bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysfunctional beliefs as mediators between illness-related intrusive thoughts and health anxiety symptoms
Authors: Arnáez Sandra , García-Soriano Gemma , López-Santiago Jose , Belloch Amparo
Published: October 2019

Background:

Cognitive behavioural models of hypochondriasis assume that dysfunctional illness-related beliefs are involved in the genesis and maintenance of the disorder. The role that other more general dysfunctional beliefs about thoughts play in this disorder has also been highlighted. Internal triggers such as illness-related intrusive thoughts could activate these beliefs.

Aim:

The present paper examines whether general dysfunctional beliefs about distressing thoughts, such as intolerance of uncertainty, over-estimation of threat, and thought-action fusion-likelihood, mediate between illness-related intrusive thoughts and health anxiety symptoms.

Method:

A group of participants composed of individuals with hypochondriasis (n = 31; 51.5% women; mean age = 32.74 years, SD = 9.96) and community individuals (n = 219; 54.3% women; mean age = 39.56 years, SD = 15.20) completed a series of questionnaires to assess illness-related intrusive thoughts (INPIE), dysfunctional beliefs about thoughts (OBSI-R), and health anxiety symptoms (SHAI).

Results:

Results from a multiple parallel mediation analysis indicate that over-estimation of threat partially mediated the relationship between illness-related intrusive thoughts and health anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions:

The results support the importance of the tendency to over-estimate the threat in the relationship between intrusive thoughts related to illness contents and health anxiety. Conceptual and clinical implications of these results are discussed.
New Insights into the Ultrastructure of Bioapatite After Partial Dissolution: Based on Whale Rostrum, the Densest Bone
Authors: Tang Lingyi , Zhang Li , Yue Michael , Tian Da , Su Mu , Li Zhen
Published: October 2019

Mineral particles in bone are interlaced with collagen fibrils, hindering the investigation of bioapatite crystallites (BAp). This study utilized a special whale rostrum (the most highly mineralized bone ever recorded) to measure the crystallites of bone BAp via long-term dissolution in water. The BAp in the rostrum has a low solubility (6.7 ppm Ca and 3.8 ppm P after 150 days dissolution) as well as in normal bones, which leads to its Ksp value of ~10−53. Atomic force microscopy results show tightly compacted mineral crystallites and confirm the low amount of collagen in the rostrum. Additionally, the mineral crystallites demonstrate irregular plate-like shapes with variable sizes. The small crystallites (~11 × 24 nm) are easily detached from BAp prisms, compared with the large crystallites (~50 nm). Moreover, various orientations of crystallites are observed on the edge of the prisms, which suggest a random direction of mineral growth. Furthermore, these plate-like crystallites prefer to be stacked layer by layer under weak regulation from collagen. The morphology of rostrum after dissolution provides new insights into the actual morphology of BAp crystallites.
Abrupt Bølling‐Allerød Warming Simulated under Gradual Forcing of the Last Deglaciation
Authors: Obase Takashi , Abe‐Ouchi Ayako
Published: October 2019

During the last deglaciation, a major global warming trend was punctuated by abrupt climate changes, likely related to Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). One problem is that an abrupt increase in the AMOC during the Bølling‐Allerød (BA) transition occurred when the melting of Northern Hemisphere ice sheets was significant, which tended to weaken the AMOC. Here, from transient simulations of the last deglaciation using an atmosphere‐ocean general circulation model, we show that an abrupt increase in the AMOC during the BA transition could occur without reduction in glacial meltwater. The abrupt increase in the AMOC accompanied abrupt warming in Greenland and sea ice retreat in the North Atlantic, consistent with proxies and previous modeling studies. The results imply that abrupt BA warming during the middle stage of the last deglaciation was a response to gradual warming under the presence of meltwater from continental ice sheets.
Conjunction Observations of Energetic Oxygen Ions O+ Accumulated in the Sequential Flux Ropes in the High‐Altitude Cusp
Authors: Duan Suping , Dai Lei , Wang Chi , Cai Chunlin , He Zhaohai , Zhang Yongcun , Reme H. , Dandouras I.
Published: October 2019

Conjunction observations of the magnetic field and plasma by Cluster and TC‐1 at the dayside magnetosphere are presented to investigate the sequential flux ropes transferred from the low latitude boundary layer to the high‐altitude cusp on 10 March 2004.Three sequential flux ropes originating from the dayside low latitude magnetopause are first detected by TC‐1. After ~5.3 min, three sequential flux ropes accumulated with energetic oxygen ions are also detected by Cluster in the high‐altitude cusp. The recurrence period of these flux ropes is ~3 min. The number density of energetic oxygen ions in the cusp flux rope is ~0.25 cm−3 detected from CIS/CODF instrument on Cluster. It is found that oxygen ions with energy lager than 10 keV have a narrow pitch angle (less than 90°) distribution in the southern high‐altitude cusp. While oxygen ions with energy less than 10 keV are distributed in a wide pitch angle from 0 to 180°. Counter‐streaming energetic oxygen ions are found in these flux ropes in the high‐altitude cusp.This result suggests that the oxygen ions with energy less than 10 keV in the high‐altitude cusp have two source regions. One is from the dayside magnetopause, and the other is from the low‐altitude cusp. Our investigations first provide evidence that flux ropes at dayside low‐latitude magnetopause can carry energetic oxygen ions into the high‐altitude cusp region.
The Role of Collapsed Bank Soil on Tidal Channel Evolution: A Process‐Based Model Involving Bank Collapse and Sediment Dynamics
Authors: Zhao K. , Gong Z. , Xu F. , Zhou Z. , Zhang C. K. , Perillo G. M. E. , Coco G.
Published: October 2019

