bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic performance of reinforced concrete buildings in the 22 February Christchurch (Lyttelton) earthquake
Authors: Kam Weng Y. , Pampanin Stefano , Elwood Ken
Published: September 2019

Six months after the 4 September 2010 Mw 7.1 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake, a Mw 6.2 Christchurch (Lyttelton) aftershock struck Christchurch on the 22 February 2011. This earthquake was centred approximately 10km south-east of the Christchurch CBD at a shallow depth of 5km, resulting in intense seismic shaking within the Christchurch central business district (CBD). Unlike the 4 Sept earthquake when limited-to-moderate damage was observed in engineered reinforced concrete (RC) buildings [35], in the 22 February event a high number of RC Buildings in the Christchurch CBD (16.2 % out of 833) were severely damaged. There were 182 fatalities, 135 of which were the unfortunate consequences of the complete collapse of two mid-rise RC buildings. This paper describes immediate observations of damage to RC buildings in the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Some preliminary lessons are highlighted and discussed in light of the observed performance of the RC building stock. Damage statistics and typical damage patterns are presented for various configurations and lateral resisting systems. Data was collated predominantly from first-hand post-earthquake reconnaissance observations by the authors, complemented with detailed assessment of the structural drawings of critical buildings and the observed behaviour. Overall, the 22 February 2011 Mw 6.2 Christchurch earthquake was a particularly severe test for both modern seismically-designed and existing non-ductile RC buildings. The sequence of earthquakes since the 4 Sept 2010, particularly the 22 Feb event has confirmed old lessons and brought to life new critical ones, highlighting some urgent action required to remedy structural deficiencies in both existing and “modern” buildings. Given the major social and economic impact of the earthquakes to a country with strong seismic engineering tradition, no doubt some aspects of the seismic design will be improved based on the lessons from Christchurch. The bar needs to and can be raised, starting with a strong endorsement of new damage-resisting, whilst cost-efficient, technologies as well as the strict enforcement, including financial incentives, of active policies for the seismic retrofit of existing buildings at a national scale.
Christchurch City Council lifelines
Authors: Billings Ian , Charman Nicholas
Published: September 2019

On 22 February 2011 an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale occurred in Christchurch City resulting in widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Christchurch City Council (CCC) has an extensive potable water supply network including bulk storage and service reservoirs which provide water to approximately 320,000 residents. Inspections undertaken, following the 22 February earthquake, on 43 concrete reservoirs located on the Port Hills and Cashmere Hills areas noted varying extents of damage from nil through to major. Damaged roof to wall connections were observed in many reservoirs with damage to walls, base-slabs and internal columns limited to a few reservoirs only. Of the 43 reservoirs, complete functional failure occurred in only one, with reduced function and operation at other sites resulting from excessive leakage, necessity for emergency repairs, or associated pipe work damage. Those reservoirs currently out of operation for reinstatement, including Christchurch’s largest, account for approximately 40% of the network’s storage capacity.

Overall, given the magnitude of earthquake accelerations that occurred on 22 February 2011, the reservoirs are considered to have performed remarkably well. Those in the Port Hills area nearest the earthquake epicentre, have expectedly, incurred the most damage.

Reinstatement works, varying from minor crack injection and patch repair through to reconstruction and retrofit, have been developed appropriate to the extent of damage. CCC has prioritised reservoir repair to maximise available water supply for the 2011-2012 summer demand and this has required, in some instances, staging and deferring of reinstatement works.

A summary of structural and functional performance, results of physical investigations and detailed seismic assessments, and common damage areas observed are presented in this paper along with the reinstatement options developed.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Culture and History, Vol. 11, No. 2
Authors: Bai Joseph
Published: September 2019

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Culture and History, Vol. 11, No. 2, 2019
Análise dos fatores que influenciaram na concentração de material particulado na área urbana de Rondonópolis (MT)
Authors: Pimentel Cauê Felipe , Pessi Dhonatan Diego , Barbosa Domingos Sávio , Silva Normandes Matos da , Olinda Ricardo Alves de
Published: September 2019

A sazonalidade do período de estiagem no Centro-Oeste brasileiro apresenta peculiaridades, quanto ao potencial de danos ao meio ambiente e a saúde humana por meio da poluição atmosférica. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as concentrações de material particulado (MP1, MP2,5 e MP10) na área urbana do município de Rondonópolis (MT), relacionando às variáveis meteorológicas e focos de calor, no período entre os meses de agosto a setembro de 2017. Os dados meteorológicos são provenientes do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET). Os dados de focos de calor foram junto ao Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Em campo, coletou-se os dados de poluição atmosférica, utilizando a medição de material particulado – MP, MP1, MP2,5 e MP10, por meio do aparelho Aeroqual modelo AQM10 instalado na Secretaria do Meio Ambiente (SEMA) do município. Utilizou-se a análise estatística como a correlação de Kendall em 5% de significância, que posteriormente foi ajustado ao modelo de regressão Gamma, pertencente à classe dos Modelos Lineares Generalizados (MLG), com nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Foi aplicada a densidade Kernel, e criado um mapa de focos de calor. As variáveis climáticas, temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e precipitação exercem influência nas concentrações de material particulado (MP₁, MP₂,₅ e MP₁₀) veiculados na atmosfera no município de Rondonópolis, região sul de Mato Grosso.
The NIH Toolbox for cognitive surveillance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Thangarajh Mathula , Kaat Aaron J. , Bibat Genila , Mansour Jennifer , Summerton Katherine , Gioia Anthony , Berger Carly , Hardy Kristina K. , Wagner Kathryn R.
Published: August 2019

Objective

We performed a prospective, cross‐sectional cognitive assessment in subjects with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and their biological mothers.

Methods

Thirty subjects with out‐of‐frame mutations in the dystrophin (DMD) gene, and 25 biological mothers were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB‐CB). A parent completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF), a standardized rating scale of executive functioning, for their child. Mothers completed self‐reports of BRIEF and Neuro Quality‐of‐Life (NeuroQoL) Cognitive Function.

Results

Overall, the subjects with DMD scored approximately one standard deviation (SD) below age‐corrected norms on the NIHTB‐CB Total Cognition score. They scored 1.5 SD below age‐corrected norms in Fluid Cognition, which evaluates the cognitive domains of executive function, working memory, episodic memory, attention, and processing speed. Their performance was consistent with age expectations (i.e., within 1 SD below age‐corrected norms) in Crystalized Cognition, which evaluates vocabulary and reading. Subjects with DMD had higher T‐scores in several domains of BRIEF, demonstrating greater difficulty in executive functioning. The biological mothers had overall average or above average T‐scores on NIHTB‐CB. Mothers who were carriers of DMD mutation performed lower overall compared to mothers who were not carriers of DMD mutation (Cohen’s d = −1.1). Carrier mothers performed lower than average (1.5 SD) in Executive Function, measured by Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention. Biological mothers scored within expected score ranges for adults in BRIEF and NeuroQoL.

Interpretation

The NIHTB‐CB, combined with standardized self‐reported measures, can be a sensitive screening tool for cognitive surveillance in DMD.
Collaborating to advance interdisciplinary care for individuals with arthrogryposis
Authors: Dahan‐Oliel Noémi , Hall Judith G.
Published: August 2019

This Special Issue on Interdisciplinary Care in Arthrogryposis highlights a collection of articles spanning topics in interdisciplinary care, genetic discoveries, and clinical research. An international group of clinicians and researchers from various backgrounds who attended the “3rd International Symposium on Arthrogryposis”, held in Philadelphia, September 24–26, 2018, were invited to contribute to this issue. The goal of the 2018 Symposium and of this Special Issue is to provide momentum to advancing evidence‐based practice and research in arthrogryposis, by working collaboratively with adults and families of children with arthrogryposis, clinicians, and researchers. The contents of this issue cover a range of topics from defining and classifying arthrogryposis multiplex congenita to early detection, rehabilitation, and orthopedic management, advances in genetic pathways, patient registries, autopsy guidelines, and research findings in the pediatric and adult populations with arthrogryposis. We hope that this issue provides an overview as well as new knowledge on arthrogryposis to generate more conversations at the international level, and advance care and research for individuals with arthrogryposis.
Regulating Nonclassical Pathways of Silicalite‐1 Crystallization through Controlled Evolution of Amorphous Precursors
Authors: Choudhary Madhuresh K. , Kumar Manjesh , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2019

Differentiating mechanisms of zeolite crystallization is challenging owing to the vast number of species in growth solutions. The presence of amorphous colloidal particles is ubiquitous in many zeolite syntheses, and has led to extensive efforts to understand the driving force(s) for their self‐assembly and putative roles in processes of nucleation and growth. In this study, we use a combination of in situ scanning probe microscopy, particle dissolution measurements, and colloidal stability assays to elucidate the degree to which silica nanoparticles evolve in their structure during the early stages of silicalite‐1 synthesis. We show how changes in precursor structure are mediated by the presence of organics, and demonstrate how these changes lead to significant differences in precursor–crystal interactions that alter preferred modes of crystal growth. Our findings provide guidelines for selectively controlling silicalite‐1 growth by particle attachment or monomer addition, thus allowing for the manipulation of anisotropic rates of crystallization. In doing so, we also address a longstanding question regarding what factors are at our disposal to switch from a nonclassical to classical mechanism.
Effects of acid, alkaline, and seawater aging on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of glass fiber/epoxy composites filled with carbon nanofibers
Authors: Kattaguri Rani , Fulmali Abhinav Omprakash , Prusty Rajesh Kumar , Ray Bankim Chandra
Published: August 2019

Owing to the superior corrosion resistance, fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are the prime choice of structural materials for various marine and chemical industries, where there is a long‐term direct contact of the components takes place with corrosive fluids. In this present work, glass fiber/epoxy (GE) composites have been fabricated with and without carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and aging has been carried out in acidic (pH = 1), seawater (pH = 8.2), and alkaline (pH = 13) solutions for 150 days. The resistance of CNF‐filled GE composites toward the corrosive fluids has been evaluated in terms of alteration in the mechanical (flexural), microstructural (fractography analysis by field emission scanning electron microscope), and thermomechanical (dynamic mechanical analysis) behavior of the materials. It is revealed that as the immersion time increases, there is a continuous decrement in flexural strength and modulus, and glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of all the materials in all these solutions. Compared to the 1% CNF‐filled GE composite, control GE composite showed more degradation in the case of alkaline aging and seawater aging. Maximum reduction (56%) in the strength of GE composite was observed due to 150 days of alkaline aging. However, the control GE composite showed better resistance to the acidic solution than that of CNF‐filled GE composite. Possible failure modes, changes in the chemistry of the material due to aging have been studied by fractography analysis. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48434.
Degradation studies of a commercial radiation‐resistant polypropylene sterilized by gamma and electron beam technology before and after subsequent accelerated aging cycles
Authors: Kremser Thomas , Susoff Markus , Roth Stefan , Kaschta Joachim , Schubert Dirk W.
Published: August 2019

Irradiation is one of the most widely used technologies for sterilization of medical products. Unfortunately, some polymers in the medical field are susceptible to high‐energy radiation. In the case of polypropylene, this leads to yellowing and embrittlement due to degradation mechanisms. This study compares the impact of gamma and eBeam sterilizations at a dose of 45 kGy on a commercially available, radiation‐resistant polypropylene in combination with accelerated aging studies. Mechanical behavior as well as yellowing, accompanied by structural investigations like molar mass characterization and crystallinity analysis, have been investigated. It is shown that eBeam has less damaging effects compared with gamma irradiation. This is shown by an initial drop in elongation at break by 46% for gamma irradiated samples in contrast to 24% decrease using eBeam irradiation. Also, an initial drop in molar mass by 43% was found for gamma irradiated samples and by 27% for eBeam. Change in color was observed by an initial increase in the yellowness index of 42% at samples after gamma irradiation, respectively, of 22% for eBeam irradiated samples. Interestingly, molar mass remained constant during aging, whereas yellowing and Embrittlement further change. Additionally, empirical equations were found, which describe the experimental data. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48436.
Characterizing cleft palate toxicants using ToxCast data, chemical structure, and the biomedical literature
Authors: Baker Nancy C. , Sipes Nisha S. , Franzosa Jill , Belair David G. , Abbott Barbara D. , Judson Richard S. , Knudsen Thomas B.
Published: August 2019

Cleft palate has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors that perturb key events during palatal morphogenesis. As a developmental outcome, it presents a challenging, mechanistically complex endpoint for predictive modeling. A data set of 500 chemicals evaluated for their ability to induce cleft palate in animal prenatal developmental studies was compiled from Toxicity Reference Database and the biomedical literature, which included 63 cleft palate active and 437 inactive chemicals. To characterize the potential molecular targets for chemical‐induced cleft palate, we mined the ToxCast high‐throughput screening database for patterns and linkages in bioactivity profiles and chemical structural descriptors. ToxCast assay results were filtered for cytotoxicity and grouped by target gene activity to produce a “gene score.” Following unsuccessful attempts to derive a global prediction model using structural and gene score descriptors, hierarchical clustering was applied to the set of 63 cleft palate positives to extract local structure‐bioactivity clusters for follow‐up study. Patterns of enrichment were confirmed on the complete data set, that is, including cleft palate inactives, and putative molecular initiating events identified. The clusters corresponded to ToxCast assays for cytochrome P450s, G‐protein coupled receptors, retinoic acid receptors, the glucocorticoid receptor, and tyrosine kinases/phosphatases. These patterns and linkages were organized into preliminary decision trees and the resulting inferences were mapped to a putative adverse outcome pathway framework for cleft palate supported by literature evidence of current mechanistic understanding. This general data‐driven approach offers a promising avenue for mining chemical‐bioassay drivers of complex developmental endpoints where data are often limited.
Visuohaptic experiments: Exploring the effects of visual and haptic feedback on students’ learning of friction concepts
Authors: Yuksel Tugba , Walsh Yoselyn , Magana Alejandra J. , Nova Nestor , Krs Vojtech , Ngambeki Ida , Berger Edward J. , Benes Bedrich
Published: August 2019

In this study, we analyzed students’ reasoning and explanations of friction concepts before and after engaging in guided experimentation with visuohaptic (VH) simulations. The VH experimentation included two affordances: visual cues and haptic feedback. Specifically, we analyzed the outcomes of two treatment groups with different sequences of affordance introduction. The first treatment group started with visual cues, with haptic feedback added later, while the second treatment group started with haptic feedback and added the visual cues later. We recruited 48 students who had previously taken at least one physics course. Participants completed a pre‐ and posttest assessment, which included both procedural and conceptual questions about friction before and after the guided experimentation task. The results show that the participants from both treatment groups benefited from using VH simulations. Both treatment groups showed statistically significant pre/post improvements in their understanding of friction. Moreover, both treatment groups showed a statistically significant increase in the conceptual understanding of friction concepts from pretest to posttest with moderate to strong effect sizes. Implications for laboratory instruction are also discussed.
Meet the Women of Catalysis
Authors: de Jongh Petra E. , Fogg Deryn E. , Wu Li‐Zhu , González‐Gallardo Sandra
Published: September 2019

ChemCatChem celebrates the achievements of female‐led research groups in the field of catalysis. With this initiative, we seek to highlight the breadth and depth of the best research developed by women, and to increase its visibility in the wider catalysis community. Women of Catalysis offers a resource to aid in improving the representation of female scientific talent on invited speaker lists, conference and editorial boards, and as leaders in research consortia.
Gold Plasmon‐Enhanced Solar Hydrogen Production over SrTiO3/TiO2 Heterostructures
Authors: Han Shitong , Yu Lisha , Zhang Hongwen , Chu Zhengwei , Chen Xiaofeng , Xi Hailing , Long Jinlin
Published: August 2019

This work demonstrated that 75 fold‐enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production over SrTiO3/TiO2 heterostructures by Au plasmon‐enhanced electron‐phonon decoupling to generate more amounts of energetic electrons for solar water splitting. Such Au modified SrTiO3/TiO2 heterostructures were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal post‐photoreduction method, consequently the hydrogen evolution rate is 467.3 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 187 and 75 folds enhancement compared with TiO2 and SrTiO3/TiO2 samples, respectively. Based on systematic investigations, it is proposed that the internal electric field (IEF) between the interfaces of SrTiO3/TiO2 and the enhanced near‐field amplitudes of localized surface plasmon (LSP) inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes in the bulk and accelerate the interfacial transfer of charge carriers. Simultaneously, electron spin resonance (ESR) showed the change of Ti3+ species in SrTiO3/TiO2 microspheres, mirroring the energetic electron transfer process from Au NPs to SrTiO3/TiO2 microspheres.
Order from Chaos: Self‐Assembly of Nanoprism from a Mixture of Tetratopic Terpyridine‐Porphyrin Conformers
Authors: Filosa Alexander , Wang Heng , Li Wei‐Jian , Zhang Wenjing , Ngo Ellie , Piccolo Jonathan E. , Yang Hai‐Bo , Li Xiaopeng
Published: August 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Porphyrins have been widely used in the self‐assembly of metallo‐supramolecules. In this study, we introduced 2,2':6,2"‐terpyridine (tpy) into a porphyrin core to synthesize a tetratopic building block with multiple conformers. During the self‐assembly with Zn(II), such a mixture of conformers was able to form a discrete nanoprism with all building blocks in one conformation. Detailed characterizations, including NMR, ESI‐MS and traveling‐wave ion mobility‐mass spectrometry (TWIM‐MS), all supported the formation of the desired assemblies. AFM and TEM further confirmed the dimensions of assembled nanoprisms. Moreover, the photophysical properties of the ligands and complexes were noticeably different depending upon size and metal ion center.
Ploidy‐ and Purity‐Adjusted Allele‐Specific DNA Analysis Using CLONETv2
Authors: Prandi Davide , Demichelis Francesca
Published: September 2019

High‐throughput DNA sequencing technology provides base‐level and statistically rich information about the genomic content of a sample. In the contexts of cancer research and precision oncology, thousands of genomes from paired tumor and matched normal samples are profiled and processed to determine somatic copy‐number changes and single‐nucleotide variations. Higher‐order informative analyses, in the form of allele‐specific copy‐number assessments or subclonality quantification, require reliable estimates of tumor DNA ploidy and tumor cellularity. CLONETv2 provides a complete set of functions to process matched normal and tumor pairs using patient‐specific genotype data, is independent of low‐level tools (e.g., aligner, segmentation algorithm, mutation caller) and offers high‐level functions to compute allele‐specific copy number from segmented data and to identify subclonal population in the input sample. CLONETv2 is applicable to whole‐genome, whole‐exome and targeted sequencing data generated either from tissue or from liquid biopsy samples. © 2019 The Authors.
Culturing and Mating of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Ashton George D. , Dyer Paul S.
Published: September 2019

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen, capable of causing invasive aspergillosis in patients with compromised immune systems. The fungus was long considered a purely asexual organism. However, a sexual cycle was reported in 2009, with methods described to induce mating under laboratory conditions. The presence of a sexual cycle now offers a valuable tool for classical genetic analysis of the fungus, such as allowing determination of whether traits of interest are mono‐ or poly‐genic in nature. For example, the sexual cycle is currently being exploited to determine the genetic basis of traits of medical importance such as resistance to azole antifungals and virulence, and to characterize the genes involved. The sexual cycle can also be used to assess the possibility of gene flow between isolates. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This unit describes protocols for culturing of A. fumigatus and for inducing sexual reproduction between compatible MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 isolates of the species. The unit also provides working methods for harvesting sexual structures, isolating single‐spore progeny and confirming whether sexual recombination has occurred. © The Authors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Sedimentation in a synclinal shallow‐marine embayment: Coniacian of the North Sudetic Synclinorium, SW Poland
Authors: Leszczyński Stanisław , Nemec Wojciech
Published: August 2019

This study is a reconstruction of the Coniacian palaeogeographic and palaeoenvironmental development in the North Sudetic Basin, a synclinal trough within the Late Cretaceous Central European seaway linking the Boreal and Tethyan marine provinces. The basin formed as an early side effect of the Alpine orogeny combined with the mid‐Cretaceous eustasy, and crucial stages of its evolution occurred during the Coniacian. The basin in the early Coniacian was a long and narrow shallow‐marine embayment with a hypothetical (non‐preserved) bayhead strait funnelling tidal currents. Coalescing tidal sand ridges formed a littoral platform that prograded from the bayhead zone along the basin axis, impinged on laterally by the basin‐margin shoreface and local river deltas. A mid‐Coniacian forced marine regression and closure of the bayhead strait, attributed to the Alpine tectonism combined with eustasy, brought about a dramatic change in the basin, whereby the basin‐wide littoral sand platform emerged and turned briefly into a denudated coastal plain. The late Coniacian eustatic marine transgression formed an in‐place growing coastal sand barrier at the outer edge of the former littoral platform, sheltering a paralic limno‐lagoonal plain with peat‐forming mires. The coastal barrier was eventually drowned by the sea and maximum marine flooding occurred, followed by a normal regression recorded as a rapidly upwards‐shallowing succession of offshore‐transition to fluvio‐deltaic deposits. This case study of the sedimentation pattern in an evolving, tectonically controlled marine embayment contributes to the existing facies models for estuarine embayments formed by a passive marine drowning of large fluvial or glacial valleys.
Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3 and alteration in haemodynamics in cardiogenic shock: results from the OptimaCC trial
Authors: Takagi Koji , Blet Alice , Levy Bruno , Deniau Benjamin , Azibani Feriel , Feliot Elodie , Bergmann Andreas , Santos Karine , Hartmann Oliver , Gayat Etienne , Mebazaa Alexandre , Kimmoun Antoine
Published: August 2019

Aims

Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) is a protease involved in the degradation of cardiovascular mediators. Its administration has been shown to be associated with impaired cardiac contraction and kidney haemodynamics while its inhibition restored cardiac contraction in a pre‐clinical model of severe heart failure in mice. Circulating DPP3 (cDPP3) was found to be elevated in shock. The present study aims to assess the association between cDPP3 and worsening haemodynamics, namely refractory shock, in a cohort of cardiogenic shock (CS).

Methods and results

This is an ancillary study of OptimaCC, a prospective, double‐blind, multicentre, randomized study assessing efficacy and safety of catecholamines in 57 patients with CS after acute myocardial infarction. cDPP3 was measured in plasma at inclusion, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, and haemodynamic and biological parameters were recorded at inclusion. cDPP3 values were higher in refractory CS than non‐refractory CS at inclusion (median [interquartile range]; 76.1 [37.9–238.7] ng/mL vs. 32.8 [23.9–47.6] ng/mL, P = 0.014), at 24 h (P < 0.001) and up to 48 h (P = 0.027). Furthermore, cDPP3 at inclusion discriminated CS patients who did develop refractory shock vs. non‐refractory with an area under the curve of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.92). The high cDPP3 group (cDPP3 ≥59.1 ng/mL) at inclusion had a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), lower cardiac index and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. More importantly, in CS patients with high cDPP3 at inclusion, those who rapidly decreased cDPP3 at 24 h exhibited a striking reduction in the occurrence of refractory shock and death.

Conclusion

In CS patients, cDPP3 gives an early prediction of outcome, including development of refractory status and/or survival.

Clinical Trial Registration:
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT01367743
Regional hippocampal diffusion abnormalities associated with subfield‐specific pathology in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Treit Sarah , Little Graham , Steve Trevor , Nowacki Tom , Schmitt Laura , Wheatley B. Matt , Beaulieu Christian , Gross Donald W.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most common pathology and best predictor of surgical outcome for medically refractory patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Current clinical MRI methods can detect HS, but subfield pathology is poorly characterized, limiting accurate prediction of seizure‐free outcomes after surgery. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can probe regional microstructural changes associated with focal hippocampal pathology, but is typically limited by low‐resolution whole‐brain acquisitions.

Methods

High‐resolution (1 × 1 × 1 mm3) DTI, T1, and quantitative T2 of the hippocampus was acquired in 18 preoperative TLE patients and 19 healthy controls. Diffusion images were qualitatively assessed for loss of internal architecture, and whole‐hippocampus diffusion, volume, and quantitative T2 were compared across groups. Regional hippocampal diffusion abnormalities were examined in all subjects and compared to histology in four subjects who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy.

Results

High‐resolution mean diffusion‐weighted images enabled visualization of internal hippocampal architecture, used to visually identify HS with 86% specificity and 93% sensitivity. Mean diffusivity (MD) elevations were regionally heterogenous within the hippocampus and varied across TLE patients. The spatial location of diffusion abnormalities corresponded with the location of focal subfield neuron loss, gliosis, and reduced myelin staining abnormalities identified with postsurgical histology in four subjects who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy. Whole‐hippocampus MD and T2 relaxation times were higher, and fractional anisotropy (FA) and volumes were lower in TLE patients relative to controls. Left hippocampus MD correlated with verbal memory in the TLE group.

Significance

Visualization of internal architecture and focal diffusion abnormalities on high‐resolution diffusion imaging suggests potential clinical utility of diffusion imaging in TLE and may have significant implications for surgical planning and prediction of seizure‐free outcomes in individual patients.
Effect of heat treatment temperature on energy storage performance of PAN co‐MMA based carbon nanofibers as freestanding lithium ion batteries anode
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Gurunathan Padalingam , Ramesha Kannadka , Singh Mandeep , Dhakate Sanjay R.
Published: August 2019

Polyacrylonitrile co methyl methacrylate (PAN co‐MMA) based nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning technique and were converted into carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by heating at 1000°C (PAN‐1000), 1800°C (PAN‐1800), and 2200°C (PAN‐2200). Various characterizations such as SEM, TEM, Raman, FT‐IR have been carried out to study the effect of heat temperature on the microstructure of carbon fibers. The carbon nanofiber diameter varies in the range 600‐120 nm for different heat temperatures. Further, these CNFs were evaluated as freestanding anode in Li‐ion batteries. The PAN‐1000 and PAN‐1800 CNFs show stable capacity up to 150 cycles and specific capacity of 254 and 238 mAh g−1 at high discharge rate of 1C; however PAN‐2200 despite of better microstructure and surface area (~60m2/g) shows low specific capacity of 105 mAh g−1mAh/g, that is probably due to distribution of pore structures present in fibers as well as low electrolyte wetting through the carbon fibers electrode observed in post‐cycling SEM analysis. In addition, at higher discharge rate of 3C, PAN‐1000 shows stable cyclability and high capacity of 198 mAh g−1 over 450 cycles and 238 mAh g−1at 1C rate over 500 cycles. The microstructure and pore structure all affect the energy storage performance of PAN‐co MMA based CNFs.
The cell of origin and the leukemia stem cell in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chopra Martin , Bohlander Stefan K.
Published: August 2019

There is experimental and observational evidence that the cells of the leukemic clone in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have different phenotypes even though they share the same somatic mutations. The organization of the malignant clone in AML has many similarities to normal hematopoiesis, with leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that sustain leukemia and give rise to more differentiated cells. LSCs, similar to normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), are those cells that are able to give rise to a new leukemic clone when transplanted into a recipient. The cell of origin of leukemia (COL) is defined as the normal cell that is able to transform into a leukemia cell. Current evidence suggests that the COL is distinct from the LSC. Here, we will review the current knowledge about LSCs and the COL in AML.
Retrieval analysis of TiN (titanium nitride) coated knee replacements: Coating wear and degradation in vivo
Authors: Łapaj Łukasz , Rozwalka Justyna
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Titanium nitride (TiN) coatings are used in joint arthroplasty to minimize wear and reduce the allergenic potential of metal implants, yet little is known about their performance in knee arthroplasty. This retrieval study examined TiN coated knee replacements to verify in vivo wear and degradation of the coating.

Materials and methods

This study included total and unicompartmental mobile bearing knee replacements retrieved from five patients (eight components) after 13–21 months due to aseptic loosening or infection. Implants were examined using scanning (SEM) and optical microscopy, surface damage was assessed using a semiquantitative scoring system, adhesion was determined using indentation technique testing, surface roughness was measured using contact profilometry.

Results

Although good coating adhesion and no gross failure were observed on all retrievals, coating wear and roughening were evident on tibial bearing surfaces. Multiple microscopic defects (pinholes, craters, titanium droplets) were observed on all samples in SEM studies. Microscopic wear scars indicated that particulate defects significantly contributed to coating wear, acting as third bodies.

Conclusion

TiN coatings of knee replacements undergo wear and degradation related to presence of third bodies and microscopic defects on their surface. Since coating integrity may be compromised in vivo, such implants should be used with caution in metal sensitive patients.
A Molecular Mechanics Model for Flavins
Authors: Aleksandrov Alexey
Published: August 2019

Flavin containing molecules form a group of important cofactors that assist a wide range of enzymatic reactions. Flavins use the redox‐active isoalloxazine system, which is capable of one‐ and two‐electron transfer reactions and can exist in several protonation states. In this work, molecular mechanics force field parameters compatible with the CHARMM36 all‐atom additive force field were derived for biologically important flavins, including riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide, and flavin adenine dinucleotide. The model was developed for important protonation and redox states of the isoalloxazine group. The partial charges were derived using the CHARMM force field parametrization strategy, where quantum mechanics water–solute interactions are used to target optimization. In addition to monohydrate energies and geometries, electrostatic potential around the compound was used to provide additional restraints during the charge optimization. Taking into account the importance of flavin‐containing molecules special attention was given to the quality of bonded terms. All bonded terms, including stiff terms and torsion angle parameters, were parametrized using exhaustive potential energy surface scans. In particular, the model reproduces well the butterfly motion of isoalloxazine in the oxidized and reduced forms as predicted by quantum mechanics in gas phase. The model quality is illustrated by simulations of four flavoproteins. Overall, the presented molecular mechanics model will be of utility to model flavin cofactors in different redox states. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between ultrasound morphologic features and histopathological findings of lobular carcinoma
Authors: Malherbe Kathryn , Bresser Philippa
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Despite the incidence and recurrence rates of breast cancer, there are currently no biomarkers to predict which cases will develop into lobular carcinoma (LC).

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between ultrasound morphologic characteristics of LC and histopathological classifications.

Methods

A retrospective, cross‐sectional study was conducted on the ultrasound images and histopathological reports of 100 patients with a confirmed LC diagnosis between January 2013 and December 2016.

Results

Morphologic ultrasound characteristics most frequently reported in the dataset of positively diagnosed LC patients were; irregular ultrasound shape (86%), hypoechoic echogenicity (88%), poorly circumscribed margin (95%), posterior acoustic enhancement (93%) and absent calcifications (81%). Using Fisher's extract test, it was found that stromal fibrosis, single file type pattern, atypical lobular hyperplasia and LC Grade II were significantly correlated with irregular shape and hypoechoic echogenicity.

Conclusion

A prognostic predictor tool can be designed from this study's findings which can then be used in practice to raise awareness of the unique morphometric markers related to LC of the breast.
Quantification of growth factors in advanced platelet‐rich fibrin and concentrated growth factors and their clinical efficacy as adjunctive to the GTR procedure in periodontal intrabony defects
Authors: Lei Lihong , Yu Yuanyuan , Han Jiayin , Shi Danhui , Sun Weilian , Zhang Diya , Chen Lili
Published: August 2019

Background

The development of platelet concentrated biomaterials has gained increasing awareness for regenerative medicine. With different protocol, derivatives such as advanced platelet‐rich fibrin (A‐PRF), injected platelet‐rich fibrin, and concentrated growth factor (CGF) have been demonstrated effectively in preclinical and clinical studies. The aim of this study was to compare the level of growth factors releasing from A‐PRF and CGF, and their clinical efficacy in the regenerative management of intrabony defects (IBDs).

Methods

Thirty‐two blood samples were collected from eight healthy donors and assessed for platelet‐derived growth factor‐αβ, vascular endothelial growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein‐2, and transforming growth factor‐β1 release at indicated times. In addition, the clinical records of 45 patients (15 per group) who had undergone guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with or without A‐PRF/CGF were retrieved. The probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Intrabony component (IC) depth, radiographic bone level (RBL), and bone defect filling were assessed radiographically.

Results

A‐PRF had a looser fibrin network than the CGF but presented larger amounts of growth factors with a more sustained release period. Although there was no difference in PD reduction, CAL gain, RBL height change and defect filling (%) between A‐PRF and CGF group, both achieved a more favorable clinical result in IC height reduction and defect filling (%) than the control.

Conclusions

A‐PRF and CGF have the ability to stimulate a continual and steady release of total growth factors over a 14‐day period. A‐PRF and CGF show a similar effectiveness in periodontal bone regeneration with a potential benefit of improving GTR outcomes in IBD treatment.
Glacial history of the Greenland Ice Sheet and a local ice cap in Qaanaaq, northwest Greenland
Authors: Søndergaard Anne Sofie , Larsen Nicolaj Krog , Olsen Jesper , Strunk Astrid , Woodroffe Sarah
Published: August 2019

In this study, we present new information on the glacial history of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) and a local ice cap in Qaanaaq, northwest Greenland. We use geomorphological mapping, 10Be exposure dating of boulders, analysis of lake cores, and 14C dating of reworked marine molluscs and subfossil plants to constrain the glacial history. Our 14C ages of reworked marine molluscs reveal that the ice extent in the area was at or behind its present‐day position from 42.2 ± 0.4 to 30.6 ± 0.3k cal a BP after which the GrIS expanded to its maximum position during the Last Glacial Maximum. We find evidence of early ice retreat in the deep fjord (Inglefield Bredning) at 11.9 ± 0.6 ka whereas the Taserssuit Valley was deglaciated ~4 ka later at 7.8 ± 0.1k cal a BP. A proglacial lake record suggests that the local ice cap survived the Holocene Thermal Maximum but moss kill‐dates reveal that it was smaller than present for a period of time before 3.3 ± 0.1k until 0.9 ± 0.1k cal a BP, following which the ice in the area expanded towards its Little Ice Age extent. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preharvest application of methyl jasmonate increases crop yield, fruit quality and bioactive compounds in pomegranate ‘Mollar de Elche’ at harvest and during postharvest storage
Authors: García‐Pastor María E , Serrano María , Guillén Fabián , Giménez María J , Martínez‐Romero Domingo , Valero Daniel , Zapata Pedro J
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Previous reports have addressed the effectiveness of postharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments on maintaining quality properties of pomegranate fruit during storage. However, there is no literature regarding the effects of preharvest MeJA treatments on pomegranate ‘Mollar de Elche’ crop yield, fruit ripening, quality attributes and bioactive compounds content (at harvest or after long‐term storage), which were evaluated in this research.

RESULTS

Preharvest MeJA treatments (1, 5, and 10 mmol L‐1) increased pomegranate crop yield. MeJA at 1 and 5 mmol L‐1 accelerated the on‐tree ripening process, while it was delayed with 10 mmol L‐1. Losses in fruit weight, firmness and organic acids during storage at 10 °C were delayed in MeJA treated fruit, leading to quality maintenance. In addition, MeJA treatments improved arils colour due to increased concentration of total and individual anthocyanins, at harvest and during storage. Total phenolic and ascorbic acid contents and total antioxidant activity [hydrophilic (H‐TAA) and lipophilic (L‐TAA) fractions] were also higher in arils from treated pomegranate fruits than in controls.

CONCLUSION

Preharvest treatments with MeJA could be a promising tool to improve pomegranate crop yield, fruit quality and its content in bioactive compounds at harvest and during storage. The higher effects were obtained with MeJA at 5 mmol L‐1 dose, which could be the selected treatment for practical application purposes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of OptRx™ active optical sensor to monitor soybean response to nitrogen inputs
Authors: Sivarajan Saravanan , Maharlooei Mohammadmehdi , Kandel Herman , Buetow Ryan R , Nowatzki John , Bajwa Sreekala G
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Active optical crop sensors have been gaining importance to determine in‐season nitrogen (N) fertilization requirements for on‐the‐go variable rate applications. Although most of these active in‐field crop sensors have been evaluated in maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Thell.), these sensors have not been evaluated in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production systems in North Dakota, USA. Recent research from both South Dakota and North Dakota, USA indicate that in‐season N application in soybean can increase soybean yield under certain conditions.

RESULTS

The study revealed that OptRx™ sensor reading did not show any significant differences from early to midway through the growing season. The NDRE (normalized difference red edge) index data collected towards the end of the growing season showed significantly higher values for some of the N treatments as compared to others in both years. The NDRE values were strongly correlated to grain yield for both years under tiled (r = 0.923) and non‐tiled (r = 0.901) drainage conditions. Certain soybean varieties displayed significantly higher NDRE values over both years. The three varieties tested across years, under both tiled and non‐tiled conditions, showed a significant linear relationship between late August NDRE values and yield (R2 = 0.85 for tiled and R2 = 0.81 for non‐tiled).

CONCLUSION

In this research, the study results show that the OptRx™ sensor has the potential to work for soybean as well, though later in the crop growing season. Further investigation is needed to confirm the use of OptRx™ sensor for variable rate in‐season N applications in soybeans. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Retronasal olfactory function in patients with smell loss but subjectively normal flavor perception
Authors: Liu David Tianxiang , Besser Gerold , Renner Bertold , Seyferth Stefan , Hummel Thomas , Mueller Christian Albert
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The human sense of smell constitutes the main part of flavor perception. Typically, patients with loss of olfactory function complain of diminished perception during eating and drinking. However, some patients with smell loss still report normal enjoyment of foods. The aim of the present study was to compare orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function in patients with non‐sinonasal smell loss and subjectively normal flavor perception.

Methods

Nineteen patients (mean age [range] 52.0 [8–83 years]) with self‐reported olfactory impairment but subjective normal flavor perception were included. Olfactory performance was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks (TDI) for orthonasal and the Candy Smell Test (CST) for retronasal function. Visual analogue scales were used for self‐assessment of odor (SOP), taste (STP), and flavor perception (SFP), ranging from 0 (no perception) to 10 (excellent perception).

Results

Mean (SD) SFP was 8.0 (1.8). Mean (SD) orthonasal TDI‐score of all patients was 14.4 (5.3, range 6–25.3) with 11 patients classified as anosmic and eight as hyposmic. Mean/SD retronasal CST‐score was 8.8 (2.7, range 3–13) within the range of anosmia/hyposmia. No correlation was found between SFP and the CST (P = .62).

Conclusion

The present results showed that despite claiming normal flavor perception, our patients were ortho‐ and retronasally dysosmic using standard tests for olfactory function. Although other explanations could be possible, we suggest that this subjective flavor perception might be due to unconscious memory recall from previously experienced cross‐modal sensory interactions.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1629–1633, 2020