bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A theoretical approach to understanding the global/local nex-us: the adoption of an institutional logics framework.
Authors: Parish Karen
Published: May 2019

This paper takes as its starting point the theoretical debate within the field of Comparative and International Education surrounding the way in which the global/local nexus is understood and researched. Attempting to move the debate forward, the paper introduces the institutional logics approach as one way in which the global/local nexus can be explored. Institutional logics focus on how belief systems shape and are shaped by individuals and organisations. A framework, based on the institutional logics approach, is presented in this paper taking the phenomena of human rights education as an illustration. The author proposes that by adopting an institutional logics approach and framework we can gain a better theoretical and empirical understanding of the global/local nexus and at the same time provide a much needed bridge between the opposing views within this ongoing debate within the field of Comparative and International education.
A multi-generational risk assessment of Cry1F on the non-target soil organismFolsomia candida(Collembola) based on whole transcriptome profiling
Authors: Huang Cheng-Wang , Chen Wan-Jun , Ke Xin , Li Yunhe , Luan Yun-Xia
Published: May 2019

TheBacillus thuringiensistoxin Cry1F has been used to develop insect-resistant genetically engineered crops. There has been great interest in evaluating its potential risk to non-target organisms (NTOs). However, the majority of previous risk assessments only examined one generation of NTOs using several physiological indicators, which cannot comprehensively detect some potential sub-lethal effects at the molecular level. In this study, we conducted a laboratory-based, multi-generational risk assessment of Cry1F for the collembolanFolsomia candida, an important representative of soil arthropods in terms of survival, reproduction, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified from whole transcriptome profiles. Our results demonstrated that Cry1F was continuously ingested by collembolans over three consecutive generations, but it did not affect the survival or reproduction ofF. candida. There were no significant differences in the global gene expression betweenF. candida—fed diets with and without Cry1F, and no consistent co-expressed DEGs over three generations. In addition, Cry1F did not obviously alter the expression profiles of seven sensitive biological markers. Our composite data indicates that Cry1F had no long-term harmful effects on collembolanF. candida.
Induction of Senescence and Foliar Abscission in Apple Trees with the Use of Abscisic Acid
Authors: Esperança Caroline De Fátima , Petri José Luiz , Rossi Andrea De , Couto Marcelo , Sezerino André Amarildo , Gabardo Gentil Carneiro
Published: May 2019

Aims: Evaluate the effects of different concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA) on adult plants of productive age of ‘Daiane’ and ‘Fuji Suprema’, to follow the ecophysiological effects and their efficiency in inducing leaf senescence, sprouting and productivity, in the Midwestern region of the state of Santa Catarina.

Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with six replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Caçador, Brazil (latitude 26º50’07” S, longitude 50º58’32” W, altitude 969 meters), during the growing seasons of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015.

Methodology: The apple fruit tree were submitted to the following treatments: 1) Control (without treatment), 2) abscisic acid 750 mg L-1, 3) abscisic acid 750 + 750 mg L-1, 4) abscisic acid 1500 mg L-1 and 5) abscisic acid 1500 + 1500 mg L-1. ABA applications in the first year were carried out on May 2, 2013 in treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5, and after 11 days (05/13/13) the plants of treatments 3 and 5 were sprayed again. In the second year, ABA applications were carried out on May 6 and 15, 2014, following the same application methodology described for the first year. As the source of abscisic acid (ABA) the commercial product ProTone® (20% i.a.) was used, without the use of adjuvant. The exogenous application of ABA was effective in promoting the senescence and leaf fall of the ‘Daiane’ and ‘Fuji Suprema’ cultivars. In the 2013/2014 season, the concentration of 750 mg L-1 was enough to induce 100% leaf fall in 'Daiane' plants. However, a difference was observed between the concentrations of ABA used. There was a difference between concentrations and number of applications. Lower concentrations were efficient and deflated as much as the higher concentration. The application of ABA induces the abscission of apple leaves in early autumn in 'Daiane' and 'Fuji Suprema' apple plants. The ABA does not affect shoots of axillary buds and anticipates the beginning of shoots.
Efficacy of Computer‐Based Telephone Counseling on Long‐Term Adherence to Strength Training in Elderly Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Baker Kristin , LaValley Michael P. , Brown Carrie , Felson David T. , Ledingham Aileen , Keysor Julie J.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To determine whether the Boston Overcoming Osteoarthritis through Strength Training Telephone‐Linked Communication (BOOST‐TLC) program, a novel telephone‐based, motivational, strength‐training exercise‐adherence counseling intervention, improved adherence to a strength‐training exercise program over 2 years.

