bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ox atrioventricular conduction axis compared to human in relation to the original investigation of sunao tawara
Authors: De Almeida Marcos C. , Sánchez‐Quintana Damián , Davis Nelson , Charles Friedwilde R. , Chikweto Alfred , Sylvester Wayne , Loukas Marios , Anderson Robert H.
Published: November 2019

It was Sunao Tawara who, in 1906, established the foundations for knowledge of the arrangement of the atrioventricular conduction axis in man and other mammals. Study of the hearts of ungulates was a central part in his investigation, which assessed other species, including man. He described several subtle differences between the mammals. We have now ourselves studied the cardiac conduction tissue of the ox heart, comparing our findings with our knowledge of the arrangement in man, and providing new insights into the differences illustrated by Tawara. It is, perhaps, surprising that these differences, although subtle, have not attracted more attention. We show that the major difference is the fact that the noncoronary aortic sinus in the ox heart is mainly supported by the myocardium of the ventricular septum, whereas in the human heart the sinus, and its leaflet, are in fibrous contiguity with the aortic leaflet of the mitral valve. It is this feature that determines the difference in the arrangement of the conduction axis between the species. We also show that the emergence of the left bundle branch on the left ventricular aspect of the muscular septum is more variable than previously described. Clin. Anat. 33:383–393, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A juvenile polyp on colonoscopy, is it premalignant?
Authors: Kumar Kishore , Patel Harish , Tariq Hassan , Balar Bhavna , Makker Jasbir
Published: November 2019

Solitary juvenile polyp is a nonneoplastic condition but needs to be differentiated from a premalignant condition juvenile polyposis syndrome.
A Unified Experimental/Theoretical Description of the Ultrafast Photophysics of Single and Double Thionated Uracils
Authors: Teles‐Ferreira Danielle Cristina , Conti Irene , Borrego‐Varillas Rocío , Nenov Artur , Van Stokkum Ivo H. M. , Ganzer Lucia , Manzoni Cristian , de Paula Ana Maria , Cerullo Giulio , Garavelli Marco
Published: November 2019

Photoinduced processes in thiouracil derivatives have lately attracted considerable attention due to their suitability for innovative biological and pharmacological applications. Here, sub‐20 fs broadband transient absorption spectroscopy in the near‐UV are combined with CASPT2/MM decay path calculations to unravel the excited‐state decay channels of water solvated 2‐thio and 2,4‐dithiouracil. These molecules feature linear absorption spectra with overlapping ππ* bands, leading to parallel decay routes which we systematically track for the first time. The results reveal that different processes lead to the triplet states population, both directly from the ππ* absorbing state and via the intermediate nπ* dark state. Moreover, the 2,4‐dithiouracil decay pathways is shown to be strongly correlated either to those of 2‐ or 4‐thiouracil, depending on the sulfur atom on which the electronic transition localizes.
Local analysis of Marangoni effects during and after droplet formation
Authors: Heine Jens S. , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: November 2019

The influence on the mass transfer in liquid‐liquid extraction was investigated during droplet formation in a quiescent aqueous continuous phase for the two transition components, acetone and acetonitrile, in toluene. Both transition components have similar characteristics. However, an approximately eight times slower mass transfer of a droplet hanging on a capillary in relation to a rising droplet could be observed. The droplet formation time and the initial solute concentration are decisive for the mass transfer behaviour. A lower volumetric flow leads to slower droplet formation and a higher specific mass transfer area enhancing mass transfer, which is visualized via laser induced fluorescence (LIF). Additionally, as expected, higher initial solute concentrations promote Marangoni turbulences and thus mass transfer, which is measured via confocal Raman spectroscopy inside a fixed hanging droplet.
Mass deworming for improving health and cognition of children in endemic helminth areas: A systematic review and individual participant data network meta‐analysis
Authors: Welch Vivian A. , Ghogomu Elizabeth , Hossain Alomgir , Riddle Alison , Gaffey Michelle , Arora Paul , Dewidar Omar , Salam Rehana , Cousens Simon , Black Robert , Hollingsworth T. Déirdre , Horton Sue , Tugwell Peter , Bundy Donald , Castro Mary Christine , Elliott Alison , Friis Henrik , Le Huong T. , Liu Chengfang , Rousham Emily K. , Rohner Fabian , King Charles , Sartono Erliyani , Supali Taniawati , Steinmann Peter , Webb Emily , Wieringa Franck , Winnichagoon Pattanee , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Wells George
Published: November 2019

Background

Soil transmitted (or intestinal) helminths and schistosomes affect millions of children worldwide.

Objectives

To use individual participant data network meta‐analysis (NMA) to explore the effects of different types and frequency of deworming drugs on anaemia, cognition and growth across potential effect modifiers.

Search Methods

We developed a search strategy with an information scientist to search MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Econlit, Internet Documents in Economics Access Service (IDEAS), Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS), Social Services Abstracts, Global Health CABI and CAB Abstracts up to March 27, 2018. We also searched grey literature, websites, contacted authors and screened references of relevant systematic reviews.

Selection Criteria

We included randomised and quasirandomised deworming trials in children for deworming compared to placebo or other interventions with data on baseline infection.

