bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequent Quantum Mechanics by Applying 8-Dimensional Spinors in the Dirac Equation
Authors: Rockenbauer Antal
Published: March 2020

Aims: A consequent quantum mechanics was developed by rendering operators also for the charge and rest mass. In this formalism the Dirac equation was extended by applying 8-dimensional spinors for the decomposition of square root in the covariant equation of special relativity.

Results: The charge and mass operators defined by 8–dimensional spinors commute with the Hamiltonian of electron and positron in electromagnetic field, but they do not commute for neutrino and quarks.

Conclusions: For neutrino the expectation values of the rest mass and charge are zero allowing these particles moving with the speed of light. The momentum of neutrino commutes with the Hamiltonian thus it has a well-defined value for the three types of neutrinos explaining why the neutrinos can oscillate. For quarks neither the rest mass nor the charge operators commute with the Hamiltonian, thus the fractional charge and renormalized mass can be considered as expectation values in the hadron states. Since any charge measurements should give eigenvalues of its operator, no fractional charge can be detected excluding possibility of observing free quarks.
Space, density and extra‐pair matings have opposing impacts on male and female reproductive success
Authors: Lerch Brian A. , Dautel Kimberly A. , Brewer Sharee , Liang Alan , Siewe Nourridine , Flanagan Sarah
Published: March 2020

Many territorial species have a mating system characterized by males establishing home ranges in the breeding grounds prior to females, resulting in males competing for territories and females choosing a mate upon their arrival. It remains unknown, however, how the outcomes of decisions surrounding territory establishment and mate choice are influenced by the spatial configuration of the breeding grounds. We use a spatially explicit, individual‐based model to investigate the sex‐specific effects of these decisions on reproductive success. In our model, males that arrive earlier obtain higher quality territories and improve their chances for extra‐pair copulations. Females can choose their mate to maximize the quality of the male or to attempt to minimize the density of other females near their nesting site to avoid competition. Females therefore face a tradeoff between high‐density regions around high‐quality males and low‐quality males in areas of low competition. Our model predicts a negative correlation between male and female reproductive success under a wide range of conditions when the majority of the territories are on the margins of the breeding area. Most notably, this sexual conflict arises as an edge effect suggesting that fragmentation of breeding habitats could impact the consequences of mate choice in many species with territorial breeding habits.
Axonal Transport and the Neuronal Cytoskeleton
Authors: Muralidharan H , Baas PW
Published: March 2020

The neuronal cytoskeleton is a system of highly organised polymers that provide architectural support for axons and dendrites and also provide railways for the transport of various classes of cytoplasmic constituents. Molecular motor proteins use the energy derived from adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis for the transport of organelles along the cytoskeletal polymers and for the transport of the polymers themselves. Axons can traverse exceeding long distances in the body, and hence require sophisticated mechanisms of axonal transport in both anterograde and retrograde directions.

Key Concepts

The neuronal cytoskeleton is composed of three classes of polymers (microtubules, microfilaments and neurofilaments) together with a host of accessory proteins that organise and regulate these polymers.

The movement of cytoplasmic constituents within the axon is termed axonal transport, and this movement has been the topic of intense study for over 50 years.

Microtubules are organised into distinct patterns of polarity orientation in axons and dendrites, with almost all axonal microtubules organised with their plus ends directed outward from the cell body, whereas dendritic microtubules are organised with roughly equal numbers having each orientation.

Molecular motor proteins hydrolyse ATP in order to move along microtubules or microfilaments, with such movements serving to transport organelles but also serving to organise the cytoskeletal elements themselves.

Cytoplasmic dynein and kinesins are the molecular motors that move along microtubules, while myosins are the molecular motors that move along microfilaments.

Fast axonal transport is the movement of organelles along microtubules in the axon, with kinesins moving organelles anterogradely and cytoplasmic dynein moving organelles retrogradely.

Dendritic transport also occurs, using much the same principles as axonal transport, but on a microtubule array with a different pattern of organisation than the axon.

Slow axonal transport is the movement of the proteins that comprise the cytoskeleton, their associated proteins, and also cytosolic proteins.

Knowledge of the mechanisms of slow axonal transport of cytoskeletal proteins is key to understanding how the cytoskeletal arrays themselves are organised in the neuron.

Progress on understanding the neuronal cytoskeleton and axonal transport has been instrumental in improving understanding of many neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Prognosis and risk factors for reocclusion after mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Li Weili , Ding Jiayue , Sui Xueqin , Qi Zhifeng , Wu Longfei , Sun Chenghe , Ji Kangxiang , Ma Qingfeng , Ji Xunming , Liu Ke Jian
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study evaluates reocclusion prognostic outcomes and explores reocclusion risk factors after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in Chinese stroke patients.

Methods

Altogether, 614 patients with AIS with successful recanalization after MT were recruited in this study and divided into the reocclusion and the non‐reocclusion group depending on the 24‐h imaging results after MT. Differences between the two groups were compared including 24‐h and 7‐day National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, 90‐day modified Rankin scale(mRS) scores, good prognosis (mRS:0–2) rates, incidence of intracranial hemorrhage, and 90‐day mortality.

