bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of microRNA‐23a‐5p induces myocardial infarction by promoting cardiomyocyte apoptosis through inhibited of PI3K/AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Huang Jiechun , Jiang Rongrong , Chu Xianglin , Wang Fangrui , Sun Xiaotian , Wang Yiqing , Pang Liewen
Published: June 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to cardiac remodelling and heart failure. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is considered a critical pathological phenomenon accompanying MI, but the pathogenesis mechanism remains to be explored. MicroRNAs (miRs), with the identity of negative regulator of gene expression, exist as an important contributor to apoptosis. During the experiment of this study, MI mice models were successfully established and sequencing data showed that the expression of miR‐23a‐5p was significantly enhanced during MI progression. Further steps were taken and it showed that apoptosis of cardiac cells weakened as miR‐23a‐5p was downregulated and on the contrary that apoptosis strengthened with the overexpression of miR‐23a‐5p. To explore its working mechanisms, bioinformatics analysis was conducted by referring to multi‐databases to predict the targets of miR‐23a‐5p. Further analysis suggested that those downstream genes enriched in several pathways, especially in the PI3K/Akt singling pathway. Furthermore, it demonstrated that miR‐23a‐5p was negatively related to the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt, which plays a critical role in triggering cell apoptosis during MI. Recilisib‐activated PI3K/Akt singling pathway could restrain apoptosis from inducing miR‐23a‐5p overexpression, and Miltefosine‐blocked PI3K/Akt singling pathway could restrict apoptosis from inhibiting miR‐23a‐5p reduction. In conclusion, these findings revealed the pivotal role of miR‐23a‐5p‐PI3K/Akt axis in regulating apoptosis during MI, introducing this novel axis as a potential indicator to detect ischemic heart disease and it could be used for therapeutic intervention.
Photochemical RNA Editing of C to U by Using Ultrafast Reversible RNA Photo‐crosslinking in DNA/RNA Duplexes
Authors: Nakamura Shigetaka , Ishino Kanako , Fujimoto Kenzo
Published: June 2020

RNA editing, which is used to edit nucleobases in RNA strands; is more feasible for use in medical applications than DNA editing. We previously reported the photochemical conversion of cytosine to uracil, which required photo‐crosslinking, deamination, and photo‐splitting. Here, we evaluated the influence of the bases surrounding the target cytosine on the conversion of cytosine to uracil in the RNA strand. The photo‐crosslinker 3‐carboxyvinylcarbazole(OHVK), which is more hydrophilic than 3‐cyanovinylcarbazole(CNVK), 3‐carboxyamidevinylcarbazole(NH2VK), and 3‐methoxy carbonylvinylcarbazole(OMeVK), induced faster deamination of cytosine. Furthermore, inosine, which forms two hydrogen bonds with cytosine, was the most efficiently paired base for accelerating photochemical RNA editing. Upon evaluation of the conversion from cytosine to uracil in RNA, the use of oligodeoxynucleotides containing OHVK and inosine and the polarity of the bases surrounding the target cytosine were found to be crucial.
Cardiovascular outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention on bifurcation lesions with moderate to severe coronary calcium: A single‐center registry study
Authors: Murphy Jonathan Luke , Patel Nileshkumar , Vengrenyuk Yuliya , Okamoto Naotaka , Barman Nitin , Sweeny Joseph , Kapur Vishal , Hasan Choudhury , Krishnan Prakash , Vijay Pooja , Jhaveri Vaishvi , Dangas George , Mehran Roxana , Aquino Melissa , Baber Usman , Sharma Samin K. , Kini Annapoorna S.
Published: June 2020

Background

Both target vessel calcification and target vessel bifurcation are associated with worse outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether these entities in combination interact to influence outcomes after PCI of complex coronary disease is not known.

Objectives

This study evaluated the association of target vessel bifurcation and target vessel calcification, alone and in combination, with adverse events following PCI.

Methods

Registry data from 21,165 patients who underwent PCI with drug‐eluting stents (DES) between January 2009 and December 2017 were analyzed. Patients were divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of target vessel bifurcation and presence of none/mild or moderate/severe target vessel calcification on angiography. Associations between lesion groups and 1 year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were examined using Cox regression analysis.

Results

At 1 year, unadjusted rates of MACE, death, myocardial infarction (MI), as well as stent thrombosis were highest in the group with both bifurcation lesion and moderate/severe calcification. After adjusting for confounders such as age, renal disease, and smoking, hazard ratios for MACE were 1.14 (95%CI 0.99–1.33) for bifurcation with none/mild calcification, 1.21 (95%CI 1.06–1.38) for no bifurcation and moderate/severe calcification, and 1.37 (95%CI 1.14–1.64) for bifurcation and moderate severe calcification, compared to patients with no bifurcation and none/mild calcification.

