bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutralization of high pH and alkalinity effluent from recycled concrete aggregate by common subgrade soil
Authors: Chen Jiannan , Sanger Morgan , Ritchey Robin , Edil Tuncer B. , Ginder‐Vogel Matthew
Published: February 2020

Use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as highway basecourse material conserves virgin aggregate, reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions, and may also decrease costs during construction. However, concerns remain over possible negative environmental impacts associated with high pH (>11) effluent from RCA in contact with water. This study examines the reactive transport of high‐pH and high‐alkalinity water, modeled on RCA leachate, through model subgrade soils. By developing an understanding of the reactions controlling effluent neutralization, this study aims to quantify the change in pH from the discharge site through surrounding subgrade soils. Four types of subgrade soils with a range of mineral composition, Atterberg limits, and cation exchange capacities (CECs) are examined. They include a clayey sand (SC10), low‐plasticity clays (M14, SC25), and a high‐plasticity clay (CH38). Batch reaction experiments are used to develop kinetic parameters describing the neutralization of high‐pH and ‐alkalinity leachate by clay minerals through mineral dissolution and reprecipitation. Given this information, a reactive transport model incorporating advection, diffusion, and reaction is used to model the change in pH as a function of distance traveled through model subgrade soils and is applied to laboratory‐scale column experiments. The rate at which the high pH front travels is directly related to a soil's clay mineral content. Soils with high CECs effectively delay the propagation of hydroxide front by the dissolution of clay minerals. This study demonstrates that common subgrade soils with moderate clay content will effectively neutralize high pH leachate initially produced by RCA.
Persistence of the antimicrobials lincomycin, chlortetracycline, and sulfamethazine in prairie wetlands
Authors: Cessna Allan J. , Kuchta Sandra L. , Waiser Marley , Brua Robert B. , Bailey Jonathan
Published: February 2020

Antimicrobials used in livestock production can be present in manure via excretion in the feces and/or urine. Application of raw or processed (composted or stockpiled) manure to crop and pasture land as a plant nutrient source can result in antimicrobial transport to surface waters via rainfall or snowmelt runoff. Little is known regarding antimicrobial persistence in aquatic ecosystems. Consequently, dissipation of environmentally relevant concentrations of three veterinary antimicrobials (lincomycin, chlortetracycline, and sulfamethazine) was studied in three wetlands on the Canadian Prairies. Study wetlands were fortified in the fall to simulate antimicrobial transport via rainfall runoff from fall manure applications to the wetland catchments. After fortification, water column concentrations of all three antimicrobials decreased through September and October. Plotting natural logarithm values of antimicrobial concentration against time resulted in linear relationships for all three antimicrobials, indicating that the summation of all dissipation processes for each antimicrobial could be described by first‐order kinetics. The slopes of the three plots were significantly different, indicating that the order of dissipation was lincomycin < sulfamethazine < chlortetracycline. Consequently, the dissipation DT50 (time required for 50% antimicrobial dissipation) values for lincomycin (14.0 d), sulfamethazine (7.0 d), and chlortetracycline (3.3 d) were significantly different. The longer DT50 values of lincomycin and sulfamethazine suggest that environmentally relevant concentrations of these antimicrobials may affect bacterial production in prairie wetlands.
Phosphorus leaching from riparian soils with differing management histories under three grass species
Authors: Roberts William M. , George Timothy S. , Stutter Marc I. , Louro Aránzazu , Ali Mustafa , Haygarth Philip M.
Published: February 2020

Plants release carbon‐based exudates from their roots into the rhizosphere to increase phosphorus (P) supply to the soil solution. However, if more P than required is brought into solution, additional P could be available for leaching from riparian soils. To investigate this further, soil columns containing a riparian arable and buffer strip soil, which differed in organic matter contents, were sown with three common agricultural and riparian grass species. The P loads in leachate were measured and compared with those from unplanted columns, which were 0.17 ± 0.01 and 0.89 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 for the arable and buffer strip soil, respectively. A mixture of ryegrass and red fescue significantly (p ≤ .05) increased dissolved inorganic P loads in leachate from the arable (0.23 ± 0.01 mg kg−1) and buffer strip soil (1.06 ± 0.05 mg kg−1), whereas barley significantly reduced P leaching from the buffer strip soil (0.53 ± 0.08 mg kg−1). This was dependent on the dissolved organic C released under different plant species and on interactions with soil management history and biogeochemical conditions, rather than on plant uptake of P and accumulation into biomass. This suggested that the amount and forms of P present in the soil and the ability of the plants to mobilize them could be key factors in determining how plants affect leaching of soil P. Selecting grass species for different stages of buffer strip development, basing species selection on root physiological traits, and correcting soil nutrient stoichiometry in riparian soils through vegetative mining could help to lower this contribution.
Description of the Lesch‐Nyhan neurobehavioral disorder and its management through participant observation of three young individuals
Authors: Bozano Anna , Schiaffino Alessandra , Spessa Alessandra , Valeriani Francesca , Mancinelli Raimondo , Micheli Vanna , Dolcetta Diego
Published: February 2020

Background

Lesch‐Nyhan disease (LND; OMIM 300322), caused by virtually absent hypoxanthine‐guanine phosphoribosyltransferase activity, in its classic form is characterised by hyperuricemia, variable cognitive impairment, severe motor disorder and a characteristic behavioural disorder (Lesch‐Nyhan Behavior, LNB), typically described as self‐injurious behavior (SIB) and “self‐mutilation.” This work focuses on the latter aspect with the aim of exploring and broadening it.

