bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional hexagonal boron–carbon–nitrogen atomic layers
Authors: Cheng Likun , Meng Junhua , Pan Xiaojun , Lu Yong , Zhang Xingwang , Gao Menglei , Yin Zhigang , Wang Denggui , Wang Ye , You Jingbi , Zhang Jicai , Xie Erqing
Published: April 2019

Two-dimensional homogeneous h-BCN atomic layers with a full range of compositions were synthesized by ion beam sputtering deposition.
G-quadruplex-based antiviral hydrogels by direct gelation of clinical drugs
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Wang Hui , Hu Qianyu , Cheng Yiyun
Published: April 2019

Antiviral hydrogels were developed via direct gelation of clinical antiviral drugs; they are injectable, stable, temperature responsive and biocompatible.
Preparation of α-Fe2O3/rGO composites toward supercapacitor applications
Authors: Chen Ling , Liu Debao , Yang Ping
Published: April 2019

Preparation of α-Fe2O3/rGO composites for supercapacitor application using in situ synthesis and a mechanical agitation method.
Synthesis of poly-functionalized benzofuransviaone-pot domino oxidation/[3+2] cyclization reactions of a hydroquinone ester and ynamides
Authors: Zhang Dongxin , Man Jingjing , Chen Yan , Yin Lei , Zhong Junchao , Zhang Qian-Feng
Published: April 2019

Efficient method for the construction of poly-functionalized benzofurans has been developedviaone-pot domino oxidation/[3+2] cyclization reactions.
Catalysis in medicinal chemistry
Authors: Dreher Spencer D.
Published: April 2019

The advent of transition-metal catalysis (and likewise, bio-catalysis, photoredox-catalysis and organo-catalysis, etc.) promises to greatly increase access to diverse chemical matter in medicinal chemistry, but new catalytic reactions often fail to deliver product in applied synthesis.
Origin of the overall water splitting activity of Ta3N5 revealed by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Murthy Dharmapura H. K. , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Wang Zheng , Suzuki Yohichi , Hisatomi Takashi , Seki Kazuhiko , Inoue Yasunobu , Domen Kazunari , Furube Akihiro
Published: April 2019

A detailed transient absorption spectroscopy study efficiently correlates charge carrier dynamics with the overall water splitting efficiency in Ta3N5 photocatalyst.
Solid-solution alloy nanoparticles of a combination of immiscible Au and Ru with a large gap of reduction potential and their enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance
Authors: Zhang Quan , Kusada Kohei , Wu Dongshuang , Ogiwara Naoki , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Toriyama Takaaki , Matsumura Syo , Kawaguchi Shogo , Kubota Yoshiki , Honma Tetsuo , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

AuxRu1−x with whole compositions were synthesized and showed an enhanced catalytic performance for OER.
Renewing accessible heptazine chemistry: 2,5,8-tris(3,5-diethyl-pyrazolyl)-heptazine, a new highly soluble heptazine derivative with exchangeable groups, and examples of newly derived heptazines and their physical chemistry
Authors: Galmiche Laurent , Allain Clémence , Le Tuan , Guillot Régis , Audebert Pierre
Published: April 2019

We have prepared 2,5,8-tris(3,5-diethyl-pyrazolyl)-heptazine, the first highly soluble heptazine derivative possessing easily exchangeable leaving groups.
In situ study of the competitive adsorption of ions at an organic-aqueous two-phase interface: the essential role of the Hofmeister effect
Authors: Sun Pan , Huang Kun , Liu Huizhou
Published: April 2019

Understanding of the microcosmic essence of the competitive adsorption of different ions at liquid/liquid interfaces is of crucial importance for the elucidation of the unique chemical reactivities or selectivities of ions in numerous heterogeneous chemical processes.
Cholesterol-induced physicochemical changes in dodecylamine-based metallosomes: drug entrapping ability and interactions with biological molecules
Authors: Kaur Baljinder , Chaudhary Ganga Ram , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: April 2019

Multivesicular metallosomes have been synthesized from metal functionalized amphiphiles. They have been thoroughly characterized and explored for their entrapment efficiency towards drug and other biomolecules.
Improvement of the hole mobility of SnO epitaxial films grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Minohara Makoto , Kikuchi Naoto , Yoshida Yoshiyuki , Kumigashira Hiroshi , Aiura Yoshihiro
Published: April 2019

Stannous oxide, SnO, is a promising material for practical applications as a p-type transparent oxide semiconductor. The hole mobility of SnO epitaxial films grown by pulsed laser deposition can be improved by reducing the growth temperature.
Emodin inhibits zinc-induced neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Liu Wenzhou , Fan Zhen , Gao Feng , Ou Li , Li Min , Zhou Xin , Luo Wenjia , Wei Peifeng , Miao Feng
Published: April 2019

Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative with numerous beneficial effects, including antioxidant properties, anti-tumor activities, and protecting the nerves. Zinc-induced neurotoxicity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, the protective activity of emodin inhibiting zinc-induced neurotoxicity and its molecular mechanisms such as cellular Zn2+ influx and zinc-induced gene expression were examined using human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y cells). Our findings showed that emodin obviously enhanced cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis and lactate dehydrogenase release. Bedsides, we detected a decrease of intracellular Zn2+ concentration after SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with emodin. Simultaneously, the expression of zinc transporter-1, metallothionein-1, and metallothionein-2 were weakened in emodin-pretreated SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, emodin prevented the depletion of NAD+ and ATP induced by zinc. Emodin also reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum-stress levels. Strikingly, emodin elevated SH-SY5Y cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis caused by AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway activation. Thus, emodin could protect against neurotoxicity induced by Zn2+ in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. It is expected to have future therapeutic potential for VD or PD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Function of different proportions of apolipoprotein A-I cysteine mutants and apolipoprotein A-V on recombinant high-density lipoproteins in vitro
Authors: Yan Ying , Lu Shulai , Jia Shaoyou , Dong Qingzhe , Wang Lei , Wang Yunlong
Published: April 2019

To explore the anti-atherosclerotic effects of recombinant high-density lipoproteins (rHDL) of apolipoprotein AI wild-type (apoA-Iwt), apolipoprotein AI Milano (apoA-IM), apolipoprotein AI (N74C) (apoA-I (N74C) )and apolipoprotein AV (apoA-V). We constructed rHDL liposomes (rHDLs), which included apoA-Iwt, apoA-IM, and apoA-I (N74C), followed by the synthesis of rHDLs, with the indicated ratios of apoA-Iwt, apoA-IM, apoA-I (N74C) and apoA-V. We investigated the anti-atherosclerotic effects by experiments including the DMPC clearance assay and experiments that assessed the in vitro antioxidation against low-density lipoprotein, the cellular uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and the in vitro intracellular lipid accumulation. Electron microscopy results revealed that as more apoA-V was present in rHDLs, the particle size of rHDLs was larger. The DMPC clearance assay subsequently showed that rHDL protein mixtures could promote DMPC turbidity clearance when more apoA-V was included in the reaction mixtures, with apoAV-rHDL showing the strongest turbidity clearance ability (P<0.05 vs AI-rHDL). In vitro antioxidation against low-density lipoprotein assays indicated that rHDLs containing apoA-V had increasing oxidation resistance against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) with higher apoA-V contents. Finally, cellular uptake of oxLDL and intracellular lipids suggested an apparent oxidation resistance to LDL oxidation in vitro and a reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in THP-1-derived macrophages, with AIM-rHDL demonstrating the greatest ability to decrease intracellular lipid accumulation. Different proportions of apolipoprotein A-I cysteine mutants and apolipoprotein A-V of rHDL changed the lipid binding capacity, particle size, and antioxidant capacity. These changes may show a beneficial effect of rHDL on atherosclerosis.
Differentially expressed circulating miRNAs in postmenopausal osteoporosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pala Elif , Denkçeken Tuba
Published: April 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proven to play a crucial role in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), and studies on their diagnostic value have been increasing. In our study, we aim to identify the key miRNAs in the PMO that might be potential biomarkers. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. In the total of 16 independent miRNA expression studies which contained 327 PMO patients and 328 postmenopausal (PM) healthy control samples, miRNAs were evaluated by using robust rank aggregation (RRA) method. A statistically significant meta-signature of up-regulated hsa-miR-133a-3p (P = 1.38e−03) was determined. Then bioinformatics analysis to recruit putative target genes prediction of hsa-miR-133a-3p and pathway enrichment analysis to reveal what biological processes this miRNA may affect were conducted. It was indicated that pathways were commonly associated with adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, adherens junction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and AMPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, STRING and Cytoscape tools were used to visualize the interactions between target genes of hsa-miR-133a-3p. Six genes were detected as hub genes among 576 targets which were CDC42, RHOA, EGFR, VAMP2, PIK3R2 and FN1. After Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, it was detected that these hub genes were mostly enriched in signaling pathways and cancer. In this meta-analysis, it is stated that circulating hsa-miR-133a-3p may serve as a potential non-invasive biomarker and therapeutic target in PMO.
Health Care Utilization and Mental Health Diagnoses Among Veterans With Tinnitus
Authors: Carlson Kathleen F. , Gilbert Tess A. , O'Neil Maya E. , Zaugg Tara L. , Manning Candice A. , Kaelin Christine , Thielman Emily J. , Reavis Kelly M. , Henry James A.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Tinnitus is prevalent among military Veterans and may frequently co-occur with mental health disorders. This study examined health care utilization and mental health diagnoses among Veterans with and without tinnitus who receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.

Method

We randomly sampled 10% of VA health care users for a 5-year period between 2011 and 2016. Tinnitus and other diagnoses were identified using
International Classification of Diseases
diagnosis codes; Veterans assigned 1 or more inpatient codes or 2 or more outpatient codes were considered to have the respective diagnosis. We examined demographics, military service, clinical characteristics, and health care utilization of Veterans with and without tinnitus diagnoses. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate associations between tinnitus and mental health diagnoses of interest.

Results

Among 617,534 eligible Veterans, 3.8% met criteria for tinnitus diagnosis. Prevalence of tinnitus was associated with sex, age, race, marital status, and VA service connection status; additionally, hearing loss and traumatic brain injury were frequently codiagnosed with tinnitus. Veterans with tinnitus had higher annual health care utilization than those without. While controlling for potential confounders, tinnitus diagnoses were associated with mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that Veterans who are diagnosed with tinnitus have more health care utilization and are more frequently diagnosed with mental health disorders than Veterans who are not diagnosed with tinnitus. This suggests a need for coordinated tinnitus and mental health care services for Veterans in the VA system of care.
Replicability of Neural and Behavioral Measures of Tinnitus Handicap in Civilian and Military Populations: Preliminary Results
Authors: Husain Fatima T. , Schmidt Sara A. , Tai Yihsin , Granato Elsa C. , Ramos Pedro , Sherman Paul , Esquivel Carlos
Published: April 2019

Purpose

In the past decade, resting-state functional connectivity, acquired using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), has emerged as a popular measure of tinnitus, especially as related to self-reported handicap or psychological reaction. The goal of this study was to assess replicability of neural correlates of tinnitus, namely, resting-state functional connectivity, in the same individuals acquired over 2 sessions.

Method

Data were collected at 2 different sites (University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and Joint Base San Antonio Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center) using similar 3T magnets and similar data acquisition paradigms. Thirty-six patients (all civilians) were scanned using resting-state fMRI at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. Ten patients, active-duty Service members and Veterans, were scanned at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and the Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence. Each participant was scanned twice, a week apart, using identical protocols of 10 min resting-state fMRI.

Results

Tinnitus handicap scores using the Tinnitus Functional Index and the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire ranged between no or mild handicap to moderately severe handicap but did not significantly differ between visits. We examined the default mode, dorsal attention, and auditory resting-state networks and found that the strength of the within-network functional connections across visit was similar for the attention and default mode networks but not for the auditory network. In addition, the functional connection between the attention network and precuneus, a region of the default mode network, was also replicable across visits.

Conclusions

Our results show that resting-state fMRI measures are replicable and reliable in patients with a subjective condition, although some networks and functional connections may be more stable than others. This paves the way for using resting-state fMRI to measure the efficacy of tinnitus interventions and as a tool to help propose better management options.
Magnetic field analysis and optimisation of permanent magnet machineswith novel two‐segment Halbach array
Authors: Ni Youyuan , Liu Yuebin , Wang Qunjing
Published: April 2019

An analytical technique for predicting and optimising the open‐circuit magneticfield in brushless surface‐mounted permanent magnet (PM) machines with noveltwo‐segment Halbach array has been presented. For the maximum fundamentalair‐gap flux density, the optimal magnetisation angle has been analyticallyderived. The effect of the rotor core on the fundamental air‐gap flux density inthe machine has been investigated. In addition, the proposed analyticaltechnique can also predict the induced back‐electromotive force and theelectromagnetic torque. The analytical results show that the electromagneticperformance can be significantly improved for the proposed two‐segment Halbacharray compared with the conventional two‐segment Halbach array. Predictedresults have been validated by the finite‐element analyses for 9‐slot/8‐poleslotless/slotted brushless PM machines.
New hybrid multiverse optimisation approach for optimal accommodation of DGs in power distribution networks
Authors: Babu B Kiran , Maheswarapu Sydulu
Published: April 2019

This work presents a new hybrid multiverse optimisation (HMVO) methodology to solve the optimal accommodation of distributed generations (OADGs) problem in power distribution networks. The HMVO method is formulated by incorporating the space transformation search (STS) technique, and piecewise linear chaotic map‐based optimisation method. STS avoids the prior convergence and increases the possibility to find the solutions near the optimal global point. In contrast, the chaotic optimiser is extremely good at ergodicity and stochasticity, used around the transition of the exploration–exploitation phase. The objective functions to be optimised are as follows: minimisation of electrical energy losses, minimisation of overall node voltage deviation, maximisation of overall voltage stability margin, and minimisation of energy not served. Analytical hierarchy process method is employed to optimise the objective function weights, as the optimisation problem is solved by weighted sum method. The proposed methodology is demonstrated on radial power distribution networks of IEEE 33‐bus and INDIAN 85‐bus. The effectiveness of the proposed HMVO method is validated by comparing the results with studied algorithms and algorithms presented in the literature and found to be promising. Further, the OADG problem under uncertain environment is also investigated for long‐term planning using self‐adaptive polyhedral deterministic set.
On Sheffer polynomial families
Authors: Pinelas Sandra , Ricci Paolo Emilio
Published: April 2019

Attention is focused to particular families of Sheffer polynomials which are different from the classical ones because they satisfy non-standard differential equations, including some of fractional type. In particular Sheffer polynomial families are considered whose characteristic elements are based on powers or exponential functions.
Neue Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der Theranostik
Authors: Weber Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

Diese Übersichtsarbeit stellt neue Radiopharmaka für die Tumordiagnostik und -therapie vor, die erfolgversprechende präklinische Ergebnisse gezeigt haben und aktuell in klinischen Studien untersucht werden. Dazu gehören mehrere radioaktiv markierte Antikörper wie 131I-Omburtamab, ein gegen das B7-H3-Protein gerichteter Antikörper, der zur Therapie von Neuroblastomen eingesetzt wird; HuMab-5B1, ein 89Zr/177Lu markierter Antikörper zur Therapie von CA19-9 exprimierenden Tumoren und 177Lu-Lilotomab, ein Antikörper gegen das Oberflächenantigen CD37 für die Therapie von B-Zell-Lymphomen. Weitere Beispiele sind der Neurotensin Rezeptor Ligand 111In/177Lu-3B-227 für die Diagnostik und Therapie von verschiedenen Tumorerkrankungen, insbesondere Adenokarzinomen des Pankreas und der Phospholipidether 131I/124I-CLR1404, der wahrscheinlich aufgrund einer veränderten Membranstruktur in verschiedenen Tumorzelltypen angereichert wird. Neben diesen, von Tumorzellen exprimierten Zielstrukturen wird auch das Fibroblasten Aktivierungs Protein (FAP), das im Tumorstroma gebildet wird, als Zielstruktur für die Bildgebung und Therapie eingesetzt (68Ga/90Y-FAPI-04). Diese neuen Radiopharmaka haben das Potenzial für die Therapie einer ganzen Reihe von Tumorerkrankungen und ihre Effektivität sollte in systematischen Studien untersucht werden.
Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Level in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Maleki-Hajiagha Arezoo , Razavi Maryam , Rezaeinejad Mahroo , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Mehri Ahmad , Vesali Samira , Allameh Zahra
Published: April 2019

We undertook a comprehensive search of all published original articles evaluating the diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for the detection of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Finally, 25 studies with a total of 1865 participants (1104 cases and 761 controls) met the inclusion criteria. Mean serum PSA levels were significantly higher in PCOS women compared to healthy women [Standardized mean difference (SMD)=1.73 ng/ml, 95% CI=1.22 to 2.25, p<0.001]. Only 5 studies reported accuracy indicators and were included in the bivariate random-effects model; with a total of 509 samples that included 332 (65.22%) confirmed PCOS women. The sensitivity of serum PSA for the diagnosis of PCOS varied between 66.3 and 90.6%, and, the specificity ranged from 62.5–86.7%. Meta-analysis revealed a pooled sensitivity of 72.3% (95% CI 67.1–77.00%) and specificity of 74.6% (95% CI 67.5–80.8%) with an area under the summary ROC curve equal to 0.82 (95% CI 0.75–0.83). The summary estimates were 2.92 (95% CI 1.98–4.31) for positive LR and 0.37 (95% CI 0.26–0.51) for negative LR. The pooled estimate of diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of serum PSA was 9.01 (95% CI 4.35–18.64). Considering the methodological weaknesses existed in studies, lack of sufficient data regarding the accuracy indicators, and the complexity of the exact pathophysiology of PSA secretion in women, the precise position of PSA, as a diagnostic test for the detection of PCOS, in clinical practice is undetermined, and further studies are still needed.
Characterization of a Novel POU1F1 Mutation Identified on Screening 160 Growth Hormone Deficiency Patients
Authors: Birla Shweta , Vijayakumar P , Sehgal Shilpi , Bhatnagar Shinjini , Pallavi Kshetrapal , Sharma Arundhati
Published: April 2019

The objective of the study is the functional characterization of a novel POU1F1 c.605delC mutation in combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) and to report the clinical and genetic details of 160 growth hormone deficiency patients. Screening of GH1, GHRHR, POU1F1, PROP1, and HESX1 genes by Sanger sequencing was carried out in 160 trios and 100 controls followed by characterization of the POU1F1 c.605delC mutation by expression studies including site directed mutagenesis, co-transfection, protein degradation, and luciferase assays to compare the wild type and mutant POU1F1. In vitro studies showed that the POU1F1 c.605delC mutation codes for a truncated protein with reduced transactivation capacity on its downstream effectors, viz., growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) causing severe CPHD. Experiments using different protease inhibitors reveal rescue of the protein upon blockage of the lysosomal pathway that might be useful in novel drug designing using targeted approach thereby maintaining the milieu and preventing/delaying the disease. The study provides an insight into the disease causing mechanism of POU1F1 c.605delC mutation identified in a CPHD child with severe short stature and failure to thrive. It also shows mutation effect on the expression, function and turnover of protein and highlights mechanistic details by which these potent regulators may operate.
Role of Artificial Intelligence within the Telehealth Domain
Authors: Kuziemsky Craig , Maeder Anthony J. , John Oommen , Gogia Shashi B. , Basu Arindam , Meher Sushil , Ito Marcia
Published: April 2019

Objectives: This paper provides a discussion about the potential scope of applicability of Artificial Intelligence methods within the telehealth domain. These methods are focussed on clinical needs and provide some insight to current directions, based on reports of recent advances.

Methods: Examples of telehealth innovations involving Artificial Intelligence to support or supplement remote health care delivery were identified from recent literature by the authors, on the basis of expert knowledge. Observations from the examples were synthesized to yield an overview of contemporary directions for the perceived role of Artificial Intelligence in telehealth.

Results: Two major focus areas for related contemporary directions were established. These were first, quality improvement for existing clinical practice and service delivery, and second, the development and support of new models of care. Case studies from each focus area have been chosen for illustration purposes.

Conclusion: Examples of the role of Artificial Intelligence in delivery of health care remotely include use of tele-assessment, tele-diagnosis, tele-interactions, and tele-monitoring. Further developments of underlying algorithms and validation of methods will be required for wider adoption. Certain key social and ethical considerations also need consideration more generally in the health system, as Artificial-Intelligence-enabled-telehealth becomes more commonplace.
An Open Science Approach to Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Authors: Paton Chris , Kobayashi Shinji
Published: April 2019

Objectives: Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers significant potential for improving healthcare. This paper discusses how an “open science” approach to AI tool development, data sharing, education, and research can support the clinical adoption of AI systems.

Method: In response to the call for participation for the 2019 International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Yearbook theme issue on AI in healthcare, the IMIA Open Source Working Group conducted a rapid review of recent literature relating to open science and AI in healthcare and discussed how an open science approach could help overcome concerns about the adoption of new AI technology in healthcare settings.

Results: The recent literature reveals that open science approaches to AI system development are well established. The ecosystem of software development, data sharing, education, and research in the AI community has, in general, adopted an open science ethos that has driven much of the recent innovation and adoption of new AI techniques. However, within the healthcare domain, adoption may be inhibited by the use of “black-box” AI systems, where only the inputs and outputs of those systems are understood, and clinical effectiveness and implementation studies are missing.

Conclusions: As AI-based data analysis and clinical decision support systems begin to be implemented in healthcare systems around the world, further openness of clinical effectiveness and mechanisms of action may be required by safety-conscious healthcare policy-makers to ensure they are clinically effective in real world use.
Social Network Structure in Young Stroke Survivors with Aphasia: A Case Series Report
Authors: Ellis Charles , Phillips Rhiannon , Hill Tina , Briley Patrick M.
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to profile the social networks of young adult stroke survivors with aphasia. A case series approach using four persons with aphasia (PWA) younger than 50 years was utilized. Semistructured interviews were completed with the PWA and their primary caregiver/family to explore the most salient relationships in the PWA's social network. PWAs in this study exhibited very small social networks with the most salient relationships consisting of immediate family members. Mothers were the primary caregiver for the two most impaired PWA. Prestroke friendships were dissolved or reduced at the onset of aphasia. The most impaired PWAs spent most of their days in isolation without a consistent communication partner. This study suggests young adult stroke survivors with aphasia have significant changes in their social network structure after stroke, but it is unclear if the observed change in social network structure is more related to age or level of communication impairment.
One-to-one mapping between stimulus and neural state: Memory and classification
Authors: Lan Sizhong
Published: April 2019

Synaptic strength can be seen as probability to propagate impulse, and according to synaptic plasticity, function could exist from propagation activity to synaptic strength. If the function satisfies constraints such as continuity and monotonicity, the neural network under external stimulus will always go to fixed point, and there could be one-to-one mapping between the external stimulus and the synaptic strength at fixed point. In other words, neural network “memorizes” external stimulus in its synapses. A biological classifier is proposed to utilize this mapping.
The Trinity Lancaster Corpus
Authors: Gablasova Dana , Brezina Vaclav , McEnery Tony
Published: April 2019

Corpora and corpus techniques have long been an important source of knowledge about language; they have also been increasingly used for language teaching purposes. This chapter discusses the role of spoken learner corpora in language pedagogy and in development of language teaching materials. In particular, it focuses on the Trinity Lancaster Corpus (TLC) and its pedagogical applications. With over four million words, the TLC is one of the largest corpora of L2 spoken English, representing language from L2 English speakers engaged in different speaking tasks. The chapter uses data from the TLC to illustrate the use of corpus findings in teaching pragmatics in spoken language use, focusing on three case studies: expression of disagreement, ability to adjust language choice according to linguistic setting, and engaged listenership.
Comparing errors across an L2 spoken and written error-tagged Japanese EFL learner corpus
Authors: Abe Mariko
Published: April 2019

The present study compared the spoken and written production of Japanese EFL learners prompted by the same picture description task. It focused on how production modes affect the accuracy and error rates of learner language across proficiency levels, by analysing linguistic features related to grammar and lexical choice. The results showed that linguistic features other than third-person singular -s showed significant differences between the modes. Third-person singular -s may be problematic for Japanese EFL learners as participants’ accuracy rates did not improve in the less time-pressured written production mode. Nevertheless, third-person singular -s was the only linguistic feature that could distinguish between intermediate-low and intermediate-mid levels of spoken production.
Development of hybrid life cycle inventories (HLCI) database for embodied energy and carbon intensities of Malaysian construction materials
Authors: Mohd Sabki Wan Omar Wan
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the completeness of process, input-output (I-O) and hybrid life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis and their applicability as applied to the Malaysian construction materials. The process, I-O, and hybrid analysis were evaluated at the basic materials and products level to identify the gaps between models and further incorporated into the material and product inputs of a selected building. It was found that the largest differences in embodied energy (EE) and embodied carbon (EC) intensities of the materials and products between I-O and hybrid analysis accounted for up to 65.90% and 62.08%, respectively. Further analysis of the EE and EC intensities of the building revealed that the hybrid analysis were significantly higher than I-O analysis estimated to be 44.39% and 43.57% respectively. On average, the EE and EC intensity values using I-O analysis were lower than hybrid analysis due to inherent limitations in this model. Although using I-O data was considered not representative due to inherent limitation, it was considered applicable for energy analysis due to lack of process data in Malaysian building industry.
Methodism: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Abraham William J.
Published: April 2019

Methodism: A Very Short Introduction traces Methodism from its origins in the work of John Wesley and the hymns of his brother, Charles Wesley, in the 18th century, right up to the present, where it is one of the most vibrant forms of Christianity. Considering the identity, nature, and history of Methodism, it provides a fresh account of the place of Methodism in the life and thought of the Christian Church. Describing the message of Methodism, and who the Methodists are, it also considers the practices of Methodism and discusses its global impact and its decline in the homelands. Finally, looking forward, this VSI considers the future prospects for Methodism.
The people called Methodists
Authors: Abraham William J.
Published: April 2019

The initial agenda of Methodism as a renewal movement in the Church of England was ‘to reform England, especially the church, and to spread scriptural holiness throughout the land’. Like most renewal movements in the history of Christianity, it did not succeed. Instead it morphed into a network of Methodist denominations across the world. ‘The people called Methodists’ outlines John Wesley’s new version of Christianity and its separation from the mother church. It describes the search for succession, the process of ordination, and the core elements of Methodism. Methodists insist on the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist, and on orderly ordination for their clergy. But beyond that there is flexibility, innovation, and adaptability.
2. Ancient worlds
Authors: Jack Belinda
Published: April 2019

A great deal is known about reading in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, but it is important to remember that a good deal of what we think of as Greek and Roman literature was heard and not read. The Greek and Roman Empires included readers, but it was orality that remained the prized preserves of intellectuals. Writing and reading were often seen as both socially and politically disruptive. ‘Ancient worlds’ considers how slowly, but surely, reading aloud in a group gave way to solitary, silent reading. It also explains how it was Roman society that promoted reading and writing among more than a small bureaucratic and priestly elite.
3. Reading manuscripts, reading print
Authors: Jack Belinda
Published: April 2019

For roughly a millennium, from 500 to 1500, manuscript culture was the culture of writing and reading. The medium was parchment, the readers were mostly clerics and aristocrats, the language was Latin, and reading was intimately bound up with religion. However, from the 12th century on, increasing numbers of lay people, including women, became book owners and commissioners of books. ‘Reading manuscripts, reading print’ describes how the world of reading changed dramatically with an increase in books written in the vernacular languages, but the invention of the printing press—and the increase in reading that came with it—was key to economic growth in the 15th and 16th centuries.
3. Global America
Authors: Preston Andrew
Published: April 2019

By the end of the nineteenth century, the United States had become the world’s preeminent economic power. Yet for such a large and wealthy country, by 1890 the United States was in a curious position: it was an economic colossus, but a diplomatic and military dwarf. In comparison to the great powers of Europe or Japan, America was a minor actor on the world stage. That would all soon change. ‘Global America’ explores two phenomena—globalization and world war—that brought America deeper into world affairs. By the end of the period, in 1919, the United States had become one of the greatest powers of the world—and yet refused to play its part.
5. Superpower
Authors: Preston Andrew
Published: April 2019

The modern era was the American century, but it was also very much the communist century. Between them, the United States and the Soviet Union held the fate of the world in their hands. If there was to be a just and durable peace after 1945, an understanding between Washington and Moscow would have to be its foundation. Instead, in a conflict quickly dubbed “the Cold War,” the world suffered through four decades of existential tension between the Soviets and the Americans. ‘Superpower’ explains why the Soviets and Americans moved from cooperating in a world war to resisting each other in the Cold War, before exploring the events and ending of the Cold War in the 1980s.
Introduction
Authors: Preston Andrew
Published: April 2019

This introduction outlines some of the main topics in the history of American foreign relations. It explains the importance of seven key themes—moral values; a belief in expansion and progress; racial and religious norms; the centrality of war; the influence of geography; the myth of “isolationism”; and domestic politics—in how Americans have interacted with the rest of the world. These themes are useful signposts to understanding an otherwise complicated history. The Introduction aims to explain these themes in as even-handed a manner as possible. In this way, readers will be able to address some of the most important topics and lay to rest some of the most common myths about America in the world.
Blood Pressure Variability Is Associated With White Matter Lesion Growth in Intracranial Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kim Bum Joon , Kwon Sun U , Park Jong-Moo , Hwang Yang-Ha , Heo Sung Hyuk , Rha Joung-Ho , Lee Jun , Park Man-Seok , Kim Joon-Tae , Song Hee-Jung , Park Jong-Ho , Yu Sungwook , Lee Soo Joo , Park Tai Hwan , Cha Jae-Kwan , Kwon Hyung-Min , Kim Eung-Gyu , Lee Seung-Hoon , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Kang Dong-Wha
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

High blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with recurrent stroke. We investigated the association between BPV, new ischemic lesions (NILs), and white matter lesion (WML) growth in patients with ischemic stroke due to intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS).

METHODS

This study was performed as a post-hoc analysis of the STABLE-ICAS trial, which enrolled subacute ischemic stroke patients with symptomatic ICAS (>50% stenosis) and hypertension. BPV was measured at the office (visit by visit) and at home (day by day). Patients were divided into 3 groups (tertiles) according to their home BPV. WML growth and the occurrence of NILs were compared among the 3 groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors of WML growth and NILs.

RESULTS

Of the 111 enrolled patients, 69 patients (67.6%) demonstrated WML growth and 15 patients (13.7%) had NILs. Patients with higher BPV demonstrated a more WML growth (50% vs. 61.8% vs. 83.8; P = 0.02, by tertiles) and more NILs (5.4% vs. 5.4% vs. 29.7%; P = 0.002, by tertiles). In multivariable analyses, old age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.052 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.005–1.101); P = 0.03] and home BPV [OR = 1.149 (95% CI = 1.013–1.304); P = 0.02] were independently associated with WML growth. Low mean diastolic blood pressure [OR = 0.913 (95% CI = 0.874–0.984); P = 0.02] and high home BPV [OR = 1.287 (95% CI = 1.086–1.526); P = 0.004] were independently associated with NILs at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

High BPV is associated with WML growth and NIL in ischemic stroke patients with symptomatic ICAS. BPV monitoring at home may be helpful.
Efficient multivariate analysis algorithms for longitudinal genome-wide association studies
Authors: Ning Chao , Wang Dan , Zhou Lei , Wei Julong , Liu Yuanxin , Kang Huimin , Zhang Shengli , Zhou Xiang , Xu Shizhong , Liu Jian-Feng
Published: April 2019

Motivation

Current dynamic phenotyping system introduces time as an extra dimension to genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which helps to explore the mechanism of dynamical genetic control for complex longitudinal traits. However, existing methods for longitudinal GWAS either ignore the covariance among observations of different time points or encounter computational efficiency issues.

Results

We herein developed efficient genome-wide multivariate association algorithms for longitudinal data. In contrast to existing univariate linear mixed model analyses, the proposed method has improved statistic power for association detection and computational speed. In addition, the new method can analyze unbalanced longitudinal data with thousands of individuals and more than ten thousand records within a few hours. The corresponding time for balanced longitudinal data is just a few minutes.

Availability and implementation

A software package to implement the efficient algorithm named GMA (https://github.com/chaoning/GMA) is available freely for interested users in relevant fields.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
FP2VEC: a new molecular featurizer for learning molecular properties
Authors: Jeon Woosung , Kim Dongsup
Published: April 2019

Motivation

One of the most successful methods for predicting the properties of chemical compounds is the quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) methods. The prediction accuracy of QSAR models has recently been greatly improved by employing deep learning technology. Especially, newly developed molecular featurizers based on graph convolution operations on molecular graphs significantly outperform the conventional extended connectivity fingerprints (ECFP) feature in both classification and regression tasks, indicating that it is critical to develop more effective new featurizers to fully realize the power of deep learning techniques. Motivated by the fact that there is a clear analogy between chemical compounds and natural languages, this work develops a new molecular featurizer, FP2VEC, which represents a chemical compound as a set of trainable embedding vectors.

Results

To implement and test our new featurizer, we build a QSAR model using a simple convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture that has been successfully used for natural language processing tasks such as sentence classification task. By testing our new method on several benchmark datasets, we demonstrate that the combination of FP2VEC and CNN model can achieve competitive results in many QSAR tasks, especially in classification tasks. We also demonstrate that the FP2VEC model is especially effective for multitask learning.

Availability and implementation

FP2VEC is available from https://github.com/wsjeon92/FP2VEC.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Degraded or Just Dusty? Examining Ecological Change in Arid Lands
Authors: Silcock Jennifer L , Fensham Rod J
Published: April 2019

The ecological history of rangelands is often presented as a tale of devastation, where fragile drylands are irreversibly degraded through inappropriate land use. However, there is confusion about how to recognize and measure degradation, especially in low-productivity environments characterized by extreme natural variability and where abrupt and comprehensive management upheavals preclude benchmarks. These issues have important consequences for rangeland management programs, which are typically founded on presumptions of substantial and ongoing degradation from former “natural” states. We explore complementary approaches to critically assess degradation: the historical record, long-term grazing exclosures, surveys for potentially rare and sensitive plant species, and assessment of water-remote areas in relation to rare plant occurrence. Employing these approaches in inland Australia, we show that prevailing paradigms have become entrenched despite being inconsistent with empirical evidence. Our methodology can be applied to drylands with abrupt changes in management and contentious ecological narratives.
Immunometabolism orchestrates training of innate immunity in atherosclerosis
Authors: van Tuijl Julia , Joosten Leo A B , Netea Mihai G , Bekkering Siroon , Riksen Niels P
Published: April 2019

Atherosclerosis is characterized by a persistent, low-grade inflammation of the arterial wall. Monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages play a pivotal role in the various stages of atherosclerosis. In the past few years, metabolic reprogramming has been identified as an important controller of myeloid cell activation status. In addition, metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming are key regulatory mechanisms of trained immunity, which denotes the non-specific innate immune memory that can develop after brief stimulation of monocytes with microbial or non-microbial stimuli. In this review, we build the case that metabolic reprogramming of monocytes and macrophages, and trained immunity in particular, contribute to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. We discuss the specific metabolic adaptations, including changes in glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and cholesterol metabolism, that have been reported in atherogenic milieus in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we will focus on the role of these metabolic pathways in the development of trained immunity.
Comparison between lymph node station- and zone-based classification for the future revision of node descriptors proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer in surgically resected patients with non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Yun Jae Kwang , Lee Geun Dong , Choi Sehoon , Kim Hyeong Ryul , Kim Yong-Hee , Kim Dong Kwan , Park Seung-Il
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVES

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) proposed further subdivisions of pathological N1 (pN1) and pN2 by including the location and the number of involved lymph node (LN) stations. We adopted the subdivided N descriptors and reclassified them according to the involved LN zones or LN stations, and compared the discrimination abilities of the 2 classifications.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out on patients who underwent complete resection with systematic LN dissection for non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed as pathological stages I–III between 2006 and 2015. N classification was grouped into 6 categories: no LN involvement, single-station N1, multiple-station N1, single-station N2 without N1, single-station N2 with N1 and multiple-station N2. LN zones were defined by grouping the LN stations: peripheral or hilar for N1 nodes, and upper mediastinal, lower mediastinal, aortopulmonary and subcarinal for N2 nodes.

RESULTS

A total of 3971 patients (2451 men, median age: 63 years) were analysed. Median follow-up was 59 months. A multivariable analysis showed that the subdivided N descriptors based on LN station and zone were both independent prognostic factors in terms of both overall survival and freedom from recurrence. Whether multiple LN involvements were confined within a single LN zone was a significant prognostic factor in the multiple-station N2 group. A zone-based classification showed similar discrimination ability to the station-based classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Both LN station- and zone-based classifications showed favourable prognostic discrimination abilities. The new N classifications could be considered for future revisions of tumour, node and metastasis (TNM) staging system for lung cancer.
Microbiome characterization of poultry products based on the poultry part and production label
Authors: Lee Sang In , Choi Jungmin , Daeschel Devin Z , Park Si Hong
Published: April 2019

Poultry is one of the most consumed meats worldwide and there are many different types of poultry products available on the market for consumers. Many poultry producers provide a variety of labeled meats based on rearing system such as organic, free-range and antibiotic-free. However, these labels often can be misleading by implying organic products are better in safety and quality compared to poultry products without additional labels. In this study, the microbiological profiles of commercial poultry products were characterized via a next generation sequencing. A variety of poultry products including whole carcass, leg, breast and thigh were purchased from local markets and subdivided by labels indicating organic, non-antibiotic, free range and no-label. According to the microbiome analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene, similar level of species richness were observed in comparison by labels, however, different parts and producers exhibited significant differences. Also, microbial similarities among groups were measured and most samples showed relatively close clustering based on the poultry part and the producer. The results emphasize potential contamination routes and the importance of the control strategy during the pre-harvest step of poultry products. The results also envision potential opportunities to improve current production procedure being utilized by industries.