bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pauli blocking in degenerate plasmas and the separable potential approach
Authors: Röpke Gerd
Published: March 2019

The Mott effect describes the dissolution of bound states in a dense partially ionized plasma. It occurs when the ionization potential depression, owing to effects of correlation and degeneracy, compensates the binding energy of the bound state. At high densities and moderate temperatures, the Pauli blocking becomes important and influences significantly the degree of ionization in the region of degenerate plasmas. A quantum statistical approach is used where the total density is decomposed in an uncorrelated, “free” part and correlations, as a consequence of the cluster decomposition of the self‐energy. The contribution of correlations to the total density is given by bound states and continuum correlations. Exact solutions for a separable potential are compared to perturbation theory and numerical solutions of the in‐medium Schrödinger equation. The in‐medium scattering phase shifts are evaluated, and the role of continuum correlations is discussed. The Pauli blocking of bound states and the density of states are considered for warm dense matter conditions.
UHPLC–MS/MS quantitation of porphyroxine in opium and application of porphyroxine‐acetylated products as signature markers for heroin
Authors: Li Li , Panicker Sini , Casale Ellen M.
Published: March 2019

Porphyroxine, a trace alkaloid in opium, was identified in the early 1800s and isolated/characterized in the 1960s. Recently, two significant porphyroxine‐related byproducts found in the acidic and neutral extracts of illicit heroin were characterized by this laboratory as the N‐acetyl‐O14‐desmethyl‐epi‐porphyroxine (B) and N,O8‐diacetyl‐O14‐desmethyl‐epi‐porphyroxine (C). The prevalence of the B and C compounds has been consistent in the following order of abundance for the thousands of authentic heroin samples analyzed: Southwest Asia (SWA) > South America (SA) > Southeast Asia (SEA) > Mexico (MEX). In this research, a rapid and efficient ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method was developed to determine the content of porphyroxine and five primary alkaloids (morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine, and papaverine) in opium after extraction with methanol/water (50/50). The method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, recovery, and precision for porphyroxine. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for porphyroxine was 2.5 ng/mL. The developed method was successfully applied to a total of 114 authentic opium samples from the major poppy‐growing regions. The amount of porphyroxine was determined at the level of part per thousand (‰) and the relative concentrations to morphine were in the range of 1x10−4 and 1x10−2 with an order of SWA > SEA, SA > MEX for its average abundance, which is consistent with the order of the average abundance of its acetylated products (B, C) in illicit heroin. This study reveals the significance of porphyroxine and its acylated compounds in classifying heroin and opium samples to major geographical regions of production.
Genomic, ecological, and morphological approaches to investigating species limits: A case study in modern taxonomy from Tropical Eastern Pacific surgeonfishes
Authors: Ludt William B. , Bernal Moisés A. , Kenworthy Erica , Salas Eva , Chakrabarty Prosanta
Published: March 2019

A wide variety of species are distinguished by slight color variations. However, molecular analyses have repeatedly demonstrated that coloration does not always correspond to distinct evolutionary histories between closely related groups, suggesting that this trait is labile and can be misleading for species identification. In the present study, we analyze the evolutionary history of sister species of Prionurus surgeonfishes in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), which are distinguished by the presence or absence of dark spots on their body. We examined the species limits in this system using comparative specimen‐based approaches, a mitochondrial gene (COI), more than 800 nuclear loci (Ultraconserved Elements), and abiotic niche comparisons. The results indicate there is a complete overlap of meristic counts and morphometric measurements between the two species. Further, we detected multiple individuals with intermediate spotting patterns suggesting that coloration is not diagnostic. Mitochondrial data recovered a single main haplotype shared between the species and all locations resulting in a complete lack of structure (ΦST = 0). Genomic analyses also suggest low levels of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.013), and no alternatively fixed SNPs were detected between the two phenotypes. Furthermore, niche comparisons could not reject niche equivalency or similarity between the species. These results suggest that these two phenotypes are conspecific and widely distributed in the TEP. Here, we recognize Prionurus punctatus Gill 1862 as a junior subjective synonym of P. laticlavius (Valenciennes 1846). The underlying causes of phenotypic variation in this species are unknown. However, this system gives insight into general evolutionary dynamics within the TEP.
Enols, Diamino Enols, and Breslow Intermediates: A Comparative Quantum Chemical Analysis
Authors: Singh Tejender , George Anjana , Parameswaran Pattiyil , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: March 2019

Breslow intermediates (BIs) are generally referred as diamino enols, however, there are subtle differences between enols, diamino enols, and Breslow intermediates. Quantum chemical analysis has been carried out to establish the differences among the three classes of compounds. Electronic structure details, charge distribution, bond dissociation energies, etc. were analyzed in a few BIs and compared with that of enols and diamino enols. Energy decomposition analysis has been carried out to establish the variation in the C–C bond character among these systems. There are clear differences among the three classes of the compounds, though there are a few overlaps. A few systems which were earlier considered as BIs do not exhibit the expected characteristics.
Out with OLD growth, in with ecological continNEWity: new perspectives on forest conservation
Authors: McMullin R Troy , Wiersma Yolanda F
Published: March 2019

