bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monochromatic Multimode Antennas on Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Materials
Authors: Dominguez Owen , Nordin Leland , Lu Junchi , Feng Kaijun , Wasserman Daniel , Hoffman Anthony J.
Published: March 2019

Optical antennas couple propagating optical fields into confined modes. The spectral position and spatial extent of the confined modes are most often engineered via the design of the antenna. However, while often relegated to a secondary role, the dielectric environment can drastically alter the optical response of antennas. Here, antennas on an epsilon‐near‐zero material—a material with a vanishing permittivity—are fabricated and characterized, demonstrating pinning of the fundamental antenna mode and the two subsequent harmonics to a narrow wavelength range. The spectral pinning of multiple modes results in what is a nearly monochromatic, yet multimode, response for the system. Coupling of these modes to the epsilon‐near‐zero Berreman mode supported by the thin epsilon‐near‐zero material is also observed. The response of the coupled system is observed experimentally and simulated using finite element methods. A coupled resonator model is developed to intuitively model the optical response of the system. The results presented here offer a mechanism for engineering the optical response of antenna systems by engineering the local dielectric environment, with potential applications in sensing, imaging, infrared optoelectronics, and thermal emission control.
Intramolecular [2+2]‐Cycloaddition in the Synthesis of Polycyclic Tetrahydrothiopyran Derivatives Bearing a Cyclobutane Scaffold
Authors: Grzelak Paulina , Saktura Maciej , Sieroń Lesław , Albrecht Łukasz
Published: March 2019

In the manuscript the synthesis of polycyclic tetrahydrothiopyrans incorporating cyclobutane and cyclopentane moieties is described. The developed reaction sequence takes advantage of the functionalization of the dihydrothiopyran ring via a recently disclosed enantioselective ortho‐regioselective inverse‐electron‐demand hetero‐Diels‐Alder reaction between thiochalcones and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. It was found that when dihydrothiopyrans thus obtained were subjected to Wittig olefination, the resulting products participated in the Lewis‐acid‐promoted intramolecular [2+2]‐cycloaddition. The one‐pot reaction sequence proceeded efficiently and with the introduction of four new stereogenic centers with excellent diastereocontrol.

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Developing a scholar classification scheme from publication patterns in academic science: A cluster analysis approach
Authors: Gu Xin , Blackmore Karen L.
Published: March 2019

The impact of university rankings has driven scholars to increase productivity, and expanding collaboration has dramatically changed the publishing patterns in the academic publication system. The aim of this study was to develop a scholar classification scheme from publication patterns in academic science. Classification schemes are ways of describing groups that display different clusters of behaviors, approaches, or perspectives, and useful in the development of typologies. In this research, sample data are selected from three representative universities, considered a leading university, a middle‐tier university, and a noncomprehensive university. A final set of 11,427 effective scholars and their 284,128 journal publication records were used to develop the classification scheme via cluster analysis. The results identify six types of scholars, labeled as: singleton (8%), small‐team low performer (16%), small‐team high performer (17%), big‐team strategist (22%), free‐style follower (21%), and life‐time warrior (17%). These six scholar types demonstrate different approaches to publishing that can be used to understand both individual and research team performance across different institutional settings. Additionally, possible future work was identified that uses the scholar classification scheme to define the behavior for agents in an agent‐based model to simulate the strategic‐behavior‐driven academic publication system.
Diaphragmatic breathing as treatment for escape‐maintained aggression
Authors: Phillips Lauren A. , Fritz Jennifer N. , Rettig Lisa A. , Martin Kaitlyn E.
Published: March 2019

Coping skills, such as diaphragmatic breathing, are commonly recommended to help individuals work through challenging situations. We evaluated diaphragmatic breathing as treatment for aggression of three individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or Angelman syndrome. Functional analysis results demonstrated that each participant engaged in aggression maintained by social‐negative reinforcement. Diaphragmatic breathing treatment without extinction was conducted in a work context and involved prompting diaphragmatic breathing contingent on precursors to aggression; treatment was effective in reducing the rate of aggression for one of three participants. For the two other participants, other reinforcement‐based interventions (differential reinforcement of other behavior or functional communication training with extinction) were necessary to decrease aggression.
RETRACTED: Pard3 suppresses glioma invasion by regulating RhoA through atypical protein kinase C/NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Li Junjun , Xu Hao , Wang Qiangping , Fu Peng , Huang Tao , Anas Omarkhalil , Zhao Hongyang , Xiong Nanxiang
Published: March 2019

