bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arylsulfatase A pseudodeficiency in Mexico: Enzymatic activity and haplotype analysis
Authors: Juárez‐Osuna Jesús A. , Mendoza‐Ruvalcaba Sandra C. , Porras‐Dorantes Angela , Da Silva‐José Thiago D. , García‐Ortiz José E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundMetachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD, OMIM 250100) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the ARSA gene (OMIM 607574) that lead to deficiency in Arylsulfatase A (ASA). ASA pseudodeficiency (PD‐ASA) is a biochemical condition that substantially diminishes ASA activity but is not associated with clinical manifestations. PD‐ASA is associated with the c.1055A>G (p.Asn352Ser) (rs2071421) and c.*96A>G (rs6151429) variants, which have an estimated frequency of 2% in the population.ObjectiveTo determine the activity of Arylsulfatase A and to identify variants and haplotypes in the ARSA gene in Mexican individuals with pseudodeficiency.MethodsTwo‐hundred apparently healthy individuals were included to determine the enzymatic activity of ASA in leukocytes by spectrophotometric analysis, and identification of the PD‐ASA alleles was performed by PCR‐RFLP assays. Genotypes were confirmed by semi‐automated Sanger sequencing. Haplotypes were constructed using Arlequin v.10.04, and linkage disequilibrium analysis was performed with Cube X.ResultsThe enzymatic activity of ASA was determined to be 1.74–2.09 nmol/mg protein/min and later correlated with genotypes and haplotypes. For the (p.Asn352Ser) variant, we found 126 (0.63) individuals with the AA genotype, 62 with AG (0.31) and 12 with GG (0.06); the frequency of the polymorphic allele was 0.215 (86 alleles, 21.5%), and the variant was in HWE (p = .2484). The variant c.*96A>G was also in HWE (p = .2105): 185 individuals (0.925) with the AA genotype, 14 (0.07) with AG, and 1 (0.005) with (GG), with a frequency of 0.04 (4%) for the polymorphic allele. The inference of haplotypes resulted in 312 (0.78) AA, 72 (0.18) GA, and 16 (0.04) GG haplotypes. The AG haplotype was not found. The variants were found to be in linkage disequilibrium (D' = 1). Of the nine possible diplotypes, AA/AG, AA/GG, and AG/GG were not found, in concordance with the hypothesis that the G allele of c.*96A>G does not occur in the absence of the G allele of c.1055A>G. We found a slight correlation between ASA biochemical activity and variants, mainly due to the G allele of c.*96A>G in either genotypes or haplotypes.ConclusionsIn Northwestern Mexico, the presence of PD‐ASA alleles was biochemically and molecularly determined, and the frequencies were found to be in HWE. The frequency of PD‐ASA for the North Western Mexican mestizo is 8%.
Fast T2 mapping using multi‐echo spin‐echo MRI: A linear order approach
Authors: Fatemi Yaghoub , Danyali Habibollah , Helfroush Mohammad Sadegh , Amiri Houshang 
Published: May 2020

PurposeMulti‐echo spin‐echo sequence is commonly used for T2 mapping. The estimated values using conventional exponential fit, however, are hampered by stimulated and indirect echoes leading to overestimation of T2. Here, we present fast analysis of multi‐echo spin‐echo (FAMESE) as a novel approach to decrease the complexity of the search space, which leads to accelerated measurement of T2.MethodsWe developed FAMESE based on mathematical analysis of the Bloch equations in which the search space dimension decreased to only one. Then, we tested it in both phantom and human brain. Bland‐Altman plot was used to assess the agreement between the estimated T2 values from FAMESE and the ones estimated from single‐echo spin‐echo sequence. The reliability of FAMESE was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients. In addition, we investigated the noise stability of the method in synthetic and experimental data.ResultsIn both phantom and healthy participants, FAMESE provided accelerated and SNR‐resistant T2 maps. The FAMESE had a very good agreement with the single‐echo spin echo for the whole range of T2 values. The intraclass correlation coefficient values for FAMESE were excellent (ie, 0.9998 and 0.9860 < intraclass correlation coefficient < 0.9942 for the phantom and humans, respectively).ConclusionOur developed method FAMESE could be considered as a candidate for rapid T2 mapping with a clinically feasible scan time.
