bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of Heavy Metal in the Seeds of Zea mays L. from Crude Oil Impacted Soils in Kom-Kom, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyejekwe I. M. , Osuji L. C. , Nwaichi E. O.
Published: November 2019

This study assessed and modelled the accumulation of heavy metals in the seeds of Zea mays L. (maize) planted in a crude oil impacted soil. A total of thirteen soil samples were randomly collected. Five samples each were obtained from plot A (PA)and plot B (PB); the crude oil impacted plots. Three samples were obtained from plot C (PC); the control plot which was about 200 m away from the spill impacted area. All samples were analysed for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and Heavy Metals [iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V)]. Maize was planted on each of the thirteen plots and the seeds upon harvest was analysed for heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cr and V). The seed accumulation factors for each heavy metal was modelled using TPH as the independent variable. Aside the Zn regression model with R2 value of 0.399, other models performed well with R2 values of 0.994, 0.942, 0.974 and 0.964 for Fe, Pb, Cr and V respectively. TPH was able to model the seed parameters with relatively high model performance except for Zinc. This suggests that accumulation of some heavy metals in the seed of the Zea mays L. planted is dependent on TPH. These models can be useful in predicting accumulation of heavy metals in the seeds of Maize planted in a crude oil polluted soil.
Serum Vitamin D & Dry Eye Syndrome
Authors: . Shaveta , Nawaz Shah
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Dry eye syndrome [DES] is one of the commonest ocular disorders characterized by tear film instability, visual discomfort & disturbance with ocular surface inflammation potentially leading to damage to the ocular surface. Serum Vitamin-D deficiency has been reported to be associated with DES.

Aim: To determine the Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D levels in patients diagnosed as having DES.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study and included in our study, serum vitamin D levels of the first 40 patients over the age of 18 years presenting with signs and symptoms and later diagnosed to have DES [confirmed with ocular surface disease index-OSDI questionnaire, Schirmer I test, kerato-epitheliopathy examination and tear-film breakup time-[TBUT] were analysed.

Results: Schirmer's I test, interpreted as mild [11-15mm/5min], moderate [6-10 mm/5 min] and severe [<5mm/5min] had 8, 17 and 15 patients, respectively, with a mean value of 8 mm/5 min Schirmers I test. The minimum and maximum of Fluorescein TBUT measured in seconds was 4 and 10 seconds, respectively, with a mean of 6.2 seconds. Twenty four of our test subjects were found to have deficient Serum Vit 25[OH] D levels, nine had insufficient levels and seven had normal levels.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in patient having DES.
BRINCADEIRAS INFANTIS NO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO: UM ESTUDO DIATÓPICO E LÉXICO-SEMÂNTICO DE DENOMINAÇÕES PARA A “COBRA-CEGA” | CHILDREN ́S AMUSEMENT IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO: A DIATOPIC AND LEXICIAN-SEMANTIC STUDY OF DENOMINATIONS FOR COBRA-CEGA
Authors: Alencar Beatriz Aparecida , Isquerdo Aparecida Negri
Published: November 2019

Resumo: Este estudo analisa as denominações obtidas para a brincadeira em que uma criança, com os olhos vendados, tenta pegar as outras (COMITÊ NACIONAL DO PROJETO ALiB, 2001, p. 34), área semântica Jogos e Diversões Infantis. O universo da pesquisa compreendeu 188 inquéritos do Projeto ALiB realizados nas 37 localidades paulistas e 10 na área de controle, estas limítrofes à divisa estadual, com informantes selecionados segundo a metodologia do projeto ALiB. Para tanto, utilizaram-se os pressupostos da Dialetologia, da Lexicologia, da Semântica e da Etnolinguística, o que permitiu apurar que a variante cobra-cega foi a mais produtiva neste estudo, seguido por cabra-cega e que suas ocorrências se relacionam às características dos informantes e à história social das localidades em que foram documentadas.

Abstract: This study analyzes the denominations learned from a play in which a child is blindfolded and tries to catch the others (COMITÊ NACIONAL..., 2001, p. 34), Semantic area Games and Children's Amusement. The research universe is composed of 188 surveys from the ALiB Project conducted in 37 places of São Paulo and 10 of the control area, bordering the state border, with selected informants according to an ALIB methodology. In order to do so, the assumptions of Dialectic, Lexicology, Semantics and Ethnolinguistics were used, which helped to estabilish the “cobra-cega” variant more productive in this study, followed for “cobra-cega” and that its occurrences are related to the characteristics of the informants and the social history of the places where they were documented.

Keywords: Diaclectology; ALiB Project; Games and children’s amusement; Cobra-cega; São Paulo. 
O LÉXICO TOPONÍMICO DE ORIGEM AFRICANA NO RECÔNCAVO DA BAHIA: UMA ANÁLISE SEMÂNTICO-LEXICAL | THE TOPONYMIC LEXICON OF AFRICAN ORIGIN IN THE BAHIA RECONCAVO: A SEMANTIC-LEXICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Santana Lana Crsitina , Paim Marcela
Published: November 2019

Resumo: Este artigo apresenta um estudo sobre a microtoponímia de origem africana dos vinte municípios que compõem o Território de Identidade do Recôncavo baiano (SEI, 2010), especificamente, os nomes dos povoados dessa região. Foram analisados 62 topônimos, os quais foram coletados dos mapas municipais estatísticos, escala 1:100.000, disponíveis na plataforma virtual do IBGE. O tratamento aplicado às informações obtidas seguem uma metodologia toponímica já existente nessa área, correspondente a um estudo etimológico dos termos que compõem o sintagma toponímico, buscando suas motivações semânticas ─ característica principal desses signos ─ encaixando-os em uma taxionomia desenvolvida por Dick (1990a, 1990b).

