bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A path to next-generation reproducibility in cheminformatics
Authors: Clark Robert D.
Published: October 2019

Currently, the submission guidelines for the Journal of Cheminformatics say it will “only publish research or software that is entirely reproducible by third parties.” They go on to specify that being reproducible means that anything essential to the conclusion of the paper be freely accessible and states that source code must be provided. I submit that this definition of reproducibility is too narrow—that a cheminformatics method can only truly be replicated by reimplementing it from a detailed, step-by-step high-level description to determine how reliably the algorithm per se does what it is intended to do.
Blood lactate, pH, base excess and pCO2 as prognostic indicators in caesarean-born kids from goats with pregnancy toxaemia
Authors: Andrade I. M. , Simões P. B. A. , Lamas L. P. , Carolino N. , Lima M. S.
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to identify the prognostic value for survival of blood parameters in the immediate post-caesarean surgery period in kids born from pregnancy toxaemia (PT) goats. This study involved 10 PT goats, in which a caesarean surgery was performed. Twenty-five kids were born after caesarean surgery of which 16 survived. A blood sample was collected from the jugular vein of the 10 goats and from the kids immediately after caesarean surgery (within 15 min). There were differences between the kids that survived and the kids that did not survive concerning the blood levels of pH (7.22 vs 7.00), base excess (− 9 vs − 18 mmol/L), pCO2(46 vs 62 mmHg) and L-lactate (5.6 vs 16 mmol/L). Maternal ketoacidosis due to PT has a negative impact on the survival rate of the offspring. This appears to be associated to a metabolic acidosis of the offspring. However, the only blood parameter in which there was a strong association between the maternal and newborn kids was blood urea nitrogen (r = 0.97).
The UDWT image denoising method based on the PDE model of a convexity-preserving diffusion function
Authors: Wang Xianghai , Zhang Wenya , Li Rui , Song Ruoxi
Published: October 2019

It is a great challenge to maintain details while suppressing and eliminating noise of the image. Considering the nonconvexity property of the diffusion function and the hypersensitivity of the Laplace operator to noise in the Y-K model, a fourth-order PDE image denoising model (Con_G&L model) is proposed in this paper. This model is constructed by a new convexity-preserving diffusion function which guarantees the corresponding energy functional has a globally unique minimum solution. At the same time, the Gaussian filter is combined with the Laplace operator in this model, and as a result, the noisy image is smoothed before the diffusion process, which improves the ability of capturing the details and edges of the noisy image greatly. Furthermore, by analyzing the statistical properties of the undecimated discrete wavelet transform (UDWT) coefficients of noisy image, we observe that the noise information is mainly distributed in the high-frequency sub-bands, and based on this, the proposed Con_G&L model is applied in the high-frequency sub-bands of the UDWT to get the denoising method. The proposed method removes the image noise effectively with the image texture and other details of the image being maintained. Meanwhile, the generation of false edges and the staircase effect can be suppressed. A large number of simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Qualitative and quantitative characterization of municipal solid waste and the unexploited potential of green energy in Tunisia
Authors: Wafi Taieb , Ben Othman Afef , Besbes Mongi
Published: October 2019

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is one of the major environmental issues in Tunisian cities. Rapid growth in urbanization and population rates and the changes in people’s lifestyle have prompted a dramatic increase quantity and a significant shift in the composition of municipal solid waste. There is insufficient data concerning the quantities and the composition of waste streams along with the absence of a comprehensive complete overview and a wider perspective of MSWM potential that provides detailed information at region and city level. As a result, it is still impossible for the scientific community and the authorities to provide synergetic schemes to tie the problems of MSWM with how to integrate economically feasible and environmentally sustainable practices holistically. In the present study, an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive overview of MSW, through a qualitative (compositional) and quantitative (parametric) characterization of the generated total waste generated in Tunisian cities. A 1-year research survey was conducted in seven regions in Tunisia (Great Tunis, Northeast, Northwest, Midwest, Mideast, Southwest, and Southeast) that cover the 24 provinces of the country. Collected samples revealed that the distribution of waste by region was defined by the region’s demographic, economic, and industrial status. Approaches of possibly more efficient procedures that can be undertaken to improve MSW collection are discussed. At a final stage and based on the potential of biogas calculated in the seven regions, we suggest that the scientific community and the authorities should introduce applicable schemes to valorize MSW through generating biogas as a renewable energy.
Optimal diet strategy of a large-bodied psittacine: food resource abundance and nutritional content enable facultative dietary specialization by the Military Macaw
Authors: de la Parra-Martínez Sylvia Margarita , Muñoz-Lacy Luis Guillermo , Salinas-Melgoza Alejandro , Renton Katherine
Published: October 2019

Background

Dietary specialization should arise when there is a relatively high abundance of a particular resource, where animals may select food items to obtain an optimal diet that maximizes energy intake. Large-bodied psittacines frequently exhibit a narrow dietary niche with specific habitat use, but few studies have determined whether psittacines select food resources, and how this influences habitat use.