Forest managers have a responsibility to identify and conserve ecologically exceptional forest stands. In North America, priority areas of old‐growth forest are often identified based primarily on the age of trees within the stand. However, delineating forests with high conservation value based solely on tree age is an oversimplification. Therefore, we propose a different view – that of forest continuity, a view that is more prevalent in Europe. We contend that forests that have been continuously wooded over time, whether old‐growth trees are present or not, have higher conservation value than areas that have old trees but that may not always have been forested. Identifying forests with high continuity requires a different index than tree age. We argue that the relative richness and abundance of lichens can be effective indicators of forest continuity, discuss how forest managers might operationalize this system, and explain why it might be a more ecologically relevant indicator of priority forest areas.
A palaeomagnetic study of the Middle Permian and Middle Triassic limestones from Shan State, Myanmar: Implications for collision of the Sibumasu Terrane and Indochina Terrane
Authors: Zhao Jie , Huang Baochun , Yan Yonggang , Bai Qianhui , Dong Yunpeng , Win Zaw , Aung Hla Hla , Yang Xiaodong
Published: March 2019

We report herein a new palaeomagnetic study on the Middle Permian and Middle Triassic limestones from Shan State of eastern Myanmar, aiming to resolve the spatial location of the Sibumasu Terrane during the collision of tectonic blocks in Southeast Asia and to constrain the timing of convergence between the Sibumasu Terrane and Indochina Terrane. Based on the rock magnetic and palaeomagnetic experiments, three stable characteristic remnant magnetizations are recognized from limestone specimens of Middle Permian and Middle Triassic age. The characteristic Component C of the Middle Permian limestone passed the fold test at 95% confidence level, indicative of a pre‐folding origin. The mean direction of this component is D = 10.7°, I = 17.9° (κ = 130.3, α95 = 10.8°) before and D = 13.7°, I = −25.3° (κ = 1894.9, α95 = 2.8°) after tilt correction, corresponding to a palaeomagnetic pole at 254.1°E, 53.2°N (A95 = 1.7°). This suggests that the Sibumasu Terrane was placed at a palaeolatitude of ~13.0°S during the Middle Permian. The Component C separated from the Middle Triassic samples also passed the fold test with a mean direction of D = 207.3°, I = −8.3° (κ = 12.9, α95 = 6.2°) before tilt correction and D = 205.6°, I = −33.5° (κ = 27.1, α95 = 4.2°) after tilt correction, corresponding to a palaeomagnetic pole at 187.3°E, 65.8°N (dp/dm = 2.7°/4.8°). This implies that the Sibumasu Terrane was located at a palaeolatitude of ~18.3°N during the Middle Triassic. Based upon the detailed palaeomagnetic analysis, this study supports the view that the collision of the Sibumasu Terrane and Indochina Terrance occurred during or before the Middle–Late Triassic times.
Designed to Be Different: The Stella and Charles Guttman Community College
Authors: Evenbeck Scott E.
Published: March 2019

This chapter explores the unique design of one of America's newest and most innovative community colleges: Stella and Charles Guttman Community College in New York City. This highly successful College offers its diverse student population a relevant, integrated curriculum and student support that is embedded in the classroom.
Integral Learning and Working: Becoming a Learning Organization
Authors: Holba Annette M. , Bahr Patricia T. , Birx Donald L. , Fischler Mark J.
Published: March 2019

Integration as a methodology for redesigning higher education is the main theme of this chapter. After defining how the authors understand and envision integration as an organizational model and as a learning model, they maintain that setting the expectation of the importance of becoming a learning organization is essential for successful whole system change.
Biogeochemistry of dissolved carbon, major, and trace elements during spring flood periods on the Ob River
Authors: Vorobyev Sergey N. , Pokrovsky Oleg S. , Kolesnichenko Larisa G. , Manasypov Rinat M. , Shirokova Liudmila S. , Karlsson Jan , Kirpotin Sergey N.
Published: March 2019

Detailed knowledge of the flood period of Arctic rivers remains one of the few factors impeding rigorous prediction of the effect of climate change on carbon and related element fluxes from the land to the Arctic Ocean. In order to test the temporal and spatial variability of element concentration in the Ob River (western Siberia) water during flood period and to quantify the contribution of spring flood period to the annual element export, we sampled the main channel year round in 2014–2017 for dissolved C, major, and trace element concentrations. We revealed high stability (approximately ≤10% relative variation) of dissolved C, major, and trace element concentrations in the Ob River during spring flood period over a 1‐km section of the river channel and over 3 days continuous monitoring (3‐hr frequency). We identified two groups of elements with contrasting relationship to discharge: (a) DIC and soluble elements (Cl, SO4, Li, B, Na, Mg, Ca, P, V, Cr, Mn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba, W, and U) negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with discharge and exhibited minimal concentrations during spring flood and autumn high flow and (b) DOC and particle‐reactive elements (Al, Fe, Ti, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, REEs, Hf, Tl, Pb, and Th), some nutrients (K), and metalloids (Ge, Sb, and Te), positively correlated (p < 0.05) with discharge and showed the highest concentrations during spring flood. We attribute the decreased concentration of soluble elements with discharge to dilution by groundwater feeding and increased concentration of DOC and particle‐reactive metals with discharge to leaching from surface soil, plant litter, and suspended particles. Overall, the present study provides first‐order assessment of fluxes of major and trace elements in the middle course of the Ob River, reveals their high temporal and spatial stability, and characterizes the mechanism of river water chemical composition acquisition.
Long‐term assessment of nutrient flow pathway dynamics and in‐stream fate in a temperate karst agroecosystem watershed
Authors: Ford William I. , Husic Admin , Fogle Alex , Taraba Joseph
Published: March 2019