Abstract: This article presents a study on the microtoponymy of African origin of the twenty municipalities that compose the Identity Territory of the Bahian Recôncavo (SEI, 2010), specific, the names of village of the region. Were analyzed 62 toponyms, which were collected from the municipal statistical maps, scale 1: 100,000, available on the IBGE virtual platform. The treatment applied to the information obtained follows a toponymic methodology already existing in this area, corresponding to an etymological study of the terms that make up the toponymic phrase, seeking its semantic motivations ─ main characteristic of these signs ─ following from the insertion in a taxonomy developed by Dick (1990a, 1990b).

Keywords: Toponymy; Sociocultural identity; Bahia Recôncavo.

 
EL ESPAÑOL DE LA PATAGONIA: UNA PROPUESTA DE ATLAS LINGÜÍSTICO DE TIERRA DEL FUEGO (ARG) | O ESPANHOL DA PATAGÔNIA: UMA PROPOSTA DE ATLAS LINGUÍSTICO DA TERRA DO FOGO (ARG)
Authors: Toranzos Romina , Kailer Dircel
Published: November 2019

Resumen: Enmarcado en los estudios dialectológicos (ALVAR, 1996) nuestro trabajo expondrá aspectos del Atlas de pequeño dominio de Tierra del Fuego (Arg.). Sus objetivos son: i) revisar descripciones generales para el área de estudio, asociadas a la variedad de la Patagonia, ii) explorar factores extralingüísticos que puedan influir para una variedad con rasgos propios. Para ello, repasaremos los estudios dialectológicos y sociolingüísticos en Argentina y los aspectos sociohistóricos de la provincia, con fuertes procesos migratorios. Los resultados destacan, además de rasgos asociados al español de Chile, el contacto con otras variedades, lenguas indígenas y europeas, lo que nos llevará a pensar en las ventajas de adoptar los lineamientos de la Geolingüística Pluridimensional (THUN, 1996).

Resumo: Embasado em estudos dialetológicos (ALVAR, 1996), nosso trabalho expõe aspectos do Atlas de pequeno domínio da Terra do Fogo (Arg.). Seus objetivos são: i) revisar as descrições gerais para a área de estudo, associadas à variedade da Patagônia, ii) explorar fatores extralinguísticos que podem influenciar uma variedade com características próprias. Para tanto, revisamos estudos dialetológicos e sociolinguísticos na Argentina e os aspectos sócio-históricos da província, com fortes processos migratórios. Os resultados destacam, além das características associadas à variedade do Chile, o contato com outras variedades, línguas indígenas e europeias, o que nos leva a pensar nas vantagens de adotar os parâmetros da Geolinguística Pluridimensional (THUN, 1996).

Palavras-chave: Atlas Linguístico; Terra do Fogo; Geolinguística Pluridimensional; Espanhol, Patagônia. 
A newly identified photolyase from Arthrospira platensis possesses a unique methenyltetrahydrofolate chromophore‐binding pattern
Authors: Yan Hui , Zhu Kongfu , Teng Maikun , Li Xu
Published: November 2019

Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), as a common DNA damage caused by UV radiation, often lead to skin cancer. Here, we identified a photolyase from the alga Arthrospira platensis (designated as Ap‐phr), which has been regarded as a safe organism for humans for centuries, that can efficiently repair CPD lesions in ssDNA and dsDNA in vitro. The 1.6 Å resolution crystal structure of Ap‐phr revealed that it possesses a unique methenyltetrahydrofolate chromophore‐binding pattern with high energy transfer efficiency. Our study of Ap‐phr highlights its potential use in cosmetic, industrial and aesthetic medicine applications.
Calculating dose from a 2.5 MV imaging beam using a commercial treatment planning system
Authors: Ferris William S. , Culberson Wesley S. , Anderson Daniel R. , Labby Zacariah E.
Published: November 2019

Patient dose from 2.5 MV images on the TrueBeam linear accelerator is not easily quantified, primarily because this beam energy is not normally modeled by commercial treatment planning systems. In this work we present the feasibility of using the Eclipse® treatment planning system to model this beam. The Acuros XB and the AAA dose calculation algorithms were tested. Profiles, PDDs, and output factors were measured for the 2.5 MV unflattened imaging beam and used for beam modeling. The algorithms were subsequently verified using MPPG 5.a guidelines. Calculated doses with both algorithms agreed with the measurement data to within the following criteria recommended for conventional therapeutic MV beams: 2% local dose‐difference in the high‐dose region, 3% global difference in the low‐dose region, 3 mm distance to agreement in the penumbra, and a gamma pass rate of >95% for 3%/3 mm criteria. Acuros was able to accurately calculate dose through cork and bone‐equivalent heterogeneities. AAA was able to accurately calculate dose through the bone‐equivalent heterogeneity but did not pass within the recommended criteria for the cork heterogeneity. For the 2.5 MV imaging beam, both the AAA and Acuros algorithms provide calculated doses that agree with measured results well within the 20% criteria for imaging beams recommended by AAPM TG‐180.
Slippery When Wet: The Corporate Language of Architecture
Authors: Richardson Vicky
Published: November 2019

