bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Physalis peruviana calyces as a low‐cost valuable resource of phytoprostanes and phenolic compounds
Authors: Medina Sonia , Collado‐González Jacinta , Ferreres Federico , Londoño‐Londoño Julián , Jiménez‐Cartagena Claudio , Guy Alexandre , Durand Thierry , Galano Jean‐Marie , Gil‐Izquierdo Ángel
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

In Colombia, agro‐industrial residues represent an enormous economic and environmental problem, which could be reduced if different techniques for the addition of value to such residues were implemented by this industrial sector. One of the fruits with the highest export rates is Physalis peruviana (goldenberry); however, this fruit is generally marketed without its calyx, generating a large amount of residues. To develop a strategy to add value to these residues, it is essential to know their chemical composition.

RESULTS

In the present work, phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) – new active oxylipins – have been detected for the first time in Physalis peruviana calyces by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QqQ‐MS/MS), F1t‐phytoprostanes and D1t‐phytoprostanes being the predominant and minor classes, respectively. In addition, we were able to characterize the phenolic compounds profile of this matrix using LC‐IT‐DAD‐MS/MS, describing six phenolic derivatives for the first time therein.

CONCLUSIONS

This study increases our knowledge of the chemical composition of the calyces of this fruit and thereby supports the recycling of this class of residue. Consequently, goldenberry calyces could be used as phytotherapeutic, nutraceutic, or cosmetic ingredients for the development of diverse natural products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Target separation of flavonoids from Saxifraga tangutica using two‐dimensional hydrophilic interaction chromatography/reversed‐phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Dang Jun , Zhang Li , Wang Qilan , Mei Lijuan , Yue Huilan , Liu Zenggen , Shao Yun , Gao Qingbo , Tao Yanduo
Published: October 2018

An orthogonally (80.3%) preparative two‐dimensional hydrophilic interaction chromatography/reversed‐phase liquid chromatography method has been established for the isolation and purification of flavonoids from Saxifraga tangutica. Initially, flavonoids were enriched by means of a middle‐pressure chromatographic tower (containing middle chromatogram isolated gel). In the first dimension, a XION preparative column was used to separate the flavonoid fractions under the guidance of characteristic ultraviolet absorption spectra of flavonoids and nine flavonoid fractions were obtained. Then, the coeluted flavonoid fractions were selected for further purification via reversed‐phase liquid chromatography with the parent ion peak of quercetin (303), kaempferol (287), or isorhamnetin (317). Several flavonoids could be separated from each hydrophilic interaction chromatography fraction; furthermore, flavonoids with poor resolution in one‐dimensional liquid chromatography were isolated in two‐dimensional liquid chromatography due to the orthogonality. In addition, this technique was valuable for trace flavonoids, which were concentrated in the first stage and separated in the second stage. In total, 18 flavonoids with either quercetin, kaempferol, or isorhamnetin parent nuclei were targetedly obtained, and 15 flavonoids were obtained for the first time from S. tangutica. These results established that the off‐line two‐dimensional hydrophilic interaction chromatography/reversed‐phase liquid chromatography technique was efficient for the isolation of flavonoids from Saxifraga tangutica.
Validation of the OMNI vocal effort scale in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Shoffel‐Havakuk Hagit , Marks Katherine L. , Morton Mariah , Johns Michael M. , Hapner Edie R.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To establish the validity of the OMNI Vocal Effort Scale (OMNI‐VES) for resistance exercise, a single‐question pictorial scale, in voice‐related perceived exertion. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the role of the OMNI‐VES as an outcome measurement in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD).

Methods

A prospective validation study was conducted on 226 participants. The case group was comprised of 178 patients receiving botulinum toxin (BTX) injections for ADSD and 48 controls without a voice disorder. Prior to a planned injection, the participants were asked to complete the OMNI‐VES and the Voice‐Related Quality‐of‐Life (V‐RQOL) questionnaires, and the clinician completed the Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V). A subgroup of 17 patients were administered a repeat assessment 1 month after injection.

Results

There was a weak correlation between the OMNI‐VES and the V‐RQOL score (Tau‐b = −0.252, P < 0.001), and no significant correlation with the CAPE‐V. Participants with ADSD had significantly higher OMNI‐VES scores compared with normal controls, 5.07 ± 2.18 and 1.47 ± 2.28, respectively (P value < 0.0001). The average OMNI‐VES score significantly improved 1 month following a BTX injection, from 6 ± 2.4 to 3.4 ± 2.8 (P value = 0.0003). Eighty‐eight percent of the patients demonstrated a decrease in the OMNI‐VES score following injection, whereas only 47% demonstrated an improvement in the V‐RQOL score.

Conclusion

The OMNI‐VES is a validated tool for rating perceived voice‐related exertion in people with ADSD and can be used for evaluating response to BTX injection treatment.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 129:448–453, 2019
Long‐term neurological morbidity following endoscopic transnasal resection of juvenile angiofibroma
Authors: Mattavelli Davide , Rampinelli Vittorio , Ferrari Marco , Schreiber Alberto , Guarneri Bruno , Nicolai Piero
Published: October 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although transnasal endoscopic resection (TER) of juvenile angiofibroma (JA) is unquestionably less invasive than traditional external approaches, several endonasal and neurovascular structures are sacrificed during the procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term neurological morbidity and related quality of life following TER of JA.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

All patients who underwent TER for JA at the Unit of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery of the University of Brescia from 1994 to 2016 were contacted to know their availability to undergo a battery of tests aimed to assess lacrimal secretion (Schirmer test), impairment of sensitive nerves (electrophysiological threshold test), and impact on quality of life of tearing reduction and sensitivity impairment with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) (0–10), respectively.

Results

Thirteen patients were included. Mean follow‐up was 77 months (range, 19–156 months). The median Schirmer test value was 5.5 mm and 28.5 mm for the treated and untreated sides, respectively (P = .003). Analysis of sensitivity revealed significant impairment only in the hard palate. The mean OSDI score was 6.8 (normal). The mean values of the VAS scores for hard palate, buccal mucosa, gum, and premaxillary skin were 1.7, 1.7, 1.2, and 2.3, respectively.

Conclusions

TER for JA can result in objective reduction of lacrimal secretion and sensitivity impairment; nevertheless, their impact on quality of life is negligible. The predictable neurological morbidity of TER should be discussed during preoperative counseling.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:2184–2188, 2019
Predictive value of globus pharyngeus in patients with functional dysphonia versus organic dysphonia
Authors: Hamdan Abdul‐Latif , Khalifee Elie , Ghanem Anthony , Mansour Hisham , Yammine Edmond
Published: October 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

This is a retrospective study investigating the prevalence of globus pharyngeus in patients with dysphonia.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

The study examined the prevalence of globus pharyngeus in patients presenting with history of dysphonia at the American University of Beirut Medical Center Voice Center was performed. The etiology of dysphonia was categorized as organic in the presence of laryngeal pathology versus functional in the absence of any laryngeal pathology on laryngeal videostroboscopic examination. Functional dysphonia was further stratified as muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and non‐MTD based on the presence or absence of supraglottic muscle tension patterns.

Results

The medical records of 300 patients were reviewed. Total prevalence of globus pharyngeus was 14.33%. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of globus pharyngeus between patients with organic dysphonia and patients with functional dysphonia (P < .001). Out of 43 patients with globus, 41.86% had organic voice disorders versus 58.14% who had functional voice disorders. Among those with functional voice disorders, globus pharyngeus was more prevalent in patients with MTD versus non‐MTD patients (P = .19). Out of 25 patients with functional voice disorders and globus, 72% had MTD versus 28% who had no MTD (P = .19).

Conclusions

Globus pharyngeus is significantly more prevalent in patients with functional dysphonia versus patients with organic dysphonia. Moreover, in patients with functional dysphonia, the prevalence of globus was higher in those with MTD despite not reaching statistical significance. Globus pharyngeus may be either the cause or the result of laryngeal aberrant functional behavior.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:930–934, 2019
Cryotherapy has antifibrotic and regenerative effects on human vocal fold fibroblasts
Authors: Gong Ting , Zhang Chi , Kang Jing , Lamb JJ , Jiang Jack J.
Published: October 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal fold scarring remains a major treatment challenge, and scar prevention without residual lesions remains a dilemma. Cryotherapy has shown cosmetic outcomes on skin lesions with minimal scarring. The aim of this study was to clarify the beneficial effects of cryotherapy for the prevention and the treatment of vocal fold scarring.

Study Design

In vitro.

Methods

Primary cultures of human vocal fold fibroblasts (VFFs) were used in this study. Myofibroblast differentiation was stimulated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1). We mimicked the cryotherapy effect on vocal fold healing in vivo by freezing VFFs ± TGF‐β1 in vitro. The influence of freezing on cell viability, proliferation, migration, and contractile properties were analyzed. The expression of collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, TGF‐β1, matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) were investigated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and decorin were investigated by RT‐PCR and Western blot.

Results

Freezing was found to modify extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and differentiation of VFFs. Expression of collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, α‐SMA, and TGF‐β1 was downregulated, and MMP1 was upregulated in VFFs + TGF‐β1 (myofibroblast) by freezing. HAS1 and decorin were upregulated in both VFFs ± TGF‐β1 by freezing. Freezing VFFs + TGF‐β1 (myofibroblast) with fast thawing had a lower expression of α‐SMA when compared with slow thawing. Freezing reduced the migration and collagen contraction of VFFs + TGF‐β1 (myofibroblast).

Conclusion

Cryotherapy induces antifibrotic and regenerative ECM alterations in VFFs. These data provide insight into the prevention and the treatment of vocal fold scarring with cryotherapy in phonomicrosurgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:E143–E150, 2019
Resilience of Red Ferralitic soils in the karst regions of Mayabeque Province, Cuba
Authors: Febles González José M. , Febles Díaz J.M. , Sobrinho Nelson Moura B. Amaral , Tolón‐Becerra Alfredo , Lastra‐Bravo Xavier , Botta Guido F.
Published: October 2018

There is an ongoing global debate on soil degradation, its magnitude and agro‐environmental impact, where long‐term experimentation provides quantitative criteria for its capacity for restauration with rational use and management. In this context, research in the last 30 years has confirmed that the resilience of Red Ferralitic soils in the karst regions of western Cuba is a multifactorial process, conditioned not only by the intrinsic properties of the soil surface and use conditions but also dependent on geological–geomorphological and use conditions. This study determined the capacity of Red Ferralitic soils for blocking karst‐erosion to be a period of 50 years in the San Jose de Las Lajas polje. They would recover, but depending on the amount of limestone impurities, it would take from 100 to 600 years. In any case, there are very few similar studies, not only because of the time necessary to achieve reliable results but also because in the case of karst ecosystems, they are subjected to constant disturbances impeding resilience research.
Effects of soil moisture and vegetation cover on biomass growth in water‐limited environments
Authors: Lozano‐Parra Javier , Schnabel Susanne , Pulido Manuel , Gómez‐Gutiérrez Álvaro , Lavado‐Contador Francisco
Published: October 2018

Soil moisture has a direct influence on biomass production, food security, and ecosystem functioning, thus resources management in water‐limited environments could be improved if feedbacks between water and vegetation were fully understood. This study tries to define the sensitivity of annual pastures under the influence of different vegetation covers to soil water availability during two contrasting growing seasons, dry and wet. For this reason, soil water content was continuously monitored during two complete hydrological years using capacitance sensors, which were gathered in soil moisture stations located in open grasslands and beneath tree canopies. Pasture growth was recorded by measurements of its height and by biomass cuts. The study was conducted on three private farms located in savanna‐like ecosystems of Spain (dehesa) with Mediterranean climate. Results highlighted the importance of the topsoil (first 15 cm) as the main layer for water supply of natural grasses. Soils below canopies registered longer and more intense water deficits than those located in grasslands. This was reflected in biomass growth, given that when growing conditions were dry, pasture yield decreased more than 40% in grasslands and more than 50% below tree canopies. The studied ecosystems occupy millions of hectares in Spain and Portugal and present a canopy cover up to 40%. If dry episodes become more frequent in the present century due to climate change, important surface, especially under trees, could become drier, less productive, and therefore more prone to land degradation.
Evaluation of a performic acid oxidation method for quantifying amino acids in freshwater species
Authors: Thera Jennifer C. , Kidd Karen A. , Nosworthy Matthew G. , Bertolo Robert F.
Published: October 2018

Thiol amino acids in proteins store metals like mercury, but established methods for their quantitation in freshwater species have had limited application and evaluation. As such, literature on the amino acid composition of aquatic species often lacks the thiols cysteine and methionine. Here, we evaluated a performic acid (PFA) oxidation method to determine its suitability to measure cysteine and methionine, as well as 15 other amino acids, in novel matrices (zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, fishes, and algae). Protein‐bound amino acids were oxidized with PFA, hydrolyzed in hydrochloric acid, derivatized with AccQ·Tagultra (Waters), and separated by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. PFA oxidation was successful in determining precise results for 15 amino acids, including the sulfur amino acids, with the complete loss of tyrosine (TYR) and poor precision of phenylalanine (PHE). The overall variability of the method was 11% (excluding TYR and PHE), or 6% when reported as relative percentages, comparable to methods without PFA oxidation in other matrices. Except for TYR and thiols, PFA oxidation did not affect the amino acid composition of these biota. Overall, the findings were reproducible and comparable to other approaches and suggest this is a rigorous method for measuring sulfur amino acids and the overall amino acid composition for aquatic biota, both of which are rare in the literature.
Performance assessment of active vs passive pixel x‐ray angiography detector systems using a bias‐corrected channelized Hotelling observer and adult patient‐equivalent experimental conditions
Authors: Fetterly Kenneth A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Electronic noise associated with passive pixel (PP) x‐ray angiography flat panel detectors is known to compromise fluoroscopic image quality. An active pixel (AP) crystalline silicon x‐ray detector with potential for reduced influence of electronic noise is commercially available. The purpose of this work was to compare the performance of the AP vs PP x‐ray angiography detectors over a detector target dose (DTD) range relevant for invasive cardiology procedures.

Methods

A total of 16 passive pixel detector systems representing two models and two active pixel detector systems of a single model were tested. Iodine contrast (160 mg I ml−1) disk‐shaped test objects of diameter 0.5–4.0 mm were embedded in 30 × 30 cm2 25‐cm‐thick PMMA phantom. Detector target dose was 6, 18, and 120 nGy and 1204 test signal present and signal absent images were acquired. A channelized Hotelling observer statistical model (CHO) was used to estimate detectability index (d′) of the detectors for the various test objects. The CHO included correction for bias from finite sampling and that due to temporally variable electronic noise.

Results

Detectability index estimates demonstrated similar performance between the two models of PP detectors and relatively improved performance for the AP detectors for all DTD levels and test object diameters. For DTD = 120 nGy and the 4.0 mm test object, d′ of the AP detectors was 13% and 20% greater than that of the PP detectors. For DTD = 6 nGy, d′ of the AP detectors was 42% and 54% greater.

Conclusions

The AP x‐ray angiography detector demonstrated superior performance throughout the DTD range tested and especially for DTD consistent with low‐dose fluoroscopy. The improved performance of the AP detectors may facilitate reduced patient dose and/or improved image quality.
Specialization and Characterization of Stocked-Trout Anglers in Virginia, USA
Authors: Hyman Amanda A. , McMullin Steve L.
Published: October 2018

To manage a recreational fishery effectively, agencies must understand who actively utilizes the fishery. Despite the popularity of stocked-trout fishing, most studies have focused on fishing for wild trout, while few studies have attempted to describe stocked-trout anglers. We sought to characterize stocked-trout anglers specifically. We interviewed 3,367 anglers during their fishing trips on 17 stocked-trout waters across Virginia. We asked anglers questions relating to their demographics, motivations, fishing and management preferences, catch and harvest that day, level of specialization, and level of satisfaction. Using a hierarchical clustering method, we identified four unique clusters of anglers: specialists, avid anglers, consumptive-experienced anglers, and casual anglers. The clusters differed in their motivations for fishing, management and fishing preferences, and level of satisfaction. Proportions of each cluster varied across fishery types. Results from this study depict how stocked-trout anglers differ from wild-trout anglers. These results can help managers to adjust management strategies for various angler groups and can help managers to focus their efforts on how to recruit and retain anglers.
Coded Wire Tag Use with Juvenile Channel Catfish: Evaluation of Mortality, Retention, and Growth
Authors: Becher Cory , Strahan Madelyn G. , Ludsin Stuart A.
Published: October 2018

The Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus is a popular sport fish that is routinely stocked into north-temperate U.S. lakes and reservoirs by natural resource management agencies. We experimentally tested the use of an internal coded wire tag (CWT) as a method for nonlethal batch marking of individuals. The retention of CWTs and their influence on individual growth and mortality remain unexplored for juvenile Channel Catfish. Both attributes were quantified and compared between age-0 fingerlings and age-1 yearlings at various time points (i.e., after 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and monthly thereafter) of our 4-month experiment. For both age-classes, CWT retention was high (90–100%), with no observed increases in mortality or effects on growth rate. Our findings suggest that CWTs are a reliable, effective means of marking juvenile Channel Catfish. Hence, we recommend their use by management agencies to differentiate between hatchery-reared and wild-produced individuals, which can be useful when assessing the efficacy of stocking programs.
Evaluation of Partial and Whole Maxillary Bone Excision as a Nonlethal Age Estimation Structure in Lake Trout
Authors: Wellenkamp William , Sitar Shawn P. , Aho James
Published: October 2018

Partial excision, or clipping, of maxillary bones has been used for decades as a mark to assign year-classes to hatchery fish stocked into the wild. Recent developments in the use of maxillary bones for age assignment purposes have raised the question of whether they could be used as age assignment structures that can be collected nonlethally. Such nonlethal tissue collections are of obvious importance to managers of low-abundance and recovering populations or threatened and endangered species. We examined 120 Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush from two cohorts in a hatchery setting for approximately 6 months to determine the feasibility of maxillary bone excision as a nonlethal sampling technique for age assignment purposes. Lake Trout were subjected to whole-maxillary excision and partial-maxillary excision and were evaluated for survival, efficiency of collection, and accuracy of age assignment. Survival in both the whole-excision and partial-excision groups was 97%, while untreated controls survived at a rate of 98% (not significantly different). There was no significant difference in sample collection time between groups. Age assignments from whole maxillary bones were more accurate than those from partial maxillary bones; assignments were more accurate when based on bones from younger fish than on bones from older fish. We conclude that for nonlethal collection purposes, excision of whole maxillary bones is advantageous over partial excision due to comparable efficiency, equal survival, and more accurate age estimation. While the value of maxillary bones as a reliable aging structure for Lake Trout has been noted, the use of maxillary bones for nonlethal tissue sampling in other studies, such as isotopic, trace element, and genetic analyses, may also be valuable.
Characterizing the Angling and Tribal Spearing Walleye Fisheries in the Ceded Territory of Wisconsin, 1990–2015
Authors: Mrnak Joseph T. , Shaw Stephanie L. , Eslinger Lawrence D. , Cichosz Thomas A. , Sass Greg G.
Published: October 2018

Assessment of the Walleye Sander vitreus angling and tribal spearing fisheries in the Ceded Territory of Wisconsin (CTWI) is critical for the sustainability of this resource. Key to these assessments is an understanding of harvest demographics, exploitation, catch and harvest efficiency, and relationships between catch or harvest and adult density. We characterized the size distribution and mean length of harvested Walleyes, harvest, exploitation rate, and catch (angling) or harvest (spearing) rate for both fisheries during 1990–2015. Then, we evaluated catch and harvest rates in relation to adult density and tested for self-regulation or hyperstability in each fishery. Size distribution and mean length of harvested Walleyes in both fisheries were statistically different but biologically similar. Anglers harvested significantly more Walleyes, and the mean exploitation rate was greater in the angling fishery. Spearfishers had significantly higher mean harvest rates compared with angler catch rates. Catch and harvest rates followed an asymptotic relationship with adult density, with the spear fishery showing more hyperstability than the angling fishery. In the CTWI, naturally reproducing Walleye populations are managed for densities ≥7.4 adults/ha. Our results suggest that maintaining adult Walleye densities near the point of diminishing returns of the asymptotic relationship (10–15 Walleyes/ha) will result in a sustainable fishery that also maximizes tribal harvest and angler catch. However, maintaining adult Walleye densities within this range in the unproductive lakes typical of the CTWI may be unrealistic. Due to the hyperstability observed in each fishery, active management of the spear fishery should continue and monitoring of the angling fishery should also continue given recent declines in natural recruitment and production observed in the CTWI in order to maintain Walleye populations in a “safe operating space.” An empirical understanding of CTWI Walleye angler and spearfisher effort dynamics is critically needed to mechanistically explain the observed hyperstability in each fishery.
Unmet supportive care needs and psychological distress among parents of children with cancer in Indonesia
Authors: Aziza Yulanticha Diaz Ahwalia , Wang Shan‐Tair , Huang Mei‐Chih
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the needs and associating factors, psychological distress of parents, when taking care of children with cancer in Indonesia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 100 parents of children with cancer from the pediatric ward of two hospitals in Indonesia. The parents were assessed using the Indonesian version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey for Partner and Caregiver (unmet needs) and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (psychological distress). The factors associated with unmet needs were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression.

Results

Among the surveyed parents, 83% had over 10 unmet needs. Among these unmet needs, need for information was the highest one. In the self‐report measure using a clinical cut‐off, 49% of the parents reported signs of anxiety, and 25% had signs of depression. Parents reporting clinically relevant levels of anxiety had more unmet needs than parents without clinically relevant anxiety. Having fewer children was correlated with higher work and social needs, and higher levels of education were correlated with more psychological needs. However, the children's clinical variables were not associated with the overall needs in the regression model.

Conclusions

Most parents of children with cancer reported a need for more information and reported signs of anxiety and depression. Parents with fewer children and higher levels of education were identified as a vulnerable population due to having greater needs. The result of this study can be used to improve supportive care for parents of children with cancer in hospital settings.
Neurocognitive dysfunction in adult cerebellar medulloblastoma
Authors: Harrison Rebecca A. , Kesler Shelli R. , Johnson Jason M. , Penas‐Prado Marta , Sullaway Catherine M. , Wefel Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Impaired neurocognitive function (NCF) is a well‐established consequence of pediatric medulloblastoma (MB) and its treatments. However, the frequency and features of neurocognitive dysfunction in adult‐onset MB patients are largely unknown.

Methods

Adult patients (≥ 18 years) with MB who had received formal neurocognitive evaluation (N = 27) were identified. Demographic, medical, and treatment histories were extracted from the medical record. Lesion properties on MRI were analyzed and used to evaluate lesion‐symptom mapping further. Demographically adjusted z‐scores were calculated for each neurocognitive test and used to assess impairment frequency. Regression analyses were conducted to identify clinical and paraclinical factors associated with impaired NCF.

Results

Mean age of the patient sample was 33 years (SD = 11) at the time of MB diagnosis. Prior therapy included surgical resection (89%), radiation (70%), and chemotherapy (26%). A significant proportion of patients were impaired on tests of verbal learning and memory (32%), executive function (29%), and naming (18%). Age, education, lesion size, time from surgery, and number of chemotherapy cycles had the greatest contribution to test performance in random‐forest regression models.

Conclusion

This study identifies frequent impairment of NCF in adult patients with MB, particularly in the domains of learning and memory and executive function. Neurocognitive impairment is influenced by patients' demographic, disease, and treatment history. Further study is warranted to characterize the clinical impact of adult MB more fully.
Asp271 is critical for substrate interaction with the surface binding site in β‐agarase a from Zobellia galactanivorans
Authors: Wilkens Casper , Tiwari Manish K. , Webb Helen , Jam Murielle , Czjzek Mirjam , Svensson Birte
Published: October 2018

In the marine environment agar degradation is assured by bacteria that contain large agarolytic systems with enzymes acting in various endo‐ and exo‐modes. Agarase A (AgaA) is an endo‐glycoside hydrolase of family 16 considered to initiate degradation of agarose. Agaro‐oligosaccharide binding at a unique surface binding site (SBS) in AgaA from Zobellia galactanivorans was investigated by computational methods in conjunction with a structure/sequence guided approach of site‐directed mutagenesis probed by surface plasmon resonance binding analysis of agaro‐oligosaccharides of DP 4‐10. The crystal structure has shown that agaro‐octaose interacts via H‐bonds and aromatic stacking along 7 subsites (L through R) of the SBS in the inactive catalytic nucleophile mutant AgaA‐E147S. D271 is centrally located in the extended SBS where it forms H‐bonds to galactose and 3,6‐anhydrogalactose residues of agaro‐octaose at subsites O and P. We propose D271 is a key residue in ligand binding to the SBS. Thus AgaA‐E147S/D271A gave slightly decreasing KD values from 625 ± 118 to 468 ± 13 μM for agaro‐hexaose, ‐octaose, and ‐decaose, which represent 3‐ to 4‐fold reduced affinity compared with AgaA‐E147S. Molecular dynamics simulations and interaction analyses of AgaA‐E147S/D271A indicated disruption of an extended H‐bond network supporting that D271 is critical for the functional SBS. Notably, neither AgaA‐E147S/W87A nor AgaA‐E147S/W277A, designed to eliminate stacking with galactose residues at subsites O and Q, respectively, were produced in soluble form. W87 and W277 may thus control correct folding and structural integrity of AgaA.
Predicting weather forecast uncertainty with machine learning
Authors: Scher Sebastian , Messori Gabriele
Published: October 2018

Weather forecasts are inherently uncertain. Therefore, for many applications forecasts are only considered valuable if an uncertainty estimate can be assigned to them. Currently, the best method to provide a confidence estimate for individual forecasts is to produce an ensemble of numerical weather simulations, which is computationally very expensive. Here, we assess whether machine learning techniques can provide an alternative approach to predict the uncertainty of a weather forecast given the large‐scale atmospheric state at initialization. We propose a method based on deep learning with artificial convolutional neural networks that is trained on past weather forecasts. Given a new weather situation, it assigns a scalar value of confidence to medium‐range forecasts initialized from the said atmospheric state, indicating whether the predictability is higher or lower than usual for the time of the year. While our method has a lower skill than ensemble weather forecast models in predicting forecast uncertainty, it is computationally very efficient and outperforms a range of alternative methods that do not involve performing numerical forecasts. This shows that it is possible to use machine learning in order to estimate future forecast uncertainty from past forecasts. The main constraint in the performance of our method seems to be the number of past forecasts available for training the machine learning algorithm.
The importance of stratospheric initial conditions for winter North Atlantic Oscillation predictability and implications for the signal‐to‐noise paradox
Authors: O'Reilly Christopher H. , Weisheimer Antje , Woollings Tim , Gray Lesley J. , MacLeod Dave
Published: October 2018

This study investigates the influence of atmospheric initial conditions on winter seasonal forecasts of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Hindcast (or reforecast) experiments – which differ only in their initial conditions – are performed over the period 1960–2009, using prescribed sea surface temperature (SST) and sea‐ice boundary conditions. The first experiment (“ERA‐40/Int IC”) is initialized using the ERA‐40 and ERA‐Interim reanalysis datasets, which assimilate upper‐air, satellite and surface observations; the second experiment (“ERA‐20C IC”) is initialized using the ERA‐20C reanalysis dataset, which assimilates only surface observations. The ensemble mean NAO skill is largest in ERA‐40/Int IC (r= 0.54), which is initialized with the superior reanalysis data. Moreover, ERA‐20C IC did not exhibit significantly more NAO hindcast skill (r= 0.38) than in a third experiment, which was initialized with incorrect (shuffled) initial conditions. The ERA‐40/Interim and ERA‐20C initial conditions differ substantially in the tropical stratosphere, where the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) of zonal winds is not present in ERA‐20C. The QBO hindcasts are highly skilful in ERA‐40/Int IC – albeit with a somewhat weaker equatorial zonal wind amplitude in the lower stratosphere – but are incorrect in ERA‐20C IC, indicating that the QBO is responsible for the additional NAO hindcast skill; this is despite the model exhibiting a relatively weak teleconnection between the QBO and NAO. The influence of the QBO is further demonstrated by regressing out the QBO influence from each of the hindcast experiments, after which the difference in NAO hindcast skill between the experiments is negligible. Whilst ERA‐40/Int IC demonstrates a more skilful NAO hindcast, it appears to have a relatively weak predictable signal; this is the so‐called “signal‐to‐noise paradox” identified in previous studies. Diagnostically amplifying the (weak) QBO–NAO teleconnection increases the ensemble‐mean NAO signal with negligible impact on the NAO hindcast skill, after which the signal‐to‐noise problem seemingly disappears.
Soil moisture–precipitation coupling over Central Europe: Interactions between surface anomalies at different scales and the dynamical implication
Authors: Baur Florian , Keil Christian , Craig George C.
Published: October 2018

The sign of soil moisture–precipitation coupling and its scale dependence are controversial issues when examining soil–atmosphere interactions. Using the operational convection‐permitting COSMO model with 2.8 km horizontal grid spacing, the interplay of soil‐moisture heterogeneities on different scales and the role of the midtropospheric background wind are addressed by performing a series of real‐case simulations for 11 synoptically weakly and moderately forced summer precipitation events across Central Europe. The cumulative effect of soil‐moisture bias and heterogeneities on different scales is investigated, with consideration of the prevailing synoptic forcing, by explicitly perturbing soil‐moisture conditions. A soil‐moisture bias of ±25% is combined with different soil‐moisture heterogeneity length‐scales ranging from 30 to 140 km introduced by chessboard patterns.

For synoptically moderately forced cases, our experiments only show a small impact of soil‐moisture perturbations on convective afternoon precipitation. Averaged over all seven synoptically weakly forced cases, however, we find (a) a positive coupling between the overall soil‐moisture bias and the domain‐averaged precipitation and (b) a negative local soil moisture–precipitation coupling. Increased precipitation over drier soils is related to an interaction between thermally induced vertical circulations and the background wind, causing a persistent updraft region at the downstream flank of the dry patches. Convective precipitation is triggered preferentially near these soil‐moisture gradients. The circulation cells are most dominant for soil‐moisture perturbations at scales between 40 and 80 km. The spatial locking of convection at soil‐moisture boundaries at these scales results in an earlier triggering of convection and an overall reduction of the day‐to‐day variability of area‐averaged precipitation.
Robotic assisted laparoscopic cerclage: A systematic review
Authors: Iavazzo Christos , Minis Evelyn Eleni , Gkegkes Ioannis D.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The gold standard in the management of cervical incompetence is cerclage via vaginal approach. Minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic, have been also described.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Scopus, searching evidence on robotic assisted laparoscopic cerclage in both pregnant and non pregnant women.

Results

Sixty‐four patients were included in this study. Cervical insufficiency, failure of transvaginal cerclage, and short cervix were the most frequent indications for robotic assisted cerclage. Mean operative time was 107.3 minutes. Mean estimated blood loss was 62.8 mL. Four patients converted to laparotomy. No postoperative complications were reported. Pregnancy after robotic cerclage was reported in 59 patients with mean gestational age at delivery of 36.4 weeks. The majority of pregnant women who underwent robotic assisted cerclage gave birth to live neonates.

Conclusion

Till now, evidence does not show a clear advantage of robotic over laparoscopic approach, under the evaluation of the current literature. However, further comparative studies might be essential to clarify the possible role of da Vinci robot in this field; this might be quite difficult even in the near future based on the fact that only five cases per year are described in the current literature.
A technical approach to equity investing in emerging markets
Authors: Metghalchi Massoud , Hayes Linda A. , Niroomand Farhang
Published: October 2018

Technical analysis (TA) is used in evaluating its predictive power for the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Market Index (EMI) that reflects 23 emerging market economies’ equity indices. We conclude strong predictive power of technical analysis for the EMI. Given this predictive power of TA, we then investigate whether investors can exploit this predictive power to beat the profitability of the Buy‐and‐Hold strategy considering both risk and transaction costs. Applying Moving Average, Relative Strength Index, Moving Average Convergence Divergence, and Rate of Change trading rules to the MSCI Emerging Market Index over the period of 11/1/1988 to 5/1/2017 reveals strong empirical evidence that investors could use TA to out‐perform the Buy‐and‐Hold strategy even when considering risk and transaction costs. This research provides evidence against the Efficient Market Hypothesis for EMI.
State‐ and Regional‐Scale Patterns and Drivers of Freshwater Fish Functional Diversity in the Southeastern USA
Authors: Epstein Joshua M. , Pine William E. , Romagosa Christina M. , Scott Mark C. , Phillips Catherine T. , Marion Cathy A. , Baiser Benjamin
Published: October 2018

Understanding biodiversity patterns and their drivers across large spatial scales has become a necessary component of addressing complex multiscale conservation challenges. Increasingly, functional diversity measures are being used to provide insight on the ecological integrity of ecosystems. We estimated functional diversity at two different spatial extents using data sets of contrasting sampling intensity and time duration and compared these two different approaches. For our regional‐scale analysis, we used large‐scale fish sampling data sets and identified 397 species across subbasins within the southeastern USA. For our state‐scale analysis, we used data from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Statewide Stream Assessment through which 101 species were collected from wadeable streams across South Carolina. For all fish species, we scored trophic and reproductive traits and measured trophic and reproductive functional diversity across subbasins and South Carolina streams. We assessed differences in functional diversity between level III ecoregions, quantified the influence of imperiled and invasive species on functional diversity, and modeled relationships between functional diversity and environmental variables at the state scale using Random Forest regression. At both scales, we found support for higher trophic functional diversity in high‐elevation ecoregions, while reproductive functional diversity was generally higher in low‐elevation ecoregions. The inclusion of imperiled species increased functional diversity estimates, while invasive species decreased functional diversity estimates except for reproductive functional diversity at the regional scale. Environmental variables that correlated with functional diversity at the state scale included forest cover, elevation, and conductivity. The observed spatial patterns of functional diversity, the environmental variables identified as predictors of functional diversity, and knowledge of how imperiled and invasive species influence functional diversity can be used to guide freshwater fish conservation efforts across the southeastern U.S. region. Additionally, these findings highlight the utility of data from intensive, standardized, broad‐scale aquatic surveys in addressing these and similar questions regarding freshwater diversity.
Transcriptome analysis reveals benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers regulate networks related to inflammation in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain
Authors: Li Zhitong , Li Wenjing , Zha Jinmiao , Chen Huihui , Martyniuk Christopher J. , Liang Xuefang
Published: October 2018

Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) are widely applied ultraviolet absorbing compounds in industrial materials and personal care products. Due to their ubiquitous use and reports of bio‐accumulation in aquatic organisms, these compounds are significant environmental pollutants; however, data are limited for BUVSs toxicity. In this study, juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 4 commonly used BUVSs (UV‐234, UV‐326, UV‐329, and UV‐P) at one dose of 10 or 100 μg/L for 28 days. To characterize the underlying mechanisms of different BUVSs‐induced toxicities, we performed global transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐Seq) in the brain (100 μg/L). There were 390, 575, 483, and 470 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected following UV‐234, UV‐326, UV‐329, and UV‐P exposure at 100 μg/L, respectively. Only 59 genes were identified as DEGs following exposure to each of the BUVSs, suggesting that these chemicals can induce unique responses in fish. Noteworthy was that there were 81 common gene networks (~10%) identified following exposure to BUVSs, many of which were related to inflammation and immune function. Uniquely regulated pathways affected by different BUVSs included those related to mitochondrial respiration, interleukin 1/brain‐damaging signaling, dopaminergic signaling, and adrenergic receptor cascades. Furthermore, quantitative PCR (qPCR) results revealed that mgst1 levels were increased in fish from the 100 μg/L UV‐329 treatment, while the expression of pck2 was significantly down‐regulated in fish from both the 10 and 100 μg/L UV‐P treatment. Transcriptomic data suggest that BUVSs can alter mitochondrial bioenergetics, alter expression of a broad range of genes in the oxidative stress response, and can induce pathways related to the immune system in zebrafish brain.
Exploring sensitivity to NMSSM signatures with low missing transverse energy at the LHC
Authors: Titterton A. , Ellwanger U. , Flaecher H. U. , Moretti S. , Shepherd-Themistocleous C. H.
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We examine scenarios in the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM), where pair-produced squarks and gluinos decay via two cascades, each ending in a stable neutralino as Lightest Supersymmetric Particle (LSP) and a Standard Model (SM)-like Higgs boson, with mass spectra such that the missing transverse energy, E
T
miss
, is very low. Performing two-dimensional parameter scans and focusing on the hadronic

$$ H\to b\overline{b} $$

H
→
b

b
¯

decay giving a

$$ b\overline{b}b\overline{b}+{E}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{miss}} $$

b

b
¯

b

b
¯

+

E
T
miss

final state we explore the sensitivity of a current LHC general-purpose jets + E
T
miss
analysis to such scenarios.
Low-temperature enhancement of semi-annihilation and the AMS-02 positron anomaly
Authors: Cai Yi , Spray Andrew
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Semi-annihilation is a generic feature of particle dark matter that is most easily probed by cosmic ray experiments. We explore models where the semi-annihilation cross section is enhanced at late times and low temperatures by the presence of an s-channel resonance near threshold. The relic density is then sensitive to the evolution of the dark matter temperature, and we compute expressions for the associated Boltzmann equation valid in general semi-annihilating models. At late times, a self-heating effect warms the dark matter, allowing number-changing processes to remain effective long after kinetic decoupling of the dark and visible sectors. This allows the semi-annihilation signal today to be enhanced by up to five orders of magnitude over the thermal relic cross section. As a case study, we apply this to a dark matter explanation of the positron excess seen by AMS-02. We see that unlike annihilating dark matter, our model has no difficulty fitting the data while also giving the correct relic density. However, constraints from the CMB and γ-rays from the galactic centre do restrict the preferred regions of parameter space.
Bootstrapping the half-BPS line defect
Authors: Liendo Pedro , Meneghelli Carlo , Mitev Vladimir
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We use modern bootstrap techniques to study half-BPS line defects in 4d

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

superconformal theories. Specifically, we consider the 1d CFT with OSP(4∗|4) superconformal symmetry living on such a defect. Our analysis is general and based only on symmetries, it includes however important examples like Wilson and ’t Hooft lines in

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

super Yang-Mills. We present several numerical bounds on OPE coefficients and conformal dimensions. Of particular interest is a numerical island obtained from a mixed correlator bootstrap that seems to imply a unique solution to crossing. The island is obtained if some assumptions about the spectrum are made, and is consistent with Wilson lines in planar

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

super Yang-Mills at strong coupling. We further analyze the vicinity of the strong-coupling point by calculating perturbative corrections using analytic methods. This perturbative solution has the sparsest spectrum and is expected to saturate the numerical bounds, explaining some of the features of our numerical results.