bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Photoswitchable Zinc‐Finger Domain and AT‐Hook Motif for Light‐Controlled Peptide–DNA Binding
Authors: Murawska Gosia M. , Poloni Claudia , Simeth Nadja A. , Szymanski Wiktor , Feringa Ben L.
Published: February 2019

DNA–peptide interactions are involved in key life processes, including DNA recognition, replication, transcription, repair, organization, and modification. Development of tools that can influence DNA–peptide binding non‐invasively with high spatiotemporal precision could aid in determining its role in cells and tissues. Here, the design, synthesis, and study of photocontrolled tools for sequence‐specific small peptide‐DNA major and minor groove interactions are reported, shedding light on DNA binding by transcriptionally active peptides. In particular, photoswitchable moieties were implemented in the peptide backbone or turn region. In each case, DNA binding was affected by photochemical isomerization, as determined in fluorescent displacement assays on model DNA strands, which provides promising tools for DNA modulation.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Copper‐Assisted Intermolecular Domino C−H Annulation of 1,3‐Diynes with Picolinamides: Access to Pentacyclic π‐Extended Systems
Authors: Martínez Ángel Manu , Alonso Inés , Rodríguez Nuria , Gómez Arrayás Ramón , Carretero Juan C.
Published: February 2019

A new mode of reactivity of 1,3‐diynes in rhodium‐catalyzed oxidative annulation reactions has enabled the rapid assembly of extended π systems from readily available picolinamide derivatives. The process involves a double C−H bond activation and the iterative annulation of two 1,3‐diyne units, with each alkyne moiety engaged in an orchestrated insertion sequence with high regiocontrol, leading to the formation of five new C−C bonds and the construction of four fused rings in a single operation. Either isoquinoline‐1‐carboxamides or fused polycyclic systems can be accessed by a switch in the regioselectivity of the second diyne insertion depending on the reaction conditions. DFT theoretical calculations have elucidated that the cooperative participation of both rhodium and copper in substrate activation, favored in the presence of excess of the copper(II) salt, is key to such a reversal of regioselectivity and subsequent multiple cyclization leading to fused polycyclic products. The role of copper was found to be essential in assisting both multiple insertion and rhodium‐walking sequences, with the implication of intermediates with a Rh−Cu bond (2.60 Å).
Robust Direct Numerical Simulation of Viscoelastic Flows
Authors: Niethammer Matthias , Marschall Holger , Bothe Dieter
Published: February 2019

Many technical processes involve viscoelastic flows, which makes the subject interesting for CFD. Despite the complex fluid rheology and related numerical problems in solving the constitutive equations, recent stabilization approaches allow for a robust simulation of viscoelastic flows in the technical relevant range at high degrees of fluid elasticity. A recent general‐purpose numerical stabilization framework, based on the finite‐volume method of OpenFOAM is presented and its capability for the robust simulation of viscoelastic single‐, as well as two‐phase flows is shown.
A Small‐Molecule SIRT2 Inhibitor That Promotes K‐Ras4a Lysine Fatty‐Acylation
Authors: Spiegelman Nicole A. , Hong Jun Young , Hu Jing , Jing Hui , Wang Miao , Price Ian R. , Cao Ji , Yang Min , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lin Hening
Published: February 2019

SIRT2, a member of the sirtuin family of protein lysine deacylases, has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for treating cancer. In addition to catalyzing deacetylation, SIRT2 has recently been shown to remove fatty acyl groups from K‐Ras4a and promote its transforming activity. Among the SIRT2‐specific inhibitors, only the thiomyristoyl lysine compound TM can weakly inhibit the demyristoylation activity of SIRT2. Therefore, more potent small‐molecule SIRT2 inhibitors are needed to further evaluate the therapeutic potential of SIRT2 inhibition, and to understand the function of protein lysine defatty‐acylation. Herein we report a SIRT2 inhibitor, JH‐T4, which can increase K‐Ras4a lysine fatty acylation. This is the first small‐molecule inhibitor that can modulate the lysine fatty acylation levels of K‐Ras4a. JH‐T4 also inhibits SIRT1 and SIRT3 in vitro. The increased potency of JH‐T4 is likely due to the formation of hydrogen bonding between the hydroxy group and SIRT1, SIRT2, and SIRT3. This is further supported by in vitro studies with another small‐molecule inhibitor, NH‐TM. These studies provide useful insight for future SIRT2 inhibitor development.
Zynq SoC based acceleration of the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Zhai Xiaojun , Amira Abbes , Bensaali Faycal , Al‐Shibani AlMaha , Al‐Nassr Asma , El‐Sayed Asmaa , Eslami Mohammad , Dakua Sarada Prasad , Abinahed Julien
Published: February 2019