Writer and curator Vicky Richardson argues that our leading architects have stopped talking about architecture in favour of the same managerial jargon being used by civil servants, accountants and admen.
A Hybrid Practice Model: Expert Differentiation
Authors: Sabin Jenny E
Published: November 2019

The current and fast‐moving intersection between architecture and technology has produced a welcome ambiguity in the role of the architect. So argues Jenny E Sabin, a Cornell University Professor and principal of the Jenny Sabin Studio in New York that explores these new market opportunities and finds them liberating for architects.
The Man in the Concrete Mask: The Metamorphosis of Charles‐Édouard Jeanneret
Authors: Glancey Jonathan
Published: November 2019

How did Le Corbusier make the transition from mountain boy to modernist master? How did he develop his architectural persona and his design identity, and how did he communicate it to maximum effect? British journalist, author and broadcaster Jonathan Glancey leads us through some of the critical moments in Le Corbusier's rise to architectural immortality.
Observations on Drawing: The Art of Architecture
Authors: Gallov Gabor
Published: November 2019

How important is the sketch and the hand drawing to the identity of the architect two decades into the 21st century? London‐based architect and architectural tutor Gabor Gallov argues it is still as crucial as it always was in conveying ideas, but equally as a vehicle for exploring the subtleties of individual architectural language away from the ubiquitous computer and rendering.
Test Bed: Communication Through Product Design
Authors: Howie Roger
Published: November 2019

Zaha Hadid Architects has become a global brand designing not only breathtaking buildings but also shoes, chairs, jewellery and tables, amongst other things. Roger Howie has been leading public relations for this maelstrom of creativity since 2004, and here describes how the practice applies its design ethos equally to these items as it does to architecture.
The Social Media Monster: Dangers and Thrills Only Partially Glimpsed
Authors: Furman Adam Nathaniel
Published: November 2019

London‐based designer and architectural tutor Adam Nathaniel Furman has built a large number of followers on social media platforms such as Instagram. As well as using this to publish his work, awards, students’ work and the buildings he admires, he also uses it for more polemic effect, such as exposing those architects who have unpaid interns or attacking the politics of neoliberalism.
Why some OTP doctors may support putting patient data into the PDMP
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2019

Before opioid treatment providers (OTPs) can put patient information into the state's prescription drug monitoring system (PDMP), the 2011 “Dear Colleague Letter” from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has to be rescinded. That appears to be what SAMHSA has in mind with its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking overhauling 42 CFR Part 2 (see ADAW, Sept 9). The comment period ended Oct. 25.
Improving the impact of medication could require a dose of mindfulness
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: November 2019

It is constantly heard that medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) works most effectively in conjunction with behavioral therapy. New research suggests that MAT programs could enhance their patients' ability to combat cravings by tapping into the power of mindfulness‐based therapeutic strategies.
FOAM Impact: The Influence of Open‐access Medical Education on Practice Uptake
Authors: Pescatore Richard M. , Niforatos Joshua D. , Rezaie Salim R. , Swaminathan Anand , Morrison Mizuho , Reid Meaghan , Motov Sergey
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The FOAM Impact study sought to examine baseline rates of intravenous (IV) lidocaine usage for the treatment of renal colic and to compare rates of use between FOAM utilizers and nonutilizers. We sought to measure the effect of FOAM resources on clinical practice by timing the release of FOAM content with publication of the LIDOKET trial.

Methods

A cross‐sectional before‐and‐after survey was conducted and disseminated on two social media platforms. The 13‐question, anonymous survey was posted for 1 week prior following the release of the LIDOKET study. Descriptive statistics, Mann‐Whitney t‐test, and chi‐square test statistics were used to describe survey respondent characteristics and Likert responses.

Results

There were a total of 472 survey respondents. A total of 321 physicians (75.7% of total respondents) provided pre‐ and postpublication survey answers. There was no significant change in the use of analgesics before and after publication of LIDOKET and concurrent REBEL EM blog post. A total of 197 (42%) survey respondents reported using lidocaine for renal colic, of which 60 respondents (13%) reported frequent or occasional use. The mean difference in perceived efficacy of lidocaine before and after publication was −0.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.80 to 0.19, p = 0.15). Being a FOAM user was not associated with changes in mean difference in perception of lidocaine efficacy (F = 0.127, p = 0.72); however, there was a significant difference in perception of lidocaine’s efficacy following LIDOKET and REBEL EM publication (F = 4.718, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Using an online survey‐based technique, no appreciable impact of FOAM resources was immediately apparent; however, engagement with FOAM was associated with a change in perception of IV lidocaine’s efficacy. To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to evaluate the impact of FOAM on clinical practice. The unique method of coordinating FOAM distribution with traditional medical publication may provide future opportunities for measuring the impact of asynchronous medical education resources on medical practice.
Synthesis of pyrrole‐bridged constrained geometry complexes and their application for olefin polymerization
Authors: Liu Jianfeng , Shao Lu , Feng Xiu , Xu Sheng , Mi Puke
Published: November 2019

