bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation and relationship among content of vitamins, pigments, and sugars in baby leaf lettuce
Authors: Simko Ivan
Published: August 2019

Baby leaf lettuce harvested approximately 30 days after planting is the primary component of spring mix salads, a popular type of packaged salads. Very little is known, however, about the content of vitamins, sugars, and pigments in young lettuce plants. Therefore, plants of 42 accessions harvested at baby leaf stage were analyzed for the contents of vitamin C, ß‐carotene, anthocyanins, chlorophylls, glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Significant differences among accessions were found for content of all seven compounds plus sucrose sweetness equivalency (SSE) and average vitamin load (AVLAC). “Floricos” was highest in all sugars, SSE and vitamin C; “Taiwan” was highest in ß‐carotene and AVLAC, and “Annapolis” and “Darkland” were highest for anthocyanins and chlorophyll contents, respectively. The lowest content of glucose and sucrose was found in iceberg “Salinas,” fructose in L. serriola accession UC96US23, vitamin C in PI 257288, and β‐carotene in “Solar.” The lowest relative sweetness (SSE) was calculated for UC96US23, followed by “Salinas,” while the lowest AVLAC was estimated for PI 257288. There were very strong, positive correlations among contents of the three sugars, and between β‐carotene and vitamin C, and β‐carotene and anthocyanins. Composition profiles of accessions presented in this study, together with identified associations between compounds, can be used by breeders, growers, and producers to select lettuces with desirable combinations of sugars, pigments, and vitamins. This information can help in development of new cultivars and breeding lines with desirable combination of traits, pleasing taste, and higher vitamin content.
Statistical Short Time Analysis for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Diagnostic‐Application to Water Management
Authors: Dib A. , Maizia R. , Martemianov S. , Thomas A.
Published: August 2019

High frequency concomitant voltage and pressure measurements on a single proton exchange membrane fuel cell are presented in this paper. Voltage, anodic and cathodic pressure measurements were shown to be highly sensitive to gas relative humidity and temperature of the cell. Fast voltage dips corresponding to pressure spikes at the anode were observed and indicate a flooding occurrence due to the blockage of anode inlet by liquid water. In a generalize flooding of the cell, pressure drop fluctuations are easily recognizable and result in voltage fluctuations and drift. A methodology based on short‐time analysis on both, voltage and pressure signals, is used to quantify the effects of flooding and drying within proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems. Intermittent behavior is highlighted on the standard deviation of the voltage for flooding and drying cases. Simultaneous analysis of the standard deviation short‐time for voltage and pressure signals allows for the differentiation between flooding and drying cases. Concomitant pressure and voltage fluctuations can be easily detected and monitored for a reliable diagnostic of proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems.
Zircon U–Pb dating and whole‐rock geochemistry of volcanic rocks in eastern Heilongjiang Province, NE China: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the Mudanjiang and Paleo‐Pacific oceans from the Jurassic to Cretaceous
Authors: Liu Kai , Wilde Simon A. , Zhang Jinjiang , Xiao Wenjiao , Wang Meng , Ge Maohui
Published: August 2019

The eastern Heilongjiang Province, NE China, is located in the eastern CAOB (Central Asian Orogenic Belt). Previous studies suggest that subduction of the Mudanjiang and Paleo‐Pacific oceans had been initiated in this area during the early Mesozoic. However, research on the Mesozoic volcanic rocks is insufficient, limiting our understanding of the relationship between magmatism and subduction process. To solve the problem, seven volcanic rocks in the Lesser Xing'an‐Zhangguangcai Range and the Jiamusi Block were collected for zircon U–Pb dating (SHRIMP) and whole‐rock geochemical analysis. Most samples from the Lesser Xing'an‐Zhangguangcai Range are Jurassic in age (189–178 Ma), including andesite, trachyandesite, trachydacite, and rhyolite. The andesitic to trachytic rocks were generated by magma mixing at an active continental margin, whereas the rhyolite is highly fractionated I‐type. All the samples from the Jiamusi Block and one basaltic andesite from the Lesser Xing'an Range are late Early Cretaceous in age (ca. 100 Ma) and were formed in a back‐arc extensional setting (roll‐back). Fractional crystallization was important in the generation of most Cretaceous rocks (basalt to trachydacite). However, magma mixing or crustal contamination was required to explain some andesites from the Jiamusi Block showing extremely low Cr, Ni, and Mg#. When integrated with the coeval blueschist‐facies metamorphism, the Early Jurassic volcanism indicates an active continental margin in the Lesser Xing'an‐Zhangguangcai Range due to the westward subduction of the Mudanjiang Ocean. After the closure of the Mudanjiang Ocean, two NE/NNE trending sinistral strike‐slip faults in NE China were triggered, accompanied by the slab roll‐back of the Paleo‐Pacific oceanic plate. The Jurassic continental arc and accretionary complexes in NE China were cut through by the two strike‐slip faults and bended to form small oroclines. At ca. 100 Ma, numerous accretionary complexes were accreted along the eastern margin of the CAOB, further forcing the retreat of trench and slab roll‐back. The late Early Cretaceous intra‐continental volcanism was generated in the Lesser Xing'an‐Zhangguangcai Range and Jiamusi Block during this roll‐back process.
Genesis of giant Fe‐Ti oxide deposits in the Panxi region, SW China: A review
Authors: Wang Kun , Dong Huan , Liu Rui
Published: August 2019

