bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral Exterior Calculus
Authors: Berry Tyrus , Giannakis Dimitrios
Published: February 2020

A spectral approach to building the exterior calculus in manifold learning problems is developed. The spectral approach is shown to converge to the true exterior calculus in the limit of large data. Simultaneously, the spectral approach decouples the memory requirements from the amount of data points and ambient space dimension. To achieve this, the exterior calculus is reformulated entirely in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Laplacian operator on functions. The exterior derivatives of these eigenfunctions (and their wedge products) are shown to form a frame (a type of spanning set) for appropriate L2 spaces of k‐forms, as well as higher‐order Sobolev spaces. Formulas are derived to express the Laplace‐de Rham operators on forms in terms of the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the Laplacian on functions. By representing the Laplace‐de Rham operators in this frame, spectral convergence results are obtained via Galerkin approximation techniques. Numerical examples demonstrate accurate recovery of eigenvalues and eigenforms of the Laplace‐de Rham operator on 1‐forms. The correct Betti numbers are obtained from the kernel of this operator approximated from data sampled on several orientable and non‐orientable manifolds, and the eigenforms are visualized via their corresponding vector fields. These vector fields form a natural orthonormal basis for the space of square‐integrable vector fields, and are ordered by a Dirichlet energy functional which measures oscillatory behavior. The spectral framework also shows promising results on a non‐smooth example (the Lorenz 63 attractor), suggesting that a spectral formulation of exterior calculus may be feasible in spaces with no differentiable structure. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of 1,2,5‐Oxadiazinane Derivatives by Photochemical Cycloaddition of Nitrones with Diaminomethanes
Authors: Itoh Kennosuke , Takashino Atsushi , Ohtsuka Atsushi , Kobe Mizuki , Sawamura Shunsuke , Kato Ryo , Hirayama Shigeto , Karaki Fumika , Mizuguchi Takaaki , Sato Noriko , Tokunaga Ken , Toda Yasunori , Suga Hiroyuki , Ishida Hitoshi , Fujii Hideaki
Published: February 2020

1,2,5‐Oxadiazinanes have a unique heterocyclic skeleton and are expected to be applicable to the synthesis of drugs. However, there have been few reported methodologies to synthesize these structures. We report a facile synthesis of 1,2,5‐oxadiazinanes that is accomplished by the unprecedented photochemical cycloaddition reaction of nitrones with diaminomethanes. The photoreaction is a formal [3+3] cycloaddition, where a nitrone and a diaminomethane act as the 1,3‐dipole and the 1,3‐synthon, respectively. The reaction is significantly accelerated with benzophenone as a photosensitizer. A high degree of diastereoselective addition (d.r. >99 : 1) is observed in the reaction of (Z)‐N‐benzyl‐1‐phenylmethanimine oxide with di(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)methane.
Evaluating Cell Disruption Strategies for Aqueous Lipid Extraction from Oleaginous Scenedesmus obliquus at High Solid Loadings
Authors: Trivedi Jayati , Atray Neeraj , Agrawal Deepti
Published: February 2020

Among various renewable energy sources, the production of biofuels derived from algal lipids holds bright prospects. One of the major roadblocks in the successful commercialization of microalgal biofuels is the existing energy‐intensive lipid extraction. In the present investigation, an attempt is made to assess aqueous lipid extraction strategies from oleaginous Scenedesmus obliquus at a high solid loading of 15% (w/v). In this study, four surfactants and five enzymes are evaluated for cell disruption of S. obliquus. It is the first report citing cetyl pyridinium bromide as the most suitable cationic detergent for surfactant‐assisted extraction, with a lipid recovery as high as 31.4%. However, during the evaluation of enzyme‐based cell disruption, neutral protease emerges as the best biocatalyst resulting in a lipid recovery of ≈75%. Total lipid extraction is accomplished using a two solvent system comprising of water‐immiscible ethyl acetate, followed by chloroform addition. The study revalidates the fact that the biochemical composition of Scenedesmus sp. plays a vital role while identifying and formulating an efficient and green process for microalgal cell disruption for enhanced lipid extraction under aqueous conditions.

Practical Applications: The results of the present study demonstrate that if the biochemical composition of any oleaginous algal cell wall is known, aqueous enzymatic lipid extraction can be employed rather than taking up the conventional route of drying followed by Soxhlet extraction. The combination of using the cheap sources of enzymes and water‐immiscible green solvents like ethyl acetate can be lucrative downstream procedures for the lipid recovery from wet algal biomass when compared to traditional procedures.
Experimental study on vertical temperature profile of buoyant window spill plume from intermediate‐scale compartments
Authors: Zhou Biao , Yoshioka Hideki , Noguchi Takafumi , Ando Tatsuo
Published: February 2020