In this article, four constrained geometry complexes 4a [(η5‐C5H4)CH2(α‐C4H3N)]Ti(NMe2)2, 7a [(η5‐C9H6)CH2(α‐C4H3N)]Ti(NMe2)2, 4b [(η5‐C5H4)CH2(α‐C4H3N)]Zr(NEt2)2, 7b [(η5‐C9H6)CH2(α‐C4H3N)]Zr(NEt2)2 with pyrrole‐bridged fragment were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MASS, and EA. When combined with MAO, complex 4b given the highest activity, the activity of copolymerizing ethylene and 1‐hexene reached 2.48 × 106 g polymer/mol·M·h. The effects of temperature, pressure, and ratio of Al/Metal on the polymerization reaction and properties of polymers had been investigated. The polymers with these complexes were characterized by 13C NMR and DSC, and the results shown that polymer with 4a had the highest α‐olefin incorporation, the incorporation of 1‐hexene reached up to 9.81 mol%, and the 1‐octene was 8.84 mol%. Actually, there was no [HH] or [OO] sequence in the copolymer, according to the formula of reactivity ratio, rE • rH = 0, all these results suggested that the copolymerization mode is alternating copolymerization. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48620.
The development of a population physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for mycophenolic mofetil and mycophenolic acid in humans using data from plasma, saliva, and kidney tissue
Authors: Alsmadi Mo'tasem M. , Alfarah Mahdi Qasem , Albderat Jawaher , Alsalaita Ghazi , AlMardini Reham , Hamadi Salim , Al‐Ghazawi Ahmad , Abu‐Duhair Omar , Idkaidek Nasir
Published: November 2019

Background

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is used widely to prevent graft rejection in kidney‐transplant patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in plasma requires an invasive procedure that is inconvenient, especially in pediatric patients. TDM in saliva is a more convenient non‐invasive alternative compared with plasma.

Methods

A population physiologically based pharmacokinetic (Pop‐PBPK) model of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and MPA with enterohepatic recycling was built and verified using previously published plasma, saliva, and kidney biopsy data in healthy and kidney‐transplant adult patients. The verified model was then used to predict experimentally observed plasma and saliva MMF and MPA TDM data in Jordanian pediatric kidney transplant patients measured using LC‐MS/MS. A correlation was established between plasma and saliva exposures in pediatrics.

Results

The developed LCMS was sensitive to both MMF and MPA in plasma and saliva. The developed Pop‐PBPK model predicted well the previously reported MMF and MPA levels in plasma, saliva, and kidney tissue and those observed in the current study (more than 75% of observed data points were within 90% predictive interval of population simulations). A statistically significant correlation was found between plasma and saliva exposures for both MMF (Pop‐PBPK predicted and observed) and MPA (Pop‐PBPK predicted).

Conclusion

Both MPA and MMF can be classified as class III compounds in the Salivary Excretion Classification System. Saliva is an alternative body fluid to plasma that can be used for TDM of MPA and MMF in kidney‐transplant patients in pediatrics. Exposure to MPA and MMF in plasma, saliva, and kidney tissue was reliably predicted using the developed Pop‐PBPK model.
Uncarboxylated osteocalcin promotes osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells by activating the Erk‐Smad/β‐catenin signalling pathways
Authors: Liu Zhongsheng , Yang Jianhong
Published: November 2019

Uncarboxylated osteocalcin (unOc) is an osteoblast‐derived hormone with multiple regulatory functions. Osteocalcin knockdown delays the maturation of mineral species and downregulates the expression of osteogenic‐specific genes in human mesenchymal stromal cells. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of unOc on the osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and discovered that unOc promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which was characterized by increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, type I collagen (COLI) production, calcified nodule formation, and expression of osteogenic‐specific genes including the osterix, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), ALP, and COLI genes. Further experiments indicated that unOc promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via activation of the Erk‐Smad/β‐catenin signalling pathways.

Significance of the study

Osteoporosis is associated with the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In recent years, the role of unOc function as an endocrine hormone has received much attention. In this study, we reported for the first time that unOc promoted the osteogenic differentiation of mouse BMSCs through Erk‐Smad/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Our results highlight the importance of unOc as a hormone in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, indicating that this hormone may be beneficial in treatments for osteoporosis and fracture healing.
A case of pediatric rosacea—Skin and ocular involvement
Authors: Ooi Xue Ting , Tan Kong Bing , Chandran Nisha
Published: November 2019

Childhood rosacea presents a diagnostic difficulty due to the lack of diagnostic criteria and potential mimics. Ocular involvement is a frequent complication of rosacea in children and may appear before cutaneous findings. It is important for clinicians to be aware of these and to screen patients appropriately in order for timely treatment to be instituted.
Cytological features of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Okano Kimiaki , Ishida Mitsuaki , Sandoh Kaori , Fujisawa Takuo , Iwai Hiroshi , Tsuta Koji
Published: November 2019

