bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cornelia de Lange syndrome, related disorders, and the Cohesin complex: Abstracts from the 8th biennial scientific and educational symposium 2018
Authors: Kline Antonie D. , Krantz Ian D. , Bando Masashige , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Chea Stephenson , Sakata Toyonori , Rao Suhas , Dorsett Dale , Singh Vijay Pratap , Gerton Jennifer L. , Horsfield Julia A. , Calof Anne L. , Katz Olivia , Grados Marco , Raible Sarah , Barañano Kristin , Lyon Gholson , Musio Antonio , Carrico Cheri S. , Clemens Douglas K. , Caudill Patti , Massa Valentina , McGill Bryan E. , Dommestrup Aila , O'Connor Julia , Haaland Richard E.
Published: March 2019

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), due to mutations in genes of the cohesin protein complex, is described as a disorder of transcriptional regulation. Phenotypes in this expanding field include short stature, microcephaly, intellectual disability, variable facial features and organ involvement, resulting in overlapping presentations, including established syndromes and newly described conditions. Individuals with all forms of CdLS have multifaceted complications, including neurodevelopmental, feeding, craniofacial, and communication. Coping mechanisms and management of challenging behaviors in CdLS, disruption of normal behaviors, and how behavior molds the life of the individual within the family is now better understood. Some psychotropic medications are known to be effective for behavior. Other medications, for example, Indomethacin, are being investigated for effects on gene expression, fetal brain tissue, brain morphology and function in Drosophila, mice, and human fibroblasts containing CdLS‐related mutations. Developmental studies have clarified the origin of cardiac defects and role of placenta in CdLS. Chromosome architecture and cohesin complex structure are elucidated, leading to a better understanding of regulatory aspects and controls. As examples, when mutations are present, the formation of loop domains by cohesin, facilitating enhancer‐promotor interactions, can be eliminated, and embryologically, the nuclear structure of zygotes is disrupted. Several important genes are now known to interact with cohesin, including Brca2. The following abstracts are from the 8th Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Scientific and Educational Symposium, held in June 2018, Minneapolis, MN, before the CdLS Foundation National Meeting, AMA CME credits provided by GBMC, Baltimore, MD. All studies have been approved by an ethics committee.
Study of the effect of the ligand structure on the catalytic activity of Pd@ ligand decorated halloysite: Combination of experimental and computational studies
Authors: Dehghani Sevda , Sadjadi Samahe , Bahri‐Laleh Naeimeh , Nekoomanesh‐Haghighi Mehdi , Poater Albert
Published: March 2019

Taking advantage of computational chemistry, the best diamine for the synthesis of a multi‐dentate ligand from the reaction with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propylisocyanate (TEPI) was selected. Actually, predictive Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations provided the right diamino chain, i.e. ethylenediamine, capable to sequester a palladium atom, together with the relatively polar solvent toluene, and then undergo the experiments as a selective catalytic agent. The ligand was then prepared and applied for the decoration of the halloysite (Hal) outer surface to furnish an efficient support for the immobilization of Pd nanoparticles. The resulting catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for hydrogenation of nitroarenes. Moreover, it showed high selectivity towards nitro functional group. The study of the catalyst recyclability confirmed that the catalyst could be recycled for several reaction runs with only slight loss of the catalytic activity and Pd leaching. Hot filtration test also proved the heterogeneous nature of the catalysis.
Cocluster hypothesis and ranking consistency for relevance ranking in web search
Authors: Jiang Jian‐De , Jiang Jyun‐Yu , Cheng Pu‐Jen
Published: March 2019

Conventional approaches to relevance ranking typically optimize ranking models by each query separately. The traditional cluster hypothesis also does not consider the dependency between related queries. The goal of this paper is to leverage similar search intents to perform ranking consistency so that the search performance can be improved accordingly. Different from the previous supervised approach, which learns relevance by click‐through data, we propose a novel cocluster hypothesis to bridge the gap between relevance ranking and ranking consistency. A nearest‐neighbors test is also designed to measure the extent to which the cocluster hypothesis holds. Based on the hypothesis, we further propose a two‐stage unsupervised approach, in which two ranking heuristics and a cost function are developed to optimize the combination of consistency and uniqueness (or inconsistency). Extensive experiments have been conducted on a real and large‐scale search engine log. The experimental results not only verify the applicability of the proposed cocluster hypothesis but also show that our approach is effective in boosting the retrieval performance of the commercial search engine and reaches a comparable performance to the supervised approach.
Design and synthesis of a new fluorescent probe for cascade detection of Zn2+ and H2PO4− in water and targeted imaging of living cells
Authors: Du Kui , Liu Jian , Shen Runpu , Zhang Pengfei
Published: March 2019

