bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Un vaste chantier de collections
Authors: Antérion Dominique
Published: June 2019

Grandement impactées par MétaLmorphoses, gigantesque chantier de restructuration de l’Hôtel de la Monnaie (Paris 6e), les collections historiques de la Monnaie de Paris ont vécu entre 2012 et 2018 des années difficiles ! Entre sécurisation, externalisation, obligation de récolement, création du nouveau musée et projet de nouveau médaillier ce sont au final plus de 140 000 objets qui ont été concernés par cette opération d’envergure. Néanmoins, les contraintes ont pu parfois devenir des opportunités. Outre le sens de l’adaptation des équipes, l’ouverture du nouveau musée du 11 Conti - Monnaie de Paris, l’implantation du nouveau médaillier, la poursuite du récolement décennal, témoignent de ce que l’on peut considérer comme l’un des plus vastes chantiers de collections menés en France ces dix dernières années.
A Novel Autonomous Inspection System of USV for Submarine Buried Pipeline
Authors: Gao Lei , Gu Hai-Tao , Xu Hong-li
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe conventional method of surveying utilizing manned vessels requires a large investment of labor-intensive and time-consuming efforts. With the phenomenal progress of unmanned surface vessels (USVs), they have become a useful tool for surveyors and engineers who
have been seeking a more productive and low-cost method as an alternative. This paper depicts a novel design of USVs for autonomous detection and recognition of buried submarine pipeline. The design adopted a parametric subbottom profiling system with embedded algorithms for path planning,
autonomous obstacle avoidance, and autonomous pipeline recognition and navigation. The pipeline detection is based on the analysis of quadratic functions generated by the subbottom data set. Compared to the conventional method, the use of USVs equipped with subbottom profiling system turns
out to be more useful and efficient for accurate detections of submarine pipeline.
In-Situ Measurement of Artificial Nuclides in Seabed Sediments Based on Monte Carlo Simulations and an Underwater HPGe Detector
Authors: Zhang Jinzhao , Li Hongzhi , Tuo Xianguo
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn-situ measurement of marine sediment radioactivity does not destroy the stratification of radionuclides in the sediment. We develop a novel seabed sediment radioactive measurement technique using a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The overall measurement system
is designed, and the detector energy calibration is performed. The efficiency is calculated based on Monte Carlo simulations using the MCNP5 code. We compared the efficiency and energy resolution with the NaI(Tl) detection through experiments. NaI(Tl) detection is incapable of identifying
the 137Cs artificial nuclides in seabed sediments due to the energy resolution limit. Hence, underwater HPGe detection is utilized due to its high energy resolution, which enables the detection of artificial nuclides 137Cs. The proposed method is of great significance
in evaluating marine radioactive pollution.
Development and Sea Test Results of a Deep-Sea Tsunami Warning Buoy System
Authors: Zhang Yi , Shang Hongmei , Zhang Xiaojuan , Ren Wei
Published: June 2019

AbstractTsunamis are catastrophic ocean waves that could cause devastating damage to human lives, properties, and coastal infrastructures. This article presents the design and sea test results of a deep-sea tsunami warning buoy system. The system consists of a seafloor tsunami
detection subsystem and a surface buoy. The tsunami detection subsystem monitors the tsunami waves through seafloor water pressure measurement. Detection of tsunami waves is achieved by separating the influence of astronomical tidal waves from the seafloor measurements via a cubic polynomial
extrapolation method. The deep seafloor measurements and the tsunami detection results are transmitted in real time from the seafloor subsystem to the surface buoy via underwater acoustic communications; the buoy then relays the data to an onshore tsunami warning center via satellite links.
The tsunami warning buoy system was evaluated in four deep-sea tests at different locations. In the last sea test, the system achieved an effective working duration of 108 consecutive days. This article analyzes the causes of false alarms and data transmission failures in the sea tests and
puts forward effective solutions for system improvement. The system design and the sea test results could serve as references for future development of deep-sea infrastructures.
Assessing Productivity and Profitability of Hybrid Rice With Site Specific Nutrient Management in Mid Western Terai, Nepal
Authors: Acharya Samikshya , Mahara Binita , Amgain Lal Prasad , Aryal Krishna
Published: June 2019

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a dominant staple food crop of Nepal which production and productivity is significantly declining compared to several years due to inappropriate nutrient management practices. A field experiment was conducted at Lamahi, Dang to evaluate the performance of hybrid rice(US-305) under rain fed condition with five precision nutrient management practices [Viz: Nutrient Expert® -Rice (NE) recommendation; Leaf Color Chart (LCC) N and Nutrient Expert (P and K); Nutrient Expert (N) and Farmers Fertilizer Practices (P and K); Farmers Fertilizer Practices (FFP) and Government Recommendation (GR)] replicated four times in RCBD design during June to October, 2018. The experimental finding showed that SSNM based Nutrient Expert® -Rice (NE) recommendation gave higher grain yield (6.36 ton ha-1) and straw yield (12.62 ton ha-1) which leads to highest gross return (NRs 242,498) and B: C ratio(3.08). Between the treatments Nutrient Expert® -Rice (NE) recommendation was excellent to growth parameters like plant height, crop growth rate, relative growth rate and leaf area index over FFP. Further, Nutrient Expert® -Rice (NE) recommendation gave significantly higher effective tiller m-2(354.50), panicle length (26.31), panicle weight (81.50), filled grain (390) and fertility (87.56%) over FFP. Nutrient Expert® -Rice (NE) recommendation has increased the grain yield by 23.97% with yield difference of 1.23 ton ha-1 and straw yield by 39.44 % with yield difference of 3.57 ton ha-1 in comparison with FFP. Hence the experiment concluded that site specific nutrient management recommendation that accounts Nutrient Expert® -Rice and leaf color chart could be the practical decision tool for making authentic fertilizer recommendation.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Computer and Information Science, Vol. 12, No. 2
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: June 2019

