bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PARADIGM‐HF Trial: Secondary Analyses Address Unanswered Questions
Authors: Smith Kristin R. , Hsu Chia‐Chi , Berei Theodore J. , Aldemerdash Ahmed , Hollis Ian B. , Vardeny Orly , Rodgers Jo E.
Published: December 2017

Our aim was to summarize published secondary analyses of the PARADIGM‐HF trial. In the original trial, published in September 2014, sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization compared to enalapril. This summary provides a resource for clinicians to review subsequent analyses of the landmark trial evaluating the benefit of sacubitril/valsartan in various subgroups and providing information regarding optimal use of this new therapy in the broader heart failure population. A full list of publications of the existing PARDADIGM‐HF post hoc analyses was obtained and summarized, grouped by focus (e.g., severity of illness, tolerability). Twenty‐six publications and one abstract analyzing the PARADIGM‐HF trial were reviewed, summarizing the most important results that compared the benefits of sacubitril/valsartan to enalapril, including pertinent subgroup information from each analysis. Key publications evaluated the treatment effect of sacubitril/valsartan based on heart failure severity (i.e., ejection fraction or heart failure risk scores), impact on alternate outcomes, influence of additional therapies, tolerability in patients with comorbidities (i.e., diabetes), long‐term benefits, and cost‐effectiveness. In addition, nine ongoing phase III and phase IV clinical trials with sacubitril/valsartan were briefly summarized to address potential future uses in more extensive heart failure settings. The benefit of sacubitril/valsartan over enalapril for the primary endpoint in the PARADIGM‐HF trial is maintained throughout numerous secondary analyses. Though the subgroups analyzed are based on participants from a single clinical trial, clinicians can more confidently incorporate this novel therapy into practice with expanded knowledge of these existing analyses as well as ongoing prospective trials.
An alternative method to measure the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in infants
Authors: Praca Eduardo L. L. , Tiller Christina J. , Kisling Jeffrey A. , Tepper Robert S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Lung diffusion assessed by the uptake of carbon monoxide (DLCO) and alveolar volume (VA) by inert gas dilution are readily assessed in cooperative older subjects; however, obtaining these measurements in infants has been much more difficult. Our laboratory has measured DLCO and VA in sleeping infants using a mass spectrometer, which continuously measures gas concentrations, and demonstrated that infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have lower DLCO, but no difference in VA compared to full‐term controls. The mass spectrometer is expensive and lacks portability; therefore, we evaluated whether measurement of end‐expiratory alveolar gas concentrations using a gas chromatograph would provide an alternative approach.

Methods

(1) Using our previously digitized data for infants with BPD and full‐term controls, DLCO and VA were calculated at end‐expiration rather than between 60 and 80% of expired volume, as previously reported. (2) In a new group of infants, DLCO and VA were measured using gas concentrations obtained at end‐expiration with a mass spectrometer and a gas chromatograph.

Results

(1) Using end‐expiratory concentrations, infants with BPD (n = 49) had significantly lower DLCO, but similar VA compared to healthy controls (n = 34) (DLCO: 4.2 vs 4.6 mL/min/mmHg, P = 0.047; VA: 614 vs 608 mL, P = 0.772). (2) Among newly evaluated infants (n = 28), DLCO and VA obtained with a mass spectrometer and a gas chromatograph were highly correlated (R2 = 0.94 and 0.99, respectively), and were not significantly different for the two analyzers.

Conclusion

Measuring DLCO and VA at end‐expiration using a gas chromatograph can provide an effective assessment of gas exchange in sleeping infants.
Dose‐response relationship between weight status and clinical outcomes in pediatric influenza‐related respiratory infections
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Michihata Nobuaki , Uda Kazuhiro , Morisaki Naho , Miyairi Isao , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: December 2017

Background

Associations between underweight/obesity and manifestations of influenza infection remain unclear, especially in children. This study investigated the dose‐response relationships between weight status and clinical outcomes among children hospitalized with influenza‐related respiratory infections.

Methods

We obtained hospital discharge records of inpatients aged under 18 years with diagnoses of bronchitis/pneumonia and influenza, using a Japanese national inpatient database. The patients were classified as underweight, normal‐weight, overweight, or obese groups using weight‐for‐length, weight‐for‐height, and body‐mass‐index for age following World Health Organization criteria. We compared need for intensive care, 30‐day readmission, mean total hospitalization costs, and length of hospital stay across the four groups using multivariable regression models and restricted cubic spline functions.

Results

Overall, 27 771 patients were identified, including 2637 underweight, 19 701 normal‐weight, 2675 overweight, and 2758 obese patients. The underweight group showed a significantly higher 30‐day readmission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.28‐2.18) and a longer length of stay (adjusted difference, 0.23 days; 95% confidence interval, 0.12‐0.23 days) than the normal‐weight group did. No significant differences in the need for intensive care or hospitalization costs were observed across the four weight status groups. The threshold for a statistically significant association between weight status and 30‐day readmission was a z‐score for weight‐for‐length, weight‐for‐height, or BMI for age of −0.95 (17th percentile).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated that underweight status is a risk factor for repeated hospital admissions because of influenza‐related respiratory infections in children.
Molecular dynamics simulations on interaction between bacterial proteins: Implication on pathogenic activities
Authors: Mondal Manas , Chakrabarti Jaydeb , Ghosh Mahua
Published: December 2017