Partitioning defective protein 3 (Pard3) has been reported to inhibit the progression of numerous human cancer cell types. However, the role of Pard3 in glioma progression remains unclear. In this study, the expression of Pard3 was measured in human gliomas of different grades by both quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The effect of Pard3 on glioma progression was tested using cell counting kit‐8 assays, EdU assays, colony formation assays, cell migration, and invasion assays and tumor xenografts. The effect of Pard3 on Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) protein levels, subcellular localization, and transcriptional activity was measured by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Our results indicate that Pard3 functions as a tumor suppressor in gliomas and that the loss of Pard3 protein is strongly associated with a higher grade and poorer outcome. Pard3 overexpression inhibits glioma progression by upregulating RhoA protein levels. However, the level of GTP‐RhoA protein remained unchanged. Further evidence demonstrates that Pard3 regulates RhoA protein levels, subcellular localization and transcriptional activity by activating atypical protein kinase C/NF‐κB signaling. Mouse modeling experiments show that Pard3 overexpression inhibits glioma cell growth in vivo. Taken together, these findings identify RhoA as a novel target of Pard3 in gliomas and substantiate a novel regulatory role for Pard3 in glioma progression. This study reveals that Pard3 plays an inhibitory role in gliomas by regulating RhoA, which reveals a potential benefit for Pard3 activators in the prevention and therapy of gliomas.
Increased LGALS3 expression independently predicts shorter overall survival in patients with the proneural subtype of glioblastoma
Authors: He Xia , Zhang Sunfu , Chen Junchen , Li Dekang
Published: March 2019

In the current study, we tried to study the expression of LGALS3 and LGALS3BP, their potential as prognostic markers and the possible genetic/epigenetic mechanisms underlying their dysregulation in different subtypes of glioblastoma (GBM). An in silico retrospective study was performed using large online databases. Results showed that LGALS3 and LGALS3BP were upregulated at both RNA and protein levels in GBM tissue and were generally associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in GBM patients. However, in subgroup analysis, we only found the association in proneural subtype. The copy number alterations did not necessarily lead to LGALS3/LGALS3BP dysregulation. In the proneural subtype of GBM patients, hypermethylation of the two CpG sites (cg19099850 and cg17403875) was associated with significantly lower expression of LGALS3. In univariate and multivariate analysis, LGALS3 expression independently predicted shorter OS in the proneural subtype of GBM (HR: 1.487, 95% CI: 1.229‐1.798, P < 0.001), after adjustment of age, gender, IDH1 mutations, temozolomide chemotherapy, radiotherapy and LGALS3BP expression. In comparison, LGALS3BP lost the prognostic value in multivariate analysis. Based on these findings, we infer that LGALS3 expression serves as an independent biomarker of shorter OS in the proneural subtype of GBM, the expression of which might be regulated in an epigenetic manner.
Understanding gender‐diverse patients in order to provide competent care
Authors: Martino‐Harms Justin
Published: March 2019

There is an increasing acknowledgment among professionals that gender‐diverse individuals have a right to the same quality of care that cisgender (non‐transgender) patients have. While this is not a universally held value, it appears that the number of providers eager to learn how to provide more informed care to their patients has increased significantly over the past several years. When I lead trainings for clinicians, I hear about their difficulty in understanding their patient's gender identity and their eagerness to gain knowledge and skills to provide a high level of clinical care. However, most clinicians have little formal training in providing gender‐affirming care. Due to lack of time, money, quality training opportunities, and a health care system that prioritizes clinical volume over clinical quality, many clinicians find it difficult to secure training to increase their competency in working with gender‐diverse patients. This presents a dilemma for many providers. Even when not specializing in provision of care to gender‐diverse patients, providers in a general practice setting are increasingly asked to provide competent care to a group of patients that have a quickly evolving culture, which the provider may have little experience with or training in.
Researchers find cannabis more harmful to cognition than alcohol in study of adolescents
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2019

Lasting effects of adolescent cannabis use are even more pronounced than those for alcohol, researchers suggest in a new study of the role of impaired cognition on substance use.
The dramatic increase in teen vaping is the largest public health success story in our lifetime
Authors: Seifer Ronald
Published: March 2019

In a recent issue of this newsletter (see CABL, February 2019), there is a clear and concise summary of recent data published as part of the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). The dry scientific publication of NYTS data was accompanied by press releases from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm625917.htm) and others proclaiming something akin to a national emergency. This tone was replicated in the CABL article.
Career Decision Self‐Efficacy of Asian American Students: The Role of Curiosity and Ethnic Identity
Authors: Kim Young Hwa , Choi Na‐Yeun
Published: March 2019

This study examined the role of curiosity and ethnic identity in career decision self‐efficacy among Asian American college students. Given that curiosity can promote the process of exploring one’s possible future self, opportunities, and career goals, the authors hypothesized that curiosity would be associated with career decision self‐efficacy, directly or indirectly, through a sense of ethnic identity. Results based on data from 425 Asian American incoming first‐year college students suggest that students with high curiosity tend to present a stronger sense of competence in completing career decision‐related tasks. These findings also confirmed a hypothesis that ethnic identity mediates the association between curiosity and career decision self‐efficacy. Implications for future research and career counseling with Asian American college students are discussed.
Mindfulness and Decision‐Making Style: Predicting Career Thoughts and Vocational Identity
Authors: Galles Jacob , Lenz Janet , Peterson Gary W. , Sampson James P.
Published: March 2019

