bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low serum miR‐223 expression predicts poor outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yu Guopan , Yin Zhao , He Han , Zheng Zhongxin , Chai Yanyan , Xuan Li , Lin Ren , Wang Qiang , Li Jie , Xu Dan
Published: November 2019

Background

Identification of biomarkers for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is important for treating this malignancy. Recent studies have reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) are stably detectable in the blood/plasma and can be used as biomarkers for various types of cancer including AML. The aim of this study was to analyze miR‐223 level in serum as a potential indicator for AML diagnosis and prognosis prediction.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect the levels of miR‐223 in the serum samples from 131 patients and 70 healthy individuals.

Results

The results revealed that serum miR‐223 was underexpressed in AML patients, particularly those in intermediate and unfavorable cytogenetic risk groups. Further analysis revealed that serum miR‐223 could yield a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of 0.849 with 83.2% sensitivity and 81.4% specificity. Moreover, a significant increase in serum miR‐223 level was observed in AML subjects after their treatment. Reduced serum miR‐223 level was highly associated with aggressive clinical variables and shorter survival of patients. Furthermore, miR‐223 expression was identified to be an independent prognostic predictor of worse overall survival.

Conclusion

In conclusion, miR‐223 may be a reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for AML.
miR‐4286 promotes prostate cancer progression by targeting the expression of SALL1
Authors: Li Zhanqi , Zhao Shaoxiong , Wang Hui , Zhang Binbin , Zhang Peibo
Published: November 2019

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a serious health threat for humans worldwide. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs are associated with the progression of human cancers, including PCa. However, no study has been performed aiming to investigate the role of microNA‐4286 (miR‐4286) on PCa.

Methods

A quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction was conducted to analyze the expression level of miR‐4286 in PCa cells. The connection of miR‐4286 and spalt like transcription factor 1 (SALL1) was analyzed with a bioinformatic analysis tool, a dual‐luciferase activity reporter assay and western blotting. The effects of miR‐4286 and SALL1 on PCa cell behaviors were examined in vitro.

Results

We showed miR‐4286 expression was significantly increased in PCa cells compared to a normal cell line. Knockdown of miR‐4286 could inhibit PCa cell proliferation but promote cell apoptosis by targeting SALL1.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that miR‐4286 overexpression represents a tumor promoter role in PCa.
Interplay between the RNA binding‐protein Musashi and developmental signaling pathways
Authors: das Chagas Pablo Ferreira , Baroni Mirella , Brassesco María Sol , Tone Luiz Gonzaga
Published: November 2019

Musashi comprises an evolutionarily conserved family of RNA‐binding proteins (RBP) that regulate cell fate decisions during embryonic development and play key roles in the maintenance of self‐renewal and differentiation of stem cells and adult tissues. More recently, several studies have shown that any dysregulation of MSI1 and MSI2 can lead to cellular dysfunctions promoting tissue instability and tumorigenesis. Moreover, several reports have characterized many molecular interactions between members of the Musashi family with ligands and receptors of the signaling pathways responsible for controlling normal embryonic development: Notch, Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF‐β), Wingless (Wnt) and Hedgehog Signaling (Hh); all of which, when altered, are strongly associated with cancer onset and progression, especially in pediatric tumors. In this context, the present review aims to compile possible cross‐talks between Musashi proteins and members of the above cited molecular pathways for which dysregulation plays important roles during carcinogenesis and may be modulated by these RBP.
Neural substrates of habit
Authors: Malvaez Melissa
Published: November 2019

Active reward pursuit is supported by the balance between the cognitive and habitual control of behavior. The cognitive, goal‐directed strategy relies on the prospective evaluation of anticipated consequences, which allows behavior to readily adapt when circumstances change. Repetition of successful actions promotes less cognitively taxing habits, in which behavior is automatically executed without prospective consideration. Disruption in either of these behavioral regulatory systems contributes to the symptoms that underlie many psychiatric disorders. Here, I review recently identified neural substrates, at multiple neural levels, that contribute to habits and outline gaps in knowledge that must be addressed to fully understand the neural mechanisms of behavioral control.
Sulfasalazine Resolves Joint Stiffness in a Rabbit Model of Arthrofibrosis
Authors: Atluri Keerthi , Brouillette Marc J. , Seol Dongrim , Khorsand Behnoush , Sander Edward , Salem Aliasger K. , Fredericks Douglas , Petersen Emily , Smith Sonja , Fowler Timothy P. , Martin James A.
Published: November 2019

