <AD), in terms of the total and subtask scores of ADAS‐Cog. The optimal cutoff value for MCI was 10 points with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.824, sensitivity of 61.4%, and specificity of 93.2%. Comparatively, the best cutoff value for AD was 15 points with an AUC of 0.905, sensitivity of 73.7%, and specificity of 92.4%. The overall accuracy was 70.5%, and the accuracy of diagnosing cognitively healthy older people, MCI patients, and AD patients was 81.7%, 58.0%, and 71.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

The present study illustrates that the Chinese version of the ADAS‐Cog total score is able to detect cognitive impairment of AD patients in Chinese communities but has a lower efficacy for MCI.
Superficial temporal vessels, both anterograde and retrograde limbs, are viable recipient vessels for recurrent head and neck reconstruction in patients with frozen neck
Authors: Sudirman Siti Radhziah , Shih Hsiang‐Shun , Chen Jill Chia‐Jung , Feng Kuan‐Ming , Jeng Seng‐Feng
Published: July 2019

Background

Reconstruction of recurrent head and neck malignancy especially in the presence of a frozen neck is challenging. The superficial temporal vessels would be ideal as recipient vessels because they lie out of the previous surgical and radiation field.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case‐control study based on our database between January 2013 and June 2016. A total of 581 primary cases were selected as controls. The 60 test group patients had (a) recurrent head and neck reconstruction, (b) previous surgery and irradiation, (c) frozen neck, and (d) superficial temporal vessels as recipients.

Results

There was no significant difference between vascular compromise rates of superficial temporal vessels (anterograde and retrograde limbs) and controls (P > .05). Flap success rate of the test and control group is comparable, 95% vs 98% respectively.

Conclusion

Superficial temporal vessels, both anterograde and retrograde, should be the first consideration for recurrent intraoral, facial, and scalp reconstruction with frozen necks.
Exergy efficiency analysis of a shell and tube heat exchanger condenser based on its different design parameters
Authors: Fakhrolmobasheri Navid , Rostami Mohsen
Published: July 2019

This paper evaluates the optimum coolant temperature considering the exergy loss in a shell and tube condenser in which vapor is at its saturated temperature. First, exergy loss was formulated mathematically and then presented as a function of operating temperatures and optimum coolant and steam mass flow rates. The optimization problem was defined by full condensation of vapor in a condenser and solved by a sequential quadratic programming method. The optimization results were obtained for an industrial condenser for two condensate temperatures of 46°C and 54°C. When the upstream steam mass flow rate increased, the optimum coolant temperature and the exergy efficiency decreased, and the exergy loss also increased simultaneously. The results showed higher values for the higher condensate temperature of 54°C compared with that for 46°C. For instance, if the condensate temperature increases from 46°C to 54°C, the coolant temperature will be increased from 16.76°C to 25.17°C. In addition, by assuming the ambient temperature of 15°C, the exergy loss will be decreased from 172.5 to 164.6 kW. A linear relationship was also shown between the exergy efficiency and the dimensionless temperature, which is presented as a ratio of the temperature difference rate between inlet cooling water and ambient temperatures to the temperature difference rate of condensate and ambient temperatures.
Magnetohydrodynamics slip flow of a nanofluid through an oscillatory disk under porous medium supremacy
Authors: Rauf Amar , Abbas Zaheer , Shehzad Sabir Ali
Published: July 2019

Unsteady, three‐dimensional, hydromagnetic, nanofluid flow via a circular disk in porous medium is considered. The fluid motion is subject to disk rotation and time‐based sinusoidal oscillations. The flow problem is normalized via similarity variables. Partial slip boundary conditions on velocity, concentration, and temperature are considered. A well‐established numerical technique (successive over relaxation method) is used for the time‐based flow problem. Results are discussed for both the time‐based and linearly rotating disk case. Graphical representations for one, two, and three dimensions are sketched. The results are also discussed through tabular forms.
Distinct kratom user populations across the United States: A regional analysis based on an online survey
Authors: Nicewonder Jessica A. , Buros Amy F. , Veltri Charles A. , Grundmann Oliver
Published: July 2019

Objective

Kratom preparations have raised concerns of public health and safety in the United States. This paper analyzed the patterns and predictors of kratom use by four U.S. regions according to the U.S. Census.

Method

An anonymous cross‐sectional online survey yielded 8,049 valid responses. The data were categorised by regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, and West) and analyzed for the following predictors: age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, employment status, insurance coverage, education, and household income.

