bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construct validity of a low‐cost medium‐fidelity endoscopic sinus surgery simulation model
Authors: Yoshiyasu Yuki , Chang Daniel R. , Bunegin Leon , Lin Ryan P. , Aden James K. , Prihoda Thomas J. , Weitzel Erik K. , McMains Kevin C. , Malekzadeh Sonya , Bowe Sarah N. , Chen Philip G.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Assess construct validity of a low‐cost medium‐fidelity silicone injection molded model task trainer for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) training.

Methods

Fellowship‐trained rhinologists, otolaryngology attendings, and otolaryngology residents at various levels of training performed sinus endoscopy and seven procedures on the model. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing novice to various levels of experienced performance using a validated checklist.

Results

Thirty‐two subjects participated in this study. Otolaryngology attendings and postgraduate year (PGY) 3 to 5 otolaryngology residents significantly outperformed PGY 1 to 2 otolaryngology residents on most tasks in the task‐specific checklist.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the construct validity of the low‐cost medium‐fidelity ESS model.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1505–1509, 2019
Evaluation of spin in the abstracts of otolaryngology randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cooper Craig M. , Gray Harrison M. , Ross Andrew E. , Hamilton Tom A. , Bea Downs Jaye , Wayant Cole , Vassar Matt
Published: December 2018

Objective

Spin, the misrepresentation and distortion of research findings, has been shown to affect clinical decision making. Spin has been found in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in various fields of medicine, but no study has tested for the presence of spin in otolaryngology RCTs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the abstracts of RCTs found in the otolaryngology literature for spin.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional analysis, we analyzed the abstracts of RCTs for spin using a pilot‐tested form. Double data extraction was performed by two blinded authors, and discrepancies were resolved using mutual discussion.

Results

Out of the 534 PubMed citations retrieved by our search string, 162 parallel‐group RCTs with clearly defined primary and secondary endpoints were identified. Further analysis identified 47 trials with nonsignificant primary outcomes, which were then evaluated for spin. Spin was identified in 33 of the 47 (70%) abstracts. Spin was found in the results sections of 25 (53%) of the included abstracts and was found in the conclusion section of 27 (57%) of the abstracts. Spin was not present in the titles of any of the included studies.

Conclusion

Spin was common in our sample of otolaryngology RCTs. Spin may potentially create false impressions about the true validity of a drug or intervention. Further research needs to test for potential clinical implications of spin in the otolaryngology literature.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:2036–2040, 2019
Naringenin Supplementation to a Chow Diet Enhances Energy Expenditure and Fatty Acid Oxidation, and Reduces Adiposity in Lean, Pair‐Fed Ldlr−/− Mice
Authors: Burke Amy C. , Telford Dawn E. , Edwards Jane Y. , Sutherland Brian G. , Sawyez Cynthia G. , Huff Murray W.
Published: December 2018

Scope

Naringenin is a citrus‐derived flavonoid that has potent lipid‐lowering and insulin‐sensitizing effects in obese mouse models of metabolic dysfunction. However, in these models, a significant effect of naringenin supplementation is the prevention of weight gain, which in itself can confer metabolic protection. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of naringenin supplementation in lean, chow‐fed Ldlr−/− mice is investigated.

Methods and results

In Ldlr−/− mice with isocaloric food consumption, treatment with naringenin for 8 weeks reduces body weight and adiposity compared to littermate controls pair‐fed the chow diet alone. Furthermore, naringenin treatment reduces plasma lipids and enhances insulin sensitivity compared to chow‐fed controls. Metabolic cage studies reveal that naringenin‐treated mice have elevated energy expenditure with no change in ambulatory activity. Additionally, naringenin‐treated mice have an increased respiratory exchange ratio and food consumption during the dark cycle. Treatment increases the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes in liver, and increased β‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations in plasma, indicating that one mechanism through which naringenin mediates metabolic improvement is enhanced hepatic fatty acid oxidation.

Conclusions

These studies highlight the potential therapeutic utility of naringenin and suggest that this flavonoid maintains potent metabolic properties in the absence of obesity or a high‐fat diet.
Toward the comprehensive calculations on the relationship between 1H, 13C, 31P chemical shifts, 2JPH, and the bonding structure of different phosphoryl benzamides
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Maghsoud Yazdan , Hosseini Mahdieh , Kahnouji Mohammad
Published: December 2018

A comprehensive investigation was performed on 1H, 13C, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts (CSs) of phosphoryl benzamide derivatives (C6H5C(O)NHP(O)R1R2), (R1, R2 = aziridine [L1], azetidine [L2], pyrrolidine [L3], piperidine [L4], azepane [L5], 4‐methylpiperidine [L6], propane‐2‐amine [L7], and 2‐methylpropane‐2‐amine [L8]) by the gauge‐independent atomic orbital method (GIAO) to find the most accordant level of theory with the experimental values. To achieve this goal, all the structures were optimized using the B3LYP, BP86, PBE1PBE, M06‐2X, MPWB1K, and MP2 methods with 6–31+G* basis set. Computed structural parameters demonstrate that BP86 has the best agreement to the experimental values between the other methods. The def2‐TZVP and aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis sets were also employed to inspect the effect of different types of basis sets with higher polarization and diffuse functions. The correlation between the empirical and computational values attests that 6–31+G* basis set is the optimum case regarding minimization of the costs and results. The comparison between calculated and experimental CSs at all mentioned combinations illustrated that in accordance with structural results, the best level of theory in CSs is also BP86/6–31+G*. Besides, 2JPH values were computed with an acceptable agreement to experimental data at the optimum level of theory. The dependency between 2JPH and the bonding structure of studied ligands was also scrutinized by the Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis that interprets the relationship between the electronic properties and 2JPH values.
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting with dictionary‐based fat and water separation (DBFW MRF): A multi‐component approach
Authors: Cencini Matteo , Biagi Laura , Kaggie Joshua D. , Schulte Rolf F. , Tosetti Michela , Buonincontri Guido
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To obtain a fast and robust fat‐water separation with simultaneous estimation of water T1, fat T1, and fat fraction maps.

Methods

We modified an MR fingerprinting (MRF) framework to use a single dictionary combination of a water and fat dictionary. A variable TE acquisition pattern with maximum TE = 4.8 ms was used to increase the fat–water separability. Radiofrequency (RF) spoiling was used to reduce the size of the dictionary by reducing T2 sensitivity. The technique was compared both in vitro and in vivo to an MRF method that incorporated 3‐point Dixon (DIXON MRF), as well as Cartesian IDEAL with different acquisition parameters.

Results

The proposed dictionary‐based fat–water separation technique (DBFW MRF) successfully provided fat fraction, water, and fat T1, B0, and B1+ maps both in vitro and in vivo. The fat fraction and water T1 values obtained with DBFW MRF show excellent agreement with DIXON MRF as well as with the reference values obtained using a Cartesian IDEAL with a long TR (concordance correlation coefficient: 0.97/0.99 for fat fraction–water T1). Whereas fat fraction values with Cartesian IDEAL were degraded in the presence of T1 saturation, MRF methods successfully estimated and accounted for T1 in the fat fraction estimates.

Conclusion

The DBFW MRF technique can successfully provide T1 and fat fraction quantification in under 20 s per slice, intrinsically correcting T1 biases typical of fast Dixon techniques. These features could improve the diagnostic quality and use of images in presence of fat.
Disease duration and disability in dysfeRlinopathy can be described by muscle imaging using heatmaps and random forests
Authors: Gómez‐Andrés David , Díaz Jorge , Munell Francina , Sánchez‐Montáñez Ángel , Pulido‐Valdeolivas Irene , Suazo Lionel , Garrido Cristián , Quijano‐Roy Susana , Bevilacqua Jorge A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: The manner in which imaging patterns change over the disease course and with increasing disability in dysferlinopathy is not fully understood.

Methods: Fibroadipose infiltration of 61 muscles was scored based on whole‐body MRI of 33 patients with dysferlinopathy and represented in a heatmap. We trained random forests to predict disease duration, Motor Function Measure dimension 1 (MFM‐D1), and modified Rankin scale (MRS) score based on muscle scoring and selected the most important muscle for predictions.

Results: The heatmap delineated positive and negative fingerprints in dysferlinopathy. Disease duration was related to infiltration of infraspinatus, teres major–minor, and supraspinatus muscles. MFM‐D1 decreased with higher infiltration of teres major–minor, triceps, and sartorius. MRS related to infiltration of vastus medialis, gracilis, infraspinatus, and sartorius.

Discussion: Dysferlinopathy shows a recognizable muscle MRI pattern. Fibroadipose infiltration in specific muscles of the thigh and the upper limb appears to be an important marker for disease progression. Muscle Nerve 59:436–444, 2019
Using Ultrasonic Telemetry to Evaluate Paddlefish Spawning Behavior in Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Missouri
Authors: Schwinghamer Christopher W. , Tripp Sara , Phelps Quinton E.
Published: December 2018

Large-river fishes (e.g., sturgeons [Acipenseridae] and Paddlefish Polyodon spathula) that inhabit reservoir systems are potentially unable to sense environmental cues that elicit typical life history behaviors. These cues can be masked by altered hydrology and temperature regimes. In many reservoirs throughout North America, Paddlefish populations are potentially affected by these unnatural conditions. In an attempt to understand and identify the potential mechanisms that limit Paddlefish reproduction in reservoir systems, we selected Harry S. Truman Reservoir (Truman Lake), Missouri, as our study area of focus. This population is supplemented by stocking, and although anecdotal evidence of potential natural reproduction exists, spawning has never been documented. We implanted ultrasonic transmitters into 113 reproductively mature Paddlefish, and the movements of these fish were tracked over 2 years. Paddlefish migratory behavior was significantly related to water temperature and gauge height, and differences in movement behaviors existed between sexes. Spring aggregations were located in the riverine portion of the Osage River, and embryos and larvae were sampled in 2015 and 2016 near said aggregations. Using acoustic telemetry and egg mats, we acquired evidence suggesting that the Truman Lake Paddlefish are spawning. Our technique can likely be applied to determine spawning locations for Paddlefish inhabiting other large reservoirs.
Applications of Ant Colony Optimization in determination of source parameters from total gradient of potential fields
Authors: Srivastava Shalivahan , Datta Debanjan , Agarwal B.N.P , Mehta Suman
Published: December 2018

A unified interpretation technique, based on the computation of total gradient from first order horizontal and vertical derivatives of a measured anomaly, namely, magnetic, gravity or self‐potential, can be used to determine horizontal location, depth, and the nature of the causative source geometry. The total gradient, in general, may exhibit several symmetrical bell‐shaped functions of different magnitudes and with different decay rates ‐termed as ‘source geometry factor’ to describe the nature of the causative sources. ‐values have been presented for idealized source geometries producing three different types of measurements (anomalies). The non‐linear inversion of the total gradient with multiple sources of different geometries is accomplished through Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) – a technique with only a few demonstrated applications in geophysical problems. We have also implemented the ACO which, in its original form, is suitable for discrete space or combinatorial optimization in a continuous model space using decimal coding. Moreover, unlike conventional techniques based on pre‐specified moving/ fixed data length windows, the proposed technique uses much of the total gradient data points except at the ends of the profile (where error in the total gradient can be large). The presence of singularity in the Euler technique in the analysis of a gravity anomaly over a thick faulted slab has been overcome by the total gradient ACO method. A procedure has also been formulated for analysing gravity and reduced to pole (RTP) total field magnetic anomalies over spherical and vertical cylindrical source geometries. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed technique, ACO results are compared with other modern techniques, namely, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Enhanced Local Wavenumber (ELW) and the Euler method through simulated data contaminated with random noise and three field examples. This study has revealed that the total gradient ACO technique leads to better convergence towards the global minimum and also better inversion results than those obtained by the PSO and other techniques mentioned above. Unlike the ELW and Euler techniques, the total gradient analysis provides enhanced resolution for interfering sources.
Hypoplastic nasal bone: A potential marker for facial dysmorphism associated with pathogenic copy number variants on microarray
Authors: Gu Ying Zhi , Nisbet Deborah L. , Reidy Karen L. , Palma‐Dias Ricardo
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To compare the frequency of abnormal genetic diagnoses spanning a period before and after the availability of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). We hypothesised that microarray would provide additional clinically relevant information in cases of isolated hypoplastic nasal bone.

Method

Fetuses with ultrasound‐detected hypoplastic nasal bone (absent or <2.5th percentile in length) between 16 and 37 weeks' gestation over a 10‐year period were analysed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 118 cases of hypoplastic nasal bone met the inclusion criteria. A pathogenic or potentially pathogenic karyotype was detected more frequently in the era where CMA was available (31/60, 52% vs 19/58, 33%). Of these, 25 cases (42%) had common aneuploidies, and six cases (10%) had clinically relevant copy number variants (CNVs). A clinically relevant CNV was detected in two fetuses that presented with isolated hypoplastic nasal bone on initial ultrasound.

Conclusion

In addition to its known association with trisomy 21, a hypoplastic nasal bone may be an objective marker of facial dysmorphism associated with clinically relevant CNVs. Our results support consideration of invasive testing with microarray for pregnancies in which a hypoplastic nasal bone has been diagnosed on ultrasound irrespective of a low‐risk screening result for common chromosomal abnormalities.
Effects of Dynamic Mixers on the Color Homogeneity and the Process in Injection Molding
Authors: Török Dániel , Kovács József Gábor
Published: December 2018

The quality of any injection molded part is related to the defects visible on the surface. Injection molded parts are usually colored with a masterbatch due to its cost‐effectiveness. The most common surface defect is unevenness of color. This can result from an inadequate coloring process. The problem is the uneven dispersion of the coloring additives in the polymer. In this article, we examined the mixing efficiency of nonreturn screw tips of various flow cross sections. We developed an image analysis algorithm to rate color homogeneity. With the help of the measurement method, we examined screw tips of various geometries. We analyzed the effect of the characteristic geometries of screw tips using simple geometry screw tips. We compared commercially available dynamic mixer screw tips with nonreturn valves of simple design. Based on our results, we designed our own dynamic mixer, which provided good homogeneity with less shear load on the material. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E189–E195, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Control of Conductive and Mechanical Performances of Poly(Amide‐Imide) Composite Films Utilizing Synergistic Effect of Polyaniline and Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Wang Yanbin , Chen Jinxing , Shen Yepeng , Wang Teng , Ni Yinghao , Zhang Zhehao , Sun Lingwei , Ji Bobo , Wang Biaobing
Published: December 2018

Functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) have been incorporated into binary composites of poly(amide‐imide) (PAI) and polyaniline (PANI) to improve their conductive and mechanical performances. The conductivity of PAI/PANI/FMWCNTs ternary composites significantly increased from 10−3 to 8.3 S m−1 with increasing the weight ratio of FMWCNTs from 0 to 10 wt%, which is much higher than that of the sum of PAI/PANI and PAI/FMWCNTs binary composites. The enhanced conductivity is mainly ascribed to be the more intensive conductive percolating network formed in the PAI/PANI/FMWCNTs ternary composites due to the hydrogen bond interaction among PAI, PANI and FMWCNTs. On the other hand, the tensile strength has been improved by 40% from 25 to 35 MPa. The self‐extinguishing property and phase transition of the ternary films have also been investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. It is found that the weight ratio of FMWCNTs and the special morphology are the two important factors that induce such unusual properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E224–E230, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and study of optimization of amidoximated PAN‐DVB‐EGDMA beads for the sorption of uranium from aqueous media
Authors: Kanjilal Amit , Singh Krishan Kant , Bairwa Kamlesh K. , Kumar Manmohan
Published: December 2018

Environmental and economic considerations have made the sorption of uranium from aqueous media a very time demanding area of research from last few decades. In this particular work, amidoximated polyacrylonitrile beads were synthesized by the reaction of hydroxyl amine hydrochloride (OH‐NH2.HCl) with macroporous crosslinked polyacrylonitrile beads, prepared through suspension polymerization techniques, using acrylonitrile (AN) as monomer and divinylbenzene and ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate as crosslinkers, in a variety of relative compositions, to modify suitably the hydrophilicity and physicochemical stability. These beads were also characterized by FT‐IR, scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis–differential scanning calorimetry techniques to explain the morphology and chemical functionality. The beads reached its saturation capacity towards uranyl ions well within 1 h of equilibration at ~25°C, under near neutral pH conditions and the observed maximum sorption capacity was found to be ~18 mg g−1. The beads were also used for the sorption of uranium from various real water samples and showed good sorption from these samples. Reusability of the beads was also established up to the studied four cycles. These synthesized beads can potentially serve the dual purpose of the decontamination of uranium contaminated potable well water as well as to treat acidic radioactive waste generated in nuclear industry before final discharge to environment. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:863–872, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Endurance of gel‐filled silicone breast implants as a function of maximum load in cyclic compression tests
Authors: von Hanstein Harald , Horch Raymund E , Schubert Dirk W
Published: December 2018

The mechanical behaviour of gel‐filled silicone breast implants is examined under compressive load. First the implants are tested by applying various loads in a repetitive fashion until shell rupture occurs. Subsequently the results are presented allowing an assessment of the correlation between the number of loading cycles and the maximum compressive load. Finally it is possible to estimate the endurance of the silicone breast implants. Using a power law, a correlation between endurance and maximum load is revealed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Polyurethane coatings: a perfect product class for the design of modern automotive clearcoats
Authors: Groenewolt Matthijs
Published: December 2018

This paper gives a brief background of 2 K polyurethane coatings for automotive exterior application. Basic properties that make this class of raw materials such an important and successful one are described. Additionally, a helpful method for characterization of basic mechanical parameters is given and chemical strategies for improving the mechanical strength of this type of coating are reviewed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Vero Cell Proteomic Changes Induced by Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Glover Kathleen K. M. , Gao Ang , Zahedi‐Amiri Ali , Coombs Kevin M.
Published: December 2018

The re‐emergence and the recent spread of the Zika virus (ZIKV) has raised significant global concerns due to lack of information in patient diagnosis and management. Thus, in addition to gaining more basic information about ZIKV biology, appropriate interventions and management strategies are being sought to control ZIKV‐associated diseases and its spread. This study's objective is to identify host cell proteins that are significantly dysregulated during ZIKV infection. SOMAScan, a novel aptamer‐based assay, is used to simultaneously screen >1300 host proteins to detect ZIKV‐induced host protein dysregulation at multiple time points during infection. A total of 125 Vero cell host proteins, including cytokines such as CXCL11 and CCL5, interferon stimulated gene 15, and translation initiation factors EIF5A and EIF4G2, are significantly dysregulated after ZIKV infection. Bioinformatic analyses of 77 host proteins, that are significantly dysregulated ≥1.25‐fold, identify several activated biological processes, including the JAK/STAT, Tec kinase, and complement cascade pathways.
Synthesis and properties of mono‐ and di‐fluoro‐substituted 2,3‐didodecylquinoxaline‐based polymers for polymer solar cells
Authors: Agneeswari Rajalingam , Kang Yeongkwon , Lee Jihoon , Kwon Ji Hyeon , Tamilavan Vellaiappillai , Park Seong Soo , Park Sung Heum , Jin Youngeup
Published: December 2018

We synthesized two new alternating polymers, namely P(Tt‐FQx) and P(Tt‐DFQx), incorporating electron rich tri‐thiophene and electron deficient 6‐fluoroquinoxaline or 6,7‐difluoroquinoxaline derivatives. Both polymers P(Tt‐FQx) and P(Tt‐DFQx) exhibited high thermal stabilities and the estimated 5% weight loss temperatures are 425 and 460 °C, respectively. Polymers P(Tt‐FQx) and P(Tt‐DFQx) displayed intense absorption band between 450 and 700 nm with an optical band gap (Eg) of 1.78 and 1.80 eV, respectively. The determined highest occupied/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital's (HOMO/LUMO) of P(Tt‐DFQx) (−5.48 eV/−3.68 eV) are slightly deeper than those of P(Tt‐FQx) (−5.32 eV/−3.54 eV). The polymer solar cells fabricated with a device structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P(Tt‐FQx) or P(Tt‐DFQx):PC70BM (1:1.5 wt %) + 3 vol % DIO/Al offered a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.65% with an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.59 V, a short‐circuit current (Jsc) of 10.65 mA/cm2 and fill factor (FF) of 59% for P(Tt‐FQx)‐based device and a PCE of 4.36% with an Voc of 0.69 V, a Jsc of 9.92 mA/cm2, and FF of 63% for P(Tt‐DFQx)‐based device. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 545–552
Design and Synthesis of Aromatic Polyesters Bearing Pendant Clickable Maleimide Groups
Authors: Nagane Samadhan S. , Kuhire Sachin S. , Jadhav Uday A. , Dhanmane Sushilkumar A. , Wadgaonkar Prakash P.
Published: December 2018

A bisphenol bearing pendant maleimide group, namely, N‐maleimidoethyl‐3, 3‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐isobenzopyrrolidone (PPH‐MA) was synthesized starting from phenolphthalein. Aromatic (co)polyesters bearing pendant maleimide groups were synthesized from PPH‐MA and aromatic diacid chlorides, namely, isophthaloyl chloride (IPC), terephthaloyl chloride (TPC), and 50:50 mol % mixture of IPC and TPC by low temperature solution polycondensation technique. Copolyesters were also synthesized by polycondensation of different molar proportions of PPH‐MA and bisphenol A with IPC. Inherent viscosities and number‐average molecular weights of aromatic (co)polyesters were in the range of 0.52–0.97 dL/g and 20,200–32,800 g/mol, respectively indicating formation of medium to reasonably high‐molecular‐weight polymers. 13C NMR spectral analysis of copolyesters revealed the formation of random copolymers. The 10% weight loss temperature of (co)polyesters was found in the range 470–484 °C, indicating their good thermal stability. A selected aromatic polyester bearing pendant maleimide groups was chemically modified via thiol‐maleimide Michael addition reaction with two representative thiol compounds, namely, 4‐chlorothiophenol and 1‐adamantanethiol to yield post‐modified polymers in a quantitative manner. Additionally, it was demonstrated that polyester containing pendant maleimide groups could be used to form insoluble crosslinked gel in the presence of a multifunctional thiol crosslinker. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 630–640
Tuning the phase behavior of semicrystalline hydrogenated polynorbornene via epimerization
Authors: Klein Jared P. , Register Richard A.
Published: December 2018

Hydrogenated polynorbornene (hPN) synthesized by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) exhibits a thermoreversible change in crystal polymorph at a temperature T
cc below its melting point, T
m. The polymorphic transition corresponds to a sharp increase in rotational disorder around the chain axis as the temperature is increased above T
cc. Saturation of ROMP polynorbornene (PN) to hPN can be achieved through both catalytic and noncatalytic approaches. Here, three different hydrogenation routes were employed on the same precursor polymer: catalytic routes over either supported Pd0 or a Ni/Al complex, and noncatalytic saturation with diimide. The different hydrogenation routes result in hPNs with varying degrees of epimerization of the cyclopentylene ring (from cis to trans); these epimerized units are included in the hPN crystals. The crystal structure of the rotationally ordered hPN polymorph, observed below T
cc, changes sharply at low levels of epimerization and then is weakly influenced by further increases in trans content. The stability of the rotationally ordered hPN polymorph decreases with increasing epimerization, as reflected in a reduction of T
cc from 134 °C to 92 °C at 22% epimerization. T
cc is less affected by epimerization than by the inclusion of a similar content of 5‐methylnorbornene units, reflecting the smaller size of the trans defect. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1188–1195
Impact of patient symptoms and caregiving tasks on psychological distress in caregivers for head and neck cancer (HNC)
Authors: Castellanos Emily H. , Dietrich Mary S. , Bond Stewart M. , Wells Nancy , Schumacher Karen , Ganti Apar Kishor , Murphy Barbara A.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the association of caregiving task burden and patient symptom burden with psychological distress among caregivers of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.

Methods

Adults with HNC and their primary caregivers were included. Patient symptom burden was assessed with the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey‐2.0. Caregiving task burden was quantified as task number and task difficulty/distress using the HNC Caregiving Task Inventory. Psychological distress was measured with the Profile of Mood States—Short Form. Two‐step clustering analysis was conducted for patient symptom burden, caregiving task burden, and psychological distress. Associations of the resultant clusters of task burden and patient symptoms with caregiver distress were tested using logistic regressions.

Results

Eighty‐nine HNC caregivers and 84 patients were included. Among patients, two clusters of symptom burden were found (51% mod‐high, 49% low). Among caregivers, two clusters of caregiving task burden (40% mod‐high, 60% low) and caregiver psychological distress (40% mod‐high, 60% low) were found. Caregivers with mod‐high task numbers and task difficulty/distress reported higher levels of psychological distress. After controlling for caregiver number of tasks, respective difficulty/distress, and patient symptom burden, caregiver perceived task difficulty/distress had the strongest association with caregiver psychological distress (adjusted OR = 3.83; 95% CI, 1.0‐14.64; P = 0.049).

Conclusions

Psychological distress in HNC caregivers is associated with caregiving task burden, with caregivers experiencing high task difficulty/distress at greatest risk. Further study of the caregiver and task characteristics leading to psychological distress should inform supportive interventions for HNC patients and caregivers.
Quantitative Proteomic Profiling of Cerebrospinal Fluid to Identify Candidate Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sathe Gajanan , Na Chan Hyun , Renuse Santosh , Madugundu Anil K. , Albert Marilyn , Moghekar Abhay , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study is to identify the potential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and to evaluate these markers on independent CSF samples using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assays.

Experimental Design

High‐Resolution mass spectrometry and tandem mass tag (TMT) multiplexing technology are employed to identify potential biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Some of the identified potential biomarkers are validated using PRM assays.

Results

A total of 2327 proteins are identified in the CSF of which 139 are observed to be significantly altered in the CSF of AD patients. The proteins altered in AD includes a number of known AD marker such as MAPT, NPTX2, VGF, GFAP, and NCAM1 as well as novel biomarkers such as PKM and YWHAG. These findings are validated in a separate set of CSF specimens from AD dementia patients and controls. NPTX2, in combination with PKM or YWHAG, leads to the best results with AUCs of 0.935 and 0.933, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The proteins that are found to be altered in the CSF of patients with AD could be used for monitoring disease progression and therapeutic response and perhaps also for early detection once they are validated in larger studies.
Proteome Analyses Reveal Positive Association of COL2A1, MPO, TYMS, and IGFBP5 with Canine Mammary Gland Malignancy
Authors: Wu Chih‐Ching , Chang Shih‐Chieh , Zeng Guang‐You , Chu Hao‐Wei , Huang Yenlin , Liu Hao‐Ping
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To identify aberrantly expressed proteins contributing to pathogenesis of canine mammary tumors (CMTs) which are the most prevalent neoplasms in female dogs and include different types.

Experimental design

Frozen tissue specimens of normal mammary gland (n = 7), lobular hyperplasia (n = 6), simple carcinoma (n = 6), and complex carcinoma (n = 6) are collected from 11 CMT cases. Tissue homogenates are comparatively analyzed by the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) combined with LC‐MS/MS to identify proteins differentially expressed in different‐type CMT tissues.

Results

Among 3795 proteins identified and quantified among all groups, 133, 127, and 98 proteins are particularly overexpressed in simple carcinoma, complex carcinoma, and both types, respectively, compared with normal and hyperplastic tissues. Moreover, collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A), myeloperoxidase (MPO), thymidylate synthetase (TYMS), and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) are validated to be highly expressed in different‐type CMT tissues using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Notably, COL2A1 and IGFBP5 levels are correlated with clinical stages.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

COL2A1, MPO, TYMS, and IGFBP5 protein levels are positively associated with CMT development. Data expedite further investigations to improve treatment regimens for CMT.
Structure–function relationships in the Nab2 polyadenosine‐RNA binding Zn finger protein family
Authors: Fasken Milo B. , Corbett Anita H. , Stewart Murray
Published: December 2018

The poly(A) RNA binding Zn finger ribonucleoprotein Nab2 functions to control the length of 3′ poly(A) tails in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as contributing to the integration of the nuclear export of mature mRNA with preceding steps in the nuclear phase of the gene expression pathway. Nab2 is constructed from an N‐terminal PWI‐fold domain, followed by QQQP and RGG motifs and then seven CCCH Zn fingers. The nuclear pore‐associated proteins Gfd1 and Mlp1 bind to opposite sides of the Nab2 N‐terminal domain and function in the nuclear export of mRNA, whereas the Zn fingers, especially fingers 5–7, bind to A‐rich regions of mature transcripts and function to regulate poly(A) tail length as well as mRNA compaction prior to nuclear export. Nab2 Zn fingers 5–7 have a defined spatial arrangement, with fingers 5 and 7 arranged on one side of the cluster and finger 6 on the other side. This spatial arrangement facilitates the dimerization of Nab2 when bound to adenine‐rich RNAs and regulates both the termination of 3′ polyadenylation and transcript compaction. Nab2 also functions to coordinate steps in the nuclear phase of the gene expression pathway, such as splicing and polyadenylation, with the generation of mature mRNA and its nuclear export. Nab2 orthologues in higher Eukaryotes have similar domain structures and play roles associated with the regulation of splicing and polyadenylation. Importantly, mutations in the gene encoding the human Nab2 orthologue ZC3H14 and cause intellectual disability.
Identification and RNAi‐based function analysis of chitinase family genes in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Zhu Bin , Shan Jinqiong , Li Ran , Liang Pei , Gao Xiwu
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Insect chitinases play a vital part in chitin degradation in exoskeletons and gut linings during the molting process, and therefore are considered potential targets for new insecticide designs or RNA interference (RNAi)‐based pest management. Systematic functional analysis of chitinase genes has already been conducted in several insect pests, but not Plutella xylostella.

RESULTS

In this study, 13 full‐length chitinase transcripts were obtained in P. xylostella. Developmental and tissue‐specific expression pattern analysis revealed that seven chitinase transcripts were periodically expressed during molting stage and mainly expressed in the integument or midgut, including PxCht3, PxCht5, PxCht6‐2, PxCht7, PxCht8, PxCht10 and PxCht‐h. RNAi‐mediated knockdown of these specific expressed genes revealed that PxCht5 and PxCht10 were essential in larval molting, pupation and eclosion, and PxCht7 was indispensable only in eclosion. No significant effects were observed on insect survival or normal development when the rest chitinase transcripts were suppressed by RNAi.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated the function of P. xylostella chitinase family genes during the molting process, and may provide potential targets for RNAi‐based management of P. xylostella. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Assimilating satellite sea‐surface salinity data from SMOS, Aquarius and SMAP into a global ocean forecasting system
Authors: Martin Matthew J. , King Robert R. , While James , Aguiar Ana Barbosa
Published: December 2018

Measuring Sea‐Surface Salinity (SSS) from space is a relatively recent technique that relies on L‐band radiometry that has evolved to a point where useful information is provided every few days. The impact of assimilating satellite SSS data is investigated using the global FOAM ocean forecasting system. This system assimilates daily satellite SSS products from the ESA Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS), NASA Aquarius and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) missions equatorward of 40°N/S, in addition to other observing systems. The data are assimilated using a 3D‐Var scheme that includes an observation bias correction scheme to estimate spatially and temporally varying bias estimates for each SSS satellite.

The SSS assimilation is tested over 2 years and 3 months covering the 2015/2016 El Niño with assessment focussed on the tropical regions, particularly in the Pacific. Consistent reductions in root‐mean‐square errors are found in all tropical regions from each of the satellite SSS datasets. The largest improvements of up to about 8% are found in the tropical Pacific from assimilating both the SMOS and SMAP datasets together. The largest impact is in the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the central Pacific during 2015 and early 2016 where the surface salinity is reduced by about 0.03 pss on average, correcting for too little precipitation. A smaller magnitude, large‐scale reduction in the SSS is also seen in the tropical Pacific that increases the modelled surface stratification and leads to reduced vertical mixing. Changes to the SSS in the ITCZ lead to changes in the meridional gradients of SSS that affects the sea surface height and surface currents, both of which are improved in the SMOS assimilation experiment compared to externally produced observation‐based datasets. The results suggest that assimilation of SMOS and SMAP satellite data is now of an appropriate quality for operational implementation.
Robotic transduodenal ampullectomy: A novel minimally invasive approach for ampullary neoplasms
Authors: Lee Jin Woo , Choi Sung Hoon , Chon Hong Jae , Kim Dae Jung , Kim Gwangil , Kwon Chang Il , Ko Kwang Hyun
Published: December 2018

Background

The adoption of minimally invasive surgery for transduodenal ampullectomy has been slow because of special characteristics and complexity of this procedure.

Methods

Six patients underwent robotic transduodenal ampullectomy. We employed novel methods to facilitate exposure of the ampulla.

Results

All patients completed robotic transduodenal ampullectomy, but one patient was immediately converted to robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy because of presence of invasive carcinoma on frozen biopsy. The final pathologic report revealed high‐grade dysplasia in four patients, low‐grade dyplasia in one, and T2N0 in one patient who converted to pancreaticoduodenectomy. There was no immediate postoperative complication or mortality. One patient was readmitted after 3 months because of stricture of the bile duct outlet. There was no recurrence over a median follow‐up period of 20 months.

Conclusion

An appropriate combination of patient positioning and retraction method helps the robot surgical system to provide competent performance for sophisticated and precise manipulation of ampullary lesions.
Chrysin inhibit human melanoma A375.S2 cell migration and invasion via affecting MAPK signaling and NF‐κB signaling pathway in vitro
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Yu , Jiang Yi‐Wen , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Way Tzong‐Der , Chou Yu‐Cheng , Chang Yuan‐Shiun , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: December 2018

Numerous evidences have shown that chrysin induced cytotoxic effects via induced cell cycle arrest and induction of cell apoptosis in human cancer cell lines, however, no information showed that chrysin inhibited skin cancer cell migration and invasion. In this study, we investigated anti‐metastasis mechanisms of chrysin in human melanoma cancer A375.S2 cells in vitro. Under sub‐lethal concentrations of chrysin (0, 5, 10, and 15 μM) which inhibits cell mobility, migration and invasion of A375.S2 cells that were assayed by wound healing and Transwell filter. That chrysin inhibited MMP‐2 activity in A375.S2 cells was investigated by gelatin zymography assay. Western blotting was used to examine protein expression and results indicated that chrysin inhibited the expression of GRB2, SOS‐1, PKC, p‐AKT (Thr308), NF‐κBp65, and NF‐κBp50 at 24 and 48 hours treatment, but only at 10‐15 μM of chrysin decreased Ras, PI3K, p‐c‐Jun, and Snail only at 48 hours treatment and only decrease p‐AKT(Ser473) at 24 hours treatment. Furthermore, chrysin (5‐15 μM) decreased the expression of uPA, N‐cadherin and MMP‐1 at 24 and 48 hours treatment but only decreased MMP‐2 and VEGF at 48 hours treatment at 10‐15 μM and 5‐15 μM of chrysin, respectively, however, increased E‐cadherin at 5‐15 μM treatment. Results of confocal laser microscopy systems indicated that chrysin inhibited expression of NF‐κBp65 in A375.S2 cells. Based on these observations, we suggest that chrysin can be used in anti‐metastasis of human melanoma cells in the future.
The non-equilibrium attractor for kinetic theory in relaxation time approximation
Authors: Strickland M.
Published: December 2018

Abstract

I demonstrate that the concept of a non-equilibrium attractor can be extended beyond the lowest-order moments typically considered in hydrodynamic treatments. Using a previously obtained exact solution to the relaxation-time approximation Boltzmann equation for a transversally homogeneous and boost-invariant system subject to Bjorken flow, I derive an equation obeyed by all moments of the one-particle distribution function. Using numerical solutions, I show that, similar to the pressure anisotropy, all moments of the distribution function exhibit attractor-like behavior wherein all initial conditions converge to a universal solution after a short time with the exception of moments which are sensitive to modes with zero longitudinal momentum and high transverse momentum. In addition, I compute the exact solution for the distribution function itself on very fine lattices in momentum space and demonstrate that (a) an attractor for the full distribution function exists and (b) solutions with generic initial conditions relax to this solution, first at low momentum and later at high momentum.
Four-point boundary connectivities in critical two-dimensional percolation from conformal invariance
Authors: Gori Giacomo , Viti Jacopo
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We conjecture an exact form for an universal ratio of four-point cluster connectivities in the critical two-dimensional Q-color Potts model. We also provide analogous results for the limit Q → 1 that corresponds to percolation where the observable has a logarithmic singularity. Our conjectures are tested against Monte Carlo simulations showing excellent agreement for Q = 1, 2, 3.
Memory, Penrose limits and the geometry of gravitational shockwaves and gyratons
Authors: Shore Graham M.
Published: December 2018

Abstract

The geometric description of gravitational memory for strong gravitational waves is developed, with particular focus on shockwaves and their spinning analogues, gyratons. Memory, which may be of position or velocity-encoded type, characterises the residual separation of neighbouring ‘detector’ geodesics following the passage of a gravitational wave burst, and retains information on the nature of the wave source. Here, it is shown how memory is encoded in the Penrose limit of the original gravitational wave spacetime and a new ‘timelike Penrose limit’ is introduced to complement the original plane wave limit appropriate to null congruences. A detailed analysis of memory is presented for timelike and null geodesic congruences in impulsive and extended gravitational shockwaves of Aichelburg-Sexl type, and for gyratons. Potential applications to gravitational wave astronomy and to quantum gravity, especially infra-red structure and ultra-high energy scattering, are briefly mentioned.
Correction to: A T-junction device allowing for two simultaneous orthogonal views: application to bubble formation and break-up
Authors: Caprini Davide , Sinibaldi Giorgia , Marino Luca , Casciola Carlo Massimo
Published: December 2018

The article ‘A T-junction device allowing for two simultaneous orthogonal views: application to bubble formation and break-up’, written by Davide Caprini, Giorgia Sinibaldi, Luca Marino, Carlo Massimo Casciola was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 30 July 2018 without open access.
NMR-STAR: comprehensive ontology for representing, archiving and exchanging data from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic experiments
Authors: Ulrich Eldon L. , Baskaran Kumaran , Dashti Hesam , Ioannidis Yannis E. , Livny Miron , Romero Pedro R. , Maziuk Dimitri , Wedell Jonathan R. , Yao Hongyang , Eghbalnia Hamid R. , Hoch Jeffrey C. , Markley John L.
Published: December 2018

The growth of the biological nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) field and the development of new experimental technology have mandated the revision and enlargement of the NMR-STAR ontology used to represent experiments, spectral and derived data, and supporting metadata. We present here a brief description of the NMR-STAR ontology and software tools for manipulating NMR-STAR data files, editing the files, extracting selected data, and creating data visualizations. Detailed information on these is accessible from the links provided.
Transforming Abandoned Rail Corridors into Multi-purpose Trails: Applying a Spatial Hedonic Approach to Estimating the Economic Benefits of the Little Miami Scenic Trail in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Authors: Zhang Wen , Oh Seunghoon , vom Hofe Rainer
Published: December 2018

This research assesses the appreciation in residential property values in connection with proximity to the Little Miami Scenic Trail, a multi-purpose biking, hiking, and jogging trail built along an abandoned railroad corridor near Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Applying two spatial hedonic frameworks, the spatial lag of X (SLX) model and the spatial Durbin error model, we conclude that proximity to trail entrances had significant impacts on property values for both, Euclidean and network distance measures. Specifically, the SLX results indicate that decreasing the distance to the closest trail entrance by one foot (meter) increases a house’s property value by US$0.92 (US$3.02) when using network distances.