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Computer and Information Science, Vol. 12, No. 2
Error Analysis of Passive Voice Employed by University Students’ in Writing Lab Reports: A Case Study of Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST) Students’ at Faculty of Sciences, Chemistry Department
Authors: Ibrahim Abualzain Osama Yousif
Published: June 2019

The study aims at analyzing errors made by Sudan University of Science and Technology students’ at faculty of Sciences-Chemistry Department in employing passive voice in writing lab reports. The study focuses precisely on identifying the types of errors occurred in using passive voice and the reasons behind these errors. Descriptive qualitative method is adopted and applied to obtain and process the gathered data. To run this study and to collect reliable data, thirty chemical students are chosen randomly as the subject of the study. Samples of the students’ lab reports are collected and analyzed. The collected data is analyzed according to the Dulay et al. (1982) Surface Strategy Taxonomy model. Teachers’ questionnaire is also used to find out the sources of the students’ errors from the teachers’ point of view. The findings of the study reveals that the majority of the students’ errors are categorized as omission and misinformation whereas additions and misordering errors are fewer and unconsidered. According to the teachers, these errors are attributed to the interference of the mother tongue, lack of knowledge and carelessness of the students.
Analysis of Slope Stability of Canals' Embankments under Traffic Load
Authors: Abdelmagied Mohammad Farouk
Published: June 2019

The stresses caused by the traffic load on the canal embankments were investigated. Conventional methods of slope stability provide a constant value of safety factor for the slope, providing no information of slope displacements and possible variations of safety margins along the potential failure surface. The design model admits the idea of a homogeneous, isotropic, continuous and linear space that can be deformed. (Plaxis 2D) finite element program was applied to analyze the slope stability of canals outer curve under traffic load. In this study four different conditions were tested; Condition No 1: Dry condition, when there is no ground water in embankment and canal is running at full supply level; Condition No 2: Dry condition, when there is no ground water in embankment and canal is running at lowest water level; Condition No 3: Wet condition, at fully ground water level in embankment and canal is running at full supply level; and Condition No 4: Wet condition, at full supply ground water level in embankment and canal is running at lowest water level. The embankment material tested for in-situ properties to clay and sand. And additional traffic load above embankment is considered to estimate the worst case.
Privacy Preserving in Social Networks Using Combining Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm and Graph Clustering for Anonymization
Authors: Namdarzadegan Mehdi , Khafaei Taleb
Published: June 2019

Recently, social networks have received dramatic interest. The speed of the development and expansion of the Internet has created a new topic of research called social networks or online virtual communities on the Internet. Today, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so forth are dramatically used by many people. Since people publish a lot of information about themselves on these networks, this information may be attacked by the intruders, so the need of preserving privacy is necessary on these networks. One of the approaches for preserving privacy is the K-anonymity. Anonymization always faces the challenge of data lost, therefore, an approach is required for anonymization of data and meanwhile maintaining the usefulness of the data. In this research, by combining the k-anonymity priority clustering method and Cuckoo optimization algorithm, an appropriate model is developed to maintain the privacy of the data and its usefulness. The average path length, average clustering coefficient and the transitivity criteria have been used to evaluate the proposed algorithm. The results of the experiments show that the proposed method in most cases has 1 unit superiority in terms of k-anonymity and 2 units superiority in terms of usefulness in comparison with similar methods.
Ferroelectricity‐Enhanced Piezo‐Phototronic Effect in 2D V‐Doped ZnO Nanosheets
Authors: Dai Yejing , Wu Changsheng , Wu Zhiyi , Zhao Zhihao , Li Li , Lu Yang , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2019

