bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric analysis of the repetitive behavior scale‐revised using confirmatory factor analysis in children with autism
Authors: Hooker Jessica L. , Dow Deanna , Morgan Lindee , Schatschneider Christopher , Wetherby Amy M.
Published: June 2019

Research examining restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests (RRB) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased our understanding of its contribution to diagnosis and its role in development. Advances in our knowledge of RRB are hindered by the inconsistencies in how RRB is measured. The present study examined the factor structure of the Repetitive Behavior Scale‐Revised (RBS‐R) in a sample of 350 children with ASD ages 2–9. Confirmatory factor analysis designed for items with categorical response types was implemented to examine six proposed structural models. The five‐factor model demonstrated the most parsimonious fit based on common overall fit indices that was further supported by examination of local model fit indicators, though, the four‐ and six‐factor models evidenced adequate‐to‐good fit as well. Examination of RRB factor score approaches indicated only minor differences between summed item subscale scores and extracted factor scores with regard to associations with diagnostic measures. All RRB subtypes demonstrated significant associations with cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. Implications for future research validating the RBS‐R as a more extensive clinical measure of RRB in ASD are discussed. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1399–1410. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Repetitive behaviors are one of the two main symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To better understand the role of repetitive behaviors, we must establish effective ways of measuring them. This study assessed the measurement qualities of the Repetitive Behavior Scale‐Revised (RBS‐R) in a sample of 350 children with ASD ages 2–9. We found that the RBS‐R measures multiple types of repetitive behaviors and that these behaviors are related to thinking ability and independence.
Vitamin D attenuates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting inflammation via suppressing the RhoA/ROCK/NF‐ĸB pathway
Authors: Qian Xuesong , Zhu Minghui , Qian Weichun , Song Jiaxian
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of vitamin D (VD) against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in hearts. An I/R injury model was induced by left coronary artery ligation in Sprague‐Dawley rats (in vivo) and Langendorff perfusion of isolated hearts (in vitro). The infarction areas were determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Changes in the ST segment, cardiac function, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, creatine kinase (CK) activity, inflammatory cytokine (interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)) levels and the RhoA/ROCK/NF‐ĸB pathway were tested in rats with I/R injury treated with or without VD. VD notably alleviated myocardial injury with decreased infarction areas and had a restorative effect on cardiac function, which was specifically manifested as a restored ST segment, increased myocardial contractility and increased coronary blood flow in the isolated hearts. The levels of CK and LDH were also suppressed by VD. In addition, VD significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines in rat sera and isolated hearts. The RhoA/ROCK/NF‐κB pathway in I/R‐injured rats was also obviously inhibited with VD treatment. The present study demonstrates that VD plays a protective role against myocardial injury by inhibiting inflammation through repressing the RhoA/ROCK/NF‐κB pathway.
The challenges of facilitating arts learning in home education
Authors: Burke Katie
Published: June 2019

Home education, or home schooling, is a rapidly growing global educational phenomenon. Given the emphasis that educators, policy makers and researchers have placed upon the arts as an important element in a holistic education, the ways in which the growing home education community are facilitating arts learning warrants consideration. Facilitating quality arts learning has been found to be extremely challenging, especially for generalist classroom teachers who may not possess background learning across the range of arts subjects represented in most arts curricula. Revelations from this study on Australian home educating parents identifies a similar dilemma with the facilitation of arts learning in home contexts, and a significant proportion of the home educating participants acknowledged little to no educational or artistic training. In this project, an online survey was conducted to develop insights into the ways Australian home educators (n = 193) approach arts education, the challenges associated with facilitating arts learning and the strategies they employ in light of these challenges. The research highlights that, while home education is pedagogically unique and distinct from traditional classroom education, the challenges participants expressed regarding teaching in the arts aligned closely with those expressed by classroom teachers in wider research; however, the uniqueness of home education contexts means that support structures for classroom teachers are less helpful for home educators. Implications arising from the research are thus beneficial in understanding the nature of support that might be tailored for arts learning in home education.
Hit and Run Transcriptional Repressors Are Difficult to Catch in the Act
Authors: Shah Manan , Funnell Alister P. W. , Quinlan Kate G. R. , Crossley Merlin
Published: June 2019

Transcriptional silencing may not necessarily depend on the continuous residence of a sequence‐specific repressor at a control element and may act via a “hit and run” mechanism. Due to limitations in assays that detect transcription factor (TF) binding, such as chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high‐throughput sequencing (ChIP‐seq), this phenomenon may be challenging to detect and therefore its prevalence may be underappreciated. To explore this possibility, erythroid gene promoters that are regulated directly by GATA1 in an inducible system are analyzed. It is found that many regulated genes are bound immediately after induction of GATA1 but the residency of GATA1 decreases over time, particularly at repressed genes. Furthermore, it is shown that the repressive mark H3K27me3 is seldom associated with bound repressors, whereas, in contrast, the active (H3K4me3) histone mark is overwhelmingly associated with TF binding. It is hypothesized that during cellular differentiation and development, certain genes are silenced by repressive TFs that subsequently vacate the region. Catching such repressor TFs in the act of silencing via assays such as ChIP‐seq is thus a temporally challenging prospect. The use of inducible systems, epitope tags, and alternative techniques may provide opportunities for detecting elusive “hit and run” transcriptional silencing. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/vgrsoP_HF3g.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy improves the survival of patients with oligometastatic non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ouyang Wen , Yu Jing , Nuerjiang Shuake , Li Zhijun , Wang Dajiang , Wang Xiaoyong , Zhang Junhong , Xie Conghua
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for pulmonary lesions in oligometastatic non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, to explore prognostic factors of progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), to validate improved survival contributed by SBRT in oligometastatic NSCLC patients.