Results

Forty‐four (7.2%) patients experienced reocclusion within 24 h. Compared with the non‐reocclusion group, patients in the reocclusion group had higher 24‐h (15 vs. 13) and 7‐day (15 vs. 9) NIHSS scores, 90‐day mRS scores (4 vs. 3), and 90‐day mortality rates (34.1% vs. 18.6%); lower rates of good prognosis (13.6% vs. 9.3%); and a higher incidence of early neurological deterioration (36.4% vs. 14.7%). Age, internal carotid artery occlusion (ICA), intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), number of thrombectomy passes, stent implantation, and levels of D‐dimer (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 0.94–0.99; 2.40, 1.10–5.23; 2.21, 1.05–4.66; 2.60, 1.04–6.47; 0.25, 0.09–0.67; and 1.06, 1.01–1.12, respectively) were independently associated with 24‐h reocclusion.

Interpretation

The prognosis of reocclusion after MT was poor. Timely evaluation of these factors including age, D‐dimer, ICA occlusion, IVT, number of passes, and stent implantation and appropriate intervention could reduce the incidence of reocclusion for Chinese stroke patients.
Targeted gene panel use in 2249 neuromuscular patients: the Australasian referral center experience
Authors: Beecroft Sarah J. , Yau Kyle S. , Allcock Richard J. N. , Mina Kym , Gooding Rebecca , Faiz Fathimath , Atkinson Vanessa J. , Wise Cheryl , Sivadorai Padma , Trajanoski Daniel , Kresoje Nina , Ong Royston , Duff Rachael M. , Cabrera‐Serrano Macarena , Nowak Kristen J. , Pachter Nicholas , Ravenscroft Gianina , Lamont Phillipa J. , Davis Mark R. , Laing Nigel G.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To develop, test, and iterate a comprehensive neuromuscular targeted gene panel in a national referral center.

Methods

We designed two iterations of a comprehensive targeted gene panel for neuromuscular disorders. Version 1 included 336 genes, which was increased to 464 genes in Version 2. Both panels used TargetSeqTM probe‐based hybridization for target enrichment followed by Ion Torrent sequencing. Targeted high‐coverage sequencing and analysis was performed on 2249 neurology patients from Australia and New Zealand (1054 Version 1, 1195 Version 2) from 2012 to 2015. No selection criteria were used other than referral from a suitable medical specialist (e.g., neurologist or clinical geneticist). Patients were classified into 15 clinical categories based on the clinical diagnosis from the referring clinician.

Results

Six hundred and sixty‐five patients received a genetic diagnosis (30%). Diagnosed patients were significantly younger that undiagnosed patients (26.4 and 32.5 years, respectively; P = 4.6326E‐9). The diagnostic success varied markedly between disease categories. Pathogenic variants in 10 genes explained 38% of the disease burden. Unexpected phenotypic expansions were discovered in multiple cases. Triage of unsolved cases for research exome testing led to the discovery of six new disease genes.

Interpretation

A comprehensive targeted diagnostic panel was an effective method for neuromuscular disease diagnosis within the context of an Australasian referral center. Use of smaller disease‐specific panels would have precluded diagnosis in many patients and increased cost. Analysis through a centralized laboratory facilitated detection of recurrent, but under‐recognized pathogenic variants.
Enantioselective Vinylogous Mannich‐Type Reactions to Construct CF3S‐Containing Stereocenters Catalysed by Chiral Quaternary Phosphonium Salts
Authors: Xu Lijun , Yu Longhui , Liu Jun , Wang Hongyu , Zheng Changwu , Zhao Gang
Published: March 2020

A series of benzyl trifluoromethyl sulphides bearing a nitro group were utilized as CF3S‐containing building blocks to construct chiral CF3S‐containing molecules via enantioselective vinylogous Mannich‐type reactions. In such reactions, high yields and enantioselectivities were obtained using chiral quaternary phosphonium salts derived from amino acids. Moreover, a chiral cyclic urea bearing the CF3S moiety was obtained from further transformation of the product.

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Dimethyl Sulfoxide as an Oxygen Atom Source Enabled Tandem Conversion of 2‐Alkynyl Carbonyls to 1,2‐Dicarbonyls
Authors: Lu Yuan , Luo Mu‐Jia , Hu Ming , Li Yang , Li Jin‐Heng
Published: March 2020

A tandem transformation of 2‐alkynyl carbonyl compounds by means of a CuBr2/I2/DMSO/water system is developed, enabling the fromation of various functionalized 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds, including 1,2‐diketones, α‐keto amides and α‐keto ester. This Cu‐promoted iodine‐mediated tandem procedure employs DMSO as the oxygen atom source of the formed carbonyl group through iodonium ion formation, nucleophilic DMSO addition and C−C bond cleavage cascades.