The correlation between dimensionless temperature and vertical position z were discussed by conducting a series of intermediate‐scale tests performed a 1.35 m (L) × 1.35 m (H) × 1.35 m (W) fire compartment, whose window‐opening size varied from 0.91 m (H) × 0.41 m (W) to 0.91 m (H) × 0.91 m (W) and heat release rate (HRR) differed from 200 to 1000 kW. The effects of fire plume reattaching‐to‐wall behaviors, the varied neutral plane positions, and window‐opening aspect n on Yokoi's correlation is analyzed according to the comparison of theoretical analysis and experimental results. Finally, an attempt to increase the rationality and continuity of Yokoi's plots is conducted. The new correlation consists of two different types of plots regarding the plume region and flame region. The reattaching‐to‐wall behavior of flame region showed a heavy effect on the new correlation plot. Chamber dimension imposes little influence on the new correlation plot.
Buttermilk ice cream—New method for buttermilk utilization
Authors: Szkolnicka Katarzyna , Dmytrów Izabela , Mituniewicz‐Małek Anna
Published: February 2020

Buttermilk, the by‐product of butter production, due to good technological features and excellent nutritional and health‐promoting properties finds more and more applications in food industry. Considerable amount of polar lipids causes that buttermilk exhibits emulsifying and stabilizing effect and may be used to improve the product quality. The study aimed to design new kind of ice cream, in which all milk is substituted by buttermilk. Within the study, we compared physicochemical parameters, color, texture, and sensory properties of control milk ice cream (C), ice cream from sweet buttermilk (SB), and ice cream from cultured buttermilk (CB). Ice cream was tested on the production day, and some characteristics were tested also after 14 and 28 days of storage at −18 ± 1°C. The study showed that samples of ice cream from cultured buttermilk had the highest acidity and were the most resistant to melting. The samples did not differ in over‐run value. The use of buttermilk influenced the texture of ice cream and product from sweet buttermilk had the highest stickiness during the storage. The color analysis showed that the highest lightness parameter had ice cream from cultured buttermilk, while samples from sweet buttermilk had the most greenish‐yellow characteristics. All the obtained products had good sensory characteristics, only cultured buttermilk ice cream slightly deteriorated after 28 storage days. Good quality properties cause that buttermilk may be successfully used as substitution of milk in ice‐cream formula and may improve its quality by exhibiting of some emulsifying stabilizing effect.
A neural circuit model for a contextual association task inspired by recommender systems
Authors: Zhu Henghui , Paschalidis Ioannis Ch. , Chang Allen , Stern Chantal E. , Hasselmo Michael E.
Published: February 2020

Behavioral data shows that humans and animals have the capacity to learn rules of associations applied to specific examples, and generalize these rules to a broad variety of contexts. This article focuses on neural circuit mechanisms to perform a context‐dependent association task that requires linking sensory stimuli to behavioral responses and generalizing to multiple other symmetrical contexts. The model uses neural gating units that regulate the pattern of physiological connectivity within the circuit. These neural gating units can be used in a learning framework that performs low‐rank matrix factorization analogous to recommender systems, allowing generalization with high accuracy to a wide range of additional symmetrical contexts. The neural gating units are trained with a biologically inspired framework involving traces of Hebbian modification that are updated based on the correct behavioral output of the network. This modeling demonstrates potential neural mechanisms for learning context‐dependent association rules and for the change in selectivity of neurophysiological responses in the hippocampus. The proposed computational model is evaluated using simulations of the learning process and the application of the model to new stimuli. Further, human subject behavioral experiments were performed and the results validate the key observation of a low‐rank synaptic matrix structure linking stimuli to responses.
Hippocampal changes in mice lacking an active prohormone convertase 2
Authors: Chang Su‐Youne , DeVera Christopher , Yang Zhihua , Yang Tao , Song Lina , McDowell Arthur , Xiong Zhi‐gang , Simon Roger , Zhou An
Published: February 2020

Prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) is essential for the biosynthesis of many neuropeptides, including several of them in hippocampus. In mouse brain, lacking an enzymatically active PC2 (PC2‐null) causes accumulation of many neuropeptides in their precursor or intermediate forms. Little is known about how a PC2‐null state may affect the function of the hippocampus. In this study, adult PC2‐null mice and their wildtype (WT) littermates were subjected to three analyses to determine possible changes associated with PC2‐null at physiological, behavioral, and molecular levels, respectively, under normal and stressed conditions. Electrophysiological recordings of hippocampal slices were performed to measure evoked field‐excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP), long‐term potentiation (LTP), and paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF). Morris water maze (MWM) testing was conducted to examine behavioral changes that are indicative of hippocampal integrity. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis was used to determine changes in the hippocampal proteome in response to a focal cerebral ischemic insult. We found that there were no significant differences in the threshold of evoked EPSPs between PC2‐null and WT animals. However, an increase in LTP in both triggering rate and amplitude was observed in PC2‐null mice, suggesting that PC2 may be involved in regulating synaptic strength. The PPF, on the other hand, showed a decrease in PC2‐null mice, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism. Consistent with changes in LTP, PC2‐null mice displayed decreased latencies in finding the escape platform in the MWM test. Further, after distal focal cerebral ischemia, the hippocampal proteomes incurred changes in both WT and PC2‐null mice, with a prominent change in proteins associated with neurotransmission, exocytosis, and transport processes seen in the PC2‐null but not WT mice. Taken together, our results suggest that PC2 is involved in regulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory behaviors, as well as the hippocampal response to stresses originating in other regions of the brain.
Postnatal trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms: Postpartum antecedents and differences in toddler adjustment
Authors: Choe Daniel Ewon , McDonough Susan C. , Sameroff Arnold J. , Lawrence Amanda C.
Published: February 2020

