bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remembering where we are: Positional information in salamander limb regeneration
Authors: Flowers Grant Parker , Crews Craig M
Published: March 2020

Fifty years ago, Lewis Wolpert defined an important question in developmental biology: how are cell fates determined by the positions of cells within a system? He proposed that cells retain positional values as if they lie within a coordinate system and that the interpretation of these values produces patterns in development. He referred to this concept as positional information. Though initially controversial, this concept of positional information has proven to be profoundly influential in developmental biology. One area in which the influence of Wolpert's theoretical work can be clearly demonstrated is the study of limb regeneration in salamanders. Here, we review the work in limb regeneration leading up to Wolpert defining the concept of positional information and how his theory has guided regeneration research over the subsequent 50 years.
Occupancy versus colonization–extinction models for projecting population trends at different spatial scales
Authors: Nordén Jenni , Harrison Philip J. , Mair Louise , Siitonen Juha , Lundström Anders , Kindvall Oskar , Snäll Tord
Published: March 2020

Understanding spatiotemporal population trends and their drivers is a key aim in population ecology. We further need to be able to predict how the dynamics and sizes of populations are affected in the long term by changing landscapes and climate. However, predictions of future population trends are sensitive to a range of modeling assumptions. Deadwood‐dependent fungi are an excellent system for testing the performance of different predictive models of sessile species as these species have different rarity and spatial population dynamics, the populations are structured at different spatial scales, and they utilize distinct substrates. We tested how the projected large‐scale occupancies of species with differing landscape‐scale occupancies are affected over the coming century by different modeling assumptions. We compared projections based on occupancy models against colonization–extinction models, conducting the modeling at alternative spatial scales and using fine‐ or coarse‐resolution deadwood data. We also tested effects of key explanatory variables on species occurrence and colonization–extinction dynamics. The hierarchical Bayesian models applied were fitted to an extensive repeated survey of deadwood and fungi at 174 patches. We projected higher occurrence probabilities and more positive trends using the occupancy models compared to the colonization–extinction models, with greater difference for the species with lower occupancy, colonization rate, and colonization:extinction ratio than for the species with higher estimates of these statistics. The magnitude of future increase in occupancy depended strongly on the spatial modeling scale and resource resolution. We encourage using colonization–extinction models over occupancy models, modeling the process at the finest resource‐unit resolution that is utilizable by the species, and conducting projections for the same spatial scale and resource resolution at which the model fitting is conducted. Further, the models applied should include key variables driving the metapopulation dynamics, such as the availability of suitable resource units, habitat quality, and spatial connectivity.
Population modelling and genetics of a critically endangered Madagascan palm Tahina spectabilis
Authors: Shapcott Alison , James Heather , Simmons Laura , Shimizu Yoko , Gardiner Lauren , Rabehevitra David , Letsara Rokiman , Cable Stuart , Dransfield John , Baker William J. , Rakotoarinivo Mijoro
Published: March 2020

Madagascar is home to 208 indigenous palm species, almost all of them endemic and >80% of which are endangered. We undertook complete population census and sampling for genetic analysis of a relatively recently discovered giant fan palm, the Critically Endangered Tahina spectablis in 2008 and 2016. Our 2016 study included newly discovered populations and added to our genetic study. We incorporated these new populations into species distribution niche model (SDM) and projected these onto maps of the region. We developed population matrix models based on observed demographic data to model population change and predict the species vulnerability to extinction by undertaking population viability analysis (PVA). We investigated the potential conservation value of reintroduced planted populations within the species potential suitable habitat. We found that the population studied in 2008 had grown in size due to seedling regeneration but had declined in the number of reproductively mature plants, and we were able to estimate that the species reproduces and dies after approximately 70 years. Our models suggest that if the habitat where it resides continues to be protected the species is unlikely to go extinct due to inherent population decline and that it will likely experience significant population growth after approximately 80 years due to the reproductive and life cycle attributes of the species. The newly discovered populations contain more genetic diversity than the first discovered southern population which is genetically depauperate. The species appears to demonstrate a pattern of dispersal leading to isolated founder plants which may eventually lead to population development depending on local establishment opportunities. The conservation efforts currently put in place including the reintroduction of plants within the species potential suitable habitat if maintained are thought likely to enable the species to sustain itself but it remains vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts.
Efficient Performance Analysis of Energy Aware on Demand Routing Protocol in Mobile Ad‐Hoc Network
Authors: Prasad P Rajendra , Shankar Shiva
Published: March 2020