Joint stiffness due to fibrosis/capsule contracture is a seriously disabling complication of articular injury that surgical interventions often fail to completely resolve. Fibrosis/contracture is associated with the abnormal persistence of myofibroblasts, which over‐produce and contract collagen matrices. We hypothesized that intra‐articular therapy with drugs targeting myofibroblast survival (sulfasalazine), or collagen production (β‐aminopropionitrile and cis‐hydroxyproline), would reduce joint stiffness in a rabbit model of fibrosis/contracture. Drugs were encapsulated in poly[lactic‐co‐glycolic] acid pellets and implanted in joints after fibrosis/contracture induction. Capsule α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression and intimal thickness were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry, respectively. Joint stiffness was quantified by flexion‐extension testing. Drawer tests were employed to determine if the drugs induced cruciate ligament laxity. Joint capsule fibroblasts were tested in vitro for contractile activity and α‐SMA expression. Stiffness in immobilized joints treated with blank pellets (control) was significantly higher than in non‐immobilized, untreated joints (normal) (p = 0.0008), and higher than in immobilized joints treated with sulfasalazine (p = 0.0065). None of the drugs caused significant cruciate ligament laxity. Intimal thickness was significantly lower than control in the normal and sulfasalazine‐treated groups (p = 0.010 and 0.025, respectively). Contractile activity in the cells from controls was significantly increased versus normal (p = 0.001). Sulfasalazine and β‐aminopropionitrile significantly inhibited this effect (p = 0.005 and 0.0006, respectively). α‐SMA expression was significantly higher in control versus normal (p = 0.0021) and versus sulfasalazine (p = 0.0007). These findings support the conclusion that sulfasalazine reduced stiffness by clearing myofibroblasts from fibrotic joints. Statement of clinical significance: The results provide proof‐of‐concept that established joint stiffness can be resolved non‐surgically. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:629–638, 2020
Association between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome: A case‐control study
Authors: Campos Julya Ribeiro , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Cota Luís Otávio Miranda
Published: November 2019

Background

Over the past few years, the association between metabolic disorders and periodontitis has been widely studied and recognized. However, the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and periodontitis remains controversial. The aim of the present case‐control (1:3) study is to evaluate the potential association between periodontitis and MetS, as well as the influence of risk variables on this association.

Methods

Samples comprised 122 individuals with MetS (cases) and 366 controls. Plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing were evaluated through a full‐mouth periodontal examination. The association between risk variables, MetS, and periodontitis was tested through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A high prevalence of periodontitis was observed among cases (54.6%) when compared with controls (45.4%). Significant variables associated with the occurrence of periodontitis in the final logistic model were: MetS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02; P = 0.003), number of teeth ≤14 (OR = 1.78; P = 0.034), and smoking (OR = 2.19; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

An important risk association between MetS and periodontitis was reported, being that individuals with MetS presented worse periodontal status and higher prevalence, severity, and extension of periodontitis.
Recent advances and trends in miniaturized sample preparation techniques
Authors: Soares da Silva Burato Juliana , Vargas Medina Deyber Arley , de Toffoli Ana Lúcia , Vasconcelos Soares Maciel Edvaldo , Mauro Lanças Fernando
Published: November 2019

Advances in the area of sample preparation are significant and have been growing significantly in recent years. This initial step of the analysis is essential and must be carried out properly, consisting of a complicated procedure with multiple stages. Consequently, it corresponds to a potential source of errors and will determine, at the end of the process, either a satisfactory result or a fail. One of the advances in this field includes the miniaturization of extraction techniques based on the conventional sample preparation procedures such as liquid‐liquid extraction and solid‐phase extraction. These modern techniques have gained prominence in the face of traditional methods since they minimize the consumption of organic solvents and the sample volume. As another feature, it is possible to reuse the sorbents, and its coupling to chromatographic systems might be automated. The review will emphasize the main techniques based on liquid‐phase microextraction, as well as those based upon the use of sorbents. The first group includes currently popular techniques such as single drop microextraction, hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction, and dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction. In the second group, solid‐phase microextraction techniques such as in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction, stir bar sorptive extraction, dispersive solid‐phase extraction, dispersive micro solid‐phase microextraction, and microextraction by packed sorbent are highlighted. These approaches, in common, aim the determination of analytes at low concentrations in complex matrices. This article describes some characteristics, recent advances, and trends on miniaturized sample preparation techniques, as well as their current applications in food, environmental, and bioanalysis fields.
Joint forcing by heat waves and mowing poses a threat to grassland ecosystems: Evidence from a manipulative experiment
Authors: Qu Luping , Dong Gang , De Boeck Hans J. , Tian Li , Chen Jiquan , Tang Huajun , Xin Xiaoping , Chen Jinqiang , Hu Yalin , Shao Changliang
Published: November 2019

The frequency and intensity of heat waves (HWs) have increased in recent years, but it remains unclear how grassland ecosystems respond to such extreme weather. A 3‐year manipulative field experiment was conducted to simulate HWs under different mowing intensities in a Stipa krylovii steppe on the Mongolian Plateau to examine their effects on plant morphology, phenology, and community. At the species level, the morphology and phenology of the three main herb species (S. krylovii, Melilotoides ruthenica, and Potentilla tanacetifolia) showed species‐specific responses to the HW and mowing treatments. The major dominant species S. krylovii shed ~50% of the tiller outer layer to protect the internal tiller from HW stress thereby directly decreasing the heat load and water loss from green plant tissue and indirectly increasing the litter biomass. HWs also caused increases of community index (richness, diversity, and evenness) but also associated with a 30% decrease in the importance value of S. krylovii, whereas mowing enhanced this value by 27%. When HWs were combined with mowing, the joint forcing of mechanical damage and low carbon accumulation aggravated negative effects of stress on plant health and growth, which further decreased community index. We constructed a framework to fully describe the effects of HWs and mowing and their interrelationship on different ecological levels and explain how short‐term effects, such as extreme climate, produce long‐term effects on ecosystems. In conclusion, we found that synergisms between climate extremes (HWs) and human activities (mowing) can reduce ecosystem stability posing a threat to the grasslands.
Dry‐braking properties of resin based friction materials by different fibres
Authors: Cui Gongjun , Liu Huiqian , Shi Ruibo , Li Sai , Han Junrui
Published: November 2019

