bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Characterization of Cholangiocarcinoma in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Reveals Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Goeppert Benjamin , Folseraas Trine , Roessler Stephanie , Kloor Matthias , Volckmar Anna‐Lena , Endris Volker , Buchhalter Ivo , Stenzinger Albrecht , Grzyb Krzysztof , Grimsrud Marit M. , Gornicka Barbara , von Seth Erik , Reynolds Gary M. , Franke Andre , Gotthardt Daniel N. , Mehrabi Arianeb , Cheung Angela , Verheij Joanne , Arola Johanna , Mäkisalo Heikki , Eide Tor J. , Weidemann Sören , Cheville John C. , Mazza Giuseppe , Hirschfield Gideon M. , Ponsioen Cyriel Y. , Bergquist Annika , Milkiewicz Piotr , Lazaridis Konstantinos N. , Schramm Christoph , Manns Michael P. , Färkkilä Martti , Vogel Arndt ,   International PSC Study Group, Boberg Kirsten M. , Schirmacher Peter , Karlsen Tom H.
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Lifetime risk of biliary tract cancer (BTC) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) may exceed 20%, and BTC is currently the leading cause of death in patients with PSC. To open new avenues for management, we aimed to delineate clinically relevant genomic and pathological features of a large panel of PSC‐associated BTC (PSC‐BTC).

Approach and Results

We analyzed formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumor tissue from 186 patients with PSC‐BTC from 11 centers in eight countries with all anatomical locations included. We performed tumor DNA sequencing at 42 clinically relevant genetic loci to detect mutations, translocations, and copy number variations, along with histomorphological and immunohistochemical characterization. Regardless of the anatomical localization, PSC‐BTC exhibited a uniform molecular and histological characteristic similar to extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. We detected a high frequency of genomic alterations typical of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, such as TP53 (35.5%), KRAS (28.0%), CDKN2A (14.5%), and SMAD4 (11.3%), as well as potentially druggable mutations (e.g., HER2/ERBB2). We found a high frequency of nontypical/nonductal histomorphological subtypes (55.2%) and of the usually rare BTC precursor lesion, intraductal papillary neoplasia (18.3%).

Conclusions

Genomic alterations in PSC‐BTC include a significant number of putative actionable therapeutic targets. Notably, PSC‐BTC shows a distinct extrahepatic morpho‐molecular phenotype, independent of the anatomical location of the tumor. These findings advance our understanding of PSC‐associated cholangiocarcinogenesis and provide strong incentives for clinical trials to test genome‐based personalized treatment strategies in PSC‐BTC.
Changing health workforce attitudes to promote improved physical health in mental health service users: Keeping our Staff in Mind (KoSiM)
Authors: Rosenbaum Simon , Ward Philip B. , Baldeo Rishi , Fibbins Hamish , Jarman Rebecca , Lederman Oscar , Perram Amy , Poole Josephine , Rossimel Elisa , Smith Gabriella , Teasdale Scott , Wade Tammy , Watkins Andrew , White Annette , Pearce David , Curtis Jackie
Published: January 2020

Issue addressed

People living with mental illness die on average 15 years earlier than the general population, primarily due to preventable and premature cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions can be effective in reducing cardiovascular risk, yet mental health services do not routinely provide targeted lifestyle interventions. Exposing mental health staff to lifestyle interventions prior to targeting patients may be critical to changing culture and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to improve the physical health of mental health staff through a targeted lifestyle intervention.

Methods

A pragmatic single‐arm intervention study was conducted in a public mental health service, including inpatient and community settings, in Sydney, Australia. Participants in this study were n = 212 clinical and non‐clinical staff. A five‐session individualised lifestyle intervention (delivered over 5 weeks) incorporating physical activity and nutritional counselling was delivered by multidisciplinary teams. Participants were assessed at baseline, following the intervention, and at follow‐up (mean = 16.7 weeks). The primary outcome was the barriers, attitudes, knowledge and confidence regarding screening, promoting and intervening to improve physical health outcomes of patients (M‐BACK questionnaire). Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measures, cardiorespiratory fitness, sedentary time and nutritional intake. Repeated measures ANCOVAs were performed.

Results

A total of 212 staff (79% female) participated in this study. M‐BACK total score significantly increased from baseline to follow‐up (P < .001). Waist circumference, sedentary time and total energy intake all significantly decreased (all P's < .001) and cardiorespiratory fitness significantly increased (P < .001).

Conclusion

A brief lifestyle intervention for staff of a public mental health service may increase the capability of the participants to improve their own physical health.

So what?

