bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the correlation between calcination temperature and performance in low‐temperature methanation over Ni‐Zr/Al2O3 catalysts
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Meng , Chen Shuyao , Zhou Zeling , Zheng Kaiwen , Bai Yunxing , Tan Yisheng , Han Yizhuo
Published: January 2020

Low‐temperature methanation of CO in the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) over Zr doped Ni/Al2O3 catalyst calcined at different temperatures (673, 723, and 823 K) was investigated. XRD, TPR, XPS, ICP, SEM, and S‐TPR techniques were employed to characterize the fresh and spent catalysts. Based on the characterization results, it was found that low‐temperature (673 K) calcination could effectively prohibit the formation of NiAl2O4 spinel, thereby resulting in more reducible NiO particles, which were the essential precursor of methanation active sites over the catalyst surface. Thus, the highest CO conversion of 93.6% was achieved over the 25N3ZA‐673 catalyst. In addition, the deactivation rate of 25N3ZA‐673 was relatively slow in comparison to 25N3ZA‐823 due to the presence of more reducible NiO. The formed nickel carbonyl species (Ni[CO]x), which quickly decomposed at a higher reaction temperature, was closely related to the catalyst deactivation. Therefore, 25N3ZA‐673 possessed much better stability at 593 K than that at 553 K.
Structural brain network development in children following prenatal methamphetamine exposure
Authors: Roos Annerine , Fouche Jean‐Paul , du Toit Stefani , du Plessis Stefan , Stein Dan J , Donald Kirsten A
Published: January 2020

Brain imaging studies in children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure (PME) suggest structural and functional alterations of striatal, frontal, parietal, and limbic regions. However, no longitudinal studies have investigated changes in structural connectivity during the first 2 years of formal schooling. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of PME on structural connectivity of brain networks in children over the critical first 2 years of formal schooling when foundational learning takes place. Networks are expected to gradually increase in global connectedness while segregating into defined systems. Graph theoretical analysis was used to investigate changes in structural connectivity at age 6 and 8 years in children with and without PME. While healthy control children showed increased connectivity in frontal and limbic hubs over time, children with PME showed increased connectivity in the superior parietal cortex and striatum in their global network. Furthermore, compared to control children, those with PME were characterized by less change in segregation of structural networks over time. These findings are consistent with previous work on regions implicated in children with PME, but they additionally demonstrate alterations in structural connectivity between regions that underlie primary cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development. Understanding patterns of network development during critical periods in at‐risk children may inform strategies for supporting this group of children in these developmental tasks important for lifelong brain health and development.
What is a multisensory cortex? A laminar, connectional, and functional study of a ferret temporal cortical multisensory area
Authors: Meredith M. Alex , Keniston Leslie P. , Prickett Elizabeth H. , Bajwa Moazzum , Cojanu Alexandru , Clemo H. Ruth , Allman Brian L.
Published: January 2020

Now that examples of multisensory neurons have been observed across the neocortex, this has led to some confusion about the features that actually designate a region as “multisensory.” While the documentation of multisensory effects within many different cortical areas is clear, often little information is available about their proportions or net functional effects. To assess the compositional and functional features that contribute to the multisensory nature of a region, the present investigation used multichannel neuronal recording and tract tracing methods to examine the ferret temporal region: the lateral rostral suprasylvian sulcal area. Here, auditory‐tactile multisensory neurons were predominant and constituted the majority of neurons across all cortical layers whose responses dominated the net spiking activity of the area. These results were then compared with a literature review of cortical multisensory data and were found to closely resemble multisensory features of other, higher‐order sensory areas. Collectively, these observations argue that multisensory processing presents itself in hierarchical and area‐specific ways, from regions that exhibit few multisensory features to those whose composition and processes are dominated by multisensory activity. It seems logical that the former exhibit some multisensory features (among many others), while the latter are legitimately designated as “multisensory.”
Impact of tapering of arterial vessels on blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and wave intensity analysis using one‐dimensional computational model
Authors: Abdullateef Shima , Mariscal‐Harana Jorge , Khir Ashraf W.
Published: January 2020

The angle of arterial tapering increases with ageing, and the geometrical changes of the aorta may cause an increase in central arterial pressure and stiffness. The impact of tapering has been primarily studied using frequency‐domain transmission line theories. In this work, we revisit the problem of tapering and investigate its effect on blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) using a time‐domain analysis with a 1D computational model. First, tapering is modelled as a stepwise reduction in diameter and compared with results from a continuously tapered segment. Next, we studied wave reflections in a combination of stepwise diameter reduction of straight vessels and bifurcations, then repeated the experiments with decreasing the length to physiological values. As the model's segments became shorter in length, wave reflections and re‐reflections resulted in waves overlapping in time. We extended our work by examining the effect of increasing the tapering angle on blood pressure and wave intensity in physiological models: a model of the thoracic aorta and a model of upper thoracic and descending aorta connected to the iliac bifurcation. Vessels tapering inherently changed the ratio between the inlet and outlet cross‐sectional areas, increasing the vessel resistance and reducing the compliance compared with non‐tapered vessels. These variables influence peak and pulse pressure. In addition, it is well established that pulse wave velocity increases in an ageing arterial tree. This work provides confirmation that tapering induces reflections and offers an additional explanation to the observation of increased peak pressure and decreased diastolic pressure distally in the arterial tree.
How Strong is Hydrogen Bonding to Amide Nitrogen?
Authors: Mikshiev Vladimir Y. , Pozharskii Alexander F. , Filarowski Alexander , Novikov Alexander S. , Antonov Alexander S. , Tolstoy Peter M. , Vovk Mikhail A. , Khoroshilova Olesya V.
Published: January 2020