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Consumers' Choice Behavior for Cisgenic Food: Exploring the Role of Time Preferences
Authors: De Marchi Elisa , Cavaliere Alessia , Banterle Alessandro
Published: March 2020

This paper aims at extending current knowledge on consumer choice behavior on food produced through the application of NBT. We explore whether consumer time preferences and socioeconomic factors may have a role in affecting choice behavior involving cisgenic and conventional products. To this purpose we designed a hypothetical CE and used cisgenic apples as a case study. The results indicate that both time preferences and socioeconomic variables contribute to explain heterogeneity in preference for food products obtained through the application of biotechnologies and provide insight that could be relevant for both the agri‐biotech industry and for policy makers.
Field‐testing olfactory ability to understand human olfactory ecology
Authors: Hoover Kara C. , Botescu Denisa , Fedurek Piotr , Aarts Sophie , Berbesque J. Colette
Published: March 2020

Objectives

We know little about human olfactory ability in natural settings because current knowledge derives from lab‐based studies using nonrepresentative samples of convenience. The primary objective was to use a validated lab tool, the five‐item odor identification test, to assess variation in olfactory ability in different environments.

Methods

Using the five‐item test, we conducted two repeated measures experiments that assessed participant ability to correctly identify an odor source in different odor environments. We also examined consistency in odor labelling due to documented potential bias from idiosyncrasies in odor terms.

Results

We found no variation in olfactory ability due to environment, but this may be due to methodological biases. First, subjective bias results from idiosyncratic differences in participant labelling and researcher coding of answer correctness. Second, better ability to learn odors may provide an advantage to women. Third, reducing positive female learning bias by analyzing consistency in response (regardless of correct odor source identification) results in no sex differences but fails to assess the functional aspect of olfactory ability (naming the correct odor source). Fourth, functional olfactory ability is significantly better in women, especially in food‐rich odor environments.

Conclusions

Environment was not a significant factor in olfactory ability in this study but that result may be confounded by methodological biases. We do not recommend odor identification as a field tool. Functional olfactory ability exhibits a sex‐based pattern but consistency in recognizing the same odor does not. Food‐rich odors may enhance olfactory ability in females. We discuss evolutionary and ecological implications of superior female functional olfactory ability relative to food foraging activity.
New phenotypes associated with 3q29 duplication syndrome: Results from the 3q29 registry
Authors: Pollak Rebecca M. , Zinsmeister Michael C. , Murphy Melissa M. , Zwick Michael E. ,   the Emory 3q29 Project, Mulle Jennifer G.
Published: March 2020

3q29 duplication syndrome (3q29dup) is a rare genomic disorder caused by a 1.6 Mb duplication (GRCh38 chr3:195,998,000‐197,623,000). Case reports indicate the 3q29dup is likely to be pathogenic, but the full range of manifestations is not well understood. We used the 3q29 registry (https://3q29.com) to ascertain 31 individuals with 3q29dup, the largest cohort ever surveyed in a systematic way. For comparison, we ascertained 117 individuals with the reciprocal 3q29 deletion and 64 typically developing controls. We used a custom medical and demographic questionnaire to assess physical and developmental phenotypes, and two standardized instruments, the Social Responsiveness Scale and Child Behavior Checklist/Adult Behavior Checklist, to assess social disability. Participants with 3q29dup report a high rate of problems in the first year of life (80.6%), including feeding problems (55%), failure to gain weight (42%), hypotonia (39%), and respiratory distress (29%). In early childhood, learning problems (71.0%) and seizures (25.8%) are common. Additionally, the rate of self‐reported autism spectrum disorder diagnoses (39%) is substantially elevated compared to the general population, suggesting that the 3q29 duplication may be an autism susceptibility locus. This is the most comprehensive description of 3q29dup to date. Our findings can be used to develop evidence‐based strategies for early intervention and management of 3q29dup.
Computational Insights into the Divergent Regioselectivities for Nickel‐Catalyzed Dicarbofunctionalization of Allyl Moiety of N‐Allyl‐2‐aminopyrimidine
Authors: Yu Guan‐Fu , Wang Ping , Bao Xiaoguang , Wang Yong
Published: March 2020

Herein, the origins of organohalide‐dependent regioselectivities for Ni‐catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of allyl moiety of N‐allyl‐2‐aminopyrimidine were explored by computational studies. When aryl iodides are used for the dicarbofunctionalization, the detailed reaction mechanistic pathway follows the sequential oxidative addition (OA), migratory insertion (MI), β‐H elimination, H‐migration, transmetalation, and reductive elimination (RE) to afford the 1,3‐dicarbofunctionalization products. Due to the presence of chelation of the pyrimidinyl moiety of substrate with Ni, the competitive β‐H elimination leading to the product of Heck reaction is less favourable and thus the regioselective β‐H elimination occurs. The formation of thermodynamically more stable intermediate is the driving force for the subsequent H‐migration. When alkenyl bromides are used, alternative regioselectivity to give 1,2‐dicarbofunctionalization products is obtained and the proposed mechanistic pathway proceeds sequentially via OA, MI, transmetalation, and RE. The main reason accounting for the different regioselectivity between aryl iodides and alkenyl bromides involved in dicarbofunctionalization is revealed. In addition, the reversed 2,1‐regioselectivity achieved by using alkynyl halides in the Ni‐catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization is via sequential steps of OA, transmetalation, MI, and RE. The mechanistic difference that the migratory insertion step is unlikely to occur after OA, which is in contrast to the other two mechanistic pathways, is rationalized.
A microarchitectural assessment of the gluteal tuberosity suggests two possible patterns in entheseal changes
Authors: Djukić Ksenija , Milovanović Petar , Milenković Petar , Djurić Marija
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Macroscopic entheseal forms show two main features: predominant signs of bony formation or resorption. To understand the development of these forms, we investigated microarchitectural differences between the macroscopic proliferative and resorptive forms of the gluteus maximus enthesis.

