bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and habitat characteristics of three sympatric cetacean species in the coastal waters of Matang, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Kuit Sui Hyang , Ponnampalam Louisa Shobhini , Ng Jol Ern , Chong Ving Ching , Then Amy Yee‐Hui
Published: May 2019

Coastal cetaceans in Southeast Asia are poorly studied and are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic threats, especially in intensive fishing grounds.

To investigate the distribution and habitat characteristics of cetaceans in the productive coastal waters of Matang, Perak, Malaysia, boat‐based line transect surveys were conducted between 2013 and 2016.

The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) was most frequently encountered at 3.87 sightings per 100 km, followed by the Indo‐Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) at 1.72 sightings per 100 km, and the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) at 0.66 sightings per 100 km.

The mean group size was largest for humpback dolphins (8.4 individuals), followed by Irrawaddy dolphins (6.4 individuals), and finless porpoises (2.8 individuals).

Humpback dolphins exhibited a clustered distribution concentrated mainly in shallow estuarine waters (<10 m deep and <5 km from river mouths), whereas Irrawaddy dolphins were more widely distributed in farther coastal waters (<15 m deep and <15 km from river mouths), and finless porpoises were mostly found farthest from the shore in coastal waters (10–25 m deep and >15 km from river mouths).

The spatial distribution of the three cetaceans overlapped minimally, and this is likely to reflect the distribution of preferred prey resources, species interactions, and their differential responses to anthropogenic activities and species dominance.

The results from our study serve as baseline information for future research, conservation, and habitat management of these vulnerable and endangered coastal cetaceans. Conservation actions are recommended for the Matang area.
An Examination of the Development and Localization of Key Immune Cells in Developing Pouch Young of the Red‐Tailed Phascogale (Phascogale calura)
Authors: Borthwick Casey R. , Young Lauren J. , Old Julie M.
Published: May 2019

Cells expressing the surface markers CD3, CD4, CD79b, IgM, MHC class II, and ModoUG (nonclassical MHC class I) were detected in red‐tailed phascogale tissues using immunohistochemistry, and the appearance and localization of cells observed here was consistent with previous observations in other marsupial species. CD3+ cells were first detected at one day postpartum (dpp) in the thymus, followed by ModoUG+ cells at 5–7 dpp in the thymus and lymph nodes. CD79b+ cells were first detected at 12–14 dpp in bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. IgM+ cells were first detected at 12–14 dpp in thymus, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. MHC class II+ cells were first detected at 12–14 dpp in thymus, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. CD4+ cells were detected in adult thymus and spleen only. The presence of the mature immune cell populations and their localization to characteristic T and B cell zones in mature lymphoid tissues with normal histological structure indicates that red‐tailed phascogales develop immunocompetence by the end of pouch life. Anat Rec, 302:1985–2002, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Using organic surrogates to manage unit operations for disinfection byproducts’ control
Authors: Rodriguez Angela B. , Duranceau Steven J.
Published: May 2019

Total organic carbon (TOC) and ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm wavelength (UV254) water quality parameters were used to manage the integrated operations of granular activated carbon (GAC) and spray aeration (SA) treatment systems to optimize disinfection byproduct (DBP) control in a potable water system. Models using treatment process TOC and UV254 parameters that predicted locational running annual average (LRAA) total trihalomethane (TTHM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) concentrations were developed. F‐Tests comparing predicted LRAA DBP levels to actual LRAA DBP levels determined no statistically significant difference. Adherence to the model's GAC and SA operational guidelines extended the life of the carbon beds by 2 months and, in concert with modified carbon purchasing policies, resulted in an estimated $413,000 savings per year. The combined use of the GAC and SA were found to reduce LRAA TTHM and HAA concentrations from 125 to 38.5 μg/L and from 52 to 20.5 μg/L, respectively.
Silicon nanoparticles synthesized using a microwave method and used as a label‐free fluorescent probe for detection of VB12
Authors: Long Yao , Zhang Li , Yu Ying , Lin Bixia , Cao Yujuan , Guo Manli
Published: May 2019

A simple and rapid detection strategy for vitamin B12 (VB12) was established based on label‐free silicon quantum dots (SiQDs); the detection mechanism was additionally investigated. SiQDs were synthesized using a one‐step microwave method, and their fluorescence was stronger than that synthesized using the hydrothermal method. SiQDs fluorescence was quenched using VB12 due to the inner filter effect (IFE), which was demonstrated using ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra, fluorescence lifetime, transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential analysis. Subsequently, quercetin (Que) and doxorubicin (Dox) with absorption peaks that overlapped the excitation or emission peaks of SiQDs respectively were used as control groups to investigate the quenching mechanism. Results showed that quenching efficiency was related to the level of overlap between the adsorption peak of the quencher and the excitation or emission peaks of SiQDs. A greater level of overlap caused a higher quenching efficiency. Therefore, the sensitive quenching of VB12 for SiQDs was due to the synergistic effect of the synchronous overlap between the absorption peak of VB12 with the excitation and emission peaks of SiQDs. Fluorescence quenching efficiency increased linearly in the 0.5 to 16.0 μmol·L−1 VB12 concentration range, and the detection limit was 158 nmol·L−1. In addition, SiQDs were applied to determine VB12 in tablets and human urine samples with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 97.7 to 101.1%.
Novel findings of 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid on sRAGE secretion through inhibition of transient receptor potential canonical channels in high‐glucose environment
Authors: Li Zih‐Ying , Tung Yu‐Tang , Chen Sheng‐Yi , Yen Gow‐Chin
Published: May 2019