Conclusions

The presence of a bifurcating target vessel with moderate/severe calcification is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes than either attribute alone. New approaches are needed to improve outcomes in this subset of patients with complex coronary artery disease.
Secondary Phosphine Oxides: Bifunctional Ligands in Catalysis
Authors: van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. , Cano Israel , Freixa Zoraida
Published: June 2020

Metal complexes of secondary phosphine oxides (SPOs) were introduced as homogeneous catalysts in the 1980s for hydroformylation and hydrogenation with platinum as the metal. As neutral species, the ligand properties resemble those of the corresponding tertiary phosphines as was shown in the coordination chemistry developed in the 1970s, but the participation of the OH in bonding and reaction mechanisms provides them with a peculiar additional function. While this was already proposed and recognized in the first publications, it took a while before this found wider appreciation. Meanwhile, SPOs have become popular ligands for homogeneous catalysts, and more recently also for catalysis based on metal nanoparticles. Here we review the relatively small number of publications that pay attention to SPOs as bifunctional ligands.
Industrial Internet of Things for the Sugar Industry – Initial Results
Authors: Lehnberger Andreas
Published: June 2020

The operating data from batch‐type pendulum centrifuges for separating sugar crystals from crystal suspensions are recorded locally during the sugar manufacturing process and analyzed in cloud‐based applications. The information obtained can be classified into machine‐related status data, separation process‐related key figures, and advanced evaluation results for the crystal suspension (massecuite) processed and the sugar produced. Such continuously available analyses could previously only be prepared in limited quantities and by experts with specialist knowledge.
Speeding up Viedma Deracemization through Water‐catalyzed and Reactant Self‐catalyzed Racemization
Authors: Tortora Carola , Mai Christina , Cascella Francesca , Mauksch Michael , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas , Lorenz Heike , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: June 2020

Viedma deracemization is based on solution phase racemization, dissolution of racemic or scalemic conglomerates and crystal growth through autocatalytic cluster formation. With rate limiting racemization, its acceleration by appropriate catalysts may result in speeding up deracemization. A conglomerate‐forming chiral compound may principally racemize directly, or via reverse of its formation reaction. For a hydrazine derivative, we investigated available racemization pathways in presence of pyrrolidine or thiourea amine as base catalysts: via Mannich or aza‐Michael reaction steps and their reverse, or by enolization. Racemization by enolization was computationally found to dominate, both under water‐free conditions and in presence of water, involving a multitude of different pathways. Faster racemization in presence of water resulted indeed in more rapid deracemization, when the base was pyrrolidine. Under water‐free conditions, the role of water as enolization catalyst is assumed by chiral hydrazine itself – in autocatalytic racemization and in which both reactant and product are catalysts.
An improved reversed miller compensation technique for three‐stage CMOS OTAs with double pole‐zero cancellation and almost single‐pole frequency response
Authors: Centurelli Francesco , Monsurrò Pietro , Scotti Giuseppe , Tommasino Pasquale , Trifiletti Alessandro
Published: June 2020

This paper presents an improved reversed nested Miller compensation technique exploiting a single additional feed‐forward stage to obtain double pole‐zero cancellation and ideally single‐pole behavior, in a three‐stage Miller amplifier. The approach allows designing a three‐stage operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) with one dominant pole and two (ideally) mutually cancelling pole‐zero doublets. We demonstrate the robustness of the proposed cancellation technique, showing that it is not significantly influenced by process and temperature variations. The proposed design equations allow setting the unity‐gain frequency of the amplifier and the complex poles' resonance frequency and quality factor. We introduce the notion of bandwidth efficiency to quantify the OTA performance with respect to a telescopic cascode OTA for given load capacitance and power consumption constraints and demonstrate analytically that the proposed approach allows a bandwidth efficiency that can ideally approach 100%. A CMOS implementation of the proposed compensation technique is provided, in which a current reuse scheme is used to reduce the total current consumption. The OTA has been designed using a 130‐nm CMOS process by STMicroelectronics and achieves a DC gain larger than 120 dB, with almost single‐pole frequency response. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to show the robustness of the proposed approach to process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations and mismatches.
Relationship between low skeletal muscle mass, sarcopenic obesity and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in Korean adults
Authors: Yoo Jee Hee , Park Sung Woon , Jun Ji Eun , Jin Sang‐Man , Hur Kyu Yeon , Lee Moon‐Kyu , Kang Mira , Kim Gyuri , Kim Jae Hyeon
Published: June 2020

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is an emerging global health issue attributed to an ageing population. However, the association between low skeletal muscle mass, sarcopenic obesity, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction remains unclear. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between low skeletal muscle mass, sarcopenic obesity, and diastolic dysfunction in a large cohort of Korean adults.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 31 258 subjects who underwent health examinations at Samsung Medical Centre's Health Promotion Centre in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Relative skeletal muscle mass was calculated using the skeletal muscle mass index [SMI (%) = appendicular skeletal muscle mass (kg)/body weight (kg) × 100], which was estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cardiac structure and function were evaluated by echocardiography.