Design and synthesis of new fluorescence probes with good water‐solubility is of great importance to better understanding the significant role of ions which are related to biology and the environment. As important ions, zinc ion (Zn2+) and dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4−) display essential roles in living systems, and quantitative detection of these ions in water is still a challenge. In order to consider the significant role of the galactose moiety in the design of a water‐soluble fluorescence sensor, herein, we have developed a novel probe, Gal‐AQTF, for the cascade detection of Zn2+ and H2PO4− with excellent selectivity in water. Through the introduction of the galactose moiety onto the sensor AQTF, which has been reported earlier by us, the water‐solubility, cell compatibility and targeting ability were enhanced. Gal‐AQTF has been successfully applied in the imaging of the living cells of HepG2 and A549, and illustrated good selectivity for the HepG2 cells which overly express the asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptor.
A review of the clinical anatomy of hypertension
Authors: Wahl Lauren , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: March 2019

Hypertension is defined as the persistent elevation of blood pressure above normal limits. It can be classified according to whether the contributing factors are genetics and environmental (primary hypertension) or underlying medical conditions and medications (secondary hypertension). The goal of this review is to increase recognition of the various anatomical etiologies of hypertension. Clin. Anat. 32:678–681, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reporting sex or gender in anatomical research: Which is appropriate?
Authors: Keet Kerri , Roy Joyeeta , Henry Brandon Michael
Published: March 2019

Sex‐ and gender‐based differences need to be considered in evidence‐based medical research as there are anatomical and physiological differences between males and females. Females are underrepresented in studies, with results from males often generalized to both sexes. The Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines were published in 2016 to address sex‐ and gender‐bias in research. Correct understanding and appropriate use of the terms “sex” and “gender” are essential. These terms are discussed in an anatomical context and recommendations are made as to how the SAGER guidelines can guide the reporting of anatomical studies to minimize the risk of reporting bias. Clin. Anat. 32:697–698, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐Pot Synthesis and Formation Mechanism of Hollow ZSM‐5
Authors: Zhang Yunjuan , Che Shunai
Published: March 2019

Coffin‐shaped hollow ZSM‐5 zeolite (HZZ) particles with shell thickness of about 200 nm and hollow diameter of approximately 1.5 μm were synthesized in one pot by using tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr), aluminum triisopropoxide Al[OCH(CH3)2]3 and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the structure‐directing agent (SDA), aluminum and silica source, respectively. The appropriate molar ratios of TPABr/SiO2 and Si/Al as well as suitable crystallization temperature are the key factors for the formation of HZZ. The formation of the HZZ can be attributed to the existence of intrinsic density variation inside the initial amorphous aggregates and the Al zoning in the outer surface of the ZSM‐5 particles. Amorphous silica with low crystallinity formed at early stages and low Al concentration, which has been subsequently dissolved and recrystallized on the ZSM‐5 particle surface through Ostwald ripening, leading to the formation of HZZ. This approach, which uses a high concentration of SDA, will provide new possibilities and insight into the prospective fabrication of hollow zeolites.
Radially ingoing and outgoing dispersive and dissipative structures in electron‐ion plasmas in the presence of electron trapping
Authors: Hamid Naira , Masood W. , Rizvi H.
Published: March 2019

In this article, non‐linear propagation of ingoing and outgoing electrostatic waves on the ion time scale in an unmagnetized, non‐relativistic electron‐ion (ei) plasma in the presence of warm ions, ion kinematic viscosity, and trapped Maxwellian electrons was examined in a non‐planar geometry. In the weak non‐linearity limit, modified soliton and shock equations were derived with the inclusion of electron trapping in cylindrical and spherical geometries. The finite difference method was used to solve all these equations in the non‐planar geometries using the planar versions of these equations as an initial input. The results were compared with their counterparts with quadratic non‐linearity and the main differences were expounded. It was shown that the spatio‐temporal scales over which the shocks form for the non‐planar trapped Burgers equation are much shorter by comparison with the shocks admitted by the non‐planar trapped Korteweg de Vries Burgers equation. It was also found that unlike their non‐linear shock counterparts, the solitary structures admitted by the non‐planar trapped Korteweg de Vries equation exhibit a phase shift.
Sulfur‐Based Composite Electrode with Interconnected Mesoporous Carbon for All‐Solid‐State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Sakuda Atsushi , Sato Yuta , Hayashi Akitoshi , Tatsumisago Masahiro
Published: March 2019

All‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries have attracted much attention because of their large capacity and long life. However, their rate capability is not sufficiently high, prompting a great demand for improvement. Herein, a sulfur‐based composite electrode is fabricated for the high‐rate operation of all‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries. The electrode is made of a carbon material having a large number of “interconnected mesopores” with a diameter of 5 nm. The highly mesoporous structure is conducive to electrode reactions and the formation of conduction pathways. Consequently, the rate capability of the composite electrode is drastically improved compared with that of an electrode made of conventional conducting nanocarbon. The all‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur battery with this composite electrode shows a high capacity of 1100 mA h g−1 per sulfur after 400 cycles at a high current density of 1.3 mA cm−2 at 25 °C. These findings are expected to contribute toward the development of practical all‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries.
Development of a vector‐based 3D grain entrainment model with application to X‐ray computed tomography scanned riverbed sediment
Authors: Voepel Hal , Leyland Julian , Hodge Rebecca A. , Ahmed Sharif , Sear David
Published: March 2019

