bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphic chiral squaraine crystallites in textured thin films
Authors: Zablocki Jennifer , Arteaga Oriol , Balzer Frank , Hertel Dirk , Holstein Julian J. , Clever Guido , Anhäuser Jana , Puttreddy Rakesh , Rissanen Kari , Meerholz Klaus , Lützen Arne , Schiek Manuela
Published: March 2020

An enantiomerically pure (R)‐2‐methylpyrrolidine‐based anilino squaraine crystallizes in two chiral polymorphs adopting a monoclinic C2 and an orthorhombic P212121 structure, respectively. By various thin‐film preparation techniques, a control of the polymorph formation is targeted. The local texture of the resulting textured thin films is connected to the corresponding optical properties. Special attention is paid to an unusual Davydov splitting, the anisotropic chiroptical response arising from preferred out‐of‐plane orientation of the crystallites, and the impact of the polymorph specific excitonic coupling.
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor is essential for enteric neuronal development, maintenance, and regulation of gastrointestinal transit
Authors: Chalazonitis Alcmène , Li ZhiShan , Pham Tuan D. , Chen Jason , Rao Meenakshi , Lindholm Päivi , Saarma Mart , Lindahl Maria , Gershon Michael D.
Published: March 2020

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is expressed in the brain and is neuroprotective. We have previously shown that CDNF is also expressed in the bowel and that its absence leads to degeneration and autophagy in the enteric nervous system (ENS), particularly in the submucosal plexus. We now demonstrate that enteric CDNF immunoreactivity is restricted to neurons (submucosal > myenteric) and is not seen in glia, interstitial cells of Cajal, or smooth muscle. Expression of CDNF, moreover, is essential for the normal development and survival of enteric dopaminergic neurons; thus, expression of the dopaminergic neuronal markers, dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine transporter are deficient in the ileum of Cdnf
−/− mice. The normal age‐related decline in proportions of submucosal dopaminergic neurons is exacerbated in Cdnf
−/− animals. The defect in Cdnf
−/− animals is not dopamine‐restricted; proportions of other submucosal neurons (NOS‐, GABA‐, and CGRP‐expressing), are also deficient. The deficits in submucosal neurons are reflected functionally in delayed gastric emptying, slowed colonic motility, and prolonged total gastrointestinal transit. CDNF is expressed selectively in isolated enteric neural crest‐derived cells (ENCDC), which also express the dopamine‐related transcription factor Foxa2. Addition of CDNF to ENCDC promotes development of dopaminergic neurons; moreover, survival of these neurons becomes CDNF‐dependent after exposure to bone morphogenetic protein 4. The effects of neither glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) nor serotonin are additive with CDNF. We suggest that CDNF plays a critical role in development and long‐term maintenance of dopaminergic and other sets of submucosal neurons.
A Europium(III) Complex with an Unusual Anion–Cation Interaction: A Luminescent Molecular Thermometer for Ratiometric Temperature Sensing
Authors: Outis Mani , Laia César A. T. , Oliveira M. Conceição , Monteiro Bernardo , Pereira Cláudia C. L.
Published: March 2020

An unusual thermally sensitive anion–cation interaction, which is characteristic of the anion [Eu(FOD)4]−, occurs in the complex [CHOL][Eu(FOD)4] (1; CHOL=choline; FOD=1,1,1,2,2,3,3‐heptafluoro‐7,7‐dimethyl‐4,6‐octanedionate) and affects both quantum yield and thermochromic behavior. This prompted the design of an Eu3+‐based ratiometric thermometer that functions at temperatures up to 95 °C through a thermally excited state absorption of the Eu3+ ion. The reusable temperature‐sensitive luminescent complex showed a range of relative sensitivity between 0.45 % C−1 at 25 °C, with an increase to 7.0 % C−1 at 95 °C. Confinement of compound 1 in a transparent film of polysulfone resulted in a higher thermal stability of 1 while its luminescence showed a strong temperature dependence.
Hierarchical multi‐grain models improve descriptions of species’ environmental associations, distribution, and abundance
Authors: Mertes Katherine , Jarzyna Marta A. , Jetz Walter
Published: March 2020