Cerebral aneurysm is a life‐threatening condition. It is a weakness in a blood vessel that may enlarge and bleed into the surrounding area. In order to understand the surrounding environmental conditions during the interventions or surgical procedures, a simulation of blood flow in cerebral arteries is needed. One of the effective simulation approaches is to use the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method. Due to the computational complexity of the algorithm, the simulation is usually performed on high performance computers. In this paper, efficient hardware architectures of the LB method on a Zynq system‐on‐chip (SoC) are designed and implemented. The proposed architectures have first been simulated in Vivado HLS environment and later implemented on a ZedBoard using the software‐defined SoC (SDSoC) development environment. In addition, a set of evaluations of different hardware architectures of the LB implementation is discussed in this paper. The experimental results show that the proposed implementation is able to accelerate the processing speed by a factor of 52 compared to a dual‐core ARM processor‐based software implementation.
Higher Mass Accuracy MALDI‐TOF/TOF Lipid Imaging of Human Brain Tissue in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: O'Rourke Matthew B. , Smith Caine C. , De La Monte Suzanne M. , Sutherland Greg T. , Padula Matthew P.
Published: February 2019

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐IMS) is a well‐established technique for elucidating the location and relative abundance of a range of biomolecules. More recently, research into this technique has shifted from simple discovery and demonstration of utility to application in biomedical research. Here, we describe a protocol utilizing MALDI‐IMS for the spatial mapping of lipids in brain tissue from normal human brains and brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease, in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Improved accuracy calibration of the instrument from the tissue surface is emphasized, as this allows for significantly improved mass determination in time of flight (TOF)‐based instruments enabling more confident preliminary lipid identification. This improved initial result allows MALDI‐IMS data to be complemented with additional instrumentation, such as liquid chromatography mass spectrometry workflows or specialized non‐TOF systems such as Fourier transform cyclotron resonance instruments. This method is not limited to human tissue and can be applied to virtually any lipid‐rich formalin‐fixed tissue. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cyclopentyl Methyl Ether (CPME): A Versatile Eco‐Friendly Solvent for Applications in Biotechnology and Biorefineries
Authors: de Gonzalo Gonzalo , Alcántara Andrés R. , Domínguez de María Pablo
Published: February 2019

The quest for sustainable solvents is currently a matter of intense research and development, as solvents significantly contribute heavily to the waste generated by chemical industries. Cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) is a promising eco‐friendly solvent with valuable properties such as low peroxide formation rate, stability under basic and acidic conditions, and relatively high boiling point. This Review discusses the potential use of CPME for applications in biotechnology (e.g., biotransformations, as solvent or cosolvent), biorefineries, and bioeconomy (e.g., for furan synthesis or as an extractive agent in liquid–liquid separations), as well as for other purposes, such as chromatography or peptide synthesis. Although CPME is currently produced by petrochemical means with a remarkably high atom economy, its biogenic production can be envisaged from substrates such as cyclopentanol or cyclopentanone, which can be derived from furfural or from (bio‐based) adipic acid, respectively. The combination of the promising properties of CPME as a (co)solvent with a future (economic) biogenic origin would be advantageous for setting strategies aligned with the sustainable chemistry principles.
Digital realization of the proposed linear model of the Hodgkin‐Huxley neuron
Authors: Amiri Masoud , Nazari Soheila , Faez Karim
Published: February 2019

It seems that computing systems that imitate the brain can be achieved by integrating of electronics and neuroscience. In recent years, neuromorphic systems have been developed by the fusion of electronics and neuroscience. Since neurons are the basis of neural systems, constructing the optimized digital neuron plays a critical role in neuromorphic applications. Furthermore, the dynamic of ionic channels, which are the causative agents of synaptic plasticity is the main characteristic of biological neurons. The Hodgkin‐Huxley neuron model is a mathematical description of biological neuron that is widely used in neuroscience to explore the relation of action potential propagation and information transmission. This model consists of nonlinear differential equations, which approximates the electrical characteristics of excitable cells such as neurons and cardiac muscle. In this paper, a simplified version of the Hodgkin‐Huxley neuron model was proposed by substituting its complex nonlinear dynamics with linear ones. Next, a digital circuit for the proposed linear model was designed, which can be implemented on a low‐cost hardware platform, such as field‐programmable gate array (FPGA). Comparison of MATLAB simulation of original model and Vivado simulation of the proposed digital circuit confirm that obtained results are in good agreement. The proposed digital circuit compared with the earlier circuits is more successful in terms of replicate essential characteristics of spiking responses and ionic currents in the biologically plausible model of neural activities. This new digital design will be applicable in developing neuro‐inspired chips and exploring the brain's functionality in information processing.
A dual‐mode tunable bandpass filter for GSM, UMTS, WiFi, and WiMAX standards applications
Authors: Sedighi Maragheh Samaneh , Dousti Massoud , Dolatshahi Mehdi , Ghalamkari Behbod
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a dual‐mode tunable bandpass filter (BPF) for global system for mobile communication, universal mobile telecommunications system, wireless fidelity, and worldwide interoperability for microwave access standard applications. The proposed filter consists of a stepped‐impedance resonator, single resonator, and coupled line, which are loaded with varactors. The center frequency and bandwidth of the proposed filter can be tuned with tuning varactors. Furthermore, the measurement results show that the BPF can be tuned over the frequency range of 1.8 to 2.5 GHz. Moreover, the bandwidth can be changed at each certain frequency. Furthermore, using PIN diodes, a bandstop filter is added to the tunable BPF to reduce the out‐of‐band frequencies around the desired frequencies. The values of LC equivalent circuits are calculated, and the results are compared with those obtained from the layout of the proposed structure. Finally, the measurement results justify the simulation results.
Delayed Blood Processing Leads to Rapid Deterioration in the Measurement of the Neutrophil Respiratory Burst by the Dihydrorhodamine‐123 Reduction Assay
Authors: Quach Alex , Glowik Shannon , Putty Trishni , Ferrante Antonio
Published: February 2019

