bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytoprotective effect of flavonoid‐induced autophagy on bisphosphonate mediated cell death in osteoblast
Authors: Kim Jung‐Han , Kang Hae‐Mi , Yu Su‐Bin , Song Jae‐Min , Kim Chul‐Hoon , Kim Bok‐Joo , Park Bong‐Soo , Shin Sang‐Hun , Kim In‐Ryoung
Published: January 2018

With rapid economic growth and further developments in medical science, the entry into the aging population is currently increasing, as is the number of patients with metabolic diseases, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, and diabetes. The current treatments for metabolic bone diseases, which are also on the rise, cause negative side effects. Bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis, inhibit the bone resorption ability of osteoclasts and during prolonged administration, cause bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Numerous studies have shown the potential role of natural plant products as flavonoids in the protection against osteoporosis and in the influence of bone remodeling. Autophagy occurs after the degradation of cytoplasmic components within the lysosome and serves as an essential cytoprotective response to pathologic stress caused by certain diseases. In the present study, we hypothesized that the cytoprotective effects of flavonoids might be related to those associated with autophagy, an essential cytoprotective response to the pathologic stress caused by certain diseases, in osteoblasts. We demonstrated the cytoprotective effect of flavonoid‐induced autophagy against the toxicity of zoledronate and the induction of autophagy by flavonoids to support osteogenic transcription factors, leading to osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Further studies are necessary to clarify the connections between autophagy and osteogenesis. It would be helpful to shed light on methodological challenges through molecular biological studies and new animal models. The findings of the current study may help to delineate the potential role of flavonoids in the treatment of metabolic bone disease.
The mental health continuum‐short form: The structure and application for cross‐cultural studies–A 38 nation study
Authors: Żemojtel‐Piotrowska Magdalena , Piotrowski Jarosław P. , Osin Evgeny N. , Cieciuch Jan , Adams Byron G. , Ardi Rahkman , Bălţătescu Sergiu , Bogomaz Sergey , Bhomi Arbinda Lal , Clinton Amanda , de Clunie Gisela T. , Czarna Anna Z. , Esteves Carla , Gouveia Valdiney , Halik Murnizam H.J. , Hosseini Ashraf , Khachatryan Narine , Kamble Shanmukh Vasant , Kawula Anna , Lun Vivian Miu‐Chi , Ilisko Dzintra , Klicperova‐Baker Martina , Liik Kadi , Letovancova Eva , Cerrato Sara Malo , Michalowski Jaroslaw , Malysheva Natalia , Marganski Alison , Nikolic Marija , Park Joonha , Paspalanova Elena , de Leon Pablo Perez , Pék Győző , Różycka‐Tran Joanna , Samekin Adil , Shahbaz Wahab , Khanh Ha Truong Thi , Tiliouine Habib , Van Hiel Alain , Vauclair Melanie , Wills ‐ Herrera Eduardo , Włodarczyk Anna , Yahiiaev Illia , Maltby John
Published: January 2018

Objective

The Mental Health Continuum‐Short Form (MHC‐SF) is a brief scale measuring positive human functioning. The study aimed to examine the factor structure and to explore the cross‐cultural utility of the MHC‐SF using bifactor models and exploratory structural equation modelling.

Method

Using multigroup confirmatory analysis (MGCFA) we examined the measurement invariance of the MHC‐SF in 38 countries (university students, N = 8,066; 61.73% women, mean age 21.55 years).

Results

MGCFA supported the cross‐cultural replicability of a bifactor structure and a metric level of invariance between student samples. The average proportion of variance explained by the general factor was high (ECV = .66), suggesting that the three aspects of mental health (emotional, social, and psychological well‐being) can be treated as a single dimension of well‐being.

Conclusion

The metric level of invariance offers the possibility of comparing correlates and predictors of positive mental functioning across countries; however, the comparison of the levels of mental health across countries is not possible due to lack of scalar invariance. Our study has preliminary character and could serve as an initial assessment of the structure of the MHC‐SF across different cultural settings. Further studies on general populations are required for extending our findings.
Contextualizing the mental health of metal youth: A community for social protection, identity, and musical empowerment
Authors: Rowe Paula , Guerin Bernard
Published: January 2018

Metal identities are popularly represented as leading to mental health issues but with flawed evidence. We documented the community contexts around metal and well‐being by talking to young metalheads directly. We engaged in repeated, informal talks with 28 young Australians who strongly identified with metal (aged 18–24 years, 5 females and 23 males), and found that the metal identities and community protected them from mental health problems. Four core themes were found from transcripts: they were all bullied or marginalized through social relationships at school; they enjoyed the impact of metal music and lyrics when angry or ostracized; they felt part of a protective community of metalheads, even though in many cases at this age it was more imagined than real; and embodying metal identities enabled them to keep bullies, detractors, and others at bay, and to find friend groups. By talking repeatedly, directly with young metalheads, it was found that metal identities were helping participants to survive the stress of challenging environments and build strong and sustained identities and communities, thus alleviating any potential mental health issues.
The double‐edged sword of endoplasmic reticulum stress in uremic sarcopenia through myogenesis perturbation
Authors: Jheng Jia‐Rong , Chen Yuan‐Siao , Ao Un Iong , Chan Ding‐Cheng , Huang Jenq‐Wen , Hung Kuang‐Yu , Tarng Der‐Cheng , Chiang Chih‐Kang
Published: January 2018

Background

Sarcopenia is the age‐related degeneration characterized with the decline of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. The imbalance of protein synthesis and degradation which jeopardizes immune, hormone regulation, and muscle‐motor neuron connection is the main cause of sarcopenia. There is limited knowledge regarding molecular mechanism of sarcopenia. As the endoplasmic reticulum is the control centre of the protein syntheses and degradation, we hypothesized that endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) play an important in the development of sarcopenia. Understanding the sarcopenia molecular mechanisms may benefit the therapeutic diagnosis and treatment in the future.