Clustered coverage orienteering problem of unmanned surface vehicles for water sampling
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Kai , Wang Shuaian , Laporte Gilbert 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study investigates a clustered coverage orienteering problem (CCOP), which is a generalization of the classical orienteering problem. The problem is widely motivated by the emerging unmanned techniques (eg, unmanned surface vehicles and drones) applied to environmental monitoring. Specifically, the unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are used to monitor reservoir water quality by collecting samples. In the CCOP, the water sampling sites (ie, the nodes) are grouped into clusters, and a minimum number of nodes must be visited in each cluster. With each node representing a certain coverage area of the water, the objective of the CCOP is to monitor as much as possible the total coverage area in one tour of the USV, considering that overlapping areas provide no additional information. An integer programming model is first formulated through a linearization procedure that captures the overlapping feature. A two‐stage exact algorithm is proposed to obtain an optimal solution to the problem. The efficiency and effectiveness of the two‐stage exact algorithm are demonstrated through experiments on randomly generated instances. The algorithm can effectively solve instances with up to 60 sampling sites.
Accurate H‐shaped absorbing boundary condition in frequency domain for scalar wave propagation in layered half‐space
Authors: Li Huifang , Zhao Mi , Du Xiuli 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAn accurate absorbing boundary condition (ABC) is developed in frequency domain for finite element analysis of scalar wave propagation in unbounded layered half‐space. The proposed ABC is H‐shaped line that consists of two parts: a new ABC at horizontal bottom boundary of finite domain to replace semiinfinite strip below horizontal boundary and between two vertical boundaries, and a general consistent ABC at vertical lateral boundary to replace semiinfinite layered half‐space outside vertical boundary. The key point for constructing the ABC is that a new continued fraction (CF) is presented to expand dynamic stiffness of underlying half‐space, and the CF‐based stress‐displacement relationship is then transformed into an auxiliary variable system with square of horizontal wavenumber. The ABC has only one undetermined real parameter that is the CF‐order independent of frequency and incidence angle of propagating outgoing waves. The parameter can be chosen relatively small value to achieve an accurate ABC. Moreover, the ABC can couple seamlessly with finite element method of finite domain. The finite domain can be chosen very small size due to high accuracy of the ABC. Numerical examples are finally given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ABC.
Red and green loops help uncover missing feedbacks in a coral reef social–ecological system
Authors: Dajka Jan‐Claas , Woodhead Anna J. , Norström Albert V. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Riechers Maraja , Nyström Magnus 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Social–ecological systems (SES) exhibit complex cause‐and‐effect relationships. Capturing, interpreting, and responding to signals that indicate changes in ecosystems is key for sustainable management in SES. Breaks in this signal–response chain, when feedbacks are missing, will allow change to continue until a point when abrupt ecological surprises may occur.

In these situations, societies and local ecosystems can often become uncoupled. In this paper, we demonstrate how the red loop–green loop (RL–GL) concept can be used to uncover missing feedbacks and to better understand past social–ecological dynamics. Reinstating these feedbacks in order to recouple the SES may ultimately create more sustainable systems on local scales.

The RL–GL concept can uncover missing feedbacks through the characterization of SES dynamics along a spectrum of human resource dependence. Drawing on diverse qualitative and quantitative data sources, we classify SES dynamics throughout the history of Jamaican coral reefs along the RL–GL spectrum. We uncover missing feedbacks in red‐loop and red‐trap scenarios from around the year 600 until now. The Jamaican coral reef SES dynamics have moved between all four dynamic states described in the RL–GL concept: green loop, green trap, red loop and red trap.

We then propose mechanisms to guide the current unsustainable red traps back to more sustainable green loops, involving mechanisms of seafood trade and ecological monitoring. By gradually moving away from seafood exports, Jamaica may be able to return to green‐loop dynamics between the local society and their locally sourced seafood. We discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this proposed intervention and give indications of why an export ban may insure against future missing feedbacks and could prolong the sustainability of the Jamaican coral reef ecosystem.