We perform molecular dynamics simulation studies on interaction between bacterial proteins: an outer‐membrane protein STY3179 and a yfdX protein STY3178 of Salmonella Typhi. STY3179 has been found to be involved in bacterial adhesion and invasion. STY3178 is recently biophysically characterized. It is a soluble protein having antibiotic binding and chaperon activity capabilities. These two proteins co‐occur and are from neighboring gene in Salmonella Typhi‐occurrence of homologs of both STY3178 and STY3179 are identified in many Gram‐negative bacteria. We show using homology modeling, docking followed by molecular dynamics simulation that they can form a stable complex. STY3178 belongs to aqueous phase, while the beta barrel portion of STY3179 remains buried in DPPC bilayer with extra‐cellular loops exposed to water. To understand the molecular basis of interaction between STY3178 and STY3179, we compute the conformational thermodynamics which indicate that these two proteins interact through polar and acidic residues belonging to their interfacial region. Conformational thermodynamics results further reveal instability of certain residues in extra‐cellular loops of STY3179 upon complexation with STY3178 which is an indication for binding with host cell protein laminin.
Barrier Inhomogeneity of Ni Schottky Contacts to Bulk GaN
Authors: Greco Giuseppe , Giannazzo Filippo , Fiorenza Patrick , Di Franco Salvatore , Alberti Alessandra , Iucolano Ferdinando , Cora Ildiko , Pecz Bela , Roccaforte Fabrizio
Published: December 2017

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a promising candidate for high‐power and high‐frequency devices. To date, the lack of large area bulk GaN materials of reasonable cost and quality has limited the technology almost completely to lateral devices. However, vertical structures are attractive to obtain a higher current density and a reduced device size. In this work, the electrical behavior of a Ni/Au Schottky barrier on bulk GaN material is studied, using vertical Schottky diodes. The forward current–voltage characteristics of the diodes reveal a temperature dependence of both the ideality factor (n) and of the Schottky barrier height (ΦB). The ideal value of the barrier of 1.72 eV extrapolated at n = 1 is in agreement with the results obtained by capacitance–voltage measurements. A nanoscale electrical analysis performed by conductive atomic force microscopy (C‐AFM) allow to visualize the barrier height inhomogeneity and to correlate the current distribution to the surface morphology of the material. The barrier inhomogeneity explains the temperature behavior of ideality factor and barrier height determined by the macroscopic diodes. Preliminary structural analyses carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the metal semiconductor interface revealed a typically flat Au/Ni bilayer structure, the Ni layer being epitaxial to GaN, with some mosaicity.
Reverse Reconstruction and Bioprinting of Bacterial Cellulose‐Based Functional Total Intervertebral Disc for Therapeutic Implantation
Authors: Yang Junchuan , Wang Le , Zhang Wei , Sun Zhen , Li Ying , Yang Mingzhu , Zeng Di , Peng Baogan , Zheng Wenfu , Jiang Xingyu , Yang Guang
Published: December 2017

The degradation of intervertebral discs (IVD), a typical hierarchical structured tissue, causes serious neck and back pain. The current methods cannot fully reconstitute the unique structure and function of native IVD. In this study, by reverse reconstruction of the structure of native IVD and bioprinting bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers with a high‐throughput optimized micropattern screening microchip, a total IVD is created that contained type II collagen‐based nucleus pulposus (NP) and hierarchically organized and micropatterned BC‐based annulus fibrosus (AF), mimicking native IVD tissue. The artificial NP contains rat NP cells, whereas the AF contains concentrically arranged BC layers with aligned micropatterns and attached AF cells in +/−30° alternate directions between adjacent layers. Long‐term (3 months) implantation experiments on rats demonstrate the excellent structural (shape maintenance, hydration, tissue integration) and functional (mechanical support and flexibility) performance of the artificial IVD. This study provides a novel strategy for creating highly sophisticated artificial tissues.
Copper catalytic effect on the thermal deterioration and surface morphology performance of transformer oil–paper insulation
Authors: Hao Jian , Liao Ruijin , Yang Lijun , Gao Sihang , Liao Qiang , Gao Jun
Published: December 2017

Transformer failure caused by copper corrosion in oil–paper insulation has been attracting much attention in recent years. It is necessary to get a better understanding the effect of copper on the degradation rate and the microcosmic performance of the oil–paper insulation. In this way, targeted measures could be taken to prevent harm to the transformer. The catalytic effect of copper on the thermal aging rate and the micro‐/nano‐level morphology of oil–paper insulation aged with and without copper are compared in this paper. The dynamic behavior of copper compounds dissolved in oil and deposited on the insulation paper surface is discussed. Results show that copper plays a catalytic role in the deterioration of oil–paper insulation, and this role becomes obvious in the later stages of aging. Compared to the oil–paper insulation sample aged without copper, in the oil–paper insulation sample aged with copper the oil has higher acidity and higher ultraviolet absorption wavelength. Besides, the degree of polymerization of the paper is lower. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) results show that copper is present on the innermost paper surface. SEM and atomic force microscopy clearly show the deposition of copper compounds. Higher deterioration of the paper results in more roughness of the paper surface. The content of copper compounds dissolved in oil was found to be increasing first and then decreasing in the later process of aging. The content of copper compounds deposited on the paper increases significantly when the oil is aged for a long time. The catalytic effect of copper on the thermal aging rate and the surface morphology of oil–paper insulation should be paid more attention even for a noncorrosive oil. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rationale and Design for the J-DISCOVER Study: DISCOVERing the Treatment Reality of Type 2 Diabetes in a Real-World Setting in Japan—A Protocol
Authors: Katakami Naoto , Mita Tomoya , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Hashigami Kiyoshi , Kawashima Masaru , Shimomura Iichiro , Watada Hirotaka ,   on behalf of the J-DISCOVER study group
Published: December 2017

Introduction

It is estimated that 642 million adults worldwide will have diabetes by 2040, with 80–90% of these having type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While many new antidiabetic agents have been introduced in recent years, approximately 40% of T2DM patients still fail to achieve the recommended target HbA1c of < 7.0%. Furthermore, many patients with T2DM in Japan are treated by practitioners other than diabetes specialists; therefore, the exact treatment patterns of T2DM in Japan are difficult to quantify.

Aims

J-DISCOVER aims to address the lack of data on the management of T2DM by providing real-world data on disease management patterns and associated outcomes in a large number of Japanese T2DM patients who are initiating second-line therapy.

Design and Setting

Part of the global DISCOVER study program, J-DISCOVER will follow 2000 T2DM patients recruited from 141 sites across Japan who are aged ≥ 20 years. Recruitment began in September 2014 and follow-up will end in December 2018. The primary objective is to describe the long-term disease management patterns and clinical evolution of patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with a first-line antidiabetic therapy who initiate a second-line antidiabetic treatment. We will assess the associations between treatment patterns, including the line of antidiabetic medication used, as well as clinical and patient-reported outcomes. The primary endpoint is the mean change in HbA1c between baseline and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months in the overall population and for patients receiving each class of second-line antidiabetic treatment.

Planned Outputs

A peer-reviewed publication reporting real-world results and implications for clinical practice.

Conclusion

By enrolling and following a large number of patients with T2DM across Japan, J-DISCOVER is expected to provide important real-world clinical data for the development of future T2DM treatment guidelines.

Funding

AstraZeneca K.K. and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka Japan.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02226822.
Screening for Preeclampsia
Authors: Bhatt Reema Kumar , Sharma K. Aparna
Published: December 2017

Pre-eclampsia, still continues to be a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, inspite of being an active area of research. The importance of early prediction of pre-eclampsia lies in the fact that it allows for timely initiation of preventive therapy. A combination of biophysical and biochemical markers are superior to other tests for early prediction of the development of pre-eclampsia. With the inversion of pyramid of antenatal care, preeclampsia screening in the first trimester needs to become the standard of care. Researchers now talk of predicting preeclampsia even in the third trimester to increase surveillance.
ESTRATEGIAS HUMANAS, ESTABILIDAD Y CAMBIO EN LA FRONTERA AGRÍCOLA SUR AMERICANA
Authors: Gil Adolfo F. , Menéndez Lumila P. , Atencio Juan P. , Peralta Eva A. , Neme Gustavo A. , Ugan Andrew
Published: December 2017

El trabajo explora cuán estables fueron las estrategias humanas una vez que las poblaciones indígenas del centro-occidente argentino incorporaron cultígenos. Asimismo, evalúa si una vez incorporado el consumo de plantas domésticas, las estrategias fueron, o no, progresivamente apoyándose más sobre la producción y consumo de las mismas. El estudio compara tres sitios con restos humanos (Jaime Prats-1, Rincón del Atuel-1 y Cañada Seca-1) localizados entre sí a una distancia máxima de 40 km y en un valle considerado como el límite sur de la agricultura andina prehispánica. Estos sitios, que presentan una continuidad temporal, abarcan desde ca. 1900 (300 años posterior al registro inicial de las plantas domésticas en la región) a ca. 1400 años aP. Se comparan datos de isótopos estables (13C,15N,18O), morfometría craneal, mandibular y dental, junto a información contextual arqueológica. El sitio más antiguo, Jaime Prats-1, muestra semejanzas isotópicas y morfológicas con Cañada Seca-1, el más reciente, a pesar de no ser continuos en el tiempo. Ambos se diferencian de Rincón del Atuel-1, que temporalmente se intercala entre los dos. Los resultados señalan una mayor importancia del maíz en Rincón del Atuel-1, junto a una menor movilidad residencial, aunque en ninguno de los casos este recurso habría contribuido más del 30% a la dieta. Los sistemas humanos que ocuparon la frontera agrícola en estos primeros 500 años de uso de plantas domésticas muestran una alta variabilidad en su organización, sin cruzar umbrales que impidan retornar a sistemas de baja producción.
A “Semiofficial” Program: New Deal Politics and the Discourse of Birth Control in California, 1939–1942
Authors: O’Reilly Kelly R.
Published: December 2017

During the later years of the Great Depression, birth control advocates in the Birth Control Federation of America (BCFA) developed a program to distribute birth control among California’s migrant workers. In order to reach the migrants, these advocates reached out to the Farm Security Administration (FSA), a New Deal agency that was establishing its own programs to “rehabilitate” migrant families. Though the top levels of the FSA were wary of becoming publicly involved with the birth control movement, they lent their tacit support to the program. The resulting “semiofficial” program to bring birth control to California’s poor relied heavily on the support of local administrators and professionals. This article examines the on-the-ground operations of this project; in doing so, it challenges the traditional top-down narrative of the New Deal and explores how the forging of alliances at the local level reshaped the political landscape.
Race or Politics? Henry Cabot Lodge and the Origins of the Immigration Restriction Movement in the United States
Authors: Gratton Brian
Published: December 2017

This article addresses the origins of the immigration restriction movement in the late 19th century United States, a movement that realized its aims in the early 20th. It critiques the dominant scholarly interpretation, which holds that the movement sprang from a racism that viewed the new immigrants of this period as biologically inferior. It argues first that activists did not have at hand a biological theory sufficient to this characterization and did not employ one. It argues second that the movement arose as an adroit political response to labor market competition. The Republican Party recognized the discontent of resident workers (including those of older immigrant origin) with competition from new immigrants. The Party discerned ethnic differences among new and old immigrants and capitalized on these conditions in order to win elections. Ethnocentrism and middle-class anxiety over mass immigrant added to a movement that depended on bringing working class voters into the Party.
19th-century and early 20th-century jaundice outbreaks, the USA
Authors: TEO C. G.
Published: December 2017

Historical enquiry into diseases with morbidity or mortality predilections for particular demographic groups can permit clarification of their emergence, endemicity, and epidemicity. During community-wide outbreaks of hepatitis A in the pre-vaccine era, clinical attack rates were higher among juveniles rather than adults. In community-wide hepatitis E outbreaks, past and present, mortality rates have been most pronounced among pregnant women. Examination for these characteristic predilections in reports of jaundice outbreaks in the USA traces the emergence of hepatitis A and also of hepatitis E to the closing three decades of the 19th century. Thereafter, outbreaks of hepatitis A burgeoned, whereas those of hepatitis E abated. There were, in addition, community-wide outbreaks that bore features of neither hepatitis A nor E; they occurred before the 1870s. The American Civil War antedated that period. If hepatitis A had yet to establish endemicity, then it would not underlie the jaundice epidemic that was widespread during the war. Such an assessment may be revised, however, with the discovery of more extant outbreak reports.
Moro voicelessness dissimilation and binary[voice]
Authors: Bennett Wm. G. , Rose Sharon
Published: December 2017

This paper reports on a pattern of voicelessness dissimilation in the Kordofanian language Moro. Voiceless stops and affricates become voiced before a voiceless obstruent in a transvocalic configuration. The dissimilation is robust, and productive across morphological contexts. Phonetically, voicing in Moro is realised as a difference between prevoicing and short-lag voice onset time. This makes [voice] the most realistic featural characterisation; using another feature like [spread glottis] in lieu of [–voice] doesn't explain the contrast. Consequently, dissimilation of voicelessness in Moro is strong evidence that [voice] is a binary feature, and that […voice] may be phonologically active despite being ‘unmarked’. We show that when [–voice] is admitted, the Moro pattern is straightforwardly analysed on a par with other cases of dissimilation. Our analysis uses the theory of surface correspondence, which carries no crucial assumptions about markedness; other theories of dissimilation are considered in an online supplement.
Unexpected obstruent loss in initial obstruent–sonorant clusters: an apparent example from Basque
Authors: Blevins Juliette , Egurtzegi Ander
Published: December 2017

The apparent loss of initial obstruents in Basque borrowings from Romance (e.g.laru≪ Lat.claru) is striking. While Proto-Basque is generally reconstructed as lacking initial clusters, the expected repair in loans, based on typology, phonology and phonetics, is copy-vowel epenthesis, not obstruent loss. Indeed, there is evidence for a vowel-copy process in Basque in other loans with obstruent–sonorant clusters (e.g.gurutze≪ Lat.cruce). We suggest that initial obstruent loss before /l/ but not /r/ is related to Romance developments. In the Romance varieties in contact with Basque, /fl pl bl kl gl/ all show evidence of neutralisation to /ʎ/ word-initially. We hypothesise that obstruent loss in words like Basquelarureflects influence from local Romance languages at a time when Basque lacked /ʎ/. In contrast, vowel copy conforming to Basque syllable structure was the norm in Romance loanwords with clusters not affected by this process.
Moraic onsets in Arrernte
Authors: Topintzi Nina , Nevins Andrew
Published: December 2017

The Australian language Arrernte has been argued by Breen & Pensalfini (1999) and Evans & Levinson (2009) to present a case of VC syllabification with coda maximisation, rather than CV syllabification with onset maximisation. In this paper we demonstrate that greater insights into a number of phenomena are achieved when they are analysed with CV syllabification and onset consonants that are moraic, a possibility independently proposed for a wide range of languages by Topintzi (2010). We review a range of evidence from phonetic studies, acquisition and musicology that points towards CV syllabification in Arrernte, and analyse allomorphy, stress assignment, reduplication and the transpositional language game ‘Rabbit Talk’ in terms of reference to moraic structure. The results lend themselves to new directions in the analysis of Arrernte, and provide further evidence for moraic onsets in prosodic morphology.
The Minimum Number of Edges in Uniform Hypergraphs with Property O
Authors: DUFFUS DWIGHT , KAY BILL , RÖDL VOJTĚCH
Published: December 2017

An oriented k-uniform hypergraph (a family of ordered k-sets) has the ordering property (or Property O) if, for every linear order of the vertex set, there is some edge oriented consistently with the linear order. We find bounds on the minimum number of edges in a hypergraph with Property O.
The costs of incarceration for families of prisoners
Authors: Comfort Megan , McKay Tasseli , Landwehr Justin , Kennedy Erin , Lindquist Christine , Bir Anupa
Published: December 2017

Family members of incarcerated people are often faced with financial, social and emotional costs related to the imprisonment of their loved ones. These costs can be conceptualized as investments both in the sustenance of personal relationships and in a greater social good in the form of assisting with the reintegration of former prisoners. In this article, we draw upon data from a mixed-methods study to elucidate the costs of detention on families of prisoners. We demonstrate that financial, social and emotional costs associated with imprisonment of a family member are interrelated and often compound each other, indicating the importance of addressing them in a holistic framework.
Hearing the Suicidal Patient's Emotional Pain
Authors: Dunkley Christine , Borthwick Alan , Bartlett Ruth , Dunkley Laura , Palmer Stephen , Gleeson Stefan , Kingdon David
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Background: Escaping from emotional pain is a recognized driver in suicidal patients' desire to die. Formal scales of emotional pain are rarely used during routine contact between patients and their care team. No study has explored facilitators and inhibitors of emotional pain communication between staff and suicidal patients during regular care. Aims: To identify factors impeding or facilitating emotional pain communication between patients at risk of suicide and mental health professionals. Method: Nine patients with a history of a medically serious suicide attempt and 26 mental health (NHS) staff participated in individualized and focus group interviews, respectively. Results: A typological model was created, describing how patients either speak out or inhibit communication, and professionals may hear the communication or fail to do so. Four permutations are possible: unspoken/unheard, spoken/unheard, spoken/heard, and unspoken/heard. We found 14 subthemes of impediments and facilitators, which include misaligned, alienated and, co-bearing. Limitations: No male patients participated. Conclusion: Numerous factors influence whether emotional pain communication is responded to, missed, or ignored. Patients may try more than one way to communicate. Some patients fear that being able to speak out results in their emotional pain being taken less seriously. Knowledge of this model should improve the care of suicidal patients.
A Systematic Mapping of Suicide Bereavement and Postvention Research and a Proposed Strategic Research Agenda
Authors: Maple Myfanwy , Pearce Tania , Sanford Rebecca , Cerel Julie , Castelli Dransart Dolores Angela , Andriessen Karl
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Background: Suicide may have disruptive and/or devastating effects on family, friends, and the broader community. Of late, increased interest from suicide researchers has given rise to an upsurge in research productivity addressing suicide bereavement and postvention. At this critical juncture, the establishment of an agenda will help guide the direction of future scholarly research in this field. Aims: To conduct an exhaustive systematic mapping review and bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed suicide bereavement and postvention research published over the past 50 years. Method: A comprehensive and strategic search of electronic databases and web-based search engines for original research studies was conducted resulting in the identification of 443 articles. Results: Since 1965, the global research activities in the field of suicide bereavement and postvention is approximately 8.86 papers per year. There remains a lack of evaluation studies on the effects of interventions/programs with the majority of papers being explanatory in nature. Several areas of study within this field remain neglected. Limitations: While the search strategy was rigorous, potential limitations exist due to nonstandardized nomenclature and English language only inclusion, which inherently favors research from high-income countries. Conclusion: Suggested topics for a research agenda are proposed from the current limitations in the field.
Suicidal Behavior and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Emergency Departments Underestimated by Administrative Claims Data
Authors: Stanley Barbara , Currier Glenn W. , Chesin Megan , Chaudhury Sadia , Jager-Hyman Shari , Gafalvy Hanga , Brown Gregory K.
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Background: External causes of injury codes (E-codes) are used in administrative and claims databases for billing and often employed to estimate the number of self-injury visits to emergency departments (EDs). Aims: This study assessed the accuracy of E-codes using standardized, independently administered research assessments at the time of ED visits. Method: We recruited 254 patients at three psychiatric emergency departments in the United States between 2007 and 2011, who completed research assessments after presenting for suicide-related concerns and were classified as suicide attempters (50.4%, n = 128), nonsuicidal self-injurers (11.8%, n = 30), psychiatric controls (29.9%, n = 76), or interrupted suicide attempters (7.8%, n = 20). These classifications were compared with their E-code classifications. Results: Of the participants, 21.7% (55/254) received an E-code. In all, 36.7% of research-classified suicide attempters and 26.7% of research-classified nonsuicidal self-injurers received self-inflicted injury E-codes. Those who did not receive an E-code but should have based on the research assessments had more severe psychopathology, more Axis I diagnoses, more suicide attempts, and greater suicidal ideation. Limitations: The sample came from three large academic medical centers and these findings may not be generalizable to all EDs. Conclusion: The frequency of ED visits for self-inflicted injury is much greater than current figures indicate and should be increased threefold.
The Feasibility and Clinical Utility of Conducting a Confidential Inquiry Into Suicide in Southwestern Ontario
Authors: Eynan Rahel , Shah Ravi , Heisel Marnin J. , Eden David , Jhirad Reuven , Links Paul S.
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Background and Aims: Given the effectiveness of the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (NCI) in the UK, the present study evaluated this approach in Southwestern Ontario. A systematic confidential examination of suicides in Ontario was developed to guide quality improvement of services and suicide prevention. Method: A 3-year case series of consecutive suicides in Southwestern Ontario identified by the Office of the Chief Coroner was compiled. Clinicians who provided care to suicide decedents completed an online confidential suicide questionnaire offered through a secured portal. Results: A total of 476 suicide cases were analyzed. In all, 270 invitations to clinicians were sent, 237 (87.8%) responded to the invitation and 187 (69.3%) completed the online questionnaire. The majority of the suicide decedents (54.6%, n = 260), were between the ages of 40 and 64 (x = 47.2, SD = 17.1), White (91.4%, n = 416), single (34.2%, n = 439), and male (74.4%, n = 476). Of the 86 cases of self-poisoning, prescription medications were used in 66.3%. Almost two thirds of decedents visited the clinician in the month prior to their death. Limitations: The results of the survey were drawn from suicides in Southwestern Ontario and generalizing these findings should be done with caution. Conclusion: This study highlights (a) the value of the clinicians' survey to identify gaps in clinical services and (b) the necessity of improvements in suicide risk assessment/management and restriction of prescription medications.
Sketch Your Science: Our Guesses About Your Sketches
Authors: Wendel JoAnna , Kumar Mohi
Published: December 2017

Eos staff do their best to guess what scientists were drawing on the Sketch Your Science wall at the American Geophysical Union’s Fall Meeting in New Orleans, La.
Generation of iPSC-derived limb progenitor-like cells for stimulating phalange regeneration in the adult mouse
Authors: Chen Ying , Xu Hanqian , Lin Gufa
Published: December 2017

The capacity of digit tip regeneration observed both in rodents and humans establishes a foundation for promoting robust regeneration in mammals. However, stimulating regeneration at more proximal levels, such as the middle phalanges (P2) of the adult mouse, remains challenging. Having shown the effectiveness of transplantation of limb progenitor cells in stimulating limb regeneration in Xenopus, we are now applying the cell transplantation approach to the adult mouse. Here we report that both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived limb progenitor-like cells can promote adult mouse P2 regeneration. We have established a simple and efficient protocol for deriving limb progenitor-like cells from mouse iPSCs. iPSCs are cultured as three-dimensional fibrin bodies, followed by treatment with combinations of Fgf8, CHIR99021, Purmorphamine and SB43542 during differentiation. These iPSC-derived limb progenitor-like cells resemble embryonic limb mesenchyme cells in their expression of limb-related genes. After transplantation, the limb progenitor-like cells can promote adult mouse P2 regeneration, as embryonic limb bud cells do. Our results provide a basis for further developing progenitor cell-based approaches for improving regeneration in the adult mouse limbs.
Health status of regularly physically active persons with spinal cord injury
Authors: Vik Lene C. , Lannem Anne M. , Rak Britt Marie , Stensrud Trine
Published: December 2017

Study design

A non-controlled cross-sectional study.

Objectives

To make a descriptive examination of health status in persons with paraplegia and tetraplegia who exercise regularly according to Canadian guidelines.

Settings

Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital and the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.

Methods

Eighteen persons (men/women = 9/9), aged 41‒72 years with spinal cord injury (SCI), who exercise regularly were included. Post-injury years ranged from 4 to 48 years. Clinical examination of body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), diffusion capacity (DLCO), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), and self-reported quality of life (QOL) obtained by questionnaire was performed. Lung function results are presented as % predicted and VO2max as absolute values relative to body weight. All results are given as median and range.

Results

Persons with paraplegia (n = 13) were defined as overweight with fat mass 42% (25‒51). BMD 1.047 g cm−2 (0.885‒1.312) was within normal range. FVC 95% predicted (60‒131), FEV1 90% predicted (61‒119), DLCO 77% predicted (56‒103), and VO2max 16.66 ml kg−1 min−1 (12.15‒25.28) defined good aerobic capacity according to age controlled reference values (18). Persons with tetraplegia (n = 5) were slightly overweight with fat mass 35% (26‒47). BMD 1.122 g cm−2 (1.095‒1.299) was within normal range. FVC 72% predicted (46‒91), FEV1 75% predicted (43‒83), DLCO 67% predicted (56‒84), and VO2max 16.70 ml kg−1 min−1 (9.91‒21.01) defined excellent aerobic capacity according to reference values (18). QOL was ranked as median 7.5 (0‒10 scale).

Conclusions

Persons with SCI who exercise regularly following the Canadian guidelines responded with rather positive associations for health outcomes. Additional research is needed to strengthen our findings.
Inhibition of autophagy delays motoneuron degeneration and extends lifespan in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Piras Antonio , Schiaffino Lorenzo , Boido Marina , Valsecchi Valeria , Guglielmotto Michela , De Amicis Elena , Puyal Julien , Garcera Ana , Tamagno Elena , Soler Rosa M , Vercelli Alessandro
Published: December 2017

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a recessive autosomal neuromuscular disease, due to homozygous mutations or deletions in the telomeric survival motoneuron gene 1 (SMN1). SMA is characterized by motor impairment, muscle atrophy, and premature death following motor neuron (MN) degeneration. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of autophagy contributes to MN degeneration. We here investigated the role of autophagy in the SMNdelta7 mouse model of SMA II (intermediate form of the disease) which leads to motor impairment by postnatal day 5 (P5) and to death by P13. We first showed by immunoblots that Beclin 1 and LC3-II expression levels increased in the lumbar spinal cord of the SMA pups. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence studies confirmed that autophagic markers were enhanced in the ventral horn of SMA pups. To clarify the role of autophagy, we administered intracerebroventricularly (at P3) either an autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine, 3-MA), or an autophagy inducer (rapamycin) in SMA pups. Motor behavior was assessed daily with different tests: tail suspension, righting reflex, and hindlimb suspension tests. 3-MA significantly improved motor performance, extended the lifespan, and delayed MN death in lumbar spinal cord (10372.36 ± 2716 MNs) compared to control-group (5148.38 ± 94 MNs). Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA suppressed autophagosome formation, reduced the apoptotic activation (cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl2) and the appearance of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive neurons, underlining that apoptosis and autophagy pathways are intricately intertwined. Therefore, autophagy is likely involved in MN death in SMA II, suggesting that it might represent a promising target for delaying the progression of SMA in humans as well.
An open resource for transdiagnostic research in pediatric mental health and learning disorders
Authors: Alexander Lindsay M. , Escalera Jasmine , Ai Lei , Andreotti Charissa , Febre Karina , Mangone Alexander , Vega-Potler Natan , Langer Nicolas , Alexander Alexis , Kovacs Meagan , Litke Shannon , O'Hagan Bridget , Andersen Jennifer , Bronstein Batya , Bui Anastasia , Bushey Marijayne , Butler Henry , Castagna Victoria , Camacho Nicolas , Chan Elisha , Citera Danielle , Clucas Jon , Cohen Samantha , Dufek Sarah , Eaves Megan , Fradera Brian , Gardner Judith , Grant-Villegas Natalie , Green Gabriella , Gregory Camille , Hart Emily , Harris Shana , Horton Megan , Kahn Danielle , Kabotyanski Katherine , Karmel Bernard , Kelly Simon P. , Kleinman Kayla , Koo Bonhwang , Kramer Eliza , Lennon Elizabeth , Lord Catherine , Mantello Ginny , Margolis Amy , Merikangas Kathleen R. , Milham Judith , Minniti Giuseppe , Neuhaus Rebecca , Levine Alexandra , Osman Yael , Parra Lucas C. , Pugh Ken R. , Racanello Amy , Restrepo Anita , Saltzman Tian , Septimus Batya , Tobe Russell , Waltz Rachel , Williams Anna , Yeo Anna , Castellanos Francisco X. , Klein Arno , Paus Tomas , Leventhal Bennett L. , Craddock R. Cameron , Koplewicz Harold S. , Milham Michael P.
Published: December 2017

Technological and methodological innovations are equipping researchers with unprecedented capabilities for detecting and characterizing pathologic processes in the developing human brain. As a result, ambitions to achieve clinically useful tools to assist in the diagnosis and management of mental health and learning disorders are gaining momentum. To this end, it is critical to accrue large-scale multimodal datasets that capture a broad range of commonly encountered clinical psychopathology. The Child Mind Institute has launched the Healthy Brain Network (HBN), an ongoing initiative focused on creating and sharing a biobank of data from 10,000 New York area participants (ages 5–21). The HBN Biobank houses data about psychiatric, behavioral, cognitive, and lifestyle phenotypes, as well as multimodal brain imaging (resting and naturalistic viewing fMRI, diffusion MRI, morphometric MRI), electroencephalography, eye-tracking, voice and video recordings, genetics and actigraphy. Here, we present the rationale, design and implementation of HBN protocols. We describe the first data release (n=664) and the potential of the biobank to advance related areas (e.g., biophysical modeling, voice analysis).
Automatized image processing of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro for quantitative variable determination
Authors: Rocha José Celso , Passalia Felipe José , Matos Felipe Delestro , Takahashi Maria Beatriz , Maserati Jr Marc Peter , Alves Mayra Fernanda , de Almeida Tamie Guibu , Cardoso Bruna Lopes , Basso Andrea Cristina , Nogueira Marcelo Fábio Gouveia
Published: December 2017

There is currently no objective, real-time and non-invasive method for evaluating the quality of mammalian embryos. In this study, we processed images of in vitro produced bovine blastocysts to obtain a deeper comprehension of the embryonic morphological aspects that are related to the standard evaluation of blastocysts. Information was extracted from 482 digital images of blastocysts. The resulting imaging data were individually evaluated by three experienced embryologists who graded their quality. To avoid evaluation bias, each image was related to the modal value of the evaluations. Automated image processing produced 36 quantitative variables for each image. The images, the modal and individual quality grades, and the variables extracted could potentially be used in the development of artificial intelligence techniques (e.g., evolutionary algorithms and artificial neural networks), multivariate modelling and the study of defined structures of the whole blastocyst.
A dataset for preparing pristine graphene-palladium nanocomposites using swollen liquid crystal templates
Authors: Vats Tripti , Siril Prem Felix
Published: December 2017

Pristine graphene (G) has not received much attention as a catalyst support, presumably due to its relative inertness as compared to reduced graphene oxide (RGO). In the present work, we used swollen liquid crystals (SLCs) as nano-reactors for graphene-palladium nanocomposites synthesis. The ‘soft’ confinement of SLCs directs the growth of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles over the G sheets. In this dataset we include all the parameters and details of different techniques used for the characterization of G, SLCs and synthesized G-Pd nanocomposites. The synthesized G-palladium nanocomposites (Pd-G) exhibited improved catalytic activity compared with Pd-RGO and Pd nanoparticles, in the hydrogenation of nitrophenols and C-C coupling reactions.
Direct analysis of alkaloids in natural Cinchona bark and commercial extracts using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Ateacha Derick N. , Koch Ulrike , Engelhard Carsten
Published: December 2017

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is used for the first time to characterize Cinchona alkaloids in natural Cinchona bark and commercial Cinchona extracts.
Aromaticity switching via azulene transformations in azulene-bridged A,D-dithiahexaphyrin
Authors: Białek Michał J. , Latos-Grażyński Lechosław
Published: December 2017

Two-electron reduction of azulene-bridged hexaphyrin affords an antiaromatic macrocycle. Alternatively, the intramolecular coordination-induced transformation of azulene yielded 18π-electron carbaporphyrins.
Copper/guanidine-catalyzed asymmetric alkynylation of isatin-derived ketimines
Authors: Chen Quangang , Xie Lihua , Li Zhaojing , Tang Yu , Zhao Peng , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming , Liu Xiaohua
Published: December 2017

Asymmetric alkynylation of isatin-derived ketimines was achieved using an easily available chiral guanidine ligand in combination with CuI under mild reaction conditions.
A M18L6 metal–organic nanocapsule with open windows using mixed macrocycles
Authors: Zhang Chen , Sikligar Kanishka , Patil Rahul S. , Barnes Charles L. , Baker Gary A. , Atwood Jerry L.
Published: December 2017

Introducing defects into metal–organic nanocapsules creates two open windows.
Wheat flour-derived N-doped mesoporous carbon extrudate as superior metal-free catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Lan Guojun , Wang Yan , Qiu Yiyang , Wang Xiaolong , Liang Ji , Han Wenfeng , Tang Haodong , Liu Huazhang , Liu Jian , Li Ying
Published: December 2017

The As metal free catalysts, the wheat flour/gluten derived granular N-doped mesoporous carbons featured superior catalytic performance for acetylene hydrochlorination.
Crystal growth and optimization of Pr:CaGdAlO4 by the flux-Czochralski method
Authors: Hu Qiangqiang , Jia Zhitai , Veronesi Stefano , Zhang Jian , Sottile Alberto , Tonelli Mauro , Cavalli Enrico , Tao Xutang
Published: December 2017

This work reports on the flux-Cz growth and the thermal and spectroscopic characterization of Pr:CaGdAlO4 crystals.
Selective resonance Raman enhancement of large amplitude inter-ring vibrations of [34](1,2,4,5)cyclophane radical cation; a model of π-stacked dimer radical ions
Authors: Okajima Hajime , Shinmyozu Teruo , Sakamoto Akira
Published: December 2017

Delocalized electron resonance selectively enhances Raman scatterings of large amplitude inter-ring vibrations of a π-stacked dimer-form radical cation.
Induced chirality of cage metal complexes switched by their supramolecular and covalent binding
Authors: Kovalska Vladyslava B. , Vakarov Serhii V. , Kuperman Marina V. , Losytskyy Mykhaylo Y. , Gumienna-Kontecka Elzbieta , Voloshin Yan Z. , Varzatskii Oleg A.
Published: December 2017

An ability of the ribbed-functionalized iron(ii) clathrochelates to induce a CD output in their supramolecular interactions with a protein or covalent bonding with a low-molecular-weight chiral inductor, was discovered.
Isomeric and hybrid ferrocenyl/cyrhetrenyl aldimines: a new family of multifunctional compounds
Authors: Oyarzo Juan , Acuña Alejandra , Klahn Hugo , Arancibia Rodrigo , Silva Carlos P. , Bosque Ramón , López Concepción , Font-Bardía Mercè , Calvis Carme , Messeguer Ramón
Published: December 2017

Comparative experimental and theoretical studies of the properties and biological activities of the new aldimines1and2are reported.
A simple halide and silver-free synthesis of Echavarren's catalyst directly from gold powder
Authors: Albayer Mohammad , Corbo Robert , Hill Anthony F. , Dutton Jason L.
Published: December 2017

A simple synthesis of Echavarren's catalyst via oxidation of gold powder with [NO][BF4] in acetonitrile followed by addition of Johnphos is presented.
Assessing the interactions of metal nanoparticles in soil and sediment matrices – a quantitative analytical multi-technique approach
Authors: El Hadri Hind , Louie Stacey M. , Hackley Vincent A.
Published: December 2017

Fate and behavior of engineered nanomaterials entering the environment are highly influenced by their interactions with natural particles.
Preferred domain orientation in block copolymer fibers after solvent annealing
Authors: Zhou Zhengping , Cao Ke , Chen Xi , Nguyen Mai , Talley Samantha J. , Moore Robert B. , Martin Stephen , Liu Guoliang
Published: December 2017

Via solvent annealing, PMMA-b-PS nanofibers form long-range ordered nanostructures with a preferred domain orientation that is perpendicular to the fiber axis. Solvent annealing represents a powerful new strategy for controlling the block copolymer nanostructures in fibers.
PLUS-M: a Porous Liquid-metal enabled Ubiquitous Soft Material
Authors: Wang Hongzhang , Yuan Bo , Liang Shuting , Guo Rui , Rao Wei , Wang Xuelin , Chang Hao , Ding Yujie , Liu Jing , Wang Lei
Published: December 2017

Liquid metal transforms into a porous structure and floats on the water surface with heating.