Data Collection and Analysis

We conducted NMA with individual participant data (IPD), using a frequentist approach for random‐effects NMA. The covariates were: age, sex, weight, height, haemoglobin and infection intensity. The effect estimate chosen was the mean difference for the continuous outcome of interest.

Results

We received data from 19 randomized controlled trials with 31,945 participants. Overall risk of bias was low. There were no statistically significant subgroup effects across any of the potential effect modifiers. However, analyses showed that there may be greater effects on weight for moderate to heavily infected children (very low certainty evidence).

Authors' Conclusions

This analysis reinforces the case against mass deworming at a population‐level, finding little effect on nutritional status or cognition. However, children with heavier intensity infections may benefit more. We urge the global community to adopt calls to make data available in open repositories to facilitate IPD analyses such as this, which aim to assess effects for the most vulnerable individuals.
Effect of intercell interference on cell boundary users in three‐cell and seven‐cell HetCN
Authors: Borah Janmoni , Hussain Anwar , Bora Joyatri
Published: November 2019

Indoor and cell‐edge coverage has been a major issue of concern for predeployed traditional macrocell (MC)–based homogeneous cellular network. Moreover, with the extensive increase of mobile users and developments of smart and highly specified devices, user demands and activities have led to huge cellular traffic. The key solutions to these that include network upgradation, overlaying of small cells (SCs), and scaling of resources have turned out to be the major causes for intercell interference (ICI) and energy‐efficiency degradation in heterogeneous cellular networks (HetCNs). In this paper, authors have tried to analyze the downlink performance metrics of cell boundary users with MCs overlaying SCs for three‐cell circular and seven‐cell sectorized networks through frequency reuse (FR) schemes. This paper also discusses the impact of ICI being encountered by users and the effect of SCs on the energy efficiency of the network. The locations for SCs are perceived where user density is large and demands high data rate such as at hot‐spot (HS) areas, railway stations, shopping malls, working farms, and organization. The performance metrics sum rate, average user throughput, and energy efficiency are compared by employing FR‐1 (full spectrum) and FR‐3 (three subbands) among MCs and deployed SCs. For both scenarios, simulation results and analyses depict that without SCs, utilization of FR‐1 results in performance degradation due to ICI effects. However, the downlink performance of cell boundary user and energy efficiency of the network could be enhanced by overlaying SCs near cell boundaries of preexisting MCs along with the allocation of FR‐1.
IoT/cloud‐enabled smart services: A review on QoS requirements in fog environment and a proposed approach based on priority classification technique
Authors: Ksentini Amel , Jebalia Maha , Tabbane Sami
Published: November 2019

Smart applications are increasingly emerged in our daily professional and personal lives, ranging from augmented reality and gaming applications to E‐health and telesurgery services. In fact, the growing development of Internet of Things (IoT) and its integration with cloud and fog paradigms have encouraged infrastructures and services providers to perform intelligence in advanced technologies. However, the deployment of IoT/cloud‐enabled smart services still suffers from several quality of services (QoSs) management issues such as latency sensitivity for interactive applications and real‐time big data analytics. In this paper, we propose to present a novel approach for the management of smart services QoS. Accordingly, we introduce an overview of QoS requirements in fog computing environment for several IoT/cloud‐enabled use cases, to identify QoS metrics. The synthesis of the requirements review allows us to present a solution for QoS enhancements on the basis of a priority classification (PC) technique. Simulated with iFogSim, PC shows a significant enhancement of the system performance, notably for latency, energy consumption, and network usage.
Faster nitrogen cycling and more fungal and root biomass in cold ecosystems under experimental warming: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Salazar Alejandro , Rousk Kathrin , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg S. , Bellenger Jean‐Philippe , Andrésson Ólafur S.
Published: November 2019

Warming can alter the biogeochemistry and ecology of soils. These alterations can be particularly large in high northern latitude ecosystems, which are experiencing the most intense warming globally. In this meta‐analysis, we investigated global trends in how experimental warming is altering the biogeochemistry of the most common limiting nutrient for biological processes in cold ecosystems of high northern latitudes (>50°): nitrogen (N). For comparison, we also analyzed cold ecosystems at intermediate and high southern latitudes. In addition, we examined N‐relevant genes and enzymes, and the abundance of belowground organisms. Together, our findings suggest that warming in cold ecosystems increases N mineralization rates and N2O emissions and does not affect N fixation, at least not in a consistent way across biomes and conditions. Changes in belowground N fluxes caused by warming lead to an accumulation of N in the forms of dissolved organic and root N. These changes seem to be more closely linked to increases in enzyme activity that target relatively labile N sources, than to changes in the abundance of N‐relevant genes (e.g., amoA and nosZ). Finally, our analysis suggests that warming in cold ecosystems leads to an increase in plant roots, fungi, and (likely in an indirect way) fungivores, and does not affect the abundance of archaea, bacteria, or bacterivores. In summary, our findings highlight global trends in the ways warming is altering the biogeochemistry and ecology of soils in cold ecosystems, and provide information that can be valuable for prediction of changes and for management of such ecosystems.
Synthesis of RE6–xCa1.5xSi11N20O (RE = Yb, Lu; x ≈ 2.2) with Lu6–xCa1.5xSi11N20O:Ce3+ Offering Interesting Spectral Properties for Yellow‐Emitting Phosphors in 1pcLEDs
Authors: Gamperl Lisa , Krach Georg , Schmidt Peter J. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