Results

After adjusting for state population, the survey response rates were highest from Oregon, Idaho, and Florida. Kratom use was significantly lower for both prescription drug dependency and acute or chronic pain in the Northeast region than the rest of the country. Multiple logistic regression models found that gender, employment, and education were significant on the regional level. Higher education was associated with lower kratom use for an illicit drug dependency (p = .002) independent of region whereas men were less likely to use kratom for acute or chronic pain in the Northeast (p < .001) but more likely in the Midwest (p = .041).

Conclusions

The regional pattern of kratom use differed from opioid use data in both demographics and trend direction warranting further investigation.
Neural network based non‐invasive method to detect anemia from images of eye conjunctiva
Authors: Jain Prakhar , Bauskar Shubham , Gyanchandani Manasi
Published: July 2019

Detection of anemia can be done by examining the hemoglobin concentration level in the blood using complete blood count, which is an invasive, time‐consuming, and costly technique. Preliminary methods for detecting anemia include examining the color of the palpebral conjunctiva, which is a non‐invasive method, but color perception may vary from person to person. This study aims to develop a computerized non‐invasive technique for anemia detection. We propose a novel machine learning model using the artificial neural network to detect anemic patients from the images of eye conjunctiva. Since limited and small dataset has been used in the earlier approaches, this may cause over fitting of the model. We have improved the number of available training images using image augmentation techniques. To standardize a non‐invasive method, we have used computer vision algorithms for preprocessing and feature extraction. This article derives the backpropagation rules mathematically for adjusting the weights for the proposed neural network model. After hyper parameter tuning and using the mathematically derived backpropagation rules, the model was able to achieve the best accuracy of 97.00% with sensitivity 99.21% and specificity 95.42% on the created dataset.
Evaluation of a trial‐based interview‐informed synthesized contingency analysis
Authors: Curtis Kaitlin S. , Forck Kara L. , Boyle Megan A. , Fudge Brittany M. , Speake Heather N. , Pauls Benjamin P.
Published: July 2019

We evaluated the viability of an interview‐informed synthesized‐contingency analysis (IISCA) conducted in a trial‐based format with 3 children with autism spectrum disorders who engaged in problem behavior. We compared results to those from typical trial‐based and traditional functional analyses and found high degrees of correspondence. The trial‐based IISCA format took the least amount of time to conduct and was associated with the lowest frequencies of problem behavior. Results are discussed in terms of merits of each of the 3 types of functional analysis arrangements and directions for future research.
Women With Pregnancy and Lactation–Associated Osteoporosis (PLO) Have Low Bone Remodeling Rates at the Tissue Level
Authors: Cohen Adi , Kamanda-Kosseh Mafo , Dempster David W , Zhou Hua , Müller Ralph , Goff Elliott , Colon Ivelisse , Bucovsky Mariana , Stubby Julie , Nickolas Thomas L , Stein Emily M , Recker Robert R , Lappe Joan M , Shane Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Pregnancy and lactation–associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare, severe, early form of osteoporosis in which young women present with fractures, usually multiple vertebral fractures, during late pregnancy or lactation. In studies of idiopathic osteoporosis (IOP) in premenopausal women, we enrolled 78 women with low-trauma fractures and 40 healthy controls, all with normal menses and no secondary cause of bone loss. In 15 of the affected women, the PLO subgroup, fractures had occurred during late pregnancy or lactation. We hypothesized that clinical, bone structural, and metabolic characteristics would differ between women with PLO and those with (non-PLO) IOP and controls. All were evaluated > 12 months postpartum, when structural and remodeling characteristics would be expected to reflect baseline premenopausal status rather than transient postpartum changes. As previously reported, affected subjects (PLO and IOP) had BMD and microarchitectural deficiencies compared to controls. Women with PLO did not differ from those with IOP in terms of age, BMI, body fat, menarcheal age, parity, or age at first pregnancy. However, women with PLO had a more severe clinical presentation than those with IOP: more fractures (5.5 ± 3.3 versus 2.6 ± 2.1; p = 0.005); more vertebral fractures (80% versus 17%; p < 0.001); and higher prevalence of multiple fractures. BMD deficits were more profound and cortical width tended to be lower in PLO. PLO subjects also had significantly lower tissue-level mineral apposition rate and bone formation rates (0.005 ± 0.005 versus 0.011 ± 0.010 mm2/mm/year; p = 0.006), as well as lower serum P1NP (33 ± 12 versus 44 ± 18 µg/L; p = 0.02) and CTX (257 ± 102 versus 355 ± 193 pg/mL; p = 0.01) than IOP. The finding that women with PLO have a low bone remodeling state assessed more than a year postpartum increases our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of PLO. We conclude that women with PLO may have underlying osteoblast functional deficits which could affect their therapeutic response to osteoanabolic medications. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Long noncoding RNA FOXD2‐AS1 promotes glioma cell cycle progression and proliferation through the FOXD2‐AS1/miR‐31/CDK1 pathway
Authors: Wang Jin , Li Bingqiang , Wang Cunzu , Luo Yu , Zhao Mengmeng , Chen Pin
Published: July 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are vital mediators involved in cancer progression. Previous studies confirmed that FOXD2 adjacent opposite strand RNA 1 (FOXD2‐AS1) is upregulated in tumor diseases. The potential influence of FOXD2‐AS1 in glioma progression, however, remains unknown. In this paper, FOXD2‐AS1 was found to be upregulated in glioma tissues. Its level was linked with glioma stage. Moreover, glioma patients expressing high level of FOXD2‐AS1 suffered worse prognosis. Biological functions of FOXD2‐AS1 in glioma cells were analyzed through integrative bioinformatics and TCGA RNA sequencing data analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis uncovered that FOXD2‐AS1 was mainly linked with cell cycle regulation in both low‐grade glioma and glioblastoma. Further experiments demonstrated that silence of FOXD2‐AS1 inhibited proliferation, arrested cell cycle and downregulated cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) in human glioma cells. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed that FOXD2‐AS1 upregulated CDK1 by sponging miR‐31. Rescue assays were performed and confirmed the regulatory loop FOXD2‐AS1/miR‐31/CDK1 in glioma. Collectively, our results indicated that the FOXD2‐AS1/miR‐31/CDK1 axis influenced glioma progression, providing a potential new target for glioma patients.
p116Rip promotes myosin phosphatase activity in airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Komatsu Satoshi , Wang Lu , Seow Chun Y. , Ikebe Mitsuo
Published: July 2019