Improving staff health may be an important strategy in improving the uptake and/or the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions targeting mental health service users.
Numerical solution of the onset of Buoyancy‐driven nanofluid convective motion in an anisotropic porous medium layer with variable gravity and internal heating
Authors: Yadav Dhananjay
Published: January 2020

The onset of buoyancy‐driven convective motion in a nanofluid saturated anisotropic porous medium layer is examined numerically in the occurrence of uniform internal heat source under the variable gravity field. Three kinds of gravity force variation functions: (a) G(z) = −z (linear), (b) G(z) = −z2 (parabolic), and (c) G(z) = −z3 (cubic) are considered. Wide‐range governing parameters impacts are inspected on the beginning of convective motion under the zero nanoparticle flux situation at the boundaries using the higher term Galerkin technique. It is established that the thermal anisotropy parameter η and the gravity variation parameter λ delay the arrival of convective motion, while the mechanical anisotropy parameter ξ, the internal heating parameter Hs, the nanoparticle Rayleigh‐Darcy number Rnp, the modified diffusivity ratio NAnf, and the modified nanofluid Lewis number Lenf rapid the start of convective motion. The size of the convective cells reduces on raising the internal heating parameter Hs, while the gravity variation parameter λ, the mechanical anisotropy parameter ξ, the thermal anisotropy parameter η, the nanoparticle Rayleigh‐Darcy number Rnp, the modified diffusivity ratio NAnf, and the modified nanofluid Lewis number Lenf amplify the dimension of the convective cells. It is also detected that the arrangement is more unstable for case (c), while it is more stable for case (a).
Comparison of the accuracy and reliability of the AmniSure, AMNIOQUICK, and AL‐SENSE tests for early diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Elçi Erkan , Güneş Elçi Gülhan , Sayan Sena
Published: January 2020

Objective

To compare the accuracy and reliability of the AmniSure, AMNIOQUICK, and AL‐SENSE tests with conventional tests to diagnose suspected premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 60 pregnant women at 25–36 weeks of pregnancy with suspected PROM was conducted between January and April 2015. AmniSure (Qiagen Sciences LLC, Germantown, MD, USA), AMNIOQUICK (BIOSYNEX, Strasbourg, France), and AL‐SENSE (Common Sense Ltd, Caesarea, Israel) tests were performed after conventional tests (ultrasonography, pooling, nitrazine, and fern tests) and women were followed‐up for 7 days. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, among others, were assessed and compared.

Results

For women with a confirmed diagnosis of PROM, the sensitivity and specificity of conventional tests were 93.7% and 100.0%, respectively; diagnostic accuracy was 98.3%. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were all 100.0% for AmniSure. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for AMNIOQUICK were 75.0%, 97.7%, and 91.6%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 75.0%, 86.3%, 83.3%, respectively, for the AL‐SENSE pad test.

Conclusion

The AmniSure test was most sensitive and specific for diagnosing PROM compared with the other tests and is reliable and usable.
Changes in perinatal outcomes after implementation of IADPSG criteria for screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus: A national survey
Authors: Lucovnik Miha , Steblovnik Lili , Verdenik Ivan , Premru‐Srsen Tanja , Tomazic Marjeta , Tul Natasa
Published: January 2020

Objective

To compare perinatal outcomes before and after implementation of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for testing of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A national, perinatal, registry‐based cohort study of prospectively collected data was conducted. Patients with diabetes type 1 or 2 were excluded. Outcomes of 135 786 pregnancies before (January 1, 2004 to May 31, 2010) and 140 524 after (June 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017) the introduction of IADPSG criteria were compared using Student t test and χ2 test (P<0.05 was significant). Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare outcomes controlling for potential confounders.

Results

Prevalence of GDM increased from 2.6% to 9.7% (adjusted odds ratio 3.92; 95% confidence interval 3.78–4.08). Incidence of large‐for‐gestational age (LGA), macrosomia (birth weight >4500 g), Erb's palsy, and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy decreased despite increasing maternal age and pre‐pregnancy obesity. Rates of cesarean delivery increased in both GDM and non‐GDM groups, with a less pronounced increase in GDM mothers. Incidence of small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) increased in GDM but not in non‐GDM group.

Conclusion

Implementation of IADPSG criteria in a country with a relatively low prevalence of GDM did not result in higher rates of cesarean delivery and was associated with reductions in LGA and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
Challenges for Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) Engineering: Safety Validation of Functional Performance Limitations
Authors: Koné Tchoya Florence , Bonjour Eric , Levrat Eric , Mayer Frédérique , Géronimi Stéphane
Published: January 2020

AVs engineering cannot limit itself to the classical safety validation issue, which ensures the vehicle's functional safety. It faces a new safety validation challenge, in the functional performace guarantee of these new vehicle types. This paper presents some validation issue reflections and concludes with some important questions.
Evaluation of Systems Contractor's Ability to Deliver a Solution to Offer During an Engineer‐To‐Order Bidding Process
Authors: Sylla Abdourahim , Vareilles Elise , Coudert Thierry , Aldanondo Michel , Geneste Laurent
Published: January 2020

To increase their business volume and remain competitive, systems contractors must propose competitive and feasible solutions to customers. However, Engineer‐To‐Order industrial situations become challenged by the lack of relevant information. This article, to help companies to overcome this problem, presents two confidence indicators, their evaluation methods, and a way to use them during a design process. These indicators allow evaluating a company's future ability to offer a solution during a bidding process.
In vitro and in vivo metabolic stability of various fragrance materials and insect repellent in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Weeks John , Guiney Patrick , Johanning Karla
Published: January 2020