Infants are uniquely vulnerable to maternal depression's noxious effects, but few longitudinal studies have tried to identify discrete postnatal trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms (MDS) beginning in infancy. This study extends evidence of heterogeneous change in postnatal MDS by examining their cross‐contextual antecedents in infancy and their consequences for children's early behavior problems and language skills in late toddlerhood. A community sample of mother–child dyads (N = 235, 72% Caucasian) was assessed when children were 7, 15, and 33 months old. Mothers reported their socioeconomic status (SES), social support, marital relationship quality, family dysfunction, parenting stress, and infants’ functional regulatory problems at 7 months postpartum, and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms at 33 months. Children completed a receptive vocabulary assessment at 33 months in the lab. Latent class growth analysis identified three postnatal MDS trajectory classes that fit the data best: low‐decreasing, moderate, and increasing. Psychosocial measures at seven months postpartum primarily predicted membership to these postnatal trajectory classes, which subsequently differed in children's internalizing, externalizing, and receptive vocabulary in late toddlerhood, controlling for family SES and functional regulatory problems in infancy. We discuss salient antecedents and consequences of postnatal depression for mothers and their offspring.
miR‐16 enhances miR‐302/367‐induced reprogramming and tumor suppression in breast cancer cells
Authors: Hoseinbeyki Moslem , Taha Masoumeh F. , Javeri Arash
Published: February 2020

Overexpression of either miR‐302 or miR‐302/367 cluster induces reprogramming of cancer cells and exerts tumor‐suppressive effects by induction of mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition, apoptosis and a less proliferative capacity. Several reports have described miR‐16 as a tumor suppressor microRNA (miRNA). Here, we studied the impact of exogenous induction of miR‐16 in MDA‐MB‐231 and SK‐BR‐3 breast cancer cells following overexpression of miR‐302/367 cluster and investigated whether transfection of these cells by a mature miR‐16 mimic could affect the reprogramming state of the cells and their tumorigenicity. miR‐16 enhanced the expression levels of OCT4A, SOX2, and NANOG, generally known as transcription or pluripotency factors, and suppressed proliferation and invasiveness of these cells. Meanwhile, inhibition of miR‐16 counteracted both the reprogramming effect and the antitumor function of miR‐302/367 in the breast cancer cells. Current results indicate that miR‐16 can work as an adjuvant to improve both cancer cell reprogramming and tumor‐suppressive function of miR‐302/367 cluster in MDA‐MB‐231 and SK‐BR‐3 cells, while its inhibition counteracts all of these effects. Combined application of miRNAs that share some common targets in cancer cell signaling pathways may provide new approaches for repression of multiple hallmarks of cancer.
EID1 suppresses lipid accumulation by inhibiting the expression of GPDH in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Sato Tomohiko , Vargas Diana , Miyazaki Kakushin , Uchida Kaoru , Ariyani Winda , Miyazaki Mitsue , Okada Junichi , Lizcano Fernando , Koibuchi Noriyuki , Shimokawa Noriaki
Published: February 2020

The imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure causes high accumulation of triglycerides in adipocytes. Obesity is related with the increased lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue, which is a major risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study highlights the role of E1A‐like inhibitor of differentiation 1 (EID1) in the modulation of adipogenesis through the downregulation of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), which is a key enzyme in the synthesis of triglycerides and is considered to be a marker of adipogenesis. By analyzing DNA microarray data, we found that when EID1 is overexpressed in preadipocytes (3T3‐L1 cells) during adipocyte differentiation, EID1 inhibits lipid accumulation through the downregulation of GPDH. In contrast, EID1 is not involved in the regulation of intracellular glucose via the translocation of glucose transporter. A confocal image analysis showed that EID1 is located in the nucleus of preadipocytes in the form of speckles, which could be involved as a regulator of the transcriptional process. We further confirmed that EID1 is able to bind to the promoter sequence of GPDH in the nucleus. These findings provide a molecular explanation for the inhibitory effect of EID1 on lipid accumulation in adipocytes.
Synthesis of novel tetra‐substituted benzimidazole compounds containing certain heterostructures with antioxidant and anti‐urease activities
Authors: Karaali Nesrin , Aydin Serdar , Baltas Nimet , Mentese Emre
Published: February 2020

A new series of 5,6‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐1H‐benzimidazole derivatives was synthesized. The antioxidant activities of the synthesized compounds were determined according to the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ABTS, and DPPH assays. Many of the target compounds showed good antioxidant activity. Among these compounds, it has been determined that the carbothioamide and 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives had a very good antioxidant capacity. Also, all compounds were screened for in vitro inhibitory activity against Jack bean urease. Among the synthesized molecules, the starting compound, acetate, and acetohydrazide derivatives (with IC50 values 12.02, 11.40, and 8.04 μg/mL, respectively) had a higher inhibitory effect on urease and exhibited a lower IC50 values than acetohydroxamic acid (IC50: 20.50 μg/mL) and thiourea (IC50: 14.04 μg/mL) as a reference inhibitors.
Design and analysis of INDEP FinFET SRAM cell at 7‐nm technology
Authors: Mushtaq Umayia , Sharma Vijay Kumar
Published: February 2020

