bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithium and Boron in Calcified Tissues of Vicuna and Their Relation to Chronic Exposure by Water Ingestion in The Andean Lithium Triangle
Authors: López Steinmetz Romina Lucrecia , Fong Shao Bing , Boyer Emile , López Steinmetz Lorena Cecilia , Tejerina Norberto Elio , Meuric Vincent
Published: October 2019

Vicuna is a wild, endangered species of Andean camelid living in the hyperarid Andean plateau. In the central part of the plateau, the Lithium Triangle defines a zone with lithium-rich salt pans. Brine pools naturally form within the salt pans, and the adaptation strategy of vicuna consists of drinking from brine pools. Together with reporting the first chemical data on vicuna bones and teeth, we analyzed lithium, boron, and arsenic in water and brines, with the aim of assessing their relation to chronic exposure by water ingestion. We collected and analyzed bones of vicuna specimens lying in an Andean salt pan, together with brine and water samples. Brine and water samples are highly saline and contain large amounts of lithium, boron, and arsenic. Lithium (13.50–40 mg kg–1) and boron (40–46.80 mg kg–1), but not arsenic, were found in the vicuna bones and teeth. Based on our results and on previously reported data on human tissues in the Andes, we conducted statistical assessments of the relationships between lithium and boron in body tissues and water samples, and discuss their environmental significance in the context of the Lithium Triangle. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;39:200–209. © 2019 SETAC
The compensating effect of glaciers: Characterizing the relation between interannual streamflow variability and glacier cover
Authors: van Tiel Marit , Kohn Irene , Van Loon Anne F. , Stahl Kerstin
Published: October 2019

Meltwater from glaciers is not only a stable source of water but also affects downstream streamflow dynamics. One of these dynamics is the interannual variability of streamflow. Glaciers can moderate streamflow variability because the runoff in the glacierized part, driven by temperature, correlates negatively with the runoff in the non‐glacierized part of a catchment, driven by precipitation, thereby counterbalancing each other. This is also called the glacier compensation effect (GCE), and the effect is assumed to depend on relative glacier cover. Previous studies found a convex relationship between streamflow variability and glacier cover of different glacierized catchments, with lowest streamflow variability at a certain optimum glacier cover. In this study, we aim to revisit these previously found curves to find out if a universal relationship between interannual streamflow variability and glacier cover exists, which could potentially be used in a space‐for‐time substitution analysis. Moreover, we test the hypothesis that the dominant climate drivers (here precipitation and temperature) switch around the suggested optimum of the curve. First, a set of virtual nested catchments, with the same absolute glacier area but varying non‐glacierized area, were modelled to isolate the effect of glacier cover on streamflow variability. The modelled relationship was then compared with a multicatchment data set of gauged glacierized catchments in the European Alps. In the third step, changes of the GCE curve over time were analysed. Model results showed a convex relationship and the optimum in the simulated curve aligned with a switch in the dominant climate driver. However, the multicatchment data and the time change analyses did not suggest the existence of a universal convex relationship. Overall, we conclude that GCE is complex due to entangled controls and changes over time in glacierized catchments. Therefore, care should be taken to use a GCE curve for estimating and/or predicting interannual streamflow variability in glacierized catchments.
A new insight into thymosin β4, a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Shomali Navid , Baradaran Behzad , Deljavanghodrati Mina , Akbari Morteza , Hemmatzadeh Maryam , Mohammadi Hamed , Jang Yue , Xu Huaxi , Sandoghchian Shotorbani Siamak
Published: October 2019

Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a G‐actin‐sequestering secreted peptide, improves neurovascular remodeling and central nervous system plasticity, which leads to neurological recovery in many neurological diseases. Inflammatory response adjustment and tissue inflammation consequences from neurological injury are vital for neurological recovery. The innate or nonspecific immune system is made of different components. The Toll‐like receptor pro‐inflammatory signaling pathway, which is one of these components, regulates tissue injury. The main component of the Toll‐like/IL‐1 receptor signaling pathway, which is known as IRAK1, can be regulated by miR‐146a and regulates NF‐κB expression. Due to the significant role of Tβ4 in oligodendrocytes, neurons, and microglial cells in neurological recovery, it is suggested that Tβ4 regulates the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) pro‐inflammatory signaling pathway by upregulating miR‐146a in neurological disorders. However, further investigations on the role of Tβ4 in regulating the expression of miR146a and TLR signaling pathway in the immune response adjustment in neurological disorders provides an insight into mechanisms of action and the possibility of Tβ4 therapeutic effect enhancement.
Compensatory endocytosis occurs after cortical granule exocytosis in mouse eggs
Authors: Gómez‐Elías Matías D. , Fissore Rafael A. , Cuasnicú Patricia S. , Cohen Débora J.
Published: October 2019

