bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bilateral striatal necrosis due to homoplasmic mitochondrial 3697G>A mutation presents with incomplete penetrance and sex bias
Authors: Zhong Shanshan , Wen Shumeng , Qiu Yusen , Yu Yanyan , Xin Ling , He Yang , Gao Xuguang , Fang Hezhi , Hong Daojun , Zhang Jun 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundHeteroplasmic mitochondrial 3697G>A mutation has been associated with leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS), and LHON/MELAS overlap syndrome. However, homoplasmic m.3697G>A mutation was only found in a family with Leigh syndrome, and the phenotype and pathogenicity of this homoplasmic mutation still need to be investigated in new patients.MethodsThe clinical interviews were conducted in 12 individuals from a multiple‐generation inherited family. Mutations were screened through exome next‐generation sequencing and subsequently confirmed by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Mitochondrial complex activities and ATP production rate were measured by biochemical analysis.ResultsThe male offspring with bilateral striatal necrosis (BSN) were characterized by severe spastic dystonia and complete penetrance, while the female offspring presented with mild symptom and low penetrance. All offspring carried homoplasmic mutation of NC_012920.1: m.3697G>A, p.(Gly131Ser). Biochemical analysis revealed an isolated defect of complex I, but the magnitude of the defect was higher in the male patients than that in the female ones. The ATP production rate also exhibited a similar pattern. However, no possible modifier genes on the X chromosome were identified.ConclusionHomoplasmic m.3697G>A mutation could be associated with BSN, which expanded the clinical spectrum of m.3697G>A. Our preliminary investigations had not found the underlying modifiers to support the double hit hypothesis, while the high level of estrogens in the female patients might exert a potential compensatory effect on mutant cell metabolism.
Automatic calibration of an arbitrarily‐set near‐infrared camera for patient surface respiratory monitoring
Authors: Saito Akito , Ohashi Atsuyuki , Nishio Teiji , Hashimoto Daiki , Maekawa Hidemasa , Murakami Yuji , Ozawa Shuichi , Suitani Makiko , Tsuneda Masato , Ikenaga Koji , Nagata Yasushi 
Published: January 2019

PurposeA patient's respiratory monitoring is one of the key techniques in radiotherapy for a moving target. Generally, such monitoring systems are permanently set to a fixed geometry during the installation. This study aims to enable a temporary setup of such a monitoring system by developing a fast method to automatically calibrate the geometrical position by a quick measurement of calibration markers.MethodsOne calibration marker was placed on the isocenter and the other six markers were placed at positions 5‐cm apart from the isocenter to the left, right, anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior directions. A near‐infrared (NIR) camera (NIC) [Kinect v2 (Microsoft Corp.)] was arbitrarily set with ten different angles around the calibration phantom with a fixed tilting‐down angle at approximately 45° in a linear accelerator treatment vault. The three‐dimensional (3D) coordinates in the camera (Cam) coordinate system (CS; and are the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the image, respectively, and is a coordinate along the NIR time‐of‐flight) were taken for 1 min with 30 frames per second. The data corresponding to the measurement times of 1, 3, 10, 30, and 60 s were created to mimic various measurement times. These data were used to calculate the initial matrix elements, which included six parameters of the pitching, yawing, and rolling angles; horizontal two‐dimensional translation in the treatment room; and the source‐to‐axis distance of NIC, for a conversion from the Cam CS to the treatment room CS for which the origin was defined at the isocenter (Iso coordinate). The six parameters were then optimized to minimize the displacements of the calculated marker coordinates from the actual positions in the Iso CS. The 3D positional accuracy and angular accuracy of the conversion were evaluated. The random error of the Iso coordinates was analyzed through a relation with the angle of each measurement setup.ResultsThree angles of NIC and relative translation vectors were successfully calculated from the measurement data of the calibration markers. The achieved spatial and angular accuracies were 0.02 mm and 1.6°, respectively, after the optimization. Among the mimicked measurement times investigated in this study, both spatial and angular accuracies had no dependence on the measurement time. The average random error of a static marker was 0.46 mm after the optimization.ConclusionWe developed an automatic method to calibrate the 3D patient surface monitoring system. The procedure developed in this study enabled a quick calibration of NIC, which can be easily repeated multiple times for a frequent and quick setup of the monitoring system.