Methods

Mouse myoblast C2C12 cells are exposed to designated time and concentration of indoxyl sulfate (IS), a uremic toxin of chronic kidney disease. The proliferation, differentiation, and the expression of atrogin 1 are examined. The protein and mRNA expression of IS treated‐C2C12 cells are inspected to distinguish the role of ER stress and oxidative stress underlying the sarcopenia.

Results

Indoxyl sulfate inhibits myoblast differentiation. We demonstrate that as the number of multi‐nuclei myotube decreased, the differentiation markers including myoD, myoG, and myosin heavy chain are also suppressed. Indoxyl sulfate inhibits myoblast proliferation and induces the myotubular atrophy marker atrogin‐1 protein expression. Indoxyl sulfate stimulates eIF2α phosphorylation and XBP1 mRNA splicing in UPR. Interestingly, the oxidative stress is related to eIF2α phosphorylation but not XBP1 mRNA splicing. The eIF2α phosphorylation triggered by IS reduces myoD, myoG, and myosin heavy chain protein expression, which represents the anti‐myogenic modulation on the early differentiation event. The XBP1 mRNA splicing induced by IS, however, is considered the adaptive response to restore the myogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

Our studies indicated that the ER stress and UPR modulation are critical in the chronic kidney disease uremic toxin‐accumulated sarcopenia model. We believe that UPR‐related signals showed great potential in clinical application.
Completion of the tuberculosis care cascade in a community‐based HIV linkage‐to‐care study in South Africa and Uganda
Authors: Shapiro Adrienne E , van Heerden Alastair , Schaafsma Torin T , Hughes James P , Baeten Jared M , van Rooyen Heidi , Tumwesigye Elioda , Celum Connie L , Barnabas Ruanne V
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of HIV‐associated mortality in Africa. As HIV testing, linkage to care and antiretroviral treatment initiation intensify to meet UNAIDS targets, it is not known what effect these efforts will have on TB detection and prevention. We aimed to characterize the TB care cascade of screening, diagnostic testing, treatment and provision of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in a study of community‐based HIV screening and linkage to care and determine whether symptom screening results affected progress along the cascade.

Methods

Between June 2013 and March 2015, HIV‐infected adults enrolled in the Linkages study, a multi‐site, community‐based, randomized HIV screening and linkage‐to‐care study in South Africa and Uganda. All participants were screened for TB symptoms at entry after testing positive for HIV and referred to local clinics for care. During the 9 month follow‐up, participants were periodically surveyed about clinic linkage and initiation of HIV care as well as subsequent TB testing, treatment, or IPT. We compared outcomes between persons with and without a positive symptom screen at baseline using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression to calculate relative risks of outcomes along the care cascade.

Results and discussion

Of the 1,325 HIV‐infected adults enrolled, 26% reported at least one TB symptom at the time of HIV diagnosis. Loss of appetite and fever were the most commonly reported symptoms on a TB symptom screen. Despite 92% HIV linkage success, corresponding TB linkage was incomplete. Baseline TB symptoms were associated with an increased risk of a TB diagnosis (relative risk 3.23, 95% CI 1.51 to 6.91), but only 34% of symptomatic persons had sputum TB testing. Fifty‐five percent of participants diagnosed with TB started TB treatment. In South Africa, only 18% of asymptomatic participants initiated IPT after linkage to HIV care, and presence of symptoms was not associated with IPT initiation (relative risk 0.86 95% CI 0.6 to 1.23).

Conclusions

HIV linkage to care interventions provide an opportunity to improve completion of the TB care cascade, but will require additional support to realize full benefits.
Reaching Wuthering Heights with Brave New Words: The Influence of Originality of Words on the Success of Outstanding Best‐Sellers
Authors: Form Sven
Published: January 2018

The judgment and ultimately the success of creative products should be determined by their properties. However, it has not been considered so far whether the same applies to books. Earlier research has found an inverted‐U relationship between originality of stimuli and their success. Linguistic originality as a text feature could influence the success of books as creative products in a natural experiment. The present historiometric study investigated whether originality predicts the popularity in a significant sample, the most best‐selling English books from 200 years. Originality was calculated based on word frequency using a commercial service. Popularity was assessed with a composite measure including indicators like number of sold copies. Regression analysis indicated originality had a direct linear effect on popularity, partially moderated by the time of first publishing. That is, while originality was generally beneficial for the success of a best‐seller, the same originality was more appreciated at a later point in time. This is the first quantitative study supporting the long‐held assumption that the evaluation of creative narratives is influenced by temporal context. The fact that some works like The Great Gatsby got more appreciation when they were rediscovered may reflect a general principle rather than mere exceptions.
Raman spectroscopic studies across the ferroelectric transition in cobalt substituted dimethyl amine manganese formate
Authors: Premila M. , Bharathi A. , Rajaraman R. , Hussain Shamima , Babu P. D. , Sundar C. S. , Amarendra G.
Published: January 2018

