Minor Features Research Articles

Ground and low-lying excited states of phenoxy, 1-naphthoxy, and 2-naphthoxy radicals via anion photoelectron spectroscopy.

We present the slow electron velocity map imaging spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled phenoxide, 1-naphthoxide, and 2-naphthoxide anions. The results allow us to examine the ground state and the lowest energy excited state in the corresponding neutral radicals. Care was taken to minimize autodetachment signals in the photoelectron spectra, allowing for more straightforward comparisons with Franck-Condon analyses. The ground states of these three aromatic oxide radicals all have the unpaired electron residing in a π orbital delocalized throughout the molecule. The electron affinity of 1-naphthoxy is measured to be 2.290(2) eV, while that of 2-naphthoxy is measured to be 2.404(2) eV, both of which are higher than that of the smaller phenoxy molecule at 2.253(1) eV. The first excited states have the unpaired electron residing in a more localized σ orbital, yielding measured term energies for the state of 1.237(2) eV in 1-naphthoxy and 1.068(1) eV in 2-naphthoxy, while that of phenoxy is lower at 0.952(1) eV. The calculated Franck-Condon spectra generally showed good agreement with the experimental spectra, yielding assignments of the more active vibrations in each electronic state. Significant autodetachment signals arising from dipole bound states near the ground states of all three radicals were observed in our efforts to avoid them, and comparably less autodetachment signals were observed near the excited states. Besides this type of non-Franck-Condon intensities in the photoelectron spectra, we also observed minor features arising due to vibronic coupling in the ground states of all three radicals.

Comparison of internal conversion dynamics of azo and azoxy energetic moieties through the (S1/S0)CI conical Intersection: An ab initio multiple spawning study

We have explored the nonadiabatic chemical dynamics of trans-azomethane (AM) and azoxymethane (AOM) using ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) simulation and CASSCF theory. A trans-to-cis isomerization around the N = N bond and a pyramidalization of the N(O)N moiety are predicted to be involved in the internal conversion process of AM and AOM molecules, respectively. AIMS-based simulation at the CASSCF(6,4)/6-31G(d) level of theory reveals that electronically excited AM and AOM molecules undergo extremely fast (approximately in 125 fs for AM and 64 fs for AOM) relaxation to the ground state via the (S1/S0)CI conical intersection. In addition, AIMS simulation at the CASSCF(10,8)/6-31G(d) level of theory reveals that AM molecules exhibit two relaxation pathways: major (comprising 75%) channel involves an isomerization process and minor (comprising 25%) channel features the C-N bond dissociation.

Reprobación y sátira del "gramático" en las letras áureas II. Textos literarios, principios del siglo XVII

In this work, the author studies the satires against the grammarian in Spanish literary texts of the first third of the 17th century, according to the idea of grammar developed by Nebrija and other humanists. Following the negative judgement made by many essay writers in the 16th century, Salas Barbadillo and Quevedo will repeat some specific motives of that criticism, such as the arrogance or the interest in minor features of the texts, compared to the allegedly profound knowledge seeked by theologicians and moral philosophers. By so doing, these authors take part in an intellectual atmosphere against philologists, that confirms the exclusion, in the Spanish thought of the Golden Age, of the humanist grammar as a high ranked discipline.

Use of Flow Cytometry for Diagnosis of Epilepsy Associated With Homozygous PIGW Variants

BackgroundBiallelic variants in PIGW have been suggested to cause infantile spasms and hyperphosphatasia. PIGW encodes for a protein involved in the third step of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) synthesis. GPI anchored proteins are increasingly recognized as important structures for cellular interactions and neuronal development. MethodsMolecular testing of PIGW was performed followed by fluorescence activating cell sorting analysis of granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes, and compared to controls. FindingsAn infant was homozygous for variants in PIGW (c.199C>G; p.Pro67Ala) with an associated phenotype of infantile spasms, myoclonic seizures, cortical visual impairment, developmental delay, and minor dysmorphic features. Alkaline phosphatase levels ranged from normal to mildly elevated. Flow cytometric studies showed significantly decreased expression of important GPIs, providing functional evidence of pathogenicity. ConclusionOur data provide further evidence of a novel autosomal recessive PIGW-related epilepsy disorder. Flow cytometry provided functional evidence of the pathogenicity of homozygous variants of uncertain significance in PIGW, and supports the use of flow cytometry as a functional tool to demonstrate decreased surface expression of GPI anchored proteins in individuals with variants of unknown significance.