Our approach demonstrates how the RL–GL approach can uncover missing feedbacks in a coral reef SES, a way the concept has not been used before. We advocate for how the RL–GL concept in a feedback setting can be used to synthesize various types of data and to gain an understanding of past, present and future sustainability that can be applied in diverse social–ecological settings.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Exome sequencing identifies new somatic alterations and mutation patterns of tongue squamous cell carcinoma in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Heyu , Song Yongmei , Du Zhenglin , Li Xuefen , Zhang Jianyun , Chen Shuai , Chen Feng , Li Tiejun , Zhan Qimin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is an aggressive group of tumors characterized by high rates of regional lymph node metastasis and local recurrence. Emerging evidence has revealed genetic variations of TSCC across different geographical regions due to the impact of multiple risk factors such as chewing betel‐quid. However, we know little of the mutational processes of TSCC in the Chinese population without the history of chewing betel‐quid/tobacco. To explore the mutational spectrum of this disease, we performed whole‐exome sequencing of sample pairs, comprising tumors and normal tissue, from 82 TSCC patients. In addition to identifying seven previously known TSCC‐associated genes (TP53, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, NOTCH1, ASXL1, USH2A, and CSMD3), the analysis revealed six new genes (GNAQ, PRG4, RP1, ZNF16, NBEA, and PTPRC) that had not been reported previously in TSCC. Our in vitro experiments identified ZNF16 for the first time as a solid tumor associated gene to promote malignancy of TSCC cells. We also identified a microRNA (miR‐585‐5p) encoded by the 5q35.1 region and characterized it as a tumor suppressor by targeting SOX9. At least one non‐silent mutation of genes involved in the 10 canonical oncogenic pathways (Notch, RTK‐RAS, PI3K, Wnt, Cell cycle, p53, Myc, Hippo, TGFβ, and Nrf2) was found in 82.9% of cases. Collectively, our data extend the spectrum of TSCC mutations and define novel diagnosis markers and potential clinical targets for TSCC. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trop2 is upregulated in the transition to dysplasia in the metaplastic gastric mucosa
Authors: Riera Katherine M , Jang Bogun , Min Jimin , Roland Joseph T , Yang Qing , Fesmire William T , Camilleri‐Broet Sophie , Ferri Lorenzo , Kim Woo H , Choi Eunyoung , Goldenring James R 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntestinal‐type gastric adenocarcinoma arises in a field of pre‐existing metaplasia. While biomarkers of cancer and metaplasia have been identified, the definition of dysplastic transition as a critical point in the evolution of cancer has remained obscure. We have evaluated Trop2 as a putative marker of the transition from metaplasia to dysplasia in the stomach in multiple mouse models of metaplasia induction and progression. In addition, TROP2 expression was evaluated in human samples by immunostaining tissue microarrays for metaplasia, dysplasia, and gastric cancer. Dysplastic mouse organoids were evaluated in vitro following shRNA knockdown of Trop2 expression. In mouse models, no Trop2 was observed in the normal corpus and Trop2 was not induced in acute models of metaplasia induction with either L635 or DMP‐777. In Mist1‐Kras mice, Trop2 expression was not observed in metaplasia at 1 month after Kras induction, but was observed in dysplastic glands at 3–4 months after Kras induction. In human tissues, no Trop2 was observed in normal corpus mucosa or SPEM, but Trop2 expression was observed in incomplete intestinal metaplasia, with significantly less expression in complete intestinal metaplasia. Trop2 expression was observed in all dysplastic and 84% of gastric cancer lesions, although expression levels were variable. Dysplastic mouse organoids from Mist1‐Kras mice expressed Trop2 strongly. Knockdown of Trop2 with shRNA markedly reduced organoid growth and budding behavior, and induced the upregulation of apical villin expression. We conclude that Trop2 is upregulated in the transition to dysplasia in the stomach and promotes dysplastic cell behaviors. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulating polysiloxane coating forXLPE‐Si‐rubber interfaces with high long‐term stability
Authors: Chen Yidong , Zhou Kai , Ren Xiancheng , Chen Shijia , Li Zerui 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCable joints play an important role in the power supply systems, but at the same time, they greatly contribute to the majority of direct failures. Weak parts of the cable lines, especially for the solid‐solid interfaces in joints, attract much attention and are investigated by researchers worldwide. High‐voltage power transmission in electrical grids requires reliable and durable dielectric coatings for the interface insulation. The breakdown caused by local electric field enhancement is a gradual damaging process that leads to structural degradation and an increase of electrical conduction of dielectric materials, and ultimately, it results in catastrophic failure of the cable joints. Here, we demonstrate that the coating of silicone gel instead of silicone grease enables the improvements of tangential AC (alternating current) BDS (breakdown strength) and long‐term stability in the interfaces of joints. Under the pressure of Si‐rubber (silicone rubber) cold‐shrinkable cable accessories, the silicone gel almost did not lose, which improved the insulating stability of the interfaces. Our method allows us to fill the XLPE‐Si‐rubber (cross‐linked polyethylene and silicone rubber interfaces with silicone gel instead of silicone grease), which could reduce the risks of the power outage caused by cable joint faults.
