bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Information Worlds of Older Persons During Disasters
Authors: Pang Natalie , Karanasios Stan , Anwar Misita
Published: August 2019

While there is a growing body of research on information behavior during nonroutine events such as natural disasters, the research has largely neglected older persons as a specific group despite their identification as a demographic that suffers disproportionately during disasters. To address this gap, this article reports on the study of the information behavior and related activities of older persons during natural disasters. Based on a qualitative study, we draw on the theory of information worlds to study the key activities of preparing, responding, and recovering from disasters. The article contributes to the information behavior literature by developing a more informed understanding of both the interrelationship between the information worlds and activities of older persons, and how older persons seek and share information during disasters.
Promoting social attention in 3‐year‐olds with ASD through gaze‐contingent eye tracking
Authors: Wang Quan , Wall Carla A. , Barney Erin C. , Bradshaw Jessica L. , Macari Suzanne L. , Chawarska Katarzyna , Shic Frederick
Published: August 2019

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) look less toward faces compared to their non‐ASD peers, limiting access to social learning. Currently, no technologies directly target these core social attention difficulties. This study examines the feasibility of automated gaze modification training for improving attention to faces in 3‐year‐olds with ASD. Using free‐viewing data from typically developing (TD) controls (n = 41), we implemented gaze‐contingent adaptive cueing to redirect children with ASD toward normative looking patterns during viewing of videos of an actress. Children with ASD were randomly assigned to either (a) an adaptive Cue condition (Cue, n = 16) or (b) a No‐Cue condition (No‐Cue, n = 19). Performance was examined at baseline, during training, and post‐training, and contrasted with TD controls (n = 23). Proportion of time looking at the screen (%Screen) and at actresses' faces (%Face) was analyzed. At Pre‐Training, Cue and No‐Cue groups did not differ in %Face (P > 0.1). At Post‐Training, the Cue group had higher %Face than the No‐Cue group (P = 0.015). In the No‐Cue group %Face decreased Pre‐ to Post‐Training; no decline was observed in the Cue group. These results suggest gaze‐contingent training effectively mitigated decreases of attention toward the face of onscreen social characters in ASD. Additionally, larger training effects were observed in children with lower nonverbal ability, suggesting a gaze‐contingent approach may be particularly relevant for children with greater cognitive impairment. This work represents development toward new social attention therapeutic systems that could augment current behavioral interventions. Autism Res 2020, 13: 61–73. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

In this study, we leverage a new technology that combines eye tracking and automatic computer programs to help very young children with ASD look at social information in a more prototypical way. In a randomized controlled trial, we show that the use of this technology prevents the diminishing attention toward social information normally seen in children with ASD over the course of a single experimental session. This work represents development toward new social attention therapeutic systems that could augment current behavioral interventions.
Self‐processing in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nijhof Annabel Dineke , Bird Geoffrey
Published: August 2019

Research attempting to explain the social difficulties observed in autism spectrum disorder has focused predominantly on difficulties understanding others, but there are indications that self‐referential processing is also atypical in autism. For example, infants who later get an autism diagnosis show a reduced response when hearing their own name. In addition, research suggests that the self‐bias (the tendency to preferentially process information when self‐relevant) is smaller or absent in autism. However, findings are mixed: researchers are yet to clarify exactly those aspects of self‐processing which are atypical in autism and in what way they are atypical. To gain further insight into these issues, future studies should focus on whether and how different aspects of self‐processing are related in both neurotypical and autistic individuals. Furthermore, the (a)typical development of different aspects of the self, as well as the impact of the self on different domains of cognitive processing, deserves further attention, requiring studies with participants in a wide age range. Finally, the use of neural measures of self‐processing will be invaluable, given the recent hypothesis that autistic individuals may learn to compensate for difficulties by relying on neural pathways which differ from those utilised by neurotypical individuals. Autism Res 2019, 1–5. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay summary

Research has indicated that individuals with autism spectrum disorder show differences in the processing of self‐relevant information. However, as yet, exactly how self‐processing differs in autism remains unknown. To further our understanding of the self in autism, future studies should focus on the relationship between different aspects of self‐processing, investigating brain activity as well as behaviour, across a wide range of ages.
Assessing flow segregation and mixing by modeling residual disinfectant conversion
Authors: Gorzalski Alexander S. , Harrington Gregory W. , Coronell Orlando
Published: August 2019

