bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐real‐time one‐kilometre Soil Moisture Active Passive soil moisture data product
Authors: Yin Jifu , Zhan Xiwu , Liu Jicheng , Moradkhani Hamid , Fang Li , Walker Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2020

The coarse resolution soil moisture (SM) data from NASA SMAP mission have been steadily produced with the expected performance since April 2015. These coarse resolution observations could be downscaled to fine resolution using fine scale observations of SM sensitive quantities from existing satellite sensors. For operational users who need near‐real‐time (NRT) high resolution SM data, the downscaling approach should be feasible for operational implementation, requiring limited ancillary information and primarily depending on readily available satellite observations. Based on these principles, nine potential candidate downscaling schemes were selected for developing an optimal downscaling strategy. Using remotely sensed land surface temperature (LST) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) observations, the optimal downscaling approach was tested for operational producing a NRT 1 km SM data product from SMAP. Comprehensive assessments on the 1 km SM product were conducted based on agreement statistics with in‐situ SM measurements. Statistical results show that the accuracy of the original coarse spatial resolution SMAP SM product can be significantly improved by 8% by the downscaled 1 km SM. With respect to the in‐situ measurements, the 1 km SM mapping capability developed here presents a clear advantage over the SMAP/Sentinel SM data product; and it also provides better data availability for users. This study suggests that a NRT 1 km SMAP SM data product could be routinely generated from SMAP at the centre for Satellite Applications and Research of NOAA NESDIS for operational users.
Oral Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor Roxadustat (FG‐4592) for Treatment of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Placebo‐Controlled Study of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Profiles in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Provenzano Robert , Tumlin James , Zabaneh Raja , Chou James , Hemmerich Stefan , Neff Thomas B. , Yu K.‐H. Peony
Published: June 2020

Roxadustat (FG‐4592), an oral hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that stimulates erythropoiesis, was evaluated in a phase 1b study in patients with end‐stage renal disease with anemia on hemodialysis. Seventeen patients, on epoetin‐alfa maintenance therapy with stable hemoglobin levels ≥10 g/dL, had epoetin‐alfa discontinued on day 3 and were enrolled in this double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. Two cohorts were randomized 3:1 (roxadustat: placebo). Patients received single doses of roxadustat (1 or 2 mg/kg) or placebo 1 hour after hemodialysis on day 1 and 2 hours before dialysis on day 8. Maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve for patients receiving roxadustat were slightly more than dose proportional and elimination half‐life ranged from 14.7 to 19.4 hours. Roxadustat was highly protein bound (99%) in plasma, and dialysis contributed a small fraction of the total clearance: only 4.56% and 3.04% of roxadustat recovered from the 1 and 2 mg/kg dose groups, respectively. Roxadustat induced transient elevations of endogenous erythropoietin that peaked between 7 and 14 hours after dosing and returned to baseline by 48 hours after dosing. Peak median endogenous erythropoietin levels were 96 mIU/mL and 268 mIU/mL for the 1‐ and 2‐mg/kg doses, respectively, within physiologic range of endogenous erythropoietin responses to hypoxia at high altitude or after blood loss. No serious adverse events were reported, and there were no treatment‐ or dose‐related trends in adverse event incidence.
Pseudo aneurysm of the uterine artery with arteriovenous fistula after cesarean section: A rare but sinister cause of delayed postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Pohlan Julian , Hinkson Larry , Wickmann Ulrike , Henrich Wolfgang , Althoff Christian E.
Published: June 2020

Pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery is a rare complication of cesarean section. Delayed diagnosis and management may result in rapid and catastrophic postpartum hemorrhage and may necessitate hysterectomy or can even be fatal. A 28‐year‐old woman (gravida I, para I) presented with delayed postpartum hemorrhage 10 days after emergency cesarean section. Using transabdominal and transvaginal Color Doppler sonography, we detected a pseudoaneurysm in the posterior uterine wall, which was successfully treated with selective embolization distal and proximal to the lesion with platinum coils. In patients with delayed postpartum hemorrhage—especially after cesarean section—the rare possibility of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm must be kept in mind.
Adult adoptees and their use of direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing: Searching for family, searching for health
Authors: Lee Heewon , Vogel Rachel I. , LeRoy Bonnie , Zierhut Heather A.
Published: June 2020