Mindfulness has been a focus of psychological research and practice in recent decades. Yet, there is limited research on the relationship between mindfulness and vocational decision‐making. This study’s purpose was to examine the role of mindfulness in a career context by investigating the relationships among mindfulness, decision‐making style, negative career thoughts, and vocational identity. The sample included 258 undergraduate students (204 women, 54 men) at a large southeastern U.S. university. Mindfulness was significantly (p < .01) associated with fewer negative career thoughts, external and thinking‐based decision‐making styles, and higher vocational identity. Multiple regression procedures found that mindfulness, coupled with decision‐making style, accounted for 31% of the variance in negative career thoughts and 22% of the variance in vocational identity. These findings suggest that more holistic career counseling interventions could incorporate mindfulness techniques to help reduce anxiety and negative thoughts while increasing self‐clarity and problem‐solving skills. Future research could include more diverse samples, additional constructs (e.g., choice volition, self‐efficacy), and a pretest–posttest design to examine the efficacy of mindfulness‐based career interventions.
Electrosynthesis of Oxazol‐2(3H)‐Ones and Diaroylhydrazines from 1,2‐Dicarbonyl Compounds and Arenediazonium Salts
Authors: Barba Fructuoso , Quirós Irene , Salgado Antonio , Batanero Belen
Published: March 2019

New five‐membered oxazol‐2(3H)‐one heterocycles and 1,2‐diaroylhydrazines are obtained in good yield when 1,2‐dicarbonyl substrates are reduced at the cathode in N‐methyl formamide/LiClO4 as solvent‐supporting‐electrolyte system, and in the presence of arenediazonium salts. Electrochemical pathways are presented to involve a) cascade reactions: hydrogen atom abstraction from a solvent molecule, radical coupling reaction with substrate intermediate, and intramolecular migration of a methylamino group, to provide oxazolones or b) surprising C−C bond cleavage in the substrate radical anion, assisted by a diazonium salt, that evolves to disubstituted arylhydrazides.
Centralized cloud information accountability integrity with Firefly Key Generation Algorithm (CCIAI‐FKGA) for cloud environment
Authors: Punitha A. Amali Angel , Indumathi G.
Published: March 2019

Cloud Computing (CC) is fundamentally a current and quick evolving domain of improvement in applications. In this research work, with the objective of dealing with security issue, a new and hugely Centralized Cloud Information Accountability Integrity with Firefly Key Generation Algorithm (CCIAI ‐FKGA) framework is introduced for keeping track of the real utilization of the healthcare data of the users in the CC. Particularly, the programmable capability of Java Archives (JAR) files is leveraged so as to include the logging methodology in conjunction with healthcare data of the users along with the policies. Third, every customer produces a pair of public as well as private keys dependent upon CP‐ABE with key generation making use of FKGA and trapdoor generator. Fourth, by trapdoor generator, data integrity in user level as well as cloud server level is carried out. Developing a working principle of the CCIAI‐FKGA framework as well as assess its performance dependent upon the time taken for the period of numerous operations strictly confirm the functioning of CCIAI‐FKGA framework with the help of cloud simulator. The outcomes confirmed that CCIAI‐FKGA framework contains the prospective to be effective in protected data sharing in the CC environment.
Methods for the Analysis and Interpretation for Rare Variants Associated with Complex Traits
Authors: Weissenkampen J. Dylan , Jiang Yu , Eckert Scott , Jiang Bibo , Li Bingshan , Liu Dajiang J.
Published: March 2019

With the advent of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, whole genome and whole exome DNA sequencing has become affordable for routine genetic studies. Coupled with improved genotyping arrays and genotype imputation methodologies, it is increasingly feasible to obtain rare genetic variant information in large datasets. Such datasets allow researchers to gain a more complete understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits caused by rare variants. State‐of‐the‐art statistical methods for the statistical genetics analysis of sequence‐based association, including efficient algorithms for association analysis in biobank‐scale datasets, gene‐association tests, meta‐analysis, fine mapping methods that integrate functional genomic dataset, and phenome‐wide association studies (PheWAS), are reviewed here. These methods are expected to be highly useful for next generation statistical genetics analysis in the era of precision medicine. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Translational Use of a Standardized Full Human Skin Organ Culture Model in Autoimmune Blistering Diseases
Authors: Burmester Imke A. K. , Emtenani Shirin , Johns Jan‐Gerrit , Ludwig Ralf J. , Hammers Christoph M. , Hundt Jennifer E.
Published: March 2019