Burch colposuspension
Authors: Veit‐Rubin Nikolaus , Dubuisson Jean , Ford Abigail , Dubuisson Jean‐Bernard , Mourad Sherif , Digesu Alex 
Published: January 2019

AimsTo evaluate the historic and pathophysiologic issues which led to the development of Burch colposuspension, to describe anatomic and technical aspects of the operation and to provide an update on current evidence.MethodsWe have performed a focused literature review and have searched the current available literature about historic dimension, technical descriptions, and efficacy of Burch colposuspension.ResultsBurch colposuspension, performed either by an open or a laparoscopic approach, is an effective surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence.ConclusionsIn current recommendations, Burch colposuspension remains an option for secondary treatment. Because midurethral slings have recently become under scrutiny, it may return as a first‐line treatment procedure. Both open and laparoscopic Burch colposuspension should therefore nowadays be provided in fellowship programs worldwide.
On the distribution of real eigenvalues in linear viscoelastic oscillators
Authors: Mohammadi Seyyed Abbas , Voss Heinrich 
Published: January 2019

SummaryIn this paper, a linear viscoelastic system is considered where the viscoelastic force depends on the past history of motion via a convolution integral over an exponentially decaying kernel function. The free‐motion equation of this nonviscous system yields a nonlinear eigenvalue problem that has a certain number of real eigenvalues corresponding to the nonoscillatory nature. The quality of the current numerical methods for deriving those eigenvalues is directly related to damping properties of the viscoelastic system. The main contribution of this paper is to explore the structure of the set of nonviscous eigenvalues of the system while the damping coefficient matrices are rank deficient and the damping level is changing. This problem will be investigated in the cases of low and high levels of damping, and a theorem that summarizes the possible distribution of real eigenvalues will be proved. Moreover, upper and lower bounds are provided for some of the eigenvalues regarding the damping properties of the system. Some physically realistic examples are provided, which give us insight into the behavior of the real eigenvalues while the damping level is changing.
Adaptive cooperative output regulation of nonlinear multiagent systems with arbitrarily large parametric uncertainties and an uncertain leader
Authors: Dong Yi , Xu Shengyuan 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThis paper extends the result for cooperative output regulation problem for uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems in output feedback form in the sense that the exosystem generating leader's signal and disturbance is allowed to contain unknown parameter, and all parameters in the whole multiagent system can be arbitrarily large. Since only the information of itself and its neighbors is available, constructing a distributed control law is necessary for the asymptotic tracking of the uncertain leader's signal and the rejection of unknown external disturbances, which is also the main challenge here. A series of simulations are conducted to illustrate the efficiency and advantage of our designs together with the comparison of the design in the existing work.
An Efficient and Scalable Synthesis of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride
Authors: Castaldi Michele , Baratella Marco , Gaboardi Mauro , Castaldi Graziano , Giovenzana Giovanni B. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAllergic rhinitis (AR) is an important allergic inflammatory disease, affecting 30‐60 million people annually in the USA. The most important class of drug used in the treatment of AR is second‐generation H1‐antihistamines (highly selective and non‐sedating drugs) like levocetirizine, desloratadine and fexofenadine. Different synthetic strategies are reported for the preparation of fexofenadine hydrochloride, but these approaches involve the formation of byproducts, either toxic or difficult to remove. The aim of this work is to find a new, efficient and scalable synthetic approach for the preparation of fexofenadine hydrochloride. The final product was assembled from methyl 2‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐2‐methylpropanoate, 3‐butyn‐1‐ol and azacyclonol, cheap and commercially available raw materials. A key step allows to build the central oxygenated‐C4‐moiety through a key 5‐membered intermediate, avoiding toxic or expensive reagents and catalysts. The 8‐step synthesis is competitive with existing protocols, leading to fexofenadine hydrochloride in 59% overall yield.
Synthesis, Characterization, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity Studies of Novel Isomeric 2,4‐Disubstituted Ureide Derivatives of Pyrimidinopiperidines
Authors: Bhavanam Lourdu Rani , Kotra Vijay , Mule Sivanagi Reddy , Krishna Khandapu Bala Murali , Bollikolla Hari Babu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA series of isomeric ureide derivatives of novel 2,4‐disubstituted pyrimidinopiperidines were synthesized starting from 2,4‐dichloropyrimidine. All the final products were purified on silica and characterized by spectral analysis. Both the 2,4‐disubstituted pyrimidinopiperidines were analyzed for their in vitro anticancer activity on the cell lines HCT116, MIA‐PaCa2 and MDA‐MB 231 by using MTT cell proliferation assay. Further, the antimicrobial studies were carried out against different bacterial and fungal strains by employing cup plate method. These compounds were showed significant anticancer activity on tested three cancer cell lines and exhibited potent antimicrobial activity in tested strains of bacteria and fungi.
Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mechanosensing at Fluid Interfaces by Tailored Self‐Assembled Protein Monolayers
Authors: Jia Xiaofang , Minami Kosuke , Uto Koichiro , Chang Alice Chinghsuan , Hill Jonathan P. , Ueki Takeshi , Nakanishi Jun , Ariga Katsuhiko 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMechanical cues of cellular microenvironments can modulate cell functions including cell spreading and differentiation. Most studies of cellular functions are performed using a solid substrate, and it is thought that cells cannot spread on fluid substrates because of rapid relaxation, which cannot resist against actomyosin‐based cell contractility. Here, the spreading and growth of anchorage‐dependent cells such as human mesenchymal stem cells at the liquid interface between a perfluorocarbon fluid and the culture medium are observed. It is demonstrated that a monomolecular protein nanosheet self‐assembled at a fluid interface is sufficiently rigid to support cell spreading without additional treatment. Fine tuning of the packing of these proteins at the liquid interface permits tailoring of the mechanics of the protein layer, ultimately allowing for the regulation of cell spreading. The greater stiffness of the protein nanosheets triggers cell spreading, adhesion growth, and yes‐associated protein nuclear translocation. Cell behavior at the fluid interface is explained within the framework of the molecular clutch model. In addition, the freestanding ultrathin protein nanosheets are extremely flexible, easily deformed, and perceived by cells as being much softer. The findings are expected to provide a new perspective for insights into cell–material interactions.
Experimentally and analytically study on eccentrically braced frame with vertical shear links
Authors: Vetr Mohamad G. , Ghamari Ali 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe excellent hysteretic behavior of eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) using shear links have made these systems an effective alternative for both moment resisting frame as well as concentrically braced structures. Generally, horizontal shear links are located either at the middle or at the ends of the beam. However, large deformation of the shear links in those beam must be accepted under severe earthquakes. In those instance in which the beam have to remain elastic, vertical shear links should be designed underneath the beam thereby transferring the region of plastic deformation to location where they are tolerable and post‐earthquake repair or replacement of damaged parts is easier. In this paper, seismic behavior of vertical‐EBF (V‐EBF) have been considered experimentally and analytically. The required relation to design of the system have been proposed. In addition, to predict nonlinear behavior of V‐EBF systems, an analytical model including kinematic–isotropic strain hardening for shear, only kinematic strain hardening for moment, has been presented. Results showed a good convergence of the presented analytical model (with an upper bound for yielding surface to the V‐EBF) with experimental results.
A glimpse of things to come: OSHA's soon to be updated hazard communication standard
Authors: Bergeson Lynn L. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn the Trump Administration's Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Regulatory Agenda) issued on October 17, 2018, the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a Proposed Rule Stage item titled, “Update to the Hazard Communication Standard,” RIN 1218‐AC93 (OSHA, ), and scheduled the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to be issued by March 2019. This could be an important regulatory development for all entities subject to Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requirements, which is just about everyone. This column explains why this development is significant.
Inappropriate disposal of cellphones affect environmental quality—an analysis of Brazilian users
Authors: Damke Luana Inês , Arenhardt Daniel Luís , Dill Rafael Augusto , Rodrigues Luis Adriano , Trevisan Marcelo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis work aimed at identifying the behavior of consumers in a medium‐sized city in Brazil regarding their attitudes toward and willingness to pay for the recycling of cellphones. To support the analysis that we performed, literature on electronic wastes, disposal of cellphones, and the National Policy on Solid Wastes (PNRS) were examined in depth. A descriptive survey was carried out using the quantitative method by administering questionnaires to 430 consumers in the municipality. The results showed that 56.1% of the respondents replace their cellphones every 2 years, that only 7.0% returned the old devices to be recycled, and that 69.1% indicated that they were not willing to pay a portion of the phones’ recycling costs. The study also showed that most of the sample participants were unaware of the legislation that deals with electro‐electronic wastes management.