Methods

The participant observation method was used to follow three children diagnosed with LND individually, in different contexts of daily life, always with their usual restraints and in the presence of a caregiver.

Results

60 observational sessions, for over 90 total hours, led to the description of 292 LNBs, interfering with different aspects of life. Harmful behaviors could be classified into different categories, based on the life aspect affected and type of harm provoked. Antecedent conditions, consequent reactions, and emotions of the child and different management of the caregiver were recorded for each LNB. We confirmed that patients normally feel pain. Most common emotional reactions are regret and shock. As a consequence of a LNB, increased anxiety was always recorded, never satisfaction. Caregiver strategies most commonly used to stop the LNB and preventing recurrences are reported and discussed.

Conclusions

We are proposing a wider LNB description, beyond the classical Self‐injurious behavior (SIB), stating that it is widespread and pervasive, involving every facet of the patients' life. Caregivers and operators should be aware that they might face different LNBs, and have to recognize them to find the better way to manage patients.
Supervisor Emotionally Intelligent Behavior and Employee Creativity
Authors: Ivcevic Zorana , Moeller Julia , Menges Jochen , Brackett Marc
Published: February 2020

In a national study of employees across industries (N = 14,645), we examined the role of supervisor emotionally intelligent behavior for employee opportunity to grow, their affect at work, and creativity/innovation at work. Employees reported on their supervisors' emotionally intelligent behavior (perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions), and self‐reported about their job experiences and creativity/innovation at work. Supervisor emotionally intelligent behavior was related to employee affect at work assessed using both open‐ended questions and emotion rating scales. Furthermore, supervisor emotionally intelligent behavior was linked to employee creativity/innovation through its effect on employee opportunity to grow and higher experience of positive affect (supporting a serial mediation model). We discuss the implications of the results for creativity/innovation research and innovation management.
Molecular biology of meniscus pathology: Lessons learned from translational studies and mouse models
Authors: Rai Muhammad Farooq , Brophy Robert H. , Rosen Vicki
Published: February 2020

Injury to any individual structure in the knee interrupts the overall function of the joint and initiates a cascade of biological and biomechanical changes whose endpoint is often osteoarthritis (OA). The knee meniscus is an integral component of knee biomechanics and may also contribute to the biological homeostasis of the joint. Meniscus injury altering knee function is associated with a high risk of OA progression, and may also be involved in the initiation of OA. As the relationship between meniscus injury and OA is very complex; despite the availability of transcript level data on human meniscus injury and meniscus mediated OA, mechanistic studies are lacking, and available human data are difficult to validate in the absence of patient‐matched noninjured control tissues. As similarities exist between human and mouse knee joint structure and function, investigators have begun to use cutting‐edge genetic and genomic tools to examine the usefulness of the mouse as a model to study the intricate relationship between meniscus injury and OA. In this review, we use evidence from human meniscus research to identify critical barriers hampering our understanding of meniscus injury induced OA and discuss strategies to overcome these barriers, including those that can be examined in a mouse model of injury‐mediated OA.
Clocked control scheme of separating TFTs for a node‐sharing LTPS TFT shift register with large number of outputs
Authors: Kim Young In , Nam Hyoungsik
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes the node‐sharing low‐temperature poly‐silicon (LTPS) thin‐film transistor (TFT) shift register with the clocked control scheme that completely turns separating TFTs off during the bootstrapping period to compensate for internal resistive and capacitive loads. The fluctuation is also addressed by adding pull‐down TFTs or raising the low level of the control signal.
High spatial and temporal detail in timely prediction of tourism demand
Authors: Emili Silvia , Gardini Attilio , Foscolo Enrico
Published: February 2020

What happens in forecasting problems when high frequency and high spatial detail data encounter significant publication delays? In this paper, we consider a monthly dynamic panel data model, augmented by Google Trends search query volume data, for tourism demand forecasting at high spatial detail, in which one of the main aspects is represented by a publication delay ranging from 8 to 15 months. Some findings in the tourism literature already specify forecasting/nowcasting applications considering a realistic time delay but not for more than 3 months.
Automatic Recognition of Laryngoscopic Images Using a Deep‐Learning Technique
Authors: Ren Jianjun , Jing Xueping , Wang Jing , Ren Xue , Xu Yang , Yang Qiuyun , Ma Lanzhi , Sun Yi , Xu Wei , Yang Ning , Zou Jian , Zheng Yongbo , Chen Min , Gan Weigang , Xiang Ting , An Junnan , Liu Ruiqing , Lv Cao , Lin Ken , Zheng Xianfeng , Lou Fan , Rao Yufang , Yang Hui , Liu Kai , Liu Geoffrey , Lu Tao , Zheng Xiujuan , Zhao Yu
Published: February 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop a deep‐learning–based computer‐aided diagnosis system for distinguishing laryngeal neoplasms (benign, precancerous lesions, and cancer) and improve the clinician‐based accuracy of diagnostic assessments of laryngoscopy findings.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

A total of 24,667 laryngoscopy images (normal, vocal nodule, polyps, leukoplakia and malignancy) were collected to develop and test a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based classifier. A comparison between the proposed CNN‐based classifier and the clinical visual assessments (CVAs) by 12 otolaryngologists was conducted.

Results

In the independent testing dataset, an overall accuracy of 96.24% was achieved; for leukoplakia, benign, malignancy, normal, and vocal nodule, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.8% vs. 98.9%, 97% vs. 99.7%, 89% vs. 99.3%, 99.0% vs. 99.4%, and 97.2% vs. 99.1%, respectively. Furthermore, when compared with CVAs on the randomly selected test dataset, the CNN‐based classifier outperformed physicians for most laryngeal conditions, with striking improvements in the ability to distinguish nodules (98% vs. 45%, P < .001), polyps (91% vs. 86%, P < .001), leukoplakia (91% vs. 65%, P < .001), and malignancy (90% vs. 54%, P < .001).

Conclusions

The CNN‐based classifier can provide a valuable reference for the diagnosis of laryngeal neoplasms during laryngoscopy, especially for distinguishing benign, precancerous, and cancer lesions.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:E686–E693, 2020
Plant community characteristics and functional traits as drivers of soil erodibility mitigation along a land degradation gradient
Authors: Hao Haoxin , Cheng Liang , Guo Zhonglu , Wang Ling , Shi Zhihua
Published: February 2020

Plant community characteristics and functional traits may respond to soil erosion due to their high plasticity in varied environments. However, the linkages between plant functional traits and soil properties under erosion stress remain poorly understood, despite the fundamental role they play in controlling soil erosion. Here, we selected 50 plots on degraded land caused by long‐term water erosion representing three degrees of erosion that differed in terms of soil profile and erosion landform. We measured aboveground plant characteristics, root functional traits, and soil properties to explore their responses to the degree of erosion and to identify the main factors mitigating soil erodibility (K
r). The results showed that vegetation cover and root length density (RLD) were the plant variables that were most sensitive to the erosion stress. Topographic parameters strongly affected plant community characteristics (vegetation cover and litter mass) by favouring thicker soil layers and lower bulk densities, and soil texture strongly affected root functional traits (root mass density [RD] and RLD) by favoring lighter soils. Importantly, plant community characteristics and root functional traits were the main drivers of K
r mitigation through their mediation effects on a range of soil properties (e.g., soil organic matter, aggregate stability, and shear strength) during the restoration, and vegetation can still be efficient in maintaining and restoring soil functions, even on severely degraded land. Overall, these findings could guide restoration practices to meet soil conservation and ecosystem function goals in degraded ecosystems.
Error checking of large land quality databases through data mining based on low frequency associations
Authors: Qiu Xiao‐Qian , Zhu A‐Xing , Hu Yue‐Ming , Guo Yu‐Bin , Shen Xiao‐Wen
Published: February 2020

The accuracy of databases on land quality, particularly on cultivated land quality, is a prerequisite for land quality assessment and land degradation evaluation. Error checking of land quality databases is an important step in ensuring the accuracy of these land quality databases. The existing methods do not consider the intrinsic relationships among data elements in error checking of land quality databases. This paper explores a new idea for error checking of land quality database through the use of intrinsic relationships that existed in the database. The main assumption behind this idea is that database errors tend to occur at low frequencies and exist as low‐frequency associations with other data items in a database. Thus, these errors can be located by analyzing the combinational relationships between the data items in the database. Based on this idea a new method, low‐frequency data associations (LFDA) through data mining was developed in this paper. The results from control experiments shows that LFDA is effective in locating errors introduced into a land quality database. The applied experiment using the Guangzhou land quality database further confirmed this finding. This research opens a new and significant way for error checking of land quality databases.
Relative expression and regulation by short‐term fasting of lysophosphatidic acid receptors and autotaxin in white and brown adipose tissue depots
Authors: M'Hiri Iman , Diaguarachchige De Silva Kalsha H. , Duncan Robin E.
Published: February 2020