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) of the salivary glands is a relatively rare carcinoma. The detection rate of the carcinoma component in the cytological specimens is not high and may be challenging in cytological examination. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the cytological specimens of CXPA with emphasis on the detection of the carcinoma component. We reviewed the cytological characteristics of patients histopathologically diagnosed with CXPA who underwent preoperative cytological examination. Of the 10 patients enrolled in the study, 8 had tumors located in the parotid gland, and 2 in the submandibular gland. A review of the cytological specimens revealed the presence of the carcinoma component in all 10 cases and the pleomorphic adenoma (PA) component in 6 cases, although initial cytodiagnosis detected the carcinoma component in 8 cases. The cytological feature of this component was the presence of variable‐sized clusters of polygonal cells with relatively rich cytoplasm and large round to oval nuclei in a necrotic background. Interestingly, carcinoma cells mixed with the PA component were also present. On histopathological analysis, 7 cases were intracapsular, and the remaining 3 cases were widely invasive CXPA. Further, 9 cases had salivary duct carcinoma as carcinoma component. In conclusion, these findings show that careful detection of the carcinoma cells, particularly within the PA component, is crucial for early detection of CXPA, and the presence of necrosis might help with the detection of the carcinoma component.
Data system design alters meaning in ecological data: salmon habitat restoration across the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Authors: Katz Stephen L. , Barnas Katie A. , Diaz Monica , Hampton Stephanie E.
Published: November 2019

As an increasing variety and complexity of environmental issues confront scientists and natural resource managers, assembling the most relevant and informative data into accessible data systems becomes critical to timely problem solving. Data interoperability is the key criterion for succeeding in that assembly, and much informatics research is focused on data federation, or synthesis to produce interoperable data. However, when candidate data come from numerous, diverse, and high‐value legacy data sources, the issue of data variety or heterogeneity can be a significant impediment to interoperability. Research in informatics, computer science and philosophy has frequently focused on resolving data heterogeneity with automation, but subject matter expertise still plays a large role. In particular, human expertise is a large component in the development of tools such as data dictionaries, crosswalks, and ontologies. Such representations may not always match from one data system to another, presenting potentially inconsistent results even with the same data. Here, we use a long‐term data set on management actions designed to improve stream habitat for endangered salmon in the Pacific Northwest, to illustrate how different representations can change the underlying information content in the data system. We pass the same data set comprised of 49,619 records through three ontologies, each developed to address a rational management need, and show that the inferences drawn from the data can change with choice of data representation or ontology. One striking example shows that the use of one ontology would suggest water quality improvement projects are the rarest and most expensive restoration actions undertaken, while another will suggest these actions to be the most common and least expensive type of management actions. The discrepancy relates to the origins of the data dictionaries themselves, with one designed to catalog management actions and the other focused on ecological processes. Thus, we argue that in data federation efforts humans are “in the loop” rationally, in the form of the ontologies they have chosen, and diminishing the human component in favor of automation carries risks. Consequently, data federation exercises should be accompanied by validations in order to evaluate and manage those risks.
Habitat complexity influences the structure of food webs in Great Barrier Reef seagrass meadows
Authors: Jinks Kristin I. , Brown Christopher J. , Rasheed Michael A. , Scott Abigail L. , Sheaves Marcus , York Paul H. , Connolly Rod M.
Published: November 2019

Structural habitat complexity is a fundamental attribute influencing ecological food webs. Simplification of complex habitats occurs due to both natural and anthropogenic pressures that can alter productivity of food webs. Relationships between food web structure and habitat complexity may be influenced by multiple mechanisms, and untangling these can be challenging. We investigated whether (1) size spectra vary across a gradient of habitat complexity in seagrass meadows and (2) structural complexity changes the importance of different primary producers supporting the food web (determined using stable isotope analysis) in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. We found that moderately complex meadows had much steeper size spectra slopes, caused by a higher abundance of smaller animals and fewer larger animals, while meadows on either end of the complexity scale (low and a single meadow with very high complexity) had shallower slopes, indicative of a more balanced distribution of animal sizes across the spectrum. We also found that the importance of epiphytic algae as a food source was high in most meadows, despite the increase in seagrass surface area on which epiphytes could grow. The consistent importance of epiphytic algae suggests that the changes in the availability of different potential food sources did not affect food web structure. Our findings indicate that food web structure may change with variations in structural complexity because of changes in the abundance of smaller and/or larger animals. Food web structure and food sources are important determinants of the dynamic stability of food webs. Size spectra analysis is already used as a monitoring tool for assessing populations of key fisheries species in commercial fishing operations, and thus, we recommend using size spectra as a proxy for assessing the structure of the food webs in different types of seagrass meadows. Size spectra may be a useful indicator of how different meadows provide for ecosystem services such as fisheries.
Smart flap of sternocleidomastoid muscle in anterior cervical spine surgery: Surgical anatomical dissection technique
Authors: Cuzzocrea Fabrizio , Ghiara Matteo , Vanelli Roberto , Medetti Marta , Lombardini Ambrogio Alberto , Benazzo Francesco , Mauramati Simone , Mossinelli Chiara , Herman Irene , Benazzo Marco
Published: November 2019

The use of sternocleidomastoid muscle flap has firstly been described in 1909. In spine surgery, it is usually reserved in the cases of revision after anterior cervical spine procedures. The aim of this article is to introduce its usage as prophylactic measure in cases at high risk of iatrogenic fistula formation. The procedure consists of three main steps: sternocleidomastoid isolation, flap design and harvesting, and flap fixation. The use of a surgical anchor allows a better adherence to the plate preventing hematoma formation. The use of SCM smart flap in primary anterior cervical spine surgery as a prophylactic method could be considered a safe and feasible procedure in patients with a high risk of iatrogenic fistulas.
Effect of four neuraminidase inhibitors on influenza in Osaka, Japan: An eight‐year survey
Authors: Tochino Yoshihiro , Yoshii Naoko , Fujioka Masashi , Hamazaki Takashi , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Kakeya Hiroshi , Shuto Taichi
Published: November 2019

Background

After the A/H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, two new drugs against influenza, namely laninamivir and peramivir, were released in 2010 in Japan. We investigated prescription trends of four neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), which are laninamivir, peramivir, oseltamivir, and zanamivir, and assessed clinical data related to influenza for 8 years.