Commercial fragrances consist of several thousand natural and synthetic substances formulated in complex combinations. These ingredients are frequently blended at very low concentrations but they are typically lipophilic and a few of them (e.g., synthetic musks) have been detected in aquatic systems, albeit at low concentrations. Few fragrances have guideline in vivo data on bioaccumulation, so in silico modeling has been widely used to estimate bioconcentration factors (BCFs). This study used in vitro metabolism assays with trout S9 cell fractions and cryopreserved hepatocytes to improve estimates of fish BCFs and to test published methods for extrapolating in vitro metabolic rate data to whole fish and corresponding BCFs. These estimates for several chemicals were compared with new in vivo bioconcentration measurements and previously published data on fragrances and the insect repellent, DEET. In total, 17 (20 including isomers) fragrance chemicals (abalyn, amberwood, amboryl acetate, bisabolene, cedroxide, coniferan, elemol, givescone, maritima, precyclemone B, polysantol, sandela, sanjinol, santalex, timberol and vernaldehyde) and DEET were metabolized at various rates. Only three materials tested did not appear to undergo enzymatic degradation (caryophyllene oxide, galaxolide and ketone patchouli). Even relatively slow rates of metabolism had a large influence on bioconcentration estimates. This work adds valuable information to the evolving body of work supporting the use of in vitro determinations of hepatic clearance to improve modeled predictions of bioaccumulation. It can also be used directly to help prioritize testing of potential bioaccumulative chemicals or serve as a more economical method for screening these chemicals.
Development of antibacterial, ciprofloxacin‐eluting biodegradable coatings on Ti6Al7Nb implants to prevent peri‐implant infections
Authors: Jaworska Joanna , Jelonek Katarzyna , Jaworska‐Kik Marzena , Musiał‐Kulik Monika , Marcinkowski Andrzej , Szewczenko Janusz , Kajzer Wojciech , Pastusiak Małgorzata , Kasperczyk Janusz
Published: January 2020

Various types of biodegradable polymers containing lactide, glycolide, caprolactone, and trimethylene carbonate units have been used to obtain ciprofloxacin (CFX)‐enriched coatings developed on the Ti6Al7Nb alloy, intended for short‐term therapy. In the first step, the surface of the Ti6Al7Nb alloy was modified, mostly according to sandblasting and anodic oxidation to obtain the TiO2 layer. Anodizing can be an effective method for preparing TiO2 coatings with osteoconductive properties. The polymer containing CFX molecules was deposited on the modified alloy, and Polymer + CFX/TiO
2/Ti6Al7Nb systems were developed. CFX‐enriched coatings adhered well to the surface of the previously modified alloy. Polymer layers maintain the topography of the alloy due to the development of the surface during the sandblasting method. As polymers intended for the study possess degradation ability, they are capable of releasing the incorporated drug. Antibacterial activity of CFX‐enriched coatings was examined to verify the functionality of designed Polymer + CFX/TiO
2/Ti6Al7Nb systems, and the bactericidal effect was confirmed for all cases. The presented study is an extension of previous, initial research and creates an overview of polyester or polyestercarbonate CFX‐eluting coatings.
Incorporating silica‐coated graphene in bioceramic nanocomposites to simultaneously enhance mechanical and biological performance
Authors: Li Zhong , Zhu Wenyu , Bi Shuguang , Li Ruitao , Hu Huanlong , Lin Hang , Tuan Rocky S. , Khor Khiam Aik
Published: January 2020

The applications of a variety of bioactive ceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HA) in orthopedics are limited by their insufficient mechanical properties, especially poor fracture toughness. Thus, further extending the clinical applications of these materials warrants the enhancement of their mechanical properties. Although the reinforcement of ceramics by 2D nanomaterials has been well recognized, integrated structural, mechanical, and functional considerations have been neglected in the design and synthesis of such composite materials. Herein, we report the first use of silica‐coated reduced graphene oxide (S‐rGO) hybrid nanosheets to create bioceramic‐based composites with simultaneously enhanced mechanical and biological properties. In the representative HA‐based bioceramic systems prepared by spark plasma sintering, S‐rGO incorporation was found to be more effective for increasing the Young's modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness than the incorporation of uncoated reduced GO (rGO). Furthermore, when assessed with osteoblast‐like MG‐63 cells, such novel materials led to faster cell proliferation and higher cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity than are generally observed with pure HA; additionally, cells demonstrate stronger affinity to S‐rGO/HA than to rGO/HA composites. The S‐rGO/bioceramic composites are therefore promising for applications in orthopedic tissue engineering, and this research provides valuable insights into the fabrication of silica‐coated hybrid nanosheet‐reinforced ceramics.
Evaluation of Chemical Reactivity and Stability of Ionic Liquids Using Ab Initio and COSMO‐RS model
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Rajadurai , Anantharaj Ramalingam , Brinda Lakshmi Anguraj
Published: January 2020

