bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tailoring polyethersulfone/quaternary ammonium polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane with positive charge for dye and salt selective separation
Authors: Li Jiaye , Cui Zhenyu , Tao Ran , Yang Shuqian , Hu Mengyang , Matindi Christine , Gumbi Nozipho N. , Ma Xiaohua , Hu Yunxia , Fang Kuanjun , Li Jianxin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPolyethersulfone (PES)/quaternary ammonium polysulfone (QAPSf) blend ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with positive charge were fabricated by nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) for use in dye and salt selective separation. QAPSf was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution with chloromethylated polysulfone (CMPSf). The effect of the PES/QAPSf mass ratio on the morphology and performance of blend UF membranes were studied. The membranes' zeta potentials gradually changed from negative to positive with decreases in the PES/QAPSf mass ratio. At PES/QAPSf mass ratios of 30:70 and 10:90, the zeta potentials of the membranes reached +1.8 mV and + 5.9 mV, respectively. Additionally, the contact angles of the membranes decreased from 74° to 52° as the QAPSf content increased from 0 wt% to 90 wt%. Furthermore, the membrane with a PES/QAPSf mass ratio of 30:70 showed a high water permeance (181.4 LMH bar−1) and excellent dye and salt selective separation performance. The rejection ratios reached 99.1%, 87.8%, 99.6%, and 92.4% for dyes Congo red, methyl blue, Alixin blue 8GX, and basic blue 24, respectively, while those for salts Na2SO4, MgSO4, MgCl2, and NaCl were ≤ 10%. In addition, the PES/QAPSf membranes showed excellent antifouling performance and good operating stability with dye‐salt mixtures of various pHs and salt concentrations.
Clinical characteristics of rare CFTR mutations causing cystic fibrosis in Polish population
Authors: Zybert Katarzyna , Wozniacki Lukasz , Tomaszewska‐Sobczyńska Agnieszka , Wertheim‐Tysarowska Katarzyna , Czerska Kamila , Ołtarzewski Mariusz , Sands Dorota 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionMore than 2000 mutations have been identified since the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989. However, only 346 mutations have been classified as cystic fibrosis (CF)‐causing mutations. Due to the increasing number of mutations and poor correlation between the genotype and phenotype, there is an urgent need to determine the mutations that are pathogenic, nonpathogenic, or lead to variable symptoms.AimThe aim of the study was to present the clinical characteristics of Polish patients with rare and novel CFTR mutations, with an attempt to determine the pathogenicity status of those variants.Materials and MethodsThe group included 13 patients born between September 2006 and May 2019, who underwent CF newborn screening and in whom two CFTR mutations, including at least one rare or a novel mutation, were identified.ResultsWe identified 13 patients with mutations in both alleles of the CFTR gene, one of which was at least rare in Polish population (R289NfsX17, I618RfsX2, T682KfsX40, S1347PfsX13, W356X, E33X, dup.16,17A) or was a mutation of unknown clinical consequences (H199R, L468P, A1217E, Q359R, T1036I, W1282R). None of them were described in the CFTR2 database. In all examined patients, sweat tests were elevated. The diagnosed patients presented with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms. Broad clinical characteristics and test results are presented.ConclusionPathogenic mutations are H199R, L468P, A1217E, Q359R, T1036I, W1282R, R289NfsX17, I618RfsX2, T682KfsX40, S1347PfsX13, W356X, E33X, dup.16,17A. Every patient with a mutation of unknown clinical consequences in one CFTR allele requires attentive follow‐up.
Limitations of regional ventilation inhomogeneity indices in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Verger Nicolas , Arigliani Michele , Raywood Emma , Duncan Julie , Negreskul Yulia , Bush Andrew , Aurora Paul 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundScond is a multiple breath washout (MBW) index that measures convection‐dependent ventilation inhomogeneity (CDI) arising within conductive airways, but the calculation method is unreliable in subjects with advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. A new CDI index, Scond*, has been proposed for use in adults with CF and moderate to severe ventilation inhomogeneity. We aimed to evaluate the most appropriate CDI index in children and adolescents with CF and various degrees of inhomogeneity, and from that the most appropriate diffusion‐convection‐interaction index (Sacin or Sacin*).MethodsScond, Sacin and the alternative indices, Scond*, and Sacin* were retrospectively calculated in subjects with CF aged 3 to 18 years and age‐matched controls, who underwent sulfur hexafluoride MBW between 2003 and 2015. The upper limit of normal was based on 95th percentile of the control population.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐seven subjects with CF (44% male; mean age ± SD: 7.5 years ± 4.9) and 94 controls (53% male; 7.9 years ± 5.1) were included in the final analysis. All measures of ventilation inhomogeneity were significantly higher in children with CF. As predicted, Scond reached a maximum value at lung clearance index (LCI) values of approximately 9. In subjects with LCI ≥ 9 Scond* showed good correlation with LCI, whilst Scond had no relationship with LCI (Spearman rank correlation Scond*/LCI, 0.49; P < .01; Scond/LCI, −0.068; P = .46). In subjects with mild disease (LCI < 9) Scond was more frequently abnormal than Scond* (37% vs 16%; P = .01).ConclusionsScond and Sacin are sensitive indices of early regional inhomogeneity, but are of no value when LCI ≥ 9. In these subjects, Scond* & Sacin* are potential alternatives.