Methods

Patients living in Osaka Prefecture and diagnosed with influenza responded to a postcard questionnaire that collected data regarding their demographic characteristics, symptoms including fever, prescribed drugs, and influenza type.

Results

Laninamivir was most prescribed to patients aged ≥ 10 years, and oseltamivir was most prescribed to patients aged < 10 years. All four NAIs had similar effects on influenza. Patients with type A influenza experienced fever alleviation earlier than those with type B influenza. Older patients tended to have lower fever. Most seasons had similar results.

Conclusions

Our descriptive epidemiologic study revealed the status of patients with influenza and their medication use.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Contrast‐Enhanced MRI in Detecting Residual or Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Hai‐Feng , Zou Li‐Qiu , Lu Xing‐Ru , Sheng Ye , Wang Qing , Ding Jiu‐Le , Shi Li , Liu Shui‐Qing , Xing Wei
Published: November 2019

Background

The diagnostic efficacy of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI) in diagnosing residual or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is currently not completely clear.

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of CEMRI in detecting residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE by meta‐analysis.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Population

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library database up to June 2019 to find original studies on diagnosing patients suspected of residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE with CEMRI. Thirteen studies comprising 721 nodules were finally included.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T or 3.0T, CEMRI.

Assessment

Quality assessment of the included studies was performed by applying the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 (QUADAS‐2) tool.

Statistical Tests

Sensitivity and specificity were pooled with a bivariate random‐effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the chi‐square test. The potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup and publication bias analyses.

Results

The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of CEMRI in diagnosing residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE were 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87%–96%), 93% (95% CI: 85%–97%), 12.22 (95% CI: 5.62–26.57), 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05–0.18), 126.99 (95% CI: 34.76–436.99) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.98), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that CEMRI performed significantly better in prospective studies than in retrospective studies: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00) vs. 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.96) with P < 0.05.

Data Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis suggested that CEMRI had high diagnostic efficacy in detecting residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE and may serve as an alternative method for further evaluation after TACE.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1019–1028.
Rationalisation of polypharmacy in practice: a survey of physicians and pharmacists
Authors: Masnoon Nashwa , Shakib Sepehr , Kalisch Ellett Lisa , Caughey Gillian E.
Published: November 2019

Background

In the literature, polypharmacy is commonly defined as using five or more medicines. Little is known about how physicians and pharmacists define and assess polypharmacy in practice.

Aim

This study determined how expert physicians and pharmacists define and assess polypharmacy in practice.

Methods

An online survey was sent to 25 expert physicians and pharmacists who were chosen if they had done significant work in the area of polypharmacy through major research, clinical practice or both, to identify how experts define and assess polypharmacy in practice.

Results

Twenty‐two participants completed the survey (88% response rate). There was strong agreement between experts, including which factors are important when assessing polypharmacy (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94). Respondents used the number of medicines (n = 18 respondents; 56.3% of all definitions), such as five or more medicines, and brief descriptions (n = 4 respondents; 43.7% of all definitions), such as assessing appropriateness given comorbidities, to define polypharmacy. Respondents commonly indicated patient factors such as functional status (n = 11 respondents; 50%) and medicine‐related factors such as drug–drug interactions (n = 11; 50%) as important when assessing polypharmacy. Experts reported low use of externally validated polypharmacy tools during polypharmacy assessment, with 36.4% (n = 8) being unfamiliar with or never or rarely using these tools.

Conclusion

Medication‐ and patient‐related factors beyond a medicines count were deemed important in assessing polypharmacy. Given the low use of externally validated polypharmacy tools, strategies that include important medication‐ and patient‐related factors are required to facilitate polypharmacy rationalisation.
Combining convolutional neural networks and in‐line near‐infrared spectroscopy for real‐time monitoring of the chromatographic elution process in commercial production of notoginseng total saponins
Authors: Yan Xu , Fu Hao , Zhang Sheng , Qu Haibin
Published: November 2019

