bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of mullerian anomalies over 5 years in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Antaratani Ramalingappa C. , Kumar Sanjana , Raju Vinay
Published: February 2020

Background: Mullerian anomalies-developmental anomalies of the mullerian system might involve the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and vagina of which anomalies of the uterus are the most common. They are often regarded as a treatable form of infertility and have a prevalence of 0.5% in the general population. Though most of them remain asymptomatic, they contribute a good proportion of recurrent pregnancy losses, obstetric complications and infertility. Their timely diagnosis, management and evaluation of associated anomalies proves to be necessary.Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken at KIMS, Hubli from 2014 to 2018. The study involved those women who were admitted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at KIMS, Hubli for various reasons and were detected to have a mullerian anomaly. Their mode of presentation, method of detection, associated anomalies were analysed and statistical conclusions drawn from the same.Results: During the study period of 5 years, a total of 85 cases of mullerian anomalies were detected amounting to an incidence of 0.15%. 35% of them were asymptomatic, infertility (24%) being the next common mode of presentation. Septate/sub-septate uterus was found to have the poorest obstetric outcome. Mullerian anomalies were seen in combination in 14% of the cases and had an association with other anomalies like renal anomalies in 10% of the cases. Surgical correction was done for most of the cases of vaginal septum and septate/sub-septate uterus.Conclusions: Mullerian anomalies are often regarded as an uncommon but treatable form of infertility. Their timely detection, treatment and watchful obstetric management is in need.
Factors affecting internet use among university students in Sarawak, Malaysia: an empirical study
Authors: Rahman M. Mizanur , Arif M. Taha , Luke Fready , Letchumi Santha , Nabila Fatin , Zien Ling Cindy Wong , Vui Edmund Shin Chin , Baharin Nazibah
Published: February 2020

Background: The internet has become an indispensable tool for communication, academic research, information and entertainment. However, heavy users of the internet lead to less confidence in social skills and the tendency to be isolated. The study aimed to assess the pattern of internet use and factors affecting problematic internet use among university students.Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted among the students of a university in Sarawak, Malaysia. A multistage cluster sampling technique was adapted to select the participants. Data were collected from 463 students by self-administered questionnaire. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis was done to determine the potential factors for problematic internet use.Results: The mean age of the students was 22 years, with a standard deviation of 1.6 years. Two-fifths (61.8%) of the students had no problematic internet use. However, 35.4% had moderate and 2.8% had severe problematic internet use. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis found that age of the students, year of study, duration of daily internet use and use of social networking like Skype appeared to be potential predictors of problematic internet use (p<0.05).Conclusions: This study was conducted in only one university, thus did not depict the overall scenarios of the country. The implications of the findings are still worth noting in the process of designing internet addiction studies among university students. Overall, this study has unearthed some useful insights which can serve as a guide to more elaborate studies.
Assessment of nutritional status of school going adolescent girls in a rural block of Haryana, India
Authors: . Diksha , Saluja Neelu , Choudhary Seema , Pandey S. M. , Kundu Manish , Singh Manisha
Published: February 2020

Background: Good nutrition during adolescence is critical to cover the deficits suffered during childhood and should include nutrients required to meet the demands of physical and cognitive growth and development, provide adequate stores of energy for illnesses and pregnancy and prevent adult onset of nutrition-related diseases. Poorly nourished adolescent mothers are more likely to give birth to low birth weight babies, perpetuating a cycle of health problems which pass from one generation to the next. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the nutritional status of school going adolescent girls of Agroha block of Haryana.Methods: Study area was two senior secondary and two high schools (randomly selected) of Agroha block of district Hisar (Haryana). Study design was school based cross-sectional study. Study participants were three hundred and forty-four adolescent girls studying in class 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th. Study tool was pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Percentages and Chi- Square. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 was used.Results: Out of total girls, 8.72% were found to be thin followed by severely thin (0.58%). Thirteen (3.78%) girls were found to be overweight followed by obese (0.58%).Conclusions: Nutritional status of adolescent girls was found to be satisfactory.
Quantitative Seismic Interpretation Identifies Sweet Spots in Organic-Rich Mudrocks
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: February 2020

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 197290, “Quantitative Seismic Interpretation Work Flow for Sweet-Spot Identification in Organic-Rich Mudrocks,” by Mustafa A. Al Ibrahim, Tapan Mukerji, SPE, and Allegra Hosford Scheirer, Stanford University, prepared for the 2019 SPE Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, 11–14 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Estimating the lateral heterogeneity of geochemical properties of organic-rich mudrocks is important for unconventional resource plays. Well-penetration data from emerging plays are sparse and so traditional geostatistical methods will not yield good results. In this study, the authors use a quantitative seismic interpretation work flow (QSI) based on a rock-physics template in estimating the uncertainty of the geochemical properties of organic mudrocks of the Shublik formation of the Alaskan North Slope. By combining the rock-physics template and the results of seismic inversion, multiple realizations of total organic content (TOC), matrix porosity, and brittleness index are generated. These parameters can be used for sweet-spot detection.