The protonation of the carboxamide nitrogen atom is an essential part ofin vivoandin vitroprocesses (cis‐transisomerization, amides hydrolysis etc). This phenomenon is well studied in geometrically strongly distorted amides, although there is little data concerning the protonation of undistorted amides. In the latter case, the participation of amide nitrogen in hydrogen bonding (which can be regarded as the incipient state of a proton transfer process) is less well‐studied. Thus, it would be a worthy goal to investigate the enthalpy of this interaction. We prepared and investigated a set ofperi‐substituted naphthalenes containing the protonated dimethylamino group next to the amide nitrogen atom (“amide proton sponges”), which could serve as models for the study of an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the amide nitrogen atom. X‐Ray analysis, NMR spectra, basicity values as well as quantum chemical calculations revealed the existence of a hydrogen bond with the amide nitrogen, that should be attributed to the borderline between moderate and weak intramolecular hydrogen bonds (2–7 kcal ⋅ mol−1).
Selection of the Recommended Phase 2 Dose for Bintrafusp Alfa, a Bifunctional Fusion Protein Targeting TGF‐β and PD‐L1
Authors: Vugmeyster Yulia , Wilkins Justin , Koenig Andre , El Bawab Samer , Dussault Isabelle , Ojalvo Laureen S. , De Banerjee Samrita , Klopp‐Schulze Lena , Khandelwal Akash
Published: January 2020

Bintrafusp alfa, a first‐in‐class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGF‐βRII receptor (TGF‐β “trap”) fused to a human IgG1‐blocking PD‐L1, showed a manageable safety profile and clinical activity in phase I studies in patients with heavily pretreated advanced solid tumors. The recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) was selected based on integration of modeling, simulations, and all available data. A 1,200‐mg every 2 weeks (q2w) dose was predicted to maintain serum trough concentration (Ctrough) that inhibits all targets of bintrafusp alfa in circulation in > 95% of patients, and a 2,400‐mg every 3 weeks (q3w) dose was predicted to have similar Ctrough. A trend toward an association between exposure and efficacy variables and a relatively stronger inverse association between clearance and efficacy variables were observed. Exposure was either weakly or not correlated with probability of adverse events. The selected intravenous RP2D of bintrafusp alfa is 1,200 mg q2w or 2,400 mg q3w.
Model‐Informed Artificial Intelligence: Reinforcement Learning for Precision Dosing
Authors: Ribba Benjamin , Dudal Sherri , Lavé Thierry , Peck Richard W.
Published: January 2020

The availability of multidimensional data together with the development of modern techniques for data analysis represent an exceptional opportunity for clinical pharmacology. Data science—defined in this special issue as the novel approaches to the collection, aggregation, and analysis of data—can significantly contribute to characterize drug‐response variability at the individual level, thus enabling clinical pharmacology to become a critical contributor to personalized healthcare through precision dosing. We propose a minireview of methodologies for achieving precision dosing with a focus on an artificial intelligence technique called reinforcement learning, which is currently used for individualizing dosing regimen in patients with life‐threatening diseases. We highlight the interplay of such techniques with conventional pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approaches and discuss applicability in drug research and early development.
Challenges in Alzheimer's Disease Drug Discovery and Development: The Role of Modeling, Simulation, and Open Data
Authors: Conrado Daniela J. , Duvvuri Sridhar , Geerts Hugo , Burton Jackson , Biesdorf Carla , Ahamadi Malidi , Macha Sreeraj , Hather Gregory , Francisco Morales Juan , Podichetty Jagdeep , Nicholas Timothy , Stephenson Diane , Trame Mirjam , Romero Klaus , Corrigan Brian ,   the Drug Development Tools in the Alzheimer Disease Continuum (DDT‐AD) Working Group
Published: January 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. With 35 million people over 60 years of age with dementia, there is an urgent need to develop new treatments for AD. To streamline this process, it is imperative to apply insights and learnings from past failures to future drug development programs. In the present work, we focus on how modeling and simulation tools can leverage open data to address drug development challenges in AD.
“In‐House” Data on the Outside—A Mobile Health Approach
Authors: Huang Qinlei , Crumley Tami , Walters Christina , Cluckers Liesbeth , Heirman Ingeborg , Railkar Radha , Bhatia Gaurav , Cantor Matthew , Benko Christopher , Izmailova Elena S. , Rottey Sylvie , Stoch S. Aubrey
Published: January 2020