Results

Amongst the 31 258 subjects, 3058 (9.78%) were determined to have diastolic dysfunction. The odds ratio (OR) of diastolic dysfunction was 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31‐1.85; p for trend <0.001] for the lowest SMI tertile relative to the highest SMI tertile following multivariable adjustment. Furthermore, the risk of diastolic dysfunction was much higher in the sarcopenic obesity (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.44‐1.99), followed by in the obesity‐only (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.21‐1.62), and sarcopenia‐only (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.61) when compared with the nonobese, nonsarcopenic group. These results remained consistent amongst the elderly (age ≥ 65 years).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that lower skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenic obesity are strongly associated with diastolic dysfunction in middle‐aged and older adults.
Variability in the estimation of ungulate group sizes complicates ecological inference
Authors: Kasozi Herbert , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: June 2020

Foundational work has examined adaptive social behavior in animals in relation to the costs and benefits of group living. Within this context, a “group” of animals represents an organizational unit that is integral to the study of animal ecology and evolution.

Definitions of animal group sizes are often subjective with considerable variability within and across species. However, investigations of both the extent and implications of such variability in the estimation of animal group sizes are currently lacking.

Selecting ungulates as a case study, we conducted a literature review to assess prevailing practices used to determine group sizes among terrestrial Cetartiodactyla and Perissodactyla. Via this process, we examined group size definitions for 61 species across 171 peer‐reviewed studies published between 1962 and 2018.

These studies quantified group sizes via estimation of ungulate aggregations in space and time. Spatial estimates included a nearest neighbor distance ranging from 1.4 m to 1,000 m, and this variation was partially explained by a weak positive correlation (|r| = .4,p < .003) with the body size of the ungulate research subjects. The temporal extent over which group size was estimated was even broader, ranging from three minutes to 24 hr.

The considerable variability in ungulate group size estimation that we observed complicates efforts to not only compare and replicate studies but also to evaluate underlying theories of group living. We recommend that researchers: (a) clearly describe the spatiotemporal extents over which they define ungulate group sizes, (b) highlight foundational empirical and ecological rationale for these extents, and (c) seek to align such extents among individual species so as to facilitate cross‐system comparisons of ungulate group size dynamics. We believe an integrative approach to ungulate group size estimation would readily facilitate replication, comparability, and evaluation of competing hypotheses examining the tradeoffs of animal sociality.
Detection of herbivory: eDNA detection from feeding marks on leaves
Authors: Kudoh Aoi , Minamoto Toshifumi , Yamamoto Satoshi
Published: June 2020

Many techniques have been developed to investigate the interactions between plants and herbivorous insects in natural environments and are generally used to determine either (a) which plant species are eaten by a specific herbivorous insect or (b) which herbivorous insect species are herbivores of a specific plant. The former problem is usually addressed by the direct observation of feeding and microscopic observation of gut contents and excrements, as well as the application of DNA‐barcoding techniques. However, the latter problem has typically been addressed using time‐consuming methods, such as direct observation and rearing. Therefore, more efficient techniques are needed for identifying and quantifying the interactions of plants with herbivorous insects. The present study demonstrates that the environmental DNA (eDNA) of herbivorous insects can be recovered from leaves with external foliage feeding marks. Mitochondrial DNA fragments of herbivorous insects were detected from insect‐exposed leaves using primer sets that amplified the DNA of target species. The amplification rate of the herbivorous insect DNA was positively associated with the rim length of feeding marks, which suggests that most of the insect DNA came from the feeding marks. Additionally, we showed that this method has the potential to detect eDNA from field‐collected leaves. This time‐efficient approach will contribute to the detection of plant–insect herbivore interactions.
Arene vs. Alkene Substrates in Ru‐Catalyzed Olefin Metathesis: a DFT Investigation
Authors: Poater Albert , D'Alterio Massimo Christian , Talarico Giovanni , Chauvin Remi
Published: June 2020

DFT calculations have been performed to compare metathesis of olefin, diene, and arene substrates catalyzed by a 2nd generation Ru(SIMes)‐based complex. A large screening of modified substrates has been performed with the intention to explore the energetic gaps between acyclically conjugated alkenes and arenes in metathesis processes. The results are analyzed through the effects of conjugation vs. aromaticity, as quantified by the HOMA and NICS aromaticity indices, as well as the effects of non‐covalent interactions between coplanar rings and/or any ring with functional groups nearby.
Acoustic frequency spectrum characteristics in periodic drill string under tension
Authors: Wang Qing , Guan Zhichuan , Liu Yongwang
Published: June 2020

It is a promising measure to transmit downhole information by acoustic wave through drill string. However, the transmission distance and quality of acoustic signals in field conditions are still not satisfied because the acoustic frequency spectrum in drill string is vulnerable to interference. This paper studied acoustic frequency spectrum characteristics in periodic drill string by experiments under different axial tensile forces. The multilevel method is established to evaluate frequency spectrum through drill string based on improved radar chart. The impact of axial tensile force on spectrum characteristics is analyzed by the proposed method. The results indicate that the axial tensile force has remarkable impact on the acoustic frequency spectrum and passband characteristics. The spectrum characteristics change with axial tensile force. These changes are reflected in the position, width, and attenuation of different passbands. And the extent of changes is distinct to different passbands. Both the evaluation indicators of each passband and spectrum are change with increasing axial tensile force. The spectrum quality is excellent in the range of 17‐134 MPa for axial tensile force in drill string. And when the force exceeds 152 MPa, methods such as adjusting the carrier frequency and relay installation location are necessary to improve the transmission quality of acoustic signals.
The geographic mosaic of arms race coevolution is closely matched to prey population structure
Authors: Hague Michael T. J. , Stokes Amber N. , Feldman Chris R. , Brodie Edmund D. , Brodie Edmund D.
Published: June 2020