The reduction in size of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices results in increase in leakage power dissipation, which occurs due to the short‐channel effects in subthreshold region. Now a day's power dissipation is one of the crucial issues that the modern electronic industry is facing. Fin‐type field‐effect transistor (FinFET) can be proven as a best substitute to reduce leakage power dissipation in logic circuits. Degradation of performance with process variations is of major concern and needs to design FinFET circuits with minimum leakage power dissipation. In this paper, static random‐access memory (SRAM) cell is designed using low power shorted‐gate (SG) FinFETs at 7‐nm technology to minimize leakage power dissipation besides improving other performance parameters like static noise margins (SNMs) and power delay product (PDP) as well. The various parameters are analyzed using butterfly and N‐curve methods. The ASAP7 PDK is used to design SRAM cells using Cadence Virtuoso tool. The simulated results show that FinFET input‐dependent (INDEP) technique reduces the leakage power dissipation by 32.08% and 13.50%, respectively, in read and write conditions of FinFET SRAM cell. The Monte‐Carlo simulation results show the reduction in average power using INDEP approach at ±10% process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations under 3σ Gaussian distribution of FinFET SRAM cell.
Wear measurements with use of radiostereometric analysis in total hip arthroplasty with obscured femoral head
Authors: Johanson Per‐Erik , Shareghi Bita , Eriksson Michael , Kärrholm Johan
Published: February 2020

Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) has evolved as gold standard in the evaluation of wear and especially as regards novel hip implant materials. However, several cup shell materials and articulation types used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) cannot be studied due to poor radiographic visibility of the femoral head (FH). We addressed this problem with use of a point transfer function in the RSA software to indirectly measure FH translations with use of stem markers. In a base examination, the stem marker segment and cup center, as an approximation for the FH center position, were mathematically coupled. Thereafter, in subsequent examinations, we used the point transfer function to calculate FH positions from stem marker positions. To determine the variance of the difference of directly and indirectly measured FH positions, four stem marker configurations were studied in THAs with radiographically visible FHs. For the axis with least variance we also compared directly and indirectly measured translation up to 7 years. Finally, we applied the method in a ceramic‐on‐ceramic (COC) articulation and measured proximal translation up to 7 years and also estimated precision. Vertical translations had the smallest variation between measured and calculated FH position. Directly and indirectly measured vertical FH translation correlated well but indirect measurements had increased variance. Proximal steady‐state penetration rate in uncemented COC THA was −0.003 (SD 0.021) mm/year with 99% precision along the vertical axis measuring 0.34 mm. The point transfer function can be used to measure proximal FH penetration, but with less precision than direct RSA.
Comparison of headspace solid‐phase microextraction and solvent extraction method for the simultaneous analysis of various soil fumigants in soil or water by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Bin , Yan Dongdong , Fang Wensheng , Wang Xianli , Liu Jie , Zhang Daqi , Wang Qiuxia , Ouyang Canbin , Han Qingli , Jin Xi , Cao Aocheng
Published: February 2020

The quantity of soil fumigants has increased globally that has focused attention on their environmental behavior. However, simultaneous analysis of traces of fumigant residues is often unreported because analysis methods are not readily available to measure them at low concentrations. In this study, typical solvent extraction methods were compared with headspace solid‐phase microextraction methods. Both methods can be used for simultaneously measuring the concentrations of five commonly used soil fumigants in soil or water. The solvent extraction method showed acceptable recovery (76–103%) and intraday relative standard deviations (0.8–11%) for the five soil fumigants. The headspace solid‐phase microextraction method also showed acceptable recovery (72–104%) and precision rates (1.3–17%) for the five soil fumigants. The solvent extraction method was more precise and more suitable for analyzing relatively high fumigant residue levels (0.05–5 μg/g) contained in multiple soil samples. The headspace solid‐phase microextraction method, however, had a much lower limits of detection (0.09–2.52 μg/kg or μg/L) than the solvent extraction method (5.8–29.2 μg/kg), making headspace solid‐phase microextraction most suitable for trace analysis of these fumigants. The results confirmed that the headspace solid‐phase microextraction method was more convenient and sensitive for the determination of fumigants to real soil samples.
Early experience with feasibility of balloon sinus dilation in complicated pediatric acute frontal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Maurrasse Sarah K. , Hwa Tiffany P. , Waldman Erik , Kacker Ashutosh , Pearlman Aaron N.
Published: February 2020

Background/Objective

Complicated acute rhinosinusitis in the pediatric population is an uncommon problem that may affect the orbit or brain and is life‐threatening. This condition requires surgical intervention with endoscopic sinus surgery for source control, and prior studies have demonstrated the safety of balloon sinuplasty in chronic frontal sinusitis.

Methods/Results

We present our approach with a balloon sinus dilation hybrid procedure to resolve four distinct types of complicated acute frontal sinusitis in pediatric patients, including intracranial manifestations, intraorbital complications, and recurrent disease. All four patients were able to be managed operatively with frontal balloon sinuplasty.

Conclusions

Prior efficacy has been demonstrated for chronic frontal sinusitis in the pediatric population. We demonstrate that frontal balloon sinuplasty is also feasible in the proper clinical setting for acute frontal sinusitis, even in the presence of regional complications or recurrent disease.

Level of Evidence

4
Bottom trawling reduces benthic denitrification and has the potential to influence the global nitrogen cycle
Authors: Ferguson Angus J. P. , Oakes Joanne , Eyre Bradley D.
Published: February 2020

Bottom trawling and eutrophication are large stressors that are critically coupled. Here we show, using a before‐after control‐effect design, the significant reduction in denitrification as a result of experimental bottom trawling in a shallow coastal system. Trawl disturbance destroys the complex three‐dimensional redox structures in surface sediments that maximize denitrification potential, resulting in up to a 50% reduction in net denitrification. The decrease in net denitrification also increased after each trawling event suggesting a declining resilience to trawling and eutrophication. Bottom trawling occurs at such a large scale that it could result in significant amounts of nitrogen being retained on the continental shelf. As such, impacts on the global ocean nitrogen cycle and associated eutrophication should be counted among the many negative consequences of extensive seafloor trawling.
Manufacturer product quality information disclosure with channel encroachment in the E‐commerce age
Authors: Huang Song , Chen Shuting , Xiao Lei
Published: February 2020

This study investigates the interplay between a manufacturer's quality disclosure and channel encroachment. We show that there exists a U‐shaped pattern between the manufacturer's payoff and the disclosure cost, whereas the retailer's payoff exhibits a more complicated and nonmonotonic relationship with respect to the disclosure cost. Both firms may benefit from the increase of the disclosure cost when it falls into the intermediate range and when the channel substitution rate is not too low. The increase of the encroachment cost always hurts the manufacturer, and it may even hurt the retailer if it is medium and if the channel substitution rate is low.
Spatiotemporal distribution of strong convective cells over northern Serbia, 2008–2010
Authors: Vujović Dragana , Nađ Julijana , Marković Vukica , Vučković Vladan
Published: February 2020

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of severe convective cells (SCCs) can determine the areas with the most frequent occurrence of these events, and helps in the protection of the most vulnerable areas. An objective analysis of a three year observation of strong convective cells (CCs) in northern Serbia is presented, based on data collected via meteorological radar. The CC and SCCs are defined by radar reflectivity thresholds of 45 and 55 dBZ, respectively, and are analysed at constant altitude plan position indicator (CAPPI) levels of 4.0 km (CAPPI4) and 5.5 km (CAPPI5). The analysis showed that the dominant occurrence of thunderstorm cells was directed from southwest to northeast. The spatial distribution from year to year was variable; however, the analysis identified areas with frequent thunderstorm cells. The number of grid points where CCs occur is smaller at the CAPPI5 than at the CAPPI4. There is a more frequent occurrence of CCs than SCCs: there were no CCs in only 0.58% of grid points during the entire three year period at the CAPPI4, while for SCCs it was 39.82%. This difference was even greater at the CAPPI5: 1.42% for CCs and 55.47% for SCCs. At most of the grid points (67–79% at the CAPPI4 and 78–88% at the CAPPI5, depending on the year), no SCCs were observed for any given year.
Defining language disorders in children and adolescents with Noonan Syndrome
Authors: Lazzaro Giulia , Caciolo Cristina , Menghini Deny , Cumbo Francesca , Digilio Maria C. , Capolino Rossella , Zampino Giuseppe , Tartaglia Marco , Vicari Stefano , Alfieri Paolo
Published: February 2020

Background

Noonan Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by a distinctive phenotype including facial dysmorphism, webbed neck, short stature, heart defects, and variable cognitive deficits as major features. Over the years, neuropsychological and behavioral studies explored alteration of cognitive functioning and related domains, such as learning, memory, and attention. To our knowledge, however, data concerning the language profile in this disorder is scarce. The aim of the present study was to detect specific language functioning combining nonverbal intelligence quotient and language abilities and to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in the language domains.

Methods

The language profile of 37 Italian participants with molecularly confirmed diagnosis of Noonan Syndrome was evaluated using specific tools to assess vocabulary and grammar comprehension and production, as well as phonological development.

Results

We observed that 78% of affected individuals exhibited language impairment. Within language domains, the strong area was lexical production and grammar production was the weak area. Almost half the participants manifested a similar trend of specific language impairment. Nonverbal intelligence quotient only correlated with grammar comprehension.

Conclusion

Our study expands present knowledge about the language profile in NS, and provides data that could enable more effective patient management and appropriate intervention.
Bilateral aniridia and congenital ureteral valve: Role of genetic testing
Authors: Shields Lisa B. E. , Peppas Dennis S. , Rosenberg Eran
Published: February 2020

Background

Congenital aniridia involves total or partial hypoplasia of the iris and is due to a deficiency in PAX6 gene expression. WAGR syndrome is comprised of Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities, and intellectual disability. Numerous genitourinary pathologies may be associated with WAGR syndrome, necessitating an evaluation of the genitourinary anatomy. The WT1 is vital for the development of kidneys, ovaries in females, and testes in males. WT1 gene mutations result in a WT1 protein with a decreased ability to bind to DNA, leading to uncontrolled growth, and cell division in the kidney which permits the development of Wilms tumor. A congenital ureteral valve is an exceedingly rare cause of obstructive uropathy.

Results

A renal and bladder ultrasound demonstrated a renal cyst. A voiding cystourethrogram revealed grade 3 vesicoureteral reflux, and a MAG3 renal scan showed ureteropelvic junction obstruction and hydronephrosis. A ureteral stent was inserted at 3 months of age after which the renal cyst resolved. The patient was urinary tract infection‐free at 27 months of age. Genetic testing confirmed a heterozygous alteration in PAX6 (c.495delG, p.Thr166Leufs*41) and no abnormalities of WT1, excluding WAGR syndrome.

Conclusion

The genitourinary risks potentially associated with aniridia necessitate prompt genetic analysis to evaluate for WAGR syndrome.
Operationalisation of a biopsychosocial approach for the non‐pharmacological management of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Ampiah Paapa Kwesi , Hendrick Paul , Moffatt Fiona , Ahenkorah Josephine
Published: February 2020

Background

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a major health concern. The biopsychosocial approach is an evidence‐based approach recommended for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, the evidence for this approach is largely reported from high‐income countries; therefore, it is important to ascertain how biopsychosocial approaches are operationalised in low‐ and middle‐income countries to inform practice.

Aim

To examine the evidence for the operationalization of biopsychosocial interventions in managing patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in low‐and middle‐income countries.

Methods

The search included studies published in English from 2008 to September 2019 in: Cochrane library, OVID, CINAHL, Scopus, PUBMED, Web of Science, and SportDiscus. Randomised and non‐randomised trials using a biopsychosocial intervention were considered. The review team developed a search strategy; two independent reviewers screened and assessed results for quality.

Results

Sixteen studies were included (n = 996) with mainly low back pain populations (n = 11 studies). Others were osteoarthritis (n = 1) and other musculoskeletal pain (n = 4). The majority (n = 12) of studies attained fair to poor quality, three had good quality, one scored excellent quality. Interventions applied biopsychosocial principles such as cognitive functional therapy, and graded activity, delivered by healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and doctors. However, most results provided insufficient information regarding healthcare professionals' capacity to deliver interventions, lack of information regarding intervention delivery and training of healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

The results highlight the potential for delivering biopsychosocial interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries; however, future research should consider robust methodological approaches with clear details to achieve high‐quality trials.
Three‐dimensional hydromechanical modeling of internal erosion in dike‐on‐foundation
Authors: Yang Jie , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Laouafa Farid , Hicher Pierre‐Yves
Published: February 2020

Currently, numerical studies at the real scale of an entire engineering structure considering internal erosion are still rare. This paper presents a three‐dimensional (3D) numerical simulation of the effects of internal erosion within a linear dike located on a foundation. A two‐dimensional (2D) finite element code has been extended to 3D in order to analyze the impact of internal erosion under more realistic hydromechanical conditions. The saturated soil has been considered as a mixture of four interacting constituents: soil skeleton, erodible fines, fluidized fine particles, and fluid. The detachment and transport of the fine particles have been modeled with a mass exchange model between the solid and the fluid phases. An elastoplastic constitutive model for sand‐silt mixtures has been developed to monitor the effect of the evolution of both the porosity and the fines content induced by internal erosion upon the behavior of the soil skeleton. An unsaturated flow condition has been implemented into this coupled hydromechanical model to describe more accurately the seepage within the dike and the foundation. A stabilized finite element method was used to eliminate spurious numerical oscillations in solving the convection‐dominated transport of fluidized particles. This numerical tool was then applied to a specific dike‐on‐foundation case subjected to internal erosion induced by a leakage located at the bottom of the foundation. Different failure modes were observed and analyzed for different boundary conditions, including the significant influence of the leakage cavity size and the elevation of the water level at the upstream and downstream sides of the dike.
The stressful tumour environment drives plasticity of cell migration programmes, contributing to metastasis
Authors: Nikolaou Savvas , Machesky Laura M
Published: February 2020

Tumours evolve to cope with environmental stresses or challenges such as nutrient starvation, depletion of survival factors, and unbalanced mechanical forces. The uncontrolled growth and aberrant deregulation of core cell homeostatic pathways induced by genetic mutations create an environment of stress. Here, we explore how the adaptations of tumours to the changing environment can drive changes in the motility machinery of cells, affecting migration, invasion, and metastasis. Tumour cells can invade individually or collectively, or they can be extruded out of the surrounding epithelium. These mechanisms are thought to be modifications of normal processes occurring during development or tissue repair. Therefore, tumours may activate these pathways in response to environmental stresses, enabling them to survive in hostile environments and spread to distant sites. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The application and prospects of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and polymers in the food industry: a review
Authors: Tian Bingren , Xiao Dong , Hei Tingting , Ping Rui , Hua Shiyao , Liu Jiayue
Published: February 2020

Cyclodextrin is an odorless and tasteless cyclic oligosaccharide widely used in various fields such as food, medicine and the environment. Cyclodextrin can improve solubility and stability, and can mask the bad taste of specific substances. Cyclodextrins and their polymers primarily act by forming complexes in foods, and can be applied in food packing, food analysis, enhancing the properties of antioxidants, antibacterials, for stability and so on. The challenges and opportunities facing this area are reviewed. It is hoped that the review will provide useful information for future applications of cyclodextrin in the food industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Al‐Ni‐NiO Pyrotechnic Time‐Delays
Authors: Guo Shasha , Focke Walter W. , Tichapondwa Shepherd M.
Published: February 2020

The time delay elements in conventional mine detonators comprise pyrotechnic compositions pressed in aluminum tubes. Thermite and intermetallic reactions offer the possibility of greener alternatives for current heavy metal‐based compositions. Unfortunately, the high reaction temperatures associated with conventional thermites cause operational failures due to the melting of the metal housings. Similarly, it is difficult to achieve sustained burning with intermetallic systems alone. Combination thermite‐intermetallic systems may offer a solution to both problems. The concept is illustrated through ternary compositions based on powder mixtures of aluminum, nickel and nickel oxide. Progressive dilution of the primary thermite reaction, 5 Al+3 NiO→Al2O3+3 AlNi, with the intermetallic reaction, Al+Ni→AlNi, smoothly reduced the adiabatic reaction temperature by as much as 800 K simultaneously maintaining consistent burn behavior inside both glass and lead tubes. However, in the process the burning rate gradually decreased from ca. 190 mm s−1 to as low as 23 mm s−1.
Parental silencing of a horizontally transferred carotenoid desaturase gene causes a reduction of red pigment and fitness in the pea aphid
Authors: Ding Bi‐Yue , Niu Jinzhi , Shang Feng , Yang Li , Zhang Wei , Smagghe Guy , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Aphids obtained carotenoid biosynthesis genes via horizontal gene transfers from fungi. However, the roles of these genes in the contributions of in aphids’adaptation and whether these genes could be used as RNAi‐based pest control targets are not yet clear. Thus, in this study we used parental RNAi to analyze the potential function of a carotenoid desaturase gene (CdeB) by combined molecular and chemical approaches in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum).

RESULTS

Transcriptional analyses showed that CdeB was significantly more highly expressed in the red morphs compared to the green ones and was associated with the production of red carotenoid. Co‐transferring of pET28a‐CdeB (the CdeB gene was cloned into pET28a) and pACCRT‐EIB (produced lycopene) showed a deep red color in the bacterial precipitate and produced more of a red pigment, lycopene, in vitro. Parental gene‐silencing of CdeB resulted in a lower body color intensity in the treated aphids and following generations in vivo. Interestingly, the dsCdeB treatment also reduced aphid performance as reflected by a delay in nymphal developmental duration, lower weight, smaller number, and altered age structure of the population.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that CdeB is involved in red color formation and the silencing of this gene by parental RNAi reduced fitness in the pea aphid. The results enhance our understanding of the biosynthesis of carotenoid in aphids and provide insights into the potential ecological significance of carotenoids in the adaptation of the aphid's biology to the environment and developing environmentally friendly control strategies for this pest.
Heterotic instantons for monad and extension bundles
Authors: Buchbinder Evgeny I. , Lukas Andre , Ovrut Burt A. , Ruehle Fabian
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We consider non-perturbative superpotentials from world-sheet instantons wrapped on holomorphic genus zero curves in heterotic string theory. These superpotential contributions feature prominently in moduli stabilization and large field axion inflation, which makes their presence or absence, as well as their functional dependence on moduli, an important issue. We develop geometric methods to compute the instanton superpotentials for heterotic string theory with monad and extension bundles. Using our methods, we find a variety of examples with a non-vanishing superpotential. In view of standard vanishing theorems, we speculate that these results are likely to be attributed to the non-compactness of the instanton moduli space. We test this proposal, for the case of monad bundles, by considering gauged linear sigma models where compactness of the instanton moduli space can be explicitly checked. In all such cases, we find that the geometric results are consistent with the vanishing theorems. Surprisingly, linearly dependent Pfaffians even arise for cases with a non-compact instanton moduli space. This suggests some gauged linear sigma models with a non-compact instanton moduli space may still have a vanishing instanton superpotential.
Yukawa ratio predictions in non-renormalizable SO(10) GUT models
Authors: Antusch Stefan , Hohl Christian , Susič Vasja
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Since SO(10) GUTs unify all fermions of the Standard Model plus a right-chiral neutrino in a representation 16 per family, they have the potential to be maximally predictive regarding the ratios between the masses (or Yukawa couplings) of different fermion types, i.e. the up-type quarks, down-type quarks, charged leptons and neutrinos. We analyze the predictivity of classes of SO(10) (SUSY) GUT models for the fermion mass ratios, where the Yukawa couplings for each family are dominated by a single effective GUT operator of the schematic form 162 · 45n · 210m · H, for H ∈ {10,120,$$ \overline{\mathbf{126}} $$

126
¯

}. This extends previous works to general vacuum expectation value directions for GUT-scale VEVs and to larger Higgs representations. In addition, we show that the location of the MSSM Higgses in the space of all doublets is a crucial aspect to consider. We discuss highly predictive cases and illustrate the predictive power in toy models consisting of masses for the 3rd and 2nd fermion family.
Behandlungsstrategien und Ergebnisse bei injektionsassoziierten inguinalen perivaskulären Abszessen bei intravenös Drogenabhängigen
Authors: Liebetrau D. , Feder E. , Zerwes S. , Goßlau Y. , Hyhlik-Dürr A.
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Langzeitdrogenabhängige präsentieren sich nach dem Verbrauch der oberflächlichen Venen regelmäßig mit tiefen inguinalen vaskulär assoziierten Abszessen infolge fortgesetzter Drogeninjektionen. Die Behandlung dieser Komplikationen stellt anhaltend eine große medizinische Herausforderung dar. Bisher werden keine einheitlichen Therapieregime in der Literatur beschrieben.