Microbial inactivation and chemical conversion in water treatment reactors depend on the degree of flow segregation and earliness of mixing (i.e., micromixing). However, little is known about micromixing in full‐scale water treatment reactors. This study used the seasonal conversion of residual disinfectant between chloramines and free chlorine as reactive tracers to evaluate micromixing in full‐scale baffled and unbaffled clearwells. Effluent tracer concentrations were modeled using segregated flow (SF), maximum mixedness (MM), tanks‐in‐series (TIS), and reactor network (RN) models. Breakpoint reactions were most accurately predicted by the TIS model for both clearwells. The MM model was only accurate in the unbaffled clearwell under steady flow conditions. Segregated flows with different residence times (e.g., SF, some RNs) poorly represented observations. Micromixing was significant in the full‐scale reactors studied, and the TIS model most accurately represented observed micromixing. When modeling multiple reactions or nonfirst‐order reactions, reactor models should incorporate micromixing.
Diagnosing ovarian cancer by identifying SCC‐antigen on a multiwalled carbon nanotube‐modified dielectrode sensor
Authors: Liang Ting , Qu Qiuzhi , Chang Yuhua , Gopinath Subash Chandra Bose , Liu Xian Tong
Published: August 2019

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries in its earlier stages and then spreads to the pelvis, uterus, and abdominal region. The success of an ovarian cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and the diagnostic system. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC‐Ag) is one of the most efficient cancer biomarkers, and elevated levels of SCC‐Ag in ovarian cancer cells have been used to identify ovarian cancer. Carbon is a potential material for biosensing applications due to its thermal, electrical, and physical properties. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are carbon‐based materials that can be used here to detect SCC‐Ag. Anti‐SCC‐Ag antibody was immobilized on the amine‐modified MWCNT dielectric sensing surface to detect SCC‐Ag. The uniformity of the surface structure was measured with a 3D nanoprofiler, and the results confirmed the detection of SCC‐Ag at ∼80 pM. The specific detection of SCC‐Ag was confirmed with two control proteins (factor IX and human serum albumin), and the system did not show biofouling. This experimental set‐up with MWCNTs a dielectric sensing surface can lead to the detection of ovarian cancer in its initial stages.
Investigations of the kinetic energy parameters of irradiated (La)‐doped phosphate glass
Authors: El‐Nashar Hassan F. , El‐Kinawy Mohamed , El‐Faramawy Nabil
Published: August 2019

The current study characterizes and analyzes glow curves obtained from phosphate glass doped with different concentrations of lanthanum. Kinetic parameters of the glow curves obtained from beta‐irradiated phosphate glass samples doped with lanthanum were determined using a newly designed deconvoluted software. The obtained results from the analyses indicated that the glow curves of the phosphate glass samples were composed of five overlapping peaks. The activation energies of the five electron traps were located between 0.622 and 1.133 eV. The obtained kinetic parameters were evaluated using the designed software and another two methods and all revealed good agreement. The first three traps displayed non‐first‐order behaviour, while the two deep traps obeyed nearly first‐order kinetics.
The Biological Applications of Two Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens
Authors: Gu Meijia , Zeng Zixuan , Xing Mai , Xiong Yige , Deng Zixin , Chen Shi , Wang Lianrong
Published: August 2019

Fluorescence imaging, as a commonly used scientific tool, is widely applied in various biomedical and material structures through visualization technology. Highly selective and sensitive luminescent biological probes, as well as those with good water solubility, are urgently needed for biomedical research. In contrast to the traditional aggregation‐caused quenching of fluorescence, in the unique phenomenon of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), the individual luminogens have extremely weak or no emissivity because they each have free intramolecular motion; however, when they form aggregates, these components immediately “light up”. Since the discovery of “turn‐on” mechanism, researchers have been studying and applying AIE in a variety of fields to develop more sensitive, selective, and efficient strategies for the AIE dyes. There are numerous advantages to the use of AIE‐based methods, including low background interference, strong contrast, high performance in intracellular imaging, and the ability for long‐term monitoring in vivo. In this review, two typical examples of AIEgens, TPE‐Cy and TPE‐Ph‐In, are described, including their structure properties and applications. Recent progress in the biological applications is mainly focused on. Undoubtedly, in the near future, an increasing number of encouraging and practical ideas will promote the development of more AIEgens for broad use in biomedical applications.
Gold Immunochromatography Assay for the Rapid Detection of Spiramycin in Milk and Beef Samples Based on a Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Guo Lingling , Liu Liqiang , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua , Cui Gang , Xu Chuanlai
Published: August 2019

Spiramycin (SP) residues in food do harm to human health. It is necessary to establish rapid detection method for SP. In this work, a monoclonal antibody (mAb)‐based gold immunochromatography assay (GICA) is developed for the rapid detection of SP. Under optimum conditions, the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration of SP‐mAb is 0.43 ng mL–1. The subtype of SP‐mAb is IgG2b. This antibody has no cross‐reactivity with other analogues and has high affinity (4.52 × 1010 L mol–1). Qualitative results can be visualized with the naked eye, with a visual detection limit of 1.0 ng mL–1 and cut‐off value of 10 ng mL–1. A hand‐held strip scanner is used for the quantitative analysis, with LOD 0.43 ng mL–1 in assay buffer. The recoveries of SP ranged from 72.3% to 112% in milk and 98.5% to 115% in beef, with variable coefficient ranging from 9.4% to 11.7% in milk and 8.14% to 15.4% in beef. Besides, the proposed GICA method for SP is confirmed by LC–MS/MS in SP‐spiked milk and beef samples. Overall, the developed GICA can be a useful tool for SP residues on‐site screening in milk and beef samples.
Comprehensive Characterization of N‐Glycosylation in Darbepoetin Alfa
Authors: Lee Jung Rok , Choi Doyoung , Choi Inseong , Park Mikyung , Choi Eunyoung , Lee Yoon Jung , Park Jeehye , Yang Yoo Hee , Ha Gyong‐Sik , Chul Jin Hong , Kim Kwang Pyo
Published: August 2019