Reciprocal adaptation is the hallmark of arms race coevolution. Local coadaptation between natural enemies should generate a geographic mosaic pattern where both species have roughly matched abilities across their shared range. However, mosaic variation in ecologically relevant traits can also arise from processes unrelated to reciprocal selection, such as population structure or local environmental conditions. We tested whether these alternative processes can account for trait variation in the geographic mosaic of arms race coevolution between resistant garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and toxic newts (Taricha granulosa). We found that predator resistance and prey toxin levels are functionally matched in co-occurring populations, suggesting that mosaic variation in the armaments of both species results from the local pressures of reciprocal selection. By the same token, phenotypic and genetic variation in snake resistance deviates from neutral expectations of population genetic differentiation, showing a clear signature of adaptation to local toxin levels in newts. Contrastingly, newt toxin levels are best predicted by genetic differentiation among newt populations, and to a lesser extent, by the local environment and snake resistance. Exaggerated armaments suggest that coevolution occurs in certain hotspots, but prey population structure seems to be of particular influence on local phenotypic variation in both species throughout the geographic mosaic. Our results imply that processes other than reciprocal selection, like historical biogeography and environmental pressures, represent an important source of variation in the geographic mosaic of coevolution. Such a pattern supports the role of “trait remixing” in the geographic mosaic theory, the process by which non-adaptive forces dictate spatial variation in the interactions among species.
Effects of submerged liquid fermentation of Bacillus subtilis WX‐17 using okara as sole nutrient source on the composition of a potential probiotic beverage
Authors: Mok Wai Kit , Tan Yong Xing , Lyu Xiao Mei , Chen Wei Ning
Published: June 2020

This work aims to produce a functional probiotic beverage using okara as the sole nutrient source. Hence, okara was fermented with Bacillus subtilis WX‐17 in submerged liquid fermentation and the supernatant was tested. Metabolomic analysis showed that the nutritional profile of the beverage was enhanced after fermentation. Essential amino acids as well as short‐chain fatty acids were significantly (p < .05) upregulated. Total phenolic content and antioxidant content (in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity) increased by 6.32 and 1.55 times, respectively. After 6 weeks, probiotic viability remains unchanged when stored at 4°C and the cell count is above the minimum dosage to confer health benefits. Antimicrobial activity was also detected against gram‐positive bacteria. The findings of this work showed the potential of submerged liquid fermentation of Bacillus subtilis WX‐17 using okara as sole substrate to produce a functional and low‐cost probiotic beverage.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: a Further Step Towards Deployment.
Authors: Auvity Bruno , Hissel Daniel , Bultel Yann , Bele Petra
Published: June 2020

No abstract.
Improvement of selection of pregnant women for intrapartum polymerase chain reaction screening for vaginal Group B Streptococci (GBS) colonization by adding GBS urine screening at 35–37 weeks of pregnancy
Authors: Khalil Mohammed R. , Uldbjerg Niels , Thorsen Poul B. , Møller Jens K.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate whether systematic antepartum screening for Group B Streptococci (GBS) by urine culture improves the risk factor‐based selection of pregnant women for intrapartum GBS screening with a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted between April 2013 and June 2014. GBS colonization judged by urine culture at 35–37 weeks of gestation was compared with the result of a vaginal GBS PCR test at labor as outcome. The results of urine culture were used as exposure variable. The PCR test was performed on intrapartum vaginal samples.

Results

Screening for urine GBS in 902 unselected pregnant Danish women at 35–37 weeks of gestation predicted intrapartum PCR GBS status with a sensitivity of 33.6%. A positive predictive value of 41.2% was seen among women with low GBS counts (<104 CFU/mL) and 83.3% among women with high GBS counts (≥104 CFU/mL). Systematic GBS screening of urine at 35–37 weeks of gestation added 30.9% extra women for intrapartum GBS PCR screening in the study group.

Conclusion

Systematic antepartum GBS screening of urine should be implemented in order to improve risk stratification for early onset GBS by offering laboring women an intrapartum GBS PCR test.
Measuring the slowly evolving trend in US inflation with professional forecasts
Authors: Nason James M. , Smith Gregor W.
Published: June 2020

Much research studies US inflation history with a trend‐cycle model with unobserved components, where the trend may be viewed as the Fed's evolving inflation target or long‐horizon expected inflation. We provide a novel way to measure the slowly evolving trend and the cycle (or inflation gap), by combining inflation predictions from the Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) with realized inflation. The SPF forecasts may be treated either as rational expectations (RE) or updating according to a sticky information (SI) law of motion. We estimate RE and SI state‐space models with stochastic volatility on samples of consumer price index and gross national product/gross domestic product deflator inflation and the associated SPF inflation predictions using a particle Metropolis–Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler. The trend converges to 2% and its volatility declines over time—two tendencies largely complete by the late 1990s.
A novel nonsense mutation of ZEB2 gene in a Chinese patient with Mowat‐Wilson syndrome
Authors: Hu Yuan , Peng Qi , Ma Keze , Li Siping , Rao Chunbao , Zhong Baimao , Lu Xiaomei
Published: June 2020

Background

Mowat‐Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, and multiple anomalies caused by haploinsufficiency of the ZEB2 gene. We investigated the genetic causes of MWS in a 14‐year‐old girl who had characteristic features of MWS.