Background

Neutrophils ex vivo in whole blood specimens are widely understood to decay rapidly when compared to other leukocytes, requiring assessment of neutrophil activity to be performed shortly after blood collection. There is a disparity in evidence for decay rates in measurements and recommended time‐frames for assaying neutrophil parameters in particular assays following blood collection. We, therefore, evaluated the decline in the neutrophil respiratory burst, typically screened for assessing congenital NADPH oxidase defects, over a shorter time‐course than previously published experiments.

Methods

The neutrophil respiratory burst was assessed by flow cytometric detection of DHR‐123 oxidation to rhodamine‐123 (Rho123), following stimulation of neutrophils by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), in heparinized healthy donor blood specimens immediately following venipuncture, and then at 3 and 5 h later with ambient temperature or refrigerated specimen storage.

Results

A consistent time‐dependent decline in the Rho123 fluorescence of PMA‐stimulated neutrophils was detected in the healthy donor specimens, indicating a decay in respiratory burst activity. Neutrophil oxidative indexes calculated for half of the specimens at 3 and 5 h of age, fell below our normal laboratory lower limit. We also found that Rho123 histograms of PMA‐stimulated neutrophils from stored healthy donor specimens have a risk of misinterpretation due to mimicking the appearance of histograms from carriers of CGD and other NADPH oxidase defects. Refrigeration of specimens did not significantly minimize decay.

Conclusions

DHR assay of the neutrophil respiratory burst from blood specimens at 3 h post‐venipuncture and beyond can generate unreliable clinical measurements due to decay. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Bemessungshilfen für biegedruckbeanspruchtes unbewehrtes Mauerwerk – Teil 2: Anwendung von Bemessungshilfen für die Bemessung nach DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA
Authors: Gunkler Erhard
Published: February 2019

The semi‐probabilistic safety concept of divided safety factors for action and resistance of DIN EN 1990 [1] in combination with the structural design codes DIN EN 1996‐1‐1 [2] and DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA [3] include the requirement that acting normal forces NEd may not exceed the normal force resistances NRd for the structural design of masonry under bending compression. According to [3], fully plastic material behaviour can be assumed and the stress block used as the material law for masonry.

Building on this, design aids and their theoretical basis were presented in Part 1 of this scientific paper [4], which are comparable with the ω tables (called the ɸ table here) and the general design diagram for massive construction.

The application of the design aids is described in this second part of this scientific paper through calculation examples and the connection with the calculation approaches of [3] is made clear.

The relation to the reduction factor ɸm, which covers effects of 2nd order theory, is also obtained. With known values of the load eccentricities according to 1st and 2nd order theory, the design task becomes the analysis of the loadbearing capacity of the masonry section at half wall height. Knowing ɸm, the load eccentricity e2 and the additional moment according to 2nd order theory can subsequently be determined, which does not ensue from the calculation equations of [3].

With the general design diagram, the values of compression zone height and the assumed load eccentricities of the acting normal forces, which result from the reset rule for masonry sections with high load eccentricities, can be directly read off, greatly improving the clarity of this procedure.
Die Rekonstruktion der historischen Fassaden für das Berliner Schloss
Authors: Wolter Bernhard
Published: February 2019

The masonry and wall building for the reconstruction of the historic facades for the rebuilding of the Berlin Palace as the Humboldt Forum represent a unique challenge for the art of masonry, structural design and detailed design. In front of the modern reinforced concrete structure of the new palace building, the massive solid brick masonry wall, separated from it by mineral insulation, leads to an overall thickness for the historically reconstructed external wall that comes near to the average thickness of the baroque palace walls. The exceptional thickness of the brick wall serves as a substrate for the facade decoration elements of sandstone and together with the internal insulation, enables the requirements of the energy‐saving regulations (EnEV) to be clearly exceeded.
Disordered eating among Australian adolescents: Prevalence, functioning, and help received
Authors: Sparti Claudia , Santomauro Damian , Cruwys Tegan , Burgess Philip , Harris Meredith
Published: February 2019

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) among Australian adolescents and examine associations with clinical mental health problems, problems with functioning, and help received.

Method

We analyzed data from the Young Minds Matter survey (n = 2,298, 13–17 years). We derived an index of DE severity with four levels: (1) no DE; (2) subclinical DE; (3) suspected eating disorder; and (4) lifetime eating disorder diagnosis.