Atopic dermatitis in Indian children: The influence of lower socioeconomic status

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory condition afflicting children and adults. In developing countries like India, the scenario is slightly different from its western counterparts, where the disease has been commonly described. Despite running a milder course, AD still has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Environmental factors have a great influence on pathogenesis. While the diagnosis has remained clinical, variations in minor clinical features have been observed worldwide. Many indigenous and herbal agents are used for its treatment in India, in addition to conventional therapies. Treatment modalities in India emphasize less costly therapies and family education. This contribution reviews the epidemiologic issues and therapeutic differences in the Indian population with AD, highlighting important nuances in the care of the Indian patient.

Chromosome 2p15-p16.1 microduplication in a boy with congenital anomalies: Is it a distinctive syndrome?

Array-based comparative genomic hybridization is a routine technology that helps clinicians in the diagnostic evaluation of individuals presenting with developmental delay or malformation anomalies. With this technique, several patients affected by microdeletion 2p15-p16.1 have been reported and this anomaly has been recognized as a distinct syndrome. In contrast, clinical features of patients with microduplication in the same region have been registered mainly in clinical and genetic data-bases and to date just a single patient has been reported in detail in the literature.A 12-year-old boy with 2p15-p16.1 microduplication presented with moderate neurodevelopment delay, epileptic seizures, behavioral disturbances, and minor dysmorphic features. The role of 2p15-p16.1 duplication in this case, and the others published in data-bases with a similar molecular duplication, are discussed.

Spondylodiscitis following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: imaging perspectives from a single centre\u2019s experience

ObjectiveVery few reports have previously described spondylodiscitis as a potential complication of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). We present to our knowledge the first case series of spondylodiscitis following EVAR based on our institution’s experience over an 11-year period. Particular attention is paid to the key imaging features and challenges encountered when performing spinal imaging in this complex patient group.Materials and MethodsOf 1,847 patients who underwent EVAR at our institution between January 2006 and January 2017, a total of 9 patients were identified with imaging features of spondylodiscitis (0.5%). All cross-sectional studies before and after EVAR were assessed by a Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist and a Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellow to evaluate for features of spondylodiscitis.ResultsAll 9 patients had single-level spondylodiscitis involving lumbosacral levels adjacent to the aortic/iliac stent graft. Eight out of nine patients had an extensive anterior paravertebral phlegmon/abscess that was contiguous with the infected stent graft and native aneurysm sac ± anterior vertebral body erosion. Epidural disease was present in only 3 out of 9 patients and was a minor feature. MRI was non-diagnostic in 3 out of 9 patients owing to susceptibility artefact. 18F-FDG PET/CT accurately depicted the spinal level involved and adjacent paravertebral disease in patients with non-diagnostic MRI and was adopted as the follow-up modality in 3 out of 5 surviving patients.ConclusionSpondylodiscitis is a rare complication post-EVAR. Imaging features of disproportionate anterior paravertebral disease and anterior vertebral body bony involvement suggest direct spread of infection posteriorly to the adjacent vertebral column. Use of MRI versus 18F-FDG PET/CT as the optimal imaging modality should be directed by the type of stent graft deployed.

THE ROLE OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND IN DIAGNOSIS OF CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Background and aims: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosis chronic pancreatitis by Rosemont classification. Patients and methods: A cross – sectional study was conducted on patients undergoing endoscopy ultrasound to diagnose chronic pancreatitis. Results: Study on a total of 57 patients indicated for endoscopic ultrasound. We have some following results: The lesions of chronic pancreatitis on endoscopic ultrasound: The hyperechoic foci without shadowing and stranding is 82.5% and hyperechoic foci with shadowing is 70.2%, cyst and pseudocyst are about 15.8%. Main pancreatic duct dilation is 71.9%, hyperechoic main pancreatic duct wall is 70.2%, main pancreatic duct stone is about 45.6%. Rosemont classification in diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis: Consistent with chronic pancreatitis by 1 major A feature (+) ≥ 3 minor features is 69.4% and 2 major A features is 30,6%. Suggestive of chronic pancreatitis by over 5 minor features is 100%. EUS is more accurate than CT in detecting early chronic pancreatitis. Conclusions:Endoscopic ultrasound is a highly effective method of diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Key words: chronic pancreatitis, endoscopic ultrasound

Pathogenetic Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Idiopathic Vestibulopathy.