The full human skin organ culture (HSOC) model is a standardized test system for evaluating pharmacological substances on human skin in vitro. The acantholysis associated with pemphigus vulgaris (PV), a severe and potentially life‐threatening autoimmune skin blistering disease, can be induced in HSOC by injecting a bi‐specific anti‐desmoglein (dsg) 1 and 3 single‐chain antibody variable fragment (scFv). Compared to cell culture experiments (e.g., induction of dsg3‐internalization or keratinocyte dissociation using HaCaT cells or normal human epidermal keratinocytes) the HSOC model is more sophisticated and physiologically relevant. In this model, all three layers of the human skin are present, all cells are sustained in their physiological niche and orientation, and the cell‐cell‐contacts remain intact. Here we describe a protocol for HSOC, an ex vivo model of human skin, that has proved to be well‐established and informative in our laboratory. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Longitudinal study of t‐cell somatic mutations conferring glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchor deficiency in gulf war I veterans exposed to depleted uranium
Authors: Albertini Richard J. , Nicklas Janice A. , Vacek Pamela M. , Carter Elizabeth W. , McDiarmid Melissa
Published: March 2019

Fifty Veterans of the first Gulf War in 1991 exposed to depleted uranium (DU) were studied for glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchor (GPIa) deficient T‐cell mutants on three occasions during the years 2009, 2011, and 2013. GPIa deficiency was determined in two ways: cloning assays employing aerolysin selection and cytometry using the FLAER reagent for positive staining of GPIa cell surface proteins. Subsequent molecular analyses of deficient isolates recovered from cloning assays (Nicklas JA et al. [2019]: Environ Mol Mutagen) revealed apparent incomplete selection in some cloning assays, necessitating correction of original data to afford a more realistic estimate of GPIa deficient mutant frequency (MF) values. GPIa deficient variant frequencies (VFs) determined by cytometry were determined in the years 2011 and 2013. A positive but nonsignificant association was observed between MF and VF values determined on the same blood samples during 2013. Exposure to DU had no effect on either GPIa deficient MF or VFs. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:494–504, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation changes in transformed foci induced by nongenotoxic carcinogens
Authors: Hwang Sung‐Hee , Yeom Hojin , Eom Seong Yun , Lee Yong‐Moon , Lee Michael
Published: March 2019

In vitro cell transformation assays (CTA) have been proposed as a method to identify possible nongenotoxic carcinogens. However, the current protocols do not provide information on the mechanism of action of the test articles. In this study, we combined an in vitro Bhas 42 CTA and sequencing‐based DNA methylation profiling analysis to elucidate the carcinogenic mechanism associated with nongenotoxic carcinogens. Three nongenotoxic carcinogens were evaluated: cadmium chloride, methyl carbamate, and lithocholic acid. Methylation profiles were generated for the two nongenotoxic carcinogens (cadmium chloride and lithocholic acid) that were positive in Bhas 42 CTA. Methyl carbamate did not exhibit any promoter activity. Approximately 9.8% of all differentially methylated regions (DMRs) identified in cadmium chloride‐induced transformed foci overlapped with DMRs in lithocholic acid‐induced transformed foci. Interestingly, overlapping DMRs showed more hypermethylation than individual DMRs. In addition, the DMRs in CpG island elements common to both nongenotoxic carcinogens showed considerably more bias toward hypermethylated DMRs than those unique to either cadmium chloride or lithocholic acid. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that genes harboring hypermethylated DMRs were significantly enriched in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways including pathways in cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and Wnt signaling. The genes harboring hypomethylated DMRs were significantly related to mRNA surveillance pathway, RNA transport, and autophagy. Taken together, our preliminary results on genome‐wide methylation analysis of cell clones from nongenotoxic carcinogen‐induced foci could be exploited for CTAs improvement, but further research will be required to standardize and assess the specificity and sensitivity of this combined approach. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the interaction between FGF Genes and T‐box genes among chinese nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate case‐parent trios
Authors: Li Wenyong , Wang Mengying , Zhou Ren , Wang Siyue , Zheng Hongchen , Liu Dongjing , Zhou Zhibo , Zhu Hongping , Wu Tao , Beaty Terri H.
Published: March 2019

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a common birth defect. Genetic variants causing syndromic orofacial clefts can also contribute to the etiology of NSCL/P. The purpose of the present study was to explore gene–gene (G × G) interaction using common single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers in fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and its receptors and T‐box genes, which were associated with syndromic orofacial clefts. Our study was conducted in 806 Chinese NSCL/P case‐parent trios drawn from an international consortium. A total of 252 SNPs in FGF8, FGF10, FGFR1, FGFR2, and TBX5 passed the quality control criteria and were included in the analysis. The interactions between SNPs in different genes were assessed using Cordell's method, which fitted a conditional logistic regression model. The analysis was performed using the R‐package trio (Version 3.8.0). Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple comparisons, and the overall significance threshold was set as P = 1.98 × 10−4 (0.05/252). Conditional logistic regression revealed the most significant interaction between rs2330542 in FGF10 and rs1946295 in TBX5, which remained significant (P = 9.63 × 10−6) after Bonferroni correction. The relative risk of allele C in rs2330542 (FGF10) was 1.02 (95%CI 0.81–1.28), while the relative risk was 1.42 (95%CI 1.03–1.97) when the exposure was a combination of allele C in rs2330542 and allele A in rs1946295 (TBX5). Our findings confirmed the importance of considering G × G interaction when exploring the genetic risk factors of NSCL/P. Further investigations are warranted to validate the potential interaction and reveal the biological function of FGF10/FGFR2/TBX5. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Techno‐economic feasibility analysis of stand‐alone hybrid wind/photovoltaic/diesel/battery system for the electrification of remote rural areas: Case study Persian Gulf Coast‐Iran
Authors: Abnavi Mohammadreza Dehghan , Mohammadshafie Niyousha , Rosen Marc A. , Dabbaghian Amir , Fazelpour Farivar
Published: March 2019

In this study, a techno‐economic feasibility study of off‐grid hybrid power systems is performed for a rural area, which is located at a significant distance from the grid connection in Bushehr province of Iran, beside the Persian Gulf. HOMER simulation software is used to determine the economic feasibility of the systems. The simulations were focused on net present cost which includes cost of energy (COE) and renewable fraction of the hybrid configurations. The results indicate that the wind/PV/diesel/battery hybrid renewable system configuration is the optimum system, primarily based on COE and achieving a 61.4% renewable energy fraction. The proposed hybrid power system not only exhibits better performance in fuel consumption but also reduces carbon dioxide emissions. It could mitigate the emission of 664 tons of greenhouse gases to the local atmosphere of the village, as well as other air pollution emissions, which could offer substantial benefit to both residence and environment. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis shows that a rise in fuel prices will derive more demand for alternative energy sources. For instance, when the fuel price is more than $0.5/L, the optimal energy option would be the wind/PV/battery system. In that case, it is no longer economical to use the diesel generator and renewable energy penetration becomes 100%. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Metformin and pancreatic cancer survival: Real effect or immortal time bias?
Authors: Wei Min , Liu Yu , Bi Yongyi , Zhang Zhi‐Jiang
Published: March 2019

High heterogeneity has been reported among cohort studies investigating the association between metformin and pancreatic cancer survival. Immortal time bias may be one importance source of heterogeneity, as it is widely present in previous cohort studies and may severely impair the validity. Our study aimed to examine whether metformin therapy improves pancreatic cancer survival, and to assess the impact of immortal time bias on the effect estimation of metformin in cohort studies. PubMed, EMbase and SciVerse Scopus were searched. Pooled relative risks (RRs) were derived using a random‐effects model. Pooled RR from the six studies without immortal time bias showed no association between metformin and mortality in pancreatic cancer patients (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82, 1.05; p = 0.22 and I2 = 75%). In contrast, pooled RR from the nine studies with immortal time bias showed a reduction of 24% in mortality associated with metformin (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.69, 0.84; p < 0.001 and I2 = 1%). From a meta‐regression model, existence of immortal time bias was associated with a reduction of 18% in the effect estimate of metformin on pancreatic cancer survival (ratio of RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70, 0.96; p = 0.02). In conclusions, cumulative evidence from cohort studies does not support a beneficial effect of metformin on pancreatic cancer survival. The association between metformin and pancreatic cancer survival has been greatly exaggerated in previous cohort studies due to the wide existence of immortal time bias. More rigorous designs and statistical methods are needed to account for immortal time bias.
A tale of two countries: Singaporean and Chinese parents' emotion socialisation during childhood and the relation to adolescents' emotion regulation
Authors: Yeo Geck H. , Cheah Charissa S. L. , Sim Tick N.
Published: March 2019

This study examined the conceptualisation of Singaporean and Chinese parents' emotion socialisation in childhood and the relation to adolescents' emotion regulation with 601 adolescents aged 12–15. For both Singaporean and Chinese parents, we examined the factorial structure underlying six parental reactions to children's negative emotions, and the relations between the established factors with adolescents' cognitive reappraisal and response suppression. The findings revealed differences in the conceptualisation of parental reactions for Singaporean and Chinese parents, with the three‐ and four‐factor models indicating good fit, respectively. For Singaporean parents, the factor comprising Expressive Encouragement, Emotion‐Focused and Problem‐Focused reactions was positively correlated with male adolescents' cognitive reappraisal, and the factor comprising Punitive and Distress Reactions was positively related to female adolescents' response suppression. For Chinese parents, the Expressive Encouragement factor was positively correlated with male adolescents' cognitive reappraisal. These findings on cultural differences in the factors underlying parental reactions and their relations with adolescents' emotion regulation support the emotion competency framework for understanding parents' emotion socialisation across cultures.
Profitability of alternative methods of combining the signals from technical trading systems
Authors: Banga Jasdeep S. , Brorsen B. Wade
Published: March 2019