Compensatory endocytosis (CE) is one of the primary mechanisms through which cells maintain their surface area after exocytosis. Considering that in eggs massive exocytosis of cortical granules (CG) takes place after fertilization, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of CE following cortical exocytosis in mouse eggs. For this purpose, we developed a pulse‐chase assay to detect CG membrane internalization. Results showed internalized labeling in SrCl2‐activated and fertilized eggs when chasing at 37°C, but not at a nonpermissive temperature (4°C). The use of kinase and calcineurin inhibitors led us to conclude that this internal labeling corresponded to CE. Further experiments showed that CE in mouse eggs is dependent on actin dynamics and dynamin activity, and could be associated with a transient exposure of phosphatidylserine. Finally, CE was impaired in A23187 ionophore‐activated eggs, highlighting once again the mechanistic differences between the activation methods. Altogether, these results demonstrate for the first time that egg activation triggers CE in mouse eggs after exocytosis of CG, probably as a plasma membrane homeostasis mechanism.
Production of acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) from concentrated yellow top presscake using Clostridium beijerinckii P260
Authors: Qureshi Nasib , Saha Badal , Liu Siqing , Harry‐O'kuru Rogers
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Butanol, a superior biofuel to ethanol, can be produced by fermentation of renewable feedstocks such as corn or molasses. Since costs of these feedstocks are high, this biofuel should be produced from economic substrates. Recent studies have identified yellow top (YT) (Physaria fendleri) as an economical feedstock which is currently used for landfill, thus causing environmental pollution. In addition, cutting edge science and technology should be used, such as application of concentrated substrates. This study used concentrated YT ranging from 80 to 150 g L−1.

RESULTS

At a YT concentration of 125 g L−1, the culture produced 28.8 g L−1 acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) as compared with 18.68 g L−1 using glucose (control) as substrate, which is 154% of the control fermentation. The control fermentation resulted in a productivity of 0.42 g L−1 h−1, while YT resulted in a productivity of 0.70 g L−1 h−1. In YT fermentation, specific ABE productivity was 543% of that obtained in the control run.

CONCLUSION

A YT concentration of 125 g L−1 is beneficial for ABE fermentation. At this concentration, ABE production level, productivity and specific productivity were greatly enhanced. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Purification of a potent mitogenic homodimeric Penicillium griseoroseum lectin and its characterisation
Authors: Singh Ram S. , Walia Amandeep K.
Published: October 2019

Penicillium griseoroseum lectin was 80‐fold purified by successive DEAE Sepharose anion exchange and Sephadex G‐100 gel permeation chromatography. P. griseoroseum lectin exhibited haemagglutination activity towards protease‐treated rabbit erythrocytes. It showed specificity towards various carbohydrates such as d‐mannose, N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine, mucins, and so forth. P. griseoroseum lectin was found as a glycoprotein with glycan content of 4.33%. Purified P. griseoroseum lectin is homodimeric having a molecular mass of 57 kDa with subunit molecular mass of 28.6 kDa. Haemagglutination activity of purified P. griseoroseum lectin was completely stable from 25°C to 35°C at a pH range of 6–7.5. Lectin activity was not influenced by divalent metal ions and denaturants. P. griseoroseum lectin manifested mitogenicity towards mice splenocytes and activity reached a peak at 75 μg/ml of lectin concentration. P. griseoroseum lectin in microgram concentrations stimulated proliferation of mice splenocytes. Thus, P. griseoroseum lectin exhibits potential mitogenicity, which can be exploited for further biomedical applications.
Generation of Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Woods Steven , Bates Nicola , Dunn Sara L. , Serracino‐Inglott Ferdinand , Hardingham Tim E. , Kimber Susan J.
Published: October 2019

Human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are reprogrammed somatic cells and are an excellent cell source for tissue engineering applications, disease modeling, and for understanding human development. HiPSC lines have now been generated from a diverse range of somatic cell types and have been reported to retain an epigenetic memory of their somatic origin. To date, the reprogramming of a true ligament has not been reported. The aim of this study is to generate iPSCs from human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cells. ACL cells from three above‐knee amputation donors, with donor matched dermal fibroblasts (DFs) were tested for reprogramming using an existing DF reprogramming protocol. ACL cells were, however, more sensitive than donor matched DF to transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β); displaying marked contraction, increased proliferation and increased TNC and COMP expression in vitro, which hindered reprogramming to iPSCs. Modification of the protocol by scoring the cell monolayer or by removal of TGF‐β during ACL reprogramming resulted in emerging colonies being easier to identify and extract, increasing reprogramming efficiency. Following 30 passages in culture, the generated ACL derived iPSCs displayed pluripotency markers, normal karyotype and can successfully differentiate to cells of the three embryonic germ layers. This study illustrates it is possible to generate hiPSCs from ligament and identifies optimized ligament reprogramming conditions. ACL derived iPSCs may provide a promising cell source for ligament and related tissue engineering applications. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society J Orthop Res 38:92–104, 2020
Mutation of the WARS2 Gene as the Cause of a Severe Hyperkinetic Movement Disorder
Authors: Hübers Annemarie , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Wortmann Saskia B. , Kassubek Jan
Published: October 2019