We develop a process‐based model to simulate the geomorphodynamic evolution of tidal channels, considering hydrodynamics, flow‐induced bank erosion, gravity‐induced bank collapse, and sediment dynamics. A stress‐deformation analysis and the Mohr‐Coulomb criterion, calibrated through previous laboratory experiments, are included in a model simulating bank collapse. Results show that collapsed bank soil plays a primary role in the dynamics of bank retreat. For bank collapse with small bank height, tensile failure in the middle of the bank (Stage I), tensile failure on the bank top (Stage II), and sectional cracking from bank top to the toe (Stage III) are present sequentially before bank collapse occurs. A significant linear relation is observed between bank height and the contribution of bank collapse to bank retreat. Contrary to flow‐induced bank erosion, bank collapse prevents further widening since the collapsed bank soil protects the bank from direct bank erosion. The bank profile is linear or slightly convex, and the planimetric shape of tidal channels (gradually decreasing in width landward) is similar when approaching equilibrium, regardless of the consideration of bank erosion and collapse. Moreover, the simulated width‐to‐depth ratio in all runs is comparable with observations from the Venice Lagoon. This indicates that the equilibrium configuration of tidal channels depends on hydrodynamic conditions and sediment properties, while bank erosion and collapse greatly affect the transient behavior (before equilibrium) of the tidal channels. Overall, this contribution highlights the importance of collapsed bank soil in investigating tidal channel morphodynamics using a combined perspective of geotechnics and soil mechanics.
Monozygotic twins with neuroblastoma MS have a similar molecular profile: a case of twin-to-twin metastasis
Authors: Shatara Margaret , Xavier Ana C. , Dombkowski Alan , Cukovic Daniela , Poulik Janet M. , Altinok Deniz , Ge Yubin , Taub Jeffrey W.
Published: October 2019

Fetoplacental neuroblastoma metastasis has been postulated as a mechanism accounting for concordant cases where one twin develops a primary tumour and the second twin manifests the disease without an identifiable primary site. These tumours may originate and spread concomitantly due to the same genetic background shared by monozygotic twins. This study investigated the molecular profile of stage MS neuroblastoma presenting concomitantly in monozygotic twins. Comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) was done for each of the twin liver tumour and peripheral blood samples at diagnosis. Comparison of copy-number variation (CNV) regions revealed a set of CNVs that were common to both tumour specimens and not apparent in the blood. The CNV signature in both twins’ tumours was highly similar, suggesting a common clonal origin. Additional findings included large deletion of chromosome 10 and amplification of chromosome 17. Notably, both liver samples had amplification of a short region involving DEIN (chromosome 4q34.1). Similar CNVs strongly support a common clonal origin and metastatic spread from one twin to the other. DEIN is a long-coding RNA (IncRNA) that has been found highly expressed in stage MS neuroblastoma and is likely involved in biological processes such as cell migration and metastasis.
Ca2+-dependent recruitment of voltage-gated sodium channels underlies bilirubin-induced overexcitation and neurotoxicity
Authors: Shi Hao-Song , Lai Ke , Yin Xin-Lu , Liang Min , Ye Hai-Bo , Shi Hai-Bo , Wang Lu-Yang , Yin Shan-Kai
Published: October 2019

Neonatal jaundice is prevalent among newborns and can lead to severe neurological deficits, particularly sensorimotor dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that bilirubin (BIL) enhances the intrinsic excitability of central neurons and this can potentially contribute to their overexcitation, Ca2+ overload, and neurotoxicity. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying elevated neuronal excitability remain unknown. By performing patch-clamp recordings from neonatal neurons in the rat medial vestibular nucleus (MVN), a crucial relay station for locomotor and balance control, we found that BIL (3 μM) drastically increases the spontaneous firing rates by upregulating the current-mediated voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), while shifting their voltage-dependent activation toward more hyperpolarized potentials. Immunofluorescence labeling and western immunoblotting with an anti-NaV1.1 antibody, revealed that BIL elevates the expression of VGSCs by promoting their recruitment to the membrane. Furthermore, we found that this VGSC-trafficking process is Ca2+ dependent because preloading MVN neurons with the Ca2+ buffer BAPTA-AM, or exocytosis inhibitor TAT-NSF700, prevents the effects of BIL, indicating the upregulated activity and density of functional VGSCs as the core mechanism accountable for the BIL-induced overexcitation of neonatal neurons. Most importantly, rectification of such overexcitation with a low dose of VGSC blocker lidocaine significantly attenuates BIL-induced cell death. We suggest that this enhancement of VGSC currents directly contributes to the vulnerability of neonatal brain to hyperbilirubinemia, implicating the activity and trafficking of NaV1.1 channels as a potential target for neuroprotection in cases of severe jaundice.
Inhibition of gap junction composed of Cx43 prevents against acute kidney injury following liver transplantation
Authors: Yuan Dongdong , Li Xiaoyun , Luo Chenfang , Li Xianlong , Cheng Nan , Ji Haocong , Qiu Rongzong , Luo Gangjian , Chen Chaojin , Hei Ziqing
Published: October 2019

Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication after liver transplantation (LT). Its deterioration and magnification lead to the increase in mortality. Connexin43 (Cx43) mediates direct transmission of intracellular signals between neighboring cells, always considered to be the potent biological basis of organ damage deterioration and magnification. Thus, we explored the effects of Cx43 on AKI following LT and its related possible mechanism. In this study, alternations of Cx43 expression were observed in 82 patients, receiving the first-time orthotopic LT. We built autologous orthotopic liver transplantation (AOLT) models with Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats in vivo, and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment models with kidney tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) in vitro, both of which were the most important independent risk factors of AKI following LT. Then, different methods were used to alter the function of Cx43 channels to determine its protective effects on AKI. The results indicated that patients with AKI suffering from longer time of tracheal intubation or intensive care unit stay, importantly, had significantly lower survival rate at postoperative 30 days and 3 years. In rat AOLT models, as Cx43 was inhibited with heptanol, postoperative AKI was attenuated significantly. In vitro experiments, downregulation of Cx43 with selective inhibitors, or siRNA protected against post-hypoxic NRK-52E cell injuries caused by H/R and/or LPS, while upregulation of Cx43 exacerbated the above-mentioned cell injuries. Of note, alternation of Cx43 function regulated the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which not only mediated oxidative stress and inflammation reactions effectively, but also regulated necroptosis. Therefore, we concluded that Cx43 inhibition protected against AKI following LT through attenuating ROS transmission between the neighboring cells. ROS alternation depressed oxidative stress and inflammation reaction, which ultimately reduced necroptosis. This might offer new insights for targeted intervention for organ protection in LT, or even in other major surgeries.
DC3 is a method for deconvolution and coupled clustering from bulk and single-cell genomics data
Authors: Zeng Wanwen , Chen Xi , Duren Zhana , Wang Yong , Jiang Rui , Wong Wing Hung
Published: October 2019

Characterizing and interpreting heterogeneous mixtures at the cellular level is a critical problem in genomics. Single-cell assays offer an opportunity to resolve cellular level heterogeneity, e.g., scRNA-seq enables single-cell expression profiling, and scATAC-seq identifies active regulatory elements. Furthermore, while scHi-C can measure the chromatin contacts (i.e., loops) between active regulatory elements to target genes in single cells, bulk HiChIP can measure such contacts in a higher resolution. In this work, we introduce DC3 (De-Convolution and Coupled-Clustering) as a method for the joint analysis of various bulk and single-cell data such as HiChIP, RNA-seq and ATAC-seq from the same heterogeneous cell population. DC3 can simultaneously identify distinct subpopulations, assign single cells to the subpopulations (i.e., clustering) and de-convolve the bulk data into subpopulation-specific data. The subpopulation-specific profiles of gene expression, chromatin accessibility and enhancer-promoter contact obtained by DC3 provide a comprehensive characterization of the gene regulatory system in each subpopulation.
Identification of a novel oncogenic mutation of FGFR4 in gastric cancer
Authors: Futami Takashi , Kawase Tatsuya , Mori Kenichi , Asaumi Makoto , Kihara Rumi , Shindoh Nobuaki , Kuromitsu Sadao
Published: October 2019

Gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Despite intensive investigations of treatments over the past three decades, the poor prognosis of patients with unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer has not significantly changed, and improved therapies are required. Here, we report the identification of an oncogenic mutation in FGFR4 in a human gastric tumour that leads to constitutive activation of its product, FGFR4. The G636C-FGFR4 tyrosine kinase domain mutation was found in 1 of 83 primary human gastric tumours. The G636C mutation increased FGFR4 autophosphorylation, and activated FGFR4 downstream signalling molecules and enhanced anchorage-independent cell growth when expressed in NIH/3T3 cells. 3D-structural analysis and modelling of FGFR4 suggest that G636C destabilizes an auto-inhibitory conformation and stabilizes an active conformation, leading to increased kinase activation. Ba/F3 cell lines expressing the G636C-FGFR4 mutant were significantly more sensitive to ASP5878, a selective FGFR inhibitor, than the control. Oral administration of ASP5878 significantly inhibited the growth of tumours in mice engrafted with G636C-FGFR4/3T3 cells. Together, our results demonstrate that mutationally activated FGFR4 acts as an oncoprotein. These findings support the therapeutic targeting of FGFR4 in gastric cancer.
Average trapping time on weighted directed Koch network
Authors: Wu Zikai , Gao Yu
Published: October 2019

Numerous recent studies have focused on random walks on undirected binary scale-free networks. However, random walks with a given target node on weighted directed networks remain less understood. In this paper, we first introduce directed weighted Koch networks, in which any pair of nodes is linked by two edges with opposite directions, and weights of edges are controlled by a parameter θ . Then, to evaluate the transportation efficiency of random walk, we derive an exact solution for the average trapping time (ATT), which agrees well with the corresponding numerical solution. We show that leading behaviour of ATT is function of the weight parameter θ and that the ATT can grow sub-linearly, linearly and super-linearly with varying θ . Finally, we introduce a delay parameter p to modify the transition probability of random walk, and provide a closed-form solution for ATT, which still coincides with numerical solution. We show that in the closed-form solution, the delay parameter p can change the coefficient of ATT, but cannot change the leading behavior. We also show that desired ATT or trapping efficiency can be obtained by setting appropriate weight parameter and delay parameter simultaneously. Thereby, this work advance the understanding of random walks on directed weighted scale-free networks.
Design and synthesis of a vanadate-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for sequential recognition of Cu2+ ions and biothiols
Authors: Zeng Hui-Hui , Zhou Zhi-Ying , Liu Fang , Deng Jie , Huang Shu-Yun , Li Guo-Ping , Lai Pei-Qing , Xie Yue-Ping , Xiao Wei
Published: October 2019