The Panxi region, SW China, has been an important source of Fe, Ti, and V metals in the world. Several giant deposits, such as the Panzhihua, Hongge, Baima and Taihe, are hosted in ca. 260 Ma mafic‐ultramafic layered intrusions in this region. These Fe‐Ti oxide‐bearing intrusions are unique in that they contain large proportions of massive ores in the lower and middle parts within the relatively small bodies. It is generally acknowledged that they have Fe‐Ti–rich and Si‐poor parental magmas that were derived from a Fe‐rich mantle source containing pyroxenite/eclogite components and follow a tholeiitic differentiation trend at depth. However, it remains controversial on the mechanism of forming such large amounts of Fe‐Ti oxides, with two main views of fractional crystallization and magma unmixing. Integrating previous studies, we suggest that magma unmixing has happened during the evolution of the Fe‐Ti‐rich magmas. Separation of immiscible Si‐rich melts led to the accumulation of denser Fe‐rich melt in the lower part of magma chamber. Large amounts of Fe‐Ti oxides crystallized from the immiscible Fe‐rich melt to form the major massive ores. The combined effects of fractional crystallization and magma unmixing can explain the enigmatic features of the Fe‐Ti oxide‐bearing layered intrusions in the Panxi region.
Long‐distance effects of epidemics: Assessing the link between the 2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak and U.S. exports and employment
Authors: Kostova Deliana , Cassell Cynthia H. , Redd John T. , Williams Desmond E. , Singh Tushar , Martel Lise D. , Bunnell Rebecca E.
Published: August 2019

Although the economic consequences of epidemic outbreaks to affected areas are often well documented, little is known about how these might carry over into the economies of unaffected regions. In the absence of direct pathogen transmission, global trade is one mechanism through which geographically distant epidemics could reverberate to unaffected countries. This study explores the link between global public health events and U.S. economic outcomes by evaluating the role of the 2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak in U.S. exports and exports‐supported U.S. jobs, 2005–2016. Estimates were obtained using difference‐in‐differences models where sub‐Saharan Africa countries were assigned to treatment and comparison groups based on their Ebola transmission status, with controls for observed and unobserved time‐variant factors that may independently influence trends in trade. Multiple model specification checks were performed to ensure analytic robustness. The year of peak transmission, 2014, was estimated to result in $1.08 billion relative reduction in U.S. merchandise exports to Ebola‐affected countries, whereas estimated losses in exports‐supported U.S. jobs exceeded 1,200 in 2014 and 11,000 in 2015. These findings suggest that remote disruptions in health security might play a role in U.S. economic indicators, demonstrating the interconnectedness between global health and aspects of the global economy and informing the relevance of health security efforts.
Practice variation in long‐term care access and use: The role of the ability to pay
Authors: Duell Daisy , Lindeboom Maarten , Koolman Xander , Portrait France
Published: August 2019

Practice variation in publicly financed long‐term care (LTC) may be inefficient and inequitable, similarly to practice variation in the health care sector. Although most OECD countries spend an increasing share of their gross domestic product on LTC, it has received comparatively little attention to date compared with the health care sector. This paper contributes to the literature by assessing and comparing regional practice variation in both access to and use of institutional LTC and investigating its relation with income and out‐of‐pocket payment. For this, we have access to unique individual‐level data covering the entire Dutch population. Even though we found practice variation in the use of LTC once access was granted, the variation between regions was still relatively small compared with international standards. In addition, we showed how a co‐payment measure could be used to reduce practice variation across care office regions and income classes making the LTC system not only more efficient but also more equitable.
Recruiting and retaining dental labor in federal facilities: Harder than pulling teeth?
Authors: Richards Michael R. , Wing Coady
Published: August 2019

The U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) is a large publicly financed health system that has long struggled with provider shortages. Shortages may arise at the VA because it offers different compensation than private sector employment options or because of differences in the way that labor is supplied to public versus private employers. In the mid‐2000s, the VA adopted a more generous and flexible pay schedule for its dentists. We exploit this salary schedule change to study the impact of a positive wage shock on dental labor supplied to the VA, within a difference‐in‐differences framework. We find limited effects on VA separation and new hire rates overall—though early career dentists appear more sensitive to the wage change. More generous pay has its clearest effects on employment type for VA dentists, reducing the likelihood of being part‐time by roughly 10%.
A Bile Duct‐on‐a‐Chip With Organ‐Level Functions
Authors: Du Yu , Khandekar Gauri , Llewellyn Jessica , Polacheck William , Chen Christopher S. , Wells Rebecca G.
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

Chronic cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), are frequently associated with damage to the barrier function of the biliary epithelium. Here, we report on a bile duct‐on‐a‐chip that phenocopies not only the tubular architecture of the bile duct in three dimensions, but also its barrier functions.