In this study, the cashew nut shell oil modified phenolic resin based friction materials reinforced by aramid pulp/glass/carbon fibres (constant content 17 vol.%) are prepared by hot pressed sintering method, and the effect of different fibres on tribological properties of resin matrix materials is studied. The tribological properties of friction materials are carried out by a ring‐on‐block tribo‐tester sliding against AISI 51200 steel ring under different braking loads and speeds. The friction coefficient and wear rate increase with the increase of load and speed. The synergistic effect of aramid pulp fibre and carbon fibre improves the tribological properties of friction materials. However, the friction coefficient and wear rate increase as the glass fibre increases. The specimen with 9%/1%/7% of aramid pulp/glass/carbon fibres shows more reasonable friction coefficient (0.31–0.50) and lower wear rate (4.5–7.9 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1) than that of commercial friction material.
The Development and Outcome of Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure After Surgical Interventions
Authors: Klein Leah Maria , Chang Johannes , Gu Wenyi , Manekeller Steffen , Jansen Christian , Lingohr Philipp , Praktiknjo Michael , Kalf Jörg C. , Schulz Martin , Spengler Ulrich , Strassburg Christian , Cárdenas Andrés , Arroyo Vicente , Trebicka Jonel
Published: November 2019

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome with high short‐term mortality. Precipitating events, including hemorrhage and infections, contribute to ACLF development, but the role of surgery remains unknown. We investigated the development of ACLF in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgery. In total, 369 patients with cirrhosis were included in the study. The clinical and laboratory data were collected prior to and on days 1‐2, 3‐8, and 9‐28, and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Surgery type was classified as limited or extensive, as well as liver and nonliver surgery. A total of 39 patients had baseline ACLF. Surgery was performed during acute decompensation in 35% of the rest of the 330 patients, and 81 (24.5%) developed ACLF within 28 days after surgery. Surrogate markers of systemic inflammation were similar in patients who developed ACLF or not. Age, sex, serum sodium, baseline bacterial infection, and abdominal nonliver surgery were independent predictors for the development of ACLF after surgery. Patients who developed ACLF within 28 days after surgery had a higher mortality at 3, 6, and 12 months. Survival did not differ between patients with ACLF at surgery and those developing ACLF after surgery. Development of ACLF within 28 days after surgery and elevated alkaline phosphatase and international normalized ratio were independent predictors of 90‐day mortality. Independent predictors of 1‐year all‐cause mortality were alkaline phosphatase, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, and preoperative hepatic encephalopathy, whereas nonliver surgery was associated with improved survival. ACLF frequently develops in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgery, especially in those with active bacterial infection, lower serum sodium, and kidney or coagulation dysfunction. Prognoses of ACLF both at and after surgery are similarly poor. Patients with cirrhosis should be carefully managed perioperatively.
Polymerization of Bulky of Oxirane Monomers Leading to Polyethers Exhibiting Intramolecular Charge Transfer Interactions
Authors: Merlani Maia , Song Zhiyi , Wang Yuting , Yuan Yuehui , Luo Jiyue , Barbakadze Vakhtang , Chankvetadze Bezhan , Nakano Tamaki
Published: November 2019

Three novel oxirane monomers, 2‐methoxycarbonyl‐3‐(3,4‐dibenzyloxyphenyl)oxirane (MDBPO), 2‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐3‐(3,4‐dibenzyloxyphenyl)oxirane (BDBPO), and 2‐t‐butyloxycarbonyl‐3‐(3,4‐dibenzyloxyphenyl)oxirane (TBDBPO) are prepared and polymerized using BF3‐OEt2 in CH2Cl2 to yield polyethers. The monomers smoothly lead to polymers under the cationic conditions in spite of the monomers' rather bulky structures. The obtained polymers exhibit characteristic UV spectra with intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) bands through hetero π‐stacked structure formed between the side‐chain carbonyl group and the phenyl group directly connects to the main chain. The relative intensity of the ICT bands is the strongest for poly(TBDBPO) having bulky t‐butyl ester group. This spectral feature is considered to have connection with rigidity of polymer chain. Poly(TBDBPO) having the bulkiest side‐chain group is considered to possess the most rigid chain conformation that can account for its strongest ICT interactions that may occur between the carbonyl group and the phenyl group directly attached to the main chain. The proposed rigid chain conformation of poly(TBDBPO) is supported by the fact that the polymer does not show clear Tg while the other two polymers do.
The picture of luxury: A comprehensive examination of college student consumers' relationship with luxury brands
Authors: Eastman Jacqueline K. , Shin Hyunju , Ruhland Kristen
Published: November 2019