Sediment transport equations typically produce transport rates that are biased by orders of magnitude. A causal component of this inaccuracy is the inability to represent complex grain‐scale interactions controlling entrainment. Grain‐scale incipient motion has long been modelled using geometric relationships based on simplified particle geometry and two‐dimensional (2D) force or moment balances. However, this approach neglects many complexities of real grains, including grain shape, cohesion and the angle of entrainment relative to flow direction. To better represent this complexity, we develop the first vector‐based, fully three‐dimensional (3D) grain rotation entrainment model that can be used to resolve any entrainment formulation in 3D, and which also includes the effect of matrix cohesion. To apply this model we use X‐ray computed tomography to quantify the 3D structure of water‐worked river grains. We compare our 3D model results with those derived from application of a 2D entrainment model. We find that the 2D approach produces estimates of dimensionless critical shear stress (
) that are an order of magnitude lower than our 3D model. We demonstrate that it is more appropriate to use the c‐axis when calculating 2D projections, which increases values of
to more closely match our 3D estimates. The 3D model reveals that the main controls on critical shear stress in our samples are projection of grains, cohesive effects from a fine‐grained matrix, and bearing angle for the plane of rotation (the lateral angle of departure from downstream flow that, in part, defines the grain's direction of pivot about an axis formed by two contact points in 3D). The structural precision of our 3D model demonstrates sources of geometric error inherent in 2D models. By improving flow properties to better replicate local hydraulics in our 3D model, entrainment modelling of scanned riverbed grains has the potential for benchmarking 2D model enhancements. © 2019 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Leaf morphology and anatomy of Richterago discoidea (Asteraceae): a taxonomic and ecological approach
Authors: Sacramento Silva Cássia Cristina , Leite Kelly Regina Batista , Roque Nádia
Published: March 2019

Richterago discoidea (Less.) Kuntze (Asteraceae) has the largest distribution among the species of this genus in the Espinhaço Range. This species has wide morphological variations, which reflects its complex taxonomic history. This study aims to describe morpho‐anatomical leaf characters and recognizes potential biological factors that contribute to species diversity. The collected material is deposited in the ALCB, CEN and HUEFS Herbaria. For the analysis of the leaf anatomy, leaves of five individuals per municipality were collected, except for Brasília, where only three individuals were collected. Cross sections in the middle of the leaf blade, at the base and at the petiolus / sheath were carried out using a rotary microtome. Statistical tests were conducted to test environmental responses. The results revealed that it is not possible to associate morphological patterns to habit, leaf characters, substrate type and geographical distribution, since there were different combinations in the same population. Regarding anatomical data, cuticle thickness, epidermal cell wall thickness and contour (sinuous or straight), presence of hypodermis and stomatal index varied within and between populations. The characters evaluated do not characterize any taxonomic complex for the species, and leaf anatomical variation can be reported as a response to environmental conditions.
Can urban coffee consumption help predict US inflation?
Authors: Salisu Afees A. , Swaray Raymond , Adediran Idris A.
Published: March 2019

Motivated by the importance of coffee to Americans and the significance of the coffee subsector to the US economy, we pursue three notable innovations. First, we augment the traditional Phillips curve model with the coffee price as a predictor, and show that the resulting model outperforms the traditional variant in both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample predictability of US inflation. Second, we demonstrate the need to account for the inherent statistical features of predictors such as persistence, endogeneity, and conditional heteroskedasticity effects when dealing with US inflation. Consequently, we offer robust illustrations to show that the choice of estimator matters for improved US inflation forecasts. Third, the proposed augmented Phillips curve also outperforms time series models such as autoregressive integrated moving average and the fractionally integrated version for both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample forecasts. Our results show that augmenting the traditional Phillips curve with the urban coffee price will produce better forecast results for US inflation only when the statistical effects are captured in the estimation process. Our results are robust to alternative measures of inflation, different data frequencies, higher order moments, multiple data samples and multiple forecast horizons.
Geochronological and geochemical data for Late Palaeozoic–Mesozoic intrusive rocks in the Wenkutu area, northeastern China: New constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Great Xing'an Range
Authors: Lu Sheng , Wang Ke‐Yong , Liu Yang , Deng Chang‐Zhou , Jing Bo‐yu
Published: March 2019

