bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IPOMOEA: Intended package orientation using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm in R
Authors: El-dosuky M A
Published: April 2019

Programmers’ lack of familiarity with what is available in packages may prompt them to reinvent the wheel. This is generally the case in any programming language, but it is a matter of madness with a language described as difficult even by professionals supporting it such as R. In R Cookbook, says: “But R can be frustrating. It’s not obvious how to accomplish many tasks, even simple ones.” IPOMOEA is a code that has been written to mitigate this problem. It helps R language developers determine how to perform a specific task, by automating the search in R site for all packages that are likely to contribute to the task implementation. After that, IPOMOEA determines a partial set of results to be the intended package using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm NSGA-II . Not only does it specify the intended package, but also it helps orient programmers and manage packages. Keywords:
The impact of processing methods on chemical composition, mineral bioavailability and functional properties of Nigerian-grown cashew flour
Authors: Makinde Folasade , Ifeoluwa Hannah Joel
Published: April 2019

In this study, the effect of processing methods on the nutritional quality and functional properties of cashew (Anacardium occidentale Linn) kernels were investigated. The kernels were soaked, autoclaved, roasted or germinated at varying time duration; raw kernel served as control. The samples were analysed for chemical, mineral bioavailability and functional properties. Data was subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated by the Duncan multiple range test. The result of chemical composition analyses revealed that raw cashew kernels contained 3.55±0.08% moisture, 21.3±0.05% protein, 45.0±0.15% fat, 2.53±0.02% fibre, 1.59±0.02% ash, 26.1±0.01% carbohydrate, 521.75 Kcal/g energy, 2210.09±0.02mg/kg calcium, 1712.54±0.03mg/kg magnesium, 60.04±0.01 mg/kg iron and 36.74±0.02mg/kg zinc. Tannin, phytate and oxalate concentrations in the raw cashew kernel were 10.14±0.03 mg/kg, 99.30±0.02mg/kg and 11.03±0.03mg/kg respectively. Increased fat, ash and fibre levels were noted for treated samples compared to raw kernels. Mineral concentrations were increased significantly by various treatments compared to raw kernel; however, germination resulted in the highest increase of mineral content. A reduction trend was observed in phytate, oxalate and tannin concentrations in the treated samples with respect to increased processing time. Consequently, various treatments influenced the bioavailability of mineral elements. Treated samples exhibited significant differences in loose and packed bulk densities, water and oil absorption capacities when compared to raw kernels. Germination shows potential to generate not only much needed nutrients in cashew for human development, but also improved bioavailability of nutrients and functionality compared to other processing methods. This approach can used in Community Nutrition and Emergency Feeding Programmes, in developing countries, where the consequence of anti-nutritional factors may worsen the incidence of malnutrition and disease.
Stability of vitamin C in broccoli at different storage conditions
Authors: Al-Habsi Nasser , Suresh Sithara , Al-Yhmedi Amani , Al-Shoryani Marwa , I. Waly Mostafa , Shafiur Rahman Mohammad
Published: April 2019

In this study, the retention of vitamin C in fresh broccoli stored at different temperatures (i.e. chiller, room, cooking, and roasting or baking; 5-120oC) was investigated. The thermal stability of vitamin C in broccoli was analysed at 5, 20, 45, 60, 70, 80, 110, and 120oC. The vitamin C content was measured by the indophenol titration method. Vitamin C was affected negatively at all stored temperatures. The degradation of vitamin C was modelled by first-order reaction kinetics and the reaction rate constants were observed as 9.03Ö10−8 and 5.65Ö10−3 s −1 when stored at 5oC and 120oC, respectively. The activation energy was estimated as 74.2 kJ/mol within the temperature range used in this study. The lowest decay of vitamin C was observed during the chilling condition. The data on retention of vitamin C in broccoli could be used to determine their stability, when stored as raw, and when heated at different temperatures.
Physico-chemical composition and antimicrobial protein content of early lactation donkey milk
Authors: Aspri Maria , Souroullas Kallis , Ioannou Christina , Papademas Photis
Published: April 2019

The influence of early lactation on chemical composition and the concentration of antimicrobial proteins of donkey’s milk produced in Cyprus were investigated. Milk samples from 10 female donkeys in their first season of lactation were collected at 7, 15 and 30d postpartum. The average contents of donkey milk gross composition were 1.40% protein, 0.16% fat and 8.74% total solids. Results showed that lactation had a significant negative effect on protein concentration, while total solid concentration showed an increased followed by a decrease. Composition of antimicrobial proteins also showed a significant decreased during lactation period except from lactoferrin which showed an increase. On the other hand, throughout the lactation, pH and fat were constant.
Potential herd protection against Plasmodium falciparum infections conferred by mass antimalarial drug administrations
Authors: Parker Daniel M , Tun Sai Thein Than , White Lisa J , Kajeechiwa Ladda , Thwin May Myo , Landier Jordi , Chaumeau Victor , Corbel Vincent , Dondorp Arjen M , von Seidlein Lorenz , White Nicholas J , Maude Richard J , Nosten François
Published: April 2019