Use of direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing (DTC‐GT) is rapidly growing in the United States. Yet little is known about how specific populations like domestic and intercountry adoptees use DTC‐GT. Adoptees often have little to no biological family history, which may affect how they use DTC‐GT. This study aimed to examine adult adoptees' motivations to pursue DTC‐GT, experiences completing a test, and reasons for not completing one. An online survey consisting of 41 closed‐ended questions was distributed to domestic and intercountry adult adoptees in a snowball convenience method addressing seven areas: (a) demographics and adoption experience, (b) family health history, (c) familiarity with DTC‐GT, (d) actual DTC‐GT experience, (e) hypothetical DTC‐GT experience, (f) health results, and (g) satisfaction with DTC‐GT. Descriptive statistics were performed on participant demographics and adoption characteristics, and chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests compared demographics and adoption characteristics by familiarity with DTC‐GT and completion of DTC‐GT. A total of 117 adoptees met criteria and completed the survey. Adoptees were motivated to use DTC‐GT to search for biological family (83.0%), verify race and ethnicity (72.3%), and find out where ancestors came from (66.0%). Most participants completed DTC‐GT (80.3%); completion was significantly associated with searching for biological relatives (p < 0.01) and with older age (p = 0.05). For those who received health information (59.6%), 44.4% of participants reported talking with a health provider. Adoptees are using DTC‐GT to search for biological relatives, confirm their ethnicity and ancestry, and gain information about their health. Genetic counselors and health professionals should be prepared to address DTC‐GT with adoptees as nearly half discussed their results with providers; findings from this study provide insight into how this unique population uses DTC‐GT, and the possibility of patient‐centered, tailored care for adopted patients who do not have family health history.
The epidemiology of minor surgical problems during specialists' absence: Single center, descriptive study
Authors: Abe Toshiyuki , Matsubara Tomoyasu , Sasaki Sho , Oda Hiroyuki , Imura Hiroshi , Mogi Tsunetoshi
Published: June 2020

Background

In Japan, even if physicians have not experienced surgical training, they face many instances in which they must provide initial surgical treatment, especially during off‐hours. This study aimed to identify the frequency and fields of commonly encountered problems in a Japanese emergency department.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to identify walk‐in outpatients with exogenous problems visiting during off‐hours in the Japanese educational hospital providing primary to tertiary emergency care between January 1 and December 31, 2014. Diseases were aggregated according to International Classification of Primary Care (Second Edition; ICPC‐2).

Results

During the study period, 33 424 patients visited and 7476 were classified into the “exogenous” group. We analyzed the data of 7421 patients after excluding 55 who were deemed undiagnosable based on reviews of the charts. The median age of patients who visited the ED during off‐hours was 29 years (range: 0‐101 years, IQR: 8‐60 years). Altogether, 226 types of problems included in ICPC‐2 were identified during the study period. The majority fields of exogenous problems were ‘skin,’ ‘Musculoskeletal,’ and ‘eye.’ The 15 problems with the highest frequencies accounted for 50.2% of the total problems.

Conclusions

We identified surgical problems with high treatment frequencies among patients visiting the ED during off‐hours. Providing education focusing on these frequent surgical problems can help to improve the initial treatment quality and reduce the anxiety for those doctors who provide initial surgical treatment.
Using a HIV prevention cascade for identifying missed opportunities in PrEP delivery in Kenya: results from a programmatic surveillance study
Authors: Were Daniel , Musau Abednego , Mutegi Jane , Ongwen Patricia , Manguro Griffins , Kamau Mercy , Marwa Tom , Gwaro Hellen , Mukui Irene , Plotkin Marya , Reed Jason
Published: June 2020

Introduction

HIV prevention cascades have been systematically evaluated in high‐income countries, but steps in the pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service delivery cascade have not been systematically quantified in sub‐Saharan Africa. We analysed missed opportunities in the PrEP cascade in a large‐scale project serving female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Kenya.

Methods

Programmatic surveillance was conducted using routine programme data from 89 project‐supported sites from February 2017 to December 2019, and complemented by qualitative data. Healthcare providers used nationally approved tools to document service statistics. The analyses examined proportions of people moving onto the next step in the PrEP continuum, and identified missed opportunities. Missed opportunities were defined as implementation gaps exemplified by the proportion of individuals who could have potentially accessed each step of the PrEP cascade and did not. We also assessed trends in the cascade indicators at monthly intervals. Qualitative data were collected through 28 focus group discussions with 241 FSW, MSM, AGYW and healthcare providers, and analysed thematically to identify reasons underpinning the missed opportunities.

Results

During the study period, 299,798 individuals tested HIV negative (211,927 FSW, 47,533 MSM and 40,338 AGYW). Missed opportunities in screening for PrEP eligibility was 58% for FSW, 45% for MSM and 78% for AGYW. Of those screened, 28% FSW, 25% MSM and 65% AGYW were ineligible. Missed opportunities for PrEP initiation were lower among AGYW (8%) compared to FSW (72%) and MSM (75%). Continuation rates were low across all populations at Month‐1 (ranging from 29% to 32%) and Month‐3 (6% to 8%). Improvements in average annual Month‐1 (from 26% to 41%) and Month‐3 (from 4% to 15%) continuation rates were observed between 2017 and 2019. While initiation rates were better among younger FSW, MSM and AGYW (<30 years), the reverse was true for continuation.

Conclusions

The application of a PrEP cascade framework facilitated this large‐scale oral PrEP programme to conduct granular programmatic analysis, detecting “leaks” in the cascade. These informed programme adjustments to mitigate identified gaps resulting in improvement of selected programmatic outcomes. PrEP programmes are encouraged to introduce the cascade analysis framework into new and existing programming to optimize HIV prevention outcomes.
Chondroitin sulfate disaccharide is a specific and sensitive biomarker for mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA
Authors: Chin Sharon J. , Saville Jennifer T. , McDermott Belinda K. , Zankl Andreas , Fletcher Janice M. , Fuller Maria
Published: June 2020