Enhancing soluble receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (sRAGE) is considered as a potent strategy for diabetes therapy. sRAGE secretion is regulated by calcium and transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels. However, the role of TRPC channels in diabetes remains unknown. 18β‐Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β‐GA), produced from liquorice, has shown antidiabetic properties. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of 18β‐GA on sRAGE secretion via TRPC channels in high glucose (HG)‐induced THP‐1 cells. HG treatment enhanced TRPC3 and TRPC6 expression and consequently caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation mediated through p47 nicotinamide‐adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) associated with uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) decline and lower sRAGE secretion. Interestingly, 18β‐GA showed the dramatic effects similar to Pyr3 or 2‐aminoethyl diphenyl borinate inhibitors and effectively reversed HG‐elicited mechanisms including that blocking TRPC3 and TRPC6 protein expressions, suppressing intracellular [Ca2+] concentration, decreasing expressions of ROS, p47s, and iNOS, but increasing UCP2 level and promoting sRAGE secretion. Therefore, 18β‐GA provides a potential implication to diabetes mellitus and its complications.
Hybrid optimization of preparative chromatography for a ternary monoclonal antibody mixture
Authors: Fischer Vivien , Kucia‐Tran Richard , Lewis William J. , Velayudhan Ajoy
Published: May 2019

In the purification of monoclonal antibodies, ion‐exchange chromatography is typically used among the polishing steps to reduce the amount of product‐related impurities such as aggregates and fragments, whilst simultaneously reducing HCP, residual Protein A and potential toxins and viruses. When the product‐related impurities are difficult to separate from the products, the optimization of these chromatographic steps can be complex and laborious. In this paper, we optimize the polishing chromatography of a monoclonal antibody from a challenging ternary feed mixture by introducing a hybrid approach of the simplex method and a form of local optimization. To maximize the productivity of this preparative bind‐and‐elute cation‐exchange chromatography, wide ranges of the three critical operational parameters—column loading, the initial salt concentration, and gradient slope—had to be considered. The hybrid optimization approach is shown to be extremely effective in dealing with this complex separation that was subject to multiple constraints based on yield, purity, and product breakthrough. Furthermore, it enabled the generation of a large knowledge space that was subsequently used to study the sensitivity of the objective function. Increased design space understanding was gained through the application of Monte Carlo simulations. Hence, this work proposes a powerful hybrid optimization method, applied to an industrially relevant process development challenge. The properties of this approach and the results and insights gained, make it perfectly suited for the rapid development of biotechnological unit operations during early‐stage bioprocess development.
Comparison  of  efficacy, safety, and costs between neoadjuvant hypofractionated radiotherapy and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Lyu Jiahua , Liu Tao , Li Tao , Li Fang , Wang Qifeng , Wang Jie , Han Yongtao , Wang Junchao , Zhang Jun , Peng Lin , Lang Jinyi
Published: May 2019

Background

We compared the efficacy, safety, and costs of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) and conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) for the neoadjuvant treatment of esophageal cancer.

Materials and Methods

Overall, 110 patients with esophageal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy from October 2002 to July 2017 were retrospectively included and divided into a HFRT group (42 patients received 30 Gray [Gy]/10 fractions for 2 weeks) and a CFRT group [68 patients received 40 Gy/20 fractions for 4 weeks]. Concurrent chemotherapy comprised cisplatin combined with either 5‐FU or taxane. Surgery was performed 3‐8 weeks after radiotherapy. We compared the outcomes, adverse events, and costs between the two groups.

Results

Pathological downstaging was achieved in 78.6% of the HFRT group and 83.8% of the CFRT group (P = 0.612). Compared with the CFRT group, the HFRT group had similar pathological complete response (pCR) (33.3% vs 35.3%; P = 0.834), median overall survival (OS) (40.8 months vs 44.9 months; P = 0.772) and progression free survival (32.7 months vs 35.4 months; P = 0.785). The perioperative complication rates were also similar between the groups, but the treatment time and costs were significantly reduced in the HFRT group (P < 0.05). Finally, multivariate analysis identified cN0 stage, pathological downstaging and pCR as independent predictors of better OS.