Results

In 2013–2014, 31.6% (95%CI 35.5–39.9) of Australian adolescents experienced DE, comprising 25.7% (95%CI 23.9–37.6) with subclinical DE, 11.0% (95%CI 9.7–12.6) with a suspected eating disorder, and 0.9% (95%CI 0.6–1.3) with a lifetime eating disorder diagnosis. DE was more common among girls (41.4%, 95%CI 37.9–44.4) than boys (34.0%, 95%CI 31.1–37.0; p = .002). Adolescents with DE, compared to those without, were more likely to experience clinical mental health problems and problems with functioning. Most adolescents with DE reported help‐seeking in the past year, commonly self‐help; around 40% used school‐based, primary care or specialist services (i.e., formal services). In multivariate analyses, the use of more specialized and intensive services was associated with more severe DE, greater problems with functioning, female gender, and 12‐month mental disorder or subthreshold mental disorder symptoms.

Discussion

The implementation of mental health promotion and prevention efforts for DE, and screening for DE in school and primary care settings, may facilitate detection and appropriate help‐seeking among adolescents with DE.
Health related quality of life of infants and children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder
Authors: Krom Hilde , van der Sluijs Veer Liesbeth , van Zundert Suzanne , Otten Marie‐Anne , Benninga Marc , Haverman Lotte , Kindermann Angelika
Published: February 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare health related quality of life (HRQOL) in infants and children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) to healthy and chronically ill controls.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in children who meet ARFID criteria at our tertiary care pediatric feeding clinic (September 2014 to July 2016). Before consultation, parents of patients (n = 100) were asked to complete questionnaires to determine HRQOL: the TNO‐AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life (0–5 years), and “Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory” (6–7 and 8–10 years). HRQOL of ARFID patients was compared to both healthy (0–5 years n = 241; 6–7 years n = 61; 8–10 years n = 192) and chronically ill (0–5 years n = 79; 6–7 years n = 11; 8–10 years n = 26) controls.

Results

The prevalence of ARFID was 64%. HRQOL of ARFID patients aged 0–5 years (n = 37) was significantly lower on 6/12 scales (appetite, lungs, stomach, motor functioning, positive mood and liveliness) compared to healthy controls (P < .01), and on 4/12 scales (appetite, stomach, motor functioning, and liveliness) compared to chronically ill controls (P < .01). The ARFID patients scored significantly better on the problem behavior scale compared to healthy and chronically ill controls (P < .01). ARFID patients aged 6–7 (n = 9) had significantly lower scores in 3/6 scales (total score, psychosocial health, and school functioning) (P < .01), and aged 8–10 (n = 2) had a significantly lower school functioning scale (P < .01) compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

HRQOL of children with ARFID is decreased on multiple scales. The effect on HRQOL should be incorporated in clinical practice, and clinical studies should add HRQOL as an outcome measure.
Sex matters in complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: van Velzen Gijsbrecht A. J. , Huygen Frank J. P. M. , van Kleef Maarten , van Eijs Frank V. , Marinus Johan , van Hilten Jacobus J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is much more prevalent in women than men but potential differences in clinical phenotype have not been thoroughly explored to date. Differences in the clinical presentation between sexes may point at new avenues for a more tailored management approach of CRPS. We therefore explored if in CRPS, the patient's sex is associated with differences in clinical and psychological characteristics.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study of 698 CRPS patients (599 females) fulfilling the Budapest clinical or research criteria, CRPS signs and symptoms, CRPS severity, pain (average pain intensity in the previous week and McGill pain rating index), pain coping (Pain Coping Inventory), physical limitations (Radboud Skills Questionnaire (upper limb), Walking and Rising questionnaire (lower limb)), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale) and kinesiophobia (Tampa scale for kinesiophobia) were evaluated.

Results

Male CRPS patients used more often extreme words to describe the affective qualities of pain, used more passive pain coping strategies, and were more likely to suffer from depression and kinesiophobia.

Conclusion

Sex‐related differences are present in CRPS, but the effect is generally small and mainly concerns psychological functioning. A greater awareness of sex‐specific factors in the management of CRPS may contribute to achieving better outcomes.

Significance

What is known? Nonsex‐specific clinical data of CRPS patients. What is new? Male CRPS patients used more often extreme words to describe the affective qualities of pain, used more passive pain coping strategies, and were more likely to suffer from depression and kinesiophobia.
Ripple‐related firing of identified deep CA1 pyramidal cells in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy in mice
Authors: Marchionni Ivan , Oberoi Michelle , Soltesz Ivan , Alexander Allyson
Published: February 2019

Objective

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is often associated with memory deficits. Reactivation of memory traces in the hippocampus occurs during sharp‐wave ripples (SWRs; 140‐250 Hz). To better understand the mechanisms underlying high‐frequency oscillations and cognitive comorbidities in epilepsy, we evaluated how rigorously identified deep CA1 pyramidal cells (dPCs) discharge during SWRs in control and TLE mice.

Methods

We used the unilateral intraamygdala kainate model of TLE in video–electroencephalography (EEG) verified chronically epileptic adult mice. Local field potential and single‐cell recordings were performed using juxtacellular recordings from awake control and TLE mice resting on a spherical treadmill, followed by post hoc identification of the recorded cells.

Results

Hippocampal SWRs in TLE mice occurred with increased intraripple frequency compared to control mice. The frequency of SWR events was decreased, whereas the overall frequency of SWRs, interictal epileptiform discharges, and high‐frequency ripples (250‐500 Hz) together was not altered. CA1 dPCs in TLE mice showed significantly increased firing during ripples as well as between the ripple events. The strength of ripple modulation of dPC discharges increased in TLE without alteration of the preferred phase of firing during the ripple waves.