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA) is an inborn error of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) catabolism characterized by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme, N‐acetylgalactosamine 6‐sulphatase (GALNS). Consequently, partially degraded GAG, chondroitin 6‐sulfate (CS) and keratan sulfate (KS), accumulate in the lysosomes of affected cells, primarily in cartilage resulting in skeletal disease. Excessive urinary excretion of these GAG is often used as the initial biochemical parameter to inform a laboratory diagnosis. Here we present the utility of a CS‐disaccharide with a non‐reducing 6‐sulfated N‐acetylgalactosamine residue (HNAc‐UA (1S))—the enzyme's substrate—for the diagnosis and biochemical monitoring of MPS IVA patients. Following implementation of this method into the diagnostic laboratory, we identified one MPS IVA patient over 3 years of MPS urine screening, with no false positive results from 2050 urines tested. Uniquely, urinary concentrations of HNAc‐UA (1S) are independent of age meaning that age‐related reference ranges are not required. Urinary HNAc‐UA (1S) was also able to identify two MPS IVA siblings who remained misdiagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia for 5 years because of normal urinary GAG. HNAc‐UA (1S) could also be used as a biomarker for monitoring response to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) as there was a drop in urinary concentration following the administration of ERT in all 12 patients and concentrations correlated with urinary KS (R2 = 0.92). In conclusion, HNAc‐UA (1S) is a reliable, sensitive and specific biomarker for the diagnosis of MPS IVA and can be used to biochemically monitor the response to ERT.
Changes of acetabular anteversion according to pelvic tilt on sagittal plane under various acetabular inclinations
Authors: Song Suk Kyoon , Choi Won Kee , Jung Suk Han , Kim Hee Chan , Kim Tae Hoon , Cho Myung Rae
Published: June 2020

Improper functional orientation of the acetabular cup can result in improper positions when dynamic pelvic positions are not considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes on acetabular anteversion according to pelvic tilt under various acetabular inclinations. Two artificial pelvic models were selected for this study. Acetabular inclinations on the coronal plane were 25°, 32°, 50°, and 60°. Acetabular anteversion of all components were 15°. Changes of anteversion according to pelvic tilt were measured at angles of 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40°. Computer Navigation, PolyWare 3D pro, CT, and plain radiography were used to measure each angle. The anatomical anteversions against pelvic tilt were calculated using the following formulae: anatomical anteversion (°) = −14.48Χ + 90.18 (inclination angle 25°); anatomical anteversion (°) = −12.26Χ + 80.10 (inclination angle 32°); anatomical anteversion (°) = −7.468Χ + 61.13 (inclination angle 50°); and anatomical anteversion (°) = −5.328Χ + 44.84 (inclination angle 60°) (Χ: pelvic tilt angle). Radiographic anteversion against pelvic tilt were calculated using the following formulae: radiographic anteversion (°) = −9.50Χ + 57.09 (inclination angle 25°); radiographic anteversion (°) = −8.577Χ + 50.89 (inclination angle 32°); radiographic anteversion (°) = −6.794Χ + 45.73 (inclination angle 50°); radiographic anteversion (°) = −5.226Χ + 33.08 (inclination angle 60°). In conclusion, changes in anteversion according to pelvic tilt were lesser at higher degrees of acetabular inclination.
Evaluating Indirect Effects of Hunting on Mule Deer Spatial Behavior
Authors: Brown Casey L. , Smith Joshua B. , Wisdom Michael J. , Rowland Mary M. , Spitz Derek B. , Clark Darren A.
Published: June 2020

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are widely hunted throughout western North America and are experiencing population declines across much of their range. Consequently, understanding the direct and indirect effects of hunting is important for management of mule deer populations. Managers can influence deer mortality rates through changes in hunting season length or authorized tag numbers. Little is known, however, about how hunting can affect site fidelity patterns and subsequent habitat use and movement patterns of mule deer. Understanding these patterns is especially important for adult females because changes in behavior may influence their ability to acquire resources and ultimately affect their productivity. Between 2008 and 2013, we obtained global positioning system locations for 42 adult female deer at the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range in northeast Oregon, USA, during 5‐day control and treatment periods in which hunters were absent (pre‐hunt), present but not actively hunting (scout and post‐hunt), and actively hunting male mule deer (hunt) on the landscape. We estimated summer home ranges and 5‐day use areas during pre‐hunt and hunt periods and calculated overlap metrics across home ranges and use areas to assess site fidelity within and across years. We used step selection functions to evaluate whether female mule deer responded to human hunters by adjusting fine‐scale habitat selection and movement patterns during the hunting season compared to the pre‐hunt period. Mule deer maintained site fidelity despite disturbance by hunters with 72 ± 4% (SE) within‐year overlap between summer home ranges and hunt use areas and 54 ± 7% inter‐annual overlap among pre‐hunt use areas and 56 ± 7% among hunt use areas. Mule deer diurnal movement rates, when hunters are active on the landscape, were higher during the hunting period versus pre‐hunt or scout periods. In contrast, nocturnal movement rates, when hunters are inactive on the landscape, were similar between hunting and non‐hunting periods. Additionally, during the hunt, female mule deer hourly movements increased in areas with high greenness values, indicating that mule deer spent less time in areas with more vegetative productivity. Female mule deer maintained consistent habitat selection patterns before and during hunts, selecting areas that offered more forest canopy cover and high levels of vegetative productivity. Our results indicate that deer at Starkey are adopting behavioral strategies in response to hunters by increasing their movement rates and selecting habitat in well‐established ranges. Therefore, considering site fidelity behavior in management planning could provide important information about the spatial behavior of animals and potential energetic costs incurred, especially by non‐target animals during hunting season. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine and Hearing Loss: A Study in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Polanski Jose F. , Tanaka Eloise A. , Barros Harymy , Chuchene Adriana G. , Miguel Patricia T. G. , Skare Thelma L.
Published: June 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Antimalarial drugs (chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine) are widely used for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, these drugs may have side effects such as hearing loss. This study aimed to describe the hearing function in SLE patients using antimalarials. Secondarily, this study aimed to investigate whether SLE causes hearing loss and if there are any serological or clinical aspects of this diseases associated with inner ear damage.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study included 84 individuals (43 SLE patients and 41 controls) with audiometry and tympanometry tests. Epidemiological, clinical, serological, and treatment profiles of SLE patients were extracted from the charts.