EPO analogues are representative glycoprotein drugs composed of heterogeneous, multiple antennary N‐glycans. NESP® and Aranesp® are hyperglycosylated EPO, marketed under the same international nonproprietary name as darbepoetin alfa. The multiple antennary N‐glycans are a key factor that increases the half‐life of the drug in the body, which is closely related to efficacy. Thus, control of N‐glycosylation is important in providing patients with consistent efficacy. This paper reports on the comprehensive characterization of N‐glycosylation of darbepoetin alfa products. The results of N‐glycan analysis of NESP® and Aranesp® showed difference in the ratio of N‐glycans containing N‐acetyllactosamine and O‐acetylated sialic acid. Although there were some differences, the overall N‐glycan structures and profiles were comparable. In particular, darbepoetin alfa products accounted for the largest proportion of tetra‐sialo N‐glycans, greater than 75%. This study increases understanding of N‐glycan profiles and structural information of darbepoetin alfa.
Quantitative determination of artemisinin in rat hemolyzed plasma by an HPLC–HRMS method
Authors: Wang Yulin , Wang Yueyue , Sun Yuming
Published: August 2019

Iron present in hemolyzed plasma could cause the degradation of artemisinin by reductively cleaving the peroxide bridge of artemisinin during sample preparation, which is a significant technical challenge for artemisinin determination. In this paper, this issue was resolved by using sodium nitrite as methemoglobin‐forming agent to oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobin in the presence of acetic acid and prevent the degradation of artemisinin in hemolyzed plasma during the sample preparation procedure. Then, a high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem high‐resolution mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of artemisinin in normal and hemolyzed plasma. The linear range was validated over the concentration range of 5–500 ng ml−1. The matrix effect and stability were also evaluated. This robust and sensitive assay was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats after an oral administration of Artemisia annua L. extract.
Liquid‐Liquid Equilibrium and Interfacial Properties of the System Water + Hexylacetate + 1‐Hexanol
Authors: Danzer Andreas , Enders Sabine
Published: August 2019

Experimental and theoretical investigations of the phase diagram and the interfacial tension are presented. The theoretical framework was able to predict the phase behavior and the interfacial tension with a high accuracy, where only binary experimental data enter the model parameter. The theory permits the calculation of the concentration profiles across the interface. The profiles show that 1‐hexanol will be enriched, which was expected. In same circumstances a competition between hexylacetate and 1‐hexanol was figured out leading to slight minima in the profile of 1‐hexanol.
Computational instantaneous wave‐free ratio (IFR) for patient‐specific coronary artery stenoses using 1D network models
Authors: Carson Jason M. , Roobottom Carl , Alcock Robin , Nithiarasu Perumal
Published: August 2019

In this work, we estimate the diagnostic threshold of the instantaneous wave‐free ratio (iFR) through the use of a one‐dimensional haemodynamic framework. To this end, we first compared the computed fractional flow reserve (cFFR) predicted from a 1D computational framework with invasive clinical measurements. The framework shows excellent promise and utilises minimal patient data from a cohort of 52 patients with a total of 66 stenoses. The diagnostic accuracy of the cFFR model was 75.76%, with a sensitivity of 71.43%, a specificity of 77.78%, a positive predictive value of 60%, and a negative predictive value of 85.37%. The validated model was then used to estimate the diagnostic threshold of iFR. The model determined a quadratic relationship between cFFR and the ciFR. The iFR diagnostic threshold was determined to be 0.8910 from a receiver operating characteristic curve that is in the range of 0.89 to 0.9 that is normally reported in clinical studies.
Cultural intelligence as education contents: Exploring the pedagogical aspects of effective functioning in higher education
Authors: Hong Jong Youl , Ko Hoon , Mesicek Libor , Song MoonBae
Published: August 2019

Academic discussions on cultural intelligence (CQ) are now paying attention to their potential utilization from various angles. The field of study is expanded not only in business administration but also in psychology, education, tourism, communication, and arts. This is due to the widespread study of global communication competence in multicultural situations because of the deepening of globalization. In this paper, we try to find a way to utilize cultural intelligence model proposed by David Livermore. The aim is to develop education contents for the improvement of cultural intelligence of university students. The target is limited to university students and aims to develop education contents to enhance their cultural intelligence. The main purpose of the study was to measure and analyze the cultural intelligence of university students. For that, the level of cultural intelligence of Korean university freshmen was measured and analyzed. The individual level of the four areas constituting the cultural intelligence was identified, and the difference between the male and female was examined. At the same time, the differences in cultural intelligence were analyzed according to the duration of multicultural contact and experience in the case of foreign language lectures taught by foreigners. Finally, we analyzed how the correlation between the four areas that comprise cultural intelligence is occurring, and as a result, the content and results of this study are expected to be an important foundation for the direction of future development of education contents in universities.
High‐Throughput Screening of Protein‐Detergent Complexes Using Fluorescence Polarization Spectroscopy
Authors: Wolfe Aaron J. , Parella Kyle J. , Movileanu Liviu
Published: August 2019