Temperature‐dependent Raman studies, across the ferroelectric transition, Tc, in the metal organic framework material, [(CH3)2NH2][Mn(HCOO)3]—DMMn, and its cobalt (Co) doped analogues have been carried out to look for the changes in the lattice and intramolecular modes associated with the orientational ordering of the central dimethyl ammonium cation (DMA+) driven by the hydrogen‐bonded interaction between the DMA cation and the formate anion. A systematic decrease of the transition temperature with increased Co doping has been observed that correlates with results of specific heat measurements. The low‐wavenumber librational mode of the DMA cation shows a dramatic softening and narrowing of line width, across the transition, providing direct evidence of the slowing down of the rotation of the DMA cation associated with the orientational ordering. The evolution with temperature of the N‐H stretch modes of the DMA cation suggests that invoking the hydrogen‐bonding interactions alone is not enough to understand the observed decrease in the ferroelectric transition with Co doping in DMMn. A subtle interplay between the framework flexibility, size/charge of the metal cation, and the hydrogen‐bonding tendency finally decides the transition temperature in these materials.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy solution and solid substrates with built‐in calibration for quantitative applications
Authors: Wu Si‐Rong , Tian Xiang‐Dong , Liu Si‐Ying , Zhang Yun , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: January 2018

Quantitative analysis is a significant step forward for expanding the applications of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in various fields. The reproducibility of the SERS measurement relies on the quality of the SERS substrates. Therefore, high enhancement SERS substrate with high uniformity and reproducibility is highly demanded for quantitative analysis. However, it remains a challenge to realize all the requirements of the SERS substrate. Here, we report 2 types (solution and solid) of SERS substrates with built‐in calibration for quantitative analysis. To prepare the substrates, high monodisperse Au@Ag nanocuboids (NCs) with internal standards trapped between the Au core and Ag shell are synthesized through the Au‐nanorod‐mediated method. It is demonstrated that at least 2 types of SERS tags can be trapped to synthesize the core‐internal standard‐shell (CISS) NCs. The SERS quantitative ability of the CISS NCs in solution is proved by detecting Rhodamine 6G, where a good linear relationship in a wide concentration range from 3 × 10−11 M to 1 × 10−8 M is achieved through the built‐in calibration. Besides the solution‐SERS substrate, CISS NCs are self‐assembled at the air–water interface to form uniform monolayer as the solid SERS substrate. SERS mapping reveals that the uniformity of the enhancement is improved through the built‐in calibration. The quantitative detection of concentration of Rhodamine 6G is achieved through the calibrated SERS mapping of the substrate. The internal and external enhancement factor calculation of the 2 types of SERS substrates indicates the promising method to further improve the reliability of the SERS analysis.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography Versus Contrast‐Enhanced Computed Tomography for Assessment of Residual Tumor From Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhong Junlin , Su Zhongzhen , Zhang Yanling , Zhang Hui , Lin Peijie , Tang Xixiang , Zheng Rongqin
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study reviewed the literature to directly evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) versus contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) for assessing residual tumors of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial chemoembolization.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched through April 30, 2017. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated and compared to examine the diagnostic performance of CEUS versus CECT.

Results

A total of 11 studies, including 421 patients and 491 nodules were analyzed. The pooled diagnostic performances of CEUS versus CECT were as follows: (1) sensitivity (95% confidence interval), 0.97 (0.95–0.99) versus 0.72 (0.67–0.76); (2) specificity, 0.86 (0.74–0.94) versus 0.99 (0.95–1.00); (3) positive predictive value, 0.97 (0.95–0.99) versus 1.00 (0.98–1.00); (4) negative predictive value, 0.90 (0.83–0.95) versus 0.51 (0.44–0.58); (5) positive likelihood ratio, 7.79 (4.73–12.82) versus 12.50 (5.74–27.20); (6) negative likelihood ratio, 0.05 (0.03–0.09) versus 0.35 (0.26–0.48); (7) diagnostic odds ratio, 150.56 (57.03–397.49) versus 35.54 (14.89–84.83); and (8) area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.9875 versus 0.9239. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of CEUS were significantly higher than those of CECT (both P < .001). The specificity and positive predictive value of CECT were significantly higher than those of CEUS (both P < .05).

