bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handheld Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy for Distinction of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Other Olive Oil Grades Substantiated by Compositional Data
Authors: Yan Jing , van Stuijvenberg Louka , van Ruth Saskia M.
Published: September 2019

Miniaturization of analytical technology has paved the way for in‐situ screening of foods. In the current study, the spectral features of olive oils are examined by handheld near‐infrared spectroscopy to explore the technology's capabilities to distinguish extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from lower grade oils. Eighty EVOO, forty refined olive oil (ROO), and ten pomace olive oil (POO) samples are analysed for their spectral and compositional features. The latter included analysis of the fatty acids (FAs), the chlorophylls and carotenoids, chromatic coordinates and moisture contents. The 1350–1570 nm wavelength range appeared most suitable for distinction of the oils. One‐class classification models with three different classifiers are subsequently estimated using this range, and their quantitative performance is assessed from probabilistic data. Soft independent modeling of class analogies models appears to predict the identity of the oils with a high success rate. Compared to the other oils, POO comprises a significantly higher and lower proportion of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated FAs, respectively. Higher contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and moisture are noted for EVOO. The relevant spectral information for distinction of the oils correlates strongly with the degree of unsaturation of the oils as well as their levels of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and moisture.

Practical Applications: The findings of this study demonstrate that the handheld NIRS technique is promising for future rapid screening of olive oil grades. The statistical methods used and the robust validation procedure will help potential users to select the optimal strategy for multivariate data analysis. In addition, the exploration of correlations with compositional characteristics provides insight into the handheld NIRS working mechanism in regard to EVOO authentication.
Displacement‐based analysis and design of rocking structures
Authors: Reggiani Manzo Natalia , Vassiliou Michalis F.
Published: September 2019

The response of a rigid rocking block is traditionally described by its tilt angle. This is a correct description, but this paper suggests that describing rocking via displacements is more meaningful, because it uncovers that two geometrically similar blocks of different size will experience the same top displacement, provided that they are not close to overturn. The above is illustrated for both analytical pulse excitations and for recorded ground motions. Thus, the displacement demand of a ground motion on a rocking block is only a function of its slenderness, not of its size. This reduces the dimensionality of the problem and allows for the construction of size‐independent rocking demand spectra.
Effect of nanofluidic electrolyte on the electrochemically enhanced long‐term efficiency of vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Kim Jungmyung , Park Heesung
Published: September 2019

The low‐energy density of flow batteries using aqueous electrolytes such as vanadium redox flow batteries is a limitation of commercialization. Our ground‐breaking research has increased the limited energy density by 21.5% and the reversibility to oxidation/reduction by 8.5% through a nanofluidic electrolyte in which commercial multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are dispersed in an electrolyte. Three nanofluidic electrolytes (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt%) are prepared according to the electrolyte weight ratio and electrochemical performance is verified experimentally through half‐cell and single‐cell test. The increased active area due to the graphitic edge sites of MWCNT is an effective nanofluidic electrolyte to increase electrochemical performance. Our research provides the concept of nanofluidic electrolytes for increasing the electrochemical performance of VRFB, and the weight ratio of the optimal nanofluidic electrolyte of the vanadium redox flow battery electrolyte through single‐cell test is 0.1 wt% MWCNTs.
Prostaglandin D2 synthase modulates macrophage activity and accumulation in injured peripheral nerves
Authors: Forese Maria Grazia , Pellegatta Marta , Canevazzi Paolo , Gullotta Giorgia S. , Podini Paola , Rivellini Cristina , Previtali Stefano C. , Bacigaluppi Marco , Quattrini Angelo , Taveggia Carla
Published: September 2019