YVO4:Eu3+@CDs core–shell nanomaterial was synthesized through a simple self-assembly of carbon dots (CDs) with YVO4:Eu3+, since the high affinity of oxygen-containing groups such as –COOH or –OH of CDs to the metal ions on the surface of YVO4:Eu3+.
Rapid detection of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) from artificial urine samples based on IFAST and ATP bioluminescence assay: from development to practical challenges during protocol testing in Kenya
Authors: Ngamsom Bongkot , Wandera Ernest Apondi , Iles Alexander , Kimani Racheal , Muregi Francis , Gitaka Jesse , Pamme Nicole
Published: October 2019

Microfluidic IFAST/ATP bioluminescence assays were explored for potential point-of-care detection of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in urine in low-resource settings.
Naphthalimide-linked bispyridinium clefts in selective aqueous sensing of triphosphate and triphosphate-based biomolecules
Authors: Mondal Subhendu , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: October 2019

Naphthalimide-based charged chemosensors 1 and 2 selectively bind P3O105− and ATP in aqueous CH3CN over a series of anions including ADP and AMP by exhibiting marked quenching of emission. Sensor 1 shows greater sensitivity than sensor 2.
Catalyst-proximity protein chemical labelling on affinity beads targeting endogenous lectins
Authors: Tsushima Michihiko , Sato Shinichi , Niwa Tatsuya , Taguchi Hideki , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: October 2019

Catalyst-proximity labelling on affinity beads enables the identification of ligand-binding proteins such as lectins, which cannot be analyzed by conventional techniques. 1-Methyl-4-arylurazole (MAUra) efficiently labels proteins bound to the beads.
An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence biosensor for nuclear factor kappa B p50 based on the proximity hybridization-induced hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Huang Xiaocui , Zhang Ying , Xu Wen , Xu Wei , Guo Longhua , Qiu Bin , Lin Zhenyu
Published: October 2019

Nuclear factor kappa B p50 (NF-κB p50) induces various biological processes.
Surfactant-templated zeolites for the production of active pharmaceutical intermediates
Authors: Linares Noemi , Cirujano Francisco G. , De Vos Dirk E. , García-Martínez J.
Published: October 2019

A hierarchical USY zeolite has been produced using the surfactant-templating method and used as a catalyst for the production of two important active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Degradation of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) by an enzyme mimic and its application in the degradation of intracellular DEHP
Authors: Li Xia , Li Jianpeng , Zhu Junxiang , Hao Sijia , Fang Guozhen , Liu Jifeng , Wang Shuo
Published: October 2019

An enzyme mimic inspired by serine proteases was developed for the degradation of PAEs and applied in the hydrolysis of intracellular DEHP.
Bifunctional hydroxyl group over polymeric carbon nitride to achieve photocatalytic H2O2 production in ethanol aqueous solution with an apparent quantum yield of 52.8% at 420 nm
Authors: Hou Weishu , Li Yunxiang , Ouyang Shuxin , Chen Huayu , Ye Jinhua , Han Xiaopeng , Deng Yida
Published: October 2019

Hydroxyl group modified polymeric carbon nitride achieves efficient photoreduction of O2 to H2O2 and highly selective photooxidization of C2H5OH simultaneously.
High-performance and low thermal conductivity in nano-layered Cu2Se prepared by a NaCl-flux method
Authors: Liu Wenting , Shen Lanxian , Shai Xuxia , Sun Luqi , Lu Jianhua , Chen Jiali , Ge Wen , Deng Shukang
Published: October 2019

In this study, a nano-layered Cu2Se high-performance material is successfully grown using a NaCl-flux method based on the stoichiometric ratios of Cu2Se(NaCl)x (x = 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5).
Stacking interactions between ruthenium p-cymene complexes: combined crystallographic and density functional study
Authors: Malenov Dušan P. , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: October 2019

Stacking interactions between ruthenium p-cymene complexes are significantly strengthened by additional simultaneous C–H/π interactions of aromatic rings and their substituents.
ZIF-8 self-etching method for Au/polydopamine hybrid cubic microcapsules with modulated nanostructures
Authors: Fang Qunling , Sun Yuhang , Duan Jinyu , Bai Linfeng , Xu Kezhu , Xiong Qinshan , Xu Huajian , Leung Ken Cham-Fai , Hui Ailing , Xuan Shouhu
Published: October 2019

A one-step strategy combining in situ redox-oxidation polymerization and a ZIF-8 sacrifice template is reported for constructing Au/PDA cubic microcapsules.
An iron(ii) coordination polymer of a triazolyl tris-heterocycle showing a spin state conversion triggered by loss of lattice solvent
Authors: Galadzhun Iurii , Capel Berdiell Izar , Shahid Namrah , Halcrow Malcolm A.
Published: October 2019

Solvated crystals of “[FeL2][BF4]2·H2O” (L = 2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-6-(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine) contain a 1D coordination polymer [Fe(μ-L)2{Fe(OH2)2L2}][BF4]4, with κ1:κ3,μ-L coordination.
Synergy of tellurium and defects in control of activity of phosphorene for oxygen evolution and reduction reactions
Authors: Zhu Junfu , Jiang Xingxing , Yang Ye , Chen Qinjun , Xue Xiong-Xiong , Chen Keqiu , Feng Yexin
Published: October 2019

A comprehensive study of the synergy of tellurium and defects in the control of activity of phosphorene in the oxygen evolution and reduction reactions.
Probing interaction of a trilysine peptide with DNA underlying formation of guanine–lysine cross-links: insights from molecular dynamics
Authors: Chan Chen-Hui , Monari Antonio , Ravanat Jean-Luc , Dumont Elise
Published: October 2019