This study examines college student consumers' relationship with luxury brands through two studies. Study 1 analyzes collages to determine what represents luxury to them, how consumers perceive their relationships with luxury, and who they are as luxury consumers. Study 2 analyzes qualitative interviews to validate the findings of Study 1 and to add further insights. Results of Study 1 suggest that college student consumers represent a vibrant segment in the luxury market. These consumers perceive a wide variety of products and brands as meeting their luxury needs. They are currently interested in luxury and their potential will only increase as their incomes do. Results of Study 2 confirms their views of luxury and emphasizes the critical roles social media, peers, and family play in influencing college student consumers' luxury consumption and provide insights for how to build an emotional bond with them. Luxury marketers can build brand relationships with college student consumers by offering them entry‐level products as they are current luxury consumers and see their consumption expanding in the future. Given that college student consumers are both vulnerable and savvy in recognizing when they are being manipulated, caution needs to be taken in approaching this segment in relationship‐building efforts.
Nano‐Crystalline Sandwich Formed in Polylactic Acid Fibers
Authors: Zhao Renhai , He Hongwei , Cai Ming , Miao Dagang , Yuan Ding , Ming Jingfa , Wang Na , Ning Xin
Published: November 2019

Fibers have traditionally been made through melt or solution processes from macromolecules. Most of these fibers have crystalline domains where the segregation of different crystalline features is extremely difficult due to the statistical nature of the formation and growth of these domains. A fibrous nano‐crystalline sandwich is reported where distinctly different crystalline regions are formed in layers along the continuous fiber direction during the spinning process and locked in place. This approach employs side‐by‐side bicomponent nanofiber electrospinning where the components are the enantiomeric pair of poly(l‐lactic acid) and poly(d‐lactic acid). The formation of the poly(lactic acid) (PLA) stereo‐complexes at the junction interphase of the two components is demonstrated through diffusion, which subsequently crystallize into continuous sandwich domains. The stereo‐complex crystalline core in the fiber possesses a melting point 50 °C higher than, and properties substantially different from, the regular PLAs at the fringe areas of the fiber. This nano‐crystalline sandwich fiber structure can be scaled to the micrometers in a commercial bicomponent process.
Blood Biomarkers With Parkinson's Disease Clusters and Prognosis: The Oxford Discovery Cohort
Authors: Lawton Michael , Baig Fahd , Toulson Greg , Morovat Alireza , Evetts Samuel G. , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Hu Michele T.
Published: November 2019

Background

Predicting prognosis in Parkinson's disease (PD) has important implications for individual prognostication and clinical trials design and targeting novel treatments. Blood biomarkers could help in this endeavor.

Methods

We identified 4 blood biomarkers that might predict prognosis: apolipoprotein A1, C‐reactive protein, uric acid and vitamin D. These biomarkers were measured in baseline serum from 624 Parkinson's disease subjects (median disease duration, 1.0 years; interquartile range, 0.5–2.0) from the Oxford Discovery prospective cohort. We compared these biomarkers against PD subtypes derived from clinical features in the baseline cohort using data‐driven approaches. We used multilevel models with MDS‐UPDRS parts I, II, and III and Montreal Cognitive Assessment as outcomes to test whether the biomarkers predicted subsequent progression in motor and nonmotor domains. We compared the biomarkers against age of PD onset and age at diagnosis. The q value, a false‐discovery rate alternative toPvalues, was calculated as an adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Results

Apolipoprotein A1 and C‐reactive protein levels differed across our PD subtypes, with severe motor disease phenotype, poor psychological well‐being, and poor sleep subtype having reduced apolipoprotein A1 and higher C‐reactive protein levels. Reduced apolipoprotein A1, higher C‐reactive protein, and reduced vitamin D were associated with worse baseline activities of daily living (MDS‐UPDRS II).

Conclusion

Baseline clinical subtyping identified a pro‐inflammatory biomarker profile significantly associated with a severe motor/nonmotor disease phenotype, lending biological validity to subtyping approaches. No blood biomarker predicted motor or nonmotor prognosis. © 2019 The Authors.Movement Disorderspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Antibacterial silver (Ag) containing titanium oxynitride (TiOxNy) coatings for inhibiting surgical site infections (SSI)
Authors: Sikder Prabaha , Liu Lufei , Jayatissa Ahalapitiya H. , Bhaduri Sarit B
Published: November 2019

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention states that about one in every thirty‐one patients gets infected with ‘hospital‐acquired infections'. Bacterial colonization on surgical instruments remains one of the most significant factors for causing them. Such infections not only hinder a patient's recovery but can evolve into life‐threatening scenarios. Further, the moderate surface hardness of instruments might degrade their performance. Considering these issues, the central goal of this paper is to develop antibacterial coatings with favourable hardness. The main objective was to take advantage of the hardness property of titanium oxynitride (TiOxNy) while combining silver's (Ag) antibacterial properties. As surgical instruments are mainly fabricated using Ti6Al4V, we chose this material as our substrate. Radiofrequency magnetron sputtering was employed to develop several multi‐phasic coatings. Phase compositions, morphology and hardness values were analysed by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and nanoindentation, respectively. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against Escherichia coli using zone of inhibition, plate counting assay and Live/Dead assay. The effect of repetitive sterilization of coated samples was also examined. Results indicated the successful formation of antibacterial coatings with favourable hardness. Ag‐containing coatings exhibited pronounced antibacterial effect by ‘contact killing' method with no functionality change even after five sterilizing cycles.
Point‐of‐care stress detection of muscles using a flexible surface potential measurement prototype
Authors: Bhattacharjee Mitradip , Middya Sagnik , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: November 2019