We have previously reported that prostaglandin D2 Synthase (L‐PGDS) participates in peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelination during development. We now describe the role of L‐PGDS in the resolution of PNS injury, similarly to other members of the prostaglandin synthase family, which are important for Wallerian degeneration (WD) and axonal regeneration. Our analyses show that L‐PGDS expression is modulated after injury in both sciatic nerves and dorsal root ganglia neurons, indicating that it might play a role in the WD process. Accordingly, our data reveals that L‐PGDS regulates macrophages phagocytic activity through a non‐cell autonomous mechanism, allowing myelin debris clearance and favoring axonal regeneration and remyelination. In addition, L‐PGDS also appear to control macrophages accumulation in injured nerves, possibly by regulating the blood–nerve barrier permeability and SOX2 expression levels in Schwann cells. Collectively, our results suggest that L‐PGDS has multiple functions during nerve regeneration and remyelination. Based on the results of this study, we posit that L‐PGDS acts as an anti‐inflammatory agent in the late phases of WD, and cooperates in the resolution of the inflammatory response. Thus, pharmacological activation of the L‐PGDS pathway might prove beneficial in resolving peripheral nerve injury.
Tumor‐Derived Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 2 Predicts Survival and Antitumor Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Zongyi , Feng Jia , Xiao Li , Chen Xi , Yao Yuanfei , Li Yiqun , Tang Yu , Zhang Shuai , Lu Min , Qian Yu , Wu Hongjin , Shi Ming
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is linked to immunosuppression. Relieving immunosuppression has been an attractive strategy to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Peptidoglycan recognition protein 2 (PGLYRP2) is a pattern recognition receptor which is specifically expressed in liver and implicated in the regulation of innate immunity and immunosurveillance. However, the role of hepatic PGLYRP2 in modulating immune responses against HCC remains to be investigated.

Approach and Results

In this study, we investigated whether PGLYRP2 is able to influence HCC progression through regulating host antitumor immune responses. We demonstrated that PGLYRP2 was down‐regulated in HCC, which was linked with poor prognosis in patients (P < 0.001). PGLYRP2 overexpression in HCC cells significantly enhanced antitumor immune responses in immune‐competent mice and elevated immune response rates of peripheral blood mononuclear cells against HCC. Mechanistically, DNA methyltransferase 3A–mediated promoter hypermethylation was responsible for the down‐regulation of PGLYRP2 in HCC. PGLYRP2 promoted production of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) in HCC through binding to the CCL5 promoter, which contributed to the enhanced antitumor immunity.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that tumor‐derived PGLYRP2 acts as a candidate biomarker for adequate immune response against HCC and improved patient outcomes, indicating the importance of hepatic PGLYRP2 in cancer immunosurveillance and in designing immunotherapeutic approaches.
Teaching caregivers to implement mand training using speech generating devices
Authors: Suberman Rachel , Cividini‐Motta Catia
Published: September 2019

