bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled s‐excess HMM for vessel border tracking and segmentation
Authors: Essa Ehab , Jones Jonathan‐Lee , Xie Xianghua
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present a novel image segmentation technique, based on hidden Markov model (HMM), which we then apply to simultaneously segment interior and exterior walls of fluorescent confocal images of lymphatic vessels. Our proposed method achieves this by tracking hidden states, which are used to indicate the locations of both the inner and outer wall borders throughout the sequence of images. We parameterize these vessel borders using radial basis functions (RBFs), thus enabling us to minimize the number of points we need to track as we progress through multiple layers and therefore reduce computational complexity. Information about each border is detected using patch‐wise convolutional neural networks (CNN). We use the softmax function to infer the emission probability and use a proposed new training algorithm based on s‐excess optimization to learn the transition probability. We also introduce a new optimization method to determine the optimum sequence of the hidden states. Thus, we transform the segmentation problem into one that minimizes an s‐excess graph cut, where each hidden state is represented as a graph node and the weight of these nodes are defined by their emission probabilities. The transition probabilities are used to define relationships between neighboring nodes in the constructed graph. We compare our proposed method to the Viterbi and Baum–Welch algorithms. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis show superior performance of the proposed methods.
Rational Design of Framework Nucleic Acids for Bioanalytical Applications
Authors: Su Yuwei , Li Dan , Liu Bingyi , Xiao Mingshu , Wang Fei , Li Li , Zhang Xueli , Pei Hao
Published: April 2019

With the advent of DNA nanotechnology, nucleic acids have been used building blocks for constructing various DNA nanostructures. As classical and simple DNA nanostructures, framework nucleic acids (FNAs) have attracted enormous attention in the field of biosensing. The sequence‐specific self‐assembly properties and high programmability of nucleic acids allow FNAs to be incorporated in advanced probe design. In addition, FNAs enable the engineering of surfaces for biosensing (e. g., probe orientation, probe spacing), thereby improving the accessibility of target molecules to the probes arranged on heterogeneous surfaces. Moreover, FNAs offer a universal and promising platform for sensing cellular molecules because of their prominent biocompatibility and cellular permeability. Herein recent advances in FNA‐based biosensors are summarized, including electrochemical detection, optical detection, and intracellular sensing. It is hoped that this review will provide guidelines for the design and construction of FNA scaffold‐based biosensors.
Evolutionary origin of a periodical mass‐flowering plant
Authors: Kakishima Satoshi , Liang Yi‐shuo , Ito Takuro , Yang Tsung-Yu Aleck , Lu Pei‐Luen , Okuyama Yudai , Hasebe Mitsuyasu , Murata Jin , Yoshimura Jin
Published: April 2019

The evolutionary origin of periodical mass‐flowering plants (shortly periodical plants), exhibiting periodical mass flowering and death immediately after flowering, has not been demonstrated. Within the genus Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae), which includes more than 50 periodical species, Strobilanthes flexicaulis on Okinawa Island, Japan, flowers gregariously every 6 years. We investigated the life history of S. flexicaulis in other regions and that of closely related species together with their molecular phylogeny to reveal the evolutionary origin of periodical mass flowering. S. flexicaulis on Taiwan Island was found to be a polycarpic perennial with no mass flowering and, in the Yaeyama Islands, Japan, a monocarpic perennial with no mass flowering. Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicated that a polycarpic perennial was the ancestral state in this whole group including S. flexicaulis and the closely related species. No distinctive genetic differentiation was found in S. flexicaulis among all three life histories (polycarpic perennial, monocarpic perennial, and periodical plant). These results suggest that among S. flexicaulis, the periodical mass flowering on Okinawa Island had evolved from the polycarpic perennial on Taiwan Island via the monocarpic perennial in the Yaeyama Islands. Thus, the evolution of life histories could have taken at the level of local populations within a species.
Minimally invasive biventricular mechanical circulatory support with Impella pumps as a bridge to heart transplantation: a first‐in‐the‐world case report
Authors: Varian Kenneth , Xu Weining David , Lin Weiqin , Unai Shinya , Tong Michael Z. , Soltesz Edward , Krishnaswamy Amar , Kapadia Samir , Feitell Scott , Hanna Mazen , Joyce Emer , Schoenhagen Paul , Starling Randall C. , Taylor David O. , Perez Antonio L.
Published: April 2019

Cardiogenic shock from biventricular failure that requires acute mechanical circulatory support carries high 30 day mortality. Acute mechanical circulatory support can serve as bridge to orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) in selected patients. We report a patient with biventricular failure secondary to rapidly progressive cardiac sarcoidosis refractory to medical management who was bridged to OHT with Impella 5.0 and Impella RP—temporary left and right ventricular assist devices, respectively. This is the first successful bridge to transplantation using these devices in biventricular heart failure and cardiogenic shock. We discuss considerations for using this strategy over veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or surgically implanted assist devices in patients with cardiogenic shock and biventricular failure as a bridge to OHT.
Overwash‐dominated stratigraphy of barriers with intermittent inlets
Authors: Green Andrew N. , Pillay Talicia , Cooper J. Andrew G. , Guisado‐Pintado Emilia
Published: April 2019

