bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abaloparatide in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis and Type 2 Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis of the ACTIVE Study
Authors: Dhaliwal Ruban , Hans Didier , Hattersley Gary , Mitlak Bruce , Fitzpatrick Lorraine A , Wang Yamei , Schwartz Ann V , Miller Paul D , Josse Robert G
Published: January 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases fracture risk despite normal or increased BMD. Abaloparatide reduces fracture risk in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO); however, its efficacy in women with T2DM is unknown. This post hoc analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of abaloparatide in patients with T2DM. The analysis included patients with T2DM from the Abaloparatide Comparator Trial In Vertebral Endpoints (ACTIVE), a phase 3, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐ and active‐controlled trial. In ACTIVE, participants were randomized 1:1:1 to daily s.c. injections of placebo, abaloparatide (80 μg), or open‐label teriparatide (20 μg) for 18 months. A total of 198 women with PMO and T2DM from 21 centers in 10 countries were identified from ACTIVE through review of their medical records. The main outcomes measured included effect of abaloparatide versus placebo on BMD and trabecular bone score (TBS), with secondary outcomes of fracture risk and safety, in patients from ACTIVE with T2DM. Significant (p < 0.001) improvements in BMD at total hip (mean change 3.0% versus −0.4%), femoral neck (2.6% versus −0.2%), and lumbar spine (8.9% versus 1.3%) and TBS at lumbar spine (3.72% versus −0.56%) were observed with abaloparatide versus placebo at 18 months. Fracture events were fewer with abaloparatide treatment in patients with T2DM, and differences were not significant between groups except nonvertebral fractures in the abaloparatide versus placebo groups (p = 0.04). Safety was consistent with the ACTIVE population. In conclusion, in women with PMO and T2DM, abaloparatide treatment resulted in significant improvements in BMD and TBS versus placebo, consistent with the overall ACTIVE population © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Directing group assists in transition metal‐catalyzed site‐selective C‐H bond activation/transformations
Authors: Wu Ming‐Jung , Chu Jean‐Ho
Published: January 2020

In the review paper, we attempt to point out the importance of the directing group in the transition metal‐catalyzed C‐H bond activation/transformations, especially in the site‐selectivity and reactivity. The employment of the directing groups in the type of reaction can enable a chemist to straightforwardly approach the desired molecular skeletons. Thus, understanding the role of the directing groups in the C‐H bond activation/transformations would benefit chemists to design better auxiliary groups and develop more efficient and practical synthetic methodologies. We believe that the synthetic strategy based on the utility of the directing group to assist in the transition metal‐catalyzed C‐H bond activation/transformations will keep playing as a mainstream role in the research field.
The Body Image Matrix of Thinness and Muscularity—Male Bodies: Development and validation of a new figure rating scale for body image in men
Authors: Arkenau Rike , Vocks Silja , Taube Christoph O. , Waldorf Manuel , Hartmann Andrea S.
Published: January 2020

Objective

The study aimed to validate the Body Image Matrix of Thinness and Muscularity—Male Bodies (BIMTM‐MB), a two‐dimensional figure rating scale consisting of 64 three‐dimensional male bodies, arranged in an 8 × 8 grid, with muscularity increasing stepwise on the vertical axis and body fat on the horizontal axis.

Method

The online sample included 355 men participating in an online survey. Besides the BIMTM‐MB, participants completed questionnaires on body‐related attitudes, behaviors, and psychopathology. Another 91 men were recruited to examine test–retest reliability of the BIMTM‐MB.

Results

The BIMTM‐MB showed good convergent and criterion validity. Men meeting their own body ideal showed higher body satisfaction and lower body‐related psychopathology. Test–retest reliability was high.

Conclusions

The BIMTM‐MB proved to be a reliable and valid measure and is recommended for use in research and clinical practice to examine central aspects of male body image.
Knockdown of Linc00052 alleviated spinal nerve ligation‐triggered neuropathic pain through regulating miR‐448 and JAK1
Authors: Wang Li , Zhu Kairun , Yang Bingyi , Cai Yi
Published: February 2020

The dysfunction of the nervous system contributes to neuropathic pain. Long noncoding RNAs are reported to participate in neuropathic pain. Recently, Linc00052 is implicated to be closely associated with multiple diseases. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of Linc00052 remain barely explored in neuropathic pain development. Currently, spinal nerve ligation (SNL) triggered neuropathic pain was employed in our investigation. Here, we assessed the function of Linc00052 in SNL rat models. Interestingly, we reported Linc00052 was significantly elevated in SNL rats. Loss of Linc00052 could reduce neuropathic pain progression via regulating the behaviors of neuropathic pain. Additionally, knockdown of Linc00052 repressed the processes of neuroinflammation. Interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumor necrosis factor α level were inhibited while IL‐10 was induced by the silence of Linc00052. Moreover, we predicted miR‐448 can serve as a target of Linc00052. miR‐448 exerts a crucial power in several diseases. Currently, we exhibited miR‐448 was remarkably downregulated in SNL rats. RNA immunoprecipitation experiments validated the association between miR‐448 and Linc00052. Inhibition of Linc00052 could reverse the roles of miR‐448 on neuropathic pain development. Furthermore, Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) was displayed as the putative target of miR‐448 in the present investigation. It was showed that JAK1 was induced in SNL rats. Loss of miR‐448 could dramatically induce the expression of JAK1, which was rescued by knockdown of Linc00052. Taken these together, our study implied that Linc00052 functioned as a novel target of neuropathic pain via sponging miR‐448 and regulating JAK1.
Sema3A and HIF1α co‐overexpressed iPSC‐MSCs/HA scaffold facilitates the repair of calvarial defect in a mouse model
Authors: Li Jingyi , Wang Tingting , Li Chong , Wang Zhifang , Wang Peng , Zheng Lili
Published: February 2020