The chromatographic elution process is a key step in the production of notoginseng total saponins. Due to quality variability of loading samples and resin capacity decreasing over cycle time, saponins, especially the five main saponins of notoginseng total saponins, need to be monitored in real time during the elution process. In this study, convolutional neural networks, one of the most popular deep learning methods, were used to develop quantitative calibration models based on in‐line near‐infrared spectroscopy for notoginsenoside R1, ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1 and Rd, and their sum concentration, with root mean square error of prediction values of 0.87, 2.76, 0.60, 1.57, 0.28, and 4.99 mg/mL, respectively. Partial least squares calibration models were also developed for model performance comparison. Results show predicted concentration profiles outputted by both the convolutional neural network models and partial least squares models show agreements with the real trends defined by reference measurements, and can be used for elution process monitoring and endpoint determination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case study of combining convolutional neural networks and in‐line near‐infrared spectroscopy for monitoring of the chromatographic elution process in commercial production of botanical drug products.
Predictors of Mortality in HPV‐Associated Oropharynx Carcinoma Treated With Surgery Alone
Authors: Han Mary , Stanford‐Moore Gaelen B. , Larson Andrew R. , Schoppy David W. , Cognetti David M. , Joshi Arjun S. , Houlton Jeffery J. , Ryan William R.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Survival outcomes for human papillomavirus‐associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (HPV + OPSCC) treated with surgery alone are unclear. To increase understanding, we assessed overall survival (OS) outcomes using the national cancer database (NCDB).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of OS of 736 NCDB HPV + OPSCC patients who underwent surgery alone from 2010 to 2014 using univariate and multivariate analyses and the Kaplan‐Meir method.

Results

Multivariable analysis found the following independent risk factors for death: American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition pathologic stage(p)N2 versus pN0 disease (hazard ratio [HR], 5.5; P = 0.000006), macroscopic extranodal extension (ENE) versus non‐ENE (HR, 4.9; P < 0.02), a positive lymph nodes (LN) percentage of ≥10% (HR, 4.2; P = 0.0002), and five or more positive LNs (HR, 4.9; P = 0.00004). Three‐year OS was significantly worse for AJCC 8th edition pN2 versus pN0 but not for 7th edition pN2 versus pN0 disease. Five‐year OS was significantly worse for positive versus negative surgical margins, AJCC 8th edition stage II versus I, and either microscopic or macroscopic ENE versus non‐ENE positive LNs. For 523 (71%) AJCC 8th edition stage I patients and for 283 (38%) patients who were pT1–T2, with negative margins, pN0–N1, with ≤4 pathologic LNs, without ENE, and with >20 LNs removed during neck dissection, the 3‐year OS rates were 93% and 95%, respectively, and the 5‐year OS rates were 91% and 95%, respectively.

Conclusion

In the context of the lack of detail and possible inaccuracies found in the NCDB, surgery alone for AJCC 8th edition stage I HPV + OPSCC, particularly pT1–T2, pN0–N1 with ≤4 pathologic LNs, without ENE, and with negative surgical margins has a high OS.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E423–E435, 2020
Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Rabalais Nancy N. , Turner R. Eugene
Published: November 2019

One of the largest human‐caused areas of bottom‐water oxygen deficiency in the coastal ocean is on the northern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf adjacent to the Mississippi River, which discharges nitrogen and phosphorus loads into its surface waters. The beginnings of seasonal hypoxia (≤2 mg l−1 dissolved oxygen) in this area was in the 1950s with an acceleration in the worsening of severity during the 1970s. Currently, the bottom area of hypoxic areas can approach 23,000 km2, and the volume, 140 km3. Ecosystems, people, and economies are now at risk within the Mississippi River watershed and in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Strengthened nitrogen and phosphorus mitigation, altered agriculture practices, and reduction in carbon and nutrient footprints are key to the recovery of these systems. In this article, we review the past, present, and possible future conditions of the northern Gulf of Mexico and provide insight into possible management actions.
Komponenten sicher zuordnen
Authors: Schröder Stephan
Published: November 2019

Bei der Identifikation zinnorganischer Verbindungen erhöhen Multiple‐Reaction‐Monitoring‐Massenspektren sowie der Abgleich mit entsprechenden Bibliotheken die Nachweissicherheit.
Einblick in vergangene Zeiten – Farbstoffanalyse mit MS
Authors: Csuk René , Kluge Ralph , Kramell Annemarie Elisabeth
Published: November 2019

Viele archäologische Textilfunde erscheinen auf den ersten Blick eher unansehnlich und braun in braun. Eine genauere Untersuchung mit direkten massenspektrometrischen Techniken offenbart jedoch: Die Stoffe waren oft farbenfroh gestaltet. Zudem lassen sich damit über 2000 Jahre alte Fasern analysieren, ohne die Proben dabei zu zerstören.
Redoxflussbatterien mit Farbumschlag
Authors: Rosenberg Dominique , Jansen Walter , Busker Maike
Published: November 2019

Redoxflussbatterien gelten als Hoffnungsträger zur Energiespeicherung. Pilotprojekte nutzen vor allem anorganische Elektrolyte. Auch in der Schule lassen sich solche Akkumulatoren in einfachen Versuchsaufbauten veranschaulichen.
Niederdimensionale Materialien für die ersten Li‐Ionenbatterien
Authors: Wilkening Martin
Published: November 2019

Der diesjährige Chemienobelpreis ist dreigeteilt und wird an die Materialwissenschaftler John Bannister Goodenough, Michael Stanley Whittingham und Akira Yoshino verliehen werden. Sie erhalten den Preis als Würdigung für Pionierarbeiten, die zur Entwicklung eines neuen Batterietyps geführt haben.
Materialien: Gefrorene Luft macht alles leichter
Authors: Smirnova Irina
Published: November 2019

Jedes Gel lässt sich in ein Aerogel verwandeln. Das funktioniert sogar bei gekochten Eiern. Das europäische Forschungsprojekt Cost Action Aerogel wird nun Anwendungen für Umwelt‐ und Lebenswissenschaften untersuchen lassen.
Kreislaufwirtschaft: Plastik runderneuert
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: November 2019

Rohstoffhersteller kaufen Recycler, denn es ist schwierig, genügend Rezyklate in ausreichender Qualität zu finden. Die Kunststoffmesse K 2019 zeigte, welchen Einfluss dabei chemisches Recycling und die Abfallwirtschaft haben.
17. Central European Symposium on Theoretical Chemistry
Authors: Marquetand Philipp
Published: November 2019

Anfang September fand das Central European Symposium on Theoretical Chemistry (CESTC) auf der Burg Schlaining, Stadtschlaining im österreichischen Burgenland statt. Bereits zum 17. Mal trafen sich über 100 Theoretiker aus dem zentraleuropäischen Raum und tauschten sich über Themen von Quantenchemie bis zu maschinellem Lernen aus. Organisiert wurde die viertägige Konferenz von Leticia González, Professorin für theoretische Chemie an der Universität Wien, und ihrer Gruppe.
Static and dynamic mechanical analysis of geometrically different kenaf/PLA green composite laminates
Authors: Manral Ankit , Bajpai Pramendra K.
Published: November 2019

The type of reinforcement used in polymer composite is one of the main governing parameters to ascertain the performance of a polymer composite. Green composites using fiber mat as reinforcement have shown promising results. In the present study, three different types of kenaf fiber mat (ie, bidirectional, unidirectional, and randomly oriented) have been incorporated with polylactic acid (PLA) for fabrication of green composite laminates through compression molding. Static mechanical characterization (tensile, flexural, and impact) of the developed composites has shown that type of fiber mat affects the mechanical performance of laminated composites markedly. Unidirectional fiber reinforced PLA composite has shown the highest tensile strength in comparison to bidirectional fiber reinforced PLA composite (BDFRPC) and randomly oriented fiber reinforced PLA composite (ROFRPC). BDFRPC has shown better flexural properties whereas ROFRPC achieved higher impact strength. Dynamic mechanical analysis of different kenaf/PLA laminates was performed to investigate the visco‐elastic nature with respect to temperature. Results show that ROFRPC has observed the best results under dynamic loading condition. The morphological study of the fractured surfaces during various testing was performed using scanning electron microscope to investigate mechanisms and reasons of failure of composites.
Noninvasive prenatal paternity testing by means of SNP‐based targeted sequencing
Authors: Tam Jacqueline Chor Wing , Chan Yee Man , Tsang Shui Ying , Yau Chung In , Yeung Shuk Ying , Au Ka Ki , Chow Chun Kin
Published: November 2019

Objective

To develop a method for noninvasive prenatal paternity testing based on targeted sequencing of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Method

SNPs were selected based on population genetics data. Target‐SNPs in cell‐free DNA extracted from maternal blood (maternal cfDNA) were analyzed by targeted sequencing wherein target enrichment was based on multiplex amplification using QIAseq Targeted DNA Panels with Unique Molecular Identifiers. Fetal SNP genotypes were called using a novel bioinformatics algorithm, and the combined paternity indices (CPIs) and resultant paternity probabilities were calculated.

Results

Fetal SNP genotypes obtained from targeted sequencing of maternal cfDNA were 100% concordant with those from amniotic fluid‐derived fetal genomic DNA. From an initial panel of 356 target‐SNPs, an average of 148 were included in paternity calculations in 15 family trio cases, generating paternity probabilities of greater than 99.9999%. All paternity results were confirmed by short‐tandem‐repeat analysis. The high specificity of the methodology was validated by successful paternity discrimination between biological fathers and their siblings and by large separations between the CPIs calculated for the biological fathers and those for 60 unrelated men.

Conclusion

The novel method is highly effective, with substantial improvements over similar approaches in terms of reduced number of target‐SNPs, increased accuracy, and reduced costs.
Moving boundary truncated grid method: Multidimensional quantum dynamics
Authors: Lu Chun‐Yaung , Lee Tsung‐Yen , Chou Chia‐Chun
Published: November 2019

The moving boundary truncated grid (TG) method is used to study wave packet dynamics of multidimensional quantum systems. As time evolves, appropriate Eulerian grid points required for propagating a wave packet are activated and deactivated with no advance information about the dynamics. This method is applied to the Henon‐Heiles potential and wave packet barrier scattering in two, three, and four dimensions. Computational results demonstrate that the TG method not only leads to a great reduction in the number of grid points needed to perform accurate calculations but also is computationally more efficient than the full grid calculations.
Complex absorbing potentials for stark resonances
Authors: Ben‐Asher Anael , Moiseyev Nimrod
Published: November 2019

In this work, we study the problem in calculation of Stark resonances by using complex absorbing potentials (CAPs), and its solutions. The motivation of using CAPs for calculating Stark resonances stems from the fact that CAPs can be easily inserted to a large variety of available codes for calculating the electronic structure of molecules and atoms. Our conclusion is that the appropriate CAPs for studying ac/dc Stark resonances are those that are associated with smooth‐exterior‐scaling (SES) transformations, which rotate the spatial contour of integration into the complex plane. The performance of SES‐CAPs vs standard commonly used CAPs in different types of basis sets is investigated.