Approach and Results

We showed that mouse cholangiocytes in the channel of the device became polarized and formed mature tight junctions, that the permeability of the cholangiocyte monolayer was comparable to ex vivo measurements, and that cholangiocytes in the device were mechanosensitive (as demonstrated by changes in calcium flux under applied luminal flow). Permeability decreased significantly when cells formed a compact monolayer with cell densities comparable to those observed in vivo. This device enabled independent access to the apical and basolateral surfaces of the cholangiocyte channel, allowing proof‐of‐concept toxicity studies with the biliary toxin, biliatresone, and the bile acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid. The cholangiocyte basolateral side was more vulnerable than the apical side to treatment with either agent, suggesting a protective adaptation of the apical surface that is normally exposed to bile. Further studies revealed a protective role of the cholangiocyte apical glycocalyx, wherein disruption of the glycocalyx with neuraminidase increased the permeability of the cholangiocyte monolayer after treatment with glycochenodeoxycholic acid.

Conclusions

This bile duct‐on‐a‐chip captured essential features of a simplified bile duct in structure and organ‐level functions and represents an in vitro platform to study the pathophysiology of the bile duct using cholangiocytes from a variety of sources.
Impact of homogeneous‐heterogeneous reactions in a hybrid nanoliquid flow due to porous medium
Authors: Ramesh G. K. , Manjunatha S. , Gireesha B. J.
Published: August 2019

Chemical responses are investigated as a piece of the modern applications like hydrometallurgical industry, food processing, and polymer production. Numerous chemical responding structures consolidate homogeneous and heterogeneous response and it is especially eccentric. Hence, this paper explains how the hybrid nanoliquid flow is handy in accelerate the thermochemical possessions of the base fluid in existence of homogeneous‐heterogeneous reactions. Here, three different types of hybrid nanoliquid used are copper‐Al2O
3/water, silver‐Al
2O
3/water, and gold‐Al
2O
3/water. Outcoming differential systems are resolved numerically by adopting fourth‐order and fifth‐order Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg method. To get better view of the topic, the flow field, temperature behavior, and concentration curves are investigated for particular estimations of critical elements. The results predict that gold‐Al
2O
3/water nanoliquid has good impact of heat rate coefficient and further porosity parameter decelerates the velocity and accelerates the temperature of the hybrid nanofluid.
BRCA1 promoter methylation in peripheral blood is associated with the risk of triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Prajzendanc Karolina , Domagała Paweł , Hybiak Jolanta , Ryś Janusz , Huzarski Tomasz , Szwiec Marek , Tomiczek‐Szwiec Joanna , Redelbach Wojciech , Sejda Aleksandra , Gronwald Jacek , Kluz Tomasz , Wiśniowski Rafał , Cybulski Cezary , Łukomska Alicja , Białkowska Katarzyna , Sukiennicki Grzegorz , Kulczycka Katarzyna , Narod Steven A. , Wojdacz Tomasz K. , Lubiński Jan , Jakubowska Anna
Published: August 2019

Methylation of the promoter of the BRCA1 gene in DNA derived from peripheral blood cells is a possible risk factor for breast cancer. It is not clear if this association is restricted to certain types of breast cancer or is a general phenomenon. We evaluated BRCA1 methylation status in peripheral blood cells from 942 breast cancer patients and from 500 controls. We also assessed methylation status in 262 paraffin‐embedded breast cancer tissues. Methylation status was assessed using methylation‐sensitive high‐resolution melting and was categorized as positive or negative. BRCA1 methylation in peripheral blood cells was strongly associated with the risk of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) (odds ratio [OR] 4.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.13–7.07; p < 0.001), but not of estrogen‐receptor positive breast cancer (OR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.46–1.42; p = 0.46). Methylation was also overrepresented among patients with high‐grade cancers (OR 4.53; 95% CI: 2.91–7.05; p < 0.001) and medullary cancers (OR 3.08; 95% CI: 1.38–6.88; p = 0.006). Moreover, we detected a significant concordance of BRCA1 promoter methylation in peripheral blood and paired tumor tissue (p < 0.001). We found that BRCA1 promoter methylation in peripheral blood cells is associated with approximately five times greater risk of TNBC. We propose that BRCA1 methylation in blood‐derived DNA could be a novel biomarker of increased breast cancer susceptibility, in particular for triple‐negative tumors.
Self‐assembled core‐shell structured organic nanofibers fabricated by single‐nozzle electrospinning for highly sensitive ammonia sensors
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Shi Qianqian , Jin Shu , Shao Yinlin , Huang Jia
Published: August 2019