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) play an important role in bone tissue engineering because MSCs possess multilineage potential of differentiation to mesenchymal tissues. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF1α) are proved as important regulatory factors for osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sema3A and HIF1α co‐overexpression on the osteogenesis and angiogenesis in induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (iPSC‐MSCs). Importantly, we assessed the potential osteogenic effectiveness of Sema3A and HIF1α co‐overexpressed iPSC‐MSCs seeded on hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold in a mouse calvarial defect model. The overexpression for Sema3A, HIF1α, or Sema3A‐HIF1α fusion in iPSC‐MSCs was performed by separately infecting with conducted lentiviral vector. We determined the cell proliferation, the expressions of osteogenic, and endothelial markers of iPSC‐MSCs cultured in osteogenic or endothelial induction medium in vitro. A mouse model calvarial defect was created and implanted with the Empty implant, HA scaffold alone, HA scaffold combined with iPSC‐MSCs that infected with negative control or Sema3A‐HIF1α fusion for 8 weeks in vivo. The results showed that Sema3A and HIF1α co‐overexpression reversed the reduced cell proliferation that reduced by Sema3A overexpression alone. Importantly, the co‐overexpression significantly increased the expressions of osteogenic and angiogenic related‐genes compared with negative control after induction. Moreover, the Sema3A‐HIF1α co‐overexpressed iPSC‐MSCs seeded on HA scaffold boosted the new bone and collagen fiber formation and facilitated repair of calvarial defect in a mouse model, which might have the potential application for bone defect reconstruction.
Muscle loss during primary debulking surgery and chemotherapy predicts poor survival in advanced‐stage ovarian cancer
Authors: Huang Chueh‐Yi , Yang Yuh‐Cheng , Chen Tze‐Chien , Chen Jen‐Ruei , Chen Yu‐Jen , Wu Meng‐Hao , Jan Ya‐Ting , Chang Chih‐Long , Lee Jie
Published: January 2020

Background

Sarcopenia is commonly observed in patients with advanced‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, the effect of body composition changes—during primary debulking surgery (PDS) and adjuvant platinum‐based chemotherapy—on outcomes of patients with advanced‐stage EOC is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between body composition changes and outcomes of patients with stage III EOC treated with PDS and adjuvant platinum‐based chemotherapy.

Methods

Pre‐treatment and post‐treatment computed tomography (CT) images of 139 patients with stage III EOC were analysed. All CT images were contrast‐enhanced scans and were acquired according to a standardized protocol. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD), and total adipose tissue index were measured using CT images obtained at the L3 vertebral level. Predictors of overall survival were identified using Cox regression models.

Results

The median follow‐up was 37.9 months. The median duration between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment CT was 182 days (interquartile range: 161–225 days). Patients experienced an average SMI loss of 1.8%/180 days (95% confidence interval: −3.1 to −0.4; P = 0.01) and SMD loss of 1.7%/180 days (95% confidence interval: −3.3 to −0.03; P = 0.046). SMI and SMD changes were weakly correlated with body mass index changes (Spearman ρ for SMI, 0.15, P = 0.07; ρ for SMD, 0.02, P = 0.82). The modified Glasgow prognostic score was associated with SMI loss (odds ratio: 2.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–5.69; P = 0.04). The median time to disease recurrence was significantly shorter in patients with SMI loss ≥5% after treatment than in those with SMI loss <5% or gain (5.4 vs. 11.2 months, P = 0.01). Pre‐treatment SMI (1 cm2/m2 decrease; hazard ratio: 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.11; P = 0.002) and SMI change (1%/180 days decrease; hazard ratio: 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.08; P = 0.002) were independently associated with poorer overall survival. SMD, body mass index, and total adipose tissue index at baseline and changes were not associated with overall survival.

Conclusions

Skeletal muscle index decreased significantly during treatment and was independently associated with poor overall survival in patients with stage III EOC treated with PDS and adjuvant platinum‐based chemotherapy. The modified Glasgow prognostic score might be a predictor of SMI loss during treatment.
Health knowledge of women with a fragile X premutation: Improving understanding with targeted educational material
Authors: Smolich Liana , Charen Krista , Sherman Stephanie L.
Published: January 2020

Women who carry a fragile X premutation are at risk for at least two major health conditions and for transmitting fragile X syndrome (FXS) to their children. The two health concerns include fragile X‐associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) and fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether written educational information about these conditions would increase knowledge and facilitate communication. Women with a premutation (N = 142) completed an online pre‐test to assess their knowledge of premutation‐associated conditions, and 135 women who provided an address received a booklet titled Women's Health and the Fragile X Premutation. After 3 months, 51.1% completed the post‐test. Major gaps in knowledge were related to FXPOI and factors associated with repeat expansion. To determine whether the booklet helped to fill gaps in knowledge, we compared pre‐ and post‐test scores. Scores were significantly increased after receipt of the booklet (p < .05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Participants answered that the booklet was ‘very helpful’ (44.6%) or ‘somewhat helpful’ (38.5%). Twenty‐four participants (34.8%) reported using the booklet to explain concepts to family members. Although we found that the booklet provided women with needed information, we found that gaps in knowledge still exist.
Engineering a Better World: Lessons from the Royal Academy of Engineering's International Development Activities
Authors: Ettridge Meredith , Sharma Shaarad
Published: January 2020