Design and development of an affordable, user‐friendly and portable proof‐of‐concept prototype for the detection of the physical stress of the muscles of different human body parts have been reported. The prototype is composed of four major components—sensor, signal processing unit (SPU), power supply and display units. The sensor consists of a soft and flexible substrate with high density array of micro/nano patters on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which in turn is coated with ultra‐thin layers of electrically conducting aluminium (Al) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) layers. The conductive layer coated on the flexible PDMS substrate helps in detecting the raw surface electromyogarphic (RSEMG) potential of fingertip, tip‐toe, wrist or tongue, once they come in contact with the sensor. The patterned Al/RGO coated PDMS substrate generates an electrical signal, which can be correlated to the stress level of the body parts at a very high precision. The electrical signal of the sensor is transmitted wirelessly to a mobile android application for the display of the results with the help of the SPU. The prototype can be useful for the early detection of stress disorders related to heart, nerves and muscles, among others.
Identification of a novel heterozygous missense mutation of SEMA3E (c.1327G>A; p. Ala443Thr) in a labor induced fetus with CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Song Xiao , Wang Xueyan , Ding Li , He Dan , Sun Jin , Xi Na , Yin Yan , Peng Hui , Sun Lingling
Published: November 2019

Background

CHARGE syndrome is a complex multisystem genetic disease. We aimed to find the potential gene mutation in the labor induced fetus with CHARGE syndrome.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from the fetal thigh muscle tissue and the peripheral blood of his parents. The resulting exomes were sequenced using whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by the selection of the candidate causative mutation genes. The deleteriousness of the identified variants was predicted. Analysis of multiple alignment of protein sequences and protein conserved domains was performed by online software. Finally, Sanger sequencing was applied for validation of the identified variants in the WES.

Results

After sequencing and bioinformatics filtering, a heterozygous missense mutation of SEMA3E (c.1327G>A; p. Ala443Thr) was found in the fetus, while the mutation was absent in his parents. Genotyping results showed that the mutation cosegregated fully with definite CHARGE phenotypes between the fetus and his parents. This change was located in the Sema superfamily and highly conserved across different species. Sanger validation result was consistent with the WES analysis.

Conclusion

Our investigations suggested that the heterozygous missense mutation of SEMA3E (c.1327G>A; p. Ala443Thr) may be a potential causal variant in the fetus with CHARGE syndrome.
Study explores use of AI to treat patients with depression
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2019

Can artificial intelligence (AI) be used to help treat depression? Researchers from a Costa Mesa, California–based clinic think it can and have conducted research to explain how AI can be used to determine which depressed patients are likely to get better and which aren't. Depression remains an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, yet few neuroimaging biomarkers are available to identify treatment response in depression, researchers stated.
Field hopes proposed 988 hotline will transform care access
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2019

Members of the mental health community urged Congress to pass bipartisan legislation during a congressional hearing on Oct. 30 that would establish 988 as the three‐digit telephone number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline and transform access to mental health care.
Pointwise error estimates of a linearized difference scheme for strongly coupled fractional Ginzburg‐Landau equations
Authors: Pan Kejia , Jin Xianlin , He Dongdong
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a linearized semi‐implicit finite difference scheme is proposed to solve the strongly coupled fractional Ginzburg‐Landau equations. The difference scheme, which involves three time levels, is unconditionally stable, fourth‐order accurate in space, and second‐order accurate in time. By using the energy method and mathematical induction, the unique solvability, the unconditional stability, and optimal pointwise error estimate are obtained. Finally, some numerical experiments are presented to validate our theoretical findings.
Positivity of the fundamental solution for fractional diffusion and wave equations
Authors: Kemppainen Jukka
Published: November 2019

We study the question of positivity of the fundamental solution for fractional diffusion and wave equations of the form, which may be of fractional order both in space and time. We give a complete characterization for the positivity of the fundamental solution in terms of the order of the time derivative α∈(0,2), the order of the spatial derivative β∈(0,2], and the spatial dimension d. It turns out that the fundamental solution fails to be positive for all α∈(1,2) and either β∈(0,2] and d ≥ 2 or β<α and d=1, whereas in the other cases, it remains positive. The proof is based on delicate properties of the Fox H‐functions and the Mittag‐Leffler functions.
Low profile broadband circularly polarized magnetoelectric dipole antenna with short‐circuit patch for wireless communication
Authors: Han Min , Dou Wenbin
Published: November 2019