Fragestellung

Welche Behandlungsstrategien und Ergebnisse gibt es bei injektionsassoziierten inguinalen perivaskulären Abszessen bei Drogenabhängigen?

Material und Methoden

Die Daten aller im Zeitraum zwischen 01.01.2004 und 31.05.2019 am Universitätsklinikum Augsburg behandelten Drogenkonsumenten wurden retrospektiv aufgearbeitet und mit der vorliegenden Literatur verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Es konnten 37 Fälle (männlich = 25, weiblich = 12) nach Anwendung der Einschlusskriterien in die Datenerhebung eingeschlossen werden. Das mediane Alter im untersuchten Patientenkollektiv lag bei 34,3 Jahren. Die 30-Tage-Mortalität lag bei 2,7 % (1/37). Die Amputationsrate betrug 2,8 %. Im untersuchten Kollektiv lag bei 13 Patienten eine arterielle Beteiligung vor. In 5 Fällen wurde primär arteriell ligiert. Bei weiteren 5 Fällen wurde primär eine Rekonstruktion mittels autologen Interponats durchgeführt. In weiteren 3 Fällen erfolgte die Anlage eines Obturatorbypasses (1/3) sowie die Durchführung einer Patchplastik (2/3). Die Offenheitsrate nach arterieller Rekonstruktion lag bei 87,5 % bei einem mittleren Follow-up von 421 Tagen. Die Gesamtkomplikationsrate lag bei 51,4 %.

Diskussion

Bei vaskulärer Beteiligung ist ein situationsgerechtes Vorgehen sinnvoll. Neben der Beseitigung komplizierter, septisch-venöser Thrombosen erscheint die Korrektur arterieller Blutungen mittels autologer Rekonstruktionsmaßnahmen aussichtsreich.
Solidification phenomena in creep resistant 9Cr weld metals and their implications on mechanical properties
Authors: Nitsche A.
Published: February 2020

Martensitic 9% Cr steels play an important role in the implementation of modern and efficiency-enhanced power generation technologies. In the presented study, metallurgical solidification phenomena in heat-resistant 9% Cr filler metals and their effects on the mechanical properties of the weld metal were analysed. The focus was on welded joints of steel grades P91 and CB2, which were welded with flux-cored wires. The investigation of welded joints and weld metals in the creep-damaged and unloaded condition provided detailed inspects into the formation and development of inhomogeneous areas. The microstructure of the individual weld metals was characterized in detail in the as-welded and in the heat-treated condition. It became apparent that inhomogeneities were formed in large areas of the weld metal. In particular, EDX measurements made it possible to explain these solidification phenomena and trace their development within the manufacturing process of the welded joints. It was found that even a slight uneven distribution of chromium and a diffusion of carbon caused extensive negative effects on the development of weld metal microstructures. In addition, the influence of these microstructural inhomogeneities on both the mechanical weld metal properties and the creep rupture strength is discussed. Finally, test welds were performed to optimize the microstructure of the flux-cored wire weld metal and possibilities to avoid microstructural inhomogeneities were derived. The results show that the short-term and long-term properties of the weld metal are affected by the inhomogeneous areas within the weld metal. In summary, it can be assumed that for steel grades P91 and CB2 the safety of plants in high-temperature operation is not endangered.
HHV-6A Infection of Endometrial Epithelial Cells Affects miRNA Expression and Trophoblast Cell Attachment
Authors: Bortolotti Daria , Soffritti Irene , D’Accolti Maria , Gentili Valentina , Di Luca Dario , Rizzo Roberta , Caselli Elisabetta
Published: February 2020

We recently reported that human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection is frequently present in endometrial tissue of women with unexplained infertility, and that virus infection induces a profound remodulation of miRNA expression in human cells of different origin. Since specific miRNA patterns have been associated with specific pregnancy outcomes, we aimed to analyze the impact of HHV-6A infection on miRNAs expression and trophoblast receptivity in human endometrial cells. To this purpose, a human endometrial cell line (HEC-1A) was infected with HHV-6A and analyzed for alterations in the expression of miRNAs and for permissiveness to the attachment of a human choriocarcinoma trophoblast cell line (JEG-3). The results showed that HHV-6A infection of endometrial cells up-modulates miR22 (26-fold), miR15 (19.5-fold), and miR196-5p (12.1 fold), that are correlated with implant failure, and down-modulates miR18 (11.4 fold), miR101-3p (4.6 fold), miR181-5p (4.9 fold), miR92 (3.3 fold), and miR1207-5p (3.9 fold), characterized by a low expression in preeclampsia. Moreover, HHV-6A-infected endometrial cells infected resulted less permissive to the attachment of trophoblast cells. In conclusion, collected data suggest that HHV-6A infection could modify miRNA expression pattern and control of trophoblast cell adhesion of endometrial cells, undermining a correct trophoblast cell attachment on endometrial cells.