The characterization of species’ environmental niches and spatial distribution predictions based on them are now central to much of ecology and conservation, but implicitly requires decisions about the appropriate spatial scale (i.e.,grain) of analysis. Ecological theory and empirical evidence suggest that range‐resident species respond to their environment at two characteristic, hierarchical spatial grains: (1)response grain, the (relatively fine) grain at which an individual uses environmental resources, and (2)occupancy grain, the (relatively coarse) grain equivalent to a typical home range. We use a multi‐grain (MG) occupancy model, aided by fine‐grain remotely sensed imagery, to simultaneously estimate species–environment associations at both grains, conduct grain optimization to measure response grain, and apply this analysis framework to an example species: a medium‐sized bird (Tockus deckeni) in a heterogeneous East African landscape. Based on home range analysis of movement data, we calculate an occupancy grain of 1 km forT. deckeni. Using a grain optimization procedure across 32 grains from 10 to 500 m, we identify 60 m as the most strongly supported response grain for a suite of environmental variables, slightly coarser than opportunistic behavioral observations would have suggested. Validation confirms that the accuracy of the optimized MG occupancy model substantially exceeds that of equivalent single‐grain (SG) occupancy models. We further use a simulation approach to assess the potential impacts of accounting for the multi‐scale structure of species’ environmental requirements on estimates of population size. We find that the more strongly supported MG approach consistently predicts a minimum population size in the study landscape that is much lower than that provided by the SG model. This suggests that SG approaches commonly used in conservation applications could lead to overly optimistic abundance and population estimates, and that the MG approach may be more appropriate for supporting species conservation goals. More generally, we conclude that multi‐grain approaches of the sort presented, and increasingly enabled by growing high‐resolution remotely sensed data, hold great promise for offering a more mechanistic framework for assessing the appropriate grain(s) for population monitoring and management and enable more reliable estimates of abundances and species’ distributions.
A simple collision algorithm for arbitrarily shaped objects in particle‐resolved flow simulation using an immersed boundary method
Authors: Nagata Takayuki , Hosaka Mamoru , Takahashi Shun , Shimizu Ken , Fukuda Kota , Obayashi Shigeru
Published: March 2020

In the present study, we proposed a simple collision algorithm, which can be handled arbitrarily shaped objects, for flow solvers using the immersed boundary method (IBM) based on the level set and ghost cell methods. The proposed algorithm can handle the collision of the arbitrarily shaped object with little additional computational costs for the collision calculation because collision detection and calculation are performed using the level set function and image point, which are incorporated into the original IBM solver. The proposed algorithm was implemented on the solid‐liquid IBM flow solver and validated by simulations of the flow over an isolated cylinder and sphere. Also, grid and time step size sensitivity on the total energy conservation of objects were investigated in cylinder‐cylinder, cylinder‐red‐blood‐cells‐shaped (RBC‐shaped) objects, sphere‐sphere, and sphere‐flat plate interaction problems. Through validation, good agreement with previous studies, grid and time step size convergence, and sufficient total energy conservation were confirmed. As a demonstration, the drafting, kissing, and tumbling processes were computed, and it was confirmed that the present result by the proposed method is similar to the previous computations. In addition, particle‐laden flow in a channel including obstacles with collision and adhesion phenomena and the interaction of cylinders and wavy‐wall were computed. The results of these simulations reveal the capability of solving a flow containing arbitrarily shaped moving objects with collision phenomena by a simple proposed method.
Clash of the Titans: Bankruptcy Court and FERC Collide Over Jurisdiction Yet Again
Authors: Sabino Anthony Michael
Published: March 2020

“Bankruptcy court” and “the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission” (FERC) are typically not words one hears together in the realm of the natural gas and electricity industry. After all, the energy sector for the most part offers boundless opportunities for profit and avoidance of bankruptcies. Nevertheless, the vast fluctuations and the vagaries of markets, technological change, and economic conditions at times force industry participants to seek refuge in the bankruptcy courts, which presents an immediate problem.
Limited‐Income Customers: How Utilities Can Bridge the Energy Affordability Gap and Build a Financially Stable Customer Base
Authors: Aweh Amanda , Friday Malcolm , Scanlon Brooke
Published: March 2020

While many traditional economic indicators demonstrate the US economy continues to be strong, there is evidence the disparity of income and overall prosperity is growing. This growing economic inequality is a significant concern in the United States, where one in nine (38.1 million) Americans are living in poverty, ranking the United States as having the second‐highest poverty rate of the 35 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries. Not only are many Americans struggling to live, but studies show these families have fewer assets and more debt than years before. A recent Congressional Budget Office report found that from 1989 to 2013, American families in the bottom percentile lost wealth over this period, while all other groups gained wealth, especially families holding the top 10 percent of wealth as shown in Figure 1.
Published Gas Price Indices Causing Concerns
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: March 2020

The past year was unusual due to major efforts to reform renewable energy and environmental policy laws that will affect the cost and environmental effects of renewable energy and natural gas facilities. Both the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the President's Council on Environmental Quality started to reform the 40‐year‐old Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) and the 50‐year‐old National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), respectively. Both laws have had a good run; however, today's electricity and natural gas markets—as well as viewpoints regarding the use of fossil fuels, renewable energy, and climate change—are very different from what they were when Congress passed both bills. The reforms may take away the competitive advantages long enjoyed by new renewable energy projects that receive state subsidies, lower the cost of payments to wind and solar power by electric utilities, and roll back a growing trend calling for the effects of federal actions on climate change. All the while, electric battery storage is beginning to establish a beachhead in wholesale electricity markets, which could accelerate the clean energy transition and have significant implications for the renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage technologies initiatives being proposed by the oil and gas industry.
Editorial for “Irregularity of Carotid Plaque Surface Predicts Subsequent Vascular Event: An MRI Study”
Authors: Yuan Jing
Published: March 2020

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:195–196.
Ultrasound Appearances of the Acrania‐Anencephaly Sequence at 10 to 14 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Wertaschnigg Dagmar , Reddy Maya , Ramkrishna Jayshree , da Silva Costa Fabricio , Sepulveda Waldo , Rolnik Daniel L. , Meagher Simon
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The acrania‐anencephaly sequence is a lethal condition with a high detection rate in experienced hands after 10 weeks’ gestation. However, earlier in gestation, many cases remain undetected. Different phenotypic appearances have been described and might help increase the detection rate in less experienced hands and also earlier in gestation. The purpose of this study was to assess interobserver reliability in classifying cases of the acrania‐anencephaly sequence during first trimester in 6 different subtypes according to their ultrasound appearances.

Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive cohort study at 3 centers for fetal imaging. Each case was classified according to its phenotypic appearance by 2 independent operators as “bilobular,” “cystic,” “elongated,” “irregular,” “foreshortened,” or “overhanging.” Frequencies of each type are described, and interoperator agreement was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

From the 88 included cases, the frequencies of the different subtypes classified as overhanging, elongated, bilobular, cystic, foreshortened, and irregular were 31%, 25%, 19%, 11%, 8%, and 6%, respectively. The interoperator reliability was good, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.903 (95% confidence interval, 0.853–0.937; P < .001).

Conclusions

Using different subtypes may improve the detection of the acrania‐anencephaly sequence. An accurate early diagnosis could lead to timely, less traumatic, and safer management of affected pregnancies.
Salts Induced Formation of Hierarchical Porous ZIF‐8 and Their Applications for CO2 Sorption and Hydrogen Generation via NaBH4 Hydrolysis
Authors: Abdelhamid Hani Nasser
Published: March 2020

Despite the great potential of two different pore regimes (hierarchical porous (HP) structure), HP‐zeolitic imidazolate frameworks‐8 (HPZIF‐8) can be efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation via hydride hydrolysis, and as adsorbents for CO2 gas adsorption. Herein, HPZIF‐8, and leaf‐like ZIF (ZIF‐L) are synthesized via a simple and environmentally friendly procedure using layered hydroxide nitrate of zinc (Z5HN) as a metal source and simple inorganic salt as a modulator. Z5HN nanosheets undergo topotactic transformation to simonkolleite (Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O) that can be converted to the pure phase of HPZIF‐8. The concentration of the salts tunes the textural properties of the final product. Applications of HPZIF‐8 and ZIF‐L for CO2 sorption exhibit excellent adsorption properties with increases of 25% due to the presence of cations in the frameworks. ZIF‐8 shows exceptional high catalytic activity for hydrogen generation via the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride. The simple synthesis of ZIF‐8 as well as their good performance as adsorbent and catalyst ensure the potential for industrial and commercial uses.
Dopamine Transporter, Age, and Motor Complications in Parkinson's Disease: A Clinical and Single‐Photon Emission Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Palermo Giovanni , Giannoni Sara , Frosini Daniela , Morganti Riccardo , Volterrani Duccio , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Pavese Nicola , Ceravolo Roberto
Published: March 2020

Background

Previous molecular imaging studies comparing dopamine function in vivo between early‐onset PD and late‐onset PD patients have shown contradictory results, presumably attributable to the aging‐related decline in nigrostriatal function.

Objectives

(1) To investigate baseline dopamine transporter availability in early‐onset PD (<55 years) and late‐onset PD (>70 years) patients, z‐scores values of putamen and caudate [123I]‐ioflupane uptake were calculated using the respective age‐matched controls in order to correct for early presynaptic compensatory mechanisms and age‐related dopamine neuron loss; (2) to examine the associations of such baseline single‐photon emission computed tomography measures with the emergence of late‐disease motor complications.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 105 de novo PD patients who underwent [123I]‐ioflupane single‐photon emission computed tomography at time of diagnosis were divided into three tertile groups according to age at disease onset (35 early‐onset PD and 40 late‐onset PD patients). Z‐scores were compared between the two groups, and their predictive power for motor complications (during a mean follow‐up of 7 years) was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Despite a less‐severe motor phenotype, early‐onset PD patients exhibited more reduced [123I]‐ioflupane binding in the putamen and had a higher and earlier risk for developing motor complications than those with late‐onset PD. Lower [123I]‐Ioflupane uptake in the putamen and caudate increased the risk of motor complications.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that a lower dopamine transporter binding in early‐onset PD predicts the later development of motor complications, but it is not related to severity of motor symptoms, suggesting age‐related differences in striatal compensatory mechanisms in PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Clinical and genetic data of 22 new patients with SMAD3 pathogenic variants and review of the literature
Authors: Chesneau Bertrand , Edouard Thomas , Dulac Yves , Colineaux Hélène , Langeois Maud , Hanna Nadine , Boileau Catherine , Arnaud Pauline , Chassaing Nicolas , Julia Sophie , Jondeau Guillaume , Plancke Aurélie , Khau Van Kien Philippe , Plaisancié Julie
Published: March 2020

Background

Pathogenic SMAD3 variants are responsible for a cardiovascular phenotype, mainly thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Precocious identification of the vascular risk such as aortic dilatation in mutated patients has a major impact in terms of management, particularly to avoid dissection and sudden death. These vascular damages are classically associated with premature osteoarthritis and skeletal abnormalities. However, variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance are common with SMAD3 variants.

Methods

To investigate the clinical variability observed within SMAD3 patients, we reviewed the phenotypic and genetic data of 22 new patients from our Centre and of 133 patients reported in the literature. From this cohort of 155 mutated individuals, we first aimed to delineate an estimated frequency of the main clinical signs associated with SMAD3 pathogenic variants and, then, to look for genotype‐phenotype correlations, mainly to see if the aortic phenotype (AP) could be predicted by the SMAD3 variant type.

Results

We showed, herein, the absence of correlation between the SMAD3 variant type and the occurrence of an AP in patients.

Conclusion

Therefore, this report brings additional data for the genotype‐phenotype correlations of SMAD3 variants and the need to explore in more detail the effects of genetic modifiers that could influence the phenotype.
Novel heterozygous GATA3 and SLC34A3 variants in a 6‐year‐old boy with Barakat syndrome and hypercalciuria
Authors: Yu Sha , Chen Wen‐xia , Lu Wei , Chen Chao , Ni Yihua , Duan Bo , Wang Bin , Wang Huijun , Xu Zheng‐min
Published: March 2020

Background

Barakat syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the triad of hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal anomalies and is caused by mutations in GATA3 gene. SLC34A3 is the cause gene of hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria, and heterozygous carriers may have milder clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify the underlying genetic cause of a patient who initially presented with renal failure, hypercalciuria, kidney stone, and bilateral sensorineural deafness.

Methods

A 6‐year‐old boy with complex clinical presentations was investigated. Comprehensive medical evaluations were performed including auditory function tests, endocrine function tests, metabolic studies, and imaging examinations. Molecular diagnoses were analyzed by trio whole‐exome sequencing.

Results

One novel de novo deleterious variant (c. 324del) of the GATA3 gene was identified in the patient. The patient can be diagnosed with Barakat syndrome. In addition, one novel variant (c. 589A>G) of the SLC34A3 gene was detected, which was inherited from the father. This heterozygous variant can explain the hypercalciuria and kidney stone that occurred in both the patient and his father.

Conclusion

This study provides a special case which is phenotype‐driven dual diagnoses, and the two novel variants can parsimoniously explain the complex clinical presentations of this patient.
Diversity Oriented Preparation of Pillar[5]arene‐Containing [2]Rotaxanes by a Stopper Exchange Strategy
Authors: Nierengarten Iwona , Nierengarten Jean‐François
Published: March 2020

Rotaxane building blocks bearing 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl) benzenesulfonate (BTBS) stoppers have been efficiently prepared from a pillar[5]arene derivative, 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl) benzenesulfonyl chloride (BTBSCl) and different diols, namely 1,10‐decanediol and 1,12‐dodecanediol. The BTBS moieties of these compounds are good leaving groups and stopper exchange reactions could be achieved by treatment with different nucleophiles thus affording rotaxanes with ester, thioether or ether stoppers.
Overview of Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Electro‐Skin, Actuator, Supercapacitor and Fuel Cell
Authors: Wen Nan , Jiang Bojun , Wang Xiaojing , Shang Zhifu , Jiang Dawei , Zhang Lu , Sun Caiying , Wu Zijian , Yan Hui , Liu Chuntai , Guo Zhanhu
Published: March 2020

The properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite hydrogels influenced by nanoparticles are reviewed. Various kinds of nanoparticles with excellent mechanical and electrical properties have been introduced into PVA hydrogel to produce stretchable and conductive PVA nanocomposite hydrogel. Understanding the mechanism between the matrix of PVA hydrogel and nanoparticles is therefore critical for the development of PVA nanocomposite hydrogels. This review focuses on the nanoparticles include carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and metal nanoparticles, and describes the effects of nanoparticles on the mechanical and conductive properties of PVA nanocomposite hydrogels. A new promising area of soft stretchable PVA nanocomposite hydrogel is highlighted for possible applications. Finally, a brief outlook for future research is presented.
Universal properties of Kaluza-Klein gravitons
Authors: Dimmitt Kevin , Larios Gabriel , Ntokos Praxitelis , Varela Oscar
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Vacua of different gaugings of D = 4 $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 supergravity that preserve the same supersymmetries and bosonic symmetry tend to exhibit the same universal mass spectrum within their respective supergravities. For AdS4 vacua in gauged supergravities that arise upon consistent truncation of string/M-theory, we show that this universality is lost at higher Kaluza-Klein levels. However, universality is still maintained in a milder form, at least in the graviton sector: certain sums over a finite number of states remain universal. Further, we derive a mass matrix for Kaluza-Klein gravitons which is valid for all the AdS4 vacua in string/M-theory that uplift from the gaugings of D = 4 $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 supergravity that we consider. The mild universality of graviton mass sums is related to the trace of this mass matrix.
Kontinuierliches intraoperatives Neuromonitoring (cIONM) in der Kopf-Hals-Chirurgie – eine Übersicht
Authors: Stankovic P , Wittlinger J. , Georgiew R. , Dominas N. , Hoch S. , Wilhelm T.
Published: March 2020

Obwohl die Geschichte des intraoperativen Neuromonitorings (IONM) bereits in das 19. Jahrhundert zurückdatiert werden kann, hat sich diese Methode bis vor Kurzem nicht von der reinen Differenzierung des Nervs weiterentwickelt. Erst das kontinuierliche IONM (cIONM) ermöglichte die durchgehende Analyse der Reizamplituden und -latenzen, welche mittlerweile ebenfalls in die Software gängiger Monitoringsysteme integriert wurde. Zielsetzung des cIONM ist ein Real-Time-Monitoring des Nervenstatus während des Eingriffs, um so drohende Nervenverletzung erkennen und verhindern zu können und die postoperative Funktion des Nervs vorhersehbar zu erhalten. Trotz einiger Nachteile wie falsch-positiver oder -negativer Alarme, technischer Artefakte und seltener Nebenwirkungen bleibt das cIONM ein gutes Hilfsmittel, das noch weiterentwickelt wird. In der Literatur sind sowohl aktive (acIONM) als auch passive (pcIONM) Reiz- und Ableitmethoden des cIONM beschrieben. Derzeit gängige Anwendungsgebiete des cIONM umfassen die Schilddrüsenchirurgie mit der kontinuierlichen Stimulation des N. vagus sowie die Chirurgie des Kleinhirnbrückenwinkels (KHBW) mit dem Monitoring des N. facialis; hierbei werden neben kontinuierlicher Stimulation auch die Entladungsmuster des Nervs analysiert. Des Weiteren ist in die Chirurgie des KHBW das kontinuierliche Monitoring des Hörnervs etabliert.
Global representation of Segre numbers by Monge–Ampère products
Authors: Andersson Mats , Eriksson Dennis , Samuelsson Kalm Håkan , Wulcan Elizabeth , Yger Alain
Published: March 2020

On a reduced analytic spaceXwe introduce the concept of a generalized cycle, which extends the notion of a formal sum of analytic subspaces to include also a form part. We then consider a suitable equivalence relation and corresponding quotient$$\mathcal {B}(X)$$B(X)that we think of as an analogue of the Chow group and a refinement of de Rham cohomology. This group allows us to study both global and local intersection theoretic properties. We provide many$$\mathcal {B}$$B-analogues of classical intersection theoretic constructions: For an analytic subspace$$V\subset X$$V⊂Xwe define a$$\mathcal {B}$$B-Segre class, which is an element of$$\mathcal {B}(X)$$B(X)with support inV. It satisfies a global King formula and, in particular, its multiplicities at each point coincide with the Segre numbers ofV. WhenVis cut out by a section of a vector bundle we interpret this class as a Monge–Ampère-type product. For regular embeddings we construct a$$\mathcal {B}$$B-analogue of the Gysin morphism.
Distribution of Prevalent and Incident Vertebral Fractures and Their Association with Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women in the Teriparatide Versus Risedronate VERO Clinical Trial
Authors: Geusens Piet , Kendler David L. , Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid , López-Romero Pedro , Marin Fernando
Published: March 2020

Vertebral fractures (VFx) occur most frequently in the mid-thoracic and thoraco-lumbar regions, which experience the highest mechanical loading along the spine. The prevalence and incidence of VFx by their location and severity, and their relationship with bone mineral density (BMD), are seldom reported in randomized clinical trial cohorts. The VERO trial randomized 1360 postmenopausal women with at least two moderate or one severe VFx to receive either teriparatide or risedronate for up to 24 months. In this post hoc analysis, we describe the centrally read distribution and severity of prevalent and incident VFx, and the association of their location with the baseline BMD. At baseline, 21.4% of all evaluable vertebral bodies had a prevalent VFx; most commonly at L1, T12, L2 and T11 (38.5%, 37.4%, 25.3% and 23.5% of patients, respectively). Patients with prevalent VFx only at T12/L1 showed a higher baseline BMD compared to patients with VFx at other levels. At month 24, 100 patients had 126 incident VFx (teriparatide: 35; risedronate: 91). The most frequent incident VFx occurred at T12 (n = 17, 1.6% of patients), followed by L1 and T11 (n = 14, 1.3% both). The frequency of incident VFx was lower at all vertebral levels in patients given teriparatide. These results confirm prior reports that VFx occurs more frequently at mid-thoracic and thoraco-lumbar regions of the spine. Patients with these VFx locations have higher BMD than those who fracture at other sites, suggesting a role for mechanical stress in the etiology of VFx. Teriparatide is superior to risedronate in the prevention of VFx at these common fracture locations.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01709110
Role of the autophagy-related marker LC3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Meng Yu-Chen , Lou Xiao-Li , Yang Li-Yuan , Li Dong , Hou Yan-Qiang
Published: March 2020

Background

Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), an autophagic gene, has been reported as a vital marker for many diseases and cancers. However, the role of LC3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was not still investigated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association of LC3 with its clinicopathological and prognostic in HCC.

Methods

We consulted the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wan Fang databases for published studies on LC3 in HCC. Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to screen the quality of the literature. The statistical analysis was calculated by STATA 14.2.

Results

Of the 1329 titles identified, 10 articles involving 949 patients in HCC were included in this meta-analysis. The results of our study show that increased LC3 expression is related to size of tumor, but not to gender, age, number of tumor, liver cirrhosis, HBsAg, TNM stage, alpha fetoprotein, vascular invasion and histological grade. Positive LC3 expression was associated with overall survival by pooled hazard ratio.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicated that positive LC3 expression was related to size of tumor, and could predict prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Regulation of LCoR and RIP140 expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and correlation with CIN progression and dedifferentiation
Authors: Vogelsang Tilman L. R. , Schmoeckel Elisa , Kuhn Christina , Blankenstein Thomas , Temelkov Mina , Heidegger Helene , Kolben Theresa Maria , Kolben Thomas , Mahner Sven , Mayr Doris , Jeschke Udo , Vattai Aurelia
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Ligand-dependent corepressor (LCoR) and receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140/NRIP1) play an important role in the regulation of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and the development of cancer. LCoR and RIP140 form a nuclear complex in breast cancer cells and are of prognostic value in further prostate and cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the regulation of these proteins in the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN I–III).

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis was obtained to quantify RIP140 and LCoR expression in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia samples. Tissue (n = 94) was collected from patients treated in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany, between 2002 and 2014. Correlations of expression levels with clinical outcome were carried out to assess for prognostic relevance in patients with CIN2 progression. Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were used for data analysis.

Results

Nuclear LCoR overexpression correlates significantly with CIN II progression. Nuclear RIP140 expression significantly increases and nuclear LCoR expression decreases with higher grading of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Cytoplasmic RIP140 expression is significantly higher in CIN III than in CIN I or CIN II.

Conclusion

A decrease of nuclear LCoR expression in line with an increase of dedifferentiation of CIN can be observed. Nuclear LCoR overexpression correlates with CIN II progression indicating a prognostic value of LCoR in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Nuclear and cytoplasmic RIP140 expression increases significantly with higher grading of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia underlining its potential role in the development of pre-cancerous lesions. These findings support the relevance of LCoR and RIP140 in the tumorigenesis indicating a possible role of LCoR and RIP140 as targets for novel therapeutic approaches in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer.
A dual perspective on first-session therapeutic alliance: strong predictor of youth mental health and addiction treatment outcome
Authors: van Benthem Patty , Spijkerman Renske , Blanken Peter , Kleinjan Marloes , Vermeiren Robert R. J. M. , Hendriks Vincent M.
Published: March 2020

We investigated the potential role of first-session therapeutic alliance ratings to serve as an early marker of treatment outcome in youth mental health and addiction treatment. The present study is among the first to incorporate both a youths’ and a therapists’ perspective of the therapeutic alliance in order to maximize predictive value of the alliance for treatment outcome. One hundred and twenty-seven adolescents participated in a multi-site prospective naturalistic clinical cohort study, with assessments at baseline and at 4 months post-baseline. Main outcome measure was favorable or unfavorable treatment outcome status at 4-month follow-up. Early therapeutic alliance had a medium and robust association with treatment outcome for youth’ (b = 1.29) and therapist’ (b = 1.12) perspectives and treatment setting. Based on the two alliance perspectives four subgroups were distinguished. Incorporating the alliance-ratings from both perspectives provided a stronger predictor of treatment outcome than using one perspective. Youth with a strong alliance according to both perspectives had an eightfold odds of favorable treatment outcome compared with youth with a weak alliance according to both perspectives. The association between therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome in youth mental health and addiction treatment may be substantially stronger than earlier assumed when both a youths’ and therapists’ perspective on alliance is considered.
Task load modulates tDCS effects on brain network for phonological processing
Authors: Rodrigues de Almeida Lílian , Pope Paul A. , Hansen Peter C.
Published: March 2020

Motor participation in phonological processing can be modulated by task nature across the speech perception to speech production range. The pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) would be increasingly active across this range, because of changing motor demands. Here, we investigated with simultaneous tDCS and fMRI whether the task load modulation of tDCS effects translates into predictable patterns of functional connectivity. Findings were analysed under the “multi-node framework”, according to which task load and the network structure underlying cognitive functions are modulators of tDCS effects. In a within-subject study, participants (N = 20) performed categorical perception, lexical decision and word naming tasks [which differentially recruit the target of stimulation (LIFG)], which were repeatedly administered in three tDCS sessions (anodal, cathodal and sham). The LIFG, left superior temporal gyrus and their right homologues formed the target network subserving phonological processing. C-tDCS inhibition and A-tDCS excitation should increase with task load. Correspondingly, the larger the task load, the larger the relevance of the target for the task and smaller the room for compensation of C-tDCS inhibition by less relevant nodes. Functional connectivity analyses were performed with partial correlations, and network compensation globally inferred by comparing the relative number of significant connections each condition induced relative to sham. Overall, simultaneous tDCS and fMRI was adequate to show that motor participation in phonological processing is modulated by task nature. Network responses induced by C-tDCS across phonological processing tasks matched predictions. A-tDCS effects were attributed to optimisation of network efficiency.
Das Auslandspraktikum im Studium der Sozialen Arbeit aus übergangstheoretischer Perspektive
Authors: Haßler Hannah Juliane
Published: March 2020

Das Erkenntnisinteresse des hier vorgestellten Dissertationsprojektes liegt in der Analyse der subjektiven Erfahrungsräume von Studierenden der Sozialen Arbeit im Auslandspraktikum. Diese werden aus berufsbiographischer und übergangstheoretischer Perspektive erfasst und rekonstruiert. Ziel ist es, den doppelten Übergangsraum (Praktikum und Ausland), den Studierende der Sozialen Arbeit im Auslandspraktikum erleben, im Hinblick auf private und ausbildungsbezogene Erfahrungsräume, Bewältigungsstrategien und der Entdeckung von neuen oder anderen Perspektiven zu untersuchen. Damit versucht diese Studie die Forschungslücke bezüglich der biographischen Bedeutung eines Auslandspraktikums für Studierende der Sozialen Arbeit zu schließen. Die Datenerhebung erfolgt im Rahmen narrativer Interviews mit ehemaligen Auslandspraktikant*innen aus dem gesamten Bundesgebiet. Aus den gewonnenen Erkenntnissen werden Empfehlungen für die Gestaltung zukünftiger Auslandspraktika sowie die Integration einer Internationalisierung in das Studium der Sozialen Arbeit erstellt.
A Broken Notion: Impact of Modern Technologies on Product Liability
Authors: LUZAK Joasia
Published: March 2020

Modern technologies enable traders to design more personal and comprehensive product labelling, as well as to improve product traceability through the supply chain. Personalised and comprehensive product information could raise consumers’ product awareness, shaping new consumers’ product and safety expectations. The improved product traceability through the supply chain could extend the producers’ control over the product, beyond the moment the product left the manufacturing process. This paper examines the impact of modern technologies on European rules of product liability. Specifically, it considers whether the recognition of a defective product in the currently reviewed Product Liability Directive should continue to follow the test of the public’s safety expectations, as well as whether producers could continue to rely on the defence of a product not being defective when they put it into circulation.
Defining the role of the public in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and HTA-informed decision-making processes
Authors: Street Jackie , Stafinski Tania , Lopes Edilene , Menon Devidas
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The terminology used to describe community participation in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is contested and frequently confusing. The terms patients, consumers, public, lay members, customers, users, citizens, and others have been variously used, sometimes interchangeably. Clarity in the use of terms and goals for including the different groups is needed to mitigate existing inconsistencies in the application of patient and public involvement (PPI) across HTA processes around the world.

Methods

We drew from a range of literature sources in order to conceptualize (i) an operational definition for the “public” and other stakeholders in the context of HTA and (ii) possible goals for their involvement. Draft definitions were tested and refined in an iterative consensus-building process with stakeholders from around the world.

Results

The goals, terminology, interests, and roles for PPI in HTA processes were clarified. The research provides rationales for why the role of the public should be distinguished from that of patients, their families, and caregivers. A definition for the public in the context of HTA was developed: A community member who holds the public interest and has no commercial, personal, or professional interest in the HTA process

Conclusions

There are two distinct aspects to the interests held by the public which should be explicitly included in the HTA process: the first lies in ensuring democratic accountability and the second in recognising the importance of including public values in decision making.
Reconsidering perfect: a qualitative study of the experiences of internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism
Authors: Rozental Alexander , Kothari Radha , Wade Tracey , Egan Sarah , Andersson Gerhard , Carlbring Per , Shafran Roz
Published: March 2020

Background:

Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) is a promising format for treating different psychiatric disorders. In addition, several clinical trials have found positive results when using it to target transdiagnostic processes, such as perfectionism. However, few qualitative investigations have been conducted on the experiences of clients undergoing such treatments.

Method:

In the current study, clients completing 12-week guided ICBT for perfectionism responded to open-ended questions at post-treatment. In total, 30 out of 62 (48.4%) described their impressions of its content and the support provided by their guide.

Results:

The results were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Five themes were found in the responses: Learning how to do things differently, Noticing the positives, Feeling safe to be honest, A comfortable treatment format and Barriers to treatment.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that many clients were able to achieve a change in perspective in relation to their perfectionism and started facing their fears. They were also able to report the benefits of doing things differently as part of treatment, such as an improvement in their interpersonal relationships. Most clients were also positive about the treatment format, enjoying its flexibility and the encouragement offered by their therapist. However, obstacles such as conflicting commitments, personal difficulties, time-consuming and comprehensive treatment modules, and a desire for more support were brought up by some, suggesting that there are aspects that could be considered in the future.
Quantifying the Effect of Xiluodu Reservoir on the Temperature of the Surrounding Mountains
Authors: Wang D.C. , Liu J.Y. , Huang Y. , Duan X.W. , Wang X. , Zhang X. , Sun Z.C. , Chen J.H. , Zhang W.
Published: March 2020

To quantitatively determine the effect of Xiluodu Reservoir on the temperature of the surrounding mountains, the temperature differences between various locations and the reservoir were calculated based on Landsat 8 thermal infrared sensor (TIRS) data. Elevation, slope, aspect, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and visual field were selected as the impact factors, and the most significant grid size used to explore the effect of reservoir on the surrounding mountains was determined by spatial analysis and partial correlation analysis. The effect of the Xiluodu Reservoir on the surrounding mountains' temperature was then quantitatively studied while accounting for the effect of water surface width on temperature. The results are summarized as follows. The most significant grid size for determining the influence of Xiluodu Reservoir on the surrounding mountains' temperature is 90 m. The effect range threshold of the entire reservoir on the temperature of the surrounding mountains is approximately 600 m, and the partial correlation coefficient in each buffer area decreases gradually with increasing distance from the reservoir. The effect threshold of the reservoir on the temperature of the surrounding mountains is approximately 1,500 m in the head area with a water surface width approximately 1,000 m, but it is negligible in the tributary area where the width is approximately 60 m.
Trends of Precipitation Acidification and Determining Factors in China During 2006–2015
Authors: Liu Mingxu , Song Yu , Xu Tingting , Xu Zhenying , Wang Tiantian , Yin Lifei , Jia Xiaofang , Tang Jie
Published: March 2020

Precipitation acidification, often termed as acid rain (pH < 5.6), has been recognized as one of the major environmental issues in China since the 1980s and exerted detrimental effects on terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we present the first investigation on the evolution of precipitation acidification over China during 2006–2015 based on a long‐term nationwide precipitation observation network and chemical transport model (Weather Research and Forest model coupled with Chemistry) simulations. The observations demonstrate a clearly decreasing trend in precipitation acidification across China from 2006 to 2015. The percentages of the number of the stations experiencing heavy acidic precipitation (annual mean pH < 5.0) decrease from ~50% in 2006 to 20% in 2015, and those with pH < 4.5 decrease from 25% to less than 5%. Our model simulations reproduced this trend and show the notable decrease in the terrestrial area (from 30% to 16%) experiencing the mean precipitation pH < 5.6. The simulation experiments indicate that the mitigation of the acidification issue in China stemmed from the large reduction in SO2 emissions (by about 60% from 2006 to 2015), which would limit the formation of sulfate and also increase the wet scavenging of gaseous ammonia. The contributions of sulfuric acid on precipitation acidification were estimated to decrease from 0.70–0.82 to 0.44–0.60 from 2006 to 2015 over northern, southern, and southwestern China. This study suggests that nitric acid plays a more important role in acidifying precipitation in northern China at present, while sulfuric acid is still the dominant factor in southern areas.
Impact of Cloud Ice Particle Size Uncertainty in a Climate Model and Implications for Future Satellite Missions
Authors: Wang Yuan , Su Hui , Jiang Jonathan H. , Xu Feng , Yung Yuk L.
Published: March 2020

Ice particle size is pivotal to determining ice cloud radiative effect and precipitating rate. However, there is a lack of accurate ice particle effective radius (Rei) observation on the global scale to constrain its representation in climate models. In support of future mission design, here we present a modeling assessment of the sensitivity of climate simulations to Rei and quantify the impact of the proposed mission concept on reducing the uncertainty in climate sensitivity. We perturb the parameters pertaining to ice fall speed parameter and Rei in radiation scheme, respectively, in National Center for Atmospheric Research CESM1 model with a slab ocean configuration. The model sensitivity experiments show that a settling velocity increase due to a larger Rei results in a longwave cooling dominating over a shortwave warming, a global mean surface temperature decrease, and precipitation suppression. A similar competition between longwave and shortwave cloud forcing changes also exists when perturbing Rei in the radiation scheme. Linearity generally holds for the climate response for Rei related parameters. When perturbing falling snow particle size (Res) in a similar way, we find much less sensitivity of climate responses. Our quadrupling CO2 experiments with different parameter settings reveal that Rei and Res can account for changes in climate sensitivity significantly from +12.3% to −6.2%. By reducing the uncertainty ranges of Rei and Res from a factor of 2 to ±25%, a future satellite mission under design is expected to improve the climate state simulations and reduce the climate sensitivity uncertainty pertaining to ice particle size by approximately 60%. Our results highlight the importance of better observational constraints on Rei by satellite missions.
Identification of a novel gene signature for the prediction of recurrence in HCC patients by machine learning of genome-wide databases
Authors: Shen Jie , Qi Liang , Zou Zhengyun , Du Juan , Kong Weiwei , Zhao Lianjun , Wei Jia , Lin Ling , Ren Min , Liu Baorui
Published: March 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor in China. In the present study, we aimed to construct and verify a prediction model of recurrence in HCC patients using databases (TCGA, AMC and Inserm) and machine learning methods and obtain the gene signature that could predict early relapse of HCC. Statistical methods, such as feature selection, survival analysis and Chi-Square test in R software, were used to analyze and select mutant genes related to disease free survival (DFS), race and vascular invasion. In addition, whole-exome sequencing was performed on 10 HCC patients recruited from our center, and the sequencing results were compared with the databases. Using the databases and machine learning methods, the prediction model of recurrence was constructed and optimized, and the selected mutant genes were verified in the test group. The accuracy of prediction was 74.19%. Moreover, these 10 patients from our center were used to verify these mutant genes and the prediction model, and a success rate of 80% was achieved. Collectively, we discovered recurrence-related genes and established recurrence prediction model of recurrence for HCC patients, which could provide significant guidance for clinical prediction of recurrence.