bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptidomics analysis of myometrium tissues in term labor compared with term nonlabor
Authors: Fan Yuru , Hou Wenwen , Xing Yuan , Zhang Li , Zhou Chunxiu , Gui Jing , Xu Pengfei , Wang Anming , Fan Xuemei , Zeng Xin , Feng Shanwu , Li Ping
Published: November 2019

Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal mortality, with a poorly understood etiology. The regular contraction of the myometrium was considered as contributing to the etiology of the onset of labor, especially PTB. Thus, studying the mechanism of myometrium contraction is very important for understanding the initiation of labor and also for preventing PTB. Using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, we found 322 significantly differential peptides in myometrium tissues between term nonlabor and term labor groups (absolute fold change ≥ 2 and P < .05). We next analyzed length, molecular weights, isoelectric point, and cleavage site of all the different peptides. We, next, analyzed the functions of different peptides through their precursor proteins by Gene Ontology, enrichment and canonical pathway analysis. The results indicated that the extracellular matrix (ECM) played a major role in biological process, the cellular component, and molecular function categories, and revealed that ECM remodeling played a vital role in myometrial contraction. In addition, some known signaling, such as corticotropin‐releasing hormone signaling and calcium signaling were proven to be involved in this process. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis upstream regulator analysis suggested that some of the known molecules, which reportedly were very important in labor onset, were included, for example, nuclear factor κB, tubulin, and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase. We also identified 23 peptides derived from the precursor protein TITIN, of which 21 peptides sequences from TITIN were located in functional domains. These results suggested that peptides play an important role in labor onset and provide further insight into PTB therapy.
The miR‐28‐5p‐CAMTA2 axis regulates colon cancer progression via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Luan Xiao‐Feng , Wang Lei , Gai Xue‐Feng
Published: November 2019

Background

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer with high morbidity and mortality. Calmodulin‐binding transcription activator 2 (CAMTA2) belongs to the calmodulin‐binding transcription activator protein family. The functional role of CAMTA2 in colon cancer development remains unclear. Our research found out that CAMTA2 was high‐level expressed in colon cancer, and the upregulated CAMTA2 expression was markedly correlated with poor survival. Functional experiments showed that knockdown of CAMTA2 repressed colon cancer cell proliferation/migration in vitro and attenuated proliferation in vivo. In additional, CAMTA2 expression was controlled by miR‐28‐5p via posttranscriptional regulation and miR‐28‐5p expression was reversely correlated with CAMTA2 expression in colon cancer. Moreover, enforced miR‐28‐5p expression downregulated the expression of CAMTA2 significantly and the restoration of CAMTA2 expression abolished the inhibitory effect of miR‐28‐5p on colon cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR‐28‐5p suppressed Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and the inhibitory could be partly abolished by overexpression of CAMTA2. In summary, our findings reveal that miR‐28‐5p/CAMTA2 axis plays a critical role in human colon cancer, which might be a promising diagnosis and therapeutic target for colon cancer treatment.
CFHR3 is a potential novel biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jun , Li Wenli , Zhao Hetong
Published: November 2019

Complement factor H‐related 3 (CFHR3) is a protein‐coding gene acting in various diseases. However, its prognostic values of CFHR3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not understandable. Therefore, we present a further study on CFHR3 in HCC. CFHR3 expression data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). We compared the differential expression of CFHR3 between the low‐stage (stage I and II) and high‐stage (stage III and IV) patients with HCC in the TCGA and ICGC cohorts. Furthermore, we assessed the CFHR3 expression as a prognostic marker using the Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, univariate, and multivariate analysis. The Kaplan‐Meier analysis declared that CFHR3 overexpression was correlated with a good prognosis for HCC patients. Multivariate analysis proved the prognostic significance of CFHR3 expression levels (P < .001 and .003 for TCGA and ICGC, respectively). Immune‐related scores in low‐risk cohorts were higher than high‐risk cohorts. Gene set enrichment analysis implied that the low CFHR3 expression phenotype was significantly enriched in critical biological functions and pathways and was associated with tumorigenesis, such as regulation of cell activation cycle, and the WNT and NOTCH signal pathway. Above all, CFHR3 could be a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
Isotopic variation in blood components based on their biochemistry and physiology: A comparison between sharks and fur seals
Authors: Tamburin Elena , Amador‐Capitanachi María José , Galván‐Magaña Felipe , Norris Tenaya A. , Elorriaga‐Verplancken Fernando R.
Published: November 2019

