bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel genes exhibiting DNA methylation alterations in Korean patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a methyl-CpG-binding domain sequencing study
Authors: Kim Miyoung , Lee Eunyup , Zang Dae Young , Kim Hyo Jung , Kim Ho Young , Han Boram , Kim Han-Sung , Kang Hee Jung , Hwang Seungwoo , Lee Young Kyung
Published: January 2020

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) exhibits differences between Asians and Caucasians in terms of incidence rate, age at onset, immunophenotype, and genetic profile. We performed genome-wide methylation profiling of CLL in an Asian cohort for the first time. Eight Korean patients without somatic immunoglobulin heavy chain gene hypermutations underwent methyl-CpG-binding domain sequencing (MBD-seq), as did five control subjects. Gene Ontology, pathway analysis, and network-based prioritization of differentially methylated genes were also performed. More regions were hypomethylated (2,062 windows) than were hypermethylated (777 windows). Promoters contained the highest proportion of differentially methylated regions (0.08%), while distal intergenic and intron regions contained the largest number of differentially methylated regions. Protein-coding genes were the most abundant, followed by long noncoding and short noncoding genes. The most significantly over-represented signalling pathways in the differentially methylated gene list included immune/cancer-related pathways and B-cell receptor signalling. Among the top 10 hub genes identified via network-based prioritization, four (UBC, GRB2, CREBBP, and GAB2) had no known relevance to CLL, while the other six (STAT3, PTPN6, SYK, STAT5B, XPO1, and ABL1) have previously been linked to CLL in Caucasians. As such, our analysis identified four novel candidate genes of potential significance to Asian patients with CLL.
Neuropeptide receptor genes GHSR and NMUR1 are candidate epigenetic biomarkers and predictors for surgically treated patients with oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Misawa Kiyoshi , Mima Masato , Satoshi Yamada , Misawa Yuki , Imai Atsushi , Mochizuki Daiki , Nakagawa Takuya , Kurokawa Tomoya , Oguro Miki , Ishikawa Ryuji , Yamaguchi Yuki , Endo Shiori , Kawasaki Hideya , Kanazawa Takeharu , Mineta Hiroyuki
Published: January 2020

Pathological staging and histological grading systems are useful, but imperfect, predictors of recurrence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Aberrant promoter methylation is the main type of epigenetic modification that plays a role in the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. To identify new potential prognostic markers, we investigated the promoter methylation status of five neuropeptide receptor genes. The methylation status of the target genes was compared with clinical characteristics in 278 cases; 72 hypopharyngeal cancers, 54 laryngeal cancers, 75 oropharyngeal cancers, and 77 oral cavity cancers were studied. We found that the NTSR1, NTSR2, GHSR, MLNR, and NMUR1 promoters were methylated in 47.8%, 46.8%, 54.3%, 39.2%, and 43.5% of the samples, respectively. GHSR and NMUR1 promoter methylation independently predicted recurrence in HNSCC. In patients with oropharyngeal cancer (n = 75), GHSR and NMUR1 promoter methylation significantly correlates with survival in surgically treated patients. We classified our patients as having a low, intermediate, or high-risk of death based on three factors: HPV status, and GHSR and NMUR1 promoter methylation. The disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 87.1%, 42.7%, and 17.0%, respectively. Combined data analysis of the methylation status of ten-eleven translocation (TET) family genes indicated a trend toward greater methylation indices as the number of TET methylation events increased. In the current study, we presented the relationship between the methylation status of the GHSR and NMUR1 genes and recurrence in HNSCC, specifically in risk classification of oropharyngeal carcinomas cases with HPV status.
Author Correction: Overexpression of Aiolos promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell-like properties in lung cancer cells
Authors: Hung Jung-Jyh , Kao Ying-Shiun , Huang Chi-Hung , Hsu Wen-Hu
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Transcriptional regulation of the IL-13Rα2 gene in human lung fibroblasts
Authors: Penke Loka R. , Ouchi Hideyasu , Speth Jennifer M. , Lugogo Njira , Huang Yvonne J. , Huang Steven K. , Peters-Golden Marc
Published: January 2020

Interleukin (IL)−13 is a type 2 cytokine with important roles in allergic diseases, asthma, and tissue fibrosis. Its receptor (R) α1 is primarily responsible for the biological actions of this cytokine, while Rα2 possesses a decoy function which can block IL-13 signaling. Although the expression of Rα2 is known to be subject to modulation, information about its transcriptional regulation is limited. In this study, we sought to expand the understanding of transcriptional control of Rα2 in lung fibroblasts. We confirmed previous reports that IL-13 elicited modest induction of Rα2 in normal adult human lung fibroblasts, but found that prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) –mediators known to influence fibroblast activation in tissue fibrosis but not previously investigated in this regard – led to a much greater magnitude of Rα2 induction. Although both PGE2(via protein kinase A) and FGF-2 (via protein kinase B, also known as AKT) depended on activation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) for induction of Rα2 expression, they nevertheless demonstrated synergy in doing so, likely attributable to their differential utilization of distinct transcriptional start sites on the Rα2 promoter. Our data identify CREB activation via PGE2and FGF-2 as a previously unrecognized molecular controller of Rα2 gene induction and provide potential new insights into strategies for therapeutic manipulation of this endogenous brake on IL-13 signaling.
Hepatic ILC2 activity is regulated by liver inflammation-induced cytokines and effector CD4+ T cells
Authors: Steinmann Silja , Schoedsack Marek , Heinrich Fabian , Breda Philippe C. , Ochel Aaron , Tiegs Gisa , Neumann Katrin
Published: January 2020