Materials and Methods

The macromorphological analysis of entheseal changes (EC) was based on the Villotte, visual scoring system for fibrous entheses. Gluteal tuberosity specimens of different stages of Villote's system were harvested from 16 adult males derived from an archaeological context and scanned using microcomputed tomography.

Results

The microarchitectural analyzes of cortical bone demonstrated a trend of higher porosity in the resorptive compared to the proliferative phase in Stage B, whereas a 30% porosity reduction was detected in the resorptive compared to proliferative phase of Stage C. In terms of the trabecular bone between the resorptive and proliferative entheseal phases, there was a trend of increased connectivity density, whereas the structural model index decreased in B and increased in C. The assessment of the entire specimen showed an increase in porosity from the proliferative to the resorptive phase in the Stage B, in contrast to a decrease in the Stage C.

Discussion

The results suggest that from an initial flat entheses, two directions of EC development are possible: (a) a bony prominence may form and, subsequently, it is subjected to trabecularization of the cortical bone inside the prominence, such cortical trabecularization can lead to visible porosity on the cortical external surface; (b) the cortical bone defect may develop with the regular underlying cortical bone.
Squaramides and Ureas: A Flexible Approach to Polymerase‐Compatible Nucleic Acid Assembly
Authors: Shivalingam Arun , Taemaitree Lapatrada , El‐Sagheer Afaf H. , Brown Tom
Published: March 2020

Joining oligonucleotides together (ligation) is a powerful means of retrieving information from the nanoscale. To recover this information, the linkages created must be compatible with polymerases. However, enzymatic ligation is restrictive and current chemical ligation methods lack flexibility. Herein, a versatile ligation platform based on the formation of urea and squaramide artificial backbones from minimally modified 3′‐ and 5′‐amino oligonucleotides is described. One‐pot ligation gives a urea linkage with excellent read‐through speed, or a squaramide linkage that is read‐through under selective conditions. The squaramide linkage can be broken and reformed on demand, while stable pre‐activated precursor oligonucleotides expand the scope of the ligation reaction to reagent‐free, mild conditions. The utility of our system is demonstrated by replacing the enzymatically biased RNA‐to‐DNA reverse transcription step of RT‐qPCR with a rapid nucleic‐acid‐template‐dependent DNA chemical ligation system, that allows direct RNA detection.
Insights into Cobalta(III/IV/II)‐Electrocatalysis: Oxidation‐Induced Reductive Elimination for Twofold C−H Activation
Authors: Meyer Tjark H. , Oliveira João C. A. , Ghorai Debasish , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2020

The merger of cobalt‐catalyzed C−H activation and electrosynthesis provides new avenues for resource‐economical molecular syntheses, unfortunately their reaction mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we report the identification and full characterization of electrochemically generated high‐valent cobalt(III/IV) complexes as crucial intermediates in electrochemical cobalt‐catalyzed C−H oxygenations. Detailed mechanistic studies provided support for an oxidatively‐induced reductive elimination via highly‐reactive cobalt(IV) intermediates. These key insights set the stage for unprecedented cobaltaelectro two‐fold C−H/C−H activation.
Single‐Atom Iron Catalysts on Overhang‐Eave Carbon Cages for High‐Performance Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Hou Chun‐Chao , Zou Lianli , Sun Liming , Zhang Kexin , Liu Zheng , Li Yinwei , Li Caixia , Zou Ruqiang , Yu Jihong , Xu Qiang
Published: March 2020

Single‐atom catalysts have drawn great attention, especially in electrocatalysis. However, most of previous works focus on the enhanced catalytic properties via improving metal loading. Engineering morphologies of catalysts to facilitate mass transport through catalyst layers, thus increasing the utilization of each active site, is regarded as an appealing way for enhanced performance. Herein, we design an overhang‐eave structure decorated with isolated single‐atom iron sites via a silica‐mediated MOF‐templated approach for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysis. This catalyst demonstrates superior ORR performance in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes, comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C catalyst and superior to most precious‐metal‐free catalysts reported to date. This activity originates from its edge‐rich structure, having more three‐phase boundaries with enhanced mass transport of reactants to accessible single‐atom iron sites (increasing the utilization of active sites), which verifies the practicability of such a synthetic approach.
Automotive applications of thermoplastic vulcanizates
Authors: Bhattacharya Asit Baran , Chatterjee Tuhin , Naskar Kinsuk
Published: March 2020