Emerging 2D electronic materials have shown great potential for regulating and controlling optoelectronic processes. A 2D ferroelectric semiconductor coupled with the piezo‐phototronic effect may bring unprecedented functional characteristics. Here, a heterojunction photodetector made of p‐Si/V‐doped‐ferroelectric‐ZnO 2D nanosheets (FESZ‐PD) is fabricated, and the ferroelectricity‐enhanced piezo‐phototronic effect on the photoresponse behavior of the FESZ‐PD is carefully investigated. By introducing the ferroelectricity and the piezo‐phototronic effect, improved current rectification performance is achieved and the photoresponse performance of the heterojunction is enhanced in a broad spectral range. The applied voltage bias during measurement naturally causes ferroelectric spontaneous polarizations to align, resulting in a change in band structure near the interface and the local piezo‐phototronic effect. The modulated energy band promotes the generation, separation, and transportation efficiency of photogenerated carriers greatly. Compared with the Si/ZnO 2D nanosheets photodetector without ferroelectricity under strain‐free conditions, the photoresponsivity R of the FESZ‐PD increases by 2.4 times when applying a −0.20‰ compressive strain at +1 V forward bias. These results confirm the feasibility of coupling the ferroelectricity with the piezo‐phototronic effect in 2D ferroelectric materials to enhance the photoresponse behavior, which provides a good way to enable the development of high‐performance electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Strategy for the preparation of lightweight polypropylene/polyethylene‐octene elastomer composite foams with different phase morphologies using supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Wang Chaozhi , Wang Chao , Li Jiang
Published: June 2019

Polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene‐octene elastomer (POE) composites with a “sea‐island” structure and a cocontinuous structure were prepared. With the selection of a suitable foaming temperature, the supercritical carbon dioxide foaming of PP/POE composites with different phase morphologies occurred only in the POE phase. The effects of the POE content, foaming temperature, pressure, and number of layers on the cell size, cell density, apparent density, foaming layer density, and foaming ratio under different phase morphologies were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis. This article provides a novel approach for foaming PP at a low temperature. For PP/POE‐blended composites with a “sea‐island” structure, the foaming temperature is as low as 80 °C, and for PP/POE alternating multilayered composites with a cocontinuous structure, foaming can occur at 40 °C. Compared with the conventional methods for foaming PP, this method avoids the problems of a high foaming temperature, a narrow range of the foaming temperature, and a low melt strength of the PP. Thus, the PP foaming method was successfully improved, yielding a new technique for the preparation of lightweight PP. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48157.
Structure variation and properties enhancement of uniaxial stretching poly(l‐lactic acid)/eggshell powder composites
Authors: Li Yi , Han Changyu , Yu Yancun , Huang Dexin
Published: June 2019

Biodegradable poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA)/eggshell (ES) powder composites were prepared by melt blending and uniaxial stretching above the glass‐transition temperature of PLLA. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that micropores appeared in stretched composites. Porosity was affected by two factors, stretch ratios, and ES contents. Differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction results demonstrated that strain‐induced crystallization in α‐form could be achieved in PLLA matrix. This superstructure improved multifunctional performance of PLLA composites. The exceptional combination of strength, modulus, and ductility of stretched PLLA90/ES10 composites with a stretch ratio of 6 were demonstrated, exceeding neat PLLA with the increments of 148, 190, and 507% in breaking strength, modulus, and elongation at break (140.8 MPa, 3810 MPa, and 35.2%), respectively. Meanwhile, the enhancement of thermomechanical properties due to high crystallinity and controllable degradation rates resulting from porosity were obtained by adjusting the composites compositions and/or stretch ratios. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48158.
Effect of tensile rates on thermal and mechanical properties of porous PTFE composites
Authors: Zhang Yu , Kou Kaichang , Pan Chen , Li Ziyu , Ji Tiezheng
Published: June 2019

To achieve polymer‐matrix composites for sealing materials with thermostability and toughness, PTFE composites filled with short glass fibers (SGFs) were hyperthermal stretched to prepare a substrate material with high thermal stability and porosity. The effects of various tensile rates on the thermal and mechanical properties and morphologies were investigated. The results revealed that the thermal stability could be improved slightly and the thermal expansion coefficient of composites increased by the tensile rate. Through observing the morphologies, tensile process produced cavities and the increased tensile rate had negligible effects on porosity, which also could be proved by density test. From mechanical properties analysis, stretched composites exhibited that the tensile strength increases first and then decreases with the increased tensile rate. Although the variation tendency of Young's modulus is similar to that of tensile strength, which is smaller than that of unstretched composite. When the tensile rate reached 50 mm·min−1, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the stretched composites increased by 65 and 9% to maximum, respectively. Meanwhile, elongation at break and shore hardness decreased. The thermal and mechanical properties improvement could be ascribed to the strain‐induced crystallization and crystal alignment. In addition, the interplanar spacing and grain size were inversely proportional to the tensile rate. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48175.
Intussusceptive Lymphangiogenesis in Lymphatic Malformations/Lymphangiomas
Authors: Díaz‐Flores Lucio , Gutiérrez Ricardo , García Maria D. P. , Carrasco José L. , Sáez Francisco J. , Díaz‐Flores Lucio , González‐Gómez Miriam , Madrid Juan F.
Published: June 2019

Intussusception in lymphatic vessels has received less attention than in blood vessels. In tumors and pseudotumors of blood vessels with intravascular papillary structures, including sinusoidal hemangioma and intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia, we observed exuberant intussusceptive angiogenesis, as well as the similarity between papillae (term used by pathologists) and pillars/folds (hallmarks of intussusceptive angiogenesis). A similar response could be expected in lymphangiomas (lymphatic malformations and reactive processes rather than tumors) with papillae. The aim of this work is to assess whether papillae/pillars/folds and associated structures (vessel loops and septa) are present in lymphangiomas, and to establish the characteristics and formation of these structures. For this purpose, we selected lymphangiomas with intraluminal papillae (n = 18), including cystic, cavernous, circumscriptum, and progressive types, of which two cases of each type with a greater number of papillae were used for serial histologic sections and immunohistochemistry. The studies showed a) dilated lymphatic spaces giving rise to lymphatic–lymphatic vascular loops, which dissected and encircled perilymphatic structures (interstitial tissue structures/ITSs and pillars/posts), b) ITSs and pillars, surrounded by anti‐podoplanin‐positive endothelial cells, protruding into the lymphatic spaces (papillary aspect), and c) splitting, remodeling, linear arrangement, and fusion of papillae/pillars/folds, forming papillary networks and septa. In conclusion, as occurs in blood vessel diseases, the development of lymphatic vessel loops, papillae/pillars/folds, and septa (segmentation) supports intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis and suggests a piecemeal form of intussusception. This intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis in lymphatic diseases can provide a basis for further studies of lymphatic intussusception in other conditions, with clinical and therapeutic implications. Anat Rec, 302:2003–2013, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
lncRNA KIAA0125 functions as a tumor suppressor modulating growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer via Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Yanan , Hu Nanjun , Zhao Jia , Bai Yuansong
Published: June 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in all races worldwide in recent years. The survival of the CRC patients is mostly affected by the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Thus, the current challenge is to find sensitive and reliable biomarkers in early screening of CRC. Recently, emerging evidence has shown that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play crucial roles in tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that lncRNA KIAA0125 was downregulated in colorectal tissues and cells. The functional study demonstrated that overexpression of KIAA0125 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion whereas the reversal effects were seen in silencing experiment. Besides, KIAA0125 inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in CRC. Our findings suggested that KIAA0125 may act as an oncosupressor gene and could be considered as a potential diagnosis biomarker in CRC.
Axillary Impella insertion under regional nerve block: A case report
Authors: Raghunathan Deepa , Hernandez Nadia , Rajagopal Keshava , Jumean Marwan
Published: June 2019

Percutaneous coronary interventions with the Impella (Abiomed, MA) catheter‐based, micro‐axial mechanical left ventricular assist device is a safe option for patients undergoing higher risk interventions. However, severe peripheral arterial disease limits vascular access for Impella insertion. Upper extremity arterial access has been traditionally obtained under general anesthesia. We present the first case, to our knowledge, of using peripheral nerve blocks for Impella 3.5 CP insertion into the axillary artery.
Detection of the recently emerged synthetic cannabinoid 4F‐MDMB‐BINACA in “legal high” products and human urine specimens
Authors: Haschimi Belal , Mogler Lukas , Halter Sebastian , Giorgetti Arianna , Schwarze Bernd , Westphal Folker , Fischmann Svenja , Auwärter Volker
Published: June 2019

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) remain one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the European drug market. Although the number of new derivatives occurring on the market has dropped in the last two years, newly emerging NPS still represent a challenge for laboratories performing forensic drug analysis in biological matrices. The newly emerged SC 4F‐MDMB‐BINACA has been reported by several law enforcement agencies in Europe and the USA since November 2018. This work aimed at revealing urinary markers to prove uptake of 4F‐MDMB‐BINACA and differentiate from the use of structurally similar SCs. Phase‐I metabolites detected in human urine specimens were confirmed by phase‐I metabolites generated in vitro using a pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) assay. Seized materials and test‐purchased “legal high” products were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography−quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight−mass spectrometry (LC−qToF−MS). Human urine specimens and pHLM assay extracts were measured with liquid chromatography−electrospray ionization−tandem mass spectrometry (LC−ESI−MS/MS) and confirmed by LC−qToF−MS. In January 2019, the Institute of Legal Medicine in Erlangen (Germany) identified 4F‐MDMB‐BINACA in three herbal blends. During the same time period, the described SC was identified in a research chemical purchased online. Investigation of phase‐I metabolism led to the metabolites M10 (ester hydrolysis) and M11 (ester hydrolysis and dehydrogenation) as reliable urinary markers. Widespread distribution on the German drug market was proven by analysis of urine samples from abstinence control programs and by frequent detection of 4F‐MDMB‐BINACA in “herbal blends” and “‘research chemicals” purchased via the Internet.
A Review on Recent Progress in the Aspect of Stability of Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts for Proton‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell: Quantum Mechanics and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Lee Jong Min , Han Hyunsu , Jin Song , Choi Sung Mook , Kim Hyung Ju , Seo Min Ho , Kim Won Bae
Published: June 2019

Proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been intensively developed. Their advantages include low working temperature, high power density, and fast reaction rate. PEMFCs are considered the most promising candidates for the reliable and efficient large‐scale conversion system of hydrogen in automotive engines, distributed power generation, and portable electronic applications. In time, the current use of significant amounts of precious metals as catalysts, especially for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode, can limit the sustainable utilization of PEMFCs. The significant findings in studies, which combine experiments with theories, markedly improved the understanding of catalytic activity based on the interpretation of electronic configuration. For the commercialization of PEMFCs, ensuring the reliable durability of the system is an important prerequisite. However, voluminous studies on the durability of crucial materials are still insufficient. In particular, studies on improving the durability using quantum mechanics are comparatively rare relative to the studies on the nature of the activity. Therefore, the aim of this Review is to summarize the recent trends in the research on catalysts in terms of durability by combining quantum mechanics simulations with experiments to provide some insights and potential directions for the future design of stable ORR catalysts for PEMFCs.
Review of the principal mechanisms, prospects, and challenges of bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Ivase Tertsegha J.‐P. , Nyakuma Bemgba B. , Oladokun Olagoke , Abu Peter T. , Hassan Muhammed N.
Published: June 2019