▪▪▪ © 2020 The Authors Journal of International Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The role of organizational culture in knowledge sharing and transfer in Pakistani banks: A qualitative study
Authors: Memon Salman Bashir , Qureshi Jawaid A. , Jokhio Imdad Ali
Published: January 2020

To identify the elements of organizational culture that support or act as a barrier to corporate knowledge creation, sharing, and transfer, researchers conducted semi‐structured interviews with 16 top‐level managers in five banks based in Karachi, Pakistan. The findings reveal that encouraging the exchange of ideas among employees through social interactions in the workplace facilitates the transfer of tacit knowledge. The inability to adapt to new technology, a lack of awareness of the benefits of effective knowledge management, and deficiencies in formal language and employee empowerment are among the main obstacles to knowledge creation and sharing. The study concludes with suggestions for fostering a culture of leadership where information is easily transferred, enabling employees at every level to contribute to operational success.
Treatment effect of guided tissue regeneration on the horizontal and vertical components of furcation defects: A retrospective study
Authors: Majzoub Jad , Barootchi Shayan , Tavelli Lorenzo , Wang Chin‐Wei , Travan Sunčica , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: February 2020

Background

Identifying factors affecting the treatment outcomes of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in furcation defects is imperative in order to obtain predictable regeneration outcomes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survival of furcation‐involved teeth treated with GTR, and potential factors affecting the results.

Methods

Furcation defects treated with GTR using an allogeneic cancellous bone graft and covered by an absorbable membrane with at least 1‐year follow‐up were selected. All data relative to the clinical outcomes were recorded. Analyses were conducted to evaluate the immediate (1‐year post‐op) clinical outcomes and the long‐term (the last assessment time) survival of the treated teeth. The effect of variables on the 1‐year post‐op clinical attachment level (CAL) changes and the tooth survival were assessed via multi‐level regression analyses and Cox Proportional‐Hazards Models.

Results

Ninety‐eight treated defects were selected. The average follow‐up was 5.3 ± 4.3 years. At the 1‐year post‐surgical recall, 1.23 ± 1.48 mm CAL gain was observed (P < 0.05). The 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates of the treated teeth were 86.5% and 74.3%, respectively. The vertical component of the defect and the location of the furcation were significantly related to the post‐surgical 1‐year CAL gain, whereas membrane exposure significantly affected tooth survival.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, data suggests GTR using allogeneic cancellous bone graft and absorbable collagen membrane to be a viable option for treating furcation‐involved teeth if the defect morphology and the location of the defect are favorable.
Effect of the nitrification inhibitor DMPP on nitrous oxide emissions and the stabilization of ammonium following the injection of dairy slurry and digestate in a soil‐column experiment
Authors: ten Huf Martin , Olfs Hans-Werner
Published: January 2020

Injection of slurry or digestate below maize seeds is a relatively new technique developed to improve nitrogen use efficiency. However, this practice has the major drawback of increasing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The application of a nitrification inhibitor (NI) is an effective method to reduce these emissions. To evaluate the effect of the NI 3,4‐dimethypyrazole phosphate (DMPP) on N2O emissions and the stabilization of ammonium, a two‐factorial soil‐column experiment was conducted. PVC pipes (20 cm diameter and 30 cm length) were used as incubation vessels for the soil‐columns. The trial consisted of four treatments in a randomized block design with four replications: slurry injection, slurry injection + DMPP, digestate injection, and digestate injection + DMPP. During the 47‐day incubation period, N2O fluxes were measured twice a week and cumulated by linear interpolation of the gas‐fluxes of consecutive measurement dates. After completion of the gas flux measurement, concentration of ammonium and nitrate within the soil‐columns was determined. DMPP delayed the conversion of ammonium within the manure injection zone significantly. This effect was considerably more pronounced in treatment digestate + NI than in treatment slurry + NI. Regarding the cumulated N2O emissions, no difference between slurry and digestate treatments was determined. DMPP reduced the release of N2O significantly. Transferring the results into practice, the use of DMPP is a promising way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching, following the injection of slurry or digestate.
Improvement in Quality of Life and Decrease in Large‐Volume Paracentesis Requirements With the Automated Low‐Flow Ascites Pump
Authors: Wong Florence , Bendel Emily , Sniderman Kenneth , Frederick Todd , Haskal Ziv J. , Sanyal Arun , Asrani Sumeet K. , Capel Jeroen , Kamath Patrick S.
Published: January 2020

The automated low‐flow ascites pump (alfapump) is an implantable device that drains ascites directly into the urinary bladder. We studied its safety (absence of serious complications) and efficacy (decreased large‐volume paracentesis [LVP] requirement and improved quality of life [QoL]) in the management of ascites in a cohort of North American patients with cirrhosis and recurrent ascites ineligible for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). QoL was measured by the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) and Ascites Questionnaire (Ascites Q). Following alfapump implantation, patients were monitored for ascites control, laboratory abnormalities, QoL, adverse events, and survival at 12 months. A total of 30 patients (60.0 ± 9.9 years; 57% male; Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, 11.4 ± 2.7) received an alfapump, mostly by an interventional radiology approach (97%), followed by longterm prophylactic antibiotics. The alfapump removed a mean ascites volume of 230.6 ± 148.9 L/patient at 12 months, dramatically reducing the mean LVP frequency from 2.4 ± 1.4/patient/month before pump implantation to 0.2 ± 0.4/patient/month after pump implantation. All surviving patients had improved QoL (baseline versus 3 months; CLDQ, 3.9 ± 1.21 versus 5.0 ± 1.0; Ascites Q, 51.7 ± 21.9 versus 26.7 ± 18.6; P < 0.001 for both) and a better biochemical index of nutritional status (prealbumin 87.8 ± 37.5 versus 102.9 ± 45.3 mg/L at 3 months; P = 0.04). Bacterial infections (15 events in 13 patients), electrolyte abnormalities (11 events in 6 patients), and renal complications (11 events in 9 patients) were the most common severe adverse events. By 12 months, 4 patients died from complications of cirrhosis. Alfapump insertion may be a definitive treatment for refractory ascites in cirrhosis, especially in patients who are not TIPS candidates.
On the pitting corrosion behavior of ultrafine‐grained aluminum processed by ECAP: A statistical analysis
Authors: Quartiermeister Marcelo V. , Magalhães Danielle C. C. , Vacchi Guilherme S. , Braga Diogo P. , Silva Rodrigo , Kliauga Andréa M. , Sordi Vitor L. , Rovere Carlos A. D.
Published: January 2020

The effect of the equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP) process on the pitting corrosion behavior of ultrafine‐grained aluminum was evaluated based on statistical analysis. The microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior were investigated. ECAP breakdowns/redistributes intermetallic particles, which contributes to a decrease in the local chemical heterogeneity. Higher average pitting potential (Epit) values were observed after processing, but this improvement was neither significant nor sequential with each ECAP pass. Finally, the statistical analysis of the data and their dispersion did not lead to the conclusion that ECAP improves the corrosion resistance of aluminum, in view of the widely varyingEpitvalues observed.
Valine derived poly (acetylenes) as versatile chiral lyotropic liquid crystalline alignment media for RDC‐based structure elucidations
Authors: Krupp Alexis , Noll Markus , Reggelin Michael
Published: February 2020

Anisotropic samples of lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phases of valine derived polyaryl acetylenes were employed as chiral alignment media for the measurement of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) of 12 small, chiral, organic molecules. The quadrupolar splitting of the deuterium signal of CDCl3 can be adjusted by temperature and concentration changes from 0 to 350 Hz. The LLC phases showed excellent orienting properties for all analytes bearing various functional groups. The precise extraction of RDCs in the range of up to ±30 Hz from F2‐coupled HSQC spectra was possible. Additionally, the chiral environment led to diastereomorphous interactions with the enantiomers of chiral analytes leading to two different sets of RDCs. This differential order effect was particularly pronounced with H‐bond donors like alcohols and 2° amines.
Separation of quadrupolar and paramagnetic shift interactions with TOP‐STMAS/MQMAS in solid‐state lighting phosphors
Authors: Carvalho José P. , Jaworski Aleksander , Brady Michael J. , Pell Andrew J.
Published: January 2020

A new approach for processing satellite‐transition magic‐angle spinning (STMAS) and multiple‐quantum magic‐angle spinning (MQMAS) data, based on the two‐dimensional one‐pulse (TOP) method, which separates the second‐rank quadrupolar anisotropy and paramagnetic shift interactions via a double shearing transformation, is described. This method is particularly relevant in paramagnetic systems, where substantial inhomogeneous broadening may broaden the lineshapes. Furthermore, it possesses an advantage over the conventional processing of MQMAS and STMAS spectra because it overcomes the limitation on the spectral width in the indirect dimension imposed by rotor synchronization of the sampling interval. This method was applied experimentally to the
Al solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance of a series of yttrium aluminum garnets (YAGs) doped with different lanthanide ions, from which the quadrupolar parameters of paramagnetically shifted and bulk unshifted sites were extracted. These parameters were then compared with density functional theory calculations, which permitted a better understanding of the local structure of Ln substituent ions in the YAG lattice.
An exploration of the role of Sertoli cells on fetal testis development using cell ablation strategy
Authors: Wang Yu‐Qian , Cheng Jin‐Mei , Wen Qing , Tang Ji‐Xin , Li Jian , Chen Su‐Ren , Liu Yi‐Xun
Published: February 2020

Sertoli cells (SCs) are presumed to be the center of testis differentiation because they provide both structural support and biological regulation for spermatogenesis. Previous studies suggest that SCs control germ cell (GC) count and Leydig cell (LC) development in mouse testes. However, the regulatory role of SCs on peritubular myoid (PTM) cell fate in fetal testis has not been clearly reported. Here, we employed Amh‐Cre; diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) mouse model to selectively ablate SCs from embryonic day (E) 14.5. Results found that SC ablation in the fetal stage caused the disruption of testis cords and the massive loss of GCs. Furthermore, the number of α‐smooth muscle actin‐labeled PTM cells was gradually decreased from E14.5 and almost lost at E18.5 in SC ablation testis. Interestingly, some Ki67 and 3β‐HSD double‐positive fetal LCs could be observed in Amh‐Cre; DTA testes at E16.5 and E18.5. Consistent with this phenomenon, the messenger RNA levels of Hsd3b1, Cyp11a1, Lhr, Star and the protein levels of 3β‐HSD and P450Scc were significantly elevated by SC ablation. SC ablation appears to induce ectopic proliferation of fetal LCs although the total LC number appeared reduced. Together, these findings bring us a better understanding of SCs’ central role in fetal testis development.
Reconstruction of undersampled 3D non‐Cartesian image‐based navigators for coronary MRA using an unrolled deep learning model
Authors: Malavé Mario O. , Baron Corey A. , Koundinyan Srivathsan P. , Sandino Christopher M. , Ong Frank , Cheng Joseph Y. , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To rapidly reconstruct undersampled 3D non‐Cartesian image‐based navigators (iNAVs) using an unrolled deep learning (DL) model, enabling nonrigid motion correction in coronary magnetic resonance angiography (CMRA).

Methods

An end‐to‐end unrolled network is trained to reconstruct beat‐to‐beat 3D iNAVs acquired during a CMRA sequence. The unrolled model incorporates a nonuniform FFT operator in TensorFlow to perform the data‐consistency operation, and the regularization term is learned by a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the proximal gradient descent algorithm. The training set includes 6,000 3D iNAVs acquired from 7 different subjects and 11 scans using a variable‐density (VD) cones trajectory. For testing, 3D iNAVs from 4 additional subjects are reconstructed using the unrolled model. To validate reconstruction accuracy, global and localized motion estimates from DL model‐based 3D iNAVs are compared with those extracted from 3D iNAVs reconstructed with ‐ESPIRiT. Then, the high‐resolution coronary MRA images motion corrected with autofocusing using the ‐ESPIRiT and DL model‐based 3D iNAVs are assessed for differences.

Results

3D iNAVs reconstructed using the DL model‐based approach and conventional ‐ESPIRiT generate similar global and localized motion estimates and provide equivalent coronary image quality. Reconstruction with the unrolled network completes in a fraction of the time compared to CPU and GPU implementations of ‐ESPIRiT (20× and 3× speed increases, respectively).

Conclusions

We have developed a deep neural network architecture to reconstruct undersampled 3D non‐Cartesian VD cones iNAVs. Our approach decreases reconstruction time for 3D iNAVs, while preserving the accuracy of nonrigid motion information offered by them for correction.
Thermal and water absorption properties of cyanate ester resins modified by fluoride‐containing and silicone‐containing components
Authors: Pei Shixin , Han Yue , Guo Ying , Liu Jinshuai , Ding Jiangnan , Li Yingchun , Zhou Heng , Zhao Tong
Published: February 2020

In order to enhance the moisture resistance of cyanate ester resins, modifiers containing silicon or fluorine moieties were introduced. The curing behaviors of the obtained resins, as well as thermal, water absorption, and dielectric properties of all cured polymers, were investigated in detail. Results show that properties of fillers in polymer have great influence on the thermal property and of polymer. In all cases, modifier exhibited percolation threshold at 5 wt%. Compared with pristine cyanate ester resins (CE), when the methyl phenyl silicone resin B filler was added, the cured polymer exhibited water absorption as low as 0.39% and excellent thermal oxygen stability at 300°C. The introduction of silicon H improved thermal oxidative stability at 400°C without significant compromise in processability or mechanical properties.
Aqueous enzymatic extraction of rosmarinic acid from Salvia officinalis: optimisation using response surface methodology
Authors: Su Chia‐Hung , Pham Thi Thanh Truc , Cheng Hsien‐Hao
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Rosmarinic acid is a bioactive compound with various pharmaceutical effects and applications.

Objective

This work developed a new approach for aqueous enzymatic extraction of rosmarinic acid from the leaves of Salvia officinalis.

Methods

Different enzymes (proteases and cellulase) were evaluated for their extraction activity. Response surface methodology (RSM) was subsequently employed to optimise the extraction conditions. Thin layer chromatography was also used to identify rosmarinic acid in the extract of S. officinalis.

Results

Among the tested enzymes, a Cellulase A and Protamex mixture (1:1, w/w) exhibited maximum effectiveness in the extraction. Through the use of RSM, the maximum rosmarinic acid content of 28.23 ± 0.41 mg/g was obtained with enzyme loading of 4.49%, water‐to‐sample ratio of 25.76 mL/g, temperature of 54.3°C, and extraction time of 2 h.

Conclusion

This study suggests that S. officinalis is a promising source of rosmarinic acid and aqueous enzymatic extraction is an efficient and ecofriendly method for extracting rosmarinic acid, with a short extraction time and without the contamination of a toxic solvent.
Use of methylphenidate and risk for valvular heart disease: A case‐control study nested in the BIFAP cohort
Authors: Saiz Luis Carlos , Gil Miguel , Alonso Alvaro , Erviti Juan , Garjón Javier , Martínez Matilde
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To examine the association between use of methylphenidate and the risk for valvular heart disease (VHD) in the Spanish primary care database BIFAP.

Methods

Case‐control study nested in a cohort of patients aged 5 to 25 years between 2002 and 2014, based in a general practice research database. Cases were people with a validated diagnosis of VHD. Ten controls per case were matched on age, sex, and calendar year. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of VHD comparing patients ever treated with methylphenidate vs never users, as well as by time since last use, treatment duration, and variations in case inclusion criteria.

Results

From a cohort of 1 596 284 patients, we identified 262 valid cases of VHD. No difference in the incidence of VHD was observed when comparing “ever users” of methylphenidate with “never users” (adjusted OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.16‐1.69). A similar result was found comparing current, recent, or past users of methylphenidate. Differences were not significant when both valid and probable cases were included as events of interest (adjusted OR 0.59, 95%CI 0.22‐1.63).

Conclusions

In this first‐ever population‐based study on this issue, association between methylphenidate and the incidence of VHD among persons in the 5 to 25 years age range was neither confirmed nor excluded. Additional studies may be required to clarify the presence or absence of this relationship.
Thematic content of video narratives in patients and survivors of adolescent cancer
Authors: Pereira Lila M , Piela Gabrielle , DiCola Katie
Published: January 2020

Objective

Modern day adolescents and young adults (AYAs) connect with their peers via a number of increasingly novel ways, many of which involve social media. These online relationships are often translated offline to increase one's social standing and quality of in‐person relationships. However, when an AYA is diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, like cancer, in‐person relationships with peers become difficult and the online component of socialization is all that is left. Video testimonials are a way that some AYAs have chosen to reach out to their peers; however, little is known about what AYAs are saying in these videos and how they are using them to connect with peers on a more intimate level.

Methods

This study examined the content of video testimonials of n = 25 AYA cancer patients and survivors. Transcripts of videos were coded by a team of researchers to identify themes and overall tone.

Results

Results suggested that films focused on struggles AYAs faced during their cancer journeys with a number of themes emerging; additionally, a hopeful tone was seen around the overall impact that cancer had on the patient's life.

Conclusions

It may be the case that video testimonials are an effective way to allow AYA patients with a cancer history to explore their thoughts about their illness experience and fill an important social gap not available to them as they undergo treatment.
Characteristics and trajectory of patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wong Judith Ju‐Ming , Tan Herng Lee , Lee Siew Wah , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Mok Yee Hui , Lee Jan Hau
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study delineates the disease trajectory of patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) defined by the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (PALICC) definition, and evaluates the impact of comorbidities on outcomes.

Methods

This prospective study over November 2017‐October 2019 was conducted in a single‐center multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and included patients <21years of age with PARDS. Clinical history of those requiring mechanical ventilation for <3 days was interrogated and cases in which the diagnosis of PARDS were unlikely, identified. The impact of chronic comorbidities on clinical outcomes, in particular, pulmonary disease and immunosuppression, were analyzed.

Results

Eighty‐five of 1272 PICU admissions (6.7%) met the criteria for PARDS and were included. Median age and oxygenation indexes were 2.8 (0.6, 8.3) years and 10.6 (7.6, 15.4), respectively. Overall mortality was 12 out of 85 (14.1%). Despite fulfilling criteria in 6/85 (7.1%), hypoxemia contributed by bronchospasm, mucus plugging, fluid overload, and atelectasis was quickly reversible and PARDS was unlikely in these patients. Comorbidities (57/85 [67.1%]) were not associated with worsened outcomes. However, pre‐existing pulmonary disease and immunosuppression were associated with severe PARDS (12/20 [60.0%] vs 19/65 [29.2%]; P = .017), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use (5/20 [25.0%] vs 3/65 [4.6%]; P = .016) and reduced ventilator free days (VFD) (15 [0, 19] vs 21 [6, 23]; P = .039), compared with those without them.

Conclusion

A small percentage of children fulfilling the PALICC definition had quickly reversible hypoxemia with likely alternate pathophysiology to PARDS. Patients with pulmonary comorbidities and immunosuppression had a more severe course of PARDS compared with others.
Observation of Variations in Condensed Carbon Morphology Dependent on Composition B Detonation Conditions
Authors: Hammons Joshua A. , Nielsen Michael H. , Bagge‐Hansen Michael , Lauderbach Lisa M. , Hodgin Ralph L. , Bastea Sorin , Fried Laurence E. , Cowan Matthew R. , Orlikowski Daniel A. , Willey Trevor M.
Published: January 2020

Carbon particulates generated during detonation depend upon high explosive type, composition, and detonation conditions. Although explosive composition greatly affects particulates, the focus of this work is on how detonation geometries that induce much higher temperatures and pressures in the high explosive lead to differing particulate morphologies. In this study, two geometries were used: Detonations were initiated in Composition B cylinders at one end in conventional detonations and initiated at both ends to produce colliding detonations. Each of these detonations was observed on the sub‐μs timescale using fast radiography capturing images of the front moving through the cylinder, and colliding detonation fronts in real‐time. These imaging experiments were complemented with time‐resolved small‐angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS) experiments that were able to observe and determine the varying condensed carbon morphologies at different locations and times in each detonation. The detonations could be timed in such a way that the spatial and temporal dependence of the carbon morphology could be superimposed onto radiography images collected at the same point in time. The complementary approach is able to show that the carbon condensates are much larger when formed in the elevated temperature and pressure conditions near the location of colliding detonation fronts. Thermochemical modeling suggests that these larger particulates form either in the diamond phase or on the liquidus line of the carbon phase diagram. The increase in size observed by SAXS may correlate well with the increased residence time deeply in the diamond phase. These particulates can be described as nano‐sized phases with some surface texture or otherwise near‐surface intra‐particle heterogeneity.
How many bone metastases may be defined as high‐volume metastatic prostate cancer in Asians: A retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Yamada Yasutaka , Sakamoto Shinichi , Rii Junryo , Yamamoto Satoshi , Kamada Shuhei , Imamura Yusuke , Nakamura Kazuyoshi , Komiya Akira , Nakatsu Hiroomi , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: February 2020

