bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation of methylation complex genes in relation to stress and genome‐wide methylation in mother–newborn dyads
Authors: Clukay Christopher J. , Hughes David A. , Rodney Nicole C. , Kertes Darlene A. , Mulligan Connie J.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Early life stress is known to have enduring biological effects, particularly with respect to health. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, are a possible mechanism to mediate the biological effect of stress. We previously found correlations between maternal stress, newborn birthweight, and genome‐wide measures of DNA methylation. Here we investigate ten genes related to the methylation/demethylation complex in order to better understand the impact of stress on health.

Materials and methods

DNA methylation and genetic variants at methylation/demethylation genes were assayed. Mean methylation measures were constructed for each gene and tested, in addition to genetic variants, for association with maternal stress measures based on interview and survey data (chronic stress and war trauma), maternal venous, and newborn cord genome‐wide mean methylation (GMM), and birthweight.

Results

After cell type correction, we found multiple pairwise associations between war trauma, maternal GMM, maternal methylation at DNMT1, DNMT3A, TET3, and MBD2, and birthweight.

Conclusions

The association of maternal GMM and maternal methylation at DNMT1, DNMT3A, TET3, and MBD2 is consistent with the role of these genes in establishing, maintaining and altering genome‐wide methylation patterns, in some cases in response to stress. DNMT1 produces one of the primary enzymes that reproduces methylation patterns during DNA replication. DNMT3A and TET3 have been implicated in genome‐wide hypomethylation in response to glucocorticoid hormones. Although we cannot determine the directionality of the genic and genome‐wide changes in methylation, our results suggest that altered methylation of specific methylation genes may be part of the molecular mechanism underlying the human biological response to stress.
A validated model for the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test subdomain structure in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Feng Allen L. , Wesely Nicholas C. , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Phillips Katie M. , Yamasaki Alisa , Campbell Adam P. , Gregorio Luciano L. , Killeen Thomas E. , Caradonna David S. , Meier Josh C. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: October 2017

Background

Previous studies have identified subdomains of the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), reflecting distinct and largely independent categories of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms. However, no study has validated the subdomain structure of the SNOT‐22. This study aims to validate the existence of underlying symptom subdomains of the SNOT‐22 using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and to develop a subdomain model that practitioners and researchers can use to describe CRS symptomatology.

Methods

A total of 800 patients with CRS were included into this cross‐sectional study (400 CRS patients from Boston, MA, and 400 CRS patients from Reno, NV). Their SNOT‐22 responses were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the number of symptom subdomains. A CFA was performed to develop a validated measurement model for the underlying SNOT‐22 subdomains along with various tests of validity and goodness of fit.

Results

EFA demonstrated 4 distinct factors reflecting: sleep, nasal, otologic/facial pain, and emotional symptoms (Cronbach's alpha, >0.7; Bartlett's test of sphericity, p < 0.001; Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin >0.90), independent of geographic locale. The corresponding CFA measurement model demonstrated excellent measures of fit (root mean square error of approximation, <0.06; standardized root mean square residual, <0.08; comparative fit index, >0.95; Tucker‐Lewis index, >0.95) and measures of construct validity (heterotrait‐monotrait [HTMT] ratio, <0.85; composite reliability, >0.7), again independent of geographic locale.

Conclusion

The use of the 4‐subdomain structure for SNOT‐22 (reflecting sleep, nasal, otologic/facial pain, and emotional symptoms of CRS) was validated as the most appropriate to calculate SNOT‐22 subdomain scores for patients from different geographic regions using CFA.
THE 2017 13TH ANNUAL DAVID W. KENNEDY, MD, LECTURE The evolution of outcomes in sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: past, present, and future
Authors: Smith Timothy L.
Published: October 2017

This is an edited transcript from the 2017 13th Annual David W. Kennedy, MD, Lecture, presented to the American Rhinologic Society during the 63rd Annual Meeting.
Improving Shortcuts to Non‐Hermitian Adiabaticity for Fast Population Transfer in Open Quantum Systems
Authors: Chen Ye‐Hong , Wu Qi‐Cheng , Huang Bi‐Hua , Song Jie , Xia Yan , Zheng Shi‐Biao
Published: October 2017

It is still a challenge to experimentally realize shortcuts to adiabaticity (STA) for a non‐Hermitian quantum system since a non‐Hermitian quantum system's counterdiabatic driving Hamiltonian contains some unrealizable auxiliary control fields. In this paper, we relax the strict condition in constructing STA and propose a method to redesign a realizable supplementary Hamiltonian to construct non‐Hermitian STA. The redesigned supplementary Hamiltonian can be eithersymmetric or asymmetric. For the sake of clearness, we apply this method to an Allen‐Eberly model as an example to verify the validity of the optimized non‐Hermitian STA. The numerical simulation demonstrates that a ultrafast population inversion could be realized in a two‐level non‐Hermitian system.
Tough thiourethane thermoplastics for fused filament fabrication
Authors: Ellson Gregory , Carrier Xavier , Walton Jamie , Mahmood Samsuddin Faisal , Yang Kejia , Salazar Joshua , Voit Walter E.
Published: October 2017