Conclusion

Preoperative HFRT is effective and safe for esophageal cancer. Moreover, it is similar to CFRT in terms of overall survival and toxicity and is cost effective and less time consuming.
Overexpression of PRDM5 promotes acute myeloid leukemia cell proliferation and migration by activating the JNK pathway
Authors: Zhou Pan , Chen Xing , Li Mengke , Sun Xiaolu , Tan Jiaqi , Wang Xiaomin , Chu Yajing , Zhang Yicheng , Cheng Tao , Zhou Jianfeng , Wang Gaoxiang , Yuan Weiping
Published: May 2019

PRDM family proteins are dysregulated in many human diseases, especially hematological malignancies and solid cancers, and share a unique N‐terminal PR domain followed by zinc fingers toward the C terminus. With a high frequency of DNA promoter hypermethylation, PRDM5 is primarily considered as a tumor suppressor in solid tumors. However, little is known about the function of PRDM5 in blood malignancies, especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we showed that high PRDM5 expression levels were independently correlated with poor overall survival in AML patients. PRDM5 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration in vitro and enhanced tumorigenesis in an in vivo xenograft model. Furthermore, we found that PRDM5 overexpression promoted cell cycle progression with the decreased level of cell cycle inhibitors such as p16 and p21, and regulated the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers ZO‐1 and Vimentin to promote migration. Moreover, we observed that PRDM5 upregulated the Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway and downregulated c‐Myc expression. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK by SP600125 partially abrogated PRDM5‐induced cell proliferation and migration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that PRDM5 functions as an oncogenic driver in AML via JNK pathway, suggesting that PRDM5 is a potential therapeutic target for AML.
Advanced Non‐metallic Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Zhang Lili , Chen Gao‐Feng , Ding Liang‐Xin , Wang Haihui
Published: May 2019

The electrochemical reduction of nitrogen into ammonia under ambient conditions is a potential strategy for sustainable ammonia production. At present, one of the main research directions in the field of electrochemical nitrogen fixation is to improve the current efficiency and ammonia yield by developing efficient nitrogen reduction catalysts. To optimise the selectivity and catalytic activity of nitrogen reduction catalysts more efficiently, herein, we systematically summarise the progress of research on nitrogen reduction catalysts in recent years and present some general catalyst design strategies. Considering that it is difficult for metal‐based catalysts to balance the competitive reactions of nitrogen activation and hydrogen evolution, we discuss in detail the advantages and application prospects of non‐metallic catalysts in electrochemical nitrogen fixation. Moreover, both the design strategy of surface or interface defects, and how this atomic‐level control of functionalisation helps to promote selectivity and catalytic activity are also discussed by theoretical and experimental electrochemistry. On this basis, we also discussed the future development direction, opportunities and challenges of nitrogen reduction electrocatalysts.
Calixrotanes: Calixarenes Incorporating Spiro‐Linked Cyclopropyl Groups
Authors: Shalev Ori , Biali Silvio E.
Published: May 2019

Macrocyclic compounds (calix[4]‐ and calix[6]arene derivatives) with aryl rings interconnected by spirocyclopropyl groups have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The compounds were prepared by the reaction of dichlorocarbene with calixarenes possessing exocyclic double bonds at the bridges, followed by reductive perdechlorination of the spirocyclopropyl groups. In all systems, pairs of geminal rings connected to the quaternary spiro carbon atoms are oriented anti, and the methylene groups of the cyclopropyl rings are located in isoclinal positions. Calix[6]rotane adopts in the crystal and in solution a 1,3,5‐alternate conformation. The presence of the spirocyclopropyl groups increases the rigidity of the macrocyclic ring.
Silver‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Insertion into Phenolic O−H Bonds using Aryl Diazoacetates and Theoretical Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Harada Shingo , Tanikawa Koki , Homma Haruka , Sakai Chigaya , Ito Tsubasa , Nemoto Tetsuhiro
Published: May 2019

An enantioselective insertion reaction of silver carbenes generated from donor–acceptor‐substituted diazo compounds into the O−H bond of phenols was developed. A homobinuclear silver complex with a chiral phosphorous ligand was created in situ from AgNTf2 and (S)‐XylylBINAP (in a 2:1 mole ratio). Detailed mechanistic studies using combined experimental and computational techniques revealed that one silver atom center of the catalyst forms a silver carbene and another one works as a Lewis acid for the nucleophilic addition of a phenol. Two counter‐anions, two water molecules, and two silver atoms cooperatively mediate the subsequent protonation event to lower the activation energy and control enantioselectivity, affording an array of valuable α‐aryl‐α‐aryloxy esters.
The effects of popular diets on type 2 diabetes management
Authors: Chester Brittannie , Babu Jeganathan Ramesh , Greene Michael W. , Geetha Thangiah
Published: May 2019

Type 2 diabetes can be managed with the use of diabetes self‐management skills. Diet and exercise are essential segments of the lifestyle changes necessary for diabetes management. However, diet recommendations can be complicated in a world full of different diets. This review aims to evaluate the evidence on the effects of three popular diets geared towards diabetes management: low‐carbohydrate and ketogenic diet, vegan diet, and the Mediterranean diet. While all three diets have been shown to assist in improving glycaemic control and weight loss, patient adherence, acceptability, and long‐term manageability play essential roles in the efficacy of each diet.
A new set of DIP‐SNP markers for detection of unbalanced and degraded DNA mixtures
Authors: Liu Jinding , Li Wenyan , Wang Jiaqi , Chen Deqing , Liu Zidong , Shi Jie , Cheng Feng , Li Zeqin , Ren Jianbo , Zhang Gengqian , Yun Keming
Published: May 2019