View Supplementary Video 1
R you ready? Using the R programme for statistical analysis and graphics
Authors: Stiglic Gregor , Watson Roger , Cilar Leona
Published: October 2019

For conducting research, nurses typically use commercial statistical packages. R software is a free, powerful, and flexible alternative, but is less familiar and used less frequently in nursing research. In this paper, we use data from a previous study to demonstrate a few typical steps in exploratory data analysis using R. A step‐by‐step description of some basic analyses in R is provided here, including examples of specific functions to read and manipulate the data, calculate scores from individual questionnaire items, and prepare a correlation plot and summary table.
Injection Molding and Appearance of Cellulose‐Reinforced Composites
Authors: Forsgren Lilian , Berglund Johan , Thunberg Johannes , Rigdahl Mikael , Boldizar Antal
Published: October 2019

Composite materials based on an ethylene‐acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer and 20 wt% cellulose fibers were compounded by two runs in a twin‐screw extruder. The composite material with cellulose fibers (CF) and a reference of unfilled EAA were injection molded into plaques using three different temperature profiles with end zone temperatures of 170°C, 200°C, and 230°C. The injection molded samples were then characterized in terms of their mechanical properties, thermal properties, appearance (color and gloss), and surface topography. The higher processing temperatures resulted in a clear discoloration of the composites, but there was no deterioration in the mechanical performance. The addition of cellulose typically gave a tensile modulus three times higher than that of the unfilled EAA, but the strength and strain at rupture were reduced when fibers were added. The processing temperature had no significant influence on the mechanical properties of the composites. Gloss measurements revealed negligible differences between the samples molded at the different melt temperatures but the surface smoothness was somewhat higher when the melt temperature was increased. In general, addition of the cellulose to the EAA reduced the gloss level and the surface smoothness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:5–12, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Targeting the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion mRNA using liposomal nanovectors enhances docetaxel treatment in prostate cancer
Authors: Shao Longjiang , Kahraman Nermin , Yan Ge , Wang Jianghua , Ozpolat Bulent , Ittmann Michael
Published: October 2019

Background

The TMPRSS2/ERG (TE) fusion gene is present in half of the prostate cancers (PCas). The TMPRSS2 and ERG junction of the fusion messenger RNA (mRNA) constitutes a cancer‐specific target. Although docetaxel‐based chemotherapy is the second line of therapy following development resistance to androgen ablation therapies, it is not curative. Therefore, the development of nontoxic novel monotherapies for targeting TE mRNA in PCa patients and for increasing the clinical efficacy of docetaxel treatment are needed.

Methods

We evaluated multiple approaches to enhance the delivery of TE small interfering RNA (siRNA) containing liposomes including PEGylation, topical treatment with nitroglycerin (NG) to increase permeability and retention, and three different PEG modifications: folate, RGD cyclic peptide, and a bFGF fibroblast growth factor receptor‐targeting peptide. The efficacy of the optimized TE siRNA liposome in combination with docetaxel was then evaluated in vivo with or without topical NG in vivo using a VCaP xenograft model. TE fusion protein knockdown in residual tumors was assessed using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

In vivo therapeutic targeting of TE fusion gene by systemic delivery of RGD‐peptide‐coated liposomal siRNA nanovectors led to sustained target silencing, suppressed tumor growth in xenograft models and enhanced the efficacy of docetaxel chemotherapy. Simultaneous application of the vasodilator NG to the skin further increased tissue the delivery of siRNA and enhanced target knockdown.

Conclusion

TE‐targeted gene silencing therapy using liposomal nanovectors is a potential therapeutic strategy as a monotherapy and to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with advanced PCa.
Sedimentation analysis of columnar ice crystals in viscous flow regimes
Authors: Bürgesser Rodrigo Exequiel , Giovacchini Juan Pablo , Castellano Nesvit Edit
Published: October 2019

The sedimentation process of columnar ice crystals was evaluated using data obtained by the lattice Boltzmann method. The data used correspond to columnar ice crystals with maximum dimension less than 100 μm and aspect ratios between 1 and 3. The terminal velocity was computed for different ice‐crystal bulk densities and for three falling orientations. The analysis corresponds to ice crystals falling in viscous flow regimes, where theoretical formulations overestimate the terminal velocity. Different characteristic lengths of columnar ice crystals and different theoretical proposals for the sedimentation process were tested in order to find the best representation of the data. Characteristic lengths reported in the literature do not represent the sedimentation process for all the falling orientations used in this study. Thus, it was not possible to obtain a unique relation between the Best and Reynolds numbers. In particular, columnar ice crystals falling with their longer dimension parallel to the vertical direction show a large dispersion that it does not seem possible to reduce. The theoretical and semi‐empirical formulations of the terminal velocity evaluated show large deviations in the computed velocity, with a strong dependence on ice‐crystal aspect ratio. The dispersion observed seems to be intrinsically related to the dimensionless variables used to parametrize the terminal velocity. To derive a unique scale law that could represent the sedimentation process of ice crystals, geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarities are required. However, these conditions are not fulfilled in the sedimentation process.
Myelomeningocele sac associated with worse lower‐extremity neurological sequelae: evidence for prenatal neural stretch injury?
Authors: Oliver E. R. , Heuer G. G. , Thom E. A. , Burrows P. K. , Didier R. A. , DeBari S. E. , Martin‐Saavedra J. S. , Moldenhauer J. S. , Jatres J. , Howell L. J. , Adzick N. S. , Coleman B. G.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine whether the presence of a myelomeningocele (MMC) sac and sac size correlate with compromised lower‐extremity function in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism.