This article provides detailed protocols for a high‐throughput fluorescence polarization (FP) spectroscopy approach to disentangle the interactions of membrane proteins with solubilizing detergents. Existing techniques for examining the membrane protein‐detergent complex (PDC) interactions are low throughput and require high amounts of proteins. Here, we describe a 96‐well analytical approach, which facilitates a scalable analysis of the PDC interactions at low‐nanomolar concentrations of membrane proteins in native solutions. At detergent concentrations much greater than the equilibrium dissociation constant of the PDC, Kd, the FP anisotropy reaches a saturated value, so it is independent of the detergent concentration. On the contrary, at detergent concentrations comparable with or lower than the Kd, the FP anisotropy readout undergoes a time‐dependent decrease, exhibiting a sensitive and specific detergent‐dissociation signature. Our approach can also be used for determining the kinetic rate constants of association and dissociation. With further development, these protocols might be used in various arenas of membrane protein research that pertain to extraction, solubilization, and stabilization. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Axial wall angulation for rotational resistance in a theoretical‐maxillary premolar model
Authors: Bowley John F. , Lee Po , Lai Wen‐Fu Thomas
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of short base lengths and supplemental grooves on surface area and rotational resistance in a simulated‐maxillary premolar.

Materials and Methods

Trigonometric calculations were done to determine the total surface area with and without supplemental grooves. Additional computations were done to determine the maximum wall angle needed to resist rotation displacement in a premolar‐sized model. Wall heights of 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 mm were used in the surface area and rotational axis computations. The rotational axis was located on the lingual restoration margin to produce a buccal‐to‐lingual rotational displacement.

Results

Total surface area decreased with increasing four‐wall taper levels from 2° to 18° and decreasing preparation heights from 5 to 3 mm. Significant surface area improvements were found with the supplemental use of mesial and distal axial grooves compared with the same condition without grooves in all taper levels and preparation height categories. Resistance to rotational displacement was determined to occur at only at very low levels of opposing wall taper angles. The use of supplemental grooves on mesial and distal axial walls significantly improved both total surface area and rotational resistance.

Conclusions

The vertical wall taper angles, preparation heights, and supplemental grooves play a role in resistance form and restoration stability.
A bias‐reduced solution for target localization with illuminator of opportunity passive radar
Authors: Li Mingzhe , Li Xiaojiang , Wang Shen
Published: August 2019

An improved solution for target localization on the basis of the realistic distance‐dependent noises in illuminator of opportunity passive radar and an algebraic reduction method of the bias, which exists in the two‐stage weighted least squares (TSWLS) method is proposed. The classic TSWLS and its improved solutions have great localization performances just on the basis of two approximations; that is, setting the noise to a constant and ignoring the high‐order terms of measurement noises. It is these two approximations that lead to a suboptimal solution with bias. The bias of TSWLS has a significant influence on the target localization in illuminator of opportunity passive radar that has lower measurement accuracy and higher noises than common radars. Therefore, this paper starts by taking into consideration the realistic distance‐dependent characteristics of time‐of‐arrival (TOA) and frequency‐of‐arrival (FOA) noises and improving TSWLS method. Then, the bias of the improved TSWLS method is analyzed and an algebraic bias‐reduced solution on the basis of weighted least squares (WLS) is developed. Numerical simulations demonstrate that, compared with the existing methods, the proposed bias‐reduced solution attains the Cramer‐Rao lower bound (CRLB) better and reduces the bias effectively.
Nonlinear gene expression‐phenotype relationships contribute to variation and clefting in the A/WySn mouse
Authors: Green Rebecca M. , Leach Courtney L. , Diewert Virginia M. , Aponte Jose David , Schmidt Eric J. , Cheverud James M. , Roseman Charles C. , Young Nathan M. , Marcucio Ralph S. , Hallgrimsson Benedikt
Published: August 2019

Background

Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common human birth defects, but the underlying etiology is poorly understood. The A/WySn mouse is a spontaneously occurring model of multigenic clefting in which 20% to 30% of individuals develop an orofacial cleft. Recent work has shown altered methylation at a specific retrotransposon insertion downstream of the Wnt9b locus in clefting animals, which results in decreased Wnt9b expression.

Results

Using a newly developed protocol that allows us to measure morphology, gene expression, and DNA methylation in the same embryo, we relate gene expression in an individual embryo directly to its three‐dimensional morphology for the first time. We find that methylation at the retrotransposon relates to Wnt9b expression and morphology. IAP methylation relates to shape of the nasal process in a manner consistent with clefting. Embryos with low IAP methylation exhibit increased among‐individual variance in facial shape.