Nutrient dynamics in karst agroecosystems remain poorly understood, in part due to limited long‐term nested datasets that can discriminate upland and in‐stream processes. We present a 10‐year dataset from a karst watershed in the Inner‐Bluegrass Region of central Kentucky, consisting of nitrate (nitrate‐N [NO3−]), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), total organic carbon (TOC), and total ammoniacal‐N (TAN) measurements at nested spring and stream sites as well as flowrate at the watershed outlet. Hydrograph separation techniques were coupled with multiple linear regression and Empirical Mode Decomposition time‐series analysis to determine significance of seasonal processes and to generate continuous estimates of nutrient pathway loadings. Further, we used model results of benthic algae growth and decomposition dynamics from a nearby watershed to assess if transient storage in algal biomass could explain differences in spring and downstream watershed nutrient loading. Results highlight statistically significant seasonality for all nutrients at stream sites, but only for NO3− at springs with longitudinal variability showing significant decreases occurring from spring to stream sites for NO3− and DRP, and significant increases for TOC and TAN. Pathway loading analysis highlighted the importance of slow flow pathways to source approximately 70% of DRP and 80% of NO3−. Results for in‐stream dynamics suggest that benthic autotroph dynamics can explain summer deviations for TOC, TAN, and DRP but not NO3−. Regarding upland dynamics, our findings agree well with existing perceptions in karst for N pathways and upland source seasonality but deviate from perceptions that karst conduits are retentive of P, reflecting the limited buffering capacity of the soil profile and conduit sediments in the Inner‐Bluegrass. Regarding in‐stream fate, our findings highlighted the significance of seasonally driven nutrient processing in the bedrock‐controlled streambed to influence nutrient fluxes at the watershed outlet. Contrary to existing perceptions, we found high N attenuation and an unexplained NO3− sink in the bedrock stream, leading us to postulate that floating macrophytes facilitate high rates of denitrification.
Estrogenic effects of fluorinated diiodine alkanes in MCF‐7 cells, H295R cells and zebrafish embryo assays
Authors: Lu Liang , Chang Jia , Qiu Yunliang , Chang Yan , Ma Jing
Published: March 2019

Fluorinated diiodine alkanes (FDIAs), important industrial intermediates in the synthesis of various perfluorinated compounds, which are distributed widely in wildlife and humans. Recent studies showed that FDIAs had in vitro estrogenic effects. However, to date, little information is available regarding the in vivo estrogenic effects of FDIAs and the mechanisms are unclear. In this study, a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays was used to investigate the estrogenic effects of FDIAs. We tested the in vitro estrogenic effects and estrogen receptor‐related gene expression via MCF‐7 cell assay. The hormone level of estradiol and the expression of estrogenic synthesis genes were measured in the H295R cell assay. Finally, the in vivo effects of FDIAs on development and estrogen‐related gene expression were assessed in the zebrafish embryos assay. The results demonstrated that FDIAs could exhibit estrogenic activity through inducing cell proliferation (1.6‐6.7‐fold of the control) and estrogen receptor alpha gene expression (1.07‐1.39‐fold of the control), altering estradiol production (1.14‐1.22‐fold of the control) and the major estrogenic synthesis gene expression of CYP19 (1.22‐1.31‐fold of the control), disrupting the estrogen‐related genes (esr1 and cyp19b) levels in zebrafish (1.52‐2.99‐fold and 2.95‐5.00‐fold of the control for esr1 and cyp19b, respectively). The current findings indicated the potential estrogenic effects of FDIAs and provided novel information for human risk assessment.
Detection of dental plaque and its potential pathogenicity using quantitative light‐induced fluorescence
Authors: Lee Eun‐Song , de Josselin de Jong Elbert , Kim Baek‐Il
Published: March 2019

Quantitative light‐induced fluorescence (QLF) technology can detect some dental plaque as red fluorescence. This in vivo study aimed to identify the microbial characteristics of red fluorescent (RF) dental plaque using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and evaluate the correlations between RF plaque and the clinical symptoms of dental diseases. Paired supragingival plaque samples collected from each 10 subjects and consisted of RF and non‐RF dental plaques as observed by QLF technology using a 405 nm blue light source for excitation. The characteristics of the bacterial communities in the RF and non‐RF plaque samples were compared by sequencing analysis. An increase in microbial diversity was observed in RF plaque compared with the non‐RF plaque. There were significant differences in the community compositions between the 2 types of dental plaque. Periodontopathic bacteria were significantly more abundant in the RF plaque than non‐RF plaque. The fluorescence intensity of RF plaque was significantly related to the proportion of the periodontopathic bacterial community and the presence of gingival inflammation. In conclusion, the plaque red fluorescence is associated with changes in the microbial composition and enrichment of periodontopathic pathogens, which suggests that RF plaque detected by QLF technology could be used as a risk indicator for gingival inflammation.
De‐noising of photoacoustic sensing and imaging based on combined empirical mode decomposition and independent component analysis
Authors: Zhou Meng , Zhao Huangxuan , Xia Haibo , Zhang Jiayao , Liu Zhicheng , Liu Chengbo , Gao Fei
Published: March 2019