Molecular dynamics reveal the association between tris-lysine and guanine, and delineate a versatile mechanism towards the formation of DNA–protein cross-links.
A sample-to-answer, portable platform for rapid detection of pathogens with a smartphone interface
Authors: Ma Yu-Dong , Li Kuang-Hsien , Chen Yi-Hong , Lee Yung-Mao , Chou Shang-Ta , Lai Yue-Yuan , Huang Po-Chiun , Ma Hsi-Pin , Lee Gwo-Bin
Published: October 2019

A smartphone-controlled, automated, and portable system was developed for rapid molecular diagnosis of pathogensviathe use of a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) approach on a passive, self-driven microfluidic device.
Electrochemical paper-based devices: sensing approaches and progress toward practical applications
Authors: Noviana Eka , McCord Cynthia P. , Clark Kaylee M. , Jang Ilhoon , Henry Charles S.
Published: October 2019

Paper-based sensors offer an affordable yet powerful platform for field and point-of-care (POC) testing due to their self-pumping ability and utility for many different analytical measurements.
Polarization-dependent electric potential distribution across nanoscale ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 in functional memory capacitors
Authors: Matveyev Yury , Mikheev Vitalii , Negrov Dmitry , Zarubin Sergei , Kumar Abinash , Grimley Everett D. , LeBeau James M. , Gloskovskii Andrei , Tsymbal Evgeny Y. , Zenkevich Andrei
Published: October 2019

Using standing-waves in HAXPES technique, we reveal non-linear electrostatic potential profile across nanoscale ferroelectric (FE) HfZrO4 layer in memory capacitors for both polarization directions, implying the drift of non-FE charges at interfaces.
Repurposing poly(monothiocarbonate)s to poly(thioether)s with organic bases
Authors: Cao Xiao-Han , Zhang Cheng-Jian , Yang Jia-Liang , Hu Lan-Fang , Zhang Xing-Hong
Published: October 2019

This work reports a unique one-pot/one-step route to rapidly produce poly(thioether)s from poly(monothiocarbonate) (PMTC), a sulfur-containing polymer, using commercially available organic bases.
Propagation rate coefficient for acrylic acid polymerization in bulk and in propionic acid by the PLP–SEC method: experiment and 3D simulation
Authors: Dušička Eva , Nikitin Anatoly N. , Lacík Igor
Published: October 2019

The kp values for acrylic acid polymerization in bulk and in propionic acid are found to depend on the number of laser pulses used in PLP experiment and decrease from bulk value upon dilution with propionic acid.
MicroRNA-451 inhibits inflammation and proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells through down-regulating PSMD11 and NF-κB p65
Authors: Wei Hua , Li Jianzhou , Li Yanhua , Song Jian
Published: October 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the regulatory roles of microRNA-451 (miR-451) on the inflammation and proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) under high-glucose condition, and reveal the potential mechanisms related to 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 11 (PSMD11) and nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) signaling. The interaction between PSMD11 and miR-451 was identified by dual luciferase reporter (DLR) gene assay. GMCs were treated with 5.6 mmol/l (normal, L-GMCs) and 30 mmol/l glucose (high-glucose, H-GMCs), respectively. After transfecting with pcDNA3.1-PSMD11 and/or miR-451 mimics, the expression of miR-451, PSMD11, inhibitor of NF-κB α (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), NF-κB p65, COX-2, and cyclinD1 were detected in H-GMCs by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and/or Western blot. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, cell cycle, and viability was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and MTT assay, respectively. MiR-451 was up-regulated in H-GMCs, and negatively regulated its target PSMD11 (P<0.05). H-GMCs exhibited significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, cell viability, and p-IκBα, NF-κB, COX-2, and cyclinD1 expression than L-GMCs (P<0.05). The transfection of miR-451 mimics significantly decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, inhibited the cell viability via blocking cells in G0/G1 phase, and down-regulated p-IκBα, NF-κB p65, COX-2, and cyclinD1 in H-GMCs (P<0.05). The regulatory effects of miR-451 mimics on H-GMCs were reversed by the transfection of PSMD11 (P<0.05). The up-regulation of miR-451 inhibits the inflammation and proliferation of H-GMCs through down-regulating PSMD11 and NF-κB p65.
Has Vocabulary Intervention Had an Effect? A Valid, Reliable, and (Fairly) Quick Outcome Measure for Semantic Knowledge
Authors: Duff Dawna
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Vocabulary intervention should be guided by information from outcome measures that demonstrate whether the student has grown in depth or breadth of understanding of the taught words. However, there is a paucity of tools, to measure depth of vocabulary knowledge, that are available for clinical use.

Method

The challenges of vocabulary measurement are summarized. A procedure to assess semantic knowledge of specific words, both before and after treatment, is outlined: 5 yes/no questions that use the target word in different contexts (
Stallman et al., 1995
), and definitions, scored on a 5-point scale (
Duff, 2019
). These combined measures evaluate word knowledge along a wide continuum of semantic knowledge.

Results

Evidence for the validity and reliability of these measures, as well as sensitivity to treatment effects, is reviewed, and implementation resources are provided for clinicians.

Conclusion

This protocol can be used by clinicians to evaluate the effectiveness of vocabulary treatment by comparing a child's semantic knowledge of specific words before and after treatment.
The ALMA-PILS survey: propyne (CH3CCH) in IRAS 16293–2422
Authors: Calcutt H. , Willis E. R. , Jørgensen J. K. , Bjerkeli P. , Ligterink N. F. W. , Coutens A. , Müller H. S. P. , Garrod R. T. , Wampfler S. F. , Drozdovskaya M. N.
Published: October 2019

Context. Propyne (CH3CCH), also known as methyl acetylene, has been detected in a variety of environments, from Galactic star-forming regions to extragalactic sources. These molecules are excellent tracers of the physical conditions in star-forming regions, allowing the temperature and density conditions surrounding a forming star to be determined.