Conclusions

Methylation and gene expression relate nonlinearly to nasal process morphology. Individuals at one end of a continuum of phenotypic states display a clinical phenotype and increased phenotypic variation. Variable penetrance and expressivity in this model is likely determined both by among‐individual variation in methylation and changes in phenotypic robustness along the underlying liability distribution for orofacial clefting.
Matching population diversity of rhizobial nodA and legume NFR5 genes in plant–microbe symbiosis
Authors: Igolkina Anna A. , Bazykin Georgii A. , Chizhevskaya Elena P. , Provorov Nikolai A. , Andronov Evgeny E.
Published: August 2019

We hypothesized that population diversities of partners in nitrogen‐fixing rhizobium–legume symbiosis can be matched for “interplaying” genes. We tested this hypothesis using data on nucleotide polymorphism of symbiotic genes encoding two components of the plant–bacteria signaling system: (a) the rhizobial nodA acyltransferase involved in the fatty acid tail decoration of the Nod factor (signaling molecule); (b) the plant NFR5 receptor required for Nod factor binding. We collected three wild‐growing legume species together with soil samples adjacent to the roots from one large 25‐year fallow: Vicia sativa, Lathyrus pratensis, and Trifolium hybridum nodulated by one of the two Rhizobium leguminosarum biovars (viciae and trifolii). For each plant species, we prepared three pools for DNA extraction and further sequencing: the plant pool (30 plant indiv.), the nodule pool (90 nodules), and the soil pool (30 samples). We observed the following statistically significant conclusions: (a) a monotonic relationship between the diversity in the plant NFR5 gene pools and the nodule rhizobial nodA gene pools; (b) higher topological similarity of the NFR5 gene tree with the nodA gene tree of the nodule pool, than with the nodA gene tree of the soil pool. Both nonsynonymous diversity and Tajima's D were increased in the nodule pools compared with the soil pools, consistent with relaxation of negative selection and/or admixture of balancing selection. We propose that the observed genetic concordance between NFR5 gene pools and nodule nodA gene pools arises from the selection of particular genotypes of the nodA gene by the host plant.
Normal foetal kidney volume in offspring of women treated for gestational diabetes
Authors: Hokke Stacey , de Zoysa Natasha , Carr Bethany L. , Abruzzo Veronica , Coombs Peter R. , Allan Carolyn A. , East Christine , Ingelfinger Julie R. , Puelles Victor G. , Black Mary J. , Ryan Danica , Armitage James A. , Wallace Euan M. , Bertram John F. , Cullen‐McEwen Luise A.
Published: August 2019

Aims

The worldwide prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing. Studies in rodent models indicate that hyperglycaemia during pregnancy alters kidney development, yet few studies have examined if this is so in humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of treated GDM with foetal kidney size.

Materials and Methods

Participants were recruited from an Australian tertiary hospital, and clinical data were collected from women without GDM and women diagnosed and treated for GDM and their offspring. Participants underwent an obstetric ultrasound at 32‐34 weeks gestation for foetal biometry and foetal kidney volume measurement.

Results

Sixty‐four non‐GDM and 64 GDM women participated in the study. Thirty percent of GDM women were diagnosed with fasting hyperglycaemia, while 89% had an elevated 2‐hour glucose level. Maternal age, weight and body mass index were similar in women with and without GDM. Estimated foetal weight, foetal kidney dimensions, total foetal kidney volume and birth weight were similar in offspring of women with and without GDM.

Conclusions

We conclude that a period of mild hyperglycaemia prior to diagnosis of GDM and treatment initiation, which coincides with a period of rapid nephron formation and kidney growth, does not alter kidney size at 32‐34 weeks gestation.
Cross‐Linking of Polyesters Based on Fatty Acids
Authors: Dworakowska Sylwia , Le Coz Cédric , Chollet Guillaume , Grau Etienne , Cramail Henri
Published: August 2019

This study aims at obtaining cross‐linked polymeric materials of biomass origin. For this purpose, one‐pot polyesterification of methyl ricinoleate and methyl 12‐hydroxystearate using titanium isopropoxide as a catalyst is performed leading to polyesters known as estolides. The obtained estolides are successfully cross‐linked using dicumyl peroxide or a sulfur vulcanization system. The so‐formed bio‐based elastomers appear to exhibit promising properties. The latter are analyzed by mechanical tensile tests and thermal techniques (TGA, DSC, DMA) and show high thermal stability (T5% = 205–318 °C), tailored physico‐mechanical properties (low glass transition temperature in the range from −69 to −54 °C), and good tensile strength (0.11–0.40 MPa). Networks prepared from high molecular weight estolides appear to be promising bio‐based elastomers.