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging breaks the diffusion limit of conventional optical imaging by listening to the PA wave. As a new kind of functional imaging method, it has experienced tremendous growth in research community with wide range of applications. However, it is still an open and fundamental challenge that the conversion efficiency from light to sound based on PA effect is extremely low. The consequence is the poor signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of PA signal especially in scenarios of low laser power and deep penetration. Conventional approach to enhance the SNR of PA signal in these noisy scenarios is data averaging, which is quite time‐consuming. To improve the signal fidelity and imaging speed, an algorithm of using empirical mode decomposition and independent component analysis de‐noising methods in PA imaging is proposed. The simulation and in vivo experimental results show obvious SNR enhancement of the PA signal and image contrast. The proposed method provides the potential to develop real‐time low‐cost PA imaging system with low‐power laser source.
In vitro oxidative stability of high strength siloxane poly(urethane‐urea) elastomers based on linked‐macrodiol
Authors: Dandeniyage Loshini S. , Knower Warren , Adhikari Raju , Bown Mark , Shanks Robert , Adhikari Benu , Gunatillake Pathiraja A.
Published: March 2019

In vitro oxidative stability of two siloxane poly(urethane urea)s synthesized using 4,4′‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (in SiPUU‐1) and Isophorone diisocyanate (in SiPUU‐2) linked soft segment was evaluated using 20% H2O2 and 0.1 mol/L CoCl2 solution at 37°C under 150% strain. Commercially available siloxane polyurethane (Elast‐Eon™ 2A) and polyether polyurethane (ChronoThane P™ 80A) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. ChronoSil™ 80A was included as another commercially available polycarbonate polyurethane. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examinations, attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, and molecular weight reduction revealed the extensive degradation of ChronoThane P™ 80A after 90 days while SiPUU‐1, SiPUU‐2 and Elast‐Eon™ 2A showed no noticeable surface degradation. ChronoSil™ 80A showed degradation in both soft and hard segments. Tensile testing was carried out only on unstrained polyurethanes for 90 days. ChronoThane P™ 80A showed 35% loss in ultimate tensile strength and it was only 13–14% for SiPUU‐1 and Elast‐Eon™ 2A. However, the tensile strength of ChronoSil™ 80A was not significantly affected. The results of this study proved that SiPUU‐1 possess oxidative stability comparable with Elast‐Eon™ 2A. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B:2557–2565, 2019.
ANRIL and ANRASSF1 long noncoding RNAs are upregulated in gastric cancer
Authors: Kangarlouei Roghayeh , Irani Shiva , Noormohammadi Zahra , Memari Fereidoon , Mirfakhraie Reza
Published: March 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most frequent cancer and the third‐leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. It is a highly heterogeneous disease regarding the morphological and molecular viewpoints. Since it is curable in primary stages, early detection could improve the survival rate. Long noncoding RNAs contribute to a variety of cellular mechanisms, and their dysregulation is reported in various diseases such as cancer. Thus, they have a great potential to be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets as well. In the current study, ANRIL and
ANRASSF1 expression levels were compared between GC tumors and the adjacent normal tissues collected from 39 Iranian patients using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. Correlation between
ANRIL and
ANRASSF1 expression levels and other clinical parameters was also evaluated.
ANRIL and
ANRASSF1 were significantly overexpressed in GC tumors compared with adjacent tissues (
P < 0.0001 and
P = 0.001, respectively). No significant correlation between
ANRIL and
ANRASSF1 expression levels and demographic information was found. This study suggests that
ANRIL and
ANRASSF1 may play a critical role in GC progression and can be considered as a potential diagnostic or therapeutics biomarkers.
New necessary conditions on Paley‐type partial difference sets in abelian groups
Authors: Wang Zeying
Published: March 2019

Let be an abelian group of order , where are distinct odd prime numbers. In this paper, we prove that if contains a regular Paley‐type partial difference set (PDS), then for any is congruent to 3 modulo 4 whenever is odd. These new necessary conditions further limit the specific order of an abelian group in which there can exist a Paley‐type PDS. Our result is similar to a result on abelian Hadamard (Menon) difference sets proved by Ray‐Chaudhuri and Xiang in 1997.
Latino parents' links to deportees are associated with developmental disorders in their children
Authors: Vargas Edward D. , Benitez Viridiana L.
Published: March 2019

Aims

To examine how Latino parent's personal connection to immigrants is linked to their children's risk of being referred/diagnosed with a developmental disorder.

Methods

Using the 2015 Latino National Health and Immigration Survey (n = 548), we asked adults about their connections to immigrants. We also asked if their child has been referred/diagnosed with a developmental disorder. We estimated a series of regressions to predict increases in the probability of a child being referred/diagnosed for a developmental disorder.