Patients and methods

A total of 71 oligometastatic NSCLC patients with 86 pulmonary lesions treated with SBRT in our institute between 2012 and 2018 were included. Local control (LC), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated using Kaplan‐Meier method. Prognostic factors of PFS and OS were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the impact of SBRT on PFS and OS during first line systemic treatment.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 17.6 months, 2‐year LC and OS rates were 82.6% and 55.3%, respectively. No grade 4 or more toxicities were observed. Multivariate analysis showed systemic treatment regimen before SBRT was an independent prognostic factor of PFS, but not for OS. Among this cohort, patients receiving first line target therapy could show a better PFS and OS than those undergoing first line chemotherapy (target therapy vs chemotherapy, PFS, 26.4 m vs 6.9 m; OS, 34.8 m vs 15.5 m).

Conclusions

SBRT for pulmonary lesions was a feasible and tolerable option for oligometastatic NSCLC patients. Delivery of SBRT for pulmonary lesions improved outcomes of oligometastatic NSCLC patients. Finally, SBRT combined with first line target therapy might have optimal outcomes.
Prognostic impact of intraoperative peritoneal cytology in interval debulking surgery for pelvic high‐grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Kojima Naoki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Kuno Ikumi , Uehara Takashi , Uno Masaya , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Kato Tomoyasu
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether peritoneal washing cytology (PWC) during interval debulking surgery (IDS) could predict the prognosis of patients with pelvic high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) achieving R0 status.

Methods

Between January 2007 and May 2018, 110 patients with ovarian/tubal/primary peritoneal HGSC received platinum‐based neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by IDS at National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan. All the patients achieved R0 debulking status, defined as no macroscopic residual tumor in the peritoneal cavity at the completion of IDS. PWC was performed before debulking during IDS. The survival outcomes were compared between the PWC‐positive and PWC‐negative groups.

Results

The median progression free survival (PFS) for the entire cohort was 17 months (range, 5‐133 months). The median PFS for the PWC‐positive group was significantly shorter than that of the PWC‐negative group (16 vs 19 months, HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.22‐3.41, P‐value < 0.01). Increased risk of progression was observed on both univariate and multivariate analyses, including age and FIGO stage (HR 2.28; 95% CI 1.35‐3.84, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The positive PWC during IDS was found to predict earlier disease recurrence in patients with pelvic HGSC achieving R0 status. As performing PWC during IDS becomes standard practice, prospective validation should be conducted in the future.
Audio‐driven emotional speech animation for interactive virtual characters
Authors: Charalambous Constantinos , Yumak Zerrin , van der Stappen A. Frank
Published: June 2019

We present a procedural audio‐driven speech animation method for interactive virtual characters. Given any audio with its respective speech transcript, we automatically generate lip‐synchronized speech animation that could drive any three‐dimensional virtual character. The realism of the animation is enhanced by studying the emotional features of the audio signal and its effect on mouth movements. We also propose a coarticulation model that takes into account various linguistic rules. The generated animation is configurable by the user by modifying the control parameters, such as viseme types, intensities, and coarticulation curves. We compare our approach against two lip‐synchronized speech animation generators. Our results show that our method surpasses them in terms of user preference.
Targeting PCNA with Peptide Mimetics for Therapeutic Purposes
Authors: Horsfall Aimee J. , Abell Andrew D. , Bruning John B.
Published: June 2019

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an excellent inhibition target to shut down highly proliferative cells and thereby develop a broad‐spectrum cancer therapeutic. It interacts with a wide variety of proteins through a conserved motif referred to as the PCNA‐interacting protein (PIP) box. There is large sequence diversity between high‐affinity PCNA binding partners, but with conservation of the binding structure—a well‐defined 310‐helix. Herein, all current PIP‐box peptides crystallised with human PCNA are collated to reveal common trends between binding structure and affinity. Key intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding networks that stabilise the 310‐helix of PIP‐box partners are highlighted and related back to the canonical PIP‐box motif. High correlation with the canonical PIP‐box sequence does not directly afford high affinity. Instead, we summarise key interactions that stabilise the binding structure that leads to enhanced PCNA binding affinity. These interactions also implicate the “non‐conserved” residues within the PIP‐box that have previously been overlooked. Such insights will allow a more directed approach to develop therapeutic PCNA inhibitors.
Novel Supramolecular Photocatalyst Based on Conjugation of Cucurbit[7]uril to Non‐Metallated Porphyrin for Electrophotocatalytic Hydrogen Generation from Water Splitting
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Patil Bhushan , Khaligh Aisan , Hadi Seyed E. , Uyar Tamer , Tuncel Dönüs
Published: June 2019