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced US, with better sensitivity and negative predictive value versus CECT, was an effective method for exclusion of residual tumors after transarterial chemoembolization. Contrast‐enhanced CT, with higher specificity than CEUS, is a valid approach for identifying residual tumors.
Particulate polyphosphate and alkaline phosphatase activity across a latitudinal transect in the tropical Indian Ocean
Authors: Martin Patrick , Lauro Federico M. , Sarkar Amit , Goodkin Nathalie , Prakash Satya , Vinayachandran P. N.
Published: January 2018

Polyphosphate (polyP) is an essential chemical constituent of microbial cells, and is hypothesized to play important roles in the marine biogeochemistry of phosphorus. However, polyP has only rarely been measured in the oceans. Here, we present data on the distribution of polyP across a latitudinal transect in the tropical Indian Ocean. PolyP concentrations (quantified as molar equivalents of a synthetic polyP standard) and ratios of polyP to total particulate phosphorus (TPP) along the transect ranged between 3–7 nmol eq. L−1 (polyP concentration) and 0.2–0.4 nmol eq. nmol−1 (polyP : TPP ratio), which is very similar to values reported from the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Yet unlike in the North Pacific, soluble reactive phosphorus was depleted to low concentrations (≤ 0.03 μmol L−1), and alkaline phosphatase activity was relatively high (1–4 nmol P L−1 h−1) along our cruise track. We attribute these results to the unique seasonal changes in iron and macronutrient supply in the Indian Ocean, which are caused by the monsoonal reversal in ocean currents. PolyP concentrations and polyP : TPP ratios decreased sharply with depth down to 150 m, suggesting that polyP was preferentially recycled relative to TPP, unlike in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. We hypothesize that alkaline phosphatase exerts a significant control over marine polyP biogeochemistry.
Investigation of metallic adapter sleeves for high throughput dilatometry on spherical micro samples
Authors: Cramer L. , Saddei P. , Surm H. , Steinbacher M. , Zoch H.W.
Published: January 2018

The rods of an available quenching dilatometer are modified for investigations on spherical micro samples (Ø = 1 mm) via metallic adapter sleeves. The experiments can be seen as preliminary tests for a planned high throughput dilatometer, in which adapters are needed as well. Sleeve geometry and materials are varied in the trials to reproduce the transformation of the micro samples using standardized temperature measuring techniques. Sleeves made out of molybdenum produce the best results because molybdenum has a low and nearly constant thermal expansion up to 700 °C. Sleeves of nickel alloy 36 (Invar) or of an austenitic steel (1.4841) do not produce satisfying results. Thermally induced phase transformations of balls of 100Cr6 and X46Cr13 are successfully measured with the existing dilatometer for common macro samples. First the martensitic transformation is investigated, later the process is verified by the isothermal bainitic transformation of 100Cr6.
Friction and wear properties of polyphenyl ester and graphite filler in the carbon fibre‐reinforced ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene composites
Authors: Wang Z. , Guo L. , Gao P. , Xu S. , Liu X. , Liu Y. , Tong J.
Published: January 2018

Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforced with carbon fibre (CF) underwent an enhancement of heat and wear resistant with the addition of polyphenyl ester (POB) and graphite, respectively. The effect of graphite content on the tribological properties of the composites was studied. The wear surface was examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of the sliding wear tests showed that with graphite loading, wear resistance increased and the coefficient of friction was much more stable. In addition, graphite improved the tribological properties of the composite. Hardness, impact strengths and thermal stability of the composites were enhanced. With increased load, the wear rate of the ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene+carbon fibre+polyphenyl ester+10 % graphite composite tended to increase, whereas the coefficient of friction decreased. The adherence and plastic deformation were dominant wear mechanisms for the ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene+carbon fibre+polyphenyl ester+graphite composites. The formation of a thin and uniform transfer film was observed.
Novel FOXL2 mutations cause blepharophimosis‐ptosis‐epicanthus inversus syndrome with premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Wen , He Wen‐Bin , Gong Fei , Li Wen , Li Xiu‐Rong , Zhong Chang‐Gao , Lu Guang‐Xiu , Lin Ge , Du Juan , Tan Yue‐Qiu
Published: January 2018

Background

Blepharophimosis‐ptosis‐epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is a malformation of the eyelids. Forkhead Box L2 (FOXL2) is the only gene known to be associated with BPES.

Methods

We identified two Han Chinese BPES families with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Sanger sequencing and in vitro functional analysis were performed to identify the genetic cause.

Results

Sanger sequencing identified two novel mutations (c.462_468del, c.988_989insG) in FOXL2, one in each family. The in vitro functional analysis confirmed that both novel mutations were associated with impaired transactivation of downstream genes. Specifically, the single‐base insertion, c.988_989insG, led to subcellular mislocalization and aggregation of the encoded protein, which validated the hypothesis that the two novel FOXL2 mutations are deleterious and associated with POI in the two BPES families.

Conclusion

The novel mutations identified in the present study will enhance the present knowledge of the mutation spectrum of FOXL2. The in vitro experiments provide further insights into the molecular mechanism by which the two new variants mediate disease pathogenesis and may contribute to elucidating the genotype‐phenotype correlation between the two novel FOXL2 mutations and POI.
Masseteric cooptation and crossfacial nerve grafting: Is it still applicable 22 months after the onset of facial palsy?
Authors: Bianchi B. , Varazzani A. , Pedrazzi G. , Poddi V. , Ferrari S. , Brevi B. , Ferri A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Eighteen months is usually considered the cutoff time within which recovery of the mimic muscle remains possible using facial nerve cooptation. Few reports on the use of cooptation after this interval have appeared. Purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of this procedure also after 22 months.