The global malaria burden has decreased over the last decade and many nations are attempting elimination. Asymptomatic malaria infections are not normally diagnosed or treated, posing a major hurdle for elimination efforts. One solution to this problem is mass drug administration (MDA), with success depending on adequate population participation. Here, we present a detailed spatial and temporal analysis of malaria episodes and asymptomatic infections in four villages undergoing MDA in Myanmar. In this study, individuals from neighborhoods with low MDA adherence had 2.85 times the odds of having a malaria episode post-MDA in comparison to those from high adherence neighborhoods, regardless of individual participation, suggesting a herd effect. High mosquito biting rates, living in a house with someone else with malaria, or having an asymptomatic malaria infection were also predictors of clinical episodes. Spatial clustering of non-adherence to MDA, even in villages with high overall participation, may frustrate elimination efforts.
Dynamic enhancer partitioning instructs activation of a growth-related gene during exit from naïve pluripotency
Authors: Greenberg Maxim , Teissandier Aurélie , Walter Marius , Noordermeer Daan , Bourc'his Deborah
Published: April 2019

During early mammalian development, the chromatin landscape undergoes profound transitions. The Zdbf2 gene—involved in growth control—provides a valuable model to study this window: upon exit from naïve pluripotency and prior to tissue differentiation, it undergoes a switch from a distal to a proximal promoter usage, accompanied by a switch from polycomb to DNA methylation occupancy. Using a mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) system to mimic this period, we show here that four enhancers contribute to the Zdbf2 promoter switch, concomitantly with dynamic changes in chromatin architecture. In ESCs, the locus is partitioned to facilitate enhancer contacts with the distal Zdbf2 promoter. Relieving the partition enhances proximal Zdbf2 promoter activity, as observed during differentiation or with genetic mutants. Importantly, we show that 3D regulation occurs upstream of the polycomb and DNA methylation pathways. Our study reveals the importance of multi-layered regulatory frameworks to ensure proper spatio-temporal activation of developmentally important genes.
Quantification of microenvironmental metabolites in murine cancers reveals determinants of tumor nutrient availability
Authors: Sullivan Mark R , Danai Laura V , Lewis Caroline A , Chan Sze Ham , Gui Dan Y , Kunchok Tenzin , Dennstedt Emily A , Vander Heiden Matthew G , Muir Alexander
Published: April 2019

Cancer cell metabolism is heavily influenced by microenvironmental factors, including nutrient availability. Therefore, knowledge of microenvironmental nutrient levels is essential to understand tumor metabolism. To measure the extracellular nutrient levels available to tumors, we utilized quantitative metabolomics methods to measure the absolute concentrations of >118 metabolites in plasma and tumor interstitial fluid, the extracellular fluid that perfuses tumors. Comparison of nutrient levels in tumor interstitial fluid and plasma revealed that the nutrients available to tumors differ from those present in circulation. Further, by comparing interstitial fluid nutrient levels between autochthonous and transplant models of murine pancreatic and lung adenocarcinoma, we found that tumor type, anatomical location and animal diet affect local nutrient availability. These data provide a comprehensive characterization of the nutrients present in the tumor microenvironment of widely used models of lung and pancreatic cancer and identify factors that influence metabolite levels in tumors.
A Mesozoic clown beetle myrmecophile (Coleoptera: Histeridae)
Authors: Zhou Yu-Lingzi , Ślipiński Adam , Ren Dong , Parker Joseph
Published: April 2019

Complex interspecies relationships are widespread among metazoans, but the evolutionary history of these lifestyles is poorly understood. We describe a fossil beetle in 99-million-year-old Burmese amber that we infer to have been a social impostor of the earliest-known ant colonies. Promyrmister kistneri gen. et sp. nov. belongs to the haeteriine clown beetles (Coleoptera: Histeridae), a major clade of ‘myrmecophiles’—specialized nest intruders with dramatic anatomical, chemical and behavioral adaptations for colony infiltration. Promyrmister reveals that myrmecophiles evolved close to the emergence of ant eusociality, in colonies of stem-group ants that predominate Burmese amber, or with cryptic crown-group ants that remain largely unknown at this time. The clown beetle-ant relationship has been maintained ever since by the beetles host-switching to numerous modern ant genera, ultimately diversifying into one of the largest radiations of symbiotic animals. We infer that obligate behavioral symbioses can evolve relatively rapidly, and be sustained over deep time.
The synergistic effect of concatenation in phylogenomics: the case in Pantoea
Authors: Palmer Marike , Venter Stephanus N. , McTaggart Alistair R. , Coetzee Martin P.A. , Van Wyk Stephanie , Avontuur Juanita R. , Beukes Chrizelle W. , Fourie Gerda , Santana Quentin C. , Van Der Nest Magriet A. , Blom Jochen , Steenkamp Emma T.
Published: April 2019