The front cover artwork for Issue 13/2019 is provided by Tuncel and co‐workers at UNAM and the Chemistry Department of Bilkent University (Turkey). The image shows solar energy promoted photoelectrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen generation using a supramolecular photocatalyst. See the Communication itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201900144.
Ranking Oxidant Sensitiveness: A Guide for Synthetic Utility
Authors: Dallaston Madeleine A. , Bettencourt Christian J. , Chow Sharon , Gebhardt Joshua , Spangler Jordan , Johnston Martin R. , Wall Craig , Brusnahan Jason S. , Williams Craig M.
Published: June 2019

Common oxidants used in chemical synthesis, including newly developed perruthenates, were evaluated in the context of understanding (and better appreciating) the sensitiveness and associated potential hazards of these reagents. Analysis using sealed cell differential scanning calorimetry (scDSC) facilitated Yoshida correlations, which were compared to impact sensitiveness and electrostatic discharge experiments (ESD), that enabled sensitiveness ranking. Methyltriphenylphoshonium perruthenate (MTP3, 8), isoamyltriphenylphosphonium perruthenate (ATP3, 7) and tetraphenylphosphonium perruthenate (TP3, 9) were found to be the most sensitive followed by 2‐iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX, 2) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO, 10), whereas the most benign were observed to be Oxone (12), manganese dioxide (MnO2, 13), and N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS, 17).
Preparation and electrochemical performance of uniform RuO2/Ti and RuO2‐IrO2/Ti electrode for electrolysis of NaCl solution
Authors: Ren Jie , Liu Yi‐Ling , Feng Li , Liu Chun‐Wei
Published: June 2019

The electrochemical preparation of NaClO has been widely used for the production of industrial disinfectant. To reduce the cost of electrode preparation using the brushing method, this paper introduces a method for the electrodeposition for RuO2/Ti and RuO2‐IrO2/Ti preparation and NaCl solution electrolysis. The deposition of Ir improves the uniformity and stability of the RuO2/Ti electrode. The optimum preparation conditions and additive concentrations were investigated in detail through the orthogonal experiment. By adjusting the electroplating time, temperature and voltage, the electrode with a high content of available chlorine was synthesized successfully. The physicochemical properties of the as‐prepared RuO2/Ti and RuO2‐IrO2/Ti were determined by XRD, SEM‐EDS, and XPS, and the electrochemical performance and lifetime of the RuO2/Ti and RuO2‐IrO2/Ti was verified via an electrochemical workstation. Uniform and stable RuO2/TiO2 and RuO2‐IrO2/TiO2 were synthesized successfully for the electrolysis of the NaCl solution.
Removal model of fine particles from the flue gas of the coal‐fired power plant in a water‐sparged aerocyclone
Authors: Cheng Zhiliang , Jiang Li , Cai Yongwei , Lu Cunfang , Li Gang , Quan Xuejun
Published: June 2019

This paper describes a novel system of a water‐sparged aerocyclone (WSA) for fine particles (FP) removal in the air stream from a coal‐fired power plant. The effects of operating parameters, including inlet FP concentration (C
0(FP)), water jet velocity (UL), and air inlet velocity (UG) on the removal efficiency of FP (REFP) were investigated. The change of morphology, particle size distribution, and content of heavy metals of the FP samples before and after removal in the WSA were also compared. The results show that the RE of the FP and PM2.5 can reach as high as 99.36 and 99 %, respectively, under optimal conditions. A regression removal model of REFP = 85.08 × ReG0.0187 × ReL0.0037 × (C0(FP)/ρFP)0.0048 was proposed to predict REFP, and the calculated REFP by the model is in agreement with experimental data with deviations of ±0.5 %. This new technology provides an alternative approach for FP removal from exhaust gas and exhibits significant potential for industrial application.
Nivolumab treatment beyond RECIST‐defined progression in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in CheckMate 141: A subgroup analysis of a randomized phase 3 clinical trial
Authors: Haddad Robert , Concha‐Benavente Fernando , Blumenschein George , Fayette Jerome , Guigay Joel , Colevas A. Dimitrios , Licitra Lisa , Kasper Stefan , Vokes Everett E. , Worden Francis , Saba Nabil F. , Tahara Makoto , Jayaprakash Vijayvel , Lynch Mark , Li Li , Gillison Maura L. , Harrington Kevin J. , Ferris Robert L.
Published: June 2019

Background

Response patterns with immune checkpoint inhibitors may be different from those with chemotherapy. Therefore, assessment of response to immunotherapy with the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), version 1.1, could result in premature treatment termination. The randomized, open‐label, phase 3 CheckMate 141 trial (NCT02105636), which evaluated nivolumab in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after platinum therapy, allowed treatment beyond first RECIST‐defined progression (TBP) according to protocol‐specified criteria.