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are special classes of thermoplastic elastomers, in which dynamic vulcanization of the rubber phase takes place during melt mixing with a semicrystalline thermoplastic matrix phase at elevated temperature. This review article focus on the different types of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) from various elastomer and thermoplastic blends that are suitable for the automotive applications purpose. A detailed study of the various TPVs based on polypropylene‐ethylene propylene diene rubber (PP‐EPDM) and polypropylene‐ethylene α‐olefin has been focused and their application in the automobile sector has been summarized. Most of the commercially available TPVs are PP‐EPDM based. Limited applications of that TPVs in high heat and oil resistant application purposes requires new generation of TPVs. High performance TPVs or super TPVs are new generation TPVs that exhibit high heat resistance as well as excellent oil resistance property suitable for automotive under‐the‐hood applications. Therefore TPVs based on XNBR‐PA12, HNBR‐PA12 and FKM‐PA6 system has also been explored in details in this study and the possibility of the use of those TPV system has been focused for the high temperature application purpose in the automobile sector where high and oil resistant application properties is the prime concern.
Transparent fiber wood composite materials containing long afterglow as lighting equipment
Authors: Li Qi , Qin Jiankun , Li Shuai , Zhao Xin , Hu Yingcheng
Published: March 2020

Functional wood composites have been used in the field of optical lighting to alleviate power consumption. In this study, transparent fiber wood (TFW) composite and long afterglow transparent fiber wood (LATFW) composite were prepared by using wood powders with different mesh numbers as raw materials, and then blending with epoxy resin and long afterglow materials (SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+). By analyzing the material's fluorescence intensity, transmittance, stretch, and other performance, it is revealed that the performance of the materials varies from the number of wood powders mesh number. The comprehensive analysis showed that the TFW prepared by 100–120 mesh wood powders had excellent performance, with transmittance up to 62%, tensile strength 32.06 MPa, and tensile modulus 963.25 MPa. The TFW with wood powders of different mesh number results in materials with different transmittance, thus providing a straightforward way to produce materials with specific light transmittance properties. In addition, LATFW with afterglow time up to 1.5h(3h after irradiation) can be used as lighting equipment such as safety signs.
Effect of generation number on properties of fluoroalkyl‐terminated hyperbranched polyurethane latexs and its films
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Wen , Hao Lifen , Zhao Weijia , Liu Hongna , Wang Xuechuan
Published: March 2020

The 1–3 generations of hyperbranched polyesters (HBPE‐1/2/3) were synthesized from trimethylolpropane (TMP) and 2,2‐dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA) by “quasi‐one‐step method.” Then, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), polybutylene adipate (CMA‐1044), DMPA and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) were utilized to prepare the urethane prepolymer (PU), which was reacted with HBPE to synthesize hyperbranched polyurethanes (HBPU). Finally, 1–3 generations of fluoroalkyl‐end‐capped hyperbranched polyurethanes (FHBPU) latexes were obtained by the reaction of perfluorohexyl ethanol (S104) and HBPU as well as the self‐emulsification process. Structure of the products, the properties of different FHBPU emulsions and its films were investigated by FTIR,1H NMR, TEM, DLS, TGA, XPS, XRD, SEM, AFM and static contact angle measuring instrument. Results showed that the particle size of FHBPU latexes increased gradually with the increase of generation number. SEM and XRD results verified that an amount of the crystal particles was increased with the increase of generation number. XPS and AFM demonstrated that degree of microphase separation and film roughness was increased with the increase of branching degree. Static water contact angles could attain 95.9°, 100.3°, and 107.0°, respectively on the 1–3 generations of FHBPU films, compared to that on PU (75.1°).
Analysis of stabilization for nonlinear control systems with logarithmic quantized signals
Authors: He Yan , Sun Xi‐Ming , Peng Kai
Published: March 2020

The paper is concerned with the problem of input feedback stabilization for nonlinear control systems with logarithmic quantized signals. First of all, the above‐mentioned system is converted into a hybrid control system, and a relation is given between the solutions of the two systems. Then, by using a Lyapunov function approach, a sufficient condition is proposed to ensure that the hybrid system is uniformly globally pre‐asymptotically stable (UGpAS). A crucial step is to find an appropriate Lyapunov function for the system which verifies its stability in the sense of the hybrid framework. Furthermore, a bound of the quantization density is given to guarantee the stability for the nonlinear feedback control systems with the logarithmic quantization. Finally, we give some examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theorems and compare our results with the existing results.
Effects of urbanization on extreme rainfall in an arid/semiarid region
Authors: Li Jialun , Mahalov Alex , Hyde Peter
Published: March 2020