The morphodynamics and structure of barriers with persistent tidal inlets have been well studied. In contrast the stratigraphy and functioning of barrier systems with ephemeral inlets is poorly understood. This article examines the barrier‐inlet systems of two intermittently closed open lagoons or temporarily open closed estuaries on the east coast of South Africa. Multiple geophysical surveys using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) were correlated with exposed sections of the barrier where inlet formation revealed the internal stratigraphy. Stratigraphic observations were placed in the context of the contemporary wave dynamics and mesoscale geomorphic evolution. The integrated databases reveal an absence of migrating channel features. Instead the stratigraphy is dominated by landward dipping sheets of alternating high‐ and low‐amplitude reflectors. These correlate with gravel, shell debris and heavy mineral‐lined beds formed by overwash processes. Where ephemeral inlet structures are preserved in the stratigraphy, their fills comprise aggrading, high‐amplitude reflectors, linked to washover infilling of the inlet mouth. Multiple small channels in the more distal portions of the barrier in georadar stratigraphy are related to channelized washover flow.

These barriers often breach during high swell and are subsequently sealed during fairweather wave conditions. Time series analysis of waves and satellite imagery shows a link between storms from the south and breach events. This is consistent with the truncations in subsurface images and inferred barrier lowering by overwash channelling. These barriers experience quasi‐stable oscillations in their landward and seaward shore position, punctuated by periods of barrier rollover associated with the most intense storms. As overwash is responsible in part for both the constructive and destructive phases of the barrier, these barriers have low preservation potential. Persistent rollover driven by overwashing will terminate once accommodation space is eliminated and the barriers are eroded by storm activity. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elementary Students' Understanding of Geometrical Measurement in Three Dimensions
Authors: Kim Eun Mi , Oláh Leslie Nabors
Published: April 2019

In this study, we investigated the potential of a hypothesized geometrical measurement learning progression (LP) to examine students' thinking and understanding in this domain. We interviewed 30 third to fifth graders using 3 LP‐based cognitive tasks that asked the students to find the length, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume measurement of a given object. We analyzed the students' responses to the tasks to examine variation in levels of the students' geometrical measurement understanding and found evidence of understanding at 5 successive levels of a geometrical measurement LP in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions. From these findings, we concluded that an LP can be a practical tool for understanding students' existing thinking and understanding in a targeted domain and has the potential to support students' further learning in the domain.
Seasonal plasticity in anti-predatory strategies: Matching of color and color preference for effective crypsis
Authors: van Bergen Erik , Beldade Patrícia
Published: April 2019

Effective anti-predatory strategies typically require matching appearance and behavior in prey, and there are many compelling examples of behavioral repertoires that enhance the effectiveness of morphological defenses. When protective adult morphology is induced by developmental environmental conditions predictive of future predation risk, adult behavior should be adjusted accordingly to maximize predator avoidance. While behavior is typically strongly affected by the adult environment, developmental plasticity in adult behavior—mediated by the same pre-adult environmental cues that affect morphology—could ensure an effective match between anti-predatory morphology and behavior. The coordination of environmentally induced responses may be especially important in populations exposed to predictable environmental fluctuations (e.g., seasonality). Here, we studied early and late life environmental effects on a suite of traits expected to work together for effective crypsis. We focused on wing color and background color preference in Bicyclus anynana, a model of developmental plasticity that relies on crypsis as a seasonal strategy for predator avoidance. Using a full-factorial design, we disentangled effects of developmental and adult ambient temperature on both appearance and behavior. We showed that developmental conditions affect both adult color and color preference, with temperatures that simulate natural dry season conditions leading to browner butterflies with a perching preference for brown backgrounds. This effect was stronger in females, especially when butterflies were tested at lower ambient temperatures. In contrast to the expectation that motionlessness enhances crypsis, we found no support for our hypothesis that the browner dry-season butterflies would be less active. We argue that the integration of developmental plasticity for morphological and behavioral traits might improve the effectiveness of seasonal anti-predatory strategies.
Nutrients and chemical composition of Desplatsia dewevrei
Authors: Ovuakporie‐Uvo Oghale , Idu MacDonald , Omoregie Ehimwenma Sheena
Published: April 2019

Several plants species have served as food for man because of their nutritional values. However, there is a lack of data on the nutritional benefits of Desplatsia dewevrei. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the nutrients and chemical composition of D. dewevrei leaves and fruits. Vitamins, amino acid profile, and mineral composition of D. dewevrei were investigated. Minerals found present include copper, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Vitamins B, C, and K up to the daily standard required intake levels according to World Health Organization standards were discovered in D. dewevrei. The protein score from the amino acid composition was 100%. Phytate and oxalate, which are non‐nutritional components, were found present in D. dewevrei; however, in values far below the daily intake required limit by the WHO standard. In conclusion, D. dewevrei from this research finding has convincing qualities of a reliable nutraceutical raw material, which can be properly finished and incorporated into the human diet to harness its vitality.
Tools for optimizing rock mass grouting
Authors: Kieffer Scott , Dreese Trent , Weil Jonas , Kleberger Johannes
Published: April 2019

Optimization of rock grouting procedures during construction is necessitated when sparse data sets and incomplete geologic understanding form the basis of initial design. Relying on geologic investigation findings that often have limited budgets, initial designs typically consider data from only a small volume of the entire rock mass to be grouted. During construction, thousands of production boreholes may be drilled and grouted, and each of these boreholes has the potential to provide valuable information for modifying the injection materials and construction means/methods. Implementation of procedural changes is greatly facilitated by the ability to efficiently assemble, query, visualize and interpret vast amounts of 3D data in near real‐time.

This contribution summarizes the main targets of rock mass characterization in the context of grouting works, along with investigative tools that provide valuable information: (1) regarding the distribution and properties of in situ permeability features; (2) for modifying and optimizing grouting procedures; and (3) for verifying grouting results in situ. Three dimensional modeling approaches that are amenable to data visualization are reviewed, including the workflow for near real‐time model updating as construction proceeds.
Injektionsmaßnahmen im Talsperrenbau
Authors: Kogler Kurt , Hechenbichler Johann , Gabriel Patrick
Published: April 2019

Grouting measures in dam construction are of increasing importance in Europe, where many of the largest dams were constructed during the 1950s and 1970s. Nowadays, these dams often have to resist higher loads then they were originally designed for, and changes of reservoir management have increased loads on the structures in many cases. For this reason, many plant operators have decided to adapt dam structures for present‐day use, to increase sustainability and guarantee serviceability. At the same time, the construction of new dams requires comprehensive planning as well as full cooperation between all areas of civil engineering and grouting technology. Grouting works are key elements of dam structures, which are usually not directly visible from the surface and therefore seldom perceived by the public. This paper gives an insight into the possibilities of grouting measures in dam construction and a brief overview of objectives of grouting measures and their assignment to components of dams as well as grouting measures for waterproofing curtains, pressure tunnels, pressure shafts, surge tanks and porous mass concrete.
Pre‐excavation grouting in rock tunneling – Dealing with high groundwater pressures
Authors: Hognestad Hans‐Olav , Kieffer Scott
Published: April 2019

In rock tunneling, pre‐excavation grouting (or, pre‐injection) refers to systematic treatment of the rock mass ahead of an advancing tunnel face via pressure grouting. The main purpose of pre‐excavation grouting is to reduce water inflows, or to improve geomechanical properties of the rock mass. This paper summarizes approaches for treating competent rock masses with systematic pre‐injection of cementitious grouts through boreholes drilled from the working tunnel face. The focus is on traditional cement based grouting technology and drill‐and‐blast tunneling under high static groundwater pressures (> 20 bar). Post‐injection, where drilling and grouting is performed somewhere behind the tunnel face, provides an additional means for achieving a high degree of watertightness, but is beyond the scope of this paper.
Geochemistry of Archean–Proterozoic shales, Dharwar Craton, India: Implications on depositional environment
Authors: Sindhuja Challa Satyasree , Khelen Arubam Chanu , Manikyamba Chakravadhanula
Published: April 2019

Shales are significant sedimentary units in the Archean greenstone belts and Proterozoic Cuddapah sequence of Dharwar Craton. We present the geochemical studies of the Archean shales from the Chitradurga greenstone belt and the Proterozoic Vempalle Formation of the Cuddapah Basin to evaluate their chemical composition, weathering, provenance, and depositional conditions. The Archean shales are depleted in transition metals (Ni and Co) but enriched in V, Cr, and Sc relative to upper continental crust, while the Proterozoic shales are depleted in Cr, Co, Ni, Sc, and V compared with Post‐Archean Australian shale reflecting on negligible mafic source during their deposition. The REE patterns of these shales are uniform with moderately flat LREE and negative to positive Ce anomalies reflecting on marine conditions of their deposition. The presence of both positive and negative Ce anomalies indicate fluctuating oxic and anoxic conditions. The Archean and Proterozoic shales show negative and positive Eu anomalies, respectively, along with slightly enriched HREE. Compositional variation is observed in the Archean shales, whereas the Proterozoic counterparts were affected by sediment recycling as displayed by the Th/Sc and Zr/Sc relationship. Th/U and Th along with (Gd/Yb)n ratios display significant heavy mineral enrichment in these shales. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) and chemical index of weathering (CIW) of these shales suggest moderate to intense chemical weathering during the Archean and low to moderate weathering during Proterozoic times. The overall geochemical signatures collectively indicate granitic and tonalitic provenance for the Archean and Proterozoic shales, which were deposited in an active and passive continental margins.
Apoptotic signaling in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: da Silva Gabriela M. , Saavedra Victoria , Ianez Renata C. F. , de Sousa Elen A. , Gomes Ágatha N. , Kelner Natalie , Nagai Maria A. , Kowalski Luiz P. , Soares Fernando A. , Lourenço Silvia V. , Coutinho‐Camillo Cláudia M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of salivary glands. Apoptosis plays an important role in organogenesis of glandular structures, and aberrations of apoptotic mechanisms is associated with a wide array of pathologic conditions.

Methods

The immunoexpression of proteins associated with apoptosis and proliferation was evaluated in 40 mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases.

Results

Par‐4, Survivin, MUC1, PHLDA1, Fas, and Ki‐67 were predominantly expressed in mucoepidermoid carcinoma. FasL was rarely expressed, and Caspase‐3 expression was observed in almost 50% of the cases. SPARC expression was associated with low‐grade tumors, and Ki‐67 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis. Expression of Fas and decreased expression of Ki‐67 and Caspase‐3 were associated with better overall cancer‐specific survival rates.

Conclusions

The association of SPARC and Ki‐67 expression with pathological features and the association of Fas, Caspase‐3, and Ki‐67 with survival probabilities suggest that these proteins may be useful prognostic markers for mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Mediation analysis of the alcohol‐postmenopausal breast cancer relationship by sex hormones in the EPIC cohort
Authors: Assi Nada , Rinaldi Sabina , Viallon Vivian , Dashti S. Ghazaleh , Dossus Laure , Fournier Agnès , Cervenka Iris , Kvaskoff Marina , Turzanski‐Fortner Renée , Bergmann Manuela , Boeing Heiner , Panico Salvatore , Ricceri Fulvio , Palli Domenico , Tumino Rosario , Grioni Sara , Sánchez Pérez María José , Chirlaque María‐Dolores , Bonet Catalina , Gurrea Aurelio Barricarte , Amiano Etxezarreta Pilar , Merino Susana , Bueno de Mesquita H. Bas , van Gils Carla H. , Onland‐Moret Charlotte , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Trichopoulou Antonia , Martimianaki Georgia , Karakatsani Anna , Key Tim , Christakoudi Sofia , Ellingjord‐Dale Merete , Tsilidis Kostas , Riboli Elio , Kaaks Rudolf , Gunter Marc J , Ferrari Pietro
Published: April 2019

Alcohol consumption is associated with higher risk of breast cancer (BC); however, the biological mechanisms underlying this association are not fully elucidated, particularly the extent to which this relationship is mediated by sex hormone levels. Circulating concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, their free fractions and sex‐hormone binding globulin (SHBG), were examined in 430 incident BC cases and 645 matched controls among alcohol‐consuming postmenopausal women nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Mediation analysis was applied to assess whether individual hormone levels mediated the relationship between alcohol intake and BC risk. An alcohol‐related hormonal signature, obtained by partial least square (PLS) regression, was evaluated as a potential mediator. Total (TE), natural direct and natural indirect effects (NIE) were estimated. Alcohol intake was positively associated with overall BC risk and specifically with estrogen receptor‐positive tumors with respectively TE = 1.17(95%CI: 1.01,1.35) and 1.36(1.08,1.70) for a 1‐standard deviation (1‐SD) increase of intake. There was no evidence of mediation by sex steroids or SHBG separately except for a weak indirect effect through free estradiol where NIE = 1.03(1.00,1.06). However, an alcohol‐related hormonal signature negatively associated with SHBG and positively with estradiol and testosterone was associated with BC risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25 [1.07,1.47]) for a 1‐SD higher PLS score, and had a statistically significant NIE accounting for a mediated proportion of 24%. There was limited evidence of mediation of the alcohol‐BC association by individual sex hormones. However, a hormonal signature, reflecting lower levels of SHBG and higher levels of sex steroids, mediated a substantial proportion of the association.
Pediatric brain extraction from T2‐weighted MR images using 3D dual frame U‐net and human connectome database
Authors: Kim Dongchan , Chae Jong‐Hee , Han Yeji
Published: April 2019

Accurate extraction of brain tissues from magnetic resonance (MR) images is important in neuroradiology. However, brain extraction is more difficult for pediatric brains than for adult brains due to several factors including smaller brain sizes and lower tissue contrasts. In this work, we propose a brain extraction technique that utilizes dual frame (DF) 3D U‐net deep learning architecture and the human connectome project (HCP) database for multislice 2D pediatric T2‐weighted MR images with diseases. To improve segmentation accuracy in small pediatric brains with detailed boundary regions, DF 3D U‐net architecture was used. We pretrained networks with the HCP database to compensate for the limited amount of MR images and manual segmentation masks of pediatric patients. For quantitative analysis, we compared the brain extraction results of brain extraction tool, DF, and conventional 3D U‐net using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC), intersection of union (IoU), and boundary F1 (BF) scores; each deep learning architecture was evaluated with and without pretraining using the HCP. This study included 10 patients with diseases and all images were acquired using a PROPELLER MR sequence. Pretraining using the HCP database enhanced segmentation performance of the network, and the skip connections in the DF 3D U‐net could enhance the contour similarity of segmentation results. Experimental results showed that the proposed method increased the DSC, IoU, and BF scores by 0.8%, 1.6%, and 1.5%, respectively, compared with those of the conventional 3D U‐net without pretraining.
The long noncoding RNA sONE represses triple‐negative breast cancer aggressiveness through inducing the expression of miR‐34a, miR‐15a, miR‐16, and let‐7a
Authors: Youness Rana A. , Hafez Hafez M. , Khallaf Emad , Assal Reem A. , Abdel Motaal Amira , Gad Mohamed Z.
Published: April 2019

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive breast cancer subtype. Among young females, TNBC is the leading cause of cancer‐related mortalities. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are representing a promising pool of regulators for tuning the aggressiveness of several solid malignancies. However, this still needs further investigations in TNBC. The main aim of this study is to unravel the expression pattern of sONE lncRNA and its mechanistic role in TNBC. Results showed that sONE is restrictedly expressed in TNBC patients; its expression level is inversely correlated with the aggressiveness of the disease. sONE acts as a posttranscriptional regulator to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and thus affecting eNOS‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production from TNBC cells measured by Greiss reagent. Mechanistically, sONE is a potential tumor suppressor lncRNA in TNBC cells; repressing cellular viability, proliferation, colony‐forming ability, migration, and invasion capacities of MDA‐MB‐231. Furthermore, sONE effects were found to be extended to affect the maestro tumor suppressor TP53 and the oncogenic transcription factor c‐Myc. Knocking down of sONE resulted in a marked decrease in TP53 and increase in c‐Myc and consequently altering the expression status of their downstream tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR‐34a, miR‐15, miR‐16, and let‐7a. In conclusion, this study highlights sONE as a downregulated tumor suppressor lncRNA in TNBC cells acting through repressing eNOS‐induced NO production, affecting TP53 and c‐Myc proteins levels and finally altering the levels of a panel of tumor suppressor miRNAs downstream TP53/c‐Myc proteins.
Acoustic cavitation assisted lipase B catalysed synthesis of polyethylene glycol stearate in a solvent free system via esterification: synthesis and optimization
Authors: Nhivekar Girish S , Rathod Virendra K
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

The current work describes the application of ultrasound and its improving effect on the synthesis of polyethylene glycol (PEG) stearate using Fermase (Fermase CALB™10,000 Candida antarctica Lipase B) as a biocatalyst via esterification of PEG600 and stearic acid. The influence of various parameters like molar ratio, temperature, speed of agitation, enzyme loading, effect of addition of molecular sieves and other factors associated with ultrasound, i.e. duty cycle and power, has been studied and optimized.

RESULT

A total of 84.34% of PEG stearate was obtained at ultrasound frequency of 22 kHz with 50 W power, 60 °C temperature, stirring speed 200 rpm, mole ratio of PEG600–stearic acid 1:1, 3% (w/w) molecular sieves, immobilized enzyme loading 0.5% (w/w) and duty cycle 50%. The enzyme showed reusability up to the fifth cycle. The reaction is conducted in a solvent free system which is an additional benefit.

CONCLUSION

A maximum conversion of 84.34% was obtained in 3 h of reaction time in the presence of ultrasound as compared to 6 h in the absence of ultrasound denoting the intensified effect of ultrasound on the synthesis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural history, with clinical, biochemical, and molecular characterization of classical homocystinuria in the Qatari population
Authors: Al‐Dewik Nader , Ali Alaa , Mahmoud Yassmin , Shahbeck Noora , Ali Rehab , Mahmoud Laila , Al‐Mureikhi Mariam , Al‐Mesaifri Fatma , Musa Sara , El‐Akouri Karen , Almulla Mariam , Al Saadi Reem , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Samara Muthanna , Abdoh Ghassan , Rifai Hilal Al , Häberle Johannes , Thöny Beat , Kruger Warren , Blom Henk J. , Ben‐Omran Tawfeg
Published: April 2019

Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is the most common inborn error of metabolism in Qatar, with an incidence of 1:1800, and is caused by the Qatari founder p.R336C mutation in the CBS gene. This study describes the natural history and clinical manifestations of HCU in the Qatari population. A single center study was performed between 2016 and 2017 in 126 Qatari patients, from 82 families. Detailed clinical and biochemical data were collected, and Stanford‐Binet intelligence, quality of life and adherence to treatment assessments were conducted prospectively. Patients were assigned to one of three groups, according to the mode of diagnosis: (a) late diagnosis group (LDG), (b) family screening group (FSG), and (c) newborn screening group (NSG). Of the 126 patients, 69 (55%) were in the LDG, 44 (35%) in the NSG, and 13 (10%) in the FSG. The leading factors for diagnosis in the LDG were ocular manifestations (49%), neurological manifestations (45%), thromboembolic events (4%), and hyperactivity and behavioral changes (1%). Both FSG and NSG groups were asymptomatic at time of diagnosis.

NSG had significantly higher intelligence quotient, quality of life, and adherence values compared with the LDG. The LDG and FSG had significantly higher methionine levels than the NSG. The LDG also had significantly higher total homocysteine levels than the NSG and FSG. Regression analysis confirmed these results even when adjusting for age at diagnosis, current age, or adherence. These findings increase the understanding of the natural history of HCU and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Synopsis

A study in 126 Qatari patients with HCU, including biochemical, clinical, and other key assessments, reveals that patients with a late clinical diagnosis have a poorer outcome, hereby highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A novel foam based separation strategy for extracting minute target impurities
Authors: Sadegh Shayan , Dasarathy Dhweeja , Ito Yoichiro
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to extract impurities from compounds using a simple separatory bottle to purify target compounds with a foam column and allow for the further characterization of impurities. Charged dyes were used as target compounds due to the ease of detection of dyes and isolated impurities. Foaming agents were used in a glass bottle with a modified cap to separate a target impurity using an appropriately charged ligand. By passing N2 gas through the solution, the surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate and cetylpyridinium chloride generated foams that separated the dyes, Methylene blue and Orange G, respectively, from a solution containing both dyes. Sodium dodecyl sulfate condensed Methylene blue from the solution with high purity while cetylpyridinium chloride condensed Orange G with less purity. A range of concentrations (0.01–0.5 mmol/L) of dyes were used for separation. The condensability (volume and/or concentration) of the target compound increased as its concentration decreased. This novel separation method is a simple, rapid, inexpensive, and effective way to prepare samples and allows for the characterization of these impurities using sensitive analytical detection techniques.
Temperature dependence of the reactions of Cl with toluene and the xylenes
Authors: Frazee W. James , Roscoe John M.
Published: April 2019

The temperature dependence of the rate coefficients for the reactions of Cl with toluene and the xylenes was examined from 290 to 362 K. Chemical analysis was by gas chromatography. The relative rate method was used for the kinetic analysis, and the relative rate coefficients were converted to absolute values using absolute rate coefficients for the reference reactions obtained from recent critical evaluations. Most of the measurements were made at a total pressure of approximately 100 kPa in argon. There was very little temperature dependence, and variation of the total pressure and the concentration of O2had no effect. The values of the absolute rate coefficients were independent of the reference reaction used. The reaction of Cl with toluene was studied relative to the reactions of Cl with isobutane, ethane, propane, andn‐butane. The results were virtually independent of temperature, giving a mean value of (5 ± 1) × 10−11cm3molecule–1s−1for the absolute rate coefficient at 95% confidence. The reactions of Cl with the xylenes were studied relative to the reactions of Cl with isobutane, ethane, and propane. The rate coefficients were independent of the xylene isomer and had a very small negative dependence on temperature. The mean value of the absolute rate coefficient at 298 K was (1.4 ± 0.3) × 10−10cm3molecule−1s–1at the 95% confidence level. The results are in satisfactory agreement with those in the literature, all of which were measured at fixed temperatures very close to 298 K. The kinetic results are discussed in relation to published descriptions of the dynamics of reactions of Cl and OH with organic compounds.
The “July effect”: Outcomes in microvascular reconstruction during resident transitions
Authors: Bresler Amishav Y. , Bavier Richard , Kalyoussef Evelyne , Baredes Soly , Park Richard Chan Woo
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the “July effect,” as a possible risk factor for perioperative complications in otolaryngology microvascular reconstruction during the transitional period in the academic calendar.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Methods

Microvascular reconstruction outcomes in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005–2016) database were compared between the first academic quarter (July–September) to the last academic quarter (April–June). The primary outcome was 30‐day morbidity, and secondary outcomes included 30‐day mortality, operative complications, or postoperative adverse events.

Results

There were 612 and 580 patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction during the first and last academic quarters, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 30‐day mortality between the first academic quarter (1.5%) and the last academic quarter (0.7%) (P = .194). There was no difference in 30‐day morbidity (47.9% vs. 49.5%, P = .586), operative complications (wound disruption, P = .151; bleeding, P = .526; operative time, P = .162), or postoperative adverse events (deep vein thrombosis, P = .460; pneumonia, P = .737; reintubation, P = .201; pulmonary embolism, P = .452; ventilation for >48 hours, P = .769; acute renal failure, P = .500; urinary tract infection, P = .693; unplanned readmission, P = .202; and mean length of stay, P = .497).

Conclusions

There appears to be no July effect in microvascular reconstruction. Further studies should identify the mechanisms that preserve the safety of this operation year‐round for application to other areas of medicine who have observed the July effect.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:893–898, 2020
Understanding Malawian farmers' slow adoption of composting: Stories about composting using a participatory video approach
Authors: Cai Tian , Steinfield Charles , Chiwasa Hastings , Ganunga Tadala
Published: April 2019

Soil and land degradation is a common issue in Sub‐Saharan Africa leading to poor yield and threatening food security, yet soil conservation technologies remain underutilized. To build on prior work that primarily emphasizes demographic differences in adoption, this study contributes by identifying underlying social and cultural factors that influence farmers' perceptions about and willingness to adopt soil conservation management practices in a rural region of Malawi. Key informant interviews were first conducted to identify constraints slowing composting adoption, which were then used to structure the creation of participatory videos—videos created with the active participation of local farmers that demonstrated compost manure practices and benefits. Farmers from the same communities subsequently participated in focus group discussions before and after the moderated screening and discussion of these videos in order to obtain a more in‐depth understanding of the constraints and possible ways to overcome them. Among the identified constraints to the use of composting were inefficient government programs such as the Farm Input Subsidy Program that contributed to a belief that only subsidized chemical fertilizers provided positive returns on investment, a lack of support from extension services that diminished compost use, social norms around gender that hindered women farmers from attempting to use composting, and livelihood strategy changes that led to labour shortages. Findings from the focus groups showed that the participatory video method encouraged adoption by helping farmers, and especially women, to reconsider composting, test it, and reflect upon social and cultural constraints impeding adoption. Over half of the farmers in the study tested composting for the first time after discussing the videos and changed their perception of both the value of composting and their own ability to use these types of soil conservation practices.
Spatial and temporal patterns of water salinity in the marginal grabens of Ethiopia's Danakil Depression
Authors: Meaza Hailemariam , Hermans Laurens , Nyssen Jan , Frankl Amaury , Zenebe Amanuel , Demissie Biadgilgn , Asfaha Tesfaalem Ghebreyohannes , Van Eetvelde Veerle , Deckers Jozef , Poesen Jean
Published: April 2019

Rising salinity is a severe problem associated with land degradation in arid and semiarid regions. This study seeks to understand the spatiotemporal patterns of water salinity and their implication on the downstream water availability in the marginal grabens of northern Ethiopia. We measured the electrical conductivity (EC) of flash floods, baseflows, springs, wells, and lakes. A total of 1,168 samples was collected from 177 spatially distributed water sources (2016–2017). This study shows that there was a significant difference in the EC values of the water points between rainy (1,403 ± 425 μS cm−1) and dry seasons (2,261 ± 258 μS cm−1). Besides, there is an inverse relationship between the river discharges and the runoff EC in the study area. The average value of the water EC was also higher in the limestone area than in the basalt sites. In addition, the water EC increased from the escarpments (396 ± 176 μS cm−1) towards the outlets of the graben basins (1,670 ± 942 μS cm−1). These water EC hotspots in the dry season imply that the river basins are in a closing status due to the erratic rainfall and water extraction by humans. However, the rising water EC and moisture stress endanger the existing agricultural development. Because of the extent and seriousness of salinity, integrated catchment management strategies are needed to tackle the degrading water quality and quantity in the marginal grabens along the northern Ethiopia Rift Valley.
Silk Hydrogel Microfibers for Biomimetic Fibrous Material Design
Authors: Bradner Sarah A. , McGill Meghan , Golding Annie , Grudt Rachael , Kaplan David L.
Published: April 2019

Fiber units are conserved design motifs that bestow intrinsic stiffness to biological tissues. Collagen fibrils are the fundamental unit of fibrous tissues with controlled assembly and multiscale structure‐function properties. Characteristic non‐linear tissue response is afforded through energy dissipation at the stiff‐soft interfaces of fibril collagen and extrafibrillar matrix components. The goal of this research is to develop a 3D silk hydrogel microfiber platform with bioinspired toughening mechanisms. Batch fabrication and post‐processing renders fibers that can be handled and with tunable features, as well as loading of components to improve material responses. Matrix loading of a glycoprotein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), adds a primary defense mechanism to material failure in the form of sacrificial bonds. This enables nano‐ to micro‐scale rearrangement with strain and improved fiber toughness compared to silk‐only fibers. Further biomimicry is added via matrix loading of a biosilica precursor peptide, R5, enabling biomineralization in the form of silicification. Inorganic mineral deposition of Silk‐BSA‐R5 hydrogel microfibers provides a fibrous scaffold for applications that require fibril‐mineral interfaces for load transduction. This microfiber platform introduces a methodology for meticulous fibrous scaffold design with biomimetic fibril hierarchy, toughening mechanisms, and loading capabilities for systematic tissue engineering applications.
A Sample Management NLRB Campaign
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: April 2019

Voters in political campaigns generally vote against a candidate rather than for one. The same is true in a union election. The employer should give voters a variety of reasons and arguments for voting against the union, by emphasizing the costs, risks, and obligations employees would face with union representation.
Prioritization and comprehensive analysis of genes related to major depressive disorder
Authors: Liu Yi , Fan Pengfei , Zhang Shiyuan , Wang Yidan , Liu Dan
Published: April 2019

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health problem in modern society, which is difficult to identify and diagnose in the early stages. Despite strong evidence supporting the heritability of MDD, progresses in large‐scale and individual genetic studies remain preliminary.

Methods

In this study, a multi‐data source‐based prioritization (MDSP) method was proposed, and an appropriate threshold was determined for the optimization of depression‐related genes (DEPgenes). Analyses on Gene Ontology biological processes, KEGG pathway and the specific pathway crosstalk network were further proposed.

Results

A total of 143 DEPgenes were identified and the MDD‐specific network was constructed for the pathogenesis investigation and therapeutic methods development of MDD. Comparing with existing research strategies, the genetic optimization and analysis results were confirmed to be reliable. Finally, the pathway enrichment and crosstalk analyses revealed two unique pathway interaction modules that were significantly enriched with MDD genes. The related core pathways of neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction and dopaminergic synapse supported the neuropathology hypothesis of MDD. And the pathways of serotonergic synapse and morphine addiction indicated the mechanism of drug addiction caused by serotonin used in the treatment.

Conclusions

This work provided a reference for the study of MDD, although future validation by extensive experimentation is still required.
Genotype–phenotype correlation study and mutational and hormonal analysis in a Chinese cohort with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Xu Chao , Jia Wenyu , Cheng Xiangdeng , Ying Hui , Chen Jing , Xu Jin , Guan Qingbo , Zhou Xinli , Zheng Dongmei , Li Guimei , Zhao Jiajun
Published: April 2019

Background

Steroid 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is the most common enzymatic defect, but the genotype–phenotype associations have not been well established in Chinese patients. Here, a Chinese 21OHD cohort was enrolled to investigate the clinical, biochemical, and genetic characteristics of this disorder.

Methods

Mutation analysis of CYP21A2 gene, 21‐hydroxylase activity assays and in silico predictions of protein structure were performed. Genotype–phenotype associations were analyzed in both the cohort and 487 Chinese CAH patients ever reported.

Results

Among the total cohort (72 patients), 47 patients (65.3%) were diagnosed as salt‐wasting (SW) phenotype, 11 (15.3%) were simple virilizing (SV) type, and 14 (19.4%) were nonclassic (NC) type. The value of FSH and LH for prediction of the SW phenotype was up to 0.862 and 0.669, respectively. Overall, the detection rate of CYP21A2 mutation was 97.9%, which revealed 25 mutations and 36 genotypes. Four novel mutations (p.L199X, p.E321del, p.H393Q, and p.L459‐P464del) were detected and induced a significantly reduced 21‐hydroxylase activity. Generally, disease severity can be predicted with the genotypes. The most common genotypes in Chinese population were I2G/I2G (12.5%), I2G/Large lesion (12.1%), I173N/I2G (10.3%), and I173N/Large lesion (9.2%). The SW form of CAH is prominent in deletion or intronic splice mutations, namely I2G/I2G (18.6%), I2G/Large lesion (17.2%) and Large lesion/Large lesion (8.6%).

Conclusion

Four novel mutations were identified and a high consistency of genotype–phenotype association was found in SW CAH. Moreover, FSH and LH levels were proved to be a promising marker for predicting the severity of the disease.
Ion‐imprinted poly(methyl methacrylate‐vinyl pyrrolidone)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) blending membranes for selective removal of ruthenium(III) from acidic water solutions
Authors: Zeng Jianxian , Zhang Zhe , Zhou Hu , Liu Guoqing , Liu Yuan , Zeng Lingwei , Jian Jian , Yuan Zhengqiu
Published: April 2019

While conventional approaches have been studied for removal of ruthenium(III) ions (Ru(III)), this work focuses on the applicability of ion‐imprinted poly(methyl methacrylate‐vinyl pyrrolidone)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) blending membranes (Ru(III)–ion‐imprinted membrane[IIM]) for selective removal of Ru(III) from acidic water solutions. In order to measure the effectiveness of these imprinted membranes, after fabrication, binding experiments were done with aqueous Ru(III) solutions. The results showed that Ru(III)‐IIMs were fabricated successfully at various blending ratios, and their chemical components, microstructures, hydrophilicity, and water fluxes were measured. In pH range 0.5 to 5.0, binding capacity (Qe) of Ru(III) onto Ru(III)‐IIM increases remarkably with pH and then reaches to a maximum value (53.52 mg/g) at pH 1.5. After that, Qe gradually decreases. Compared with a nonimprinted membrane, Ru(III)‐IIM demonstrates higher selectivity for Ru(III) at pH 1.5 in the presence of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions, and its selectivity coefficients for Ru(III)/Ni(II) and Ru(III)/Cu(II) are 3.70 and 3.32, respectively. Also, Ru(III)‐IIM shows a good chemical stability and reusability. C─N and C═O bonds within poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) segments of poly(methyl methacrylate‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (P(MMA‐VP)) participate the uptake of Ru(III). Ru(III)‐IIM exhibited excellent hydrophilicity and Ru(III) selective adsorption ability and reusability and has potential to be used for Ru(III) removal from acidic water solutions.
Decrease in the Particle Size and Coercivity of Self‐Assembled CoNi Nanoparticles Synthesized Under a Repulsive Magnetic Field
Authors: ur Rehman Sajid , Ahmed Rida , Liu Jian , Wang Jingmin , Sun Mingze , Fang Zhenbin , Aslam Muhammad Adnan , Morais Paulo Cesar , Wang Chunchang , Bi Hong
Published: April 2019

Towards the challenge for synthesis of smaller‐sized heterostructures and hybrid composites for nanomagnets and magnetic fluid applications. Here, a novel method is reported to reduce the particle size of Cobalt–Nickel (CoNi) magnetic nanoparticles by placing them between a static, repulsive magnetic field (N–N/S–S) during synthesis in contrast to the conventional method of applying an attractive (N–S) magnetic field. The obtained smaller sized‐CoNi nanoparticles (≈40 nm) possess a uniform size, an excellent monodispersity, and outstanding magnetic properties. The results clearly demonstrate that the size and morphology change of CoNi nanoparticles have great influence on their magnetic properties. This study provides a footprint to design new heterostructured magnetic nanomaterials under the same‐poled magnetic field for potential applications in magnetic fluids, spintronics, and other related industries.
Crystals at High Deformation Rates Displaying Glassy Behavior
Authors: Rida Ali , Micoulaut Matthieu , Rouhaud Emmanuelle , Makke Ali
Published: April 2019

When investigated as a function of deformation rate and time, model nano‐crystals exhibit a clear threshold in mechanical and relaxation behavior, this observation being valid in both the Hooke (elastic) and plastic regime. At low deformation rate , materials are able to equilibrate with ongoing deformation, whereas ultra‐fast deformations bring the system out of equilibrium on the same nanosecond timescale. The time evolution of stress is investigated and suggests features that are typical of glassy relaxation with a stretched exponential behavior for stress relaxation that is only encountered for large deformation rates. Related relaxation times furthermore reveal a rapid increase with . These results actually link general aspects of plastic deformation, irreversibility and thermal equilibrium.