Significance

These juxtacellular electrophysiology data obtained from identified CA1 dPCs from chronically epileptic mice are in general agreement with recent findings indicating distortion of normal firing patterns during offline SWRs as a mechanism underlying deficits in memory consolidation in epilepsy. Because the primary seizure focus in our experiments was in the amygdala and we recorded from the CA1 region, these results are also in agreement with the presence of altered high‐frequency oscillations in areas of secondary seizure spread.
Investigating transdiagnostic factors in eating disorders: Does self‐esteem moderate the relationship between perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms?
Authors: Puttevils Louise , Vanderhasselt Marie‐Anne , Vervaet Myriam
Published: February 2019

Objective

According to Fairburns transdiagnostic model of eating disorders (EDs), high levels of perfectionism and low self‐esteem are two core traits across EDs. This study investigates the role of self‐esteem as a transdiagnostic moderator of the relationship between perfectionism and ED symptoms across EDs.

Method

A large group of patients (n = 732) completed several questionnaires measuring perfectionism, self‐esteem, and disordered eating symptomatology, more specifically, drive for thinness (DFT) and body dissatisfaction (BD).

Results

Across EDs, self‐esteem served as a moderator for the association between perfectionism and DFT. However, by testing the model for DFT in each ED separately, the effect only remained in patients with anorexia nervosa and ED not otherwise specified. When testing the model for BD, no moderation effect was found in any of the included EDs.

Conclusions

This study found that the interaction between perfectionism and self‐esteem on DFT can be seen as transdiagnostic, although this effect is not found in each ED separately. These results suggest that ED treatment should consider to not only focus on transdiagnostic factors but also look at the specific impairments of each individual ED.
Optimal radio resource allocation to achieve a low BER in PD‐NOMA–based heterogeneous cellular networks
Authors: Moltafet Mohammad , Azmi Paeiz , Javan Mohammad. R , Mokari Nader , Mokdad Ali
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the problem of downlink radio resource allocation for a power‐domain nonorthogonal multiple‐access–based heterogeneous cellular network is investigated. We propose two scenarios: (1) resource allocation with exclusive subcarrier allocation and (2) resource allocation considering intercell interference. The aim of this paper is to obtain joint subcarrier and power allocation for the two considered system models by addressing the maximization of the users' sum rate subject to the bit error rate constraint, the successive interference cancellation constraint, subcarrier constraints, and the transmit power restriction of each base station. To solve the corresponding optimization problems, an alternating method is applied by decoupling the proposed problems into two subproblems, namely, subcarrier allocation problem and power allocation problem, where they are solved by using the mesh adaptive direct search algorithm and different successive convex approximation methods, respectively. Moreover, to evaluate the optimality gap of the alternating method, the proposed problems are solved using an optimal method, namely, monotonic optimization with high complexity as a benchmark. As the results show, with the bit error rate constraint, the link‐level performance, at the cost of a decreasing system sum rate, is improved.
Threats to Freshwater Fisheries in the United States: Perspectives and Investments of State Fisheries Administrators and Agricultural Experiment Station Directors
Authors: Carlson Andrew K , Taylor William W , Kinnison Michael T , Sullivan S Mažeika P , Weber Michael J , Melstrom Richard T , Venturelli Paul A , Wuellner Melissa R , Newman Raymond M , Hartman Kyle J , Zydlewski Gayle B , DeVries Dennis R , Gray Suzanne M , Infante Dana M , Pegg Mark A , Harrell Reggie M
Published: February 2019

Freshwater fisheries provide human benefits (e.g., food, recreation) but are increasingly threatened by climate change, invasive species, and other stressors. Our purpose was to survey fisheries administrators from state fisheries agencies and Agricultural Experiment Stations (AESs) about their perceptions of, and resource investment toward, threats to freshwater fisheries in the United States. Our rationale for studying these two types of fisheries administrators simultaneously was to inform state fisheries professionals about the fisheries relevance of AESs, elevate the profile of fisheries within AESs, and promote mutually beneficial state agency–AES partnerships. Survey respondents generally agreed that recreational, socioeconomic, and ecological services of fisheries were more important than nutritional and commercial benefits. The greatest perceived fisheries threats were water quality/quantity impairment, land-use change, and invasive species—but, interestingly, not climate change. State fisheries agencies invested more personnel and finances into issues rated as less important but more controllable (e.g., fish production, habitat management) than issues rated as more important but larger in scale and more difficult to control (e.g., water quality/quantity, invasive species). Our research underscores the importance of ensuring that state agencies can address long-term, socio-ecologically critical management issues (e.g., climate change) amid budgetary constraints. We call for state agencies to collaborate with new partners (e.g., AESs) to mitigate fisheries threats by expanding fisheries management to more fully encompass terrestrial and human systems; promoting receptiveness to novel research/management ideas; actively predicting, monitoring, and planning for future stressors; and enhancing fisheries’ social–ecological resilience.
Mac‐2 Binding Protein Glycosylation Isomer as a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Marker in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B or C Infection
Authors: Jun Tomi , Hsu Yao‐Chun , Ogawa Shintaro , Huang Yen‐Tsung , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Tseng Cheng‐Hao , Huang Chung‐Feng , Tai Chi‐Ming , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung , Tanaka Yasuhito , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: February 2019

Mac‐2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel glycoprotein biomarker that correlates with liver fibrosis. It has been investigated in East Asian populations as a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biomarker. We assessed M2BPGi as an HCC biomarker in an ethnically diverse cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We enrolled 947 treatment‐naive patients mono‐infected with HBV or HCV without HCC at baseline. Biomarker levels were measured from baseline sera and correlated with longitudinal clinical data. The primary outcome was HCC occurrence during long‐term follow‐up. Median M2BPGi was significantly higher among patients with cirrhosis (2.67 versus 0.80; P < 0.001) and patients who developed HCC (3.22 versus 1.16; P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) for M2BPGi and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) was similar overall (0.77 versus 0.72; P = 0.15), but M2BPGi outperformed AFP among patients with HBV (0.84 versus 0.75; P = 0.02). M2BPGi performed poorly among patients with HCV (AUROC, 0.51). M2BPGi was an independent predictor of HCC among patients with HBV but not among patients with HCV. M2BPGi performed better in patient subgroups with a lower prevalence of cirrhosis. Conclusion: In our HBV cohort, M2BPGi was more effective than AFP in predicting HCC and was an independent predictor of HCC. However, M2BPGi had limited predictive value in our HCV cohort, likely due to a high cirrhosis burden in this cohort. Further studies are needed to evaluate M2BPGi as an HCC biomarker in broader patient populations with more diverse disease etiology, non‐Asian ethnicity, and more advanced fibrosis.
FDG PET/CT as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for the evaluation of marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Vaxman Iuliana , Bernstine Hanna , Kleinstern Geffen , Hendin Natav , Shimony Shai , Domachevsky Liran , Gurion Ronit , Groshar David , Raanani Pia , Gafter‐Gvili Anat
Published: February 2019

We evaluated the role of 18‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography ([18F] FDG‐PET) with computed tomography (CT) (PET/CT) as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in newly diagnosed marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) patients.

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed MZL, treated with immunotherapy, chemotherapy regimens, surgery, or Helicobacter pylori eradication between 2008 and 2016 in a single tertiary center. Only patients who had a pretreatment PET/CT (P‐PET/CT) were included. P‐PET/CT, interim (I‐PET/CT), and end‐of‐treatment PET/CT (E‐PET/CT) studies were reviewed. P‐PET/CT results were reported using two methods of evaluation, qualitative and semi quantitative: visual assessment (VAS) and maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and I‐PET and E‐PET results were reported by Deauville 5‐point score (DS) evaluation as well. Avidity of PET/CT was defined as abnormal uptake in any of these methods. The primary outcome was the prognostic role of P‐PET/CT, I‐PET/CT, and E‐PET/CT on progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Data of 196 patients with MZL were identified, 110 of which had P‐PET/CT and were included in this analysis. Median age was 67 years (range 18‐93). The median follow‐up period was 63 months (range 3‐278). The median OS and PFS for the whole cohort were 63 (interquartile range 39‐85) and 60 (interquartile range 37‐76) months, respectively. The avidity of PET at baseline for the whole cohort was 70% (77/110 patients), for MALT lymphoma, 62.5% (40/64 patients), for NMZL, 76.4% (13/17 patients), and for SMZL, 82.7% (24/29 patients). When adjusted for IPI, sex, and comorbidities, positive E‐PET/CT was associated with reduced PFS with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.4 (95% CI, 1.27‐9.14, P = 0.02). Positive E‐PET/CT did not correlate with OS. However, there were only three events. P‐PET/CT was not predictive of PFS or OS. Our study demonstrates that above 70% of MZL are FDG avid. Positive E‐PET/CT is a strong prognostic factor for PFS.
Exploring trade‐offs between staffing levels and turnaround time in a pathology laboratory using discrete event simulation
Authors: Pongjetanapong Kanokporn , Walker Cameron , O'Sullivan Michael , Lovell‐Smith Margaret , Furian Nikolaus
Published: February 2019

Many health delivery services have required performance targets. Typically, these targets are presented as percentiles of patients to be seen within specified timeframes. These targets present hospital administrators with a resourcing problem complicated by conflicting objectives: How to minimize costs while maximizing throughput to achieve the performance targets? In this paper, we describe the use of a simulation model to evaluate the effect of changes to staff levels in a cytology department, investigating the trade‐off between staff levels and turnaround times in light of performance targets specified by government.

Standard practice for determining staffing levels in a cytology department uses average workload estimates and does not take into account target performance measures, task variability, and the interruptive nature of the workload of pathologists. We develop a simulation model for pathologist workload within a cytology department in New Zealand. We describe the model construction process that follows the hierarchical control conceptual modeling (HCCM) framework. We use the resulting simulation model to examine the trade‐offs between staffing levels (and associated rosters) and task turnaround time.