In immune-mediated hepatitis, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) as well as effector CD4+ T cells have been shown to drive disease pathology. However, less is known about mechanisms involved in the regulation of ILC2 function during liver inflammation. We showed that in homeostasis, hepatic ILC2 constituted a very small population with a naive, inactive phenotype. During immune-mediated hepatitis, the cytokines IL-33 and IFNγ were expressed in liver tissue. IL-33 induced strong activation and expression of type 2 cytokines as well as IL-6 by hepatic ILC2 while IFNγ suppressed cytokine production. Interestingly, this inhibitory effect was overcome by IL-33. The phenotype of activated hepatic ILC2 were stable since they did not show functional plasticity in response to liver inflammation-induced cytokines. Moreover, hepatic ILC2 induced a Th2 phenotype in activated CD4+ T cells, which increased ILC2-derived cytokine expression via IL-2. In contrast, Th1 cells inhibited survival of ILC2 by production of IFNγ. Thus, hepatic ILC2 function is regulated by IL-33, IL-2, and IFNγ. While IL-33 and IL-2 support hepatic ILC2 activation, their inflammatory activity in immune-mediated hepatitis might be limited by infiltrating IFNγ-expressing Th1 cells.
Semiochemicals for intraspecific communication of the fig weevil Aclees sp. cf. foveatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a first survey
Authors: Iovinella Immacolata , Pierattini Erika Carla , Bedini Stefano , Dani Francesca Romana , Guarino Salvatore , Lucchi Andrea , Giannotti Paolo , Cuzzupoli Giorgio , Girardi Jessica , Conti Barbara
Published: January 2020

The fig tree weevilAcleessp. cf.foveatus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), introduced in Italy in 2005, is currently causing significant economic and environmental losses to fig tree nurseries and orchards in Central Italy. Fig damages are due to the adults feeding on leaves and fruits, and to the galleries dug by the xylophagous larvae in the trunk, which lead the plants to death. To date, no chemical or biological control methods resulted to be effective against this invasive pest. In order to gain information about possible semiochemicals involved in mate recognition and choice, both the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the epicuticular lipids of male and female specimens were analysed. VOCs emissions of specimens were characterized essentially by monoterpenes, while epicuticular lipids contained long chained 2-ketones, alkanes, alkenes, including some methyl alkenes, and several fatty acid propyl esters. The attractiveness of reconstituted VOCs blends of the two sexes was tested in electrophysiological and behavioural assays in laboratory conditions. Both the male and the female reconstituted VOCs drove a significant response towards individuals of the opposite sex, thus demonstrating features of sexual attractants. Our results suggest a possible application of VOCs blends as pheromonic attractants in field monitoring and mass trapping ofAcleessp. cf.foveatus.
Germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) in the sand martin and the pale martin (Hirundinidae, Aves): synapsis, recombination and copy number variation
Authors: Malinovskaya Lyubov P. , Zadesenets Kira S. , Karamysheva Tatyana V. , Akberdina Ekaterina A. , Kizilova Elena A. , Romanenko Margarita V. , Shnaider Elena P. , Scherbakova Mariya M. , Korobitsyn Igor G. , Rubtsov Nikolai B. , Borodin Pavel M. , Torgasheva Anna A.
Published: January 2020

All songbirds studied to date have an additional Germline Restricted Chromosome (GRC), which is not present in somatic cells. GRCs show a wide variation in genetic content and little homology between species. To check how this divergence affected the meiotic behavior of the GRC, we examined synapsis, recombination and copy number variation for GRCs in the closely related sand and pale martins (Riparia riparia and R. diluta) in comparison with distantly related estrildid finches. Using immunolocalization of meiotic proteins and FISH with GRC-specific DNA probes, we found a striking similarity in the meiotic behavior of GRCs between martins and estrildid finches despite the millions of years of independent evolution. GRCs are usually present in two copies in female and in one copy in male pachytene cells. However, we detected polymorphism in female and mosaicism in male martins for the number of GRCs. In martin and zebra finch females, two GRCs synapse along their whole length, but recombine predominately at their ends. We suggest that the shared features of the meiotic behavior of GRCs have been supported by natural selection in favor of a preferential segregation of GRCs to the eggs.
Improvement of Co-Composting by a combined pretreatment Ozonation/Ultrasonic process in stabilization of raw activated sludge
Authors: Dastpak Hamideh , Pasalari Hasan , Jafari Ahmad Jonidi , Gholami Mitra , Farzadkia Mahdi
Published: January 2020

The enhancement of composting technology to stabilize sludge pretreated by ozonation and ultrasonic was tested for 35 days. Secondary sludge produced by biological process are characterized with endogenous residue and inert solid matter which inhibit fully degrade bacterial cell walls. The composting process was performed with sludge pretreated with ozonatian and ultrasonics and green waste in a ratio of 2:1. The composting characteristics was evaluated for different physico-chemical and microbiological parameters in five different reactors. A high degree of composting quality was achieved with respect to significant reduction in volatile solids (VS) (32%), total organic carbon (TOC) (35.0%), C/N ratio (23.74), total coliform (TC) (168) along with the substantial increase in availability of nutrients like N (1.2%) and P (8.77%). High removal efficiency of TC and Fecal Coliform (FC) were observed in composting results, where simultaneous ultrasonic and ozonation were considered as primary-stabilization process. Therefore, applying integrated ultrasonic/ozonation with composting system for sludge stabilization is potentially useful technology in sustainable land restoration practices to meet standards and produce soil conditioner.
SMART Markers: collecting patient-generated health data as a standardized property of health information technology
Authors: Sayeed Raheel , Gottlieb Daniel , Mandl Kenneth D.
Published: January 2020