Practical Applications: The vegetable oil‐based estolides described in this contribution are new fully bio‐based precursors for further elastomers synthesis. The resulting estolide networks (obtained by peroxide or sulfur cross‐linking) exhibit tailored thermo‐mechanical properties.
Rationale and Roadmap for Developing Panels of Hotspot Cancer Driver Gene Mutations as Biomarkers of Cancer Risk
Authors: Harris Kelly L. , Myers Meagan B. , McKim Karen L. , Elespuru Rosalie K. , Parsons Barbara L.
Published: August 2019

Cancer driver mutations (CDMs) are necessary and causal for carcinogenesis and have advantages as reporters of carcinogenic risk. However, little progress has been made toward developing measurements of CDMs as biomarkers for use in cancer risk assessment. Impediments for using a CDM‐based metric to inform cancer risk include the complexity and stochastic nature of carcinogenesis, technical difficulty in quantifying low‐frequency CDMs, and lack of established relationships between cancer driver mutant fractions and tumor incidence. Through literature review and database analyses, this review identifies the most promising targets to investigate as biomarkers of cancer risk. Mutational hotspots were discerned within the 20 most mutated genes across the 10 deadliest cancers. Forty genes were identified that encompass 108 mutational hotspot codons overrepresented in the COSMIC database; 424 different mutations within these hotspot codons account for approximately 63,000 tumors and their prevalence across tumor types is described. The review summarizes literature on the prevalence of CDMs in normal tissues and suggests such mutations are direct and indirect substrates for chemical carcinogenesis, which occurs in a spatially stochastic manner. Evidence that hotspot CDMs (hCDMs) frequently occur as tumor subpopulations is presented, indicating COSMIC data may underestimate mutation prevalence. Analyses of online databases show that genes containing hCDMs are enriched in functions related to intercellular communication. In its totality, the review provides a roadmap for the development of tissue‐specific, CDM‐based biomarkers of carcinogenic potential, comprised of batteries of hCDMs and can be measured by error‐correct next‐generation sequencing. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:152–175, 2020. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society.
Associations Between Chronic Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Health Indices in Gulf of Mexico Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) Post Deepwater Horizon
Authors: Snyder Susan M. , Pulster Erin L. , Murawski Steven A.
Published: August 2019

A time series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) data was collected for Gulf of Mexico demersal fishes in the years following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (2012–2017). Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) were sampled via demersal longline at repeat stations in the northern Gulf of Mexico in 2012 to 2015 and 2017. Bile samples (n = 256) were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for PAH metabolites as a biomarker of exposure to PAHs. Liver tissues (n = 230) were analyzed for accumulation of PAHs and alkylated homologs via quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extractions and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry quantification. Over the 6-yr time series, exposure to petrogenic PAHs increased by an average of 178%, correlating with an average 22% decline in Fulton's condition factor. The decline in Fulton's condition factor was positively correlated with a 53% decline in percentage of liver lipid. There was no accumulation of PAHs in liver tissue over time. Together, these results suggest that increasing and chronic PAH exposure and metabolism may be taxing the energy budgets of tilefish, particularly adult females, with potentially negative impacts on fitness. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2659–2671. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Using ground penetrating radar to understand the failure of the Koh Ker Reservoir, Northern Cambodia
Authors: Moffat Ian , Klassen Sarah , Attorre Tiago , Evans Damian , Lustig Terry , Kong Leaksmy
Published: August 2019

Ground penetrating radar, probing, and excavation were used to create a contour map of the topography of a buried laterite pavement forming the spillway of a large abandoned reservoir at the Angkorian‐period city of Koh Ker in Cambodia. Calculations of the flow velocity of water through the spillway, based on the topography of the laterite surface, demonstrate that this outlet was even less adequate for passing the flow of water from the Stung Rongea catchment than had been estimated previously by Lustig, Klassen, Evans, French, & Moffat (2018). We argue that this design flaw contributed substantially to the failure of the reservoir’s dike, possibly during the first rainy season after construction, which may have contributed to Koh Ker’s remarkably short‐lived tenure as the political center of the Khmer Empire.
Metamorphism, geochemistry, and carbon source on sedimentary‐metamorphic graphite deposits in eastern Shandong, China
Authors: Wang Jinya , Liu Jianchao , Zhang Haidong , Zhang Hairui , Li Yang
Published: August 2019