Background

Recent landmark randomized trials (CHAARTED and LATITUDE studies) have highlighted potent upfront therapy for “high‐volume” and “high‐risk” metastatic castration‐naïve prostate cancer (mCNPC). However, treatment response shows racial differences. We aimed to propose a novel definition for “high‐volume” prostate cancer in Asians.

Methods

We retrospectively pursued 426 patients with de novo mCNPC from multiple institutions between 1999 and 2017. All patients received androgen deprivation therapy alone as initial treatment. We evaluated the number of bone metastases at diagnosis to clarify the clinical significance for progression‐free survival and overall survival (OS). Statistical analyses were conducted using the Mann‐Whitney U test, Cox proportional hazard models, and Kaplan‐Meier methods.

Results

Median age and prostate‐specific antigen level were 73 years and 266.2 ng/ml, respectively. Median OS was 55.5 months in patients who met the CHAARTED high criteria (vs 33.1 months in the trial). We evaluated 5 thresholds in the number of bone metastases (≥4, ≥6, ≥11, ≥16, and ≥21) to investigate the prognostic values. Patients with ≥11 bone metastases showed the highest HR for OS (2.766). Patients with 11 to 20 bone metastases had a significantly shorter OS than those with ≤10 metastases (P = .0001). We, therefore, proposed modified CHAARTED and LATITUDE high criteria (extending bone metastases ≥11). In multivariate analysis, the modified criteria were the only independent prognostic factors for OS (P = .0272 and P = .042, respectively). Conversely, no significant differences in OS were seen between patients with 1 to 3 bone metastases and 4 to 10 (P = .7513).

Conclusion

Our exploratory study suggested ≥11 bone metastases as a suitable definition for “high‐volume” prostate cancer in Asians. A larger, prospective study is warranted to verify our findings.
Comparative studies on ion‐pair energetic, distribution among three domains of life: Archaea, eubacteria, and eukarya
Authors: Roy Chittran , Kumar Rajeev , Datta Saumen
Published: January 2020

Salt‐bridges play a unique role in the structural and functional stability of proteins, especially under harsh environments. How these salt‐bridges contribute to the overall thermodynamic stability of protein structure and function across different domains of life is elusive still date. To address the issue, statistical analyses on the energies of salt‐bridges, involved in proteins' structure and function, are performed across three domains of life, that is, archaea, eubacteria, and eukarya. Results show that although the majority of salt‐bridges are stable and conserved, yet the stability of archaeal proteins (∆∆Gnet = −5.06 ± 3.8) is much more than that of eubacteria (∆∆Gnet = −3.7 ± 2.9) and eukarya (∆∆Gnet = −3.54 ± 3.1). Unlike earlier study with archaea, in eukarya and eubacteria, not all buried salt‐bridge in our dataset are stable. Buried salt‐bridges play surprising role in protein stability, whose variations are clearly observed among these domains. Greater desolvation penalty of buried salt‐bridges is compensated by stable network of salt‐bridges apart from equal contribution of bridge and background energy terms. On the basis proteins' secondary structure, topology, and evolution, our observation shows that salt‐bridges when present closer to each other in sequence tend to form a greater number. Overall, our comparative study provides insight into the role of specific electrostatic interactions in proteins from different domains of life, which we hope, would be useful for protein engineering and bioinformatics study.
Structural reliability assessment by salp swarm algorithm–based FORM
Authors: Zhong Changting , Wang Mengfu , Dang Chao , Ke Wenhai
Published: February 2020

The first‐order reliability method (FORM) is well recognized as an efficient approach for reliability analysis. Rooted in considering the reliability problem as a constrained optimization of a function, the traditional FORM makes use of gradient‐based optimization techniques to solve it. However, the gradient‐based optimization techniques may result in local convergence or even divergence for the highly nonlinear or high‐dimensional performance function. In this paper, a hybrid method combining the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) and FORM is presented. In the proposed method, a Lagrangian objective function is constructed by the exterior penalty function method to facilitate meta‐heuristic optimization strategies. Then, SSA with strong global optimization ability for highly nonlinear and high‐dimensional problems is utilized to solve the Lagrangian objective function. In this regard, the proposed SSA‐FORM is able to overcome the limitations of FORM including local convergence and divergence. Finally, the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed SSA‐FORM are compared with two gradient‐based FORMs and several heuristic‐based FORMs through eight numerical examples. The results show that the proposed SSA‐FORM can be generally applied for reliability analysis involving low‐dimensional, high‐dimensional, and implicit performance functions.
Effect of Aging Solvents on Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Silica Xerogels Derived from Steel Slag
Authors: Guzel Kaya Gulcihan , Deveci Huseyin
Published: January 2020