A patient-centered health system needs precise computable measurements to derive value. While validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used in trials, their adoption in care remains limited and generally separated from the medical record. Further, absence of systematic processes for patient-led data submission excludes valuable data from digital devices that can potentially aid in contextualizing health status. With prior experience in developing apps for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), we sought to make collecting patient-generated health data (PGHD) a fundamental property of health information technology at scale, and in an interoperable, standards-compliant fashion. We build upon the open SMART on FHIR (Fast Health Interoperability Resources) specification to create SMART Markers—a mobile device software framework encapsulating functionality needed for rapid deployment of both patient- and practitioner-facing PGHD apps. We refactored previously developed PROMIS apps to use SMART Markers for handling PGHD-request creation, on-device administration, and generation of a variety of PGHD types and submission of results to a FHIR server. Validation and conformance tests were performed on the generated output and app-reusability was demonstrated across two demo servers. App developers can import SMART Markers into their existing or new apps to readily leverage an interoperable PGHD capturing functionality out of the box, without having to reinvent the wheel. Our approach enables the creation of health system integrated, context-specific experiences for both patients and practitioners.
Smart wound dressing for infection monitoring and NIR-triggered antibacterial treatment
Authors: Qiao Bianbian , Pang Qian , Yuan Peiqi , Luo Yilun , Ma Lie
Published: January 2020

Hydrogel-based wound dressings can monitor infection via pH-responsive FRET changes and provide on-demand antibacterial treatment via NIR-triggered antibiotic release.
CuII/H-USY as a regenerable bifunctional catalyst for the additive-free C–H amination of azoles
Authors: Henrion Mickaël , Smolders Simon , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: January 2020

The use of the bifunctional CuII/H-USY catalyst for the direct amination of azoles under air and without additives has been disclosed.
Reduction of 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP): pathways and mechanisms from computational chemistry calculations
Authors: Torralba-Sanchez Tifany L. , Bylaska Eric J. , Salter-Blanc Alexandra J. , Meisenheimer Douglas E. , Lyon Molly A. , Tratnyek Paul G.
Published: January 2020

Lesser halogenated halocarbons such as 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) are persistent under most conditions, but reductive beta-elimination favors complete dechlorination by hydrogenolysis of the allyl chloride intermediate.
Isotope fractionation (2H/1H, 13C/12C, 37Cl/35Cl) in trichloromethane and trichloroethene caused by partitioning between gas phase and water
Authors: Horst Axel , Lacrampe-Couloume Georges
Published: January 2020

This article scrutinizes volatilization isotope effects of chlorinated organic compounds by taking into account all measurable stable isotopes of present elements and the three main kinetic and equilibrium partitioning scenarios.
Gallic acid-assisted synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres as efficient bifunctional materials for oxygen reduction and volumetric lithium storage
Authors: Xu Lina , Ding Haiyang , Yang Xiaohua , Yan Jiujuan , Li Shouhai , Li Mei , Fan Hao , Xia Jianling
Published: January 2020

A high-performance bifunctional oxygen reduction and lithium storage material is developed using low-cost chitosan as the nitrogen and carbon sources by one-step solvothermal method with the assistance of gallic acid as “molecular nucleating agent”.
Nickel-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles: biosynthesis, cytotoxicity and UV protection studies
Authors: Miri Abdolhossein , Sarani Mina , Khatami Mehrdad
Published: January 2020

This study was conducted to obtain NixCe1−xO2 (where x = 0, 1, 3 and 5% w/w) nanoparticles using Salvadora persica extracts through an easy, inexpensive and non-toxic method.
Brønsted acid-promoted thiazole synthesis under metal-free conditions using sulfur powder as the sulfur source
Authors: Ni Penghui , Tan Jing , Li Rong , Huang Huawen , Zhang Feng , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: January 2020

A Brønsted acid-promoted protocol for the synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted thiazoles from benzylamines, acetophenones, and sulfur powder under metal-free conditions is described.
Photosynergetic amplification of radiation input: from efficient UV induced cycloreversion to sensitive X-ray detection
Authors: Asato Ryosuke , Martin Colin J. , Calupitan Jan Patrick , Mizutsu Ryo , Nakashima Takuya , Okada Go , Kawaguchi Noriaki , Yanagida Takayuki , Kawai Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2020

New photochromic terarylene displays extremely high photosensitivity with quantum yield as high as 3300% and radio-sensitivity to X-ray dose as weak as 0.3 mGy.
Hierarchical self-assembly of NiFe-LDH nanosheets on CoFe2O4@Co3S4 nanowires for enhanced overall water splitting
Authors: Lin Yu , Wang Jinlei , Cao Duanlin , Gong Yaqiong
Published: January 2020

The obtained NiFe-CFS/CFP electrode exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance and extraordinary durability for the OER, HER, and overall water splitting.
Cohesive self-organization of mobile microrobotic swarms
Authors: Yigit Berk , Alapan Yunus , Sitti Metin
Published: January 2020