With the increased availability of genome sequences for bacteria, it has become routine practice to construct genome-based phylogenies. These phylogenies have formed the basis for various taxonomic decisions, especially for resolving problematic relationships between taxa. Despite the popularity of concatenating shared genes to obtain well-supported phylogenies, various issues regarding this combined-evidence approach have been raised. These include the introduction of phylogenetic error into datasets, as well as incongruence due to organism-level evolutionary processes, particularly horizontal gene transfer and incomplete lineage sorting. Because of the huge effect that this could have on phylogenies, we evaluated the impact of phylogenetic conflict caused by organism-level evolutionary processes on the established species phylogeny for Pantoea, a member of the Enterobacterales. We explored the presence and distribution of phylogenetic conflict at the gene partition and nucleotide levels, by identifying putative inter-lineage recombination events that might have contributed to such conflict. Furthermore, we determined whether smaller, randomly constructed datasets had sufficient signal to reconstruct the current species tree hypothesis or if they would be overshadowed by phylogenetic incongruence. We found that no individual gene tree was fully congruent with the species phylogeny of Pantoea, although many of the expected nodes were supported by various individual genes across the genome. Evidence of recombination was found across all lineages within Pantoea, and provides support for organism-level evolutionary processes as a potential source of phylogenetic conflict. The phylogenetic signal from at least 70 random genes recovered robust, well-supported phylogenies for the backbone and most species relationships of Pantoea, and was unaffected by phylogenetic conflict within the dataset. Furthermore, despite providing limited resolution among taxa at the level of single gene trees, concatenated analyses of genes that were identified as having no signal resulted in a phylogeny that resembled the species phylogeny of Pantoea. This distribution of signal and noise across the genome presents the ideal situation for phylogenetic inference, as the topology from a ≥70-gene concatenated species phylogeny is not driven by single genes, and our data suggests that this finding may also hold true for smaller datasets. We thus argue that, by using a concatenation-based approach in phylogenomics, one can obtain robust phylogenies due to the synergistic effect of the combined signal obtained from multiple genes.
Simulating the effects of climate change across the geographical distribution of two medicinal plants in the genus Nardostachys
Authors: Li Junjun , Wu Jie , Peng Kezhong , Fan Gang , Yu Haiqing , Wang Wenguo , He Yang
Published: April 2019

Background

The medicinal plants of Radix et Rhizoma Nardostachyos include Nardostachys jatamansi and N. chinensis. Traditionally, the two plants have been used to treat many diseases. Because of their special aroma, they are also commonly used in the food and cosmetics industry. Recently, N. jatamansi and N. chinensis have been overexploited due to their economic importance, resulting in a sharp decline in their wild resources. Predicting potential distributions of the genus Nardostachys under different climate scenarios and understanding its preferred habitat are of great significance for their conservation, artificial cultivation, and assessment of their value.

Methods

The Maxent model was used to predict the potential geographical distributions of the genus Nardostachys under current and future climatic conditions based on two representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) for the 2050s and 2070s. These data were used to study the effects of climate variables.

Results

The results show that the potential distribution of the two species will increase, thus more suitable habitats will be present in China. The suitable habitat for N. chinensis presents a relatively stable growth compared to N. jatamansi. In addition, precipitation plays a crucial role in modeling the effects of climate change on the genus Nardostachys. This study provides theoretical guidance for the cultivation of N. chinensis.
Distribution of crabs along a habitat gradient on the Yellow Sea coast after Spartina alterniflora invasion
Authors: Chen Pan , Zhang Yan , Zhu Xiaojing , Lu Changhu
Published: April 2019

The effects of Spartina alterniflora invasion on macrobenthos have long been of concern; however, there is currently no unified conclusion regarding these effects. Most studies on crabs focus on one species or limited habitat types, and assessments of the community-level effects of S. alterniflora invasion considering multiple species and habitat types have rarely been conducted. In this study, we sampled crabs along a habitat gradient from the shoreline to inland areas on the Yellow Sea coast, including the mudflat, S. alterniflora marsh, Suaeda salsa marsh and Phragmites australis marsh. A total of 10 crab species were found among all habitats, with five species in the mudflat, six species in S. alterniflora marsh, seven species in S. salsa marsh and four species in P. australis marsh. The Shannon index values for the crab communities were similar between S. alterniflora marsh and S. salsa marsh, and these values were significantly higher than those for the mudflat and P. australis marsh. However, the total biomass of crabs was highest in the mudflat, and Metaplax longipes, Philyra pisum and Macrophthalmus dilatatus exclusively preferred the mudflat. The analysis of principal components and similarities showed that the crab community structure in S. alterniflora marsh was most similar to that in S. salsa marsh, while the crab community structure in the mudflat was most different from that in the other habitat types. Our results demonstrate that the distribution of crabs varies across a habitat gradient after S. alterniflora invasion and that the crab community in S. alterniflora marsh is slightly different from that associated with the local vegetation but shows a large difference from that in the mudflat. This study indicates that some crab species may have adapted to habitat containing alien S. alterniflora, while other crab species reject this new marsh type. The effects of the distribution of crabs after S. alterniflora invasion on the regional ecosystem need further study in the future.
¿Qué reforma política debate el periodismo brasileño? Un estudio acerca de la cobertura del sitio de Folha de S. Paulo entre 1994 y 2016
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba (Brasil), Mont'Alverne Camila , Hausen Victor ,   Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba (Brasil), Henrique Leite Pedro ,   Universidade Federal do Paraná (Brasil)
Published: April 2019

Este artículo analiza la cobertura sobre la reforma política brasileña hecha en el sitio de Folha de S. Paulo entre 1994 y 2016, uniendo la bibliografía de ciencia política sobre el tema y los estudios en periodismo político. Para ello, se realizó un análisis de contenido automatizado de 6038 textos. Los resultados señalan que la reforma política, en general, es una agenda constante; que algunas preocupaciones permanecen durante el periodo: discusiones acerca del sistema proporcional, reglas relativas al sistema partidista y normas de regulación de campañas electorales, y que aunque las agendas de las secciones informativas y de opinión sean similares, la última especula acerca del sistema partidista y los sistemas de gobierno
Animación, documental y memoria. La representación animada de la dictadura chilena
Authors:   Universidad de Valencia España, Fenoll Vicente
Published: April 2019