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have the potential to capture dense patient data on the background of real‐life behavior. Merck & Co., Inc. (Kenilworth, NJ), in collaboration with Koneksa Health, conducted a phase I clinical trial to validate cardiovascular mHealth technologies for concordance with traditional approaches and to establish sensitivity to detect effects of pharmacological intervention. This two‐part study enrolled 18 healthy male subjects. Part I, a 5‐day study, compared mHealth measures of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) to those from traditional methods. Hypotheses of similarity, in the clinic and at home, were tested individually for HR, systolic BP, and diastolic BP, at a 2‐sided 0.05 alpha level, with a prespecified criterion for similarity being the percentage differences between the 2 measurements within 15%. Part II, a 7‐day, 3‐period randomized balanced crossover study, evaluated the mHealth technology’s ability to detect effects of bisoprolol and salbutamol. Hypotheses that the changes from baseline in HR were greater in the bisoprolol (reduction in HR) and salbutamol (increase in HR) groups compared with no treatment were tested, at a 1‐sided 0.05 alpha level. Linear mixed‐effects models, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, summary statistics, and exploratory plots were applied to analyze the data. The mHealth measures of HR and BP were demonstrated to be similar to those from traditional methods, and sensitive to changes in cardiovascular parameters induced by bisoprolol and salbutamol.
Canola is injured by in‐row nitrogen placement associated with disc openers, but not by tine openers
Authors: Swanepoel Pieter A. , Labuschagne Johan
Published: January 2020

Seed drills are used in no‐tillage systems to place seed directly in soil. Various furrow openers exist, each with unique seed and fertilizer placement characteristics, particularly positioning of fertilizer in relation to the position of the seed. Seedling damage may occur if seed and fertilizer placement is not appropriate for the particular crop. Canola (Brassica napus L.) seed is small, resulting in seedlings susceptible to injury by fertilizers. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of in‐row N placement with a seed drill fitted with single‐ and double‐chute tine openers, and disc openers. The study was performed in a Mediterranean‐type climate region in South Africa over 2 yr. Plant establishment was reduced by 48% when canola was established with disc openers with no separation between N and the seed (P < .05). Tine openers were most successful in establishing an acceptable plant population, as well as ensuring high biomass production throughout the season, leading to a high leaf area index. Although no yield differences (P > .05) were observed between openers, it was concluded that the application of N in the band at the same position as the seed is a risk. Tine openers, either with a single or double seed chute, that separate seed and fertilizer resulted in the best canola performance.
Item reduction of the 39‐item Rotterdam Diabetic Foot Study Test Battery using decision tree modelling
Authors: Rinkel Willem D. , van der Oest Mark J. W. , Coert J. Henk
Published: January 2020

Aims

Pedal sensory loss due to diabetes‐related neuropathy can be graded by testing static two‐point discrimination (S2PD), moving two‐point discrimination (M2PD), static one‐point discrimination (S1PD; eg, 10‐g monofilament), and vibration sense and is included in the Rotterdam Diabetic Foot (RDF) Study Test Battery. The aim of this study is to investigate if decision tree modelling is able to reduce the number of tests needed in estimating pedal sensation.

Methods

The 39‐item RDF Study Test Battery (RDF‐39) scores were collected from the prospective RDF study and included baseline (n = 416), first follow‐up (n = 364), and second follow‐up (n = 135) measurements, supplemented with cross‐sectional control data from a previous study (n = 196). Decision tree analysis was used to predict total RDF‐39 scores using individual test item data. The tree was developed using baseline RDF study data and validated in follow‐up and control data. Spearman correlation coefficients assessed the reliability between the decision tree and original RDF‐39.

Results

The tree reduced the number of items from 39 to 3 in estimating the RDF‐39 sum score. M2PD (hallux), S2PD (first dorsal web, fifth toe), vibration sense (interphalangeal joint), and S1PD (first dorsal web, fifth toe) measurements proved to be predictive. The correlation coefficients to original scores were high (0.76 to 0.91).

Conclusions

The decision tree was successful at reducing the number of RDF Test Battery items to only 3, with high correlation coefficients to the scores of the full test battery. The findings of this study aids medical decision making by time efficiently estimating pedal sensory status with fewer tests needed.
Phylogeography and demographic history of Gyrodactylus konovalovi (Monogenoidea: Gyrodactylidae), an ectoparasite on the East Asia Amur minnow (Cyprinidae) in Central China
Authors: Chen Tao , Chen Juan , Tang Ling , Chen Xiaoning , Yan Jun , You Ping
Published: January 2020