In a networking scenario, energy protocols with shortest path routing mechanisms are prevalent. The challenging issue in designing the routing protocols for a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is to have a network, which is energy efficient so as to maximize network performance. This research article proposes a novel and energy efficient shortest path routing mechanism called the energy aware on demand routing protocol. The protocol maximizes the lifetime of the MANET and provides an economically efficient routing mechanism for the packets depending on the routing condition. The energy efficient routing in MANET simply establishes routes amongst the mobile nodes and protocol functions in the network as long as its energy is available. The protocol is set to minimize transmitter/receiver energy, or inactivate energy consumption when a mobile node is in idle/sleep mode. At the same time, it monitors the wireless medium for any possible communication requests from other nodes in the network. To validate the proposed energy efficient routing protocol, its performance is compared with the performance of other well‐known routing protocols wherein the energy utilization in the network is also considered, namely, the dynamic source routing protocol and conditional max‐min battery capacity routing protocol in the network simulator‐2. The comparison is performed in terms of its packet loss, packet delivery ratio, average energy consumption, and network lifetime. The performance analysis shows that the proposed protocol is superior in terms of energy consumption for the transmission of data in the network.
Load balanced fuzzy‐based unequal clustering for wireless sensor networks assisted Internet of Things
Authors: Agrawal Deepika , Pandey Sudhakar
Published: March 2020

The fundamental unit of the Internet of Things (IoT) is wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Due to their low cost and prospective use, WSNs have drawn interest in various applications over the last years. Since sensor nodes are equipped with limited battery, it is vital energy consumption be carefully monitored. Therefore, minimizing the node energy consumption is clearly essential to extend the network lifetime. In this paper, a fuzzy‐based unequal clustering protocol is proposed. Not only does the proposed protocol prolong the network lifetime, but it also balances the load among nodes. Former protocols do not consider load balancing. Fuzzy logic is employed considering four inputs: residual energy, distance to a base station, node degree and centrality. To validate its efficiency, the novel protocol is compared with other relevant protocols. The obtained results prove that the protocol here proposed outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art protocols.
Tensile strength of wood in high temperatures before charring
Authors: Kuronen Henri , Mikkola Esko , Hostikka Simo
Published: March 2020

The main focus of this paper is on the tensile strength of wood at high temperatures. On analysing previous literature, it was observed that results by different researchers are different, even though a vast reduction of the tensile strength at elevated temperatures was clear in all of them. Thus, a need for further investigation into the matter became apparent. As a key part of this paper, steady‐state tensile strength experiments below charring temperatures were carried out, and their results were analysed. The results were then used in analysing the tensile strength of a wooden beam subjected to a fire using the Fire Dynamics Simulator.
Rapid identification of chrysanthemum teas by computer vision and deep learning
Authors: Liu Chunlin , Lu Weiying , Gao Boyan , Kimura Hanae , Li Yanfang , Wang Jing
Published: March 2020

Seven commercial Chinese chrysanthemum tea products were classified by computer vision combined with machine learning algorithms. Without the need of building any specific hardware, the image acquisition was achieved in two computer vision approaches. In the first approach, a series of multivariate classification models were built after morphological feature extraction of the image. The best prediction accuracies when classifying flowering stages and tea types were respectively 90% and 63%. In comparison, the deep neural network was applied directly on the raw image, yielded 96% and 89% correct identifications when classifying flowering stage and tea type, respectively. The model can be applied for rapid and automatic quality determination of teas and other related foods. The result indicated that computer vision, especially when combined with deep learning or other machine learning techniques can be a convenient and versatile method in the evaluation of food quality.
Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging compared to surgical exploration for anterior skull base and medial orbital wall infiltration in advanced sinonasal tumors
Authors: Meerwein Christian M. , Pazahr Shila , Soyka Michael B. , Hüllner Martin W. , Holzmann David
Published: March 2020

Background

Knowledge of medial orbital wall (MOW) and anterior skull base (ASB) infiltration is of uttermost importance for staging and therapy planning of advanced sinonasal tumors.

Methods

We assessed the diagnostic performance of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for MOW and ASB infiltration compared to intraoperative exploration.

Results

Both CT and MRI yielded higher diagnostic accuracy for MOW infiltration (Reader 1: 83.6% CT; 89.0% MRI, Reader 2: 91.8% CT, 93.2% MRI) than for ASB infiltration (Reader 1: 82.2% CT, 82.2% MRI, Reader 2: 67.7% CT, 67.7% MRI). Both modalities were equal to the gold standard, except for ASB assessment by Reader 2 with MRI. A postoperative change of T classification is common (Reader 1: 28.8%, Reader 2: 31.5%).

Conclusions

CT and MRI are accurate methods for the assessment of MOW infiltration. ASB assessment is challenging and false‐positive and false‐negative findings are common with both methods, emphasizing the need for intraoperative exploration.
WSe2 2D p‐type semiconductor‐based electronic devices for information technology: Design, preparation, and applications
Authors: Cheng Qilin , Pang Jinbo , Sun Dehui , Wang Jingang , Zhang Shu , Liu Fan , Chen Yuke , Yang Ruiqi , Liang Na , Lu Xiheng , Ji Yanchen , Wang Jian , Zhang Congcong , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia
Published: March 2020