The oxonitridosilicates RE6–xCa1.5xSi11N20O (RE = Yb, Lu; x ≈ 2.2) were synthesized starting from REF3, CaH2, and ”Si(NH)2” in a radiofrequency furnace at 1600 or 1400 °C, respectively. The crystal structure was solved and refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data of dark red Yb6–xCa1.5xSi11N20O crystals in the trigonal space group P31c (no. 159) with a = 9.8281(10), c = 10.5968(13) Å and Z = 2. The structure represents a filled variant of the Er6Si11N20O structure type, in which the charge difference caused by substitution of trivalent Yb3+ with bivalent Ca2+ is balanced by occupation of an additional third cation site. Synthesis of Lu6–xCa1.5xSi11N20O:Ce3+ resulted in a yellow powder with yellow luminescence. Powder X‐ray data were analyzed by Rietveld refinement based on the crystal data obtained from Yb6–xCa1.5xSi11N20O. The Ce3+ doped compound exhibits a broad emission (fwhm ≈ 168 nm/≈ 5100 cm–1) with a maximum at λem ≈ 565 nm. The emission extends more in the red spectral range compared to YAG:Ce3+, thus making it an interesting phosphor for warm‐white single phosphor converted light‐emitting diodes (1pcLED) with an improved color rendering index.
Early‐stage sustainability assessment of biotechnological processes: A case study of citric acid production
Authors: Becker Mi‐Yong , Kohlheb Norbert , Hunger Steffi , Eschrich Sandra , Müller Roland , Aurich Andreas
Published: November 2019

Sustainability assessment using a life‐cycle approach is indispensable to contemporary bioprocess development. This assessment is particularly important for early‐stage bioprocess development. As early‐stage investigations of bioprocesses involve the evaluation of their ecological and socioeconomic effects, they can be adjusted more effectively and improved towards sustainability, thereby reducing environmental risk and production costs. Early‐stage sustainability assessment is an important precautionary practice and, despite limited data, a unique opportunity to determine the primary impacts of bioprocess development. To this end, a simple and robust method was applied based on the standardized life‐cycle sustainability assessment methodology and commercially available datasets. In our study, we elaborated on the yeast‐based citric acid production process with Yarrowia lipolytica assessing 11 different substrates in different process modes. The focus of our analysis comprised both cultivation and down‐stream processing. According to our results, the repeated batch raw glycerol based bioprocess alternative showed the best environmental performance. The second‐ and third‐best options were also glycerol‐based. The least sustainable processes were those using molasses, chemically produced ethanol, and soy bean oil. The aggregated results of environmental, economic, and social impacts display waste frying oil as the best‐ranked alternative. The bioprocess with sunflower oil in the batch mode ranked second. The least favorable alternatives were the chemically produced ethanol‐, soy oil‐, refined glycerol‐, and molasses‐based citric acid production processes. The scenario analysis demonstrated that the environmental impact of nutrients and wastewater treatment is negligible, but energy demand of cultivation and down‐stream processing dominated the production process. However, without energy demand the omission of neutralizers almost halves the total impact, and neglecting pasteurization also considerably decreases the environmental impact.
Space–time trends and dependence of precipitation extremes in North‐Western Germany
Authors: Cabral R. , Ferreira A. , Friederichs P.
Published: November 2019

The assessment of long‐term trends in environmental extremes is a challenging and important subject in the current discussion on global climate change. We propose a new approach for evaluating temporal trends and spatial homogeneity in extremes accounting also for spatial dependence. Based on exceedances over a space–time threshold, we provide estimators for a so‐called scedasis function and the extreme value parameters. Two novel test statistics based on the scedasis function provide a way to assess space–time inhomogeneities. Finally, we propose a procedure to achieve stationarity in space and time and evaluate residual extremal dependence over space through a variogram analysis that includes anisotropy.

The methods are applied to daily accumulated precipitation data observed at 64 weather stations in North‐Western Germany. The time period from 1931 to 2014 is considered, separately for northern hemispheric winter (November – March) and summer (May – September). The results reveal a clear seasonal differentiation on extremal behavior with the highest precipitation records and generally heavier tails during summer. Spatial inhomogeneities in the frequency of precipitation extremes are related to topography and are particularly significant during winter. During this season, we further observe significant deviations from time‐stationarity at a few stations, related to a period of a high frequency of extremes around 1992. Spatial anisotropy in the extremal dependence structure is stronger during winter than during summer and reveals an increased dependence in the east–west direction.
Protective effects of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) against high‐fat‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Liu Dandan , Guan Xiao , Huang Kai , Li Sen , Liu Jing , Yu Wenwen , Duan Ruiqian
Published: November 2019