Methods

A radiology database search was performed to identify cases of MMC and myeloschisis (MS) diagnosed prenatally in a single center from 2013 to 2017. All cases were evaluated between 18 and 25 weeks. Ultrasound reports were reviewed for talipes and impaired lower‐extremity motion. In MMC cases, sac volume was calculated from ultrasound measurements. Magnetic resonance imaging reports were reviewed for hindbrain herniation. The association of presence of a MMC sac and sac size with talipes and impaired lower‐extremity motion was assessed. Post‐hoc analysis of data from the multicenter Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) randomized controlled trial was performed to confirm the study findings.

Results

In total, 283 MMC and 121 MS cases were identified. MMC was associated with a lower incidence of hindbrain herniation than was MS (80.9% vs 100%; P < 0.001). Compared with MS cases, MMC cases with hindbrain herniation had a higher rate of talipes (28.4% vs 16.5%, P = 0.02) and of talipes or lower‐extremity impairment (34.9% vs 19.0%, P = 0.002). Although there was a higher rate of impaired lower‐extremity motion alone in MMC cases with hindbrain herniation than in MS cases, the difference was not statistically significant (6.6% vs 2.5%; P = 0.13). Among MMC cases with hindbrain herniation, mean sac volume was higher in those associated with talipes compared with those without talipes (4.7 ± 4.2 vs 3.0 ± 2.6 mL; P = 0.002). Review of the MOMS data demonstrated similar findings; cases with a sac on baseline imaging had a higher incidence of talipes than did those without a sac (28.2% vs 7.5%; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

In fetuses with open spinal dysraphism, the presence of a MMC sac was associated with fetal talipes, and this effect was correlated with sac size. The presence of a larger sac in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism may result in additional injury through mechanical stretching of the nerves, suggesting another acquired mechanism of injury to the exposed spinal tissue. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Serial endometrial thickness and risk of non‐endometrial hormone‐dependent cancers in postmenopausal women in UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening
Authors: Burnell M. , Gentry‐Maharaj A. , Glazer C. , Karpinskyj C. , Ryan A. , Apostolidou S. , Kalsi J. , Parmar M. , Campbell S. , Jacobs I. , Menon U.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Estrogen is a well‐established risk factor for various cancers. It causes endometrial proliferation, which is assessed routinely as endometrial thickness (ET) using transvaginal ultrasound (TVS). Only one previous study, restricted to endometrial and breast cancer, has considered ET and the risk of non‐endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the association between baseline and serial ET measurements and nine non‐endometrial hormone‐sensitive cancers, in postmenopausal women, using contemporary statistical methodology that attempts to minimize the biases typical of endogenous serial data.

Methods

This was a cohort study nested within the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS). In the ultrasound arm of UKCTOCS, 50639 postmenopausal women, aged 50–74, underwent annual TVS examination, of whom 38 105 had a valid ET measurement, no prior hysterectomy and complete covariate data, and were included in this study. All women were followed up through linkage to national cancer registries. The effect of ET on the risk of six estrogen‐dependent cancers (breast, ovarian, colorectal, bladder, lung and pancreatic) was assessed using joint models for longitudinal biomarker and time‐to‐event data, and Cox models were used to assess the association between baseline ET measurement and these six cancers in addition to liver cancer, gastric cancer and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). All models were adjusted for current hormone‐replacement therapy (HRT) use, body mass index, age at last menstrual period, parity and oral contraceptive pill use.

Results

The 38 105 included women had a combined total of 267 567 (median, 8; interquartile range, 5–9) valid ET measurements. During a combined total of 407 838 (median, 10.9) years of follow‐up, 1398 breast, 351 endometrial, 381 lung, 495 colorectal, 222 ovarian, 94 pancreatic, 79 bladder, 62 gastric, 38 liver cancers and 52 NHLs were registered. Using joint models, a doubling of ET increased significantly the risk of breast (hazard ratio (HR), 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09–1.36; P = 0.001), ovarian (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06–1.82; P = 0.018) and lung (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02–1.54; P = 0.036) cancers. There were no statistically significant associations between ET and the remaining six cancers.