The results indicate that consideration of variation in task arrivals is important when considering the effect of staffing levels on turnaround time. Furthermore, as the cytology department is required to meet performance targets that involve maximum service times for a percentile of patients, such an approach is necessary in order to estimate the performance level of a staffing roster.
Safety and effectiveness of Japanese herbal Kampo medicines for treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Michihata Nobuaki , Shigemi Daisuke , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Matsui Hiroki , Jo Taisuke , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To investigate whether Japanese Kampo medicines, including Sho‐hange‐kabukuryou‐to, Touki‐syakuyaku‐san, and Hange‐kouboku‐to, are safe for fetuses, and whether these medicines reduce hospitalizations and medical costs in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Methods

We used the Japan Medical Data Center database to extract data for pregnant women (aged ≥19 years) admitted to obstetric clinics or hospitals for delivery between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2016. Eligible patients were classified into three groups: Kampo medicines for hyperemesis gravidarum, other medicines for hyperemesis gravidarum, and without hyperemesis gravidarum. Safety outcome measures were neonatal outcomes (congenital anomalies, low birthweight, and preterm birth), and effectiveness measures were mother's unplanned hospitalization for hyperemesis gravidarum and total medical costs within 20 weeks of gestation.

Results

We identified 121 287 eligible mothers. No significant differences in the safety measures were observed among the groups. The Kampo medication group had a significantly lower proportion of mothers with unplanned hospital admission (odds ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.92) and lower total costs (coefficient [US$] 12.8, 95% CI −23.2 to −2.4) than the other medication group.

Conclusion

Kampo medicines may reduce unplanned admissions and medical costs among pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: R000037298 UMIN000032706.
An improved multimodal medical image fusion scheme based on hybrid combination of nonsubsampled contourlet transform and stationary wavelet transform
Authors: Ramlal Sharma Dileepkumar , Sachdeva Jainy , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Khandelwal Niranjan
Published: February 2019

This research proposes an improved hybrid fusion scheme for non‐subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) and stationary wavelet transform (SWT). Initially, the source images are decomposed into different sub‐bands using NSCT. The locally weighted sum of square of the coefficients based fusion rule with consistency verification is used to fuse the detailed coefficients of NSCT. The SWT is employed to decompose approximation coefficients of NSCT into different sub‐bands. The entropy of square of the coefficients and weighted sum‐modified Laplacian is employed as the fusion rules with SWT. The final output is obtained using inverse NSCT. The proposed research is compared with existing fusion schemes visually and quantitatively. From the visual analysis, it is observed that the proposed scheme retained important complementary information of source images in a better way. From the quantitative comparison, it is seen that this scheme gave improved edge information, clarity, contrast, texture, and brightness in the fused image.
Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature on litter decomposition in streams: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Amani Mabano , Graça Manuel A. S. , Ferreira Verónica
Published: February 2019

The metabolism of forest streams depends on the decomposition of plant litter of terrestrial origin. In turn, the rate at which litter decomposes depends on litter characteristics, decomposer activity, environmental characteristics, and their interactions. Atmospheric changes, such as increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and in temperature, may affect all these variables. Here, we report the results of a meta‐analysis of 41 studies conducted worldwide between 1993 and 2017 on the effects of elevated atmospheric [CO
2], elevated temperature, or both (temperature + [CO
2]) on litter decomposition in streams. Elevated temperature significantly increased litter decomposition rates, whereas elevated [CO
2] and temperature + [CO
2] did not significantly affect litter decomposition rates. The effect of elevated temperature did not depend on the type of study (i.e., laboratory or field study, correlative field or manipulative field study) but in correlative field studies, the temperature effect was stronger over latitudinal than altitudinal gradients. Effects of elevated temperature also did not depend on the type of decomposer community (microbial or microbial and macroinvertebrates) but effects were always significant for total litter decomposition (both microbes and macroinvertebrates involved), whereas microbial‐driven litter decomposition was significantly affected only in manipulative studies. Effects of elevated temperature did not depend on the litter identity, although significant effects were found for some litter genera but not others. In terrestrial ecosystems, the elevated temperature was found to increase litter decomposition rates, whereas elevated [CO
2] decreased litter decomposition rates. Study type (laboratory or field) and litter identity were important moderators of the response of litter decomposition to elevated temperature and [CO
2] in terrestrial ecosystems. These differences between soil and stream ecosystems may be partially due to intrinsic differences (such as moisture that is not limiting in streams) between these ecosystems. In addition, our meta‐analysis is geographically biased with most studies being conducted in Europe. More studies in other parts of the world could allow for a better understanding of the effects of climate warming and [CO
2] increases on litter decomposition, the global carbon cycle, and biochemistry in streams.
Free and open source software as global public goods? What are the distortions and how do we address them?
Authors: Sahay Sundeep
Published: February 2019

Promoting software as global public goods (GPGs) is an important element of the development agenda. This strategy is especially relevant for the public health sector in developing countries, where the landscape of past information and communication technology (ICT) initiatives are littered with stories of failures, contributed significantly through the use of proprietary software and associated vendor lock‐ins. This paper examines the GPG characteristics of nonexclusivity and nonrivalry and how these apply to software. Taking these characteristics as normative ideals, which we should strive to achieve in furthering our development agendas, we examine what are the “distortions” to achieve them. Understanding these potential distortions can help in materializing the potential benefits of free and open source software. These arguments are illustrated through the case of trying to implement the open source DHIS2 software in the public health sector in India.
E‐governance in Africa's local governments: Do district assemblies in Ghana optimize the use of websites and social media?
Authors: Asamoah Kwame
Published: February 2019

The case study research design was adopted to evaluate websites and social media portals (Facebook and Twitter) of two municipal assemblies in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data were collected through the researcher's interaction with these portals, interviews and focus group discussions with 36 respondents. It was established that these platforms have provided new channels for information sharing between local authorities and citizens. Again, it was also found that it facilitates interaction with local authorities. Nevertheless, it came out that its full deployment has not been realized. Despite favorable demographic characteristics, citizens in the study areas do not make good use of e‐government options to interact with their local government officials. The research explores the challenges and opportunities for the adoption of these e‐government initiatives by metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana. Key conclusions and policy implications are drawn from the study.
Reconsidering important outcomes of the nonsuicidal self‐injury disorder diagnostic criterion A
Authors: Ammerman Brooke A. , Jacobucci Ross , McCloskey Michael S.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) disorder diagnostic criteria have been the focus of empirical study. However, Criterion A (i.e., required frequency and timeframe) has received relatively limited attention. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between past 12‐month NSSI frequency and eight NSSI behavior features among individuals with past 12‐month and 1‐month NSSI.

Method

Participants were 723 undergraduate students reporting at least 1 past 12‐month NSSI act and completed online questionnaires. Decision trees and structural equation model trees were utilized to examine the relationship between NSSI frequency and behavior features.

Results

Results highlight several potential subgroups: high (i.e., greater than 49 acts), moderate‐to‐high (i.e., 19–48 acts), low‐to‐moderate (i.e., 7–18 acts), and low (i.e., fewer than 6 acts) frequency subgroups.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that increasing the NSSI disorder criterion A frequency cutoff or requiring at least one past month NSSI act may better demarcate individuals with more severe NSSI behavior.
Synthesis and Reactions of a New Quinone Quinoline 7‐(Carboxymethoxy)‐3‐sulfoquinoline‐5,6‐dione
Authors: Dinh Nguyen Huu , Len Vu Thi , Hang Bui Thi Yen , Hoa Le Thi
Published: February 2019

The new ortho‐quinone quinoline 7‐(carboxymethoxy)‐3‐sulfoquinoline‐5,6‐dione was synthesized. The reaction of this quinoline‐5,6‐dione with hydroxylamine, hydrazine, phenylhydrazine, ethanol, semicarbazide, thiosemicarbazide, ethylenediamine, and benzene‐1,2‐diamine were studied. Ten new azaheterocyclic compounds were isolated and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and MS spectra. Antioxidant activities of some obtained compounds were tested.
Evaluation of dietary treatment and amino acid supplementation in organic acidurias and urea‐cycle disorders: On the basis of information from a European multicenter registry
Authors: Molema Femke , Gleich Florian , Burgard Peter , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Summar Marshall L. , Chapman Kimberly A. , Barić Ivo , Lund Allan M. , Kölker Stefan , Williams Monique ,   Additional individual contributors from E‐IMD
Published: February 2019

Organic acidurias (OAD) and urea‐cycle disorders (UCD) are rare inherited disorders affecting amino acid and protein metabolism. As dietary practice varies widely, we assessed their long‐term prescribed dietary treatment against published guideline and studied plasma amino acids levels. We analyzed data from the first visit recorded in the European registry and network for intoxication type metabolic diseases (E‐IMD, Chafea no. 2010 12 01). In total, 271 methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) and propionic aciduria (PA) and 361 UCD patients were included. Median natural protein prescription was consistent with the recommended daily allowance (RDA), plasma L‐valine (57%), and L‐isoleucine (55%) levels in MMA and PA lay below reference ranges. Plasma levels were particularly low in patients who received amino acid mixtures (AAMs‐OAD) and L‐isoleucine:L‐leucine:L‐valine (BCAA) ratio was 1.0:3.0:3.2. In UCD patients, plasma L‐valine, L‐isoleucine, and L‐leucine levels lay below reference ranges in 18%, 30%, and 31%, respectively. In symptomatic UCD patients who received AAM‐UCD, the median natural protein prescription lay below RDA, while their L‐valine and L‐isoleucine levels and plasma BCAA ratios were comparable to those in patients who did not receive AAM‐UCD. Notably, in patients with ornithine transcarbamylase syndrome (OTC‐D), carbamylphosphate synthetase 1 syndrome (CPS1‐D) and hyperammonemia‐hyperornithinemia‐homocitrullinemia (HHH) syndrome selective L‐citrulline supplementation resulted in higher plasma L‐arginine levels than selective L‐arginine supplementation. In conclusion, while MMA and PA patients who received AAMs‐OAD had very low BCAA levels and disturbed plasma BCAA ratios, AAMs‐UCD seemed to help UCD patients obtain normal BCAA levels. In patients with OTC‐D, CPS1‐D, and HHH syndrome, selective L‐citrulline seemed preferable to selective L‐arginine supplementation.