Aims. This study explores the emission of CH3CCH in the low-mass protostellar binary, IRAS 16293–2422, and examines the spatial scales traced by this molecule, as well as its formation and destruction pathways.

Methods. Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations from the Protostellar Interferometric Line Survey (PILS) were used to determine the abundances and excitation temperatures of CH3CCH towards both protostars. This data allows us to explore spatial scales from 70 to 2400 au. This data is also compared with the three-phase chemical kinetics model MAGICKAL, to explore the chemical reactions of this molecule.

Results. CH3CCH is detected towards both IRAS 16293A and IRAS 16293B, and is found the hot corino components, one around each source, in the PILS dataset. Eighteen transitions above 3σ are detected, enabling robust excitation temperatures and column densities to be determined in each source. In IRAS 16293A, an excitation temperature of 90 K and a column density of 7.8 × 1015 cm−2 best fits the spectra. In IRAS 16293B, an excitation temperature of 100 K and 6.8 × 1015 cm−2 best fits the spectra. The chemical modelling finds that in order to reproduce the observed abundances, both gas-phase and grain-surface reactions are needed. The gas-phase reactions are particularly sensitive to the temperature at which CH4 desorbs from the grains.

Conclusions. CH3CCH is a molecule whose brightness and abundance in many different regions can be utilised to provide a benchmark of molecular variation with the physical properties of star-forming regions. It is essential when making such comparisons, that the abundances are determined with a good understanding of the spatial scale of the emitting region, to ensure that accurate abundances are derived.
Statuserhebung der studentischen Lehre für das Fach Nuklearmedizin in Deutschland
Authors: Heinzel Alexander , Mottaghy Felix M. , Brenner Winfried , Marienhagen Jörg
Published: October 2019

Ziel Nuklearmedizinische molekulare Bildgebung und Therapie leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag zur modernen Medizin. Die universitären Curricula des Medizinstudiums bieten die Möglichkeit, nachhaltig Kenntnisse der Nuklearmedizin zu vermitteln. In dieser Untersuchung soll erstmalig flächendeckend der Status quo der nuklearmedizinischen Lehre an deutschen Universitätskliniken erhoben werden.

Methoden In Zusammenarbeit mit den Klinikdirektoren und/oder Lehrbeauftragten wurden mithilfe eines semistrukturierten Interviews die Themenbereiche organisatorische Rahmenbedingungen, Unterrichtsumfang, Unterrichtsmethoden, Prüfungen, Evaluationen, Zusammensetzung der Lehrenden, Interesse der Studierenden am Fach Nuklearmedizin sowie Vorschläge zur Verbesserung der nuklearmedizinischen Lehre erfasst.

Ergebnisse Alle 36 staatlichen deutschen Universitätskliniken haben an der Erhebung teilgenommen. Es werden im Median 12 Unterrichtsstunden im Pflichtanteil des Medizinstudiums gelehrt. 52 % davon ist Frontalunterricht. An 18 Standorten wird darüber hinaus im Rahmen von Wahlpflichtveranstaltungen unterrichtet. Die Prüfungen erfolgen an 35 Standorten als Multiple-Choice-Fragen. An der Lehre sind im Median 9 Personen pro Abteilung beteiligt. Das studentische Interesse an der Nuklearmedizin wird durch die Lehrenden überwiegend als hoch oder mittel bewertet.

Schlussfolgerungen Verbesserungspotenzial besteht vor allem in Anzahl und Organisation der Unterrichtsveranstaltungen, der Gestaltung der Prüfungen, der Einrichtung eines bundesweiten E-Learning-Angebots sowie Maßnahmen zur Steigerung der Motivation der Lehrenden.
Preparation of α-l-Rhamnobiosides by Open and Conventional Glycosylations for Studies of the rHPL Lectin
Authors: Demeter Fruzsina , Balogh Tímea , Fu Tse-Kai , Chang Margaret Dah-Tsyr , Lee Yuan-Chuan , Borbás Anikó , Herczeg Mihály
Published: October 2019

To study the effect of oligosaccharides on biological systems (e.g., carbohydrate–lectin interactions), chemical synthesis of the desired carbohydrate derivatives is highly desirable, but it is usually a very complicated task. Most of the stereo- and regioselective glycosylation reactions are carried out by using protected acceptors and donors. At the same time, open glycosylation (use of an unprotected acceptor) may shorten the reaction pathway, if sufficient selectivity can be achieved between the acceptor hydroxyl groups. Toward synthesis of higher oligomers and multivalent derivatives, which are often useful for lectin binding studies, open glycosylation reactions of propargyl and phenylthio rhamnosides were investigated as a rapid route to the α-(1,3)-linked rhamnobioside binding motif. The efficacy of open glycosylations proved to be highly dependent on both the type of donor and the solvent applied. Using a trichloroacetimidate donor in 1,4-dioxane, the open glycosylation reactions proceeded with high regioselectivity and in good yields. Conventional glycosylations, on the other hand, afforded the α-(1,2)- and α-(1,3)-linked rhamnobioside derivatives with slightly higher yields via three-step longer syntheses.
Neurodevelopmental Impairment at Two Years in Premature Infants with Prolonged Patency of Ductus Arteriosus after a Conservative Approach
Authors: Aldecoa-Bilbao Victoria , García-Catalán Maria-Jesús , Gaixa Marta , Clotet Caba Jordi , Teodoro Silvia , Figaró Voltà Carme
Published: October 2019

Objective The study aims to assess the impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes of a prolonged hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) after a conservative treatment.