Past efforts determining the profitability of technical analysis reached varied conclusions. We test the profitability of a composite prediction that uses buy and sell signals from technical indicators as inputs. Both machine learning methods, like neural networks, and statistical methods, like logistic regression, are used to get predictions. Inputs are signals from trend‐following and mean‐reversal technical indicators in addition to the variance of prices. Four representative commodities from agricultural, livestock, financial, and foreign exchange futures markets are selected to determine profitability. Special care is taken to avoid data snooping error. Both neural networks and statistical methods did not show consistent profitability.
From the “missing self” hypothesis to adaptive NK cells: Insights of NK cell-mediated effector functions in immune surveillance
Authors: Cruz-Muñoz Mario Ernesto , Valenzuela-Vázquez Lucero , Sánchez-Herrera Jacqueline , Santa-Olalla Tapia Jesus
Published: March 2019

The original discovery of NK cells approximately 40 yr ago was based on their unique capability to kill tumor cells without prior sensitization or priming, a process named natural cytotoxicity. Since then, several studies have documented that NK cells can kill hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cancer cells. NK cells also recognize and kill cells that have undergone viral infections. Besides natural cytotoxicity, NK cells are also major effectors of antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). Therefore, NK cells are well “armed” to recognize and mount immune responses against “insults” that result from cell transformation and viral infections. Because of these attributes, an essential role of NK cells in tumor surveillance was noted. Indeed, several studies have shown a correlation between impaired NK cell cytotoxicity and a higher risk of developing cancer. This evidence led to the idea that cancer initiation and progress is intimately related to an abnormal or misdirected immune response. Whereas all these ideas remain current, it is also true that NK cells represent a heterogeneous population with different abilities to secrete cytokines and to mediate cytotoxic functions. In addition, recent data has shown that NK cells are prone to suffer epigenetic modifications resulting in the acquisition of previously unrecognized attributes such as memory and long-term survival. Such NK cells, referred as “adaptive” or “memory-like,” also display effector functions that are not necessarily equal to those observed in conventional NK cells. Given the new evidence available, it is essential to discuss the conceptual reasoning and misconceptions regarding the role of NK cells in immune surveillance and immunotherapy.
Anatomical variations in the digastric muscle
Authors: Hsiao Tin‐Hsin , Chang Hong‐Po
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate anatomical variations in the digastric muscle. Anatomical dissections of the head and neck region were performed in 15 cadavers at the Anatomy Department during a gross anatomy course. Three cadaver heads revealed anatomical variations in the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. The positional relationships among the accessory muscle bundles, the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, and the mylohyoid muscle were examined. Innervating branches from the mylohyoid nerve were also investigated. The remaining 12 cadaver heads without accessory muscle bundles were used for comparison. Of the three heads with accessory muscle bundles, one head (male) had two muscle bundles of the unilateral type, one head (male) had symmetrical muscle bundles of the crossover type, and one head (female) had a mix of unilateral and crossover types. The likely explanation for these and various other anomalies reported in the literature is the complex morphogenesis of the first branchial arch. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of these anatomical variations of the submental region when performing surgical procedures involving the head and neck and when using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for interpretation or differential diagnosis of neck masses.
Disordered p53‐MALAT1 pathway is associated with recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Hui‐Ze , Liu Yang , Wang Hui‐Juan , Pang Wen‐Wen , Zhang Jian‐Jun
Published: March 2019

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) affects about 1% of couples; however, the etiologies of half of the cases remain unknown. P53, a negative cell cycle regulator, has been found to modulate the expression of several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and overexpressed p53 has been observed in RM patients. To investigate the relationship between p53 and lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of RM, we detected the expression of p53 and six candidate lncRNAs in the villous from 27 RM patients and paired healthy controls. We found the level of NEAT1 and MALAT1 was reduced significantly and only the MALAT1 level negatively correlated with p53 protein level. By luciferase assay, we confirmed that p53 repress MALAT1 expression through directly binding to the promoter region. Functional study by using human trophoblast cell HTR‐8/SVneo, we observed that p53 overexpression lead to decreased cells proliferation, migration, invasion and increased apoptosis. Meanwhile, MALAT1 overexpression partially restored these function of p53 overexpression.
Acute phase serum cathepsin S level and cathepsin S/cystatin C ratio are the associated factors with cerebral infarction and their diagnostic value for cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhang Ai‐Wu , Han Xin‐Sheng , Xu Xiao‐tian , Fang Yan‐nan , Chen Hong‐bing , Jiang Tao
Published: March 2019

Cathepsin S plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases; however, the relationship between serum cathepsin S and cerebral infarction (CI) is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acute phase serum cathepsin S level and cerebral infarction. A total of 202 stroke patients were enrolled into this study, and were divided into cerebral infarction (n = 140) group and non‐cerebral infarction group (non‐CI, n = 62). Fifty healthy individuals were recruited as the control group. Serum levels of cathepsin S and cystatin C were measured at days 1, 7, and 14 posthospitalization. Compared to the non‐CI group, the CI group had significantly higher rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking (all P < 0.05). The CI group had significantly higher cathepsin S levels and cathepsin S to cystatin C ratio (CatS/CysC) at both days 1 and 7 posthospitalization (both P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that cathepsin S level (day 7) and CatS/CysC (days 1 and 7) were the associated factors with CI (all P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the Area Under Curve (AUC) value of CatS‐day7, CatS/CysC‐day1, and CatS/CysC‐day7 were 0.726 (95% CI: 0.652‐0.800, P < 0.001), 0.641 (95% CI: 0.559‐0.723, P = 0.001), and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.645‐0.797, P = 0.039), respectively. Cathepsin S and CatS/CysC were associated with acute CI, and may have the potential to be the diagnostic biomarkers for CI. Our findings help to better understand the role of serum cathepsin S level in CI.
Adding Long‐term Value to the Residency Selection and Assessment Process
Authors: Villwock Jennifer A. , Bowe Sarah N. , Dunleavy Dana , Overton B. Renee , Sharma Stephanie , Abaza Mona M.
Published: March 2019

The residency selection process is challenging for both applicants and programs. This is particularly true in competitive specialties such as otolaryngology. The importance of noncognitive competencies in successful residents has been well demonstrated in both medicine and surgery. Unfortunately, there is no streamlined or uniform process for incorporating this information into the selection and training of residents. This review provides a summary of innovative approaches in the selection of residents in otolaryngology and the important role these methods and associated data can play in resident selection and training. The goal of these processes is to create a holistic view of potential residents so programs can enhance the development of current residents and boost long‐term success in our specialty. Laryngoscope, 130:65–68, 2020
Tonsil size and outcome of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with tonsillectomy in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Tschopp Samuel , Tschopp Kurt
Published: March 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the relationship of tonsil volume and grade on outcomes of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with tonsillectomy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Methods

Data of 70 consecutive patients undergoing UPPP with tonsillectomy between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. Patients with an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) <10/hr or concomitant surgery other than nasal surgery were excluded. Tonsil volume was measured intraoperatively. Preoperatively and 3 months after surgery we assessed the AHI using respiratory polygraphy, daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and a visual analog scale for the snoring index (SI).

Results

Tonsil grade and volume both showed a significant correlation with preoperative AHI. Postoperative AHI was not significantly different between grades and volume. The AHI reduction after surgery increased significantly with larger volume and higher tonsil grade. For all grades, the postoperative ESS was significantly reduced compared to the preoperative value, but was not significantly correlated with tonsil volume. Preoperative and postoperative SI was not significantly correlated between tonsil grade or volume. In all grades, SI was significantly reduced after surgery.

Conclusions

In our study, we found that large tonsils are responsible for higher preoperative AHI values, and their removal leads to greater reduction of initial AHI. However, the postoperative effect on daytime sleepiness and snoring reduction is not significantly correlated with tonsil size and volume, indicating that these parameters are mainly influenced by other factors. The knowledge of the significance of tonsil size and volume is important for ear, nose, and throat physicians when counseling OSA patients.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 129:E449–E454, 2019
Improving biocompatibility of cobalt based alloy using chemical etching and mechanical treatment
Authors: Mas Ayu H. , Daud R. , Kurniawan T. , Alias J. , Izman S. , Shah A. , Anwar M.
Published: March 2019

Biomedical grade of cobalt based alloy have found a plethora of applications as medical devices especially in dental and articulation joints like in total ankle, knee and hip arthroplasty. However, the long‐term performance of this material is highly dependent on their ability to withstand in harsh aqueous environment effects such as corrosion and wear once they are used inside a human body. Loss of surface integrity and subsequent leaching of toxic metal ions as well as particles to the surrounding tissues may undermine biocompatibility of metallic implants, also potentially causing untimely loss of mechanical function and device failure. In this study, a biomedical grade of Co−Cr−Mo alloy surface was treated with various surface modification techniques such as chemical etching and mechanical roughening in order to improve its biocompatibility. Investigation was done to study which surface modification techniques possesses the positive effect in cell growth and exhibit excellent cell response on Co−Cr−Mo alloy. In‐vitro study showed that human osteoblast cells grown with good adherence and spread out with an intimate contact on the chemical treated surface after 14 days of incubation. It is believed that porous structure with grooves owned by chemical treated surface helps in anchoring the cells to the substrate surface and facilitates cells growth since more protein molecules expected to have more sites on this surface. Whilst on mechanical roughened surface, the cells appeared to show slightly less extended cell membranes and the cells remained retarded.
Inhibition of N‐myristoyltransferase1 affects dengue virus replication
Authors: Suwanmanee San , Mahakhunkijcharoen Yuvadee , Ampawong Sumate , Leaungwutiwong Pornsawan , Missé Dorothée , Luplertlop Natthanej
Published: March 2019