Myosin phosphatase‐Rho interacting protein (p116Rip) was originally found as a RhoA‐binding protein. Subsequent studies by us and others revealed that p116Rip facilitates myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activity through direct and indirect manners. However, it is unclear how p116Rip regulates myosin phosphatase activity in cells. To elucidate the role of p116Rip in cellular contractile processes, we suppressed the expression of p116Rip by RNA interference in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). We found that knockdown of p116Rip in HASMCs led to increased di‐phosphorylated MLC (pMLC), that is phosphorylation at both Ser19 and Thr18. This was because of a change in the interaction between MLCP and myosin, but not an alteration of RhoA/ROCK signaling. Attenuation of Zipper‐interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) abolished the increase in di‐pMLC, suggesting that ZIPK is involved in this process. Moreover, suppression of p116Rip expression in HASMCs substantially increased the histamine‐induced collagen gel contraction. We also found that expression of the p116Rip was decreased in the airway smooth muscle tissue from asthmatic patients compared with that from non‐asthmatic patients, suggesting a potential role of p116Rip expression in asthma pathogenesis.
In silico evidence of high frequency of miRNA‐related SNPs in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rafieenia Fatemeh , Abbaszadegan Mohammad Reza , Poursheikhani Arash , Razavi Seyedeh Mahya Shariat , Jebelli Amir , Molaei Fatemeh , Aghaee‐Bakhtiari Seyed Hamid
Published: July 2019

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the dominant histological type of esophageal cancer significantly reported in developing nations. There is an increasing evidence suggesting that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the untranslated regions of genes (3′‐UTRs) targeted by microRNAs (miRNAs) can change the target gene's expression and thereby affect the individual's cancer risk. Thus, in support of the role of SNPs occurring in miRNA target sites (miR‐TS‐SNPs) in the cancer, we analyzed the next generation sequencing data of 10 ESCC patients. In each patient, about 3,000 SNPs in 3′‐UTRs were obtained in their whole‐exome sequencing profiles. We applied two separate methods, manual and computational in silico approaches, to predict the miR‐TS‐SNPs with more effects on the miRNA–target interactions. dbSNP, 1000G, ExAC, Iranome, miRandb, miRCancer, TargetScan, Human, miRNASNP2 and miRBase databases were used for positive selection of miR‐TS‐SNPs and DIANA‐miRPath v3.0 for pathway analysis. We identified six rare germline miR‐TS‐SNPs and two other ones with unknown miR‐TS‐SNPs. We interestingly observed all of these variants in only one patient, which can be evidence of the relationship between miR‐TS‐SNPs and cancer incidence. The study of cancer genetics including miR‐TS‐SNPs reveals miRNAs and their related pathways, which will be greatly useful in cancer research from noninvasive biomarkers to new treatments.
Inhibition of breast cancer growth via miR‐7 suppressing ALDH1A3 activity concomitant with decreasing breast cancer stem cell subpopulation
Authors: Pan Meng , Li Miao , You Chengzhong , Zhao Fengshu , Guo Mei , Xu Hui , Li Luoyang , Wang Ling , Dou Jun
Published: July 2019

