bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Nitrogen Contents as Affected by Composts Enriched with Organic Nitrogen Sources
Authors: Fawole F. O. , Ayodele O. J. , Adeoye G. O.
Published: April 2019

Information is scanty on the potentials of agricultural wastes to enrich composts whose low nitrogen (N) content limits their use in organic farming. This study involved enriching composts - cow dung + sawdust (CDSD) and poultry droppings + sawdust (PDSD) with N from bone, blood, hoof and horn meals; and neem leaf and tithonia leaf meals and their incubation in the soil for 16 weeks. Cow dung and sawdust (CDSD), poultry manure and sawdust (PMSD) in 1:1 ratios were composted in separate heaps and samples taken for nutrient analysis at 2 and 22 weeks of composting. The composts were enriched with Bone, Blood, Hoof and Horn of cattle; Neem leaf and Tithonia leaf meals to obtain the following: CDSD + bone (CDSDBN), CDSD + blood (CDSDBM), CDSD + hoof (CDSDHM), CDSD + horn (CDSDHN), CDSD + neem (CDSDNM) and CDSD + tithonia (CDSDTM); PMSD + bone (PMSDBN), PMSD + blood (PMSDBM), PMSD + hoof (PMSDHM), PMSD + horn (PMSDHN), PMSD + neem (PMSDNM) and PMSD + tithonia (PMSDTM). The enrichment was madeto attain 100, 200, 300 and 500g kg-1 N. Each treatment at 30 t ha-1 was incubated for sixteen weeks to monitor the nutrient release at four-week intervals. Total N contents monitored at four-week intervals of incubation showed enrichment in 74.0 and 83.0% of CDSD and PDSD compared to the respective controls. N contents were highest in 21, 0, 1 and 28 composts incubated for 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks respectively. At 4 weeks, CDSD enriched to 500 g kg-1 N from blood meal (CDSDBM) and bone meal (CDSDBN) contained 10.5 and 9.2 gkg-1 total N while PDSD enriched to 50 g kg-1 N from bone meal (PDSDBN) and tithonia leaf meal (PDSDTM) contained 9.3 and 8.6 g kg-1 total N. These are suitable for the cultivation of short-season leaf vegetables. N content reduced at 8 weeks of incubation and increased at 12 and 16 weeks. Only CDSD enriched with neem leaf meal (CDSDNM at all N rates) showed increase in N content with time of incubation. CDSDNM and PDSDBM at 50 g kg-1 N contained the highest total N at 16 weeks of incubation and should be recommended for the cultivation of long-season vegetables.
Biomass and Stock of Nutrients in Different Genotypes of Eucalypts in Southern Brazil
Authors: Santos Kristiana Fiorentin dos , Schumacher Mauro Valdir , Ludvichak Aline Aparecida , De Araújo Elias Frank
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to estimate the biomass, nutrient stocks, and nutrient utilization efficiency of six genotypes of eucalypts at 49-months-old. The experiment was conducted in Eldorado do Sul (Climate of the region is characterized as subtropical humid - Cfa; and the soil in the experimental area is the Red-Yellow Argissol), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The selected trees were fractionated into leaves, branches, stembark and stemwood. The amount of total biomass ranged from 68.40 to 117.52 Mg ha-1, with the highest production being hybrid Eucalyptus urophylla x E. globulus, and E. dunnii the lowest. The canopy (leaves and branches) accumulated between 17% and 52% of the total macronutrients in E. benthamii (Provenance 1) and hybrid E. urophylla x E. globulus and from 24% to 34% of the total micronutrients in E. dunnii and hybrid E. urophylla x E. globulus. While the stem (wood and bark) accumulated between 48 to 83% and 66 to 76% of the total macro and micronutrients, respectively. For the stemwood, it was observed that E. benthamii (Provenance 2) presented the highest values of nutritional efficiency for N, Ca, Cu and Fe, and hybrid E. urophylla x E. globulus for P, Mg and B. The different eucalypts genotypes, under the same edaphoclimatic conditions, presented different biomass production.
Kink Type Traveling Wave Solutions of Right-handed Non-commutative Burgers Equations via Extended (G'/G) -Expansion Method
Authors: . Harun-Or-Roshid
Published: April 2019

The extended (G'/G)-expansion method is significant for finding the exact traveling wave solutions of nonlinear evolution equations (NLEEs) in mathematical physics. In this paper, we enhanced new traveling wave solutions of right-handed non-commutative burgers equations via extended -expansion. Implementation of the method for searching exact solutions of the equation provided many new solutions which can be used to employ some practically physical and mechanical phenomena. Moreover, when the parameters are replaced by special values, the well-known solitary wave solutions of the equation rediscovered from the traveling wave solutions and included free parameters may imply some physical meaningful results in fluid mechanics, gas dynamics, and traffic flow.
How generative drawing affects the learning process: An eye‐tracking analysis
Authors: Hellenbrand Johannes , Mayer Richard E. , Opfermann Maria , Schmeck Annett , Leutner Detlev
Published: April 2019

Generative drawing is a learning strategy in which students draw illustrations while reading a text to depict the content of the lesson. In two experiments, students were asked to generate drawings as they read a scientific text or read the same text on influenza with author‐provided illustrations (Experiment 1) or to generate drawings or write verbal summaries as they read (Experiment 2). An examination of students' eye movements during learning showed that students who engaged in generative drawing displayed more rereadings of words, higher proportion of fixations on the important words, higher rate of transitions between words and workspace, and higher proportion of transitions between important words and workspace than students given a text lesson with author‐generated illustrations (Experiment 1) or students who were asked to write a summary (Experiment 2). These findings contribute new evidence to guide theories for explaining how generative drawing affects learning processes.
Association of Comorbid Interphalangeal Joint Pain and Erosive Osteoarthritis With Worse Hand Function in Individuals With Symptomatic Thumb Base Osteoarthritis
Authors: Deveza Leticia A. , Robbins Sarah R. , Duong Vicky , Wajon Anne , Riordan Edward A. , Fu Kai , Jongs Ray , Oo Win Min , Hunter David J.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) trials often target exclusively the thumb base joint, although concomitant widespread interphalangeal (IP) joint involvement is frequent. We aimed to compare hand strength and function between individuals with isolated thumb base OA and those with coexistent IP joint pain and erosive OA.

Methods

Baseline data from a thumb base OA trial were analyzed (n = 204). Participants were age ≥40 years with symptomatic and radiographic thumb base OA. Only the index hand was included. Self‐reported IP joint pain (in any proximal, distal, or thumb IP joint), hand function score (Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis questionnaire [range 0–30]), and hand grip and tip‐pinch strength test results were obtained at baseline. Radiographs were scored for OA severity at each joint (Kellgren/Lawrence grade) and for the presence of erosive OA at the thumb base or IP joints. Multiple linear regression was used adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and radiographic thumb base OA severity.

Results

Compared to individuals with isolated thumb base OA (62%), those with concomitant IP joint pain (17%) and erosive OA (21%) had significantly worse hand function (β = 1.82 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.36, 3.28] and β = 1.47 [95% CI 0.74, 2.88], respectively). In addition, coexistence of erosive OA was independently associated with lower grip and tip‐pinch strength (β = –5.14 [95% CI –7.58, –2.70] and β = –0.61 [95% CI –1.05, –0.17], respectively).

Conclusion

Concomitant IP joint pain and erosive OA are associated with worse hand function in individuals with thumb base OA. Patient stratification based on these characteristics may improve the design of future thumb base OA trials.
Medical cannabis needs tweaks to get full AMA support
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

Physicians who want help from the American Medical Association (AMA) in what to tell their patients about medical marijuana aren't going to get it — at least not yet. The AMA wants to see research, is opposed to legalization via a non–Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approach, wants a warning label, wants immunity for physicians and wants no criminal sanctions when patients and physicians discuss treatment options.
Regulation of inflammation during gestation and birth outcomes: Inflammatory cytokine balance predicts birth weight and length
Authors: Ragsdale Haley B. , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Borja Judith B. , Avila Josephine L. , McDade Thomas W.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The maternal environment during gestation influences offspring health at birth and throughout the life course. Recent research has demonstrated that endogenous immune processes such as dysregulated inflammation adversely impact birth outcomes, increasing the risk for preterm birth and restricted fetal growth. Prior analyses examining this association suggest a relationship between maternal C‐reactive protein (CRP), a summary measure of inflammation, and offspring anthropometric outcomes. This study investigates pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, and their ratio, to gain deeper insight into the regulation of inflammation during pregnancy.

Methods

IL6, IL10, TNFɑ, and CRP were quantified in dried blood spots collected in the early third trimester (mean = 29.9 weeks) of 407 pregnancies in Metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Relationships between these immune markers and offspring anthropometrics (birth weight, length, head circumference, and sum of skinfold thicknesses) were evaluated using multivariate regression analyses. Ratios of pro‐ to anti‐inflammatory cytokines were generated.

Results

Higher maternal IL6 relative to IL10 was associated with reduced offspring weight and length at birth. Individual cytokines did not predict birth outcomes.

Conclusions

Consistent with the idea that the relative balance of cytokines with pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory effects is a key regulator of inflammation in pregnancy, the IL6:IL10 ratio, but neither cytokine on its own, predicted offspring birth outcomes. Our findings suggest that prior reports of association between CRP and fetal growth may reflect, in part, the balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, and that the gestational environment is significantly shaped by cytokine imbalance.
Further expanding the mutational spectrum and investigation of genotype–phenotype correlation in 3M syndrome
Authors: Simsek‐Kiper Pelin Ozlem , Taskiran Ekim , Kosukcu Can , Arslan Umut Ece , Cormier‐Daire Valérie , Gonc Nazlı , Ozon Alev , Alikasifoglu Ayfer , Kandemir Nurgun , Utine Gulen Eda , Alanay Yasemin , Alikasifoglu Mehmet , Boduroglu Koray
Published: April 2019

3M syndrome is characterized by severe pre‐ and postnatal growth retardation, typical facial features, and normal intelligence. Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in either CUL7, OBSL1, or CCDC8 have been identified in the etiology so far. Clinical and molecular features of 24 patients (23 patients and a fetus) from 19 unrelated families with a clinical diagnosis of 3M syndrome were evaluated and genotype–phenotype correlations were investigated with the use of DNA sequencing, chromosomal microarray, and whole exome sequencing accordingly. A genetic etiology could be established in 20 patients (n = 20/24, 83%). Eleven distinct CUL7 or OBSL1 mutations, among which eight was novel, were identified in 18 patients (n = 18/24, 75%). Ten patients had CUL7 (n = 10/18, 56%) while eight had OBSL1 (n = 8/18, 44%) mutations. Birth weight and height standard deviation scores at admission were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in patients with CUL7 mutation compared to that of patients with OBSL1 mutation. Two patients with a similar phenotype had a de novo 20p13p deletion involving BMP2. No genetic etiology could be established in four patients (n = 4/28, 17%). This study yet represents the largest cohort of 3M syndrome patients from a single center in Turkey. Microdeletions involving BMP2 may cause a phenotype similar to 3M syndrome with some distinctive features. Larger cohort of patients are required to establish genotype–phenotype correlations in 3M syndrome.
Ladungszustand von Au‐Nanopartikeln während der Methanolsynthese aus CO2/H2 an Au/ZnO‐Katalysatoren: Einsichten aus Operando IR‐Spektroskopie und In‐situ XPS‐ und XAS‐Messungen
Authors: Abdel‐Mageed Ali M. , Klyushin Alexander , Rezvani Azita , Knop‐Gericke Axel , Schlögl Robert , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: April 2019

Die elektronischen und strukturellen Eigenschaften von Au/ZnO‐Katalysatoren und deren Zusammenhang mit der Aktivität für die Methanolbildung unter realistischen und idealisierten Reaktionsbedingungen wurden mittels kinetischer und zeitaufgelöster operando bzw. in‐situ spektroskopischer Messungen untersucht. Während der Reaktion unter realistischen Bedingungen durchgeführte operando IR‐Spektroskopie (DRIFTS) Messungen an adsorbiertem CO belegen, dass zu Beginn der Reaktion negativ geladene Au‐Nanopartikel/Au‐Adsorptionsplätze gebildet werden. In‐situ Messungen mittels Röntgenphotoelektronen‐Spektroskopie (NAP‐XPS) und Nahkanten‐Röntgenabsorptions‐Spektroskopie (XANES) zeigen, dass dies mit der Bildung von O‐Leerstellen und einer erheblichen Zunahme der Methanolbildungsrate einhergeht. Konsequenzen dieser Ergebnisse für den Reaktionsablauf werden diskutiert und mit früheren Befunden an Cu/ZnO‐ und Au/ZnO‐Katalysatoren verglichen.
NIR‐Light‐Activated Combination Therapy with a Precise Ratio of Photosensitizer and Prodrug Using a Host–Guest Strategy
Authors: Chen Hongzhong , Zeng Xiaowei , Tham Huijun Phoebe , Phua Soo Zeng Fiona , Cheng Wei , Zeng Wenfeng , Shi Haoran , Mei Lin , Zhao Yanli
Published: April 2019

The co‐delivery of photosensitizers with prodrugs sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) for light‐triggered ROS generation and cascaded prodrug activation has drawn tremendous attention. However, the absence of a feasible method to deliver the two components at a precise ratio has impaired the application potential. Herein, we report an efficient method to produce a nanosized platform for the delivery of an optimized ratio of the two components by the means of host–guest strategy for maximizing the combination therapy efficacy of cancer treatment. The key features of this host–guest strategy for the combination therapy are that the ratio between photosensitizer and ROS‐sensitive prodrug can be easily tuned, near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation can sensitize the photosensitizer and activate the paclitaxel prodrug for its release, and the accumulation process can be tracked by NIR imaging to maximize the efficacy of photodynamic and chemotherapy.
meta‐ and para‐Phenylenediamine‐Fused Porphyrin Dimers: Synthesis and Magnetic Interactions of Their Dication Diradicals
Authors: Kato Kenichi , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2019

meta‐ and para‐Phenylenediamine‐fused nickel(II) porphyrin dimers were synthesized by SNAr reaction of meso,β,β‐trichloro nickel(II) porphyrin with meta‐ and para‐phenylenediamines and subsequent Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular C−H arylation. Their tetrachlorinated dication diradicals are very stable, allowing SQUID magnetometry and revealing clear open‐shell characters for both meta and para isomers with ferro‐ and anti‐ferromagnetic interactions, respectively. The nitrogen analogue of Thiele's hydrocarbon usually displays predominant closed‐shell nature but its hidden diradical characters increase either in a twisted conformation or upon insertion of an additional phenylene spacer. The observed distinct diradical nature of the para‐congener indicates that diradical properties can be enhanced also by efficient spin delocalization.
Hyperbranched‐polysiloxane‐based hyperbranched polyimide films with low dielectric permittivity and high mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Lian Ruhe , Lei Xingfeng , Chen Yanhui , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: April 2019