Silica xerogels were synthesized from steel slag by sol‐gel method with ambient pressure drying. Effect of aging solvents (methanol, ethanol, n‐propanol and isopropanol) on properties of silica xerogels was investigated. Formation of amorphous structure and silica network of silica xerogels was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed highly porous structure silica xerogel aged in isopropanol. Specific surface area and pore volume of silica xerogels increased in the order: n‐propanol < ethanol < methanol < isopropanol. Specific surface area of silica xerogel aged in isopropanol was 481 m2 g−1. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) presented that highest thermal stability of silica xerogel was obtained in the presence of methanol. Lowest thermal conductivity and bulk density were specified with isopropanol as 0.046 g cm−3 and 0.036 W m−1 K−1.
One‐Pot Synthetic Approach for Magnetically Separable Graphene Nanocomposite for Dye Degradation
Authors: Pethsangave Dattatray A. , Khose Rahul V. , Wadekar Pravin H. , Kulal Dnyaneshwar K. , Some Surajit
Published: January 2020

We have developed a facile and efficient one‐pot synthesis of nanocomposites of magnetic separable Graphene Polyaniline‐Ferrite (G@PANI‐Fe3O4) and Graphene Polypyrrole‐Ferrite (G@PPy‐Fe3O4) for the use of photocatalytic dye degradation of pollutants. This is the first attempt to synthesize PANI‐Fe3O4 and PPy‐Fe3O4 on graphene surface by a simple hydrothermal step, where PANI and PPy constructed nanocomposites with graphene and ferrite nanoparticles. The nitrogen‐containing functional groups of PANI and PPy have provided more active sites on functionalized G@PANI‐Fe3O4 and G@PPy‐Fe3O4 nanocomposites for enhanced dye degradation capacity. The photocatalytic activity of as‐prepared nanocomposites was investigated by the degradation of direct red 23. The effective degradation of direct red 23 up to 95.44% and 94.98% was observed by using the dose of 1 g/L G@PANI‐Fe3O4 and G@PPy‐Fe3O4 nanocomposite respectively, at pH 4 and contact time within 10 min only. The degradation capacity of G@PANI‐Fe3O4 and G@PPy‐Fe3O4 nanocomposite was superior in comparison with reported material and could be recycled at least 10 cycles. As‐prepared nanocomposites were well characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results demonstrated that the magnetically separable G@PANI‐Fe3O4 and G@PPy‐Fe3O4 nanocomposites are acting as an effective catalyst for dye degradation, which has effective recyclability property. The efficient dye degradation capacity of as‐prepared nanomaterials could provide an innovative platform for different applications including the control of water pollution.
Amorphous Porous Chromium‐Zirconium Bimetallic Phosphate: Synthesis, Characterization and Application in Liquid Phase Oxidation of Hydrocarbons by Different Oxygen Sources
Authors: Sun Lei , Kong Deyu , Wang Fang , Luo Wei , Chen Yanqiu , Zhouzhou  , Liu Junhua
Published: January 2020

Cr−Zr bimetallic phosphates catalysts were prepared by sol‐gel method and used in the oxidation of cyclohexane, ethylbenzene and cyclohexene, respectively. The catalysts were characterized by a variety of analytical techniques. The results show that chromium ions enter the framework of mesoporous zirconium phosphate, Cr−Zr phosphates catalysts with molar ratio of Cr: Zr=2 (CrZr2P) or Cr: Zr=1 (CrZrP) still retain the mesoporous structure and form composite metal phosphates. Two active centers‐ redox (Cr6+) and acidic sites in these bimetallic phosphates play a synergistic catalytic role in the oxidation of C−H bond. Catalytic activity is closely related to the amount of acid or acid strength, the C=O product selectivity depends on the amount and high dispersion of Cr6+ species. Acidic sites and redox sites are affected by different molar ratios of chromium/ zirconium. Among the Cr−Zr phosphates catalysts, CrZr2P and CrZrP catalysts show excellent activity, just because the formation of mesoporous structure leads to the uniform dispersion of acidic and redox sites.
NiCo2S4 Nanowire‐Decorated Flexible Carbon Foam for Sensitive Glucose Sensors
Authors: He Yi , Wu Tingting , Tao Shihan , Liu Lijuan , Wu Jun , Guo Qiaohui
Published: January 2020

Binary nickel cobalt sulfide (NiCo2S4) nanostructures have attracted much attention in electrochemistry fields due to its highly catalytic activity and low cost. Herein, NiCo2S4 nanowire arrays grown on three‐dimensional carbon foam (NiCo2S4/3DCF) is presented for nonenzymatic glucose sensor. Porous NiCo2S4/3DCF with self‐supporting structure was synthesized via a self‐designed two‐step hydrothermal process, and was fabricated as flexible sensor directly without any modify treatments. The linear range of this sensor is 0.005–13.07 mM (R2 = 0.999) with detection limit of 0.5 μM (S/N=3). In addition, the as‐proposed sensor also displays other outstanding advantages, including simple of preparation, low cost, perfect reproducibility and good selectivity. Such attracting sensing properties may be due to the high electrocatalytic activity of NiCo2S4 and good electrical conductivity of 3DCF frameworks. Therefore, NiCo2S4/3DCF may show great promise in glucose sensor applications.