Methods

In CheckMate 141, patients with RECIST‐defined progression who had a stable performance status and demonstrated clinical benefit without rapid disease progression were permitted to receive TBP with nivolumab at 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks until further progression, which was defined as an additional ≥10% increase in tumor volume. This post hoc analysis evaluated outcomes for patients who received TBP with nivolumab.

Results

Of 240 patients randomized to nivolumab, 146 experienced RECIST‐defined progression. Sixty‐two of these patients received TBP, and 84 discontinued treatment (no TBP). Among the 60 TBP patients evaluable for response, 15 (25%) had no change in their tumor burden, and 15 (25%) had reductions in target lesion size; 3 patients (5%) had reductions >30%. The median overall survival among TBP patients was 12.7 months (95% confidence interval, 9.7‐14.6 months). No new safety signals were observed with TBP. Exploratory analyses of immune cell biomarkers suggested a potential relationship with initial and TBP responses.

Conclusions

Tumor burden reduction was noted in a proportion of patients who received TBP with nivolumab in CheckMate 141. Additional research is warranted to identify factors predictive of a TBP benefit in this population.
Prevalence and predictors of probable depression in prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Erim Daniel O. , Bensen Jeannette T. , Mohler James L. , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Song Lixin , Farnan Laura , Delacroix Scott E. , Peters Edward S. , Erim Theodora N. , Chen Ronald C. , Gaynes Bradley N.
Published: June 2019

Background

The early diagnosis and treatment of depression are cancer care priorities. These priorities are critical for prostate cancer survivors because men rarely seek mental health care. However, little is known about the epidemiology of depression in this patient population. The goal of this study was to describe the prevalence and predictors of probable depression in prostate cancer survivors.

Methods

The data were from a population‐based cohort of North Carolinian prostate cancer survivors who were enrolled from 2004 to 2007 in the North Carolina–Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (n = 1031) and were prospectively followed annually from 2008 to 2011 in the Health Care Access and Prostate Cancer Treatment in North Carolina study (n = 805). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate an indicator of probable depression (Short Form 12 mental composite score ≤48.9; measured at enrollment and during the annual follow‐up) as a function of individual‐level characteristics within the longitudinal data set.

Results

The prevalence of probable depression fell from 38% in the year of the cancer diagnosis to 20% 6 to 7 years later. Risk factors for probable depression throughout the study were African American race, unemployment, low annual income, younger age, recency of cancer diagnosis, past depression, comorbidities, treatment decisional regret, and nonadherence to exercise recommendations.

Conclusions

Depression is a major challenge for prostate cancer survivors, particularly in the first 5 years after the cancer diagnosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an association between treatment decisional regret and probable depression.
On‐Surface Photochemistry of Pre‐Ordered 1‐Methyl‐2‐phenyl‐acetylenes: C‐H Bond Activation and Intermolecular Coupling on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite
Authors: Colazzo Luciano , Casarin Maurizio , Sambi Mauro , Sedona Francesco
Published: June 2019

In this contribution we report on light‐induced metal‐free coupling of propynylbenzene molecular units on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. The reaction occurs within the self‐assembled monolayer and leads to the generation of covalently coupled 1,5‐hexadiyne and para‐terphenyl derivatives under topological control. Such photochemical uncatalysed pathway represents an original approach in the field of topological C−C coupling at the solid/liquid interface and provides new insight into the low temperature formation of aromatic compounds at the surface of carbonaceous supports.
Genome‐Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation and Antituberculosis Drug‐Induced Liver Injury in the Han Chinese Population
Authors: Huai Cong , Wei Yuqi , Li Mo , Zhang Xiaoqing , Wu Hao , Qiu Xiaoyan , Shen Lu , Chen Luan , Zhou Wei , Zhang Na , Zhu Guanghui , Zhang Ying , Zhang Zhiruo , He Lin , Qin Shengying
Published: June 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most prevalent infections. However, anti‐TB drugs induce adverse liver injury in up to 40% of patients. Studies on candidate genes have suggested that single‐nucleotide polymorphisms account for only a small contribution to the occurrence of anti‐TB drug‐induced liver injury (ATLI). In this study, whole‐genome DNA methylation analysis was performed to systematically screen the ATLI‐associated factors in a 49 vs. 51 case‐control population. Next, 34 identified candidate probes were validated using MassARRAY in 296 cases and 288 controls. Our results indicated that 12 CpG sites on seven probes were positively associated with ATLI risk. Furthermore, we applied a CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated methylation modifiable cell model and demonstrated that four CpGs in or near the gene region of AK2, SLC8A2, and PSTPIP2 affected the cellular response to rifampicin treatment. This study provides new biomarkers associated with ATLI occurrence.
Corporate social responsibility and consumer's relationship intention
Authors: Uhlig Marcela Rocha Haase , Mainardes Emerson Wagner , Nossa Valcemiro
Published: June 2019