Unbalanced and degraded mixtures (UDM) are frequently encountered during forensic DNA analysis. For example, forensic DNA units regularly encounter DNA mixture signal where the DNA signal from the alleged offender is masked or swamped by high quantities of DNA from the victim. Our previous data presented a new kind of DNA markers that composed of a deletion/insertion polymorphism (DIP) and a SNP and we termed this new kind of microhaplotypes DIP‐SNP (combination of DIP and SNP). Since such markers could be designed short enough for degraded DNA amplification, we hypothesized that DIP‐SNP markers are applicable for typing of UDM. In this study, we developed a new set of DIP‐SNPs with short amplicons which were complement to our prior developed system. The multiplex PCR and SNaPshot assay were established for 20 DIP‐SNPs in a Chinese Han population. The DIP‐SNPs were capable of detecting the minor contributor's allele in home‐made DNA mixture with sensitivities from 1:100 to 1:1000 with a total of 1 –10 ng input DNA. Moreover, this system successfully typed the degraded DNA whether it came from the single source or mixture samples. In Chinese population, the system showed an average informative value of 0.293 and combined informative value of 0.998363862. Our results demonstrated that DIP‐SNPs may serve as a valuable tool in detection of UDM in forensic medicine.
A genome‐wide association study‐derived polygenic score for interleukin‐1β is associated with hippocampal volume in two samples
Authors: Avinun Reut , Nevo Adam , Knodt Annchen R. , Elliott Maxwell L. , Hariri Ahmad R.
Published: May 2019

Accumulating research suggests that the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) has a modulatory effect on the hippocampus, a brain structure important for learning and memory as well as linked with both psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we used an imaging genetics strategy to test an association between an IL‐1β polygenic score and hippocampal volume in two independent samples. Our polygenic score was derived using summary statistics from a recent genome‐wide association study of circulating cytokines that included IL‐1β (N = 3,309). In the first sample of 512 non‐Hispanic Caucasian university students (274 women, mean age 19.78 ± 1.24 years) from the Duke Neurogenetics Study, we identified a significant positive correlation between IL‐1β polygenic scores and hippocampal volume. This positive association was successfully replicated in a second sample of 7,960 white British volunteers (4,158 women, mean age 62.63 ± 7.45 years) from the UK Biobank. Our results lend further support in humans, to the link between IL‐1β and the structure of the hippocampus.
Health system redesign: Changing thoughts, values, and behaviours for the co‐production of a safety culture
Authors: Eljiz Kathy , Greenfield David , Derrett Alison , Radmore Simon
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Simultaneous incremental and revolutionary systems change is a norm for many health care organisations. Organisational redesign, incorporating physical redevelopments and technological innovations, drives revolutionary transformations. Redesigning health facilities provides opportunities for improving and sustaining safe, high‐quality patient care. There is a need for the creation of knowledge, based on empirical research, to inform how to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate health organisational redesign, underpinned by co‐production principles.

Findings

Using an Australian case study, we identify and discuss the opportunities and challenges, aligned with safety and quality requirements, to undertake redesign projects. Through an analysis of redesign and governance accountabilities, we identify five key foci for health leaders, and their communities, to plan, implement and evaluate organisational redesign.

Conclusion

By rebuilding and engaging with patients and consumers to organise, manage and deliver care, the redesign process allows us to change thoughts, values, and behaviours to achieve better patient outcomes.
Structural, physical, chemical, and biological surface characterization of thermomechanically treated Ti‐Nb‐based alloys for bone implants
Authors: Sheremetyev Vadim , Petrzhik Mikhail , Zhukova Yulia , Kazakbiev Alibek , Arkhipova Anastasia , Moisenovich Mikhail , Prokoshkin Sergey , Brailovski Vladimir
Published: May 2019

Metastable near‐beta Ti‐21.8Nb‐6Zr and Ti‐19.7Nb‐5.8Ta (at%) alloys were subjected to a thermomechanical treatment comprising cold rolling (CR) with a true strain of e = 0.3 and post‐deformation annealing (PDA) in the 500–900°C temperature range to ensure the superelastic behavior which is important for bone implants. It was found that PDA resulted in formation of about 1–2 μm‐thick oxide layer on the Ti‐Nb‐Zr and Ti‐Nb‐Ta alloy samples; the layer was mainly composed of TiO2, in rutile and anatase modifications. The structure, the phase and chemical compositions, and some surface‐sensitive properties of the alloys were compared to those of Ti‐50.7Ni and Ti‐Grade2 reference materials. These surface layers (especially that of the Ti‐Nb‐Zr alloy) demonstrated a promising combination of high cohesion strength (load causing surface layer fracture is over 25 N), hardness (∼12 GPa), and hydrophilicity (contact angle ∼40°). Surface modification by controlled oxidation during air annealing increases corrosion resistance and enhances in vivo osteoinductive properties of Ti‐Nb‐Zr alloys by changing the surface microrelief, increasing the surface wettability, and improving the mechanical characteristics, thus laying the foundation for the development of medical implants with prolonged service life. So, it was confirmed that the same thermomechanical treatment, which creates conditions for the superelastic behavior of the bulk metal (CR: e = 0.3 + PDA = 500–700°C for 1 hr), would also create a strong, protective and biocompatible layer on the implant surface.
Relationship between interannual changes of summer rainfall over Yangtze River Valley and South China Sea–Philippine Sea: Possible impact of tropical zonal sea surface temperature gradient
Authors: Ha Yao , Zhong Zhong , Zhang Yun , Ding Jinfeng , Yang Xiangrong
Published: May 2019