Conclusion

Postmenopausal women with high/increasing ET on TVS are at increased risk of breast, ovarian and lung cancer. It is important that clinicians are aware of these risks, as TVS is a common investigation. © 2019 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Acceleration of an unpolarized proton along a uniform magnetic field: Casimir momentum of leptons
Authors: Donaire M.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

It has been recently shown that a chiral molecule accelerates linearly along a spatially uniform magnetic field, as a result of the parity-time symmetry breaking induced in its QED self-interaction. In this work we extend that result to fundamental particles which present EW self-interaction, in which case parity is violated by the EW interaction itself. In particular, we demonstrate that, in a spatially uniform and adiabatically time-varying magnetic field, an unpolarized proton coupled to the leptonic vacuum acquires a kinetic momentum antiparallel to the magnetic field, whereas virtual leptons gain an equivalent Casimir momentum in the opposite direction. That momentum is proportional to the magnetic field and to the square of Fermi's constant. We prove that the kinetic energy of the proton is a magnetic energy which constitutes a Doppler-shift correction to its EW self-energy.
Iterated ϕ4 kinks
Authors: Manton N. S. , Oleś K. , Wereszczyński A.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

A first order equation for a static ϕ
4 kink in the presence of an impurity is extended into an iterative scheme. At the first iteration, the solution is the standard kink, but at the second iteration the kink impurity generates a kink-antikink solution or a bump solution, depending on a constant of integration. The third iterate can be a kink-antikink-kink solution or a single kink modified by a variant of the kink’s shape mode. All equations are first order ODEs, so the nth iterate has n moduli, and it is proposed that the moduli space could be used to model the dynamics of n kinks and antikinks. Curiously, fixed points of the iteration are ϕ
6 kinks.
Discrete symmetries in dimer diagrams
Authors: García-Valdecasas Eduardo , Mininno Alessandro , Uranga Angel M.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We apply dimer diagram techniques to uncover discrete global symmetries in the fields theories on D3-branes at singularities given by general orbifolds of general toric Calabi-Yau threefold singularities. The discrete symmetries are discrete Heisenberg groups, with two Z

N
generators A, B with commutation AB = C BA, with C a central element. This fully generalizes earlier observations in particular orbifolds of C
3, the conifold and Yp,q . The solution for any orbifold of a given parent theory follows from a universal structure in the infinite dimer in R
2 giving the covering space of the unit cell of the parent theory before orbifolding. The generator A is realized as a shift in the dimer diagram, associated to the orbifold quantum symmetry; the action of B is determined by equations describing a 1-form in the dimer graph in the unit cell of the parent theory with twisted boundary conditions; finally, C is an element of the (mesonic and baryonic) non-anomalous U (1) symmetries, determined by geometric identities involving the elements of the dimer graph of the parent theory. These discrete global symmetries of the quiver gauge theories are holographically dual to discrete gauge symmetries from torsion cycles in the horizon, as we also briefly discuss. Our findings allow to easily construct the discrete symmetries for infinite classes of orbifolds. We provide explicit examples by constructing the discrete symmetries for the infinite classes of general orbifolds of C
3, conifold, and complex cones over the toric del Pezzo surfaces, dP
1, dP
2 and dP
3.
Structural change in times of increasing openness: assessing path dependency in European economic integration
Authors: Gräbner Claudius , Heimberger Philipp , Kapeller Jakob , Schütz Bernhard
Published: October 2019

This paper analyzes the dynamics of structural polarization and macroeconomic divergence in the context of European integration, where the latter is primarily understood as an increase in economic and financial openness. In the process of estimating the dynamic effects of such an openness shock on 26 EU countries, we develop a taxonomy of European economies that consists of four groups: core, periphery, and catching-up countries in Eastern Europe as well as financial hubs. We show that these four country groups have responded in a distinct way to the openness shock imposed by European integration and argue that the latter should be seen as an evolutionary process that has given rise to different path-dependent developmental trajectories. These trajectories are linked to the sectoral development of European economies and the evolution of their technological capabilities. We propose a set of interrelated policy measures to counteract structural polarization and to promote macroeconomic convergence in Europe.
Iodine deficiency in pregnant women in Sweden: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Manousou Sofia , Andersson Maria , Eggertsen Robert , Hunziker Sandra , Hulthén Lena , Nyström Helena Filipsson
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Voluntary salt iodization at 50 mg/kg salt ensures adequate iodine nutrition in Swedish school-aged children, but iodine status in pregnant women is uncertain.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional national study of 743 pregnant women, at median gestational age of 23 weeks (IQR 9, 38), recruited from maternal health care centers. We measured: urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and urinary creatinine concentration in spot urine samples; thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and total thyroxine (tT4) on dried blood spots (DBS); and thyreoperoxidase antibodies in serum samples. Data on dietary supplement use were obtained, and women were classified as supplement users (consuming multivitamins containing ≥ 150 µg iodine/day) and non-supplement users (no supplements or < 150 µg iodine/day from supplements).