Comparative analysis of the groups of patients with idiopathic bilateral vestibular hypofunction and a group of vestibulopathy patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency demonstrated identity of the basic and additional diagnostic parameters in these syndromes as well as similarity in clinical diagnostic and anamnesis data. In all cases, functional assessment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and selected biochemical marker sICAM-1 revealed endothelial dysfunction. Drug correction of endothelial dysfunction positively affected the manifestations of major and minor features of the syndrome, which confirmed the contribution of endothelial functional disturbances to the pathogenesis of bilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Formation of excess fluid pressure, sediment fluidization and mass-transport deposits in the Plio-Pleistocene Boso forearc basin, central Japan

Abstract Analyses of consolidation state, fabrics and physical properties were conducted on rock samples from the Plio-Pleistocene Boso forearc basin, central Japan. Consolidation tests identified that the trend in consolidation yield stress was systematically 8 MPa smaller than expected for the overburden from the sediment thickness of the Kazusa Group. An excess fluid pressure interval was also identified in the lower part of the basin fill, where several large-scale (several kilometres in length and several tens of metres thick) mass-transport deposits (MTDs) are intercalated. This interval is characterized by high porosity and small consolidation yield stresses, indicating that consolidation had been retarded by the excess fluid pressure. The estimated excess fluid pressure was c. 5–7 MPa. In addition, outcrop-scale fluidization and minor liquefaction features were identified within and below the high fluid pressure interval. The excess fluid pressure reduced the effective stress in the Boso forearc basin and, subsequently, the stability of the slope, allowing small tectonic events to generate submarine landslides. Therefore, the formation of these large-scale MTDs was probably related to the excess fluid-pressure generation.

In-plane anisotropy of selective laser-melted stainless steel: The importance of the rotation angle increment and the limitation window

The thorough description of the influence of the process conduct in powder-bed-based additive manufacturing on the mechanical properties of the fabricated components represents an ongoing challenge. A recent investigation highlighted that a minor safety feature, such as limiting the range of possible laser beam movements, to avoid interactions between the irradiation and emerging smoke and weld splashes, can cause a noteworthy alteration of the mechanical properties. In this study, the tensile characteristics of selective laser-melted stainless steel (1.4404, 316L) fabricated with two different process conducts were investigated, both of which yielded similar relative densities and surface hardness values. It was found that, besides these two characteristics, the tensile strength (yield and ultimate tensile strength) remained stable, whereas the linear elastic properties, as well as the breaking elongation, exhibited great fluctuations. The Young's modulus in the build-plane ranged from 151 to 208 GPa, and the breaking elongation ranged, respectively, from 33% to 43%. Furthermore, it has been found that this anisotropy is an adjustable characteristic and can be modified via two parameters, the rotation angle increment of the irradiation pathways between successive layers and their total admissible range, also referred to as the limitation window.

Two de novo novel mutations in one SHANK3 allele in a patient with autism and moderate intellectual disability.

SHANK3 encodes for a scaffolding protein that links neurotransmitter receptors to the cytoskeleton and is enriched in postsynaptic densities of excitatory synapses. Deletions or mutations in one copy of the SHANK3 gene cause Phelan-McDermid syndrome, also called 22q13.3 deletion syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder with common features including global developmental delay, absent to severely impaired language, autistic behavior, and minor dysmorphic features. By whole exome sequencing, we identified two de novo novel variants including one frameshift pathogenic variant and one missense variant of unknown significance in a 14-year-old boy with delayed motor milestones, delayed language acquisition, autism, intellectual disability, ataxia, progressively worsening spasticity of the lower extremities, dysmorphic features, short stature, microcephaly, failure to thrive, chronic constipation, intrauterine growth restriction, and bilateral inguinal hernias. Both changes are within the CpG island in exon 21, separated by a 375 bp sequence. Next generation sequencing of PCR products revealed that the two variants are most frequently associated with each other. Sanger sequencing of the cloned PCR products further confirmed that both changes were on a single allele. The clinical presentation in this individual is consistent with other patients with a truncating mutation in exon 21, suggesting that the missense change contributes none or minimally to the phenotypes. This is the first report of two de novo mutations in one SHANK3 allele.