Breast cancer patients with high expression of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) cell population have higher tolerability to chemotherapy since the cells posses a characteristic of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) that are resistant to conventional chemotherapy. In this study, we found that the ALDH‐positive cells were higher in CD44+CD24− and CD44+CD24−ESA+BCSCs than that in both BT549 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines but microRNA‐7 (miR‐7) level was lower in CD44+CD24− and CD44+CD24−ESA+BCSCs than that in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Moreover, miR‐7 overexpression in MDA‐MB‐231 cells decreased ALDH1A3 activity by miR‐7 directly binding to the 3′‐untranslated region of ALDH1A3; while the ALDH1A3 expression was downregulated in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, the expressions of CD44 and Epithelium Specific Antigen (ESA) were reduced along with decreasing the BCSC subpopulation. Significantly, enforced expression of miR‐7 in CD44+CD24−ESA+BCSC markedly inhibited the BCSC‐driven xenograft growth in mice by decreasing an expression of ALDH1A3. Collectively, the findings demonstrate the miR‐7 inhibits breast cancer growth via suppressing ALDH1A3 activity concomitant with decreasing BCSC subpopulation. This approach may be considered for an investigation on clinical treatment of breast cancers.
CSE1L silence inhibits the growth and metastasis in gastric cancer by repressing GPNMB via positively regulating transcription factor MITF
Authors: Li Yijun , Yuan Shanshan , Liu Jiaming , Wang Yu , Zhang Yanting , Chen Xiaolu , Si Wangli
Published: July 2019

Human chromosomal segregation 1‐like (CSE1L) gene functions as a key molecular mediator in cellular proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. The association of CSE1L with tumor progression has been reported in diverse human cancers. A greater understanding of CSE1L molecular mechanism is beneficial for cancer treatment. In the current study, we show that CSE1L was highly expressed in gastric cancer (GC) cell lines. CSE1L silence promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. Overexpression of glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) reversed the anticancer effect of CSE1L inhibition. CSE1L inhibition decreased GPNMB by microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF). Moreover, GPNMB regulates the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Taken together, our study revealed that CSE1L inhibition decreased MITF and suppressed GPNMB expression, thereby activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathway, ultimately inhibiting the tumor growth and metastasis in GC.
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting review part 2: Technique and directions
Authors: McGivney Debra F. , Boyacıoğlu Rasim , Jiang Yun , Poorman Megan E. , Seiberlich Nicole , Gulani Vikas , Keenan Kathryn E. , Griswold Mark A. , Ma Dan
Published: July 2019

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a general framework to quantify multiple MR‐sensitive tissue properties with a single acquisition. There have been numerous advances in MRF in the years since its inception. In this work we highlight some of the recent technical developments in MRF, focusing on sequence optimization, modifications for reconstruction and pattern matching, new methods for partial volume analysis, and applications of machine and deep learning.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:993–1007.
A comparison of stereotactic and tomosynthesis‐guided localisation of impalpable breast lesions
Authors: Madeley Carolyn , Kessell Meredith , Madeley Chris , Taylor Donna
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Impalpable breast cancers require precise pre‐operative lesion localisation to minimise re‐excision rates. Conventional techniques include hookwire insertion using stereotactic guidance. Newer techniques include the use of tomosynthesis guidance and the use of iodine‐125 seeds. This study compares the accuracy of lesion localisation with hookwire or seed insertion using prone stereotactic or upright tomosynthesis guidance.

Methods

This registered quality improvement activity did not require formal ethics approval. The post‐localisation images for 116 lesions were reviewed. The distance from the lesion or breast biopsy marker to the hookwire or seed was measured on post‐insertion mammograms. The relative placement accuracy of hookwire or seed using prone stereotactic or upright tomosynthesis guidance was compared. A lesion to seed or wire distance > 10 mm was considered technically unsatisfactory.