Results

Overall median UIC [bootstrapped 95% confidence interval (CI)] was 101 µg/L (95, 108; n = 737): 149 µg/L (132, 164) in supplement users (n = 253) and 85 µg/L (79, 92) in non-supplement users (n = 440) (p < 0.001). Overall geometric mean DBS-Tg (95% CI) was 22.1 μg/L (20.8, 23.5; n = 675) and the prevalence of elevated DBS-Tg was 19%. DBS-Tg was lower in supplement users (n = 229) than in non-supplement users (n = 405) (19.1 vs 24.4 μg/L, p < 0.001). DBS-TSH, DBS-tT4, and S-TPOab positivity did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Pregnant women in Sweden have inadequate iodine nutrition. Women not taking iodine supplements containing ≥ 150 µg iodine/day are affected by mild iodine deficiency and are at higher risk for increased thyroid activity, while maintaining euthyroidism. Iodine intake should be improved in women both before and after conception by promotion of iodized salt instead of non-iodized salt. We urge regular monitoring of iodine status in the general Swedish population, as well as in risk groups.
Evaluating aeration and stirring effects to improve itaconic acid production from glucose using Aspergillus terreus
Authors: Nemestóthy Nándor , Bakonyi Péter , Komáromy Péter , Bélafi-Bakó Katalin
Published: October 2019

The effects of the bioreactor conditions, in particular the mode and intensity of aeration and mixing were studied on itaconic acid (IA) fermentation efficiency by Aspergillus terreus strain from glucose substrate. IA was produced in batch system by systematically varying the oxygen content of the aeration gas (from 21 to 31.5 vol% O2) and the stirring rate (from 150 to 600 rpm). The data were analyzed kinetically to characterize the behavior of the process, and besides, the performances were evaluated comparatively with the literature. It turned out that the operation of the bioreactor with either the higher inlet O2 concentration (31.5 vol% O2) or faster stirring (600 rpm) could enhance biological IA generation the most, resulting in yield and volumetric productivity of 0.31 g IA/g glucose and 0.32 g IA/g glucose and 3.15 g IA/L day and 4.26 g IA/L day, respectively. Overall, the significance of fermentation settings was shown in this work regarding IA production catalyzed by A. terreus and notable advances could be realized by adjusting the aeration and stirring towards an optimal combination.

Graphic abstract
Principal threats to the conservation of freshwater habitats in the continental biogeographical region of Central Europe
Authors: Grzybowski Mirosław , Glińska-Lewczuk Katarzyna
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we discuss the threats to freshwater habitats that are highly important to the European Community in the Continental Biogeographical Region of Europe, specifically in Poland. The study covers nine freshwater habitat types distinguished in Natura 2000, Annex I of the Habitats Directive, which is a network of nature protection areas in the territory: standing water bodies (3110, 3130, 3140, 3150, and 3160) and running water (3260, 3220, 3240, and 3270), occurring in 806 Special Areas of Conservation in Poland. Of the 72,673 km2 total area of freshwater habitat covered by Natura 2000 in Poland, only 25.70% was classified, from the period 2006‒2018, as favourable status, whereas 68.72% was classified as unfavourable inadequate or unfavourable bad status. Based on a multivariate analysis, we found that significant differences in the conservation status of freshwater habitats resulted from a variety of threats, pressures, and activities, among which the most significant are urbanization and residential and commercial development; transportation and service corridors; decreased and unstable water resources; fishing and harvesting of aquatic resources; agricultural pollution; improper management and use of the agricultural catchment and forest catchment; changes in biocenotic evolution, invasive species succession, and more intense touristic exploration. The changes in conservation status of habitats 3110, 3130, 3140, 3160, and 3260 are also associated with climate change. Taking into account the threats identified, a list of recommended practices for the freshwater habitat types is presented, to be considered in habitat conservation programmes.
Evidence of a further emerging threat to lion conservation; targeted poaching for body parts
Authors: Everatt K. T. , Kokes R. , Lopez Pereira C.
Published: October 2019

The African lion, Panthera leo, has, like many of the world’s megafauna, become threatened with extinction over the past century. Loss of habitat and prey, persecution in retaliation of livestock depredation, by-catch by bushmeat poachers and unsustainable trophy hunting are all documented anthropogenic caused threats to lion conservation. Here we present data that indicate the emergence of a further threat to lion conservation: the targeted poaching of lions for body parts. We present lion abundance and mortality data from field surveys in southern Africa between 2011 and 2018 of a resident lion population. The targeted poaching of lions for body parts accounted for 35% of known human caused mortalities across the landscape and 61% of mortalities within Limpopo National Park with a clear increase in this pressure in 2014. Retaliatory killing for livestock conflict accounted for 51% of total mortalities, however in 48% of conflict cases body parts were also removed, suggesting that a demand for body parts may incentivize conflict related killing of lions. The use of poison was the most common means of killing lions and was recorded in 61% of mortalities. Teeth and claws were the body parts harvested most often from illegally killed animals in the study area, with an increase from 2014 onwards. This pressure threatens the viability of the species in our study area and the success of current conservation initiatives. We suggest that the results of this study be viewed as a warning to the global conservation community to be vigilant of the impact that illegal wildlife trade can have on the conservation of lions, just as a similar pressure has already had on other big cat populations.
Agro-ecological suitability assessment of Chinese Medicinal Yam under future climate change
Authors: Fan Dongli , Zhong Honglin , Hu Biao , Tian Zhan , Sun Laixiang , Fischer Günther , Wang Xiangyi , Jiang Zhiyu
Published: October 2019