Research using stable isotopes analysis (SIA) of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in blood components is lacking, because of the challenge of sample collection, processing, and storage in remote areas. There also is a paucity of information regarding the effect of tissue biochemical composition on isotopic ratios with few comparisons among taxa. We collected blood samples from shortfin mako sharks (n = 70; 2016) and Guadalupe fur seals (n = 25; 2017). All samples were centrifuged to obtain plasma from sharks and serum from the Guadalupe fur seals, and all the samples were prepared for SIA and analyzed using a Costech 4010 elemental analyzer interfaced with a Delta V Plus isotope ratio mass spectrometer. We found significant differences between plasma δ13C values of shortfin mako sharks (−17.6 ± 0.9‰) and serum of Guadalupe fur seals (−20.3 ± 1.2‰), but we did not find any differences for δ15N values between the two species. The differences in δ13C values between species are probably due to the specific blood composition and to the different biochemical characteristics and different adaptations within taxa. These findings highlight the importance of further research on the influence of biochemistry features on isotopic results, in this way a more accurate assessment will be possible for this factor, separating it from the dietary influences on stable isotopic values.
Trans‐inclusive genetic counseling services: Recommendations from members of the transgender and non‐binary community
Authors: Barnes Heather , Morris Emily , Austin Jehannine
Published: November 2019

The term transgender is used to describe individuals whose gender identity does not align with their sex assigned at birth. The term transgender can include individuals who identify as men, as women, as both of the traditional concepts of masculine and feminine gender, or neither masculine or feminine. The latter two gender identities may also be known as non‐binary or gender non‐conforming identities. Transgender individuals may attend genetic counseling for a variety of reasons, but current pedigree nomenclature does not adequately represent both sex assigned at birth (which is important for determining risk for certain conditions) and gender (which is important for providing trans‐inclusive care). We conducted an interpretive description (qualitative, interview based) study with individuals from the transgender community to gather insight on pedigree nomenclature and more broadly, how to provide safe and effective genetic counseling for transgender individuals. We conducted semi‐structured telephone interviews with individuals who identified as transgender or gender non‐binary, transcribed them verbatim, and checked them for accuracy before coding and inductively identifying themes. Among our eight participants, five identified as trans‐masculine, two as trans‐feminine, five as non‐binary/gender non‐conforming (some participants had more than one gender identity). From the interviews, we identified a single key, over‐arching theme: participants’ felt it is the genetic counselor's responsibility to create safety and provide clarity about the clinical importance of both sex assigned at birth and gender identity for trans patients. Two specific strategies that counselors could use to achieve this safety and clarity were discussed extensively: (a) validating gender identity and (b) using inclusive and well‐defined pedigree symbols that denote both sex assigned at birth and gender identity. Our data have important practice implications in terms of the importance of validating gender identity and using respectful pedigree symbols.
F(1H‐Pyrazol‐4‐yl)methylene‐Hydrazide derivatives: Synthesis and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Bhavanarushi Sangepu , Luo Zhi‐Bin , Bharath Gandu , Rani JettiVatsala , Khan Imran , Xu Yin , Liu Bin , Xie Jimin
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the seismic and collapse performance of shape memory alloy (SMA) braced steel frame structures considering the effects of various brace design parameters and ultimate state of SMAs. An SMA braced steel frame building is designed to have comparable strength and stiffness with a steel‐moment resisting frame selected as case study building. Then, the stiffness and ultimate deformation capacity of the SMA braces in the initially designed reference SMA braced frame are systematically varied. First, the static pushover analysis and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) are employed to illustrate the significance of SMA brace failure consideration in seismic performance assessment of steel frames with SMA elements. Then, the influence of SMA brace initial stiffness and ultimate deformation capacity on the seismic and collapse performance of SMA braced frames are studied through pushover analyses, nonlinear response history analyses, and IDA. The results show that the SMA brace initial stiffness does not affect the interstory drift and floor absolute acceleration response at design and maximum considered earthquake (MCE) level seismic hazard or collapse capacity of the frame. However, it has considerable influence on post‐event functionality of the frame. It is also found that the SMA brace ultimate deformation capacity should be at least 80% of maximum inter‐story drift demand at MCE level for satisfactory seismic performance, while larger values provide higher collapse capacity for the SMA braced frame.
Diffusion MRI for Assessment of Bone Quality; A Review of Findings in Healthy Aging and Osteoporosis
Authors: Fathi Kazerooni Anahita , Pozo Jose M. , McCloskey Eugene Vincent , Saligheh Rad Hamidreza , Frangi Alejandro F.
Published: November 2019

Diffusion MRI (dMRI) is a growing imaging technique with the potential to provide biomarkers of tissue variation, such as cellular density, tissue anisotropy, and microvascular perfusion. However, the role of dMRI in characterizing different aspects of bone quality, especially in aging and osteoporosis, has not yet been fully established, particularly in clinical applications. The reason lies in the complications accompanied with implementation of dMRI in assessment of human bone structure, in terms of acquisition and quantification. Bone is a composite tissue comprising different elements, each contributing to the overall quality and functional competence of bone. As diffusion is a critical biophysical process in biological tissues, early changes of tissue microstructure and function can affect diffusive properties of the tissue. While there are multiple MRI methods to detect variations of individual properties of bone quality due to aging and osteoporosis, dMRI has potential to serve as a superior method for characterizing different aspects of bone quality within the same framework but with higher sensitivity to early alterations. This is mainly because several properties of the tissue including directionality and anisotropy of trabecular bone and cell density can be collected using only dMRI. In this review article, we first describe components of human bone that can be potentially detected by their diffusivity properties and contribute to variations in bone quality during aging and osteoporosis. Then we discuss considerations and challenges of dMRI in bone imaging, current status, and suggestions for development of dMRI in research studies and clinics to segregate different contributing components of bone quality in an integrated acquisition.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:975–992.
Slower Walking Speed Is Related to Early Femoral Trochlear Cartilage Degradation After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Capin Jacob J. , Williams Jack R. , Neal Kelsey , Khandha Ashutosh , Durkee Laura , Ito Naoaki , Stefanik Joshua J. , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Buchanan Thomas S.
Published: November 2019