Streambed instabilities around a bridge pier in a dredged channel
Authors: Lade Abhijit D. , Kumar Bimlesh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe conducted flume experiments to study the morphological behaviour around a circular pier located downstream of a mining pit. Severe transverse erosion at the pier base as well as lowering of channel bed upstream of the pier was observed because of channel dredging. Streambed instability was analysed based on two non‐dimensional parameters, namely, pier exposure factor and normalized upstream incision depth. The maximum values of both these parameters were observed when the mining pit was dredged closest to the pier. We also observed growth in streambed instability with an increase in flow Reynolds number.
Effects of dams and reservoirs on organic matter decomposition in forested mountain streams in western Japan
Authors: Li Yanda , Kasahara Tamao , Chiwa Masaaki , Fujimoto Noboru 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDamming of streams and rivers alters downstream ecosystem processes, and understanding its effects is essential in managing forested mountain streams. This study examined the effects of dams with a reservoir on organic matter decomposition and its seasonality in two neighbouring mountain streams over five seasons. The cotton‐strip assay and measurement of tensile strength loss were used to evaluate decomposition rates. In addition, the environmental factors, such as water level, water temperature, inorganic nitrogen concentrations and contribution of macro invertebrates were measured. The dams with a reservoir lowered decomposition rates downstream compared to upstream and unregulated sites, in all seasons. The decomposition rates also varied by season at all sites, with higher rates in summer and lowest in winter, and the seasonal variation was larger than the effects by the reservoirs in both streams. Seasonal variation in decomposition rates coincided with water temperature variation, suggesting strong influence of water temperature. However, the temperature differences did not explain the effects of reservoirs because water temperature was always higher at downstream sites. The downstream sites had lower nitrate concentrations and contribution of macroinvertebrates, and these factors may have greater effects than water temperature. Thus, damming of streams may lower the decomposition rates at downstream sites due to altered nutrient and biological effects. However, seasonal variation in water temperature may have more pronounced effects, resulting in greater seasonal variation than the difference among sites.
Knowledge discovery from remote sensing images: A review
Authors: Wang Lizhe , Yan Jining , Mu Lin , Huang Liang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe development of Earth observation (EO) technology has made the volume of remote sensing data archiving continually larger, but the knowledge hidden in massive remote sensing images has not been fully exploited. Through in‐depth research on the artificial intelligence (AI)‐based knowledge discovery approaches from remote sensing images, we divided them into four typical types according to their development stage, including rule‐based approaches, data‐driven approaches, reinforcement learning approaches, and ensemble methods. The basic principles, typical applications, advantages, and disadvantages have been detailed for commonly used algorithms within each category. Conclusions include the following: (a) Rule‐based, data‐driven and reinforcement learning algorithms form a trilogy from knowledge to data, and to capabilities. (b) Rule‐based data mining algorithms can provide prior knowledge for data‐driven approaches, the knowledge discovered by data‐driven models can be as an important complement to expert knowledge and rule sets, and reinforcement learning approaches can effectively make up for the lack of training samples or small training sample in data‐driven models. (c) The traditional data‐driven machine learning approaches and their ensemble methods are the current and may be the future mainstream methods for large regional and even global scale long time series remote sensing data mining and analysis, and improving their computing efficiency is the key research direction. (d) Deep learning, deep reinforcement learning, transfer learning, and an ensemble approach of the three may be the main means for small‐area scope, short time series, and key geoscience information extraction from remote sensing images within a long time of the future.This article is categorized under:Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data MiningFundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Big Data MiningTechnologies > Artificial Intelligence
Unraveling the structure and biological functions of RNA triple helices
Authors: Brown Jessica A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIt has been nearly 63 years since the first characterization of an RNA triple helix in vitro by Gary Felsenfeld, David Davies, and Alexander Rich. An RNA triple helix consists of three strands: A Watson–Crick RNA double helix whose major‐groove establishes hydrogen bonds with the so‐called “third strand”. In the past 15 years, it has been recognized that these major‐groove RNA triple helices, like single‐stranded and double‐stranded RNA, also mediate prominent biological roles inside cells. Thus far, these triple helices are known to mediate catalysis during telomere synthesis and RNA splicing, bind to ligands and ions so that metabolite‐sensing riboswitches can regulate gene expression, and provide a clever strategy to protect the 3′ end of RNA from degradation. Because RNA triple helices play important roles in biology, there is a renewed interest in better understanding the fundamental properties of RNA triple helices and developing methods for their high‐throughput discovery. This review provides an overview of the fundamental biochemical and structural properties of major‐groove RNA triple helices, summarizes the structure and function of naturally occurring RNA triple helices, and describes prospective strategies to isolate RNA triple helices as a means to establish the “triplexome”.This article is categorized under:
RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure and Dynamics
RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry
RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
Four Models of Higher Education in 2030
Authors: Orr Dominic , Luebcke Maren , Schmidt J. Philipp , Ebner Markus , Wannemacher Klaus , Ebner Martin , Dohmen Dieter 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This chapter provides four models of higher education for the year 2030, namely the Tamagotchi, Jenga, Lego Set, and Transformer models. The Tamagotchi model represents the classic approach to higher education, starting right after secondary school and leading up to a bachelor’s or master’s degree and then transitioning into employment, finishing the path of higher education. The Jenga model, while similar to Tamagotchi, appeals to nontraditional students because of its shorter learning span and focuses on later phases of self-learning and -organization. The Lego Set model is fittingly named after the individually combined modules of different sizes, making for a self-reliant and non-standardized learning path rather than one compact unit. The Transformer model represents learners whose initial phase of education may have long passed, but who return to higher education to acquire new basic knowledge or upskill their formal education. It relies on the idea that everyone must have opportunities to leave their current professional paths and change course.
The imprint of hydrothermal fluids on trace-element contents in white mica and tourmaline from the Panasqueira W–Sn–Cu deposit, Portugal
Authors: Codeço Marta S. , Weis Philipp , Trumbull Robert B. , Van Hinsberg Vincent , Pinto Filipe , Lecumberri-Sanchez Pilar , Schleicher Anja M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhite mica and tourmaline are the dominant hydrothermal alteration minerals at the world-class Panasqueira W–Sn–Cu deposit in Portugal. Thus, understanding the controls on their chemical composition helps to constrain ore formation processes at this deposit and determine their usefulness as pathfinder minerals for mineralization in general. We combine whole-rock geochemistry of altered and unaltered metasedimentary host rocks with in situ LA-ICP-MS measurements of tourmaline and white mica from the alteration halo. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to better identify geochemical patterns and trends of hydrothermal alteration in the datasets. The hydrothermally altered metasediments are enriched in As, Sn, Cs, Li, W, F, Cu, Rb, Zn, Tl, and Pb relative to unaltered samples. In situ mineral analyses show that most of these elements preferentially partition into white mica over tourmaline (Li, Rb, Cs, Tl, W, and Sn), whereas Zn is enriched in tourmaline. White mica has distinct compositions in different settings within the deposit (greisen, vein selvages, wall rock alteration zone, late fault zone), indicating a compositional evolution with time. In contrast, tourmaline from different settings overlaps in composition, which is ascribed to a stronger dependence on host rock composition and also to the effects of chemical zoning and microinclusions affecting the LA-ICP-MS analyses. Hence, in this deposit, white mica is the better recorder of the fluid composition. The calculated trace-element contents of the Panasqueira mineralizing fluid based on the mica data and estimates of mica-fluid partition coefficients are in good agreement with previous fluid-inclusion analyses. A compilation of mica and tourmaline trace-element compositions from Panasqueira and other W–Sn deposits shows that white mica has good potential as a pathfinder mineral, with characteristically high Li, Cs, Rb, Sn, and W contents. The trace-element contents of hydrothermal tourmaline are more variable. Nevertheless, the compiled data suggest that high Sn and Li contents are distinctive for tourmaline from W–Sn deposits.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of 316L austenitic stainless steel processed by different SLM devices
Authors: Röttger A. , Boes J. , Theisen W. , Thiele M. , Esen C. , Edelmann A. , Hellmann R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this work, we examined the influence of different types of selective laser melting (SLM) devices on the microstructure and the associated material properties of austenitic 316L stainless steel. Specimens were built using powder from the same powder batch on four different SLM machines. For the specimen build-up, optimized parameter sets were used, as provided by the manufacturers for each individual SLM machine. The resulting microstructure was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, which revealed that the different samples possess similar microstructures. Differences between the microstructures were found in terms of porosity, which significantly influences the material properties. Additionally, the build-up direction of the specimens was found to have a strong influence on the mechanical properties. Thus, the defect density defines the material’s properties so that the ascertained characteristic values were used to determine a Weibull modulus for the corresponding values in dependence on the build-up direction. Based on these findings, characteristic averages of the mechanical properties were determined for the SLM-manufactured samples, which can subsequently be used as reference parameters for designing industrially manufactured components.