Gyrodactylus konovalovi is an ectoparasite on the Amur minnow (Rhynchocypris lagowskii) that is widely distributed in the cold fresh waters of East Asia. In the present study, the phylogeography and demographic history of G. konovalovi and the distribution of its host in the Qinling Mountains are examined. A total of 79 individual parasites was sequenced for a 528 bp region of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) gene, and 25 haplotypes were obtained. The substitution rate (dN/dS) was 0.068 and indicated purifying selection. Haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) varied widely in the Qinling Mountains. Phylogenetic trees based on Bayesian inference (BI), maximum likelihood (ML), and maximum parsimony (MP) methods and network analysis revealed that all haplotypes were consistently well‐supported in three different lineages, indicating a significant geographic distribution pattern. There was a significant positive correlation between genetic differentiation (Fst) and geographic distance. The results of mismatch distribution, neutrality test and Bayesian skyline plot analyses showed that whole populations underwent population contraction during the Pleistocene. Based on the molecular clock calibration, the most common ancestor was estimated to have emerged in the middle Pleistocene. Our study suggests for the first time that a clearly phylogeography of G. konovalovi was shaped by geological events and climate fluctuations, such as orogenesis, drainage capture changes, and vicariance, during the Pleistocene in the Qinling Mountains.
Shared response to changes in drainage basin: Phylogeography of the Yunnan small narrow‐mouthed frog, Glyphoglossus yunnanensis (Anura: Microhylidae)
Authors: Zhang Dong‐Ru , Hui Hong , Yu Guo‐Hua , Song Xin‐Qiang , Liu Shuo , Yuan Si‐Qi , Xiao Heng , Rao Ding‐Qi
Published: January 2020

Aim

With the late Cenozoic uplift of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), drainage of the southeastern edge of the QTP changed significantly. However, the impact of this dramatic change on the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of endemic organisms is still poorly understood. Here, we examined the geographical patterns of genetic variation in the Yunnan small narrow‐mouthed frog, Glyphoglossus yunnanensis (Microhylidae), and two alternative hypotheses were tested: That is, the geographical distribution of genetic variation was determined by either the contemporary drainage basin or historical drainage basins.

Location

The Mountains of southwest China.

Materials and methods

Analyses were based on 417 specimens collected from across the distribution of the species. We reconstructed the genealogy (Bayesian and maximum parsimony methods) and assessed demographic history based on DNA sequencing data from mitochondrial and nuclear markers. We also mapped the genetic diversity and estimated the divergence times by a relaxed clock model.

Results

The species has maintained a relatively stable population size without recent population expansion. Four major maternal lineages were identified with good support, one representing a possible cryptic species and the other three showing further subdivision. The distribution of these deeply differentiated lineages/sublineages corresponded well to geographical regions. The secondary contact zones and phylogeographic breaks in distinct lineages of G. yunnanensis were almost concordant with those of Nanorana yunnanensis.

Main conclusions

Lineage division conformed to the hypothesis of drainage system evolution, that is, the phylogeographic pattern of G. yunnanensis was shaped by historical drainage patterns. Concordance in phylogeographic patterns may suggest a shared response to common hydrogeological history and also might indicate that there was more contribution of the drainage history than ecological or life‐history traits in structuring genetic variation between these two disparate codistributed taxa G. yunnanensis and N. yunnanensis.
Climate change influences mycorrhizal fungal–plant interactions, but conclusions are limited by geographical study bias
Authors: Bennett Alison E. , Classen Aimée T.
Published: January 2020

Climate change is altering the interactions among plants and soil organisms in ways that will alter the structure and function of ecosystems. We reviewed the literature and developed a map of studies focused on how the three most common types of mycorrhizal fungi (arbuscular mycorrhizal [AM], ectomycorrhizal [EcM], and ericoid mycorrhizal [ErM] fungi) respond to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (eCO2), climatic warming, and changes in the distribution of precipitation. Broadly, we ask how do mycorrhizal fungi respond to climate change, how do these responses vary by fungal type, and how do mycorrhizal traits influence plant adaptation, movement, or extinction in response to climatic change? First, we found that 92% of studies were conducted in the northern hemisphere, and plant host, ecosystem type and study location were only correlated with each other in the northern hemisphere because studies across all mycorrhizal fungal types were only common in the northern hemisphere. Second, we show that temperature and rainfall variability had more variable effects than eCO2 on mycorrhizal fungal structures, but these effects were context dependent. Third, while mycorrhizal fungal types vary in their responses to climate change, it appears that warming leads to more variable responses in ectomycorrhizal than in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Finally, we discuss common traits of mycorrhizal fungi that could aid in fungal and plant adaption to climate change. We posit that mycorrhizal fungi can buffer plant hosts against extinction risk, they can facilitate or retard the dispersal success of plants moving away from poor environments, and, by buffering host plants, they can enable host plant adaptation to new climates. All of these influences are, however, context dependent a finding that reflects the complex traits of mycorrhizal fungi as a group, the diversity of plant species they associate with and the variation in ecosystems in which they reside. Overall, while we point out many gaps in our understanding of the influence of climate changes on mycorrhizal fungi, we also highlight the large number of opportunities for researching plant and mycorrhizal fungal responses to and mitigation of climate changes.
Immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy: Focus on regulatory T cells
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Hong , Sun Hai‐Xiang
Published: January 2020