Individuals with developmental disabilities often do not develop vocal repertoires, thus requiring the use of augmentative devices. Teaching caregivers to conduct communication training with their children may be one way to foster communication with their device in the natural environment. This study replicates Rosales, Stone and Rehfeldt (2009), but using an augmentative device. Behavioral skills training was used to teach caregivers to implement mand training procedures. Caregivers quickly learned to implement mand training with their children and independent mands increased from pretraining to posttraining observations for 2 out of 3 children.
Retracted: lncRNA CCAT1 contributes to the growth and invasion of gastric cancer via targeting miR‐219‐1
Authors: Li Yanfeng , Zhu Guanyu , Ma Yan , Qu Hongyan
Published: September 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant tumors that seriously threaten human health. Increased reports have indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with GC. This study aims to investigate the regulatory role of colon cancer–associated transcript‐1 (CCAT1) in GC. The results exhibited the fact that CCAT1 was expressed higher in 57 GC tissue samples than in 57 paired adjacent normal tissue samples. The expression of CCAT1 was also increased in GC cell lines (MKN45, Hs746T, and SGC‐7901) compared with the gastric epithelial cell line GES‐1. Besides this, decreased cell proliferation with increased cell apoptosis was detected in SGC‐7902 cells transfected with CCAT1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA). At the same time, a lower cell invasion ability was measured in SCG‐7901 cells transfected with CCAT1 shRNA.In addition, miR‐219‐1 was predicted and convinced a direct target of CCAT1. The expression of miR‐219‐1 was decreased in GC tissues and GC cell lines. Further studies demonstrated that the roles of CCAT1 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were inhibited by miR‐219‐1. Finally, in vivo experiment indicated that tumor growth of GC was suppressed through knockdown of CCAT1. In conclusion, these results suggested that CAT1 promotes the tumorigenesis and progression of GC by negatively regulating miR‐219‐1.
LINC00346 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activating the JAK‐STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Yin Yun‐Zhi , Zheng Wei‐Hua , Zhang Xin , Chen Yan‐Hao , Tuo Yan‐Hong
Published: September 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most common malignant tumor worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs can modulate various tumorigenic processes. In addition, growing evidence has indicated tha the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) pathway is activated in multiple cancers, including HCC. Recently, it was found that LINC00346 can participate in several cancers. Nevertheless, the biological roles of LINC00346 in HCC have been barely investigated. In this study, the function of LINC00346 was specifically concentrated upon. We observed that LINC00346 was obviously elevated in HCC cells (Bel7404, Huh‐6, HepG2, and QGY‐7703 cells). Then, Bel7404 and HepG2 cells were overexpressed with LINC00346. Overexpression of LINC00346 repressed HCC cell survival and cell proliferation. In addition, apoptosis of Bel7404 and HepG2 cells was triggered by LINC00346 upregulation. Bel7404 and HepG2 cell cycle was arrested in the G1 phase by LINC00346. Meanwhile, we conducted wound‐healing assay and Transwell invasion assays. As shown, we observed that the migratory and invasive capacities of Bel7404 and HepG2 cells were remarkably restrained by the increase of LINC00346. Moreover, we showed that LINC00346 overexpression activated the JAK‐STAT3 pathway, which is involved in many cancers. Afterward, in vivo experiments were utilized and we proved that LINC00346 was able to induce HCC tumor growth via activating the JAK‐STAT3 pathway. To conclude, we revealed the potential possibility of developing LINC00346 as an indicator for HCC.
A potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target: SPOCK1 promotes the proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Li Jia , Ke Jing , Fang Jun , Chen Jin‐Peng
Published: September 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a common malignancy originated from the digestive system worldwide, has a poor clinical outcome. SPOCK1 is a widely investigated member of the Ca2+‐binding proteoglycan family and functions as an essential driver in several cancers. However, the complex regulatory role of SPOCK1 in PDAC is unclear. Bioinformatics analysis predicted an interrelationship between increased SPOCK1 expression and the clinical characteristics of patients with PDAC. The SPOCK1 expression levels in fresh tissue samples were confirmed, and SPOCK1 expression was then knocked down by lentivirus‐mediated short hairpin RNA. Cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis were detected through Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation assays, invasion and migration assays, flow cytometric analysis, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot experiment. On the basis of the Cancer Genome Atlas database, we found a significantly higher level of SPOCK1 in PDAC than in adjacent nontumor tissues. Patients with PDAC with high SPOCK1 expression exhibited shorter overall survival time, as well as disease‐free survival time. The knockdown of SPOCK1 significantly decreased the proliferation and metastasis of PCNA‐1 and MIA PaCa‐2 cells. Moreover, the knockdown of SPOCK1 led to cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and increased the proportion of apoptotic PDAC cells by regulating members of the caspase and Bcl‐2 families. Our data proved that SPOCK1 is a critical regulator of tumor proliferation and metastasis in PDAC cells. Therefore, SPOCK1 might be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target molecule in PDAC.
Trehalose synthesis inhibitor: A molecular in silico drug design
Authors: Gonçalves Lucas Machado , Trevisol Eduardo Thomaz Vasconcelos , de Azevedo Abrahim Vieira Bárbara , De Mesquita Joelma Freire
Published: September 2019

Infectious diseases are serious public health problems, affecting a large portion of the world's population. A molecule that plays a key role in pathogenic organisms is trehalose and recently has been an interest in the metabolism of this molecule for drug development. The trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase (TPS1) is an enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of trehalose‐6‐phosphate (T6P) in the TPS1/TPS2 pathway, which results in the formation of trehalose. Studies carried out by our group demonstrated the inhibitory capacity of T6P in the TPS1 enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, preventing the synthesis of trehalose. By in silico techniques, we compiled sequences and experimentally determined structures of TPS1. Sequence alignments and molecular modeling were performed. The generated structures were submitted in validation of algorithms, aligned structurally and analyzed evolutionarily. Molecular docking methodology was applied to analyze the interaction between T6P and TPS1 and ADMET properties of T6P were analyzed. The results demonstrated the models created presented sequence and structural similarities with experimentally determined structures. With the molecular docking, a cavity in the protein surface was identified and the molecule T6P was interacting with the residues TYR‐40, ALA‐41, MET‐42, and PHE‐372, indicating the possible uncompetitive inhibition mechanism provided by this ligand, which can be useful in directing the molecular design of inhibitors. In ADMET analyses, T6P had acceptable risk values compared with other compounds from World Drug Index. Therefore, these results may present a promising strategy to explore to develop a broad‐spectrum antibiotic of this specific target with selectivity, potency, and reduced side effects, leading to a new way to treat infectious diseases like tuberculosis and candidiasis.
Silencing vascular endothelial growth factor C increases the radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE‐2 cells
Authors: Wang Feng , Peng Lisha , Wang Yong , Liu Xiaodong
Published: September 2019