In this study, the quantum chemical descriptors such as highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy, HOMO‐LUMO energy gap, electrophilicity index, electronegativity, global hardness and global softness of five cations like 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [BMIM]+, 1‐pentyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [PMIM]+, 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [HMIM]+, 1‐heptyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [HEPMIM]+ and 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [OMIM]+ and five anions including butyl sulfate [BUSO4]−, pentyl sulfate [PENSO4]−, hexyl sulfate [HEXSO4]−, heptyl sulfate [HEPSO4]−, and octyl sulfate [OCTSO4]− and their combination of 25 ionic liquids (ILs) were predicted using ab initio method. To validate the findings, the sigma profiles and sigma potentials were generated for all the studied ILs. From this study, it was observed that imidazolium‐based ILs with smaller anion size is the most favorable IL for the removal of pollutants from their resources and/or effluents. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A lifeline in the dark: Breaking through the stigma of veteran mental health and treating America's combat veterans
Authors: Botero Gabriel , Rivera Nilsa I. , Calloway Shakeya C. , Ortiz Pedro L. , Edwards Emily , Chae John , Geraci Joseph C.
Published: January 2020

For generations, veterans have answered the call to service and served their country honorably and with distinction. Unfortunately, the consequences of combat cause many veterans to struggle with life after the military and with readjustment/reintegration into civilian life. Today more than ever, there are a multitude of resources, education, and treatment options for combat veterans. For mental and physical health providers, business leaders, and other professionals who work with veterans, it is of the upmost importance that they learn about programs around them that are successful in treating veterans. The current article reviews two U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs nationwide programs—the Readjustment Counseling Service/Vet Center and Veteran Cultural Competence Training—designed to decrease mental health stigma for veterans and to increase veteran engagement with mental health services. These programs highlight the importance of being aware of the culture within military systems, being aware of personal biases, and fostering an environment of genuineness, safety, and nonjudgmental empathy. In doing so, these programs are successful in reducing the unspoken power of stigmatization; they effectively reach out to veterans in need, providing a lifeline in the dark.
The influence of body‐worn cameras, minority threat, and place on police activity
Authors: Hughes Thomas W. , Campbell Bradley A. , Schaefer Brian P.
Published: January 2020

Police practices evolve and are often shaped by technological innovation, such as the adoption of body‐worn cameras (BWCs). While initial research on their impact is evergrowing, researchers have neglected to examine if their use is influenced by neighborhood characteristics. This study examines the influence of a BWC implementation on police activity and enforcement practices across neighborhoods, using minority threat hypothesis and place theory to explain the relationship. We used pre‐ and postimplementation enforcement data to examine the influence of BWCs and community characteristics on the actions taken by Louisville Metro Police Department officers. Ten ordinary least squares models were used to analyze the enforcement changes including self‐initiated activity, total enforcement, felony arrests, low‐level arrests, and low‐level citations. Our findings indicate BWCs implementation was associated with a decrease in low‐level citations; however, self‐initiated activity and felony and low‐level arrests were unaffected. Also, concentrated disadvantage was associated with a decrease in self‐initiated activity. We also examined the moderating effects between BWCs and neighborhood characteristics and found BWCs were correlated with a decrease in low‐level citations. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Design and synthesis of oxaprozin‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole hybrids as potential anticancer and antibacterial agents
Authors: Rayam Parsharamulu , Polkam Naveen , Kuntala Naveen , Banothu Venkanna , Anantaraju Hasitha Shilpa , Perumal Yogeeswari , Balasubramanian Sridhar , Anireddy Jaya Shree
Published: January 2020

In the present study, we report design, synthesis and screening of new novel 5‐substituted‐2‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole analogues appended to oxaprozin for their in vitro anticancer and antibacterial activity. The synthesised compounds were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, the structure of 5b (2‐(2‐[4,5‐diphenyloxazol‐2‐yl]ethyl)‐5‐(ethylthio)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) was unequivocally confirmed by X‐ray analysis. Among the series 5c (2‐(2‐[4,5‐diphenyloxazol‐2‐yl]ethyl)‐5‐(propylthio)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) showed most promising anticancer activity against A549 cancer cell line and all the reported analogues manifested satisfactory safety profiles against human normal cell line HEK293T. The products exhibited good antibacterial activity and among the tested 5j (2‐(2‐[4,5‐diphenyloxazol‐2‐yl]ethyl)‐5‐([4‐fluorobenzyl]thio)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) exhibited most potent.
Synthesis of heterocyclic compounds via Michael and Hantzsch reactions
Authors: Abdella Amna M. , Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A. , Elwahy Ahmed H. M.
Published: January 2020

Heterocycles represent the largest diversity of organic compounds with signifcant chemical, biomedical, and industrial applications. They exist in numerous natural products, dyes, and as scaffolds in diverse drugs and related pharmaceutically active substances. Substantial attention has been paid to develop various elegant methods to synthesize heterocycles. Among different strategies, Michael and Hantzsch reactions are considered as effective approaches for construction of heterocycles and their corresponding fused derivatives. This review covers this area especially in the last 10 years. The heterocyclic systems reported in this review are classified according to the kind of the heterocyclic systems.
Characterization of dry spells in Southeastern Brazil during the monsoon season
Authors: Cunningham Christopher
Published: January 2020

