bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmission Project Siting—Don't Ignore the Public in Participation
Authors: DeCotis Paul A. , Cartwright Echo D.
Published: April 2020

Policy discussions continue across the country over which power‐generation sources and technologies will be the “silver bullet” needed to ensure electric system reliability and meet future energy demands while also reducing carbon emissions, and mitigating the increasing impacts of climate change. Many states are setting aggressive climate‐mitigation goals, which include the rapid deployment of renewable energy generation over the next 10 to 20 years to achieve these goals. As these discussions and policy initiatives unfold, one significant issue remains—the exiting transmission and distribution (T&D) in the United States needs significant investment to accommodate increased intermittent resources. This is increasingly important to ensure grid reliability resiliency as “100‐year‐storms” occur with greater frequency. And, as transmission projects are proposed, outreach to host communities by utilities, project developers, and policymakers will be paramount to successful project completion.
Regulatory Challenges Facing Renewable Natural Gas
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: April 2020

Natural gas is coming increasingly under attack by policymakers and elected officials who are embracing “electrification only” as a means of reaching state clean energy and climate‐mitigation goals. Achieving these goals may mean reducing the use of natural gas as a residential and industrial fuel. Earlier this year, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) launched a new rulemaking to address the state's transition away from natural gas. The commission will address issues related to stranded assets and cost recovery, and unfair shifting of costs among different customer classes. Other state public utility commissions in New Jersey and New York may follow shortly, given their increasing opposition to interstate natural gas pipelines that would serve their residents and businesses.
Formation of Late Cretaceous high‐Mg granitoid porphyry in central Lhasa, Tibet: Implications for crustal thickening prior to India–Asia collision
Authors: Dai Zuo‐Wen , Huang Han‐Xiao , Li Guang‐Ming , Huizenga Jan‐Marten , Santosh M. , Cao Hua‐Wen , Huang Chun‐Mei , Ding Jun
Published: April 2020

The Tibetan Plateau is characterized by the largest crustal thickness on Earth, although the timing of formation of the plateau remains debated. In this study, we present in situ laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopes, and whole‐rock geochemical data on porphyritic granitoids of Sebuta in the central Lhasa block. Our zircon U–Pb data indicate that these rocks emplaced at ca. 89 Ma, in the early Late Cretaceous. Geochemically, the Sebuta biotite granite porphyry can be broadly divided into two subtypes, namely metaluminous porphyry and peraluminous porphyry. The metaluminous porphyry has high SiO2, Al2O3, Sr, low Y and Yb contents, and high Sr/Y and LaN/YbN ratios, showing adakitic features. These rocks have high K2O and Th contents, low Ti/Eu and Nd/Sm ratios, indicative of a continental crust affinity. Positive zircon εHf(t) values, along with high Mg#, Cr and Ni, imply that the Sebuta adakitic porphyry was most likely derived from partial melting of a delaminated thickened juvenile lower crust, and that the initial melts interacted with mantle peridotite during ascent. The field features, petrographic characteristics, formation age, ore‐bearing potential, and Hf isotope of the peraluminous porphyry are similar to those of the Sebuta adakitic porphyry, indicating that the peraluminous porphyry was likely formed by contamination with ancient crustal material and fractional crystallization from the same primary adakitic magmas which generated the Sebuta adakitic porphyry. Residual phases of amphibole + plagioclase + garnet + rutile in the source region, together with previous studies, suggest that the crust beneath the central‐northern Lhasa block experienced thickening during the early Late Cretaceous, and had already been thickened to more than 50 km by the Late Cretaceous (ca. 89 Ma).
Relationship between executive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms and impaired instrumental activities of daily living among patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ikezaki Hiroto , Hashimoto Mamoru , Ishikawa Tomohisa , Fukuhara Ryuji , Tanaka Hibiki , Yuki Seiji , Kuribayashi Koichiro , Hotta Maki , Koyama Asuka , Ikeda Manabu , Takebayashi Minoru
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience a gradual loss in their ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) from the early stage. A better understanding of the possible factors associated with IADL decline is important for the development of effective rehabilitation and support programs for patients with AD. Thus, we examined the relationships between comprehensive cognitive functions and neuropsychiatric symptoms and IADLs in patients with very mild AD.

Methods

In total, 230 outpatients with probable AD were recruited from the Memory Clinic at Kumamoto University Hospital between May 2007 and October 2016. All patients scored ≥21 points on the Mini‐Mental State Examination at the first assessment. Relationships between the subdomains of the Lawton IADL scale and neuropsychological/neuropsychiatric tests were examined by multiple regression analysis. All analyses were performed separately in men and women.

Results

In female patients, scores on the Frontal Assessment Battery were significantly associated with telephone use ability, shopping, and ability to handle finances. Apathy scores in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) were associated with telephone use ability, housekeeping, responsibility for own medications, and ability to handle finances. NPI agitation scores were associated with food preparation and housekeeping. Geriatric Depression Scale scores were associated with telephone use ability and ability to handle finances. In male patients, only NPI apathy scores were associated with telephone use ability.