Microrobots self-organize into cohesive swarms under magnetic interactions and leverage collective hydrodynamic effects for enhanced mobility.
Covalent-organic framework based Z-scheme heterostructured noble-metal-free photocatalysts for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Yang-Peng , Tang Hong-Liang , Dong Hong , Gao Meng-Yao , Li Chang-Cheng , Sun Xiao-Jun , Wei Jin-Zhi , Qu Yang , Li Zhi-Jun , Zhang Feng-Ming
Published: January 2020

A COF-based Z-scheme heterostructure hybrids (α-Fe2O3/TpPa-2-COF) for noble-metal-free photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
A transparent, ultrastretchable and fully recyclable gelatin organohydrogel based electronic sensor with broad operating temperature
Authors: Qin Zhihui , Sun Xia , Zhang Haitao , Yu Qingyu , Wang Xueyuan , He Shaoshuai , Yao Fanglian , Li Junjie
Published: January 2020

A green, fully recyclable and stretchable electronic sensor based on ionic conductive gelatin organohydrogels can operate at ultra-low temperature.
High-pressure synthesis and excellent thermoelectric performance of Ni/BiTeSe magnetic nanocomposites
Authors: Ma Shifang , Li Cuncheng , Wei Ping , Zhu Wanting , Nie Xiaolei , Sang Xiahan , Zhang Qingjie , Zhao Wenyu
Published: January 2020

Superparamagnetic Ni nanoparticles remarkably enhance the room-temperature thermoelectric and cooling performance of n-type BiTeSe alloys.
Recent research progress on polyphosphazene-based drug delivery systems
Authors: Ni Zhipeng , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Shen Di , Elshaarani Tarig , Fahad Shah , Khan Amin , Haq Fazal , Teng Lison
Published: January 2020

In recent years, synthetic polymer materials have become a research hotspot in the field of drug delivery. Polyphosphazenes are one of the most promising biomedical materials for the future due to their controllable degradation properties and structural flexibility.
Rapid, facile, reagentless, and room-temperature conjugation of monolayer MoS2 nanosheets with dual-fluorophore-labeled flares as nanoprobes for ratiometric sensing of TK1 mRNA in living cells
Authors: Wu Man-Jyun , Tseng Wei-Lung
Published: January 2020

Surface functionalization of MoS2 nanosheets with FRET-based flares was conducted for ratiometric sensing and imaging of TK1 mRNA in HeLa and MCF-7 cells.
Vertically conductive MoS2 pyramids with a high density of active edge sites for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhou Qingwei , Su Shaoqiang , Cheng Pengfei , Hu Xianbao , Gao Xingsen , Zhang Zhang , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: January 2020

Due to the thickness-independent vertical conductivity and high density of active edge sites, MoS2 pyramids demonstrate a highly enhanced HER performance compared to that of MoS2 triangular flakes.
One-step synthesis of nitrogen-rich Mo2C1−xNx solid solution with enhanced superconductivity
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Fang Yuqiang , Wang Dong , Zhang Shaoning , Mu Gang , Huang Fuqiang
Published: January 2020

It is difficult to prepare nitrogen-doped Mo2C with high nitrogen content, and the effect of nitrogen doping on superconductivity of Mo2C has not been studied.
Correction: A perylene-based membrane intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolyte with efficient photodynamic antimicrobial activity
Authors: Niu Niu , Zhou Huipeng , Liu Ning , Jiang Hong , Hu Zhenzhen , Yu Cong
Published: January 2020

Correction for ‘A perylene-based membrane intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolyte with efficient photodynamic antimicrobial activity’ by Niu Niu et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 4395–4398.
Palladium-catalyzed C3-selective C–H oxidative carbonylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with CO and alcohols: a way to access esters
Authors: Wang Shoucai , Zhang Siyu , Liu Meichen , Zang Jiawang , Jiang Guangbin , Ji Fanghua
Published: January 2020

A palladium-catalyzed C3-selective C–H oxidative carbonylation for the synthesis of various esters from imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and CO with high efficiency and high atom economy has been developed.
Correction: Acridinedione as selective flouride ion chemosensor: a detailed spectroscopic and quantum mechanical investigation
Authors: Iqbal Nafees , Ali Syed Abid , Munir Iqra , Khan Saima , Ayub Khurshid , al-Rashida Mariya , Islam Muhammad , Shafiq Zahid , Ludwig Ralf , Hameed Abdul
Published: January 2020

Correction for ‘Acridinedione as selective flouride ion chemosensor: a detailed spectroscopic and quantum mechanical investigation’ by Nafees Iqbal et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 1993–2003.
Hierarchical reinforcement learning for self‐driving decision‐making without reliance on labelled driving data
Authors: Duan Jingliang , Eben Li Shengbo , Guan Yang , Sun Qi , Cheng Bo
Published: January 2020

Decision making for self‐driving cars is usually tackled by manually encoding rules from drivers’ behaviours or imitating drivers’ manipulation using supervised learning techniques. Both of them rely on mass driving data to cover all possible driving scenarios. This study presents a hierarchical reinforcement learning method for decision making of self‐driving cars, which does not depend on a large amount of labelled driving data. This method comprehensively considers both high‐level manoeuvre selection and low‐level motion control in both lateral and longitudinal directions. The authors firstly decompose the driving tasks into three manoeuvres, including driving in lane, right lane change and left lane change, and learn the sub‐policy for each manoeuvre. Then, a master policy is learned to choose the manoeuvre policy to be executed in the current state. All policies, including master policy and manoeuvre policies, are represented by fully‐connected neural networks and trained by using asynchronous parallel reinforcement learners, which builds a mapping from the sensory outputs to driving decisions. Different state spaces and reward functions are designed for each manoeuvre. They apply this method to a highway driving scenario, which demonstrates that it can realise smooth and safe decision making for self‐driving cars.
Glutathione and pH serial responsive functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles for drug delivery
Authors: He Liang , Nan Xueyan , Wang Tong , Bai Pengli
Published: January 2020

In this work, a novel glutathione and pH serial dual‐responsive drug delivery system has been developed, which was constructed with chitosan (CS), carbon dots (CDs) and hyaluronic acid (HA) modified the mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The system showed excellent drug loading efficiency, controlled release and targeted delivery. In addition, the platform (MSN‐CS@HA‐CDs) exhibited fluorescence imaging property. The prepared drug delivery system appeared to be a promising cancer treatment platform.
Design and fabrication of PDMS‐based electrostatically actuated MEMS cantilever beam
Authors: Singh Akanksha D. , Patrikar Rajendra M.
Published: January 2020

Polymer microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices emerge as the new class of sensor devices for bio‐sensing applications exhibiting high mechanical deformability and sensitivity. In this work, the design and fabrication of electrostatically actuated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) MEMS cantilever on flexible PDMS substrate is presented. The physical parameters of the cantilever were analysed and optimised using Taguchi method coupled with COMSOL Multiphysics software. This work focusses on the development of a novel approach for the simple and cost‐effective fabrication process of PDMS cantilevers and subsequently its arrays. The proposed device consists of a PDMS body with the metal bottom electrode, PDMS anchor, and PDMS cantilever beam as its top electrode and immobilization surface. The work presented is of the cracking phenomenon in the metal layer sputtered on the PDMS substrate. The novelty of the fabrication process is the use of low‐cost processes, no need for sophisticated lithography tools or etching equipment. Also, the process allows the use of alternate material as base substrate (glass, silicon wafer etc.) wherein it is not consumed and is reusable. The fabricated device is then electrically characterised for its pull‐in characteristics.
Hunting for open clusters in Gaia DR2: 582 new open clusters in the Galactic disc
Authors: Castro-Ginard A. , Jordi C. , Luri X. , Álvarez Cid-Fuentes J. , Casamiquela L. , Anders F. , Cantat-Gaudin T. , Monguió M. , Balaguer-Núñez L. , Solà S. , Badia R. M.
Published: January 2020

Context. Open clusters are key targets for studies of Galaxy structure and evolution, and stellar physics. Since the Gaia data release 2 (DR2), the discovery of undetected clusters has shown that previous surveys were incomplete.

Aims. Our aim is to exploit the Big Data capabilities of machine learning to detect new open clusters in Gaia DR2, and to complete the open cluster sample to enable further studies of the Galactic disc.

Methods. We use a machine-learning based methodology to systematically search the Galactic disc for overdensities in the astrometric space and identify the open clusters using photometric information. First, we used an unsupervised clustering algorithm, DBSCAN, to blindly search for these overdensities in Gaia DR2 (l, b, ϖ, μα*, μδ), and then we used a deep learning artificial neural network trained on colour–magnitude diagrams to identify isochrone patterns in these overdensities, and to confirm them as open clusters.

Results. We find 582 new open clusters distributed along the Galactic disc in the region |b| < 20°. We detect substructure in complex regions, and identify the tidal tails of a disrupting cluster UBC 274 of ∼3 Gyr located at ∼2 kpc.

Conclusions. Adapting the mentioned methodology to a Big Data environment allows us to target the search using the physical properties of open clusters instead of being driven by computational limitations. This blind search for open clusters in the Galactic disc increases the number of known open clusters by 45%.
On time-splitting methods for nonlinear Schrödinger equation with highly oscillatory potential
Authors: Su Chunmei , Zhao Xiaofei
Published: January 2020

In this work, we consider the numerical solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a highly oscillatory potential (NLSE-OP). The NLSE-OP is a model problem which frequently occurs in recent studies of some multiscale dynamical systems, where the potential introduces wide temporal oscillations to the solution and causes numerical difficulties. We aim to analyze rigorously the error bounds of the splitting schemes for solving the NLSE-OP to a fixed time. Our theoretical results show that the Lie–Trotter splitting scheme is uniformly and optimally accurate at the first order provided that the oscillatory potential is integrated exactly, while the Strang splitting scheme is not. Our results apply to general dispersive or wave equations with an oscillatory potential. The error estimates are confirmed by numerical results.
Primärer Megaureter beim Neugeborenen – die passagere externe Harnableitung – ein Plädoyer
Authors: Rübben Iris , Vester Udo
Published: January 2020

Der Begriff des Megaureters bedeutet, dass ein Harnleiter eine Erweiterung aufweist, unabhängig von der zugrundeliegenden anatomischen Pathologie. Erweiterte Ureteren vom Typ I und II gemäß der Klassifikation nach Pfister und Hendren normalisieren sich im Verlauf der ersten Lebensjahre spontan, während stark dilatierte Systeme des Pfister Hendren Typ III keine Maturationsfähigkeit haben. Bezogen auf diese besondere Gruppe der Typ III Megaureteren empfehlen wir ein 2-zeitiges operatives Vorgehen:

Erstens legen wir in einer frühzeitigen Operation eine splintfreie temporäre Ureterocutaneostomie zur Desobstruktion an und zweitens führen wir den eigentlichen Korrektureingriff mit zeitgleicher Aufhebung des inkontinenten Harnleiterhautstomas um den ersten Geburtstag durch, ein Zeitpunkt, zu dem die Blasenfunktion gereift ist.

Durch dieses Vorgehen sind sonografische Verlaufskontrollen bis zum 1. Lebensjahr ausreichend und werden vor der definitiven Korrekturoperation mit Stomaverschluss durch eine Miktionszysturethrografie (MCU) zum Refluxausschluss und ggf. eine MAG-3-Szintigrafie ergänzt.
Analysis of Retinal Vessel Pulsation with Electrographic Gating – Pulsation Amplitude and the Influence of Hyperoxia
Authors: Saruhan Yasemin , Bollinger Olivia , Gugleta Konstantin
Published: January 2020

Purpose To analyse the amplitude of vessel pulsation in the retina and to determine whether constriction of the vessels by oxygen would decrease their pulsation amplitude and could thus be used to quantify the rigidity of the retinal vessels.

Patients and Methods The study included 20 healthy young subjects. With the RVA (retinal vessel analyser), we aimed to quantify vessel pulsations under normal and hyperoxic conditions. Electrocardiographic (ECG)-gated RVA was used for this purpose, with change in vessel pulsation as the primary endpoint and shift in vessel pulsation during the heart cycle as the secondary endpoint. Furthermore, we assessed the correlation between the amplitude of retinal vessel wall pulsation and blood pressure. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and correlation analysis were applied.

Results Retinal veins in proximity to the optic disc demonstrated the highest pulsation amplitude under all conditions. All retinal vessels significantly constricted under hyperoxic conditions. There was no significant change in the amplitude of vessel pulsation nor a significant shift in the pulsation cycle under hyperoxic conditions in the examined cohort. No correlation was found between systemic blood pressure parameters and amplitude of retinal vessel wall pulsation or any change in this.

Conclusion ECG-gated RVA recording is not able to detect any relevant change in vessel pulsation behaviour under oxygen, despite clearly observed vasoconstriction in retinal vessels. New approaches are necessary to reliably quantify the rigidity of the retinal vessels.
Teilarthrodesen am Handgelenk
Authors: Seyhan Harun
Published: January 2020

Teilarthrodesen kommen zum Einsatz bei schmerzhaften Arthrosen des Handgelenks, denen häufig eine Fraktur vorausgegangen ist. Durch diese Rettungsoperationen können Schmerzen reduziert und kann eine Teilbeweglichkeit des Handgelenks erhalten werden. Welche Möglichkeiten von Teilversteifungen gibt es und wie wählt der Chirurg das jeweilige Operationsverfahren aus? Was muss er dabei besonders bei älteren Menschen beachten?
Evolutionary Conservation of MKRN3 and Other Makorins and Their Roles in Puberty Initiation and Endocrine Functions
Authors: Naulé Lydie , Kaiser Ursula B.
Published: January 2020

Puberty is a critical period of development regulated by genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. The role of makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) in the regulation of pubertal timing was revealed when loss-of-function mutations were identified in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). To date, MKRN3 mutations are the most common known genetic cause of CPP. MKRN3 is a member of the makorin family of ubiquitin ligases, together with MKRN1 and MKRN2. The Mkrn genes have been identified in both vertebrates and invertebrates and show high evolutionary conservation of their gene and protein structures. While the existence of Mkrn orthologues in a wide spectrum of species suggests a vital cellular role of the makorins, their role in puberty initiation and endocrine functions is just beginning to be investigated. In this review, we discuss recent studies that have shown the involvement of Mkrn3 and other makorins in the regulation of pubertal development and other endocrine functions, including metabolism and fertility, as well as their underlying mechanisms of action.
Morphological Variations in the Anatomy of Caecum and Appendix - A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Banerjee Arindom , Kumar I. Anil , Tapadar Arunabha , Pranay M
Published: January 2020

Background : Appendicitis is one of the most common clinical conditions that require emergency surgery. Variations in anatomical location of appendix can result in different clinical presentations. Anatomical and topographical variations of the caecum are also known to occur. Anatomical variations in caecum have been observed along with the appendix in this study. Aims: To study the variations in the size, shape, position and arterial supply of the caecum and appendix in individuals of different sex and age, a thorough knowledge of which will aid surgeons in performing various abdominal operations in adults and children. Material and methods: The study was carried out on 25 adult cadavers over a period of 3 years. The anatomy of caecum and appendix was studied in detail. Results : The normal position of caecum and appendix in adult cadavers was found to be in the right iliac fossa. In all specimens the shape of caecum was adult (ampullary) type and it was supplied normally in all cases from a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. The appendix was found in the retro-caecal position in majority of cases with a complete meso-appendix in four and an additional blood supply via the artery of Sesachalam was found in two cases. Conclusions: Vermiform appendix is characterized by variability of its location and morphology. The ultimate position of the appendix is influenced by the changes in position and shape which the caecum undergoes during development and growth. The present study observed the appendix and caecum to be found in their normal positions in majority of cases. The average length of caecum and appendix was found to be more in males as compared with females. Appendicitis is one of the most common diseases that need emergency surgery. Variations in anatomical position cause different clinical presentations. A thorough knowledge of normal anatomy and variations of the caecum and appendix is very important to the surgeon performing abdominal operations in adults, children and infants as it helps them to make optimal diagnosis of various pathological conditions related to these organs and treat accordingly.
Bony Canals Along The Course of Middle Meningeal Artery In Dry Skulls
Authors: Aggarwal Bindu , Gupta Madhur , Kumar Harsh
Published: January 2020

Background : The middle meningeal artery courses in the middle cranial fossa and divides into two or three branches. The branches of the artery are sometimes enclosed within a bony canal. The artery and its branches are likely to get tom in cases of epidural hematomas and may require ligation. Aims: The aim of the study is to report the variations in the branching pattern of middle meningeal artery and incidence of bony canals along the course of these branches. Materials: The study material consisted of 77 bases of dry skulls (154 sides) and the findings were supplemented with dissection of four cadaveric skulls. Results and Conclusions : The length of stem of middle meningeal artery, from foramen spinosum to its division into branches varied from 0.56 to 5.83 mm on the right side and 0.58- 7.53mm on the left. The mean length of the stem was 3.04 on the right side and 3.01 on the left (S D ± 1.4). The middle meningeal artery divided into anterior and posterior branches in all the sides of skull. A middle branch constituting a third branch of middle meningeal artery was observed in 44.15% (68 sides) which arose either from its anterior 35.29% (24 sides) or posterior branch 64.71 % (44 sides). Bony canals were observed in 39.61 % (61 sides). The anterior branch was enclosed in a bony canal in 37.66% (58 sides) and the posterior branch in 1.94% (3 sides). The variations in the course, branching pattern and bony canals along middle meningeal artery are of clinical significance while treating extradural and subdural hemorrhages as due to these variations and presence of bony canal in course of middle meningeal artery, ligation of the vessel may be totally or partially insufficient.
Bilateral Variation of Forearm Flexor Muscles - A Case Report and Clinical Significance
Authors: Malar D. ,   Hemamalini
Published: January 2020

During routine dissection, bilateral multiple variations of forearm flexor muscles were observed in a male cadaver. The variations were a) an additional belly arising from the coronoid process of ulna, distal to the origin of ulnar head of flexor digitorum superficialis, passing deep to flexor digitorum superficialis and joining the tendon of flexor digitorum profundus to the middle finger; b) an additional belly arising from the distal part of flexor carpi ulnaris and passing superficial to ulnar nerve and ulnar vessels in the Guyon's canal and c) the origin of second lumbricals from the profundus tendon in the carpal tunnel. An aberrant muscle may stimulate a ganglion or a soft tissue tumor or if in close proximity to a nerve, it may cause pressure neuritis. Identification of these variations is important in defining the anatomical features for clinical diagnosis and surgical procedures.
A communicating artery between axillary and radial artery - a case report
Authors: N. Komala , N. Aruna
Published: January 2020

Variations in the branching pattern of axillary artery have been observed quite frequently. In a male cadaver aged around 45 years allotted for undergraduate dissection a communicating artery between axillary and radial artery was found on the right side during routine dissection. Such arterial variations are important for clinicians in angiographic examinations, removes ambiguity during diagnostic interventions and surgical procedures. Thereby it ensures competency and reduces complications in cardiac catheterization, pedicle flaps, arterial grafting etc.
A study of nutrient foramina in dry adult humeri of South Indian subjects
Authors: Halagatti Manjunath S , Rangasubhe Pramod
Published: January 2020

Background : Vascular insults to the humerus either during fracture dislocation or during surgical correction of fracture may result in delayed healing or non-union of fracture. It is worth to find the number and size of nutrient foramina. The know ledge regarding the nutrien foramina helps to protect them during conservative operative procedures of the bone, thus to concentrate upon the viability of the fractured fragments. Objectives: To observe the location of nutrient foramina with reference to the different segments of shaft of humerus,to note variations in number, direction and size of the nutrient foramina. Further to examine if a correlation exists between the length of humerus and number of vascular foramina and nutrient foramina. Materials and methods : The study was undertaken on 200 dry normal dult humerus bones. Observations were made using Hepburn's osteometric board and hypodermic needles of different gauges. Statistical methods (SPSS) were used to analyze these observations. Results: The location of nutrient foramen was more in the middle 113rd of antero-medial surface. Majority of humeri showed one nutrient foramen, whereas there were 2 to 3 foramina in few humeri. Conclusion: This study will help in planning the surgical treatment of fracture of humerus which will possibly reduce the post-operative complications.
Ostium maxillare accessorium - a morphologic study
Authors: Patil Manjula , KY Manjunath
Published: January 2020

Background and aims : The "Osteomeatal complex" of the middle meatus contains the primary maxillary opening as well as in few cases the 'accessory maxillary ostia'. An ostium leading to maxillary sinus apart from the primary maxillary opening is defined as accessory maxillary ostia. Location of accessory maxillary ostia is more advantageous than primary maxillary opening. Accessory maxillary ostia can be utilized to approach the maxillary sinus in cases of difficulty in approaching the primary maxillary opening. The present study was undertaken to study the morphological variations of accessory maxillary ostia in human cadavers. Material and methods : Forty two sagittal sections of the human cadavers were studied for the incidence, location, number, shape, size and laterality of accessory maxillary ostia. Results : Accessory maxillary ostia were found in 26% of the specimens. Of these 55.54% were found in anterior fontanelle and 45.45% in the posterior fontanelle. Shape varied from oval to round and dimensions 1.33 to 5.6mm antero-posteriorly and 1.07 to 2.55mm vertically. Accessory maxillary ostia were frequently observed unilaterally. Conclusion : Accessory maxillary ostia when present can be utilized during clinical procedures to get access to maxillary sinus in cases of difficulty in approach due to the variation in configuration of uncinate process or bulla ethmoidalis. Morphology of accessory maxillary ostia can thus be a valuable source of information to the endoscopic surgeons operating on the maxillary sinus.
Bilateral linguofacial trunk - a case report
Authors: Desai Shankreppa D , Nuchhi Ashwini B , Karjagi Santoshkumar B
Published: January 2020

During routine dissection of an adult male cadaver, a unique case of anomalous origin of linguofacial trunk from both the right and left external carotid arteries with no looping of lingual artery in its course and relative higher division of right common carotid artery at C3 vertebral level was observed. Although variations in the external carotid artery origin and branches are not uncommon it is necessary to document as these variations may increase the risk of accidental vascular trauma during head and neck surgeries. And this knowledge is also important for radiologists in the image interpretation of carotid arterial system.
Lisinopril-Induced Angioedema in a Patient with Plasma Prekallikrein Deficiency
Authors: Dasgupta Swapan K. , Rivera Stefanie , Thiagarajan Perumal
Published: January 2020

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are extensively prescribed to treat patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. A small fraction of these patients (approximately 0.7%) develop angioedema, manifested by swelling of the lips and oropharynx. Angioedema of oropharynx is a medical emergency that can lead to asphyxiation and death. The angioedema is due to bradykinin generated from high molecular weight kininogen by kallikrein, which is derived from plasma prekallikrein by action of the factor XIIa, factor Xia, or prolylcarboxypeptidase. Bradykinin induces vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. ACE is the major degrading enzyme of bradykinin in the intravascular department. ACE inhibitors inhibit the proteolytic inactivation of bradykinin. We report a patient with oropharyngeal angioedema associated with an ACE inhibitor with complete absence of plasma prekallikrein due to homozygous mutation (Ser97PhefsTer173).
Solar-energy-storing photoswitch successfully switches environments
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: January 2020

A semiconductor-anchored photoswitch is able to function in the liquid environment, with photochemical and electrochemical control — a step toward releasing stored solar energy directly as electricity.
DAAM1 and PREP are involved in human spermatogenesis
Authors: Venditti Massimo , Fasano Chiara , Minucci Sergio , Serino Ismene , Sinisi Antonio Agostino , Dale Brian , Di Matteo Loredana
Published: January 2020

During differentiation of the male gamete, there is a massive remodelling in the shape and architecture of all the cells in the seminiferous epithelium. The cytoskeleton, as well as many associated proteins, plays a pivotal role in this process. To better characterise the factors involved, we analysed two proteins: the formin, dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1), which participates in the regulation of actin polymerisation, and the protease, prolyl endopeptidase (PREP), engaged in microtubule-associated processes. In our previous studies we demonstrated their involvement in cytoskeletal dynamics necessary for correct postnatal development of the rat testis. Here, we used samples of testicular tissue obtained from infertile men by testicular sperm extraction and the spermatozoa of asthenoteratozoospermic patients. By western blot and immunofluorescent analysis, we found that DAAM1 and PREP expression and localisation were impaired in both the testis and spermatozoa, and in particular in the midpiece as well as in the principal and end-pieces of the flagella, as compared with spermatozoa of normospermic men. Our results provide new knowledge of the dynamics of spermatogenesis, raising the possibility of using DAAM1 and PREP as new markers of normal fertility.
Silicon micro pyramidal syringe array for electrospinning spiral shape single fiber
Authors: Masouleh Mahsa Madadi , Moghadam Reza Askari , Koohsorkhi Javad
Published: January 2020

In this study, a new method is presented to fabricate spiral shape single fiber. The micro-needle array (40 μm hole diameter, 80 μm outer diameter, and 100 μm height) is utilized instead of the needle to reduce the diameter of fibers which are electrospun from 23Wt% PVP concentration. In order to have fine and bead-free fibers, the structural parameters of the micro-needle array and space which close microneedles act as an individual one are simulated. The Wet and Dry Etching techniques are used for fabrication of micro-needles. The experimental setup consists of the stepper motor and micrometer head as the pump, distance controller, and voltage generator. The single fiber can be electrospun by applying 1–3 kV bias within 1 mm gap between micro-needle and collector. Using nonconductive collector causes the formation of spiral type single fiber instead of agglomerate fiber. Elastic and expulsion forces in charged fibers seem to be the main reasons of fiber separation and spiral shape formation. The spiral shape fiber is made without traditional lithography techniques like direct patterning or contact exposure which are more expensive and time-consuming. The alteration in the fiber pattern can be seen by changing the applied voltage and spinneret, microneedle and needle. After various experiments, spirality pattern electrospun by microneedle with 10–15 μm and 15–35 μm distribution area of first and second circles and 500–570 nm and 570–660 nm diameter of first and second circles is gained as the structure with minimum distribution area and fiber width. This structure is created when the applied voltage and distance between microneedle and collector are 1kV and 1 mm.