Given the lack of studies about dry spells over Southeastern Brazil (SEB), the present study aims to characterize them considering their duration, geographical incidence, and association with rainfall. Uninterrupted sequences of no‐rain days were calculated using the high‐resolution (10 km) Multi‐Source Weighted‐Ensemble Precipitation data set (MSWEP; 1979–2016). The majority of dry spells (80%) last no more than 9 days and those remaining for 10 days or more are relatively rare (top 20%). January and February present a predisposition for the occurrence of dry spells, feature that is not observed in December. The life cycle of dry spells evolves in close association with the subseasonal rainfall tendency. When adding the perspective of dry spells, the effective peak of the monsoon season is December, the month with the highest rainfall rates and the lowest chances for dry spells. Afterward, dry spells modulate a progressive weakening of the rainy season until March, when a slight recovery may happen in the central northern portions of SEB. The relationship between dry spells and rainfall is not straightforward. For dry spells that are most common (up to 9 days), the most likely association is with negative monthly anomalies up to −1.0 SD. However, there are also significant chances of having dry spells associated with positive anomalies. Extreme long dry spells, but extremely rare as well, are unequivocally associated with negative anomalies. The geographic discrimination of dry spells evidences a dipole‐like feature, better seen in January and February, similar to the well‐known rainfall dipole. The north and northeast portions tend to be drier, more prone to the occurrence of dry spells, both short/frequent and long/infrequent. In the south and southwestern portions, dry spells tend to be shorter. The main result is the indication of a probable lessening in the rainy season, taking place between January and February that might affect a significant portion of SEB.
Exploitation of a short monolithic column for in‐line separation and preconcentration: Environmental friendly determination of the emerging pollutant salicylic acid in natural waters
Authors: Souza Pedro A. F. , Sasaki Milton K. , Rocha Fábio R. P.
Published: January 2020

Salicylic acid is an emerging environmental contaminant, usually found at ng/L concentrations in natural waters. Its quantification usually involves liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, which requires complex and costly instrumentation as well as time‐consuming sample pretreatment, typically involving large solvent volumes. In this work, sequential injection chromatography was exploited to develop a fast, green, cost‐effective, and highly sensitive procedure for fluorimetric determination of salicylic acid in natural waters. Analyte preconcentration directly on the chromatographic column (on‐column preconcentration) was exploited to improve detectability, yielding an enrichment factor of 122 (1.75 mL of sample) and takes only 8.5 min per determination. A detection limit of 20 ng/L, a linear response range from 0.06 to 5.00 µg/L, coefficients of variation lower than 3.0% (n = 10), and recoveries within 86 and 114% were estimated. The procedure was applied for the analyses of freshwater samples and results agreed with those obtained by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry at the 95% confidence level. The proposed procedure encompasses in‐line concentration, isolation/separation, and detection, without the need for sample clean‐up, thus minimizing the consumption of organic solvents and risk of analyte losse.
Dietary effect of low fish meal aquafeed on gut microbiota in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) at different growth stages
Authors: Niu Kai‐Min , Lee Bong‐Joo , Kothari Damini , Lee Woo‐Do , Hur Sang‐Woo , Lim Sang‐Gu , Kim Kang‐Woong , Kim Kyoung‐Duck , Kim Na‐Na , Kim Soo‐Ki
Published: January 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the long‐term effect of a low fish meal (FM) diet comprising plant‐based protein sources (PPS) on changes of gut microbial diversity in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) over the course of life. Two experimental diets were prepared to contain 74% FM (control) or 52% FM with 22% PPS (30% FM replacement, FM30). Fish were fed one of the two experimental diets for 8 months, and we collected the midgut contents to analyze the gut bacterial community by Illumina MiSeq based on the metagenomic sequences in the V3–V4 regions of 16S rRNA. We found that there were nine dominant phyla, which in turn presented Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria as the three major phyla in the gut microbiota of the flounder. At genus level, the dominant genera were Delftia, Prevotella, and Chthoniobacter at the juvenile stage (below 100 g/fish); Chthoniobacter, Bacillus, and Bradyrhizobium at the grower stage (400 g/fish); Chthoniobacter, Bacillus, and Delftia at the subadult stage (800 g/fish); and Lactobacillus and Prevotella at the adult stage (over 1,000 g/fish). The microbial diversity in olive flounders arched from the juvenile and subadult stage and reached a plateau thereafter. The fish fed the FM30 diet significantly had an increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Photobacterium and had less abundance of Prevotella and Paraprevotella than the control. However, the effect of dietary PPS was not significant on total microbial richness, indicating no negative effect as feed sources on the intestinal microbiota in olive flounder. These results indicate that the life stage of olive flounder is more important in modulating intestinal microbiota than is the diet. It could also be concluded that dietary PPS might be used as a potential fish meal alternative without any compromising effects on microbial diversity of olive flounder for long‐term feeding.
Survival rates and risk factors for failure using an interposition vein graft for fingertip amputations with segmental vessel defects
Authors: Kwon Yu‐Jun , Jung Hyoung‐Seok , Ahn Byung‐Moon , Lee Jae‐Sung , Park Hyeong‐Jun , Ha Yong‐Chan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to compare survival rates and risk factors of replantation failures using an interposition vein graft in fingertip amputations with segmental vessel defects with those using simple end‐to‐end anastomosis in amputations.