Electrospinning is a unique method to prepare 1‐dimentional nanofiber for large‐scale manufacturing. Here in, we demonstrated chemical sensors based on the semiconducting nanofibers with core‐shell structure by simple single‐nozzle electrospinning with the spontaneous phase separation. The core‐shell structure nanofiber has large active sites which make it highly sensitive to chemical analytes. The thickness of the sensing shell can be tuned by controlling the mass ratio of core and shell components. As a demonstration, the nanofiber‐based sensor exhibits high sensitivity to low‐concentration ammonia (ppb level), as well as stability and reversibility. This unique fast single‐nozzle electrospinning technique used to fabricate semiconducting nanofibers with core‐shell structure provides a facile and designable process for the integration of multifunctional organic semiconducting layer into the organic electronic system.
The impact of exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy for post‐trauma nightmares on suicidal ideation
Authors: Cogan Chelsea M. , Lee Jenny Y. , Cranston Christopher C. , Pruiksma Kristi E. , Rhudy Jamie L. , Davis Joanne L.
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study investigated whether a brief psychotherapy for post‐trauma nightmares (exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy [ERRT]), reduced suicidal ideation (SI). We hypothesized that: (a) nightmare frequency and severity, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and sleep quality would be related to SI at pretreatment; (b) SI would decrease from pre‐ to post‐treatment; and (c) the decrease in SI would remain after controlling for change in PTSD and depression.

Method

Seventy‐five individuals exposed to a traumatic event and who experienced frequent nightmares (minimum one per week) participated in ERRT. Participants were not required to have a psychological diagnosis. Thirty percent endorsed SI at pretreatment.

Results

Depression and PTSD were related to SI at pretreatment. SI decreased following treatment; however, the third hypothesis was not supported.

Conclusion

Results suggest brief psychotherapy targeting post‐trauma nightmares may decrease SI. More research is necessary to determine what factors contribute to decreases in SI.
Upregulated KDM4B promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation by activating autophagy
Authors: Sha Jianjun , Han Qing , Chi Chenfei , Zhu Yinjie , Pan Jiahua , Dong Baijun , Huang Yiran , Xia Weiliang , Xue Wei
Published: August 2019

Castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) causes most of the deaths in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). The androgen receptor (AR) axis plays an important role in castration resistance. Emerging studies showed that the lysine demethylase KDM4B is a key molecule in AR signaling and turnover, and autophagy plays an important role in CRPC. However, little is known about whether KDM4B promotes CRPC progression by regulating autophagy. Here we used an androgen‐independent LNCaP (LNCaP‐AI) cell line to assay aberrant KDM4B expression using qPCR and western blot analysis and investigated the function of KDM4B in regulating cell proliferation. We found that KDM4B was markedly increased in LNCaP‐AI cells compared with LNCaP cells. KDM4B level was significantly correlated with the Gleason score in PCa tissues. In vitro, KDM4B overexpression in CRPC cells promoted cell proliferation, whereas knockdown of KDM4B significantly inhibited cell proliferation. Upregulated KDM4B contributed to activate Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and autophagy. Moreover, KDM4B activated autophagy by regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Finally, we demonstrated that autophagy inhibition attenuated KDM4B‐induced CRPC cell proliferation. Our results provided novel insights into the function of KDM4B‐driven CRPC development and indicated that KDM4B may be served as a potential target for CRPC therapy.
Calcium and sodium recovery from microwave‐pretreated red mud with added solid ammonium chloride
Authors: Kim Jin‐Seok , Jo Ho Young , Choi Nag‐Choul
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Many studies have used an NH4Cl solution as a solvent during microwave‐assisted metal leaching processes. However, in this study, solid NH4Cl instead of an NH4Cl solution was used as a chlorinating agent during the microwave pretreatment of red mud to induce a rapid temperature increase by minimizing heat loss by water. Red mud only and red mud–solid NH4Cl samples were pretreated by microwaves under various conditions. Leaching tests were then conducted on the microwave‐pretreated red mud only and red mud–solid NH4Cl samples using deionized (DI) water as a leaching solution.

RESULTS

The leached Ca and Na concentrations from the microwave‐pretreated red mud–solid NH4Cl samples were significantly higher than those from the microwave‐pretreated red mud only samples at the given test conditions. In contrast to the red mud only samples, the leached Ca and Na concentrations from the microwave‐pretreated red mud–solid NH4Cl samples increased with increasing microwave output power. The leached Ca and Na concentrations from the microwave‐pretreated red mud–solid NH4Cl samples at 5000 W were significantly higher than those from the microwave‐pretreated red mud–solid NH4Cl samples at 500 and 1100 W and from the non‐microwave‐pretreated red mud–solid NH4Cl samples.

CONCLUSION

Adding solid NH4Cl to the red mud during the microwave pretreatment process is effective to recover Ca and Na at a microwave output power of 5000 W. The leached solutions with elevated Ca and Na concentrations from the microwave‐pretreated red mud–solid NH4Cl samples at 5000 W can be used for aqueous mineral carbonation to sequester CO2. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Attitudes of Israeli parents of children with Down syndrome toward non‐invasive prenatal screening and the scope of prenatal testing
Authors: Nov‐Klaiman Tamar , Raz Aviad E. , Hashiloni‐Dolev Yael
Published: August 2019