Results

Respondents who know a deportee are 2.4 times more likely (p = 0.009) to report that their child has been referred or diagnosed with a developmental disorder. Additionally, knowing more deportees, and having a closer family tie with deportees, are all statistically associated with developmental problems.

Conclusions

This study adds to the emerging research on stress and child health, by examining the intersections of immigration policy, mental health, and child development.
Long noncoding RNAs biomarker‐based cancer assessment
Authors: Sarfi Mohammad , Abbastabar Maryam , Khalili Ehsan
Published: March 2019

Cancer diagnosis have mainly relied on the incorporation of molecular biomarkers as part of routine diagnostic tool. The molecular alteration ranges from those involving DNA, RNA, noncoding RNAs (microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs [lncRNAs]) and proteins. lncRNAs are recently discovered noncoding endogenous RNAs that critically regulates the development, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. They are dysregulated in different types of malignancies and have the potential to serve as diagnostic markers for cancer. The expression of noncoding RNAs is altered following many diseases, and besides, some of them can be secreted from the cells into the circulation following the apoptotic and necrotic cell death. These secreted noncoding RNAs are known as cell free RNA. These RNAs can be secreted from the cell through the apoptotic body, extracellular vesicles including microvesicle and exosome, and bind to proteins. Since, lncRNAs display high organ and cell specificity, can be found in the blood, urine, tumor tissue, or other tissues or bodily fluids of some patients with cancer, this review summarizes the most significant and up‐to‐date findings of research on lncRNAs involvement in different cancers, focusing on the potential of cancer‐related lncRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
miR‐144‐3p facilitates nasopharyngeal carcinoma via crosstalk with PTEN
Authors: Song Li , Chen Lijie , Luan Qiang , Kong Qingdong
Published: March 2019

Aims

This study aims to investigate the role of miR‐144‐3p and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), along with their crosstalk with the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (Akt) pathway.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to measure the gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and colony formation assay were used to examine cell proliferation via standard protocol. Transwell assay was conducted to examine cell invasiveness. A flow cytometer was used to determine cell apoptosis. Dual‐Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay (SLDL‐100) was used to confirm the target relationship between miR‐144‐3p and PTEN. Xenografts were used to detect the in vivo effects of the molecules of interest.

Results

miR‐144‐3p was significantly overexpressed, whereas PTEN was more underexpressed in tumor tissues than in adjacent tissues. miR‐144‐3p promoted the proliferation and invasion of NPC cells and inhibited apoptosis by directly targeting
PTEN, which improves PI3K–Akt signaling. miR‐144‐3p forced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in NPC.

Conclusion

miR‐144‐3p promotes the progression of NPC by directly targeting PTEN via crosstalk with PI3K–Akt signaling.
The concept of load ratio applied to bioelectrochemical systems for ammonia recovery
Authors: Rodríguez Arredondo Mariana , Kuntke Philipp , ter Heijne Annemiek , Buisman Cees JN
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The load ratio is a crucial parameter to optimize the current driven recovery of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) from urine. The load ratio is the ratio between the current density and the TAN loading rate. It is currently not known if the load ratio concept applies to a bioelectrochemical system (BES) because the current density and TAN loading rate cannot be controlled independently.

RESULTS

We found a clear increasing trend in TAN removal efficiency with respect to load ratio in the BES for both human and synthetic urine. The maximum TAN removal efficiency was 60.9% at a load ratio of 0.7, corresponding to a TAN transport rate of 119 gN m−2 day−1 at an electrical energy input of 1.9 kWh kgN−1 (synthetic urine). Low load ratios (<1) were obtained, indicating that the current was not enough to transport all the TAN across the membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

BES and ES show the same general relationship between TAN removal efficiency and load ratio. Therefore, given a stable current density, the concept of load ratio can also predict the TAN removal efficiency in BES. Higher current densities, and insights into the factors limiting current, are needed to increase the load ratio and therefore the TAN removal efficiency. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Changes in Size and Sonographic Characteristics of the Adrenal Glands During the First Year of Life and the Sonographic Diagnosis of Adrenal Hyperplasia in Infants with 21‐Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Menzel Daria , Hauffa Berthold P.
Published: March 2019

The sonographic representation of developmental changes occurring in the normal adrenal gland during the first year of life was examined in 84 healthy newborns and infants. As a measure of adrenal size we chose a defined part of standardized adrenal sections, the adrenal size index (ASI). In newborns, ASI was high and decreased during the first year of life. Three different echo types were delineated, each one being predominant in a defined age group.