This study investigates the interannual variability of rainfall over the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River Valley (MLYRV) and that over the South China Sea and Philippine Sea (SCS‐PS) during boreal summer (June–August) from 1979 to 2012. Results exhibit out‐of‐phase rainfall variations between the MLYRV and the SCS‐PS, which is closely related to the tropical zonal sea surface temperature gradient (ZSG) between the northern Indian Ocean (NIO; 5°–25°N, 60°–100°E) and the equatorial central and eastern Pacific (CEP; 5°S–5°N, 180°–130°W). The ZSG can explain as much as 40% of the total variance of the summer rainfall over the MLYRV and the SCS‐PS in the past 40 years. This is much higher than that explained by the NIO SST (24%), CEP SST (14%) and Niño‐3.4 index (16%) alone. A positive ZSG between the warm NIO and the cold CEP tends to increase rainfall over the MLYRV and decrease rainfall over the SCS‐PS, whereas a negative ZSG between the cold NIO and the warm CEP is generally favourable for rainfall over the SCS‐PS and unfavourable for rainfall over MLYRV. The close connection between the ZSG and the out‐of‐phase interannual rainfall variation over the two regions can be explained by influences of the ZSG on atmospheric circulation over East Asia. A positive ZSG induces anomalous easterlies and Walker‐like circulation in the tropics, which results in an anomalous subsidence and boundary layer divergence over the SCS‐PS. As a result, summer rainfall decreases in this region. Meanwhile, moisture transport increases due to the anomalously strong southwesterlies along the northwestern flank of the intensified western Pacific subtropical high, providing more precipitable water to the MLYRV region. In contrast, a negative ZSG induces surface westerlies and favourable environmental condition for rainfall over the SCS‐PS. Dry descending flow induced by local anomalous Hadley circulation develops over the MLYRV around 30°N, which is unfavourable for rainfall over the MLYRV. The mechanism further examined using numerical experiments. These thermal‐dynamical processes induced by the ZSG work together to cause the out‐of‐phase interannual changes of rainfall between the MLYRV and the SCS‐PS, suggesting that the ZSG is highly indicative of the interannual change of summer rainfall in the two regions.
Primary Laryngeal Blastomycosis: Diagnostic Challenges and Advances in a Rare Cause of Laryngitis
Authors: Cates Daniel J. , Rosen Clark A. , Yassin Mohamed H. , Smith Libby J.
Published: May 2019

Blastomyces dermatitidis is a fungal organism endemic to the central and southern United States and capable of causing numerous diseases. Primary blastomycosis of the larynx is a rare clinical entity with a limited number of reported cases in the literature. Diagnosis is challenging as a result of nonspecific physical exam findings, difficulty of histopathologic detection and culture, and need for operative laryngeal biopsy for definitive identification. Molecular and serologic testing is not widely available. The authors present a case of laryngeal blastomycosis, the diagnosis of which was facilitated by in‐office biopsy, and discuss diagnostic challenges.

Laryngoscope, 129:2531–2533, 2019
The role of routine nasolacrimal sac biopsy during endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Banks Catherine , Scangas George A. , Husain Qasim , Hatton Mark P. , Fullerton Zoe , Metson Ralph
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Most patients who undergo endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) have a diagnosis of idiopathic nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of routine biopsy of the lacrimal sac performed at time of DCR on subsequent patient diagnosis and treatment.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

The histopathology of nasolacrimal specimens (n = 769), obtained from 654 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic DCR by a single surgeon over a 30‐year period, were reviewed. Specific focus included the identification of unanticipated pathologic findings as they related to pertinent patient demographics, clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and intraoperative observations.

Results

The study population was 69.6% female, with an average age of 56.1 ± 18.2 years. Pathological findings of tissue from the nasolacrimal sac, which was routinely sampled in all cases, showed inflammation (n = 566 [73.6%]), normal histology (n = 147 [19.1%]), granulomas (n = 8 [1.0%]), and neoplastic process (n = 7 [0.9%]). Patient history, preoperative CT scan, and/or intraoperative findings alerted the surgeon to the possibility of an unusual diagnosis in 12 of the 15 patients. An unsuspected neoplastic or granulomatous cause of lacrimal obstruction was identified on intraoperative biopsy in three patients (0.46%).

Conclusions

Although neoplastic and granulomatous diseases are relatively rare causes of lacrimal obstruction necessitating DCR surgery, they may be identified by through patient evaluation in most cases and by routine intraoperative biopsy of the lacrimal sac in all cases.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:584–589, 2020
Endoscopic ossiculoplasty: Is there any edge over the microscopic technique?
Authors: Das Arindam , Mitra Sandipta , Ghosh Debasish , Sengupta Arunabha
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare endoscopic ossiculoplasty with conventional microscopic technique in terms of postoperative hearing outcomes and complications.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

One hundred eighteen patients diagnosed with ossicular chain discontinuity were randomly assigned into two groups, one undergoing endoscopic ossiculoplasty and the other undergoing ossiculoplasty by the microscopic technique, with the operating surgeon being same for both groups. The two groups were compared in terms of operative time, postoperative air‐bone gap, mean air‐bone gap closure, and incidence of complications. Teflon prostheses (partial ossicular chain replacement prosthesis [PORP] and total ossicular chain replacement prosthesis [TORP]) were used for reconstruction in all cases.

Results

Endoscopic ossiculoplasty with PORP rendered a statistically significant mean postoperative air‐bone gap and air‐bone gap closure at 1 month when compared to that of microscopic PORP ossiculoplasty. However, there was no significant difference between the two techniques in terms of mean postoperative air‐bone gap and air‐bone gap closure at 3 and 6 months. In the TORP ossiculoplasty cases, there was no significant difference in mean postoperative air‐bone gap and air‐bone gap closure at 1, 3, and 6 months. In terms of operative time and incidence of complications, no statistical significance was found between the two groups.

Conclusions

Endoscopic ossiculoplasty appears to provide superior visualization and better early audiological outcome (in PORP ossiculoplasty cases) when compared to microscopic technique. However, long‐term audiological outcomes and incidence of complications remain comparable.

Level of Evidence

1

Laryngoscope, 130:797–802, 2020
Tracking spatial–temporal landscape changes of impervious surface areas, bare lands, and inundation areas in China during 2001–2017
Authors: Qiu Bingwen , Li Haiwen , Chen Chongcheng , Tang Zhenghong , Zhang Ke , Berry Joe
Published: May 2019

Efficient and timely quantification of landscape changes of urbanization, devegetation, and inundation in China is important for decision making in sustainable development. This study proposed a novel and automatic approach to track landscape changes in China based on 500 m 8‐day composite MODIS datasets from 2001 to 2017. An overall accuracy of 94.09% was achieved on the basis of 5,178 references sites. Results showed that newly impervious surface areas (ISA), bare lands, and inundated water bodies accounted for 0.51%, 0.23%, and 0.25% of the total land area in China, respectively. Rapid urbanization transformation was observed with the average annual land urbanization rate of 9.53%, almost three‐times higher than the global rate of urbanization. The speediest period of urbanization was exhibited in 2009 and 4,938.89 km2 of newly formed ISA were generated in this single year. The most obvious period of devegetation, which converted vegetation to bare lands, was observed from 2006 to 2009, with 2000–2100 km2 yr−1. Urbanization and devegetation dominantly occurred in humid/semihumid regions (>85%), particularly in the Yangtze River Delta. The remarkable devegetation was strongly associated with newly ISA; however, significant reduction of devegetation was observed in arid/semiarid regions in 2010s. Besides one hotspot surrounding newly ISA, the other hotspot of inundation in remote highlands was highlighted and distinct reduction in inundation was evidenced after 2010. A free download link for these datasets is attached (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZGSk3sP04ob77lmLTH01B0x1PEgjby7w?usp=sharing).
Impact of geomorphic disturbance on spatial variability of soil CO2 flux within a depositional landform
Authors: Mohseni Neda , Mohseni Amir , Karimi Alireza , Shabani Farzin
Published: May 2019

Landform structure‐dependent erosive soil processes impact on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of arid and semiarid areas soils through the redeposition of erosional soils and, consequently, play a role in changes to the global carbon cycle. Understanding the biophysical mechanisms that influence the balance of soil C flux is important for predicting the responses of dryland soilscapes to many forms of environmental change. This study was done along an upper‐to‐lower alluvial fan gradient, where debris flows, representing one of the most common erosive processes of dryland soils, cause local‐scale changes in soil biotic–abiotic patterns. In this empirically founded study, we assessed (a) the variations in soil CO2 flux and some related physiochemical variables such as soil organic–inorganic C, soil C storage, exchangeable cations, pH, electrical conductivity, and volumetric water content and (b) whether these variations in soil CO2 flux and its association with the above‐mentioned soil factors remained constant at three different positions in altitude along the slope of the alluvial fan. Our findings indicated significant differences according to slope position in terms of the flux rate of soil CO2 and associated physiochemical properties. The application of multiple regression demonstrated that the higher soil CO2 flux rates in the upper and middle fan positions are significantly positively correlated with organic C content. Despite the development of biological crusts on the lower fan sediments, they exhibited the lowest rate of soil CO2 flux. Further, low CO2 flux in the lower fan soils was found to be significantly negatively related to pH and inorganic C. This anomaly may be attributed to the alkalinity of the environment formed by the deposition of fine particle sediments on the lower fan position and the fact that CO2 generated by the respiration of mosses may favor the exchange of organic C to carbonate production. Our findings underline the paradoxical impacts of debris flow disturbances on soil C dynamics. This erosive soil disturbance, together with the asymmetric resource redistribution and subsequent variations in the functioning of adjacent alluvial fan positions, can simultaneously provide ‘hot spots’ of reservoir and flux of soil C within different positions of a depositional landform.
Topological QSAR Modelling of Carboxamides Repellent Activity to Aedes Aegypti
Authors: Doucet J. P. , Doucet‐Panaye A. , Papa E.
Published: May 2019

Aedes aegypti vector control is of paramount importance owing to the damages induced by the various severe diseases that these insects may transmit, and the increasing risk of important outbreaks of these pathologies. Search for new chemicals efficient against Aedes aegypti, and devoid of side‐effects, which have been associated to the currently most used active substance i. e. N,N‐diethyl‐m‐toluamide (DEET), is therefore an important issue. In this context, we developed various Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models to predict the repellent activity against Aedes aegypti of 43 carboxamides, by using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and various machine learning approaches. The easy computation of the four topological descriptors selected in this study, compared to the CODESSA descriptors used in the literature, and the predictive ability of the here proposed MLR and machine learning models developed using the software QSARINS and R, make the here proposed QSARs attractive. As demonstrated in this study, these models can be applied at the screening level, to guide the design of new alternatives to DEET.
Inkjet‐printed UHF RFID tag based system for salinity and sugar detection
Authors: Sharif Abubakar , Ouyang Jun , Raza Ali , Imran Muhammad A. , Abbasi Qammer H.
Published: May 2019

This article presents an RFID system to detect the salinity and sugar contents of water. The proposed system is based on low‐cost ink‐jet printed passive ultrahigh frequency (UHF) RFID tag. The tag is designed using slot match technique, which poses a good imaginary impedance match with RFID chip both in free space and after mounting on the water bottle. Moreover, the tag antenna is exploited as a sensor to detect salt and sugar contents of water by measuring the backscatter power from the tag in term of received signal strength indicator (RSSI). A Tagformance Pro setup form Voyantic is used for measuring RSSI. Furthermore, an approximate relationship is derived between backscatter power and no. of grams of salt and sugar dissolved in water. This study paves a way to check the contents of drinks using portable devices, which is pivotal for healthcare applications in smart cities and the future Internet of things (IoT).
An algorithm for discovery and determination of exponentially decaying components in nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry data
Authors: Ponte Santi , Silva Elipe Maria Victoria , Aboutanios Elias , Vasini Ester Maria , Cobas Carlos
Published: May 2019

In many branches of physics, the time evolution of various quantities measured in systems passing from excited to equilibrium states, while theoretically very complex, can be in practice well approximated by a sum of exponential decays. Multiexponential relaxometry data analysis is about determining the number of exponential components and their corresponding amplitudes and decay rates, starting from noisy recorded time series, under the assumption of the discreteness of the number of components present. A technique for decomposing a signal modelled as a sum of exponential decays into its components is introduced, consisting of a modified version of the algorithm minimum description length (MDL) + matrix pencil, originally proposed by Lin et al. for the analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data. The procedure starts by denoising the discrete time‐domain signal, and then a number of different decimations are applied, each being followed by an MDL + matrix pencil detection‐estimation step, and finally, a postprocessing of the intermediate outcomes is done. The comprised model order estimator eliminates the need of providing prior estimates of the number of components present.
Fast approximate truncated SVD
Authors: Shishkin Serge L. , Shalaginov Arkadi , Bopardikar Shaunak D.
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a new method for the computation of truncated singular value decomposition (SVD) of an arbitrary matrix. The method can be qualified as deterministic because it does not use randomized schemes. The number of operations required is asymptotically lower than that using conventional methods for nonsymmetric matrices and is at a par with the best existing deterministic methods for unstructured symmetric ones. It slightly exceeds the asymptotical computational cost of SVD methods based on randomization; however, the error estimate for such methods is significantly higher than for the presented one. The method is one‐pass, that is, each value of the matrix is used just once. It is also readily parallelizable. In the case of full SVD decomposition, it is exact. In addition, it can be modified for a case when data are obtained sequentially rather than being available all at once. Numerical simulations confirm accuracy of the method.
H1‐superconvergence of finite difference method based on Q1‐element on quasi‐uniform mesh for the 3D Poisson equation
Authors: Feng Xinlong , He Ruijian , Chen Zhangxin
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the finite difference (FD) method is considered for the 3D Poisson equation by using the Q1‐element on a quasi‐uniform mesh. First, under the regularity assumption of , the H1‐superconvergence of the FD solution uh based on the Q1‐element to the first‐order interpolation function is obtained. Next, the H1‐superconvergence of the second‐order interpolation postprocessing function based on the FD solution uh to u is provided. Finally, numerical tests are presented to show the H1‐superconvergence result of the FD postprocessing function to u if .
Determination of unknown functions in a mathematical model of ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Garshasbi Morteza
Published: May 2019

This study deals with the numerical investigation of a mathematical model of breast cancer at the initial growth stage known as ductal carcinoma in situ. This model considered as an inverse problem and the uniqueness of solution of this inverse problem is proved. To solve this problem, a computational approach is developed based on an iterative procedure and space marching and mollification methods. The stability and convergence results are given to support the method theoretically. Two test problems are considered to demonstrate the efficiency and ability of the proposed numerical approach.
Size estimation of pre‐Columbian Caribbean fish
Authors: Grouard Sandrine , Perdikaris Sophia , Espindola Rodrigues Nidia Espindola , Quitmyer Irvy R.
Published: May 2019

In this contribution, we present a methodological approach to the identification of pre‐Columbian Caribbean fisheries and examine the interrelationships of exploitation according to size for eight fish families, in a diachronic perspective for the Lesser Antilles. Based on the principles of size and growth allometries, biometric repositories have been reconstructed for modern families that represent different ecological environments: Holocentridae, Serranidae, Carangidae, Lutjanidae, Haemulidae, Scaridae, Acanthuridae, and Scombridae. The measured fish bone elements were selected based on their robustness and potential for recovery at archaeological sites. This resulted in a sample size totaling 563 modern osteological specimens, which provided reconstructed standard, fork, total lengths (SL, FL, TL), and body mass (BM) of fish. The calculations were based on 21,437 measurements and 5,889 log‐linear and exponential equations. These formed the comparative baseline for the archaeoichthyofaunal bone samples. The zooarchaeological ichthyofauna studied by the authors derive from 142 assemblages and 11 major islands following the eastern and western arcs of the Lesser Antilles: Saint‐Martin, Barbuda, Antigua (including Long Island), Guadeloupe (Grande‐Terre, Basse‐Terre, Les Saintes, Islets from Cul‐de‐Sac‐Marin, la Désirade, Petite Terre, and Marie‐Galante), and Martinique. Previous zooarchaeological analyses by the same authors identified 1,050,649 specimens of which 397,803 were fish. Among them, the skeletal remains of Holocentridae, Serranidae, Carangidae, Lutjanidae, Haemulidae, Scaridae, Acanthuridae, and Scombridae bones were measured, and biometric constants were applied. During the pre‐Columbian period in the Caribbean, the length distribution curves possibly represent anthropogenic selections that follow statistical normal, Poisson, or bimodal distributions. Coral reef fish became increasingly important in subsistence, but fish sizes from all ecosystems decreased over time. From the estimates of zooarchaeological fish size and the ethnoarchaeological, historical, ethnographical, and biological sources, it was possible to infer the various strategies and equipment used by the Amerindian fishermen. It is likely that the same triad of practices (hooks/lines, nets, and traps) survived the passage of time and emerged to be among the most popular fishing techniques used by modern fishermen in the Lesser Antilles.
Entropic Kullback‐Leibler type distance measures for quantum distributions
Authors: Laguna Humberto G. , Salazar Saúl J. C. , Sagar Robin P.
Published: May 2019

Entropic distance measures for quantum mechanical probability distributions, which are characterized by nodal structure and symmetry holes, are considered. We illustrate how the Kullback‐Leibler (KL) distance is not well defined in some instances and propose instead the use of the cumulative residual Kullback‐Leibler (CRKL) distance. The KL and CRKL measures are compared and contrasted for some representative quantum mechanical systems: The particle in an infinite well, the harmonic oscillator, and hydrogenic systems. We present cases where CRKL can be used to obtain distances whereas KL cannot be used, and also highlight examples where the KL and CRKL measures yield different behaviors and interpretations. An extension of the CRKL definition is obtained for application to harmonic oscillator systems defined over [−∞, ∞]. Distance measures for two‐variable (particle) distributions are also considered to address generalizations of the mutual information correlation measure. The use of CRKL in measuring distances between orbitals is also discussed.
Electrochemical Glucose Sensor based on Microporous Carbon/CuO@Carbon/AuNPs Integrated Electrode
Authors: Qian Chenchen , Han Kuangyi , Weng Weiming , Zhang Yuanjie , Ma Wei , Song Yonghai , Wang Li
Published: May 2019

A novel nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on CuO@Carbon nanostructures capped with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) arrayed on three‐dimensional porous carbon derived from kenaf stem (3D‐KSC) was proposed. Here, the massive 3D‐KSC with honeycomb‐like structure was used as supporting matrix to load CuO@Carbon nanostructures. A small amount of AuNPs were coated on CuO@Carbon nanostructures, which were arrayed on 3D‐KSC uniformly. The AuNPs improved the electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of CuO@Carbon nanostructures greatly. Thus, the 3D‐KSC/CuO@Carbon/AuNPs integrated electrode based nonenzymatic glucose sensor showed good performance with the linear range of 3.71 μM–8.5 mM, the detection limit of 1.22 μM and the sensitivity of 935 μA cm−2 mM−1. The satisfied performance made sure it can be used to detect glucose in real blood samples.
Microwave‐Assisted Efficient One‐Pot Multi‐Component Synthesis of Octahydroquinazolinone Derivatives Catalyzed by Cu@Ag Core‐Shell Nanoparticle
Authors: Rout Lipeeka , Kumar Aniket , Chand Pradyumna K , Achary L Satish K , Dash Priyabrat
Published: May 2019

Core‐shell Cu@Ag nanocatalyst have been synthesized via a two‐step thermal decomposition and galvanic displacement reaction. The nanocatalyst was intensively characterized by various analytical techniques. The formation of core‐shell nanoparticle (NPs) was initially confirmed by UV‐vis analysis followed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrograph with Energy Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping and line scan. This catalyst was found to be a highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of octahydroquinazolinones. Compared with others, core‐shell nanoparticle of Cu@Ag shows better catalytic activity and much efficiency with high yield of product in less time. The higher activity of Cu@Ag core‐shell nanoparticles can be attributed to the increased oxidation stability of Cu nanoparticles by placing it in the core, lattice contraction and synergistic effect between the two metals. In this study, aromatic aldehydes with various functional groups were employed for the synthesis of octahydroquinazolinones. Later, the catalyst was found to be recyclable upto 5 cycles without any significant loss of activity. Our studies provide a platform for designing other potential core‐shell catalyst for the synthesis of biologically important fine chemicals.