Due to its early utilization and increasing ability to provide genetic information, non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) has reinforced social and bioethical quandaries concerning prenatal genetics. This paper presents exploratory findings based on 20 semi‐structured interviews conducted in 2017–2019 with Israeli parents of children with Down syndrome (DS), four of whom also serving as representatives of DS organizations. Their views are presented regarding the pros and cons of NIPS; the social context of decision‐making about NIPS; and views on life with DS and termination of pregnancies on that ground. While illustrating the large heterogeneity of views concerning NIPS and prenatal diagnosis (PND) amongst parents of children with DS, our respondents commonly criticized the imbalanced information provided by professionals regarding DS, seen as sending a discriminating message in line with the public ignorance surrounding DS. These views are further discussed in the multi‐cultural, ableist and pro‐natal context of Israeli society. We conclude by offering practical implications concerning NIPS, parental autonomy, and informed choice.
Primary care physicians’ understanding and utilization of pediatric exome sequencing results
Authors: Mazzola Sarah E. , O'Connor Bridget , Yashar Beverly M.
Published: August 2019

Optimizing exome sequencing (ES) utility requires effective communication and collaboration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and genetics healthcare providers (GHP). To explore how PCPs use ES results to coordinate multipart management plans for complex pediatric patients, we assessed result understanding and utilization. Twenty‐seven PCPs of pediatric patients with ES results from a genetics clinic completed a mixed methods 45‐question survey measuring perceived genetics knowledge, confidence performing genetics tasks, understanding of ES technology and results, and expectations of GHP. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis classified by ES result types generated descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and common themes. Forty‐five‐percent of PCPs interpreted variant of uncertain significance results as diagnostic (implementing management changes and recommending familial testing). Most PCPs (85%) identified positive ES results impacts, but only 65% indicated ES was beneficial to care. The majority (74%) expected GHP and patients’ families to assume follow‐up care responsibility and future ES results re‐interpretations. Limited knowledge may be a factor, as 59% desired more patient care information from GHP. Our results suggest optimizing continuity of care and collaboration for pediatric patients with ES results requires additional communication between GHP and PCPs, along with continuing genetics education for PCPs aimed at improving genetic literacy.
Investigation of the Anti‐human Immunodeficiency Virus Activity of Heteronuclear Bis‐isatin Scaffolds Tethered through Propyl and Butyl
Authors: Zhang Longfei , Zhao Shijia , Xu Zhi , Liu Yi
Published: August 2019

A series of novel heteronuclear bis‐isatin scaffolds 6a–j tethered through propyl and butyl were designed, synthesized to investigate the influence of the length of the linker between the two isatin motifs and substituents at the isatin framework on the anti‐human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity against HIV‐1IIIB (MT‐4 cells) in this paper. The synthesized heteronuclear dimers were characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS. All bis‐isatin scaffolds were active against HIV‐1IIIB with EC50 values ranging from 10.03 to 95.47 μM and also showed acceptable cytotoxicity towards MT‐4 cells. The structure–activity relationship revealed that the length of the linker has great influence on the activity, and the contribution order was butyl > propyl, demonstrating the longer linker was favorable to the activity.
Role of Inflammation and the Immune System in the Progression of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Woodell‐May Jennifer E. , Sommerfeld Sven D.
Published: August 2019

Understanding the molecular drivers and feedback loops of osteoarthritis (OA) may provide future therapeutic strategies to modulate the disease progression. The current paradigm of OA is evolving from a purely mechanical disease caused by cartilage wear toward a complex biological response connecting biomechanics, inflammation, and the immune system. The view of OA as a chronic wound highlights the role inflammation plays and also the body's attempts to repair an ongoing injury. Inflammatory signals, including cytokines such as interleukin‐1 and tissue necrosis factor α, surface‐expressed pattern recognition receptors such as toll‐like receptors 2 and 4, complement factors such as C5, as well as pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and damage‐associated molecular patterns drive the enzymatic cascade that degrades cartilage matrix in OA. Considering the joint as an entire organ, interactions between the cells that reside in the synovium including macrophages and other immune cells, appear to drive enzymatic activity in cartilage, which, in turn, feeds signals back to the synovium that continues stimulating degradation in a feed‐forward loop. This review will explore the potential roles of immune cells such as macrophages and T cells in the synovium in both stimulating and modulating the inflammatory response in OA. © 2019 Orthopedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:253‐257, 2020
A Pictorial Ultrasound Essay of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Authors: Cavoretto Paolo , Cioffi Raffaella , Mangili Giorgia , Petrone Micaela , Bergamini Alice , Rabaiotti Emanuela , Valsecchi Luca , Candiani Massimo , Seckl Michael J
Published: August 2019

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) includes a wide variety of clinical and histopathologic entities that require prompt identification and definition by the integration of clinical, laboratory, and imaging data. Recently, the role of grayscale ultrasound and spectral and power/color Doppler techniques has become pivotal in the diagnosis, staging, and management of GTD, thanks to both technical improvements and the growing expertise of dedicated operators. The aim of this essay is to summarize the most recent data on the ultrasound and Doppler findings of GTD and to provide a pictorial overview, including useful prognostic and therapeutic implications for clinical practice.
Management of Patients With Erythropoietic Protoporphyria–Related Progressive Liver Disease
Authors: Ardalan Zaid S. , Chandran Sujievvan , Vasudevan Abhinav , Angus Peter W. , Grigg Andrew , He Simon , Macdonald Graeme A. , Strasser Simone I. , Tate Courtney J. , Kennedy Glen A. , Testro Adam G. , Gow Paul J.
Published: August 2019

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited metabolic disorder of heme synthesis resulting from overproduction of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), which can lead to progressive liver disease characterized by recurrent EPP crises and end‐stage liver disease. We used the Australian Transplant Registry to identify 5 patients referred for liver transplantation between 2008 and 2017. A total of 4 patients had EPP secondary to ferrochelatase deficiency, and 1 patient had X‐linked EPP. No patient had follow‐up with a specialist prior to the diagnosis of progressive liver disease. There were 3 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation, whereas 2 died while on the transplant waiting list. Parenteral PPIX‐lowering therapy was used in 4 patients and was effective in 3 patients, although 2 of these had rebound porphyria and worsening liver function following a decrease in the intensity of therapy. Early disease recurrence in the allograft following transplantation occurred in 2 patients requiring red cell exchange (RCE) to successfully attain and maintain low PPIX levels, but RCE was associated with hemosiderosis in 1 patient. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (AlloSCT) was performed in 2 patients. One failed engraftment twice, whereas the second rejected the first graft but achieved full donor chimerism with a second graft and increased immunosuppression. In conclusion, our observations suggest that progressive liver disease needs parenteral PPIX‐lowering treatment with the intensity adjusted to achieve a target Erc‐PPIX level. Because EPP liver disease is universally recurrent, AlloSCT should be considered in all patients with adequate immunosuppression to facilitate engraftment. RCE appears to be effective for recurrent EPP liver disease but is associated with an increased risk of iron overload.
Impact Optimization of 3D‐Printed Poly(methyl methacrylate) for Cranial Implants
Authors: Petersmann Sandra , Spoerk Martin , Huber Philipp , Lang Margit , Pinter Gerald , Arbeiter Florian
Published: August 2019

Material extrusion‐based additive manufacturing, also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF) or 3D printing facilitates the fabrication of cranial implants with different materials and complex internal structures. The impact behavior plays a key role in the designing process of cranial implants. Therefore, the performance of impact tests on novel implant materials is of utmost importance. This research focuses on investigating the dependency of the infill density and pattern on the impact properties of 3D‐printed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) sandwich specimens including internal rectilinear, gyroid, and 3D‐honeycomb (3D‐HC) structures. 3D‐HC structures show higher impact forces and dissipated energies as well as dynamic stiffness values compared to rectilinear and gyroid structures at the same infill density. 70% infill 3D‐HC and 100% infill rectilinear structures prove to be most promising. In addition, two different optimization techniques to further improve the impact properties of these specimens, namely a material and a topology optimization, are applied. Topology optimization shows promising results until first damage and material optimization regarding dissipated energies. However, both are not able to outperform the 3D‐HC pattern.
The martingale problem for a class of nonlocal operators of diagonal type
Authors: Chaker Jamil
Published: August 2019

We consider systems of stochastic differential equations of the form
for with continuous, bounded and non‐degenerate coefficients. Here are independent one‐dimensional stable processes with . In this article we research on uniqueness of weak solutions to such systems by studying the corresponding martingale problem. We prove the uniqueness of weak solutions in the case of diagonal coefficient matrices.
Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 promotes development and progression of colorectal cancer through negative regulation of miR‐137
Authors: Fu Yang , Yin Yuhan , Peng Sanfei , Yang Ge , Yu Yang , Guo Changqing , Qin Yanru , Zhang Xiefu , Xu Wen , Qin Yiyu
Published: August 2019

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) is critical in the progression of cancers. However, the mechanism by which SNHG1 regulates the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Expressions of SNHG1 and miR‐137 in CRC tissues and cell lines were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. A luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to investigate miR‐137 target. Additionally, RNA pull‐down assay was performed to explore the physical association between miR‐137, SNHG1, and RNA induced silencing complex (RISC). Cell cycling and invasion were examined by flow cytometry (FCM) and transwell assays. The in vivo carcinogenic activity of SNHG1 was examined using murine xenograft models. Expression of RICTOR, serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT), serum and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 (SGK1), p70S6K1, and LC3II/LC3I ratio was examined by Western blot analysis. SNHG1 upregulation was observed in CRC tissues and cell lines, which was associated with the lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage and poorer prognosis. SNHG1 increased RICTOR level in CRC via sponging miR‐137. In addition, SNHG1 silencing inhibited CRC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. SNHG1 regulated RICTOR expression by sponging miR‐137 and promoted tumorgenesis in CRC.
Auctions with different rates of patience: Evidence from the resale shoe market
Authors: Watts Alison
Published: August 2019

Bids and asks are examined over time using auction data from a continuous auction of authentic deadstock sneakers. A theoretical analysis of a double auction over time shows that if buyers and sellers have different rates of patience, then a buyer (respectively, seller) who is patient will be more likely to set a lower initial bid (respectively, higher initial ask). This causes an increase in the unfulfilled bid–ask spread over time. These results are tested using data collected from the StockX website for two specific deadstock sneakers. Results show that the unfulfilled bid–ask spread is positively correlated with time.
Knowledge and performance in an emerging telecommunication industry: The moderating role of organisational orientation
Authors: Ibidunni Ayodotun Stephen
Published: August 2019

The ability of existing research to guide managerial decision making along a broad range of strategic orientations with which knowledge must be acquired, created, and utilised to improve organisational performance still remains an unfilled gap in the literature. Consequently, by adopting a wide range of organisational orientations that inherent knowledge‐based resources in the organisation can be applied, this paper examined the moderating effect of organisational orientation on the relationship between organisational knowledge and performance of telecommunication firms. Data were gathered using quantitative research approach. This involved the use of structured questionnaire from 230 managers and other administrative and technical employees of firms in the Global System for Mobile Communication submarket of Nigeria's telecommunications industry. The statistical analysis was subject to hierarchical multiple regression.
Validation of algorithmic CT image quality metrics with preferences of radiologists
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Abadi Ehsan , Smith Taylor Brunton , Ria Francesco , Meyer Mathias , Marin Daniele , Samei Ehsan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Automated assessment of perceptual image quality on clinical Computed Tomography (CT) data by computer algorithms has the potential to greatly facilitate data‐driven monitoring and optimization of CT image acquisition protocols. The application of these techniques in clinical operation requires the knowledge of how the output of the computer algorithms corresponds to clinical expectations. This study addressed the need to validate algorithmic image quality measurements on clinical CT images with preferences of radiologists and determine the clinically acceptable range of algorithmic measurements for abdominal CT examinations.

Materials and methods

Algorithmic measurements of image quality metrics (organ HU, noise magnitude, and clarity) were performed on a clinical CT image dataset with supplemental measures of noise power spectrum from phantom images using techniques developed previously. The algorithmic measurements were compared to clinical expectations of image quality in an observer study with seven radiologists. Sets of CT liver images were selected from the dataset where images in the same set varied in terms of one metric at a time. These sets of images were shown via a web interface to one observer at a time. First, the observer rank ordered the CT images in a set according to his/her preference for the varying metric. The observer then selected his/her preferred acceptable range of the metric within the ranked images. The agreement between algorithmic and observer rankings of image quality were investigated and the clinically acceptable image quality in terms of algorithmic measurements were determined.

Results

The overall rank‐order agreements between algorithmic and observer assessments were 0.90, 0.98, and 1.00 for noise magnitude, liver parenchyma HU, and clarity, respectively. The results indicate a strong agreement between the algorithmic and observer assessments of image quality. Clinically acceptable thresholds (median) of algorithmic metric values were (17.8, 32.6) HU for noise magnitude, (92.1, 131.9) for liver parenchyma HU, and (0.47, 0.52) for clarity.

Conclusions

The observer study results indicated that these algorithms can robustly assess the perceptual quality of clinical CT images in an automated fashion. Clinically acceptable ranges of algorithmic measurements were determined. The correspondence of these image quality assessment algorithms to clinical expectations paves the way toward establishing diagnostic reference levels in terms of clinically acceptable perceptual image quality and data‐driven optimization of CT image acquisition protocols.
High‐resolution 13C and 43Ca solid‐state NMR and computational studies of the ethylene glycol solvate of atorvastatin calcium
Authors: Bai Shi , Quinn Caitlin M. , Holmes Sean T. , Dybowski Cecil
Published: August 2019

We report 43Ca and 13C solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic studies of the ethylene glycol solvate of atorvastatin calcium. The 13C and 43Ca chemical shift and 43Ca quadrupolar coupling tensor parameters are reported. The results are interpreted in terms of the reported X‐ray diffraction crystal structure of the solvate and are compared with the NMR parameters of atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Lipitor®. Hartree–Fock and density functional theory calculations of the NMR parameters based on a cluster model derived from the optimized X‐ray diffraction crystal structure of the ethylene glycol solvate of atorvastatin calcium are in reasonable agreement with the experimental 43Ca and 13C NMR measurables.
Labeling Calcified Structures in Young Lake Sturgeon: A Comparison of Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride, Alizarin Red S, And Calcein
Authors: Withers Jonah L. , Markley Nicholas , Davis Lori , Kehler Thomas , Sweka John
Published: August 2019

Unlike external marks and tags, fluorochrome markers provide researchers with the opportunity to examine structural changes and they act as reference points within the calcified structures that are used to assign ages to sampled fish. To compare the efficiency and retention of fluorochrome markers, captive age-0 Lake Sturgeon, 118.49 mm TL (SD, 12.59), were exposed to four treatments: oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC; 0.07% for 8 h), calcein (0.5% for 4 min), alizarin red S (ARS; 0.5% for 4 min), or a control treatment. Each of these markers binds to calcium and they fluoresce yellow (OTC), green (calcein), or red (ARS) when excited by an ultraviolet (UV) light source. At 72 and 436 d following chemical exposure, the sagittal otoliths, leading pectoral fin spines, and dorsal scutes were harvested from the samples to look for the presence of the fluorochrome markers. The calcein and ARS marks were readily identified within all of the structures at both measurement points, but the OTC marks were less detectable, varying by structure and age. The application of relatively unused markers for mass-marking and tracking changes in growth on calcified structures throughout Lake Sturgeons’ ontogeny shows promise and warrants further consideration and investigation.
Lactate infusion increases brain energy content during euglycemia but not hypoglycemia in healthy men
Authors: Richter Juliane , Rabe Doerte , Duysen Kai , Melchert Uwe H. , Oltmanns Kerstin M.
Published: August 2019