ASI was markedly elevated in 5 patients with the salt‐wasting variety of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency, whereas in 3 patients without a severe salt loss, ASI was in the upper normal range. Although adrenal enlargement due to salt‐wasting 21‐hydroxylase deficiency can be recognized by determining ASI, other forms of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency do exist in which adrenal enlargement, detectable by ASI measurements, may not be present.
Ultrasonographic Difficulties and Pitfalls in Diagnosing Primary Carcinoma of the Gallbladder
Authors: Kuo Yow-Chii , Liu Jeng-Yaw , Sheen I-Shyan , Yang Chaur-Young , Lin Deng-Yn , ChangChein Chi-Sin
Published: March 2019

In order to more specifically define gallbladder carcinoma with real‐time ultrasonography, a retrospective study was performed involving 29 sonographically false‐negative and 22 sonographically false‐positive cases of gallbladder carcinoma. Among the false negative cases, 18 (62.1%) were diagnosed as gallbladder stone only, 6 cases (20.7%) were incorrectly diagnosed as either acute or chronic cholecystitis, 2 cases (6.9%) were diagnosed as bile sludge, 2 cases (6.9%) were diagnosed as polyps, and 1 case (3.4%) was diagnosed as liver tumor. In false‐positive cases, 8 (31.8%) were erroneously diagnosed as liver tumor. In false‐positive cases, 7 (31.8%) were erroneously diagnosed as a mass projecting from the gallbladder wall but were pathologically proven to be polyps (4 cases) or bile sludge (3 cases); 8 cases (36.4%) were incorrectly diagnosed due to irregular thickening of the gallbladder wall but histology revealed them to be acute (3 cases) or chronic (5 cases) cholecystitis. Seven cases (31.8%) had a solid mass in porta hepatis, indicating gallbladder carcinoma; of these, 2 cases were lumps of bile sludge and 5 cases were acute cholecystitis with empyema.

The differentiation of gallbladder carcinoma from cholecystitis (acute or chronic), polyps, and bile sludge is sometimes very difficult. With an understanding of the sanagraphic pitfalls and difficulties in the diagnosis of gallbaldder carcinoma, a more specific diagnosis may be made.
Prenatal Sonographic Diagnosis of Unilateral Fetal Renal Agenesis
Authors: Sherer David M. , Thompson Howard O. , Armstrong Birgit , Woods James R.
Published: March 2019

The fetal urinary tract lends itself to prenatal sonographic evaluation. Kidneys may be identified from as early as 12 weeks to 14 weeks, and are seen clearly by approximately 18 weeks to 20 weeks.1 Green and Hobbins, while recently discussing abdominal ultrasound examination of the first trimester fetus with current improving technology, found that in 60% of cases kidneys can be visualized by 10 weeks menstrual age (MA), while 98% will be seen at 11 weeks and 100% will be visible by 12 weeks.2 Moreover, the bladder can be identified in 50% of cases by 12 weeks, MA.2 As a result of these reports, normograms have been established for assessing fetal kidney size in normal gestation.1–3 When, in early gestation, one kidney is not seen but a normal kidney and appropriate amniotic fluid are visualized, we have not routinely brought the patient back for rescan to visualize the second kidney. We present a unique case of prenatal sonographic diagnosis of unilateral fetal renal agenesis with survival, which has led to a revision of our current policy.
Detection of Intrauterine Fetal Growth Retardation with Abdominal Circumference and Estimated Fetal Weight Using Cross‐Sectional Growth Curves
Authors: Simon Nicolas V. , O'Connor Thomas J. , Shearer David M.
Published: March 2019

The usefulness of a cross‐sectional growth curve method in the detection of intrauterine growth retardation by ultrasonography was evaluated for abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight. The patient sample consisted of 771 women with singleton pregnancy who delivered within seven days of an ultrasound scan. One hundred fifty‐one (19.6%) women had infants with birth weight below the 10th percentile for menstrual age. Of these infants, 72.2% were symmetrically growth retarded on the basis of their neonatal ponderal index. The neonatal weight outcomes were correlated with the abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight percentile values. Both measurements were more specific than sensitive and had much higher negative than positive predictive values. The sensitivity was influenced by menstrual age, and severity and type of intrauterine growth retardation. Overall, estimated fetal weight was more accurate than abdominal circumference, but the difference was too small to be clinically important. Both measurements were better suited to confirm than to detect, exclude, or predict intrauterine growth retardation. Normal results predicted a normal neonatal weight outcome with a very high probability when the prevalence of the condition was low. In spite of the limitations of the crosssectional method, both tests had strengths that can be advantageously used to enhance clinical decision making in the management of intrauterine growth retardation.
Use of Lung‐Thorax Transverse Area Ratio in the Antenatal Evaluation of Lung Hypoplasia in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Hasegawa Toshimichi , Kamata Shinkichi , Imura Kenji , Ishikawa Shirou , Okuyama Hiroomi , Okada Akira , Chiba Yoshihide
Published: March 2019

For evaluation of lung hypoplasia in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), we measured lung‐thorax transverse area ratio (LT ratio), which was defined as the area of bilateral lung profiles divided by the profile area of thorax at the level of the four‐chamber view of the heart, using fetal ultrasonography. LT ratio in cases with CDH was lower than that in the control group and related well to the postnatal respiratory condition. Measurement of LT ratio using fetal ultrasonography may be useful in predicting the degree of lung hypoplasia in fetuses with CDH.
Ultrasonography of Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: An Analysis of 80 Cases
Authors: Kumar Alka , Aggarwal Shashi , Berry Manorama , Sawhney Sukhpal , Kapur Brij M.L. , Bhargava Sneh
Published: March 2019

Eighty patients with primary carcinoma of the gallbladder were studied by ultrasonography. Two broad groups were defined. In group I (72.5%), the gallbladder lumen was identified along with a mass lesion, and in group II (27.5%), a large mass totally replacing the gallbladder was seen. Group I was further categorized into three subtypes according to the morphology of the lesion: type 1—a mass almost filling the lumen; type 2—a polypoidal mass projecting into the lumen; and type 3—an infiltrating mass. Associated findings of infiltration of the liver, presence of calculi, biliary tree obstruction, liver metastasis, and lymphadenopathy further supported the diagnosis.