Results

SLE patients had more sensorineural hearing loss than controls (23.2% vs. 0; P = .001). Pure‐tone averages in SLE patients using antimalarials and not using antimalarials were similar (8.75 vs. 8.75; P = .63). At 8,000 Hz, antimalarial dug nonusers performed worse than users (10.00 vs. 22.50; P = .03). Tympanometry was normal in all participants. SLE serological and clinical profiles in patients with and without hearing loss were the same (all P = nonsignificant).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of hearing loss in SLE that is not affected by antimalarial drug use.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 131:E957–E960, 2021
Where are mines located insub SaharanAfrica and how have they expanded overtime?
Authors: Ahmed Abdulkareem I. , Bryant Robert G. , Edwards David P.
Published: June 2020

Mining is a multi‐billion‐dollar industry spanning major to artisanal and small‐scale mines, with diverse local to regional socio‐economic and environmental impacts. Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) has large deposits of minerals, which has made it a global epicenter for investors in the extractive industries. Here, we identified and mapped 469 company‐owned and community‐managed mines across SSA, most of which are formal, to explore their distribution and areal extents and understand the potential threats they pose to conservation. The dominant eight commodities in SSA are gold, copper, iron, limestone, uranium, diamond, bauxite and petroleum, making up 405 mines and occupying 85% of the 3,055 km2total areal extent. Mining significantly expanded between 2000 and 2018, with 260 (58%) new mines created and major expansion of many older mines. Hotspots of mining activity are apparent in the copper‐belt of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, Ghana and the Niger‐Delta region of Nigeria. These mining 'hotspots' are distributed in close proximity to regions of high carbon stocks and value to biodiversity conservation, with the areal extent of mines more than doubling between 2000 and 2018 to 1,192 km2within 10 km of a protected area, suggesting susceptibility to deforestation and other environmental consequences. The identification of mines and their changing spatial extent is imperative for monitoring future encroachments in SSA and to conservation and habitat recovery. Furthermore, Africa needs to introduce sustainable mineral development policies to safeguard and protect its forests, especially reducing the frequency of protected area downgrading, downsizing and degazettement events.
Polyhydroxymethylenes as Multifunctional High Molecular Weight Sugar Alcohols Tailored for 3D Printing and Medical Applications
Authors: Stolz Benjamin , Mönkemeyer Florian , Mader Markus , Schmidt Stanislaus , Volk Lukas , Steinberg Thorsten , Bruchmann Bernd , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: June 2020

Common sugar alcohols used as artificial sweeteners and components of polymer networks represent low molecular weight polyhydroxymethylenes (PHMs) with the general formula [CH(OH)]nH2 but very low degree of polymerization (n = 2–6). Herein high molecular weight PHM (n >> 100) unparalleled in nature is tailored for 3D printing and medical applications by free radical polymerization of 1,3‐dioxol‐2‐one vinylene carbonate to produce polyvinylene carbonate (PVCA) which yields PHM by hydrolysis. Furthermore, PVCA is solution processable and enables PHM functionalization, membrane formation, and extrusion‐based 3D printing. Opposite to cellulose, amorphous PHM is plasticized by water and is readily functionalized via PVCA aminolysis/hydrolysis to produce polyhydroxymethylene urethane (PHMU), enable PHM crosslinking and coupling of PHM with amine‐functional components like gelatin. After hydrolysis/aminolysis the original PVCA shapes are retained. PVCA solution casting yields PVCA and PHM which exhibits uniform and hierarchic pore architectures. Asymmetric membranes, hydrogels, PHM/collagen blends, and electrospun nonwovens of PVCA, PHM, and PHMU are readily tailored for medical applications. 3D printing of PVCA dispersions containing hydroxyapatite affords porous PVCA, PHMU, and PHM scaffolds useful in regenerative medicine. PHM and functionalized PHMs as carbohydrate‐inspired multifunctional materials indicate in vitro biocompatibility and hold great promise for applications in medicine and health care.
A Korean child diagnosed with malonic aciduria harboring a novel start codon mutation following presentation with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lee Seung Hoon , Ko Jung Min , Song Mi‐Kyoung , Song Junghan , Park Kyung Sun
Published: June 2020

Background

Malonic aciduria (MA, OMIM#248360) is an extremely rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by the deficiency of malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase. The phenotype exhibited by patients with MA is variable, but may include symptoms, such as developmental delay in early childhood, seizures, vomiting, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, ketosis, and cardiomyopathy. We describe the first case of a Korean child with MA who presented with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) at the age of 3 months.

Methods and Results

A 3‐month‐old Korean boy visited our hospital for diagnosis and management of cardiomegaly. Newborn screening for inherited metabolic diseases showed a normal result; therefore, DCMP management was initiated. Biochemical and the MLYCD gene analyses subsequently confirmed diagnosis of MA. Elevated plasma C3DC level and excessive excretion of urinary malonate were observed, and two pathogenic variants, including a novel start codon mutation (c.1A>G), were identified in MLYCD. A low long‐chain fat diet with middle‐chain triglyceride formula and L‐carnitine supplementation was initiated. The patient is now 5 years old and exhibits considerably improved cardiac function.

Conclusions

MA can be diagnosed using newborn screening; however, negative results do not exclude the possibility of disease. Metabolic screening for differential diagnosis of infantile DCMP is recommended to rule out rare, but manageable, metabolic cardiomyopathies.
Stationary distribution of a stochastic Alzheimer's disease model
Authors: Hu Jing , Zhang Qimin , Meyer‐Baese Anke , Ye Ming
Published: June 2020

In this paper, based on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, we investigate a stochastic mathematical model, focusing on the dynamics of β‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques, Aβ oligomers, PrPC proteins, and the Aβ‐x‐PrPC complex. Within the framework of the Lyapunov method, we first show existence and uniqueness of global positive solution of the model and then establish the sufficient conditions for existence of an ergodic stationary distribution of the positive solution. Ultimately, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Nonuniformly sampled exclusively‐13C/15N 4D solid‐state NMR experiments: Assignment and characterization of IKe phage capsid
Authors: Porat Gal , Lusky Orr Simon , Dayan Nir , Goldbourt Amir
Published: June 2020

An important step in the process of protein research by NMR is the assignment of chemical shifts. In the coat protein of IKe bacteriophage, there are 53 residues making up a long helix resulting in relatively high spectral ambiguity. Assignment thus requires the collection of a set of three‐dimensional (3D) experiments and the preparation of sparsely labeled samples. Increasing the dimensionality can facilitate fast and reliable assignment of IKe and of larger proteins. Recent progress in nonuniform sampling techniques made the application of multidimensional NMR solid‐state experiments beyond 3D more practical. 4D 1H‐detected experiments have been demonstrated in high‐fields and at spinning speeds of 60 kHz and higher but are not practical at spinning speeds of 10–20 kHz for fully protonated proteins. Here, we demonstrate the applicability of a nonuniformly sampled 4D 13C/15N‐only correlation experiment performed at a moderate field of 14.1 T, which can incorporate sufficiently long acquisition periods in all dimensions. We show how a single CANCOCX experiment, supported by several 2D carbon‐based correlation experiments, is utilized for the assignment of heteronuclei in the coat protein of the IKe bacteriophage. One sparsely labeled sample was used to validate sidechain assignment of several hydrophobic‐residue sidechains. A comparison to solution NMR studies of isolated IKe coat proteins embedded in micelles points to key residues involved in structural rearrangement of the capsid upon assembly of the virus. The benefits of 4D to a quicker assignment are discussed, and the method may prove useful for studying proteins at relatively low fields.
Three‐dimensional inhomogeneous magnetization transfer with rapid gradient‐echo (3D ihMTRAGE) imaging
Authors: Varma Gopal , Munsch Fanny , Burns Brian , Duhamel Guillaume , Girard Olivier M. , Guidon Arnaud , Lebel R. Marc , Alsop David C.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of integrating the magnetization transfer (MT) preparations required for inhomogeneous MT (ihMT) within an MPRAGE‐style acquisition. Such a sequence allows for reduced power deposition and easy inclusion of other modules.

Methods

An ihMT MPRAGE–style sequence (ihMTRAGE) was initially simulated to investigate acquisition of the 3D ihMT data sequentially, or in an interleaved manner. The ihMTRAGE sequence was implemented on a 3T clinical scanner to acquire ihMT data from the brain and spine.

Results

Both simulations and in vivo data provided an ihMT signal that was significantly greater using a sequential ihMTRAGE acquisition, compared with an interleaved implementation. Comparison with a steady‐state ihMT acquisition (defined as having one MT RF pulse between successive acquisition modules) demonstrated how ihMTRAGE allows for a reduction in average power deposition, or greater ihMT signal at equal average power deposition. Inclusion of a prospective motion‐correction module did not significantly affect the ihMT signal obtained from regions of interest in the brain. The ihMTRAGE acquisition allowed combination with a spatial saturation module to reduce phase wrap artifacts in a cervical spinal cord acquisition.

Conclusions

Use of preparations necessary for ihMT experiments within an MPRAGE‐style sequence provides a useful alternative for acquiring 3D ihMT data. Compared with our steady‐state implementation, ihMTRAGE provided reduced power deposition, while allowing use of the maximum intensity from off‐resonance RF pulses. The 3D ihMTRAGE acquisition allowed combination of other modules with the preparation necessary for ihMT experiments, specifically motion compensation and spatial saturation modules.
Memantine misuse and social networks: A content analysis of Internet self‐reports
Authors: Natter Johan , Michel Bruno
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Memantine is a N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist currently used for moderate‐to‐severe Alzheimer's disease. Although the risk of memantine abuse is very low, other NMDA receptor antagonists, such as phencyclidine and ketamine, are well known to drug users. The purpose of this study was to collect data on social networks in order to identify unexpected forms of memantine abuse.

Method

A Google Trends search was used to highlight reddit.com as a major source of social discussions about memantine. Self‐reported users experiences posted on reddit.com were recorded and sorted using representative keywords.

Results

From 2010 to November 2019, 307 topics citing memantine were identified on reddit.com and 136 users experiences extracted from the topics were recorded. The main use identified was “self‐medication” based on off‐label uses of memantine such as anxiety, depression, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, or obsessive‐compulsive disorder (n = 87 reports), followed by nootropic (42) and recreational (39) uses. The average reported doses for acute and chronic uses were 156 ± 110 mg and 23 ± 24 mg respectively. For chronic use, the average duration was 15 ± 29 weeks. Most chronic users (77 out of 100) reported at least one side effect.

Conclusion

Memantine misuse seems to be a growing phenomenon. Beyond expected use for recreational purpose; the main uses identified on reddit.com were not reported in the medical literature. Off‐label uses and nootropic purposes seemed to be key features of memantine misuse.
Solvent inhibition profiles and inverse solvent isotope effects for enzymatic methyl transfer catalyzed by nicotinamideN‐methyltransferase
Authors: Li Yuping , Zhang Yali , Cheng Yiting , Du Tianshu , Zhang Jianyu
Published: June 2020

NicotinamideN‐methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the methyl transfer from universal methyl donor S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM) to nicotinamide (NA) to form theN‐methylnicotinamide. This important process is related to the level of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in vivo; thus, NNMT is regarded as an important drug target linked with various diseases. Although NNMT has been extensively studied in the area of biology and medicine, the detailed mechanism of NNMT is still not clear, especially in the aspect of the role of solvents (water) in the enzyme catalysis. Here, we have examined the effects of three common organic solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO], methanol, and acetonitrile) and deuterated water to explore the enzymatic methyl transfer activity by NNMT (wild type [WT]) and its mutants. Competitive inhibition was detected for DMSO and acetonitrile as the solvent, and a subtle inhibitory effect was observed with methanol. Molecular docking suggested DMSO and acetonitrile compete with both cofactor and substrate. However, methanol is mainly bound to compete for the substrate. Furthermore, the activity increased when deuterated water was substituted for water with an inverse solvent isotope effectD2Okcat/Km= 0.49 ± 0.17 for WT andD2Okcat/Km= 0.32 ± 0.08 for Y20F. These effects in this enzymatic methyl transfer system without any metal ion or acid/base catalysis were due to the stabilization of protein provided by deuterated water.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure–Response of Luspatercept, an Erythroid Maturation Agent, in Anemic Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Chen Nianhang , Kassir Nastya , Laadem Abderrahmane , Maxwell Stephen E. , Sriraman Priya , Giuseppi Ana Carolina , Ritland Steve , Linde Peter G. , Budda Balasubrahmanyam , Reynolds Joseph G. , Zhou Simon , Palmisano Maria
Published: June 2020

Luspatercept is a recombinant fusion protein that enhances late‐stage erythroid maturation. This report describes the population pharmacokinetics and exposure–response relationship of luspatercept in 260 patients with anemia due to myelodysplastic syndromes. Luspatercept displayed linear and time‐invariant pharmacokinetics over a dose range of 0.125–1.75 mg/kg administered subcutaneously once every 3 weeks. Body weight was the only clinically relevant covariate of luspatercept exposure, supporting the weight‐based dosing. The probability of achieving transfusion independence ≥ 8 weeks increased with time‐averaged luspatercept serum exposure, reaching the plateau at doses 1.0–1.75 mg/kg. The probability of achieving multiple efficacy end points increased with slower luspatercept clearance, independent of effects of luspatercept exposure or disease characteristics. The probability of experiencing severe treatment‐emergent adverse events decreased with increasing luspatercept exposure, especially during long‐term treatment. These results provide a positive benefit–risk profile for the titration‐to‐response dose regimen (1.0–1.75 mg/kg) recommended for this population.
Improving the Stability of Ambient Processed, SnO2‐Based, Perovskite Solar Cells by the UV‐Treatment of Sub‐Cells
Authors: Mathiazhagan Gayathri , Seeber Aaron , Gengenbach Thomas , Mastroianni Simone , Vak Doojin , Chesman Anthony S. R. , Gao Mei , Angmo Dechan , Hinsch Andreas
Published: June 2020

SnO2 is nowadays the widely preferred material as an electron transport layer (ETL) in most n‐i‐p planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its facility for ambient, low temperature processing, and ultraviolet (UV) stability. Most reports published so far study device stability on full cells. Herein, the role of slot‐die‐coated SnO2 on air‐processed planar PSCs by analyzing sub‐cells (indium tin oxide [ITO]/SnO2/perovskite) under UV exposure is investigated. Results from UV–vis spectroscopy, depth profiling using X‐ray diffraction measurement in grazing incidence mode (GIXRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements show that UV treatment of ITO/SnO2/perovskite leads to a reduced electron transfer to the SnO2 layer and a gradual increase in the amount of PbI2 toward the perovskite surfaces. Subsequently, hole transport layer (HTL) and electrodes are applied on SnO2/perovskite interfaces (UV‐treated and non‐UV‐treated) and complete devices are fabricated. Device performance is compared and analyzed through J–V curves and maximum power point (MPP) tracking. Results show that devices built on a UV‐treated SnO2/perovskite interface show better stability attributed to the presence of excess PbI2 resulting in a passivation effect. Challenges in uniform film formation of slot‐die‐coated SnO2 and potential solutions using a polymeric additive are also highlighted.
Data fusion analysis for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder emotion recognition with thermal image and Internet of Things devices
Authors: Lai Ying Hsun , Chang Yao Chung , Tsai Chia Wei , Lin Chih Hsun , Chen Mu Yen
Published: June 2020

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a symptom of behavioral or emotional problems as these problems affect children's learning and social integration. With the advancements in the Internet of Things (IoTs), emotions can be detected through image and physiological data. However, some critical ADHD children are often accompanied by the inability to control their body and even facial expressions, making emotion recognition technologies difficult to develop successfully. This study aims to predict the emotions of ADHD children and to address their emotional problems with related IoT robotic devices. Data fusion analysis technology for facial expressions was used to combine thermal images and recognition data, while deep reinforcement learning technology was used to periodically stream information for ADHD students, in alignment with intervention strategies that were designed to address behavioral problems.
Crystal Plasticity Analysis of the Relation between Micro‐Texture and Surface Ridging for a 21%Cr Ferritic Stainless Steel
Authors: Zhang Chi , Xu Yujie , Zhang Liwen , Zhou Xiaoguang
Published: June 2020

The micro‐texture of ferritic stainless steel generated by rolling and annealing processes is supposed to behave plastic anisotropy and heterogeneous strain response during forming, especially for the high Cr content ferritic stainless steel with single ferrite phase. The relation between crystallographic orientations and their strain responses during loading are analyzed for a 21% Cr ferritic stainless steel sheet. The crystallographic orientation distributions in surface and center layers as well as in cross section are characterized by an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) method. It indicates that texture gradients along thickness with center layer having a higher density of <111>//ND texture are formed. Some grain clusters with similar oriented grains gathering together to be parallel to the rolling direction are observed. Then, the experimental orientation distributions are condensed and incorporated into a developed crystal plasticity finite‐element model (CPFEM), in which the multiple slip systems and the interaction between neighbor grains are considered. The simulation results confirm that the heterogeneous distributions of normal strain and shear strain preserved for the different crystal orientation grains result in the surface ridging. The texture gradients can help to decrease the tendency of surface ridging. The simulation results show a reasonable agreement with the tensile test results.
Acceleration of an Enzymatic Reaction in Liquid Phase Separated Compartments Based on Intrinsically Disordered Protein Domains
Authors: Küffner Andreas M. , Prodan Marc , Zuccarini Remo , Capasso Palmiero Umberto , Faltova Lenka , Arosio Paolo
Published: June 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by the Arosio Lab at ETH Zurich. The image shows liquid phase separated droplets that are based on biologically inspired intrinsically disordered proteins and act as microreactors for enhanced enzymatic reactions. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/syst.202000001.
Protection Scheme for Multiterminal HVDC System Based on Wavelet Transform Modulus Maxima
Authors: Huai Qing , Liu Kaipei , Ding Hua , Qin Liang
Published: June 2020

Fault protection is a major issue in the development of multiterminal high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) system based on voltage‐source converter. Owing to the rapid increase in fault current under DC faults, protection requires a fast fault detection method to isolate the fault current. However, the selectivity and reliability of the fast protection scheme should be primarily guaranteed. Therefore, a new protection strategy based on modulus maximum under wavelet transform is proposed in this paper. Fault detection and discrimination are achieved using single‐end signals of fault current. The external and internal faults can be discriminated via local information. The reliability and robustness of the proposed scheme against potential factors are verified. Numerous simulation cases are performed in PSCAD/EMTDC under different fault scenarios, and signal data are analyzed in MATLAB to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault protection scheme. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Sensitivity of Thin Film Magnetoimpedance Sensor in 0.3 T Surface Normal Magnetic Field
Authors: Nakai Tomoo
Published: June 2020

Detection of foreign matters and nanoparticles included in industrial and chemical products is an important application target for a sensor system. There is a need to detect a small piece of steel tool chipping or breakage included in the products nondestructively. A recent improvement of the manufacturing system strongly required an inspection of all items in every production process to realize the smart manufacturing system. A thin‐film magnetic field sensor is an impressive candidate for this target as it has an extremely high sensitivity, especially because it is driven by alternating current around hundreds of MHz, and it is also tolerant to a surface normal magnetic field due to its demagnetizing force in the thickness direction. In this study, the sensitivity of a sensor system that was created by applying a 0.3 T normal field to the detection area included in a sensor element and also by using a 400‐MHz high‐frequency driven thin‐film magnetoimpedance sensor was evaluated. An observation of the magnetic domain was also carried out at the same time as the sensitivity evaluation. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Combined Partial Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Garner Amy , Cobb Justin
Published: June 2020

Arthrosis commonly affects a single compartment of the knee, but may present with two or even three compartments affected. Wear to the medial tibiofemoral compartment is ten times more common than that in the lateral tibiofemoral compartment; primary patellofemoral joint (PFJ) arthrosis is least common [1, 2]. Bicompartmental disease is present in 59% of those with gonarthrosis [3]. In one study, 40% of patients over 50 years old with knee pain had radiographic evidence of combined medial compartment and PFJ wear, 24% had isolated PFJ arthrosis, whilst only 4% had isolated tibiofemoral arthrosis [4]. Degeneration of all three compartments simultaneously is rare [2]. Consequently, removal of healthy tissue in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is common. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is present in 78% of cases of patients undergoing primary knee replacement [5]. The fundamental role of the ACL in knee stability and functional gait is well described [6]; however, regardless of its functional integrity, it is resected in almost all TKAs.
A Discrete Version of Plane Wave Solutions of the Dirac Equation in the Joyce Form
Authors: Sushch Volodymyr
Published: June 2020

We construct a discrete version of the plane wave solution to a discrete Dirac-Kähler equation in the Joyce form. A geometric discretisation scheme based on both forward and backward difference operators is used. The conditions under which a discrete plane wave solution satisfies a discrete Joyce equation are discussed.
Genomic prediction across years in a maize doubled haploid breeding program to accelerate early-stage testcross testing
Authors: Wang Nan , Wang Hui , Zhang Ao , Liu Yubo , Yu Diansi , Hao Zhuanfang , Ilut Dan , Glaubitz Jeffrey C. , Gao Yanxin , Jones Elizabeth , Olsen Michael , Li Xinhai , San Vicente Felix , Prasanna Boddupalli M. , Crossa Jose , Pérez-Rodríguez Paulino , Zhang Xuecai
Published: June 2020

Key message

Genomic selection with a multiple-year training population dataset could accelerate early-stage testcross testing by skipping the first-stage yield testing, which significantly saves the time and cost of early-stage testcross testing.

With the development of doubled haploid (DH) technology, the main task for a maize breeder is to estimate the breeding values of thousands of DH lines annually. In early-stage testcross testing, genomic selection (GS) offers the opportunity of replacing expensive multiple-environment phenotyping and phenotypic selection with lower-cost genotyping and genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV)-based selection. In the present study, a total of 1528 maize DH lines, phenotyped in multiple-environment trials in three consecutive years and genotyped with a low-cost per-sample genotyping platform of rAmpSeq, were used to explore how to implement GS to accelerate early-stage testcross testing. Results showed that the average prediction accuracy estimated from the cross-validation schemes was above 0.60 across all the scenarios. The average prediction accuracies estimated from the independent validation schemes ranged from 0.23 to 0.32 across all the scenarios, when the one-year datasets were used as training population (TRN) to predict the other year data as testing population (TST). The average prediction accuracies increased to a range from 0.31 to 0.42 across all the scenarios, when the two-years datasets were used as TRN. The prediction accuracies increased to a range from 0.50 to 0.56, when the TRN consisted of two-years of breeding data and 50% of third year’s data converted from TST to TRN. This information showed that GS with a multiple-year TRN set offers the opportunity to accelerate early-stage testcross testing by skipping the first-stage yield testing, which significantly saves the time and cost of early-stage testcross testing.
The Mustajärvi orogenic gold occurrence, Central Lapland Greenstone Belt, Finland: a telluride-dominant mineral system
Authors: Mueller Matthias , Peltonen Petri , Eilu Pasi , Goldfarb Richard , Hanski Eero
Published: June 2020

The Mustajärvi gold occurrence lies in the southern part of the Paleoproterozoic Central Lapland Greenstone Belt, in proximity to the first-order transcrustal Venejoki thrust fault system. The gold occurrence is structurally controlled by the second-order Mustajärvi shear zone, which is located at the contact between siliciclastic metasedimentary and mafic to ultramafic metavolcanic rocks. The main mineralization comprises a set of parallel veins and sulfidized rocks that are slightly oblique to the shear zone and are hosted by third-order structures likely representing Riedel R-type shears. The gold-mineralized rock at Mustajärvi is associated with pyrite that is present in 0.15- to 1-m-wide quartz-pyrite-tourmaline veins and in zones of massive pyrite in the host rocks with thicknesses ranging from 1.15 to 2 m. In unweathered rock, hypogene gold is hosted by Au- and Au-Bi-telluride micro-inclusions in pyrite, whereas strong weathering at near surface levels has caused a remobilization of gold, resulting in free gold deposited mainly in the cracks of oxidized pyrite. The geochemistry of both mineralization styles is typical of orogenic gold systems with strong enrichments comprising Au, B, Bi, CO2, Te, and Se; and less consistent anomalous amounts of Ag, As, Sb, and W. Unusual for orogenic gold deposits is the strong enrichment of Ni and Co, which leads to the classification of Mustajärvi as orogenic gold occurrence with atypical metal association.