Patients and methods

Between 2004 and 2015, 776 (647 males and 129 females) with single Zone I or II amputations of digits underwent replantation. Among these, simple end‐to‐end anastomosis was performed in 698 replantations, while interposition vein grafts were used for either arterial or venous repair or both in 78 amputated fingertips. The survival rate was compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors predicting replantation failure in all study subjects.

Results

Among 776 replantations, 713 (91.9%) survived. At latest follow‐up, of 698 cases in the simple anastomosis group, 650 (93.1%) survived; of 78 cases in the vein graft group, 63 (80.8%) survived (p > .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that avulsion type (odds ratio [OR] 3.121; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.211–8.064; p = .018) and zone II amputation (OR, 2.370; 95% CI, 1.382–4.065; p = .002) were significant risk factors for replantation failure.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the survival rate (80.8%) of the vein graft in fingertip amputation with segmental vessel defects was shown to be a possible option to increase the survival rates in case with segmental vessel defects where simple anastomosis could not be performed. However, avulsion type and zone II amputation are important risk factors of replantation failures.
Manufacturer's optimal pricing and lot‐sizing policies under trade‐credit financing
Authors: Chung Kun‐Jen , Liao Jui‐Jung , Lin Shy‐Der , Chuang Sheng‐Tu , Srivastava Hari M.
Published: January 2020

In the year 2006, Teng et al considered an appropriate economic production quantity (EPQ) model in which the manufacturer receives the supplier's trade credit and provides trade credit to the customer simultaneously. The following two payment methods were discussed by Teng et al:

The main purpose of this paper is summarized below:

Finally, with a view to further motivating the interested researchers for using the methodology and mathematical analytic techniques in several other contexts in the field, we have chosen to include, in Section 12, a number of related recent works in the field.
Concentration behavior of ground states for a generalized quasilinear Choquard equation
Authors: Yang Xianyong , Tang Xianhua , Gu Guangze
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we consider the following quasilinear Choquard equation:

where
,
. Under some assumptions on
and
, we obtain the concentration behavior of ground states via dual approach.
Fuzzy reasoning in the investigation of seismic behavior
Authors: Konguetsof Avrilia , Mylonas Nikos , Papadopoulos Basil
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we propose a fuzzy logic–based mathematical model of a sequence of earthquakes using fuzzy reasoning tools. We formed a set of fuzzy implications in order to study them, and we computed their deviation, so that we could compare them and conclude about the most accurate one. The compositional rule of inference was considered, which is based on the generalized modus ponens scheme. The new fuzzy methodology was used for each implication. The data required for the implications were obtained from the aftershocks of an earthquake with significant effects in a specific area. The magnitude of the aftershocks and their time difference from the main incident provided the values for the new fuzzy algorithm application. Two samples were selected relative with the seismic activity, which occurred the following days. The one sample consisted of 30 values, and the other sample from all the values found in the data archives of the National Observatory of Athens. Results were shown for both samples. So a mathematical technique, which reproduces the incidents using basic information and based on only two parameters, is developed for the simulation of a seismic sequence, which follows a strong earthquake.
A low‐profile dual‐polarized antenna with crosspolarization enhancement
Authors: Shi Junhao , Zhai Huiqing , Li Hongkun
Published: January 2020

A dual‐polarized antenna that simultaneously achieves low profile, low crosspolarization, and high isolation is presented in this article. Our research indicates that the irregular currents on the artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) surface in our design can lead to an extra coupling. Because short pins can regularize the surface currents on the AMC surface and work as a balun, our antenna can achieve low crosspolarization and high port isolation. The proposed antenna achieves a profile height of 0.08 λ0 (λ0 represents the wavelength in free space at 3.4 GHz) and 23.5% (3.0‐3.8 GHz) relative bandwidth. The port isolation of the presented antenna is higher than 37 dB and the normalized crosspolarization is lower than −35 dB. The proposed antenna is suitable for the fifth generation communication systems.
Design and realization of novel frequency selective surface loaded dielectric resonator antenna via 3D printing technology
Authors: Belen Mehmet A. , Mahouti Peyman , Palandöken Merih
Published: January 2020

One frequently addressed technique for the performance enhancement of radiating elements in the form of microstrip antennas is the utilization of dielectric resonators. A dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) has a conventional structural formation similar to any microstrip patch antenna where, at least, one additional dielectric layer has been placed over the radiating element. In this paper, it is aimed to propose a high performance, easy to prototype, light weight, and low cost DRA in combination with frequency selective surfaces (FSS) for ISM band applications using 3D printing technology. The proposed 3D printed FSS loaded DRA has a measured gain of 5.6 dBi with S11 level less than −10 dB in the operation band between 1.98 and 2.68 GHz. Furthermore, the measured performance of 3D printed antenna is compared with the counterpart alternative antenna designs in the literature for the similar application fields. The novel FSS loaded DRA is not only much smaller than the counterpart antenna designs but also has a moderate gain characteristics which makes the proposed antenna design an optimal RF solution for ISM band wireless communication applications.
Development and Evaluation of a Volumetric Quantification Method for Fecal Particle Size Classification in Rainbow Trout Fed Different Diets
Authors: Welker Thomas L , Overturf Ken , Barrows Frederic
Published: January 2020