Methods

Participants were recruited for this 2‐year, single‐blind, parallel‐arm randomized controlled trial from knee osteoarthritis patient registries, community newspapers, and online websites in Massachusetts. Eligibility criteria included age 50 years or older, painful knee osteoarthritis, and ability to use a telephone. Exclusion criteria included medical conditions precluding exercise, inflammatory arthritis, current regular strength training, planned knee replacement surgery, dementia, inability to follow exercise instructions, and inability to use the TLC system. After participating in a group exercise class, participants were randomized to receiving motivational telephone calls through the BOOST‐TLC program for 24 months or the control. Both control and intervention participants received a monthly automated phone message reminder to continue the program. Exercise adherence was ascertained by a single self‐report item scored 0–10, where 10 represented complete adherence. Outcomes were evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results

A total of 104 subjects were randomized, and 89 subjects (44 control, 45 TLC) completed the 24‐month follow‐up. There was no significant difference in adherence at 24 months between groups (mean for control group 4.01 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.03, 4.99], mean for TLC subjects 3.63 [95% CI 2.70, 4.56]; P = 0.57).

Conclusion

In those with knee osteoarthritis who had participated in an exercise program, frequent motivational telephone reminders did not increase adherence to strength‐training exercise.
Arthritis, Sleep Health, and Systemic Inflammation in Older Men
Authors: Lee Soomi , Stone Katie L. , Engeland Christopher G. , Lane Nancy E. , Buxton Orfeu M.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To examine the associations of prevalent arthritis with systemic inflammation in older men and to test whether sleep health mediates the associations.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data came from 2,562 community‐dwelling older men (all were age 65 years or older; mean age 76 years) in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study who participated in a sleep ancillary study in 2003–2005. Participants were classified as having osteoarthritis (OA) (24%) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (0.7%) based on self‐reported diagnoses and medication use. We constructed a composite score of multidimensional sleep health (i.e., perceived sleep quality, sleepiness, frequency of daytime napping, wake after sleep onset, and sleep duration) measured by both self‐report and actigraphy. We also created binary indicators of elevated inflammation using C‐reactive protein (CRP) (>3 mg/liter) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (>1.08 pg/ml) levels. Analyses controlled for age, diagnosed sleep disorders, body mass index, smoking status, relevant medication use, and comorbidities.

Results

Older men with OA did not have higher risk of elevated CRP or IL‐6 levels. However, indirect associations of OA through sleep health were found. OA was associated with poorer sleep health, which was further associated with 16% higher odds of elevated CRP (P < 0.001) and 12% higher odds of elevated IL‐6 (P < 0.01) levels after controlling for OA. Older men with RA had higher odds of elevated CRP and IL‐6 levels, but the associations were not mediated by sleep health.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that promoting sleep health may help reduce the risk of systemic inflammation in older men with OA.
Dietary Omega Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake and Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Michigan Lupus Epidemiology and Surveillance Program
Authors: Charoenwoodhipong Prae , Harlow Sioban D. , Marder Wendy , Hassett Afton L. , McCune W. Joseph , Gordon Caroline , Helmick Charles G. , Barbour Kamil E. , Wang Lu , Mancuso Peter , Somers Emily C. , Zick Suzanna M.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To examine associations between dietary intake of omega‐3 (n‐3; generally antiinflammatory) and omega‐6 (n‐6; generally proinflammatory) fatty acids and patient‐reported outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

This study was based on the population‐based Michigan Lupus Epidemiology and Surveillance cohort. Estimates of n‐3 and n‐6 intake were derived from Diet History Questionnaire II items (past year with portion size version). Patient‐reported outcomes included self‐reported lupus activity (Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire [SLAQ]). Multivariable regression, adjusted for age, sex, race, and body mass index, was used to assess associations between absolute intake of n‐3 and n‐6, as well as the n‐6:n‐3 ratio, and patient‐reported outcomes.

Results

Among 456 SLE cases, 425 (93.2%) were female, 207 (45.4%) were African American, and the mean ± SD age was 52.9 ± 12.3 years. Controlling for potential confounders, the average SLAQ score was significantly higher by 0.3 points (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.1, 0.6; P = 0.013) with each unit increase of the n‐6:n‐3 ratio. Both lupus activity and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) sleep disturbance scores were lower with each 1‐gram/1,000 kcal increase of n‐3 fatty acids (SLAQ regression coefficient β = –0.8 [95% CI –1.6, 0.0]; P = 0.055; PROMIS sleep β = –1.1 [95% CI –2.0, –0.2]; P = 0.017). Higher n‐3 intakes were nonsignificantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and comorbid fibromyalgia, and with higher quality of life, whereas results for the n6:n3 ratio trended in the opposite direction.

Conclusion

This population‐based study suggests that higher dietary intake of n‐3 fatty acids and lower n‐6:n‐3 ratios are favorably associated with patient‐reported outcomes in SLE, particularly self‐reported lupus activity and sleep quality.
Coexistent Hyperuricemia and Gout in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Associations With Comorbidities, Disease Activity, and Mortality
Authors: Chiou Andrew , England Bryant R. , Sayles Harlan , Thiele Geoffrey M. , Duryee Michael J. , Baker Joshua F. , Singh Namrata , Cannon Grant W. , Kerr Gail S. , Reimold Andreas , Gaffo Angelo , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Although hyperuricemia and gout can complicate the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the impact of these factors on outcomes in RA is unclear. We undertook this study to examine associations of coexistent hyperuricemia and gout with RA disease measures, RA treatments, and survival.

Methods

Participants from a longitudinal RA study were categorized by the presence of gout and serum urate (UA) status. Groups were compared by baseline patient characteristics, RA disease activity, treatments, and comorbidities. Associations of baseline serum UA levels with all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)–related mortality were examined in multivariable survival analyses.

Results

Of 1,999 participants with RA, 341 (17%) had serum UA concentrations of >6.8 mg/dl, and 121 (6.1%) were diagnosed with gout. There were no significant associations of serum UA concentration or gout with RA disease activity or treatment at enrollment, with the exception that those with gout were more likely to be receiving sulfasalazine and less likely to be receiving nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. After adjustments for age and sex, moderate hyperuricemia (serum UA >6.8 to ≤8 mg/dl) was associated with an increased risk of CVD‐related mortality (hazard ratio 1.56 [95% confidence interval 1.11–2.21]). This association was attenuated and not significant following additional adjustment for comorbidities that more commonly accompany hyperuricemia. Results corresponding with serum UA concentrations of >8.0 mg/dl were similar, although not reaching statistical significance in any model. There were no associations of baseline serum UA concentration with all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

Our study reports the frequency of hyperuricemia and gout in patients with RA. These results demonstrate strong associations of hyperuricemia with CVD mortality in this population, a risk that appears to be driven by excess comorbidity.
When bad news happens: Leadership and focus on patients keeps staff morale high
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2019

Whether it's a lawsuit by a treatment program with a history of problems suing a national organization (see “AAC sues NAATP for defamation,” p. 8), a settlement by a treatment program with the federal government over fraudulent lab billing (see “Acadia to pay $17 million in OTP lab Medicaid billing fraud,” p. 5) or any number of questionable in terms of fact news stories lambasting treatment, staff are affected. It can be their particular program, or treatment in general, that is involved. How do program managers keep up staff morale during these times? We talked to Nick Stavros, CEO of Community Medical Services in Arizona, and Mark Covall, president and CEO of the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH), a membership organization of treatment providers.
Mimicking Neuroplasticity in a Hybrid Biopolymer Transistor by Dual Modes Modulation
Authors: Lv Ziyu , Chen Meng , Qian Fangsheng , Roy Vellaisamy A. L. , Ye Wenbin , She Donghong , Wang Yan , Xu Zong‐Xiang , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: May 2019

Neuromorphic computing systems that are capable of parallel information storage and processing with high area and energy efficiencies, offer important opportunities for future storage systems and in‐memory computing. Here, it is shown that a carbon dots/silk protein (CDs/silk) blend can be used as a light‐tunable charge trapping medium to fabricate an electro‐photoactive transistor synapse. The synaptic device can be optically operated in volatile or nonvolatile modes, ensuring concomitant short‐term and long‐term neuroplasticity. The synaptic‐like behaviors are attributed to the photogating effect induced by trapped photogenerated electrons in the hybrid CDs/silk film which is confirmed with atomic force microscopy based electrical techniques. In addition, system‐level pattern recognition capability of the synaptic device is evaluated by a single‐layer perceptron model. The remote optical operation of neuromorphic architecture provides promising building blocks to complete bioinspired photonic computing paradigms.
Manganese‐Based Na‐Rich Materials Boost Anionic Redox in High‐Performance Layered Cathodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Qiao Yu , Guo Shaohua , Jiang Kezhu , Xu Sheng , Xu Hang , Wang Peng , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: May 2019

To improve the energy and power density of Na‐ion batteries, an increasing number of researchers have focused their attention on activation of the anionic redox process. Although several materials have been proposed, few studies have focused on the Na‐rich materials compared with Li‐rich materials. A key aspect is sufficient utilization of anionic species. Herein, a comprehensive study of Mn‐based Na1.2Mn0.4Ir0.4O2 (NMI) O3‐type Na‐rich materials is presented, which involves both cationic and anionic contributions during the redox process. The single‐cation redox step relies on the Mn3+/Mn4+, whereas Ir atoms build a strong covalent bond with O and effectively suppress the O2 release. In situ Raman, ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and soft‐X‐ray absorption spectroscopy are employed to unequivocally confirm the reversibility of O22− species formation and suggest a high degree of anionic reaction in this NMI Na‐rich material. In operando X‐ray diffraction study discloses the asymmetric structure evolution between the initial and subsequent cycles, which also explains the effect of the charge compensation mechanism on the electrochemical performance. The research provides a novel insight on Na‐rich materials and a new perspective in materials design towards future applications.
Tunable Modal Birefringence in a Low‐Loss Van Der Waals Waveguide
Authors: Hu Debo , Chen Ke , Chen Xinzhong , Guo Xiangdong , Liu Mengkun , Dai Qing
Published: May 2019

van der Waals (vdW) crystals are promising candidates for integrated phase retardation applications due to their large optical birefringence. Among the two major types of vdW materials, the hyperbolic vdW crystals are inherently inadequate for optical retardation applications since the supported polaritonic modes are exclusively transverse‐magnetic (TM) polarized and relatively lossy. Elliptic vdW crystals, on the other hand, represent a superior choice. For example, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a natural uniaxial vdW crystal with extreme elliptic anisotropy in the frequency range of optical communication. Both transverse‐electric (TE) polarized ordinary and TM polarized extraordinary waveguide modes can be supported in MoS2 microcrystals with suitable thicknesses. In this work, low‐loss transmission of these guided modes is demonstrated with nano‐optical imaging at the near‐infrared (NIR) wavelength (1530 nm). More importantly, by combining theoretical calculations and NIR nanoimaging, the modal birefringence between the orthogonally polarized TE and TM modes is shown to be tunable in both sign and magnitude via varying the thickness of the MoS2 microcrystal. This tunability represents a unique new opportunity to control the polarization behavior of photons with vdW materials.
Hydrophobic Hydrogels with Fruit‐Like Structure and Functions
Authors: Guo Hui , Nakajima Tasuku , Hourdet Dominique , Marcellan Alba , Creton Costantino , Hong Wei , Kurokawa Takayuki , Gong Jian Ping
Published: May 2019

Normally, a polymer network swells in a good solvent to form a gel but the gel shrinks in a poor solvent. Here, an abnormal phenomenon is reported: some hydrophobic gels significantly swell in water, reaching water content as high as 99.6 wt%. Such abnormal swelling behaviors in the nonsolvent water are observed universally for various hydrophobic organogels containing omniphilic organic solvents that have a higher affinity to water than to the hydrophobic polymers. The formation of a semipermeable skin layer due to rapid phase separation, and the asymmetric diffusion of water molecules into the gel driven by the high osmotic pressure of the organic solvent–water mixing, are found to be the reasons. As a result, the hydrophobic hydrogels have a fruit‐like structure, consisting of hydrophobic skin and water‐trapped micropores, to display various unique properties, such as significantly enhanced strength, surface hydrophobicity, and antidrying, despite their extremely high water content. Furthermore, the hydrophobic hydrogels exhibit selective water absorption from concentrated saline solutions and rapid water release at a small pressure like squeezing juices from fruits. These novel functions of hydrophobic hydrogels will find promising applications, e.g., as materials that can automatically take the fresh water from seawater.
Conductivity Tuning via Doping with Electron Donating and Withdrawing Molecules in Perovskite CsPbI3 Nanocrystal Films
Authors: Gaulding E. Ashley , Hao Ji , Kang Hyun Suk , Miller Elisa M. , Habisreutinger Severin N. , Zhao Qian , Hazarika Abhijit , Sercel Peter C. , Luther Joseph M. , Blackburn Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2019

Doping of semiconductors enables fine control over the excess charge carriers, and thus the overall electronic properties, crucial to many technologies. Controlled doping in lead‐halide perovskite semiconductors has thus far proven to be difficult. However, lower dimensional perovskites such as nanocrystals, with their high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio, are particularly well‐suited for doping via ground‐state molecular charge transfer. Here, the tunability of the electronic properties of perovskite nanocrystal arrays is detailed using physically adsorbed molecular dopants. Incorporation of the dopant molecules into electronically coupled CsPbI3 nanocrystal arrays is confirmed via infrared and photoelectron spectroscopies. Untreated CsPbI3 nanocrystal films are found to be slightly p‐type with increasing conductivity achieved by incorporating the electron‐accepting dopant 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) and decreasing conductivity for the electron‐donating dopant benzyl viologen. Time‐resolved spectroscopic measurements reveal the time scales of Auger‐mediated recombination in the presence of excess electrons or holes. Microwave conductance and field‐effect transistor measurements demonstrate that both the local and long‐range hole mobility are improved by F4TCNQ doping of the nanocrystal arrays. The improved hole mobility in photoexcited p‐type arrays leads to a pronounced enhancement in phototransistors.
Exploiting Two‐Step Processed Mixed 2D/3D Perovskites for Bright Green Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yan Jielin , Croes Guillaume , Fakharuddin Azhar , Song Wenya , Heremans Paul , Chen Hongzheng , Qiu Weiming
Published: May 2019

Mixed 2D/3D perovskite films with self‐assembled quantum wells have significantly improved the performance of perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs). In this work, such films are fabricated through a two‐step interdiffusion method that is widely employed in processing of perovskite solar cells, however, remains rarely explored for PeLEDs. The effects of incorporating large‐cation ligand, i.e., butylammonium bromide (BABr) into formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr3) based perovskites, in terms of film composition, morphology, optoelectronic properties as well as device performance are thoroughly investigated in this method. By modulating BABr:PbBr2 ratio in the precursor solution, the optimal device shows a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.36% at 147.7 mA cm−2 and a brightness of 37 720 Cd m−2 at 5 V. The performance is remarkably higher than a reference device without BABr that shows a maximum EQE of 2.53% and a brightness of 6190 Cd m−2 at 5 V. The versatility of this method is further extended to another large‐cation ligand, 4‐fluoro‐benzylammonium bromide (F‐BZABr), which leads to maximum EQE of 8.55%. This work indicates two‐step processed mixed 2D/3D perovskites are promising for bright green PeLEDs.
High incidence of venous thromboembolism recurrence in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Brunson Ann , Keegan Theresa , Mahajan Anjlee , White Richard , Wun Ted
Published: May 2019

Previous reports show increased incidence of venous thromboembolism [VTE, deep‐vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE)] in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. The incidence, time course, and risk factors for VTE recurrence have been less well described. We determined the cumulative incidence of first VTE recurrence and bleeding in a cohort of SCD patients with incident VTE. Risk factors for recurrence and bleeding were also determined using multivariable Cox regression models, adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, era of incident VTE, location and hospitalization‐associated status of incident VTE, and SCD‐related complications. Results are presented as adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among 877 SCD patients with an incident VTE, the 1‐year and 5‐year cumulative incidence of recurrence was 13.2% (95% CI 11.0%‐15.5%) and 24.1% (95% CI 21.2%‐27.1%). Risk factors for VTE recurrence included more severe SCD (HR = 2.41; CI: 1.67‐3.47), lower extremity DVT as the incident event (HR = 1.64; CI: 1.17‐2.30), and pneumonia/acute chest syndrome (HR = 1.68; CI: 1.15‐2.45). The cumulative incidence of bleeding was 4.9% (CI 3.5%‐6.4%) at 6 months and 7.9% (CI: 6.2%‐9.8%) at 1 year. More severe SCD (HR = 1.61; CI: 1.11‐2.35) was associated with bleeding. The high incidence of VTE recurrence in patients with SCD suggests that extended anticoagulation may be indicated; however, this must be weighed against a relatively high risk of bleeding. Prospective, randomized studies of anticoagulation in SCD patients with VTE are needed.
Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins and hypoplastic left heart sequence caused by an in frame deletion within FOXF1
Authors: Bourque Danielle K. , Fonseca Inara Chacon , Staines Andrea , Teitelbaum Ronni , Axford Michelle M. , Jobling Rebekah , Chiasson David , Chitayat David
Published: May 2019

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins (ACDMPV) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder of interstitial lung development, leading to pulmonary hypertension, and death in infancy. Associated features include malformations of the heart, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary system. ACDMPV is caused by heterozygous variants in the FOXF1 gene or microdeletions involving FOXF1. We present a male infant with ACDMPV, hypoplastic left heart sequence (HLHS), duodenal atresia, and imperforate anus due to a de novo, in frame deletion in FOXF1: c.209_214del (p.Thr70_Leu71del). Previous reports have suggested that microdeletions involving FOXF1 are associated with ACDMPV with congenital heart defects, including HLHS, gastrointestinal atresias, and other anomalies; whereas likely pathogenic variants within FOXF1 have not been reported with ACDMPV and HLHS. This is the first patient reported with ACDMPV, HLHS, imperforate anus, and duodenal atresia associated with a likely pathogenic variant in the FOXF1 gene.
A report on state‐wide implementation of newborn screening for X‐linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Wiens Katie , Berry Susan A. , Choi Hyoung , Gaviglio Amy , Gupta Ashish , Hietala Amy , Kenney‐Jung Daniel , Lund Troy , Miller Weston , Pierpont Elizabeth I. , Raymond Gerald , Winslow Holly , Zierhut Heather A. , Orchard Paul J.
Published: May 2019

Minnesota became the fourth state to begin newborn screening (NBS) for X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) in 2017. As there is limited retrospective data available on NBS for X‐ALD, we analyzed Minnesota's NBS results from the first year of screening. C26:0 lysophosphatidylcholine (C26:0‐LPC) screening results of 67,836 infants and confirmatory testing (ABCD1 gene and serum VLCFA analysis) for screen positives were obtained. Fourteen infants (nine males, five females) screened positive for X‐ALD and all were subsequently confirmed to have X‐ALD, with zero false positives. The birth prevalence of X‐ALD in screened infants was 1 in 4,845 and 1 in 3,878 males, more than five times previous reported incidences. Pedigrees of affected infants were analyzed, and 17 male (mean age of 17) and 24 female relatives were subsequently diagnosed with X‐ALD. Phenotypes of these family members included self‐reported mild neuropathy symptoms in two males and seven females, and childhood cerebral disease (ccALD) and adrenal insufficiency in one male. We observed fewer cases of ccALD and adrenal insufficiency than expected in male family members (5.9% of males for both) compared to previous observations. Together, these findings suggest that the spectrum of X‐ALD may be broader than previously described and that milder cases may previously have been underrepresented. Other challenges included a high frequency of variants of uncertain significance in ABCD1 and an inability to predict phenotypic severity. We posit that thoughtful planning to address these novel challenges and coordination by dedicated specialists will be imperative for successful implementation of population‐based screening for X‐ALD.
Phenotypic spectrum of ALPK3‐related cardiomyopathy
Authors: Al Senaidi Khalfan , Joshi Niranjan , Al‐Nabhani Maryam , Al‐Kasbi Ghalia , Al Farqani Abdullah , Al‐Thihli Khalid , Al‐Maawali Almundher
Published: May 2019

Cardiomyopathies are clinically heterogeneous disorders and are the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Different etiologies have a significant impact on prognosis. Recently, novel biallelic loss‐of‐function pathogenic variants in alpha‐kinase 3 (ALPK3) were implicated in causing early‐onset pediatric cardiomyopathy (cardiomyopathy, familial hypertrophic 27; OMIM 618052). To date, eight patients, all presented during early childhood, were reported with biallelic ALPK3 pathogenic variants. We describe the molecular and clinical phenotype characterization of familial cardiomyopathy on one family with six affected individuals. We identified homozygosity for an ALPK3 deleterious sequence variant (NM_020778.4:c.639G>A:p.Trp213*) in all the affected individuals. They presented with either dilated cardiomyopathy that progressed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or HCM with left ventricular noncompaction. The age of presentation in our cohort extends between infancy to the fourth decade. The phenotypic severity decreases with the progression of age.
Sichtbares Licht ermöglicht Ruthenium‐katalysierte meta‐C‐H‐Alkylierung bei Raumtemperatur
Authors: Gandeepan Parthasarathy , Koeller Julian , Korvorapun Korkit , Mohr Jens , Ackermann Lutz
Published: May 2019

Die durch sichtbares Licht induzierte Rutheniumkatalyse ermöglicht meta‐selektive C‐H‐Alkylierungen mit hoher Regioselektivität unter milden Bedingungen bei Raumtemperatur. Die Metallaphotokatalyse erfolgt ohne zusätzlichen Photokatalysator und verfügt über eine große Anwendungsbreite. Die Robustheit der photoinduzierten meta‐C‐H‐Funktionalisierung spiegelt sich in einer hohen Toleranz für funktionelle Gruppen wider und legt die Grundlage für anspruchsvolle, sekundäre und tertiäre meta‐C‐H‐Alkylierungen mittels Rutheniumphotoredox‐Katalyse.
Effects of Commemorations and Postdonation Services on Public Willingness to Donate Bodies in China
Authors: Jiang Jingwen , Chen Qinghuo , Zhang Mingyi , Hong Tongtong , Huang Kun , Meng Haojie , Ding Jiong , Zhang Luqing
Published: May 2019

Multiple body donation programs have been established throughout China over the last 20 years, but these programs remain challenged by an insufficient supply of cadavers for medical education. The commemoration of body donors is a feature of many successful programs, and adopting this practice throughout the country could be an important element of raising public awareness and encouraging body donation among the public. The present study aimed to investigate public views on the commemoration of whole‐body donors and postdonation services in China by analyzing the factors that influence participants' willingness to donate. A survey was conducted using convenience sampling with a non‐probability sampling method, and data were analyzed using chi‐square and post hoc multiple comparisons tests. A total of 1,800 questionnaires were distributed, 1,717 were returned, and 1,605 were considered valid. Of the respondents, 20.87% were willing to donate, and 64.80% thought that it is necessary to commemorate donors. The results of multiple comparisons demonstrated that the elderly and those with a higher educational level were more willing to donate than participants in other groups. Education was also found to influence views on donation memorial activities, and the chi‐square test revealed that conducting commemorations and improving postdonation services can promote the establishment of successful donor programs in China and improve the social acceptance of body donation.
Reduced‐order sliding function design for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Khimani Deepti , Patil Machhindranath , Bandyopadhyay Bijnan , Behera Abhisek K.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the design of first order sliding mode control (SMC) and twisting control based on the reduced order sliding function is proposed for the robust stabilization of an class of uncertain nonlinear single‐input system. This method greatly simplifies the control design as the sliding function is linear, which is based on reduced order state vector. The nonlinear system is represented as a cascade interconnection of two subsystems driving and driven subsystems. Sliding surface and SMC are designed for only the driving subsystem that guarantees the asymptotic stability of the entire system. To show the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes, the simulation results of translational oscillator with rotational actuator are illustrated.
Bisimulations of boolean control networks with impulsive effects and its application in controllability
Authors: Zhang Qiliang , Feng Jun‐e , Wang Biao , Meng Min
Published: May 2019

This paper addresses the bisimulations of Boolean control networks (BCNs) with impulsive effects. First, by analyzing the state transitions of BCNs with impulsive effects, a necessary and sufficient condition for bisimulations is obtained. Second, by virtue of bisimulations, a premise for propagating complete controllability is proposed. Then, the structure characteristics of BCNs with impulsive effects propagating complete controllability are presented. Finally, two illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the validity of the obtained results.
Multifunctional peptide‐based fluorescent chemosensor for detection of Hg2+, Cu2+ and S2− ions
Authors: Pang Xuliang , Wang Lei , Gao Lei , Feng Huiyun , Kong Jinming , Li Lianzhi
Published: May 2019

A novel multifunctional fluorescent peptide sensor based on pentapeptide dansyl‐Gly‐His‐Gly‐Gly‐Trp‐COOH (D‐P5) was designed and synthesized efficiently using Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). This fluorescent peptide sensor shows selective and sensitive responses to Hg2+ and Cu2+ among 17 metal ions and six anions studied in N‐2‐hydroxyethylpiperazine‐N‐2‐ethane sulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer solution. The peptide probe differentiates Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions by a ‘turn‐on’ response to Hg2+ and a ‘turn‐off’ response to Cu2+. Upon addition of Hg2+ or Cu2+ ions, the sensor displayed an apparent color change that was visible under an ultraviolet lamp to the naked eye. The limits of detection (LOD) of DP‐5 were 25.0 nM for Hg2+ and 85.0 nM for Cu2+; the detection limits for Cu2+ were much lower than the drinking water maximum contaminant levels set out by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). It is noteworthy that both D‐P5‐Hg and D‐P5‐Cu systems were also used to detect S2− successfully based on the formation of ternary complexes. The LODs of D‐P5‐Hg and D‐P5‐Cu systems for S2− were 217.0 nM and 380.0 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the binding stoichiometry, binding affinity and pH sensitivity of the probe for Hg2+ and Cu2+ were investigated. This study gives new possibilities for using a short fluorescent peptide sensor for multifunctional detection, especially for anions.
Racial and ethnic disparities in a state‐wide registry of patients with pancreatic cancer and an exploratory investigation of cancer cachexia as a contributor to observed inequities
Authors: Permuth Jennifer B. , Clark Daly Ashley , Jeong Daniel , Choi Jung W. , Cameron Miles E. , Chen Dung‐Tsa , Teer Jamie K. , Barnett Tracey E. , Li Jiannong , Powers Benjamin D. , Kumar Nagalakshmi B. , George Thomas J. , Ali Karla N. , Huynh Tri , Vyas Shraddha , Gwede Clement K. , Simmons Vani N. , Hodul Pamela J. , Carballido Estrella M. , Judge Andrew R. , Fleming Jason B. , Merchant Nipun , Trevino Jose G.
Published: May 2019

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by racial/ethnic disparities and the debilitating muscle‐wasting condition, cancer cachexia. Florida ranks second in the number of PC deaths and has a large and understudied minority population. We examined the primary hypothesis that PC incidence and mortality rates may be highest among Black Floridians and the secondary hypothesis that biological correlates of cancer cachexia may underlie disparities. PC incidence and mortality rates were estimated by race/ethnicity, gender, and county using publicly available state‐wide cancer registry data that included approximately 2700 Black, 25 200 Non‐Hispanic White (NHW), and 3300 Hispanic/Latino (H/L) Floridians diagnosed between 2004 and 2014. Blacks within Florida experienced a significantly (P < 0.05) higher incidence (12.5/100 000) and mortality (10.97/100 000) compared to NHW (incidence = 11.2/100 000; mortality = 10.3/100 000) and H/L (incidence = 9.6/100 000; mortality = 8.7/100 000), especially in rural counties. To investigate radiologic and blood‐based correlates of cachexia, we leveraged data from a subset of patients evaluated at two geographically distinct Florida Cancer Centers. In Blacks compared to NHW matched on stage, markers of PC‐induced cachexia were more frequent and included greater decreases in core musculature compared to corresponding healthy control patients (25.0% vs 10.1% lower), greater decreases in psoas musculature over time (10.5% vs 4.8% loss), lower baseline serum albumin levels (3.8 vs 4.0 gm/dL), and higher platelet counts (332.8 vs 268.7 k/UL). Together, these findings suggest for the first time that PC and cachexia may affect Blacks disproportionately. Given its nearly universal contribution to illness and PC‐related deaths, the early diagnosis and treatment of cachexia may represent an avenue to improve health equity, quality of life, and survival.
Vaccinations: They are for every child
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2019

By now, everyone knows that unvaccinated children are passing around measles to the vulnerable — for example, babies too young to be vaccinated and people with compromised immune systems. In addition, these children are suffering from measles that should not even exist due to the vaccination.
Lysozyme nephropathy in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Patel Ami B. , Miles Rodney R. , Deininger Michael W.
Published: May 2019

Lysozyme nephropathy is a frequently unrecognized cause of renal disease in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and may serve as a novel indication for treatment in this patient population. We demonstrate that in newly diagnosed CMML patients, plasma lysozyme levels are positively correlated with both absolute monocyte count and serum creatinine.
Three New Niccolites: High‐Temperature Phase Transitions, Prominent Anisotropic Thermal Expansions, Dielectric Anomalies, and Magnetism
Authors: Zhao Yin‐Hua , Liu Shu , Wang Bing‐Wu , Wang Zhe‐Ming , Gao Song
Published: May 2019

Three new iso‐structural ammonium metal formates of [dmpnH2][M2(HCOO)6], in which dmpnH22+=N,N′‐dimethyl‐1,3‐propylenediammoium and M=divalent Co, Zn and Mg ions, are reported. They possess niccolite metal formate frameworks with long‐shaped cavities for the accommodation of dmpnH22+ cations. The three materials display reversible phase transitions of similar mechanism from ordered, antipolar or antiferroelectric, low‐temperature phases in space group C2/c, to disordered, paraelectric, high‐temperature phases in space group P
1c, with quite high critical temperatures of 366, 370, and 334 K for Co, Zn, and Mg members, respectively. On warming, the dmpnH22+ cation experiences an ordered state with gradual increase of the local vibration motions of the central CH2 and terminal CH3 groups, a partially disordered state with gradually enhanced flipping motion between the major and minor orientations, and finally a twisting or rotating motion after the phase transition, accompanied by prominent anisotropic thermal expansions and dielectric anomalies/relaxations. The phase transition characters and relevant properties also exhibit a subtle metal‐dependence. The Co member shows spin‐canted antiferromagnetism below the Néel temperature of 16.1 K, with unusual large spontaneous magnetization and coercive field.
Social recommendation: A user profile clustering‐based approach
Authors: Ouaftouh Sara , Zellou Ahmed , Idri Ali
Published: May 2019

The recommendation in information systems is a specific form of information filtering that aims to present the relevant information interesting the user. This technique is used in different contexts such as social networking, e‐commerce and information retrieval. Generally, existing recommender system techniques implement collaborative filtering by deducing a part of user interests from the preferences of other users with similar profiles. Many techniques can be used to implement Collaborative Filtering such as Bayesian Networks, latent semantic, and clustering. We present in this work a novel clustering approach using a modified partitional algorithm. We propose a user model that integrates the relevant user information and a clustering algorithm that generates groups of similar user profiles by implementing a profile similarity function. The proposed approach is then evaluated based on a set of user profiles data corresponding to the context of an e‐commerce website.
Data analysis and mining of traffic features based on taxi GPS trajectories: A case study in Beijing
Authors: Liu Chun , Wang Shuangyan , Cuomo Salvatore , Mei Gang
Published: May 2019

Taxi GPS trajectories can be mined and used to optimize urban traffic scheduling. The optimization of traffic scheduling is important, especially in megacities such as Beijing. In this paper, we analyze the traffic features in Beijing by mining taxi GPS trajectories. We define the Congestion Coefficient of each edge of the taxi trajectory as the consumed time of a taxi running over a unit of distance. By analyzing the distribution of congestion coefficients of all taxi trajectories, we can observe that, on working days, (1) the congestion coefficient is between 0 and 2 (average speed is greater than 0.5 m/s) and is acceptable to taxi drivers, (2) the morning rush hours are 7:00 ∼ 10:00, (3) the evening rush hours are 17:00 ∼ 20:00, and (4) the traffic congestion in the morning rush hours is worse than that in the evening rush hours; on the weekend, (1) the congestion coefficient is less than 0.2 (average speed is greater than 5 m/s) and is acceptable to taxi drivers; (2) compared with the traffic congestion on working days, there are no significant morning rush hours on the weekend; and (3) the period of the time between 13:00 and 15:00 could be considered the traffic rush hours on the weekend. These findings can be used to improve urban traffic management.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation with corticosteroid therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Hatano Masako , Mimura Toshihide , Shimada Akira , Noda Mitsuhiko , Katayama Shigehiro
Published: May 2019

Objective

Whether or not reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) might occur during corticosteroid therapy in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative patients with adrenal insufficiency was investigated.

Patients and Methods

We consecutively enrolled 66 patients with adrenal insufficiency undergoing physiological corticosteroid replacement therapy at Saitama Medical University Hospital between June 2013 and June 2014, and 220 patients with rheumatic disease receiving a pharmacologic dose of corticosteroids served as the positive control group. The latter group was separated into 101 patients treated only with corticosteroids, and 119 patients given corticosteroids plus immunosuppressants and/or disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). HBsAg and antibody (Ab) levels against HBs, and hepatitis B core (HBc) were determined in all the patients. In patients with positive HBsAb and/or HBcAb, real‐time PCR was performed for HBV‐DNA. The incidence rates of conversion to HBV‐DNA‐positive status were evaluated.

Results

Hepatitis B virus reactivation occurred in six patients with rheumatic disease, three of whom were receiving a pharmacological dose of corticosteroids only, and three who were receiving corticosteroids with immunosuppressants and/or DMARDs. However, no reactivation occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid replacements for adrenal insufficiency. Maintenance and maximum corticosteroid doses administered to patients with rheumatic disease were significantly greater than those in patients with adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusion

These results suggest that, although corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency might be safe with respect to HBV reactivation, attention should be paid to HBV reactivation during corticosteroid therapy in rheumatic disease patients, since the dose of corticosteroids administered is usually large, and since other immunosuppressants are co‐administered.
C–H Arylation of N‐Heteroarenes under Metal‐Free Conditions and its Application towards the Synthesis of Pentabromo‐ and Pentachloropseudilins
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Sharma Shweta , Sil Parijat , Kushwaha Manoj , Mayor Satyajit , Vishwakarma Ram A. , Singh Parvinder Pal
Published: May 2019

Herein, we are reporting metal‐free conditions for radical initiation and direct C–H arylation of N‐heteroarenes. Starting from aniline, the corresponding arenediazonium salt generated in situ is reduced to an aryl radical in the presence of chloropromazine hydrochloride, a new reagent for this application. The optimized procedures are mild, operationally simple, and are working successfully with more diverse substrates in comparison to reported methods. The optimized method is also employed for the synthesis of marine natural products Pentabromo‐ and Pentachloropseudilins (PBP/PCP). In the present study, we also validated the potential of the Pentachloropseudilin (PCP), thus synthesized, for inhibition of Myosin1 function in mammalian cells and confirmed that PCP phenocopies Myosin1c depletion in cells.