Study Design This involves the study of two cohorts of preterm infants 23 to 29 weeks gestation, before (n = 29) and after (n = 54) a conservative approach of PDA. We compared survival, major outcomes, and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 2 years and analyzed NDI in the conservative cohort according to the duration of the PDA.

Results Conservative cohort received less medical (31.5%) and surgical treatment (7.4%) and had more days of PDA (59 days in 24–26 weeks and 22 days in 27–29 weeks; p < 0.001) in comparison with control cohort (19 days in 24–26 weeks and 11 days in 27–29 weeks; p = 0.688). Mortality, survival-without-morbidity at discharge, and NDI at 2 years were similar between the two groups (p = 0.732). In the multivariate analysis PDA >28 days was not related to worse outcomes at discharge (p = 0.296) or less survival-without-NDI at 2 years (p = 0.498).

Conclusion Until randomized trials prove the benefit of attempting to close the PDA with ibuprofen in the first week of life, conservative management may be a reasonable option.
Association of Treatment of Chorioamnionitis with Non-Beta Lactam Antibiotics and Postcesarean Infectious Morbidity
Authors: Glover Angelica V. , Battarbee Ashley N. , Heine Robert Phillips , Dotters-Katz Sarah
Published: October 2019

Objective Chorioamnionitis (CAM) is associated with postcesarean (CS) infectious morbidity (IM). Beta-lactam antibiotics (BLA) are used to treat CAM. It is uncertain if women who cannot receive BLA attain similar benefit from treatment of CAM with non-BLA.

Study Design Retrospective cohort of women with CAM is delivered by CS in the maternal-fetal medicine units CS registry. We compared IM in women who received BLA versus women who received non-BLA. The primary outcome was a composite of endometritis, wound complication, necrotizing fasciitis, septic pelvic thrombophlebitis, and pelvic abscess. Multivariable logistic regression estimated odds ratios for the association of non-BLA treatment with IM outcomes.

Results A total of 3,063 (93%) women received BLA, and 232 (7%) received non-BLA. Groups had similar rates of composite post-CS IM (10.6 vs. 12.1%, p = 0.5). After adjusting for confounders, treatment of CAM with non-BLA was not associated with post-CS IM (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6–1.7), endometritis (AOR 1.1, 95% CI 0.7–1.8), or wound complications (AOR 1.2, 95% CI 0.5–3.2).

Conclusion Women with CAM who receive non-BLA and require CS may not be at increased risk of postoperative infections complications, compared to women who receive BLA.
Mechanical versus Chemical Pleurodesis after Bullectomy for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sim Sarah Kher Ru , Nah Shireen Anne , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Ong Lin Yin , Chen Yong
Published: October 2019

Introduction Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and its high recurrence rate pose a therapeutic challenge to both patients and their managing surgeons. Mechanical or chemical pleurodesis can be used to prevent recurrence, but the optimal treatment often remains a matter of debate. This meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes between mechanical and chemical pleurodesis following bullectomy for PSP.

Materials and Methods Studies published up to 2019 were searched from Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies (OCSs) comparing outcomes between mechanical and chemical pleurodesis for PSP was performed.

Results Seven studies (one RCT and six OCSs) were included, comprising 1,032 cases of mechanical (799 abrasions, 202 pleurectomies, and 31 unspecified abrasions/pleurectomies/both), and 901 cases of chemical (643 talc, 69 minocycline, and 189 unspecified talc/kaolin) pleurodesis. The recurrence rate of pneumothorax after chemical pleurodesis (1.2%) was significantly lower than mechanical pleurodesis (4.0%) (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59–5.67; p = 0.0007; I
2 = 19%). Hospital stay was also slightly shorter in the chemical pleurodesis group (pooled mean difference [MD] = 0.42 days; 95% CI = 0.12–0.72; p = 0.005; I
2 = 0%). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications (pooled OR = 1.18; 95%CI = 0.40–3.48; p = 0.76; I
2 = 71%) and operative time (pooled MD = 3.50; 95%CI = −7.28 to 14.28; p = 0.52; I
2 = 99%) between these two groups.

Conclusion Chemical pleurodesis is superior to mechanical pleurodesis following bullectomy for PSP in reducing hospital stay and recurrence rate. However, more RCTs with longer follow-up are necessary to demonstrate the benefit of chemical pleurodesis for PSP.
Nurses' Finnegan Scoring of Newborns with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Not Affected by Time or Day of the Week
Authors: Kushnir Alla , Bleznak Jennifer L. , Saslow Judy G. , Stahl Gary
Published: October 2019

Objective Newborns exposed to drugs in utero are at risk of developing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), characterized by behavioral changes and physiologic instability. Finnegan scoring tool quantifies severity of symptoms and guides treatment. This article evaluates whether time of day and the number of shift hours affects modified Finnegan scores, and the subjective component of these scores.

Study Design Institutional review board-approved, retrospective chart review of newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care or transitional nursery from 2011 to 2014. Inclusion criteria: > 35 weeks' gestation, known maternal substance use, positive maternal or newborn urine, or meconium drug screen, NAS treatment.