The study of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of marketing has been increasing in the Brazilian scenario. However, for decision making to be effective in organizations, we need to know consumers' relationship intention in view of the social actions developed. The present study seeks to identify which dimensions of CSR influence consumers' purchase and repurchase intention. Our interest was to observe which dimension of CSR stimulates long‐term relationships between consumers and their suppliers, which is the main novelty of this study. We searched the dimensions of CSR in the literature and discuss the consumer relationship intention with the companies. Thereafter, from the constructs adapted for this research, we performed a study with 544 consumers in Brazil. We analyzed the data through structural equations modeling. The results show that of the four dimensions of CSR (philanthropic, legal, organizational, and ethical), only the philanthropic dimension indicated an influence on consumers' relationship intention with socially responsible companies, which suggests that the Brazilian consumer understands CSR to be synonymous with philanthropy. The main contribution of this study is to note that companies that operate in the CSR philanthropic dimension tend to more easily establish long‐term relationships with their consumers.
Guided joint spectrum sensing and resource allocation using a novel random walk grey wolf optimization for frequency hopping cognitive radio networks
Authors: Karthikeyan Anbalagan , Srividhya Venkatasubramanian , Kundu Souvik
Published: June 2019

Effective use of unused licensed spectrum by secondary nodes without causing any harmful interference to the primary users is one of the challenging task, and in this paper, a detailed description of joint spectrum sensing and resource allocation in cognitive radio (CR) networks is discussed. The CR system utility is maximized by joint spectrum sensing and channel resource allocation scheme based on random walk grey wolf optimization (RW‐GWO) algorithm for frequency hopping cognitive radio‐based networks. In this paper, the nodes will sense the presence of primary users in the same channel and move to another channel in the guidance of a guide node (GN) if primary signal is detected in the channel. In order to achieve collision‐free communication, primary signals and secondary signals use the channels strategically and the mechanism is described in this paper. RW‐GWO is used to derive the optimum sensing and data transmission schedules. It selects the sensing nodes to sense the spectrum and other nodes take part in transmitting the data. GNs not only guide the nodes to hop to the next channel if the primary channel is detected, but also distribute the nodes in different available secondary hopping channels. Simulation results show that reliable spectrum sensing and efficient channel allocation can be achieved in our proposed algorithm.
Plant diversity increases N removal in constructed wetlands when multiple rather than single N processes are considered
Authors: Geng Yan , Ge Ying , Luo Bin , Chen Zhengxin , Min Yong , Schmid Bernhard , Gu Binhe , Chang Jie
Published: June 2019

Biodiversity has a close relationship with ecosystem functioning. For most biodiversity–ecosystem‐functioning studies, biodiversity has been linked to a single indicator variable of ecosystem functioning. However, there are generally multiple ecosystem processes contributing to ecosystem functioning and they differ in their dependence on biodiversity. Thus, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning can be stronger when multiple rather than single ecosystem processes are considered. Using both mass‐balance and stable‐isotope approaches, we explored the effects of plant diversity on nitrogen (N) removal sustained by multiple N‐cycling processes in experimental microcosms simulating constructed wetlands, an ecosystem treating wastewater with high N loading. Four species were used to assemble different plant communities, ranging in richness from one to four species. The removal of N, indicated by low levels of total inorganic N concentration (TIN) present in the effluent, was considered as an integrated measure of ecosystem functioning, combining three constituent N‐cycling processes: plant uptake, denitrification, and substrate adsorption. Our results showed that (1) species richness had a positive effect on N removal, in particular, the four‐species mixture reduced effluent TIN to a lower level than any monoculture; however, polycultures (two‐, three‐, and four‐species mixtures) did not outperform the most efficient monoculture when each of the three constituent N‐cycling processes was considered by itself; (2) species identity had significant impacts on single processes. Communities with the speciesCoix lacryma‐jobishowed the greatest capacity for N uptake and communities withPhragmites australishad the highest denitrification rates; (3) isotope fractionation in the rhizosphere ofCoix lacryma‐jobiwas primarily due to microbial denitrification while multistep isotope fractionation was detected forPhragmites australisandAcorus calamus(indicating recycling of N), suggesting that species differed in the way they transformed N; (4) the enhanced N removal at high diversity may be due to mutualistic interactions among species belonging to different functional types. Our findings demonstrated that although plant species richness had negligible effects on individual N‐cycling processes, it enhanced the overall ecosystem functioning (N removal) when these processes were considered collectively. Our study thus contributes to improve the treatment efficiency of constructed wetlands through proper vegetation management.
Rainfall and habitat interact to affect the condition of a wintering migratory songbird in The Bahamas
Authors: Akresh Michael E. , King David I. , Marra Peter P.
Published: June 2019

On the subtropical and tropical wintering grounds of migratory birds, variation in moisture levels and habitat can influence the availability of food resources and subsequently impact overwintering birds. Using stable carbon isotopes in blood samples as a measure of moisture, we assessed the interactive effects of rainfall, vegetation, and moisture on the demographics and condition of Prairie Warblers (Setophaga discolor) wintering in The Bahamas. Carbon isotopes in Prairie Warbler blood were more depleted in taller, wetter habitats; we additionally detected novel temporal effects of rainfall on isotope values. During a winter with more rainfall, most birds maintained mass and pectoral muscle regardless of the habitat type occupied. In a winter with less rainfall, birds lost mass and pectoral muscle, and this effect was more pronounced in birds with enriched isotope values and birds that occupied drier, shorter habitat. Prairie Warblers exhibited strong patterns of sexual habitat segregation with males disproportionately observed in areas with taller vegetation and females in shorter vegetation. During the drier winter, older males had better maintenance of pectoral muscle compared to females and younger individuals. Also in the drier winter, daily rainfall patterns explained more of the variation in body condition compared to the date of capture; pectoral muscle was best explained by recent precipitation (during the previous 30 days), while size‐corrected mass was more a function of longer‐term (90‐day) rainfall and habitat moisture. Our findings along with other studies suggest that Prairie Warblers and other migratory birds are sensitive to interactions between annual variation in winter rainfall, within‐season daily rainfall patterns, and habitat quality. Increasing drought and habitat loss in the Caribbean may be having a negative impact on wintering bird populations. To best conserve Nearctic–Neotropical migratory passerines in the region, we recommend prioritizing the protection of the least drought‐prone wintering areas.
Drift versus selection as drivers of phenotypic divergence at small spatial scales: The case of Belgjarskógur threespine stickleback
Authors: Seymour Mathew , Räsänen Katja , Kristjánsson Bjarni K.
Published: June 2019

Divergence in phenotypic traits is facilitated by a combination of natural selection, phenotypic plasticity, gene flow, and genetic drift, whereby the role of drift is expected to be particularly important in small and isolated populations. Separating the components of phenotypic divergence is notoriously difficult, particularly for multivariate phenotypes. Here, we assessed phenotypic divergence of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) across 19 semi‐interconnected ponds within a small geographic region (~7.5 km2) using comparisons of multivariate phenotypic divergence (PST), neutral genetic (FST), and environmental (EST) variation. We found phenotypic divergence across the ponds in a suite of functionally relevant phenotypic traits, including feeding, defense, and swimming traits, and body shape (geometric morphometric). Comparisons of PSTs with FSTs suggest that phenotypic divergence is predominantly driven by neutral processes or stabilizing selection, whereas phenotypic divergence in defensive traits is in accordance with divergent selection. Comparisons of population pairwise PSTs with ESTs suggest that phenotypic divergence in swimming traits is correlated with prey availability, whereas there were no clear associations between phenotypic divergence and environmental difference in the other phenotypic groups. Overall, our results suggest that phenotypic divergence of these small populations at small geographic scales is largely driven by neutral processes (gene flow, drift), although environmental determinants (natural selection or phenotypic plasticity) may play a role.
Synthesis and Properties of New Alkyl Alanine Dipeptides Based on Difluoroboron β‐diketonates
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Yang Hong , Liu Wei , Wang Yong , Yang Yonggang
Published: June 2019

Based on difluoroboron β‐diketonates, four novel alanine dipeptides C10H21CO‐Ala‐Ala‐O‐Br‐BF2DPh (4) with long alkyl chains were prepared and characterized. UV and emission in different solvents and in the solid states are studied. The self‐assembly behaviors are investigated by FE‐SEM, CD, and FTIR spectra, and different stereochemical structures are proposed. Hydrogen bonding, π–π interactions, and electrostatic interactions are believed to be the driving force for the molecular organizations. The handedness of twisted nanostructures is found to be related to chirality of the amino acid near the alkyl chain.
Spontaneous goal versus spontaneous trait inferences: How ideology shapes attributions and explanations
Authors: Olcaysoy Okten Irmak , Moskowitz Gordon B.
Published: June 2019

Past research documented liberals’ greater tendency than conservatives to take situational determinants of others’ actions into account when forming causal attributions, and conservatives’ greater tendency to seek consistency. We hypothesize that liberals (vs. conservatives) should be more likely to make spontaneous goal inferences (SGIs). Conservatives, however, should tend to implicitly infer invariant rather than variant characteristics from others’ behaviors, drawing spontaneous trait inferences (STIs) rather than SGIs. Experiment 1 and 2 supported those hypotheses by illustrating differences in the type of implicit inferences formed by liberals and conservatives in a false recognition paradigm common to the STI literature. Experiment 3 revealed similar differences in conservatives’ and liberals’ goal and trait inferences when making open‐ended causal explanations for others’ actions.
Enhancing methane production from anaerobic co‐digestion of cow manure and barley: Link between process parameters and microbial community dynamics
Authors: Ince Orhan , Akyol Çağrı , Ozbayram Emine Gözde , Tutal Bilgesu , Ince Bahar
Published: June 2019

The effects of selected process parameters (i.e., temperature, inoculum to substrate ratio [I:S], and inoculum source) on methane production and microbial community structure were investigated in lignocellulose‐based anaerobic digestion tests. The results highlighted that dynamic response of microbial communities in changing process parameters subsequently affected anaerobic digestion performance. Co‐inoculation of cow rumen fluid to the seed sludge improved the methane yield by 18%. The overall highest methane yield (278 mL CH4/g volatile solids) was obtained when cow rumen fluid was co‐inoculated with anaerobic seed sludge with an I:S ratio of 1:2 at mesophilic temperature. Based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing results, Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Bacillus were the predominant bacterial genera in all anaerobic digesters. The highest relative abundances of Clostridum and Bacillus were detected in the thermophilic anaerobic digester. The relative abundance of Rikenella; known for high cellulolytic activity, was significantly higher only in the cow rumen fluid‐added digester. Comparatively higher abundances of these lignocellulose‐degraders synergistically affected volatile fatty acids as well as methane production in these anaerobic digestion set ups. Methanobacterium was the most abundant methanogen in the digesters inoculated only with anaerobic seed sludge; whereas, Methanobrevibacter dominated the digester that was co‐inoculated with cow rumen fluid.
Downstream geomorphic impact of the Three Gorges Dam: With special reference to the channel bars in the Middle Yangtze River
Authors: Li Dongfeng , Lu Xi Xi , Chen Li , Wasson R.J.
Published: June 2019

The Three Gorges Dam (TGD) has altered downstream flow–sediment regimes and led to significant changes in the morphodynamic processes in the Middle Yangtze River (MYR). However, due to the complexity of this large river, the driving forces and implication of the morphodynamic processes remain insufficiently understood. This study selected two typical meandering and bar‐braided reaches, the Zhicheng (ZC) and Shashi (SS) reach, to examine their responses to the TGD operation. The results showed that in the post‐dam period significant channel erosion occurred with a higher erosion rate in the ZC reach (closer to the TGD) compared with the SS reach. The area of the Guanzhou mid‐channel bar (ZC reach) and the Sanba mid‐channel bar (SS reach) shrank by 30 and 90% from 2003 to 2015, respectively. The increased fluvial erosion intensity due to the reduction in suspended sediment concentration (SSC) drove the shrinkage of the mid‐channel bars, as demonstrated by empirical relationships between bar geometry and fluvial erosion intensity. An increase of 22 days per year in the frequency of post‐dam medium‐to‐high discharges (10 000–25 000 m3 s−1), and associated with the reduction in SSC, jointly led to the greater erosion at the convex (inner) banks than the concave (outer) banks, which has negatively affected the designed navigation channels at the concave banks by decreasing their discharge partitioning ratios. The post‐dam water level at a given high discharge (>25 000 m3 s−1) showed no evident change, but the water level at a given low discharge (<10 000 m3 s−1) decreased. The reduction in water levels at low flows can affect water supply and riverine ecosystems in the MYR. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of the subcritical fluid extraction on the quality of almond oils: Compared to conventional mechanical pressing method
Authors: Qi Zhou , Xiao Jia , Ye Liu , Chuyun Wan , Chang Zheng , Shugang Li , Fenghong Huang
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the effect of different almond oil extraction techniques, namely, cold‐press extraction (CP), hydraulic press extraction (HP), and subcritical fluid extraction (SFE), on the fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive substances, and thermal stability. The results showed that oleic acid and linoleic acid were the main unsaturated fatty acids in almond oil (AO). The overall physicochemical properties of the AO (SFE) had the better oil quality compared to cold‐press extraction and hydraulic press extraction in three kinds of varieties. Almond oil extracted from SFE contained the highest levels of total phenolics (9.58–11.75 mg/100 g), total phytosterols (92.86–244.21 mg/100 g), total tocopherols, and tocotrienols (48.03–55.74 mg/100 g). Meanwhile, the TG/DTG curves showed AO (SFE) were more thermally stable than AO (CP) and AO (HP) consistent with the result of oxidative induction time. Subcritical fluid extraction may be a useful extraction technology to produce high‐quality almond oils in the future.
Astrocyte lineage cells are essential for functional neuronal differentiation and synapse maturation in human iPSC‐derived neural networks
Authors: Klapper Simon D. , Garg Pretty , Dagar Sushma , Lenk Kerstin , Gottmann Kurt , Nieweg Katja
Published: June 2019

