bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteosarcoma without prior retinoblastoma related to RB1 low‐penetrance germline pathogenic variants: A novel type of RB1‐related hereditary predisposition syndrome?
Authors: Imbert‐Bouteille Marion , Gauthier‐Villars Marion , Leroux Dominique , Meunier Isabelle , Aerts Isabelle , Lumbroso‐Le Rouic Livia , Lejeune Sophie , Delnatte Capucine , Abadie Caroline , Pujol Pascal , Houdayer Claude , Corsini Carole
Published: October 2019

Background

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare intraocular malignant tumor in children with high overall survival. Predisposition to Rb is linked to RB1 germline mutations with high penetrance, but rare RB1 low‐penetrance variants are also known. Rb survivors are at risk of second primary malignancies (SPMs), mostly osteosarcoma and soft‐tissue sarcoma. Nevertheless, the risk of primary osteosarcoma developing without prior Rb has not been reported in RB1 germline mutation carriers.

Methods

We report a patient in whom osteosarcoma developed at age 17 as a first primary malignancy within a family context of sarcoma.

Results

Unexpectedly, genetic testing identified a low‐penetrance germline mutation in RB1 [NM_000321.2: c.45_76dup; p.(Pro26Leufs*50)]. In eight additional similar cases from published and unpublished reports of families, first primary osteosarcomas and sarcomas mostly developed in RB1 low‐penetrance mutation carriers without prior Rb.

Conclusion

We propose that first primary sarcoma and osteosarcoma could be a novel clinical presentation of a RB1‐related hereditary predisposition syndrome linked to RB1 low‐penetrance germline mutations. In these families, careful screening of primary non‐Rb cancer and SPMs is required by maintaining enhanced clinical vigilance. Implementing lifelong periodic whole‐body MRI screening might be a complementary strategy for unaffected carrier relatives in these families.
Clinical value of genetic analysis in prenatal diagnosis of short femur
Authors: Liu Jialiu , Huang Linhuan , He Zhiming , Lin Shaobin , Wang Ye , Luo Yanmin
Published: October 2019

Background

Fetal femur length (FL) is an important biometric index in prenatal screening. The etiology of short femur is diverse, with some pathogenic causes leading to adverse outcomes. To improve the accuracy and practicability of diagnosis, we investigated the value of genetic analysis in prenatal diagnosis of short femur.

Methods

We examined chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) (64 fetuses) and karyotyping (59 fetuses) data retrospectively for short femur without fetal growth restriction (FGR). Genetic testing was conducted for 15 fetuses.

Results

Karyotyping and CMA detected chromosomal aberrations at rates of 13.6% and 27.2%, respectively. Among fetuses with other abnormalities, detection rates were 21.0% higher with CMA than karyotyping. CMA identified chromosomal abnormalities in 36.4% of cases with a FL 2–4 standard deviations (SDs) below the gestational age (GA) mean. Abnormality detection by CMA reached 38.5% in the second trimester. Duplication of 12p, 16p13.1 deletion, and uniparental disomy 16 were identified by CMA in three cases of short femur. Gene sequencing detected clinically notable mutations in 12/15 fetuses, among which 9/12 fetuses had FLs >4 SDs below the GA mean.

Conclusions

CMA yielded a higher detection value than karyotyping in fetuses with other abnormalities or a FL 2–4 SDs below the GA mean during the second trimester. Gene sequencing should be performed when FL is >4 SDs below the mean.
Genetic biomarkers related to hemarthrosis, inflammation, and cartilage structure in pediatric patients with hemophilic arthropathy
Authors: López‐Jiménez José de Jesús , Ortega‐Cervantes Ricardo , Luna‐Záizar Hilda , Fletes‐Rayas Ana‐Lilia , Beltrán‐Miranda Claudia‐Patricia , Troyo‐Sanromán Rogelio , Soto‐Padilla Janet , Tlacuilo‐Parra Alberto , Jaloma‐Cruz Ana‐Rebeca
Published: October 2019

Background

The pathophysiology of hemophilic arthropathy is complex and not completely understood. In this study, we aimed to identify biomarkers that can affect the hemophilic arthropathy severity.

Methods

Fifty patients were analyzed for biomarker frequencies; in 37 patients, articular symptoms were evaluated based on the physical joint examination score, and in 18, it was based on magnetic resonance imaging. Eight polymorphisms, namely FV 1691G>A, FII 20210G>A, MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C, TNFα‐308G>A and ‐238G>A, ACAN VNTR, and IL1RN*2‐VNTR were identified.

Results

Patients with the MTHFR 677TT genotype showed a higher number of affected joints (1.83 ± 0.9 vs. 0.55 ± 0.7 for CC; p = .023), whereas those with the MTHFR 1298AC genotype exhibited higher effusion according to two radiologists (0.90 ± 0.31/1.20 ± 0.63 vs. 0.38 ± 0.52/0.50 ± 0.53 for AA genotype; p = .043/0.036, respectively). In addition, patients with the TNFα‐308GA genotype had more subchondral cysts (0.75 ± 0.95 vs. 0.07 ± 0.26 for GG genotype; p = .041).

Conclusions

The distribution of risk genotypes for MTHFR and TNFα‐308GA suggests their association with clinical parameters of hemophilic arthropathy. Cohort studies are essential to verify these associations.
Non‐Cartesian slice‐GRAPPA and slice‐SPIRiT reconstruction methods for multiband spiral cardiac MRI
Authors: Sun Changyu , Yang Yang , Cai Xiaoying , Salerno Michael , Meyer Craig H. , Weller Daniel , Epstein Frederick H.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Spiral MRI has advantages for cardiac imaging, and multiband (MB) spiral MRI of the heart shows promise. However, current reconstruction methods for MB spiral imaging have limitations. We sought to develop improved reconstruction methods for MB spiral cardiac MRI.

Methods

Two reconstruction methods were developed. The first is non‐Cartesian slice‐GRAPPA (NCSG), which uses phase demodulation and gridding operations before application of a Cartesian slice‐separating kernel. The second method, slice‐SPIRiT, formulates the reconstruction as a minimization problem that enforces in‐plane coil consistency and consistency with the acquired MB data, and uses through‐plane coil sensitivity information in the iterative solution. These methods were compared with conjugate‐gradient SENSE in phantoms and volunteers. Temporal alternation of CAIPIRINHA (controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration) phase and the use of a temporal filter were also investigated.

Results

Phantom experiments with 3 simultaneous slices (MB = 3) showed that mean artifact power was highest for conjugate‐gradient SENSE, lower for NCSG, and lowest for slice‐SPIRiT. For volunteer cine imaging (MB = 3, N = 5), the artifact power was 0.182 ± 0.037, 0.148 ± 0.036, and 0.139 ± 0.034 for conjugate‐gradient SENSE, NCSG, and slice‐SPIRiT, respectively (P < .05, analysis of variance). Temporal alternation of CAIPIRINHA reduced artifacts for both NCSG and slice‐SPIRiT.

Conclusion

The NCSG and slice‐SPIRiT methods provide more accurate reconstructions for MB spiral cine imaging compared with conjugate‐gradient SENSE. These methods hold promise for non‐Cartesian MB imaging.
Management of advanced uni‐ or bilateral retinoblastoma with macroscopic optic nerve invasion
Authors: Choucair Marie‐Louise , Brisse Hervé J. , Fréneaux Paul , Desjardins Laurence , Dorfmüller Georg , Puget Stéphanie , Dendale Rémi , Chevrier Marion , Doz François , Lumbroso‐Le Rouic Livia , Aerts Isabelle
Published: October 2019

Background

Retinoblastoma with macroscopic optic nerve (ON) invasion depicted by imaging at diagnosis remains a major problem and carries a poor prognosis. We sought to describe the treatment and outcome of these high‐risk patients.

Methods

Retrospective mono‐institutional clinical, radiological, and histological review of patients with uni‐ or bilateral retinoblastoma with obvious ON invasion, defined by radiological optic nerve enlargement (RONE) depicted by computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was performed.

Results

Between 1997 and 2014, among the 936 patients with retinoblastoma treated at Institut Curie, 11 had detectable RONE. Retinoblastoma was unilateral in 10 and bilateral in one. Median age at diagnosis was 28 months (range, 11‐96). ON enlargement extended to the orbital portion in three patients, to the optic canal in five, to the prechiasmatic portion in two, and to the optic chiasm in one. Nine patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and partial response was obtained in all. Enucleation was performed in 10/11 patients—by an anterior approach in three and by anterior and subfrontal approaches in seven. Three patients had a positive ON resection margin (2/3 after primary enucleation). All enucleated patients received adjuvant treatment (conventional chemotherapy: 10, high‐dose chemotherapy: seven, radiotherapy: five). Leptomeningeal progression occurred in four patients. Seven are in first complete remission (median follow up: 8 years [3.5‐19.4]).

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and microscopic complete resection have a pivotal role in the management of retinoblastoma with RONE. MRI is recommended for initial and pre‐operative accurate staging. Surgery should be performed by neurosurgeons in case of posterior nerve invasion. Radiotherapy is required in case of incomplete resection.
Universal screening for social determinants of health in pediatric sickle cell disease: A quality‐improvement initiative
Authors: Power‐Hays Alexandra , Li Stephanie , Mensah Akosua , Sobota Amy
Published: October 2019

Background

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Guidelines recommend universal screening for SDoH at clinic visits; however, models that do not require additional resources are limited in subspecialty clinics. Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) face the burdens of chronic illness and often racial disparities, both of which may increase their vulnerability to adverse SDoH. Hematologists can impact both quality of life and clinical outcomes for their patients by implementing screening and referral programs addressing SDoH.

Methods

Through prospective, quality‐improvement methods, we introduced universal screening for SDoH into our pediatric hematology clinic. The intervention was a paper screener followed by a referral to local community organizations for the specific needs endorsed. The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility of universal screening for SDoH in a busy subspeciality clinic using pre‐existing resources to identify the needs of our patients and to facilitate referrals between our patients and community organizations via this low touch intervention.

Results

Between August 2017 and November 2018, 156 screens were completed. Sixty‐six percent were positive for at least one unmet social need for which 80% were referred to a relevant community organization. Forty‐five percent of patients available via follow‐up phone call reached out to the community organization.

Conclusions

There is a high burden of SDoH in families of children with SCD. Universal screening at a pediatric hematology clinic with the subsequent connection of patients with SCD to community resources is feasible using existing clinic resources.
Reduced‐volume tumor‐bed boost is not associated with inferior local control and survival outcomes in high‐risk medulloblastoma
Authors: Tian Sibo , Sudmeier Lisa J. , Zhang Chao , Madden Nicholas A. , Buchwald Zachary S. , Shu Hui‐Kuo G. , Curran Walter J. , Eaton Bree R. , Esiashvili Natia
Published: October 2019

Background

Radiotherapy boost to the entire posterior fossa (PF) is standard of care for high‐risk (H‐R) medulloblastoma patients; the utility of tumor bed (TB)‐only boost is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of PF versus TB boost volume on tumor control and survival in the H‐R medulloblastoma population.

Methods

Single‐institution records for patients with H‐R medulloblastoma were reviewed. The median craniospinal irradiation dose was 36 Gy (range, 23.4‐45 Gy), and boost doses to either PF or TB were 54 to 55.8 Gy. PF (local) failures were scored as in‐field, marginal (between 80% and 95% isodose lines), or distant. Kaplan‐Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards were used to assess the impact of radiation boost technique on local control (LC) and survival endpoints.

Results

Thirty‐two patients with H‐R medulloblastoma were treated between 1990 and 2015, with a median follow‐up length of 5.12 years. Twenty‐two patients received PF boost, and 10 received TB boost. Patient and disease characteristic were comparable between groups. A total of 11 PF failures occurred, including 3 isolated LFs (2 in the PF and 1 in the TB group). Most PF failures were in‐field: three of four in the TB group and six of seven in the PF group; the remainder were marginal failures. TB boost was not associated with inferior LC (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, log‐rank P = 0.81) or overall survival (HR 1.40, P = 0.56) compared with PF boost.

Conclusion

Reduced‐volume radiotherapy boost to the TB does not appear to compromise LC or survival in patients with H‐R medulloblastoma; it may reduce the risk of ototoxicity.
Aliphatic Polyester/polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes Hybrid Networks via Copper‐free 1,3‐dipolar Cycloaddition Click Reaction
Authors: Ozdogan Reyhan , Daglar Ozgun , Durmaz Hakan , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla
Published: October 2019

In this study, we describe the preparation and characterization of a new class of thermoset hybrid networks containing aliphatic polyester and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). The copper‐free 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition click reaction of internal alkyne functionalized aliphatic polyester and multifunctional azido POSS with different concentrations led to highly crosslinked thermoset networks. The click reactions performed under ambient conditions (i.e., in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature for 1 day) in the absence of any catalyst. The chemical composition of hybrid networks and homogenous distribution of POSS molecules were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The swelling ratios of hybrid networks were commonly decreased by increasing POSS‐N3 content and by changing polar solvents to apolar solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrated that the thermal stability of hybrid networks increased with higher POSS feeding ratio. Tensile tests were applied to evaluate the mechanical properties of hybrid networks. Compared to neat aliphatic polyester, the mechanical properties of hybrid networks significantly improved. For instance, the tensile strength were enhanced from 5 MPa to 19 MPa by increasing the concentration of azido functionalized POSS from 10 to 40. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2222–2227
Enhancing the mechanical performance of 3D‐printed basalt fiber‐reinforced composites using in‐line atmospheric plasma pretreatments
Authors: Dowling Denis P. , Abourayana Hisham M. , Brantseva Tatiana , Antonov Andrey , Dobbyn Peter J.
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study is to investigate the use of an air atmospheric plasma jet for the treatment of sized basalt fibers, used in the fabrication of continuous fiber‐reinforced polypropylene filaments. The plasma treatments were carried out both at a laboratory scale, as well as in‐line during the production of fiber‐reinforced filaments. The latter was carried out at a fiber processing speeds of approximately 15 m/s, just immediately before the polymer coating of the fiber by extrusion. After the air plasma treatment, the water contact angle of the sized basalt fiber decreased from 86° to <10°. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the treatment yielded enhanced levels of oxygen functionality on the fiber surface. After coating with polypropylene, it was observed that there was consistently more homogeneous polymer layer deposited onto the plasma‐activated fiber, compared with that on the unactivated control fiber. The resulting polymer filament with embedded basalt fiber was used to fabricate mechanical test specimens by three‐dimensional printing (fused filament fabrication method). Both three‐point bending tests and short beam strength tests were performed. A comparison study was carried out between test specimens fabricated using sized basalt fiber, with and without the plasma pretreatment. The flexural modulus and maximum shear stress were found to increase by 12% and 13%, respectively, for composite's fabricated using the plasma pretreated basalt fibers. This increased mechanical strength is likely to be due to an increase in interfacial bond strength between the polymer and fiber, with an associated reduction in the level of air incorporation around the basalt filaments as demonstrated using computed tomography analysis.
Dynamics of sting‐jet storm Egon over continental Europe: Impact of surface properties and model resolution
Authors: Eisenstein Lea , Pantillon Florian , Knippertz Peter
Published: October 2019

Intense Shapiro–Keyser cyclones are often accompanied by a sting jet (SJ), an air stream that descends from the cloud head into the frontal‐fracture region and can cause extreme surface gusts. Previous case‐studies have concentrated on the North Atlantic and the British Isles. Here we present the first‐ever detailed analysis of an SJ over continental Europe and investigate the influence of topography on its dynamical evolution based on observations and high‐resolution simulations using the ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic model (ICON). Windstorm Egon intensified over the English Channel and then tracked from northern France to Poland on 12–13 January 2017, causing gusts of almost 150 km·h−1 and important damage. ICON reproduces the storm dynamics, although it delays the explosive deepening, shifts the track southward over Belgium and Germany and underestimates gusts over land. Storm characteristics show weak sensitivity to varying grid spacing between 1.6 and 6.5 km, while switching off the convection parametrization at 3.3 km grid spacing improves correlations with surface observations but deteriorates the mean error. Trajectories reveal typical SJ characteristics such as mid‐level descent, strong acceleration and conditional symmetric and other mesoscale instabilities, while evaporative cooling is stronger than in previous cases from the literature, preventing drying during descent. The SJ identification and the occurrence of mesoscale instabilities depend considerably on model resolution, convective parametrization, output frequency and employed thresholds for trajectory selection. Sensitivity experiments with modified surface characteristics show that the combined effects of warm‐air blocking by the Alps, higher roughness over land and reduced surface fluxes cause Egon to fill more quickly and to move on a faster, more northern track across Germany. While the SJ response is complex, showing some compensating effects, surface gusts strongly increase when roughness is reduced. These results suggest that weather forecasters in continental Europe should be more aware of the potential risks associated with SJs.
A pulmonary infection by Actinomyces odontolyticus and Veillonella atypica in an immunocompetent patient with dental caries
Authors: Crisafulli Ernesto , Bernardinello Nicol , Alfieri Veronica , Pellegrino Francesca , Lazzari Chiara , Gnetti Letizia , Chetta Alfredo
Published: October 2019

Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic granulomatous infection, frequently associated with immunocompromised states, but it can also affect healthy people. Here, we report a case of a pulmonary infection by Actinomyces odontolitycus and Veillonella atypica due to a dental caries in an immunocompetent 65‐year‐old man patient.
Towards cross‐regional sustainable development: The nexus between information and communication technology, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions
Authors: Danish  , Zhang Jianwu , Wang Bo , Latif Zahid
Published: October 2019

The environmental impact of information and communication technology (ICT) has drawn increasing attention for two decades. The behaviour of ICT is positive towards economic growth; however, its environmental implications cannot be ignored. This empirical research explores the roles of ICT, economic growth, and energy consumption in environmental pollution across different regions from 1990 to 2015. Robust long‐run panel data estimation methods fully modified ordinary least square and dynamic ordinary least square and Driscoll–Kraay regression are applied. To summarise the results, ICT reduces the level of CO2 emissions across high‐ and middle‐income countries; however, contrary to this, ICT increases CO2 emissions in low‐income countries. Also, energy consumption is responsible for the increase in CO2 emissions in all income groups as expected. Finally, the environmental Kuznets curve is proved in all income groups. It is inferred that high‐ and middle‐income regions of the world have achieved a level of environmental sustainability in the significance of ICT, but this is not the case in low‐income countries.
The performance effects of creative imitation on original products: Evidence from lab and field experiments
Authors: Wang Liangyan , Wu Brian , Pechmann Cornelia , Wang Yitong
Published: October 2019

Research Summary

A market entrant often challenges the incumbent using creative imitation: The entrant creatively combines imitated aspects of the original with its own innovative characteristics to create a distinct offering. Using lab and field experiments to examine creative imitation in China, we find the effects of creative imitations on the originals depend on the creative imitation's quality. We explore the underlying mechanisms, and show that including a low‐quality creative imitation in the retail choice set increases satisfaction with and choice of the original, while a moderate‐quality creative imitation does the opposite. Moreover, creative imitation affects consumers' satisfaction with the original by influencing whether their experience with the original verifies their expectations. Our paper reveals creative imitation effects to help incumbent firms effectively address them.

Managerial Summary

When the incumbent is challenged by an entrant using creative imitation, consumers may react differently to the incumbent, and understanding consumers' reactions allows the incumbent to make better strategic decisions about how to address the challenge. Using lab and field experiments, we investigate creative imitations with two quality levels common in our empirical context, low quality and moderate quality, and examine how and why they differentially affect the originals. We find the presence of a low‐quality creative imitation actually increased choice of the original by enhancing consumers' satisfaction with it, while a moderate‐quality creative imitation reduced choice of the original by undermining satisfaction with it. Our research suggests the incumbent should address moderate‐quality creative imitations' challenges to customer satisfaction, while temporarily tolerating low‐quality creative imitations.
Luminescence Lifetime–Based In Vivo Detection with Responsive Rare Earth–Dye Nanocomposite
Authors: Kong Mengya , Gu Yuyang , Liu Yulai , Shi Yibing , Wu Na , Feng Wei , Li Fuyou
Published: October 2019

For years, luminescence lifetime imaging has served as a quantitative tool in indicating intracellular components and activities. However, very few studies involve the in vivo study of animals, especially in vivo stimuli‐responsive activities of animals, as both excitation and emission wavelengths should fall into the near‐infrared (NIR) optical transparent window (660–950 and 1000–1500 nm). Herein, this work reports a lifetime‐responsive nanocomposite with both excitation and emission in the NIR I window (800 nm) and lifetime in the microsecond region. The incorporation of Tm3+‐doped rare‐earth nanocrystals and NIR dye builds an efficient energy transfer pathway that enables a tunable luminescence lifetime range. The NaYF4:Tm nanocrystal, which absorbs and emits photons at the same energy level, is found to be 33 times brighter than optimized core–shell upconversion nanocrystals, and proved to be an effective donor for NIR luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET). The anti‐interference capability of luminescence lifetime signals is further confirmed by luminescence and lifetime imaging. In vivo studies also verify the lifetime response upon stimulation generated in an arthritis mouse model. This work introduces an intriguing tool for luminescence lifetime–based sensing in the microsecond region.
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Dystrophin Restoration Reveals a Novel Role for Dystrophin in Bioenergetics and Stress Resistance of Muscle Progenitors
Authors: Matre Polina R. , Mu Xiaodong , Wu Jianbo , Danila Delia , Hall Mary A. , Kolonin Mikhail G. , Darabi Radbod , Huard Johnny
Published: October 2019

Although the lack of dystrophin expression in muscle myofibers is the central cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), accumulating evidence suggests that DMD may also be a stem cell disease. Recent studies have revealed dystrophin expression in satellite cells and demonstrated that dystrophin deficiency is directly related to abnormalities in satellite cell polarity, asymmetric division, and epigenetic regulation, thus contributing to the manifestation of the DMD phenotype. Although metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunctions have also been associated with the DMD pathophysiology profile, interestingly, the role of dystrophin with respect to stem cells dysfunction has not been elucidated. In the past few years, editing of the gene that encodes dystrophin has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for DMD, although the effects of dystrophin restoration in stem cells have not been addressed. Herein, we describe our use of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9-based system to correct the dystrophin mutation in dystrophic (mdx) muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) and show that the expression of dystrophin significantly improved cellular properties of the mdx MPCs in vitro. Our findings reveal that dystrophin-restored mdx MPCs demonstrated improvements in cell proliferation, differentiation, bioenergetics, and resistance to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, our in vivo studies demonstrated improved transplantation efficiency of the corrected MPCs in the muscles of mdx mice. Our results indicate that changes in cellular energetics and stress resistance via dystrophin restoration enhance muscle progenitor cell function, further validating that dystrophin plays a role in stem cell function and demonstrating the potential for new therapeutic approaches for DMD. Stem Cells  2019;37:1615–1628
Effects of key parameters on fluidity and compressive strength of ultra‐high performance concrete
Authors: Chang Wei , Zheng Wenzhong
Published: October 2019

The compositions and curing regimes have significant effects on the compressive strength and the fluidity of ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC). Fifty‐eight mixtures were examined to determine the effects of key factors on the fluidity and the compressive strength of UHPC. These parameters include water‐binder ratio, cement strength, steel fiber content, fly ash content, nanoparticles content, silica fume grade, and curing regimes. The fluidity of UHPC was in the ranges 122–237 mm, while the 28d compressive strength on 70.7 mm cube specimens of UHPC were in the ranges 77–211 MPa. The results showed that fly ash and nanoparticles had significant effects on the fluidity and slight effects on the compressive strength; silica fume grade had slight effects on both the compressive strength and the fluidity; the water to binder ratio, curing regimes, and steel fiber had noticeable effects on the compressive strength. Based on results, the influence coefficients of the investigated key parameters were obtained by regression analysis. Furthermore, the prediction models of the fluidity and the compressive strength of UHPC were proposed by combining the influence coefficients of the investigated key parameters. Therefore, the prediction models can be utilized to optimize the proportions of UHPC mixtures within the ranges of the investigated parameters.
Negotiation of Meaning in Digital L2 Learning Interaction: Task Design Versus Task Performance
Authors: Van der Zwaard Rose , Bannink Anne
Published: October 2019

In this microanalytical study, designed as part of an interdisciplinary and intercultural virtual exchange project for undergraduate students, the authors investigate the correlation between task design on the one hand and participant interaction during task performance on the other. The task created for this study consisted of 12 low‐frequency vocabulary terms nonnative speakers (NNS) were expected to negotiate with their native speaker (NS) counterparts in order to reach mutual understanding and to complete the task successfully. Six NS‐NNS dyads (N = 12) carried out the task, each using both videoconferencing (Skype) and text‐based real‐time chat during the same session in a counterbalanced design. It was found that (a) if a task consists of multiple items to be exchanged, with multiple triggers of potential nonunderstanding, the NNS response gradually moves from task‐appropriate response to face‐appropriate response during the course of an ongoing task session; (b) in order to ensure successful task completion, the NS tends to respond to NNS face‐appropriate behaviour with responses that are both face‐ and task‐appropriate; and (c) NNS nonunderstanding of a particular target item shapes the expectations of both NS and NNS concerning the next task item.
Protective effects of galangin against H2O2‐induced aging via the IGF‐1 signaling pathway in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Wen Su‐Ying , Chen Jia‐Yi , Chen Chih‐Jung , Huang Chih‐Yang , Kuo Wei‐Wen
Published: October 2019

Galangin, a natural flavonol, has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative potential. However, the cytoprotective effects of galangin against oxidative‐induced aging in human fibroblasts have not been well studied. IGF‐1 signaling pathway is associated with the control of aging and longevity in human. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of galangin on human skin fibroblast HS68 cells under H2O2 exposure to induce aging. In this study, we demonstrate that galangin could decrease the levels of pro‐inflammatory proteins and enhanced collagen formation through promoting the IGF‐1R pathway. Furthermore, aging markers such as senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase p53, p21Cip1/WAF1, and p16INK4A were upregulated under H2O2 exposure and galangin could reverse its effects. Taken together, these data indicated that anti‐inflammatory and antiaging activities of galangin may be mediated through the IGF‐1R signaling pathway. These findings may provide the evidence for galangin to develop as an antiwrinkle product on human skin.
The diagnosis and management of men with low sperm motility
Authors: Lobo Niyati , Satchi Maria
Published: October 2019

Investigations into infertility typically start with semen analysis. In this article the authors describe the diagnostic criteria, potential causes and approaches to the management of low sperm motility.
Vaginal laxity: which measure of levator ani distensibility is most predictive?
Authors: Manzini C. , Friedman T. , Turel F. , Dietz H. P.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To assess the predictive value of measures of levator hiatal distension at rest and on maximum Valsalva maneuver for symptoms of vaginal laxity.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women seen at a tertiary urogynecological unit. All women underwent a standardized interview, clinical examination and four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound examination. Area, anteroposterior diameter (APD) and coronal diameter (CD) of the levator hiatus were measured at rest and on maximum Valsalva maneuver in the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions using the rendered volume technique, by an operator blinded to all clinical data. The association between levator hiatal measurements and vaginal laxity was assessed, and receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC)‐curve analysis was used to determine their predictive value.

Results

Data from 490 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 58 (range, 18–88) years, and vaginal laxity was reported by 111 (23%) women. Measurements obtained on maximum Valsalva were significantly larger in women who reported vaginal laxity than in those who did not, with mean levator hiatal area, APD and CD of 30.45 ± 8.74 cm2, 7.24 ± 1.16 cm and 5.60 ± 0.89 cm, respectively, in the vaginal‐laxity group, compared with 24.84 ± 8.63 cm2, 6.64 ± 1.22 cm and 5.01 ± 0.97 cm in the no‐laxity group (P < 0.001 for all). Measurements obtained at rest were not significantly different between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for age, body mass index, vaginal parity and levator avulsion confirmed these results. The best regression model for the prediction of vaginal laxity included age, vaginal parity and levator hiatal area on maximum Valsalva. ROC‐curve analysis of levator hiatal measurements on maximum Valsalva in the prediction of vaginal laxity demonstrated areas under the curve of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.63–0.73) for area, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.57–0.68) for APD and 0.68 (95% CI, 0.62–0.73) for
CD.

Conclusions

Levator hiatal area on maximum Valsalva seems to be the measure of levator ani distensibility that is most predictive of symptoms of vaginal laxity. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
How dark is a river? Artificial light at night in aquatic systems and the need for comprehensive night‐time light measurements
Authors: Jechow Andreas , Hölker Franz
Published: October 2019

Freshwater ecosystems are hotspots of biodiversity. They are of major importance for humans because they provide vital ecosystem services. However, as humans tend to settle near freshwaters and coastal areas, these ecosystems are also over‐proportionally affected by anthropogenic stressors. Artificial light at night can occur as a form of environmental pollution, light pollution. Light pollution affects large areas on a worldwide scale, is growing exponentially in radiance and extent and can have diverse negative effects on flora, fauna and on human health. While the majority of ecological studies on artificial light at night covered terrestrial systems, the studies on aquatic light pollution have unraveled impact on aquatic organisms, ecosystem functions as well as land‐water‐interactions. Although monitoring of light pollution is routinely performed from space and supported by ground‐based measurements, the extent and the amount of artificial light at night affecting water bodies is still largely unknown. This information, however, is essential for the design of future laboratory and field experiments, to guide light planners and to give recommendations for light pollution regulations. We analyze this knowledge gap by reviewing night‐time light measurement techniques and discuss their current obstacles in the context of water bodies. We also provide an overview of light pollution studies in the aquatic context. Finally, we give recommendations on how comprehensive night‐time light measurements in aquatic systems, specifically in freshwater systems, should be designed in the future.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Water and Life > Methods
The role of sex in particle‐induced inflammation and injury
Authors: Ray Jessica L. , Fletcher Paige , Burmeister Rachel , Holian Andrij
Published: October 2019

The use of engineered nanomaterials within various applications such as medicine, electronics, and cosmetics has been steadily increasing; therefore, the rate of occupational and environmental exposures has also increased. Inhalation is an important route of exposure to nanomaterials and has been shown to cause various respiratory diseases in animal models. Human lung disease frequently presents with a sex/gender‐bias in prevalence or severity, but investigation of potential sex‐differences in the adverse health outcomes associated with nanoparticle inhalation is greatly lacking. Only ~20% of basic research in the general sciences use both male and female animals and a substantial percentage of these do not address differences between sexes within their analyses. This has prevented researchers from fully understanding the impact of sex‐based variables on health and disease, particularly the pathologies resulting from the inhalation of particles. The mechanisms responsible for sex‐differences in respiratory disease remain unclear, but could be related to a number of variables including sex‐differences in hormone signaling, lung physiology, or respiratory immune function. By incorporating sex‐based analysis into respiratory nanotoxicology and utilizing human data from other relevant particles (e.g., asbestos, silica, particulate matter), we can improve our understanding of sex as a biological variable in nanoparticle exposures.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Retrospective qualitative pilot study incorporating patients’ personal life aspects on admission to palliative care
Authors: Kitta Anna , Adamidis Feroniki , Unseld Matthias , Watzke Herbert H. , Masel Eva Katharina
Published: October 2019

Background

This pilot study examined which of a patient’s personal aspects should be taken into account in a hospital setting on admission to the palliative care unit (PCU) by asking patients the question “what should I know about you as a person to help me take the best care of you that I can?”

Methods

This retrospective study used qualitative methodology to thematically analyze answers from 14 patients admitted to the PCU of the Medical University of Vienna during July and August 2018. The question “what should I know about you as a person to help me take the best care of you that I can?” was asked on the day of admission, notes were taken during the interview and the patient’s answers were written out immediately afterwards. Data were analyzed using NVivo 12.

Results

Results revealed four topics: characterization of one’s personality, important activities, social bonding, and present and future concerns regarding the patient’s illness. Data showed that this question enabled patients to describe themselves and what was important to them. This might result in an improved sense of self-esteem in patients and represents an opportunity for professionals to treat patients in a more individualized manner; however, patient reactions also revealed a reluctance to address certain personal issues within a medical context.

Conclusion

The study results provide insights into the benefits of paying more attention to personal life aspects of severely ill patients on admission to a PCU. Addressing individual aspects of patients’ lives might improve the healthcare professional-patient relationship.
HapticSnakes: multi-haptic feedback wearable robots for immersive virtual reality
Authors: Al-Sada Mohammed , Jiang Keren , Ranade Shubhankar , Kalkattawi Mohammed , Nakajima Tatsuo
Published: October 2019

Haptic feedback plays a large role in enhancing immersion and presence in VR. However, previous research and commercial products have limitations in terms of variety and locations of delivered feedbacks. To address these challenges, we present HapticSnakes, which are snake-like waist-worn robots that can deliver multiple types of feedback in various body locations, including taps-, gestures-, airflow-, brushing- and gripper-based feedbacks. We developed two robots, one is lightweight and suitable for taps and gestures, while the other is capable of multiple types of feedback. We presented a design space based on our implementations and conducted two evaluations. Since taps are versatile, easy to deliver and largely unexplored, our first evaluation focused on distinguishability of tap strengths and locations on the front and back torso. Participants had highest accuracy in distinguishing feedback on the uppermost regions and had superior overall accuracy in distinguishing feedback strengths over locations. Our second user study investigated HapticSnakes’ ability to deliver multiple feedback types within VR experiences, as well as users’ impressions of wearing our robots and receiving novel feedback in VR. The results indicate that participants had distinct preferences for feedbacks and were in favor of using our robots throughout. Based on the results of our evaluations, we extract design considerations and discuss research challenges and opportunities for developing multi-haptic feedback robots.
A population-specific material model for sagittal craniosynostosis to predict surgical shape outcomes
Authors: Borghi Alessandro , Rodriguez Florez Naiara , Ruggiero Federica , James Greg , O’Hara Justine , Ong Juling , Jeelani Owase , Dunaway David , Schievano Silvia
Published: October 2019

Sagittal craniosynostosis consists of premature fusion (ossification) of the sagittal suture during infancy, resulting in head deformity and brain growth restriction. Spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC) entails skull incisions to free the fused suture and insertion of two springs (metallic distractors) to promote cranial reshaping. Although safe and effective, SAC outcomes remain uncertain. We aimed hereby to obtain and validate a skull material model for SAC outcome prediction. Computed tomography data relative to 18 patients were processed to simulate surgical cuts and spring location. A rescaling model for age matching was created using retrospective data and validated. Design of experiments was used to assess the effect of different material property parameters on the model output. Subsequent material optimization—using retrospective clinical spring measurements—was performed for nine patients. A population-derived material model was obtained and applied to the whole population. Results showed that bone Young’s modulus and relaxation modulus had the largest effect on the model predictions: the use of the population-derived material model had a negligible effect on improving the prediction of on-table opening while significantly improved the prediction of spring kinematics at follow-up. The model was validated using on-table 3D scans for nine patients: the predicted head shape approximated within 2 mm the 3D scan model in 80% of the surface points, in 8 out of 9 patients. The accuracy and reliability of the developed computational model of SAC were increased using population data: this tool is now ready for prospective clinical application.
Fabrication process parameters significantly affect the perovskite oxygen carriers materials (OCM) performance in chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU)
Authors: Larring Yngve , Pishahang Mehdi , Tolchard Julian , Lind Anna M. , Sunding Martin F. , Stensrød Ruth E. , Jacobs Marijke , Snijkers Frans , van der Kolk Tjalling , Albertsen Knuth
Published: October 2019

The CLOU performance of the CaTixMn0.9−xMg0.1O3 (CMTM) perovskite-type system was investigated, comparing materials produced at laboratory scale with those made at industrial ton scale. The CLOU and conversion performances were studied by a micropacked bed reactor, and crystalline phase structure and homogeneity and bulk density identified as the most important parameters affecting the performance of the OCM. Bulk density is correlated with the sintering temperature, atmosphere and time at sintering temperature, while phase homogeneity is a function of the raw materials chosen, agglomeration method and sintering procedure. Specific challenges are identified in the control of slurry homogeneity and sintering conditions in upscaled production. The degree of sintering affects the chemo-mechanical properties of the material (crushing strength and attrition index), physical properties (specific surface area), and more importantly the crystalline phases formed and their homogeneity: the quantity of “active” crystalline phases present directly determines the thermochemical conversion properties (i.e., CLOU capacity and methane conversion), oxygen transfer capacity and kinetics.

Graphic abstract

The fabrication parameters of the otherwise same ingredients result in quite different morphology and quality of performance in large scale.
Promoter activity of earthworm metallothionein in mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Drechsel Victoria , Fiechtner Birgit , Höckner Martina
Published: October 2019

The regulation of metallothionein (MT) gene expression as important part of the detoxification machinery is only scarcely known in invertebrates. In vertebrates, MT gene activation is mediated by the metal-transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) binding to metal response elements (MREs). In invertebrates, the mechanisms of MT gene activation seems to be more diverse. In some invertebrate species, MTF-1 orthologues as well as their ability to activate MT genes via MREs have been uncovered. Although earthworm MTs have been well studied, a MTF-1 orthologue has not yet been described and MT gene activation mechanisms are largely unknown. Analyses of the earthworm wMT2 promoter by reporter gene assays have been performed. We could show that the wMT2 promoter was active in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH/3T3) as well as in mouse MTF-1−/−cells (DKO7). The presence of mouse MTF-1 (mMTF1) led to a significant increase in reporter gene activity. We observed that cadmium as well as zinc had an effect on promoter activity. In the presence of zinc, promoter activity doubled in NIH cells, however, we did not observe a significant effect in the DKO7 cell line. Cadmium decreased promoter activity in DKO7 cells, but this effect could be reversed by providing mMTF1 in a co-transfection experiment. We suggest that MT gene expression in the earthworm is not entirely dependent on a MRE binding protein. Interestingly, the shortest promoter fragment including MRE1 showed the highest promoter activity under control conditions.
Treatment of By-Products Generated from Anaerobic Digestion of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Seruga Przemysław , Krzywonos Małgorzata , Wilk Marta
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the possibilities of the treatment of the by-products generated in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW): oxygen stabilization (composting) of the solid digestate and pretreatment with air stripping of the effluents (liquid digestate and leachate from maturation field and reactors from composting).

Methods

Oxygen stabilization (OS) was performed in full-scale in a mechanical–biological treatment (MBT) plant using three different methods, using an open field or enclosed box reactor with aeration. The ammonia stripping was performed in a pilot-scale installation using effluents from AD (liquid digestate) and OS (leachate from maturation field and reactors).

Results

The lowest self-heating possibility after the OS was recorded at 28.5 °C, which proves that the most stabilized was the sample after processing with structuring material addition. Due to air stripping, the highest efficiency of ammonium ions removal was noted at the level of 50.6%, with an initial pH value of 10.5, after 12 h. Among the examined factors pH value was found to be significant [the determination coefficient (R2) of 0.93].

Conclusions

The oxygen stabilization of the digestate requires the structuring material addition before being placed in the reactor with aeration. The inert fraction from the ballistic separation of the OFMSW can be an interesting solution, as required structuring material. Air stripping as the effluents pre-treatment step can meet the MBT plants expectations.

Graphic Abstract