Dengue virus (DENV) causes dengue fever, a self‐limiting disease that could be fatal due to serious complications. No specific treatment is currently available and the preventative vaccine is only partially protective. To develop a potential drug target for dengue fever, we need to understand its biology and pathogenesis thoroughly. N‐myristoyltransferase (NMT) is an N‐terminal protein lipidation enzyme that catalyzes the covalent cotranslational attachment of fatty acids to the amino‐terminal glycine residue of a number of proteins, leading to the modulation of various signaling molecules. In this study, we investigated the interaction of dengue viral proteins with host NMT and its subsequent effect on DENV. Our bioinformatics, molecular docking, and far‐western blotting analyses demonstrated the interaction of viral envelope protein (E) with NMT. The gene expression of NMT was strongly elevated in a dependent manner during the viral replication phase in dendritic cells. Moreover, NMT gene silencing significantly inhibited DENV replication in dendritic cells. Further studies investigating the target cell types of other host factors are suggested.
Structural stability analysis of gene regulatory networks modeled by Boolean networks
Authors: Liang Shuang , Zhao Guodong , Li Haitao , Ding Xueying
Published: March 2019

This paper studies the structural monostability and structural cycle‐stability of Boolean networks (BNs). Firstly, the structural‐equivalent Boolean networks are converted to the algebraic forms by using the semitensor product of matrices. Secondly, the concepts of structural monostability and structural cycle‐stability for Boolean networks are proposed. On the basis of the algebraic forms of structural‐equivalent Boolean networks, some necessary and sufficient conditions are presented for the structural monostability and structural cycle‐stability of Boolean networks. Finally, an illustrative example is worked out to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
The spectral analysis and exponential stability of a bi‐directional coupled wave‐ODE system
Authors: Zhao Dong‐xia , Wang Jun‐min , Lu Lu
Published: March 2019

In this paper, an unstable linear time invariant (LTI) ODE system
is stabilized exponentially by the PDE compensato—a wave equation with Kelvin‐Voigt (K‐V) damping. Direct feedback connections between the ODE system and wave equation are established: The velocity of the wave equation enters the ODE through the variable vt(1,t); meanwhile, the output of the ODE is fluxed into the wave equation. It is found that the spectrum of the system operator is composed of two parts: point spectrum and continuous spectrum. The continuous spectrum consists of an isolated point
, and there are two branches of asymptotic eigenvalues: the first branch approaches to
, and the other branch tends to −∞. It is shown that there is a sequence of generalized eigenfunctions, which forms a Riesz basis for the Hilbert state space. As a consequence, the spectrum‐determined growth condition and exponential stability of the system are concluded.
A coplanar waveguide fed tilted fractal inspired slot antenna for wideband circular polarization
Authors: Saraswat Kapil , Harish Ayyangar R.
Published: March 2019

In this article, a coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed 45° tilted fractal inspired slot antenna to achieve wideband circular polarization is presented. A fractal‐square slot is etched from the ground plane and rotated by 45°. The fractal slot is excited by the CPW fed monopole antenna. To achieve wideband circular polarization, asymmetric arm length of the fractal slot is used. The proposed antenna is fabricated and tested. The measured impedance bandwidth (|S11| < −10 dB) is 22.5% (3.6‐4.57 GHz) for Band‐1 and 63.5% (5.1‐10.1 GHz) for Band‐2, and measured 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth is 34.7% (6.37‐9.05 GHz). Experimental results show that the proposed antenna generates right‐hand circular polarization in the +Z direction. Left‐hand circular polarization can be achieved by tilting the fractal slot by −45°.
Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale‐20: Psychometric properties of a French and German version among young males in Switzerland
Authors: Grazioli Véronique S. , Studer Joseph , Larimer Mary E. , Lewis Melissa A. , Marmet Simon , Lemoine Mélissa , Daeppen Jean‐Bernard , Gmel Gerhard
Published: March 2019

Objective

The Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale (PBSS‐20) is one of the most commonly used measures of engagement in protective behavioral strategies (PBS). This research aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a French and German version of the PBSS‐20 in a large sample of young males in Switzerland.

Method

The sample included 5,017 young males (mean age = 25.44) participating in the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors in Switzerland. Measures of PBS use, total drinks per week, and alcohol‐related consequences were used from a second follow‐up assessment.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis testing different models previously documented in the literature provided initial support for a four‐factor model. Fit statistics indicated that this model adequately reflects the structure of data. Further findings also provided support for adequate internal consistency and for convergent validity of this four‐factor model, whereas metric—but not scalar—measurement invariance across linguistic regions was demonstrated.

Conclusion

Although further research testing measurement invariance across linguistic regions and gender is warranted, results of the current study suggest that the French and German PBSS‐20 is reliable and that it may represent a promising research and clinical tool that can be used in both French‐ and German‐speaking countries.