bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonoperative treatment for nonperforated appendicitis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maita Sonia , Andersson Björn , Svensson Jan F. , Wester Tomas
Published: December 2019

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children. Nonoperative treatment of nonperforated acute appendicitis in children is an alternative to appendectomy. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the outcomes of nonoperative treatment of nonperforated acute appendicitis in children in the literature. Databases were searched to identify abstracts, using predefined search terms. The abstracts were reviewed by two independent reviewers and articles were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted by the two reviewers and analyzed. The literature search yielded 2743 abstracts. Twenty-one articles were selected for analysis. The study design was heterogenous, with only one randomized controlled study. The symptoms resolved in 92% [95% CI (88; 96)] of the nonoperatively treated patients. Meta-analysis showed that an additional 16% (95% CI 10; 22) of patients underwent appendectomy after discharge from initial hospital stay. Complications and length of hospital stay was not different among patients treated with antibiotics compared with those who underwent appendectomy. Nonoperative treatment of nonperforated acute appendicitis children is safe and efficient. There is a lack of large randomized controlled trials to compare outcomes of nonoperative treatment with appendectomy.
Aneurysmal benign fibrous histiocytoma of the anal canal: a rare differential diagnosis
Authors: Amarnani Raj , Harikrishnan Athur
Published: December 2019

Background

To our knowledge, we report the first case of an aneurysmal benign fibrous histiocytoma occurring in the anal canal.

Methods

Clinical, histological, radiological and surgical data pertaining to this patient were analysed. Additionally, a literature review on aneurysmal benign fibrous histiocytoma was conducted.

Results

We describe a 48-year-old Caucasian male presenting with a 2-week history of a painful anus, fresh rectal bleeding and tenesmus. Digital rectal examination identified a tender firm mass in the anal verge. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed high signal in the anal canal. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed an ulcerated 3-cm indurated lesion at the four o’clock position. Biopsies taken of the mass confirmed the diagnosis of an aneurysmal benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH). Following a discussion in the colorectal multi-disciplinary team, the patient was counselled for an excision of the lesion. Diathermy dissection was performed to completely excise the tumour with a margin involving the fibres of the anal sphincter. The patient made a full recovery and had no residual symptoms. Histology of the excised specimen confirmed clear margins of the BFH.

Conclusions

This paper aims to highlight a rare differential diagnosis for an anal mass. An aneurysmal BFH most often presents as a painless mass within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. As such, this case presents a diagnostic challenge to both colorectal surgeon and histopathologist due to its low incidence and unusual location. We further present the clinical and radiographic evidence to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, we discuss the literature pertaining to this condition and its optimal management.
Optical coherence tomography shows neuroretinal thinning in myelopathy of adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: van Ballegoij Wouter J. C. , Kuijpers Sander C. , Huffnagel Irene C. , Weinstein Henry C. , Poll-The Bwee Tien , Engelen Marc , Bennebroek Carlien A. M. , Verbraak Frank D.
Published: December 2019

Background

Progressive myelopathy is the main cause of disability in adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Development of therapies is hampered by a lack of quantitative outcome measures. In this study, we investigated whether myelopathy in ALD is associated with retinal neurodegeneration on optical coherence tomography (OCT), which could serve as a surrogate outcome measure.

Methods

Sixty-two patients (29 men and 33 women) and 70 age-matched and sex-matched controls (33 men and 37 women) were included in this cross-sectional study. We compared retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness between ALD patients and controls. In addition, we correlated these OCT measurements with clinical parameters of severity of myelopathy.

Results

Patients had significantly thinner RNFL (male group, p < 0.05) and pRNFL superior and temporal quadrant [both male (p < 0.005) and female (p < 0.05) groups] compared to controls. Comparing three groups (symptomatic patients, asymptomatic patients and controls), there were significant differences in RNFL thickness (total grid and peripheral ring) in the male group (p ≤ 0.002) and in pRNFL thickness (superior and temporal quadrant) in both male (p ≤ 0.02) and the female (p ≤ 0.02) groups. Neuroretinal layer thickness correlated moderately with severity of myelopathy in men (correlation coefficients between 0.29–0.55, p < 0.02), but not in women.

Conclusions

These results suggest that neurodegeneration of the spinal cord in ALD is reflected in the retina of patients with ALD. Therefore, OCT could be valuable as an outcome measure for the myelopathy of ALD. Additional longitudinal studies are ongoing.
Intestinal microbiome and NAFLD: molecular insights and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Hu Haiming , Lin Aizhen , Kong Mingwang , Yao Xiaowei , Yin Mingzhu , Xia Hui , Ma Jun , Liu Hongtao
Published: December 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of dysregulated lipid and glucose metabolism, which is often associated with obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. In view of the high morbidity and health risks of NAFLD, the lack of effective cure has drawn great attention. In recent years, a line of evidence has suggested a close linkage between the intestine and liver diseases such as NAFLD. We summarized the composition and characteristics of intestinal microbes and reviewed molecular insights into the intestinal microbiome in development and progression of NAFLD. Intestinal microbes mainly include bacteria, archaea, viruses and fungi, and the crosstalk between non-bacterial intestinal microbes and human liver diseases should be paid more attention. Intestinal microbiota imbalance may not only increase the intestinal permeability to gut microbes but also lead to liver exposure to harmful substances that promote hepatic lipogenesis and fibrosis. Furthermore, we focused on reviewing the latest “gut–liver axis”-targeting treatment, including the application of antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, farnesoid X receptor agonists, bile acid sequestrants, gut-derived hormones, adsorbents and fecal microbiota transplantation for NAFLD. In this review, we also discussed the potential mechanisms of “gut–liver axis” manipulation and efficacy of these therapeutic strategies for NAFLD treatment.
Virtual setup in orthodontics: planning and evaluation
Authors: Baan F. , de Waard O. , Bruggink R. , Xi T. , Ongkosuwito E. M. , Maal T. J. J.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical accuracy of virtual orthodontic setups by using a new CBCT-based approach.

Materials and methods

Ten patients who underwent pre-surgical orthodontics were included in this study. Pre-treatment and pre-surgical cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans and digital dental models were available. The pre-treatment digital dental model was used to create an orthodontic virtual setup. The digital dental models were fused with the corresponding CBCT scans, and the two CBCT scans were aligned using voxel-based matching. Moving each individual tooth from the virtual setup to the final outcome allows the calculation of the accuracy of the virtual setup by using an iterative closest point algorithm. Differences between virtual setup and final outcome were recorded as well as the ICC between two observers.

Results

The inter-observer variability showed a high level of agreement between the observers. The largest mean difference between observers was found in the cranial/caudal direction (0.36 ± 0.30 mm) and the roll rotation (1.54 ± 0.98°). Differences between the virtual setup and final outcome were small in the translational direction (0.45 ± 0.48 mm). Rotational mean differences were larger with the pitch of the incisors (0.00 ± 7.97°) and molars (0.01 ± 10.26°) as largest difference. Excessive extrusion of all upper teeth and more anterior movement than planned were seen for both upper and lower arch. Lower molars showed less extrusion.

Clinical relevance

The data of this study can be used to obtain more insight in the accuracy and achievability of orthodontic virtual setup. Tooth movement can now be studied in more details which can lead to new insights.
Stationary Schrödinger equation in the semi-classical limit: WKB-based scheme coupled to a turning point
Authors: Arnold Anton , Döpfner Kirian
Published: December 2019

This paper is concerned with the efficient numerical treatment of 1D stationary Schrödinger equations in the semi-classical limit when including a turning point of first order. As such it is an extension of the paper [3], where turning points still had to be excluded. For the considered scattering problems we show that the wave function asymptotically blows up at the turning point as the scaled Planck constant $$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0$$ε→0, which is a key challenge for the analysis. Assuming that the given potential is linear or quadratic in a small neighborhood of the turning point, the problem is analytically solvable on that subinterval in terms of Airy or parabolic cylinder functions, respectively. Away from the turning point, the analytical solution is coupled to a numerical solution that is based on a WKB-marching method—using a coarse grid even for highly oscillatory solutions. We provide an error analysis for the hybrid analytic-numerical problem up to the turning point (where the solution is asymptotically unbounded) and illustrate it in numerical experiments: if the phase of the problem is explicitly computable, the hybrid scheme is asymptotically correct w.r.t. $$\varepsilon $$ε. If the phase is obtained with a quadrature rule of, e.g., order 4, then the spatial grid size has the limitation $$h=\mathcal{O}(\varepsilon ^{7/12})$$h=O(ε7/12) which is slightly worse than the $$h=\mathcal{O}(\varepsilon ^{1/2})$$h=O(ε1/2) restriction in the case without a turning point.
Consumption of snacks and dental caries among Finnish young men: a cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Tanner Tarja , Harju Laura , Päkkilä Jari , Patinen Pertti , Tjäderhane Leo , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of consumption of snack products, as well as the association between snacking and restorative treatment need, and associated factors among a healthy Finnish male population. Approximately 8500 conscripts answered a computer-based questionnaire covering their snacking habits and other health behaviours. Restorative treatment need and history (DT, DMFT) were examined by trained and calibrated dentists. Cross-tabulations were used to investigate the associations between snacking habits and the other researched variables, and logistic regression analyses (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) were used to investigate the variables influencing the restorative treatment need. In the present study, almost one-third of the study group consumed snack products daily, most often fizzy and energy drinks. Only 10% had received a diet counselling. The most common situations involving snacking were at the cinema and while playing computer games. According to Pearson’s Chi square test, snacking was associated with smoking and snuffing and infrequent tooth brushing (p < 0.001). According to the regression analyses, daily snacking, smoking, and doing exercise daily increased the odds for restorative treatment need whereas higher education level and tooth brushing twice or more often per day decreased the odds for restorative treatment need. It can be concluded that daily snacking is common among Finnish young men and is associated with restorative treatment need. Snacking is also associated with other harmful oral and general health habits. Individual dietary counselling should be routinely offered to everybody in dental clinics.
The potassium channel Kcne3 is a VEGFA-inducible gene selectively expressed by vascular endothelial tip cells
Authors: Deckelbaum Ron A. , Lobov Ivan B. , Cheung Eunice , Halasz Gabor , Rajamani Saathyaki , Lerner Julia , Tong Chunxiang , Li Zhe , Boland Patricia , Dominguez Melissa , Hughes Virginia , Yancopoulos George D. , Murphy Andrew J. , Thurston Gavin , Cao Jingtai , Romano Carmelo , Gale Nicholas W.
Published: December 2019

Angiogenesis is largely driven by motile endothelial tip-cells capable of invading avascular tissue domains and enabling new vessel formation. Highly responsive to Vascular Endothelial Growth-Factor-A (VEGFA), endothelial tip-cells also suppress angiogenic sprouting in adjacent stalk cells, and thus have been a primary therapeutic focus in addressing neovascular pathologies. Surprisingly, however, there remains a paucity of specific endothelial tip-cell markers. Here, we employ transcriptional profiling and alacZreporter allele to identifyKcne3as an early and selective endothelial tip-cell marker in multiple angiogenic contexts. In development,Kcne3expression initiates during early phases of angiogenesis (E9) and remains specific to endothelial tip-cells, often adjacent to regions expressing VEGFA. Consistently,Kcne3activation is highly responsive to exogenous VEGFA but maintains tip-cell specificity throughout normal retinal angiogenesis. We also demonstrate endothelial tip-cell selectivity ofKcne3in several injury and tumor models. Together, our data show thatKcne3is a unique marker of sprouting angiogenic tip-cells and offers new opportunities for investigating and targeting this cell type.
Landscape of HIV Implementation Research Funded by the National Institutes of Health: A Mapping Review of Project Abstracts
Authors: Smith Justin D. , Li Dennis H. , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Gallo Carlos , McNulty Moira , Phillips Gregory , Birkett Michelle , Rafferty Miriam , Rao Amrita , Villamar Juan A. , Baral Stefan , Mustanski Brian , Brown C. Hendricks , Benbow Nanette D.
Published: December 2019

In 2019, the requisite biomedical and behavioral interventions to eliminate new HIV infections exist. “Ending the HIV Epidemic” now becomes primarily a challenge of will and implementation. This review maps the extent to which implementation research (IR) has been integrated into HIV research by reviewing the recent funding portfolio of the NIH. We searched NIH RePORTER for HIV and IR-related research projects funded from January 2013 to March 2018. The 4629 unique studies identified were screened using machine learning and manual methods. 216 abstracts met the eligibility criteria of HIV and IR. Key study characteristics were then abstracted. NIH currently funds HIV studies that are either formally IR (n = 109) or preparatory for IR (n = 107). Few (13%) projects mentioned a guiding implementation model, theory, or framework, and only 56% of all studies explicitly mentioned measuring an implementation outcome. Considering the study aims along an IR continuum, 18 (8%) studies examined barriers and facilitators, 43 (20%) developed implementation strategies, 46 (21%) piloted strategies, 73 (34%) tested a single strategy, and 35 (16%) compared strategies. A higher proportion of formal IR projects involved established interventions (e.g., integrated services) compared to newer interventions (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis). Prioritizing HIV-related IR in NIH and other federal funding opportunity announcements and expanded training in implementation science could have a substantial impact on ending the HIV pandemic. This review serves as a baseline by which to compare funding patterns and the sophistication of IR in HIV research over time.
Students’ Creative Process in Mathematics: Insights from Eye-Tracking-Stimulated Recall Interview on Students’ Work on Multiple Solution Tasks
Authors: Schindler Maike , Lilienthal Achim J.
Published: December 2019

Students’ creative process in mathematics is increasingly gaining significance in mathematics education research. Researchers often use Multiple Solution Tasks (MSTs) to foster and evaluate students’ mathematical creativity. Yet, research so far predominantly had a product-view and focused on solutions rather than the process leading to creative insights. The question remains unclear how students’ process solving MSTs looks like—and if existing models to describe (creative) problem solving can capture this process adequately. This article presents an explorative, qualitative case study, which investigates the creative process of a school student, David. Using eye-tracking technology and a stimulated recall interview, we trace David’s creative process. Our findings indicate what phases his creative process in the MST involves, how new ideas emerge, and in particular where illumination is situated in this process. Our case study illustrates that neither existing models on the creative process, nor on problem solving capture David’s creative process fully, indicating the need to partially rethink students’ creative process in MSTs.
Niche-related outcomes after caesarean section and quality of life: a focus group study and review of literature
Authors: Stegwee Sanne I. , Beij Astrid , de Leeuw Robert A. , Mokkink Lidwine B. , van der Voet Lucet F. , Huirne Judith A. F.
Published: December 2019

Background

A niche in the uterus, present in 60% of women after caesarean section (CS), is associated with several gynaecological symptoms and possibly with subfertility. Studies that focus on quality of life (QoL) in relation to a niche are lacking.

Purpose

To identify niche-related outcomes that influence QoL and to compare patient-reported outcomes with outcomes studied in the literature.

Methods

Two focus group discussions (FGDs, N = 8 and 5) were conducted in Amsterdam UMC—location VUmc. Participants were Dutch patients with a large niche, with (planned) surgical treatment for their symptoms. Niche-related symptoms and impact on functioning or participation were fixed topics. The transcripts of the FGDs were coded into outcomes, themes and domains of QoL according to the WHOQOL model. Additionally, participants created a top five important outcomes. Next, we performed a systematic review (SR) on niche-related outcomes and compared the FGDs with niche-related outcomes from the SR.

Results

In four domains (physical health, psychological domain, social relationships and environment), fifteen themes were reported in the FGDs. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), subfertility, sexual activity, abdominal pain and self-esteem were themes prioritised by participants. In the literature, gynaecological symptoms and reproductive outcomes were predominantly studied. Sexuality and self-esteem were prioritised in the FGDs but hardly or never studied in the literature.

Conclusion

We found a broad range of niche-related outcomes influencing QoL. Apart from symptoms evaluated in the literature such as AUB, abdominal pain and subfertility, clinicians and researchers should be more aware of sexual activity and self-esteem in this population.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Job Satisfaction During a Recession in the Netherlands
Authors: Pilipiec Patrick , Groot Wim , Pavlova Milena
Published: December 2019

Between 2008 and 2013, the Netherlands was confronted by a severe recession. This recession may have affected the job satisfaction of workers. Currently, little is known about how job satisfaction changes during a recession. To investigate the effect of the 2008–2013 recession on job satisfaction in the Netherlands, and to assess how job satisfaction changed over time. Longitudinal data from six waves of a national panel in the Netherlands are used to investigate the effects. These data capture the periods before, during and after the recession. A Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition technique is used to decompose the ordinal outcome variable job satisfaction. Subsequent waves are compared, which results in five comparison groups. Workers who participated in subsequent waves are matched to assess their job satisfaction over time. Cross-sectional associations are analyzed using the entire unmatched dataset. Workers became more satisfied with their job during the recession. After the recession ended, average job satisfaction decreased again. Both unmatched and matched analyses indicated only changes in job level affecting job satisfaction. The coefficient of education had a small effect cross-sectionally. The level of education and industry had a small effect longitudinally. However, these effects were not robust. Job satisfaction decreased before the recession commenced but increased during the recession. After the recession, job satisfaction decreased again. An increase in job satisfaction during the recession may be explained by a change in the composition of workers with respect to job level, instead of by the effect of predictors.
Survey on deep learning for pulmonary medical imaging
Authors: Ma Jiechao , Song Yang , Tian Xi , Hua Yiting , Zhang Rongguo , Wu Jianlin
Published: December 2019

As a promising method in artificial intelligence, deep learning has been proven successful in several domains ranging from acoustics and images to natural language processing. With medical imaging becoming an important part of disease screening and diagnosis, deep learning-based approaches have emerged as powerful techniques in medical image areas. In this process, feature representations are learned directly and automatically from data, leading to remarkable breakthroughs in the medical field. Deep learning has been widely applied in medical imaging for improved image analysis. This paper reviews the major deep learning techniques in this time of rapid evolution and summarizes some of its key contributions and state-of-the-art outcomes. The topics include classification, detection, and segmentation tasks on medical image analysis with respect to pulmonary medical images, datasets, and benchmarks. A comprehensive overview of these methods implemented on various lung diseases consisting of pulmonary nodule diseases, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and interstitial lung disease is also provided. Lastly, the application of deep learning techniques to the medical image and an analysis of their future challenges and potential directions are discussed.
Relationship Between Measures of Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Intracranial Lesion Progression in Acute TBI Patients: an Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Mathieu François , Zeiler Frederick A. , Whitehouse Daniel P. , Das Tilak , Ercole Ari , Smielewski Peter , Hutchinson Peter J. , Czosnyka Marek , Newcombe Virginia F. J. , Menon David K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Failure of cerebral autoregulation and progression of intracranial lesion have both been shown to contribute to poor outcome in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the interplay between the two phenomena has not been investigated. Preliminary evidence leads us to hypothesize that brain tissue adjacent to primary injury foci may be more vulnerable to large fluctuations in blood flow in the absence of intact autoregulatory mechanisms. The goal of this study was therefore to assess the influence of cerebrovascular reactivity measures on radiological lesion expansion in a cohort of patients with acute TBI.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis on 50 TBI patients who had undergone high-frequency multimodal intracranial monitoring and for which at least two brain computed tomography (CT) scans had been performed in the acute phase of injury. We first performed univariate analyses on the full cohort to identify non-neurophysiological factors (i.e., initial lesion volume, timing of scan, coagulopathy) associated with traumatic lesion growth in this population. In a subset analysis of 23 patients who had intracranial recording data covering the period between the initial and repeat CT scan, we then correlated changes in serial volumetric lesion measurements with cerebrovascular reactivity metrics derived from the pressure reactivity index (PRx), pulse amplitude index (PAx), and RAC (correlation coefficient between the pulse amplitude of intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure). Using multivariate methods, these results were subsequently adjusted for the non-neurophysiological confounders identified in the univariate analyses.

Results

We observed significant positive linear associations between the degree of cerebrovascular reactivity impairment and progression of pericontusional edema. The strongest correlations were observed between edema progression and the following indices of cerebrovascular reactivity between sequential scans: % time PRx > 0.25 (r = 0.69, p = 0.002) and % time PAx > 0.25 (r = 0.64, p = 0.006). These associations remained significant after adjusting for initial lesion volume and mean cerebral perfusion pressure. In contrast, progression of the hemorrhagic core and extra-axial hemorrhage volume did not appear to be strongly influenced by autoregulatory status.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest a possible link between autoregulatory failure and traumatic edema progression, which warrants re-evaluation in larger-scale prospective studies.
Investigation on the effect of changing rotary speed and weight bit on PCD cutter wear
Authors: Abdul-Rani A. M. , Ibrahim Khairiyah , Ab Adzis A. H. , Maulianda B. T. , Mat Asri M. N.
Published: December 2019

The research is to determine the optimum range of rotary speed and weight-on-bit value for interbedded formation to reduce PCD cutter wear rate. To simulate an interbedded formation, a combination of limestone as the soft formation and granite as the hard formation is selected. The research is conducted based on analysis of cutter-rock interaction model, wear model and simulation of PCD cutter using finite element analysis in ABAQUS software. The results show that the optimum range of weight on bit and rotary speed for limestone is between 1000 N, 21.4 RPM, and 4000 N, 85.6 RPM, while for granite it is between 1000 N, 21.4 RPM and 3000 N, 64.2 RPM.
A survey of some tensor analysis techniques for biological systems
Authors: Yahyanejad Farzane , Albert Réka , DasGupta Bhaskar
Published: December 2019

Background

Since biological systems are complex and often involve multiple types of genomic relationships, tensor analysis methods can be utilized to elucidate these hidden complex relationships. There is a pressing need for this, as the interpretation of the results of high‐throughput experiments has advanced at a much slower pace than the accumulation of data.

Results

In this review we provide an overview of some tensor analysis methods for biological systems.

Conclusions

Tensors are natural and powerful generalizations of vectors and matrices to higher dimensions and play a fundamental role in physics, mathematics and many other areas. Tensor analysis methods can be used to provide the foundations of systematic approaches to distinguish significant higher order correlations among the elements of a complex systems via finding ensembles of a small number of reduced systems that provide a concise and representative summary of these correlations.
Gender Norms and Poverty Dynamics in 32 Villages of South Asia
Authors: Petesch Patti , Badstue Lone
Published: December 2019

The poverty dynamics of a community, and the social arrangements and opportunities that shape these dynamics, constitute important dimensions of well-being. This paper explores local understandings of and experiences with moving out of poverty and with remaining poor by employing the concept of gender norms, or the various social rules that differentiate women’s and men’s roles and conducts in society. The data demonstrate regularities in the influence of restrictive gender norms on understandings of poverty transitions, as well as how these norms are negotiated and bend to accommodate more gender-equitable practices on the ground. Our approach draws on feminist conceptions of gender norms that highlight their fluid and contextual properties, comparative case study methods, and a dataset of 32 village cases from five countries of South Asia. Villagers mainly associate movements out of poverty and chronic poverty with men and their capabilities to expand their earnings and assets despite limited work opportunities. Yet, our evidence from women’s life stories reveals examples from diverse contexts of women who exercise major roles in agriculture and actively work to improve the well-being of their families. However, these experiences rarely alter normative beliefs and practices that entitle men to control women and family resources.
Effect of anions on the structural,
morphological and dielectric properties of hydrothermally synthesized hydroxyapatite
nanoparticles
Authors: Sundarabharathi Lakshmanaperumal , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Parangusan Hemalatha , Chinnaswamy Mahendran , Al-Maadeed Mariam Al Ali
Published: December 2019

Synthetic nano hydroxyapatites (HA) have been considered as
potential biomaterials for bone tissue engineering applications because of its
excellent biological properties. The present work deals with the synthesis of HA
nanoparticles from different anion source materials via autoclave assisted
hydrothermal method. All the prepared HA nanoparticles were characterized by
X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectra, field emission
scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectra and high resolution
transmission electron microscopy. The XRD patterns reveal the pure and hexagonal
phase structure with smaller crystallite size for HA obtained from various
calcium salt precursors. HA particles prepared from nitrate precursors show
spherical morphology with 32 nm grain size whereas those derived from the
acetate, chloride and egg shell precursors respectively show needle-like,
irregular and oval morphology. The effect of different anions on the dielectric
properties and alternating conductivity of HA is investigated, as a polarized
surface can trigger biological reactions. For the particles obtained from
nitrate, acetate, chloride and egg shell precursors respectively give dielectric
constant (εʹ) values of 9.96, 13.22, 9.92 and 10.86 at 5 MHz. The εʹ and
dielectric loss (εʹʹ) values for the HA nanoparticles decrease with increase in
the applied frequency as well. The alternating current conductivity values
confirm that the as-synthesized HA samples exhibit insulating behavior. In short
this article provides the various applicability of HA particles in
optoelectronics and drug delivery.

Graphic abstract
RVE modelling of short fiber reinforced thermoplastics with discrete fiber orientation and fiber length distribution
Authors: Breuer Kevin , Stommel Markus
Published: December 2019

This study presents an analysis of modelling aspects on the effective composite properties of short glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics using representative volume elements (RVE). Although, many investigations were published showing effects of different modelling parameters of RVEs, we further elaborate in this contribution the parameters: influence of fiber packing, fiber shape, bonding of the fibers to the matrix, fiber length distribution and fiber orientation. The knowledge of these influences is used to determine the extent to which the increased modelling accuracy and thus the computational effort leads to an improved RVE’s forecast quality. This objective is achieved by creating and comparing different RVE models of a PBT-GF20 composite. The information required for the RVE models is obtained by experimental characterization of the PBT-GF20 and the PBT matrix material. It can be concluded based on the results of the numerical investigations in conjunction with the experimental tests of the composite that fiber packing, fiber length distribution, fiber orientation and fiber geometry are essential for a precise determination of the effective composite properties.
Insight into the effects of electrochemical factors on host-guest interaction induced signature events in a biological nanopore
Authors: Wei Xiaojun , Zhang Zehui , Wang Xiaoqin , Lenhart Brian , Gambarini Roberto , Gray Jonathan , Liu Chang
Published: December 2019

The signature events caused by host-guest interactions in the nanopore system can be used as a novel and characteristic signal in quantitative detection and analysis of various molecules. However, the effect of several electrochemical factors on the host-guest interactions in nanopore still remains unknown. Here, we systematically studied host-guest interactions, especially oscillation of DNA-azide adamantane@cucurbit[6] in α-Hemolysin nanopore under varying pH, concentration of electrolytes and counterions (Li+, Na+, K+). Our results indicate correlations between the change of pH and the duration of the oscillation signal. In addition, the asymmetric electrolyte concentration and the charge of the counterions affects the frequency of signature events in oscillation signals, and even the integrity of the protein nanopore. This study provides insight into the design of a future biosensing platform based on signature oscillation signals of the host-guest interaction within a nanopore.
Kant on Cognizing Oneself as a Spontaneous Cognizer
Authors: Kohl Markus
Published: December 2019

I examine a range of issues concerning Kant's conception of cognitive spontaneity. I consider whether we can cognize or know ourselves as spontaneous cognizers, and why Kant seems to regard the notion of cognitive spontaneity as less problematic than the idea of moral spontaneity. As an organizing theme of my discussion, I use an apparent tension between the A-edition and the B-edition of the firstCritique.Against common interpretations, I argue that in the B-edition Kant does not revoke his claim that we can cognize, and (perhaps) even know, that our noumenal selves are absolutely spontaneous cognitive agents.
A new species ofHypolophites(Chondrichthyes, Myliobatiformes) from the Lower Clayton Limestone Unit of the Midway Group (Paleocene), near Malvern, Arkansas, USA
Authors: Maisch Harry M.
Published: December 2019

A new species ofHypolophites(Chondrichthyes, Myliobatiformes) is described from an assemblage of isolated pavement teeth recovered from the Lower Clayton Limestone Unit of the Midway Group (Paleocene) near Malvern, Arkansas. These teeth were collected from several localized lag deposits containing an abundance of chondrichthyan and osteichthyan teeth, invertebrate remains, and trace fossils indicative of a marginal-shallow marine depositional environment. To date, only four additional species ofHypolophiteshave been reported from Paleocene deposits that occur along the west coast of central-northern Africa and in central New Jersey, USA. The identification ofHypolophites beckerin. sp. in southwestern Arkansas extends the distribution of this biostratigraphically significant genus ~1,750 km westward into the Mississippi Embayment and Gulf Coastal Plain of the USA. The distribution ofHypolophitesspecies during the Paleocene attests to the uniformity of shallow marine shelves between western Africa and the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains of the USA, as well as myliobatiform diversification following the K/Pg mass extinction event.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/3a1580d1-a2f4-49b6-8170-69a778c49181
Covariation between spontaneous neural activity in the insula and affective temperaments is related to sleep disturbance in individuals with major depressive disorder
Authors: Wu Huawang , Zheng Yingjun , Zhan Qianqian , Dong Jie , Peng Hongjun , Zhai Jinguo , Zhao Jingping , She Shenglin , Wu Chao
Published: December 2019

Background

Affective temperaments have been considered antecedents of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known about how the covariation between alterations in brain activity and distinct affective temperaments work collaboratively to contribute to MDD. Here, we focus on the insular cortex, a critical hub for the integration of subjective feelings, emotions, and motivations, to examine the neural correlates of affective temperaments and their relationship to depressive symptom dimensions.

Methods

Twenty-nine medication-free patients with MDD and 58 healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning and completed the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS). Patients also received assessments of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). We used multivariate analyses of partial least squares regression and partial correlation analyses to explore the associations among the insular activity, affective temperaments, and depressive symptom dimensions.

Results

A profile (linear combination) of increased fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) of the anterior insular subregions (left dorsal agranular–dysgranular insula and right ventral agranuar insula) was positively associated with an affective-temperament (depressive, irritable, anxious, and less hyperthymic) profile. The covariation between the insula-fALFF profile and the affective-temperament profile was significantly correlated with the sleep disturbance dimension (especially the middle and late insomnia scores) in the medication-free MDD patients.

Conclusions

The resting-state spontaneous activity of the anterior insula and affective temperaments collaboratively contribute to sleep disturbances in medication-free MDD patients. The approach used in this study provides a practical way to explore the relationship of multivariate measures in investigating the etiology of mental disorders.
Research Impact Through Matchmaking (RITM): Why and How to Connect Researchers and Practitioners
Authors: Levine Adam Seth
Published: December 2019

Researchers and practitioners increasingly want to learn from one another and work together to solve problems. This article presents results from a new evidence-based approach for connecting them, called Research Impact Through Matchmaking (RITM). This method leverages research on organizational diversity to initiate new relationships between diverse people. The article describes the method and presents data from 37 new connections between practitioners working at nonprofits and social scientists. To my knowledge, this is the first dataset describing reasons why a large variety of nonprofit practitioners value social science research. I also document the impact of these matches. Overall, this article provides actionable guidance for those who want to initiate their own new connections (i.e., match themselves) and/or to broker new connections between others.
High Rates of Inflation During a Noneruptive Episode of Seismic Unrest at Semisopochnoi Volcano, Alaska in 2014–2015
Authors: DeGrandpre Kimberly G. , Pesicek Jeremy D. , Lu Zhong , DeShon Heather R. , Roman Diana C.
Published: December 2019

Magma intrusion rate is a key parameter in eruption triggering but is poorly quantified in existing geodetic studies. Here we examine two episodes of rapid inflation in this context. Two noneruptive microseismic swarms were recorded at Semisopochnoi Volcano, Alaska in 2014–2015. We use differential SAR techniques and TerraSAR‐X images to document surface deformation from 2011 to 2015, which comprises island‐wide radial inflation totaling ~25 cm (+/−1 cm) line of sight displacement in 2014–2015. Multiple source geometries are tested in an inversion of the deformation data, and InSAR data are best fit by a spheroid trending to the northeast and plunging to the southeast, with a major axis of ~4 km and minor axes of ~1 km, directly under the central caldera of Semisopochnoi. In 2014, a modeled influx of 0.043 km3 of magma caused line of sight displacement of ~17 cm. This magma was stored at a depth of ~8 km, until 2015 when 0.029 km3 was added. Along with the definition of inflation source parameters, the recorded seismic events are relocated using differential travel times. These relocated events outline a linear aseismic area within a larger zone of shallow (<10 km) seismicity. This aseismic region aligns with the centroid of the deformation model. Based on these geodetic and seismic models, the plumbing system at Semisopochnoi is interpreted as a spheroidal magma storage zone at a depth of ˜8 km below a linear feature of partial melt. The observed deformation and seismicity appear to result from rapid injection into this main storage region.
Distinct genetic changes reveal evolutionary history and heterogeneous molecular grade of DLBCL with MYC/BCL2 double-hit
Authors: Cucco Francesco , Barrans Sharon , Sha Chulin , Clipson Alexandra , Crouch Simon , Dobson Rachel , Chen Zi , Thompson Joe Sneath , Care Matthew A. , Cummin Thomas , Caddy Josh , Liu Hongxiang , Robinson Anne , Schuh Anna , Fitzgibbon Jude , Painter Daniel , Smith Alexandra , Roman Eve , Tooze Reuben , Burton Catherine , Davies Andrew J. , Westhead David R. , Johnson Peter W. M. , Du Ming-Qing
Published: December 2019

Using a Burkitt lymphoma-like gene expression signature, we recently defined a high-risk molecular high-grade (MHG) group mainly within germinal centre B-cell like diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (GCB-DLBCL), which was enriched for MYC/BCL2 double-hit (MYC/BCL2-DH). The genetic basis underlying MHG-DLBCL and their aggressive clinical behaviour remain unknown. We investigated 697 cases of DLBCL, particularly those with MYC/BCL2-DH (n = 62) by targeted sequencing and gene expression profiling. We showed that DLBCL with MYC/BCL2-DH, and those with BCL2 translocation, harbour the characteristic mutation signatures that are associated with follicular lymphoma and its high-grade transformation. We identified frequent MYC hotspot mutations that affect the phosphorylation site (T58) and its adjacent amino acids, which are important for MYC protein degradation. These MYC mutations were seen in a subset of cases with MYC translocation, but predominantly in those of MHG. The mutations were more frequent in double-hit lymphomas with IG as the MYC translocation partner, and were associated with higher MYC protein expression and poor patient survival. DLBCL with MYC/BCL2-DH and those with BCL2 translocation alone are most likely derived from follicular lymphoma or its precursor lesion, and acquisition of MYC pathogenic mutations may augment MYC function, resulting in aggressive clinical behaviour.
Biodiversity of protists and nematodes in the wild nonhuman primate gut
Authors: Mann Allison E , Mazel Florent , Lemay Matthew A , Morien Evan , Billy Vincent , Kowalewski Martin , Di Fiore Anthony , Link Andrés , Goldberg Tony L , Tecot Stacey , Baden Andrea L , Gomez Andres , Sauther Michelle L , Cuozzo Frank P , Rice Gillian A O , Dominy Nathaniel J , Stumpf Rebecca , Lewis Rebecca J , Swedell Larissa , Amato Katherine , Wegener Parfrey Laura
Published: December 2019

Documenting the natural diversity of eukaryotic organisms in the nonhuman primate (NHP) gut is important for understanding the evolution of the mammalian gut microbiome, its role in digestion, health and disease, and the consequences of anthropogenic change on primate biology and conservation. Despite the ecological significance of gut-associated eukaryotes, little is known about the factors that influence their assembly and diversity in mammals. In this study, we used an 18S rRNA gene fragment metabarcoding approach to assess the eukaryotic assemblage of 62 individuals representing 16 NHP species. We find that cercopithecoids, and especially the cercopithecines, have substantially higher alpha diversity than other NHP groups. Gut-associated protists and nematodes are widespread among NHPs, consistent with their ancient association with NHP hosts. However, we do not find a consistent signal of phylosymbiosis or host-species specificity. Rather, gut eukaryotes are only weakly structured by primate phylogeny with minimal signal from diet, in contrast to previous reports of NHP gut bacteria. The results of this study indicate that gut-associated eukaryotes offer different information than gut-associated bacteria and add to our understanding of the structure of the gut microbiome.
Dwarna: a blockchain solution for dynamic consent in biobanking
Authors: Mamo Nicholas , Martin Gillian M. , Desira Maria , Ellul Bridget , Ebejer Jean-Paul
Published: December 2019

Dynamic consent aims to empower research partners and facilitate active participation in the research process. Used within the context of biobanking, it gives individuals access to information and control to determine how and where their biospecimens and data should be used. We present Dwarna—a web portal for ‘dynamic consent’ that acts as a hub connecting the different stakeholders of the Malta Biobank: biobank managers, researchers, research partners, and the general public. The portal stores research partners’ consent in a blockchain to create an immutable audit trail of research partners’ consent changes. Dwarna’s structure also presents a solution to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation’s right to erasure—a right that is seemingly incompatible with the blockchain model. Dwarna’s transparent structure increases trustworthiness in the biobanking process by giving research partners more control over which research studies they participate in, by facilitating the withdrawal of consent and by making it possible to request that the biospecimen and associated data are destroyed.
Continuous strengthening in nanotwinned diamond
Authors: Wen Bin , Xu Bo , Wang Yanbin , Gao Guoying , Zhou Xiang-Feng , Zhao Zhisheng , Tian Yongjun
Published: December 2019

Strengths of nanograined (ng) and nanotwinned (nt) metals increase with decreasing grain size and twin thickness, respectively, until reaching a critical value, below which strength decreases. This behavior is known as the reverse Hall–Petch effect (RHPE), which has also been observed in nanograined cubic boron nitride (cBN) and diamond. Surprisingly, however, hardness of nt-cBN and nt-diamond increases continuously with decreasing twin thickness down to several nanometers, suggesting the absence of RHPE in these covalent materials. The mechanism responsible for such a behavior remains controversial. Here we investigate the strengthening mechanisms in ng- and nt-diamond using molecular dynamics and first-principles calculations. For ng-diamond, the competition between shuffle-set dislocation (SSD) and grain boundary atom motions gives rise to RHPE. For nt-diamond, SSDs remain dominant but their slips along twin boundaries energetically show no advantage over those along other slip planes. Twin domains are locked and mechanically stable, resisting SSD propagation and inhibiting RHPE. These findings provide new insights into the hardening mechanism of nanotwinned covalent materials.