La animación aparece cada vez más en producciones sobre sucesos relacionados con la memoria. Nuestro objetivo es analizar las obras que incorporan escenas animadas para representar la dictadura chilena y profundizar en la convergencia entre animación, documental y memoria. Desde una perspectiva cualitativa, combinamos el análisis de las animaciones con entrevistas a sus directores. Los resultados muestran que la animación es un formato versátil, que permite a los autores superar la ausencia de imágenes de archivo, suavizar el grado de representación de los sucesos traumáticos, abaratar costes, conectar la memoria con las nuevas generaciones y favorecer la empatía del espectador.
Panorama de los estudios sobre cine argentino contemporáneo
Authors:   Universidad Católica Argentina, Dillon Alfredo
Published: April 2019

El objetivo de este artículo es abordar algunas discusiones que atraviesan la bibliografía sobre el cine argentino contemporáneo con base en un recorrido por los principales estudios sobre el tema. En primer lugar, se reconoce la influencia de la crítica cinematográfica en los abordajes académicos sobre el cine argentino reciente. Luego, se aborda el vínculo entre el Nuevo Cine Argentino y la crisis de 2001 y se presentan algunos ejes de debate en relación con este corpus fílmico: el abandono de la alegoría, la reconfiguración de la dimensión política, las distintas concepciones del realismo y el retorno de lo real, entre otros.
Evolution and methodology of Japanese machizukuri for the improvement of living environments
Authors: Satoh Shigeru
Published: April 2019

Machizukuri emerged as a way for residents to solve local community problems autonomously and, throughout the past half century, it has experienced a unique development process. This paper describes its history, the various methods accumulated through continuous practice, and its achievements and prospects, as follows. Section  presents the context in which Japanese machizukuri was born. Even though similar trends appeared all over the world in response to the turbulent social context in the latter half of the 1960s, unique conditions in Japan gave way to a specific approach, which is today called machizukuri. Section  presents its evolutive process, from the birth of machizukuri until the present. Studying the development of particular systems, methods, designs, and planning techniques over time, three generations can be identified. Section  addresses the research and practical development of machizukuri as developed by the author of this paper. Finally, Section  describes and summarizes the future prospects and challenges of machizukuri.
Robust contour tracking of nonholonomic mobile robots via adaptive velocity field motion planning scheme
Authors: Muñoz‐Vázquez Aldo Jonathan , Sánchez‐Torres Juan Diego , Parra‐Vega Vicente , Sánchez‐Orta Anand , Martínez‐Reyes Fernando
Published: April 2019

This paper aims at designing a contour tracking scheme based on an adaptive velocity field formulation, for the case of uncertain nonholonomic (differential drive) mobile robots, with its dynamic controller. First, to handle kinematic uncertainties that deviate the map of the velocity field into wheel velocities, a linear parameterization of the uncertain Jacobian operator is proposed to synthesize an adaptive kinematic controller that shapes correctly the velocity field. Then, a robust model‐free dynamic controller is proposed to compensate in finite time for uncertain dynamics and disturbances, enforcing the kinematic reference. Finally, a representative simulation study is discussed to show the reliability of the proposed scheme.
Fabrication of High Aspect‐Ratio Surface Micro Patterns on Stainless Steel using High‐Speed Direct Laser Interference Patterning
Authors: Lang Valentin , Voisiat Bogdan , Kunze Tim , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: April 2019

This work addresses the fabrication of periodic micro patterns on stainless steel by means of Direct Laser Interference Patterning. A modular optics assembly is introduced which produces two‐beam interference patterns within a 5 × 100 μm rectangular shaped laser spot. The optical assembly considers optimal utilization of the available laser power in order to enable high processing rates. Using different optical elements, the spatial period of the periodic structures was set to 8 μm and 19 μm. The effect of the processing parameters on the morphology of the produced patterns is investigated by means of confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. It is found that the pulse repetition rate shows a strong influence on the structure height accompanied by considerable heat accumulation effects, which is reported for the first time for this method. In addition, aspect ratios slightly higher than one could be realized, which is also reported for the first time when using Direct Laser Interference Patterning with ns‐pulsed lasers. Particularly for the smaller periods, the melt flow impairs pattern formation due to the overmelting of the material (humping). Moreover, variations of the surface chemistry are observed, especially for higher accumulated laser fluences.
Engineering Hydrogels beyond a Hydrated Network
Authors: Wieduwild Robert , Xu Yong , Ostrovidov Serge , Khademhosseini Ali , Zhang Yixin , Orive Gorka
Published: April 2019

In recent years, many mechanical, physical, chemical, and biochemical features of biomatrices have emerged as important properties to dictate the fates of cells. To construct chemically defined biomaterials to recapitulate various biological niches for both cell biology research and therapeutic utilities, it has become increasingly clear that a simple hydrated polymer network would not be able to provide the complex cues and signaling required for many types of cells. The researchers are facing a growing list of mechanophysical and biochemical properties, while each of them could be an important cellular trigger. To include all these design parameters in screening and synthesis is practically difficult, if not impossible. Developing novel high throughput screening technology by combining assay miniaturization, computer simulations, and modeling can help researchers to tackle the challenge to identify the most relevant parameters to tailor materials for specific applications.
A Simple Model for Binding and Rupture of Bacterial Cells on Nanopillar Surfaces
Authors: Watson Gregory S. , Green David W. , Watson Jolanta A. , Zhou Zupeng , Li Xin , Cheung Gary S. P. , Gellender Marty
Published: April 2019

Surfaces based on both chemical and physical mechanisms of attack may yield the next generation of bactericidal and antibacterial surfaces. A simple model is presented based on surface energies explaining the physical action of attack on bacteria (deformation/rupture) by nanopillar surfaces. The analysis is subject to three important constraints which impact on the optimal nanopillar radius, spacing, and length: 1) Nanopillar radius >> the Minimum nanopillar radius which allows for cell wall conformation (so that the surface energy releases when the outer cell layer binds to the nanopillar > work required to bend the layer around the nanopillar). 2) The inter‐nanopillar spacing must be << the size of the bacterial cell (so that the cell becomes bound to several nanopillars). 3) The length of the nanopillars must be greater than the distance that the bacteria cell wall would be pulled along the nanopillar shaft.
Off‐Axis Holography with Uniform Illumination via 3D Printed Diffractive Optical Elements
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Yejing , Ruan Qifeng , Liu Hailong , Ng Ray J. H. , Tan You Sin , Wang Hongtao , Li Ying , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Yang Joel K. W.
Published: April 2019

Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) provide a compact and energy‐efficient solution to project arbitrary grayscale images onto a distant screen. Unfortunately, they invariably suffer from the zero order spot, which is caused mainly by undiffracted light that travels along the optical axis of an illuminating laser beam. To produce projected images without the bright spot, one can either shift the intended projection off‐axis or block the zero order. However, images projected by these methods are occluded by the dark fringes of the diffraction pattern (“shadowing” effect) or increase the complexity of the optical setup. Here, a new type of DOE is introduced with blazed facets to shift the laser power into the off‐axis direction. By adding blazed facets onto each phase element of a computer‐generated hologram, far‐field projections that are free of both the zero order spot and shadowing effects are produced while maintaining a diffraction efficiency as high as 86%. The blazed facets are fabricated by 3D direct laser writing, which enables continuous phase modulation within a single pixel. This concept of sub‐pixel level modification of diffractive optical elements can be extended to other applications requiring precise wavefront shaping or detection, such as 3D displays, mixed‐reality technology, and optical analog computing.
Minority Stress, Activism, and Health in the Context of Economic Precarity: Results from a National Participatory Action Survey of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Gender Non‐Conforming Youth
Authors: Frost David M. , Fine Michelle , Torre María Elena , Cabana Allison
Published: April 2019

Highlights

Economic precarity was associated with poorer health among LGBTQ & GNC youth.

This association was partially explained by minority stress and activism.

Minority stress was linked to poorer heath, but also heightened activism.

Engagement in activism was associated with fewer health problems.

These associations varied based on intersections of both gender and race/ethnicity.
Meta‐analyses identify differentially expressed microRNAs in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schulz Jessica , Takousis Petros , Wohlers Inken , Itua Ivie O.G. , Dobricic Valerija , Rücker Gerta , Binder Harald , Middleton Lefkos , Ioannidis John P.A. , Perneczky Robert , Bertram Lars , Lill Christina M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

MicroRNA (miRNA)‐mediated (dys)regulation of gene expression has been implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD), although results of miRNA expression studies remain inconclusive. We aimed to identify miRNAs that show consistent differential expression across all published expression studies in PD.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search on miRNA expression studies in PD and extracted data from eligible publications. After stratification for brain, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐derived specimen, we performed meta‐analyses across miRNAs assessed in three or more independent data sets. Meta‐analyses were performed using effect‐size– and p‐value–based methods, as applicable.

Results

After screening 599 publications, we identified 47 data sets eligible for meta‐analysis. On these, we performed 160 meta‐analyses on miRNAs quantified in brain (n = 125), blood (n = 31), or CSF (n = 4). Twenty‐one meta‐analyses were performed using effect sizes. We identified 13 significantly (Bonferroni‐adjusted α = 3.13 × 10–4) differentially expressed miRNAs in brain (n = 3) and blood (n = 10) with consistent effect directions across studies. The most compelling findings were with hsa‐miR‐132‐3p (p = 6.37 × 10–5), hsa‐miR‐497‐5p (p = 1.35 × 10–4), and hsa‐miR‐133b (p = 1.90 × 10–4) in brain and with hsa‐miR‐221‐3p (p = 4.49 × 10–35), hsa‐miR‐214‐3p (p = 2.00 × 10–34), and hsa‐miR‐29c‐3p (p = 3.00 × 10–12) in blood. No significant signals were found in CSF. Analyses of genome‐wide association study data for target genes of brain miRNAs showed significant association (α = 9.40 × 10–5) of genetic variants in nine loci.

Interpretation

We identified several miRNAs that showed highly significant differential expression in PD. Future studies may assess the possible role of the identified brain miRNAs in pathogenesis and disease progression as well as the potential of the top blood miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis, progression, or prediction of PD. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:835–851.
Microwave Metamaterials
Authors: Chen Tianyi , Tang Wenxuan , Mu Jing , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2019

Metamaterials (MTMs) are artificial materials composed of subwavelength particles, which are engineered to achieve various electromagnetic (EM) responses. Since the first practical realization and experimental verification of MTMs by Pendry et al. in the late 1990s, great efforts have been made in theoretical study as well as practical utilizations. Among them, the effective medium theory provides a basis for the description as well as an accurate method for the design of MTMs, and leads to the development of many novel devices with interesting functionalities. With the employment of transformation and geometric optics, more high‐performance engineering applications have been realized using MTMs. Recently, the concept of metasurfaces has been proposed, which further promotes the practical applications of advanced MTMs. Herein, the effective medium theory is first introduced. After that, typical devices and applications based on conventional bulk MTMs and newly‐conceived metasurfaces are summarized to demonstrate the flexible capability of microwave MTMs in the manipulation of EM waves.
Coinage metal complexes of N‐heterocyclic carbene bearing nitrile functionalization: Synthesis and photophysical properties
Authors: Hussaini Sunusi Y. , Haque Rosenani A. , Li Jing‐Hong , Zhan Shun‐Ze , Tan Kong Wai , Razali Mohd. R.
Published: April 2019

A new series of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand precursors (1 and 2) with their [Ag(I)(NHC)2]PF6 complexes (3 and 4) and [ClAu(I)(NHC)] complexes (5 and 6) are reported. Complexes 5 and 6 were synthesized via transmetalation reaction using either 3 or 4 and AuCl(SMe2) as reactants, respectively. All the synthesized compounds were fully characterized using elemental analyses and Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopies. In the crystal structures of 3, 5 and 6, the Ag(I) and Au(I) ions are in a linear geometry. The entire structure of 3 is stabilized by significant π–π interactions, while the structures of 5 and 6 are stabilized with the presence of aurophilic interactions between the adjacent Au(I) ions as well as CH–π or π–π interactions. From photoluminescence studies, complexes 5 and 6 show dual‐emission characteristics. The higher‐energy fluorescence originates from 1XLCT mixed with 1MLCT, while the lower‐energy phosphorescence is ascribed to 3XLCT and 3MLCT with small contribution of 3ILCT, as evidenced by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT calculations of the modelled molecules.
Transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by nickel complexes bearing an NHC [CNN] pincer ligand
Authors: Wang Zijing , Li Xiaoyan , Xie Shangqing , Zheng Tingting , Sun Hongjian
Published: April 2019

Four NHC [CNN] pincer nickel (II) complexes, [iPrCNN (CH2)4‐Ni‐Br] (5a), [nBuCNN (CH2)4‐Ni‐Br] (5b), [iPrCNN (Me)2‐Ni‐Br] (6a) and [nBuCNN (Me)2‐Ni‐Br] (6b), bearing unsymmetrical [C (carbene)N (amino)N (amine)] ligands were synthesized by the reactions of [CNN] pincer ligand precursors 4 with Ni (DME)Cl2 in the presence of Et3N. Complexes 5a and 5b are new and were completely characterized. The transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by the four pincer nickel complexes were explored. Complexes 5a and 6a have better catalytic activity than 5b and 6b. With a combination of NaOtBu/iPrOH/80 °C and 2% catalyst loading of 5a, 77–98% yields of aromatic alcohols could be obtained.
A novel series of M(II) complexes of 6‐methylpyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid with 4(5)methylimidazole: Synthesis, crystal structures, α‐glucosidase activity, density functional theory calculations and molecular docking
Authors: Avcı Davut , Altürk Sümeyye , Sönmez Fatih , Tamer Ömer , Başoğlu Adil , Atalay Yusuf , Zengin Kurt Belma , Dege Necmi
Published: April 2019

Novel complexes of 6‐methylpyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid and 4(5)methylimidazole, namely [Mn(6‐mpa)2(4(5)MeI)2] (1), [Zn(6‐mpa)2(4(5)MeI)2] (2), [Cd(6‐mpa)2(4(5)MeI)2] (3), [Co(6‐mpa)2(4(5)MeI)2] (4), [Ni(6‐mpa)2(4(5)MeI)(OAc)] (5) and [Cu(6‐mpa)2(4(5)MeI)] (6), were synthesized for the first time. The structures of complexes 1–4 and complexes 5 and 6 were determined using X‐ray diffraction and mass spectrometric techniques, respectively. The experimental spectral analyses for these complexes were performed using Fourier transform infrared and UV–visible techniques. The α‐glucosidase inhibition activity values (IC50) of complexes 1–6 were identified in view of genistein reference compound. Moreover, the DFT/HSEh1PBE/6‐311G(d,p)/LanL2DZ level was used to obtain optimal molecular geometry and vibrational wavenumbers for complexes 1–6. Electronic spectral behaviours and major contributions to the electronic transitions were investigated using TD‐DFT/HSEh1PBE/6‐311G(d,p)/LanL2DZ level with conductor‐like polarizable continuum model and SWizard program. Finally, in order to investigate interactions between the synthesized complexes (1–6) and target protein (template structure S. cerevisiae isomaltase), a molecular docking study was carried out.
Psychodynamics and their associated myths and fantasies in the contemporary American right wing
Authors: Nelson Joshua
Published: April 2019

The contemporary American right wing is predominantly composed of White working‐class and wealthier White Americans who, according to recent research, report profound fears of cultural displacement and the loss of American exceptionalism. This group's dynamics and processes, the psychologies of its leader, Donald Trump, and component members, and its associated versions of certain foundational American myths and fantasies contain significant elements of both narcissism and paranoia. These myths include that of America being a divine “City Upon a Hill,” the story of the idyllic, pre‐Civil War “Old South,” and the Horatio Alger myth of “bootstrapping” up the economic ladder. These idealized, fantasied narratives are manipulated and exploited by those in positions of power, thus exacerbating members' fear, shame, and rage. Increased understanding of these psychological phenomena can aid psychoanalysts in consulting about and, when possible, engaging directly with these individuals, especially when facing significant psychological, sociocultural, and political obstacles.
Cognitive mechanisms in sensemaking: A qualitative user study
Authors: Zhang Pengyi , Soergel Dagobert
Published: April 2019

Throughout an information search, a user needs to make sense of the information found to create an understanding. This requires cognitive effort that can be demanding. Building on prior sensemaking models and expanding them with ideas from learning and cognitive psychology, we examined the use of cognitive mechanisms during individual sensemaking. We conducted a qualitative user study of 15 students who searched for and made sense of information for business analysis and news writing tasks. Through the analysis of think‐aloud protocols, recordings of screen movements, intermediate work products of sensemaking, including notes and concept maps, and final reports, we observed the use of 17 data‐driven and structure‐driven mechanisms for processing new information, examining individual concepts and relationships, and detecting anomalies. These cognitive mechanisms, as the basic operators that move sensemaking forward, provide in‐depth understanding of how people process information to produce sense. Meaningful learning and sensemaking are closely related, so our findings apply to learning as well. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the sensemaking process—how people think—and this better understanding can inform the teaching of thinking skills and the design of improved sensemaking assistants and mind tools.
Forward inference in risky choice: Mapping gaze and decision processes
Authors: Schoemann Martin , Schulte‐Mecklenbeck Michael , Renkewitz Frank , Scherbaum Stefan
Published: April 2019

The study of cognitive processes is built on a close mapping between three components: overt gaze behavior, overt choice, and covert processes. To validate this overt–covert mapping in the domain of decision‐making, we collected eye‐movement data during decisions between risky gamble problems. Applying a forward inference paradigm, participants were instructed to use specific decision strategies to solve those gamble problems (maximizing expected values or applying different choice heuristics) during which gaze behavior was recorded. We revealed differences between overt behavior, as indicated by eye movements, and covert decision processes, instructed by the experimenter. However, our results show that the overt–covert mapping is for some eye‐movement measures not as close as expected by current decision theory, and hence question reverse inference as being prone to fallacies due to a violation of its prerequisite, that is, a close overt–covert mapping. We propose a framework to rehabilitate reverse inference.
Construction of second generation protease‐deficient hosts of Bacillus subtilis for secretion of foreign proteins
Authors: Zhao Leizhen , Ye Bin , Zhang Qi , Cheng Dan , Zhou Chaoyang , Cheng Shan , Yan Xin
Published: April 2019

Although one of the major factors limiting the application of Bacillus subtilis as an expression host has been its production of at least eight extracellular proteases, researchers have also noticed that some proteases benefited the secretion of foreign proteins at times. Therefore, to maximize the yield of a foreign protein, the proteases should be selectively inactivated. This raises a new question that how to identify the favorable and unfavorable proteases for a target protein. Here, an evaluation system containing nine mutant strains of B. subtilis 168 was developed to address this question. The mutant strain PD8 has all the eight proteases inactivated whereas each of the other eight mutant strains expresses only one kind of these eight proteases. The target protein is secreted in these nine mutant strains; if the production of target protein in a mutant strain is higher than that in strain PD8, the corresponding protease is regarded as favorable. Accordingly, the optimal protease‐deficient host is constructed through inactivating the unfavorable proteases. The effectiveness of this system was confirmed by expressing three foreign proteins. This study provides a strategy for improving the secretion of a foreign protein in B. subtilis through tailoring a personalized protease‐deficient host.
Hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma after perioperative management of portal hypertension
Authors: Takemura N , Aoki T , Hasegawa K , Kaneko J , Arita J , Akamatsu N , Makuuchi M , Kokudo N
Published: April 2019

Background

Indications for hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have portal hypertension (PH) have been controversial. Some studies have concluded that PH is a contraindication to hepatectomy, whereas others have suggested that perioperative prophylactic management (PPM) can help overcome complications after hepatectomy associated with PH. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the short- and long-term outcomes after hepatectomy for HCC in patients with PH, with or without PPM.

Methods

Records were reviewed of consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC, with or without PPM of PH, in a single institution from 1994 to 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: those who received PPM for PH (PPM group), patients who had PH but did not receive PPM (no-PPM group) and those without PH (no-PH group).

Results

A total of 1259 patients were enrolled, including 123 in the PPM group, 181 in the no-PPM group and 955 in the no-PH group. Three- and 5-year overall survival rates were 74·3 and 53·1 per cent respectively in the PPM group, 69·2 and 54·9 per cent in the no-PPM group, and 78·1 and 64·2 per cent in the no-PH group (P = 0·520 for PPM versus no PPM, P = 0·027 for PPM versus no PH, and P < 0·001 for no PPM versus no PH). Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 26·0 and 0·8 per cent respectively in the PPM group, 29·8 and 1·1 per cent in the no-PPM group, and 20·3 and 0 per cent in the no-PH group.

Conclusion

The present study has demonstrated acceptable outcomes among patients with HCC who received appropriate management for PH in an Asian population. Enhancement of the safety of hepatic resection through use of PPM may provide a rationale for expansion of indications for hepatectomy in patients with PH.
The clinical anatomy of crucifixion
Authors: Bordes Stephen , Jenkins Skyler , McBain Lexian , Hanna Amgad , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: April 2019

Crucifixion was a widely used form of execution for capital crimes in antiquity. Civilizations and empires perfected the technique, leading to centuries of discussions, controversies, and questions, many of which concerned the death of Jesus Christ. To this day, much remains to be discovered in both religious and scientific realms. However, the aim of this study is to discuss such facts as are known from the medical perspectives of clinical anatomists. Nails/spikes were driven through the hands/wrists and feet of five adult cadavers, and the cadavers were then dissected to observe the anatomical structures that had been injured or placed at risk for injury. While many historical and archeological facts remain to be discovered, we hope that this cadaveric study will enhance our modern understanding of ancient practices from a medical and anatomical perspective. Clin. Anat. 32:12–21, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discovery of SCY45, a Natural Small‐Molecule MDM2‐p53 Interaction Inhibitor
Authors: Gong Haifeng , An Juan , Dong Qiuxia , Li Jinxian , Yang Wei , Sun Wei , Su Zhanhai , Zhang Shoude
Published: April 2019

The disruption of the MDM2‐p53 interaction has been regarded as an attractive strategy for anticancer drug discovery. Here, the natural small‐molecule SCY45 was identified as a potent MDM2‐p53 interaction inhibitor based on fluorescence polarization and molecular modeling. SCY45 inhibited the MDM2‐p53 interaction with an IC50 value of 4.93±0.08 μm. The structural modeling results showed that SCY45 not only had high structural similarity with nutlin‐3a, a well‐reported MDM2‐P53 interaction inhibitor, but also bound to the p53 binding pocket of MDM2 with a binding mode similar to that of nutlin‐3a. Moreover, SCY45 reduced the cell viability in cancer cells with MDM2 gene amplification. SCY45 showed the highest inhibition for SJSA‐1 cells, which exhibit excessive MDM2 gene amplification, with an IC50 value of 7.54±0.29 μm, whereas SCY45 showed a weaker inhibition for 22Rv1 cells and A549 cells, which have a single copy of the MDM2 gene, with IC50 values of 18.47±0.75 μm and 31.62±1.96 μm, respectively.
Modular Enzyme‐ and Light‐Based Activation of Cyclopropene–Tetrazine Ligation
Authors: Jiang Ting , Kumar Pratik , Huang Wei , Kao Wei‐Siang , Thompson Adrian O. , Camarda Frank M. , Laughlin Scott T.
Published: April 2019

We describe a modular activation strategy for cyclopropene–tetrazine ligation. This activation strategy uses chemically diverse enzyme‐ or photolabile protecting groups as cyclopropene reactivity cages. The linkages between the caging groups and cyclopropene are through carbamates, thus permitting the application of diverse cages to allow bioorthogonal reactivity by administering enzymes or light.
In Situ Generated Cobalt Catalyst for the Dehydrogenative Coupling of Alcohols and Amines into Imines
Authors: Bottaro Fabrizio , Madsen Robert
Published: April 2019

An in situ formed cobalt catalyst is developed from cobalt(II)bromide, bis[2‐(diisopropylphosphino)‐4‐methylphenyl]amine and zinc metal. The catalyst mediates the acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines into imines with the release of hydrogen gas and the transformation is applied to the synthesis of a variety of imines from different alcohols and amines. The mechanism is investigated with labelled substrates and based on the results a cobalt(I) PNP complex is believed to be the catalytically active species which abstracts hydrogen gas from the alcohol through a metal ligand bifunctional pathway.
Aerobic Homocoupling of Arylboronic Acids Catalyzed by Regenerable Pd(II)@MIL‐88B‐NH2(Cr)
Authors: Valiente Alejandro , Carrasco Sergio , Sanz‐Marco Amparo , Tai Cheuk‐Wai , Bermejo Gómez Antonio , Martín‐Matute Belén
Published: April 2019

A fast and operationally simple method for the aerobic homocoupling of arylboronic acids is described. The process is catalyzed by Pd(II) complexes supported on the metal‐organic framework MIL‐88B‐NH2(Cr). The benefits of this approach include the use of a benign oxidant/solvent mixture at room temperature with catalytic amounts of base, easy recovery of the catalyst, and easy isolation of the products. Very high conversions and good yields were achieved for a variety of substrates, and the process was also carried out on a larger scale with the same efficiency. The catalyst was found to suffer deactivation due to progressive reduction and agglomeration of palladium into inactive metal clusters/particles. An innovative procedure for the oxidative redispersion and regeneration of the active Pd(II)@MOF species is presented.