A short‐circuit load broadband circularly polarized (CP) magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna is proposed for WiMAX, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The co‐directional electric dipole and magnetic dipole work together to radiate CP electromagnetic waves. The magnetic dipole is realized by a pair of vertical grounded metal patches and the electric dipole is accomplished by a pair of rotationally symmetric horizontal metal patches. The outer edges of the horizontal patches are extended to bend downward and shorted to ground for low‐profile, miniaturization, and axial ratio (AR) bandwidth enhancement. A pair of knife‐shaped horizontal patches effectively enhances the AR bandwidth of the proposed antenna. A prototype is fabricated, and the measured results show that the proposed antenna achieves 67.2% (1.7‐3.42 GHz) 3‐dB AR bandwidth and 87.5% (1.33‐3.4 GHz) impedance bandwidth for |S11| ≤ 10 with a small size of 0.8λL × 0.386λL × 0.177λL (λL denotes to the maximum operation frequency). Over the entire AR frequency band, stable radiation pattern is obtained. Furthermore, the maximum boresight gain is up to 10.4 dBic at 2.4GHz, and the boresight gain is greater than 4.2 dBic over 3‐dB AR band.
Human peripheral blood leukocyte classification method based on convolutional neural network and data augmentation
Authors: Wang Yapin , Cao Yiping
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Human peripheral blood leukocytes’ classification is important for diagnosing blood diseases. Many microscopic leukocyte image automatic detection methods are proposed. In recent years, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are applied to microscopic leukocyte image automatic classification. But when a CNN is used for microscopic leukocyte image classification, the dataset’s scarcity and imbalance will lead to low classification accuracy. To improve classification accuracy, a data augmentation method is proposed, and a resampling method is adopted when using a CNN method.

Methods

First, a deep CNN model for microscopic leukocyte image classification is designed. Then, a new data augmentation method based on feature concentration is proposed to enrich the dataset and overcome the problem of dataset scarcity. To make the CNN model focus on the leukocyte region, many images are generated by putting a segmented leukocyte into images with different microscopic surroundings using an image processing method. Finally, taking the imbalance of the five kinds of leukocytes in the dataset into consideration, a resampling method is adopted. The resampling method iteratively feeds the leukocyte images with a low proportion to the CNN model within an epoch to ensure that images of each of the five kinds of leukocytes are represented in relatively equal numbers in each batch.

Results

The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed classification method can achieve 97.6% average testing accuracy. Classification precision for the five kinds of leukocytes is above 93.4%, while sensitivity is above 92.5%. Both the proposed data augmentation and the resampling methods improve classification accuracy.

Conclusions

A human peripheral blood leukocyte classification method based on a CNN and data augmentation is proposed. The problem of dataset scarcity is solved by the proposed data augmentation method, and the dataset imbalance is solved by a resampling method.
Protein resonance assignment by BSH‐CP‐based 3D solid‐state NMR experiments: A practical guide
Authors: Hoffmann Jutta , Ruta Julia , Shi Chaowei , Hendriks Kitty , Chevelkov Veniamin , Franks W. Trent , Oschkinat Hartmut , Giller Karin , Becker Stefan , Lange Adam
Published: November 2019

Solid‐state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy has evolved into a powerful method to obtain structural information and to study the dynamics of proteins at atomic resolution and under physiological conditions. The method is especially well suited to investigate insoluble and noncrystalline proteins that cannot be investigated easily by X‐ray crystallography or solution NMR. To allow for detailed analysis of ssNMR data, the assignment of resonances to the protein atoms is essential. For this purpose, a set of three‐dimensional (3D) spectra needs to be acquired. Band‐selective homo‐nuclear cross‐polarization (BSH‐CP) is an effective method for magnetization transfer between carbonyl carbon (CO) and alpha carbon (CA) atoms, which is an important transfer step in multidimensional ssNMR experiments. This tutorial describes the detailed procedure for the chemical shift assignment of the backbone atoms of 13C–15N‐labeled proteins by BSH‐CP‐based 13C‐detected ssNMR experiments. A set of six 3D experiments is used for unambiguous assignment of the protein backbone as well as certain side‐chain resonances. The tutorial especially addresses scientists with little experience in the field of ssNMR and provides all the necessary information for protein assignment in an efficient, time‐saving approach.
ActiveAxADD: Toward non‐parametric and orientationally invariant axon diameter distribution mapping using PGSE
Authors: Romascano David , Barakovic Muhamed , Rafael‐Patino Jonathan , Dyrby Tim Bjørn , Thiran Jean‐Philippe , Daducci Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Non‐invasive axon diameter distribution (ADD) mapping using diffusion MRI is an ill‐posed problem. Current ADD mapping methods require knowledge of axon orientation before performing the acquisition. Instead, ActiveAx uses a 3D sampling scheme to estimate the orientation from the signal, providing orientationally invariant estimates. The mean diameter is estimated instead of the distribution for the solution to be tractable. Here, we propose an extension (ActiveAxADD) that provides non‐parametric and orientationally invariant estimates of the whole distribution.

Theory

The accelerated microstructure imaging with convex optimization (AMICO) framework accelerates mean diameter estimation using a linear formulation combined with Tikhonov regularization to stabilize the solution. Here, we implement a new formulation (ActiveAxADD) that uses Laplacian regularization to provide robust estimates of the whole ADD.