Lysophosphatidic acid (lysoPtdOH) levels have previously been reported to decrease in rodents with short‐term fasting. We investigated whether a 16 h fast would change expression of autotaxin, the predominant phospholipase D responsible for adipose‐derived lysoPtdOH synthesis, or any of the lysophosphatidic acid receptors (1–6) in four white adipose tissue (WAT) depots and interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) in male C57Bl/6J mice fed ad libitum, or fasted for 16 h. Aside from small inductions of Lpar1 in epididymal WAT and Lpar2 in epididymal and inguinal WAT, no significant changes were observed in expression of the Lpar family members, or autotaxin in perirenal, retroperitoneal, epididymal, or inguinal WAT or BAT with fasting. Comparison of the relative expression of Lpar1‐6 in various depots showed that Lpar6 was the predominant Lpar in both WAT and BAT, and suggests that further work on the adipose‐specific role of Lpar6 is warranted.
Benthic‐pelagic coupling and trophic relationships in northern Baltic Sea food webs
Authors: Kiljunen Mikko , Peltonen Heikki , Lehtiniemi Maiju , Uusitalo Laura , Sinisalo Tuula , Norkko Joanna , Kunnasranta Mervi , Torniainen Jyrki , Rissanen Antti J. , Karjalainen Juha
Published: February 2020

Understanding marine ecosystem structure and functioning is crucial in supporting sustainable management of natural resources and monitoring the health of marine ecosystems. The current study utilized stable isotope (SI) mixing models and trophic position models to examine energy flow, trophic relationships, and benthic‐pelagic coupling between food web components. Roughly 1900 samples from different trophic levels in the food web, collected during 2001–2010 from four northern and central sub‐basins of the Baltic Sea, were analyzed for SI ratios of carbon and nitrogen. Trophic structure of the food webs among the sub‐basins was consistent, but there were differences between the proportions of energy in different trophic levels that had originated from the benthic habitat. Mysids and amphipods served as important links between the benthic and pelagic ecosystems. Much (35–65%) of their energy originated from the benthic zone but was transferred to higher trophic levels in the pelagic food web by consumption by herring (Clupea harengus). One percent to twenty‐four percent of the energy consumption of apex seal predators (Halichoerus grypusandPusa hispida) and predatory fish (Salmo salar) was derived from benthic zone. Diets of mysids and amphipods differed, although some overlap in their dietary niches was observed. The food web in the Gulf of Finland was more influenced by the benthic subsystem than food webs in the other sub‐basins. The baseline levels of δ13C and δ15N differed between sub‐basins of the Baltic Sea, indicating differences in the input of organic matter and nutrients to each sub‐basin.
A user‐centered, learning asthma smartphone application for patients and providers
Authors: Gaynor Mark , Schneider David , Seltzer Margo , Crannage Erica , Barron Mary Lee , Waterman Jason , Oberle Andrew
Published: February 2020

Problem

Smartphone applications are an increasingly useful part of patients' self‐management of chronic health conditions. Asthma is a common chronic health condition for which good self‐management by patients is very helpful in maintaining stability. User‐centered design and intelligent systems that learn are steps forward in building applications that are more effective in providing quality care that is scalable and tailored to each patient.

Methods

A literature and application store search to review historic and current asthma smart phone applications. User‐centered design is a methodology that involves all stakeholders of a proposed system from the beginning of the design phase to the end of installation. One aspect of this user‐centered approach involved conducting focus groups with patients and health care providers to determine what features they desire for use in applications and create a model to build smart infrastructure for a learning health care system. A simple prototype for an asthma smartphone application is designed and built with basic functionality.

Outcomes

Only one publication in the literature review of asthma smartphone applications describes both user‐centered design and intelligent learning systems. The authors have presented a set of user‐desired attributes for a smart health care application and a possible data flow diagram of information for a learning system. A prototype simple user‐centered designed asthma smartphone application that better assists patients in their care illustrates the value of the proposed architecture.

Discussion

Our user‐centered approach helped design and implement a learning prototype smart phone application to help patients better manage their asthma and provide information to clinical care providers. While popular in other industries, user‐centered design has had slow adoption in the health care area. However, the popularity of this approach is increasing and will hopefully result in mobile application that better meets the needs of both patients and their care providers.
Geisinger's effort to realize its potential as a learning health system: A progress report
Authors: Davis F. Daniel , Williams Marc S. , Stametz Rebecca A.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

In the last two decades, several organizational initiatives have moved Geisinger into closer alignment with the key characteristics of the learning health system (LHS) model. The intent of this experience report is to provide a firsthand view of the potential of the model and of the complex, multifaceted nature of any endeavor designed and implemented to realize that potential.

Methods

After describing Geisinger, we offer a critical self‐assessment of our progress toward the goal of becoming an LHS, followed by an account of the challenges.

Results

Geisinger has made incremental but measurable progress in implementing the LHS model, especially in two key domains: in patient‐clinician engagement and science and informatics. Other challenges, however, present significant opportunities for additional forward movement, especially with respect to incentives, culture, and leadership.

Conclusion

Becoming a fully realized LHS is and will be a long‐term challenge for any organization that embraces this aspiration.
Polysaccharide Based Hemostatic Strategy for Ultrarapid Hemostasis
Authors: Chen Yeyi , Wu Lei , Li Pengpeng , Hao Xiao , Yang Xiao , Xi Guanghui , Liu Wen , Feng Yakai , He Hongchao , Shi Changcan
Published: February 2020

Bleeding complications usually cause significant morbidity and mortality in civilian and military populations. In clinical application, hemostatic sponges, gauzes, hydrogel, and bandages are widely used as the traditional effective hemostatic products for hemorrhage. However, the traditional hemostatic devices or agents cannot meet the requirement for treatment of massive bleeding. Therefore, the excellent hemostatic performance of hemostatic products are of great significance for saving lives. Natural polysaccharides, as the main chemical component, have been widely used in the preparation of hemostasis due to their perfect biocompatibility and biodegradability. Polysaccharide based hemostatic products are available in variety of forms, such as, hydrogel, sponges, gauze and microspheres. The purpose of the present review is to report the research progress on polysaccharide hemostatic products and technology.
Retaining skilled employees: A human capital model with innovation and entrepreneurship
Authors: Sayili Koray
Published: February 2020

In his seminal paper, Becker argues that firms never invest in general human capital in a frictionless labor market. Nevertheless, empirical evidence shows the opposite. This paper sheds light on this puzzle by developing a principal–agent model with human capital investments. The novel feature of the model is that specific human capital increases the agent's probability to innovate. Innovation brings the opportunity of entrepreneurship, which means losing a skilled agent for the principal. The results show that higher entrepreneurial income increases the risk of employee departure and the principal may use general human capital investment for retention.
Analyses of del(GJB6‐D13S1830) and del(GJB6‐D13S1834) deletions in a large cohort with hearing loss: Caveats to interpretation of molecular test results in multiplex families
Authors: Pandya Arti , O'Brien Alexander , Kovasala Michael , Bademci Guney , Tekin Mustafa , Arnos Kathleen S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Mutations involving the closely linked GJB2 and GJB6 at the DFNB1 locus are a common genetic cause of profound congenital hearing loss in many populations. In some deaf GJB2 heterozygotes, a 309 kb deletion involving the GJB6 has been found to be the cause for hearing loss when inherited in trans to a GJB2 mutation.

Methods

We screened 2,376 probands from a National DNA Repository of deaf individuals.

Results

Fifty‐two of 318 heterozygous probands with pathogenic GJB2 sequence variants had a GJB6 deletion. Additionally, eight probands had an isolated heterozygous GJB6 deletion that did not explain their hearing loss. In two deaf subjects, including one proband, a homozygous GJB6 deletion was the cause for their hearing loss, a rare occurrence not reported to date.

Conclusion

This study represents the largest US cohort of deaf individuals harboring GJB2 and GJB6 variants, including unique subsets of families with deaf parents. Testing additional members to clarify the phase of GJB2/GJB6 variants in multiplex families was crucial in interpreting clinical significance of the variants in the proband. It highlights the importance of determining the phase of GJB2/GJB6 variants when interpreting molecular test results especially in multiplex families with assortative mating.
The perforator flap from the contralateral large healthy breast as an alternative for breast reconstruction or combined breast and thoracic reconstruction
Authors: He Jinguang , Wang Tao , Xu Hua , Zhang Yi , Liu Ying , Dong Jiasheng
Published: February 2020

Background

It has been demonstrated that contralateral breast tissue can be used for delayed breast reconstruction. The current report presented the clinical outcomes of the perforator flap from the contralateral lower breast as a pedicled flap for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction and as a free flap for delayed breast reconstruction or simultaneous breast and thoracic reconstruction in patients with macromastia.

Methods

From June 2014 to August 2018, a total of 15 female patients with a mastectomy defect on one side and a large healthy breast on the other side were collected in our department. The pedicled flap based on the fourth internal thoracic artery perforator from the healthy breast was harvested for three immediate breast reconstructions and five delayed breast reconstructions. The free flap with the thoracoacromial vascular pedicle from the contralateral breast was transferred to the defect side for three delayed breast reconstructions and four simultaneous breast and thoracic reconstructions.

Results

The flap sizes ranged from 9 × 26 to 20 × 40 cm. All flaps survived well postoperatively. Two patients developed delayed wound healing problems on the reconstructed breast. No patient had complications with reduction mammaplasty. The mean follow‐up for patients was 21 months, with no tumor recurrence in either breast. The patients were satisfied with the reconstruction even though a certain degree of asymmetry was observed in all cases.

Conclusion

For patients with a large healthy breast, the contralateral breast is an alternative tissue source for breast reconstruction or combined breast and thoracic reconstruction.
Global weak solutions to a class of compressible non‐Newtonian fluids with vacuum
Authors: Muhammad Jan , Fang Li , Guo Zhenhua
Published: February 2020

The global weak solution of an initial‐boundary value problem for a compressible non‐Newtonian fluid is studied in a three‐dimensional bounded domain. By the techniques of artificial pressure, a solution to the initial‐boundary value problem is constructed through an approximation scheme and a weak convergence method. The existence of a global weak solution to the three‐dimensional compressible non‐Newtonian fluid with vacuum and large data is established.
Regularization of a backward problem for the inhomogeneous time‐fractional wave equation
Authors: Huy Tuan Nguyen , Au Vo , Nhat Huynh Le , Zhou Yong
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we consider a backward problem for an inhomogeneous time‐fractional wave equation in a general bounded domain. Such a backward problem is of practically great importance because we often do not know the initial density of substance, but we can observe the density at a positive moment. The existence and regularity for the backward problem are investigated. The backward problem is ill‐posed, and we propose a regularizing scheme by using a modified regularization method. We also prove the convergence rate for the regularized solution by using some a priori regularization parameter choice rule.
Shellfish Tropomyosin IgE Cross‐Reactivity Differs Among Edible Insect Species
Authors: Palmer Lee K. , Marsh Justin T. , Lu Mei , Goodman Richard E. , Zeece Michael G. , Johnson Philip E.
Published: February 2020

Scope

Insects are a potentially environmentally friendly alternative dietary protein source to supplement mammalian and fish sources, but potential allergenic risks are a concern. Consumption of insects may result in anaphylaxis and has been implicated in cross‐reactivity with shellfish. Many allergenic proteins may be involved in cross‐reactivity, including tropomyosin (TM). The uniformity of TM cross‐reactivity among edible insects is unknown. Candidate edible insects for variability in shellfish IgE cross‐reactivity are investigated.

Methods and results

Selected insects and known related sources of allergens are extracted and probed by immunoblot with sera/plasma from patients sensitized to insects or shellfish. Quantification of TM in these extracts is performed using mass spectrometry. A comparison of the quantity of TM and the IgE reactivity of TM from these insects is performed. Distinct patterns of IgE cross‐reactivity are observed with three insect species showing diminished reactivity. This pattern is not consistent with the amount of TM present in these insects, or with overall sequence homology.

Conclusion

Insects display a diversity of TM‐associated IgE reactivity. It is likely that minor sequence features and/or structural effects are primarily responsible. Additionally, it is demonstrated that some insect species may present significantly less IgE cross‐reactivity to shrimp than do others.
Semianalytical modeling on 3D stress redistribution during hydraulic fracturing stimulation and its effects on natural fracture reactivation
Authors: Ge Jun , Jerath Sukhvarsh , Ghassemi Ahmad
Published: February 2020

The hydraulic fracturing technique has been widely applied in many fields, such as the enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), the improvement of injection rates for geologic sequestration of CO2, and for the stimulations of oil and gas reservoirs. The key points for the success of hydraulic fracturing operations in unconventional resources are to accurately estimate the redistribution of pore pressure and stresses around the induced fracture and predict the reactivations of preexisting natural fractures. The pore pressure and stress regime around hydraulic fracture are affected by poroelastic and thermoelastic phenomena as well as by fracture opening compression. In this work, a comprehensive semi‐analytical model is used to estimate the stress and pore pressure distribution around an injection‐induced fracture from a single well in an infinite reservoir. The model allows the leak‐off distribution in the formation to be three‐dimensional with the pressure transient moving ellipsoidically outward into the reservoir from the fracture surface. The pore pressure and the stress changes in three dimensions at any point around the fracture caused by poroelasticity, thermoelasticity, and fracture compression are investigated. With Mohr‐Coulomb failure criterion, we calculate the natural fracture reactivations in the reservoir. Then, two case studies of constant water injection into a hydraulic fracture are presented. This work is of interest in the interpretation of microseismicity in hydraulic fracturing and in the estimation of the fracture spacing for hydraulic fracturing operations. In addition, the results from this study can be very helpful for the selection of stimulated wells and further design of the refracturing operations.
Increasing mitochondrial ATP synthesis with butyrate normalizes ADP and contractile function in metabolic heart disease
Authors: Panagia Marcello , He Huamei , Baka Tomas , Pimentel David R. , Croteau Dominique , Bachschmid Markus M. , Balschi James A. , Colucci Wilson S. , Luptak Ivan
Published: February 2020

Metabolic heart disease (MHD), which is strongly associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, is characterized by reduced mitochondrial energy production and contractile performance. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that an acute increase in ATP synthesis, via short chain fatty acid (butyrate) perfusion, restores contractile function in MHD. Isolated hearts of mice with MHD due to consumption of a high fat high sucrose (HFHS) diet or on a control diet (CD) for 4 months were studied using 31P NMR spectroscopy to measure high energy phosphates and ATP synthesis rates during increased work demand. At baseline, HFHS hearts had increased ADP and decreased free energy of ATP hydrolysis (ΔG~ATP), although contractile function was similar between the two groups. At high work demand, the ATP synthesis rate in HFHS hearts was reduced by over 50%. Unlike CD hearts, HFHS hearts did not increase contractile function at high work demand, indicating a lack of contractile reserve. However, acutely supplementing HFHS hearts with 4mM butyrate normalized ATP synthesis, ADP, ΔG~ATP and contractile reserve. Thus, acute reversal of depressed mitochondrial ATP production improves contractile dysfunction in MHD. These findings suggest that energy starvation may be a reversible cause of myocardial dysfunction in MHD, and opens new therapeutic opportunities.
Progression of Alzheimer's disease and effect of scFv‐h3D6 immunotherapy in the 3xTg‐AD mouse model: An in vivo longitudinal study using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy
Authors: Güell‐Bosch J. , Lope‐Piedrafita S. , Esquerda‐Canals G. , Montoliu‐Gaya L. , Villegas S.
Published: February 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable disease that affects most of the 47 million people estimated as living with dementia worldwide. The main histopathological hallmarks of AD are extracellular β‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein.

In recent years, Aβ‐immunotherapy has been revealed as a potential tool in AD treatment. One strategy consists of using single‐chain variable fragments (scFvs), which avoids the fragment crystallizable (Fc) effects that are supposed to trigger a microglial response, leading to microhemorrhages and vasogenic edemas, as evidenced in clinical trials with bapineuzumab. The scFv‐h3D6 generated by our research group derives from this monoclonal antibody, which targets the N‐terminal of the Aβ peptide and recognizes monomers, oligomers and fibrils.

In this study, 3xTg‐AD mice were intraperitoneally and monthly treated with 100 μg of scFv‐h3D6 (a dose of ~3.3 mg/kg) or PBS, from 5 to 12 months of age (−mo), the age at which the mice were sacrificed and samples collected for histological and biochemical analyses. During treatments, four monitoring sessions using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI/MRS) were performed at 5, 7, 9, and 12 months of age. MRI/MRS techniques are widely used in both human and mouse research, allowing to draw an in vivo picture of concrete aspects of the pathology in a non‐invasive manner and allowing to monitor its development across time.

Compared with the genetic background, 3xTg‐AD mice presented a smaller volume in almost all cerebral regions and ages examined, an increase in both the intra and extracellular Aβ1–42 at 12‐mo, and an inflammation process at this age, in both the hippocampus (IL‐6 and mIns) and cortex (IL‐6). In addition, treatment with scFv‐h3D6 partially recovered the values in brain volume, and Aβ, IL‐6, and mIns concentrations, among others, encouraging further studies with this antibody fragment.
The Politics of Media Infrastructure: Mobile Phones and Emergent Forms of Public Communication in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Foster Robert J.
Published: February 2020

Recent work in anthropology proposes that the ethnographic study of infrastructure offers a productive way to think about how states and corporations, citizens and consumers, all define their relations and obligations to each other. This article considers the politics of media infrastructure in Papua New Guinea (PNG) by tracing the moral economy of mobile phones. It focuses on (1) how mobile phone users have taken to social media to express dissatisfaction with the dominant mobile network operator, Digicel, a privately owned foreign company; and (2) how the PNG state has attempted to regulate the use of mobile phones and social media through cybercrime legislation and registration of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM cards). Consideration of these two issues – matters of concern that gather publics around them – enables an assessment of the promise of improved telecommunications and social media, in particular, to make government in PNG more accountable and transparent.
High thermal conductivity EP adhesive based on the GO/EP interface optimized by TDI
Authors: Xu Hang , Zhang Xiaorui , Hu Guangkai , Weng Ling , Liu Lizhu
Published: February 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) was used as the filler to modify the epoxy resin (EP) adhesive, and the GO/EP interface was optimized by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in order to improve the thermal conductivity and T peel strength performance of the adhesive. Through the characterization of the GO product, which was modified by TDI, TDI was grafted onto the surface of GO, and there were NCO groups remaining; thus the chemical bonds were built onto the interface which was non‐wetting between GO and EP. The results of the properties characterization of the adhesive indicated that the bonding properties were significantly enhanced, especially the T peel strength, which was up to 9.62 N/mm, which was contributed by the optimized GO/EP interface. The thermal conductivity of the adhesive increased to 0.624 W m−1 K−1, as the interface thermal resistance was reduced after the interface between GO/EP was optimized by TDI. The insulation performance of the adhesive was also improved, since the well‐dispersed GO formed a micro‐capacitance model in EP, and the surface of GO was covered by the EP so that the electronic paths were blocked by the formed chemical bonds.
Electrospun poly(lactic acid) nanofibers loaded with silver sulfadiazine/[Mg–Al]‐layered double hydroxide as an antimicrobial wound dressing
Authors: Malafatti João O. D. , Bernardo Marcela P. , Moreira Francys K. V. , Ciol Heloisa , Inada Natalia M. , Mattoso Luiz H.C. , Paris Elaine C.
Published: February 2020

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a versatile, bioabsorbable, and biodegradable polymer with excellent biocompatibility and ability to incorporate a great variety of active agents. Silver sulfadiazine (SDZ) is an antibiotic used to control bacterial infection in external wounds. Aiming to combine the properties of PLA and SDZ, hydrotalcite ([Mg–Al]‐LDH) was used as a host matrix to obtain an antimicrobial system efficient in delivering SDZ from electrospun PLA scaffolds intended for wound skin healing. The structural reconstruction method was successfully applied to intercalate silver sulfadiazine in the [Mg–Al]‐LDH, as evidenced by X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses. Observations by scanning electron microscopy revealed a good distribution of SDZ‐[Mg–Al]‐LDH within the PLA scaffold. Kinetics studies revealed a slow release of SDZ from the PLA scaffold due to the intercalation in the [Mg–Al]‐LDH. In vitro antimicrobial tests indicated a significant inhibitory effect of SDZ‐[Mg–Al]‐LDH against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This antibacterial activity was sustained in the 2.5‐wt% SDZ‐[Mg–Al]‐LDH–loaded PLA nanofibers, which also displayed excellent biocompatibility towards human cells. The multifunctionality of the PLA/SDZ‐[Mg–Al]‐LDH scaffold reported here is of great significance for various transdermal applications.
A novel methodology for designing thermal processes in order to optimize stabilization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers
Authors: Soulis Spyridon , Dragatogiannis Dimitris A. , Charitidis Costas A.
Published: February 2020

The aim of this work is to describe a novel methodology for optimizing the stabilization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, through designing of proper thermal treatment. The methodology is based on a set of design rules and the procedure for implementing them, utilizing the time‐temperature‐transition (TTT) and the maximum permittable stress (max.stress) plots. The proposed approach is implemented in order to optimize the stabilization of commercial PAN fibers, resulting in a series of multistage thermal treatments. The changes of both physical and chemical structures of PAN during the progress of the multistage treatments were investigated and showed that the fibers were progressively converted into completely stabilized material; this gradual transformation permitted improvement of fiber annealing and minimized the effect of the decomposition reactions. The proposed methodology can be universally applied for achieving the global optimum of the stabilization process for any PAN precursor.
Applying the COM‐B model to patient‐reported barriers to medication adherence in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Heneghan Mallorie B. , Hussain Tasmeen , Barrera Leonardo , Cai Stephanie W. , Haugen Maureen , Duff Ashley , Shoop Jenny , Morgan Elaine , Rossoff Jenna , Weinstein Joanna , Hijiya Nobuko , Cella David , Badawy Sherif M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Adherence to oral chemotherapy, including 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP), is suboptimal in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is associated with increased risk of relapse. Study objectives were to examine self‐reported adherence to 6‐MP and related barriers to adherence, mapped to the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM‐B) model for behavior change.

Procedure

Forty‐nine parents (median, 39 years old; 76% females) and 15 patients (median, 17 years old, 20% females) completed the study survey.

Results

Suboptimal adherence was reported in 43% of parents and 73% of patients. Most parents and patients (80% and 90%, respectively) reported ≥1 adherence barrier. Parents reported difficulty helping their child meet others with ALL (43%), contacting community organizations (39%), and meeting other parents (37%). Patients reported difficulty finding out what their medications are (40%), finding out what 6‐MP does (47%), and meeting other patients (40%). Using the COM‐B, we found that parents and patients endorsed barriers in multiple components, especially physical (55%, 67%) and social opportunity (56%, 47%), highlighting that barriers to adherence may be multifaceted.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that parents and patients with ALL face various prevalent barriers to medication adherence and provide insight into the development of behavioral interventions focused on promoting adherence, which is essential to prevent relapse and optimize health outcomes in ALL.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals that EPHX1 Contributes to 5‐Fluorouracil Resistance in a Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line
Authors: Sun Rui , Dong Chengyong , Li Rui , Chu Hongwei , Liu Jianhui , Hao Dingjun , Zhang Lihua , Zhao Baofeng , Wang Liming , Zhang Yukui
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The extensive drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a major cause of chemotherapy failure. A deeper understanding of the drug resistance mechanism of tumor cells is very significant for improving the clinical prognosis of patients with HCC.

Experimental Design

In this study, proteomic studies on the composition of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu) resistant Bel/5Fu cell line and its parent Bel7402 cell line by using an ionic liquid assisted proteins extraction method with the advantage of extracting plasma membrane proteins to a wider extent are performed. Then the expression level and function of differentially expressed plasma membrane proteins are verified.

Results

In total, 25 plasma membrane proteins are shown differentially expressed in Bel/5Fu compared with Bel7402. Western blot analysis results further confirmed that the EPHX1 PLIN2 RAB27B SLC4A2 are upregulated in Bel/5Fu cells in accordance with the proteomics data. Moreover, cell viability assay and clonogenic survival assay results demonstrated that EPHX1 is closely related to the chemoresistance of Bel/5Fu to 5‐Fu.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Plasma membrane protein EPHX1 is closely related to the chemotherapy resistance of Bel/5Fu cells and can be used as a new drug target to improve the clinical prognosis of patients with HCC.
Structural basis of light‐harvesting in the photosystem II core complex
Authors: Müh Frank , Zouni Athina
Published: February 2020

Photosystem II (PSII) is a membrane‐spanning, multi‐subunit pigment–protein complex responsible for the oxidation of water and the reduction of plastoquinone in oxygenic photosynthesis. In the present review, the recent explosive increase in available structural information about the PSII core complex based on X‐ray crystallography and cryo‐electron microscopy is described at a level of detail that is suitable for a future structure‐based analysis of light‐harvesting processes. This description includes a proposal for a consistent numbering scheme of protein‐bound pigment cofactors across species. The structural survey is complemented by an overview of the state of affairs in structure‐based modeling of excitation energy transfer in the PSII core complex with emphasis on electrostatic computations, optical properties of the reaction center, the assignment of long‐wavelength chlorophylls, and energy trapping mechanisms.