Chinese Medicinal Yam (CMY) has been prescribed as medicinal food for thousand years in China by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. Its medical benefits include nourishing the stomach and spleen to improve digestion, replenishing lung and kidney, etc., according to the TCM literature. As living standard rises and public health awareness improves in recent years, the potential medicinal benefits of CMY have attracted increasing attention in China. It has been found that the observed climate change in last several decades, together with the change in economic structure, has driven significant shift in the pattern of the traditional CMY planting areas. To identify suitable planting area for CMY in the near future is critical for ensuring the quality and supply quantity of CMY, guiding the layout of CMY industry, and safeguarding the sustainable development of CMY resources for public health. In this study, we first collect 30-year records of CMY varieties and their corresponding phenology and agro-meteorological observations. We then consolidate these data and use them to enrich and update the eco-physiological parameters of CMY in the agro-ecological zone (AEZ) model. The updated CMY varieties and AEZ model are validated using the historical planting area and production under observed climate conditions. After the successful validation, we use the updated AEZ model to simulate the potential yield of CMY and identify the suitable planting regions under future climate projections in China. This study shows that regions with high ecological similarity to the genuine and core producing areas of CMY mainly distribute in eastern Henan, southeastern Hebei, and western Shandong. The climate suitability of these areas will be improved due to global warming in the next 50 years, and therefore, they will continue to be the most suitable CMY planting regions.
The Perspectives and Values of Children with a Mitochondrial Disorder with Regard to Everyday Activities
Authors: Lindenschot Marieke , Steultjens Esther M. J. , Zajec Jana , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W. G. , Koene Saskia , de Groot Imelda J. M.
Published: October 2019

Engagement for children with mitochondrial disorder is not self evident. To develop personalised and value-based care for this population, we require knowledge about their perspectives and values with regards to everyday activities. To gain insight into children’s perspective on activities by (1) asking what activities they perform, (2) how they perform them, (3) how they experience these activities and (4) their wants and needs. Seven semi-structured content analyzed interviews. The interviews identified a variety of activities. The overarching themes on wants/needs were ‘I want to meet up with others whenever I want to’,‘I want to be able to…’, ‘I don’t want to…’ and ‘Dream’. These themes were interconnected to thirteen other themes that captured how children experience and perform activities, for example, ‘Because I can decide by myself’, ‘Because I can do it on my own’ and ‘It is more fun to do things with other people’. The activities children performed represent regular childhood activities. The identified themes fit with the three aspects of the self-determination theory: autonomy, competence and relatedness. This study exposed the broad child perspective and should provide better understanding of children’s choices in their participation in everyday activities.
A concept for disposal of highly acidic spent nuclear fuel solutions at PSI
Authors: Lin Mu , Kajan Ivan , Schumann Dorothea , Türler Andreas
Published: October 2019

During previous radioanalytical studies at Paul Scherrer Institute ca. 30 L of acidic waste containing spent nuclear fuel was produced, and now they need to be disposed A flow sheet for conditioning of these waste was designed and the extraction chromatography technique is evaluated. Suitable sorbents, such as AMP_PAN, TBP impregnated resin and DGA resin, were selected for the task of Cs-removal, extraction of U and Pu, and extraction of minor actinides and lanthanides, respectively. A pilot device will be built for preliminary tests with simulated solutions, and the facility will be built and evaluated with the real spent fuel solutions.
A Misdirected Principle with a Catch: Explicability for AI
Authors: Robbins Scott
Published: October 2019

There is widespread agreement that there should be a principle requiring that artificial intelligence (AI) be ‘explicable’. Microsoft, Google, the World Economic Forum, the draft AI ethics guidelines for the EU commission, etc. all include a principle for AI that falls under the umbrella of ‘explicability’. Roughly, the principle states that “for AI to promote and not constrain human autonomy, our ‘decision about who should decide’ must be informed by knowledge of how AI would act instead of us” (Floridi et al. in Minds Mach 28(4):689–707, 2018). There is a strong intuition that if an algorithm decides, for example, whether to give someone a loan, then that algorithm should be explicable. I argue here, however, that such a principle is misdirected. The property of requiring explicability should attach to a particular action or decision rather than the entity making that decision. It is the context and the potential harm resulting from decisions that drive the moral need for explicability—not the process by which decisions are reached. Related to this is the fact that AI is used for many low-risk purposes for which it would be unnecessary to require that it be explicable. A principle requiring explicability would prevent us from reaping the benefits of AI used in these situations. Finally, the explanations given by explicable AI are only fruitful if we already know which considerations are acceptable for the decision at hand. If we already have these considerations, then there is no need to use contemporary AI algorithms because standard automation would be available. In other words, a principle of explicability for AI makes the use of AI redundant.
Comparison of Methods for Quantification of Topologically Close-Packed Phases in Ni-Based Superalloys
Authors: Wilson A. S. , Christofidou K. A. , Evans A. , Hardy M. C. , Stone H. J.
Published: October 2019