Alternative plant protein sources, such as soybean meal, can interfere with digestion due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors that cause a diarrhea-like condition in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, resulting in very fine fecal particles that can adversely affect aquaculture systems and the environment. More research is needed to examine the impacts of feed formulation changes on fecal quality. The prevailing method (laser diffraction) used to measure fecal particle size (FPS) requires expensive equipment and is labor intensive. Methods for FPS measurement that are affordable and easy to implement are required. We developed a visual, volumetric method that can separate feces into three particle size-classes. Feces were collected from tanks fitted with radial flow separators, transferred to Imhoff cones, and allowed to settle. Three distinct layers were visually identified, and microscopic analysis was used to categorize them into three particle size-classes: larger than 1.2 mm (bottom layer or large particles), 0.6–1.2 mm (middle layer or mid-sized particles), and 0.5 mm or smaller (top layer or fines). Independent observations confirmed that the method is reproducible and without observer bias. In a second study, the method was validated and further tested during a 4-week trial evaluating the effects of three diets (fish meal, plant based, or plant based + guar gum) and two feeding methods (hand feeding to satiation or automated belt feeding) on FPS production. Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, containing protein at 40 g/kg and lipid at 20 g/kg. Addition of guar gum significantly reduced the production of fines and increased the production of large fecal particles in Rainbow Trout (150 g/fish) that were fed the plant-based diet, but feeding method had no effect on FPS.
Dedicated diffusion phantoms for the investigation of free water elimination and mapping: insights into the influence of T2 relaxation properties
Authors: Farrher Ezequiel , Grinberg Farida , Kuo Li‐Wei , Cho Kuan‐Hung , Buschbeck Richard P. , Chen Ming‐Jye , Chiang Husan‐Han , Choi Chang‐Hoon , Shah N. Jon
Published: January 2020

Conventional diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI suffers from free water contamination due to the finite voxel size. The most common case of free water contamination occurs with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in voxels located at the CSF‐tissue interface, such as at the ventricles in the human brain. Another case refers to intra‐tissue free water as in vasogenic oedema. In order to avoid the bias in diffusion metrics, several multi‐compartment methods have been introduced, which explicitly model the presence of a free water compartment. However, fitting multi‐compartment models in DW MRI represents a well known ill conditioned problem. Although during the last decade great effort has been devoted to mitigating this estimation problem, the research field remains active.

The aim of this work is to introduce the design, characterise the NMR properties and demonstrate the use of two dedicated anisotropic diffusion fibre phantoms, useful for the study of free water elimination (FWE) and mapping models. In particular, we investigate the recently proposed FWE diffusion tensor imaging approach, which takes explicit account of differences in the transverse relaxation times between the free water and tissue compartments.
A 3D geological model for a potential CO2 reservoir in the El Bierzo Basin (Carboniferous, NW Spain)
Authors: Rey‐Moral Carmen , Motis Kilian , Fernández‐Viejo Gabriela , García‐Lobón Jose Luis
Published: January 2020

A 3D geological model of the Torre‐Bembibre Carboniferous sub‐basin, a potential CO2 storage reservoir, is proposed here. The Torre‐Bembibre sub‐basin is part of the El Bierzo coal‐bearing Carboniferous basin located in the westernmost part of León province (NW Spain). It covers an area of about 150 km2. Carboniferous deposits (up to 1500 m of continental siliciclastics) are divided into nine intervals, defined by earlier coal exploration work. They were deposited as intramontane basin infill within a transpressional regime during the last stages of the Variscan Orogeny and are partially covered by Neogene and Quaternary continental siliciclastic sediments, formed by alluvial plains, fans and terraces. To resolve a 3D geological model of the Torre‐Bembibre sub‐basin, including outcropping layers and their prolongation at depth, a 3D dip‐domain method was applied, where data from all stratigraphic positions were used to compose a coherent geological reconstruction of the stratigraphic surfaces. Subsurface information was available from previous and newly acquired seismic reflection profiles and boreholes. The 3D model helped resolving some uncertainties, specifically: (i) the western termination of the Carboniferous basin under the Tertiary sediments, corresponding to an NNE–SSW normal fault, (ii) the depth and morphology of the base of the Carboniferous strata and (iii) the morphology of the intra‐Carboniferous layers. The syncline/anticline shape of the Torre‐Bembibre sub‐basin suggests a reservoir which may be capable of storing CO2 under the Tertiary cover. The total estimated volume is 6.4 km3, while the total capacity for CO2 storage could be as much as 7 Mt. The reservoir is most likely located within the major massive sandstone bodies in the Chuchu interval, in the syncline–anticline structure north of the town of Bembibre. The potential capacity of the reservoir calls for undertaking further studies using the proposed 3D geological model in order to determine more precisely the petrophysics and geometry near Bembibre.
Business virtual system in the context of e‐governance: Investigation of secure access to information resources
Authors: Romansky Radi , Noninska Irina
Published: January 2020