The pioneering exfoliation of monolayer tungsten diselenide has greatly inspired researchers toward semiconducting applications. WSe2 belongs to a family of transition‐metal dichalcogenides. Similar to graphene, WSe2 and analogous dichalcogenides have layered structures with weak van der Waals interactions between two adjacent layers. First, the readers are presented with the fundamentals of WSe2, such as types, morphologies, and properties. Here, we report the characterization principles and practices such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction. Second, the methods for obtaining high‐quality WSe2, such as exfoliation, hydrothermal and chemical vapor deposition, are briefly listed. With advantages of light weight, flexibility, and high quantum efficiency, 2D materials may have a niche in optoelectronics as building blocks in p‐n junctions. Therefore, we introduce a state‐of‐the‐art demonstration of heterostructure devices employing the p‐type WSe2 semiconductor. The device architectures include field‐effect transistors, photodetectors, gas sensors, and photovoltaic solar cells. Due to its unique electronic, optical, and energy band properties, WSe2 has been increasingly investigated due to the conductivity of the p‐type charge carrier upon palladium contact. Eventually, the dynamic research on WSe2 and van der Waals heterostructures is summarized to arouse the passion of the 2D research community.

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A caffeic acid phenethyl ester analog inhibits the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via targeting epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Ning Xianhui , Ren Xiabin , Xie Xiaofeng , Yan Ping , Wang Dehui , Huang Xinsheng
Published: March 2020

A previous study reported that compound 5A, a caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) analog, exhibited obvious neuroprotective activity, in particular, compound 5A possessed higher stability and membrane permeability than CAPE. CAPE displays antitumour function; therefore, evaluating the antitumour effect of its analog with higher stability and membrane permeability is worthwhile. We first investigated the antitumour activity of compound 5A. We found that compound 5A significantly inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells and showed low cytotoxicity in normal cells. Furthermore, compound 5A was found to induce the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of CNE2 cells. Through the prediction of SwissTargetPrediction and subsequent confirmation, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was identified as a target of compound 5A. Compound 5A also influenced the expression of genes downstream of EGFR in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. Based on these findings, compound 5A inhibits the proliferation of NPC cells by targeting EGFR and may become a new candidate compound for NPC treatment.
Periodic trends and complexation chemistry of tetravalent actinide ions with a potential actinide decorporation agent 5‐LIO(Me‐3,2‐HOPO): A relativistic density functional theory exploration
Authors: Sadhu Biswajit , Dolg Michael , Kulkarni Mukund S.
Published: March 2020

A relativistic density functional theory (DFT) study is reported which aims to understand the complexation chemistry of An4+ions (An = Th, U, Np, and Pu) with a potential decorporation agent, 5‐LIO(Me‐3,2‐HOPO). The calculations show that the periodic change of the metal binding free energy has an excellent correlation with the ionic radii and such change of ionic radii also leads to the structural modulation of actinide–ligand complexes. The calculated structural and binding parameters agree well with the available experimental data. Atomic charges derived from quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and natural bond order (NBO) analysis shows the major role of ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer in the stability of the complexes. Energy decomposition analysis, QTAIM, and electron localization function (ELF) predict that the actinide–ligand bond is dominantly ionic, but the contribution of orbital interaction is considerable and increases from Th4+to Pu4+. A decomposition of orbital contributions applying the extended transition state‐natural orbital chemical valence method points out the significant π‐donation from the oxygen donor centers to the electron‐poor actinide ion. Molecular orbital analysis suggests an increasing trend of orbital mixing in the context of 5f orbital participation across the tetravalent An series (Th‐Pu). However, the corresponding overlap integral is found to be smaller than in the case of 6d orbital participation. An analysis of the results from the aforementioned electronic structure methods indicates that such orbital participation possibly arises due to the energy matching of ligand and metal orbitals and carries the signature of near‐degeneracy driven covalency.
The expression landscape of cachexia‐inducing factors in human cancers
Authors: Freire Paula Paccielli , Fernandez Geysson Javier , de Moraes Diogo , Cury Sarah Santiloni , Dal Pai‐Silva Maeli , dos Reis Patrícia Pintor , Rogatto Silvia Regina , Carvalho Robson Francisco
Published: March 2020

Background

Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome highly associated with specific tumour types, but the causes of variation in cachexia prevalence and severity are unknown. While circulating plasma mediators (soluble cachectic factors) derived from tumours have been implicated with the pathogenesis of the syndrome, these associations were generally based on plasma concentration rather than tissue‐specific gene expression levels. Here, we hypothesized that tumour gene expression profiling of cachexia‐inducing factors (CIFs) in human cancers with different prevalence of cachexia could reveal potential cancer‐specific cachexia mediators and biomarkers of clinical outcome.

Methods

First, we combined uniformly processed RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype‐Tissue Expression databases to characterize the expression profile of secretome genes in 12 cancer types (4651 samples) compared with their matched normal tissues (2737 samples). We systematically investigated the transcriptomic data to assess the tumour expression profile of 25 known CIFs and their predictive values for patient survival. We used the Xena Functional Genomics tool to analyse the gene expression of CIFs according to neoplastic cellularity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which is known to present the highest prevalence of cachexia.