How ‘Madsen’ has shaped Pacific Northwest wheat and beyond
Authors: Carter A. H. , Allan R. E. , Shelton G. B. , Burke A. B. , Balow K. A. , Hagemeyer K. E. , Chen X. M. , Engle D. , Garland‐Campbell K. A. , Morris C. F. , Murray T. D. , Paulitz T. , Clare S. J. , Klarquist E. F. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIt is never known how well new cultivars will perform under commercial production until they are released and grown across different environments. Every cultivar released has a different impact on the region for which it was intended. Some cultivars are in commercial production for only a few years, whereas others are cultivated for decades. ‘Madsen’, a soft white winter wheat released in 1988 for production in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), has been in commercial production for 30 years. Once the dominant cultivar grown in the PNW, Madsen was produced mainly because of its high yield potential and excellent biotic stress resistance. Currently, Madsen is grown on limited hectares, replaced by many cultivars with higher yield potential; yet its legacy has gone far beyond commercial production. Madsen has been the parent of over 45 released cultivars, many of which were the lines that replaced it in commercial production. It is used as a parent mainly because of its excellent disease resistance to common diseases of the PNW. Madsen has also been used in research projects to identify disease resistance genes. In some cases Madsen was found to be carrying resistance genes the breeder was not aware of but were discovered later in research or field screenings. In this paper, we review the history of Madsen to determine what made it such a successful cultivar and parental line. Data were collected from multiple field trials and research papers and summarized for review.
Poly{dl‐lactide‐b‐[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (meth)acrylate)]} block copolymers. Synthesis, characterization, micellization behavior in aqueous solutions and encapsulation of model hydrophobic compounds
Authors: Karanikolopoulos Nikos , Choinopoulos Ioannis , Pitsikalis Marinos 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA series of well‐defined poly{dl
‐lactide‐b‐[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (meth)acrylate)]} (PDLLA‐b‐POEG[M]A) functional amphiphilic diblock copolymers was synthesized by employing a multistep procedure involving: (a) ring‐opening polymerization of dl
‐lactide using n‐decanol and stannous octoate as the initiating system, (b) esterification reaction of the PDLLA hydroxyl end groups with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide, (c) atom transfer radical polymerization of OEG(M)A with the newly created bromoisobutyryl initiating site, and (d) incorporation of biotin or folic acid at the POEGA chain ends using click chemistry. The products were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and SEC analysis. The aggregation behavior of the synthesized block copolymers was investigated by dynamic light scattering at 25°C in aqueous solutions. The hydrophobic model compounds Nile red and pyrene were efficiently incorporated into the copolymer aggregates in aqueous solutions. High partition coefficient values were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy.