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that plays critical roles in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Although efforts have been done, their role in human pregnancy is not fully understood. Numerous studies reported the presence of Treg cells throughout gestation by promoting maternal–fetal tolerance and fetal development. Furthermore, Treg population is heterogeneous as it is expressing different immune checkpoint molecules favoring immune suppressive function. Therefore, better understanding of the heterogeneity and function of Treg cells during pregnancy is critical for an effective immune intervention. Latest evidence has shown that several immune checkpoint molecules are closely associated with pregnancy outcome via multiple inhibitory mechanisms. Majority of these studies demonstrated the modulatory effects of immune checkpoint molecules on effector T‐cell immunity, but their effects on Treg activation and function are still an enigma. In this review, we emphasize the potential influence of multiple immune checkpoint molecules, including CTLA‐4, PD‐1, Tim‐3, LAG‐3, and TIGIT, either in membrane or soluble form, on the function of decidual and peripheral Treg cells during pregnancy. Additionally, we discuss the promising future of targeting Treg cells via immune checkpoint molecules for pregnancy maintenance and prevention of complicated pregnancies.
Impact of Fatty Acid Structure on CALB‐Catalyzed Esterification of Glucose
Authors: Arcens Dounia , Grau Etienne , Grelier Stéphane , Cramail Henri , Peruch Frédéric
Published: January 2020

Enzymatic synthesis of fatty acid glucose esters from different fatty acyl donors are performed via enzymatic catalysis in the presence of Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), using acetonitrile as the solvent. The acyl donor nature (fatty acid or fatty acid vinyl ester) and structure are varied. Lower reaction rates and lower conversions are obtained with fatty acids in comparison to their corresponding vinyl esters. Moreover, the acyl donor with the longest chain length gives the highest conversions. The presence of unsaturation on the acyl donor chain is also shown to be detrimental to the conversion.

Practical Applications: The practical applications of the present work are related to the production of gluco‐esters that could be used as nonionic surfactants as detergents, cosmetics and food emulsifiers, emollients or conservatives, respectively. In this study, it is shown that in order to get high production yields, each reaction parameter has to be tuned properly.
TBAF‐Catalyzed Cyclization Reactions of o‐(Alkynyl)phenyl Propargyl Alcohols with Malonate Esters: A Possible Cation–π Interaction as The Activation Approach
Authors: Zhao Yulei , Guo Xuqiang , Wang Zongkang , Shen Duyi , Chen Tingting , Wu Nan , Yan Shina , You Jinmao
Published: January 2020

An efficient method has been devised for the synthesis of dihydroisobenzofuran derivatives through the reaction of in situ generated ynones with potentially C‐nucleophilic malonate esters. All the products are capable to be prepared by applying the tandem strategy at room temperature. The reaction was realized through a combination of the pivotal TBAF‐catalyzed conjugate addition and selective O‐nucleophilic cyclization. As revealed by the control experiments, both the basicity of fluoride anion and ammonium cation–π interaction with alkyne unit might play crucial roles in the cyclization reaction.
The Challenge of Conformational Isomerism in Cyclic Peptoids
Authors: De Riccardis Francesco
Published: January 2020

Peptoids (N‐substituted glycine oligomers) are an increasingly important class of peptidomimetic foldamers with conspicuous bioactivities, high degree of resistance to enzymatic degradation, and ability to form stable secondary structures. The intrinsic rigidity of their oligoamide framework (due to n→π*, side chains NCα–H···O=C n→σ*, and backbone Cα–H···O=C interactions), can be magnified by cyclization to afford macrocyclic species with unexpected stereochemical, topological and biochemical attributes. In this minireview the implications of conformational chirality, a largely overlooked source of chirality in medium and large size cyclic peptoids, are addressed. The exploration of the unique structural and recognition properties of macrocyclic peptoid biomimetics unravels potential strategies for design and development of sequence‐defined (cyclo)oligomers where conformational isomerism is an issue.
Model averaging estimation for conditional volatility models with an application to stock market volatility forecast
Authors: Liu Qingfeng , Yao Qingsong , Zhao Guoqing
Published: January 2020

This paper is concerned with model averaging estimation for conditional volatility models. Given a set of candidate models with different functional forms, we propose a model averaging estimator and forecast for conditional volatility, and construct the corresponding weight‐choosing criterion. Under some regulatory conditions, we show that the weight selected by the criterion asymptotically minimizes the true Kullback–Leibler divergence, which is the distributional approximation error, as well as the Itakura–Saito distance, which is the distance between the true and estimated or forecast conditional volatility. Monte Carlo experiments support our newly proposed method. As for the empirical applications of our method, we investigate a total of nine major stock market indices and make a 1‐day‐ahead volatility forecast for each data set. Empirical results show that the model averaging forecast achieves the highest accuracy in terms of all types of loss functions in most cases, which captures the movement of the unknown true conditional volatility.
A comparison of conditional predictive ability of implied volatility and realized measures in forecasting volatility
Authors: Shi Yafeng , Ying Tingting , Shi Yanlong , Ai Chunrong
Published: January 2020