The ability to quantify accurately the formation of topologically close-packed phases in nickel-based superalloys is key to assessing their thermal stability and ensuring that their performances will not deteriorate during long-term exposure at high temperatures. To investigate the effectiveness of synchrotron XRD for the detection of such minority phases in Ni-based superalloys, the commercial polycrystalline alloy RR1000 was analyzed following exposures of varying times at 800 °C. Data were collected from both solid samples and extracted residues, and additional laboratory X-ray diffraction was performed on the residues. The minor phases were successfully detected in solid samples using synchrotron radiation, and a comparison of the results from these quantification methods shows that the extraction method gives results of the right order of magnitude to reflect the phase quantities that are present in the alloy. However, the results indicate that the synchrotron route is not a suitable method for the quantification of phases present in quantities less than approximately 0.3 wt pct.
Management of intractable bladder neck strictures following radical prostatectomy using the Memokath®045 stent
Authors: Nathan A. , Mazzon G. , Pavan N. , De Groote R. , Sridhar A. , Nathan S.
Published: October 2019

The incidence of vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) post radical prostatectomy varies from 1 to 26%. Current treatment can be challenging and includes a variety of different procedures. These range from endoscopic dilations to bladder neck reconstruction to urinary diversion. We investigated a 2-stage endoscopic treatment, using the thermo-expandable Memokath®045 bladder neck stent to manage patients with VUAS post radical prostatectomy. We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients, between 2013 and 2017, who underwent a Memokath®045 stent insertion following failed primary treatment (dilation and clean intermittent catheterisation) for VUAS. The mean interval time between prostatectomy and Memokath®045 stent insertion was 13 months. The mean follow-up time was 3.6 years with all patients having a minimum of 12-month follow-up. All patients had two previous attempts at endoscopic dilatation with or without incision and a trial of clean intermittent catheterisation. During stage 1, the anastomotic stricture is dilated/incised to diameter of 30 Fr, the stricture length is measured, and a catheter is left in situ. One to 2 weeks later, post haemostasis and healing, an appropriately sized Memokath®045 stent is inserted. The stent is then removed 1-year post-op. Our series of patients had a median age of 62 (54–72). Most patients (26) had a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) or salvage procedure. Results showed improvement in IPSS scores, IPSS quality of life scores, Qmax and PVR after the Memokath®045 stent was removed compared to pre-operation. With a minimum of 12 months post stent removal, 93% of patients were fully continent, whilst 7% of patients were socially continent. 2 (7%) patients had their stents removed and not replaced due to re-stricturing and stone formation. However, no urinary tract infections, stricture recurrence or urinary retention was observed in the rest of the cohort (93%). Overall, the Memokath®045 stent was successful in treating 93% of our patients with VUAS. Our series had minimal complications that were managed with conservative measures and in three patients’ re-operation was needed. In conclusion, the Memokath®045 stent is a minimally invasive technique with faster recovery time compared to other techniques such as bladder neck reconstruction or urinary diversion. Additionally, it provides superior patency results compared to other techniques such as bladder neck incision and injection of Mitomycin C. Therefore, this management option should be considered in the management of VUAS.
Critical Void Volume Fraction Identification Based on Mesoscopic Damage Model for NVA Shipbuilding Steel
Authors: Song Zijie , Hu Zhiqiang , Ringsberg Jonas W.
Published: October 2019

NVA mild steel is a commonly used material in the shipbuilding industry. An accurate model for description of this material’s ductile fracture behaviour in numerical simulation is still a challenging task. In this paper, a new method for predicting the critical void volume fraction fc in the Guson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model is introduced to describe the ductile fracture behaviour of NVA shipbuilding mild steel during ship collision and grounding scenarios. Most of the previous methods for determination of the parameter fc use a converse method, which determines the values of the parameters through comparisons between experimental results and numerical simulation results but with high uncertainty. A new method is proposed based on the Hill, Bressan, and Williams hypothesis, which reduces the uncertainty to a satisfying extent. To accurately describe the stress-strain relationship of materials before and after necking, a combination of the Voce and Swift models is used to describe the material properties of NVA mild steel. A user-defined material subroutine has been developed to enable the application of the new parameter determination method and its implementation in the finite element software LS-DYNA. It is observed that the model can accurately describe structural damage by comparing the numerical simulation results with those of experiments; thus, the results demonstrate the model’s capacity for structural response prediction in ship collision and grounding scenario simulations