Hyperlipidemia is closely related to oxidative stress, and it has been proved that the intake of legumes can protect the body from chronic diseases related to oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of mung beans and peas against high‐fat‐diet‐induced rats. It was found that, with 50% addition of mung beans or peas, the intake of mung beans and peas could significantly restore the levels of serum total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Liver staining also showed that high‐fat diet (HFD) led to liver lesions, whereas whole‐grain intake could significantly relieve these symptoms. Compared with the HFD group, the antioxidant defense system and antioxidant gene expression in administered legume groups improved markedly. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the two legume extracts were determined. Characterization showed that the ethanol extracts of mung beans and peas possessed high antioxidant activities, for their ability to scavenge ABTS and DPPH, reduce Fe3+ and their antilipid peroxidation capacity. Treatments with ethanol extracts at different doses could restore the levels of intracellular lipid, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzyme activities in oleic acid‐induced HepG2 cells. All these results suggested that mung beans and peas or their extracts may be utilized as good candidates of natural antioxidant agents.
Adult‐onset neuroblastoma: Report of seven cases with molecular genetic characterization
Authors: Duan Kai , Dickson Brendan C. , Marrano Paula , Thorner Paul S. , Chung Catherine T.
Published: November 2019

Whereas neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, less than 5% of cases occur in adults. Pediatric neuroblastoma shows marked heterogeneity of histology and molecular biology. Information about this tumor in adults is limited, especially regarding molecular biology. We report a series of nine neuroblastoma cases diagnosed in adulthood (18 to 40 years old) with molecular biologic characterization in seven. All tumors were Schwannian stroma‐poor, and mostly poorly differentiated. Tumors expressed neural markers including PHOX2B, NB84, synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD56, neuron‐specific enolase, and PGP9.5. Two out of six cases expressed ALK and one had the F1174 L mutation reported in childhood neuroblastoma. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed MYCN amplification in 2/7 cases, chromosome 1p deletion in 1/5 cases and 17q gain in 4/4 cases. One in five cases showed loss of ATRX expression by immunohistochemistry and alternate lengthening of telomeres by FISH. Zero out of five cases showed rearrangement of the TERT gene by FISH, but one case showed high level amplification. In conclusion, the morphology and immunophenotype of adult‐onset neuroblastoma are similar to pediatric cases although less differentiated than some childhood tumors. Similarly, molecular genetic alterations in adult‐onset neuroblastoma are not unique to this age group. However, 80% of cases tested showed genetic changes that would promote maintenance of telomeres, which is a molecular marker of high risk cases. This may help explain the poor response in adults to pediatric treatment protocols. Additional studies to characterize the biology of this tumor in the adult age group will facilitate the design of more personalized therapeutic approaches.
Subduction initiation in the southeastern Palaeo‐Asian Ocean: Constraints from early Permian adakites in suprasubduction zone ophiolites, central Inner Mongolia, North China
Authors: Li Yingjie , Wang Jinfang , Xin Houtian , Dong Peipei , Li Hongyang
Published: November 2019

Here, we investigate early Permian adakites from Inner Mongolia, North China. The adakites are found along the Hegenshan suture zone, were emplaced into the late Carboniferous Meilaotewula suprasubduction zone (SSZ) ophiolite and consist mainly of fine‐ to medium‐grained granodiorites. U–Pb zircon dating reveals that the Meilaotewula adakites crystallized at 292 Ma. The adakites belong to the low‐K tholeiitic and medium‐K calc‐alkaline series. They are characterized by high SiO2(65.20–70.05 wt.%), Al2O3(16.46–19.27 wt.%), and Sr (343–666 ppm); low MgO (1.26–1.95 wt.%), Yb (0.65–1.16 ppm), and Y (8.08–10.6 ppm) contents; and Na2O/K2O ratios (3.26–10.73). They are relatively enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements, such as K, Rb, and Sr, and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements, such as Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti, and P, and have low total rare‐earth element (REE) contents (27.73–49.63 ppm), with distinct REE fractionation (chondrite‐normalized La/Yb of 3.05–8.88) and no pronounced negative Eu anomalies. The rocks have relatively low initial87Sr/86Sr values (0.70285–0.70326), high εNd(t) values (+8.8 to +10.8), and relatively high zircon εHf(t) values (11.9 to 15.9), indicating that the magma was derived from young juvenile oceanic crust derived from depleted mantle, similar to adakitic rocks formed by partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. The relatively high Mg#of the adakites indicates that the melts interacted with mantle peridotite during ascent. The adakites, together with Meilaotewula ophiolite (308 Ma), may have formed during the early stages of intra‐oceanic subduction, demonstrating that subduction initiation in the southeastern Palaeo‐Asian Ocean occurred during the late Carboniferous to early Permian.
The risk of second primary tumors in head and neck cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Coca‐Pelaz Andrés , Rodrigo Juan P. , Suárez Carlos , Nixon Iain J. , Mäkitie Antti , Sanabria Alvaro , Quer Miquel , Strojan Primož , Bradford Carol R. , Kowalski Luiz P. , Shaha Ashok R. , de Bree Remco , Hartl Dana M. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Takes Robert P. , Ferlito Alfio
Published: November 2019

Background

Second primary tumors (SPTs) are a common cause of reduced life expectancy in patients treated for head and neck cancer (HNC). This phenomenon forms an area to be addressed during posttreatment follow‐up.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of literature following PRISMA guidelines, from 1979 to 2019, to investigate incidence of SPTs, synchronous, and metachronous, in HNC population.

Results

Our review includes data of 456 130 patients from 61 articles. With a minimum follow‐up of 22 months, mean incidence of SPTs was 13.2% (95% CI: 11.56‐14.84): 5.3% (95% CI: 4.24‐6.36) for synchronous SPTs and 9.4% (95% CI: 7.9‐10.9) for metachronous SPTs. The most frequent site for SPTs was head and neck area, followed by the lungs and esophagus.

Conclusion

Although with wide variations between studies, the rate of SPTs in HNC patients is high. Given the impact in the prognosis, we must develop strategies for the early diagnosis of SPTs.
A Molecular Mechanism Underlying Genotype‐Specific Intrahepatic Cholestasis Resulting From MYO5B Mutations
Authors: Overeem Arend W. , Li Qinghong , Qiu Yi‐Ling , Cartón‐García Fernando , Leng Changsen , Klappe Karin , Dronkers Just , Hsiao Nai‐Hua , Wang Jian‐She , Arango Diego , van Ijzendoorn Sven C.D.
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) 6 has been associated with missense but not biallelic nonsense or frameshift mutations in MYO5B, encoding the motor protein myosin Vb (myoVb). This genotype‐phenotype correlation and the mechanism through which MYO5B mutations give rise to PFIC are not understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether the loss of myoVb or expression of patient‐specific myoVb mutants can be causally related to defects in canalicular protein localization and, if so, through which mechanism.

Approach and Results

We demonstrate that the cholestasis‐associated substitution of the proline at amino acid position 600 in the myoVb protein to a leucine (P660L) caused the intracellular accumulation of bile canalicular proteins in vesicular compartments. Remarkably, the knockout of MYO5B in vitro and in vivo produced no canalicular localization defects. In contrast, the expression of myoVb mutants consisting of only the tail domain phenocopied the effects of the Myo5b‐P660L mutation. Using additional myoVb and rab11a mutants, we demonstrate that motor domain‐deficient myoVb inhibited the formation of specialized apical recycling endosomes and that its disrupting effect on the localization of canalicular proteins was dependent on its interaction with active rab11a and occurred at the trans‐Golgi Network/recycling endosome interface.

Conclusions

Our results reveal a mechanism through which MYO5B motor domain mutations can cause the mislocalization of canalicular proteins in hepatocytes which, unexpectedly, does not involve myoVb loss‐of‐function but, as we propose, a rab11a‐mediated gain‐of‐toxic function. The results explain why biallelic MYO5B mutations that affect the motor domain but not those that eliminate myoVb expression are associated with PFIC6.
Calibration method affects the measured δ2H and δ18O in soil water by direct H2Oliquid–H2Ovapour equilibration with laser spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Hongxiu , Si Bingcheng , Pratt Dyan , Li Han , Ma Xiaojun
Published: November 2019

The direct H2Oliquid–H2Ovapour equilibration method utilizing laser spectroscopy (DVE‐LS) is a way to measure soil pore water stable isotopes. Various equilibration times and calibration methods have been used in DVE‐LS. Yet little is known about their effects on the accuracy of the obtained isotope values. The objective of this study was to evaluate how equilibration time and calibration methods affect the accuracy of DVE‐LS. We did both spiking and field soil experiments. For the spiking experiment, we applied DVE‐LS to four soils of different textures, each of which was subjected to five water contents and six equilibration times. For the field soil experiment, we applied three calibration methods for DVE‐LS to two field soil profiles, and the results were compared with cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD)‐LS. Results showed that DVE‐LS demonstrated higher δ2H and δ18O as equilibration time increased, but 12 to 24 hr could be used as optimal equilibration time. For field soil samples, DVE‐LS with liquid waters as standards led to significantly higher δ2H and δ18O than CVD‐LS, with root mean square error (RMSE) of 8.06‰ for δ2H and 0.98‰ for δ18O. Calibration with soil texture reduced RMSE to 3.53‰ and 0.72‰ for δ2H and δ18O, respectively. Further, calibration with both soil texture and water content decreased RMSE to 3.10‰ for δ2H and 0.73‰ for δ18O. Our findings conclude that the calibration method applied may affect the measured soil water isotope values from DVE‐LS.
Diabetes, metformin and cancer risk in myotonic dystrophy type I
Authors: Alsaggaf Rotana , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Wang Youjin , St. George Diane Marie M. , Zhan Min , Wagner Kathryn R. , Amr Sania , Greene Mark H. , Gadalla Shahinaz M.
Published: November 2019

Myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder characterized by myotonia and muscle weakness. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cancer have been shown to be part of the DM1 phenotype. Metformin, a well‐established agent for the management of T2D, is thought to have cancer‐preventive effects in the general population. In our study, we aimed to assess the association between T2D, metformin use and the risk of cancer in DM1 patients. We identified a cohort of 913 DM1 patients and an age‐, sex‐ and clinic‐matched cohort of 12,318 DM1‐free controls from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, a large primary care records database. We used Cox regression models to assess cancer risk in T2D patients who were metformin users or nonusers compared to patients without T2D. Separate analyses were conducted for DM1 patients and controls. T2D was more prevalent in DM1 than in controls (8% vs. 3%, p < 0.0001). DM1 patients with T2D, compared to those without T2D, were more likely to develop cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–10.97; p = 0.02), but not if they were treated with metformin (HR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.06–3.35; p = 0.42). Among controls, we observed no significant associations between T2D and cancer risk in either users or nonusers of Metformin (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.91–1.79; p = 0.16 and HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.72–1.79; p = 0.59, respectively). These results show an association between T2D and cancer risk in DM1 patients and may provide new insights into the possible benefits of Metformin use in DM1.
Hemodynamic stability in liver failure patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Patale Dnyaneshwar , Bajpai Meenu , Maiwall Rakhi , Kumar Guresh
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The management of liver failure (LF) remains a challenge for the physician. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) improves consciousness level and tends to normalize hyperkinetic circulation by removing neurotoxic substances from the circulation. Hemodynamic stability is essential for optimal patient management. The objective of this study was to observe the effects of TPE on mean arterial pressure (MAP), vasopressor dependency index (VDI) and vasopressor score (VS) in LF patients.

Method

This retrospective study was conducted on LF patients at a liver institute in Delhi. Clinical data were collected from April 2018 to September 2018.

Results

A total of 229 TPEs were performed on 97 patients. Baseline values were MAP 82 (56‐141), VS 10.55 (0.00‐111.66), and VDI 0.13(0.00‐1.44). MAP increased with TPE from 82 to 85 at 1 hour post‐TPE and fell back to baseline in 6 hours post‐TPE. VDI and VS decreased significantly with TPE till 1 hour post‐TPE but reached baseline by 6 hours post‐TPE. VDI decreased consistently untill third TPE session and remained stable thereafter. Post‐TPE, S. Procalcitonin decreased from 4.69 to 4.25. The average time from admission to start of first TPE procedure was 11 hours in survivors and 26 hours in nonsurvivors.

Conclusions

Patients became hemodynamically stable with TPE but effect did not last long. Sustained improvements in VDI were observed with multiple TPE procedures. Distinct differences were seen between survivors and nonsurvivors in MAP, VDI, and VS early initiation of TPE correlated with improved survival in ALF patients. TPE did not increase risk of sepsis.
Cyclic cycle systems of the complete multipartite graph
Authors: Burgess Andrea , Merola Francesca , Traetta Tommaso
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we study the existence problem for cyclic ‐cycle decompositions of the graph , the complete multipartite graph with parts of size , and give necessary and sufficient conditions for their existence in the case that .
Significance of sleep stability using cardiopulmonary coupling in sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Seo Min Young , Hwang Sun Jin , Nam Kuk Jin , Lee Seung Hoon
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the sleep quality and sleep stability according to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by using questionnaires and cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) analysis.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty‐one adults were evaluated using subjective sleep questionnaires, CPC parameters, and respiratory parameters measured during full‐night polysomnography. We measured the differences in the CPC parameters of each OSA group and the correlation between the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and CPC parameters.

Results

AHI and CPC parameters were not associated with sleep questionnaires. AHI is negatively correlated with high frequency coupling (HFC, r = −0.725, P < 0.001) and very low frequency coupling (VLFC, r = −0.475, P < 0.001), but it is positively correlated with low frequency coupling (LFC, r = 0.786, P < 0.001) and narrow‐ and broadband‐elevated low frequency coupling (e‐LFCNB and e‐LFCBB; r = 0.522, P < 0.001 and r = 0.668, P < 0.001, respectively). We also found similar results regarding the correlation between the arousal index and CPC parameters. In addition, there were significant differences in HFC, LFC, VLFC, e‐LFCNB, and e‐LFCBB (all P < 0.001) between the severe OSA group and all other groups.

Conclusion

We found that CPC parameters significantly correlated with AHI. In addition, sleep stability‐related parameters differ significantly based on OSA severity, and apneic parameters in the severe OSA group are significantly different from those in the other groups.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130: 2069–2075, 2020
Otopathology in Kleefstra Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Okayasu Tadao , Quesnel Alicia M. , Reinshagen Katherine L. , Nadol Joseph B.
Published: November 2019

Kleefstra syndrome is a rare neurogenetic disorder caused by a subtelomeric 9q34.3 deletion or by an intragenic mutation of the euchromatin histone methyl transferase 1 gene (EHMT1). Approximately 20% to 30% of individuals have hearing loss. The left temporal bone of one subject with hearing loss was studied using light microscopy. There were several abnormalities including dysostosis of the stapes without fixation, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, anomalies of the organ of Corti in the basal turn, cyst formation in the stria vascularis, and dysmorphia of the cochlear modiolus and the vestibular labyrinth. This is the first published description of the otopathology in Kleefstra syndrome. Laryngoscope, 130:2028–2033, 2020
Finite morphisms and simultaneous reduction of the multiplicity
Authors: Abad C. , Bravo A. , Villamayor U. O. E.
Published: November 2019

LetXbe a singular algebraic variety defined over a perfect fieldk, with quotient field . Let be the highest multiplicity ofXand let be the set of points of multiplicitys. If is a regular center and is the blow up atY, then the highest multiplicity ofX1is less than or equal tos. A sequence of blow ups at regular centers , say , is said to be asimplificationof the multiplicity if the maximum multiplicity of is strictly lower than that ofX, that is, if is empty. In characteristic zero there is an algorithm which assigns to eachXa unique simplification of the multiplicity. However, the problem remains open when the characteristic is positive. In this paper we will study finite dominant morphisms between singular varieties of generic rank (i.e., ). We will see that, when imposing suitable conditions on β, there is a strong link between the strata of maximum multiplicity ofXand , say and respectively. In such case, we will say that the morphism is strongly transversal. When is strongly transversal one can obtain information about the simplification of the multiplicity ofXfrom that of and vice versa. Finally, we will see that given a singular varietyXand a finite field extensionLof of rank , one can construct (at least locally, in étale topology) a strongly transversal morphism , where has quotient fieldL.
One‐dimensional average on spheres and approximation
Authors: Fan Dashan , Lou Zengjian , Wang Zijian
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we consider the approximation of the degeneration of classic average on sphere on Hardy‐Sobolev spacesIλ(Hp) . We prove that the degenerate expression of average on sphere of anLpfunction is convergent almost everywhere, and the speed of the approximation depends onλ. And whenλ ≥ 2, the approximation of the average operator will be saturated. On the other hand, we also study the generalization of the average on the product of Hardy‐Sobolev spaces.
Solutions of fractional gas dynamics equation by a new technique
Authors: Akgül Ali , Cordero Alicia , Torregrosa Juan Ramon
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a novel technique is formed to obtain the solution of a fractional gas dynamics equation. Some reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces are defined. Reproducing kernel functions of these spaces have been found. Some numerical examples are shown to confirm the efficiency of the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method. The accurate pulchritude of the paper is arisen in its strong implementation of Caputo fractional order time derivative on the classical equations with the success of the highly accurate solutions by the series solutions. Reproducing kernel Hilbert space method is actually capable of reducing the size of the numerical work. Numerical results for different particular cases of the equations are given in the numerical section.
Compact dual‐polarized meandered dipole antenna with LC‐balun integrated CPW‐G feeding lines for UHF RFID applications
Authors: Seo Dong‐Geun , Lee Wang‐Sang
Published: November 2019

This article presents a compact dual‐polarized meandered dipole antenna with an LC‐balun integrated coplanar waveguide with ground (CPW‐G) feeding lines for ultrahigh frequency radio frequency identification handheld readers. It consists of printed ±45° dipole antennas on an upper substrate with parasitic elements on a lower substrate, which is made by a fan‐shaped meandered line. The feeders for the radiators are independently made up of a CPW‐G line in supports and it is connected to the radiator by LC‐balun. The proposed antenna has vertical and horizontal linear polarization, and it is fabricated on an RF‐35 substrate and the size is 0.21
λ0× 0.21
λ0 × 0.08
λ0 at 915 MHz. The peak gain and 10‐dB impedance bandwidth are approximately 3.3 dBi and 12%, respectively. In addition, measured isolation between two radiators is approximately 32 dB at 915 MHz.
Tunable, reconfigurable, and programmable metamaterials
Authors: Bao Lei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: November 2019

Electromagnetic metamaterials have been developing rapidly and attracted worldwide attentions since the concept has been proposed due to their powerful ability in controlling electromagnetic (EM) waves. Active functions and features achieved by tunable or reconfigurable metamaterials are highly desired in the field of science, engineering, and military. With the introduction of digital metamaterials, a bridge between the physical world and the information world is set up. When the digital metamaterials are programmable, they enable the wave‐based information coding and processing on the physical level of metamaterials in real time. In this paper, we will summarize the recent progress on tunable, reconfigurable, and programmable metamaterials. Firstly, we introduce the tunable and reconfigurable metamaterials in terahertz and microwave frequencies. Secondly, we review the functional devices and novel systems by the programmable metamaterials. Finally, we give a brief developing prospect to the programmable metamaterials.
Germ cell cysts, a fetal feature in mammals, are constitutively present in the adult armadillo
Authors: Rossi Luis Francisco , Nottola Stefania , Miglietta Selenia , Macchiarelli Guido , Luaces Juan Pablo , Merico Valeria , Merani Susana , Garagna Silvia , Zuccotti Maurizio
Published: November 2019

Formation and subsequent break down of ovarian germ cell (GC) cysts is a key and an evolutionary‐conserved developmental event, described in phylogenetically diverse species of invertebrates and vertebrates. In mammals, cyst break down (CBD) ends at the time of, or soon after, birth with the formation of primordial follicles enclosing single oocytes, which constitute the sole reservoir of gametes available through the whole female's reproductive life. In this study, we challenge this paradigm demonstrating the constitutive presence of a large number of cysts, enclosing two‐thirty GCs, in the ovary of the adult armadillo Chaetophractus villosus, belonging to the superorder Xenarthra, one of the earliest offshoots among placentals. We also describe that (a) GCs enclosed within cysts are connected by intercellular bridges—intercellular bridges—markers of their clonal origin; (b) CBD occurs through four main phases, ending with primordial follicles containing single oocytes; (c) GCs encompass meiotic prophase I stages, from leptotene to diplotene; (d) seasonal variations in the number of GCs enclosed within cysts, suggesting the presence of a GC multiplying activity. The armadillo C. villosus''s ovary emerges as an extraordinary resource to investigate folliculogenesis and to explore the evolutionary past of the mammalian ovary.
Could DNA hydroxymethylation be crucial in influencing steroid hormone signaling in endometrial biology and endometriosis?
Authors: Mahajan Vishakha , Farquhar Cynthia , Ponnampalam Anna P.
Published: November 2019

Endometriosis affects 10% of reproductive‐aged women. It is characterized by the growth of the endometrium, outside the uterus and is associated with infertility and chronic abdominal pain. Lack of noninvasive diagnostic tools and early screening tests results in delayed treatment and subsequently increased disease severity. Endometriosis is a disease associated with a deregulated hormonal response, therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern this hormonal interplay is of paramount importance. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that regulates gene expression and is often associated with genes that code for steroid receptors and enzymes associated with estrogen synthesis and metabolism in endometriosis. DNA hydroxymethylation, which is structurally similar to methylation but functionally different, is a biologically critical mechanism that is also known to regulate gene expression. Ten Eleven Translocation (TET) proteins mediate hydroxymethylation. However, the role of DNA hydroxymethylation or TETs in the endometrium remains relatively unexplored. Currently, the “gold standard” technique used to study methylation patterns is bisulfite genomic sequencing. This technique also detects hydroxymethylation but fails to distinguish between the two, thereby limiting our understanding of these two processes. The presence of TETs in the male and female reproductive tract and its contribution to endometrial cancer makes it an important factor to study in endometriosis. This review summarizes the role of DNA methylation in aberrant steroid hormone signaling and hypothesizes that hydroxymethylation could be a factor influencing hormonal instability seen in endometriosis.
Optimizing MRF‐ASL scan design for precise quantification of brain hemodynamics using neural network regression
Authors: Lahiri Anish , Fessler Jeffrey A. , Hernandez‐Garcia Luis
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) is a quantitative, non‐invasive alternative for perfusion imaging that does not use contrast agents. The magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) framework can be adapted to ASL to estimate multiple physiological parameters simultaneously. In this work, we introduce an optimization scheme to increase the sensitivity of the ASL fingerprint. We also propose a regression based estimation framework for MRF‐ASL.

Methods

To improve the sensitivity of MRF‐ASL signals to underlying parameters, we optimized ASL labeling durations using the Cramer‐Rao Lower Bound (CRLB). This paper also proposes a neural network regression based estimation framework trained using noisy synthetic signals generated from our ASL signal model. We tested our methods in silico and in vivo, and compared with multiple post labeling delay (multi‐PLD) ASL and unoptimized MRF‐ASL. We present comparisons of estimated maps for the six parameters of our signal model.

Results

The scan design process facilitated precise estimates of multiple hemodynamic parameters and tissue properties from a single scan, in regions of normal gray and white matter, as well as regions with anomalous perfusion activity in the brain. In particular, there was a 86.7% correlation of perfusion estimates with the ground truth in silico, using our proposed techniques. In vivo, there was roughly a 7 fold improvement in the Coefficient of Variation (CoV) for white matter perfusion, and 2 fold improvement in gray matter perfusion CoV in comparison to a reference Multi PLD method. The regression based estimation approach provided perfusion estimates rapidly, with estimation times of around 1s per map.

Conclusions

Scan design optimization, coupled with regression‐based estimation is a powerful tool for improving precision in MRF‐ASL
Old, incorrect, and obsolete: Why out‐of‐date content hurts your website
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: November 2019

College and university websites are known to sprawl. Over time, this “content clutter” can negatively impact user experience and adversely affect branding efforts.
Embrace technology to provide effective, timely feedback to students
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: November 2019

A roadmap of hieroglyphics — that's how Renee Dauer described what her written feedback on one assignment years ago might have looked like to her students.
Single‐stage embolization with n‐butyl cyanoacrylate and surgical resection of venous malformations
Authors: Polites Stephanie F. , Watanabe Miho , Scorletti Federico , Patel Manish N. , Ricci Kiersten W. , Hammill Adrienne M. , Dasgupta Roshni
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Sclerotherapy or surgical resection is options for symptomatic venous malformations (VM). Sclerotherapy may require repetitive intervention and resection is often avoided due to operative morbidity. The purpose of this study was to report use of single‐stage n‐butyl cyanoacrylate glue embolization and surgical resection of focal VM.

Methods

A review of patients with focal VM who underwent glue embolization followed by resection at a single tertiary care vascular malformations center was performed. All embolizations were performed with ultrasound and fluoroscopy under the same anesthetic as resection. Patient characteristics and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Fifteen procedures were performed in 12 patients with a total of 20 VM addressed, as several patients had multiple VM. Mean age was 16 ± 9 years. Malformation locations included scalp, hip, gluteal, labial, toe, finger, face, lip, chest, and foot and size ranged from 1.0 to 10.5 cm. Median (range) of prior sclerotherapy treatments was 3 (0‐5) and three patients previously underwent surgical resection. Median blood loss was zero (0‐10) mL. Surgical complications occurred after five procedures (33%) including superficial wound dehiscence and cellulitis. No complications required readmission or reoperation. At a median follow up of 195 (103‐266) days, no patients have required additional treatment.

Conclusion

Glue embolization and resection of focal VM of variable size and location appears to have durable results and low surgical morbidity. This single‐stage procedure, often performed as an outpatient, may be utilized as upfront treatment for symptomatic malformations or for VM refractory to other treatments.