Consumption of red meat, genetic susceptibility, and risk of LADA and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Löfvenborg Josefin E. , Ahlqvist Emma , Alfredsson Lars , Andersson Tomas , Groop Leif , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Wolk Alicja , Carlsson Sofia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Red meat consumption is positively associated with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. We investigated if red meat consumption increases the risk of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and T2D, and potential interaction with family history of diabetes (FHD), HLA and TCF7L2 genotypes.

Methods
Analyses were based on Swedish case–control data comprising incident cases of LADA (n = 465) and T2D (n = 1528) with matched, population-based controls (n = 1789; n = 1553 in genetic analyses). Multivariable-adjusted ORs in relation to self-reported processed and unprocessed red meat intake were estimated by conditional logistic regression models. Attributable proportion (AP) due to interaction was used to assess departure from additivity of effects.

Results
Consumption of processed red meat was associated with increased risk of LADA (per one servings/day OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07–1.52), whereas no association was observed for unprocessed red meat. For T2D, there was no association with red meat intake once BMI was taken into account. The combination of high (> 0.3 servings/day vs. less) processed red meat intake and high-risk HLA-DQB1 and -DRB1 genotypes yielded OR 8.05 (95% CI 4.86–13.34) for LADA, with indications of significant interaction (AP 0.53, 95% CI 0.32–0.73). Results were similar for the combination of FHD-T1D and processed red meat. No interaction between processed red meat intake and FHD-T2D or risk variants of TCF7L2 was seen in relation to LADA or T2D.

Conclusion
Consumption of processed but not unprocessed red meat may increase the risk of LADA, especially in individuals with FHD-T1D or high-risk HLA genotypes.
Cerebellar heterotopia of infancy in sudden infant death syndrome: an observational neuropathological study of four cases
Authors: Matschke Jakob , Sperhake Jan-Peter , Wilke Nadine , Püschel Klaus , Glatzel Markus 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden unexpected death of an infant < 1 year of age that remains unexplained after comprehensive workup including complete autopsy and investigation of the circumstances of death. The triple risk hypothesis posits that SIDS results as a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the background of a predisposing vulnerability. Neuropathological examination in the past has focussed mainly on the brainstem as the major player in respiratory control, where subtle findings have been linked to the chain of events leading to death in SIDS. The cerebellum has received less attention, probably due to an assumed negligible role in central cardiorespiratory control. We report four cases of SIDS in which neuropathological investigation revealed cerebellar heterotopia of infancy, a distinct malformation of the cerebellum, and discuss the potential impact of this condition on the aetiology and pathogenesis of SIDS.
A novel frameshift deletion in autosomal recessive SBF1-related syndromic neuropathy with necklace fibres
Authors: Gang Qiang , Bettencourt Conceição , Holton Janice , Lovejoy Christopher , Chelban Viorica , Oconnor Emer , Yuan Yun , Reilly Mary M. , Hanna Michael , Houlden Henry 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective
To identify the genetic cause of complex neuropathy in two siblings from a consanguineous family.

Methods
The patients were recruited from our clinic. Muscle biopsy and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were performed. Fibroblasts cell lines from the index patient, unaffected parents, and three normal controls were used for cDNA analysis and western blot.

Results
The index patient was a 29-year-old male with clinical phenotype of syndactyly, pes cavus, swallowing difficulties, vision problem, imbalance, and muscle weakness. The sibling had similar, but milder symptoms. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography of both patients suggested sensory-motor axonal neuropathy. Muscle biopsy showed a feature of necklace fibres. WES identified a novel homozygous frameshift deletion (c.5477-5478del; p.1826-1826del) in exon 40 of the SBF1 gene in the two siblings, while both parents and the unaffected sibling were heterozygous carriers. Functional analysis showed a markedly reduced level of MTMR5 protein encoded by SBF1 in the index case. The levels of MTMR5 protein in unaffected parents were similar to those found in controls.

Conclusion
A novel homozygous frameshift deletion in SBF1 was identified in this family. Sensory-motor axonal neuropathy and necklace fibres in biopsy were the major features expanding the phenotypic spectrum of SBF1-related recessive syndromic neuropathy.
A review of seizures and epilepsy following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Fordington Surina , Manford Mark 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the commonest presentations to emergency departments and is associated with seizures carrying different significance at different stages following injury. We describe the epidemiology of early and late seizures following TBI, the significance of intracranial haemorrhage of different types in the risk of later epilepsy and the gaps in current understanding of risk factors contributing to the risk of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). The delay from injury to epilepsy presents an opportunity to understand the mechanisms underlying changes in the brain and how they may reveal potential targets for anti-epileptogenic therapy. We review existing treatments, both medical and surgical and conclude that current research is not tailored to differentiate between PTE and other forms of focal epilepsy. Finally, we review the increasing understanding of the frequency and significance of dissociative seizures following mild TBI.