Results

94.8% of the seeds and wires inserted via prone stereotactic guidance were accurately placed, compared with 89.6% of those inserted via upright tomosynthesis. There were twice as many technically unsatisfactory insertions under upright tomosynthesis guidance. The majority of the unsatisfactory insertions using upright tomosynthesis occurred when the lesion was at or below the level of the nipple and the insertion was performed craniocaudally.

Conclusion

The degree of accuracy of pre‐operative localisation of impalpable breast lesions is significantly higher with the use of prone stereotactic rather than upright tomosynthesis guidance. This was most evident with the placement of I‐125 seeds, and in cases where the target lesion was located below the level of the nipple.
Hepatotoxicity and virological breakthrough of HCV following treatment with sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, and ribavirin in patients previously treated for tuberculosis
Authors: Wahid Braira
Published: July 2019

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus/tuberculosis (HCV/TB) coinfection has not been estimated globally but few studies highlight the risk of hepatotoxicity following TB treatment or HCV treatment. Previously reported data highlights the risk of drug‐induced hepatotoxicity associated with three of the first‐line anti‐TB agents: rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide specifically in patients coinfected with HIV and HCV. Thus far, direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) drug‐induced hepatotoxicity has not been reported in the literature but herein, we observed an unusual case of HCV virological breakthrough and hepatoxicity during treatment with DAA drugs in a patient who has previously been successfully treated for TB.
Characterization of SE‐P3, P16, P37, and P47 bacteriophages infecting Salmonella Enteritidis
Authors: Yildirim Zeliha , Sakin Tuba , Akçelik Mustafa , Akçelik Nesife
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the SE‐P3, P16, P37, and P47 phages infecting Salmonella Enteritidis. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the SE phages belonged to the Myoviridae or Siphoviridae family and had plaque sizes between 0.622 ± 0.027 and 1.630 ± 0.036 mm in diameter. sefC, pefA, spvC, sopE, and gipA virulent gene regions were absent in their genome and their calculated genome sizes were between 35.9 and 37.8 kbp. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the protein profiles of each phage were different. The SE phages had a short latent period (10–20 min), large burst size (76–356 PFU/cell), and a short burst time (25–35 min). The multiplicity of infection values and mutant frequency of the phages were 0.01–0.0001 and 10−7, respectively. They were very infective against their host bacteria when applied at 20°C, 30°C, or 37°C and adsorbed to their host cells by 96.20–97.65% in the first 5 min of incubation, and also Ca2+ ions did not have a significant effect on their adsorption. The SE phages were resistant to wide pH ranges and high temperatures. These results indicate that the SE phages are good candidates as therapeutic and biocontrol agents against foodborne pathogenic S. Enteritidis.
Climatology of local severe convective storms in Assam, India
Authors: Mahanta Rahul , Yamane Yusuke
Published: July 2019

In Assam, local severe convective storms (LSCS) are recognized as exceptionally powerful and destructive meteorological events resulting in both death and loss of property, as well as livelihood. A valuable aid to assessing and managing LSCS lies in a reliable database of historical severe storms. In this paper, we investigate the temporal and spatial characteristics of LSCS in the state of Assam lying in the North Eastern Province of India and provide a climatology of LSCS for the state, with respect to: distribution, storm types, frequency, seasonality, and time of occurrence. This was accomplished by developing a LSCS database through a systematic scanning of newspapers and other available sources. This historical database on LSC S dating from 1962 to 2016 was used to identify the areas where the threat and risks from these storms is maximum. Our findings show that LSCS occur throughout the state of Assam, but there are unique geographical areas where the propensity for the occurrence severe to intense local convective storm is much higher. From the monthly distribution of LSCS events, as have been found by previous researchers, the most active month is April. The monthly distributions of hail follow similar pattern as the total number of LSCS events, however, seasonality of lightning differ from other LSCS categories. The probability of LSCS is not uniform throughout the day and tend to reach their most vigorous development during the latter part of the evening and night hours. The observed seasonal pattern of LSCS day's distribution corresponds with the time of the year when convective heating of the lower atmosphere is at its highest in the region, thereby increasing instability of the atmosphere. In addition, climatological mean wind at upper level (200 hPa) show influence of subtropical westerlies and at 925 hPa indicate possible low‐level moisture transport for the peak LSCS months. Therefore, high storm frequencies are to be anticipated. Although November, December and January show the lowest frequency during the entire year, it is still surprisingly high considering that convectional heating and instability of the atmosphere has decreased substantially by then. The results from this study could be applied to produce a hazard map of LSCS for the state of Assam. Such a hazard map will benefit numerous stakeholders, in particular, to direct disaster management authority in terms of interventions for LSCS risk in the state of Assam.