Methods

The performance of ActiveAxADD was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations on synthetic white matter samples mimicking axon distributions reported in histological studies.

Results

ActiveAxADD provided robust ADD reconstructions when considering the isolated intra‐axonal signal. However, our formulation inherited some common microstructure imaging limitations. When accounting for the extra axonal compartment, estimated ADDs showed spurious peaks and increased variability because of the difficulty of disentangling intra and extra axonal contributions.

Conclusion

Laplacian regularization solves the ill‐posedness regarding the intra axonal compartment. ActiveAxADD can potentially provide non‐parametric and orientationally invariant ADDs from isolated intra‐axonal signals. However, further work is required before ActiveAxADD can be applied to real data containing extra‐axonal contributions, as disentangling the 2 compartment appears to be an overlooked challenge that affects microstructure imaging methods in general.
Combined T2‐preparation and multidimensional outer volume suppression for coronary artery imaging with 3D cones trajectories
Authors: Zeng David Y. , Baron Corey A. , Malavé Mario O. , Kerr Adam B. , Yang Phillip C. , Hu Bob S. , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To develop a modular magnetization preparation sequence for combined T2‐preparation and multidimensional outer volume suppression (OVS) for coronary artery imaging.

Methods

A combined T2‐prepared 1D OVS sequence with fat saturation was defined to contain a 90°−60180°60 composite nonselective tip‐down pulse, two 180°Y hard pulses for refocusing, and a −90° spectral‐spatial sinc tip‐up pulse. For 2D OVS, 2 modules were concatenated, selective in X and then Y. Bloch simulations predicted robustness of the sequence to B0 and B1 inhomogeneities. The proposed sequence was compared with a T2‐prepared 2D OVS sequence proposed by Luo et al, which uses a spatially selective 2D spiral tip‐up. The 2 sequences were compared in phantom studies and in vivo coronary artery imaging studies with a 3D cones trajectory.

Results

Phantom results demonstrated superior OVS for the proposed sequence compared with the Luo sequence. In studies on 15 healthy volunteers, the proposed sequence had superior image edge profile acutance values compared with the Luo sequence for the right (P < .05) and left (P < .05) coronary arteries, suggesting superior vessel sharpness. The proposed sequence also had superior signal‐to‐noise ratio (P < .05) and passband‐to‐stopband ratio (P < .05). Reader scores and reader preference indicated superior coronary image quality of the proposed sequence for both the right (P < .05) and left (P < .05) coronary arteries.

Conclusion

The proposed sequence with concatenated 1D spatially selective tip‐ups and integrated fat saturation has superior image quality and suppression compared with the Luo sequence with 2D spatially selective tip‐up.
The vaginal microcirculation after prolapse surgery
Authors: Kastelein Arnoud W. , Diedrich Chantal M. , de Waal Laura , Ince Can , Roovers Jan‐Paul W.R.
Published: November 2019

Aims

Oxygen plays a crucial role in wound healing after prolapse surgery. Trauma to the vaginal vasculature might limit the delivery of oxygen to the surgical wound, which may negatively affect wound healing and regeneration of connective tissue. This possibly increases the future risk of recurrence. We aimed to determine the effects of vaginal prolapse surgery on the microcirculation of the vaginal wall.

Methods

We evaluated the vaginal microcirculation in healthy participants without known vascular disease undergoing anterior and/or posterior colporrhaphy. We used incident dark‐field imaging for in vivo assessment before and after (1 day, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks) surgery. We studied perfusion (microvascular flow index [MFI]), angioarchitecture (morphology/layout of microvessels) and capillary density.

Results

Ten women were included. Interindividual differences were observed 1 day postoperatively with regard to perfusion and angioarchitecture. Microvascular flow at the surgical site was absent or significantly reduced in some participants, whereas normal microvascular flow was observed in others (MFI range 0–3). Perfusion and angioarchitecture had been restored in all participants after 6 weeks (MFI range 2–3), regardless of the extent of vascular trauma 1 day postoperatively.

Conclusions

The difference in the extent of vascular trauma between women undergoing seemingly identical surgical procedures suggests that some individuals are more susceptible to vascular trauma than others. Delivery of oxygen to the wound and subsequent wound healing may be compromised in these cases, which could be related to the development of anatomical recurrence. Future studies should investigate whether there is a relationship between the vaginal microvasculature and the recurrence of prolapse.
A compact finite difference scheme for the fourth‐order time‐fractional integro‐differential equation with a weakly singular kernel
Authors: Xu Da , Qiu Wenlin , Guo Jing
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a compact finite difference scheme is constructed and investigated for the fourth‐order time‐fractional integro‐differential equation with a weakly singular kernel. In the temporal direction, the Caputo derivative term is treated by means of L1 discrete formula and the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral term is discretized by the second‐order convolution quadrature rule. A fully discrete compact difference scheme is constructed with the space discretization by the fourth‐order compact approximation. The stability and convergence are obtained by the discrete energy method, the Cholesky decomposition and the reduced‐order method. Numerical experiments are presented to verify the theoretical analysis.
Exploring psychological determinants of sharing donor recognition on social networking sites.
Authors: Chell Kathleen , Russell‐Bennett Rebekah , Mortimer Gary
Published: November 2019