A special characteristic of the brain is the usage of lactate as alternative fuel instead of glucose to preserve its energy homeostasis. This physiological function is valid for sufficient cerebral glucose supply, as well as presumably during hypoglycemia, given that exogenous lactate infusion suppresses hormonal counterregulation. However, it is not yet clarified whether this effect is mediated by the use of lactate as an alternative cerebral energy substrate or any other mechanism. We hypothesized that under conditions of limited access to glucose (ie, during experimental hypoglycemia) lactate infusion would prevent hypoglycemia‐induced neuroenergetic deficits in a neuroprotective way. In a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study, lactate vs placebo infusion was compared during hyperinsulinemic‐hypoglycemic clamps in 16 healthy young men. We measured the cerebral high‐energy phosphate content — ie, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), phosphocreatine (PCr) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels — by 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as the neuroendocrine stress response. During euglycemia, lactate infusion increased ATP/Pi as well as PCr/Pi ratios compared with baseline values and placebo infusion. During hypoglycemia, there were no differences between the lactate and the placebo condition in both ratios. Hormonal counterregulation was significantly diminished upon lactate infusion. Our data demonstrate an elevated cerebral high‐energy phosphate content upon lactate infusion during euglycemia, whereas there was no such effect during experimental hypoglycemia. Nevertheless, lactate infusion suppressed hypoglycemic hormonal counterregulation. Lactate thus adds to cerebral energy provision during euglycemia and may contribute to an increase in ATP reserves, which in turn protects the brain against neuroglucopenia under recurrent hypopglycemic conditions, eg, in diabetic patients.
Critical standpoint: Leaders of color advancing racial equality in predominantly white organizations
Authors: Fulton Brad R. , Oyakawa Michelle , Wood Richard L.
Published: August 2019

Organizations are often core sites for the production and perpetuation of social inequality. Although the United States is becoming more racially diverse, organizational elites remain disproportionately white, and this mismatch contributes to increasing racial inequality. This article examines whether and how leaders of color within predominantly white organizations can help their organizations address racial inequality. Our analysis uses data from a national study of politically oriented civic organizations and ethnographic fieldwork within one predominantly white organization. We draw on institutional work research, the outsider‐within concept, and insights from critical whiteness theory to explain how leaders of color can use their position and “critical standpoint” to help guide their organization toward advancing racial equality. The qualitative analysis shows how such leaders, when empowered, help their organization address race internally by (a) providing alternatives to white‐dominated perspectives, (b) developing tools to educate white members about racial inequality, and (c) identifying and addressing barriers to becoming a more racially diverse organization. The qualitative analysis also shows how leaders of color help their organization address race externally by (a) sharing personal narratives about living in a white‐dominated society and (b) brokering collaborations with organizations led by people of color. This research has implications for organizations seeking to promote social equality: Organizational leaders from marginalized status groups can help their organizations address social inequality, if those leaders possess a critical standpoint and sufficient organizational authority.
Ultraconvergence of the derivative of high‐order finite element method for elliptic problems with constant coefficients
Authors: He Wenming
Published: August 2019

In this article, for second order elliptic problems with constant coefficients, the local ultraconvergence of the derivative of finite element method using piecewise polynomials of degrees k (k ≥ 2) is studied by the interpolation postprocessing technique. Under suitable regularity and mesh conditions, we prove that at an interior vertex, which is away from the boundary with a fixed distance, the gradient of the postprecessed finite element solution using piecewise polynomials of degrees k (k ≥ 2) converges to the gradient of the exact solution with order . Numerical experiments are used to illustrate our theoretical findings.
Meshless formulation to two‐dimensional nonlinear problem of generalized Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers through singular boundary method: Analysis of stability and convergence
Authors: Aslefallah Mohammad , Abbasbandy Saeid , Shivanian Elyas
Published: August 2019

In this study, the singular boundary method (SBM) is employed for the simulation of nonlinear generalized Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers problem with initial and Dirichlet‐type boundary conditions. The θ‐weighted finite difference method is used to discretize the time derivatives. Then the original equations are split into a system of partial differential equations. A splitting scheme is applied to split the solution of the inhomogeneous governing equation into homogeneous solution and particular solution. To solve this system, the method of particular solution (MPS) in combination with the SBM is used where the SBM is used for homogeneous solution and MPS is used for particular solution. Furthermore, the stability and convergence of the proposed method is conducted. Finally, several numerical examples with different domains are provided and compared with the exact analytical solutions to show the accuracy and efficiency in comparison with existing other methods.