Introduction

Data for physical rock parameters are generally restricted to well locations. To extend data laterally, two general directions can be taken: a data-oriented approach and a physics-oriented approach. The data-oriented approach is powerful but requires a large amount of data commonly not available in emerging areas where well penetration is scarce.  Physics-oriented approaches can be used to obtain the desired parameters used in decision-making; however, the results are highly dependent on the inputs, such as TOC and hydrogen index, and these typically are not defined regionally.

The QSI is a powerful tool that can be used to estimate the lateral and vertical heterogeneity of rocks beyond wellbores. QSI combines both of the previously mentioned approaches by using well data to calibrate rock-physics models and then using statistical methods to derive relationships between rock-physics models and seismic data.

In the complete paper, the authors demonstrate a work flow to apply the QSI to organic-rich mudrocks by incorporating a constructed rock-physics template for mudrocks. Joint estimation of rock properties is used to estimate the geochemical and mechanical properties important in determining sweet spots. Multiple possible realizations of Earth models are generated to capture the nonuniqueness associated with the inversion problem.

Study Area

The Triassic Shublik source rock is the main petroleum source in the North Slope of Alaska. The organic-rich calcareous interval is interpreted to be deposited during a marine upwelling period. Lateral and vertical heterogeneity in the Shublik formation has been documented with multiple facies identified.
Peran Kepercayaan Memediasi Pengaruh Persepsi Nilai dan Persepsi Risiko Produk Terhadap Niat Beli Produk (Studi pada Produk Suplemen Hijau Merek Herbalife)
Authors: Dewi Made Lia Ananda , Sri Suprapti Ni Wayan
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of green perceptions, green risk perceptions, and green beliefs on green purchase intentions of Herbalife products, and to determine whether green beliefs are a mediating variable. This research uses purposive sampling sampling technique. The sample used is 100 respondents who are domiciled in Denpasar. The data obtained were analyzed by descriptive analysis and Partial Least Square. The results of the study found that perceptions of green values ??and green beliefs have a positive and significant impact on green buying intentions. The perception of green value has a positive and significant effect on green belief. Furthermore, perceptions of green risks have a negative and significant effect on green beliefs and green buying intentions. The practical implications of this study are important for marketers to take this into account through more intensive programs for health-themed activities such as bicycle sports, marathon, and gymnastics, which are then supported by marketing and education on Herbalife products. The results of the mediation test show that to increase green buying intention not only by emphasizing the perception of green consumer risk alone, but also through increasing their confidence in green products.
Long-term follow-up results of patients with ADCK4 mutations who have been diagnosed in the asymptomatic period: effects of early initiation of CoQ10 supplementation
Authors: Atmaca Mustafa , Gülhan Bora , Atayar Emine , Bayazıt Aysun Karabay , Candan Cengiz , Arıcı Mustafa , Topaloğlu Rezan , Özaltın Fatih
Published: February 2020

ADCK4-related glomerulopathy is a recently recognized clinical entity associated with insidious onset in young children and a high potential to progress to chronic kidney disease in adolescents. Early initiation of exogenous coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation in the asymptomatic period could be protective on renal functions. In the present study, we aimed to investigate long-term follow-up of patients that we have diagnosed during the asymptomatic period and in whom we started CoQ10 treatment. We analyzed long-term effects of CoQ10 on proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in this patient population. A total of 8 patients (4 female, 4 male) from 6 different families were included. The mean age at diagnosis and at last visit were 16.8±11.2 years and 20.7±11.7 years, respectively. None of the patients had extrarenal system involvement. At the time of initiation of treatment; median eGFR was 107.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, median proteinuria was 1008 mg/m2/day. After a median follow-up period of 25.3±5.8 months, median proteinuria decreased to 318.5 mg/m2/day (p=0.03) and median eGFR remained stable at 99.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p=0.21). Coenzyme Q10 treatment is effective for reducing proteinuria and seems to be renoprotective.
Formation of Special Legal Regime of Ethnic Crime Prevention in Context of Forced Migration
Authors: Zieliński Jacek , Pikuleva Irina
Published: February 2020

Some aspects of the present issue of forced migration have been analysed in the article. The Authors note that the current geopolitical and economic reality necessitates modernisation of the approach to the detection, prevention and counteraction to ethnic crime. Taking into consideration the significance of the problem, the Authors suggest reference to the migrants’ ethnic criminal activity in the framework of a special legal regime. It means that all public relations connected with the detection, prevention and counteraction to ethnic crime and other legal measures should be evaluated not only from the perspective of statutory regulation, but also in the context of real practice in this area. That allows for more realistic approach to the legal regime. The Authors give some directions of the statutory regulation improvement in the field of forced migration: strengthening of control over migration processes, suppression of ethnic enclaves’ formation in cities, special control over internal environment of migrants’ societies in order to prevent extremist views.