Results

A comprehensive characterization of the expression profiling of secreted genes in different human cancers revealed pathways and mediators with a potential role in cachexia within the tumour microenvironment. Cytokine‐related and chemokine‐related pathways were enriched in tumour types frequently associated with the syndrome. CIFs presented a tumour‐specific expression profile, in which the number of upregulated genes was correlated with the cachexia prevalence (r2: 0.80; P value: 0.002) and weight loss (r2: 0.81; P value: 0.002). The distinct gene expression profile, according to tumour type, was significantly associated with prognosis (P value ≤ 1.96 E‐06). In pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the upregulated CIF genes were associated with tumours presenting low neoplastic cellularity and high leucocyte fraction and not with tumour grade.

Conclusions

Our results present a biological dimension of tumour‐secreted elements that are potentially useful to explain why specific cancer types are more likely to develop cachexia. The tumour‐specific profile of CIFs may help the future development of better targeted therapies to treat cancer types highly associated with the syndrome.
Primaquine phosphate induces the apoptosis of ATRA-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia cells by inhibition of the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Ma Lan , Chen Lianjuan , Li Haoying , Ge Lu , Wang Siheng , Zhang Zhida , Huang He , Shi Liuzhi , Li Tong , Gu Haihua , Lyu Jianxin , He Licai
Published: March 2020

As a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by a chromosomal translocation, most of which result in the production of a PML-RAR alpha fusion protein. Although the overall survival rate of APL patients has improved dramatically due to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment, ATRA-resistance remains a clinical challenge in the management of APL. Therefore, alternative agents should be considered for ATRA-resistant APL patients. Here, we report that antimalaria drug primaquine phosphate (PRQ) exhibits an anti-leukemia effect on both ATRA-sensitive cell line NB4 and ATRA-resistant APL cell lines, NB4-LR2, NB4-LR1, and NB4-MR2. Moreover, PRQ significantly inhibited primary colony formation of untreated or relapsed APL patients. Further study showed that PRQ could induce the apoptosis of APL cells by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. The in vivo study showed that PRQ significantly inhibited NB4-LR2 xenograft tumors growth. These results suggest that PRQ is a potential therapeutic agent for ATRA-resistant APL patients.
The indirect antiangiogenic effect of IL-37 in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Mei Yu , Zhu Ying , Teo Huey Yee , Liu Yonghao , Song Yuan , Lim Hwee Ying , Binte Hanafi Zuhairah , Angeli Veronique , Liu Haiyan
Published: March 2020

IL-37, a newly identified IL-1 family cytokine, has been shown to play an important role in inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and carcinogenesis. IL-37 has been suggested to suppress tumoral angiogenesis, whereas some publications showed that IL-37 promoted angiogenesis through TGF-β signaling in both physiologic and pathologic conditions. Therefore, the function of IL-37 in tumoral angiogenesis is not clear and the underlying mechanism is not known. In this current study, we investigated the direct role of IL-37 on endothelial cells, as well as its indirect effect on angiogenesis through functioning on tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. We found that IL-37 treatment directly promoted HUVEC migration and tubule formation, indicating IL-37 as a proangiogenic factor. Surprisingly, the supernatants from IL-37 overexpressing tumor cell line promoted HUVEC apoptosis and inhibited its migration and tubule formation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that IL-37 suppressed tumor angiogenesis in a murine orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model, suggesting its dominant antiangiogenesis role in vivo. Moreover, microarray and qPCR analysis demonstrated that IL-37 reduced the expressions of proangiogenic factors and increased the expressions of antiangiogenic factors by tumor cells. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 expression was significantly decreased by IL-37 in both cell lines and murine tumor models. MMP9 and vascular endothelial growth factor expressions were also reduced in murine tumors overexpressing IL-37, as well as in cell lines overexpressing IL-37 under hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, although IL-37 could exert direct proangiogenic effects on endothelial cells, it plays an antiangiogenic role via modulating proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factor expressions by tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Compatibility of intravenous busulfan with BBraun giving sets, fludarabine and Posiflush
Authors: Smith Evonne K. , Shergold Jill A. , McWhinney Brett C.
Published: March 2020

Background

Intravenous busulfan (BU) is known to be incompatible with certain plastics and is recommended for infusion through specific filters. The Queensland Children's Hospital has experienced precipitation on two occasions where BU was administered following a fludarabine (FLU) infusion via a BBraun giving set containing a filter, and after flushing a line with Posiflush (PF).

Aim

This study determined the chemical and visual compatibility of BU with FLU, PF and BBraun giving sets, with or without a filter.

Methods

Infusion solutions of 0.5 mg/mL BU were prepared and a control infusion of BU was passed through Giving set B (no filter). The control was compared to three test infusions passed through Giving set A (filter included). Samples were taken at 0, 1, 2 and 3 h to determine BU concentrations via HPLC. Infusions were visualised for precipitation. Admixtures of 0.25 mg/mL BU and 0.85 mg/mL FLU or 0.25 mg/mL BU and PF in a syringe were prepared, visualised at 1 h and tested by HPLC to determine BU concentration.

Results

There were no differences in BU concentrations at 1, 2 or 3 h after infusion through Giving set A versus Giving set B. No precipitation occurred. Admixture samples of BU with FLU or BU with PF also showed no precipitation. BU concentrations were also maintained in the samples.