Minimally invasive perinatal and pediatric autopsy with laparoscopically assisted tissue sampling: feasibility and experience of the MinImAL procedure
Authors: Hutchinson J. C. , Shelmerdine S. C. , Lewis C. , Parmenter J. , Simcock I. C. , Ward L. , Ashworth M. T. , Chitty L. S. , Arthurs O. J. , Sebire N. J. 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveLess invasive autopsy techniques in cases of fetal or infant death have good acceptability among parents, but the published sampling adequacy in needle biopsy studies is generally poor. Minimally Invasive Autopsy with Laparoscopically assisted sampling (MinImAL) has the potential to increase the diagnostic yield of less invasive autopsy by improving the quality and quantity of tissue samples obtained, whilst permitting visualization, extraction and examination of internal organs through a small incision. The aim of this study was to present the findings of our experience with the MinImAL procedure in cases of fetal, neonatal and pediatric death.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 103 prospectively recruited unselected cases of fetal, neonatal or pediatric death that underwent the MinImAL procedure at a tertiary referral center over a 5‐year period. Following preprocedure 1.5‐T whole‐body postmortem magnetic resonance imaging, MinImAL autopsy was performed. Procedure duration, sampling adequacy and cause of death were assessed. Chi‐square analysis was used to compare the ‘unexplained’ rate of intrauterine deaths in the cohort with that in a previously published cohort of > 1000 cases of intrauterine death examined by standard autopsy.ResultsMinImAL autopsy was performed successfully in 97.8% (91/93) of the cases undergoing a complete procedure. There was a satisfactory rate of adequate histological sampling in most major organs; heart (100%, 91 cases), lung (100%, 91 cases), kidney (100%, 91 cases), liver (96.7%, 88 cases), spleen (94.5%, 86 cases), adrenal glands (89.0%, 81 cases), pancreas (82.4%, 75 cases) and thymus (56.0%, 51 cases). Procedure duration was similar to that of standard autopsy in a previously published cohort of intrauterine deaths. The unexplained rate in stillbirths and intrauterine fetal deaths that underwent MinImAL autopsy was not significantly different from that following standard autopsy.ConclusionsThe MinImAL procedure provides good histological yield from major organs with minimal cosmetic damage and can be learned by an autopsy practitioner. The MinImAL procedure is an appropriate minimally invasive alternative for the investigation of perinatal and pediatric deaths in which consent to full autopsy is withheld, and may have applications in both high‐ and low/middle‐income settings. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Plasticity to daylength of Iris pumila leaf phenological traits
Authors: Tucić Branka , Pemac Danijela , Avramov Stevan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPlastic responses to photoperiod of Iris pumila leaf phenological traits were investigated in two populations experiencing contrasting light conditions in the dune system at Deliblato Sands (44°48′ N, 38°58′ E; Serbia, Yugoslavia). The population “Dune” occupied an exposed area at the top and slope of a relatively large dune, and the population “Woods” was situated in the understory of a Pinus nigra stand. Plants developed from rhizome segments of 15 and 12 clonal genotypes sampled individually in an exposed and a shaded site, respectively, were grown under alternating daylength conditions (long day, 16 h; short day, 8 h) in an environmentally controlled growth room, and scored for a number of leaf traits (live and senescent leaf number per ramet, leaf longevity, and phyllochron). The photoperiodic treatments used significantly affected the phenotypic values of all traits analyzed, regardless of the population origin. Leaf longevity decreased, whereas the proportion of senescent to live leaves increased under short as compared to long photoperiod. The amount of plasticity to daylength appeared to be strongly trait specific: senescent leaf number was the most plastic, and live leaf number per ramet the least plastic trait, in both populations. The factorial ANOVAs did not reveal a significant population effect on any of the leaf traits observed, except the phyllochron, indicating the presence of genetic variation between populations only for that particular trait. A statistically significant interaction term obtained in each of the ANOVAs provides the evidence of the existence of genetic variation for plasticity in all the leaf phenological traits studied. Genetic correlations among all trait pairs were close to zero and mostly statistically nonsignificant, indicating that the analyzed I. pumila leaf phenological traits are not genetically constrained to evolve by natural selection toward their optimal reaction norms within each light habitat.
Thermo-chemical Fluid Flow Simulation in Hot-Dip Galvanizing: The Evaluation of Dross Build-Up Formation
Authors: Reiss Georg , Ishmurzin Anton , Mugrauer Claudia , Eßl Werner , Ecker Werner , Strutzenberger Johann , Unger Harald , Angeli Gerhard 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This paper presents a new computational framework to investigate the driving force for the formation of intermetallic dross particles in the zinc bath and dross build-up on the bath hardware. This is a major problem in continuous hot-dip galvanizing lines. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model calculates the turbulent thermo-chemical flow conditions within the liquid melt. A detailed modeling of the steel strip–liquid interface enhances this approach, by means of a conjugated heat transfer calculation and a spatially resolved, temperature- and concentration-dependent iron dissolution and aluminum uptake. The heart of the computational framework is a thermodynamic model, which assesses the driving force for the formation or dissolution of dross particles in the bath and dross build-up on stationary and rotating equipment. The simulation results are validated with temperature and species depth profile measurements. The applicability of the CFD model is shown by investigating the locally resolved aluminum uptake and iron dissolution at the steel-strip surface, and the multi-physics conditions in the region near the roll. The novel approach of evaluating the thermodynamic driving force enables the assessment of the formation of dross build-up at the roll surface.