Methods

Six patients treated via crossfacial nerve grafting between healthy and paralyzed middle and middle‐upper facial nerve branches and masseteric cooptation of the main trunk of the paralyzed facial nerve between 20 and 24 months after the onset of palsy were analyzed. Population consisted of two males and four females ages 8‐42 years (mean 24 years). Facial palsy developed after acoustic neuroma resection in three patients, after the removal of a cerebellopontine angle astrocytoma in one, and as a consequence of Bell's palsy or cerebral hemorrhage in the other two (one each). House‐Brackman and Sunnybrook clinical evaluation systems and FDI questionnaire were used to assess results.

Results

House‐Brackman scores changed from VI before the operation for all patients to II for two patients and III for four patients. Sunnybrook scores were 0‐10 before the operation, but 62‐84 at the last visit. Mean FDI scores moved from 24 to 38.5 meaning a statistical high significant improvement (P < .01).

Conclusions

Masseteric/crossfacial nerve grafting is feasible for patients with palsies 20‐24 months in duration, affording satisfactory functional and esthetic results and a dramatic improvement in quality of life.
Experiences of a patient‐initiated self‐monitoring service in inflammatory arthritis: A qualitative exploration
Authors: McBain Hayley , Newman Stanton , Shipley Michael , Olaleye Abigail , Moore Samantha
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to explore patients' experience of a patient‐initiated self‐monitoring service for people with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis who are on methotrexate.

Methods

The study took the form of qualitative semi‐structured interviews, embedded within a randomized controlled trial. Twelve participants who were randomly assigned to the intervention arm were interviewed. Interviews digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The study received full National Health Service ethics approval from Camden and Islington Community Local Research Ethics Committee (Ref. 09/H0722/91).

Results

Analysis revealed five key themes. Participants described usual care as burdensome and an inefficient use of time, particularly those in employment. Being able to self‐monitor and initiate their own care increased patients' knowledge about their illness and its treatment, and enabled them to gain a sense of control and ownership over their arthritis. They appreciated the personalized nature of the new service, which allowed them to be seen at a time and by a method more appropriate to their needs. There were, however, some concerns about fidelity to the service protocol, confusion about the lack of consistency between symptoms and laboratory results, and anxiety about self‐monitoring.

Conclusions

Overall, participants were positive about the new service, in comparison with usual care, valuing its tailored approach and empowering effects. Further work is needed to ensure adherence to the service protocol and address anxieties around self‐monitoring prior to any widespread implementation of the service.
Motor unit number index and neurophysiological index as candidate biomarkers of presymptomatic motor neuron loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Escorcio‐Bezerra Marcio Luiz , Abrahao Agessandro , Nunes Karlo Faria , De Oliveira Braga Nadia Iandoli , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle , Zinman Lorne , Manzano Gilberto Mastrocola
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Our objective was to determine the utility of motor unit number index (MUNIX) and neurophysiological index (NI) as surrogate biomarkers of disease progression in limbs without clinical signs of lower motor neuron (LMN) involvement from patients with slowly progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Methods: Patients with slowly progressive ALS and at least 1 clinically unaffected limb were prospectively enrolled. Clinical signs of LMN loss and results from hand‐held dynamometer (HHD), revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R), mean‐MUNIX (from 3 different muscles), and NI were longitudinally recorded.Results: Eighteen patients with 43 presymptomatic muscles were evaluated. Twenty‐seven muscles remained clinically unaffected during study, with stable ALSFRS‐R subscores and HHD measures. However, a significant decline in mean‐MUNIX and NI was detected.Discussion: Mean‐MUNIX and NI were more sensitive than clinical measures at detecting LMN loss in presymptomatic limbs from patients with slowly progressive ALS. Therefore, these electrophysiological biomarkers should be included in early study phases as meaningful outcome measures.Muscle Nerve58: 204–212, 2018
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of banded Toeplitz matrices and the related symbols
Authors: Ekström S.‐E. , Serra‐Capizzano S.
Published: January 2018

It is known that for a tridiagonal Toeplitz matrix, having on the main diagonal the constant a0 and on the two first off‐diagonals the constants a1(lower) and a−1(upper), which are all complex values, there exist closed form formulas, giving the eigenvalues of the matrix and a set of associated eigenvectors. For example, for the 1D discrete Laplacian, this triple is (a0,a1,a−1)=(2,−1,−1). In the first part of this article, we consider a tridiagonal Toeplitz matrix of the same form (a0,aω,a−ω), but where the two off‐diagonals are positioned ω steps from the main diagonal instead of only one. We show that its eigenvalues and eigenvectors can also be identified in closed form and that interesting connections with the standard Toeplitz symbol are identified. Furthermore, as numerical evidences clearly suggest, it turns out that the eigenvalue behavior of a general banded symmetric Toeplitz matrix with real entries can be described qualitatively in terms of the symmetrically sparse tridiagonal case with real a0, aω=a−ω, ω=2,3,…, and also quantitatively in terms of those having monotone symbols. A discussion on the use of such results and on possible extensions complements the paper.
Scalable hierarchical PDE sampler for generating spatially correlated random fields using nonmatching meshes
Authors: Osborn Sarah , Zulian Patrick , Benson Thomas , Villa Umberto , Krause Rolf , Vassilevski Panayot S.
Published: January 2018