Discussion

BBraun giving sets with, or without a filter, are compatible with BU and have no affect on BU concentration and do not cause precipitation. BU is compatible with both FLU and PF as an admixture.
A Preliminary Study on Quantitative Quality Measurements of the Urethral Rhabdosphincter Muscle by Supersonic Shear Wave Imaging in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Zhao Baihua , Wen Lieming , Chen Wenjie , Qing Zhenzhen , Liu Dan , Liu Minghui
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To quantitatively assess the quality of the urethral rhabdosphincter muscle by measuring its shear wave velocity (Vs) and calculating the Young modulus (E) with supersonic shear wave imaging (SSI).

Methods

This was a prospective study of 43 women with SUI and 52 female control participants who underwent a transperineal US examination with SSI. Supersonic shear wave imaging was performed at rest with a linear transducer and a specialized‐preset procedure. The stability and validity of the shear waves were automatically assessed by the SSI procedure. The SSI images were visualized in a color‐coded elastographic image. In the postprocessing analysis, the ventral part of the urethral rhabdosphincter muscle was manually outlined. The mean Vs and the mean E of the muscle were measured by the SSI procedure. The relationship between the mean Vs, mean E, and SUI was evaluated.

Results

The SSI examination was successfully performed in 40 patients with SUI (93.0%) and 40 female control participants (76.9%). No significant differences between the groups in age, body mass index, and parity were identified. For the SUI and control groups, the mean Vs values were 2.54 and 2.73 m/s, respectively, and the mean E values were was 19.7 and 22.7kPa. Significant correlations were found between SUI and the mean Vs as well as the mean E (Spearman correlation coefficients, –0.41 and –0.43; P < .05).

Conclusions

The mechanical properties of the urethral sphincter can be quantitatively assessed by SSI. The stiffness of the urethral rhabdosphincter muscle was significantly lower in women with SUI.
Migratory Disturbance Thresholds with Mule Deer and Energy Development
Authors: Sawyer Hall , Lambert Mallory S. , Merkle Jerod A.
Published: March 2020

Fine‐scale movement data has transformed our knowledge of ungulate migration ecology and now provides accurate, spatially explicit maps of migratory routes that can inform planning and management at local, state, and federal levels. Among the most challenging land use planning issues has been developing energy resources on public lands that overlap with important ungulate habitat, including the migratory routes of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). We generally know that less development is better for minimizing negative effects and maintaining habitat function, but we lack information on the amount of disturbance that animals can tolerate before reducing use of or abandoning migratory habitat. We used global positioning system data from 56 deer across 15 years to evaluate how surface disturbance from natural gas well pads and access roads in western Wyoming, USA, affected habitat selection of mule deer during migration and whether any disturbance threshold(s) existed beyond which use of migratory habitat declined. We used resource and step selection functions to examine disturbance thresholds at 3 different spatial scales. Overall, migratory use by mule deer declined as surface disturbance increased. Based on the weight of evidence from our 3 independent but complementary metrics, declines in migratory use related to surface disturbance were non‐linear, where migratory use sharply declined when surface disturbance from energy development exceeded 3%. Disturbance thresholds may vary across regions, species, or migratory habitats (e.g., stopover sites). Such information can help with management and land use decisions related to mineral leasing and energy development that overlap with the migratory routes of ungulates. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Distinct Histopathology Characteristics in Empty Nose Syndrome
Authors: Wu Ching‐Lung , Fu Chia‐Hsiang , Lee Ta‐Jen
Published: March 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a controversial disorder and the change of histopathology has never been discussed. This study aimed to conduct a structured histological review to improve the diagnosis and understanding of ENS. Further immunohistochemical staining of transient receptor potential channel melastatin 8 (TRPM8) was performed.

Study Design

A prospective case–control study in a tertiary medical center.

Methods

Consecutive patients with ENS who were diagnosed and received surgical intervention after failure of conservative management were included. Patients with benign pituitary gland tumor receiving transsphenoidal excision were enrolled as control group. Biopsy of inferior turbinate was obtained during surgery for histological review and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Seventeen patients with ENS and six patients as a control group were established for structured histological review. Patients with ENS presented significantly more squamous metaplasia, a higher rate of submucosal fibrosis, and a lower submucosal gland number grading. Additionally, a unique histological change called goblet cell metaplasia was found in the ENS group. The respiratory epitheliums of ENS were mostly intact with preservation of ciliated cells and goblet cells. The ENS group had a significantly lower expression level of TRPM8.