Methods

We established fruiting phenology transects to evaluate food resource availability for the large-bodied Military Macaw (Ara militaris) in semi-deciduous, deciduous, and pine-oak forest at two sites along the coast of Jalisco, during the dry season when macaws are nesting. We also determined Military Macaw diet by observations of foraging macaws along transect routes, and conducted bromatological analysis of the nutritional content of the most consumed resource.

Results

Military Macaws used six plant species as food items during the dry season, and had a narrow dietary niche (Levins’B = 0.28), with 56% of foraging macaws consuming the seeds ofHura polyandra. No food resources were recorded in pine-oak forest during the dry season, with food resources and foraging by macaws concentrated in tropical deciduous and semi-deciduous forest, whereH. polyandrawas the most abundant fruiting tree species. When considering the proportional availability of food resources, we determined a broad Hurlbert dietary niche breadth ofH = 0.67, indicating that Military Macaws consumed food resources according to their availability. Furthermore, the seeds ofH. polyandrawere an important source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and moisture, and the hard fruit-casing means that these seeds are exclusively available for macaws.

Conclusions

By concentrating their diet on the most abundant resources, Military Macaws may increase foraging efficiency in the dry season. The high nutrient content also means that concentrating the diet on seeds ofH. polyandramay be an optimal foraging strategy for Military Macaws to meet their energy requirements during the breeding season.
Prenatal Lead Exposure, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Mexican Children at Age 10–18 Years
Authors: Liu Yun , Ettinger Adrienne S , Téllez-Rojo Martha , Sánchez Brisa N , Zhang Zhenzhen , Cantoral Alejandra , Hu Howard , Peterson Karen E
Published: October 2019

Context

Several cross-sectional studies have assessed the association of lead exposure with type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults; however, studies of such associations in childhood are rare.

Objective

We assessed the prospective associations of prenatal exposure to lead with type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors in children.

Design

The Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants is a birth cohort study of pregnant women and their offspring.

Setting

Public hospitals in Mexico City.

Patients or Other Participants

Women were recruited during pregnancy; their offspring were recruited for a follow-up visit at age 10 to 18 years (n = 369).

Main Outcome Measures

We measured fasting serum markers of type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors in children, including fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids. The index of insulin resistance was calculated.

Results

The geometric mean of maternal blood lead levels (BLLs) during pregnancy was 4.3 µg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]): 4.0-4.6 µg/dL) in the entire sample. In boys, those with maternal BLLs ≥ 5 µg/dL (compared with those with BLLs < 5 µg/dL) had significantly lower z scores for total cholesterol (β = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.71, -0.12), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.59, -0.05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.81, -0.22), adjusting for covariates. No associations were detected in girls.

Conclusions

In our study, we found that higher prenatal exposure to lead was associated with lower levels of cholesterol in children following a sex-specific pattern. Further studies with a larger sample size that examine whether sex is a potential modifier are needed to confirm our findings.
Fertility in Adolescents With Klinefelter Syndrome: A Survey of Current Clinical Practice
Authors: Zganjar Andrew , Nangia Ajay , Sokol Rebecca , Ryabets Anna , Samplaski Mary K
Published: October 2019

Context

Progress has been made in determining the fertility timeline and potential in adolescents with Klinefelter syndrome; however, medical professionals are currently without protocols to guide treatment.

Objective

To evaluate the current practices regarding fertility and andrology care in adolescent males with Klinefelter syndrome.

Design

A 24-question survey was developed to elicit practitioner background/expertise and management practices. This was distributed to members of the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction, the Pediatric Endocrine Society, and the Endocrine Society.

Setting

N/A.

Patients

Adolescent males with Klinefelter syndrome.

Intervention

None.

Main Outcome Measured

Current practices regarding fertility and andrology care.

Results

232 responses were received from 133 (57%) adult endocrinologists, 60 (26%) pediatric endocrinologists, and 39 (17%) urologists. Among these, 69% of respondents were in academics, 62% practiced for > 10 years, and 65% received formal training in Klinefelter syndrome. All specialties encouraged sperm banking in late puberty, however most disagreed with the practice in early puberty. Seventy-eight percent agreed that testicular biopsy should be offered if no sperm was found in the ejaculate. The perceived optimal age for testicular biopsy varied among specialists. Clinical symptoms of hypogonadism (28%), rising gonadotropin levels (15%), and testosterone levels (15%) were the most commonly cited reasons for initiation of testosterone replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Fertility preservation practices in adolescents with Klinefelter syndrome vary greatly within and among the specialties caring for these patients. These findings should guide future research and highlight the importance of establishing clinical practice guidelines.
Ghrelin Does Not Directly Stimulate Secretion of Glucagon-like Peptide-1
Authors: Jepsen Sara Lind , Vestergaard Esben Thyssen , Larraufie Pierre , Gribble Fiona Mary , Reimann Frank , Jørgensen Jens Otto Lunde , Holst Jens Juul , Kuhre Rune Ehrenreich
Published: October 2019

Context

The gastrointestinal hormone ghrelin stimulates growth hormone secretion and appetite, but recent studies indicate that ghrelin also stimulates the secretion of the appetite-inhibiting and insulinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

Objective

To investigate the putative effect of ghrelin on GLP-1 secretion in vivo and in vitro.