Conclusions

These results suggest the importance of properly assessing executive function, depression, and apathy at interventions for impaired IADLs among female patients with very mild AD.
Activation energy and binary chemical reaction on unsteady MHD Williamson nanofluid containing motile gyrotactic micro‐organisms
Authors: De Poulomi , Gorji Mohammad Rahimi
Published: April 2020

The author presents the influence of Arrhenius activation energy and binary chemical reaction on an unsteady magnetohydrodynamics Williamson nanofluid with motile gyrotactic micro‐organisms. The governing equations are converted to coupled ordinary differential equations with similarity transformations and the fifth‐order Runge‐Kutta Fehlberg method and the shooting algorithm is applied to solve these equations using the appropriate boundary conditions. A detailed investigation considering the effects of different physical parameters on the profiles like velocity, temperature, concentration, and density of motile gyrotactic micro‐organisms was done and plotted graphically. It is found that the thermal boundary layer enhances for the chemical reaction rate and the solutal boundary layer increases for activation energy. Furthermore, the nondimensional Williamson parameter reduces for the velocity profile. The author studied the wall temperature gradient of different fluids and found that temperature gradient decreased for the present study. Comparisons of the present result with published work were done to verify the present code.
Hydrogeology of desert springs in the Panamint Range, California,USA: Geologic controls on the geochemical kinetics, flowpaths, and mean residence times of springs
Authors: Gleason Carolyn L. , Frisbee Marty D. , Rademacher Laura K. , Sada Donald W. , Meyers Zachary P. , Knott Jeffrey R. , Hedlund Brian P.
Published: April 2020

Over 180 springs emerge in the Panamint Range near Death Valley National Park, CA, yet, these springs have received very little hydrogeological attention despite their cultural, historical, and ecological importance. Here, we address the following questions: (1) which rock units support groundwater flow to springs in the Panamint Range, (2) what are the geochemical kinetics of these aquifers, and (3) and what are the residence times of these springs? All springs are at least partly supported by recharge in and flow through dolomitic units, namely, the Noonday Dolomite, Kingston Peak Formation, and Johnnie Formation. Thus, the geochemical composition of springs can largely be explained by dedolomitization: the dissolution of dolomite and gypsum with concurrent precipitation of calcite. However, interactions with hydrothermal deposits have likely influenced the geochemical composition of Thorndike Spring, Uppermost Spring, Hanaupah Canyon springs, and Trail Canyon springs. Faults are important controls on spring emergence. Seventeen of twenty‐one sampled springs emerge at faults (13 emerge at low‐angle detachment faults). On the eastern side of the Panamint Range, springs emerge where low‐angle faults intersect nearly vertical Late Proterozoic, Cambrian, and Ordovician sedimentary units. These geologic units are not present on the western side of the Panamint Range. Instead, springs on the west side emerge where low‐angle faults intersect Cenozoic breccias and fanglomerates. Mean residence times of springs range from 33 (±30) to 1,829 (±613) years. A total of 11 springs have relatively short mean residence times less than 500 years, whereas seven springs have mean residence times greater than 1,000 years. We infer that the Panamint Range springs are extremely vulnerable to climate change due to their dependence on local recharge, disconnection from regional groundwater flow (Death Valley Regional Flow System ‐ DVRFS), and relatively short mean residence times as compared with springs that are supported by the DVRFS (e.g., springs in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge). In fact, four springs were not flowing during this campaign, yet they were flowing in the 1990s and 2000s.
Familial testicular germ cell tumors in two brothers
Authors: Hoshi Senji , Bilim Vladimir , Hoshi Kiyotsugu , Sasagawa Isoji , Otake Kotarou , Chiba Daigo , Suenaga Shinta , Konno Masahito , Katsumata Yuki , Morozumi Kento , Takemoto Jun , Numahata Kenji , Ito Keiichi
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Two percent of testicular germ cell tumors occur in family clusters. Here, we report metachronous testicular germ cell tumors in two brothers.

Case presentation

An elder brother was diagnosed at the age of 30 years old and the pathological diagnosis was mixed testicular germ cell tumor. A tumor in the younger brother was suspected during testicular self‐examination. It was confirmed by ultrasound examination at the age of 30 years old, 3 years and 6 months after the diagnosis of the testicular tumor in elder brother. The pathological diagnosis was pure seminoma. Both brothers had stage 1 testicular germ cell tumors and no recurrence was observed during the follow‐up period of 4 years and 4 months and 10 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Various histological types of tumor can occur in members of one family. Besides genetic predisposition, shared diet, environmental exposure and other factors can contribute to the familial testicular cancer. Testicular self‐examination is recommended for family members of a person with testicular germ cell tumor.
Contributions of Dickkopf‐1 to Obesity‐Induced Bone Loss and Marrow Adiposity
Authors: Colditz Juliane , Picke Ann‐Kristin , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Rauner Martina
Published: April 2020

Low bone strength in overweight individuals is a significant medical problem. One important determinant of mesenchymal stem cell fate into osteoblasts or adipocytes is the Wnt signaling pathway. We recently showed that Dickkopf‐1 (DKK1), a potent Wnt inhibitor, is upregulated in obese mice. In this study, we investigated the role of DKK1 in the pathogenesis of obesity‐induced bone loss using global and tissue‐specific KO mice. Obesity was induced in 8‐week‐old male mice with an inducible global (Rosa26‐CreERT2) or osteoprogenitor‐ (Osx–Cre‐) specific deletion ofDkk1with a high‐fat diet (HFD) containing 60% fat. After 12 weeks, body weight, bone volume, bone fat mass, and bone turnover were assessed.Dkk1fl/fl;Rosa26‐CreERT2mice experienced a similar increase in body weight and white fat pads as control mice. A HFD significantly reduced trabecular bone mass and the bone formation rate in Cre‐ mice andDkk1fl/fl;Rosa26‐CreERT2mice. Interestingly,Dkk1fl/fl;Rosa26‐CreERT2mice were protected from HFD‐induced cortical bone loss. Furthermore, a HFD was associated with increased bone marrow fat in the femur, which was less pronounced inDkk1fl/fl;Rosa26‐CreERT2mice. Mice with an osteoprogenitor‐specificDkk1deletion showed similar results as the global knockout, showing a protection against HFD‐induced cortical bone loss and an accumulation of bone marrow fat, but a similar decrease in trabecular bone volume. In summary, DKK1 appears to contribute distinctly to cortical, but not trabecular bone loss in obesity. © 2020 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Brain-Derived Acetylcholine Maintains Peak Bone Mass in Adult Female Mice
Authors: Ma Yun , Elefteriou Florent
Published: April 2020

Preclinical and clinical data support a role of the sympathetic nervous system in the regulation of bone remodeling, but the contribution of parasympathetic arm of the autonomic nervous system to bone homeostasis remains less studied. In this study, we sought to determine whether acetylcholine (ACh) contributes to the regulation of bone remodeling after peak bone mass acquisition. We show that reduced central ACh synthesis in mice heterozygous for the choline transporter (ChT) leads to a decrease in bone mass in young female mice, thus independently confirming the previously reported beneficial effect of ACh signaling on bone mass accrual. Increasing brain ACh levels through the use of the blood brain barrier (BBB)-permeable acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) galantamine increased trabecular bone mass in adult female mice, whereas a peripheral increase in ACh levels induced by the BBB-impermeable AChEI pyridostigmine caused trabecular bone loss. AChEIs did not alter skeletal norepinephrine level, and induced an overall increase in osteoblast and osteoclast densities, two findings that do not support a reduction in sympathetic outflow as the mechanism involved in the pro-anabolic effect of galantamine on the skeleton. In addition, we did not detect changes in the commitment of skeletal progenitor cells to the osteoblast lineage in vivo in AChEI-treated mice, nor a direct impact of these drugs in vitro on the survival and differentiation of osteoblast and osteoclast progenitors. Last, ChT heterozygosity and galantamine treatment triggered bone changes in female mice only, thus revealing the existence of a gender-specific skeletal response to brain ACh level. In conclusion, this study supports the stimulatory effect of central ACh on bone mass accrual, shows that it also promotes peak bone mass maintenance in adult mice, and suggests that central ACh regulates bone mass via different mechanisms in growing versus sexually mature mice. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
MiR‐23b functions as an oncogenic miRNA by downregulating Mcl‐1S in lung cancer cell line A549
Authors: Wang Ling , Hu Zhiyi , Guo Qi , Yang Litao , Pang Yuling , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

It has been reported that microRNA‐23b (miR‐23b) plays a role in multiple cancers, while its impact on lung cancer has not been comprehensively known. Our study explored the probable impacts of miR‐23b on lung cancer cells. Expression of miR‐23b was assessed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. After miR‐23b mimic, inhibitor, and their own control were transfected into A549 cells, cell viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated through different experimental methods. The targeting contact between miR‐23b and myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (Mcl‐1) was investigated applying dual‐luciferase activity assay. In addition, the modulatory impacts of miR‐23b on the splicing variants of Mcl‐1 (Mcl‐1S and Mcl‐1L) were explored. MiR‐23b was highly expressed in lung cancer cells compared with normal lung cells. Increased expression of miR‐23b promoted A549 cell viability, migration, invasion, and EMT. However, miR‐23b silencing produced the opposite results. Mcl‐1 has been proven to be a specialized target of miR‐23b. Compared with the reduction of Mcl‐1S induced by miR‐23b overexpression, Mcl‐1L showed negligible interaction with miR‐23b. Moreover, the antitumor activities of miR‐23b silencing were alleviated by Mcl‐1S silencing. The blockage of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription protein (JAK/STAT) and Wnt/β‐catenin induced by miR‐23b silencing was reversed by Mcl‐1S silencing. MiR‐23b might be an up‐and‐coming biomarker of lung cancer. In addition, miR‐23b was involved in the tumor‐promoting effects and the mobilization of JAK/STAT and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways through the reduction of Mcl‐1S.
MkVsites: A tool for creating GROMACS virtual sites parameters to increase performance in all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Larsson Per , Kneiszl Rosita C. , Marklund Erik G.
Published: April 2020

The absolute performance of any all‐atom molecular dynamics simulation is typically limited by the length of the individual timesteps taken when integrating the equations of motion. In the GROMACS simulation software, it has for a long time been possible to use so‐called virtual sites to increase the length of the timestep, resulting in a large gain of simulation efficiency. Up until now, support for this approach has in practice been limited to the standard 20 amino acids however, shrinking the applicability domain of virtual sites. MkVsites is a set of python tools which provides a convenient way to obtain all parameters necessary to use virtual sites for virtually any molecules in a simulation. Required as input to MkVsites is the molecular topology of the molecule(s) in question, along with a specification of where to find the parent force field. As such, MkVsites can be a very valuable tool suite for anyone who is routinely using GROMACS for the simulation of molecular systems.
Decomposition of spent radioactive ion‐exchange resin using photo‐Fenton process
Authors: Feng Wendong , Wang Yunhai , Li Jian , Gao Kai , An Hongxiang
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The treatment of spent radioactive ion‐exchange resin is of great importance in reducing total waste volume and minimizing potential environmental hazards. In this study, a comparative investigation of resin decomposition by the Fenton and photo‐Fenton process was performed to address these concerns.

RESULTS

The effect of UV energy density and irradiation time on residue chemical oxygen demand (COD) was investigated. With a UV energy density of 6.1 J cm−2 and irradiation time of 120 min, the COD removal ratio reached 97.3%. Under optimized conditions, the residue COD obtained via photo‐Fenton was 47.3% lower than that via Fenton. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ion chromatography (IC) were used to characterize the resin beads and intermediates. Four types of small molecular organic acids were monitored during the reaction. The degradation process of two stages was proposed, involving resin dissolution and mineralization.

CONCLUSION

Photo‐Fenton showed better performance for IRN 77 resin degradation compared to the Fenton process. Both the UV energy density and irradiation time showed significant effects on resin degradation. UV irradiation enhanced the mineralization stage during resin degradation. Oxalic acids showed the highest concentration in all main intermediates. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The sign effect, systematic devaluations and zero discounting
Authors: Furrebøe Elise Frølich
Published: April 2020

The sign effect is the steeper discounting of gains compared to losses. However, we see a greater sign effect on an individual level compared to an aggregate level. In this experiment, we compare discounting of gains and losses on an individual and aggregate level, to explore further details about when and to what extent human adults discount. Thirty‐one participants went through a computer‐based choice‐task procedure of hypothetical monetary gains and losses. The results show clear qualitative differences between discounting of gains and losses, adding empirical data to support the sign effect. The results also support previous findings that show that aggregate and individual results do not always correspond. Further, the within‐subject details showing zero discounting or nonsystematic changes concerning losses, replicate earlier studies suggesting that discounting of gains and losses involve different reinforcing contingencies. The present study expands on this research area by including verbal reports, supplementing details about the unobserved reinforcing contingencies. Implications of research on discounting may indicate how to deal with decision‐making challenges and might shed light on why predictions about complex decision making sometimes fail.
Glutamine depletion in patients with Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Aydin Hüseyin , Engin Aynur , Keleş Sami , Ertemur Zeynep , Hekim Nezih
Published: April 2020

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease. There is not enough knowledge about plasma amino acid levels in CCHF. Therefore, we investigated plasma amino acid levels in patients with CCHF and the association between the levels of these amino acids and disease severity. The plasma amino acid levels (including glutamate [Glu], aspartate [Asp], glutamine [Gln], asparagine [Asn] and gamma‐aminobutyric acid [GABA]) in CCHF patients and controls were measured by using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Plasma levels of Gln were lower while Asp, Glu, and GABA levels were higher in patients. In fatal CCHF patients, we found the plasma level of Asn was increased whereas the plasma level of GABA was decreased. This study is the first in the literature to evaluate the plasma Gln, Glu, Asn, Asp, and GABA levels in CCHF patients. We found that the plasma Gln levels were significantly lower in CCHF patients while Asp, Glu, and GABA levels were elevated. Considering that these amino acids are important for immune cells, the plasma amino acid levels of CCHF patients may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of disease and it can be important for supportive treatment of CCHF.
Management of medication‐related osteonecrosis of jaw: Comparison between icariin and teriparatide in a rat model
Authors: Liu Jie , Mattheos Nikos , Deng Chuanxi , Su Cheng , Wang Zekun , Luo Nanyu , Tang Hua
Published: April 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of icariin and teriparatide on the treatment of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) using a rat model.

Methods

Fifty rats undergoing ovariectomy were randomly assigned to control group (n = 10) and the MRONJ model group (n = 40). Zoledronic acid (0.2 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) were injected into rats in the model group for 8 weeks while saline was applied in control group, then all rats underwent tooth extraction and bone defect. Eight weeks later, rats diagnosed with MRONJ (n = 33) were randomly distributed to icariin (n = 11), teriparatide (n = 11), and the untreated (n = 11) group, and rats received daily 150 mg/kg icariin, 20 µg/kg teriparatide, and no intervention, respectively, for 8 weeks. Then, mandibulars were dissected for later examination.

Results

Rats diagnosed with MRONJ (33/40) demonstrated significantly larger area of soft tissue wound and necrotic bone with higher ratio of empty bone lacuna. Area of soft tissue wound and ratio of empty bone lacuna were significantly decreased in the icariin group compared with the untreated group, while teriparatide group revealed significantly higher ratio of receptor activator of NF‐kB ligand (RANKL)‐positive osteocytes, smaller area of necrotic bone and lower ratio of empty lacuna. The two agents were related to higher expression of BMP‐2 in osteocytes but were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Icariin benefits MRONJ in terms of the area of soft tissue wound and ratio of empty lacuna. Teriparatide activates expression of RANKL and reduces the area of bone necrosis and ratio of empty lacuna in a MRONJ lesion. The data suggest possible healing improvement in patients with MRONJ and further studies to prove the efficacy of icariin.
Inhibition of GDF11 could promote bone healing in the tooth extraction socket and facilitate mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation in T2DM pigs
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Wang Lei , Shi Shaojie , Wang Xingxing , He Chunxia , Yuan Lijuan , Ding Feng , Song Yingliang , Zhang Sijia
Published: April 2020

Background

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) might be a key factor responsible for the weakening of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation in tooth extraction sockets in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to confirm that inhibition of GDF11 could promote bone healing in tooth extraction sockets and facilitate MSC osteogenic differentiation under T2DM conditions.

Methods

Three streptozotocin‐induced T2DM pig models and two control pig models were established. The T2DM pigs were treated with an intrasocket injection of GDF11 inhibitor in the left mandible, whereas the right side was maintained for natural healing. The postextraction socket healing of the T2DM pigs was compared with that of nondiabetic controls. Healing was quantitatively verified by microcomputed tomography, and the GDF11 expression level was detected. MSCs from T2DM pig sockets were cultured and treated with a GDF11 inhibitor. The osteogenic differentiation ability of MSCs was also compared among groups.

Results

The expression of GDF11 in the tooth extraction sockets from T2DM pigs increased significantly post extraction. Bone healing was promoted by periodic injection of the GDF11 inhibitor into the extraction sockets of T2DM pigs. Furthermore, the osteogenic differentiation ability of T2DM‐MSCs was improved in pigs treated with the GDF11 inhibitor.

Conclusions

GDF11 inhibition could promote bone healing in the tooth extraction socket and facilitate MSC osteogenic differentiation under T2DM conditions. GDF11 could be a potential therapeutic target for undesirable alveolar bone healing in T2DM patients.
Separation and purification of hydroxytysol and oleuropein from Olea europaea L. (olive) leaves using macroporous resins and a novel solvent system
Authors: Liu Baoqian , Liu Jianfei , Huang Dongdong , Pei Dong , Di Duolong
Published: April 2020

The separation and purification of hydroxytysol and oleuropein from Olea europaea L. (olive) using a macroporous resin with a novel solvent system was systematically investigated. Static adsorption experiments with BMKX–4 resin revealed that the experimental data of both hydroxytysol and oleuropein fitted best to the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models. The thermodynamic parameters indicated spontaneous and exothermic adsorption processes. The novel solvent system, composed of n–hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol:water in a (v/v/v/v) ratio of 1:9:1:9, had two phases (upper and lower). The separation and purification parameters of hydroxytysol and oleuropein were optimized using dynamic adsorption/desorption on a column packed with BMKX–4 resin. The effects of flow rates and volumes of the upper and lower phases on the separation efficiency were systematically studied. Under optimal conditions, the fraction of hydroxytysol in the final product increased by 6.34‐fold from 0.46 to 2.96%, with a yield rate of 88.58% w/w, while that of oleuropein increased 4.17‐fold from 11.40 to 47.59%, with a 93.31% w/w yield rate. These results may be help in selecting a suitable eluent for improved separation of macroporous adsorption resins.
Differences in Flexible and Rigid Bronchoscopy for Assessment of Tracheomalacia
Authors: Hysinger Erik B. , Hart Catherine K. , Burg Gregory , De Alarcon Alessandro , Benscoter Dan
Published: April 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Both flexible and rigid bronchoscopy can be used to assess tracheomalacia; however, there is limited evidence comparing the two techniques. The objective of this study was to compare flexible and rigid bronchoscopy for evaluating the location and severity of tracheomalacia in children.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of children with both flexible and rigid bronchoscopy under the same sedation. All bronchoscopies were reviewed by three bronchoscopists for the location and severity of tracheomalacia. The location of collapse was defined as upper, middle, or lower trachea, and the severity of collapse was defined as none (0%–25% collapse), mild/moderate (26%–75% collapse), and severe (>75% collapse).

Results

Twenty‐one patients were recruited for this study with a variety of neonatal respiratory diseases. There was 94% agreement (κ = 0.64) for assessment of tracheomalacia in the upper trachea. However, agreement was only 75% (κ = 0.50) in the middle trachea and 76% (κ = 0.52) in the lower trachea. In the subset of patients without tracheostomy, agreement improved to 100%, 88%, and 82% for the upper, middle, and lower trachea, respectively. There was poor correlation for tracheomalacia severity in the middle trachea (ρ = 0.30, P = .2) and moderate in the lower trachea (ρ = 0.63, P = .002).

Conclusions

Although there is moderate agreement between flexible and rigid bronchoscopy for evaluating the presence of tracheomalacia, there can be differences in the two techniques, particularly when assessing severity of airway collapse. Future studies will be needed to understand factors that result in the discordance of flexible and rigid bronchoscopy for assessing airway dynamics.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:201–204, 2021
Quality and Readability Assessment of Websites on Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Schwarzbach Hannah L. , Mady Leila J. , Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Jabbour Noel
Published: April 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

The incidence of human papillomavirus–positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer is rising, but public knowledge about this diagnosis remains low. This study aimed to investigate the quality and readability of online information about HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional website analysis.

Methods

This study conducted a total of 12 web searches across Google, Yahoo, and Bing to identify websites related to HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer. The QUality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST) was used to measure quality based on seven website criteria. The Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) were used to measure readability, with scores estimating the education level a reader would require to understand a piece of text. Readability improves as FRES increases and FKGL decreases.

Results

Twenty‐seven unique web pages were evaluated. The mean USA reading grade level as measured by FKGL was 10.42 (standard deviation = 1.54). There was an inverse relationship between quality and readability, with a significant positive correlation between QUEST score and FKGL (r = 0.343, P = .040) and a significant negative correlation between QUEST score and FRES (r = −0.537, P = .002).

Conclusions

With a mean USA reading grade level more than four grades above the American Medical Association's recommendation and results indicating that readability suffers as quality improves, these findings suggest that the currently available online information about HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer is insufficient. Improved patient education practices and resources about this diagnosis are needed.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:87–94, 2021
Use of a Picosecond Alexandrite Laser for Treating Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota‐Like Macules in Chinese Patients
Authors: Ding Hui , Yang Yin , Guo Lifang , Lin Tong
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (ABNOM) is common among the Chinese population. There have been few studies on the use of a picosecond alexandrite laser for the treatment of ABNOMs. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser for the treatment of ABNOMs.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A total of 225 subjects diagnosed with ABNOMs were included in this retrospective study. A 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser system was used to treat all subjects. The safety and effectiveness of the laser were determined using a clinical photo assessment. The correlating factors of the patients, including the age, Fitzpatrick skin type, lesion location, lesion color, treatment procedures, melasma, and outcomes, were analyzed.

Results

The patients underwent one to four treatment sessions with clinical clearance (>90%) rates of 8.89%, 30.99%, 56.65%, and 60.00%, respectively. A higher number of sessions was positively associated with a better treatment response. The hyperpigmentation incidence rate was 22.67%, and one case of hypopigmentation was observed.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a picosecond alexandrite laser is an effective and safe approach for treating ABNOMs in Chinese patients. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of privacy choice in cookie notices on consumers' perceived fairness of frequent price changes
Authors: Schmidt Lennard , Bornschein Rico , Maier Erik
Published: April 2020

Recent regulatory changes (i.e., General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union) enforce that seller (e.g., retail and service) and all other websites disclose through cookie notices which data they collect and store. At the same time, websites must allow consumers to disagree to the tracking of their browsing behavior. Despite sellers' concern about the loss of consumer insights—as consumers might disagree to the collection of their browsing data—cookie notices might also have a surprising side‐effect: Consumers might accept frequent price changes (from personalized or dynamic pricing) more readily, if they agree through a cookie notice that their behavior can be tracked. Specifically, two experimental studies show that consent to the tracking of browsing behavior increases consumers internal attribution of a price change, as consumers attribute the cause of the change (here: giving up data) to themselves. This increases price fairness perceptions and, in turn, purchase intent. As a result, for online sellers of goods or services the implementation of cookie notice should no longer be thought as a matter to be avoided, but rather a trade‐off decision: Loss of a part of consumer insights versus higher acceptance of data‐driven marketing mix decisions, such as frequent price changes.
Impacts of dibenzopyrenes on bacterial community isolated from Gulf of Mexico sediment
Authors: Lewis Charles G. , Beazley Melanie J.
Published: April 2020

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine environments as a result of contamination is an environmental concern, especially in regions where oil spills such as the Deepwater Horizon have occurred. While numerous PAHs have been studied for their effects on microbes, the family of dibenzopyrenes has yet to be investigated. In this preliminary study, the impacts of these molecules on the community structure of a bacterial consortium isolated from oil‐impacted Gulf of Mexico sediment were examined using high‐throughput sequencing, demonstrating intriguing negative impacts on species diversity and abundance. While no measurable degradation of the dibenzopyrenes was observed after 28‐day incubation, the abundance of known oil‐degrading bacteria from orders such as Oceanospirillales, Caulobacterales, Sphingomonadales, and Nitrosococcales were shown to be enhanced. Of the five isomers of dibenzopyrene studied, dibenzo[a,h]pyrene supported the fewer number of microbial species suggesting the isomer was more toxic compared to the other isomers.
Regulation of cid and lrg expression by CodY in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Ahn Sang‐Joon , Kim Hey‐Min , Desai Shailja , Deep Kamal , Rice Kelly C.
Published: April 2020

The ability of Streptococcus mutans to persist in a variety of adverse environments and to emerge as a numerically dominant member of stable oral biofilm communities are essential elements for its cariogenicity. The S. mutans Cid/Lrg system has been studied as a key player in the integration of complex environmental signals into regulatory networks that modulate virulence and cell homeostasis. Cid/Lrg has also been shown to be closely associated with metabolic pathways of this organism, due to distinct patterns of cid and lrg expression in response to growth phase and glucose/oxygen levels. In this study, a comparison of cid and lrg promoter regions with conserved CodY (a regulator which responds to starvation stress)‐binding motifs revealed the presence of a potential CodY‐binding site, which is arranged similarly in both cid and lrg promoters. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and promoter reporter assays demonstrated that expression of the cid and lrg operons is directly mediated by the global transcriptional regulator CodY. DNase I footprinting analyses confirmed the predicted binding sequences for CodY in both the cid and the lrg promoter regions. Overexpression of CodY had no obvious effect on lrgAB expression, but deficiency of CodY still affected lrgAB expression in a lytST‐overexpressing strain, suggesting that CodY is required for the full regulation of lrgAB by LytST. We also demonstrated that both CodY and CcpA are involved in regulating pyruvate flux and utilization. Collectively, these data show that CodY directly regulates cid and lrg expression, and together with CcpA (previously shown to directly regulate cid and lrg promoters) contributes to coordinating pyruvate uptake and utilization in response to both the external environment and the cellular metabolic status.
A deep‐learning model to predict thunderstorms within 400 km2 South Texas domains
Authors: Kamangir Hamid , Collins Waylon , Tissot Philippe , King Scott A.
Published: April 2020

A deep‐learning neural network (DLNN) model was developed to predict thunderstorm occurrence within 400 km2 South Texas domains for up to 15 hr (±2 hr accuracy) in advance. The input features were chosen primarily from numerical weather prediction model output parameters/variables; cloud‐to‐ground lightning served as the target. The deep‐learning technique used was the stacked denoising autoencoder (SDAE) in order to create a higher order representation of the features. Logistic regression was then applied to the SDAE output to train the predictive model. An iterative technique was used to determine the optimal SDAE architecture. The performance of the optimized DLNN classifiers exceeded that of the corresponding shallow neural network models, a classifier via a combination of principal component analysis and logistic regression, and operational weather forecasters, based on the same data set.
Body stalk anomalies in pig—Definition and classification
Authors: Martín‐Alguacil Nieves , Avedillo Luis
Published: April 2020

The presence of body wall closing defects (abdominoschisis and thoracoabdominoschisis) in combination with other congenital malformations was studied in the pig (Sus scrofa domesticus). After clinical examination and literature review, body wall defects with multiple congenital anomalies in eight pigs were described, and classified using anatomical and embryological criteria. Several BSA presentations were identified and classified as follows: (a) BSA Type I: fetus with spinal and UC defects, thoracoabdominoschisis, anal atresia and/or other internal organs structural defects, and structural limb defects; (b) BSA Type II: fetus with spinal and UC defects, thoracoabdominoschisis, anal atresia and/or other internal organs structural defects, and nonstructural limb defects; (c) BSA Type III: fetus with spinal and UC defects, abdominoschisis, anal atresia and/or other internal organs structural defects, and structural limb defects; and (d) BSA Type IV: fetus with spinal and UC defects, abdominoschisis, anal atresia and/or other internal organs structural defects, and nonstructural limb defects. Two types of LBWC were differentiated: LBWC Type I: characterized by thoracoabdominoschisis and structural limb defects, and LBWC Type II: characterized by abdominoschisis and structural limb defects, corresponding to BSA type I and type III. This is the first report on BSA and LBWC in the pig.
Development of Chinese genetic reference panel for Fragile X Syndrome and its application to the screen of 10,000 Chinese pregnant women and women planning pregnancy
Authors: Gao Fei , Huang Wen , You Yanjun , Huang Jie , Zhao Juan , Xue Jin , Kang Huaixing , Zhu Yingbao , Hu Zhengmao , Allen Emily G. , Jin Peng , Xia Kun , Duan Ranhui
Published: April 2020

Background

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability caused by a CGG repeat expansion in the 5′ untranslated region of the FMR1 gene. When the number of repeats exceeds 200, the gene becomes hypermethylated and is transcriptionally silenced, resulting in FXS. Other allelic forms of the gene that are studied because of their instability or phenotypic consequence include intermediate alleles (45–54 CGG repeats) and premutation alleles (55–200 repeats). Normal alleles are classified as having <45 CGG repeats. Population screening studies have been conducted among American and Australian populations; however, large population‐based studies have not been completed in China.

Methods and Results

In this work we present FXS screening results from 10,145 women of childbearing age from China. We first created and tested a standard panel that was comprised of normal, intermediate, premutation, and full mutation samples, and we performed the screening after confirming the consistency of genotyping results among laboratories.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we have determined the intermediate and premutation carrier prevalence of 1/130 and 1/634, respectively, among Chinese women.
Global existence of classical solutions for the 3D generalized compressible Oldroyd‐B model
Authors: Zhu Yi
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we prove the global existence of small classical solutions to the 3D generalized compressible Oldroyd‐B system. It can be seen as compressible Euler equations coupling the evolution of stress tensor τ. The result mainly shows that singularity of solutions to compressible Euler equations can be prevented by the coupling of viscoelastic stress tensor. Moreover, unlike most complex fluids containing compressible Euler equations, the irrotational condition ∇×u=0 would not be proposed here to achieve the global well‐posedness.
Space mapping for optimal control of a nonisothermal tube drawing process
Authors: Butt Azhar Iqbal Kashif , Mumtaz Kinza , Reséndiz‐Flores Edgar O.
Published: April 2020

We implement space mapping technique for the first time to optimize geometry of a glass tube during its production process. The strategy is to align the optimizer of the coarse model (isothermal tube drawing) with the fine model (nonisothermal tube drawing) through space mapping technique in order to find an optimal solution of a control problem. Adjoint variable approach is used to find optimizer of the coarse model. Numerical results obtained through aggressive space mapping (ASM) algorithm are presented and discussed.
Nontrivial solutions for impulsive fractional differential systems through variational methods
Authors: Heidarkhani Shapour , Salari Amjad
Published: April 2020

Fractional differential equations (FDEs) as a generalization of ordinary differential equations and integration to arbitrary noninteger orders have gained importance due to their numerous applications in many fields of science and engineering. Indeed, there are a large number of phenomena, including fluid flow, diffusive transport akin to diffusion, rheology, probability, and electrical networks, that are modeled by different equations involving fractional order derivatives. This paper deals with multiplicity results of solutions for a class of impulsive fractional differential systems. The approach is based on variational methods and critical point theory. Indeed, we establish existence results for our system under some algebraic conditions on the nonlinear part with the classical Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz (AR) condition on the nonlinear and the impulsive terms. Moreover by combining two algebraic conditions on the nonlinear term, which guarantee the existence of two weak solutions, applying the mountain pass theorem, we establish the existence of third weak solution for our system.
Sliding mode control for a diffuse interface tumor growth model coupling a Cahn–Hilliard equation with a reaction–diffusion equation
Authors: Colturato Michele
Published: April 2020

We consider the sliding mode control (SMC) problem for a diffuse interface tumor growth model coupling a Cahn–Hilliard equation with a reaction–diffusion equation perturbed by a maximal monotone nonlinearity. We prove existence and regularity of strong solutions and, under further assumptions, a uniqueness result. Then, we show that the chosen SMC law forces the system to reach within finite time a sliding manifold that we chose in order that the tumor phase remains constant in time.
Approximately dual frames of nonstationary Gabor frames for l2(Z) and reconstruction errors
Authors: Lian Qiaofang , You Minghou
Published: April 2020

Nonstationary Gabor (NSG) frames for
allow for flexible sampling and varying window functions and have found applications in adaptive signal analysis. Since any numerical implementation of NSG frames is based on a discrete model, the first author of this paper introduced discrete‐time NSG frames and investigated the existence and construction of NSG frames for
recently. In this paper, we consider the reconstruction of any functions in
from coefficients obtained from NSG frames. Since perfect reconstruction is in general not feasible from NSG frame coefficients, we resort to approximately dual frames and estimate the reconstruction errors. We provide different approximately dual frames of NSG frames under some conditions and give the corresponding reconstruction error bounds. In particular, for a class of NSG frames that are related to painless NSG frames, we show that the approximately dual frames carry the NSG structure. Finally, a constructive example is given to illustrate the theoretical results.