This work describes a domain embedding technique between two nonmatching meshes used for generating realizations of spatially correlated random fields with applications to large‐scale sampling‐based uncertainty quantification. The goal is to apply the multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) method for the quantification of output uncertainties of PDEs with random input coefficients on general and unstructured computational domains. We propose a highly scalable, hierarchical sampling method to generate realizations of a Gaussian random field on a given unstructured mesh by solving a reaction–diffusion PDE with a stochastic right‐hand side. The stochastic PDE is discretized using the mixed finite element method on an embedded domain with a structured mesh, and then, the solution is projected onto the unstructured mesh. This work describes implementation details on how to efficiently transfer data from the structured and unstructured meshes at coarse levels, assuming that this can be done efficiently on the finest level. We investigate the efficiency and parallel scalability of the technique for the scalable generation of Gaussian random fields in three dimensions. An application of the MLMC method is presented for quantifying uncertainties of subsurface flow problems. We demonstrate the scalability of the sampling method with nonmatching mesh embedding, coupled with a parallel forward model problem solver, for large‐scale 3D MLMC simulations with up to 1.9·109 unknowns.
Retracted: ‘A cross‐sectional qualitative analysis of the seeming split between nursing and midwifery professions in Ghana and the way forward’ by Michael Wombeogo
Authors: Wombeogo Michael
Published: January 2018

The above article in Nursing Open, published online on 29th January, 2018 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Dr. Roger Watson and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to unattributed overlap with other published material. The Editor‐in‐Chief carried out an investigation and concluded that there was no intention to deceive by the author.

REFERENCE

Wombeogo, M. (2018). A cross‐sectional qualitative analysis of the seeming split between nursing and midwifery professions in Ghana and the way forward. Nursing Open, 00, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.125
Dye Displacement Assay for Saccharides using Benzoxaborole Hydrogels
Authors: Lampard Emma V. , Sedgwick Adam C. , Sombuttan Thitima , Williams George T. , Wannalerse Boontana , Jenkins A. Toby A. , Bull Steven D. , James Tony D.
Published: January 2018

Dye displacement assays are a simple but effective method to determine the concentration of target analytes. Previously, we have shown that phenylboronic acid pinacol ester hydrogels (borogels) can be used to develop a boronic acid–Alizarin red S dye displacement assay for the determination of fructose (orange to red). In this work, benzoxaborole hydrogels (BOBgels) were developed, and these BOBgels demonstrated an enhanced apparent binding affinity towards monosaccharides, in particular towards glucose.
Response to the BRAF/MEK inhibitors dabrafenib/trametinib in an adolescent with a BRAF V600E mutated anaplastic ganglioglioma intolerant to vemurafenib
Authors: Marks Asher M. , Bindra Ranjit S. , DiLuna Michael L. , Huttner Anita , Jairam Vikram , Kahle Kristopher T. , Kieran Mark W.
Published: January 2018

Efficacy of BRAF V600E targeted therapies in brain tumors harboring the mutation has been shown in several case reports and is currently being studied in larger clinical trials. Monotherapy with vemurafenib has been associated with significant side effects, including rashes, papillomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. Here we describe an adolescent female with anaplastic ganglioglioma and significant skin reaction to vemurafenib with subsequent tumor response and tolerance to the BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination of dabrafenib and trametinib without recurrence of previous reaction.
Degree of Crystallinity and Phase Fraction of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanocomposites Containing Ionic Liquid and Graphene/Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Ghajar Mohammad Hossein , Mosavi Mashhadi Mahmoud , Irannejad Mehrdad , Jebril Seid , Yavuz Mustafa , Abdel‐Rahman Eihab
Published: January 2018

Bucky gel actuator (BGA) is a type of electro‐active polymer that bends when stimulated by an electric field. Its operation is affected by a matrix network, which has two opposite effects on ion migration and material strength properties of the actuator. Therefore, designing a BGA with more deflection or more strength demands the study of matrix structural properties. In this paper, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was used as the polymer matrix in BGA composites, and the degree of crystallinity and the fraction of
phase were calculated using X‐ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy respectively to investigate the matrix structural properties. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy analysis was utilized for phase characterization. Several composite films with various components including electrode and electrolyte layers of BGA were prepared by the drop‐casting method in two different conditions to study the effects of PVDF concentration in dimethylacetamide solvent, drying temperature, and additive materials on the matrix structural properties for the first time. It was observed that low concentrations of PVDF in dimethylacetamide solvent coupled with a high drying temperature in a carbon nanotube‐based BGA in contrast with using a graphene‐based BGA, had the lowest degree of crystallinity and
phase fraction. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1208–E1215, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The roles of interphase and filler dimensions in the properties of tunneling spaces between CNT in polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Razavi Razieh , Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: January 2018