In this study, an extreme rainfall event that occurred mainly on October 2, 2018, in the Phoenix metropolitan area, southwestern United States, is simulated with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, version 4.0, with multiple microphysics and boundary layer schemes. Paired simulations are conducted by running the model first using a realistic land cover and land‐use dataset (URB run), and second, by replacing the urban land cover with open shrubland cover (called NOURB run). The model simulations are first evaluated against radar Stage IV (hereafter Stage IV) data and multiple radar and multiple sensors (MRMS) rainfall to validate the structure, amplitude, and location (SAL) of the rainfall field for both URB runs and NOURB runs. These evaluation results indicate that the model performance varies considerably depending on the physics schemes employed. Based on SAL values, the average of model simulations captures the main features (values of S, A, and L are less than 0.1) both for URB runs and for NOURB runs. Comparisons of hourly rainfall rates show that modeled rainfall maximums occurred about 1 hr earlier than both Stage IV and MRMS data over the Phoenix metro area, while the maximum rainfall amounts from the model are close to MRMS data but lower than Stage IV data. The differences of rainfall and other meteorological variables between URB runs and NOURB runs are analyzed. The differences of rainfall between URB and NOURB vary depending on the physics scheme employed. Our study also indicates that urbanization‐induced rainfall changes are small within the urban area but are significant at some locations outside of it; an explanation for this pattern needs further investigation. This result implies that using a single physics scheme to address the effects of urbanization on extreme rainfall events may result in inappropriate conclusions.
Insulin‐Like Growth Factor and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Human Idiopathic Autism Fusiform Gyrus Tissue
Authors: Cioana Milena , Michalski Bernadeta , Fahnestock Margaret
Published: March 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is believed to stem from defects in the establishment and maintenance of functional neuronal networks due to synaptic/spine dysfunction. The potent effects of IGF‐1 on synaptic function, maintenance, and plasticity make it a potential target for treating ASD. This polypeptide hormone has proven to have beneficial effects in treating related developmental disorders like Rett syndrome, and its efficacy in ASD is currently being investigated in a pilot study. IGF‐1 binds to its receptor (IGF‐1R) in neurons and activates mitogen‐activated protein kinase and PI3K/Akt signaling to produce biological effects on spine function. The PI3K/Akt pathway is dysregulated in ASD, including idiopathic autism, and is thus believed to play a role in the disorder. Despite this, no study has explored the levels of IGF‐1 in the fusiform gyrus of idiopathic autism patients, an area known to be hypoactivated in ASD, and no study has examined IGF‐1R in any part of the brain. The present study explored whether IGF‐1 or IGF‐1R levels are altered in human idiopathic autism. RNA and protein were extracted from post‐mortem human fusiform gyrus tissue of normal controls (n = 20) and subjects with idiopathic autism (n = 15). qRT‐PCR for IGF‐1 and IGF‐1R were performed, along with total IGF‐1 ELISA and IGF‐1Rβ Western blots. The levels of both IGF‐1 and IGF‐1R mRNA and protein were equivalent between the two groups, suggesting that although IGF‐1 may be useful for ASD treatment, IGF‐1 and IGF‐1R are not implicated in the pathogenesis of idiopathic autism. Autism Res 2020, 13: 897‐907. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

IGF‐1 is being tested for the treatment of autism and related disorders. Despite promising results, it is unknown if IGF‐1 or its receptor are present in abnormal levels in patients with autism. This study showed that patients with autism have normal levels of IGF‐1 and its receptor in the brain, suggesting that although IGF‐1 is a promising treatment, disruption of IGF‐1 levels or signaling through its receptor does not seem to be a cause of autism.
Maternal diet as a risk factor for primary congenital glaucoma and defects of the anterior segment of the eye in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Moore Kristin J. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Forestieri Nina E. , Desrosiers Tania A. , Meyer Robert E. , Freedman Sharon F. , North Kari E. , Olshan Andrew F. ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: March 2020

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and anterior segment defects (ASDs) are rare ocular malformations diagnosed early in life which can cause blindness. Pathogenic variants in several genes have been linked to these conditions, but little is known about nongenetic risk factors. We investigated the association between maternal nutrition and PCG and ASDs in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a large population‐based, multicenter case–control study of major birth defects in the United States. Mothers of cases (n = 152) and control infants without a birth defect (n = 9,178) completed an interview which included a food frequency questionnaire capturing usual dietary intake in the year before pregnancy. Maternal nutrition was assessed through individual nutrient intake, calculating a Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI‐P) score for each mother, and using latent class analysis to empirically derive four dietary patterns. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regression. The results for individual nutrients varied, with some having an inverse or U‐shaped pattern of association with increasing intake. The DQI‐P was not associated with risk of PCG and ASDs (aOR 0.91; CI 0.49–1.66, highest vs. lowest quartile). The dietary pattern analysis suggested lower odds among women with a Prudent and Mexican dietary pattern (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.52–1.29; aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.36–1.78, respectively) compared to those with a Western dietary pattern. We found that higher intake of some nutrients and certain dietary patterns may be inversely associated with PCG and ASDs, though caution is urged due to imprecision of estimates.
Online preconcentration by electrokinetic supercharging for sensitive determination of berberine and jatrorrhizine in biological samples
Authors: Chu Chu , Lian Linmin , Liu Caijing , Li Jing , Mao Hui , Jiang Luyi , Yan Jizhong
Published: March 2020

Electrokinetic supercharging, a convenient and powerful online preconcentration technique in capillary electrophoresis, was introduced and evaluated for the determination of two alkaloids, berberine and jatrorrhizine, in mice fecal samples for the first time. The method depended on using a bare fused silica capillary (50 cm × 50 μm i.d.) and applying the voltage of 25 kV with UV detection at 205 nm. Parameters that affect the separation and preconcentration efficiency have been optimized. The optimum conditions used were as follows: background electrolyte consisting of 40mM sodium dihydrogenphosphate containing 30% methanol (v/v); hydrodynamic injection of 20mM KCl (50 mbar × 150 s) as the leading electrolyte; electrokinetic injection of the sample (+15 kV, 120 s) followed by the hydrodynamic injection of 30mM dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (50 mbar × 12 s) as the terminating electrolyte. The results showed that the detection sensitivity of berberine and jatrorrhizine was, respectively, improved up 2740‐ and 2928‐fold compared with normal injection, providing limits of detection lower than 3 ng/mL with good repeatability in areas (relative standard deviation < 3%). In summary, the developed method proved its ability in analyzing trace alkaloids in complicated biological samples.
Machine Learning techniques in breast cancer prognosis prediction: A primary evaluation
Authors: Boeri Carlo , Chiappa Corrado , Galli Federica , De Berardinis Valentina , Bardelli Laura , Carcano Giulio , Rovera Francesca
Published: March 2020

More than 750 000 women in Italy are surviving a diagnosis of breast cancer. A large body of literature tells us which characteristics impact the most on their prognosis. However, the prediction of each disease course and then the establishment of a therapeutic plan and follow‐up tailored to the patient is still very complicated. In order to address this issue, a multidisciplinary approach has become widely accepted, while the Multigene Signature Panels and the Nottingham Prognostic Index are still discussed options. The current technological resources permit to gather many data for each patient. Machine Learning (ML) allows us to draw on these data, to discover their mutual relations and to esteem the prognosis for the new instances. This study provides a primary evaluation of the application of ML to predict breast cancer prognosis. We analyzed 1021 patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer in our Institute and we included 610 of them. Three outcomes were chosen: cancer recurrence (both loco‐regional and systemic) and death from the disease within 32 months. We developed two types of ML models for every outcome (Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machine). Each ML algorithm was tested in accuracy (=95.29%‐96.86%), sensitivity (=0.35‐0.64), specificity (=0.97‐0.99), and AUC (=0.804‐0.916). These models might become an additional resource to evaluate the prognosis of breast cancer patients in our daily clinical practice. Before that, we should increase their sensitivity, according to literature, by considering a wider population sample with a longer period of follow‐up. However, specificity, accuracy, minimal additional costs, and reproducibility are already encouraging.
Patient reported symptoms associated with quality of life during chemo‐ or immunotherapy for bladder cancer patients with advanced disease
Authors: Taarnhøj Gry A. , Johansen Christoffer , Lindberg Henriette , Basch Ethan , Dueck Amylou , Pappot Helle
Published: March 2020

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) patients with advanced disease have poor outcomes. The use of patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) could lead to improvements in symptom management and hence quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study is to report correlations between selected PROs and QoL and thus to present symptoms that influence QoL. Identification of these symptoms during treatment can lead to earlier symptom management and thus secure improvements in QoL.

Methods

BC patients in chemo‐ or immunotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic disease reported weekly PROs for the duration of their treatment. The PROs included EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐BLM30 and 45 selected PRO‐CTCAE items. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed for all PRO‐CTCAE items and QLQ‐C30 global QoL and subdomains.

Results

In this study, 78 BC patients reported 724 questionnaires. Spearman's analysis showed significant correlations between almost all PRO‐CTCAE items and the expected domain of QoL. The PRO‐CTCAE items with the strongest correlations with QoL were anxiety (F, frequency item) and emotional function (rs = −0.603, P < .0001), concentration (S, severity item) and cognitive function (rs = −0.704, P < .0001), discouraged (F) and emotional function (rs = −0.659, P < .0001), fatigue (S) and role function (rs = −0.659, P < .0001) and sad (F) and emotional function (rs = −0.711, P < .0001). The weakest correlations were found for the PRO‐CTCAE items urinary frequency, incontinence and urge, all with variations in the direction and significance of the correlations.

Conclusions

This study delivers information on which PROs may influence QoL for patients in clinical trials or daily clinic. Psychological issues have a strong impact on QoL and should be dealt with during treatment to secure the best possible QoL for BC patients.
Tangled wire in a Dacron band during Cardioband transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty—How to solve the problem
Authors: Miura Mizuki , Vicentini Luca , Taramasso Maurizio , Maisano Francesco
Published: March 2020

Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI) is an emerging treatment for patients with symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Currently, the issues that arise during TTVI are unclear. Here, a 78‐year‐old woman with severe TR underwent transcatheter tricuspid valve annuloplasty using a Cardioband (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). We attempted to cinch the Dacron band after anchoring; however, it was impossible to connect the distal tip of the size adjustment tool and the Dacron band because the cinching wire was tangled around the Dacron band. We resolved this issue without surgical intervention, and eventually cinched the annulus. Final echocardiography revealed dramatic TR reduction. To our knowledge, no study has reported a tangled wire in a Dacron band during Cardioband use. Clinicians should be aware of the risks accompanying this concern in case where it is impossible to connect the distal tip of the size adjustment tool and the Dacron band during cinching.
Development of keloidal morphea after treatment with cyclosporine in a case of recalcitrant generalized morphea
Authors: Dadkhahfar Sahar , Asadi Kani Zahra , Araghi Farnaz , Moravvej Hamideh
Published: March 2020

Nodular or keloidal morphea, also known as nodular scleroderma, is a rare form of localized sclerosis (SSc) or morphea. In this paper, we reported a case of this rare entity with a review of the literature.
Whole‐Life Career Management: A Counseling Intervention Framework
Authors: Hirschi Andreas
Published: March 2020