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most common form of additive manufacturing. Most FFF materials are variants of commercially available engineering plastics. Their performance when printed can widely vary, thus there is an increasing volume of research on alternative materials with thermal and mechanical performance optimized for FFF. In this work, thiol–isocyanate polymerization is used for the development of a one‐pot synthesis for polythiourethane thermoplastics for tough three‐dimensional (3D) printing applications. The thiol–isocyanate reaction mechanism allows for rapid polymer synthesis with minimal byproduct formation and few limitations on reaction conditions. The resulting elastomer has high toughness and a low melting point, making it favorable for use as a 3D printing filament. The elastomer outperforms commercial filaments in tension when printed. Considering the rapid advancement of additive manufacturing and the limitations of many engineering polymers with the 3D printing process, these results are encouraging for the development of bespoke 3D printing thermoplastics. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45574.
Linear viscoelasticity, extensional viscosity, and oxygen permeability of nanocomposites based on propylene copolymer and organoclay
Authors: Riechert Verónica , Quinzani Lidia M. , Failla Marcelo D.
Published: October 2017

Random propylene‐terpolymer (PEBC)/organophilic montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing, using PEBC modified with maleic anhydride (PEBCg) as compatibilizer. Clay concentrations up to 8 wt %, compatibilizer/clay ratios up to 3:1 and concentrations of anhydride groups (AG) in PEBCg of 0.4 and 0.6 wt % were considered. The degree of exfoliation of the clay increases with PEBCg content and its concentration of AGs. The dynamic moduli allow estimating the percolation threshold of the nanofiller at 5.4 wt %, which yields an average of 11 silicate layers per tactoid at percolation, in agreement with the minimum thickness estimated from XRD data. The presence of exfoliated clay gives place to strain hardening and softening, depending on clay concentration and magnitude of the Hencky strain. The amount of exfoliated clay, however, plays a minor role in front of the content of AGs of the compatibilizer in regard with the oxygen permeability of the polymer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45840.
Adsorption capability of heavy metals by chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide)/activated carbon electrospun nanofibrous membrane
Authors: Shariful M. I. , Sepehr T. , Mehrali M. , Ang B. C. , Amalina M. A.
Published: October 2017

In this study, activated carbon (AC) was synthesized by chemical activation process from rice husk, with the BET surface area of 2180 m2/g. Chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/AC nanofibrous membrane (CPANM) was synthesized by electrospinning process. The average fiber diameter was found to be 83 ± 12.5 nm. Incorporation of AC lead to increase in the surface area of CPANM than chitosan/PEO fiber (CPF) by 371 m2/g. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy survey and narrow scan analysis further proved the presence of AC in the membrane. CPANM showed higher adsorption capability than CPF. Analysis of the mechanism of heavy metals adsorption by CPANM and CPF hypothesized that, (NH2) is the only active group in CPF, whereas both (NH2) and (COOH) contributed in adsorption for CPANM. Maximum adsorption capacity of CPANM for Cr(VI), Fe(III), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Pb(II) ion was found to be 261.1, 217.4, 195.3, 186.2, and 176.9 mg g−1 respectively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45851.
The worth of giants: The consumptive and non‐consumptive use value of the giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas)
Authors: Guerra Ana Sofía , Madigan Daniel J. , Love Milton S. , McCauley Douglas J.
Published: October 2017

Although the economic value of wildlife historically has been attributed to its consumptive use, the global growth of ecotourism has expanded wildlife valuation to include non‐consumptive uses. In California, the critically endangered giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas) is paradoxically both a flagship species in the recreational dive industry and regularly sold in California's commercial fisheries when incidentally caught. The differences in the economic value of S. gigas to these two key stakeholders – commercial fishers and recreational scuba divers – were explored.

The average annual landing value of S. gigas was US$12 600, this value was determined using California commercial fishery landing receipt data. In contrast the estimated average value of S. gigas to recreational divers was US$2.3 million per year. The non‐consumptive use value was calculated by approximating the annual number of recreational charter boat divers and determining divers' willingness‐to‐pay for a S. gigas sighting.

Stated landings volumes of S. gigas appear to represent a minimum annual extraction of 2% to 19% of the S. gigas population. Using self‐reported fishery catch location data, S. gigas bycatch hotspots were identified and used to inform suggestions for strategic spatial and temporal closures.

Overall, these results highlight the value of giant sea bass beyond fisheries and underscore the importance of incorporating non‐consumptive values when developing harvest policies and marine management plans.
A Simple and Robust Method for Culturing Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in an Undifferentiated State Using Botulinum Hemagglutinin
Authors: Kim Mee‐Hae , Matsubara Yoshifumi , Fujinaga Yukako , Kino‐oka Masahiro
Published: October 2017

Clinical and industrial applications of human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is hindered by the lack of robust culture strategies capable of sustaining a culture in an undifferentiated state. Here, a simple and robust hiPSC‐culture‐propagation strategy incorporating botulinum hemagglutinin (HA)‐mediated selective removal of cells deviating from an undifferentiated state is developed. After HA treatment, cell–cell adhesion is disrupted, and deviated cells detached from the central region of the colony to subsequently form tight monolayer colonies following prolonged incubation. The authors find that the temporal and dose‐dependent activity of HA regulated deviated‐cell removal and recoverability after disruption of cell–cell adhesion in hiPSC colonies. The effects of HA are confirmed under all culture conditions examined, regardless of hiPSC line and feeder‐dependent or ‐free culture conditions. After routine application of our HA‐treatment paradigm for serial passages, hiPSCs maintains expression of pluripotent markers and readily forms embryoid bodies expressing markers for all three germ‐cell layers. This method enables highly efficient culturing of hiPSCs and use of entire undifferentiated portions without having to pick deviated cells manually. This simple and readily reproducible culture strategy is a potentially useful tool for improving the robust and scalable maintenance of undifferentiated hiPSC cultures.
Temporal trends in percutaneous coronary interventions thru the drug eluting stent era: Insights from 18,641 procedures performed over 12‐year period
Authors: Landes Uri , Bental Tamir , Levi Amos , Assali Abid , Vaknin‐Assa Hana , Lev Eli I. , Rechavia Eldad , Greenberg Gabriel , Orvin Katia , Kornowski Ran
Published: October 2017

Background

The last decade, regarded as the DES era in PCI, has witnessed significant advances in the management of coronary disease. We aimed to assess temporal trends in the practice and outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the drug eluting stent (DES) era.

Methods

We analyzed 18,641 consecutive PCI's performed between January 2004 and December 2016, distinguished by procedural date (Q1: 2004–2006, n = 4,865; Q2: 2007–2009, n = 4,977; Q3: 2010–2012, n = 4,230; Q4: 2013–2016, n = 4,569).

Results

At presentation, mean patients age was 65 (±11) years and 22.8% were females. Over time, there was a rise in the relative number of octogenarians (Q1: 10.7% vs Q4: 15.5%, P < 0.001) and an increase in the burden of most comorbidities (e.g., left ventricular dysfunction ≥ moderate and chronic kidney disease, P < 0.001 for both). Despite a 2‐fold increase in the rate of complex interventions, and a 3‐fold increase in the rate of unprotected left‐main angioplasty (P < 0.001 for both), the radial approach was increasingly adopted (Q1: 2% to Q4: 63.5%, P < 0.001). DES implantation increased from 43% to 83% at the expense of bare metal stent (BMS) application, and accompanied by drug coated balloon sprout to 1.8%, P < 0.001. Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed a time‐based enhanced outcome, with a decreased rate of death, MI, target vessel revascularization and CABG over the years.

Conclusions

In the last decade, PCI has evolved to offer better outcome to more elderly, sicker patient population, with more complex coronary disease interventions. The shift to second generation DES and to enhanced PCI techniques may explain part of this progress.
Cytotoxicity of Group 5 Transition Metal Ditellurides (MTe2; M=V, Nb, Ta)
Authors: Chia Hui Ling , Latiff Naziah Mohamad , Sofer Zdenĕk , Pumera Martin
Published: October 2017

Much research effort has been put in to study layered compounds with transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) being one of the most studied compounds. Due to their extraordinary properties such as excellent electrochemical properties, tuneable band gaps, and low shear resistance due to weak van der Waals interactions between layers, TMDs have been found to have wide applications such as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions, supercapacitors, biosensors, field‐effect transistors (FETs), photovoltaics, and lubricant additives. In very recent years, Group 5 transition metal ditellurides have received an immense amount of research attention. However to date, little has been known of the potential toxicities posed by these materials. As such, we conducted the cytotoxicity study by incubating various concentrations of the Group 5 transition metal ditellurides (MTe2; M=V, Nb, Ta) with human lung carcinoma epithelial A549 cells for 24 hours and the remaining cell viabilities after treatment was measured. Our findings indicate that VTe2 is highly toxic whereas NbTe2 and TaTe2 are deemed to exhibit mild toxicities. This study constitutes an exemplary first step towards the understanding of the Group 5 transition metal ditellurides’ toxicity effects in preparation for their possible future commercialisation.
Ferromagnetism and Half‐Metallicity in a High‐Band‐Gap Hexagonal Boron Nitride System
Authors: Choudhuri Indrani , Pathak Biswarup
Published: October 2017

Metal‐free half‐metallicity is the subject of intense research in the field of spintronics devices. Using density functional theoretical calculations, atom‐thin hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN)‐based systems are studied for possible spintronics applications. Ferromagnetism is observed in patterned C‐doped h‐BN systems. Interestingly, such a patterned C‐doped h‐BN exhibits half‐metallicity with a Curie temperature of approximately 324 K at a particular C‐doping concentration. It shows half‐metallicity more than metal‐free systems studied to date. Thus, such a BN‐based system can be used to achieve a 100 % spin‐polarised current at the Fermi level. Furthermore, this C‐doped system shows excellent dynamical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Therefore, a stable metal‐free planar ferromagnetic half‐metallic h‐BN‐based system is proposed for use in room‐temperature spintronics devices.
On‐Surface Synthesis of Adenine Oligomers via Ullmann Reaction
Authors: Zhang Yanmin , Ding Yuanqi , Xie Lei , Ma Honghong , Yao Xinyi , Zhang Chi , Yuan Chunxue , Xu Wei
Published: October 2017

Despite the fact that DNA bases have been well‐studied on surface, the on‐surface synthesis of one‐dimensional DNA analogs through in situ reactions is still an interesting topic to be investigated. Herein, from the interplay of high‐resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have delicately designed a halogenated derivative of adenine as precursor to realize the combination of DNA bases and Ullmann reaction, and then successfully synthesized adenine oligomers on Au(111) via Ullmann coupling. This model system provides a possible bottom‐up strategy of fabricating adenine oligomers on surface, which may further give access to man‐made DNA strands with multiple bases.
Impact of Digital Technologies on Novel Endpoint Capture in Clinical Trials
Authors: Clay Ieuan
Published: October 2017

Digital technologies have been successfully deployed in clinical settings for many years, yet recent advances in hardware and analytic capabilities have driven an explosion in interest over the potential of digital medicine to change how drugs are developed, centering on how we interact with patients, treat patients, and capture information about patients.
Maternal emotion dysregulation, parenting stress, and child physiological anxiety during dark‐enhanced startle
Authors: Cao Minhnguyen , Powers Abigail , Cross Dorthie , Bradley Bekh , Jovanovic Tanja
Published: October 2017

Maternal emotion dysregulation (ED) plays a crucial role in the development of psychopathology in children. The current study aimed to investigate parenting stress as a mediator of the relationship between maternal emotion dysregulation and child startle potentiation, with child sex as a moderator. Mothers were interviewed to obtain self‐report of maternal ED and parenting stress and child's dark‐enhanced startle (DES) response was measured using electromyographic recordings of the eye‐blink muscle during the delivery of acoustic probes. We found that maternal ED was positively correlated with both her parenting stress and her child's DES. A bootstrap analysis yielded a full mediation of the association between ED and child DES via parenting stress. Child sex was not a significant moderator of these relationships. These results suggest that maternal ED has important consequences for the intergenerational transmission of risk and also highlight the interaction of behavioral and biological mechanisms of risk.
Highly Active Salen‐Based Aluminum Catalyst for the Coupling of Carbon Dioxide with Epoxides at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Woo Won Hee , Hyun Kyunglim , Kim Yoseph , Ryu Ji Yeon , Lee Junseong , Kim Min , Park Myung Hwan , Kim Youngjo
Published: October 2017

Aluminum complex [(naph)salen]AlMe [(naph)salen = N,N′‐(2,3‐naphthalene)bis(3,5‐dimethylsalicylideneiminato)] was synthesized and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal XRD. The complex exhibits square‐pyramidal geometry around the aluminum center in the solid‐state structure, and it has a trigonality parameter τ of 0.13. Comparison of the catalytic activity of [(naph)salen]AlMe with that of four related aluminum complexes containing tetradentate salen ligands with different bridging groups revealed that the naphthyl‐bridged salen‐based aluminum complex, in conjunction with nBu4NI as cocatalyst, showed higher catalytic activity than the other complexes for the coupling of CO2 with epoxides under the mild conditions of room temperature and 5 bar of CO2 in 12 h. In addition, [(naph)salen]AlMe showed favorable features, such as requiring low catalyst loading (0.5 mol‐%) and broad epoxide substrate scope, including six terminal epoxides and three internal epoxides.
Non‐enzymatic Fructose Sensor Based on Co3O4 Thin Film
Authors: Gota Tatenda , Chowdhury Mahabubur , Ojumu Tunde
Published: October 2017

In this study, we report on the selective of fructose on Co3O4 thin film electrode surface. A facile chemical solution deposition technique was used to fabricate Co3O4 thin film on fluorine doped tin oxide, FTO, glass. Electrode characterization was done using XRD, HRTEM, SEM, AFM, and EIS. The constructed sensor exhibited two distinctive linear ranges (0.021–1.74 mM; 1.74–∼15 mM) covering a wide linear range of up to ∼15 mM at an applied potential of +0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl in 0.1 M NaOH solution. The sensor demonstrated high, reproducible and repeatable (R.S.D of <5 %) sensitivity of 495 (lower concentration range) & 53 (higher concentration range) μA cm−2 mM−1. The sensor produced a low detection limit of ∼1.7 μM (S/N=3). The electrode was characterised by a fast response time of <6 s and long term stability. The repeatability and stability of the electrode resulted from the chemical stability of Co3O4 thin film. The sensor was highly selective towards fructose compared to the presence of other key interferences i. e. AA, AC, UA. The ease of the electrode fabrication coupled with good electrochemical activity makes Co3O4 thin film, a promising candidate for non‐enzymatic fructose detection.
Cellular and molecular characterization of IDH1‐mutated diffuse low grade gliomas reveals tumor heterogeneity and absence of EGFR/PDGFRα activation
Authors: Azar S. , Leventoux N. , Ripoll C. , Rigau V. , Gozé C. , Lorcy F. , Bauchet L. , Duffau H. , Guichet P. O. , Rothhut B. , Hugnot J. P.
Published: October 2017

Diffuse low grade gliomas (DLGG, grade II gliomas) are slowly‐growing brain tumors that often progress into high grade gliomas. Most tumors have a missense mutation for IDH1 combined with 1p19q codeletion in oligodendrogliomas or ATRX/TP53 mutations in astrocytomas. The phenotype of tumoral cells, their environment and the pathways activated in these tumors are still ill‐defined and are mainly based on genomics and transcriptomics analysis. Here we used freshly‐resected tumors to accurately characterize the tumoral cell population and their environment. In oligodendrogliomas, cells express the transcription factors MYT1, Nkx2.2, Olig1, Olig2, Sox8, four receptors (EGFR, PDGFRα, LIFR, PTPRZ1) but not the co‐receptor NG2 known to be expressed by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. A variable fraction of cells also express the more mature oligodendrocytic markers NOGO‐A and MAG. DLGG cells are also stained for the young‐neuron marker doublecortin (Dcx) which is also observed in oligodendrocytic cells in nontumoral human brain. In astrocytomas, MYT1, PDGFRα, PTPRZ1 were less expressed whereas Sox9 was prominent over Sox8. The phenotype of DLGG cells is overall maintained in culture. Phospho‐array screening showed the absence of EGFR and PDGFRα phosphorylation in DLGG but revealed the strong activation of p44/42 MAPK/ERK which was present in a fraction of tumoral cells but also in nontumoral cells. These results provide evidence for the existence of close relationships between the cellular phenotype and the mutations found in DLGG. The slow proliferation of these tumors may be associated with the absence of activation of PDGFRα/EGFR receptors.
Predicting episodic and spatial memory performance from hippocampal resting‐state functional connectivity: Evidence for an anterior–posterior division of function
Authors: Persson Jonas , Stening Eva , Nordin Kristin , Söderlund Hedvig
Published: October 2017

fMRI studies have identified distinct resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) networks associated with the anterior and posterior hippocampus. However, the functional relevance of these two networks is still largely unknown. Hippocampal lesion studies and task‐related fMRI point to a role for the anterior hippocampus in nonspatial episodic memory and the posterior hippocampus in spatial memory. We used Relevance Vector Regression (RVR), a machine‐learning method that enables predictions of continuous outcome measures from multivariate patterns of brain imaging data, to test the hypothesis that patterns of whole‐brain RSFC associated with the anterior hippocampus predict episodic memory performance, while patterns of whole‐brain RSFC associated with the posterior hippocampus predict spatial memory performance. Magnetic resonance imaging and memory assessment took place at two separate occasions. The anterior and posterior RSFC largely corresponded with previous findings, and showed no effect of laterality. Supporting the hypothesis, RVR produced accurate predictions of episodic performance from anterior, but not posterior, RSFC, and accurate predictions of spatial performance from posterior, but not anterior, RSFC. In contrast, a univariate approach could not predict performance from resting‐state connectivity. This supports a functional dissociation between the anterior and posterior hippocampus, and indicates a multivariate relationship between intrinsic functional networks and cognitive performance within specific domains, that is relatively stable over time.
Responses to interview questions: A cross‐linguistic study of acquiescence tendency
Authors: B. Mehrani Mehdi , Peterson Carole
Published: October 2017

Recent theoretical accounts have assumed that children display an acquiescence tendency when answering yes–no questions. The present cross‐linguistic study aimed to test this account via examination of the responses of children to various yes–no questions about 6 familiar and unfamiliar objects. The impacts of age and linguistic background on children's response tendencies were also investigated. The participants were 3 groups of 2‐ to 5‐year‐old children, including 98 Persian, 78 Kurdish, and 43 English speaking children. Results revealed that younger children, regardless of their linguistic background, demonstrate an acquiescence tendency. The findings suggest that acquiescence tendency is a universal phenomenon. However, children's level of acquiescence declines as age increases. Implications regarding the use of yes–no questions with children are discussed.

Highlights

The effects of age, object familiarity and language on children's responses to yes‐no questions were examined.

Regardless of their language, all children displayed an acquiescence tendency, but younger children exhibited a stronger tendency.

Children's acquiescence tendency is a universal phenomenon.
Adenosine A2A receptor agonist ameliorates EAE and correlates with Th1 cytokine‐induced blood brain barrier dysfunction via suppression of MLCK signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Ying , Alahiri Marwan , Ulloa Bianca , Xie Boxun , Sadiq Saud A.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity is associated with blood‐brain barrier (BBB) disruption, which is mediated by inflammatory cytokines released by CD4+ lymphocytes. To assess the effects of adenosine A2A receptors on BBB permeability in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

A2A receptor expression was detected by immunostaining in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) C57BL/6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55, and human MS brain. F‐actin and the tight junction protein Claudin‐5 were assessed in endothelial cells treated with an A2A receptor specific agonist (CGS‐21680) after Th1 cytokine stimulation. EAE mice were divided into control and CGS‐21680 (50 µg/kg, i.p., daily) groups. Disease scores were recorded daily to evaluate neurological impairment. The effects of A2A receptor on inflammation and demyelination were assessed after euthanasia by immunostaining or histology; BBB permeability was measured by sodium fluoride (Na‐F) and FITC‐dextran amounts.

Results

Endothelial A2A receptor was detected in demyelination areas of MS brain samples. In EAE lesions, A2A receptor was expressed in the endothelium in association with immune cell infiltration. Treatment with CGS‐21680 counteracted the effects of Th1 cytokines on endothelial cells in vitro, preventing the reduction of tight junction protein expression and stress fiber formation. The effects of A2A receptor activation were correlated with MLCK phosphorylation signaling repression. In EAE, A2A receptor agonist decreased BBB permeability and inhibited EAE neurologic deficiency in mice.

Conclusions

A2A receptor activation at EAE onset helps reduce the effects of Th1 stimulation on BBB permeability, indicating that A2A receptor mediates BBB function in CNS demyelinated disease.
Measuring citizenship among U.S. veterans with chronic mental illness: A psychometric evaluation
Authors: Tsai Jack , Harkness Laurie , Kang Katelyn , Sperrazza Mary
Published: October 2017

Many U.S. military veterans experience difficulties reintegrating into civilian society after their military service, especially veterans with chronic mental illness. Few studies have examined the sense of citizenship among veterans and citizenship has rarely been examined in psychological studies. As part of a larger experimental trial, this study piloted the Yale Citizenship Scale on a sample of 199 U.S. veterans with chronic mental illness in Connecticut and Houston. A factor analysis found that the scale comprised 7 factors labeled as Personal Responsibilities, Government and Infrastructure, Caring by Others, Civil Rights, Legal Rights, Choices, and World Stewardship. Veterans with chronic mental illness reported moderate scores on each factor and the total scale. Each factor as well as the total scale showed good convergent validity with mental health and quality of life measures and discriminant validity from pain and physical health measures. The total scale and its factors demonstrated acceptable‐to‐excellent internal consistency and there was fair‐to‐excellent test‐retest reliability on 6 of the 7 factors. Together, the findings demonstrated that the Yale Citizenship Scale can be adapted for use for U.S. veterans with chronic mental illness and that helping veterans achieve high levels of citizenship may an important social and clinical goal.
Vitamin D supplementation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sakpal Mallikarjun , Satsangi Sandeep , Mehta Manu , Duseja Ajay , Bhadada Sanjay , Das Ashim , Dhiman Radha K , Chawla Yogesh K
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

Deficiency of vitamin D may be related to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

A total of 81 patients with NAFLD with normal or raised (n = 47) serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) having vitamin D deficiency were randomized prospectively. Group 1 (n = 51) received lifestyle modifications and a single injection of vitamin D (600 000 U) (standard medical treatment [SMT] + vitamin D) and group 2 (n = 30) received lifestyle modifications (SMT) for 6 months. The primary objective of this study was to assess the improvement in insulin resistance (IR) and serum ALT (in patients with raised ALT) and the secondary objective was to assess the change in cytokine profile in the SMT + vitamin D group.

Results

After 6 months, significant improvement in serum levels of ALT was observed in the SMT + vitamin D group when compared to the SMT group (ALT [87 ± 48 and 59 ± 32 IU/mL, P < 0.001] vs [64 ± 35 and 62 ± 24 IU/mL, P = 0.70]). Mean insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment‐IR remained unchanged at 6 months in the SMT + vitamin D group while there was a significant increase in mean insulin and homeostasis model assessment‐IR in the SMT group. SMT + vitamin D group had significant increase in mean serum levels of adiponectin (836 ± 309 and 908 ± 312 (pg/mL), P = 0.018) compared with the baseline; tumor necrosis factor‐α levels decreased from baseline but the change was not significant.

Conclusion

Patients with NAFLD given vitamin D in addition to lifestyle modifications have significant improvement in serum ALT and serum adiponectin levels.
Analyzing organizational citizenship behavior in Mexico: A collectivist perspective
Authors: Baeza Miguel A. , Wang Yong J. , Wang Valerie Lynette
Published: October 2017

To better understand the various dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) in Mexico, a study of 200 professionals in the shopping center management industry considers the collectivistic cultural background of Mexican employees. Using a framework based on both etic (universal) and emic (culturally specific) dimensions of OCB, researchers found that OCB in Mexico embraces eight dimensions. Three of them—altruism, civic virtue, and sportsmanship—were found to be etic, or universal, dimensions, while three others—interpersonal harmony, protecting company resources, and professional development—were identified as emic, or culturally specific, dimensions for collectivistic cultures including that of Mexico. The remaining two dimensions of organizational camaraderie and organizational dedication were recognized as emic dimensions of OCB particular only to Mexico. These findings can help managers tailor their evaluation and incentive programs to attract and retain Mexican personnel and ensure a productive work environment.
Network relationships and internationalization in Tunisian high‐tech SMEs
Authors: Mejri Issam , Ramadan Maarouf
Published: October 2017

How do the dynamics of social and business networks influence the internationalization of small to medium‐size high‐tech businesses? This question is particularly relevant for small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies, which frequently do not have access to the resources required for successful international expansion. A qualitative study of three Tunisian firms explores the role played by networks in the internationalization of high‐tech SMEs. The results show that personal, local, and international networks have a significant impact on the SMEs’ access to the resources they need for their ongoing internationalization. The results of the study lead to three propositions concerning the internationalization of SMEs and highlight their implications for practitioners.
High‐performance work systems, job demands, and employee well‐being in Pakistan's insurance industry
Authors: Rana Fawad Asif , Javed Uzma
Published: October 2017

A study of the effects of high‐performance work systems (HPWS) on 828 employees in Pakistan's insurance industry focuses on their well‐being—evidenced by job satisfaction and organizational commitment—as an outcome, rather than as merely a means to improving organizational performance. Its examination of both the positive and negative effects of HPWS also found that companies that implement them without adding undue pressure to work harder are likely to enhance employee well‐being. In fostering a better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying performance, the study offers guidance to both organizational researchers and practitioners.
Shear Wave Elastographic Alterations in the Kidney After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Authors: Turkay Rustu , Inci Ercan , Bas Derya , Atar Arda
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a method used frequently for the treatment of renal stone disease. Although its safety is proven, there are still concerns about its unwanted effects on kidneys. In this prospective study, we aimed to evaluate renal tissue alterations with shear wave elastography (SWE) after ESWL. We also studied the correlation between SWE and resistive index (RI) changes.

Methods

The study included 59 patients who underwent ESWL treatment for renal stone disease. We performed SWE and color Doppler ultrasonography to calculate SWE and RI values before, 1 hour after, and 1 week after lithotripsy treatment. A binary comparison was performed by the Bonferroni test. The correlation between SWE and RI values was evaluated by a Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

The patients included 26 women (44.1%) and 33 men (55.9%). Their ages ranged from 20 to 65 years (mean ± SD, 45.0 ± 1.1 years). Stone diameters ranged from 7 to 19 mm (mean, 13.0 ± 0.5 mm). There was a significant difference in SWE values before and 1 hour after lithotripsy treatment (P = .001; P < .01). In the follow‐up measurement 1 week after treatment, this difference disappeared (P > .99; P > .05). Resistive index values increased significantly 1 hour after lithotripsy treatment and returned to prelithotripsy values 1 week after treatment. In the correlation analysis, SWE and RI values were not correlated.

Conclusions

Measurements of alterations in SWE values after ESWL can provide useful information about renal tissue injury.
Ultrasonographic Measurement of the Biceps Femoris Long‐Head Muscle Architecture
Authors: Freitas Sandro R. , Marmeleira João , Valamatos Maria João , Blazevich Anthony , Mil‐Homens Pedro
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Biceps femoris long‐head architectural assessment using ultrasonography (US) has not been previously described in detail for both acquisition (image capture) and digitization (image measurement) processes, and the effect of the US window width is unknown. This study aimed to describe the reliability and test‐retest minimum detectable difference of US‐based biceps femoris architectural measurements.

Methods

Muscle length was determined by marking the muscle‐tendon junction distances. Sonograms were acquired with a 6‐cm image width and cropped for a 3‐cm width in 3 assessments (n = 20 adults). Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability rates were determined for both image (3‐ and 6‐cm widths) acquisition and digitizing processes separated and together (within session) for the biceps femoris fascicle length, fascicle angle, and muscle thickness measurements using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Pearson (r) correlation coefficients.

Results

Muscle length was measured with high intra‐rater (ICC = 0.93; r = 0.92) and inter‐rater (ICC = 0.90; r = 0.90) reliability. Intra‐rater (coefficient of variation, 0.2%–1.8%) and inter‐rater (ICC = 0.79–0.99; r = 0.80–0.99) digitizing reliability rates were high. High intra‐rater (ICC = 0.79–0.95; r = 0.79–0.95) and moderate‐to‐high inter‐rater (ICC = 0.51–0.92; r = 0.70–0.93) session reliability rates were found for all architectural parameters for 6‐ and 3‐cm images (intra‐rater ICC = 0.77–0.93; r = 0.79–0.93; inter‐rater ICC = 0.63–0.98; r = 0.90–0.98). The inter‐rater session reliability rates for both image acquisition and digitizing processes were higher for 6‐cm images (ICC = 0.65–0.86; r = 0.67–0.87) than 3‐cm images (ICC = 0.28–0.93; r = 0.67–0.93). The minimum detectable differences for the 6‐cm images were 8.4 mm, 1.5 °, and 1.6 mm for fascicle length, fascicle angle, and muscle thickness, respectively.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography can be used to reliably assess midmuscle architecture of the biceps femoris muscle when the same rater performs image acquisition and digitization.
Computer‐Aided Evaluation of Blood Vessel Geometry From Acoustic Images
Authors: Lindström Stefan B. , Uhlin Fredrik , Bjarnegård Niclas , Gylling Micael , Nilsson Kamilla , Svensson Christina , Yngman‐Uhlin Pia , Länne Toste
Published: October 2017

A method for computer‐aided assessment of blood vessel geometries based on shape‐fitting algorithms from metric vision was evaluated. Acoustic images of cross sections of the radial artery and cephalic vein were acquired, and medical practitioners used a computer application to measure the wall thickness and nominal diameter of these blood vessels with a caliper method and the shape‐fitting method. The methods performed equally well for wall thickness measurements. The shape‐fitting method was preferable for measuring the diameter, since it reduced systematic errors by up to 63% in the case of the cephalic vein because of its eccentricity.
Ultrasonography of the Sural Nerve: Normal and Pathologic Appearances
Authors: Bianchi Stefano , Droz Laure , Lups Deplaine Catherine , Dubois‐Ferriere Victor , Delmi Marino
Published: October 2017

Ultrasonography (US) of peripheral nerves has gained wide popularity because of the increased definition of modern high‐frequency electronic transducers, as well as the well‐known advantages of US, which include easy availability, low cost, and the possibility of realizing a dynamic examination. Traditionally, US has been deployed to assess the major nerves of the limbs. More recently, US has also been used to assess the normal appearance and pathologic changes of smaller subcutaneous nerves. The sural nerve is a small sensory nerve in the subcutaneous tissues of the calf that can be affected by a variety of disorders. This pictorial essay illustrates the normal anatomy of the sural nerve, the technique for its examination by US, as well as the US appearance of its main pathologic changes.
Can We Evaluate Hiatal Ballooning by Measuring the Anteroposterior Diameter With 2‐Dimensional Translabial Ultrasonography?
Authors: Wen Lieming , Zhou Qichang
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To analyze the association between the anteroposterior hiatal diameter and pelvic organ prolapse and to determine whether 2‐dimensional translabial ultrasonography can evaluate hiatal ballooning by measuring the anteroposterior diameter.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of 312 women seen for lower urinary tract symptoms or pelvic organ prolapse between December 2014 and July 2016. All women had an International Continence Society (ICS) Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP‐Q) system examination and 4‐dimensional translabial ultrasonography. The anteroposterior hiatal diameter was measured in the midsagittal plane, and the hiatal area was measured in the minimal axial plane during the maximal Valsalva maneuver.

Results

Valid data from 294 patients were analyzed. International Continence Society POP‐Q stage 0 was found in 121 women, stage 1 in 49, stage 2 in 78, stage 3 in 42, and stage 4 in 4. The anteroposterior diameter had an excellent linear correlation (r = 0.814; P < .001) with the hiatal area during the Valsalva maneuver and was strongly related to ICS POP‐Q stages (P < .01). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis proposed a cutoff of 6.0 cm for the anteroposterior diameter against ICS POP‐Q stage 2 and higher (sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 52%) and prolapse symptoms (sensitivity, 74%; specificity, 64%).

Conclusions

The anteroposterior hiatal diameter, which represents hiatal distensibility in the midsagittal plane, can be used to evaluate hiatal ballooning. “Mild” ballooning was defined as an anteroposterior diameter measurement of 6.0 to less than 6.5 cm, “moderate” ballooning as 6.5 to less than 7.0 cm, and “marked” ballooning as 7.0 cm or greater.
Upregulation of UBE2Q1 via gene copy number gain in hepatocellular carcinoma promotes cancer progression through β‐catenin‐EGFR‐PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Bin , Deng Chao , Wang Lei , Zhou Fan , Zhang Shu , Kang Wei , Zhan Ping , Chen Juan , Shen Shanshan , Guo Huimin , Zhang Ming , Wang Yi , Zhang Feng , Zhang Wei , Xiao Jiangqiang , Kong Bo , Friess Helmut , Zhuge Yuzheng , Yan Hongli , Zou Xiaoping
Published: October 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and represents a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Therapeutic modalities for HCC are limited and generally ineffective. UBE2Q1 is a putative E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, and has been shown to be overexpressed in various types of cancers including HCC. How UBE2Q1 contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis remains unknown. Here, we show that UBE2Q1 is up‐regulated in HCC cell lines and in a subset of human HCC tissues. Up‐regulation of UBE2Q1 in primary HCC tumors was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival. Mechanistically, we showed that the frequent up‐regulation of UBE2Q1 in HCCs was attributed to the recurrent UBE2Q1 gene copy gain at chromosome 1q21. Functionally, we showed that knockdown of UBE2Q1 reduced HCC cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis via induction of GADD45α, and suppressed orthotopic tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Inactivation of UBE2Q1 also impeded HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro through regulating EMT process, and suppressed HCC metastasis in vivo. Interestingly, our data revealed a role of UBE2Q1 in the regulation of β‐catenin‐EGFR‐PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that UBE2Q1 is a candidate oncogene involved in HCC development and progression and therefore a potential therapeutic target in applicable HCC patients.
Weighted membership based on matrix relation
Authors: Elshenawy Assem , Kamel EL‐Sayed M. , Elsodany E.
Published: October 2017

Deciding participation level of a component to dubious information is essential, particularly all things considered are displaying issues. This paper will present a participation capacity of components that has a place with unverifiable information. The fundamental instrument is the similarity classes that came about because of the likeness connection of a data framework. We will likewise express a few properties and an examination between our work and the past one.
A fast method to emulate an iterative POCS image reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Zeng Gengsheng L.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Iterative image reconstruction algorithms are commonly used to optimize an objective function, especially when the objective function is nonquadratic. Generally speaking, the iterative algorithms are computationally inefficient. This paper presents a fast algorithm that has one backprojection and no forward projection.

Methods

This paper derives a new method to solve an optimization problem. The nonquadratic constraint, for example, an edge‐preserving denoising constraint is implemented as a nonlinear filter. The algorithm is derived based on the POCS (projections onto projections onto convex sets) approach. A windowed FBP (filtered backprojection) algorithm enforces the data fidelity. An iterative procedure, divided into segments, enforces edge‐enhancement denoising. Each segment performs nonlinear filtering.

Results

The derived iterative algorithm is computationally efficient. It contains only one backprojection and no forward projection. Low‐dose CT data are used for algorithm feasibility studies. The nonlinearity is implemented as an edge‐enhancing noise‐smoothing filter.

Conclusions

The patient studies results demonstrate its effectiveness in processing low‐dose x ray CT data. This fast algorithm can be used to replace many iterative algorithms.