Study of the plasma–liquid interaction for an argon nonthermal microwave plasma jet from the analysis of benzene degradation
Authors: Casado Enrique , Garcia Maria C. , Krawczyk Dorota A. , Romero‐Salguero Francisco‐José , Rodero Antonio 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe interaction of an argon microwave plasma jet with a benzene layer on water has been analyzed under different conditions (power, gas flow, plasma‐sample distance, and treatment time) in this study. Main products formed upon treatment are phenol, catechol, and nitrobenzene, which shows that this jet is a source of radicals •OH and •NO2, inducing benzene oxidation and nitration. Excited argon species in the plasma have been proven to play an outstanding role in degradation processes, which mostly occur at the gas phase. Results are compared with those from the direct interaction of the plasma jet with water. For this purpose, aqueous solutions of 3‐coumarin carboxylic acid are treated and the hydroxylation of this compound is studied. The effect of the benzene layer preventing water evaporation is demonstrated.
Indomethacin promotes browning and brown adipogenesis in both murine and human fat cells
Authors: Overby Haley , Yang Yang , Xu Xinyun , Wang Shu , Zhao Ling 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIndomethacin (Indo), a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, has been shown to promote murine brown adipogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, possibly due to its peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)‐agonist activities. However, it is unclear whether Indo induces browning of white adipocytes from both murine and human origins or induces human brown adipogenesis. To bridge the gap, this study investigated the effects of increasing concentrations of Indo on murine 3T3‐L1, human primary subcutaneous white adipocytes (HPsubQ), and human brown (HBr) adipocytes. The results show that Indo dose‐dependently enhanced 3T3‐L1 adipocyte differentiation and upregulated both mRNA and protein expression of brown and beige adipocyte markers, while simultaneously suppressing white adipocyte‐specific marker mRNA expression. mRNA and protein expression of mitochondrial biogenesis and structural genes were dose‐dependently enhanced in Indo treated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. This was accompanied by augmented mitochondrial DNA, enhanced oxygen consumption, proton leak, and maximal and spare respiratory capacity. Dose‐dependent transactivation of PPARγ confirmed Indo's PPARγ‐agonist activity in 3T3‐L1 cells. Knockdown of PPARγ significantly attenuated Indo's activities in selective browning genes, demonstrating PPARγ dependence of these effects. Moreover, Indo enhanced mRNA and protein expression of brown markers in HPsubQ adipocytes. Interestingly, Indo‐induced differential effects on individual PPARγ isoforms with significant dose‐dependent induction of PPARγ‐2 and suppression of PPARγ‐1 protein expression. Finally, Indo significantly promoted brown adipogenesis in HBr cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate Indo to be a potent thermogenic compound in both murine and human fat cells and may be explored as a therapeutic agent for obesity treatment and prevention.
Crediting check valves as IPLs? Testing protocol to better understand check valve reliability
Authors: Olsen Jody E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractConventional process safety wisdom assumes that check valves are not reliable safeguards. Experience indicates that check valves are prone to failure and that they may fail undetected. Therefore, the conservative assumption is that check valves may be listed in process hazard analyses as safeguards, but they are rarely considered to meet the standards required of an independent protection layer (IPL). Independent protection layers must be effective, independent, and auditable. Although independence is readily achievable by check valves, confirming and routinely auditing effectiveness is rarely pursued. And maintenance practices for check valves are often insufficient. Little data is available from operating companies regarding failure and leakage rates for different check valve types in various service applications or at various stages of service life. This paper examines a testing protocol that was put in place in 2014 for the purpose of testing check valves in order to apply layer of protection analysis (LOPA) credit to these valves for reverse flow scenarios. In order to understand check valve performance expectations, leakage allowances for new check valves are reviewed. Industry guidance and standards regarding consideration of check valves as safeguards or IPLs are also discussed. The analysis of new valve standards and the assessment of process safety requirements are the basis for establishing the pass/fail thresholds for the tests. The goal of sharing this information is that the discussion will stimulate others to consider the opportunity and the need to set‐up similar testing and to begin gathering and sharing a larger body of data on check valve performance in various applications. Accumulation of check valve performance data and sharing of that data should lead to better understanding of check valve performance by type, size, age, and service. Better performance may be achieved where maintenance is improved and where learnings are applied to selection and design. In instances where requirements are met and credit is due, check valves may be credited in PHA and LOPA.1