Rakstā tiek analizēti daži piespiedu migrācijas aspekti. Autori atzīmē, ka pašreizējā ģeopolitiskā un ekonomiskā realitāte prasa modernizētu pieeju, lai atklātu, novērstu un apkarotu etnisko noziedzību. Ņemot vērā problēmas nozīmīgumu, autori iesaka īpašu tiesisko režīmu attiecībā uz migrantu etnisko noziedzīgo darbību. Tas nozīmē, ka visas sabiedriskās attiecības, kas saistītas, lai atklātu, novērstu un apkarotu etnisko noziedzību, jāizvērtē ne tikai no tiesiskā regulējuma, bet arī saistībā ar reālo praksi šajā jomā. Tas pieļauj reālistiskāku pieeju īpašam tiesiskajam režīmam. Autori sniedz dažus ieteikumus tiesiskā regulējuma uzlabošanai piespiedu migrācijas jomā: stiprināt kontroli pār migrācijas procesiem, uzraudzīt etnisko anklāvu veidošanos pilsētās, veikt īpašu kontroli pār migrantu sabiedrības iekšējo vidi, lai novērstu ekstrēmistiskus viedokļus.
Dalītā īpašuma tiesiskais regulējums un tā attīstības perspektīvas: problēmjautājumi saistībā ar daudzdzīvokļu dzīvojamām mājām no patērētāju tiesību aizsardzības skatupunkta
Authors: Dāvida Zanda
Published: February 2020

Civiltiesiskajā jomā, it īpaši Latvijā, specifiska juridiskā kategorija un institūts ir dalītais īpašums. Z. Dāvida minēto institūtu savā rakstā analizē no daudzdzīvokļu māju dalītā īpašuma īpašnieku skatupunkta. Lasītājiem varētu būt interesanti iepazīties ar autores viedokli par dalītā īpašuma tiesiskā regulējuma perspektīvām.

In the civil field, especially in Latvia, a separate property is a specific legal category and institution. Z. Dāvida analyses this institute from the point of view of the owners of separate property of the apartment house. The readers may find it of interest to acquaint themselves with the author’s point of view on the perspectives of the legal framework of separate property.
Population-Poverty Linkages and Health Consequences
Authors: Acharya Sanghmitra Sheel
Published: February 2020

Population dynamics and determinants of poverty are associated in a way that affects access to resources which influence health. The popular belief often is that population growth causes problems including poverty.  Scientific arguments, however, have fairy well established that it is the nature of development, which is important to ensures availability, access and utilization of resources, services and opportunities for different population groups. Population growth is an insufficient explanation for denial of access to resources because development disparities across globe render different populations exposed to vulnerabilities of varied kinds. Disparities in health between different social groups are the function of unequal way in which the determinants of health are distributed in society. Beyond its effects on health, inequality has far reaching consequences on social trust and cohesion affecting social institutions; and also on  mortality and health outcomes. Factors such as income, employment status, housing, education, social position, and social exclusion have direct and indirect bearings on health over lifetimes. In many countries there is evidence of a social gradient in health, with those in more advantaged positions enjoying generally better health and lower mortality. In India, caste is an important axes on which discrimination and denial occurs causing poor health outcome. In term of income and social indicators, India is one of the most unequal countries in the world.  The present paper endeavours to understand the determinants of disparity among population groups across countries which influence access to health care with special reference to India.
FAKTOR –FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN DIARE PADA ANAK DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS ALALAK TENGAH KOTA BANJARMASIN
Authors: Marliyanti Eka , Fauzan Akhmad , Norfai Norfai
Published: February 2020

Penyakit diare masih merupakan masalah kesehatan masyarakat di Negara berkembang seperti di Indonesia, diare merupakan penyebab kematian nomor tiga pada semua usia. Angka kesakitan diare pada tahun 2010 ada 411 penderita per 1000 penduduk. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan kejadian diare pada anak di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Alalak Tengah Kota Banjarmasin. Desain penelitian yang digunakan yaitu cross sectional. Variabel bebas dalam penelitian ini adalah status gizi dan perilaku, sedangkan variabel terikatnya adalah kejadian diare. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah anak usia sekolah yang berumur 7-12 tahun dengan sampel sebanyak 93 responden yang diambil dengan menggunakan teknik pengambilan sampel random sampling. Data dikumpulkan dengan wawancara terhadap responden dan analisis yang digunakan melalui dua tahap yaitu univariat dan bivariat dengan uji Chi Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa status gizi tidak berhubungan dengan kejadian diare p-value =0,073 (p-value > 0,05), dan perilaku anak berhubungan dengan kejadian diare p-value =0,000 (p-value < 0,05). Dari hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa tinggi rendahnya status gizi anak tidak berpengaruh terhadap kejadian diare dan perilaku mencuci tangan anak yang buruk dapat menyebabkan terjadinya penyakit diare. Disarankan kepada pihak puskesmas untuk lebih meningkatkan lagi promosi kesehatan melalui penyuluhan kesekolah tentang diare dan mencuci tangan yang baik dan benar.
The von Willebrand Factor A1 domain mediates thromboinflammation, aggravating ischemic stroke outcome in mice
Authors: Frederik Denorme  , Kimberly Martinod  , Aline Vandenbulcke  , Cécile V. Denis  , Peter J. Lenting  , Hans Deckmyn  , Karen Vanhoorelbeke  , Simon F. De Meyer
Published: February 2020

von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays an important role in ischemic stroke. However, the exact mechanism by which VWF mediates progression of ischemic stroke brain damage is not completely understood. Using flow cytometric analysis of single cell suspensions prepared from brain tissue and immunohistochemistry, we investigated the potential inflammatory mechanisms by which VWF contributes to ischemic stroke brain damage in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Twenty-four hours after stroke, flow cytometric analysis of brain tissue revealed that overall white blood cell recruitment in the ipsilesional brain hemisphere of VWF KO mice was 2 times lower than WT mice. More detailed analysis showed a specific reduction of proinflammatory monocytes, neutrophils and T-cells in the ischemic brain of VWF KO mice compared to WT mice. Interestingly, histological analysis revealed a substantial number of neutrophils and T-cells still within the microcirculation of the stroke brain, potentially contributing to the no-reflow phenomenon. Specific therapeutic targeting of the VWF A1 domain in WT mice resulted in reduced immune cell numbers in the affected brain and protected mice from ischemic stroke brain damage. More specifically, recruitment of proinflammatory monocytes was reduced two-fold, neutrophil recruitment was reduced five-fold and T-cell recruitment was reduced two-fold in mice treated with a VWF A1-targeting nanobody compared to mice receiving a control nanobody. In conclusion, our data identify a potential role for VWF in the recruitment of proinflammatory monocytes, neutrophils and T-cells to the ischemic brain via a mechanism that is mediated by its A1 domain.
Ukrainian encyclopedias in the digital format
Authors: Dobko Tetiana
Published: February 2020

The article deals with the Internet electronic encyclopaedias (online and digital ones) and electronic versions of the printed encyclopedias.
Improvement of methodological support of expert research of specific software in the field of cyber crime
Authors: LEONOV B. , SEREGIN V.
Published: February 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of the problems of expert support for activities in law enforcement in the field of countering cyber crime. The article examines the problematic issues of the development of methodological materials for the conduct of expert studies of special software. Prospective directions for further research of the problem of countering cyber crime, upgrading and improving the methods of conducting expert studies of special software have been proposed.
Managing Systemic Banking Crises
Authors: Moretti Marina , Dobler Marc , Piris Chavarri Alvaro
Published: February 2020

This paper updates the IMF’s work on general principles, strategies, and tech-niques from an operational perspective in preparing for and managing sys-temic banking crises in light of the experiences and challenges faced during and since the global financial crisis. It summarizes IMF advice concerning these areas from staff of the IMF Monetary and Capital Markets Department (MCM), drawing on Executive Board Papers, IMF staff publications, and country documents (including program documents and technical assistance reports). Unless stated otherwise, the guidance is generally applicable across the IMF membership.
Diagnóstico de Glaucoma em Imagens de Fundo de Olho utilizando os Índices de Diversidade de Shannon e McIntosh
Authors: Araújo José Denes L. , de Paiva Anselmo C. , de Almeida João D. S. , S. Neto Otilio Paulo , de Sousa Jefferson A. , Silva Aristófanes C. , Braz Júnior Geraldo
Published: February 2020

O glaucoma é uma doença ocular assintomática nos estágios iniciais que se não tratada pode levar a cegueira. Na maioria dos casos provoca um aumento da pressão dentro do olho (pressão intraocular) causando lesões no nervo óptico. O uso de técnicas de processamento de imagens para a análise de imagens do fundo do olho auxiliam os especialistas no diagnóstico do glaucoma, prevenindo assim a perda de visão. Neste trabalho é proposto um método para diagnóstico do glaucoma em imagens de fundo de olho utilizando os índices de diversidade de Shannon e McIntosh como descritores dos padrões de textura e support vector machine (SVM) para classificação. A aplicação dos índices de Shannon e McIntosh como descritores de textura mostrou-se eficaz alcançando como melhor resultado uma acurácia média de 88,35%, uma sensibilidade média de 84,50% e uma especificidade média de 91,37%.
Constructing Na‐Ion Cathodes via Alkali‐Site Substitution
Authors: Zhao Chenglong , Yao Zhenpeng , Zhou Dong , Jiang Liwei , Wang Jianlin , Murzin Vadim , Lu Yaxiang , Bai Xuedong , Aspuru‐Guzik Alán , Chen Liquan , Hu Yong‐Sheng
Published: February 2020

Na‐ion batteries have experienced rapid development over the past decade and received significant attention from the academic and industrial communities. Although a large amount of effort has been made on material innovations, accessible design strategies on peculiar structural chemistry remain elusive. An approach to in situ construction of new Na‐based cathode materials by substitution in alkali sites is proposed to realize long‐term cycling stability and high‐energy density in low‐cost Na‐ion cathodes. A new compound, [K0.444(1)Na1.414(1)][Mn3/4Fe5/4](CN)6, is obtained through a rational control of K+ content from electrochemical reaction. Results demonstrate that the remaining K+ (≈0.444 mol per unit) in the host matrix can stabilize the intrinsic K‐based structure during reversible Na+ extraction/insertion process without the structural evolution to the Na‐based structure after cycles. Thereby, the as‐prepared cathode shows the remarkably enhanced structural stability with the capacity retention of >78% after 1800 cycles, and a higher average operation voltage of ≈3.65 V versus Na+/Na, directly contrasting the non‐alkali‐site‐substitution cathode materials. This provides new insights into alkali‐site‐substitution constructing advanced Na‐ion cathode materials.
Detrimental Effect of Unreacted PbI2 on the Long‐Term Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tumen‐Ulzii Ganbaatar , Qin Chuanjiang , Klotz Dino , Leyden Matthew R. , Wang Pangpang , Auffray Morgan , Fujihara Takashi , Matsushima Toshinori , Lee Jin‐Wook , Lee Sung‐Joon , Yang Yang , Adachi Chihaya
Published: February 2020

Excess/unreacted lead iodide (PbI2) has been commonly used in perovskite films for the state‐of‐the‐art solar cell applications. However, an understanding of intrinsic degradation mechanisms of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) containing unreacted PbI2 has been still insufficient and, therefore, needs to be clarified for better operational durability. Here, it is shown that degradation of PSCs is hastened by unreacted PbI2 crystals under continuous light illumination. Unreacted PbI2 undergoes photodecomposition under illumination, resulting in the formation of lead and iodine in films. Thus, this photodecomposition of PbI2 is one of the main reasons for accelerated device degradation. Therefore, this work reveals that carefully controlling the formation of unreacted PbI2 crystals in perovskite films is very important to improve device operational stability for diverse opto‐electronic applications in the future.
High‐Mobility 2D Hole Gas at a SrTiO3 Interface
Authors: Anh Le Duc , Kaneta Shingo , Tokunaga Masashi , Seki Munetoshi , Tabata Hitoshi , Tanaka Masaaki , Ohya Shinobu
Published: February 2020

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3 or STO) is important for oxide‐based electronics as it serves as a standard substrate for a wide range of high‐temperature superconducting cuprates, colossal magnetoresistive manganites, and multiferroics. Moreover, in its heterostructures with different materials, STO exhibits a broad spectrum of important physics such as superconductivity, magnetism, the quantum Hall effect, giant thermoelectric effect, and colossal ionic conductivity, most of which emerge in a two‐dimensional (2D) electron gas (2DEG) formed at an STO interface. However, little is known about its counterpart system, a 2D hole gas (2DHG) at the STO interface. Here, a simple way of realizing a 2DHG with an ultrahigh mobility of 24 000 cm2 V−1 s−1 is demonstrated using an interface between STO and a thin amorphous FeOy layer, made by depositing a sub‐nanometer‐thick Fe layer on an STO substrate at room temperature. This mobility is the highest among those reported for holes in oxides. The carrier type can be switched from p‐type (2DHG) to n‐type (2DEG) by controlling the Fe thickness. This unprecedented method of forming a 2DHG at an STO interface provides a pathway to unexplored hole‐related physics in this system and enables extremely low‐cost and high‐speed oxide electronics.
Biomolecular Piezoelectric Materials: From Amino Acids to Living Tissues
Authors: Kim Daeyeong , Han Sang A , Kim Jung Ho , Lee Ju‐Hyuck , Kim Sang‐Woo , Lee Seung‐Wuk
Published: February 2020

Biomolecular piezoelectric materials are considered a strong candidate material for biomedical applications due to their robust piezoelectricity, biocompatibility, and low dielectric property. The electric field has been found to affect tissue development and regeneration, and the piezoelectric properties of biological materials in the human body are known to provide electric fields by pressure. Therefore, great attention has been paid to the understanding of piezoelectricity in biological tissues and its building blocks. The aim herein is to describe the principle of piezoelectricity in biological materials from the very basic building blocks (i.e., amino acids, peptides, proteins, etc.) to highly organized tissues (i.e., bones, skin, etc.). Research progress on the piezoelectricity within various biological materials is summarized, including amino acids, peptides, proteins, and tissues. The mechanisms and origin of piezoelectricity within various biological materials are also covered.
ATO (Arsenic Trioxide) Effects on Promyelocytic Leukemia Nuclear Bodies Reveals Antiviral Intervention Capacity
Authors: Hofmann Samuel , Mai Julia , Masser Sawinee , Groitl Peter , Herrmann Alexander , Sternsdorf Thomas , Brack‐Werner Ruth , Schreiner Sabrina
Published: February 2020

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are associated with clinical symptoms such as gastroenteritis, keratoconjunctivitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and encephalitis. In the absence of protective immunity, as in allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients, HAdV infections can become lethal. Alarmingly, various outbreaks of highly pathogenic, pneumotropic HAdV types have been recently reported, causing severe and lethal respiratory diseases. Effective drugs for treatment of HAdV infections are still lacking. The repurposing of drugs approved for other indications is a valuable alternative for the development of new antiviral therapies and is less risky and costly than de novo development. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is approved for treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Here, it is shown that ATO is a potent inhibitor of HAdV. ATO treatment blocks virus expression and replication by reducing the number and integrity of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, important subnuclear structures for HAdV replication. Modification of HAdV proteins with small ubiquitin‐like modifiers (SUMO) is also key to HAdV replication. ATO reduces levels of viral SUMO‐E2A protein, while increasing SUMO‐PML, suggesting that ATO interferes with SUMOylation of proteins crucial for HAdV replication. It is concluded that ATO targets cellular processes key to HAdV replication and is relevant for the development of antiviral intervention strategies.
High throughput membrane emulsification using a single‐pass annular flow crossflow membrane
Authors: Holdich Richard , Dragosavac Marijana , Williams Bruce , Trotter Samuel
Published: February 2020

Membrane emulsification has the potential to revolutionize the energy‐efficient production of uniform emulsions and dispersions, relevant to diverse fields from pharmaceutical active ingredient controlled release particles to Fast Moving Consumer Goods. A novel highly robust single‐pass continuous phase crossflow system has been developed providing dispersed phase concentrations up to 40% vol/vol and dispersed phase fluxes up to 5,730 L m−2 hr−1, from a single 100 mm long membrane tube. Extensive results of two oil‐in‐water systems (vegetable oil and PolyCaproLactone dissolved in DiChloroMethane) and one water‐in‐oil system (sodium silicate solution) are reported, using hydrophilic and hydrophobic membranes respectively. Mathematical models are validated enabling comprehensive engineering analysis of processes including predicted droplet size, membrane pressure drops, and energy requirement for dispersion production. Surfactant depletion, pore utilization, and droplet interaction at the membrane surface were investigated to provide a comprehensive analysis of the capabilities of novel annular‐flow membrane emulsification for high throughput emulsion generation.
Lateral nasal wall flap for endoscopic reconstruction of the skull base: anatomical study and clinical series
Authors: Lavigne Philippe , Vega Maria Belen , Ahmed Omar H. , Gardner Paul A. , Snyderman Carl H. , Wang Eric W.
Published: February 2020

Background

The lateral nasal wall (LNW) flap provides vascularized endonasal reconstruction primarily in revision surgery. Although the harvesting technique and reconstructive surface have been reported, the arterial supply to the LNW flap and its clinical implications is not well defined. This study presents anatomical dissections to clarify the vascular supply to this flap, and the associated clinical outcomes from this reconstructive technique.

Methods

The course and branching pattern of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) to the LNW were studied in 6 vascular latex‐injected heads (11 LNW flaps total). Patients undergoing an LNW flap since 2008 were identified and the underlying pathology, indication, flap viability, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The inferior turbinate artery arises from the LNW artery and divides into 2 branches at the most posterior aspect of the inferior turbinate bone. A smaller‐caliber superficial branch travels anteriorly and branches to the LNW. A larger dominant branch travels into the inferior meatus and tangentially supplies the nasal floor. Twenty‐four patients with sellar or posterior cranial fossa (PCF) defects were reconstructed with an LNW flap. Postoperative contrast enhancement of the LWN flap was identified in 95.5% of cases. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks were identified in 6 cases.

Conclusion

Blood supply to the nasal floor by the dominant inferior meatus branch is more robust than the supply to the anterior LNW by the superficial arterial branch. The LNW flap is the preferred vascularized reconstructive option to the PCF and sella in the absence of a nasoseptal flap (NSF).
Impact of induction chemotherapy and socioeconomics on sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma survival
Authors: Lehrich Brandon M. , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Abiri Arash , Yasaka Tyler , Sahyouni Ronald , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Kuan Edward C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is an uncommon malignancy of the nasal cavity and accessory sinuses with limited available studies evaluating role of induction chemotherapy (IC), demographics, and socioeconomic factors on overall survival (OS).

Methods

The 2004‐2015 National Cancer Database was queried for patients with histologically confirmed SNUC. IC was defined as chemotherapy administered 6 months to 2 weeks before surgery or ≥45 days before radiotherapy.

Results

Of 440 identified patients, 70 (16%) underwent treatments involving IC. This consisted of 52 (12%), 15 (3%), and 3 (1%) patients receiving IC before definitive radiation therapy, surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, or surgery only, respectively. On univariate analysis, IC (p = 0.34) did not affect OS, whereas having government insurance (hazard ratio [HR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37‐2.34; p < 0.001) and living in regions with ≥13% of the population without a high school diploma (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.79; p = 0.02) were associated with worse OS. On log‐rank test, patients with advanced stage had similar OS regardless of whether or not they received IC (p = 0.96). Patients who received IC lived closer to their treatment site (p = 0.02) and had worse overall health, with more comorbidities (p = 0.02). The timing of IC before definitive surgery or radiation did not affect OS (p = 0.69).

Conclusion

In this SNUC population‐based analysis, IC did not appear to provide additional OS benefit regardless of disease stage or timing before definitive treatment. Distance to treatment and level of comorbidities may be associated with receiving IC, whereas type of insurance and residence education level may impact SNUC OS, regardless of treatment.
Robust Markers and Sample Sizes for Multicenter Trials of Huntington Disease
Authors: Wijeratne Peter A. , Johnson Eileanoir B. , Eshaghi Arman , Aksman Leon , Gregory Sarah , Johnson Hans J. , Poudel Govinda R. , Mohan Amrita , Sampaio Cristina , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie , Paulsen Jane S. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Scahill Rachael I. ,   the IMAGE‐HD, PREDICT‐HD, and TRACK‐HD investigators, Alexander Daniel C.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The identification of sensitive biomarkers is essential to validate therapeutics for Huntington disease (HD). We directly compare structural imaging markers across the largest collective imaging HD dataset to identify a set of imaging markers robust to multicenter variation and to derive upper estimates on sample sizes for clinical trials in HD.

Methods

We used 1 postprocessing pipeline to retrospectively analyze T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 624 participants at 3 time points, from the PREDICT‐HD, TRACK‐HD, and IMAGE‐HD studies. We used mixed effects models to adjust regional brain volumes for covariates, calculate effect sizes, and simulate possible treatment effects in disease‐affected anatomical regions. We used our model to estimate the statistical power of possible treatment effects for anatomical regions and clinical markers.

Results

We identified a set of common anatomical regions that have similarly large standardized effect sizes (>0.5) between healthy control and premanifest HD (PreHD) groups. These included subcortical, white matter, and cortical regions and nonventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We also observed a consistent spatial distribution of effect size by region across the whole brain. We found that multicenter studies were necessary to capture treatment effect variance; for a 20% treatment effect, power of >80% was achieved for the caudate (n = 661), pallidum (n = 687), and nonventricular CSF (n = 939), and, crucially, these imaging markers provided greater power than standard clinical markers.

Interpretation

Our findings provide the first cross‐study validation of structural imaging markers in HD, supporting the use of these measurements as endpoints for both observational studies and clinical trials. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:751–762
Effect of melting processes on the structure and precipitation of a heavy rainstorm in Beijing
Authors: Guo Chunwei , Xiao Hui , Wen Wei , Yang Huiling
Published: February 2020

Beijing and its surrounding areas experienced a torrential rainstorm from July 21 to 22, 2012. Previous studies have shown that melting was the main rainwater source in this process. In this paper, melting conversion processes were set to zero (NPMLT test) to analyze the effect of microphysical processes on the structure and precipitation of the convective system. The results showed that without the melting processes, the wind shear at the 700 hPa level decreased, and the wind field in Beijing and its surrounding areas changed. The cold front system moved faster, and the rainfall amount only reached the low rain level, much lower than that during the actual rainstorm. The hydrometeors sources had apparently changed. Though the latent heat release was large and little latent heat absorption occurred in the NPMLT test, the net latent heat did not affect the development of the convective system, and the precipitation was low. Therefore, microphysical processes greatly influence precipitation and convective system.
Assessment of the feedstock supply for siting single‐ and multiple‐feedstock biorefineries in the USA and identification of prevalent feedstocks
Authors: Sharma Bhavna , Brandt Craig , McCullough‐Amal Devita , Langholtz Matthew , Webb Erin
Published: February 2020

An integrated multi‐feedstock bioenergy (i.e., biofuel, biopower, or bioproduct) supply system has potential to reduce biomass supply system uncertainties and costs. This study identifies optimal configurations of multi‐feedstock biomass‐to‐biorefinery supply chains and pertinent feedstock combinations based on spatial distribution of feedstock and lowest delivered cost to the biorefinery. We used the Supply Characterization Model (SCM) to allocate feedstock supplies to candidate biorefinery facilities. Model runs were performed for herbaceous energy crops, agriculture residue, and woody biomass available in 2017, 2022, 2025, and 2030 as estimated by the Policy Analysis System (POLYSYS) and Forest Sustainable and Economic Analysis Model (ForSEAM) models. Three feedstock supply scenarios were compared: (a) an herbaceous scenario: switchgrass, miscanthus, biosorghum, and corn stover; (b) a woody scenario: coppice wood, noncoppice wood, whole trees, and forestry residues, and (c) a mixed scenario: a combination of all feedstocks in herbaceous and woody scenarios. By 2030 the analyses predicted that 323, 168, and 473 biorefineries were sited in the herbaceous, woody, and mixed scenario, respectively, in the conterminous USA. Feedstock mixes supplied to the biorefineries were mostly dominated by a single feedstock. The most prominent feedstock mixes identified were: (1) switchgrass and miscanthus; (2) coppice and noncoppice wood; and (3) coppice wood, noncoppice wood, switchgrass and miscanthus. Biorefineries using multi‐feedstock would be beneficial for growth of bioeconomy, however flexible and cost‐effective conversion platforms should be developed to efficiently utilize multiple feedstocks. This analysis identifies biorefinery locations and feedstock supply mixes while minimizing delivered feedstock costs based on spatial and temporal feedstock availability. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Ionizing radiation modulates vascular endothelial growth factor expression through STAT3 signaling pathway in rat neonatal primary astrocyte cultures
Authors: Zhou Guijuan , Xu Yan , He Bing , Ma Rundong , Wang Yilin , Chang Yunqian , Xie Yangzhi , Wu Lin , Huang Jianghua , Xiao Zijian
Published: February 2020

Background and Purpose

Radiation‐induced brain injury (RBI) usually occurs six months to three years after irradiation, often shows cognitive dysfunction, epilepsy, and other neurological dysfunction. In severe cases, it can cause a wide range of cerebral edema, even herniation. It seriously threatens the survival of patients and their quality of life, and it becomes a key factor in limiting the radiation dose and lowering the therapeutic efficacy in recent years. Therefore, studying the pathogenesis of RBI and exploring new therapeutic targets are of great significance.

Methods

In our study, we observed the activation and secretory function in astrocytes as well as the intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signal transduction pathway activation status after exposing different doses of X‐ray irradiation by using MTT, Immunocytologic analysis, and Western blot analysis. Further, we used the same way to explore the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in signal transduction pathways playing in the activation of astrocytes after irradiating through the use of specificInhivascular endothelial growth factorbitors of STAT3.

Results

Ast can be directly activated, reactive hyperplasia and hypertrophy, the expression of the activation marker glial fibrillary acidic protein is increased, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the cells is increased, which may lead to RBI. After the addition of STAT3 pathway inhibitor, most of the Ast radiation activation was suppressed, and the expression of high‐level expression of VEGF decreased after irradiation.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that X‐ray irradiation directly induced the activation of astrocytes in a persistent manner and X‐ray irradiation activated STAT3 signaling pathway. As the same time, we found that X‐ray irradiation induced the activation of astrocytes and secretion cytokine. The STAT3 signaling pathway may participate in the pathogenesis of radiation‐induced brain injury.
Selective binding of Ni2+ and Cu2+ metal ions with naphthazarin esters isolated from Arnebia euchroma
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Gulati Ashu
Published: February 2020

Naphthazarin esters (C1–C4) isolated from the roots of Arnebia euchroma are found as skilled dual chemosensors for Ni2+ and Cu2+ among Pb2+, Na2+, K2+, Hg2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ metal ions. C1–C4 esters exhibited a red shift of 54 nm with Ni2+ and 30 nm with Cu2+ metal ions in absorption. There is a formation of red‐shifted bands between 517 and 613 nm in the absorption spectrum of C1–C4 sensors on binding with Ni2+ and Cu2+ ions. The addition of Ni2+ and Cu2+ ions to sensors C1–C4 stimulates a remarkable color change from reddish pink to purple and light blue, respectively. These color changes can be identified with the naked eye. The significant downfield shifts of CO and OH peaks in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum confirm the chelation as binding mechanism. With ultraviolet–visble and NMR studies, it is found that C1–C4 esters possessed notable selectivity and sensitivity toward Ni2+ and Cu2+ over other metal ions.
Sterically Demanding AgI and CuI N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Synthesis, Structures, Steric Parameters, and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Cervantes‐Reyes Alejandro , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: February 2020

The synthesis and full characterization of new air‐stable AgI and CuI complexes bearing structurally bulky expanded‐ring N‐heterocyclic carbene (erNHC) ligands is presented. The condensation of protonated NHC salts with Ag2O afforded a collection of AgI complexes, and their first use as ligand transfer reagents led to novel isostructural CuI or AuI complexes. In situ deprotonation of the NHC salts in the presence of a copper(I) source, provides a library of new CuI complexes. The solid‐state structures feature large N‐CNHC‐N angles (118–128°) and almost identical angles between the aryl groups on the nitrogen atoms and the plane of the N‐C‐N unit of the carbene (i.e. torsion angles close to 0°). Among the steric parameters, the percent buried volume (%Vbur) values span easily in the 50–57 % range, and that one of (9‐Dipp)CuBr complex (%Vbur=57.5) overcomes to other known erNHC–metal complexes reported to date. Preliminary catalytic experiments in the copper‐catalyzed coupling between N‐tosylhydrazone and phenylacetylene, afforded 76–93 % product at the 0.5–2.5 mol % catalyst loading, proving the stability of CuI erNHC complexes at elevated temperatures (100 °C).
Stereochemical facets of clinical β‐blockers: An overview
Authors: Vashistha Vinod Kumar , Kumar Anuj
Published: February 2020

The modern β‐adrenergic agonists (β‐blockers) possess one or more than one chiral center in their structure. Two enantiomers exhibit distinct pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic behaviors. Current progress in drug designing has resulted in the ability to understand the role of chirality in modern therapeutics. Furthermore, with a greater understanding of the molecular structure of precise drug targets, development of new drugs is directed towards the pure enantiomers instead of its racemates. The present review deals with a discussion on the stereochemical facets of chiral clinical β‐blockers. This review provides details of stereo‐selectivity in the pharmacological behavior of some of β‐blockers and their metabolites. An effort has been made on highlighting the distinction between the therapeutic behavior of the racemic mixtures and pure enantiomers.
Improving the novelty of retail commodity recommendations using multiarmed bandit and gradient boosting decision tree
Authors: Wen Yiping , Wang Feiran , Wu Rui , Liu Jianxun , Cao Buqing
Published: February 2020

Recommender systems are becoming increasingly critical to the success of commerce sales. In spite of their benefits, they suffer from some major challenges including recommendation quality such as the accuracy, diversity, and novelty of recommendations. In the context of retail business, the novelty of recommendations is of especial importance because it can directly affect customers' probabilities of buying commodity and whether to visit stores again. However, tradition algorithms for retail commodity recommendation never consider the problem of improving the novelty of recommendations. To address this, a novel multiarmed bandit and gradient boosting decision tree‐based retail commodity recommendation approach is proposed in this article, which is named MGRCR. It can increase recommendations' novelty while maintaining comparable levels of in the context of retailing. The effectiveness of our proposed approach has been proved by comprehensive experiments with real‐world commerce datasets and different state‐of‐the‐art recommendation techniques.