Methods

Clinical data and peripheral blood DNA samples were collected from the proband. Following extraction of genomic DNA, whole‐exome sequencing was conducted to detect genetic variants. Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to predict the function of the mutant gene.

Results

Mutation analysis of the proband identified a novel nonsense mutation (c.250G > T, p.E84*) within exon 3 of the ZEB2 gene. This novel alteration resulted in a termination codon at amino acid position 84, which was predicted to encode a truncated protein. This variant was not present in unrelated healthy control samples that were obtained from the exome sequence databases ExAc browser (http://exac.broadinstitute.org/) and gnomAD browser (http://gnomad.broadinstitute.org/). It is a novel variant that was determined to be a deleterious mutation according to the variant interpretation guidelines of the ACMG. The results of our study suggest that the p.E84* mutation in the ZEB2 gene was probably the pathogenic mutation that caused MWS in the proband.

Conclusions

This study reports the novel mutation in the proband will provide a basic foundation for further investigations to elucidate the ZEB2‐related mechanisms of MWS.
An evaluation of surface roughness after staining of different composite resins using atomic force microscopy and a profilometer
Authors: Karatas Ozcan , Gul Pınar , Gündoğdu Mustafa , Iskenderoglu Demet T.
Published: June 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the surface roughness of different composite resins using atomic force microscope (AFM) and a profilometer after storage in different solutions.

Materials and methods

Eight different composite resins were used in this study. Twenty specimens of each composite resin material were prepared using a 2‐mm thick and 8‐mm diameter stainless steel mold. After the composites had been placed in the mold, they were polymerized with a LED curing unit. The surfaces of all specimens were polished using aluminum oxide discs, and the specimens were then divided into four groups. The specimens in the experimental groups were stored in cola, coffee, or red wine, while the control group was stored in distilled water. Specimen surface roughness was examined after 30 days using an AFM and a profilometer, and the data obtained were subjected to analysis.

Results

Evaluation of the surface roughness of composite resins using a profilometer revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups, but significant differences were found using the AFM. The mean surface roughness of nanohybrid composites was lower than that of microhybrid composites.

Conclusions

The surface roughness of the composite resins varies with storage in different solutions, depending on the organic matrix structure and inorganic fillers of the resin.
Male–female differences in quality of life and coping style in patients with Marfan syndrome and hereditary thoracic aortic diseases
Authors: Thijssen Carlijn G. E. , Doze Daphne E. , Gökalp Arjen L. , Timmermans Janneke , Peters Jeannette B. , Elbers‐van de Ven Laura H. C. , van Royen Niels , Takkenberg Johanna J. M. , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien W. , van Kimmenade Roland R. J.
Published: June 2020

Hereditary thoracic aortic diseases (HTAD) such as Marfan syndrome (MFS) affect multiple organ systems and provide a risk of acute aortic dissection, which causes lifelong uncertainties. Although health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) was found to be reduced in HTAD patients, no studies have evaluated male–female‐specific aspects of HRQOL and coping in this population. This study aims to evaluate HRQOL in HTAD patients compared to the general population; assess male–female differences in HRQOL and factors associated with HRQOL; evaluate coping styles in male and female HTAD patients and identify factors associated with acceptance. All consecutive adult patients who visited the specialized HTAD outpatient clinic between 2013 and 2018 were asked to complete three HRQOL questionnaires: the Short Form 36 (SF‐36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Nijmegen Clinical Screening Instrument (NCSI). In total, 142 patients were included (mean age 42.1 years, 65 females, 123 MFS). Compared to the general population, HTAD patients scored significantly lower on multiple SF‐36 sub‐domains (males: General Health 54.5 ± 18.8 vs. 71.6 ± 20.6, p < .001; Vitality 58.3 ± 20.4 vs. 71.9 ± 18.3, p < .001; females: Physical Functioning 67.5 ± 23.8 vs. 80.4 ± 24.2, p = .003; Role Physical 58.3 ± 45.1 vs. 73.8 ± 38.5, p = .047; General Health 49.4 ± 24.3 vs. 69.9 ± 20.6, p < .001; Social Functioning 73.5 ± 22.0 vs. 82.0 ± 23.5, p = .027). Females scored significantly lower than males on the SF‐36 physical component score (41.6 [IQR 35.5–53.1] vs. 49.3 [IQR 42.3–54.6], p = .035). Males scored significantly higher on the coping style denial than females (2.75 [IQR 2.00–3.25] vs. 2.25 [IQR 1.75–3.25], p = .018). High scores on acceptance were found in 38 (26.8%) of HTAD patients, and these patients showed significantly better scores on the NCSI, SF‐36, and HADS, except on NCSI Satisfaction Relationships and SF‐36 Physical Functioning and Mental Health. Acceptance was associated with more medication use (beta blocker use, p = .008; angiotensin receptor blocker use, p = .003) and less hypertension (p = .001). In patients with MFS, employment was strongly associated with better scores on the NCSI. In conclusion, HTAD patients showed subnormal HRQOL, especially females. Interestingly, in both males and females factors such as employment, coping style, and disease acceptance seem more important for HRQOL than disease‐related factors. This highlights the importance of genetic counseling and guidance for HTAD patients, and offers valuable leads for HRQOL improvement.
Extrapulmonary and atypical clinical presentations of COVID‐19
Authors: Abobaker Anis , Raba Ali Ahmed , Alzwi Aboubaker
Published: June 2020

The novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV2) has led to an outbreak of multiple cases of pneumonia in Wuhan city in December 2019. The disease caused by this virus was named coronavirus disease 2019 or “COVID‐19”, which was declared by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic in March 2020. It typically presents with respiratory symptoms and febrile illness. However, there are few reported extrapulmonary and atypical presentations, such as hemoptysis, cardiac, neurological, gastrointestinal, ocular, and cutaneous manifestations, as well as venous and arterial thrombosis. Lack of awareness of these presentations might lead to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and isolation of suspected patients which increases the risk of transmission of infection between patients and doctors. All these issues will be discussed in this review.
Examining the Influence of Mood on the Bright Side and the Dark Side of Creativity
Authors: Yefet Matan , Glicksohn Joseph
Published: June 2020

The current exploratory study was designed to examine whether an expert‐generated rating of the creativity of a product and of its darkness‐brightness would both be influenced by the mood of the participants who had created that product. Positive and negative moods of the participants were induced by watching an emotional video, followed by appropriate instrumental music. Our participants were students of art and architecture, and they were asked to produce short texts and drawings while being in a specific mood. Their products tend to be subsequently rated by judges as being more bright and as being more creative when they had been generated while in a positive mood, and to be rated as being less bright and as being less creative when they had been generated in a negative mood. We also found an effect for the task, the drawings being rated as being more bright than the texts. In addition, those studying architecture generated more brightly rated products. Both positive and negative moods may result in creative products—and these will differ on a dark–bright rating scale.
Iodine uptake and translocation in apple trees grown under protected cultivation
Authors: Budke Christoph , Mühling Karl Hermann , Daum Diemo
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims: Agronomic biofortification of food crops with iodine may improve the dietary intake of this trace element, which is essential for human development and health. So far, little is known about the suitability of this technique in pome fruits. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate uptake and translocation of exogenously applied iodine in apple trees, (2) to identify possible strategies of iodine biofortification for this type of fruit, and (3) to evaluate interactions between foliar applied iodine and selenium.

Methods: Apple trees were cultivated in a plastic tunnel for two growing seasons. Iodine was applied via leaves or substrate. During the 2nd year, simultaneous foliar application of iodine and selenium were tested as well. At harvest time, iodine and selenium content in leaves and fruits were determined. The phytoavailable iodine concentration in the growing medium was analyzed following an extraction with calcium chloride. In addition, the dynamics of iodine applied as potassium iodide and iodate in a peat‐based substrate was investigated in an incubation experiment without plants.

Results: The iodine concentration in washed apples increased more than 100‐fold, valuing around 50 µg (100 g FM)−1 by foliar application of iodine as compared to the control treatment. However, this level was only achieved in fruits which were directly wetted by the spray solution. The translocation of leaf‐absorbed iodine to fruits was negligible. Following a substrate fertilization, the fruit iodine content remained rather low due to a strong retention of iodine in the growing medium. When using foliar sprays, the addition of selenium did not affect the iodine enrichment of the apple fruits.

Conclusions: Foliar fertilization of iodine seems to be a promising method to biofortify apples with iodine. The level of I achieved in apple fruits by means of foliar fertilization can significantly contribute to the daily I intake requirement of humans.
Relationships between chlorophyll content of vine leaves, predawn leaf water potential at veraison, and chemical and sensory attributes of wine
Authors: Sánchez Ramón , González María Rosa , Fernández‐Fernández Encarnación , Rodríguez‐Nogales José Manuel , Martín Pedro
Published: June 2020

Background

Water deficit and iron deficiency (iron chlorosis) are common environmental stresses that affect grapevine production in the Mediterranean area. Studies on the impact of both stresses, when they act simultaneously, are rare. The main objective of this investigation was to evaluate the combined effects of the incidence of iron chlorosis and the vine water status on quality of Tempranillo wine. For this, 20 non‐irrigated vineyard subzones (10 m × 10 m each), from non‐affected to moderately affected by iron chlorosis, were monitored in the Ribera del Duero area (north‐central Spain) during two consecutive seasons.

Results

Factorial analyses of variance were performed to study the effects of predawn leaf water potential and foliar chlorophyll content, both measured at veraison, on chemical and sensory characteristics of wine. With an impact much greater than water status, the incidence of iron stress decreased pH of the wine and enhanced sensory attributes as tonality, layer intensity, flavour intensity, and persistence in the mouth. There were increases in red colour, astringency, and persistence of the wine associated with chlorosis, although they might be restricted in water‐deficit conditions.

Conclusion

The results have demonstrated that mild to moderate iron stress can have positive effects on chemical and sensory attributes of Tempranillo wine. Measurements of foliar chlorophyll content at veraison could be very useful to map quality potential in rainfed vineyards affected by iron deficiency. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Social Support Moderates the Association Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Duration and Treatment Outcomes in Telemedicine‐Based Treatment Among Rural Veterans
Authors: Campbell Sarah B. , Erbes Christopher , Grubbs Kathleen , Fortney John
Published: June 2020

For patients participating in trauma‐focused psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT), pretreatment characteristics may moderate treatment effectiveness. For instance, preexisting supportive relationships may encourage skill utilization or provide contrasts to maladaptive cognitive biases highlighted in trauma‐focused treatments for PTSD. Such pretreatment characteristics are important to study in rural individuals, who may experience barriers to initiating and completing treatment. The aim of this study was to examine whether pretreatment social support, measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, would moderate the association between CPT duration (i.e., number of sessions attended) and change in PTSD symptoms, using data from a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of a telemedicine‐based collaborative care intervention for rural veterans (N = 225). Social support moderated the association between CPT duration and PTSD symptom change, B = −0.016, SE = −.006; 95% CI [−0.028, −0.005], such that increased duration was associated with more PTSD symptom change only at average or higher levels of support. This effect was found for overall and emotional support but not tangible support. Additionally, on average, among participants who attended eight or more CPT sessions, only those at or above 1 standard deviation above the mean social support score demonstrated a reliable change in PTSD symptoms. The results indicate that the link between CPT treatment duration and treatment outcomes may be stronger for veterans with higher levels of pretreatment social support.
Introduced goats reduce diversity and biomass of herbs in Caatinga dry forest
Authors: Menezes Tatiane , Carmo Rodrigo , Wirth Rainer , Leal Inara R. , Tabarelli Marcelo , Laurênio André , Melo Felipe P. L.
Published: June 2020

Herbivores are considered important drivers of vegetation shifts in rangelands worldwide. In the Brazilian Caatinga years in 16 paired exclosure versus free‐access plots. Exclosure of goats caused a small but significant increase in the species diversity and above‐ground biomass of herbs that varied strongly with time. Taxonomic dissimilarity between exclosure and free‐access was small and due to the turnover of a few species, however, tended to increase with time. Environmental co‐variables, such as rainfall, forest cover, and grazing pressure were also important and have varying effects on herbaceous communities, adding complexity to the processes of species assembly of Caatinga rangelands. Management of grazed ecosystems must take into account that goats can shift plant species composition and diversity with potential cascading effects on ecosystem functions.
Aggregation and Crosslinking of Poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐b‐pullulan Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymers
Authors: Plucinski Alexander , Willersinn Jochen , Lira Rafael B. , Dimova Rumiana , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J.
Published: June 2020

The self‐assembly of polymers is a major topic in current polymer chemistry. In here, the self‐assembly of a pullulan based double hydrophilic block copolymer, namely pullulan‐b‐poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐co‐poly(diacetone acrylamide) (Pull‐b‐(PDMA‐co‐PDAAM)) is described. The hydrophilic block copolymer induces phase separation at high concentration in aqueous solution. Additionally, the block copolymer displays aggregates at lower concentration, which show a size dependence on concentration. In order to stabilize the aggregates, crosslinking via oxime formation is described, which enables preservation of aggregates at high dilution, in dialysis and in organic solvents. With adequate stability by crosslinking, double hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC) aggregates open pathways for potential biomedical applications in the future.
Optimizing the Power Production in an Osmotic Engine via Microfluidic Fabricated and Surface Crosslinked Hydrogels Utilizing Fresh and Salt Water
Authors: Jangizehi Amir , Fengler Christian , Arens Lukas , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: June 2020

Salinity gradients between seawater and river water is a renewable source of energy having a worldwide potential capacity of about 3.1 TW. This energy can be extracted by e.g., an osmotic engine, using hydrogels with high water uptake capacity. Consecutive exposing hydrogels to fresh and saline water makes swelling–shrinking cycles, which can be utilized to move a piston in an osmotic engine. The production of power with this method is significantly suppressed by gelblocking, where voids between particles are blocked so that the water flow is limited and the absorbency significantly retarded. To improve the power production, the gelblocking is minimized within this article by using spherical mono‐dispersed hydrogels made by microfluidic technique. In this study mono‐disperse poly(acrylic acid‐co‐sodium acrylate) hydrogels with varying diameters (100‐600 µm) and varying degrees of neutralization (DN = 10–75 mol%) are synthesized. In addition, hydrogels with different DN are utilized for additional surface crosslinking to fabricate core–shell particles. The maximum power of 0.67 W kg−1 is obtained for hydrogels with a diameter of 105 µm, degree of crosslinking (DC) = 1.7 mol%, DN = 75 mol%, and a core‐shell architecture, which is three times higher compared to hydrogels having undefined size without a core–shell framework.
A polarization‐insensitive broadband rasorber with in‐band transmission response
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Saikia Mondeep , Malik Sudha , Ghosh Saptarshi , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav
Published: June 2020

In this letter, a polarization‐insensitive broadband rasorber structure with in‐band transmission response has been presented. The proposed structure comprises a periodic arrangement of convoluted cross‐dipole pattern in the top layer and square slot geometry in the bottom layer. Lumped resistors are symmetrically mounted across the top pattern to result in wideband absorption, whereas in‐band transmission is obtained by careful design of the square slot in the bottom layer. The overall structure exhibits a broad absorption band (having reflection coefficient below −10 dB) in the range of 2.18 to 9.80 GHz, and the transmission band appears at 6 GHz with an insertion loss of 0.56 dB. The novelty of the proposed design lies in its compact topology, polarization‐insensitivity, angular stability, and in‐band transmission response unlike the existing rasorber structures. Surface current distribution, equivalent circuit model, and several parametric variations have also been illustrated for in‐depth analysis. A sample prototype has been fabricated and the measured results show a good agreement with the simulated responses, under normal as well as oblique incidence.
A numerical algorithm for the nonlinear Timoshenko beam system
Authors: Peradze Jemal , Kalichava Zviad
Published: June 2020

An initial boundary value problem is considered for the dynamic beam system
urn:x-wiley:num:media:num22475:num22475-math-0001

Its solution is found by means of an algorithm, the constituent parts of which are the finite element method, the implicit symmetric difference scheme used to approximate the solution with respect to the spatial and time variables, and also a Picard type iteration process for solving the system of nonlinear equations obtained by discretization. Errors of three parts of the algorithm are estimated and, as a result, its total error estimate is obtained. A numerical example is solved.
What Should I Eat and Why? The Environmental, Genetic, and Behavioral Determinants of Food Choice: Summary from a Pennington Scientific Symposium
Authors: Qualls‐Creekmore Emily , Marlatt Kara L. , Aarts Esther , Bruce‐Keller Annadora , Church Tim S. , Clément Karine , Fisher Jennifer O. , Gordon‐Larsen Penny , Morrison Christopher D. , Raybould Helen E. , Ryan Donna H. , Schauer Philip R. , Spector Alan C. , Spetter Maartje S. , Stuber Garret D. , Berthoud Hans‐Rudolf , Ravussin Eric
Published: June 2020

This review details the proceedings of a Pennington Biomedical scientific symposium titled, “What Should I Eat and Why? The Environmental, Genetic, and Behavioral Determinants of Food Choice.” The symposium was designed to review the literature about energy homeostasis, particularly related to food choice and feeding behaviors, from psychology to physiology. This review discusses the intrinsic determinants of food choice, including biological mechanisms (genetics), peripheral and central signals, brain correlates, and the potential role of the microbiome. This review also address the extrinsic determinants (environment) of food choice within our physical and social environments. Finally, this review reports the current treatment practices for the clinical management of eating‐induced overweight and obesity. An improved understanding of these determinants will inform best practices for the clinical treatment and prevention of obesity. Strategies paired with systemic shifts in our public health policies and changes in our “obesogenic” environment will be most effective at attenuating the obesity epidemic.
Outcomes of pediatric patients with oncologic disease or following hematopoietic stem cell transplant supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: The PEDECOR experience
Authors: Steppan Diana A. , Coleman Ryan D. , Viamonte Heather K. , Hanson Sheila J. , Carroll Megan K. , Klein Orly R. , Cooke Kenneth R. , Spinella Philip C. , Steiner Marie E. , Loftis Laura L. , Bembea Melania M. ,   For the Pediatric ECMO (PediECMO) subgroup of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) Network and the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO)
Published: June 2020

Background

Outcomes for patients with oncologic disease and/or after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) requiring intensive care unit admission have improved, but indications for and outcomes after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in this population are poorly characterized.

Procedure

We analyzed data from consecutive patients < 18 years with oncologic disease and/or after HSCT reported to a pediatric ECMO registry by nine pediatric centers in the United States between 2011 and 2018.

Results

We identified 18 ECMO patients with oncologic disease and/or HSCT, and 415 ECMO controls matched with a propensity score algorithm based on age, gender, race, severity of illness at admission, and reason for ECMO. The primary indication for ECMO was respiratory failure in 66.7% in the oncologic disease and/or HSCT group, and in 70.7% in the matched ECMO control group. Eleven of 18 patients survived to hospital discharge (61.1%), similar to the matched control group (60.8%), P = 0.979. Children with oncologic disease and/or HSCT had lower mean platelet counts during ECMO and received higher volumes of platelets compared with the control group, mean 14.6 mL/kg/day (standard deviations [SD], 9.8) versus mean 9.3 mL/kg/day (SD, 10.4), P = 0.001. Of the 11 surviving children with oncologic disease and/or HSCT, five sustained new neurologic disorders (45.5%) versus 45 of 222 (20.3%) in the control group, P = 0.061. Bleeding complications were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

Outcomes of patients with oncologic disease and/or HSCT supported on ECMO in the current era are not significantly different compared with matched ECMO controls and are improved from previously published reports.