Not‐for‐profit organizations (NFPs) are increasingly turning to online platforms to engage with donors. However, sharing rates of donation activity to social networking sites (SNSs) are low. Existing research has predominantly taken an aggregated approach to understanding SNS sharing behavior, therefore this study took a context‐specific approach and explored; why do donors choose to share (or not share) donor recognition on social networking sites? A qualitative research design was employed using interviews with 20 Australian donors. Social, organizational and individual factors were identified as influential to donors' decisions to share online donor recognition. This study extends understanding around online self‐disclosure and firm‐generated electronic word‐of‐mouth and provides strategic direction for NFPs to encourage greater donation sharing behavior on SNSs.
Consider Chlorine Dioxide to Reduce Disinfection Byproducts
Authors: Littrell Lance , Romano Steve , Dorris Rhea , Parra Gina , Gallarda Maurice , Kuhns Joe
Published: November 2019

With the challenge of meeting the current Stage 2 and future maximum contaminant levels, water utilities are seeking treatment technologies to ensure ongoing compliance. The detection of elevated levels of total trihalomethanes prompted a Florida water treatment plant to conduct a successful pilot study using chlorine dioxide for disinfection.
Measures of adiposity correlate with renal filtration in young nulliparous women: An observational cohort study
Authors: Williams Frank B. , McBride Carole A. , Badger Gary J. , Bernstein Ira M.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Renal hyperfiltration, which has been documented in severe obesity and obesity‐associated hypertension, can occur with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Identification of prepregnancy risk factors for unrecognized renal hyperfiltration could inform screening and intervention strategies to protect against pregnancy complications. In young, healthy, nulliparous women, associations between associations between measures of adiposity, insulin resistance, and renal vascular resistance were thus evaluated.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective observational trial characterizing associations of prepregnancy and late‐pregnancy maternal physiology. Seventy‐nine nulligravid women aged 18‐42 years without major medical conditions were assessed for percent android body fat using dual‐energy X‐ray absorption. Renal cortical vessel blood flow resistance index (CVRI) was determined using Doppler ultrasonography. Creatinine clearance was calculated from 24‐hour urine collection.

Results

Renal CVRI inversely correlates with body mass index (r = ‐0.23, p = 0.047), percent android fat (r = ‐0.30, p = 0.008), and supine pulse (r = ‐0.44, p < 0.001). Creatinine clearance is positively associated with BMI and HOMA‐IR.

In regression modeling, supine pulse (r2 = 0.22, p < 0.001) and cardiac index (r2 = 0.05, p = 0.045) predict renal CVRI, whereas HOMA‐IR (r2 = 0.11, p = 0.008) and cardiac output (r2 = 0.06, p = 0.039) predict creatinine clearance. Measures of adiposity are not independently predictive of either measure.

Conclusions

In healthy young women, measures of adiposity and insulin resistance correlate positively with renal filtration. Preclinical manifestations of renal hyperfiltration may have implications for pregnancy outcomes.
Associations between lifestyle intervention‐related changes in dietary targets and migraine headaches among women in the Women's Health and Migraine (WHAM) randomized controlled trial
Authors: Evans Whitney E. , Raynor Hollie A. , Howie Whitney , Lipton Richard B. , Thomas Graham J. , Wing Rena R. , Pavlovic Jelena , Farris Samantha G. , Bond Dale S.
Published: November 2019

Background

Migraine and obesity are comorbid particularly in women of reproductive age. Obesity treatment involves reducing energy intake and improving dietary quality but the effect of these changes on migraine is largely unknown.

Objective

To determine if adherence to dietary intervention targets (ie, total energy, dietary fat intake, and dietary quality) were associated with improvements in migraine and weight.

Methods

Eighty‐four women with overweight/obesity and migraine were randomized to and completed either a 16‐week behavioral weight loss (BWL) or a migraine education (ME) intervention. For 28 days at baseline and posttreatment, women recorded monthly migraine days, duration, and maximum pain intensity via smartphone‐based diary. At each assessment, weight was measured and dietary intake (total energy intake, percent (%) energy from fat, and diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index, 2010 [HEI‐2010]) was assessed using three nonconsecutive 24‐hour diet recalls.

Results

There were no significant group differences in change mean migraine days per month (BWL: ‐2.6+4.0, ME: ‐4.0+4.4; p = 0.1). Participants in BWL significantly reduced their percent fat intake 3.8% (p = 0.004) and improved total diet quality (HEI‐2010) by 6.7 points (p = 0.003) relative to baseline and those in ME (%fat: +0.3%; p = 0.821; HEI‐2010: +0.7; p = 0.725). After controlling for race/ethnicity and weight change, changes in dietary intake were not related to changes in migraine characteristics or weight loss among BWL participants (p's > 0.05).

Conclusions

Changes in dietary intake among participants were small and may have been insufficient to improve migraine in women with overweight/obesity and migraine.