Subjects and Methods

A randomized placebo-controlled crossover study was performed in eight hypopituitary subjects. Ghrelin or saline was infused intravenously (1 pmol/min × kg) after collection of baseline sample (0 min), and blood was subsequently collected at time 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Mouse small intestine was perfused (n = 6) and GLP-1 output from perfused mouse small intestine was investigated in response to vascular ghrelin administration in the presence and absence of a simultaneous luminal glucose stimulus. Ghrelin receptor expression was quantified in human (n = 11) and mouse L-cells (n = 3) by RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR, respectively.

Results

Ghrelin did not affect GLP-1 secretion in humans (area under the curve [AUC; 0–120 min]: ghrelin infusion = 1.37 ± 0.05 min × nmol vs. saline infusion = 1.40 ± 0.06 min × nmol [P = 0.63]), but induced peripheral insulin resistance. Likewise, ghrelin did not stimulate GLP-1 secretion from the perfused mouse small intestine model (mean outputs during baseline/ghrelin infusion = 19.3 ± 1.6/25.5 ± 2.0 fmol/min, n = 6, P = 0.16), whereas glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide administration, used as a positive control, doubled GLP-1 secretion (P < 0.001). Intraluminal glucose increased GLP-1 secretion by 4-fold (P < 0.001), which was not potentiated by ghrelin. Finally, gene expression of the ghrelin receptor was undetectable in mouse L-cells and marginal in human L-cells.

Conclusions

Ghrelin does not interact directly with the L-cell and does not directly affect GLP-1 secretion.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks in the Management of Head and Neck Cancer–Related Pain: A Case Series
Authors: Pena Israel , Knoepfler Matthew L. , Irwin Anna , Zhu Xiaoying , Kohan Lynn R.
Published: October 2019

Head and neck cancer can be painful, debilitating, and refractory to oral medications. Due to the association of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) with maxillary nerve sensory fibers, SPG blocks may be used to treat the pain of the hard and soft palate, tonsils, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oral gingiva, premaxillary soft tissue, maxilla, and orbital floor. We present the first case series of performing SPG blocks utilizing TX360 nasal atomizers or angiocatheters to treat head and neck cancer–related pain. Pain scores were reduced by 38% to 80% with an average pain relief duration of 23 days.
Thoracic adaptations for ventilation during locomotion in humans and other mammals
Authors: Callison W. Éamon , Holowka Nicholas B. , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: October 2019

Bipedal humans, like canids and some other cursorial mammals, are thought to have been selected for endurance running, which requires the ability to sustain aerobic metabolism over long distances by inspiring large volumes of air for prolonged periods of time. Here we test the general hypothesis that humans and other mammals selected for vigorous endurance activities evolved derived thoracic features to increase ventilatory capacity. To do so, we investigate whether humans and dogs rely on thoracic motion to increase tidal volume during running to a greater extent than goats, a species that was not selected for endurance locomotion. We found that while all three species use diaphragmatic breathing to increase tidal volume with increasing oxygen demand, humans also use both dorsoventral and mediolateral expansions of the thorax. Dogs use increased dorsoventral expansion of the thorax, representing an intermediate between humans and goats. 3D analyses of joint morphology of 10 species across four mammalian orders also show that endurance-adapted cursorial species independently evolved more concavo-convex costovertebral joint morphologies that allow for increased rib mobility for thoracic expansion. Evidence for similarly derived concavo-convex costovertebral joints in Homo erectus corresponds with other evidence for the evolution of endurance running in the genus Homo.
Honeybees generalize among pollen scents from plants flowering in the same seasonal period
Authors: Pietrantuono Ana Laura , Requier Fabrice , Fernández-Arhex Valeria , Winter Josefina , Huerta Guillermo , Guerrieri Fernando
Published: October 2019

When honey bees (Apis mellifera) feed on flowers they extend their proboscis to absorb the nectar, i.e. they perform the proboscis extension response (PER). The presence of pollen and/or nectar can be associated with odors, colors or visual patterns, which allows honey bees to recognize food sources in the environment. Honey bees can associate similar, though different, stimuli with the presence of food; i.e. honey bees discriminate and generalize among stimuli. Here, we evaluated generalization among pollen scents from six different plant species. Experiments were based on the PER conditioning protocol over two phases: (1) Conditioning, in which honey bees associated the scent of each pollen type with sucrose, and (2) Test, in which honey bees were presented with a novel scent, to evaluate generalization. Generalization was evinced by honey bees extending their proboscis to a novel scent. The level of PER increased over the course of the conditioning phase for all pollen scents. Honey bees generalized pollen from Pyracantha coccinea and from Hypochaeris radicata. These two plants have different amounts of protein and are not taxonomically related. We observed that the flowering period influences the olfactory perceptual similarity and we suggested that both pollen types may share volatile compounds that play key roles in perception. Our results highlight the importance of analyzing the implications of the generalization between pollen types of different nutritional quality. Such studies could provide valuable information for beekeepers and agricultural producers, since the generalization of a higher quality pollen can benefit hive development, increase pollination and honey production.
Dynamics of electroencephalogram oscillations underlie right-eye preferences in predatory behavior of the music frogs
Authors: Shen Jiangyan , Fang Ke , Fan Yanzhu , Song Jinjin , Yang Jing , Shen Di , Liu Yansu , Fang Guangzhan
Published: October 2019

Visual lateralization is a typical characteristic of many vertebrates, however, its underlying dynamic neural mechanism is unclear. In this study, predatory responses and dynamic brain activities were evaluated in the Emei music frog (Babina daunchina) to assess the potential eye preferences and its underlying dynamic neural mechanism, using behavioral and electrophysiological experiments, respectively. To do this, when prey stimulus (live cricket and leaf as control) was moved around the frogs in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions at constant velocity, the number of predatory responses were counted and Electroencephalogram (EEG) absolute power spectra for each band was measured for the telencephalon, diencephalon and mesencephalon, respectively. The results showed that (1) no significant difference of the number of predatory responses could be found for control (leaf), however, the number of predatory responses for the right visual field (RVF) were significantly greater than those for the left visual field (LVF) when the live cricket was moved into RVF clockwise; (2) compared with no-stimulus in the visual field and stimulus in LVF, the power spectra of each EEG band was greater when the prey stimulus was moved into RVF clockwise; and (3) the power spectra of theta, alpha and beta bands in the left diencephalon were significantly greater than those of the right counterpart for clockwise direction, however, relatively less similar significant differences presented for anticlockwise direction. Together, the results suggested that right-eye preferences for predatory behaviors existed in the music frogs, and that the dynamics of EEG oscillations might underlie this right-eye/left-hemisphere advantage.
Phonetic considerations in restorative dentistry
Authors: Elsubeihi Emad S , Elkareimi Yaser , Elbishari Haitham
Published: October 2019

The use of phonetics is one of several guides that can be used by the restorative dentist during the assessment and restoration of structurally compromised teeth. To accomplish this, an understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in producing sounds during speech can facilitate the application of these techniques during patient management. This review discusses the basic principles of speech sounds production. This is followed by a discussion of the clinical applications of the different phonetic tests in the assessment and management of dentate and partially dentate patients with structurally compromised dentitions.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Phonetic tests are among the many guides used in the assessment and management of dentate patients with structurally compromised dentitions. The clinician should be familiar with the basic principles and applications of these tests to be able to assess and manage patients in daily practice.
Risk and avoidable harm Part 2: responding to risk
Authors: Ebbs Phillip , Gonzalez Prue , Castillo Paola
Published: October 2019

In this two-part continuing professional development series, we explore the complex and often sensitive topic of clinical mistakes and events of avoidable patient harm—sometimes referred to as iatrogenic harm—which may occur in paramedic practice environments. As has been shown in part 1 of this series, the potential for mistakes and avoidable harm must be seen as a persisting risk within healthcare. Our response as paramedics must be one of empathy towards those involved in incidents of avoidable harm, and also one of duty to better understand the nature of risk and unintentional error within paramedic practice environments.
CTLA-4 Immunohistochemistry and Quantitative Image Analysis for Profiling of Human Cancers
Authors: Brown Charles , Sekhavati Farzad , Cardenes Ruben , Windmueller Claudia , Dacosta Karma , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Steele Keith E.
Published: October 2019

There is an important need in immuno-oncology to develop reliable immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess the expression of CTLA-4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in human cancers and quantify them with image analysis (IA). We used commercial polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies and characterized three chromogenic cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) assays with suitable specificity and sensitivity for use in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. We found variable numbers of CTLA-4+ lymphocytes in multiple types of cancer and secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) and other normal human tissues. Combining CTLA-4 with CD3, CD4, or CD8 by immunofluorescence showed that CTLA-4+ lymphocytes in SLOs and tumors were typically CD3+ and CD4+, but not CD8+. Individual lymphocytes expressed CTLA-4 either as primarily granular cytoplasmic staining or as excentric globular deposits. The CTLA-4/FoxP3 (forkhead box P3 protein) duplex IHC demonstrated that CTLA-4+/FoxP3− lymphocytes predominated in the germinal centers of SLOs and tumor tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), whereas CTLA-4+/FoxP3+ lymphocytes populated the T-cell zone of SLOs and TLSs, plus tumor stroma. IA scoring was highly comparable with pathologist scoring for CTLA-4 and CTLA-4/FoxP3 assays and a FoxP3 single IHC. Our findings show that CTLA-4 IHC can be used to reliably label lymphocytes in FFPE human tissues, making it possible to investigate the role of CTLA-4 in the tumor microenvironment.
Morbidity and Mortality After Surgery for Nonmalignant Colorectal Polyps: A 10-Year Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Ma Christopher , Teriaky Anouar , Sheh Steven , Forbes Nauzer , Heitman Steven J. , Jue Terry L. , Munroe Craig A. , Jairath Vipul , Corley Douglas A. , Lee Jeffrey K.
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Rates of surgery for nonmalignant colorectal polyps are increasing in the United States despite evidence that most polyps can be managed endoscopically. We aimed to determine nationally representative estimates and to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality and morbidity after surgery for nonmalignant colorectal polyps.

METHODS:

Data were analyzed from the National Inpatient Sample for 2005–2014. All discharges for adult patients undergoing surgery for nonmalignant colorectal polyps were identified. Rates of in-hospital mortality and postoperative wound, infectious, urinary, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, or cardiovascular adverse events were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression using survey-weighted data was used to evaluate covariables associated with postoperative mortality and morbidity.

RESULTS:

An estimated 262,843 surgeries for nonmalignant colorectal polyps were analyzed. In-hospital mortality was 0.8% [95% confidence interval: 0.7%–0.9%] and morbidity was 25.3% [95% confidence interval: 24.2%–26.4%]. Postoperative mortality was associated with open surgical technique (vs laparoscopic), older age, black race (vs non-Hispanic white), Medicaid use, and burden of comorbidities. Female sex and private insurance were associated with lower risk. Patients developing a postoperative adverse event had a 106% increase in mean hospital length of stay (10.3 vs 5.0 days; P < 0.0001) and 91% increase in mean hospitalization cost ($77,015.24 vs $40,258.30; P < 0.0001).

DISCUSSION:

Surgery for nonmalignant colorectal polyps is associated with almost 1% mortality and common morbidity. These findings should inform risk vs benefit discussions for clinicians and patients, and although confounding by patient selection cannot be excluded, the risks associated with surgery support consideration of endoscopic resection as a potentially less invasive therapeutic option.
“Glocalisation” doctrine in the Israeli Public Education System: A contextual analysis of a policy-making process
Authors: Dvir Yuval , Maxwell Claire , Yemini Miri
Published: October 2019

In 2016, the Israeli Ministry of Education (MoE) issued a policy document recommending six new doctrines for pedagogical development at schools. Amid those is ‘Glocalism’, aimed at addressing the global/local mix within the schooling system. Given the lack of a declared internationalization policy in Israel and its highly nationalistic curricula, this direction may constitute a first attempt by the MoE to internationalize school curricula. Public participation, including third-sector organizations actors, constituted a fundamental element in the development of this policy. Examining why this is, and what impact it had on how internationalization was conceived of is critical in this era of pluri-scalar policy-making. Our findings highlight the crucial role played by various non-governmental actors in this process. We also reveal that certain voices were in effect silenced – whether from marginalized constituencies or those suggesting directions contradicting the MoE’s intentions. The policy offers a vague definition for ‘Glocalism’, which appears to eliminate possibilities for marginalizing those communities who feel most challenged by this policy move. Yet, this open-endness in the conceptualization of internationalization is likely to further increase current inequalities within the education system. We argue that such public participation processes can therefore easily become pseudo-participatory, marginalizing and excluding particular constituents.
Remediation of Copper and Zinc from wastewater by modified clay in Asir region southwest of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdallah Samy
Published: October 2019

To investigate the efficacy of modified clay minerals to remediate heavy metals from industrial wastewater, two natural clay sediments dominated by kaolinite were selected. Since the kaolinite clay has low cation exchange capacity, some modifications were made using unusual treatments thermal transformation and acid activation techniques were used to increase exchangeability properties for producing modified kaolinite. The increased exchangeability was demonstrated through various methods. Results of X-Ray diffraction analysis verified the transformation of Kaolinite as indicated from disappearing all the diffractogram peaks due to kaolinite. In infra-red spectroscopy, the presence of a broad band with little change in the intensity in the region coupled with broad Si-O bending vibration band and Si-O-Al compound vibration bands explain the extent of structural disorder as a response of modification treatment. From a mineral structural viewpoint, destruction through heat treatment exposes directed –OH bonds located between the tetrahedral and octahedral layers (amorphization). It has been observed that after an acidification treatment, the –OH groups become less stable and lead to the newly formed vacant sites during the modification treatments accommodate extra structural water; thereby; broadening the –OH bands in the I.R spectrum.

Scanning Electron Microscope study has clearly demonstrated that, transformation in kaolinite structure from from hexagonal original shape to edgeless shape and values of Cation Exchange Capacity C.E.Cwere increased from 8.2 to 18.41 Meq/100g and from 12.66 to 28.53 Meq/100g in both Sinai and Aswan sediment, respectively. Result of the present study has indicated that crystalling structure of kaolinte tranformed to collapsed structure after modification treatment and the new structure can absorb a large amounts of pollutant metallic ions including Zn and cu from wastewater.

Observed increase of metal ions removed by modified clays are due to increase of exchange sites produced by the acid leaching on a collapsed kaolinite framework. A comparison of relative removing values between Zn and Cu revealed that the removing kinetics of Cu is more favored under identical molar concentrations than Zn.
Sedimentary facies of Paleogene lacustrine dolomicrite and implications for petroleum reservoirs in the southern Qianjiang Depression, China
Authors: Shen Junjun , Chen Kongquan , Liu Yang , Chen Fangfang , Qiu Xiaosong , Ma Xiaoqiang , Meng Jianghui
Published: October 2019

Paleogene lacustrine dolomicrite of Unit II of the lower Xingouzui Formation in the southern part of the Qianjiang Depression, China forms “tight carbonate” hydrocarbon reservoirs that can be divided into the following four dolomicrite types: dolomicrite, muddy dolomicrite, sandy dolomicrite, and gypsiferous dolomicrite. These four dolomicrite types occur in the following three distinct combinations, which are referred to as subfacies: (1) interbedded dolomicrite (or sandy dolomicrite) and dark-gray siliciclastic mudstone, interpreted as open lacustrine deposits, (2) grayish-dark siliciclastic mudstone with thinly-bedded muddy dolomicrite or gypsiferous dolomicrite, interpreted as restricted lacustrine deposits, and (3) grayish-green mudstone with thinlybedded brown-yellow siltstone, interpreted as lacustrine shoreline deposits. The spatial distribution of these subfacies was controlled by the paleo-provenance system, paleo-microgeomorphology, and lake level fluctuations. In the open lacustrine subfacies, dolomicrite or sandy dolomicrite are often vertically interbedded with dark argillite rocks, forming a suitable petroleum source rockreservoir association. The dolomicrite and sandy dolomicrite reservoirs possess many secondary crystalline pores and few dissolution pores, with mesopore porosities in the range of 15%–25%. The dark mud shale interval has total organic carbon (TOC) values exceeding 4% (averaging 1.29%). The organic matter is mainly type II2, with vitrinite reflectance values averaging 0.57, which indicates potential for the generation of immature oil. The oil-source correlation results indicated that the n-alkanes of the crude oil and source rock samples from Unit II of the lower Xingouzui Formation exhibit single peak values, with a main peak (post-peak) in C22 and a Pr/Ph ratio $#x003C; 1 in a C2920R $#x003E; C2720R $#x003E; C2820R distribution. These features indicate that source-reservoir interbedding is characteristic of selfsourced reservoirs. The interbedded dolomicrite (or sandy dolomicrite) and dark-gray siliciclastic mudstone, i.e., subfacies (1), is a favorable target for hydrocarbons in the study area.
“Females Are Not Just ‘Protected’ Males”: Sex-Specific Vulnerabilities in Placenta and Brain after Prenatal Immune Disruption
Authors: Braun Amy E. , Carpentier Pamela A. , Babineau Brooke A. , Narayan Aditi R. , Kielhold Michelle L. , Moon Hyang Mi , Shankar Archana , Su Jennifer , Saravanapandian Vidya , Haditsch Ursula , Palmer Theo D.
Published: October 2019

Current perceptions of genetic and environmental vulnerabilities in the developing fetus are biased toward male outcomes. An argument is made that males are more vulnerable to gestational complications and neurodevelopmental disorders, the implication being that an understanding of disrupted development in males is sufficient to understand causal mechanisms that are assumed to be similar but attenuated in females. Here we examine this assumption in the context of immune-driven alterations in fetal brain development and related outcomes in female and male mice. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were treated with low-dose lipopolysaccharide at embryonic day 12.5. Placental pathology, acute fetal brain inflammation and hypoxia, long-term changes in adult cortex cytoarchitecture, altered densities and ratio of excitatory (Satb2+) to inhibitory (parvalbumin+) neuronal subtypes, postnatal growth, and behavior outcomes were compared between male and female offspring. We find that while males experience more pronounced placental pathology, fetal brain hypoxia, depleted PV and Satb2+densities, and social and learning-related behavioral abnormalities, females exhibit unique acute inflammatory signaling in fetal brain, postnatal growth delay, opposite alterations in cortical PV densities, changes in juvenile behavior, delayed postnatal body growth, and elevated anxiety-related behavior as adults. While males are more severely impacted by prenatal immune disruption by several measures, females exposed to the same insult exhibit a unique set of vulnerabilities and developmental consequences that is not present in males. Our results clearly outline disparate sex-specific features of prenatal vulnerability to inflammatory insults and warn against the casual extrapolation of male disease mechanisms to females.
Scene Representations Conveyed by Cortical Feedback to Early Visual Cortex Can Be Described by Line Drawings
Authors: Morgan Andrew T. , Petro Lucy S. , Muckli Lars
Published: October 2019

Human behavior is dependent on the ability of neuronal circuits to predict the outside world. Neuronal circuits in early visual areas make these predictions based on internal models that are delivered via non-feedforward connections. Despite our extensive knowledge of the feedforward sensory features that drive cortical neurons, we have a limited grasp on the structure of the brain's internal models. Progress in neuroscience therefore depends on our ability to replicate the models that the brain creates internally. Here we record human fMRI data while presenting partially occluded visual scenes. Visual occlusion allows us to experimentally control sensory input to subregions of visual cortex while internal models continue to influence activity in these regions. Because the observed activity is dependent on internal models, but not on sensory input, we have the opportunity to map visual features conveyed by the brain's internal models. Our results show that activity related to internal models in early visual cortex are more related to scene-specific features than to categorical or depth features. We further demonstrate that behavioral line drawings provide a good description of internal model structure representing scene-specific features. These findings extend our understanding of internal models, showing that line drawings provide a window into our brains' internal models of vision.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe find that fMRI activity patterns corresponding to occluded visual information in early visual cortex fill in scene-specific features. Line drawings of the missing scene information correlate with our recorded activity patterns, and thus to internal models. Despite our extensive knowledge of the sensory features that drive cortical neurons, we have a limited grasp on the structure of our brains' internal models. These results therefore constitute an advance to the field of neuroscience by extending our knowledge about the models that our brains construct to efficiently represent and predict the world. Moreover, they link a behavioral measure to these internal models, which play an active role in many components of human behavior, including visual predictions, action planning, and decision making.
Expansion of the Prime Minister’s Power in the Japanese Parliamentary System
Authors: Takenaka Harukata
Published: October 2019

This paper shows how a series of institutional reforms since 1994 have transformed the Japanese prime minister’s relationship with other actors in the Japanese parliamentary system and expanded his power. It further discloses that his power has grown even more since the formation of the second Abe administration in 2012.
Unsteady MHD Natural Convection Flow of Nanofluid in a Cavity Containing Adiabatic Obstacle with Heat Corners
Authors: A.M. Rashad  , M.A. Mansour  , Rama Subba Reddy Gorla  , Sadia Siddiqa  , T. Salah
Published: October 2019

Unsteady natural convection heat transfer of nanofluid within cavities with local heaters occurs in several engineering applications. Therefore, investigation of nanofluid flow and heat transfer processes in such systems has a considerable value for evolution of industry. In the current investigation, unsteady MHD natural convection flow of Cu-water nanofluid and heat transfer behavior in square cavity containing a centered adiabatic square block. The mathematical formulation part for present problem is presented in succeeding section. It has been found the size of the adiabatic obstacle influences the behavior of the nanofluid and conduction becomes dominant when size aspect ratio increases to 0.5. It is also noticed that angle of the applied magnetic field can maximize(minimum)the rate of heat transfer if applied in the stream-wise (normal) direction. The novelty of the present work is to consider cavity containing a centered adiabatic square block as well as unsteady effects in the natural convection of nanofluids.
The Important Role of Diagnostics for the Structural Recovery of Historic Buildings
Authors: Alessandro Grazzini
Published: October 2019

Diagnostic tests represent a fundamental phase of knowledge for historical masonry buildings. The correct design of structural recovery and seismic improvement work must be based on the results of the preliminary tests, for a better knowledge of the vulnerabilities and the mechanical characteristics of ancient masonry structures. The Italian technical codes have given great importance to the level of knowledge reached on the existing buildings, promoting the investment of diagnostics as a fundamental phase of the design work. Two case studies of multidisciplinary diagnostic tests, carried out on monumental buildings, are described for the preliminary evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the masonry structures. In both cases the tests allowed to better understand the vulnerabilities of the masonry section and to design the most appropriate strengthening work. The interpretation of the results coming from tests of different typologies allowed to investigate in depth the hidden peculiarities of the historical masonry structures.
BIOFILM FORMATION AND GENETIC DIVERSITY OF LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM STRAINS ORIGINATED FROM FRANCE AND UKRAINE
Authors: Limanska Nataliia , Merlich Andrii , Galkin Mykola , Vasylieva Nataliia , Choiset Yvan , Ivanytsia Tetiana , Zlatohurska Maryna , Ivanytsia Volodymyr , Chobert Jean-Marc , Haertlé Thomas
Published: October 2019

Evaluation of Lactobacillus plantarum strains perspective for plant protection or fermentation of food of plant origin should include tests on abilities to attach to plant surfaces and to form biofilms. Comparing RAPD-profiles with these properties and also with geographical origin of the strains is necessary to find out the possibility of rapid selection of the strains and tracking their dissemination. Biofilm formation and RAPD-PCR profiles of 30 strains of L. plantarum isolated from grape must and pickles originated from France and Ukraine were compared. All isolates were able to attach to Lepidium sativum seedlings and form biofilms of different types. Amount of attached cells varied from (7.8 ± 0.2) x 104 to (2.1 ± 0.3) x 103 CFU/cm2. The most developed biofilms were formed on shoots, leaves, seed coat shells. On roots this ability was strain dependent: the majority of French isolates (77.0%) formed separated microcolonies without developed matrix layer. Among Ukrainian isolates, 47.1% of the strains showed the same tendency, and in 41.2% of the strains individual attached cells without formation of microcolonies were observed. The level of initial attachment of bacterial cells to roots did not coincide with the level of subsequent formation of biofilms. Gene plnA was detected in 28.1% of isolates. All plnA possessing strains except the one formed microcolonies or biofilms with developed matrix. Lactobacilli could eliminate the biofilms of Agrobacterium tumefaciens pJZ from tomato roots in 75.0 – 100% of tested samples depending on a strain and method of inoculation. No clear association between the geographical origin of the L. plantarum strains and clustering by RAPD-PCR analysis was found. Two strains with high level of biofilm formation were grouped in one subcluster.
Cohomology of the vector fields lie algebras on ℝℙ1 acting on bilinear differential operators
Authors: Meher Abdaoui
Published: October 2019

Let Vect (ℝℙ1) be the Lie algebra of smooth vector fields on ℝℙ1. In this paper, we classify -invariant linear differential operators from Vect (ℝℙ1) to vanishing on , where is the space of bilinear differential operators acting on weighted densities. This result allows us to compute the first differential -relative cohomology of Vect (ℝℙ1) with coefficients in .
The Nature of Text Production – Similarities and Differences between Writing and Translation
Authors: Dam-Jensen Helle , Heine Carmen , Schrijver Iris
Published: October 2019

Writing Research and Translation Studies are not only neighbouring disciplines, but also have conflating research interests. Correspondences between the two can be found in five aspects: the ontological nature of the object of study, cognitive factors, the situational factors, the disciplinary nature of the two fields, and the paradigmatic turns they have gone through. This article discusses the similarities and differences and proposes a strengthening of the cooperation between the fields on the basis of an overarching category of text production. Areas of current and apparent fruitful cooperation in research projects and education are described. The article promotes the idea of a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of text production through systematic cooperation of both disciplines.
A húgyhólyag urothelialis daganatainak molekuláris alcsoportbeosztása és annak klinikai vonatkozásai
Authors: Szarvas Tibor , Oláh Csilla , Riesz Péter , Géczi Lajos , Nyirády Péter
Published: October 2019

Abstract:

Current advances in molecular techniques and bioinformatics allowed the analysis of complex molecular patterns in various cancers including muscle-invasive bladder cancer. As a consequence, in the last few years numerous gene- and protein expression-based molecular classifications have been recommended. Recently a comprehensive consensus classification for muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer has been published, distinguishing 6 subgroups with a potential impact on clinical decision-making. At the same time, the therapeutic landscape of muscle-invasive bladder cancer becomes increasingly differentiated as novel checkpoint inhibitors have been available for cisplatin-ineligible and/or resistant patients. Furthermore, promising results have been obtained with FGFR targeting agents. Therefore, molecular subtyping will probably have a crucial role in individualized therapeutic decision-making in bladder cancer. In the present work, we summarize the evolution, recent advances and potential therapeutic relevance of molecular subclassifications in bladder cancer. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(42): 1647–1654.
De Novo Versus Recurrent HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: Patient Characteristics, Treatment, and Survival from the SystHERs Registry
Authors: Tripathy Debu , Brufsky Adam , Cobleigh Melody , Jahanzeb Mohammad , Kaufman Peter A. , Mason Ginny , O'Shaughnessy Joyce , Rugo Hope S. , Swain Sandra M. , Yardley Denise A. , Chu Laura , Li Haocheng , Antao Vincent , Hurvitz Sara A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Limited data exist describing real-world treatment of de novo and recurrent HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Materials and Methods

The Systemic Therapies for HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Study (SystHERs) was a fully enrolled (2012–2016), observational, prospective registry of patients with HER2-positive MBC. Patients aged ≥18 years and ≤6 months from HER2-positive MBC diagnosis were treated and assessed per their physician's standard practice. The primary endpoint was to characterize treatment patterns by de novo versus recurrent MBC status, compared descriptively. Secondary endpoints included patient characteristics, progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS, by Kaplan-Meier method; hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] by Cox regression), and patient-reported outcomes.

Results

Among 977 eligible patients, 49.8% (n = 487) had de novo and 50.2% (n = 490) had recurrent disease. A higher proportion of de novo patients had hormone receptor–negative disease (34.9% vs. 24.9%), bone metastasis (57.1% vs. 45.9%), and/or liver metastasis (41.9% vs. 33.1%), and a lower proportion had central nervous system metastasis (4.3% vs. 13.5%). De novo patients received first-line regimens containing chemotherapy (89.7%), trastuzumab (95.7%), and pertuzumab (77.8%) more commonly than recurrent patients (80.0%, 85.9%, and 68.6%, respectively). De novo patients had longer median PFS (17.7 vs. 11.9 months; HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.59–0.80; p < .0001) and OS (not estimable vs. 44.5 months; HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44–0.69; p < .0001).

Conclusion

Patients with de novo versus recurrent HER2-positive MBC exhibit different disease characteristics and survival durations, suggesting these groups have distinct outcomes. These differences may affect future clinical trial design. Clinical trial identification number. NCT01615068 (clinicaltrials.gov).