Conclusions

The nasal mucosa of ENS experienced some airway remodeling and thermoreceptors downregulation, which contribute to clinical symptoms. The distinct histology of ENS included preserved respiratory epithelium and goblet cell metaplasia, accompanying with characteristics similar to atrophic rhinitis. Biopsy of the inferior turbinate may help diagnose ENS.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E14–E18, 2021
β‐Sheet Nanocrystals Dictate Water Responsiveness of Bombyx Mori Silk
Authors: Park Yaewon , Jung Yeojin , Li Tai‐De , Lao Jianpei , Tu Raymond S. , Chen Xi
Published: March 2020

Water‐responsive (WR) materials that strongly swell and shrink in response to changes in relative humidity (RH) have shown a great potential to serve as high‐energy actuators for soft robotics and new energy‐harvesting systems. However, the design criteria governing the scalable and high‐efficiency WR actuation remain unclear, and thus inhibit further development of WR materials for practical applications. Nature has provided excellent examples of WR materials that contain stiff nanocrystalline structures that can be crucial to understand the fundamentals of WR behavior. This work reports that regenerated Bombyx (B.) mori silk can be processed to increase β‐sheet crystallinity, which dramatically increases the WR energy density to 1.6 MJ m−3, surpassing that of all known natural muscles, including mammalian muscles and insect muscles. Interestingly, the maximum water sorption decreases from 80.4% to 19.2% as the silk's β‐sheet crystallinity increases from 19.7% to 57.6%, but the silk's WR energy density shows an eightfold increase with higher fractions of β‐sheets. The findings of this study suggest that high crystallinity of silk reduces energy dissipation and translates the chemical potential of water‐induced pressure to external loads more efficiently during the hydration/dehydration processes. Moreover, the availability of B. mori silk opens up possibilities for simple and scalable modification and production of powerful WR actuators.
Copathology in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: Does It Matter?
Authors: Jecmenica Lukic Milica , Kurz Carolin , Respondek Gesine , Grau‐Rivera Oriol , Compta Yaroslau , Gelpi Ellen , Troakes Claire ,   Barcelona Brain Bank collaborative group, the MDS‐endorsed PSP study group, van Swieten John C. , Giese Armin , Roeber Sigrun , Arzberger Thomas , Höglinger Günter
Published: March 2020

Background

The influence of concomitant brain pathologies on the progression rate in PSP is unclear.

Objectives

To analyze the frequency and severity of copathologies and their impact on the progression in PSP.

Methods

We analyzed clinic‐pathological features of 101 PSP patients. Diagnoses and stages of copathologies were established according to standardized criteria, including Alzheimer's disease–related pathology, argyrophilic grains, Lewy‐related pathology, transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 pathology, fused in sarcoma pathology, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and small vessel disease. Demographic data and major clinical milestones (frequency and latency to onset) were extracted from patients’ files.

Results

Only 8% of 101 patients presented with pure PSP pathology without any copathology. Alzheimer's disease–related pathology was the most frequent (84%), followed by argyrophilic grains (58%), both occurring as single copathology or in combination with other proteinopathies or cerebrovascular disease. Lewy‐related and transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 copathology occurred rarely (8% and 6%, respectively). Fused in sarcoma–positive cases were not found. While being common, copathology was mostly mild in severity, with the exception of frequently widespread argyrophilic grains. Small vessel disease was also frequent (65%). Cerebral amyloid angiopathy occurred only in the presence of Alzheimer's disease–related changes (25%). The copathologies did not have major impact on prevalence and time frame of major disease milestones.

Conclusions

In PSP, concomitant neurodegenerative proteinopathies or cerebrovascular diseases are frequent, but generally mild in severity. Our data confirmed that four repeat tau is still the most relevant target for PSP, whereas the impact of copathologies on progression rate appears to be of less importance. This is relevant information for the development of disease‐modifying therapies. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
High‐fidelity, accelerated whole‐brain submillimeter in vivo diffusion MRI using gSlider‐spherical ridgelets (gSlider‐SR)
Authors: Ramos‐Llordén Gabriel , Ning Lipeng , Liao Congyu , Mukhometzianov Rinat , Michailovich Oleg , Setsompop Kawin , Rathi Yogesh
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To develop an accelerated, robust, and accurate diffusion MRI acquisition and reconstruction technique for submillimeter whole human brain in vivo scan on a clinical scanner.

Methods

We extend the ultra‐high resolution diffusion MRI acquisition technique, gSlider, by allowing undersampling in q‐space and radiofrequency (RF)‐encoding space, thereby dramatically reducing the total acquisition time of conventional gSlider. The novel method, termed gSlider‐SR, compensates for the lack of acquired information by exploiting redundancy in the dMRI data using a basis of spherical ridgelets (SR), while simultaneously enhancing the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Using Monte Carlo simulation with realistic noise levels and several acquisitions of in vivo human brain dMRI data (acquired on a Siemens Prisma 3T scanner), we demonstrate the efficacy of our method using several quantitative metrics.

Results

For high‐resolution dMRI data with realistic noise levels (synthetically added), we show that gSlider‐SR can reconstruct high‐quality dMRI data at different acceleration factors preserving both signal and angular information. With in vivo data, we demonstrate that gSlider‐SR can accurately reconstruct 860 μm diffusion MRI data (64 diffusion directions at ), at comparable quality as that obtained with conventional gSlider with four averages, thereby providing an eight‐fold reduction in scan time (from 1 hour 20 to 10 minutes).

Conclusions

gSlider‐SR enables whole‐brain high angular resolution dMRI at a submillimeter spatial resolution with a dramatically reduced acquisition time, making it feasible to use the proposed scheme on existing clinical scanners.
Essential thrombocythemia A retrospective case series
Authors: Barg Assaf Arie , Toren Amos , Tamary Hannah , Yacobovich Joanne , Steinberg‐Shemer Orna , Gilad Oded , Goldstein Gal , Miskin Hagit , Revel‐Vilk Shoshana , Rosenbeg Nurit , Kenet Gili , Zemer Vered Shkalim
Published: March 2020

Background

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is rare in children, and pediatric guidelines are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate ET diagnosis and treatment in a pediatric cohort.

Procedure

Data of patients with ET from three hospitals were reviewed. Molecular diagnosis included JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL mutations. Patients were evaluated for acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). Follow‐up included clinical symptoms, adverse events, and treatment.

Results

Twelve children (median age: 8 years, range 1‐14.5) were included. Mean lag period between the first documentation of thrombocytosis until ET diagnosis was 36 months. Six patients were positive for JAK2V617F and two for CALR mutations. In six of nine patients, AVWS was diagnosed. At diagnosis, only 33% of patients started therapy with aspirin (n = 4) and hydroxyurea (n = 2). In three of eight untreated patients, therapy was added during follow‐up. The cohort was followed for a median of 32.5 months (range: 4‐108 months). Clinical follow‐up disclosed vascular complications in 4 of 12 patients (deep vein thrombosis, n = 1; transient ischemic attack, n = 3). Two females experienced excessive bleeding; both were diagnosed with AVWS. Neither leukemia nor myelofibrosis evolved in our cohort.

Conclusion

Increased awareness to pediatric ET is warranted, as delayed diagnosis is common. Compared to adults, AVWS may be more prevalent among children with ET.
Clonal T‐cell large granular lymphocyte proliferations in childhood and young adult immune dysregulation conditions
Authors: Savaşan Süreyya , Al‐Qanber Batool , Buck Steven , Wakeling Erin , Gadgeel Manisha
Published: March 2020

Background

Proliferation of large granular lymphocytes (LGL) and T‐cell LGL (T‐LGL) in peripheral blood along with demonstration of clonality are the hallmarks of a heterogeneous group of disorders, including T‐LGL leukemia or T‐LGL lymphocytosis. They are often associated with neutropenia and responsive to immunosuppression. The true nature of this entity is not well understood. Some cases are reported as reactive phenomena with very limited experience in pediatric population.

Methods

Hematology/Oncology Flow Cytometry Laboratory database has been reviewed retrospectively. Patients with identifiable distinct CD5‐dim T‐cell population and positive clonal T‐cell receptor rearrangement were included in the analysis. Clinical and laboratory data were then reviewed.

Results

Sixteen cases of children and young adults with increased peripheral blood clonal T‐LGL population characterized by dim CD5 expression with wide range of underlying immune dysregulation/stimulation disorders were reviewed. Extended follow up with repeat testing suggested the reactive nature of persistent clonal T‐LGL proliferations in this group.

Conclusions

Our observations indicate that clonal T‐LGL proliferations in children and young adults are reactive in nature and some can be persistent with an indolent course with unknown consequentiality. Clonal T‐LGL cells could be targeting the most prominent immunogenic stressor(s) involved as a control mechanism.
Coherence Between Sleep Detection by Actigraphy and Polysomnography in a Multi‐Center, Inpatient Cohort of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zeitzer Jamie M. , Hon Flora , Whyte John , Monden Kimberley R. , Bogner Jennifer , Dahdah Marie , Wittine Lara , Bell Kathleen R. , Nakase‐Richardson Risa
Published: March 2020

Background

Sleep is increasingly recognized as a crucial component to rapid and successful rehabilitation, especially from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Assessment of longitudinal patterns of sleep in a hospital setting, however, are difficult and often the expertise or equipment to conduct such studies is not available. Actigraphy (wrist‐worn accelerometry) has been used for many years as a simple proxy measurement of sleep patterns, but its use has not been thoroughly validated in individuals with TBI.

Objective

To determine the validity of different sensitivity settings of actigraphy analysis to optimize its use as a proxy for recording sleep patterns in individuals with a TBI.

Design

Comparison of actigraphy to criterion standard polysomnographic (PSG)‐determination of sleep on a single overnight study.

Setting

Six rehabilitation hospitals in the TBI Model System.

Participants

Two hundred twenty‐seven consecutive, medically stable individuals with a TBI.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure

Concordance between PSG‐ and actigraphy‐determined sleep using different sensitivity threshold settings (low, medium, high, automated).

Results

Bland‐Altman plots revealed increasing error with increasing amounts of wake during the sleep episode. Precision‐recall statistics indicate that with less sensitive actigraphy thresholds, episodes identified as “wake” are usually “wake,” but many true episodes of “wake” are missed. With more sensitive actigraphy thresholds, more episodes of “wake” are identified, but only some of these are true episodes of “wake.”

Conclusions

In hospitalized patients with TBI and poor sleep, actigraphy underestimates the level of sleep disruption and has poor concordance with PSG‐determined sleep. Alternate methods of scoring sleep from actigraphy data are necessary in this population.
Utility of accumulated opioid supply days and individual patient factors in predicting probability of transitioning to long‐term opioid use: An observational study in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Hadlandsmyth Katherine , Mosher Hilary J. , Vander Weg Mark W. , O’Shea Amy M. , McCoy Kimberly D. , Lund Brian C.
Published: March 2020

Initial supply days dispensed to new users is strongly predictive of future long‐term opioid use (LTO). The objective was to examine whether a model integrating additional clinical variables conferred meaningful improvement in predicting LTO, beyond a simple approach using only accumulated supply. Three cohorts were created using Veteran's Health Administration data based on accumulated supply days during the 90 days following opioid initiation: (a) <30 days, (b) ≥30 days, (c) ≥60 days. A base, unadjusted probability of subsequent LTO (days 91‐365) was calculated for each cohort, along with an associated risk range based on midpoint values between cohorts. Within each cohort, log‐binomial regression modeled the probability of subsequent LTO, using demographic, diagnostic, and medication characteristics. Each patient's LTO probability was determined using their individual characteristic values and model parameter estimates, where values falling outside the cohort's risk range were considered a clinically meaningful change in predictive value. Base probabilities for subsequent LTO and associated risk ranges by cohort were as follows: (a) 3.92% (0%‐10.75%), (b) 17.59% (10.76%‐28.05%), (c) 38.53% (28.06%‐47.55%). The proportion of patients whose individual probability fell outside their cohort's risk range was as follows: 1.5%, 4.6%, and 9.2% for cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The strong relationship between accumulated supply days and future LTO offers an opportunity to leverage electronic healthcare records for decision support in preventing the initiation of inappropriate LTO through early intervention. More complex models are unlikely to meaningfully guide decision making beyond the single variable of accumulated supply days.
Exploring the effects of solvents on an organic explosive: Insights from the electron structure, electrostatic potential, and conformational transformations of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane
Authors: Zhu Shuangfei , Gan Qiang , Cheng Nianshou , Feng Changgen
Published: March 2020

In order to attain comprehensive insights into the crystallization of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) from solutions, the geometric and electronic structures and conformational transformations of its β‐, γ‐, ε‐, ζ‐ and η‐ forms in six organic solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, acetone, acetonitrile, and 2‐propanol) were evaluated using quantum chemistry calculations. Results showed that solvents have little effect on the geometric structures of molecules but greatly impact the energy and electronic structure of CL‐20. The electron density, atomic charges, and electrostatic potential of CL‐20 exhibit polarization due to the solvent effect, especially in alcohols. The polarity of CL‐20 increased because of the change in electron density. The transformations of the five conformers of CL‐20 were studied thoroughly, and the energy barriers were evaluated using the Gibbs energies. Importantly, the reason η‐CL‐20 is only found in CL‐20‐based cocrystals was suggested. These results indicate that solvents play a critical role in crystal growth.
Integration of migrants through a prism of specific sustainable development goals: A perspective of public administration
Authors: Giljević Teo , Lalić Novak Goranka
Published: March 2020

This paper aims to analyze the administrative capacities of local units for the integration of migrants in conventionally non‐immigrant countries and examine the association between the quality of local governance, sustainable development, and integration. The empirical case study was conducted on Croatia, which in recent years has experienced a modest increase in the number of migrants. The survey was conducted in eight cities in Croatia, which have undergone or expected to undergo the integration of refugees and migrants. The administrative capacities were analyzed in terms of four issues that are considered crucial to integration policy: delivery, regulatory, coordination, and analytical capacities. The findings reveal that local administrative capacities must be developed to respond to the individual needs of migrants.
Adsorption and migration growth of the Ce, O, and F adatoms on the CeO2 (111) surface: A density functional theory study
Authors: Jia Huiling , Chen Hao , Wu Jinxiu , Tan Xin , Li Mei , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: March 2020

In order to investigate the microscopic behavior of the crystal surface growth of the fluorinated cerium dioxide polishing powder, the adsorption and migration of the Ce, O, and F atoms on the CeO2 (111) surface were studied by using density functional theory with Hubbard correction +U. The adsorption energies of three single atoms at five high‐symmetry sites and the migration activation energies along the migration pathway on the CeO2 (111) surface were calculated. Results show that the most stable adsorption sites of the Ce, O, and F atoms were the Oh, Cebri, and Cet sites, respectively. The Ce atom migrated from the Oh to the Ot site. The O atom migrated from the Cebri to the Obri site. The F atom migrated from the Cet to the Oh site. The migration activation energies of the Ce, O, and F atoms along the migration pathways were 1.526, 0.597, and 0.263 eV, respectively. The F adatom does not change the spatial configuration of the Ce and the O atoms. When the O vacancy occurs on the CeO2 (111) surface, the F adatom can make up for the O vacancy defect.