A series of hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi)‐based hyperbranched polyimide (HBPI) films with low dielectric permittivity and multiple branched structures are fabricated by copolymerizing 2,4,6‐triaminopyrimidine (TAP) with 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride, 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether, and HBPSi via the two‐step polymerization method. The dielectric permittivity of HBPSi hyperbranched polyimide films decreases with increasing TAP fraction, namely, from 3.28 for sample PI‐1 to 2.80 for PI‐4, mainly owing to the enlarged free volume created by the incorporation of multiple branched structures. Moreover, HBPSi HBPI possesses desirable solubility and good mechanical properties and thermal stability. PI‐4 not only has low dielectric permittivity (2.80, 1 MHz), excellent solubility (soluble in several common organic solvents), and remarkable thermal properties (glass‐transition temperature of 273 °C, 5% weight loss temperature of 498 °C in N2 and 486 °C in O2), but it also demonstrates admirable mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 103 MPa, elongation at break of 7.3%, and a tensile modulus of 2.16 GPa. HBPSi HBPI might have potential applications in interlayer dielectrics and other microelectronics fields. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47771.
SiO2‐covered graphene oxide nanohybrids for in situ preparation of UHMWPE/GO(SiO2) nanocomposites with superior mechanical and tribological properties
Authors: Haddadi Seyyed Arash , Saadatabadi Ahmad Ramazani , Kheradmand Amanj , Amini Majed , Ramezanzadeh Mohammad
Published: April 2019

The modified Hummer technique was used in the preparation of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, and then SiO2 decorated GO [GO(SiO2)] nanosheets were synthesized via the sol–gel method. Then, ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposites loaded with 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt % of GO(SiO2) were prepared using magnesium ethoxide/GO(SiO2)‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts via the in situ polymerization. Morphological study of the prepared polymer powders was assessed using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, which showed that GO(SiO2) nanohybrids have been uniformly dispersed and distributed into the UHMWPE matrix. Also, the neat UHMWPE and its nanocomposites were evaluated with different analyses, including viscosity‐average molecular weight measurement, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile test, scratch hardness, and pin‐on‐disk test. The characterization of the UHMWPE nanocomposites indicated that many characterizations, including the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of UHMWPE, were significantly improved by incorporation of these new nanosheets in spite of the molecular weight reduction of the polymeric matrix and the improved flowability and processability of the produced nanocomposite. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47796.
Use of rhodizonic acid for rapid detection of root border cell trapping of lead and reversal of trapping with DNase
Authors: Huskey David A. , Curlango‐Rivera Gilberto , Hawes Martha C.
Published: April 2019

Premise of the Study

Lead (Pb) is a contaminant whose removal from soil remains a challenge. In a previous study, border cells released from root tips were found to trap Pb, alter its chemistry, and prevent root uptake. Rhodizonic acid (RA) is a forensic tool used to reveal gunshot residue, and also to detect Pb within plant tissues. Here we report preliminary observations to assess the potential application of RA in exploring the dynamics of Pb accumulation at the root tip surface.

Methods and Results

Corn root tips were immersed in Pb solution, stained with RA, and observed microscopically. Pb trapping by border cells was evident within minutes. The role of extracellular DNA was revealed when addition of nucleases resulted in dispersal of RA‐stained Pb particles.

Conclusions

RA is an efficient tool to monitor Pb–root interactions. Trapping by border cells may control Pb levels and chemistry at the root tip surface. Understanding how plants influence Pb distribution in soil may facilitate its remediation.
Morphology of the Uterotubal Junction of the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Penfold Miles J. , Soley John T. , Hartman Marthinus J.
Published: April 2019

Less than 7,000 cheetahs survive in the wild. Captive breeding has proved notoriously difficult. The uterotubal junction acts as major barrier and regulator to the passage of sperm. This study describes the morphology of the uterotubal junction of the cheetah. Reproductive tracts were obtained from seven cheetahs that succumbed from natural causes or were euthanized for humane reasons. The uterotubal junction was isolated and examined macroscopically and microscopically. The extramural isthmus made a characteristic 90° bend before entering the mesometrial border of the uterus close to its tip. The intramural isthmus had approximately four primary folds lined by nonciliated cuboidal to low cuboidal epithelium. TheTunica musculariswas robust, merged with its uterine counterparts and consisted of an inner circular layer and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layer. The uterine ostium openedviaa muscular and glandular papilla that projected from the apex of the uterine lumen. A sharply demarcated circular zone of simple columnar epithelial cells surrounded the uterine ostium and separated the simple cuboidal to low cuboidal cells of the isthmus and uterine epithelium from each other. Branched tubulo‐alveolar glands, some with dilated lumens, were present in the papilla and sometimes extended into the adjacent endometrium. These glands might act as sperm storage areas, and could easily be confused with cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Low transverse endometrial ridges surrounded the papilla and extended caudally for a short distance before disappearing. The uterine glands were lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium. Anat Rec, 302:1855–1864, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
The Influence of the Extracellular Matrix in Inflammation: Findings from the SPARC‐Null Mouse
Authors: Riley Hannah J. , Bradshaw Amy D.
Published: April 2019

Matricellular proteins are secreted proteins that, among other functions, can contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly including modulation of cell:ECM interactions. Recent discoveries have indicated a fundamental role for the ECM in the regulation of inflammatory responses including cell extravasation and recruitment, immune cell differentiation, polarization, activation, and retention in tissues. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular collagen‐binding protein implicated in fibrillar collagen assembly in the ECM of connective tissue as well as in basal lamina organization. Functions of SPARC in modulating cell adhesion events are also reported. Studies of phenotypic responses observed in SPARC‐null mice to a variety of injury models have yielded interesting insight into the functional importance of SPARC production and aberrations in ECM structure that occur in the absence of SPARC that influence immune cell behavior and inflammatory pathways. In this review, we will discuss several examples from different tissues in which SPARC‐null mice exhibited an inflammatory response distinct from those of SPARC expressing mice and provide insight into novel ECM‐dependent mechanisms that influence these responses. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does Vibrissal Innervation Patterns and Investment Predict Hydrodynamic Trail Following Behavior of Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina)?
Authors: Jones Aubree , Marshall Christopher D.
Published: April 2019

Our understanding of vibrissal function in pinnipeds is poor due to the lack of comparative morphological, neurobiological, and psychophysical performance data. In contrast, the function of terrestrial mammalian vibrissae is better studied. Pinnipeds have the largest vibrissae of all mammals, and phocids may have the most modified vibrissae. The tactile performance for pinniped vibrissae is well known for harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Harbor seals display at least two types of tactile behavior involving their mystacial vibrissae: a fine discriminatory capability using active touch and hydrodynamic trail following (the ability to detect and follow turbulent trails). This study investigated innervation patterns of harbor seal follicle‐sinus complexes (F‐SCs) to test the hypothesis that the whiskers used in hydrodynamic trail following possess increased innervation investment compared to other phocids. Therefore, the most lateral vibrissae from five harbor seals were histologically processed so that morphometric measurements and axon counts could be collected. Vibrissae from one harbor seal were immunolabeled with anti‐protein gene product (PGP 9.5) to document the pattern of deep vibrissal nerve innervation of the F‐SCs. Overall, harbor seals showed an innervation pattern (axons/F‐SC and axons/muzzle) similar to other phocids. The ventrolateral vibrissae, involved in hydrodynamic trail following, have greater axon density in harbor seals than harp seals, suggesting harbor seal F‐SC innervation patterns could explain their performance at trail following. The combination of microstructural, innervation investment, and behavioral data provides a foundation for functional inference regarding this tactile behavior in harbor seals and also facilitates future comparative work for other pinniped species. Anat Rec, 302:1837–1845, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Variations in the Size and Shape of Human Cochlear Malformation Types
Authors: Dhanasingh Anandhan
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study is to determine the variations in size and shape of the most widely recognized cochlear malformation types using three‐dimensional (3D) visualization. Using 3D slicer freeware, the complete inner‐ear structures were segmented from 46 anonymized high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) image datasets. Cochlear height, internal auditory canal height, and width were measured from the axial plane. Cochlear basal turn diameter was measured from the oblique coronal plane. Number of cochlear turns was measured from the 3D images and the corresponding cochlear duct length (CDL) was estimated using the CDL equations given in Alexiades et al. [Otol Neurotol 36 (2015) 904–907]. Out of 46 preoperative HRCT image datasets of human temporal bone, cochlear anatomy types including normal anatomy (4), enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (3), cochlear aplasia (2), incomplete partition Types I (8), II (Mondini's deformity) (3), and III (X‐linked) (4), cochlear hypoplasia (CH) (17), and common cavity (CC) (5) were identified. Majority of CH cases had cochlear height shorter than 4 mm whereas the CC cases measured cochlear height above 6 mm. For all the other malformation types, cochlear height was between 4 and 6 mm. In terms of “A” value, majority of CH cases showed shorter “A” value of <7.5 mm, which is in the lower end in comparison to the rest of the malformation types reported in this study. 3D‐visualization shows the size and shape variations of all the structures of inner ear and also improves the clinicians' ability to visualize cochlear anatomy and nearby structures much easier than from the 2D image slices. Anat Rec, 302:1792–1799, 2019. © 2019 The Author. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association for Anatomy
Understanding characteristics of semantic associations in health consumer generated knowledge representation in social media
Authors: Park Min Sook
Published: April 2019

This study explores knowledge organization behavior on the Web with respect to identifying the semantic relationships of health‐related concepts. In particular, this study aims to investigate the potentials of imparting richer collective intelligence to existing knowledge representation systems in health. The study focuses on detecting semantic relationships between semantic groups of major concepts mined from health consumers' descriptions of health issues and associated user‐generated metadata (i.e., tags). A total of 50,263 blogs and associated 341,720 tags were collected from Tumblr, a blogging social networking site. Text mining and semantic network analysis methods were used to explore the usage patterns at semantic type levels of the identified medical concepts in tags, in blogs, and between tags and blogs. More various associations among semantic types were identified both in tags and in blogs. These associations were more diverse and complicated than the relationships in the Unified Medical Language System Semantic Network. Among the groups of concepts in tags and blogs, groups showed relatively stronger and more diverse relationships with other groups of concepts. In addition, many direct and close relations were found between tags and blogs.
Community building as an effective user engagement strategy: A case study in academic libraries
Authors: Gruss Richard , Abrahams Alan , Song Yuhyun , Berry Daniel , Al‐Daihani Sultan M.
Published: April 2019

Organizations have recognized that engaging with customers on social media is now a critical element of their public relations strategy, but many struggle to find the optimal way to use these new tools. This study examined the success factors of online posts from organizations in evoking a high level of response from group members. Specifically, appeals to community belongingness were discovered to be effective at motivating user engagement on social media. The impact of community‐focused language on garnering likes, comments, and shares was assessed using a methodology that combined text analytics, supervised machine learning, and multilevel regression. In 51,760 postings from 100 academic libraries, it was found that general community appeals increase likes by 60%, comments by 130%, and shares by 39%, whereas specific intracommunity, locally meaningful references increase likes by 16% and shares by 12%. These findings have both theoretical implications, as they constitute a large‐scale, empirical confirmation of the belongingness hypothesis from social psychology, and practical implications, as they suggest best practices for maintaining an organizational online presence.
Bias effects, synergistic effects, and information contingency effects: Developing and testing an extended information adoption model in social Q&A
Authors: Sun Yongqiang , Wang Nan , Shen Xiao‐Liang , Zhang Xi
Published: April 2019

To advance the theoretical understanding on information adoption, this study tries to extend the information adoption model (IAM) in three ways. First, this study considers the relationship between source credibility and argument quality and the relationship between herding factors and information usefulness (i.e., bias effects). Second, this study proposes the interaction effects of source credibility and argument quality and the interaction effects of herding factors and information usefulness (i.e., synergistic effects). Third, this study explores the moderating role of an information characteristic – search versus experience information (i.e., information contingency effects). The proposed extended information adoption model (EIAM) is empirically tested through a 2 by 2 by 2 experiment in the social Q&A context, and the results confirm most of the hypotheses. Finally, theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed.
An Allosteric Metal–Organic Framework That Exhibits Multiple Pore Configurations for the Optimization of Hydrocarbon Separation
Authors: Zhou Beibei , Zeng Tengwu , Shi Zhao‐Lin , Zhang Gen , Horike Satoshi , Zhang Yue‐Biao
Published: April 2019

The function of allosteric enzymes can be activated or inhibited through binding of specific effector molecules. Herein, we describe how the skeletal deformation, pore configuration, and ultimately adsorptive behavior of a dynamic metal–organic framework (MOF), (Me2NH2)[In(atp)]2 (in which atp=2‐aminoterephthalate), are controlled by the allocation and orientation of its counter ions triggered by the inclusion/removal of different guest molecules. The power of such allosteric control in MOFs is highlighted through the optimization of the hydrocarbon separation performance by achieving multiple pore configurations but without altering the chemical composition.
Interrupted transport by the emergency medical service in stroke/transitory ischemic attack: A consequence of changed treatment routines in prehospital emergency care
Authors: Alsholm Linda , Axelsson Christer , Andersson Hagiwara Magnus , Niva My , Claesson Lisa , Herlitz Johan , Magnusson Carl , Rosengren Lars , Jood Katarina
Published: April 2019

Background

The discovery that not all patients who call for the emergency medical service (EMS) require transport to hospital has changed the structure of prehospital emergency care. Today, the EMS clinician at the scene already distinguishes patients with a time‐critical condition such as stroke/transitory ischemic attack (TIA) from patients without. This highlights the importance of the early identification of stroke/TIA.

Aim

To describe patients with a final diagnosis of stroke/TIA whose transport to hospital was interrupted either due to a lack of suspicion of the disease by the EMS crew or due to refusal by the patient or a relative/friend.

Methods

Data were obtained from a register in Gothenburg, covering patients hospitalised due to a final diagnosis of stroke/TIA. The inclusion criterion was that patients were assessed by the EMS but were not directly transported to hospital by the EMS.

Results

Among all the patients who were assessed by the EMS nurse and subsequently diagnosed with stroke or TIA in 2015, the transport of 34 of 1,310 patients (2.6%) was interrupted. Twenty‐five of these patients, of whom 20 had a stroke and five had a TIA, are described in terms of initial symptoms and outcome. The majority had residual symptoms at discharge from hospital. Initial symptoms were vertigo/disturbed balance in 11 of 25 cases. Another three had symptoms perceived as a change in personality and three had a headache.

Conclusion

From this pilot study, we hypothesise that a fraction of patients with stroke/TIA who call for the EMS have their direct transport to hospital interrupted due to a lack of suspicion of the disease by the EMS nurse at the scene. These patients appear to have more vague symptoms including vertigo and disturbed balance. Instruments to identify these patients at the scene are warranted.
Association of red blood cell distribution width and outcomes in patients with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Miao Yi , Zhou Xiao-Hui , Guo Jing-Jing , Sun Qian , Shi Ke , Wu Jia‐Zhu , Zhu Hua‐Yuan , Wang Li , Fan Lei , Xu Wei , Li Jian‐Yong
Published: April 2019

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), which measures the range of variation of red blood cell volume, has been explored as a prognostic factor in multiple types of cancer. However, the role of RDW in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a rare type of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with poor outcomes, remains to be determined. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic role of RDW in MCL. We found that 21 of 76 MCL patients (27.6%) had an abnormally elevated RDW (>15.7%). Abnormally elevated RDW was significantly associated with presence of B symptoms (P = 0.0020), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = 0.0010), higher leukocyte count (P = 0.0345), higher simplified Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (sMIPI) (P = 0.0194), and lower level of hemoglobin (Hb) (P < 0.0001). It was marginally associated with increased C‐reactive protein (P = 0.0862). RDW was significantly correlated with Hb level (r2 = 0.42) and LDH level (r2 = 0.19). 15.8% was determined as the best cutoff of RDW in predicting the survival outcome by the X‐tile software. Survival analysis revealed that high RDW (>15.8%) predicted shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) (hazards ratio [HR]: 3.14; P = 0.0005) and shorter overall survival (OS) (HR: 4.04; P < 0.0001). High RDW independently predicted both shorter PFS (P = 0.0493) and OS (P = 0.0118). RDW also improved the prognostic stratification based on sMIPI. In conclusion, our study identified RDW as a novel prognostic factor of clinical feasibility in the prognostication of MCL.
Impact of strut thickness and number of crown and connectors on clinical outcomes on patients treated with second‐generation drug eluting stent
Authors: Iannaccone Mario , Gatti Paolo , Barbero Umberto , Bassignana Antonia , Gallo Diego , de Benedictis Michele , Helft Gerard , Morbiducci Umberto , Doronzo Baldassare , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio
Published: April 2019

Introduction

In new generation drug eluting stents (DESs) era, the impact of stent geometry on freedom from recurrent events has been poorly explored. Impact of struts thickness and the number of crowns and connectors on clinical outcomes were evaluated in the present study.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials comparing last generation DESs were selected. The primary endpoint was the rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR), while secondary was definite stent thrombosis (ST).

Results

Fifty‐three studies with 52,006 patients were included. A struts thickness ≤81 nm was associated with a lower incidence of TLR (2.9%: 2.4‐3.4 vs. 3.6%: 3.0‐4.3) and ST (0.8%: 0.6‐1.1 vs. 1.3%: 0.9‐1.8). A mean number of connectors >2.5 was also associated with a lower incidence of TLR (3.2%: 2.8‐3.6 vs. 3.5%: 2.9‐4.2) and ST (1.0%:0.8‐1.3 vs. 1.3%: 0.9‐1.7 vs. for ST). On the other hand, stents with average number of crowns <7.5 did not perform better than stents with higher average number of crowns.

Conclusions

The findings of the study support that lower struts thickness and higher numbers of connectors have a positive clinical outcome reducing stent thrombosis and target lesion revascularizations, while the average number of stent crowns plays a secondary role.
Strategies for radiation exposure‐sparing in fluoroscopically guided invasive cardiovascular procedures
Authors: Fiorilli Paul N. , Kobayashi Taisei , Giri Jay , Hirshfeld John W.
Published: April 2019

Background

Minimizing radiation exposure during x‐ray fluoroscopically guided procedures is critical to patients and to medical personnel. Tableside adjustment of x‐ray image acquisition parameters can vary the fluoroscopic radiation exposure rate.

Objectives

To determine the impact of adjusting four tableside controllable image acquisition parameters on x‐ray fluoroscopic radiation exposure rate.

Methods

We made fluoroscopic exposures of a standard radiologic phantom to measure radiation exposure rates as kerma•area product per second of exposure and milligray per x‐ray pulse under all possible combinations of detector zoom mode, collimated image field size, fluoroscopy dose mode, and fluoroscopy pulse frequency.

Results

Kerma•area product per second was linearly proportional to pulse frequency. Selecting larger detector zoom modes, smaller collimated image field sizes and low dose fluoroscopy mode each decreased exposure rate. We found a > 20‐fold variation in dose rates over the range of acquisition parameter combinations.

Conclusions

Selecting the most appropriate fluoroscopy acquisition parameters enables physician operators to adjust radiation exposure rates over a large range. Judicious selection of acquisition parameters can reduce patient and medical personnel radiation exposure by as much as 95% compared to “standard” fluoroscopy protocol settings.
One‐Step Pyrolysis to Synthesize Non‐Graphitic Nitrogen‐Doped 2D Ultrathin Carbon Nanosheets and Their Application in Supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Wen , Zhou Yansong , Pang Lei , Chen Zhen , Dong Yahao , Bi Jiajun , Ming Shujun , Li Tao
Published: April 2019

Non‐graphitic nitrogen plays a significant role in determining the electrochemical performance of carbon materials in the field of energy storage. However, the synthesis of carbon materials with a high level of non‐graphitic nitrogen doping is still a great challenge. In this paper, a facile one‐step pyrolysis approach was developed to synthesize 2D carbon nanosheets with a ultrahigh non‐graphitic nitrogen content. Through an ingenious design, g‐C3N4 and NH3, both generated during the pyrolysis process, play major roles in the generation of the non‐graphitic nitrogen‐doped carbon nanosheets. The intermediate g‐C3N4 acts as both a self‐sacrificial template and a nitrogen source, whereas NH3 offers a nitrogen‐enriched chemical atmosphere. Benefiting from the high pyridinic‐nitrogen content of the maternal g‐C3N4 and the reductive atmosphere of NH3, the as‐prepared carbon nanosheets exhibit a strikingly high non‐graphitic nitrogen content (up to 17.36 wt.%); also, thanks to the g‐C3N4 self‐sacrificial template, the as‐synthesized carbon nanosheets are 2D with an ultrathin thickness (3–4 nm) and a porous structure. These novel features make the as‐prepared carbon nanosheets an excellent supercapacitor electrode material in terms of superior specific capacitance (316.8 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), excellent cycling stability (without obvious capacitance loss after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1) and high energy density (up to 10.56 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 500 W kg−1). This work provides a new idea to prepare non‐graphitic nitrogen enriched carbon materials.
Spatial Mallows model averaging for geostatistical models
Authors: Liao Jun , Zou Guohua , Gao Yan
Published: April 2019

Important progress has been made with model averaging methods over the past decades. For spatial data, however, the idea of model averaging has not been applied well. This article studies model averaging methods for the spatial geostatistical linear model. A spatial Mallows criterion is developed to choose weights for the model averaging estimator. The resulting estimator can achieve asymptotic optimality in terms of L2 loss. Simulation experiments reveal that our proposed estimator is superior to the model averaging estimator by the Mallows criterion developed for ordinary linear models [Hansen, 2007] and the model selection estimator using the corrected Akaike's information criterion, developed for geostatistical linear models [Hoeting et al., 2006]. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 336–351; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Efficacy of Aspergillus fumigatus MCC 1175 for Bioremediation of Tannery Wastewater
Authors: Chaudhary Prachi , Beniwal Vikas , Kaur Rupinder , Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Anil , Chhokar Vinod
Published: April 2019

Tannery effluent is characterized by high concentrations of chromium, nitrogen, sulfur compounds, and organic matter such as tannins. Chromium and tannins are considered an important source of contamination due to their toxic nature and large volume of liquid discharged and solid sludge produced. In the present study, bioremediation of chromium and tannic acid is studied in a batch culture system using response surface methodology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to investigate adsorption phenomena. A chromium and tannic acid resistance fungal strain is isolated from tannery effluent, and identified as Aspergillus fumigatus MCC 1175 based on its 18S rDNA gene sequence. The minimum inhibitory condition (MIC) of the isolate against chromium and tannic acid was found to be 0.2 and 10 mg mL−1, respectively. The maximum Cr(VI) removal efficiency of 65.1% is found at optimum condition of pH 7, 96 h incubation period, 2.75% inoculum, and 0.1 mg mL−1 chromium. The maximum degradation of tannic acid (63.0%) occurs at pH 5, 27.5 mg mL−1 tannic acid, 100 rpm agitation speed, and an incubation period of 96 h. FTIR analysis of A. fumigatus MCC 1175 revealed the presence of carboxyl and phosphate groups as possible binding sites.
Katanin catalyzes microtubule depolymerization independently of tubulin C‐terminal tails
Authors: Belonogov Liudmila , Bailey Megan E. , Tyler Madison A. , Kazemi Arianna , Ross Jennifer L.
Published: April 2019

Microtubule network remodeling is an essential process for cell development, maintenance, cell division, and motility. Microtubule‐severing enzymes are key players in the remodeling of the microtubule network; however, there are still open questions about their fundamental biochemical and biophysical mechanisms. Here, we explored the ability of the microtubule‐severing enzyme katanin to depolymerize stabilized microtubules. Interestingly, we found that the tubulin C‐terminal tail (CTT), which is required for severing, is not required for katanin‐catalyzed depolymerization. We also found that the depolymerization of microtubules lacking the CTT does not require ATP or katanin's ATPase activity, although the ATP turnover enhanced depolymerization. We also observed that the depolymerization rate depended on the katanin concentration and was best described by a hyperbolic function. Finally, we demonstrate that katanin can bind to filaments that lack the CTT, contrary to previous reports. The results of our work indicate that microtubule depolymerization likely involves a mechanism in which binding, but not enzymatic activity, is required for tubulin dimer removal from the filament ends.
Characterization of Disulfide Bond Rebridged Fab–Drug Conjugates Prepared Using a Dual Maleimide Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Cytotoxic Payload
Authors: Ruddle Ben T. , Fleming Ryan , Wu Herren , Gao Changshou , Dimasi Nazzareno
Published: April 2019

We describe the characterization of antigen binding fragments (Fab)–drug conjugates prepared using a dual maleimide pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer cytotoxic payload (SG3710). Pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimers, which are DNA cross‐linkers, are a class of payloads used in antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). SG3710 was designed to rebridge two adjacent cysteines, such as those that form the canonical interchain disulfide bond between the light and heavy chain in Fab fragments. The rebridging generated homogenous Fab conjugates, with a drug‐to‐Fab ratio of one, as demonstrated by the preparation of rebridged Fabs derived from the anti‐HER2 trastuzumab antibody and from a negative control antibody both prepared using recombinant expression and papain digestion. The resulting anti‐HER2 trastuzumab Fab‐rebridged conjugate retained antigen binding, was stable in rat serum, and demonstrated potent and antigen‐dependent cancer cell‐killing ability. Disulfide rebridging with SG3710 is a generic approach to prepare Fab–pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer conjugates, which does not require the Fabs to be engineered for conjugation. Thus, SG3710 offers a flexible and straightforward platform for the controlled assembly of pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer conjugates from any Fab for oncology applications.
Desmoid tumor: A focus set on a challenging but understudied rare disease
Authors: Kasper Bernd
Published: April 2019

This editorial highlights current developments and new paradigms in the management of desmoid tumor patients as developed by the Desmoid Tumor Working Group. The article “Autophagy Inhibition Overcomes Sorafenib Resistance in S45F‐Mutated Desmoid Tumors” is put into perspective regarding a new emerging drug, sorafenib, which is proven to be active in desmoid tumor in a recent phase 3 trial.