The occurrence of igneous rocks within the Wenkutu area, northeastern China, allows the Late Palaeozoic–Mesozoic geodynamic setting of the Great Xing'an Range to be investigated. Here, we present petrographic, geochemical, and geochronological data for intrusive rocks within the Wenkutu area. Zircon U–Pb geochronology reveals that magmatism occurred during the Early Carboniferous (ca. 334 Ma), Early Permian (ca. 296 Ma), Middle Jurassic (ca. 170 Ma), and Early Cretaceous (ca. 130 Ma). The Early Carboniferous intrusive rocks are intermediate–mafic, metaluminous, and medium‐K calc‐alkaline, have low SiO2 (49.57–55.00 wt.%) and high MgO (3.00–4.77 wt.%), Cr (average 60.64 ppm), and Ni (average 24.73 ppm) contents, and high Mg# (average 45.1) values. These features, together with their significant depletion in Nb, Ta, and Ti, and their enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, suggest that these Early Carboniferous rocks were derived from the mantle and subsequently contaminated by crustal material. The Early Permian, Middle Jurassic, and Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks are intermediate–acidic, peraluminous, and high‐K calc‐alkaline, enriched in light rare‐earth elements, Rb, Th, U, K, P, and Hf, relatively depleted in heavy rare‐earth elements, Nb, Ta, and Ti, and have Eu/Eu* values of 0.05–0.86. These features indicate that the rocks were derived by the partial melting of lower crust. Our results, together with those of previous studies, suggest that the Late Palaeozoic intrusive rocks formed during collision between the Songnen and Xing'an massifs. The Early Permian intrusive rocks formed during the transition from an orogenic to a non‐orogenic environment. The Middle Jurassic intrusive rocks formed during the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean (MOO) and were emplaced along the western part of the suture zone. The Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks formed during non‐orogenic extension and were related to the final closure of the MOO or to rollback of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate.
Radiation risk of incident colorectal cancer by anatomical site among atomic bomb survivors: 1958–2009
Authors: Sugiyama Hiromi , Misumi Munechika , Brenner Alina , Grant Eric J. , Sakata Ritsu , Sadakane Atsuko , Utada Mai , Preston Dale L. , Mabuchi Kiyohiko , Ozasa Kotaro
Published: March 2019

Radiation effects on colorectal cancer rates, adjusted for smoking, alcohol intake and frequency of meat consumption and body mass index (BMI) by anatomical subsite (proximal colon, distal colon and rectum) were examined in a cohort of 105,444 atomic bomb survivors. Poisson regression methods were used to describe radiation‐associated excess relative risks (ERR) and excess absolute rates (EAR) for the 1958–2009 period. There were 2,960 first primary colorectal cancers including 894 proximal, 871 distal and 1,046 rectal cancers. Smoking, alcohol intake and BMI were associated with subsite‐specific cancer background rates. Significant linear dose–responses were found for total colon (sex‐averaged ERR/Gy for 70 years old exposed at age 30 = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34; 0.98), proximal [ERR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.32; 1.44] and distal colon cancers [ERR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.04; 0.97], but not for rectal cancer [ERR = 0.023, 95% CI: −0.081; 0.13]. The ERRs for proximal and distal colon cancers were not significantly different (p = 0.41). The ERR decreased with attained age for total colon, but not for proximal colon cancer, and with calendar year for distal colon cancer. The ERRs and EARs did not vary by age at exposure, except for decreasing trend in EAR for proximal colon cancer. In conclusion, ionizing radiation is associated with increased risk of proximal and distal colon cancers. The ERR for proximal cancer persists over time, but that for distal colon cancer decreases. There continues to be no indication of radiation effects on rectal cancer incidence in this population.
Characterization of six Merkel cell polyomavirus‐positive Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines: Integration pattern suggest that large T antigen truncating events occur before or during integration
Authors: Schrama David , Sarosi Eva‐Maria , Adam Christian , Ritter Cathrin , Kaemmerer Ulrike , Klopocki Eva , König Eva‐Maria , Utikal Jochen , Becker Jürgen C. , Houben Roland
Published: March 2019

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive neuroendocrine skin tumor, is a polyomavirus‐induced human cancer. To study the causal relationship of MCC carcinogenesis with the integrated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in detail, well‐characterized MCC cell lines are needed. Consequently, in the current study, we established and characterized six MCPyV‐positive MCC cell lines. Microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization revealed a stable genome carrying only a limited number of chromosomal gains and deletions. All cell lines expressed MCC markers Keratin‐20 and neuron‐specific enolase as well as truncated MCPyV‐encoded large T antigen (LT). For five cell lines, we were able to identify the MCPyV‐integration sites in introns of different genes. The LT‐truncating stop codon mutations and integration sites were affirmed in the respective clinical patient samples. Inverse PCR suggested that three of the cell lines contained MCPyV genomes as concatemers. This notion was confirmed for the two cell lines with known integration sites. Importantly, our observation of distinct stop codon mutations in cell lines with concatemeric MCPyV integration indicates that these LT‐truncating mutations occur before integration. In summary, we provide the detailed characterization of six MCPyV‐positive MCC cell lines, which are likely to serve as valuable tools in future MCC research.
Autologous transobturator sling as an alternative therapy for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Laufer Joel , Scasso Santiago , Bentancor Valeria , Bertoche Cecilia , Sosa Claudio G. , Elliott Daniel S.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To evaluate efficacy and outcomes of the autologous transobturator midurethral sling for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, an autologous transobturator mid‐urethral sling was used to treat SUI among women attending a university hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay, from June 2017 to July 2018. In the first phase, autologous tissue of the abdominis rectus fascia was collected. In the second phase, the midurethral sling was placed via the transobturator approach. Outcomes were measured every 3 months by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ‐FLUTS) Score. Preoperative and postoperative results were compared by Wilcoxon test.

Results

Eighteen women with a median age of 51 years were enrolled. The median follow‐up was 9 months (range 6–15 months). Overall, 17 women showed symptomatic improvement after the procedure. In a comparison of preoperative versus postoperative ICIQ‐FLUTS questionnaires, improvement in the incontinence subscore was observed at 3 (P<0.001), 6 (P<0.001), and 12 (P=0.008) months. No severe complications were observed.

Conclusion

Use of an autologous transobturator urethral sling was found to be technically feasible and safe for SUI, with good short‐term outcomes. Longer follow up and larger series are needed to validate the procedure.
Ureteric bud remnant with renal agenesis
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Che , Lai Gu Shun , Yang Chii‐Shuenn
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Ureteric bud remnant with renal agenesis is a rare disorder when urogenic system develops. Because of no obvious symptoms, it is usually explored incidentally.

Case presentation

A 41‐year‐old male presented with intermittent discharge of turbid fluid from his scrotum. A pinhole was noted in his left scrotum, and an infectious sinus or fistula was impressed. After serial studies, computed tomography revealed agenesis of his left kidney and a cystic lesion over his left scrotum. He underwent resection of the infectious sinus. Near the tail of the sinus, a connection was found to a channel‐like structure. Contrast medium was injected which showed a blind end of this channel‐like structure. The tube was ligated, and the cut end was sent for surgical pathology, which confirmed a left ureteric bud remnant.

Conclusion

Complete imaging studies make this diagnosis clearly.
Endothelial HNF4α potentiates angiogenic dysfunction via enhancement of vascular endothelial growth factor resistance in T2DM
Authors: Chai Xubing , Yan Jun , Gao Yaya , Jin Jing
Published: March 2019

Although both hyperprocoagulant status, characterized by elevated thrombin levels, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) resistance, marked by attenuated expression of VEGFR2 (also called FLK1 or KDR), are known to contribute importantly to an increased risk of vascular events in diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), it remains obscure whether these two biological events regulate angiogenic response in a coordinated manner. We show here that endothelial expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) was significantly upregulated in rodents and humans with T2DM, and HNF4α upregulation by thrombin was dependent on activation of multiple pathways, including protein kinase B, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, p38, oxidative stress, protein kinase C, and AMPK (5′‐adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase). Functionally, HNF4α inhibited VEGF‐mediated endothelial proliferation and migration, and blunted VEGF‐stimulated in vitro angiogenesis, thus rendering endothelial cells unresponsive to established angiogenic VEGF stimulation. Mechanistically, HNF4α potentiated the endothelial VEGF resistance through the direct transcriptional repression of FLK1 gene. From a therapeutic standpoint, overexpression of the exogenous FLK1 successfully rescued HNF4α‐inhibited angiogenic response to VEGF and potentiated VEGF‐stimulated in vitro tube formation. Considering a strong association between HNF4A deregulation and increased risk of T2DM, our findings suggest that HNF4α may act as a critical converging point linking hyperprocoagulant condition to VEGF resistance in diabetic ECs, and repression of FLK1 expression by thrombin‐induced HNF4α mediates, at least partially, the vascular dysfunction caused by T2DM.
Investigating the expression and promoter methylation of RET gene in patients with medullary thyroid cancer with unmutated RET
Authors: Shakiba Elham , Movahedi Monireh , Majd Ahmad , Hedayati Mehdi
Published: March 2019

Objective

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine malignancies. Mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene, especially in exon 10, 11, and 16, as well as epigenetic modifications, constitute the major underlying molecular events leading to medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). There are few studies on the mutations and epigenetic changes of RET gene in Iranian patients with MTC. In the present study, we aimed to address this question and explore the clinical relevance of such genetic alternations in an Iranian population.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with confirmed MTC who underwent thyroidectomy surgery in Imam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran, Iran) were enrolled. DNA extracted from cancerous tissues was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then was sequenced for identification of RET mutations. In patients with no identified mutations, the methylation status of RET promoter and its expression were further investigated using methylation‐specific PCR and real‐time PCR methods, respectively.

Results

In MTC patients with no RET mutations, the promoter of the proto‐oncogene was hypomethylated. Furthermore, RET gene expression was elevated in patients who revealed no mutations in neither of exon 10, 11, or 16 of the RET gene.

Conclusion

Hypomethylation of RET promoter may contribute to MTC pathogenesis. The methylation status of RET promoter could be a new potential prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic marker in MTC.
Construction of immobilized CuS/TiO2 nanobelts heterojunction photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of enrofloxacin: synthesis, characterization, influencing factors and mechanism insight
Authors: Jiang Yan , Zhang Mengmeng , Xin Yanjun , Chai Chao , Chen Qinghua
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Numerous antibiotics are consumed and excreted to the natural environment by humans and animals, which can cause considerable water pollution. There is strong demand to find an efficient and inexpensive photocatalyst to remove antibiotics effectively from contaminated water.

RESULTS

Here, CuS/TiO2 nanobelts (NBs) heterojunction photocatalyst immobilized on a titanium foil substrate was constructed. The morphology, structure, composition, optical, and electrochemistry characteristics were explored by corresponding characterization methods. The CuS/TiO2 NBs exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR) under simulated solar light illumination. The outstanding photocatalytic performance of as‐prepared composite is attributed to not only the improvement of visible light harvest but also the enhanced separation and transfer efficiency of photoinduced charge carriers. Results showed that the presence of some anions produced a negative effect on the photocatalytic degradation of ENR. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ENR followed the order: no anion > Cl− = HCO3− > SO42− > NO3−. The photocatalytic degradation of ENR was restrained in the presence of HA, however, the addition of hydrogen peroxide (0.05 mmol L−1) or application of extra electric field (1.5 V) resulted in an improvement in degradation of ENR. Active species trapping experiments confirmed that the superoxide radical (•O2−) is the major oxidant species and the holes (h+) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) are the minor active species. A possible heterojunction photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. Furthermore, CuS/TiO2 NBs heterojunction photocatalyst has excellent photocatalysis stability.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel visible‐light responding CuS/TiO2 NBs heterojunction photocatalyst would be a promising candidate material for antibiotic elimination from water. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dehydration enhances innate immunity in a semiaquatic snake from the wet‐dry tropics
Authors: Brusch George A. , Christian Keith , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard , DeNardo Dale F.
Published: March 2019

Dehydration is considered a physiological challenge, and many organisms live in environments that undergo periods of reduced water availability that can lead to dehydration. Recent studies have found a positive relationship between dehydration and innate immune function in animals adapted to xeric or semixeric environments. To explore the generality of this relationship, we examined the impact of dehydration on innate immune performance in water pythons (Liasis fuscus), a semiaquatic snake from the wet‐dry tropics of Australia. We collected blood samples from male and female water pythons held in the laboratory without food and water for 4 weeks. We also collected blood from free‐ranging snakes throughout the Austral dry‐season. We evaluated plasma osmolality and innate immune function (agglutination, lysis, and bacterial‐killing ability) and found that increased osmolality, whether manipulated in the laboratory or as a result of natural water limitation, resulted in enhanced aspects of innate immune performance. Counter‐intuitively, snakes in the wild became more hydrated as the dry season progressed, suggesting the dehydrated snakes move to water sources periodically to rehydrate. Comparing our data with those from previous studies, we suspect species divergence in the level of dehydration (i.e., hyperosmolality) that triggers enhanced immune capabilities.
A new positioning framework for organizational value: Juxtaposing organizational value positions with customer centricity
Authors: Richardson Neil , Cassop Thompson Michael
Published: March 2019

In recognizing the distinct positions that have occupied value research to‐date, distinct and overlapping positions have been identified which (when juxtaposed with customer versus company‐centric orientations) produce an original positioning framework. “Value” is worthy of study as it determines success for leaders, provides competitive advantage, and contributes to economic prosperity. Value may be a superordinate concept that has “upstaged” previous research areas such as service quality, service satisfaction, and relationship marketing. Little research exists on evaluating whether more than one organizational value position exists.
Glutathione transferase Omega 1‐1 (GSTO1‐1) modulates Akt and MEK1/2 signaling in human neuroblastoma cell SH‐SY5Y
Authors: Saisawang Chonticha , Wongsantichon Jantana , Robinson Robert C. , Ketterman Albert J.
Published: March 2019

In the human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cell line, the glutathione transferase Omega 1‐1 (GSTO1‐1) appears to modulate Akt and MEK1/2 kinase activation. We observed a glutathionylation modification was involved in the activation of Akt but not MEK1/2. With the specific GSTO1‐1 inhibitor ML175, we show the enzyme activity of GSTO1‐1 is important for modulation as the inhibited GSTO1‐1 allowed activation of both Akt and MEK1/2. The inhibition of GSTO1‐1 showed a similar extent of activation of Akt and MEK1/2 as treatment by the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. The GSTO1‐1 also either directly interacts with Akt and MEK1/2 or interacts with a protein complexed with Akt and MEK1/2 as both kinases coimmunoprecipitated with GSTO1‐1. The results suggest that GSTO1‐1 enzyme activity inhibits the activation of these two kinases to maintain basal levels. The possible regulation by GSTO1‐1 is of interest as both kinases have hundreds of potential downstream targets that are known to have contributions to various cellular processes including survival, growth, proliferation, and metabolism.
Effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) supplementation on glycemic control: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Askari Gholamreza , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Ghaedi Ehsan , Ghavami Abed , Nouri Mehran , Mohammadi Hamed
Published: March 2019

This study was aimed to quantify the antihyperglycemic effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa). An in‐depth search to identify clinical trials investigating the impact of N. sativa on glycemic indices via MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google scholar databases were performed up to November 2018. We used a random effects model to estimate pooled effect size of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). A total of 17 randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of N. sativa on FPG, PPBG, and HbA1c were included. Meta‐analysis suggested a significant association between N. sativa supplementation and reduction in FPG (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −9.93 mg/dl, 95% CI [−13.44, −6.41]), PPBG (WMD: −14.79 mg/dl, 95% CI [−24.19, −5.39]), and HbA1c (WMD: −0.57%, 95% CI [−0.77, −0.37]). Subgroup analysis revealed that N. sativa oil was more effective than N. sativa powder in reduction of FPG. To sum up, N. sativa consumption has a significant lowering effect on glycemic status. Further studies with prolonged durations and powerful design are needed to specify the exact mechanism, optimal dosage, and duration of N. sativa supplementation to obtain a beneficial effect on glycemic status.
A method for construction of mixed‐level fractional designs
Authors: Pantoja Yaquelin V. , Ríos Armando J. , Tapia Esquivias Moisés
Published: March 2019

This research presents a new method to generate near‐orthogonal balanced mixed‐level fractional designs. The proposed method showed that it is possible to create near‐orthogonal balanced fractions of economic size. The method is based in the analysis of the behavior of the genetic algorithm used to generate the efficient arrays (EAs) developed by Guo; a pattern was detected, and this led to the generation of an algorithm capable of constructing fractions in a simple way. These fractions were called near‐orthogonal balanced arrays (NOBAs). To analyze the properties of the NOBAs and the capabilities of the proposed method, a series of performance indicators were defined. The NOBAs were compared with the EAs developed by Guo; results are provided.
H−/L∞ fault detection observer for linear parameter‐varying systems with parametric uncertainty
Authors: Han Weixin , Wang Zhenhua , Shen Yi
Published: March 2019

This paper considers H−/L∞ fault detection for discrete‐time linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems with parametric uncertainty. In H−/L∞ fault detection scheme, residual generation and threshold computation are simultaneously designed. With consideration of H−/L∞ performance indices, the generated residual is sensitive to faults while robust against unknown disturbances. Furthermore, the L∞ performance provides a time‐varying threshold for residual evaluation. This paper proposes a novel H−/L∞ fault detection observer design method to handle actuator fault detection for LPV systems with parametric uncertainty. Sufficient conditions of the fault detection observer design in the finite‐frequency domain are derived as linear matrix inequalities. Numerical simulations are used to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed fault detection observer design approach.
Measurement of the triple Higgs coupling at a HE-LHC
Authors: Homiller Samuel , Meade Patrick
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The currently unmeasured triple Higgs coupling is one of the strong motivations for future physics programs at the LHC and beyond. A sufficiently precise measurement can lead to qualitative changes in our understanding of electroweak symmetry breaking and the cosmological history of the Higgs potential. As such, the quantitative measurement of this coupling is now one of the benchmark measurements for any proposed collider. We study the capability of a potential 27 TeV HE-LHC upgrade in measuring the Higgs trilinear coupling via the di-Higgs production process in the

$$ b\overline{b}\upgamma \upgamma $$

b

b
¯

γ
γ

channel. We emphasize that a key background from single Higgs production via gluon fusion has been underestimated and underappreciated in prior studies. We perform a detailed study taking into account two different potential detector scenarios, and validate against HL-LHC projections from ATLAS. We find that the di-Higgs production process can be observed at ≥ 4.5σ, corresponding to a ∼ 40% measurement of the Higgs self-coupling, with 15 ab−1 of data at the HE-LHC.
OPE and a low-energy theorem in QCD-like theories
Authors: Becchetti Matteo , Bochicchio Marco
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We verify, both perturbatively and nonperturbatively asymptotically in the ultraviolet (UV), a special case of a low-energy theorem of the NSVZ type in QCD-like theories, recently derived in Phys. Rev. D 95 (2017) 054010, that relates the logarithmic derivative with respect to the gauge coupling, or the logarithmic derivative with respect to the renormalization-group (RG) invariant scale, of an n-point correlator of local operators in one side to an n + 1-point correlator with the insertion of TrF
2 at zero momentum in the other side. Our computation involves the operator product expansion (OPE) of the scalar glueball operator, TrF
2, in massless QCD, worked out perturbatively in JHEP 12 (2012) 119 — and in its RG-improved form in the present paper — by means of which we extract both the perturbative divergences and the nonperturbative UV asymptotics in both sides. We also discuss the role of the contact terms in the OPE, both finite and divergent, discovered some years ago in JHEP 12 (2012) 119, in relation to the low-energy theorem. Besides, working the other way around by assuming the low-energy theorem for any 2-point correlator of a multiplicatively renormalizable gauge-invariant operator, we compute in a massless QCD-like theory the corresponding perturbative OPE to the order of g
2 and nonperturbative asymptotics. The low-energy theorem has a number of applications: to the renormalization in asymptotically free QCD-like theories, both perturbatively and nonperturbatively in the large-N ’t Hooft and Veneziano expansions, and to the way the open/closed string duality may or may not be realized in the would-be solution by canonical string theories for QCD-like theories, both perturbatively and in the ’t Hooft large-N expansion. Our computations will also enter further developments based on the low-energy theorem.
Remarks on the critical nonlinear high-order heat equation
Authors: Saanouni Tarek
Published: March 2019

The initial value problem for a semi-linear high-order heat equation is investigated. In the focusing case, global well-posedness and exponential decay are obtained. In the focusing sign, global and non global existence of solutions are discussed via the potential well method.
Misdiagnosis And Undertreatment Of Erectile Dysfunction In The Portuguese Primary Health Care
Authors: Morgado Afonso , Moura Maria Leonor , Dinis Paulo , Silva Carlos Martins
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The importance of erectile dysfunction (ED) diagnosis and treatment has been highlighted since the early 2000s. However, nearly 20 years after the first phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) was marketed, underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ED in the primary health care setting may still be present.

Aim

To assess the relative frequency of patients who are medically treated for ED before referral to specialized urology care. The secondary objectives were to evaluate possible reasons for non-treatment prior to referral and other signs of undertreatment, namely cardiovascular risk assessment and antihypertensive treatment.

Methods

200 male patients referred for ED to specialist urology care by general practitioners were screened after consent between January 2016–December 2018. A full standardized medical and sexual history were taken. Previous medical treatment of ED, namely pharmacologic name and dosages, and cardiovascular risk factors were noted.

Main Outcome Measures

Of the 115 included patients, only 33.9% of patients had already taken PDE5i before referral, and none had taken alprostadil by intracavernous route.

Results

The mean patient age was 58.68 ± 10.01 years old. Only 45.2% had been prescribed the highest dose of PD5i. From the remaining untreated patients, only 19.7% had ≥3 cardiovascular risk factors, including 5.6% of patients who also presented moderate-to-severe stable or unstable angina requiring a stress test or cardiology assessment before treatment. Regarding the 54 patients with medical history of arterial hypertension, 43.4% and 30.2% were treated for hypertension with a diuretic and a beta blocker, respectively.

Conclusion

More focus on the primary healthcare continuous medical education regarding sexual dysfunction, namely ED, is needed because major undertreatment of ED is still present because low prescription of PD5i before referral is noted.
Division algebras of slice functions
Authors: Ghiloni Riccardo , Perotti Alessandro , Stoppato Caterina
Published: March 2019

This work studies slice functions over finite-dimensional division algebras. Their zero sets are studied in detail along with their multiplicative inverses, for which some unexpected phenomena are discovered. The results are applied to prove some useful properties of the subclass of slice regular functions, previously known only over quaternions. Firstly, they are applied to derive from the maximum modulus principle a version of the minimum modulus principle, which is in turn applied to prove the open mapping theorem. Secondly, they are applied to prove, in the context of the classification of singularities, the counterpart of the Casorati-Weierstrass theorem.
Sharp estimates of semistable radial solutions of k-Hessian equations
Authors: Navarro Miguel Angel , Sánchez Justino
Published: March 2019

We consider semistable, radially symmetric and increasing solutions of Sk(D2u) = g(u) in the unit ball of ℝn, where Sk(D2u) is the k-Hessian operator of u and g ∈ C1 is a general positive nonlinearity. We establish sharp pointwise estimates for such solutions in a proper weighted Sobolev space, which are optimal and do not depend on the specific nonlinearity g. As an application of these results, we obtain pointwise estimates for the extremal solution and its derivatives (up to order three) of the equation Sk(D2u) = λg(u), posed in B1, with Dirichlet data $u\arrowvert _{B_1}=0$, where g is a continuous, positive, nonincreasing function such that lim t→−∞g(t)/|t|k = +∞.
Short communication: Four cases ofTaenia saginatataeniasis in urban Venezuelan communities
Authors: Rojas Glenda , Martínez Maria , Corrales Yeasiry , Mijares Victor , León Luisa , Medina Claudio , Ferrer Elizabeth , Parkhouse R. Michael E. , Cortéz Maria M.
Published: March 2019

We report four cases ofTaenia saginatataeniasis in different urban communities of Aragua state, Venezuela. After subsequent treatment with praziquantel and a saline purge, adult tapeworms were collected from all four patients and demonstrated to beT. saginataby morphological and molecular characterization. The finding ofT. saginatain four distinct and separate urban municipalities of the Aragua state indicates the pertinence of rigorous meat inspection, and the importance of establishing parasite prevalence in human and bovine Venezuelan populations.