bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison study of the reporting systems for salivary gland fine needle aspirations: Are they really different?
Authors: Montezuma Diana , Canberk Sule , Aydın Ozlem , Dermirhas Mehmet Polat , Vieira André F. , Goksel Süha , İnce Ümit , Schmitt Fernando
Published: October 2018

Background

Recently a new system for reporting salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology was proposed, theMilan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology(MSRSGC). Herein, we evaluated diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland FNA, comparing the system previously used in our hospital with the Milan system.

Methods

Salivary gland specimens obtained between 2011 and 2017 were reclassified according to MSRSGC. Risk of malignancy for each diagnostic category was determined. Diagnostic yield of both classifications was evaluated.

Results

The cases (n= 388) were classified according to the old system: nondiagnostic (n= 28), benign (n= 246), atypical (n= 36), neoplastic (n= 57), suspicious for malignancy (n= 7) and malignant (n= 14). The lesions were distributed according to the MSRSGC: nondiagnostic (n= 28), non‐neoplastic (n= 89), atypia of undetermined significance (n= 39), benign neoplasm (n= 156), neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (n= 55), suspicious for malignancy (n= 7) and malignant (n= 14). When considering only benign and malignant cases, both classifications showed the same sensitivity (62.5%), specificity (100%) and similar accuracy (95.8%). Comparison between the two systems showed no significant difference.

Conclusions

Salivary gland FNA has high diagnostic accuracy and assists clinical management independently of the reporting system used, however, in some cases, the use of Milan system could be beneficial, since it allows an enhanced category stratification.
One‐hour post‐load hyperglycemia combined with HbA1c identifies individuals with higher risk of cardiovascular diseases: Cross‐sectional data from the CATAMERI study
Authors: Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Succurro Elena , Andreozzi Francesco , Sciacqua Angela , Perticone Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: October 2018

Aims

A value of 1‐hour post‐load plasma glucose (PG) ≥155 mg/dL combined with the recently established HbA1c diagnostic thresholds for prediabetes increases the ability to predict diabetes and to detect subclinical cardiovascular organ damage. Herein, we evaluated whether a value of 1‐hour PG ≥155 mg/dL may recognize non‐diabetic individuals with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) within HbA1c‐defined glycemic categories.

Materials and Methods

The prevalence of composite and individual CVD, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease, was assessed in 1010 non‐diabetic individuals.

Results

Within the group with HbA1c <5.7%, a higher proportion of subjects with 1‐hour PG ≥ 155 mg/dL had composite CVD and individual CAD in comparison to those having 1‐hour PG˂155 mg/dL. Similarly, within the group with HbA1c‐defined prediabetes (5.7%‐6.4%), the prevalence of composite CVD and individual CAD in subjects with 1‐hour PG ≥155 mg/dL was higher than in the group with individuals having 1‐hour PG < 155 mg/dL. In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for several CVD risk factors individuals with HbA1c <5.7% and 1‐hour PG ≥ 155 mg/dL and those with HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% and 1‐hour PG ≥ 155 mg/dL had a 4.5‐ (95%CI: 1.02‐20.44) and 6.2‐ (95%CI: 1.29‐29.74) fold increased risk of composite CVD and 6.2‐ (95%CI: 1.05–36.32) and 8.0‐ (95%CI: 1.25‐51.70) fold increased risk of having CAD, respectively, in comparison to individuals with HbA1c <5.7% and 1‐hour PG < 155 mg/dL.

Conclusions

1‐hour post‐load hyperglycemia may identify a subset of individuals within HbA1c‐defined glycemic categories at higher risk of having CVD.
Maternal age effects on fecundity and offspring egg‐to‐adult viability are not affected by mitochondrial haplotype
Authors: Koch Rebecca E. , Phillips James M. , Camus M. Florencia , Dowling Damian K.
Published: October 2018

While numerous studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial genetic variation can shape organismal phenotype, the level of contribution the mitochondrial genotype makes to life‐history phenotype across the life course remains unknown. Furthermore, a clear technical bias has emerged in studies of mitochondrial effects on reproduction, with many studies conducted on males, but few on females. Here, we apply a classic prediction of the evolutionary theory of aging to the mitochondrial genome, predicting the declining force of natural selection with age will have facilitated the accumulation of mtDNA mutations that confer late‐life effects on female reproductive performance. This should lead to increased levels of mitochondrial genetic variation on reproduction at later‐life stages. We tested this hypothesis using thirteen strains of Drosophila melanogaster that each possessed a different mitochondrial haplotype in an otherwise standard nuclear genetic background. We measured fecundity and egg‐to‐adult viability of females over five different age classes ranging from early to late life and quantified the survival of females throughout this time period. We found no significant variation across mitochondrial haplotypes for the reproductive traits, and no mitochondrial effect on the slope of decline in these traits with increasing age. However, we observed that flies that died earlier in the experiment experienced steeper declines in the reproductive traits prior to death, and we also identified maternal and grandparental age effects on the measured traits. These results suggest the mitochondrial variation does not make a key contribution to shaping the reproductive performance of females.
Small copepods could channel missing carbon through metazoan predation
Authors: Roura Álvaro , Strugnell Jan M. , Guerra Ángel , González Ángel F. , Richardson Anthony J.
Published: October 2018

Global ecosystem models are essential tools for predicting climate change impacts on marine systems. Modeled biogenic carbon fluxes in the ocean often match measured data poorly and part of this could be because small copepods (<2 mm) are modeled as unicellular feeders grazing on phytoplankton and microzooplankton. The most abundant copepods from a seasonal upwelling region of the Eastern North Atlantic were sorted, and a molecular method was applied to copepod gut contents to evaluate the extent of metazoan predation under two oceanographic conditions, a trophic pathway not accounted for in global models. Scaling up the results obtained herein, based on published field and laboratory estimates, suggests that small copepods could ingest 1.79–27.20 gigatons C/year globally. This ignored metazoan‐copepod link could increase current estimates of biogeochemical fluxes (remineralization, respiration, and the biological pump) and export to higher trophic levels by 15.6%–24.4%. It could also account for global discrepancies between measured daily ingestion and copepod metabolic demand/growth. The inclusion of metazoan predation into global models could provide a more realistic role of the copepods in the ocean and if these preliminary data hold true at larger sample sizes and scales, the implications would be substantial at the global scale.
Ice ages and butterflyfishes: Phylogenomics elucidates the ecological and evolutionary history of reef fishes in an endemism hotspot
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Alfaro Michael E. , Sorenson Laurie , Choat John H. , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Sinclair‐Taylor Tane H. , Rocha Luiz A. , Chang Jonathan , Luiz Osmar J. , Cowman Peter F. , Friedman Matt , Berumen Michael L.
Published: October 2018

For tropical marine species, hotspots of endemism occur in peripheral areas furthest from the center of diversity, but the evolutionary processes that lead to their origin remain elusive. We test several hypotheses related to the evolution of peripheral endemics by sequencing ultraconserved element (UCE) loci to produce a genome‐scale phylogeny of 47 butterflyfish species (family Chaetodontidae) that includes all shallow water butterflyfish from the coastal waters of the Arabian Peninsula (i.e., Red Sea to Arabian Gulf) and their close relatives. Bayesian tree building methods produced a well‐resolved phylogeny that elucidated the origins of butterflyfishes in this hotspots of endemism. We show that UCEs, often used to resolve deep evolutionary relationships, represent an important tool to assess the mechanisms underlying recently diverged taxa. Our analyses indicate that unique environmental conditions in the coastal waters of the Arabian Peninsula probably contributed to the formation of endemic butterflyfishes. Older endemic species are also associated with narrow versus broad depth ranges, suggesting that adaptation to deeper coral reefs in this region occurred only recently (<1.75 Ma). Even though deep reef environments were drastically reduced during the extreme low sea level stands of glacial ages, shallow reefs persisted, and as such there was no evidence supporting mass extirpation of fauna in this region.
Orchid diversity: Spatial and climatic patterns from herbarium records
Authors: Gaskett Anne C. , Gallagher Rachael V.
Published: October 2018

Aim

We test for spatial and climatic patterns of diversification in the Orchidaceae, an angiosperm family characterized by high levels of species diversity and rarity. Globally, does orchid diversity correlate with land area? In Australia, does diversity correlate with herbarium collecting effort, range size, or climate niche breadth? Where are Australia's orchids distributed spatially, in protected areas, and in climate space?

Location

Global, then Australia.

Methods

We compared orchid diversity with land area for continents and recognized orchid diversity hotspots. Then, we used cleaned herbarium records to compare collecting effort (for Australian Orchidaceae vs. all other plant families, and also among orchid genera). Spatial and climate distributions were mapped to determine orchids’ coverage in the protected area network, range sizes, and niche breadths.

Results

Globally, orchid diversity does not correlate with land area (depauperate regions are the subantarctic: 10 species, and northern North America: 394 species). Australian herbarium records and collecting effort generally reflect orchid species diversity (1,583 spp.), range sizes, and niche breadths. Orchids are restricted to 13% of Australia's landmass with 211 species absent from any protected areas. Species richness is the greatest in three biomes with high general biodiversity: Temperate (especially southwest and southeast Australia), Tropical, and Subtropical (coastal northern Queensland). Absence from the Desert is consistent with our realized climate niche—orchids avoid high temperature/low rainfall environments. Orchids have narrower range sizes than nonorchid species. Highly diverse orchid genera have narrower rainfall breadths than less diverse genera.

Main conclusions

Herbarium data are adequate for testing hypotheses about Australian orchids. Distribution is likely driven by environmental factors. In contrast, diversification did not correlate with increases in range size, rainfall, or temperature breadths, suggesting speciation does not occur via invasion and local adaptation to new habitats. Instead, diversification may rely on access to extensive obligate symbioses with mycorrhizae and/or pollinators.
Genetic diversity and differentiation among Prosopis alba (Leguminosae) populations from dry valleys of Bolivia with different levels of human disturbance and altitude
Authors: Bessega Cecilia , Pometti Carolina , López Ramiro Pablo , Larrea‐Alcázar Daniel , Fortunato Reneé H. , Saidman Beatriz , Vilardi Juan Cesar
Published: October 2018

The fast expansion of human population around La Paz, Bolivia (3,200–4,100 m.a.s.l.) triggered new suburban settlements in nearby areas in valleys and mountain feet. The white mesquite, Prosopis alba Griseb. (Leguminosae), is a resource (originally used by native communities) that is strongly affected by changes in land use. A gradient in the level of disturbance is found moving away from the La Paz city toward less altitude areas. The main objective of this study was to characterize genetically three P. alba populations with different levels of human disturbance located at different altitudes in Bolivia, in order to provide some guidelines for management and conservation of these species. Based on 10 SSR loci, the populations showed high level of genetic diversity in comparison with other forest species. The population less disturbed and situated at the lowest altitude was the most variable (He = 0.51–0.42), whereas the less variable was the most disturbed and situated at the highest altitude. Heterozygote excess was observed in all populations. Most of genetic diversity (99%) is contained within populations. Genetic differentiation among populations is low (1%), suggesting low gene flow among populations. No evidence of recent bottlenecks events was detected. The estimates of the effective population size were low in all populations. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis that genetic diversity is reduced by the impact of anthropic disturbance in the population located at higher altitude in comparison with the lightly disturbed situated at lower altitude and farther from urban settlements.
Differential sperm‐egg interactions in experimental pairings between two subspecies and their hybrids in a passerine bird
Authors: Hurley Laura L. , Rowe Melissah , Griffith Simon C.
Published: October 2018

Speciation research has largely overlooked reproductive barriers acting between copulation and the formation of the zygote (i.e., postmating, prezygotic [PMPZ] barriers), especially in internally fertilizing vertebrates. Nonetheless, it is becoming clear that PMPZ reproductive barriers can play a role in the formation and maintenance of species boundaries. We investigated sperm‐egg interactions in the recently diverged subspecies pairs of the long‐tailed finch, Poephila acuticauda acuticauda and P. a. hecki, to explore potential PMPZ barriers. Specifically, we compared the number of sperm reaching the perivitelline layer (PVL) of the ova, and hence the site of fertilization, in both intra‐ and inter‐subspecies pairings and pairings of F1 hybrid adults with one parental subspecies. Although we found no difference in PVL sperm number among intra‐ and inter‐subspecific pairs, a significantly lower number of sperm reached the site of fertilization in a backcross pairing. As low numbers of PVL sperm appear to be associated with low fertilization success in birds, our findings offer insight into the potential role of postcopulatory processes in limiting gene flow between the subspecies and may help explain the relatively narrow hybrid zone that exists in the wild in this species. Though further work is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the morphological, physiological, and molecular mechanisms underlying our results, our study supports the role of PMPZ reproductive barriers in avian speciation, even in recently diverged taxa, that may not yet be fully genetically incompatible.
Rebel honeybee workers have a tendency to become intraspecific reproductive parasites
Authors: Kuszewska Karolina , Miler Krzysztof , Rojek Wiktoria , Ostap‐Chęć Monika , Woyciechowski Michal
Published: October 2018

Worker honeybees may reproduce in either their own or foreign colonies; the latter situation is termed intraspecific reproductive parasitism (IRP). In this study, we compared the tendency for IRP between normal honeybee workers, which are characterized by a relatively low reproductive potential, and “rebel workers”, a recently discovered subcaste of honeybee workers characterized by a high reproductive potential that develops when the colony is without a queen. We expected that the high reproductive potential of the rebel workers would influence their reproductive strategy and that these individuals would drift to other colonies to lay eggs more often than normal workers. The results confirm our expectations and show that rebel workers are more likely than normal workers to drift to foreign colonies. The rebel workers also preferred to drift to queenless colonies than to queenright colonies, while the normal workers did not show this preference. This study indicates that rebel workers have a tendency for IRP, which may be responsible for the maintenance of the rebel worker strategy in bee populations.
Shorescape‐level factors drive distribution and condition of a salt marsh facilitator (Geukensia demissa)
Authors: Isdell Robert E. , Bilkovic Donna M. , Hershner Carl
Published: October 2018

Ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa) are a highly abundant bivalve filter feeder throughout the salt marshes of the U.S. Atlantic Coast. These mussels form a mutualistic relationship with smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora wherein the grass provides habitat and shade to the mussels, and the mussels stabilize the sediment and fertilize the grass. Salt marshes are, however, rapidly changing and eroding as humans modify the coast, and the rate of sea level rise is accelerating. In order to understand how ribbed mussels may respond to their changing habitat, we collected mussel density and distribution data from 30 marshes covering the range of geomorphic settings found in lower Chesapeake Bay. We used a combination of in situ and GIS‐derived spatial variables to develop spatially applied models of ribbed mussel density and physical condition. Of the estimated 1.06 billion ribbed mussels in Virginia, we found that mussels were most abundant along the front edge of marshes in wide creeks, rivers, or bays with dense Spartina and minimal proximal forest, set in agriculturally dominated areas. In contrast, mussel condition was highest in fringing marshes located in narrow tidal creeks. Ribbed mussels responded to factors at a variety of scales, ranging from extremely local (0.5 m) to larger shorescapes (≥300 m). The methods that we used to create models linking both aquatic and terrestrial variables to explain the variation in ribbed mussel populations along the shoreline provide a valuable tool for identifying baselines and assessing potential for change across estuary‐level spatial scales not only for ribbed mussels in the Chesapeake Bay, but also for other sessile, intertidal species in other systems.
Tree thinning and fire affect ectomycorrhizal fungal communities and enzyme activities
Authors: Rasmussen Ann L. , Brewer J. Stephen , Jackson Colin R. , Hoeksema Jason D.
Published: October 2018

Common ecological restoration treatments such as thinning trees and prescribed burning could result in changes to soil fungal communities and changes to the function of those communities. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are especially likely to be affected as they are symbionts on plant roots and exhibit host and niche preferences. Ectomycorrhizal fungi also produce extracellular enzymes that are important in soil nutrient cycling. We conducted a community survey of ectomycorrhizal fungi and assayed ectomycorrhizal root tip enzyme activity using substrate plugs in northern Mississippi upland oak–pine woodland plots differing in restoration history to explore the influence of woodland restoration on ectomycorrhizal fungal community composition and function. Restoration treatment was significant in explaining the occurrence of the most common fungal species (Russula xerampelina) and the most common family (Thelephoraceae) in the ectomycorrhizal fungal community survey. Highest potential laccase, peroxidase, and N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase enzyme activity were found in a prescribed burn plot, and the lowest enzyme activities at a wildfire plot, where richness of ectomycorrhizal fungi was also lower. Different fungal families displayed significantly different enzymatic capabilities, with Hydnangiaceae having the highest laccase activity and Tuberaceae having significantly higher peroxidase and chitinase activity than several other families. These results suggest that restoration treatments can affect ectomycorrhizal fungal community composition and function, and better understanding these changes can aid understanding of the niches of ectomycorrhizal fungi and the impacts of restoration.
Estimating the probability of movement and partitioning seasonal survival in an amphibian metapopulation
Authors: Muths Erin , Bailey Larissa L. , Lambert Brad A. , Schneider Scott C.
Published: October 2018

Movement of individuals has been described as one of the best studied, but least understood concepts in ecology. The magnitude of movements, routes, and probability of movement have significant application to conservation. Information about movement can inform efforts to model species persistence and is particularly applicable in situations where specific threats (e.g., disease) may depend on the movement of hosts and potential vectors. We estimated the probability of movement (breeding dispersal and permanent emigration) in a metapopulation of 16 breeding sites for boreal toads (Anaxyrus boreasboreas). We used a multi‐state mark–recapture approach unique in its complexity (16 sites over 18 yr) to address questions related to these movements and variation in resident survival. We found that individuals had a 1–2% probability of dispersing in a particular year and that approximately 10–20% of marked individuals were transient and observed in the metapopulation only once. Resident survival probabilities differed by season, with 71–90% survival from emergence from hibernation through early post‐breeding and >97% survival from mid‐/late active season through hibernation. Movement‐related probabilities are needed to predict species range expansions and contractions, estimate population and metapopulation dynamics, understand host–pathogen and native–invasive species interactions, and to evaluate the relative effects of proposed management actions.
Mechanistically derived dispersal kernels explain species‐level patterns of recruitment and succession
Authors: Sullivan Lauren L. , Clark Adam T. , Tilman David , Shaw Allison K.
Published: October 2018

Species‐level dispersal information can give mechanistic insights into how spatial processes impact plant communities. Unfortunately, field‐based estimates of the dispersal abilities of multiple members of a community are often lacking for many plant systems. Here, we provide a simple method for measuring dispersal ability for large numbers of grassland plant species based on functional traits. Using this method, we estimated the dispersal ability of 50 co‐occurring grassland species using the Wald Analytical Long‐distance Dispersal (WALD) model. Grassland plants species are often used for developing community theory, yet species‐level estimates of their dispersal abilities are comparatively rare. We use these dispersal measurements to examine the relationship between species dispersal abilities and successional dynamics using data from a 90‐yr old field chronosequence. We find that our estimated dispersal measurements matched field‐based establishment observations well, and estimated species colonization, competitive, and establishment abilities. We hope that this method for measuring dispersal ability of multiple species within a community, and its demonstrated ability to generate predictions for spatial ecology, will encourage more studies of the explicit role of dispersal in plant community ecology.
Gonadal function and testicular histology in males with Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Matsuyama Satoko , Matsui Futoshi , Matsuoka Keiko , Iijima Masashi , Takeuchi Makoto , Ida Shinobu , Matsumoto Fumi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: October 2018

Context

Cryptorchidism is common in Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) males, but the testicular histology in childhood remains uncertain. The association between testicular histology and long‐term gonadal function in PWS males is also unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between testicular histology in childhood and long‐term gonadal function in PWS males.

Patients and Methods

Forty men with PWS were assessed longitudinally at our institute over the past 24 years. Clinical examinations and blood tests for LH, FSH and testosterone levels were compared with normal reference values. Tissue specimens were collected during orchiopexy and analyzed based on Nistal categories.

Results

Of nine testes available for pathological assessments, two showed favourable histology (Nistal I) and seven showed unfavourable histology (Nistal II or III). Of five postpubertal males with histology available, four reached puberty spontaneously, but only one reached Tanner stage 5. In a male with favourable histology, LH and FSH were high, but testosterone was normal, though below the average of the reference range. In three males with unfavourable histology, LH was normal, but FSH was highly elevated, and testosterone was at the lower limit of normal. One patient took hCG treatment to induce puberty; this patient showed favourable histology, but LH, FSH and testosterone were not elevated in adolescence.

Conclusions

Testicular histology of PWS men in childhood varies from normal to Sertoli Cell‐Only Syndrome. Regardless of the testicular histology in childhood, hypogonadism in PWS adults arises as a consequence of primary testicular dysfunction with highly elevated FSH and insufficient testosterone levels.
The functional consequences of sodium channel NaV1.8 in human left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Ahmad Shakil , Tirilomis Petros , Pabel Steffen , Dybkova Nataliya , Hartmann Nico , Molina Cristina E. , Tirilomis Theodoros , Kutschka Ingo , Frey Norbert , Maier Lars S. , Hasenfuss Gerd , Streckfuss‐Bömeke Katrin , Sossalla Samuel
Published: October 2018

Aims

In hypertrophy and heart failure, the proarrhythmic persistent Na+ current (INaL) is enhanced. We aimed to investigate the electrophysiological role of neuronal sodium channel NaV1.8 in human hypertrophied myocardium.

Methods and results

Myocardial tissue of 24 patients suffering from symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and concomitant significant afterload‐induced hypertrophy with preserved ejection fraction was used and compared with 12 healthy controls. We performed quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot and detected a significant up‐regulation of NaV1.8 mRNA (2.34‐fold) and protein expression (1.96‐fold) in human hypertrophied myocardium compared with healthy hearts. Interestingly, NaV1.5 protein expression was significantly reduced in parallel (0.60‐fold). Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique, we found that the prominent INaL was significantly reduced after addition of novel NaV1.8‐specific blockers either A‐803467 (30 nM) or PF‐01247324 (1 μM) in human hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. This clearly demonstrates the relevant contribution of NaV1.8 to this proarrhythmic current. We observed a significant action potential duration shortening and performed confocal microscopy, demonstrating a 50% decrease in proarrhythmic diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)‐Ca2+ leak and SR‐Ca2+ spark frequency after exposure to both NaV1.8 inhibitors.

Conclusions

We show for the first time that the neuronal sodium channel NaV1.8 is up‐regulated on mRNA and protein level in the human hypertrophied myocardium. Furthermore, inhibition of NaV1.8 reduced augmented INaL, abbreviated the action potential duration, and decreased the SR‐Ca2+ leak. The findings of our study suggest that NaV1.8 could be a promising antiarrhythmic therapeutic target and merits further investigation.
An Unusual LnIII‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework with Dinuclear Nodes Exhibiting Single‐Molecular Magnet Behavior
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Jing , Su Fang‐Zhe , Guo Wan‐Ying , Sañudo E. Carolina , Liu Chun‐Sen
Published: October 2018

Three LnIII‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), namely [(Me2NH2)[Ln(OBA)2](Hatz)(H2O)1.5]n [Ln = Dy (1), Er (2), Ho (3); H2OBA = 4, 4'‐oxybis(benzoate) acid, Hatz = 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole], were synthesized with Hatz as the template. In the structure of the three MOFs, the dinuclear LnIII nodes are bridged by four oxygen atoms from syn, syn‐carboxylate groups and this model result in a long distance between Dy–Dy, about 4.143(7) Å. In addition, the terminal carboxylate groups force a sandwich‐like coordination environment. Slow relaxation of the magnetization can be observed for 1, indicative of a single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior.
Insights into the Structure and Function of a Chiral Conjugate‐Base‐Stabilized Brønsted Acid Catalyst
Authors: Odagi Minami , Araki Hiroshi , Min Chang , Yamamoto Eri , Emge Thomas J. , Yamanaka Masahiro , Seidel Daniel
Published: October 2018

A combined experimental and computational study reveals key catalyst‐substrate interactions and the main factors controlling stereoselectivity in an asymmetric Pictet–Spengler reaction facilitated by a carboxylic‐acid‐thiourea catalyst.
Mechanistic Study of Forming Either Cyclic or Linear Sulfur‐Clusters from Thermal Decomposition of Thiourea Under Two Distinct Conditions
Authors: Wang Zerong Daniel , Feng Guang , Garcia Micheal George , Wang Tianzhi
Published: October 2018

Sulfur contamination has been a serious issue in oil industry so that desulfurization becomes a vital step in oil refinery to offer sulfur free products. The success of desulfurization requires disproportionation of sulfur‐containing molecules to form sulfur‐catenated compounds and further remove sulfur (S8). The reaction of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) with the gaseous components of products from the thermal decomposition of thiourea (condition 1) and the direct decomposition of thiourea in dimethyl sulfoxide (condition 2) provide two series of sulfur‐catenated molecules that have been characterized by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and partially by nuclear resonance spectroscopy with the help of ab initio calculation. This new method of in‐situ generating alkyl polysulfides might be applied to remove sulfur from the sulfur‐containing molecules in oil refining process to diminish the sulfur contents in oil products.
Microfluidic device embedding electrodes for dielectrophoretic manipulation of cells‐A review
Authors: Yao Jiafeng , Zhu Guiping , Zhao Tong , Takei Masahiro
Published: October 2018

Microfluidic device embedding electrodes realizes cell manipulation with the help of dielectrophoresis. Cell manipulation is an important technology for cell sorting and cell population purification. Till now, the theory of dielectrophoresis has been greatly developed. Microfluidic devices with various arrangements of electrodes have been reported from the beginning of the single non‐uniform electric field to the later multiple physical fields. This paper reviews the research status of microfluidic device embedding electrodes for cell manipulation based on dielectrophoresis. Firstly, the working principle of dielectrophoresis is explained. Next, cell manipulation approaches based on dielectrophoresis are introduced. Then, different types of electrode arrangements in the microfluidic device for cell manipulation are discussed, including planar, multilayered and microarray dot electrodes. Finally, the future development trend of the dielectrophoresis with the help of microfluidic devices is prospected. With the rapid development of microfluidic technology, in the near future, high precision, high throughput, high efficiency, multifunctional, portable, economical and practical microfluidic dielectrophoresis will be widely used in the fields of biology, medicine, agriculture and so on.
Genetic variation associated with chromosomal aberration frequency: A genome‐wide association study
Authors: Niazi Yasmeen , Thomsen Hauke , Smolkova Bozena , Vodickova Ludmila , Vodenkova Sona , Kroupa Michal , Vymetalkova Veronika , Kazimirova Alena , Barancokova Magdalena , Volkovova Katarina , Staruchova Marta , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M. , Dušinská Maria , Musak Ludovit , Vodicka Pavel , Hemminki Kari , Försti Asta
Published: October 2018

Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) measured with the conventional cytogenetic assay have been used for human biomonitoring of genotoxic exposure for decades. CA frequency in peripheral blood is a marker of cancer susceptibility. Previous studies have shown associations between genetic variants in metabolic pathway, DNA repair and major mitotic checkpoint genes and CAs. We conducted a genome‐wide association study on 576 individuals from the Czech Republic and Slovakia followed by a replication in two different sample sets of 482 (replication 1) and 1288 (replication 2) samples. To have a broad look at the genetic susceptibility associated with CA frequency, the sample sets composed of individuals either differentially exposed to smoking, occupational/environmental hazards, or they were untreated cancer patients. Phenotypes were divided into chromosome‐ and chromatid‐type aberrations (CSAs and CTAs, respectively) and total chromosomal aberrations (CAtot). The arbitrary cutoff point between individuals with high and low CA frequency was 2% for CAtot and 1% for CSA and CTA. The data were analyzed using age, sex, occupation/cancer and smoking history as covariates. Altogether 11 loci reached the P‐value of 10−5 in the GWAS. Replication 1 supported the association of rs1383997 (8q13.3) and rs2824215 (21q21.1) in CAtot and rs983889 (5p15.1) in CTA analysis. These loci were found to be associated with genes involved in mitosis, response to environmental and chemical factors and genes involved in syndromes linked to chromosomal abnormalities. Identification of new genetic variants for the frequency of CAs offers prediction tools for cancer risk in future. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:17–28, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance of activated carbons synthesized from fruit dehydration biowastes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Ciftyurek Engin , Bragg Dustin , Oginni Oluwatosin , Levelle Ross , Singh Kaushlendra , Sivanandan Litha , Sabolsky Edward M.
Published: October 2018

This research documents variability in electrode performance of activated carbons (ACs) produced from two different commercial fruit dehydration wastes through hydrothermal carbonization and chemical activation pathway. Commercial spent osmotic solutions (SOSs) from blueberry dehydration (BSOS) and glycerated cherry dehydration (CSOS) waste materials were subjected to hydrothermal carbonization at 250°C under nitrogen conditions for 30 min to extract hydrochars. BSOS‐ and CSOS‐derived hydrochar powders were further activated using phosphoric acid at 900°C to produce ACs. Results showed that the two commercial fruit dehydration wastes resulted in ACs with different pore characteristics, where the AC‐CSOS showed a higher level diversity in mesoporosity in addition higher surface area once compared to AC‐BSOS. The produced ACs were utilized in a symmetrical electrical double layer supercapacitor (EDLCs) to measure their performance as an electrode. The EDLCs fabricated from AC‐CSOS delivered a higher level of performance, where these materials showed up to 48 F/g specific capacity. Overall, the AC electrodes derived from the SOSs were comparable to many bio‐derived electrodes used for EDLCs, but subsequent enhancement to surface chemistry and surface area is required to outperform some of the best ACs and engineered carbon materials in this application. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13030, 2019
Exome sequencing identifies molecular diagnosis in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Tsang Mandy Ho‐Yin , Leung Gordon Ka‐Chun , Ho Alvin Chi‐Chung , Yeung Kit‐San , Mak Christopher Chun‐Yu , Pei Steven Lim‐Cho , Yu Mullin Ho‐Chung , Kan Anita Sik‐Yau , Chan Kelvin Yuen‐Kwong , Kwong Karen Ling , Lee So‐Lun , Yung Ada Wing‐Yan , Fung Cheuk‐Wing , Chung Brian Hon‐Yin
Published: October 2018

Objective

Early onset drug‐resistant epilepsy is a neurologic disorder in which 2 antiepileptic drugs fail to maintain the seizure‐free status of the patient. Heterogeneous clinical presentations make the diagnosis challenging. We aim to identify the underlying genetic causes of a pediatric cohort with drug‐resistant epilepsy and evaluate whether the findings can provide information on patient management.

Methods

We include patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy onset before 18 years of age. Singleton clinical chromosomal microarray (CMA) followed by whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed using genomic DNA. In the first‐tier analysis of the exome data, we aimed to identify disease‐causing mutations in 546 genes known to cause, or to be associated with, epilepsy. For negative cases, we proceeded to exome‐wide analysis. Rare coding variants were interrogated for pathogenicity based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.

Results

We recruited 50 patients. We identified 6 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations, giving a diagnostic yield of 12%. Mutations were found in 6 different genes: SCN8A, SCN1A, MECP2, CDKL5, DEPDC5, and CHD2. The CDKL5 variant was found to be mosaic. One variant of unknown significance (VUS) in KCNT1 was found in a patient with compatible clinical features. Of note, a reported pathogenic SCN5A mutation known to contribute to Brugada syndrome, was also found in the patient with an SCN1A mutation.

Significance

Our study suggests that singleton WES is an effective diagnostic tool for drug‐resistant epilepsy. Genetic diagnosis can help to consolidate the clinical diagnosis, to facilitate phenotypic expansion, and to influence treatment and management options for seizure control in our patients. In our study, a significant portion of the genetic findings are known to be associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). These findings could assist with more appropriate management in patients with epilepsy.
Functional seizures: An evaluation of the attitudes of general practitioners local to a tertiary neuroscience service in London
Authors: Yogarajah Mahinda , Child Ruth , Agrawal Niruj , Cope Sarah , Edwards Mark , Mula Marco
Published: October 2018

Objective

Functional seizures are a common functional neurologic disorder. Given their chronic nature, and the biopsychosocial factors involved in their etiology, general practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in the care of these patients. However, little is known about the attitudes of GPs toward, and knowledge of, functional seizures.

Methods

The Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre in London provides a comprehensive service to patients with functional seizures. As part of a service evaluation we conducted an online survey among local GPs over a 1‐month period assessing their attitudes toward, and knowledge of, functional seizures.

Results

One hundred twenty of 974 surveyed GPs replied to the survey (12.3%). Approximately 75% of GPs readily use the term “pseudoseizures,” and over 50% were not sure or did not think that functional seizures were involuntary. Nearly 30% believed, or were unsure as to whether, functional seizures occur only when patients are stressed. Despite approximately 50% of GPs expressing interest in getting involved in the management of these patients, a similar proportion do not feel confident in dealing with queries from patients with functional seizures. Although most GPs felt that neurology and psychiatry should be the primary caregivers in the diagnosis and management, respectively, of functional seizures, 50% were also of the opinion that neurology should be involved in the management of these patients.

Significance

This survey highlights the attitudes of, and descriptive terms used by, GPs toward patients with functional seizures. Our findings suggest a need for better and clearer provision of information to GPs about this condition.
Implementing a palm oil‐based biodiesel policy: The case of Thailand
Authors: Nupueng Somjai , Oosterveer Peter , Mol Arthur P. J.
Published: October 2018

Renewable energy promotion is recognized as an important goal in international climate policies in order to reduce CO2‐emissions. Biodiesel can potentially be an important contributor in this respect, especially in Thailand with its large biomass production from oil palm cultivation. Palm oil is the main raw feedstock for biodiesel production. However, biodiesel production is also controversial in many respects, in particular considering its sustainability. This paper assesses the collaboration between different actors in the Thai biodiesel and oil palm networks in organizing biodiesel provision. Through qualitative interviews with key political, economic, and societal actors the structure and the dynamic of the biodiesel and oil palm industry, as well as the relevant policy dynamics, were investigated. We found that the implementation of biodiesel policy was dominated by the need to secure the production of palm oil‐based cooking oil leading to frequent adjustments. Sustainable improvement and environmental considerations hardly played a role in the interactions between the actors involved in the palm oil and biodiesel industries. Government agencies were dominant and steered the biodiesel and the oil palm industries both directly and indirectly via economic and societal actors. Nevertheless, the promotion of biodiesel continues to be the basis of the national renewable energy master plan with its clear target to balance and stabilize the economic, social and environmental issues. As the renewable energy master plan does not fit with the possible feedstock, the main challenges in achieving these sustainable targets are therefore how to maintain a stable and consistent policy, especially concerning balancing the palm oil used for biodiesel production on the one hand and palm oil‐based cooking oil on the other.
Evaluation of ultra‐wideband in vivo radio channel and its effects on system performance
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Ucan Osman N. , Bayat Oguz , Nasir Ali Arshad , Imran Muhammad Ali , Alomainy Akram , Abbasi Qammer H.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance analysis and improvement using equalizers for an in vivo radio channel at ultra‐wideband frequencies (3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz). By conducting simulations using a bandwidth of 50 MHz, we observed that the in vivo radio channel is affected by small‐scale fading. This fading results in intersymbol interference affecting upcoming symbol transmission, causing delayed versions of the symbols to arrive at the receiver side and causes increase in BER. A 29‐taps channel was observed from the experimentally measured data using a human cadaver, and BER was calculated for the measured in vivo channel response along with the ideal additive white Gaussian noise and Rayleigh channel models. Linear and nonlinear adaptive equalizers, ie, decision feedback equalizer (DFE) and least mean square (LMS), were used to improve the BER performance of the in vivo radio channel. It is noticed that both the equalizers improve the BER but DFE has better BER compared to LMS and shows the 2‐dB and 4‐dB performance gains of DFE over the LMS at Eb/No = 12 dB and at Eb/No = 14 dB, respectively. The current findings will help guide future researchers and designers in enhancing systems performance of an ultra‐wideband in vivo wireless systems.
Automatic localization of the subthalamic nucleus on patient‐specific clinical MRI by incorporating 7 T MRI and machine learning: Application in deep brain stimulation
Authors: Kim Jinyoung , Duchin Yuval , Shamir Reuben R. , Patriat Remi , Vitek Jerrold , Harel Noam , Sapiro Guillermo
Published: October 2018

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has shown clinical potential for relieving the motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease. While accurate localization of the STN is critical for consistent across‐patients effective DBS, clear visualization of the STN under standard clinical MR protocols is still challenging. Therefore, intraoperative microelectrode recordings (MER) are incorporated to accurately localize the STN. However, MER require significant neurosurgical expertise and lengthen the surgery time. Recent advances in 7 T MR technology facilitate the ability to clearly visualize the STN. The vast majority of centers, however, still do not have 7 T MRI systems, and fewer have the ability to collect and analyze the data. This work introduces an automatic STN localization framework based on standard clinical MRIs without additional cost in the current DBS planning protocol. Our approach benefits from a large database of 7 T MRI and its clinical MRI pairs. We first model in the 7 T database, using efficient machine learning algorithms, the spatial and geometric dependency between the STN and its adjacent structures (predictors). Given a standard clinical MRI, our method automatically computes the predictors and uses the learned information to predict the patient‐specific STN. We validate our proposed method on clinical T2W MRI of 80 subjects, comparing with experts‐segmented STNs from the corresponding 7 T MRI pairs. The experimental results show that our framework provides more accurate and robust patient‐specific STN localization than using state‐of‐the‐art atlases. We also demonstrate the clinical feasibility of the proposed technique assessing the post‐operative electrode active contact locations.
Brain state and polarity dependent modulation of brain networks by transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Li Lucia M. , Violante Ines R. , Leech Rob , Ross Ewan , Hampshire Adam , Opitz Alexander , Rothwell John C. , Carmichael David W. , Sharp David J.
Published: October 2018

Despite its widespread use in cognitive studies, there is still limited understanding of whether and how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates brain network function. To clarify its physiological effects, we assessed brain network function using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) simultaneously acquired during tDCS stimulation. Cognitive state was manipulated by having subjects perform a Choice Reaction Task or being at “rest.” A novel factorial design was used to assess the effects of brain state and polarity. Anodal and cathodal tDCS were applied to the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), a region involved in controlling activity large‐scale intrinsic connectivity networks during switches of cognitive state. tDCS produced widespread modulation of brain activity in a polarity and brain state dependent manner. In the absence of task, the main effect of tDCS was to accentuate default mode network (DMN) activation and salience network (SN) deactivation. In contrast, during task performance, tDCS increased SN activation. In the absence of task, the main effect of anodal tDCS was more pronounced, whereas cathodal tDCS had a greater effect during task performance. Cathodal tDCS also accentuated the within‐DMN connectivity associated with task performance. There were minimal main effects of stimulation on network connectivity. These results demonstrate that rIFG tDCS can modulate the activity and functional connectivity of large‐scale brain networks involved in cognitive function, in a brain state and polarity dependent manner. This study provides an important insight into mechanisms by which tDCS may modulate cognitive function, and also has implications for the design of future stimulation studies.