Results A total of 101 charts were evaluated. Mean treatment duration was 31.8 days (standard deviation ±18.3). There was no significant relationship between observer shift hour and high scores (> 8) (p = 0.83). Highest scores occurred in the afternoon, decreased at night (p = 0.03), and throughout admission (p < 0.0001). Weekend and weekday scores were similar (p = 0.4). The objective component of the scores remained similar throughout the day (p = 0.91) and week (p = 0.52).

Conclusion Finnegan scores given by nurses were not influenced by shift hour. Time of day did not influence overall high scores or the proportion of objective to total Finnegan score. Inter-rater reliability was maintained regardless of time of day or day of the week.
Can Free Carnitine or Bilirubin in Blood Be Used in Neonatal Screening for Biliary Atresia?
Authors: Gong Zhenhua , Wu Yibo , Zheng Lulu , Chen Licai , Lv Zhibzo
Published: October 2019

Objective To investigate the efficiency of free carnitine, unconjugated bilirubin (UBIL), bilirubin monoglucuronide (BMG), and bilirubin diglucuronide (BDG) in dry blood spots (DBSs) measured using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for screening biliary atresia (BA).

Materials and Methods All the patients with BA, residing in Shanghai, were collected from four different children's hospitals in Shanghai from January 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017. UBILMS, BMG, BDG, and free carnitine were measured in the DBS samples of 48 patients with BA, 10,008 pediatric patients, and 52,862 newborns using MS/MS. Conjugated bilirubin was measured by MS/MS (CBMS) = BMG + BDG, and total bilirubin was measured by MS/MS (TBMS) = UBILMS + CBMS. Four hundred pediatric patients' direct bilirubin (DB) and total bilirubin (TB), measured by the clinical laboratory and MS/MS, were used as a control.

Results The total number of births at the registered permanent residences in Shanghai was 233,000; among them, the occurrence of BA was in 33 patients in 2 years. Therefore, the incidence of BA in Shanghai was 1:7,060. The ratio of DB/TB and CBMS/TBMS of most patients with BA was elevated gradually in the neonatal period and higher than the normal range after 1 month after birth. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of DB, DB/TB, CBMS/TBMS, CBMS, and free carnitine for predicting BA was 0.98, 0.95, 0.73, 0.57, and 0.92, respectively. Using the 95% percentile as a cutoff, the sensitivity of DB and free carnitine to predict BA was 100 and 85%, respectively, and the specificity was 52 and 85%, respectively.

Conclusion In free carnitine, DB, and CBMS/TBMS tests, blood concentrations are elevated in all infants with BA. However, they may not be elevated while they are newborns. These tests will result in high false negatives or positives. Thus, they should not be used as newborn screening tests for BA due to their lower sensitivity and specificity.
Novel Risk Score for Fetuses with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Based on Ultrasound Findings
Authors: Terui Keita , Nagata Kouji , Hayakawa Masahiro , Okuyama Hiroomi , Amari Shoichirou , Yokoi Akiko , Masumoto Kouji , Urushihara Naoto , Okazaki Tadaharu , Inamura Noboru , Toyoshima Katsuaki , Uchida Keiichi , Furukawa Taizo , Okawada Manabu , Sato Yasunori , Usui Noriaki
Published: October 2019

Introduction We aimed to establish and validate a risk score for fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) using only prenatal ultrasound findings.

Material and Methods Derivation (2011–2016, n = 350) and validation (2006–2010, n = 270) cohorts were obtained from a Japanese CDH study group database. Using a logistic regression analysis, we created a prediction model and weighted scoring system from the derivation dataset and calculated the odds ratio of an unsatisfactory prognosis (death within 90 days of life or hospitalization duration exceeding 180 days). Five adverse prognostic factors obtained using prenatal ultrasound, including an observed/expected lung area-to-head circumference ratio (o/eLHR) <25%, liver herniation occupying more than one-third of the thoracic space, thoracic stomach, right-side CDH, and severe malformations, were used as predictors. The obtained model was validated using the validation cohort.

Results The unsatisfactory prognosis prediction model was obtained based on the adjusted odds ratios. The C statistics of the model were 0.83 and 0.80 in the derivation and validation datasets, respectively. The five variables were weighted proportionally to their adjusted odds ratios for an unsatisfactory prognosis (o/eLHR <25%, 1 point; liver herniation occupying more than one-third of the thoracic space, 1 point; thoracic stomach, 1 point; right-side CDH, 2 points; and severe malformations, 3 points). Unsatisfactory prognosis rates for the low- (0–2 points), intermediate- (3–5 points), and high-risk (6–8 points) groups were 17, 46, and 100%, respectively (p < 0.001), in the validation cohort.

Conclusion Our simple risk score effectively predicted the prognosis of fetuses with CDH.
Gigantic T
c enhancement in dirty nano-sized superconductor
Authors: Umeda Masaki , Kato Masaru
Published: October 2019

Superconducting critical temperature Tc for a dirty nanosized square s-wave superconducting plate becomes five times higher than that of a pure bulk superconductor. Tc is obtained by solving the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations with the finite element method. As the dirty superconductor, we consider a superconductor with a spatially random potential for superconducting electrons. We show that the enhancement of Tc comes from cooperation of size effects and impurity effects, both of which increase the local density of the Cooper pairs.
Contact Hamiltonian systems
Authors: de León Manuel , Lainz Valcázar Manuel
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study Hamiltonian systems on contact manifolds, which is an appropriate scenario to discuss dissipative systems. We show how the dissipative dynamics can be interpreted as a Legendrian submanifold, and also prove a coisotropic reduction theorem similar to the one in symplectic mechanics; as a consequence, we get a method to reduce the dynamics of contact Hamiltonian systems.