Ultrasonography was found to be highly reliable in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the gallbladder. In addition, it provided guidance for biopsy/aspiration of nonpalpable tumors. Its shortcomings appear to be its inability to assess peritoneal and bowel involvement, as well as that of the omentum and posterior rectus sheath.
Hepatic Penetration by Duodenal Ulcer: Sonographic Diagnosis
Authors: Mostbeck G. , Mallek R. , Gebauer A. , Tscholakoff D.
Published: March 2019

Penetration of the liver is a rare complication of benign duodenal ulcer.1 We report a case of a surgically verified penetration of a peptic ulcer into the left lobe of the liver. Sonographically, the diagnosis was established by detection of a gas‐filled liver mass, suggestive of an abscess in connection to the duodenum.
Sonographic Findings in Primary Ovarian Pregnancy
Authors: Athey Patricia A. , Jayson Hal T. , Estrada Rolando , Watson Alfred B.
Published: March 2019

Primary ovarian pregnancy is a relatively rare form of ectopic pregnancy in which the gestational sac is implanted in the ovary and the tube is involved. Review of the literature demonstrated over 300 reported cases1 and only 4 individual case reports that describe sonographic findings.2–5 We present an additional case report and emphasize the difficulty in distinguishing an ovarian pregnancy from a tubal ectopic pregnancy sonographically.
Much ado about nothing: A qualitative study of the experiences of an average‐risk population receiving results of exome sequencing
Authors: Rego Shannon , Dagan‐Rosenfeld Orit , Bivona Stephanie A. , Snyder Michael P. , Ormond Kelly E.
Published: March 2019

The increasing availability of exome sequencing to the general (“healthy”) population raises questions about the implications of genomic testing for individuals without suspected Mendelian diseases. Little is known about this population's motivations for undergoing exome sequencing, their expectations, reactions, and perceptions of utility. In order to address these questions, we conducted in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 12 participants recruited from a longitudinal multi‐omics profiling study that included exome sequencing. Participants were interviewed after receiving exome results, which included Mendelian disease‐associated pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants, pharmacogenetic variants, and risk assessments for multifactorial diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The primary motivation driving participation in exome sequencing was personal curiosity. While they reported feeling validation and relief, participants were frequently underwhelmed by the results and described having expected more from exome sequencing. All participants reported discussing the results with at least some family, friends, and healthcare providers. Participants’ recollection of the results returned to them was sometimes incorrect or incomplete, in many cases aligning with their perceptions of their health risks when entering the study. These results underscore the need for different genetic counseling approaches for generally healthy patients undergoing exome sequencing, in particular the need to provide anticipatory guidance to moderate participants’ expectations. They also provide a preview of potential challenges clinicians may face as genomic sequencing continues to scale‐up in the general population despite a lack of full understanding of its impact.
Retracted: Design, Synthesis and Molecular Modeling of Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs Tagged Substituted 1,2,3‐Triazole Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Biological Activities
Authors: Dasari Srinivasa Rao , Tondepu Subbaiah , Vadali Lakshmana Rao , Seelam Nareshvarma
Published: March 2019

A novel series of 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives 3a–l and 5a–i were one‐pot synthesized via CuAAC‐alkyne click chemistry and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against four organisms and screened for their anticancer activity against human colon cancer cell line HT‐29 and human lung cancer cell line HTB‐29. These hybrid molecules structure elucidation has been performed by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectral analysis. Synthesized nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs‐triazoles evaluated for their antibacterial activities against bacterial microorganisms Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Final compounds 3i, 3c, and 5b showed magnificent broad spectrum activity against P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia, E. coli, and S. aureus with zone of inhibition values of 20, 15, 17, and 16 mm, respectively. Among the series of compound, 3j showed the best antibacterial activity against all the strains. Further, the compounds 3i and 5a were more cytotoxic than cisplatin against all tested two human cancer cell lines, with 50.8%, and 52.3% and 73.4% and 75.3% of growth, respectively. The synthesized compounds were tested for kinase inhibitory activity against glycogen synthase kinase‐3 protein kinases, in addition, for cytotoxic activity against two different human cancer cell lines.
Pegunigalsidase alfa, a novel PEGylated enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease, provides sustained plasma concentrations and favorable pharmacodynamics: A 1‐year Phase 1/2 clinical trial
Authors: Schiffmann Raphael , Goker‐Alpan Ozlem , Holida Myrl , Giraldo Pilar , Barisoni Laura , Colvin Robert B. , Jennette Charles J. , Maegawa Gustavo , Boyadjiev Simeon A. , Gonzalez Derlis , Nicholls Kathy , Tuffaha Ahmad , Atta Mohamed G. , Rup Bonita , Charney Martha R. , Paz Alona , Szlaifer Mali , Alon Sari , Brill‐Almon Einat , Chertkoff Raul , Hughes Derralynn
Published: March 2019