Adult onset Still’s disease: a diagnostic challenge

<p class="abstract"><span lang="EN-IN">Adult Still’s disease (ASD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, typically characterized by a clinical triad of daily spiking high fevers, evanescent rash, and arthritis. This report described a 26-year-old male who presented with these symptoms along with raised liver enzymes and hyperferritinemia. After ruling out systemic infections, localized infections, malignancies and other rheumatological diseases, Adult onset Still’s disease diagnosis was made according to Yamaguchi criteria (having 4 major features and 3 minor features). AOSD is a heterogeneous and rare disease and the lack of serologic markers as a true gold standard makes diagnosis difficult.</span></p>

Person re-identification using salient region matching game

The human saliency feature has been increasingly used for person re-identification across non-overlapping cameras but is deficient in retaining the minor features of the salient region, thus resulting in matching accuracy decline. To address this challenge, we first propose to extract optimal regions from pedestrian images that contain high intra-region feature similarity. Subsequently, by computing the saliency of each region, we choose the most salient region, which contains not only saliency features but also minor features, to represent the corresponding pedestrian. Finally, by formulating the competitive matching as hypothesis in a matching game, we obtain the most suitable set of matching by iteratively computing the payoff of each hypothesis. We evaluate our scheme on three widely used public datasets, and experimental results verify the advantage of our proposed algorithm, which outperforms previous representative methods with a matching ratio of 10.8%.

Hidden molecular outflow in the LIRG Zw 049.057

Context. Feedback in the form of mass outflows driven by star formation or active galactic nuclei is a key component of galaxy evolution. The luminous infrared galaxy Zw 049.057 harbours a compact obscured nucleus with a possible far-infrared signature of outflowing molecular gas. Due to the high optical depths at far-infrared wavelengths, however, the interpretation of the outflow signature is uncertain. At millimeter and radio wavelengths, the radiation is better able to penetrate the large columns of gas and dust responsible for the obscuration. Aims. We aim to investigate the molecular gas distribution and kinematics in the nucleus of Zw 049.057 in order to confirm and locate the molecular outflow, with the ultimate goal to understand how the nuclear activity affects the host galaxy. Methods. We used high angular resolution observations from the Submillimeter Array (SMA), the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), and the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) to image the CO J = 2–1 and J = 6–5 emission, the 690 GHz continuum, the radio centimeter continuum, and absorptions by rotationally excited OH. Results. The CO line profiles exhibit wings extending ~ 300 km s-1 beyond the systemic velocity. At centimeter wavelengths, we find a compact (~ 40 pc) continuum component in the nucleus, with weaker emission extending several 100 pc approximately along the major and minor axes of the galaxy. In the OH absorption lines toward the compact continuum, wings extending to a similar velocity as for the CO are only seen on the blue side of the profile. The weak centimeter continuum emission along the minor axis is aligned with a highly collimated, jet-like dust feature previously seen in near-infrared images of the galaxy. Comparison of the apparent optical depths in the OH lines indicate that the excitation conditions in Zw 049.057 differ from those within other OH megamaser galaxies. Conclusions. We interpret the wings in the spectral lines as signatures of a nuclear molecular outflow. A relation between this outflow and the minor axis radio feature is possible, although further studies are required to investigate this possible association and understand the connection between the outflow and the nuclear activity. Finally, we suggest that the differing OH excitation conditions are further evidence that Zw 049.057 is in a transition phase between megamaser and kilomaser activity.

Current status of the genera Karma and Magmellia Wells, 2009 (Scincidae: Lygosominae: Sphenomorphini) with a morphological character to distinguish the two genera

Recognition and distinction of the scincid genera Karma and Magmellia, also cited in the literature under their respective junior synonyms Silvascincus and Tumbunascincus, have been largely based on genetic evidence, with only minor features of coloration reported to distinguish them. The monotypic Magmellia can be morphologically distinguished from the two species of Karma by the overlap pattern of the temporal scales (lower secondary temporal overlapping upper secondary temporal), a character state not previously reported for Magmellia.

A Patient Diagnosed with POEMS Syndrome with Atypical Presentation: A Case Report

POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis.

Multi-agent simulations for the evaluation of Looting Systems design in MMOG and MOBA games

Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) are persistent worlds where a huge number of players interact with each other in order to improve their avatar's characteristics. Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs) - also known as Action Real-Time Strategy (ARTS) games - are video games in which each player controls a single character in one of two competing teams; goal of the game is to destroy the antagonist team. In both genres, players’ characters typically exploit their special abilities, which contribute to the overall strategy of their faction or team. Social interactions among players are at the core of both these game types, and a careful design of the game social architecture is a key factor in determining the success of a specific product.The attention of researchers and practitioners has, till now, focused mainly on several game features, while others have been considered secondary, possibly underestimating their importance in terms of the game overall quality. For instance, in MMOGs, loot items (a type of in-game reward) are not distributed evenly, and the competition for getting the best prize, often, is left in the hands of the players. To handle this issue, players have created resource allocation algorithms called Looting Systems (LS). Generally, the adoption of a specific LS is based on a gentlemen's agreement among the players, and the respect of its outcomes largely depends on mutual trust. Quite recently, ad hoc forms of LS have been introduced also into MOBAs.This topic has received moderate attention by the scientific community, anyway, we sustain that a LS could influence the players' behaviour and, if mismanaged, possibly the survival of the whole community of players in a game. Hence, detecting and tracking the hidden social effects of apparently minor features could become a critical factor in the development of games genres which heavily depend on the quality of social interactions among players. To tackle this issue, we present a simulative study - based on Agent-Based Model (ABM) techniques - of the effects of the adoption of different LSs on heterogeneous player bases. The final goal of our study is to provide several guidelines and hints about the design of LSs to game designers working on MMOs or MOBAs.

Association of FLG single nucleotide variations with clinical phenotypes of atopic dermatitis.

BackgroundFLG encodes a large protein called profilaggrin, which plays a key role in maintaining an effective skin barrier against the environment. In this study, we identified FLG single nucleotide variations (FLG-SNVs) and evaluated the association of FLG-SNVs with clinical phenotypes including atopic dermatitis (AD)-associated minor clinical features, presence of specific allergic sensitization, and serum parameters.MethodsEighty-one Korean patients with AD were enrolled. AD-associated minor clinical features as well as allergic rhinitis and asthma were diagnosed by specialists. FLG-SNVs were identified by Sanger sequencing of entire exons through long-range PCR. Allergic sensitization to a specific allergen was evaluated by multiple allergen simultaneous test. Serologic parameters such as serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil derived neurotoxin (EDN) were measured.ResultsA total of seventy-three SNVs and 4 LOF mutations were successfully genotyped. rs71626704 and rs76413899 were significantly associated with a history of asthma and cheilitis (P = 0.002 and P = 0.033, respectively), however, the associations were not found statistically significant after adjustment by multiple comparisons. In addition, we detected haplotype blocks which were correlated with non-specific hand or foot dermatitis and scalp scale. We identified FLG-SNVs which were associated with sensitization to environmental allergens; rs62623409 and rs71625199 (P = 0.038 and P = 0.008, respectively). Patients with FLG P478S TT and history of allergic rhinitis showed a higher EDN level, and among those patients, the ones with asthma showed a higher ECP level.ConclusionThis study revealed the association of FLG-SNVs with AD-associated minor clinical features. We firstly identified rs71625199 which was associated with higher environmental allergic sensitization. We also suggest that FLG P478S is a kind of disease modifier which affects serologic parameters such as EDN and ECP.

Influence of minor geometric features on Stirling pulse tube cryocooler performance

Minor geometric features and imperfections are commonly introduced into the basic design of multi-component systems to simplify or reduce the manufacturing expense. In this work, the cooling performance of a Stirling type cryocooler was tested in different driving powers, cold-end temperatures and inclination angles. A series of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations based on a prototypical cold tip was carried out. Detailed CFD model predictions were compared with the experiment and were used to investigate the impact of such apparently minor geometric imperfections on the performance of Stirling type pulse tube cryocoolers. Predictions of cooling performance and gravity orientation sensitivity were compared with experimental results obtained with the cryocooler prototypes. The results indicate that minor geometry features in the cold tip assembly can have considerable negative effects on the gravity orientation sensitivity of a pulse tube cryocooler.