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are commonly utilized to generate green electricity, chemicals, and materials through bioelectrocatalytic processes. Over the years, the growing interests in low carbon energy, wastes valorization and the sustainable bioremediation of environmental pollutants have generated interests in BES such as microbial fuel cells (MFC) and bioelectrochemical fuel cells (BFC). The MFCs are the most advanced BES that can ensure the microbial conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. Therefore, this article seeks to review and present valuable literature on the fundamental operational principles, mechanisms and understanding of BES such as MFCs. It seeks to highlight the schematics of these systems along with the processes and mechanisms such as the oxidation of organic substrates ranging from acetate compounds to complex mixtures. Furthermore, the prospects, challenges, and future applications of BES technologies are presented. The findings indicate that BFCs and MFCs are hampered by low efficiencies, energy output, mass transfer, porosity, and proton conductivity of the electrode and membrane materials along with mechanical strength, scalability, biocompatibility, and chemical stability. However, BES could potentially impact on clean energy production, greenhouse gases mitigation, wastewater treatment, bioanalysis, biosensors, and environmental remediation in the future.
Volatility forecasts using stochastic volatility models with nonlinear leverage effects
Authors: McAlinn Kenichiro , Ushio Asahi , Nakatsuma Teruo
Published: June 2019

The leverage effect—the correlation between an asset's return and its volatility—has played a key role in forecasting and understanding volatility and risk. While it is a long standing consensus that leverage effects exist and improve forecasts, empirical evidence puzzlingly does not show that this effect exists for many individual stocks, mischaracterizing risk, and therefore leading to poor predictive performance. We examine this puzzle, with the goal to improve density forecasts, by relaxing the assumption of linearity of the leverage effect. Nonlinear generalizations of the leverage effect are proposed within the Bayesian stochastic volatility framework in order to capture flexible leverage structures. Efficient Bayesian sequential computation is developed and implemented to estimate this effect in a practical, on‐line manner. Examining 615 stocks that comprise the S&P500 and Nikkei 225, we find that our proposed nonlinear leverage effect model improves predictive performances for 89% of all stocks compared to the conventional stochastic volatility model.
A machine learning investigation of volumetric and functional MRI abnormalities in adults born preterm
Authors: Shang Jing , Fisher Paul , Bäuml Josef G. , Daamen Marcel , Baumann Nicole , Zimmer Claus , Bartmann Peter , Boecker Henning , Wolke Dieter , Sorg Christian , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Dwyer Dominic B.
Published: June 2019

Imaging studies have characterized functional and structural brain abnormalities in adults after premature birth, but these investigations have mostly used univariate methods that do not account for hypothesized interdependencies between brain regions or quantify accuracy in identifying individuals. To overcome these limitations, we used multivariate machine learning to identify gray matter volume (GMV) and amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) brain patterns that best classify young adults born very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW; n = 94) from those born full‐term (FT; n = 92). We then compared the spatial maps of the structural and functional brain signatures and validated them by assessing associations with clinical birth history and basic cognitive variables. Premature birth could be predicted with a balanced accuracy of 80.7% using GMV and 77.4% using ALFF. GMV predictions were mediated by a pattern of subcortical and middle temporal reductions and volumetric increases of the lateral prefrontal, medial prefrontal, and superior temporal gyrus regions. ALFF predictions were characterized by a pattern including increases in the thalamus, pre‐ and post‐central gyri, and parietal lobes, in addition to decreases in the superior temporal gyri bilaterally. Decision scores from each classification, assessing the degree to which an individual was classified as a VP/VLBW case, were predicted by the number of days in neonatal hospitalization and birth weight. ALFF decision scores also contributed to the prediction of general IQ, which highlighted their potential clinical significance. Combined, the results clarified previous research and suggested that primary subcortical and temporal damage may be accompanied by disrupted neurodevelopment of the cortex.
Intestinal Fungal Dysbiosis and Systemic Immune Response to Fungi in Patients With Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Lang Sonja , Duan Yi , Liu Jinyuan , Torralba Manolito G. , Kuelbs Claire , Ventura‐Cots Meritxell , Abraldes Juan G. , Bosques‐Padilla Francisco , Verna Elizabeth C. , Brown Robert S. , Vargas Victor , Altamirano Jose , Caballería Juan , Shawcross Debbie , Lucey Michael R. , Louvet Alexandre , Mathurin Philippe , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe , Ho Samuel B. , Tu Xin M. , Bataller Ramon , Stärkel Peter , Fouts Derrick E. , Schnabl Bernd
Published: June 2019

Chronic alcohol consumption causes increased intestinal permeability and changes in the intestinal microbiota composition, which contribute to the development and progression of alcohol‐related liver disease. In this setting, little is known about commensal fungi in the gut. We studied the intestinal mycobiota in a cohort of patients with alcoholic hepatitis, patients with alcohol use disorder, and nonalcoholic controls using fungal‐specific internal transcribed spacer amplicon sequencing of fecal samples. We further measured serum anti–Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) as a systemic immune response to fungal products or fungi. Candida was the most abundant genus in the fecal mycobiota of the two alcohol groups, whereas genus Penicillium dominated the mycobiome of nonalcoholic controls. We observed a lower diversity in the alcohol groups compared with controls. Antibiotic or steroid treatment was not associated with a lower diversity. Patients with alcoholic hepatitis had significantly higher ASCA levels compared to patients with alcohol use disorder and to nonalcoholic controls. Within the alcoholic hepatitis cohort, patients with levels of at least 34 IU/mL had a significantly lower 90‐day survival (59%) compared with those with ASCA levels less than 34 IU/mL (80%) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.13 (95% CI, 1.11‐8.82; P = 0.031). Conclusion: Patients with alcohol‐associated liver disease have a lower fungal diversity with an overgrowth of Candida compared with controls. Higher serum ASCA was associated with increased mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Intestinal fungi may serve as a therapeutic target to improve survival, and ASCA may be useful to predict the outcome in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
Large time‐varying parameter VARs: A nonparametric approach
Authors: Kapetanios George , Marcellino Massimiliano , Venditti Fabrizio
Published: June 2019

In this paper we introduce a nonparametric estimation method for a large Vector Autoregression (VAR) with time‐varying parameters. The estimators and their asymptotic distributions are available in closed form. This makes the method computationally efficient and capable of handling information sets as large as those typically handled by factor models and Factor Augmented VARs. When applied to the problem of forecasting key macroeconomic variables, the method outperforms constant parameter benchmarks and compares well with large (parametric) Bayesian VARs with time‐varying parameters. The tool can also be used for structural analysis. As an example, we study the time‐varying effects of oil price shocks on sectoral U.S. industrial output. According to our results, the increased role of global demand in shaping oil price fluctuations largely explains the diminished recessionary effects of global energy price increases.
Using the Retrobulbar Spot Sign to Assist in Diagnosis and Management of Central Retinal Artery Occlusions
Authors: Smith Austin T. , Wilbert Christopher D. , Ferre Robinson M.
Published: June 2019

Point‐of‐care ultrasound has become an integral part of the evaluation of monocular vision loss. Most commonly, it has been used to evaluate retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and posterior vitreous detachment. Point‐of‐care ultrasound can also be used to evaluate central retinal arterial occlusion, whereby a retrobulbar spot sign is present. We present a case series of 4 patients presenting with monocular vision loss who were found to have central retinal artery occlusion. We describe what a retrobulbar spot sign is and how its presence or absence can assist in the evaluation and treatment of these patients.
Pediatric tracheal dimensions on computed tomography and its correlation with tracheostomy tube sizes
Authors: Naina P. , Syed Kamran Asif , Irodi Aparna , John Mary , Varghese Ajoy Mathew
Published: June 2019

Objective

Age‐based formulas for selecting the appropriate size of tracheostomy tubes in children are based on data on tracheal dimensions. This study aims to measure the tracheal dimensions of Indian children by computerized tomography (CT) and to compare this with the dimensions of age‐appropriate tracheostomy tubes.

Methods

CT scans of children aged less than 16 years that were taken for indications other than respiratory distress were included. Tracheal diameters at the tracheostomy point and tracheal length from the tracheostomy point to the carina were calculated from the scans. These dimensions were correlated with age, weight, and height. The measurement on the CT scan was used to predict the appropriate size of tracheostomy tube, which was compared with the tracheostomy tube sizes.

Results

Two hundred and fourteen CT scans of children aged below 16 years were included in the study. On multiple logistic regression analysis, tracheal diameter correlated well with age and weight (P = 0.04 and 0.001, respectively), whereas tracheal length correlated well with age and height of the child (P = 0.03 and 0 < 0.001, respectively).

On comparison with dimensions of the tracheostomy tube, tracheal diameter correlated well, and the length was found to be longer than needed to prevent endobronchial intubation. The regression value was used to predict the size of an ideal tracheostomy tube.

Conclusion

Tracheal diameter of Indian children correlates well with the outer diameter of age‐appropriate tracheostomy tubes, but the length of these tubes is longer than the ideal length. This would necessitate a change in the design of these tubes.

Level of Evidence

2b

Laryngoscope, 130:1316–1321, 2020
Comparison of gadolinium‐enhanced and ferumoxytol‐enhanced conventional and UTE‐MRA for the depiction of the pulmonary vasculature
Authors: Knobloch Gesine , Colgan Timothy , Schiebler Mark L. , Johnson Kevin M. , Li Geng , Schubert Tilman , Reeder Scott B. , Nagle Scott K.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of ferumoxytol (FE)‐enhanced UTE‐MRA for depiction of the pulmonary vascular and nonvascular structures.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers underwent contrast‐enhanced pulmonary MRA at 3 T during 2 visits, separated by at least 4 weeks. Visit 1: The MRA started with a conventional multiphase 3D T1‐weighted breath‐held spoiled gradient‐echo MRA before and after the injection of 0.1 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine (GD). Subsequently, free‐breathing GD‐UTE‐MRA was acquired as a series of 3 flip angles (FAs) (6°, 12°, 18°) to optimize T1 weighting. Visit 2: After the injection of 4 mg/kg FE, MRA was performed during the steady state, starting with a conventional 3D T1‐weighted breath‐held spoiled gradient‐echo MRA and followed by free‐breathing FE‐UTE‐MRA, both at 4 different FAs (6°, 12°, 18°, 24°). The optimal FA for best T1 contrast was evaluated. Image quality at the optimal FA was compared between methods on a 4‐point ordinal scale, using multiphase GD conventional pulmonary MRA (cMRA) as standard of reference.

Results

Flip angle in the range of 18°‐24° resulted in best T1 contrast for FE cMRA and both UTE‐MRA techniques (p > .05). At optimized FA, image quality of the vasculature was good/excellent with both FE‐UTE‐MRA and GD cMRA (98% versus 97%; p = .51). Both UTE techniques provided superior depiction of nonvascular structures compared with either GD‐enhanced or FE‐enhanced cMRA (p < .001). However, GD‐UTE‐MRA showed the lowest image quality of the angiogram due to low image contrast.

Conclusion

Free‐breathing UTE‐MRA using FE is feasible for simultaneous assessment of the pulmonary vasculature and nonvascular structures. Patient studies should investigate the clinical utility of free‐breathing UTE‐MRA for assessment of pulmonary emboli.
3D nonrigid motion correction for quantitative assessment of hepatic lesions in DCE‐MRI
Authors: Ippoliti Matteo , Lukas Mathias , Brenner Winfried , Schaeffter Tobias , Makowski Marcus R. , Kolbitsch Christoph
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To provide nonrigid respiratory motion‐corrected DCE‐MRI images with isotropic resolution of 1.5 mm, full coverage of abdomen, and covering the entire uptake curve with a temporal resolution of 6 seconds, for the quantitative assessment of hepatic lesions.

Methods

3D DCE‐MRI data were acquired at 3 T during free breathing for 5 minutes using a 3D T1‐weighted golden‐angle radial phase‐encoding sequence. Nonrigid respiratory motion information was extracted and used in motion‐corrected image reconstruction to obtain high‐quality DCE‐MRI images with temporal resolution of 6 seconds and isotropic resolution of 1.5 mm. An extended Tofts model was fitted to the dynamic data sets, yielding quantitative parametric maps of endothelial permeability using the hepatic artery as input function. The proposed approach was evaluated in 11 patients (52 ± 17 years, 5 men) with and without known hepatic lesions, undergoing DCE‐MRI.

Results

Respiratory motion produced artifacts and misalignment between dynamic volumes (lesion average motion amplitude of 3.82 ± 1.11 mm). Motion correction minimized artifacts and improved average contrast‐to‐noise ratio of hepatic lesions in late phase by 47% (p < .01). Quantitative endothelial permeability maps of motion‐corrected data demonstrated enhanced visibility of different pathologies (e.g., metastases, hemangiomas, cysts, necrotic tumor substructure) and showed improved contrast‐to‐noise ratio by 62% (p < .01) compared with uncorrected data.

Conclusion

3D nonrigid motion correction in DCE‐MRI improves both visual and quantitative assessment of hepatic lesions by ensuring accurate alignment between 3D DCE images and reducing motion blurring. This approach does not require breath‐holds and minimizes scan planning by using a large FOV with isotropic resolution.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2—neuronopathy or neuropathy?
Authors: Pelosi Luciana , Iodice Rosa , Antenora Antonella , Kilfoyle Dean , Mulroy Eoin , Rodrigues Miriam , Roxburgh Richard , Iovino Aniello , Filla Alessandro , Manganelli Fiore , Santoro Lucio
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Use of peripheral nerve ultrasound alongside standard electrodiagnostic tests may help to gain insight into the pathophysiology of peripheral nerve involvement in type 2 spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA2).

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with SCA2 underwent ultrasound cross‐sectional area (CSA) measurement of median, ulnar, sural and tibial nerves, and motor (median, ulnar, tibial) and sensory (median, ulnar, radial, sural) nerve conduction studies.

Results

Twenty patients had pathologically small‐nerve CSAs, suggestive of sensory neuronopathy. In these patients, electrophysiology showed non–length‐dependent sensory neuropathy (14 of 20), “possible sensory neuropathy” (1 of 20), or normal findings (5 of 20). Four different patients had length‐dependent sensory neuropathy on electrophysiology, and 1 had enlarged nerve CSAs. Regression analysis showed an inverse relationship between ataxia scores and upper limb nerve CSA (P < 0.03).

Discussion

Our findings suggest that a majority of patients with SCA2 (74%) have a sensory neuronopathy and this correlates with disability. A minority of patients have findings consistent with axonal neuropathy (18%). Muscle Nerve, 2019
Beneficial role of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells from microfragmented fat in a murine model of duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Bouglé Adrien , Rocheteau Pierre , Briand David , Hardy David , Verdonk Franck , Tremolada Carlo , Hivelin Mikael , Chrétien Fabrice
Published: June 2019

Introduction: No etiologic therapy is available for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but mesenchymal stem cells were shown to be effective in preclinical models of DMD. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of microfragmented fat extracted on a murine model of DMD. Methods: Fat tissue was extracted from healthy human participants and injected IM into DMD mice. Histological analysis, cytokines, and force measurement were performed up to 4 weeks after injection. Results: Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice injected with microfragmented fat exhibited an improved muscle phenotype (decreased necrosis and fibrosis), a decrease of inflammatory cytokines, and increased strength. Discussion: Administration of microfragmented fat in key muscles may improve muscular phenotype in patients with DMD. Muscle Nerve, 2019
An unsymmetric 8‐node hexahedral solid‐shell element with high distortion tolerance: Geometric nonlinear formulations
Authors: Li Zhi , Huang Junbin , Cen Song , Li Chen‐Feng
Published: June 2019

A recent distortion‐tolerant unsymmetric 8‐node hexahedral solid‐shell element US‐ATFHS8, which takes the analytical solutions of linear elasticity as the trial functions, is successfully extended to geometric nonlinear analysis. This extension is based on the corotational (CR) approach due to its simplicity and high efficiency, especially for geometric nonlinear analysis where the strain is still small. Based on the assumption that the analytical trial functions can properly work in each increment during the nonlinear analysis, the incremental corotational formulations of the nonlinear solid‐shell element US‐ATFHS8 are derived within the updated Lagrangian (UL) framework, in which an appropriate updated strategy for linear analytical trial functions is proposed. Numerical examples show that the present nonlinear element US‐ATFHS8 possesses excellent performance for various rigorous tests no matter whether regular or distorted mesh is used. Especially, it even performs well in some situations that other conventional elements cannot work.
Taste of Life: Science outreach made delicious
Authors: Moscoe Lauren J. , Hanes Margaret M.
Published: June 2019

Societal Impact Statement

The Taste of Life is a series of science outreach events that use food in creative ways to combat the growing epidemic of biodiversity blindness, particularly the special case of plant blindness. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and community partnerships, we have reached hundreds of campus and community members throughout southeast Michigan, USA. Participants gain a new appreciation for biodiversity in the meals they eat and leave events with resources to consider how they may interact with and preserve biodiversity in the future. We believe that sharing our experience will empower biodiversity professionals to contribute to the urgent need for impactful science outreach.
Structural effects of divalent calcium cations on the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Suresh Abishek , Hung Andrew
Published: June 2019

The α7 subtype of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a ligand‐gated ion channel protein that is vital to various neurological functions, including modulation of neurotransmitter release. A relatively high concentration of extracellular Ca2+ in the neuronal environment is likely to exert substantial structural and functional influence on nAChRs, which may affect their interactions with agonists and antagonists. In this work, we employed atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to examine the effects of elevated Ca2+ on the structure and dynamics of α7 nAChR embedded in a model phospholipid bilayer. Our results suggest that the presence of Ca2+ in the α7 nAChR environment results in closure of loop C‐in the extracellular ligand‐binding domain, a motion normally associated with agonist binding and receptor activation. Elevated Ca2+ also alters the conformation of key regions of the receptor, including the inter‐helical loops, pore‐lining helices and the “gate” residues, and causes partial channel opening in the absence of an agonist, leading to an attendant reduction in the free energy of Ca2+ permeation through the pore as elucidated by umbrella sampling simulations. Overall, the structural and permeability changes in α7 nAChR suggest that elevated Ca2+ induces a partially activated receptor state that is distinct from both the resting and the agonist‐activated states. These results are consistent with the notion that divalent ions can serve as a potentiator of nAChRs, resulting in a higher rate of receptor activation (and subsequent desensitization) in the presence of agonists, with possible implications for diseases involving calcium dysregulation.
Nasal mask average volume‐assured pressure support in an infant with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Saddi Vishal , Teng Arthur , Thambipillay Ganesh , Allen Hugh , Pithers Sonia , Sullivan Colin
Published: June 2019

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disorder characterized by alveolar hypoventilation and autonomic dysregulation secondary to mutations of the PHOX 2B genes. Treatment consists of assisted ventilation using positive pressure ventilators via tracheostomy, bi‐level positive airway pressure (BPAP), negative pressure ventilators, or diaphragm pacing. Previous case reports have highlighted early use of nasal non‐invasive BPAP use in infants with CCHS. We present a case of a 10‐month‐old infant who was successfully managed on a new feature of non‐invasive ventilation called average volume assured pressure support (AVAPS) without the need for tracheostomy. The AVAPS feature enables the machine to automatically adjust the inspiratory pressures to deliver a constant targeted tidal volume. This feature enabled a better control of ventilation as indicated by a more stable transcutaneous carbon dioxide profile compared to conventional nasal non‐invasive BPAP, making non‐invasive ventilation a more accessible method of managing sleep hypoventilation in CCHS.