Human astrocytes differ dramatically in cell morphology and gene expression from murine astrocytes. The latter are well known to be of major importance in the formation of neuronal networks by promoting synapse maturation. However, whether human astrocyte lineage cells have a similar role in network formation has not been firmly established. Here, we investigated the impact of human astrocyte lineage cells on the functional maturation of neural networks that were derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Initial in vitro differentiation of hiPSC‐derived neural progenitor cells and immature neurons (glia+ cultures) resulted in spontaneously active neural networks as indicated by synchronous neuronal Ca2+ transients. Depleting proliferating neural progenitors from these cultures by short‐term antimitotic treatment resulted in strongly astrocyte lineage cell‐depleted neuronal networks (glia− cultures). Strikingly, in contrast to glia+ cultures, glia− cultures did not exhibit spontaneous network activity. Detailed analysis of the morphological and electrophysiological properties of neurons by patch clamp recordings revealed reduced dendritic arborization in glia− cultures. In addition, a reduced action potential frequency upon current injection in pyramidal‐like neurons was observed, whereas the electrical excitability of multipolar neurons was unaltered. Furthermore, we found a reduced dendritic density of PSD95‐positive excitatory synapses, and more immature properties of AMPA (alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid) miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in glia− cultures, suggesting that the maturation of glutamatergic synapses depends on the presence of hiPSC‐derived astrocyte lineage cells. Intriguingly, addition of the astrocyte‐derived synapse maturation inducer cholesterol increased the dendritic density of PSD95‐positive excitatory synapses in glia− cultures.
Nurse practitioner's independent prescriptive authority and opioids abuse
Authors: Grecu Anca M. , Spector Lee C.
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the impact of legislative changes allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe schedule II controlled substances independently. We find that this legal environment is associated with an increase in treatment admissions for opioid misuse and a decrease in opioid related mortality only when Mandatory Prescription Drugs Monitoring Programs are in place.
Prognostic markers in salivary gland cancer and their impact on survival
Authors: Szewczyk Mateusz , Marszałek Andrzej , Sygut Jacek , Golusiński Paweł , Golusiński Wojciech
Published: June 2019

Background

The role of molecular markers in salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) is not well understood. We evaluated molecular marker expression and their prognostic value.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis of 124 tumor specimens was performed to determine expression of androgen (AR), estrogen (ER), and progesterone (PR) receptors and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), programmed death ligand 1 receptor (PD‐L1), and PD‐L1 in tumor‐infiltrating mononuclear cell (TIMC). Survival outcomes (disease‐free survival [DFS] and overall survival [OS]), pT and N classification, margin status, and treatment failure were assessed.

Results

Most patients (78; 62.9%) had early‐stage SGC. AR positivity and EGFR positivity were detected in 21.0% and 78.6%, respectively, of tumors. AR positivity and PD‐L1 negativity were associated with locally advanced disease. PD‐L1‐negativity was associated with higher recurrence (38.5% vs 0%; P < .001) and worse DFS. OS and DFS were worse in patients with AR+ or HER2+ disease.

Conclusions

Several molecular markers—AR and HER2 positivity and PD‐L1 negativity—were associated with worse clinical outcomes. Prospective, multi‐institutional trials are needed to determine the prognostic value of these markers.
Charting the Path Forward for Risk Prediction in Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: International Validation of HALTHCC Among 4,089 Patients
Authors: Firl Daniel J. , Sasaki Kazunari , Agopian Vatche G. , Gorgen Andre , Kimura Shoko , Dumronggittigule Wethit , McVey John C. , Iesari Samuele , Mennini Gianluca , Vitale Alessandro , Finkenstedt Armin , Onali Simona , Hoppe‐Lotichius Maria , Vennarecci Giovanni , Manzia Tommaso M. , Nicolini Daniele , Avolio Alfonso W. , Agnes Salvatore , Vivarelli Marco , Tisone Giuseppe , Ettorre Giuseppe M. , Otto Gerd , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Rossi Massimo , Viveiros Andre , Cillo Umberto , Markmann James F. , Ikegami Toru , Kaido Toshimi , Lai Quirino , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Lerut Jan ,   on behalf of the European Hepatocellular Cancer Liver Transplant Study Group, Aucejo Federico N.
Published: June 2019

Prognosticating outcomes in liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to challenge the field. Although Milan Criteria (MC) generalized the practice of LT for HCC and improved outcomes, its predictive character has degraded with increasing candidate and oncological heterogeneity. We sought to validate and recalibrate a previously developed, preoperatively calculated, continuous risk score, the Hazard Associated with Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HALTHCC), in an international cohort. From 2002 to 2014, 4,089 patients (both MC in and out [25.2%]) across 16 centers in North America, Europe, and Asia were included. A continuous risk score using pre‐LT levels of alpha‐fetoprotein, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease Sodium score, and tumor burden score was recalibrated among a randomly selected cohort (n = 1,021) and validated in the remainder (n = 3,068). This study demonstrated significant heterogeneity by site and year, reflecting practice trends over the last decade. On explant pathology, both vascular invasion (VI) and poorly differentiated component (PDC) increased with increasing HALTHCC score. The lowest‐risk patients (HALTHCC 0‐5) had lower rates of VI and PDC than the highest‐risk patients (HALTHCC > 35) (VI, 7.7%[ 1.2‐14.2] vs. 70.6% [48.3‐92.9] and PDC:4.6% [0.1%‐9.8%] vs. 47.1% [22.6‐71.5]; P < 0.0001 for both). This trend was robust to MC status. This international study was used to adjust the coefficients in the HALTHCC score. Before recalibration, HALTHCC had the greatest discriminatory ability for overall survival (OS; C‐index = 0.61) compared to all previously reported scores. Following recalibration, the prognostic utility increased for both recurrence (C‐index = 0.71) and OS (C‐index = 0.63). Conclusion: This large international trial validated and refined the role for the continuous risk metric, HALTHCC, in establishing pre‐LT risk among candidates with HCC worldwide. Prospective trials introducing HALTHCC into clinical practice are warranted.