Pegunigalsidase alfa, a novel PEGylated, covalently crosslinked form of α‐galactosidase A developed as enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry disease (FD), was designed to increase plasma half‐life and reduce immunogenicity, thereby enhancing efficacy compared with available products. Symptomatic adults with FD participated in this open‐label, 3‐month dose‐ranging study, followed by a 9‐month extension. Three cohorts were enrolled in a stepwise manner, each receiving increased doses of pegunigalsidase alfa: 0.2, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg, via intravenous infusion every other week. Pharmacokinetic analysis occurred on Day 1 and Months 3, 6, and 12. Kidney biopsies at baseline and Month 6 assessed peritubular capillary globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) content. Renal function, cardiac parameters, and other clinical endpoints were assessed throughout. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs) and presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antidrug antibodies (ADAs) were assessed. Sixteen patients completed 1 year's treatment. Mean terminal plasma half‐life (each cohort) ranged from 53 to 121 hours. All 11 male and 1 of 7 female patients presented with classic FD phenotype, in whom renal peritubular capillary Gb3 inclusions were reduced by 84%. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 111 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline, remaining stable throughout treatment. Three patients developed treatment‐induced IgG ADAs; following 1 year's treatment, all became ADA‐negative. Nearly all treatment‐emergent AEs were mild or moderate. One patient withdrew from the study following a serious related AE. Pegunigalsidase alfa may represent an advance in ERT for FD, based on its unique pharmacokinetics and apparent low immunogenicity.
Retrospective evaluation of exposure indicators: a pilot study of exposure technique in digital radiography
Authors: Lewis Shantel , Pieterse Tracey , Lawrence Heather
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Digital radiography lacks visual clues of exposure techniques used to obtain radiographs, therefore manufacturers have included exposure indicators (EIs). EIs provides feedback about exposure techniques used and evaluating EIs will yield much needed information about exposure trends used in digital radiography.

Methods

A retrospective explorative quantitative study was conducted at nine randomly selected imaging departments in Gauteng, South Africa. Data pertaining to EI was retrospectively collected using quota sampling and compared to manufacturer recommended (MR) standards.

Results

A total of 1422 EIs were collected. 50% of these were within the MR standard. 27% of EI indicated overexposure and 23% indicated underexposure.

Conclusions

Greater evidence of overexposure was noted in the retrospective analysis of the EI. This pilot study shows the need for further investigation into exposure technique practices in digital radiography and the need for measures to halt the evidenced overexposure.
Gait signals classification and comparison
Authors: Barua Arnab , Yang Xiaodong , Ren Aifeng , Fan Dou , Guan Lei , Zhao Nan , Haider Daniyal
Published: March 2019

Use of wireless signal technology in sensing of human gait activity is a satisfactory example of device‐free sensing and effective in medical science to detect human motion–related diseases. Some prior research showed some potential detecting process of human walking gait from wireless channel information (WCI) using wireless signals. In this paper, we present comparison of three popular features reduction methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) using three classifications methods, support vector machine (SVM), k‐nearest neighbor (k‐NN), and decision tree (DT) in an absolutely equivalent situation for identifying walking gait signals. The analysis was carried out on the WCI‐based dataset where dataset was divided into four classes (normal gait, small gait, fast gait, and turn gait). Using dataset with the combination of methods (features reduction and classification), experimental results shows that all the combinations of PCA, KPCA, and LDA with three classifications achieve an average accuracy of gait identification is accordingly 86%, 79%, and 95%.
Prospects and challenges of mini‐LED and micro‐LED displays
Authors: Huang Yuge , Tan Guanjun , Gou Fangwang , Li Ming‐Chun , Lee Seok‐Lyul , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: March 2019

We review the emerging mini/micro–light‐emitting diode (LED) displays featuring high dynamic range and good sunlight readability. For mini‐LED backlit liquid crystal displays (LCDs), we quantitatively evaluate how the device contrast ratio, local dimming zone number, and local light profile affect the image quality. For the emissive mini/micro‐LED displays, the challenges of ambient contrast ratio and size‐dependent power efficiency are analyzed. Two figure‐of‐merits are proposed for optimizing the optical and electrical performances of mini/micro‐LED displays.
Pancreatic Ultrasound: State of the Art
Authors: Ciaravino Valentina , D'Onofrio Mirko
Published: March 2019

An ultrasound (US) study is often the first imaging approach in patients with abdominal symptoms or signs related to abdominal diseases, and it is often part of the routine workup. The pancreatic gland, despite its retroperitoneal site, can be efficiently examined with US thanks to advances in US technologies. Nowadays, a pancreatic US study could be considered complete if multiparametric, including the use of Doppler imaging, US elastography, and contrast‐enhanced imaging for the study of a pancreatic mass. A complete US examination could contribute to a faster diagnosis, especially if the pancreatic lesion is incidentally detected, addressing second‐step imaging modalities correctly.