Contemporary digital age proposes different opportunities in the public, social, private, and business areas based on remote access to distributed resources placed in virtual, cloud, educational, governmental, business, smart, and so forth environments. In this reason, the e‐governance is realized on the basis of digital communications between different parties that requires strong protection of the information resources and personal data. The digital sustainability is an important task for e‐governance in the digital world. Article deals with principles of correct protection of the information resources (including in the cloud) by using strong procedures for access regulation of the external clients. Organization of Information Security Management System for identification, registration, authentication, and authorization of the requests is discussed. An investigation of the proposed functionality is made on the basis of stochastic analytical modelling by using the apparatus of Markov chains and statistical processing and interpretation of the obtained results.
Is Early Start a Better Start? Evaluating California State University's Early Start Remediation Policy
Authors: Kurlaender Michal , Lusher Lester , Case Matthew
Published: January 2020

Remediation has long been a costly way to address the misalignment between K‐12 and higher education. In 2011, the California State University (CSU), the nation's largest public four‐year university system, enacted Early Start, requiring students needing remediation to enroll in such courses in the summer before their freshman year. We estimate the impact of Early Start summer remediation relative to both traditional fall remediation and relative to no remediation at all. Our results suggest Early Start summer remediation has not improved student performance or persistence relative to either alternative. As many states move away from remedial courses altogether, there is continued need for both innovation and for evidence in policy and practice to improve college readiness and success.
Vitamin D status in children with leukemia, its predictors, and association with outcome
Authors: Jackmann Natalja , Mäkitie Outi , Harila‐Saari Arja , Gustafsson Jan , Nezirevic Dernroth Dzeneta , Frisk Per
Published: January 2020

Background

Children and adolescents with leukemia are potentially at high risk of vitamin D inadequacy, which may have clinical relevance for skeletal morbidity, infections, and cancer outcome. This study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status at the time of diagnosis to investigate its predictors and association with overall survival in children with leukemia.

Procedure

We included all 295 children and adolescents diagnosed with leukemia at our institution between 1990 and 2016 who had available serum sample from the time of diagnosis. We analyzed serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels and correlated them with clinical data.

Results

The 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was deficient (< 25 nmol/L), insufficient (25‐50 nmol/L), sufficient (50‐75 nmol/L), and optimal (> 75 nmol/L) in 6.4%, 26.8%, 39.7%, and 27.1% of the children, respectively. Older age and a more recent time of sampling (calendar year) predicted lower 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level. In preschool children (age ≤6 years), lower 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was also associated with acute myeloid leukemia, and a 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level < 50 nmol/L was associated with inferior overall survival. In school‐aged children (age > 6 years), the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level showed significant seasonal variation.

Conclusion

It remains unclear whether vitamin D supplementation in pediatric leukemia patients will improve outcome.
Imaging of fetal tumors and other dysplastic lesions: A review with emphasis on MR imaging
Authors: Victoria Teresa , Johnson Ann M. , Moldenhauer Julie S. , Hedrick Holly L. , Flake Alan W. , Adzick N. Scott
Published: January 2020

Fetal tumors and other dysplastic masses are relatively rare. They are usually the result of failure of differentiation and maturation during embryonic or fetal life; dysplastic lesions may be the consequence of an obstruction sequence. In this review, we present the most commonly encountered tumors and masses seen during fetal life. Imaging characteristics, tumoral organ of origin, and its effect on the surrounding organs and overall fetal hemodynamics are descriptors that must be relayed to the fetal surgeon and maternal fetal medicine expert, in order to institute most accurate parental counseling and appropriate perinatal treatment plan.
Ionotropic gelation method in the synthesis of nanoparticles/microparticles for biomedical purposes
Authors: Pedroso‐Santana Seidy , Fleitas‐Salazar Noralvis
Published: January 2020

The encapsulation of drugs inside polymeric nanoparticles/microparticles is a strategy currently employed in the search for new and more effective therapies. The use of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers gives several advantages to these formulations. Protection of the active principals against the action of environmental and physiological agents, the reduced number of doses and a subsequent decrease in drug‐related adverse effects, and increased bioavailability are some of these advantages. Several methods and materials are now used to synthesize nanoparticles/microparticles for biomedical applications, from carbon‐derived structures to metallic and lipid particles. However, among the methods using polymers, ionotropic gelation is one of the more affordable and easier procedures to perform in daily laboratory work. In this mini‐review, we address relevant characteristics of ionotropic gelation, beginning with basic aspects of the technique, which reagents and conditions are commonly used, the factors affecting the stability of the formulation, the advantages and disadvantages of the method and some principal characterization techniques for the nanoparticulate/microparticulate formulation. Finally, we conclude with a few important considerations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry