bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação sensorial e composição centesimal de bolo adicionado de macroalga
Authors: Gonçalves Júnior Tarcísio Augusto , Alves Dárlio Inácio Teixeira , Macêdo Cláudia Souza , Assis Cristiane Fernandes , Costa Filho José Hamilton , Araújo Nkarthe Guerra , Pontes Cibele Soares
Published: October 2019

O estilo de vida de nossa sociedade pode causar não apenas contaminação, mas também o esgotamento de diferentes recursos naturais. Neste contexto e em um planeta habitado por sete bilhões de pessoas, as escolhas alimentares tem papel fundamental para o desenvolvimento de práticas sustentáveis. Objetivou-se neste trabalho analisar as características sensoriais e a composição centesimal de um bolo preparado com a adição da macroalga Gracilaria birdiae (G. birdiae) em comparação com um bolo tradicional (controle). Amostras do bolo controle e do bolo G. birdiae foram submetidas a testes sensoriais para identificação de diferenças sensoriais, para medir a aceitação sensorial e a intenção de compra. Para verificar o valor nutricional, amostras da macroalga G. birdiae e dos bolos foram submetidas a análise de composição centesimal. Os provadores não identificaram diferença sensorial significativa (p < 0,05) entre as amostras. Não houve preferência para os atributos sensoriais odor e sabor, para textura e aparência global os provadores preferiram o bolo controle. O índice de aceitação foi acima de 70% para todos os atributos sensoriais de ambas as amostras e a intenção de compra foi maior para o bolo controle. A composição centesimal das macroalgas apresentou teores apropriados. Para os bolos não identificou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,05) na composição centesimal. Os resultados sensoriais são satisfatórios e permitem concluir que existe a possibilidade da adição da G. birdiae em bolo, porém nas condições estudadas não existe diferença significativa (p < 0,05) da composição centesimal.
Uso e ocupação do solo no município de Cristal/RS
Authors: Santos Daniel Britto dos , Dallmann Daiane Kath , Leandro Diuliana
Published: October 2019

O conhecimento do uso e ocupação do solo de um município é de extrema importância para o planejamento municipal e ambiental, com o auxilio das geotecnologias pode-se ter mais segurança técnica nas tomadas de decisões referente aos processos a serem aprovados e também na elaboração de projetos para a propria gestão pública. Neste artigo o objeto de pesquisa foi o município de Cristal, região de atividades de mineração, às margens do Rio Camaquã e que apresenta uma série de ocupações irregulares. No qual o objetivo foi o mapeamento do usos e ocupações do solo e a correlação com os recursos naturais do município. Para tal utilizou-se a imagem do sensor MUX da plataforma CBERS 4 nos programas livres MultiSpech para classificação, analise e Quantum GIS (QGIS) para e confecção de mapa de uso e cobertura do solo do Município de Cristal/RS. Como resultado da classificação pelo método MaxVer podemos observar que os resultados foram significativos sendo 66,14 % da area do múnicipio de áreas identificadas para classe campo/agicultura, 18,80 % para a classe vegetação nativa, 6,18 % identificado como a Classe Solo exposto, 6,03 % composta de vegetação exótica e 2,83 % como água.
Florística e avaliação qualitativa da espécie Mangifera indica L. Nas praças de Santarém, Pará
Authors: Souza Karina de Aguiar , Leal Silmara Ribeiro , Santos Janilce Lucas dos , Sousa Jandreson Neves de , Maestri Mayra Piloni , Sousa Sara Freitas de
Published: October 2019

A arborização urbana é descrita como um dos mais importantes componentes do ecossistema das cidades, assim, deveria ser uma preocupação permanente de todo e qualquer planejamento devido aos benefícios que são proporcionados em sua consequência. Objetivou-se com esse estudo realizar um levantamento quantitativo das espécies arbóreas presentes em 11 praças do município de Santarém e caracterizar qualitativamente as mangueiras (Mangifera indica L.) dessas praças. Foram inventariados 209 indivíduos, sendo que 43% do total das árvores inventariadas são mangueiras. A alta porcentagem de mangueiras evidencia que a arborização das praças analisadas não favorece a preservação da biodiversidade local, estando mais propícia ao ataque de organismos xilófagos. As praças apresentam diversidade de espécies, no entanto, muitos indivíduos de uma mesma espécie, o que não é desejável pois torna a população mais susceptível a um declínio populacional devido ao ataque de pragas e doenças. Para avaliação qualitativa foram realizadas análises visuais do aspecto físico da árvores, considerando: sinais de doenças, sinais de cupins, fissuras no tronco e ocos. Das 90 mangueiras analisadas, 8 apresentaram sinais de doenças, 23 apresentaram sinais de cupins, 5 apresentaram fissuras e 2 apresentaram oco. Diante do exposto, observa-se a necessidade de um melhor planejamento, principalmente com relação à diversidade das espécies utilizadas e a manutenção das mesmas.
Caracterização morfométrica: estudo de caso da bacia hidrográfica do Riacho dos Grossos, Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: Lacerda Gleyton Lopes Barboza , Firmino Lílian de Queiroz , Sá Ana Cecilia Novaes de , Rocha Neto Olávio , Silva Viviane Farias
Published: October 2019

A análise morfométrica é largamente utilizada na obtenção de informações sobre a dinâmica e comportamento de um ambiente natural, sendo de grande importância nos estudos geomorfológicos e ambientais. Este trabalho foi realizado objetivando-se determinar as características morfométricas da bacia hidrográfica do Riacho dos Grossos, Paraíba, Brasil. Foi usado sistema de informações geográficas (SIG) por intermédio do software QGIS 2.14.11, permitindo assim realizar o georreferenciamento e as análises espaciais de bases vetoriais e matriciais. Um arcabouço de índices morfométricos foram calculados, constatando de forma significativa as potencialidades dessas tecnologias. A área da bacia foi de 718,51 km2 e perímetro de 182,9 km. Entre os resultados pode-se destacar que a bacia hidrográfica do Riacho dos Grossos possui baixa suscetibilidade de enchentes, parâmetros com características de uma bacia alongada e uma drenagem regular.
Deep learning for quality prediction of nonlinear dynamic processes with variable attention‐based long short‐term memory network
Authors: Yuan Xiaofeng , Li Lin , Wang Yalin , Yang Chunhua , Gui Weihua
Published: October 2019

Industrial processes are often characterized with high nonlinearities and dynamics. For soft sensor modelling, it is important to model the nonlinear and dynamic relationship between input and output data. Thus, long short‐term memory (LSTM) networks are suitable for quality prediction of soft sensor modelling. However, they do not consider the relevance of different input variables with the quality variable. To address this issue, a variable attention‐based long short‐term memory (VA‐LSTM) network is proposed for soft sensing in this paper. In VA‐LSTM, variable attention is designed to identify important input variables according to their relevance with quality prediction. After that, different attention weights are calculated and assigned to further obtain a weighted input sample at each time step. Finally, the LSTM network is exploited to capture the long‐term dependencies of the weighted input time series to predict the quality variable. The performance of the proposed modelling method is validated on an industrial debutanizer column and a hydrocracking process.
The responses of human gingival fibroblasts to magnesium‐doped titanium
Authors: Zhu Yu , Zhang Chu‐nan , Gu Ying‐xin , Shi Jun‐yu , Mo Jia‐ji , Qian Shu‐jiao , Qiao Shi‐chong , Lai Hong‐chang
Published: October 2019

The titanium (Ti) implant is widely used in implant dentistry; yet peri‐implantitis has always been one of the most common and serious complications. Here, we demonstrated that magnesium‐doping would be an effective way of enhancing the integration between implant surfaces and gingival tissues, which is critical to peri‐implant health. The magnesium (2.76–6.35 at %) was immobilized onto the titanium substrate by a magnesium plasma immersion ion implantation (Mg‐PIII) technique. Mg‐PIII treatments did not alter surface topographies of the original titanium substrate but improved its hydrophilicity. The in vitro study including cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, migration, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays disclosed improved adhesion, proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix remodeling abilities of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) on the magnesium‐doped titanium. The results of western blot suggested that the Mg‐modified titanium induced the phosphorylation of AKT through the activation of PI3K. Our results revealed that magnesium‐doping would potentially enhance soft tissue sealings by promoting cellular functions of HGFs in a dose‐dependent manner, boding well for its applications on surfaces of implant necks in early peri‐implant soft tissue integrations.
In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessment of free radical scavenging nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Dulany Krista , Hepburn Katie , Goins Allison , Allen Josephine B.
Published: October 2019

Bone is the second most transplanted tissue in the world, resulting in increased demand for bone grafts leading to the fabrication of synthetic scaffold grafting alternatives. Fracture sites are under increased oxidative stress after injuries, affecting osteoblast function and hindering fracture healing and remodeling. To counter oxidative stress, free radical scavenging agents, such as cerium oxide nanoparticles, have gained traction in tissue engineering. Toward the goal of developing a functional synthetic system for bone tissue engineering, we characterized the biocompatibility of a porous, bioactive, free radical scavenging nanocomposite scaffold composed of poly(1,8 octanediol‐co‐citrate), beta‐tricalcium phosphate, and cerium oxide nanoparticles. We studied cellular and tissue compatibility utilizing in vitro and in vivo models to assess nanocomposite interactions with both human osteoblast cells and rat subcutaneous tissue. We found the scaffolds were biocompatible in both models and supported cell attachment, proliferation, mineralization, and infiltration. Using hydrogen peroxide, we simulated oxidative stress to study the protective properties of the nanocomposite scaffolds via a reduction in cytotoxicity and recovered mineralization of osteoblast cells in vitro. We also found after implantation in vivo the scaffolds exhibited biocompatible properties essential for successful scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Cells were able to infiltrate through the scaffolds, the surrounding tissues elicited a minimal immune response, and there were signs of scaffold degradation after 30 days of implantation. After the array of biological characterization, we had confirmed the development of a nanocomposite scaffold system capable of supporting bone‐remodeling processes while providing a protective free radical scavenging effect.
Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Body Weight in Patients With Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Yang Jin A. , Lee Kyung Eun , Park Ji Hyun , Yee Jeong , Kim Jae Youn , Gwak Hye Sun
Published: October 2019

Background

Many health benefits have been proposed for citrulline, but they lack evidence based on human research. This study was to evaluate whether an oral citrulline supplement affects body weight changes and laboratory values in patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery during January to June 2015 were screened for analysis. Patients using citrulline during hospital stay and at discharge were classified as the citrulline group, whereas those without any records of citrulline were designated as the control group. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in body weight at discharge and at first outpatient visit. Other outcomes included change in laboratory values.

Results

A total of 138 patients were included in analysis. Citrulline group and control group did not differ with respect to baseline characteristics except for white blood cell count. Percent in change of body weight and body mass index from discharge to first outpatient visit was significantly different between the 2 groups, showing less weight loss in citrulline group than in controls (−0.8 ± 2.7% vs −2.5 ± 3.8%, P < 0.05). Especially in men, citrulline use significantly affected weight loss from the multivariate analysis (P < 0.05); percent change in weight in citrulline group was predicted to increase by 2.1 units. During hospital stay, significant differences between the 2 groups were found in changes of cholesterol and protein levels.

Conclusion

Citrulline supplement reduced weight loss in surgical patients during recovery.
VarSite: Disease variants and protein structure
Authors: Laskowski Roman A. , Stephenson James D. , Sillitoe Ian , Orengo Christine A. , Thornton Janet M.
Published: October 2019

VarSite is a web server mapping known disease‐associated variants from UniProt and ClinVar, together with natural variants from gnomAD, onto protein 3D structures in the Protein Data Bank. The analyses are primarily image‐based and provide both an overview for each human protein, as well as a report for any specific variant of interest. The information can be useful in assessing whether a given variant might be pathogenic or benign. The structural annotations for each position in the protein include protein secondary structure, interactions with ligand, metal, DNA/RNA, or other protein, and various measures of a given variant's possible impact on the protein's function. The 3D locations of the disease‐associated variants can be viewed interactively via the 3dmol.js JavaScript viewer, as well as in RasMol and PyMOL. Users can search for specific variants, or sets of variants, by providing the DNA coordinates of the base change(s) of interest. Additionally, various agglomerative analyses are given, such as the mapping of disease and natural variants onto specific Pfam or CATH domains. The server is freely accessible to all at: https://www.ebi.ac.uk/thornton-srv/databases/VarSite.
Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of (+)‐ambrein
Authors: Moser Sandra , Leitner Erich , Plocek Thomas J. , Vanhessche Koenraad , Pichler Harald
Published: October 2019

The triterpenoid (+)‐ambrein is the major component of ambergris, a coprolite of the sperm whale that can only be rarely found on shores. Upon oxidative degradation of (+)‐ambrein, several fragrance molecules are formed, amongst them (−)‐ambrox, one of the highest valued compounds in the perfume industry. In order to generate a Saccharomyces cerevisiae whole‐cell biocatalyst for the production of (+)‐ambrein, intracellular supply of the squalene was enhanced by overexpression of two central enzymes in the mevalonate and sterol biosynthesis pathway, namely the N‐terminally truncated 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase 1 (tHMG) and the squalene synthase (ERG9). In addition, another key enzyme in sterol biosynthesis, squalene epoxidase (ERG1) was inhibited by an experimentally defined amount of the inhibitor terbinafine in order to reduce flux of squalene towards ergosterol biosynthesis while retaining sufficient activity to maintain cell viability and growth. Heterologous expression of a promiscuous variant of Bacillus megaterium tetraprenyl‐β‐curcumene cyclase (BmeTC‐D373C), which has been shown to be able to catalyse the conversion of squalene to 3‐deoxyachillol and then further to (+)‐ambrein resulted in production of these triterpenoids in S. cerevisiae for the first time. Triterpenoid yields are comparable with the best microbial production chassis described in literature so far, the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Consequently, we discuss similarities and differences of these two yeast species when applied for whole‐cell (+)‐ambrein production.
“The World in a Small Rectangle”: Spatialities in Monika Fagerholm’s Novels
Authors: Lahdenperä Hanna
Published: October 2019

This chapter explores the different spaces, places and spatialities in Finland-Swedish author Monika Fagerholm’s (b. 1961) novels. Real geographical places and their fictional counterparts, or places that vaguely resemble them, are layered. Places that may already exist in literature are given new layers of meaning, and modified versions of places dislodge the connection between the fictional place and its referent. In these places, Fagerholm’s characters frequently go further than merely being in or inhabiting. They take possession of a place, use it for their own purposes and create new spatialities, which often extend beyond the place itself. Thus, space and place are conflated and form an extended, mental spatiality which is characteristic of Fagerholm’s novels.
The Poetics of Blank Spaces and Intervals in Selected Works of Elisabeth Rynell
Authors: Wischmann Antje
Published: October 2019

This chapter investigates the phenomenon of textual spatiality, in other words the conceptual, material-medial and typographical dimension of select printed texts. In this chapter I take Elisabeth Rynell’s poetry collection I mina hus (2006) and its blank-space technique as my point of departure. Rynell’s specific treatment of embodied text and layout and her systematic switching between points of view stimulate readers’ awareness of both composition and poetic self-reflection. I mina hus compares dwelling, writing and reading as experiences of life that are analogous to inscriptions. The author draws on modernist traditions, her poetry taking inspiration from early modernism and from models that thematize form, formal systems and typography.
Resettlement strategies and Han imperial expansion into southwest China: a multimethod approach to colonialism and migration
Authors: Wu Xiaotong , Hein Anke , Zhang Xingxiang , Jin Zhengyao , Wei Dong , Huang Fang , Yin Xijie
Published: October 2019

Discussions on colonialism are pervasive in western scholarship but are hardly ever applied to the archeology of China. The present paper shows how concepts of colonialism and migration research can be successfully applied to understand Han imperial expansion into southwest China and how the Chinese material can in turn contribute to developing theories and methods of colonialism research further. Taking the Shamaoshan cemetery as a case study, the present paper combines archeological, textual, environmental, and isotope data to gain insights into strategies and processes of Han imperial expansion into southwest China. The insights gained here show that the long-accepted story-line of simple “Sinicization” and political control is far from accurate. Instead, it took over a century of cross-cultural exchange with immigrants and locals adopting each other’s customs to varying degrees. While in the beginning the Han seem to have taken a top-down approach to “civilizing” the region through their elites, the present study suggests that in the end it was the lower levels of society that intermingled most intensively and helped integrate migrants and locals successfully. Moving away from the exclusive focus on exceptional graves and large sites, the present study thus shows the great value of approaching small, poorly equipped graves with new methods, combining isotope research with a nuanced analysis of burial remains. Evaluated together with the evidence from the well-known exceptional graves, lesser-known settlement material, and historical accounts, the Shamaoshan case study has made it clear that various types of contact, colonial and otherwise, play out quite differently within different social groups and historical situations. This study thus proposes a multisource, multimethod approach that moves away from a narrative dominated by the history-writing elite segments of the colonizing force to a multivoiced account integrating local and outside perceptions at various social levels, an approach that might successfully be applied in other parts of the world.
Predicting incident dementia 3‐8 years after brief cognitive tests in the UK Biobank prospective study of 500,000 people
Authors: Calvin Catherine M. , Wilkinson Tim , Starr John M. , Sudlow Cathie , Hagenaars Saskia P. , Harris Sarah E. , Schnier Christian , Davies Gail , Fawns‐Ritchie Chloe , Gale Catharine R. , Gallacher John , Deary Ian J.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Prospective studies reporting associations between cognitive performance and subsequent incident dementia have been subject to attrition bias. Furthermore, the extent to which established risk factors account for such associations requires further elucidation.

Methods

We used UK Biobank baseline cognitive data (n ≤ 488,130) and electronically linked hospital inpatient and death records during three‐ to eight‐year follow‐up, to estimate risk of total dementia (n = 1051), Alzheimer's disease (n = 352), and vascular dementia (n = 169) according to four brief cognitive tasks, with/without adjustment for constitutional and modifiable risk factors.

Results

We found associations of cognitive task performance with all‐cause and cause‐specific dementia (P < .01); these were not accounted for by established risk factors. Cognitive data added up to 5% to the discriminative accuracy of receiver operating characteristic curve models; areas under the curve ranged from 82% to 86%.

Discussion

This study offers robust evidence that brief cognitive testing could be a valuable addition to dementia prediction models.
Transient Oscillations Near the Dayside Open‐Closed Boundary: Evidence of Magnetopause Surface Mode?
Authors: Kozyreva O. , Pilipenko V. , Lorentzen D. , Baddeley L. , Hartinger M.
Published: October 2019

Geomagnetic pulsations in Pc5‐6 band (~3–20 min) are persistent feature of ULF activity at dayside high latitudes. Magnetopause surface eigenmodes may be suggested as potential mechanism of these pulsations. One might expect the ground response of these modes to be near ionospheric projection of the open‐closed field line boundary (OCB). Using data from instruments located at Svalbard we study transient geomagnetic response to impulsive “intrusion” of magnetosheath plasma into the dayside magnetosphere. These intrusions are triggered by modest changes of interplanetary magnetic field to southward, and observed as sudden shifts of equatorward red aurora boundary to lower latitudes and green line emission intensification. Each auroral disturbance is accompanied by burst of ~1.7–2.0‐mHz geomagnetic pulsations. Near‐cusp latitudinal structure of ULF pulsations is compared with instant location of equatorward boundary of the red aurora, assumed to be a proxy of the OCB. Optical OCB latitude has been identified using data from the meridian scanning photometer. The latitudinal maximum of the transient geomagnetic response tends to be located near disturbed OCB proxy, within the error ~1°–2° of the photometer and magnetometer methods. Recorded transient pulsations may be associated with the ground image of the magnetopause surface mode harmonic. Theoretical consideration indicates that after an initial excitation, surface large‐scale mode converts into localized Alfvén oscillations and thus can exist for limited time only. Therefore, MHD surface modes in realistic inhomogeneous plasma cannot be considered in isolation, but as a combined system of modes with discrete and continuous spectra with irreversible transformation between them.
Global Climate Model Ensemble Approaches for Future Projections of Atmospheric Rivers
Authors: Massoud E.C. , Espinoza V. , Guan B. , Waliser D.E.
Published: October 2019

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are narrow jets of integrated water vapor transport that are important for the global water cycle and also have large impacts on local weather and regional hydrology. Uniformly weighted multi‐model averages have been used to describe how ARs will change in the future, but this type of estimate does not consider skill or independence of the climate models of interest. Here, we utilize information from various model averaging approaches, such as Bayesian model averaging (BMA), to evaluate 21 global climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5. Model ensemble weighting strategies are based on model independence and AR performance skill relative to ERA‐Interim reanalysis data and result in higher accuracy for the historic period, for example, root mean square error for AR frequency (in % of time steps) of 0.69 for BMA versus 0.94 for the multi‐model ensemble mean. Model weighting strategies also result in lower uncertainties in the future estimates, for example, only 20–25% of the total uncertainties seen in the equal weighting strategy. These model averaging methods show, with high certainty, that globally the frequency of ARs is expected to have average relative increases of ~50% (and ~25% in AR intensity) by the end of the century.
Upper Atmosphere Radiance Data Assimilation: A Feasibility Study for GOLD Far Ultraviolet Observations
Authors: Cantrall Clayton E. , Matsuo Tomoko , Solomon Stanley C.
Published: October 2019

Far ultraviolet observations of Earth's dayglow from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission presents an unparalleled opportunity for upper atmosphere radiance data assimilation. Assimilation of the Lyman‐Birge‐Hopfield (LBH) band emissions can be formulated in a similar fashion to lower atmosphere radiance data assimilation approaches. To provide a proof‐of‐concept for such an approach, this paper presents assimilation experiments of simulated LBH emission data using an ensemble filter measurement update step implemented with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Whole Atmosphere Model (WAM) and National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)'s Global Airglow (GLOW) model. Primary findings from observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs), wherein “truth” atmospheric conditions simulated by NCAR's Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) are used to generate synthetic GOLD data, are as follows: (1) Assimilation of GOLD LBH disk emission data can reduce the bias in model temperature specification (ensemble mean) by 60% under both geomagnetically quiet conditions and disturbed conditions. (2) The reduction in model uncertainty (ensemble spread) as a result of assimilation is about 20% in the lower thermosphere and 30% in the upper thermosphere for both conditions. These OSSEs demonstrate the potential for far ultraviolet radiance data assimilation to dramatically reduce the model biases in thermospheric temperature specification and to extend the utility of GOLD observations by helping to resolve the altitude‐dependent global‐scale response of the thermosphere to geomagnetic storms.
Substorm Energy Transport From the Magnetotail to the Nightside Ionosphere
Authors: Ohtani Shinichi
Published: October 2019

The present study addresses the transport of energy from the nightside magnetosphere to the ionosphere during the substorm expansion phase. From the cross‐examination of the estimates of various ionospheric and magnetospheric processes, it is inferred that (1) Poynting flux from the tail lobes to the plasma sheet accounts for the ionospheric energy dissipation during the substorm expansion phase, suggesting that the lobe reconnection is the primary driver of the substorm energy transport to the ionosphere; (2) the area around the duskside poleward boundary of the auroral bulge, where auroral emission is intense throughout the expansion phase, accounts for >10%, likely a few tens of percent, of the ionospheric substorm energy dissipation, suggesting that the area is a crucial energy sink; and (3) kinetic energy carried by the bursty bulk flows is comparable to the energy deposited in association with the auroral streamers, and each bursty bulk flow accounts for ~1% of the total substorm energy deposition, which may sum up to 10% throughout the expansion phase. Points 2 and 3 imply that energy deposited to the ionosphere is transported mostly along, rather than across, the magnetic field lines in the plasma sheet. The responsible field‐aligned plasma flows may be generated as the perpendicular plasma motion creates field‐aligned pressure gradient in the presence of field line curvature. Energy flux associated with enhanced convection in the plasma sheet is statistically examined with the Geotail data set, which confirms that more energy is carried earthward by the field‐aligned flows than by the convection flows.
Comparison of IRI‐2016 F2 Layer Model Parameters with Ionosonde Measurements
Authors: Arıkan Feza , Sezen Umut , Gulyaeva Tamara L.
Published: October 2019

International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) is the international standard ionospheric climatic model. Since the original formation of the international task force in 1970s, the IRI model has been continuously improved by ingesting developments in research in ionosphere. The most current version, namely, IRI‐2016, is offered with International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) and International Union of Radio Science (URSI) model choices with “STORM” option for the F2 layer critical plasma frequency (foF2) and BSE‐1979, AMTB‐2013, and SHU‐2015 options for maximum ionization height, hmF2. Since these two parameters are the determining values for the other model outputs, the evaluation of the options offered by IRI‐2016 is critical for various applications. In this study, all foF2 and hmF2 model options offered online at irimodel.org are computed for winter and summer solstice and equinox seasons of 2011 and 2015 at the locations of all available ionosondes and for all measurement intervals. The ionosondes are grouped into northern and southern midlatitude, northern and southern high‐latitude and equatorial regions. Individual, regional and global model output foF2 and hmF2 values are compared with those of ionosondes in both root‐mean‐square (RMS) and normalized RMS (NRMS) senses. For foF2, “STORM ON” can be used any time and in any region. Equatorial and high‐latitude regions have larger RMS values due to the sparse ionosondes. In northern midlatitude and high‐latitude regions URSI, in all other regions CCIR is the better option. For hmF2, SHU‐2015 and BSE‐1979 options provide a better fit for all regions, seasons, and years.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of MSI-H/MMR-D colorectal cancer and a perspective on resistance mechanisms
Authors: Sahin Ibrahim Halil , Akce Mehmet , Alese Olatunji , Shaib Walid , Lesinski Gregory B. , El-Rayes Bassel , Wu Christina
Published: October 2019

Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a mismatch repair-deficiency (MMR-D)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) phenotype carries unique characteristics such as increased tumour mutational burden and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Studies have shown a sustained clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitors with dramatic clinical improvement in patients with MSI-H/MMR-D CRC. However, the observed response rates range between 30% and 50% suggesting the existence of intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Moreover, disease progression after an initial positive response to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment points to acquired resistance mechanisms. In this review article, we discuss the clinical trials that established the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with MSI-H/MMR-D CRC, consider biomarkers of the immune response and elaborate on potential mechanisms related to intrinsic and acquired resistance. We also provide a perspective on possible future therapeutic approaches that might improve clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with actionable resistance mechanisms.
How to Save a Life From Macroscopic Fat Embolism: A Narrative Review of Treatment Options
Authors: Lari Aqeel , Abdulshakoor Abeer , Zogheib Elie , Assaf Nizar , Mojallal Ali , Lari Abdul-Reda , Bauer Christian , Sinna Raphael
Published: October 2019

Macroscopic fat embolism (MAFE) has grabbed the attention of the plastic surgery community in recent years because of its high mortality rate. Many articles on preventing MAFE during gluteal fat grafting are available in the literature. However, total prevention is difficult: a number of factors, both technical and human, mean that MAFE remains a potential complication. This review was written with the main goal of providing a treatment plan. MAFE shares many similar pathophysiologic and hemodynamic features with massive thrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE), especially the associated cardiopulmonary decompensation. Lessons learned from PE management were used to devise a management algorithm for MAFE. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and its potential application as a main modality of treatment for MAFE was explored. The lack of evidence in the literature for the treatment of MAFE, and its high mortality, lent urgency to the need to write an article on the management aspect in the form of a narrative review, to ensure that every plastic surgeon practicing gluteal fat grafting is knowledgeable about the treatment aspect of this deadly complication.
The Pursuit and Advancement of Knowledge as a Justification for the Use of Animals in Research
Authors: Tannenbaum Jerrold
Published: October 2019

It is commonly said that animal research is sometimes ethically appropriate because it can lead to knowledge, irrespective of benefits this knowledge might bring to humans or animals. Proponents of this view, which I call the “knowledge justification,” have been unclear about what they mean by the term “knowledge.” They also omit from the justification other features of animal research that are intimately connected with the pursuit and advancement of knowledge. This article identifies and includes in a modified knowledge justification 5 general elements of the pursuit and advancement of knowledge in animal research: “knowledge” in the sense of facts, information, or explanations; “knowledge” in the sense of the experience of having knowledge; contemplation; the exercise of intellectual faculties and skills; and pleasures, frustrations, and challenges in the pursuit and advancement of knowledge. The article explains why these elements are valuable and must be given weight in assessing the ethical appropriateness of curiosity-driven animal research. The discussion critiques defenses and applications of current expressions of the knowledge justification. The article offers a preliminary defense of curiosity-driven animal research by arguing that using animals to obtain scientific knowledge and the pleasures of scientific inquiry can be far more valuable for humans and no more harmful to some animals than the use of these animals to produce meat for human consumption. The article presents 2 examples of curiosity-driven animal research to further establish the plausibility of the knowledge justification and suggests questions and guidelines for developing the justification.
Production and Clinical Evaluation of Norwalk GI.1 Virus Lot 001-09NV in Norovirus Vaccine Development
Authors: Mateo Roberto , Lindesmith Lisa C , Garg Shaily J , Gottlieb Keith , Lin Karen , Said Sara , Leon Juan S , Sims Amy C , Weber David J , Baric Ralph S , Tucker Sean N , Taylor David N
Published: October 2019

Background

Human noroviruses (HuNoV) are the leading cause of gastroenteritis. No vaccine is currently available to prevent norovirus illness or infection. Safe, infectious challenge strains are needed to assess vaccine efficacy in the controlled human infection model (CHIM).

Methods

A stock of HuNoV strain Norwalk virus ([NV] GI.1) was prepared. Healthy, genetically susceptible adults were inoculated with NV Lot 001-09NV and monitored for infection, gastroenteritis symptoms, and immune responses.

Results

Lot 001-09NV induced gastroenteritis in 9 (56%) and infection in 11 (69%) of 16 genetically susceptible subjects. All infected subjects developed strong immune responses to GI.1 with a 30-fold (geometric mean titer) increase in blocking titers (BT50) and a 161-fold increase in GI.1-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G titers when compared with baseline. GI.1-specific cellular responses in peripheral blood were observed 9 days postchallenge with an average of 3253 IgA and 1227 IgG antibody-secreting cells per million peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Conclusions

GI.1 Lot 001-09NV appears to be similar in virulence to previous passages of NV strain 8fIIa. The safety profile, attack rate, and duration of illness make GI.1 Lot 001-09NV a useful challenge strain for future vaccine studies aimed at establishing immune correlates.
Suprapubic penetrating abdominal trauma - defining peritoneal breach and choices in operative intervention
Authors: Papanikolas Michael J , Sarkar Anik , Kandiah Shivanthi , Niles Navin
Published: October 2019

Penetrating abdominal trauma is an uncommon cause of presentation to emergency departments in Australia and is frequently associated with the clinical need for emergent operative intervention. Advances in imaging modalities, improved laparoscopic techniques and structured approaches to resuscitation in trauma have now allowed potential minimally invasive management of such injuries, avoiding laparotomy and therefore defining peritoneal breach; the major determinant of intra-abdominal organ injury in this setting is critical. We present the case of a self-inflicted stab injury to the suprapubic region in an otherwise healthy man and describe the combination of imaging and operative modalities used to define peritoneal breach in this case which successfully reduced the patient’s morbidity by avoiding non-therapeutic laparotomy.
Cloud–cloud collisions in the common foot point of molecular loops 1 and 2 in the Galactic Center
Authors: Enokiya Rei , Torii Kazufumi , Fukui Yasuo
Published: October 2019

Recent large-area, deep CO surveys in the Galactic disk have revealed the formation of ~50 high-mass stars or clusters triggered by cloud–cloud collisions (CCCs). Although the Galactic Center (GC)—which contains the highest volume density of molecular gas—is the most favorable place for cloud collisions, systematic studies of CCCs in that region are still untouched. Here we report for the first time evidence of CCCs in the common foot point of molecular loops 1 and 2 in the GC. We have investigated the distribution of molecular gas toward the foot point by using a methodology for identifying CCCs, and we have discovered clear signatures of CCCs. Using the estimated displacements and relative velocities of the clouds, we find the elapsed time since the beginnings of the collisions to be 105–106yr. We consider possible origins for previously reported peculiar velocity features in the foot point and discuss star formation triggered by CCCs in the GC.
Stress induces dynamic, cytotoxicity-antagonizing TDP-43 nuclear bodies via paraspeckle lncRNA NEAT1-mediated liquid-liquid phase separation
Authors: Wang Chen , Duan Yongjia , Duan Gang , Wang Qiangqiang , Zhang Kai , Deng Xue , Qian Beituo , Gu Jinge , Ma Zhiwei , Zhang Shuang , Guo Lin , Liu Cong , Fang Yanshan
Published: October 2019

Graphic Abstract

Highlights

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Stress induces phase-separated TDP-43 NBs to alleviate cytotoxicity

The two RRMs interact with different RNAs and act distinctly in the assembly of TDP-43 NBs

LncRNA NEAT1 promotes TDP-43 LLPS and is upregulated in stressed neurons

The ALS-causing D169G mutation is NB-defective and forms pTDP-43 cytoplasmic foci

Despite the prominent role of TDP-43 in neurodegeneration, its physiological and pathological functions are not fully understood. Here, we report an unexpected function of TDP-43 in the formation of dynamic, reversible, liquid droplet-like nuclear bodies (NBs) in response to stress. Formation of NBs alleviates TDP-43-mediated cytotoxicity in mammalian cells and fly neurons. Super-resolution microscopy reveals a “core-shell” organization of TDP-43 NBs, antagonistically maintained by the two RRMs. TDP-43 NBs are partially colocalized with nuclear paraspeckles, whose scaffolding lncRNA NEAT1 is dramatically upregulated in stressed neurons. Moreover, increase of NEAT1 promotes TDP-43 liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in vitro. Finally, we uncover that the ALS-associated mutation D169G impairs the NEAT1-mediated TDP-43 LLPS and NB assembly, causing excessive cytoplasmic translocation of TDP-43 to form stress granules that become phosphorylated TDP-43 cytoplasmic foci upon prolonged stress. Together, our findings suggest a stress-mitigating role and mechanism of TDP-43 NBs, whose dysfunction may be involved in ALS pathogenesis.
MICU1 regulates mitochondrial cristae structure and function independent of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter channel
Authors: Tomar Dhanendra , Thomas Manfred , Garbincius Joanne F. , Kolmetzky Devin W. , Salik Oniel , Jadiya Pooja , Carpenter April C. , Elrod John W.
Published: October 2019

MICU1 is an EF-hand-containing mitochondrial protein that is essential for gating of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter channel (mtCU) and is reported to interact directly with the pore-forming subunit, MCU and scaffold EMRE. However, using size-exclusion proteomics, we found that MICU1 exists in mitochondrial complexes lacking MCU. This suggests that MICU1 may have additional cellular functions independent of regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. To discern mtCU-independent MICU1 functions, we employed a proteomic discovery approach using BioID2-mediated proximity-based (<10nm) biotinylation and subsequent LC-MS detection. The expression of a MICU1-BioID2 fusion protein in MICU1-/- and MCU-/- cells allowed the identification of total vs. mtCU-independent MICU1 interactors. Bioinformatics identified the Mitochondrial Contact Site and Cristae Organizing System (MICOS) components MIC60 (encoded by the IMMT gene) and Coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil helix domain containing 2 (CHCHD2) as novel MICU1 interactors, independent of the mtCU. We demonstrate that MICU1 is essential for proper proteomic organization of the MICOS complex and that MICU1 ablation results in altered cristae organization and mitochondrial ultrastructure. We hypothesize that MICU1 serves as a MICOS calcium sensor, since perturbing MICU1 is sufficient to modulate cytochrome c release independent of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Here, we provide the first experimental evidence suggesting that MICU1 regulates cellular functions independent of mitochondrial calcium uptake and may serve as a critical mediator of Ca2+-dependent signaling to modulate mitochondrial membrane dynamics and cristae organization.
Improved longevity and efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation by simple adjustments at follow‐up
Authors: Duelund‐Jakobsen J. , Buntzen S. , Laurberg S. , Lundby L.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for faecal incontinence (FI) at subsensory amplitudes as low as 50% of the sensory threshold has been found to be effective at 3 months’ follow‐up. Furthermore, alternative pacemaker settings may improve functional outcome in patients with suboptimal treatment efficacy. In this work we aim to explore if sub‐sensory stimulation as low as 50% of sensory threshold is effective at 1‐year follow‐up. We also aimed to investigate if 31 Hz (frequency) or 90 µs (pulse width) stimulation improved treatment efficacy in dissatisfied patients.

Method

All patients in whom the stimulation was effective in controlling FI (satisfied group) were encouraged to have the stimulation amplitude reduced. Those in whom the device was less effective (dissatisfied group) were offered alternative frequency settings or pulse width (31 Hz or 90 µs). Patients were follow‐up after 12 months and evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS) for patient satisfaction, the Cleveland Clinic Continence Score (CCCS), Rockwood Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (QoL) and a bowel habit diary.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen patients were contacted, with a response rate of 71% (n = 155). Those who were successfully contacted comprised 110 (71%) patients classed as satisfied and 45 (29%) as dissatisfied. Seventy‐five (68%) of the satisfied patients agreed to have their stimulation amplitude reduced. At 1‐year follow‐up the median amplitude had reduced from 1.5 V [interquartile range (IQR) 0.85–2.0 V] to 0.75 V (IQR 0.45–1.4 V) (P‐value < 0.001) representing an overall reduction of 39% (6.6–62.5%). There were no significant differences in VAS, CCCS or QoL despite subsensory stimulation at 1‐year follow‐up. In 28% of the dissatisfied patients alternative pacemaker settings improved VAS to satisfactory levels.

Conclusion

Subsensory stimulation is as effective as stimulation at or above the sensory threshold. High‐frequency stimulation (31 Hz) can improve functional outcome in patients with loss of efficacy.
Extending venous thromboembolism secondary prevention with apixaban in cancer patients: The EVE trial
Authors: McBane Robert D. , Loprinzi Charles L. , Ashrani Aneel , Lenz Charles J. , Houghton Damon , Zemla Tyler , Le‐Rademacher Jennifer G. , Wysokinski Waldemar E.
Published: October 2019

Background

Cancer‐associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) carries a high rate of recurrence and death. Guidelines recommend continued anticoagulation therapy as long as active cancer persists. Apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily is the FDA‐approved dose for secondary prevention regardless of VTE causation. Whether this apixaban dose is appropriate for secondary VTE prevention in cancer patients is not clear. The rationale and design of this investigator initiated phase III, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, trial assessing apixaban 2.5 mg vs 5 mg twice daily for 12 months for the secondary VTE prevention in cancer patients (n = 370) who have completed 6 months (but no more than 12 months) of anticoagulation is provided (NCT03080883).

Methods/Design

The primary study objective is to estimate differences in the combined rate of major plus clinically relevant non‐major bleeding for apixaban 2.5 mg vs 5 mg twice daily. Secondary efficacy outcome is to assess rates of venous or arterial thromboembolism. Participating centers are chosen from the Academic and Community Cancer Research United (ACCRU) consortium.

Conclusion

We anticipate these trial results to provide evidence supporting low‐dose apixaban as a safe agent for secondary prevention of cancer‐associated VTE for patients who have already completed 6‐12 months of anticoagulation.