In a conditional predictive ability test framework, we investigate whether market factors influence the relative conditional predictive ability of realized measures (RMs) and implied volatility (IV), which is able to examine the asynchronism in their forecasting accuracy, and further analyze their unconditional forecasting performance for volatility forecast. Our results show that the asynchronism can be detected significantly and is strongly related to certain market factors, and the comparison between RMs and IV on average forecast performance is more efficient than previous studies. Finally, we use the factors to extend the empirical similarity (ES) approach for combination of forecasts derived from RMs and IV.
Indole Alleviates Diet‐Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Inflammation in a Manner Involving Myeloid Cell 6‐Phosphofructo‐2‐Kinase/Fructose‐2,6‐Biphosphatase 3
Authors: Ma Linqiang , Li Honggui , Hu Jinbo , Zheng Juan , Zhou Jing , Botchlett Rachel , Matthews Destiny , Zeng Tianshu , Chen Lulu , Xiao Xiaoqiu , Athrey Giri , Threadgill David W. , Li Qingsheng , Glaser Shannon , Francis Heather , Meng Fanyin , Li Qifu , Alpini Gianfranco , Wu Chaodong
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Indole is a microbiota metabolite that exerts anti‐inflammatory responses. However, the relevance of indole to human non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not clear. It also remains largely unknown whether and how indole acts to protect against NAFLD. The present study sought to examine the association between the circulating levels of indole and liver fat content in human subjects and explore the mechanisms underlying indole actions in mice with diet‐induced NAFLD.

Approach and Results

In a cohort of 137 subjects, the circulating levels of indole were reversely correlated with body mass index. In addition, the circulating levels of indole in obese subjects were significantly lower than those in lean subjects and were accompanied with increased liver fat content. At the whole‐animal level, treatment of high‐fat diet (HFD)–fed C57BL/6J mice with indole caused significant decreases in the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammation. In cultured cells, indole treatment stimulated the expression of 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), a master regulatory gene of glycolysis, and suppressed macrophage proinflammatory activation in a PFKFB3‐dependent manner. Moreover, myeloid cell–specific PFKFB3 disruption exacerbated the severity of HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation and blunted the effect of indole on alleviating diet‐induced NAFLD phenotype.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results demonstrate that indole is relevant to human NAFLD and capable of alleviating diet‐induced NAFLD phenotypes in mice in a myeloid cell PFKFB3‐dependent manner. Therefore, indole mimetic and/or macrophage‐specific PFKFB3 activation may be the viable preventive and/or therapeutic approaches for inflammation‐associated diseases including NAFLD.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of relapsed follicular lymphoma after autologous stem cell transplantation in the rituximab era
Authors: Sesques Pierre , Bourcier Jessie , Golfier Camille , Lebras Laure , Nicolas‐Virelizier Emmanuelle , Hacini Maya , Perrin Marie Claire , Voillat Laurent , Bachy Emmanuel , Traverse‐Glehen Alexandra , Moreau Anne , Martin Laurent , Ramla Selim , Casasnovas Olivier , Le Gouill Steven , Salles Gilles , Ghesquières Hervé
Published: January 2020

High‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a therapeutic option for patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL). The clinical characteristics and outcomes of FL relapse after ASCT in the rituximab era have not yet been fully elucidated. We retrospectively reviewed 414 FL patients treated with ASCT between 2000 and 2014 in four hematology departments. All patients received rituximab as a first‐line treatment. We specifically analyzed the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies at relapse, and outcomes of 95 patients (23%) who relapsed after ASCT. The patients (median age, 57 y) received a median of two lines of therapy (range, 2‐6) prior to ASCT, with 92% in complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) before ASCT. Histological transformation at relapse after ASCT was observed in 20% of the patients. Treatment at relapse after ASCT consisted of chemotherapy with or without rituximab (n = 45/90, 50%), targeted agents (18%), rituximab monotherapy (14%), or consolidation allogeneic transplantation after induction chemotherapy (12%) and radiotherapy (6%). After relapse, the median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 1 year (95% CI, 0.541‐1.579) and 5.5 years (95% CI, 1.910‐9.099), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, histological transformation (HT) was associated with OS (P = .044; HR 2.439; 95% CI, 1.025‐5.806), and a high FLIPI score at relapse was associated with PFS (P = .028; HR 2.469; 95% CI, 1.104‐5.521). This retrospective study showed that the period of PFS of patients who relapsed after ASCT is short. A biopsy should be performed for these patients to document the HT. Our results indicate that new treatment strategies will need to be developed for these patients.
Comorbidity assessment to determine prognosis in older adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Galli Eugenio , Cuccaro Annarosa , Maiolo Elena , Bellesi Silvia , D'Alò Francesco , Fusco Domenico , Colloca Giuseppe , De Stefano Valerio , Hohaus Stefan
Published: January 2020

The clinical management of older adult patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) remains a major challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of comorbidity assessment according to a standardized approach, the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), on prognosis in patients with classical HL aged 60 years and older. We studied 76 consecutive older adult patients with HL (median age 69 y, range 60‐84) who had been treated in our institution between 1999 and 2018. Comorbidity was assessed at diagnosis according to CIRS. Anthracycline‐containing chemotherapy with curative intent was administered in 59 (78%) patients. We identified 41 (54%) patients with at least one severe comorbidity rated on CIRS grade ≥ 3. Patients with severe comorbidity were more likely to have advanced‐stage disease (P = .003), to have an International Prognostic Score (IPS) > 3 (P = .03), and to not receive anthracycline‐containing chemotherapy (P = .008). The probability of overall survival (OS) at 3 years was 88% (95% CI, 71%‐95%) in patients without severe comorbidities, while it was only 46% (95% CI, 29%‐62%) in patients with a comorbidity CIRS grade ≥ 3 (P = .0001). The impact of comorbidity on prognosis was also evident when restricting the analysis to patients treated with anthracycline‐containing therapy. The 3‐year OS was 93% (95% CI, 76%‐98%) (P = .004) in patients without severe comorbidity and 72% (95% CI, 47%‐87%) in patients with severe comorbidity (P = .004). In a multivariate analysis, presence of comorbidity, but not age, was a significant factor for OS. Therefore, we conclude that a significant proportion of older adult patients with HL has severe comorbidity on the CIRS scale, which impacts more importantly than age on prognosis.
The role of acculturation in migrants’ use of gynecologic emergency departments
Authors: Schwachenwalde Sabina , Sauzet Odile , Razum Oliver , Sehouli Jalid , David Matthias
Published: January 2020

Objective

To examine whether acculturation of migrant patients is a predictor of non‐urgent use of gynecologic emergency departments (GEDs).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study based on standardized questionnaire interviews among migrant (n=477) and non‐migrant (n=246) women attending a GED in Berlin, Germany, between 2017 and 2018. Non‐urgent GED use was defined by health system (e.g., no hospital admission) or patient (e.g., low subjective urgency) criteria. Acculturation was assessed by the Frankfurt Acculturation Scale. Logistic regressions were calculated with non‐migrants as the reference.

Results

Relative to migrants, low acculturation of migrants had no significant effect on overall non‐urgent GED use. However, low acculturation was a significant predictor of non‐urgent use if defined only by health system criteria (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–2.44; P=0.041). Inversely, low acculturation had a significant negative effect on non‐urgent use if defined only by patient criteria (AOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38–0.90; P=0.014).

Conclusion

Low‐acculturated migrants were more prone to non‐urgent GED use as defined by health system criteria, and might have a distorted perception of urgency. According to their perception, however, low‐acculturated patients showed appropriate GED use for urgent complaints, indicating that they are insufficiently cared for by the healthcare system.
Investigations on the aging behavior of transparent bioplastics for optical applications
Authors: Baltscheit Jana , Schmidt Nico , Schröder Finn , Meyer Jörg
Published: January 2020

In this study, the optical properties of transparent bioplastics have been investigated. The long‐term technological goal is to establish biopolymers in a new market segment for demanding optical applications and to contribute to a more sustainable economy. A collection of transparent bioplastics has been tested with respect to the long‐term stability and the possibility of an application in optical components for LED lighting. The focus of materials testing was on the influence of short wavelength visible radiation as well as thermal loads. The results show, that some materials may be candidates for subsequent feasibility studies. To the best of our knowledge, the application of such polymers in complex technical products and in particular in luminaires has not yet been realized. The use of bio‐based plastics for optical components therefore represents a novelty and has a high development potential.

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Two‐dimensional MXenes for lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhang Chuanfang (John) , Cui Linfan , Abdolhosseinzadeh Sina , Heier Jakob
Published: January 2020

Rechargeable lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries have attracted significant research attention due to their high capacity and energy density. However, their commercial applications are still hindered by challenges such as the shuttle effect of soluble lithium sulfide species, the insulating nature of sulfur, and the fast capacity decay of the electrodes. Various efforts are devoted to address these problems through questing more conductive hosts with abundant polysulfide chemisorption sites, as well as modifying the separators to physically/chemically retard the polysulfides migration. Two dimensional transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides, so‐called MXenes, are ideal for confining the polysulfides shuttling effects due to their high conductivity, layered structure as well as rich surface terminations. As such, MXenes have thus been widely studied in Li‐S batteries, focusing on the conductive sulfur hosts, polysulfides interfaces, and separators. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the significant progresses regarding the design of multifunctional MXene‐based Li‐S batteries and discuss the solutions for improving electrochemical performances in detail. In addition, challenges and perspectives of MXenes for Li‐S batteries are also outlined.

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Ultrasensitive graphene‐Si position‐sensitive detector for motion tracking
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Liu Kaiyang , Jiang Jie , Du Ruxia , Sun Litao , Chen Wei , Lu Junpeng , Ni Zhenhua
Published: January 2020

Motion tracking has attracted great attention in the fields of real‐time tracking, nanorobotics, and targeted therapy. For achieving more accurate motion tracking, the highly sensitive position‐sensitive detector (PSD) is desirable. Here, we demonstrate a meliorated PSD based on graphene‐Si heterojunction for motion tracking. The position sensitivity of PSD was improved by employing surface engineering of graphene. Through modulating the transport property of graphene, nearly 20‐fold increase of sensitivity was achieved under weak light, and at the same time, the detection limit power was reduced to ~ 2 nW. A motion tracking system was developed based on the improved PSD, and human arm swing was tracked, which demonstrated high sensitivity and real‐time tracking capabilities of the PSD. In addition, the PSD can support up to ~ 10 kHz high‐frequency tracking. This work provides a new strategy for improving the performance of PSD, and promotes the development of two‐dimensional materials in novel optoelectronic devices.

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Identification of apoptosis‐associated protein factors distinctly expressed in cigarette smoke condensate‐exposed airway bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Lin Ben‐cheng , Li Qiu‐yue , Tian Lei , Liu Huan‐liang , Liu Xiao‐hua , Shi Yue , He Chen , Ding Su‐su , Yan Jun , Li Kang , Bian Li‐ping , Lai Wen‐qing , Zhang Wei , Li Xiang , Xi Zhu‐ge
Published: January 2020

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and asthma. However, the mechanisms or diagnostic markers for smoking‐related diseases remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the role of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) in the regulation of human bronchial epithelial cell (BEAS‐2B) behavior. We found that exposure to CSC significantly inhibited BEAS‐2B cell viability, impaired cell morphology, induced cell apoptosis, triggered oxidative damage, and promoted inflammatory response, which suggests a deleterious effect of CSC on bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, CSC markedly altered the expression of apoptosis‐associated protein factors, including p21, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, and Fas ligand. In sum, our study identified a panel of novel protein factors that may mediate the actions of CSC on bronchial epithelial cells and have a predictive value for the development and progression of smoking‐related diseases, thus providing insights into the development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against these diseases.
A network analysis of borderline personality disorder symptoms and disordered eating
Authors: De Paoli Tara , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Huang Chia , Krug Isabel
Published: January 2020

Objective

The current study used network analysis to explore associations between specific groupings of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorder (ED) symptoms, and other transdiagnostic variables including insecure attachment, rejection sensitivity, emotion dysregulation, a theory of mind, and emotion recognition.

Method

Network analysis was undertaken on self‐report data from 753 adults (81.5% women), of whom 109 reported a lifetime ED diagnosis.

Results

Comorbidity between BPD and ED symptoms was only partially conceptualized through the transdiagnostic variables. The centrality indices from the network analysis indicated that emotion dysregulation and abandonment were the most central elements in the network. Conversely, the theory of mind and emotion recognition had very few connections with the other transdiagnostic variables in the network.

Discussion

The findings provide empirical insight into the nature of the observed co‐occurrence between BPD and ED symptoms and serve to improve clinical decision‐making regarding psychological interventions for both problem sets.
Mending broken bonds in military couples using emotionally focused therapy for couples: Tips and discoveries
Authors: Wen Irina , Price Laura E. , Spray Amanda M. , Marmar Charles R.
Published: January 2020

Military families face specific challenges related to military service, deployments, separations, and coming together. The process of reintegration back to civilian life can be challenged by posttraumatic stress and other readjustment difficulties that can affect not only the veteran but the family as a whole. Strengthening bonds and relationships is an important step in recovery. In this paper, the authors review the application of emotionally focused therapy to couples therapy with military couples and identify factors that can facilitate the therapeutic process with this unique population.
Evaluation of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) solubility in non‐halogenated solvents to achieve an environmentally friendly recovery process from Burkholderia cepacia B27 cells
Authors: Ramos Andrés F , Muñoz Melissa , Espinosa Armando , Cabeza Iván O , Moreno‐Sarmiento Nubia
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) is a biopolymer of bacterial origin widely studied for its physicochemical characteristics, biocompatibility, nontoxicity and biodegradability. Unfortunately, there is no extraction and purification process that allows sustainable large‐scale production of the biopolymer.

RESULTS

The solubility of P3HB in several non‐halogenated solvents was studied to achieve a novel and environmentally friendly methodology for polymer solvent extraction from bacterial cells. Acetic acid, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone were selected using theoretical approximations for the experimental evaluation of solubility at various temperatures, concentrations and incubation times with a complete general factorial experimental design. The results were interpreted with analysis of variance to evaluate the influence of each factor on the solubility. It was determined that at temperatures above 90 °C, acetic acid has a high P3HB solubilization efficiency, which makes it an excellent candidate for an environmentally friendly solvent‐extraction process. The mass yield of the extraction process with the new procedure was 54.8% compared to 59.9% for the standard chloroform solvent‐extraction process. Also, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry showed thermal behavior to be similar between P3HB recovered using chloroform and acetic acid extraction.

CONCLUSIONS

P3HB extraction from Burkholderia cepacia cells using acetic acid extraction and methanol purification is a promising method for large‐scale biopolymer production due to the elimination of hazardous solvents from the process. However, polymer purity and yield are slightly affected compared to the conventional chloroform extraction process. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry