bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel uses of thyroid hormones in cardiovascular conditions
Authors: Razvi Salman
Published: October 2019

Thyroid hormone levels are reduced in cardiovascular diseases and this phenomenon is associated with worse outcomes. It is unclear whether the changes in thyroid hormone bioavailability to the affected myocardium are beneficial or if this is a maladaptive response. Experimental studies from animal models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) suggest that thyroid hormone treatment may be beneficial. There is limited data available on the use of thyroid hormones in patients with AMI and heart failure and this suggests that treatment to normalise thyroid hormone levels may be safe and potentially efficacious. Similarly, evidence of thyroid hormone therapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery or during cardiac transplantation is limited. It is therefore difficult to draw any firm conclusions about benefits or risks of thyroid hormone treatment in these conditions. Large scale clinical trials of thyroid hormones in patients with cardiac conditions are required to confirm safety and evaluate efficacy. Furthermore, it needs to be elucidated which hormone to administer (thyroxine or triiodothyronine), when in the disease pathway to treat, dose of thyroid hormone to administer, and which parameters to utilise to assess safety and efficacy. Until these important questions are answered thyroid hormone therapy in cardiovascular diseases must remain within the research domain.
Eco-Friendly Cutting Fluids in Minimum Quantity Lubrication Assisted Machining: A Review on the Perception of Sustainable Manufacturing
Authors: Sen Binayak , Mia Mozammel , Krolczyk G. M. , Mandal Uttam Kumar , Mondal Sankar Prasad
Published: October 2019

In modern days, the conception of sustainability has progressively advanced and has begun receiving global interest. Thus, sustainability is an imperative idea in modern research. Considering the recent trend, this review paper presents a summary of the previously published research articles on minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) assisted machining. The requirement to stir towards sustainability motivated the researchers to revise the effects of substitute lubrication methods on the machining. Conventional lubri-cooling agents are still extensively employed when machining of engineering alloys, but the majority of the recent papers have depicted that the utilization of vegetable oil, nanofluids, and nanoplatelets in MQL system confers superior machining performances as compared to conventional lubrication technology. In actual, the definite principle of this manuscript is to re-examine modern advancements in the MQL technique and also explore the benefits of the vegetable oil and nanofluid as a lubricant. In brief, this paper is a testimony to the advancing capabilities of eco-friendly MQL technique which is a viable alternative to the flood lubrication technology, and the outcomes of this review work can be contemplated as a movement towards sustainable machining.
Dynamic behavior of coalbed methane flow along the annulus of single-phase production
Authors: Liu Xinfu , Liu Chunhua , Liu Guoqiang
Published: October 2019

Dynamic behavior of coalbed methane (CBM) flow will provide the theoretical basis to optimize production performance for a given well. A mathematical model is developed to simulate flowing pressures and pressure drops of CBM column from well head to bottom hole. The measured parameters and independent variables of flow rates, flowing pressures and temperatures are involved in CBM producing process along the annulus. The developed relationships are validated against full-scale measured data in single-phase CBM wellbores. The proposed methodology can analyze the dynamic behavior in CBM reservoir and process of CBM flow with an overall accuracy of 2%. The calculating process of flowing pressures involves friction factor with variable Reynolds number and CBM temperature and compressibility factor with gravitational gradients. The results showed that the effect of flowing pressure on CBM column was more obvious than that on CBM and water column accompanied by an increase of dynamic water level. The ratios of flowing pressure on increment of CBM column to the whole column increased with the declined flow rates of water column. Bottom-hole pressure declined with the decreased flowing pressure of CBM column along the annulus. It will lead to the results of the increased pressure drop of CBM column and CBM flow rate in single-phase CBM wellbores.
Correction to: Fluorescent Silicon Nanorods‑Based Nanotheranostic Agents for Multimodal Imaging‑Guided Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Cui Mingyue , Liu Sangmo , Song Bin , Guo Daoxia , Wang Jinhua , Hu Guyue , Su Yuanyuan , He Yao
Published: October 2019

In the original publication figures 3b, 5a, 5g are incorrectly published and the scale bars in figures 4b and 4d have not appeared.
Longitudinal study of self‐reported hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in women
Authors: Curhan Sharon G. , Willett Walter C. , Grodstein Francine , Curhan Gary C.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

We investigated the relation between self‐reported hearing loss and risk of subjective cognitive function (SCF) decline among women.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study of 20,193 women in the Nurses’ Health Study aged ≥66 years who reported their hearing status and had no subjective cognitive concerns in 2012. SCF scores were assessed by a 7‐item questionnaire in 2012 and 2014. SCF decline was defined as a new report of at least one cognitive concern during follow‐up.

Results

Self‐reported hearing loss was associated with higher risk of SCF decline. Compared with women with no hearing loss, the multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for incident SCF score ≥1 were 1.35 (1.25, 1.47), 1.39 (1.24, 1.56), and 1.40 (1.21, 1.75) among women with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss, respectively. Recent progression of hearing loss was associated with even higher risk.

Discussion

Self‐reported hearing loss was associated with higher risk of incident subjective cognitive function decline in women.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Chinese Children After Exposure to an Injury
Authors: Yu Huiting , Nie Chan , Zhou Yanna , Wang Xue , Wang Haiyan , Shi Xiuquan
Published: October 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study is to describe the risk factors of injured children’s posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in China and provide the scientific data for PTSD prevention and control in children.

Methods:

Electronic databases, including Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), were searched for articles published on or before October 30, 2018, searching for the words, “PTSD,” “child”/“children,” “injury”/“injuries,” and “China”/“Chinese.” Forty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were meta-analyzed using random-effect models.

Results:

The total sample size in our meta-analysis was 65 298, and there were 13 402 children diagnosed with PTSD. The prevalence of PTSD after suffering from injury was 20.52% (95% CI = 17%–23%). PTSD occurrence was higher in girls than boys (24.61% vs 19.36%, P < 0.001). The PTSD rate for students was 51.82%, 37.12%, and 14.02% in senior, junior high school children, and primary school student, respectively. PTSD prevalence was 58.93% in rural children and higher than the urban children (57.36%). The prevalence of PTSD in ethnic minority children was significantly higher than that of Han Chinese children (35.38% vs 13.50%).

Conclusion:

PTSD in injured children is significantly higher in girls, senior high school children, in rural areas, and in ethnic minority children. PTSD prevention and control should be focused on these 4 subgroups.
The Asymmetry of population ethics: experimental social choice and dual-process moral reasoning
Authors: Spears Dean
Published: October 2019

Population ethics is widely considered to be exceptionally important and exceptionally difficult. One key source of difficulty is the conflict between certain moral intuitions and analytical results identifying requirements for rational (in the sense of complete and transitive) social choice over possible populations. One prominent such intuition is the Asymmetry, which jointly proposes that the fact that a possible child’s quality of life would be bad is a normative reason not to create the child, but the fact that a child’s quality of life would be good is not a reason to create the child. This paper reports a set of questionnaire experiments about the Asymmetry in the spirit of economists’ empirical social choice. Few survey respondents show support for the Asymmetry; instead respondents report that expectations of a good quality of life are relevant. Each experiment shows evidence (among at least some participants) of dual-process moral reasoning, in which cognitive reflection is statistically associated with reporting expected good quality of life to be normatively relevant. The paper discusses possible implications of these results for the economics of population-sensitive social welfare and for the conflict between moral mathematics and population intuition.
Dusting Off the Arid Antiquity of the Sahara
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: October 2019

New research on the geochemistry of Canary Islands paleosols shows that the Sahara has been an arid dust producer for at least 4.8 million years.
Mapping Stress and Structure From Subducting Slab to Magmatic Rift: Crustal Seismic Anisotropy of the North Island, New Zealand
Authors: Illsley‐Kemp Finnigan , Savage Martha K. , Wilson Colin J. N. , Bannister Stephen
Published: October 2019

We use crustal seismic anisotropy measurements in the North Island, New Zealand, to examine structures and stress within the Taupō Volcanic Zone, the Taranaki Volcanic Lineament, the subducting Hikurangi slab, and the Hikurangi forearc. Results in the Taranaki region are consistent with NW‐SE oriented extension yet suggest that the Taranaki volcanic lineament may be controlled by a deep‐rooted, inherited crustal structure. In the central Taupō Volcanic Zone anisotropy fast orientations are predominantly controlled by continental rifting. However at Taupō and Okataina volcanoes, fast orientations are highly variable and radial to the calderas suggesting the influence of magma reservoirs in the seismogenic crust (≤15 km depth). The subducting Hikurangi slab has a predominant trench‐parallel fast orientation, reflecting the pervasive presence of plate‐bending faults, yet changing orientations at depths ≥120 km beneath the central North Island may be relics from previous subduction configurations. Finally, results from the southern Hikurangi forearc show that the orientation of stresses there is consistent with those in the underlying subducting slab. In contrast, the northern Hikurangi forearc is pervasively fractured and is undergoing E‐W compression, oblique to the stress field in the subducting slab. The north‐south variation in fore‐arc stress is likely related to differing subduction‐interface coupling. Across the varying tectonic regimes of the North Island our study highlights that large‐scale tectonic forces tend to dictate the orientation of stress and structures within the crust, although more localized features (plate coupling, magma reservoirs, and inherited crustal structures) can strongly influence surface magmatism and the crustal stress field.
On the Relation Between Jovian Aurorae and the Loading/Unloading of the Magnetic Flux: Simultaneous Measurements From Juno, Hubble Space Telescope, and Hisaki
Authors: Yao Z. H. , Grodent D. , Kurth W. S. , Clark G. , Mauk B. H. , Kimura T. , Bonfond B. , Ye S.‐Y. , Lui A. T. , Radioti A. , Palmaerts B. , Dunn W. R. , Ray L. C. , Bagenal F. , Badman S. V. , Rae I. J. , Guo R. L. , Pu Z. Y. , Gérard J.‐C. , Yoshioka K. , Nichols J. D. , Bolton S. J. , Levin S. M.
Published: October 2019

We present simultaneous observations of aurorae at Jupiter from the Hubble Space Telescope and Hisaki, in combination with the in situ measurements of magnetic field, particles, and radio waves from the Juno Spacecraft in the outer magnetosphere, from ~ 80RJ to 60RJ during 17 to 22 March 2017. Two cycles of accumulation and release of magnetic flux, named magnetic loading/unloading, were identified during this period, which correlate well with electron energization and auroral intensifications. Magnetic reconnection events are identified during both the loading and unloading periods, indicating that reconnection and unloading are independent processes. These results show that the dynamics in the middle magnetosphere are coupled with auroral variability.
Rapid CO2 Release From Eroding Permafrost in Seawater
Authors: Tanski G. , Wagner D. , Knoblauch C. , Fritz M. , Sachs T. , Lantuit H.
Published: October 2019

Permafrost is thawing extensively due to climate warming. When permafrost thaws, previously frozen organic carbon (OC) is converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane, leading to further warming. This process is included in models as gradual deepening of the seasonal non‐frozen layer. Yet, models neglect abrupt OC mobilization along rapidly eroding Arctic coastlines. We mimicked erosion in an experiment by incubating permafrost with seawater for an average Arctic open‐water season. We found that CO2 production from permafrost OC is as efficient in seawater as without. For each gram (dry weight) of eroding permafrost, up to 4.3 ± 1.0 mg CO2 will be released and 6.2 ± 1.2% of initial OC mineralized at 4 °C. Our results indicate that potentially large amounts of CO2 are produced along eroding permafrost coastlines, onshore and within nearshore waters. We conclude that coastal erosion could play an important role in carbon cycling and the climate system.
Remarkable Capacity for Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane at High Methane Concentration
Authors: Bowles M.W. , Samarkin V.A. , Hunter K.S. , Finke N. , Teske A.P. , Girguis P.R. , Joye S.B.
Published: October 2019

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), a central process in the carbon cycle of anoxic environments, moderates the release of methane from soils and sediments to water bodies and, ultimately, the atmosphere. The regulation of AOM in the environment remains poorly constrained. Here we quantified AOM and sulfate reduction (SR) rates in diverse deep seafloor samples at in situ pressure and methane concentration and discovered that, in some cases, AOM exceeded SR rates by more than four times when methane concentrations were above 5 mM. Methane concentration also affected other carbon‐cycling processes (e.g., carbon assimilation) in addition to SR. These results illustrate that substantial amounts of methane may be oxidized independent of SR under in situ conditions, reshaping our view of the capacity and mechanism of AOM in methane‐rich environments, including the deep biosphere, where sulfate availability is considered to limit AOM.
Spatial and Temporal Quantification of Spontaneous Imbibition
Authors: Zahasky Christopher , Benson Sally M.
Published: October 2019

Spontaneous imbibition—the process of a wetting fluid displacing a nonwetting fluid purely by capillary forces—is a ubiquitous phenomenon in porous and fibrous materials. Here we present a new experimental method for quantification of spontaneous imbibition in geologic materials. This method makes it possible to perform spontaneous imbibition under elevated pressure conditions relevant to environmental and energy resource applications. Computed tomography imaging reveals a new time‐independent scaling relationship that describes local imbibition rates as a function of water saturation. Imbibition capillary pressure curves are calculated with this wetting‐phase pressure and flow rate characterization, with no assumptions about the functional form, end point behavior, or scaling factors. Calculated end point capillary pressure is nonzero, in agreement with recent pore‐scale measurements of capillary pressure of trapped nonwetting phase. This work provides a new approach and insights into trapping and remobilization of nonwetting fluids in CO2 storage reservoirs and contaminated groundwater aquifers.
A Fermi Gamma‐Ray Burst Monitor Event Observed as a Terrestrial Gamma‐Ray Flash and Terrestrial Electron Beam
Authors: Stanbro M. , Briggs M. S. , Roberts O. J. , Cramer E. , Dwyer J. R. , Holzworth R.H. , Mailyan B. G. , Xiong S. L.
Published: October 2019

We present an event that was detected by Fermi Gamma‐ray Burst Monitor on 4 February 2014 as the spacecraft was flying over Madagascar. We interpret the three pulses during this event (herein known as 140204581) as the following: the first pulse as a terrestrial gamma‐ray flash, the second as a 2 ms long terrestrial electron beam (TEB) 0.5 ms after the terrestrial gamma‐ray flash, and the last pulse as the TEB mirror pulse 90 ms after the TEB. The nature of these events were confirmed using both the World Wide Lightning Location Network and the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network, which detected the same simultaneous sferic underneath the spacecraft and in the magnetic footprint. Several models were fit to the data, and results show that the vertical narrow beam model was found to be inconsistent with the data.
Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Coupling at Jupiter Using a Three‐Dimensional Atmospheric General Circulation Model
Authors: Yates J. N. , Ray L. C. , Achilleos N. , Witasse O. , Altobelli N.
Published: October 2019

Jupiter's upper atmosphere is ∼700 K hotter than predicted based on solar extreme ultraviolet heating alone. The reason for this still remains a mystery and is known as the “energy crisis.” It is thought that the interaction between Jupiter and its dynamic magnetosphere plays a vital role in heating its atmosphere to the observed temperatures. Here, we present a new model of Jupiter's magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere‐coupled system where we couple a three‐dimensional atmospheric general circulation model to an axisymmetric magnetosphere model. We find that the model temperatures are on average ∼60 K, with a maximum of ∼200 K, hotter than the model's two‐dimensional predecessor making our high‐latitude temperatures comparable to the lower limit of observations. Stronger meridional winds now transport more heat from the auroral region to the equator increasing the equatorial temperatures. However, despite this increase, the modeled equatorial temperatures are still hundreds of kelvins colder than observed. We use this model as an intermediate step toward a three‐dimensional atmospheric model coupled to a realistic magnetosphere model with zonal and radial variation.
Tropical Lows in Southern Africa: Tracks, Rainfall Contributions, and the Role of ENSO
Authors: Howard Emma , Washington Richard , Hodges Kevin I.
Published: October 2019

Southern African tropical lows are synoptic‐scale cyclonic vortices that propagate westward across southern Africa in the Austral summer. They strongly influence local rainfall and aggregate in the climatological December, January, and February mean to form the Angola Low. In this study, tropical lows are identified and tracked using an objective feature tracking method. The statistics of tropical low tracks over southern Africa are presented and compared across three reanalysis products. Findings are compared to the literature of tropical low‐pressure areas elsewhere in the world, where it is found that most tracking statistics compare well but that the tendency of tropical lows to become semistationary over Angola is unique to southern Africa. The hypothesis that tropical lows in Angola have a causal relationship with Tropical Temperate Troughs is tested, and a correlation between occurrence frequencies is found at interannual but not daily time scales. Precipitation is attributed to the tropical lows, and it is found that tropical lows are associated with 31% of rainfall across tropical southern Africa, based on gridded precipitation products. The interannual variability of the number of tropical lows that form per year (σ=6 events/year) is linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the tropical easterly jet. The mean latitude of tropical lows is shifted northward during El Niño and southward during La Niña. Much of the interannual precipitation variability maximum in Angola is attributed to rainfall associated with tropical lows. These results provide insights into the southern African response to ENSO and into the mechanisms of rainfall in the southern African tropical edge.
The Seismic Signatures of Recently Formed Impact Craters on Mars
Authors: Schmerr N. C. , Banks M. E. , Daubar I. J.
Published: October 2019

We investigated the seismic signatures of recent impact crater clusters on Mars that would be recorded by the Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) seismometers. We used a database of 77 measured and dated impact sites, with craters with diameters between 2.1 and 33.8 m, along with inferred impact angle, bolide trajectory, and varying target material properties to empirically scale for the momentum, expected seismic source function, and radiation pattern of impacts. The impact source is simulated in a local 3‐D finite difference wave propagation code and coupled to teleseismic distances by scaling the spectra of 1‐D global synthetic seismograms. We use the InSight seismometer noise floors to estimate detectability of impact(s) across azimuth and distance. Our experiments reveal that impact clusters have a higher peak corner frequency resulting from energy contributed by smaller craters to the power spectrum. We also find that the time separation between individual impacts in a cluster is small (<10–15 ms) and requires a seismometer closely situated to the source (<10 km) and a high sampling rate (>100 Hz) to resolve individual impacts within the cluster. Two of the clusters in our database (>20‐m effective diameter) would have been detectable by InSight, with the assumptions that the Martian background noise and seismic attenuation are both low. Joint detection of surface changes from newly formed crater(s) in images and by InSight will provide precise source locations that are crucial for constraining the internal structure of Mars.
Impact History and Regolith Evolution on the Moon: Geochemistry and Ages of Glasses from the Apollo 16 Site
Authors: Norman Marc D. , Jourdan Fred , Hui Simeon S. M.
Published: October 2019

Lunar impact glasses are quenched droplets of melt that carry geochemical records of their target compositions, formation ages, and time‐integrated exposure in the upper layers of the lunar regolith. Here we present the first study to obtain major element, trace element, and Ar isotopic data for impact glasses from the Apollo 16 regolith sample 66031. Thirty particles were analysed with 27 of them yielding useable age information. The glasses have a wide range of major and trace element compositions, similar to that observed in lunar meteorites. Half of these glasses have compositions similar to Apollo 16 soils and are considered to be “locally derived”, whereas the others represent diverse source regions and are considered to be “exotic” particles that were delivered from a considerable distance to the landing site.

Almost 40% of the samples analysed for this study have formation ages younger than 500 Ma. Duplicate particles produced in single impact events contribute minimally to the age distribution, and diurnal or transient heating of the regolith does not appear to have had a significant effect on the 40Ar/39Ar ages. Rather, the ages reflect primarily the formation of these glasses by impact melting, with the distribution modified to some degree by preservation bias. As most of these glasses are likely formed by relatively small impactors, their age distribution cannot be compared directly with the crystalline lunar melt rocks to constrain the impact mass flux through time.
Icelandic Pit Chains as Planetary Analogs: Using Morphologic Measurements of Pit Chains to Determine Regolith Thickness
Authors: Whitten Jennifer L. , Martin Emily S.
Published: October 2019

Pit chains are distinctive geologic landforms present on planetary bodies across the solar system, which can be used to understand regolith properties and formation. If there is a direct relationship between pit diameter and the regolith depth, pit chains can be used to map regolith thickness across a planetary surface. Here, the morphology of individual pits within pit chains in northern Iceland was measured as a planetary analog to determine whether there is a direct relationship between individual pit diameters and pit depth, which is assumed to be a proxy for regolith depth. The morphology of pit chains and regolith thickness was measured in three different locations in northern Iceland, within two different substrates: unconsolidated floodplain sediments and more consolidated soils overlaying basaltic lava flows. There is a significant linear relationship between pit diameter and depth for pit chains located in the floodplain sediment, but not for pits located in basaltic materials. However, this depth‐diameter relationship does not correlate with regolith thickness. The depth of the pits in basaltic materials is more representative of the regolith depth than the pits in the floodplain sediments. If high‐resolution topography data are available, then the depth of pits in more consolidated materials can be used as a reliable estimate of regolith thickness. In more unconsolidated materials, the pit depth represents a minimum regolith depth. This ability to resolve regolith thicknesses may help resolve the processes by which regolith is emplaced and has implications for the thermal evolution of planetary bodies.
Oxidative stress-mediated TXNIP loss causes RPE dysfunction
Authors: Ji Cho Min , Yoon Sung-Jin , Kim Wooil , Park Jongjin , Lee Jangwook , Park Jong-Gil , Cho Young-Lai , Hun Kim Jeong , Jang Hyejin , Park Young-Jun , Lee Sang-Hyun , Min Jeong-Ki
Published: October 2019

The disruption of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), for example, through oxidative damage, is a common factor underlying age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Aberrant autophagy also contributes to AMD pathology, as autophagy maintains RPE homeostasis to ensure blood–retinal barrier (BRB) integrity and protect photoreceptors. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) promotes cellular oxidative stress by inhibiting thioredoxin reducing capacity and is in turn inversely regulated by reactive oxygen species levels; however, its role in oxidative stress-induced RPE cell dysfunction and the mechanistic link between TXNIP and autophagy are largely unknown. Here, we observed that TXNIP expression was rapidly downregulated in RPE cells under oxidative stress and that RPE cell proliferation was decreased. TXNIP knockdown demonstrated that the suppression of proliferation resulted from TXNIP depletion-induced autophagic flux, causing increased p53 activation via nuclear localization, which in turn enhanced AMPK phosphorylation and activation. Moreover, TXNIP downregulation further negatively impacted BRB integrity by disrupting RPE cell tight junctions and enhancing cell motility by phosphorylating, and thereby activating, Src kinase. Finally, we also revealed that TXNIP knockdown upregulated HIF-1α, leading to the enhanced secretion of VEGF from RPE cells and the stimulation of angiogenesis in cocultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. This suggests that the exposure of RPE cells to sustained oxidative stress may promote choroidal neovascularization, another AMD pathology. Together, these findings reveal three distinct mechanisms by which TXNIP downregulation disrupts RPE cell function and thereby exacerbates AMD pathogenesis. Accordingly, reinforcing or restoring BRB integrity by targeting TXNIP may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for preventing or attenuating photoreceptor damage in AMD.
A population-based family clustering study of tic-related obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Brander Gustaf , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Rosenqvist Mina A. , Rück Christian , Serlachius Eva , Fernández de la Cruz Lorena , Lichtenstein Paul , Crowley James J. , Larsson Henrik , Mataix-Cols David
Published: October 2019

In the latest edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) included a new “tic-related” specifier. However, strong evidence supporting tic-related OCD as a distinct subtype of OCD is lacking. This study investigated whether, at the population level, tic-related OCD has a stronger familial load than non-tic-related OCD. From a cohort of individuals born in Sweden between 1967 and 2007 (n = 4,085,367; 1257 with tic-related OCD and 20,975 with non-tic-related OCD), we identified all twins, full siblings, maternal and paternal half siblings, and cousins. Sex- and birth year-adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were calculated to estimate the risk of OCD in relatives of individuals with OCD with and without comorbid tics, compared with relatives of unaffected individuals. We found that OCD is a familial disorder, regardless of comorbid tic disorder status. However, the risk of OCD in relatives of individuals with tic-related OCD was considerably greater than the risk of OCD in relatives of individuals with non-tic-related OCD (e.g., risk for full siblings: aHR = 10.63 [95% CI, 7.92–14.27] and aHR = 4.52 [95% CI, 4.06–5.02], respectively;pvalue for the difference < 0.0001). These differences remained when the groups were matched by age at first OCD diagnosis and after various sensitivity analyses. The observed familial patterns of OCD in relation to tics were not seen in relation to other neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Tic-related OCD is a particularly familial subtype of OCD. The results have important implications for ongoing gene-searching efforts.
Performance of DNA methylation assays for detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kelly Helen , Benavente Yolanda , Pavon Miquel Angel , De Sanjose Silvia , Mayaud Philippe , Lorincz Attila Tibor
Published: October 2019

Background

To conduct a meta-analysis of performance of DNA methylation in women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+).

Methods

Medline and Embase databases were searched for studies of methylation markers versus histological endpoints. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for CIN2+ were derived from bivariate models. Relative sensitivity and specificity for CIN2+ compared to cytology and HPV16/18 genotyping were pooled using random-effects models.

Results

Sixteen thousand three hundred thirty-six women in 43 studies provided data on human genes (CADM1, MAL, MIR-124-2, FAM19A4, POU4F3, EPB41L3, PAX1, SOX1) and HPV16 (L1/L2). Most (81%) studies evaluated methylation assays following a high-risk (HR)-HPV-positive or abnormal cytology result. Pooled CIN2+ and CIN3+ prevalence was 36.7% and 21.5%. For a set specificity of 70%, methylation sensitivity for CIN2+ and CIN3+ were 68.6% (95% CI: 62.9–73.8) and 71.1% (95% CI: 65.7–76.0) and PPV were 53.4% (95% CI: 44.4–62.1) and 35.0% (95% CI: 28.9–41.6). Among HR-HPV+ women, the relative sensitivity of methylation for CIN2+ was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.63–1.04) and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.05–1.42) compared to cytology of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, or greater (ASCUS+) and HPV16/18 genotyping, respectively, while relative specificity was 1.25 (95% CI: 0.99–1.59) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.94–1.13), respectively.

Conclusion

DNA methylation is significantly higher in CIN2+ and CIN3+ compared to ≤CIN1. As triage test, DNA methylation has higher specificity than cytology ASCUS+ and higher sensitivity than HPV16/18 genotyping.
5 year incidence of YAG capsulotomy and PCO after cataract surgery with single-piece monofocal intraocular lenses: a real-world evidence study of 20,763 eyes
Authors: Ursell Paul G. , Dhariwal Mukesh , O’Boyle Derek , Khan Javeed , Venerus Alessandra
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the 3- and 5-year incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy in patients following cataract surgery, comparing results for different single-piece acrylic hydrophilic and hydrophobic monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) models and other patient factors.

Patients and methods

Electronic medical record data collected from seven United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) ophthalmology clinics for routine, age-related (≥65 years) cataract surgeries that implanted single-piece acrylic monofocal IOLs during 2010–2013 were used to calculate 3- and 5-year incidence of Nd:YAG and PCO. IOL models of Alcon Acrysof, AMO Tecnis, Bausch & Lomb (B & L) Akreos, LenStec Softec, and Rayner Flex were analyzed. Pairwise comparisons were conducted between AcrySof IOLs and other IOLs using Bonferroni adjustment for multiplicity. Multivariate analyses were conducted adjusting for known confounders.

Results

The incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy ranged between 2.4–12.6% at 3 years and 5.8–19.3% at 5 years post-cataract surgery. Similarly, the incidence of PCO ranged between 4.7–18.6% at 3 years and 7.1–22.6% at 5 years. When comparing all of the single-piece IOLs, AcrySof demonstrated the lowest incidence rates for both PCO and Nd:YAG (P < 0.001 for each comparison). From adjusted logistic regression analysis, AcrySof were associated with lower 3- and 5-year odds of Nd:YAG and PCO incidence.

Conclusions

Following cataract surgery with single-piece monofocal IOLs different incidence rates of PCO were observed with different IOLs. AcrySof IOLs were associated with significantly lower incidence of PCO requiring Nd:YAG treatment over periods of 3 and 5 years.
Pathogenesis of hypertension in a mouse model for human CLCN2 related hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Göppner Corinna , Orozco Ian J. , Hoegg-Beiler Maja B. , Soria Audrey H. , Hübner Christian A. , Fernandes-Rosa Fabio L. , Boulkroun Sheerazed , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Jentsch Thomas J.
Published: October 2019

Human primary aldosteronism (PA) can be caused by mutations in several ion channel genes but mouse models replicating this condition are lacking. We now show that almost all known PA-associated CLCN2 mutations markedly increase ClC-2 chloride currents and generate knock-in mice expressing a constitutively open ClC-2 Cl− channel as mouse model for PA. The Clcn2op allele strongly increases the chloride conductance of zona glomerulosa cells, provoking a strong depolarization and increasing cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. Clcn2op mice display typical features of human PA, including high serum aldosterone in the presence of low renin activity, marked hypertension and hypokalemia. These symptoms are more pronounced in homozygous Clcn2op/op than in heterozygous Clcn2+/op mice. This difference is attributed to the unexpected finding that only ~50 % of Clcn2+/op zona glomerulosa cells are depolarized. By reproducing essential features of human PA, Clcn2op mice are a valuable model to study the pathological mechanisms underlying this disease.
Genome-wide association mapping of date palm fruit traits
Authors: Hazzouri Khaled M. , Gros-Balthazard Muriel , Flowers Jonathan M. , Copetti Dario , Lemansour Alain , Lebrun Marc , Masmoudi Khaled , Ferrand Sylvie , Dhar Michael I. , Fresquez Zoë A. , Rosas Ulises , Zhang Jianwei , Talag Jayson , Lee Seunghee , Kudrna David , Powell Robyn F. , Leitch Ilia J. , Krueger Robert R. , Wing Rod A. , Amiri Khaled M. A. , Purugganan Michael D.
Published: October 2019

Date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) are an important fruit crop of arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Despite its importance, few genomic resources exist for date palms, hampering evolutionary genomic studies of this perennial species. Here we report an improved long-read genome assembly for P. dactylifera that is 772.3 Mb in length, with contig N50 of 897.2 Kb, and use this to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the sex determining region and 21 fruit traits. We find a fruit color GWAS at the R2R3-MYB transcription factor VIRESCENS gene and identify functional alleles that include a retrotransposon insertion and start codon mutation. We also find a GWAS peak for sugar composition spanning deletion polymorphisms in multiple linked invertase genes. MYB transcription factors and invertase are implicated in fruit color and sugar composition in other crops, demonstrating the importance of parallel evolution in the evolutionary diversification of domesticated species.
Publisher Correction: A special three-layer step-index fiber for building compact STED systems
Authors: Luo Hao , Wang Guiren , Yuan Libo
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Prognostic value of 18F-FDG brain PET as an early indicator of neurological outcomes in a rat model of post-cardiac arrest syndrome
Authors: Kim Daehee , Yoon Hai-Jeon , Lee Woon Jeong , Woo Seon Hee , Kim Bom Sahn
Published: October 2019

Predicting neurological outcomes in patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) is crucial for identifying those who will benefit from intensive care. We evaluated the predictive value of 18F-FDG PET. PCAS was induced in Sprague Dawley rats. Baseline and post-3-hour images were acquired. Standardized uptake value (SUV) changes before and after PCAS induction (SUVdelta) and SUV ratios (SUVR) of regional SUV normalized to the whole brain SUV were obtained. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed after 2 weeks to evaluate neurological outcomes and rats were classified into two groups based on the result. Of 18 PCAS rats, 8 were classified into the good outcome group. The SUVdelta of forebrain regions were significantly decreased in good outcome group (p < 0.05), while the SUVdelta of hindbrain regions were not significantly different according to outcomes. The SUVR of forebrain regions were significantly higher and the SUVR of hindbrain regions were significantly lower in good outcome group (p < 0.05). Forebrain-to-hindbrain ratio predicted a good neurological outcome with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 100% using an optimal cutoff value of 1.22 (AUC 0.969, p < 0.05). These results suggest the potential utility of 18F-FDG PET in the early prediction of neurological outcomes in PCAS.
Soluble guanylyl cyclase α1 subunit is a key mediator of proliferation, survival, and migration in ECC-1 and HeLa cell lines
Authors: Ronchetti Sonia A. , Pino María Teresa L. , Cordeiro Georgina , Bollani Sabrina N. , Ricci Analía G. , Duvilanski Beatriz H. , Cabilla Jimena P.
Published: October 2019

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a heterodimeric enzyme constituted by two subunits, α1 and β1. Previously we have shown that 17β-estradiol (E2) exerts opposite effects on these subunits by increasing α1 and decreasing both β1 expression and enzymatic activity. To date, the physiological relevance of E2-induced sGC subunits’ imbalance has not been addressed. Also, increased levels strongly correlate with E2-induced proliferation in E2-dependent tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of sGCα1 in proliferation, survival, and migration in two E2-responsive and non-responsive tumour cell lines. Here we showed that E2 stimulated sGCα1 expression in ECC-1 endometrial cancer cells. sGCα1 knock-down significantly reduced E2-dependent cell proliferation. Moreover, sGCα1 silencing caused G1 arrest together with an increase in cell death and dramatically inhibited cell migration. Surprisingly, disruption of sGCα1 expression caused a similar effect even in absence of E2. Confirming this effect, sGCα1 knock-down also augmented cell death and decreased proliferation and migration in E2-unresponsive HeLa cervical cancer cells. Our results show that sGCα1 mediated cell proliferation, survival, and migration in ECC-1 and HeLa cells and suggest that sGCα1 can not only mediate E2-tumour promoting effects but can also be involved in hormone-independent tumour progression.
Radiation-related Adverse Effects of CT-guided Implantation of 125I Seeds for Thoracic Recurrent and/or Metastatic Malignancy
Authors: Ji Zhe , Jiang Yuliang , Guo Fuxin , Peng Ran , Sun Haitao , Wang Panfeng , Fan Jinghong , Wang Junjie
Published: October 2019

During radioactive Iodine-125 seed implantation (RISI), Iodine-125 radionuclide is implanted directly into a lesion and kills tumor cells by steadily emitting radiation. In our study, we analyzed the adverse effects of RISI for thoracic malignancy, and investigated the safety, dosage, and adverse effects of RISI for these cases. Between June 2007 and January 2018, 77 patients with thoracic recurrent and/or metastatic tumors who underwent CT-guided RISI were enrolled. Radiation-related adverse effects were analyzed, including pneumonia, esophagitis, hemorrhage, fistula, skin injury, heart injury, and spinal cord injury. We used the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.03 to evaluate adverse effects and analyzed the relationship between adverse effects and dosimetric parameters of organs at risk (OAR), including D0.1cc, D2cc, Dmean, and V20. The results of the study were as follows: The median follow-up period was 11 months. The median postoperative dose (D90) was 122 Gy (45.7–241.8 Gy). Three patients (3.9%) showed radiation pneumonitis of grade ≥2. Two patients (2.6%) showed radiation-induced esophagitis of grade ≥2. One patient (1.3%) showed an esophageal fistula. Two patients (2.6%) had a tracheal fistula. Five patients (6.5%) had radiation-related skin reactions. One patient (1.3%) reported chest wall pain, while three (3.9%) showed hemoptysis. No patients showed radiation myelitis or cardiotoxicity. The mean D2cc of organs at risk were 165.7 Gy (lung), 10.61 Gy (esophagus), 10.25 Gy (trachea), 18.07 Gy (blood vessel), 12.64 Gy (heart), 14.77 Gy (spinal cord), 17.47 Gy (skin). Dosimetric parameters, such as D0.1cc, D2cc and Dmean, were higher in patients with toxic reactions (above the upper limit of 95% confidence interval among the overall data). Chi-square test showed that skin D0.1cc > 600 Gy, D2cc > 500 Gy, and Dmean >90 Gy were associated with grade ≥2 radiation dermatitis (p < 0.05), but no clear dose-toxicity correlation was found in other OARs. So, we concluded that the overall incidence of toxicity and adverse effects from RISI for the treatment of thoracic tumors is low. The dose-toxicity characteristics have not been fully defined. Doses within the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval may be considered safe. This was a retrospective analysis, and follow-up period was minimal, indicating possible limitations of this study.
Feature engineering applied to intraoperativein vivoRaman spectroscopy sheds light on molecular processes in brain cancer: a retrospective study of 65 patients
Authors: Lemoine Émile , Dallaire Frédérick , Yadav Rajeev , Agarwal Rajeev , Kadoury Samuel , Trudel Dominique , Guiot Marie-Christine , Petrecca Kevin , Leblond Frédéric
Published: October 2019

A new method to improve the statistical interpretability of biological Raman Spectroscopy was applied to spectra acquiredin vivoduring neurosurgical resection of brain cancer, revealing oncogenic processes captured by the Raman system.
Epigenetic subtyping of white blood cells using a thermoplastic elastomer-based microfluidic emulsification device for multiplexed, methylation-specific digital droplet PCR
Authors: Malic Lidija , Daoud Jamal , Geissler Matthias , Boutin Alex , Lukic Ljuboje , Janta Mojra , Elmanzalawy Abdelrahman , Veres Teodor
Published: October 2019

Digital droplet PCR for epigenetic leukocyte subtyping from clinically relevant samples is implemented using a thermoplastic elastomer microfluidic droplet generator as a first step towards an economical, customizable and easily deployable system.
Ambient electrospray deposition Raman spectroscopy (AESD RS) using soft landed preformed silver nanoparticles for rapid and sensitive analysis
Authors: Ahuja Tripti , Ghosh Atanu , Mondal Sandip , Basuri Pallab , Jenifer Shantha Kumar , Srikrishnarka Pillalamarri , Mohanty Jyoti Sarita , Bose Sandeep , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: October 2019

Ambient electrospray deposition Raman spectroscopy (AESD RS) using soft landed preformed silver nanoparticles for rapid and sensitive SERS analysis.
Divergent gold-catalysed reactions of cyclopropenylmethyl sulfonamides with tethered heteroaromatics
Authors: Drew Melanie A. , Arndt Sebastian , Richardson Christopher , Rudolph Matthias , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Hyland Christopher J. T.
Published: October 2019

Cyclopropenylmethyl sulfonamides with tethered heteroaromatics can undergo divergent gold-catalysed cyclisation reactions based on the nature of the aromatic tether.
Determining isoleucine side-chain rotamer-sampling in proteins from 13C chemical shift
Authors: Siemons Lucas , Uluca-Yazgi Boran , Pritchard Ruth B. , McCarthy Stephen , Heise Henrike , Hansen D. Flemming
Published: October 2019

A framework is presented to derive the conformational sampling of isoleucine side chains from nuclear magnetic resonance 13C chemical shifts.
Quinoxaline derivatives disrupt the base stacking of hepatitis C virus-internal ribosome entry site RNA: reduce translation and replication
Authors: Chakraborty Jeet , Kanungo Ajay , Mahata Tridib , Kumar Krishna , Sharma Geetika , Pal Ritesh , Ahammed Khondakar Sayef , Patra Dipendu , Majhi Bhim , Chakrabarti Saikat , Das Saumitra , Dutta Sanjay
Published: October 2019

Targeting the bend architecture: base de-stacking of the bend right-angled architecture of subdomain IIa leads to translational inhibition by a quinoxaline small molecule.
Efficient green light-excited switches based on dithienylethenes with BF2-doped π-conjugated systems
Authors: Li Ziyong , Dai Yijie , Lu Zhiqiang , Pei Yingying , Chen Hong , Zhang Lilei , Duan Ying , Guo Hui
Published: October 2019

Novel dithienylethene derivatives with BF2-doped π-conjugation show efficient green light-excited photoswitching behaviors in solvents, PMMA film and living cells.
Layered H0.68Ti1.83O4/reduced graphene oxide nanosheets as a novel cathode for rechargeable magnesium batteries
Authors: Chen Chengcheng , Sun Jianchao , Miao Licheng , Yan Zhenhua , Chen Jun
Published: October 2019

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) are promising devices for energy storage owing to their high volumetric energy density and high safety, but they still suffer from the lack of suitable cathodes.
Palladium-catalyzed highly diastereoselective cascade dihalogenation of alkyne-tethered cyclohexadienones via Umpolung of palladium enolate
Authors: Singh Anurag , Shukla Rahul K. , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: October 2019

A highly regio- and diastereoselective Pd(ii)-catalyzed cascade dihalogenation of alkyne-tethered cyclohexadienones proceeding via an electrophilic oxa-π-allyl palladium-species was demonstrated.
Direct synthesis of dilithium tetraphenylporphyrin: facile reaction of a free-base porphyrin with vapor-deposited lithium
Authors: Schöniger Maik , Kachel Stefan R. , Herritsch Jan , Schröder Philipp , Hutter Mark , Gottfried J. Michael
Published: October 2019

A dilithium porphyrin was synthesized by vapor-deposition of metallic lithium onto solid free-base porphyrin.
Polymersomes with aggregation-induced emission based on amphiphilic block copolypeptoids
Authors: Tao Xinfeng , Chen Hui , Trépout Sylvain , Cen Jiayu , Ling Jun , Li Min-Hui
Published: October 2019

Fluorescent and biocompatible polymersomes based on the amphiphilic block copolypeptoid P(TPE-NAG)-b-PSar are promising for bio-imaging and drug delivery applications.
Correction: Unravelling a general mechanism of converting ionic B/N complexes into neutral B/N analogues of alkanes: Hδ+⋯Hδ− dihydrogen bonding assisted dehydrogenation
Authors: Chen Xi-Meng , Liu Si-Cong , Xu Cong-Qiao , Jing Yi , Wei Donghui , Li Jun , Chen Xuenian
Published: October 2019

Correction for ‘Unravelling a general mechanism of converting ionic B/N complexes into neutral B/N analogues of alkanes: Hδ+⋯Hδ− dihydrogen bonding assisted dehydrogenation’ by Xi-Meng Chen et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 12239–12242.