Post‐traumatic patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and early cartilage degradation may be especially common in the femoral trochlear cartilage. Determining the presence of and factors associated with early femoral trochlear cartilage degradation, a precursor to OA, is a critical preliminary step in identifying those at risk for patellofemoral OA development and designing interventions to combat the disease. Early cartilage degradation can be detected using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging measures, such as tissue T2 relaxation time. The purposes of this study were to (i) compare involved (ACLR) versus uninvolved (contralateral) femoral trochlear cartilage T2 relaxation times 6 months after ACLR, and (ii) determine the relationship between walking speed and walking mechanics 3 months after ACLR and femoral trochlear cartilage T2 relaxation times 6 months after ACLR. Twenty‐six individuals (age 23 ± 7 years) after primary, unilateral ACLR participated in detailed motion analyses 3.3 ± 0.6 months after ACLR and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging 6.3 ± 0.5 months after ACLR. There were no limb differences in femoral trochlear cartilage T2 relaxation times. Slower walking speed was related to higher (worse) femoral trochlear cartilage T2 relaxation times in the involved limb (Pearson's r: −0.583, p = 0.002) and greater interlimb differences in trochlear T2 relaxation times (Pearson's r: −0.349, p = 0.080). Walking mechanics were weakly related to trochlear T2 relaxation times. Statement of clinical significance: Slower walking speed was by far the strongest predictor of worse femoral trochlear cartilage health, suggesting slow walking speed may be an early clinical indicator of future patellofemoral OA after ACLR. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:645–652, 2020
Far‐travelled ash in past and future eruptions: combining tephrochronology with volcanic studies
Authors: Cashman Katharine V. , Rust Alison C.
Published: November 2019

Studies of recent eruptions have improved our understanding of volcanic ash transport and deposition, but have also raised important questions about the behaviour of far‐travelled (distal) volcanic ash. In particular, it is difficult to reconcile estimates of distal ash mass and transport distance determined from eyewitness accounts, mapped deposits, satellite‐based observations and cryptotephra records. Here we address this problem using data from well‐characterized eruptions that, collectively, include all four data types. Data from recent eruptions allow us to relate eyewitness accounts to mapped deposits on the ground and satellite‐based observations of ash in the air; observations from an historical eruption link eyewitness accounts to cryptotephra deposits. Together these examples show that (i) 10–20% of the erupted mass is typically deposited outside the mapped limits; (ii) estimates of the ash mass transported in volcanic clouds cannot account for all of this unmapped ash; and (iii) ash fall observed at distances beyond mapped deposits can have measurable impacts, and can form cryptotephra deposits with high (>~1000 cm−3) shard counts. We conclude that cryptotephra data can be incorporated into volcanological studies of ash transport and deposition and provide important insight into both the behaviour and impacts of far‐travelled volcanic ash particles.
Raman spectroscopic determination of the degree of dissociation of nitric acid in binary and ternary mixtures with HF and H2SiF6
Authors: Langner Thomas , Rietig Anja , Acker Jörg
Published: November 2019

The oxidizing effect of nitric acid in aqueous solutions depends on the concentration of undissociated nitric acid. This makes the concentration of undissociated nitric acid an essential parameter to monitor and control the quality of silicon etching in the industrial manufacturing of solar cells. In the present study, a method known already is extended in such a way that the degree of dissociation of nitric acid can be determined by Raman spectroscopy in HF/HNO3/H2SiF6 acid mixtures over a broad concentration range for the first time and without using an internal or external standard to compensate the typical time‐dependent drift of a Raman spectrometer. The method developed requires the calculation of a peak area ratio from the areas of the unimpeded Raman signals assigned to nitrate (νN − O) at 1,048 cm−1 and to undissociated HNO3 (νN − OH) at 957 cm−1. The correlation between the peak ratio and the degree of dissociation of nitric acid revealed can be described by a simple empirical equation. Using this equation, the degree of dissociation of nitric acid can be determined over a broad concentration range in binary and ternary mixtures of HNO3 with HF and H2SiF6. The impact of the acids HF and H2SiF6 and the total water content in the degree of dissociation of nitric acid is discussed.
Tracking operative autonomy and performance in otolaryngology training using smartphone technology: A single institution pilot study
Authors: Chen Jenny X. , Kozin Elliott , Bohnen Jordan , George Brian , Deschler Daniel , Emerick Kevin , Gray Stacey T.
Published: November 2019

Background

In the era of duty hour restrictions, otolaryngology residents may not gain the operative experience necessary to function autonomously by the end of training. This study quantifies residents' autonomy during key indicator cases, defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Faculty and residents at a large academic institution were surveyed on the surgical autonomy trainees should achieve for otolaryngology key indicator surgeries at each training level. Residents and faculty used the mobile application “System for Improving and Measuring Procedural Learning” (SIMPL) between December 2017 and July 2018 to log trainees' operative autonomy during cases on a validated four‐level Zwisch scale, from “show and tell” to “supervision only.”

Results

The study included 40 participants (23 residents and 17 attendings). The survey response rate was 83%. In surveys, residents overestimated the autonomy PGY5 residents should achieve for parotidectomy, rhinoplasty, thyroid/parathyroidectomy, and airway procedures compared with faculty (P < .05). Using SIMPL, 833 evaluations were logged of which 253 were paired evaluations for key indicator cases. Comparing survey predictions with actual cases logged in SIMPL, residents and faculty overestimated the autonomy achieved by senior trainees performing mastoidectomy (PGY5, P < .05) and ethmoidectomy (PGY4/5, P < .05); both felt that senior residents should operate with between “passive help” and “supervision only” whereas residents actually had “passive help.” Residents overestimated their autonomy during rhinoplasty (PGY5, P = .017) and parotidectomy (PGY5, P = .007) while attendings accurately expected chief residents to have “passive help.”

Conclusions

Resident surgical autonomy varies across otolaryngology procedures. Multicenter studies are needed to elucidate national trends.

Level of Evidence

2
Being green in a materialistic world: Consequences for subjective well‐being
Authors: Furchheim Pia , Martin Christian , Morhart Felicitas
Published: November 2019

This paper explores the potential negative side‐effects of the sustainability movement in societies with large segments of materialistic consumers. Across three studies, there is evidence that a conflict between materialistic and green value profiles can arise in consumers. When it arises, it seems to be related to diminished well‐being. Study 1 shows that consumers with a higher value conflict (VC) experienced higher levels of stress. Consumers with higher degrees of stress then reported lower satisfaction with life. Study 2 reveals the underlying process by which this value conflict affects well‐being. The results suggest that the value conflict is related to a reduced clarity of consumers’ self‐concept (SCC), which in turn is related to increased levels of stress and a lower satisfaction with life. Results of Study 3 show that preference for consistency (PfC) serves as a boundary condition to this effect. The negative effect of VC on SCC is most pronounced among consumers high in PfC, while low PfC consumers seem to suffer less from the negative consequences of a conflict between green and materialistic values. Conceptual and public‐policy implications of these results are discussed.
Engineering Redox Activity in Conjugated Microporous Polytriphenylamine Networks Using Pyridyl Building Blocks toward Efficient Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Huixin , Lyu Wei , Liao Yaozu
Published: November 2019

Nitrogen‐rich conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with tunable porosities and reversible redox properties have received increasing interest as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Herein, pyridyl building blocks with different substitutions are selected to synthesize four amine‐linked conjugated microporous polytriphenylamine (PTPA) networks via Buchwald–Hartwig cross‐coupling reaction engineering the redox activity of PTPAs. The structures, porosities, and redox activities of these four PTPAs are investigated. The electrochemical characterization results show that PTPA obtained using 2,5‐diaminopyridine dihydrochloride (i.e., PTPA‐25) displays the highest specific capacitances up to 335 F g−1 in 1.0 m H2SO4 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. Upon 5000 cycles, PTPA‐25 maintains good initial capacitances up to 65%, nearly 100% Coulombic efficiencies at a current density of 2 A g−1, and high rate properties (remained a high capacitance of 250 F g−1 at 10 A g−1). The influence of different substitutions of pyridyl on the redox activities of the synthesized PTPA electrodes is further proposed, which would give insight into engineering the performance of CMPs‐based supercapacitors.
Selective and Rapid Light‐Induced RAFT Single Unit Monomer Insertion in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhou Yanyan , Zhang Zhengbiao , Reese Cassandra M. , Patton Derek L. , Xu Jiangtao , Boyer Cyrille , Postma Almar , Moad Graeme
Published: November 2019

The photocatalyst Zn(II) meso‐tetra(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (ZnTPPS) is found to substantially accelerate visible‐light‐initiated (red, yellow, green light) single unit monomer insertion (SUMI) of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide into the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent, 4‐((((2‐carboxyethyl)thio)carbonothioyl)thio)‐4‐cyanopentanoic acid (RAFT1), in aqueous solution. Thus, under irradiation with red (633 nm) or yellow (593 nm) light with 50 mpm (moles per million mole of monomer) ZnTPPS at 30 °C, the rate enhancement provided by photoinduced energy or electron transfer (PET) is ≈sevenfold over the rate of direct photoRAFT‐SUMI (without catalyst), which corresponds to achieving full and selective reaction in hours versus days. Importantly, the selectivity, as judged by the absence of oligomers, is retained. Under green light at similar power, higher rates of SUMI are also observed. However, the degree of enhancement provided by PET‐RAFT‐SUMI over direct photoRAFT‐SUMI as a function of catalyst concentration is less and some oligomers are formed.
Integration of network data envelopment analysis and decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory for the performance evaluation of the financial holding companies in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Hsiang‐Hsi , Huang Jih‐Jeng , Chiu Yung‐Ho
Published: November 2019

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been constantly used to measure the technical efficiency of decision‐making units (DMUs). However, the major problem of traditional DEA methods is that they do not consider the possible intermediate effects. Recently, many papers have applied network DEA models to evaluate the efficiency scores. However, the linking activity of DMUs is still hard to be recognized. Hence, we employ DEMATEL to obtain the linking activity of DMUs. Our empirical research shows that the proposed method can soundly deal with the purpose of identifying the relationship between variables and derive the reasonable result in network DEA.
Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quantification of Brain Changes in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Pyatigorskaya Nadya , Yahia‐Cherif Lydia , Gaurav Rahul , Ewenczyk Claire , Gallea Cecile , Valabregue Romain , Gargouri Fatma , Magnin Benoit , Degos Bertrand , Roze Emmanuel , Bardinet Eric , Poupon Cyril , Arnulf Isabelle , Vidailhet Marie , Lehericy Stéphane
Published: November 2019

Background

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative clinically heterogeneous disorder, formal diagnosis being based on postmortem histological brain examination.

Objective

We aimed to perform a precise in vivo staging of neurodegeneration in PSP using quantitative multimodal MRI. The ability of MRI biomarkers to differentiate PSP from PD was also evaluated.

Methods

Eleven PSP patients were compared to 26 age‐matched healthy controls and 51 PD patients. Images were acquired at 3 Tesla (three‐dimensional T1‐weighted, diffusion tensor, and neuromelanin‐sensitive images) and 7 Tesla (three‐dimensional‐T2* images). Regions of interest included the cortical areas, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, basal forebrain, brainstem nuclei, dentate nucleus, and cerebellum. Volumes, mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy were measured. In each region, a threshold value for group categorization was calculated, and four grades of change (0–3) were determined.

Results

PSP patients showed extensive volume decreases and diffusion changes in the midbrain, SN, STN, globus pallidus, basal forebrain, locus coeruleus, pedunculopontine nucleus, and dentate nucleus, in close agreement with the degrees of impairment in histological analyses. The predictive factors for the separation of PSP and healthy controls were, in descending order, the neuromelanin‐based SN volume; midbrain fractional anisotropy; volumes of the midbrain, globus pallidus, and putamen; and fractional anisotropy in the locus coeruleus. The best predictors for separating PSP from PD were the neuromelanin‐based volume in the SN, fractional anisotropy in the pons, volumes of the midbrain and globus pallidus, and fractional anisotropy in the basal forebrain.

Conclusions

These results suggest that it is possible to evaluate brain neurodegeneration in PSP noninvasively, even in small brainstem nuclei, in close agreement with previously published histological data. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Motor Complications in Parkinson's Disease: 13‐Year Follow‐up of the CamPaIGN Cohort
Authors: Kim Han‐Joon , Mason Sarah , Foltynie Thomas , Winder‐Rhodes Sophie , Barker Roger A. , Williams‐Gray Caroline H.
Published: November 2019

Background

Long‐term population‐representative data on motor fluctuations and levodopa‐induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease is lacking.

Methods

The Cambridgeshire Parkinson's Incidence from GP to Neurologist (CamPaIGN) cohort comprises incident PD cases followed for up to 13 years (n = 141). Cumulative incidence of motor fluctuations and levodopa‐induced dyskinesias and risk factors were assessed using Kaplan‐Meyer and Cox regression analyses.

Results

Cumulative incidence of motor fluctuations and levodopa‐induced dyskinesias was 54.3% and 14.5%, respectively, at 5 years and 100% and 55.7%, respectively, at 10 years. Higher baseline UPDRS‐total and SNCA rs356219(A) predicted motor fluctuations, whereas higher baseline Mini‐mental State Examination and GBA mutations predicted levodopa‐induced dyskinesias. Early levodopa use did not predict motor complications. Both early motor fluctuations and levodopa‐induced dyskinesias predicted reduced mortality in older patients (age at diagnosis >70 years).

Conclusions

Our data support the hypothesis that motor complications are related to the severity of nigrostriatal pathology rather than early levodopa use and indicate that early motor complications do not necessarily confer a negative prognosis. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Sleep disordered breathing in Marfan syndrome: Value of standard screening questionnaires
Authors: Sowho Mudiaga O. , Patil Susheel , Schneider Hartmut , MacCarrick Gretchen , Kirkness Jason P. , Wolfe Lisa F. , Sterni Laura , Cistulli Peter A. , Neptune Enid R.
Published: November 2019

Background

A high prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) has been reported in persons with Marfan syndrome (MFS), a single gene disorder of connective tissue resulting in premature death from aortic rupture. The burden of SDB and accompanying hemodynamic stress could warrant broad screening in this population. Our goal was to assess the utility of traditional SDB screening tools in our sample of persons with MFS.

Methods

Participants were recruited during an annual Marfan Foundation meeting and Marfan status confirmed using the Ghent criteria. Screening questionnaires were administered and SDB assessed by home sleep testing. We assessed accuracy of screening tools using receiver‐operating characteristic curve analyses.

Results

The prevalence of moderate‐severe SDB was 32% in our sample of 31 MFS participants. The Stop‐Bang questionnaire had the highest positive predictive value (PPV) of 60% and the highest negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% using the high‐ and moderate‐risk cut‐offs, respectively, and the Berlin questionnaire had a PPV of 50% and an NPV of 92.3% at the high‐risk cut‐off. When those with mild SDB were included, the Stop‐Bang and the Sleep Apnea Clinical Score (SACS) questionnaires demonstrated useful screening accuracies with PPVs of 94.7% and 92.9%, and NPVs of 63.6% and 47.1%, respectively, at the moderate‐risk cut‐offs.

Conclusion

A survey of SDB in a sample of persons with MFS reveals not only a high burden of SDB but also that conventional screening instruments have utility if adapted appropriately. Future studies should validate the utility of these screening tools given concerns that SDB may contribute to progression of aortic pathology in MFS.
Lawyers seek removal of MH question from bar applications
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2019

Observing that stigma around mental illness remains a chief barrier to treatment within the legal profession, not to mention the public at large, the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), a voluntary bar association, is fighting to remove all mentions of mental health from bar applications.
APA annual stress survey finds 2020 election one major cause
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2019

The American Psychological Association (APA) on Nov. 5 released its annual Stress in America survey, which found that the 2020 presidential election has been identified by more than half of U.S. adults as a significant stressor. Additionally, the survey found that stress about health care is on par with stress related to mass shootings.
Formation of an in situ nanosilica nanomatrix via graft copolymerization of vinyltriethoxysilane onto natural rubber
Authors: Nghiem Thuong , Nguyen Linh , Phan Nghia , Yusof Nurul , Kawahara Seiichi
Published: November 2019

Natural rubber (NR) with an in situ nanosilica nanomatrix was characterized in present work. The in situ nanosilica nanomatrix was prepared via graft copolymerization of a silane monomer, vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), onto deproteinized NR (DPNR) in latex stage using tetrapentamine (TEPA)/tert‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHPO) as initiators. VTES conversion of more than 80% was obtained, and it depended on VTES concentration. The graft copolymer structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), solution‐state proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), and solid‐state 29Si‐NMR spectroscopy. FT‐IR analysis of the graft copolymer confirmed the formation of in situ silica particles, while solution‐state 1H‐NMR and solid‐state 29Si‐NMR revealed the partial hydrolysis of the ethoxy groups and polycondensation of the silanol groups. The formation of nanosilica particles enhanced thermal and mechanical properties of the graft copolymer. Morphology observations of the in situ nanosilica nanomatrix through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the spherical nanosilica particles form a nanomatrix surrounding NR particle. The formation of the nanomatrix was proved to enhance mechanical properties for NR materials.
Role of radiation therapy for pediatric upper extremity extraskeletal osteosarcoma: A case series
Authors: McClelland Shearwood , Hentea Cristiana , Fan Rong , Bertrand Todd E , Holmes Jordan A
Published: November 2019

Background

 Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is an extremely rare disease, comprising less than 0.1% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, of which less than 5% occur in the upper extremities. The management of two cases of pediatric upper extremity extraskeletal osteosarcoma is discussed.

Case description

Two children initially noticed painless left upper extremity masses at the ages of 16 and 13, respectively. Following a period of several months, both lesions became symptomatic, necessitating operative intervention, which revealed giant cell‐rich extraskeletal osteosarcoma; PET staging following gross total resection revealed no residual or metastatic disease in either patient. After extensive discussion with the patients and family, adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated for one patient, and adjuvant radiation therapy was initiated in both patients.

Conclusions

Despite the rarity of these tumors, the importance of radiation therapy has been established by current and ongoing studies such as the Children's Oncology Group study ARST0332. Radiation therapy remains an important component of the multimodality therapy comprising optimal treatment of this disease, despite the relative paucity of long‐term outcome data derived from level I evidence.
Properties of conductive polymer hydrogels and their application in sensors
Authors: Guo Bin , Ma Zhong , Pan Lijia , Shi Yi
Published: November 2019

Conductive polymer hydrogels (CPHs), which combine the unique advantages of hydrogels and organic conductors, have received wide attention due to their adjustable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, self‐healing, hydrophilicity, and ease of preparation. With doping engineering and incorporation with other functional nanomaterials, CPHs have exhibited excellent physical/chemical properties. CPHs have been widely used in various electronic devices, especially in the field of sensors due to its sensitivity to external stimuli. This review summarizes recent progress in CPHs from the aspect of the CPHs' properties and their application in advanced sensor technology. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1606–1621
Challenges in managing difficult‐to‐treat asthma in children: Stop, look, and listen
Authors: Hoch Heather , Kattan Meyer , Szefler Stanley J.
Published: November 2019

It is recognized that asthma places a significant economic burden on the United States, with a total cost of $81.9 billion total costs including costs incurred by absenteeism and mortality. Severe asthma places a large burden of morbidity on children and their caregivers, including severe exacerbations, medication side effects, increased missed school days leading to impaired school performance, and lower caregiver quality of life. Therefore, we need to take a careful look at how we can make asthma care more efficient and cost effective, especially for those children with severe asthma. The 2019 American Thoracic Society symposium reported in this theme issue presented four aspects of managing severe asthma in children that merit attention including patient variables that affect severe asthma, understanding patient behaviors around medications, the appropriate use of bronchoscopy in diagnosis and management of severe asthma, and also the rational use of biologic therapy. This editorial will summarize key points in each of these reviews and prompt a more careful reading of each contribution.
Progress on Integrated Quantum Photonic Sources with Silicon
Authors: Feng Lan‐Tian , Guo Guang‐Can , Ren Xi‐Feng
Published: November 2019

The high stability and scalability of integrated circuits make them a reliable and practical platform for photonic quantum information processing. In various platforms for quantum photonic integrated circuits, the silicon‐on‐insulator technology, with its strong nonlinear effect and mature fabrication technology, has gradually emerged in the preparation of quantum photonic sources. This report presents a review of this series of research advances in the preparation of a quantum photonic source, based on the spontaneously four‐wave mixing process in a silicon waveguide, especially chip‐scale entangled states that have been realized in recent years.
Coordinated cyber‐physical attacks considering DoS attacks in power systems
Authors: Tian Jiwei , Wang Buhong , Li Tengyao , Shang Fute , Cao Kunrui
Published: November 2019

The smart grid faces a variety of physical and cyber attacks. Coordinated cyber‐physical attacks can cause severer consequences than the single cyber or physical attacks, which can be divided into two categories according to whether the physical attack is stealthy or not. Coordinated cyber‐physical attacks considering DoS attacks are investigated due to the lower cost of DoS attacks. In each category of coordinated cyber‐physical attacks, the mathematical models are derived and suitable methods are adopted to solve the corresponding issue. The experimental simulation demonstrates the potentially damaging effects and threats of this newly proposed attack. It is also presented that this newly proposed attack can use lower attack resources to introduce more catastrophic effects on the power system.
Synthetically Induced 1→4‐C Branching Motif ‐ An Access Towards Dense Urethane Connecting Dendritic Scaffolds and Application in Nuclear Track Detection
Authors: Shetgaonkar Abhijit D. , Nadkarni Vishnu S.
Published: November 2019

A series of dumbbell‐shaped urethane connecting polyoleifinic dendrimers, are synthesized from commercial AB2 monomer through the concept of post‐generative synthetic induction of novel 1→4‐C branching motif in divergent and convergent growth methodology using carbamoyl chloride reactivity. A synthetic protocol is conducted through the iterative process of O‐carbamoyl‐allylation of hydroxyls followed by Upjohn dihydroxylation of the allylic double bonds, leading to protection/deprotection free divergent pathway. In parallel, convergent growth route gains dendrimers in relatively good yields. Also, the process of O‐carbonyloxy‐allylation of [G‐1] polyol affords urethane‐carbonate framework providing access to 1→2‐C branching further. Incorporation of current branching motif results in dendritic scaffold with dense periphery at lower generations itself. Free radical cast polymerization of [G‐0.5] dendrimer with allyl diglycol carbonate (ADC) produces thermoset polymer films, showing good sensitivity and ability to permanently record nuclear tracks.
pH‐Responsive PEG‐Shedding and Targeting Peptide‐Modified Nanoparticles for Dual‐Delivery of Irinotecan and microRNA to Enhance Tumor‐Specific Therapy
Authors: Juang Vivian , Chang Chih‐Hsien , Wang Chen‐Shen , Wang Hsin‐Ell , Lo Yu‐Li
Published: November 2019

Irinotecan is one of the main chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancer (CRC). MicroRNA‐200 (miR‐200) has been reported to inhibit metastasis in cancer cells. Herein, pH‐sensitive and peptide‐modified liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are designed for encapsulation of irinotecan and miR‐200, respectively. These peptides include one cell‐penetrating peptide, one ligand targeted to tumor neovasculature undergoing angiogenesis, and one mitochondria‐targeting peptide. The peptide‐modified nanoparticles are further coated with a pH‐sensitive PEG‐lipid derivative with an imine bond. These specially‐designed nanoparticles exhibit pH‐responsive release, internalization, and intracellular distribution in acidic pH of colon cancer HCT116 cells. These nanoparticles display low toxicity to blood and noncancerous intestinal cells. Delivery of miR‐200 by SLN further increases the cytotoxicity of irinotecan‐loaded liposomes against CRC cells by triggering apoptosis and suppressing RAS/β‐catenin/ZEB/multiple drug resistance (MDR) pathways. Using CRC‐bearing mice, the in vivo results further indicate that irinotecan and miR‐200 in pH‐responsive targeting nanoparticles exhibit positive therapeutic outcomes by inhibiting colorectal tumor growth and reducing systemic toxicity. Overall, successful delivery of miR and chemotherapy by multifunctional nanoparticles may modulate β‐catenin/MDR/apoptosis/metastasis signaling pathways and induce programmed cancer cell death. Thus, these pH‐responsive targeting nanoparticles may provide a potential regimen for effective treatment of colorectal cancer.
Microphysiological Systems: Next Generation Systems for Assessing Toxicity and Therapeutic Effects of Nanomaterials
Authors: Ashammakhi Nureddin , Darabi Mohammad Ali , Çelebi‐Saltik Betül , Tutar Rumeysa , Hartel Martin C. , Lee Junmin , Hussein Saber M. , Goudie Marcus J. , Cornelius Mercedes Brianna , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: November 2019

Microphysiological systems, also known as organ‐on‐a‐chip platforms, show promise for the development of new testing methods that can be more accurate than both conventional two‐dimensional (2D) cultures and costly animal studies. The development of more intricate microphysiological systems can help to better mimic the human physiology and highlight the systemic effects of different drugs and materials. Nanomaterials are among a technologically important class of materials used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring purposes; all of which can be tested using new organ‐on‐a‐chip systems. In addition, the toxicity of nanomaterials which have entered the body from ambient air or diet can have deleterious effects on various body systems. This in turn can be studied in newly developed microphysiological systems. While organ‐on‐a‐chip models can be useful, they cannot pick up secondary and systemic toxicity. Thus, the utilization of multiorgan‐on‐a‐chip systems for advancing nanotechnology will largely be reflected in the future of drug development, toxicology studies, and precision medicine. Various aspects of related studies, current challenges, and future perspectives are discussed in this paper.
Hollow Hemispherical Carbon Microspheres with Mo2C Nanoparticles Synthesized by Precursor Design: Effective Noble Metal‐Free Catalysts for Dehydrogenation
Authors: Zhao Ruihua , Wang Hui , Gao Na , Liu Rui , Guo Tianyu , Wu Jinting , Zhang Tao , Li Jinping , Du Jianping , Asefa Tewodros
Published: November 2019

Noble metal‐based catalysts are currently widely used for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons or the production of H2 from hydrocarbons for various applications. However, these catalysts are expensive and hard to scale up. In this work, a facile template‐assisted synthesis of hollow carbon microspheres possessing ultrasmall molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) nanoparticles (NPs) that can efficiently catalyze the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons is reported. The hollow structures and catalytic activity of the materials can be tuned, or optimized, by controlling the relative amount of Mo species or template used in their precursors. The bowl‐like hemispherical carbons with ≈20 nm thin shells and <5 nm in diameter Mo2C NPs show superior catalytic activity for dehydrogenation of cyclohexane, with a turnover frequency value of 1 × 10−4 s−1 at 305 °C. The catalytic activity of these microspheres for the reaction is 15 times higher than that of the corresponding incomplete hollow spherical carbon microparticles possessing similar sized Mo2C NPs and also better than that of activated carbon‐supported Pt (Pt/AC). Interestingly also, adding a mere 0.1% Pt into the materials leads to several‐fold increase in their catalytic activity and much higher activity than that of Pt/AC.
TemplateFree: product detection on retail store shelves
Authors: Sun Haitian , Zhang Jing , Akashi Takuya
Published: November 2019

Product recognition has a significant role because of its benefits to the compliant arrangements of stores, which further affects commercial contracts, customer satisfaction, and sale achievement. Automatic recognition systems have been proposed owing to the current high cost of manual inspection by clerks. Because of the difficult collection of product images, the systems are commonly one‐shot cases, in which the training data are actually template product images. However, despite the development of one‐shot recognition, the systems rarely utilize the special characteristics of products on retail store shelves, and the frequent updating of templates is still challenging. Furthermore, we consider that product detection can be the basis of product recognition. In this article, instead of the present workflow, we propose a novel product detection system, named TemplateFree, which combines product segmentation and zero‐shot learning. It detects products on retail store shelves by single store shelf images, that is, corresponding template product images are not necessary. TemplateFree concentrates on the characteristic that a store shelf can be segmented horizontally into layers and then vertically into products so that each product can be detected according to the segmentation. Double zero‐shot deep learning frameworks are used to improve the segmentation. In experiments, TemplateFree achieves better results than the present method. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.