It is widely recognized that career management and counseling require a consideration of work and nonwork roles. The author presents a career counseling intervention framework to help clients self‐direct their careers and attain work‐nonwork balance. Based on an action regulation approach, the framework consists of 4 stages: (a) clarifying goals across work and nonwork roles, (b) mapping resources and barriers related to goal attainment, (c) developing action strategies for goal attainment, and (d) monitoring and adapting goal pursuit across work and nonwork goals. The author outlines the theoretical foundations of this framework, provides a case study on how the framework can be applied in individual counseling, and gives examples of specific intervention contents. The framework provides a foundation for career counseling practice to assist clients in managing their careers while taking into account nonwork roles. Researchers can use this framework to gain a better understanding of career self‐management from a whole‐life perspective.
Children's Career Expectations and Parents' Jobs: Intergenerational (Dis)continuities
Authors: Oliveira Íris M. , Porfeli Erik J. , do Céu Taveira Maria , Lee Bora
Published: March 2020

Children develop career expectations as they increase self‐knowledge and perceive societal affordances and barriers to life roles. Parents are powerful agents in the socialization of children to work, transmitting occupational concepts that influence children's career development. The authors used Gottfredson's (1981) and Holland's (1973) theories to test associations between children's career expectations and parents' jobs in terms of gender, prestige, and interest typology among same‐sex and cross‐sex child‐parent dyads. Data were collected from 185 Portuguese children (51.4% boys, 48.6% girls; Mage = 10.41 years) from 2‐parent families. Children reported their parents' jobs and shared personal career expectations. Correlation and linear regression results indicated that fathers' male‐dominated jobs put boys at risk of gender‐based circumscription of career expectations. An intergenerational cycle of prestige inequalities was also evidenced, although parents seemed to support children's exploration of various interest areas. Future research could explore these relationships across family structures. Practice should foster children's in‐breadth career exploration and engage parents as key partners.
Early 20th‐Century Career Counseling for Women: Contemporary Practice and Research Implications
Authors: Alshabani Nuha , Soto Samsara
Published: March 2020

The authors critically examine the development of career counseling for women during the early 20th century. The development of career counseling for women lagged behind career counseling for men. Challenges, such as feminization of occupations, restricted occupational opportunities, and societal norms, stunted the development of career counseling for women. Furthermore, career counseling for women varied based on racial groups. Early writings discussed opportunities specifically geared toward White, college‐educated, nonimmigrant women. Although these beginning opportunities provided formal guidance to White women, many other women were excluded from formal career counseling and are not represented in these writings. Implications include training practitioners to recognize their own biases when working with women, how gender bias influences career counseling inventories and career theories, and how counselors can challenge these biases and stereotypes to provide the full range of career opportunities to women. Future research should address the impact of career counseling on women of color.
Mixing Characteristics of High‐Viscosity Fluids under Forced Vertical Vibration
Authors: Zhan Xiaobin , He Yu , Sun Zhibin , Shen Baojun , Li Xiwen
Published: March 2020

The mixing characteristics of two initially stratified high‐viscosity fluids with a free surface under forced vertical vibration were studied experimentally and numerically. The flow characteristics and dynamics of the free surface and interface between liquids were analyzed and the effects of the vibration parameters on the mixing process were evaluated. The degree of mixing was determined by the frequency and amplitude of vibration. Effective mixing could not be achieved by merely using the deformation of the free surface because of the low fluidity of high‐viscosity fluids. However, an increase in vibration intensity disintegrated the free surface and interface, thereby significantly promoting the mixing of fluids and improving the mixing efficiency.
Performance Evaluation of a Two‐Stage Entrained‐Flow Coal Gasifier Using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Jahromi Mohammad-Ali Yazdanpanah , Atashkari Kazem , Kalteh Mohammad
Published: March 2020

An advanced air‐blown two‐stage entrained‐flow coal Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) gasifier is numerically studied under actual conditions. The simulation results are verified first with actually measured data of an industrial MHI gasifier. Then, the effects of different parameters such as the sizes of pulverized coal particles, devolatilization parameters, and operating pressure on the gasifier performance are investigated. The results indicate that as the coal particle size increases, the syngas temperature at the gasifier exit rises while the reactivity of the coal particle decreases. Reducing the operating pressure can have a negative effect on the gasifier throughput while the opposite trend is observed for higher operating pressure.
Compost from Municipal Solid Wastes as a Source of Biochar for CO2 Capture
Authors: Karimi Mohsen , Diaz de Tuesta Jose L. , d. P. Gonçalves Carmem N. , Gomes Helder T. , Rodrigues Alírio E. , Silva José A. C.
Published: March 2020

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions contributing to the global climate change are a major concern of environmental protection. Developing adsorbents from low‐cost and renewable resources is an attractive strategy. On the other hand, the high capacity of production rates of municipal solid waste, besides high methane emissions, is the origin of some eco‐systemic challenges. The combination of the two environmental problems is considered by introducing the compost from a mechanical biological treatment of municipal solid wastes as a low‐cost source of adsorbent for CO2 capture. The obtained compost was thermally and chemically activated and the CO2 adsorption capacities of prepared samples were evaluated. Samples prepared sequentially with sulfuric acid and heated at 800 °C and vice versa, respectively, had the highest uptake capacities and were comparable with commercial adsorbents.