Eastern Shandong is one of the most economically important regions for ore‐producing sedimentary‐metamorphic graphite deposits in China. The Liugezhuang and Daliangzikou graphite deposits in the Pingdu–Laixi Graphite Belt are typical examples. The ores in the Liugezhuang deposit and Daliangzikou deposit are typically gneiss/granulite type and biotite granulite type, respectively. Graphite occurs as stratabound layers of slender flakes associated with biotite, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase and as slender flakes and disseminated grains associated with biotite and filling tiny fractures in mineral grains. The mineral associations indicate that the ore rocks can be classified into four metamorphic facies: (a) amphibolite granulite facies, Cpx (Hy) + Opx (Di) + Pl ± Hbl ± Qz; (b) amphibolite facies, Hbl + Pl + Cpx (Opm) + Ep + Bt + Ms + Qz ± Chl ± Mic; (c) high‐grade greenshist facies, Hbl + Pl + Ep + Bt + Chl + Qz ± Cpx; and (d) low‐grade greenshist facies, Ep + Chl + Pl + Bt + Ms + Chl + Qz + Rt. Study of the variation in graphite crystals and fixed carbon with increasing metamorphic grade suggests that more than one metamorphism process (graphitization) occurred during ore formation. Geochemical analysis indicates that the primary condition under which the Liugezhuang and Daliangzikou graphite deposits formed was a marine facies sedimentary environment of which the material source was terrestrial weathering detritus and compounds and also a participation of terrestrial material in the graphite deposits. Trace element data suggest that the sedimentary condition was from a reducing condition in the Liugezhuang graphite deposit to a weaker reducing condition in the Daliangzikou graphite deposit, whereas samples from a Jingshan Group stratum show multiple oxidation–reduction conditions but dominantly oxidation. Carbon isotope analysis indicates that the carbon source of the Liugezhuang graphite deposit was organic, whereas that of the Daliangzikou graphite deposit was mainly organic carbon but with some inorganic participation.
Low basal friction‐controlled geometry and kinematics of accretionary wedges from analogue experiments
Authors: Deng Bin , Fan Caiwei , He Yu , Lai Dong , Jiang Ziran , Wang Xinjian , Liu Shugen , Jansa Luba
Published: August 2019

Cohesion and friction coefficients are fundamental parameters of granular materials used in analogue experiments. Our six models, comprising two sets of quartz sand with a 0–3 mm thickness of basal glass beads, illustrate that accretionary wedges with high basal friction have relatively larger slope angles and heights, shorter wedge lengths, and larger numbers of faults with smaller spacings and displacements than wedges with low basal friction. It should be noted that the differences in the geometry and evolution of the two sets of homogeneous quartz sands are not distinct; however, the differences are substantial when the models have low basal friction of the glass beads. In particular, there are two different tendencies of growth in wedge height with progressive shortening, that is, progressive growth of wedge height with high basal friction and steady‐state growth of wedge height with basal glass beads. We thus infer that the wedge geometries in our experiments are preferentially controlled by the low basal friction achieved with glass beads. In particular, the basal décollement (even when thin) has a significant influence on the location and development of accretionary wedges, in contrast to the physical properties of brittle materials (e.g., friction coefficient and cohesion).
Predicting current and future anxiety symptoms in cognitively intact older adults with memory complaints
Authors: Hill Nikki L. , Mogle Jacqueline , Bell Tyler Reed , Bhargava Sakshi , Wion Rachel K. , Bhang Iris
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Memory complaints are a common concern for older adults and may co‐occur with anxiety symptoms. Although both memory complaints and anxiety are associated with heightened cognitive decline risk, little is known about how these symptoms develop over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the differential concurrent and longitudinal relationships among anxiety symptoms and two types of memory complaints in cognitively intact older adults.

Methods/Design

The current study sample was drawn from two longitudinal, nationally representative datasets, the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Cognitively intact older adults aged 65 and over were included, representing six (n = 5069; NHATS) and two (n = 5284; HRS) waves of data, respectively. Using multilevel linear modeling, we tested bidirectional relationships between anxiety and two types of memory complaints: current rating of memory performance and perceived memory decline.

Results

Concurrent associations between anxiety symptoms and memory complaints were found in both datasets: At times when current memory performance was rated more poorly or perceived memory decline was reported, anxiety symptoms tended to be higher, and vice versa. A longitudinal relationship was identified in NHATS such that perceived memory decline, and not current memory rating, predicted future anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

This study provides a better understanding of the relationships between memory complaints and anxiety symptoms over time. Cognitively intact older adults with perceived memory decline are at greater risk for current as well as future anxiety symptoms.
Prevalence and correlates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment classified with different versions of the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS‐m)
Authors: Lindgren Noora , Rinne Juha O. , Palviainen Teemu , Kaprio Jaakko , Vuoksimaa Eero
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS‐m) is an efficient and cost‐effective screening instrument of dementia, but there is less support for its utility in the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the utility of different TICS‐m versions with or without an education‐adjusted scoring method to classify dementia and MCI in a large population‐based sample.

Methods

Cross‐sectional assessment of cognition (TICS‐m), depressive symptoms (CES‐D), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status was performed on 1772 older adults (aged 71‐78 y, education 5‐16 y, 50% female) from the population‐based older Finnish Twin Cohort. TICS‐m classification methods with and without education adjustment were used to classify individuals with normal cognition, MCI, or dementia.

Results

The prevalence of dementia and MCI varied between education‐adjusted (dementia = 3.7%, MCI = 9.3%) and unadjusted classifications (dementia = 8.5%‐11%, MCI = 22.3%‐41.3%). APOE ε4 status was associated with dementia irrespective of education adjustment, but with MCI only when education adjustment was used. Regardless of the version, poorer continuous TICS‐m scores were associated with higher age, lower education, more depressive symptoms, male sex, and being an APOE ε4 carrier.

Conclusions

We showed that demographic factors, APOE ε4 status, and depressive symptoms were similarly related to continuous TICS‐m scores and dementia classifications with different versions. However, education‐adjusted classification resulted in a lower prevalence of dementia and MCI and in a higher proportion of APOE ε4 allele carriers among those identified as having MCI. Our results support the use of education‐adjusted classification especially in the context of MCI.
Prediction of the depth of invasion in superficial pharyngeal cancer: Microvessel morphological evaluation with narrowband imaging
Authors: Eguchi Kohtaro , Matsui Toshihiro , Mukai Masayoshi , Sugimoto Taro
Published: August 2019

Background

Magnifying endoscopy with narrowband imaging (ME‐NBI) is useful in predicting the invasion depth by examining the microvascular status of tumor surfaces. This retrospective study aimed to determine its efficacy in pharyngeal cancer.

Methods

Between April 2016 and March 2018, 59 lesions from 46 patients who underwent transoral resection were retrospectively analyzed. Using ME‐NBI, microvascular status was classified into B1, B2, or B3, based on the classification of the Japan Esophageal Society.

Results

A significant correlation was observed between microvascular status and invasion depth (P = .011). Mean thickness of lesions with B1, B2, and B3 vessels were 563, 1364, and 2825 μm, respectively (P = .006). In previously treated lesions, a significant correlation was observed between microvascular status and invasion depth (P = .012).

Conclusions

ME‐NBI is useful in predicting the invasion depth and thickness of pharyngeal tumors, even in patients with previously treated lesions.
CRAF Methylation by PRMT6 Regulates Aerobic Glycolysis–Driven Hepatocarcinogenesis via ERK‐Dependent PKM2 Nuclear Relocalization and Activation
Authors: Wong Tin‐Lok , Ng Kai‐Yu , Tan Kel Vin , Chan Lok‐Hei , Zhou Lei , Che Noélia , Hoo Ruby L.C. , Lee Terence K. , Richard Stéphane , Lo Chung‐Mau , Man Kwan , Khong Pek‐Lan , Ma Stephanie
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

Most tumor cells use aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) to support anabolic growth and promote tumorigenicity and drug resistance. Intriguingly, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood. In this work, using gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function in vitro studies in patient‐derived organoid and cell cultures as well as in vivo positron emission tomography–magnetic resonance imaging animal models, we showed that protein arginine N‐methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) regulates aerobic glycolysis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through nuclear relocalization of pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), a key regulator of the Warburg effect.

Approach and Results

We found PRMT6 to methylate CRAF at arginine 100, interfering with its RAS/RAF binding potential, and therefore altering extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK)‐mediated PKM2 translocation into the nucleus. This altered PRMT6‐ERK‐PKM2 signaling axis was further confirmed in both a HCC mouse model with endogenous knockout of PRMT6 as well as in HCC clinical samples. We also identified PRMT6 as a target of hypoxia through the transcriptional repressor element 1‐silencing transcription factor, linking PRMT6 with hypoxia in driving glycolytic events. Finally, we showed as a proof of concept the therapeutic potential of using 2‐deoxyglucose, a glycolysis inhibitor, to reverse tumorigenicity and sorafenib resistance mediated by PRMT6 deficiency in HCC.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the PRMT6‐ERK‐PKM2 regulatory axis is an important determinant of the Warburg effect in tumor cells, and provide a mechanistic link among tumorigenicity, sorafenib resistance, and glucose metabolism.
Influence of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity, hydrodynamic, and thermal slips on magnetohydrodynamic micropolar flow: A numerical study
Authors: Rahman M. A. , Uddin M. J. , Bég O. Anwar , Kadir Ali
Published: August 2019

Thermophysical and wall‐slip effects arise in many areas of nuclear technology. Motivated by such applications, in this article, the collective influence of variable‐viscosity, thermal conductivity, velocity and thermal slip effects on a steady two‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic micropolar fluid over a stretching sheet is analyzed numerically. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations have been converted into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using suitable coordinate transformations. The numerical solutions of the problem are expressed in the form of nondimensional velocity and temperature profiles and discussed from their graphical representations. The Nachtsheim‐Swigert shooting iteration technique together with the sixth‐order Runge‐Kutta integration scheme has been applied for the numerical solution. A comparison with the existing results has been done, and an excellent agreement is found. Further validation with the Adomian decomposition method is included for the general model. Interesting features in the heat and momentum characteristics are explored. It is found that a greater thermal slip and thermal conductivity elevate thermal boundary layer thickness. Increasing Prandtl number enhances the Nusselt number at the wall but reduces wall couple stress (microrotation gradient). Temperatures are enhanced with both the magnetic field and viscosity parameter. Increasing momentum (hydrodynamic) slip is found to accelerate the flow and elevate temperatures.