In this article, the properties of tunneling mediums between adjacent nanotubes in polymer carbon nanotubes nanocomposites are investigated assuming the main tunneling mechanism of electrical conductivity. The tunneling distance is expressed as a function of filler and interphase dimensions by the roles of these parameters in percolation threshold and effective filler fraction. In addition, the tunneling resistance and conductivity are defined based on the tunneling distance. The properties of tunneling spaces are determined in some samples and their variations at different ranges of parameters are analyzed. It is found that the addition of filler concentration decreases both tunneling distance and resistance. Also, low percolation threshold and high filler concentration are necessary to reduce the tunneling distance and resistance. Moreover, thin nanotubes, low waviness, thick interphase and long nanotubes cause desirable properties for tunneling mediums. According to this analysis, short tunneling distance and low tunneling resistance create high conductivity in polymer nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:801–810, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Validation and Clinical Utility of the hERG IC50:Cmax Ratio to Determine the Risk of Drug‐Induced Torsades de Pointes: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lehmann David F. , Eggleston William D. , Wang Dongliang
Published: January 2018

Background

Use of the QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) to predict torsades de pointes (TdP) risk from culprit drugs is neither sensitive nor specific. The ratio of the half‐maximum inhibitory concentration of the hERG channel (hERG IC50) to the peak serum concentration of unbound drug (Cmax) is used during drug development to screen out chemical entities likely to cause TdP.

Purpose

To validate the use of the hERG IC50:Cmax ratio to predict TdP risk from a culprit drug by its correlation with TdP incidence.

Data Sources

Medline (between 1966 and March 2017) was accessed for hERG IC50 and Cmax values from the antihistamine, fluoroquinolone, and antipsychotic classes to identify cases of drug‐induced TdP. Exposure to a culprit drug was estimated from annual revenues reported by the manufacturer.

Study Selection

Inclusion criteria for TdP cases were provision of an ECG tracing that demonstrated QTc prolongation with TdP and normal serum values of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Cases reported in patients with a prior rhythm disturbance and those involving a drug interaction were excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist was used for epidemiological data extraction by two authors.

Main Outcome and Measure

Negligible risk drugs were defined by an hERG IC50:Cmax ratio that correlated with less than a 5% chance of one TdP event for every 100 million exposures (relative risk [RR] 1.0).

Results

The hERG IC50:Cmax ratio correlated with TdP risk (0.312; 95% confidence interval 0.205–0.476, p<0.0001), a ratio of 80 (RR 1.0). The RR from olanzapine is on par with loratadine; ziprasidone is comparable with ciprofloxacin. Drugs with an RR greater than 50 include astemizole, risperidone, haloperidol, and thioridazine.

Conclusions

The hERG IC50:Cmax ratio was correlated with TdP incidence for culprit drugs. This validation provides support for the potential use of the hERG IC50:Cmax ratio for clinical decision making in instances of drug selection where TdP risk is a concern.
Synthesis and photovoltaic properties of copolymers with a fluoro quinoxaline unit
Authors: Song Suhee , Kim Seungmin , Kim Wonjun , Park Seong Soo , Park Sung Heum , Jin Youngeup
Published: January 2018

Two novel accepter units, namely, difluoroquinoxaline and monofluoroquinoxaline, were prepared and used for the synthesis of the conjugated polymers containing electron donor–acceptor pairs for use in organic photovoltaics. The introduction of a fluorine atom into the quinoxaline moiety resulted in polymers with lowered highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels; this increased the open circuit voltage of the devices based on the synthesized polymers. The conjugated polymers containing difluoroquinoxaline and monofluoroquinoxaline, namely, thiophene and benzodithiophene, were synthesized using the Stille polymerization reaction to produce PEHBQxF2, PEHBQxF1, PEHBDTQxF2, and PEHBDTQxF1. The HOMO energy levels of PEHBQxF2, PEHBQxF1, PEHBDTQxF2, and PEHBDTQxF1 were determined to be −5.66, −5.52, −5.54, and −5.39 eV, respectively. The device with PEHBDTQxF2/PC71BM (1:2, w/w) and containing diiodooctane (3 vol %) exhibited the best photovoltaic performance, with its VOC being 0.79 V, JSC being 10.44 mA/cm2, FF being 68%, and PCE being 5.58%. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 821–830
Donor–acceptor photovoltaic polymers based on 1,4‐dithienyl‐2,5‐dialkoxybenzene with intramolecular noncovalent interactions
Authors: Chen Xue‐Qiang , Yao Xiang , Bai Tianwen , Ling Jun , Xiao Wen‐Jing , Wang Jiandong , Wu Si‐Cheng , Liu Li‐Na , Xie Guanghui , Li Jingjing , Lu Zhengquan , Visoly‐Fisher Iris , Katz Eugene A. , Li Wei‐Shi
Published: January 2018

Donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated polymers bearing non‐covalent configurationally locked backbones have a high potential to be good photovoltaic materials. Since 1,4‐dithienyl‐2,5‐dialkoxybenzene (TBT) is a typical moiety possessing intramolecular S…O interactions and thus a restricted planar configuration, it was used in this work as an electron‐donating unit to combine with the following electron‐accepting units: 3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene (TFT), thieno‐[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD), and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) for the construction of such D–A conjugated polymers. Therefore, the so‐designed three polymers, PTBTTFT, PTBTTPD, and PTBTDPP, were synthesized and investigated on their basic optoelectronic properties in detail. Moreover, using [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as acceptor material, polymer solar cells (PSCs) were fabricated for studying photovoltaic performances of these polymers. It was found that the optimized PTBTTPD cell gave the best performance with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.49%, while that of PTBTTFT displayed the poorest one (PCE = 1.96%). The good photovoltaic behaviors of PTBTTPD come from its lowest‐lying energy level of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) among the three polymers, and good hole mobility and favorable morphology for its PC71BM‐blended film. Although PTBTDPP displayed the widest absorption spectrum, the largest hole mobility, and regular chain packing structure when blended with PC71BM, its unmatched HOMO energy level and disfavored blend film morphology finally limited its solar cell performance to a moderate level (PCE: 3.91%). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 689–698
Monitoring photopolymerization reactions through thermal imaging: A unique tool for the real‐time follow‐up of thick samples, 3D printing, and composites
Authors: Garra Patxi , Bonardi Aude‐Héloïse , Baralle Alexandre , Al Mousawi Assi , Bonardi Fabien , Dietlin Céline , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Fouassier Jean‐Pierre , Lalevée Jacques
Published: January 2018

The ever increasing applications of photopolymers from historical thin (<50 µm) coatings to very deep samples (>1 cm) require the development of robust 4D monitoring strategies able to assess photopolymerization efficiencies (first dimension) as a function of time (second dimension) and position (third and fourth dimensions). Therefore, here, we demonstrated that thermal imaging is a valuable photopolymerization monitoring device showing: (a) very high response times (<1 s); (b) high repeatability of the measurement; (c) strong adaptability of the setup to various conditions (e.g., onto irregular surfaces or inside a real time Fourier transformed infrared spectrometer (RT‐FTIR)); (d) extremely deep photopolymerization follow‐ups (and subsequent rationalization) with good resolution in time and in space (real‐time thermal imaging microscopy experiments); (e) adaptability to applied materials. This monitoring strategy was found particularly robust when taking into account all the heat generating phenomena (i.e., direct heating from the lamp vs. temperature raised due to monomer conversion). As a result, we propose thermal imaging as the next reference monitoring system for the new ranges of thick and/or filled samples (e.g., 3D objects, composites) and/or applied photopolymerizations (e.g., 3D printing) more and more present in the literature. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 889–899
An experimental and numerical study on tactile neuroimaging: A novel minimally invasive technique for intraoperative brain imaging
Authors: Sadeghi‐Goughari Moslem , Qian Yanjun , Jeon Soo , Sadeghi Sohrab , Kwon Hyock‐Ju
Published: January 2018

Background

The success of tumour neurosurgery is highly dependent on the ability to accurately localize the operative target, which may shift during the operation. Performing intraoperative brain imaging is crucial in minimally invasive neurosurgery to detect the effect of brain shift on the tumour's location, and to maximize the efficiency of tumour resection.

Method

The major objective of this research is to introduce tactile neuroimaging as a novel minimally invasive technique for intraoperative brain imaging. To investigate the feasibility of the proposed method, an experimental and numerical study was first performed on silicone phantoms mimicking the brain tissue with a tumour. Then the study was extended to a clinical model with the meningioma tumour.

Results

The stress distribution on the brain surface has high potential to intraoperatively localize the tumour.

Conclusion

Results suggest that tactile neuroimaging can be used to provide non‐invasive and real‐time intraoperative data on a tumour's features.
Species‐ and habitat‐specific otolith chemistry patterns inform riverine fisheries management
Authors: Radigan W.J. , Carlson A.K. , Kientz J.L. , Chipps S.R. , Fincel M.J. , Graeb B.D.S.
Published: January 2018

Geology and hydrology are drivers of water chemistry and thus important considerations for fish otolith chemistry research. However, other factors such as species and habitat identity may have predictive ability, enabling selection of appropriate elemental signatures prior to costly, perhaps unnecessary water/age‐0 fish sampling. The goal of this study was to develop a predictive methodology for using species and habitat identity to design efficient otolith chemistry studies. Duplicate water samples and age‐0 fish were collected from 61 sites in 4 Missouri River reservoirs for walleye Sander vitreus and one impoundment (Lake Sharpe, South Dakota) for other fishes (bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus, gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, smallmouth bass M. dolomieu, white bass Morone chrysops, white crappie P. annularis, and yellow perch Perca flavescens). Water chemistry (barium:calcium [Ba:Ca], strontium:calcium [Sr:Ca]) was temporally stable, spatially variable, and highly correlated with otolith chemistry for all species except yellow perch. Classification accuracies based on bivariate Ba:Ca and Sr:Ca signatures were high (84% across species) yet varied between floodplain and main‐channel habitats in a species‐specific manner. Thus, to maximize the reliability of otolith chemistry, researchers can use species classifications presented herein to inform habitat selection (e.g., study reservoir‐oriented species such as white bass in main‐channel environments) and habitat‐based classifications to inform species selection (e.g., focus floodplain studies on littoral species such as largemouth bass). Overall, species and habitat identity are important considerations for efficient, effective otolith chemistry studies that inform and advance fisheries and aquatic resource management.