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) has been reported to be responsible for the lymphatic vessel density, tumor staging and lymph node metastasis, resulting in the failure of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effects and the underlying mechanism of VEGF‐C on the radiotherapy and in the human NPC cell lines CNE‐2. In our study, VEGF‐C silenced CNE‐2 cells were stably established. Different small interfering VEGF‐C (si‐VEGFC) were transfected into CNE‐2 cells and combined with 8 Gy X‐ray. The proliferation, cloning ability, DNA damage, and apoptosis of CNE‐2 cells were evaluated by counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony‐forming assay, comet assays, and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, the VEGFC knockdown involved signaling pathways in CNE‐2 cells were predicted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, and validated by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blot analysis. Results demonstrated that silencing VEGF‐C combined with radiation can significantly inhibit the proliferation and cloning ability, while increase the apoptosis and DNA damage of CNE‐2 cells, thereby promote the radiosensitivity. Furthermore, the effects of silencing VEGF‐C probably through activating the NF‐kB signal pathway. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that VEGF‐C may be a potential target to increase the radiosensitivity in NPC by activating NF‐kB signaling.
Modulation of membrane permeability by carbon dioxide
Authors: Zhang Hong , Shao Xueguang , Dehez François , Cai Wensheng , Chipot Christophe
Published: September 2019

Promoting drug delivery across the biological membrane is a common strategy to improve bioavailability. Inspired by the observation that carbonated alcoholic beverages can increase the absorption rate of ethanol, we speculate that carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules could also enhance membrane permeability to drugs. In the present work, we have investigated the effect of CO2 on the permeability of a model membrane formed by 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine lipids to three drug‐like molecules, namely, ethanol, 2′,3′‐dideoxyadenosine, and trimethoprim. The free‐energy and fractional‐diffusivity profiles underlying membrane translocation were obtained from μs‐timescale simulations and combined in the framework of the fractional solubility‐diffusion model. We find that addition of CO2 in the lipid environment results in an increase of the membrane permeability to the three substrates. Further analysis of the permeation events reveals that CO2 expands and loosens the membrane, which, in turn, facilitates permeation of the drug‐like molecules. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Somatic burden and perceived cognitive problems in trauma‐exposed adults with posttraumatic stress symptoms or pain
Authors: Bartel Alisa , Jordan Joshua , Correll Danielle , Devane Amanda , Samuelson Kristin W.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with somatic and cognitive changes, which may be magnified when accompanied by persistent pain. The mechanisms of somatic sensation processing may extend to cognitive symptoms, revealing a potential generalization of impairment across cognitive and somatic domains in PTSD. We hypothesized that somatic burden would mediate relationships between PTSD, pain, and perceived cognitive impairment.

Methods

Two samples—360 trauma‐exposed college students and 268 mechanical Turk users—completed self‐report measures.

Results

Both samples revealed similar findings. There was a significant indirect effect of PTSD and pain on perceived cognitive problems through somatic burden. There remained a direct effect of PTSD symptoms. These findings indicate that in trauma‐exposed samples with pain, somatic burden rather than pain severity accounts for perceived cognitive problems.

Conclusion

High somatic burden may reflect an underlying appraisal about somatic cues, which extend in part to interpretation of cognitive cues.
Supervisor Support and Organizational Commitment: The Role of Work–Family Conflict, Job Satisfaction, and Work–Life Balance
Authors: Talukder A K M Mominul Haque
Published: September 2019

Building on conservation of resources theory and social exchange theory, the author examined the relationship between supervisor support and organizational commitment through work–family conflict, work–life balance, and the job satisfaction of employees working in the financial sector in Australia. The study comprised 305 employees recruited through an online survey. Results indicate that supervisor support is negatively related to work–family conflict. In turn, work–life balance and job satisfaction are negatively linked to work–family conflict. The results further show that both work–life balance and job satisfaction are positively related to organizational commitment. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as limitations, are discussed.
Multi‐Disciplinary Approaches for Cell‐Based Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Johnstone Brian , Stoddart Martin J. , Im Gun‐Il
Published: September 2019

Articular cartilage does not regenerate in adults. A lot of time and resources have been dedicated to cartilage regeneration research. The current understanding suggests that multi‐disciplinary approach including biologic, genetic, and mechanical stimulations may be needed for cell‐based cartilage regeneration. This review summarizes contents of a workshop sponsored by International Combined Orthopaedic Societies during the 2019 annual meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society held in Austin, Texas. Three approaches for cell‐based cartilage regeneration were introduced, including cellular basis of chondrogenesis, gene‐enhanced cartilage regeneration, and physical modulation to divert stem cells to chondrogenic cell fate. While the complicated nature of cartilage regeneration has not allowed us to achieve successful regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage so far, the utilization of multi‐disciplinary approaches in various fields of biomedical engineering will provide means to achieve this goal faster. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:463–472, 2020
Overweight and Obese Patients Require Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty at a Younger Age
Authors: Clement Nicholas D. , Deehan David J.
Published: September 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee is associated with obesity but the exact effect remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the independent association between the age at which total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) are required for end‐stage severe OA according to body mass index (BMI) category. A retrospective study of 3,699 patients undergoing primary THR and 4,740 patients undergoing a primary TKA for the treatment of end‐stage OA. Patient demographics, BMI, comorbidity, social deprivation, Short form 12 and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index score pre‐operatively were collected. Linear regression analysis identified that there was an earlier age at which THA and TKA were performed with increasing obesity BMI category compared with normal‐weight patients when adjusting for confounding variables. Using the normal weight category as the reference group overweight (0.9 years [95% confidence interval, CI] 0.0–1.8) and obese patients in class 1 (3.1 years, 95% CI 2.1–4.2), 2 (5.2 years, 95% CI 3.7–6.7), and 3 (7.4 years, 95% CI 5.0–9.8) required their THA at a significantly (p ≤ 0.04) earlier age. Again, using normal weight category as the reference group overweight (2.1 years, 95% CI 1.3–2.9) and obese patients in class 1 (4.7 years, 95% CI 3.8–5.6), 2 (6.7 years, 95% CI 5.6– 7.7) and 3 (10.5 years, 95% CI 8.9–12.1) required their TKA at a significantly (p < 0.001) earlier age. Overweight and obese patients required their THA and TKA at a significantly younger age. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:348‐355, 2020
Biologics‐based regenerative technologies for periodontal soft tissue engineering
Authors: Tavelli Lorenzo , McGuire Michael K. , Zucchelli Giovanni , Rasperini Giulio , Feinberg Stephen E. , Wang Hom‐Lay , Giannobile William V.
Published: September 2019

This manuscript provides a state‐of‐the‐art review on the efficacy of biologics in root coverage procedures, including enamel matrix derivative, platelet‐derived growth factor, platelet concentrates, and fibroblast‐growth factor‐2. The mechanism of action and the rationale for using biologics in periodontal plastic surgery, as well as their anticipated benefits when compared with conventional approaches are discussed. Although the clinical significance is still under investigation, preclinical data and histologic evidence demonstrate that biologic‐based techniques are able to promote periodontal regeneration coupled with the provision of tooth root coverage.
Anode characteristics of Al/Ti galvanic couple in a salt spray environment
Authors: Zou Shiwen , Qu Yichao , Zhou Wenlong , Xu Wen , Fu Xuesong
Published: September 2019

The galvanic corrosion behavior of a 2A12 aluminum alloy and a Ti‐15‐3 titanium alloy in a salt spray environment was investigated. The results indicated that the galvanic effect accelerated the dissolution rate of the anodes significantly; however, the corrosion of the anode was not uniform. The region adjacent to the coupled joint experienced the most significant corrosion, with galvanic corrosive action emerging as dominant. The corrosion of the region distant from the joint was slight and was dominated by the self‐corrosion process. A new model for the current difference distribution of the galvanic couple was established to illuminate the nonuniform corrosion phenomenon of the anode.
RETRACTED: MtDNA polymorphism analyses in the Chinese Mongolian group: Efficiency evaluation and further matrilineal genetic structure exploration
Authors: Lan Qiong , Xie Tong , Jin Xiaoye , Fang Yating , Mei Shuyan , Yang Guang , Zhu Bofeng
Published: September 2019

Background

Profiling of mitochondrial DNA is surely to provide valuable investigative clues for forensic cases involving highly degraded specimens or complex maternal lineage kinship determination. But traditionally used hypervariable region sequencing of mitochondrial DNA is less frequently suggested by the forensic community for insufficient informativeness. Genome‐wide sequencing of mitochondrial DNA can provide considerable amount of variant information but can be high cost at the same time.

Methods

Efficiency of the 60 mitochondrial DNA polymorphic sites dispersing across the control region and coding region of mitochondrial DNA genome was evaluated with 106 Mongolians recruited from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, and allele‐specific PCR technique was employed for mitochondrial DNA typing.

Results

Altogether 58 haplotypes were observed and the haplotypic diversity, discrimination power and random match probability were calculated to be 0.981, 0.972, and 0.028, respectively. Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup affiliation exhibited an exceeding percentage (12.26%) of west Eurasian lineage (H haplogroup) in the studied Mongolian group, which needed to be further verified with more samples. Furthermore, the genetic relationships between the Xinjiang Mongolian group and the comparison populations were also investigated and the genetic affinity was discovered between the Xinjiang Mongolian group and the Xinjiang Kazak group in this study.

Conclusion

It was indicated that the panel was potentially enough to be used as a supplementary tool for forensic applications. And the matrilineal genetic structure analyses based on mitochondrial DNA variants in the Xinjiang Mongolian group could be helpful for subsequent anthropological studies.
Association of BMI with Linear Growth and Pubertal Development
Authors: Aris Izzuddin M. , Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Zhang Xun , Yang Seungmi , Switkowski Karen , Fleisch Abby F. , Hivert Marie‐France , Martin Richard M. , Kramer Michael S. , Oken Emily
Published: September 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of BMI with subsequent statural growth among children born in the era of the obesity epidemic.

Methods

Among 18,271 children from Belarus (n = 16,781, born 1996 to 1997) and the United States (n = 1,490, born 1999 to 2002), multivariable linear and ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze associations of BMI z score from infancy to adolescence with subsequent standardized length and height velocity, standing height and its components (trunk and leg lengths), and pubertal timing.

Results

The prevalence of early adolescent obesity was 6.2% in Belarus and 12.8% in the United States. In both Belarusian and US children, higher BMI z scores in infancy and childhood were associated with faster length and height velocity in early life, while higher BMI z scores during middle childhood were associated with slower length and height velocity during adolescence. Associations with greater standing height and trunk length and earlier pubertal development in adolescence were stronger for BMI z scores at middle childhood than BMI z scores at birth or infancy.

Conclusions

These findings in both Belarus and the United States support the role of higher BMI in accelerating linear growth in early life (taller stature and longer trunk length) but earlier pubertal development and slower linear growth during adolescence.
Reasons for accepting or declining participation in the ASPRE trial: A qualitative study with women at high risk of preterm pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Nikčević Ana V. , Dodd Zoe , Prior Jess , O'Gorman Neil , Poon Liona C. , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To identify factors that affected the decision of pregnant women at high risk for pre‐eclampsia (PE) in accepting or declining participation in a medicated clinical trial (ASPRE) for the prevention of preterm PE.

Method

This was a qualitative, cross‐sectional study. A purposive sample of 14 participants and 13 decliners of the ASPRE trial were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using template analysis.

Results

For participants, their high‐risk status seems to have motivated them to take part in the trial. This was enabled by their perception that the trial drug aspirin was commonly used, the safety of the procedure, and the belief that they will be in receipt of extra monitoring in pregnancy. Decliners expressed discomfort about taking medications in pregnancy, and about the presence of the placebo arm; they seemed to be motivated by desire to reduce harm. Satisfaction with the information provided by the medical professionals was also influential in women's decision making, and so were the views of their partners and other trusted individuals.

Conclusion

Pregnant women's motivation to take part or to decline participation in a medicated trail can be understood as an attempt to cope with the threat posed by their high‐risk status.
Beyond the red pen: A functional grammar approach to evaluating the written language of deaf students
Authors: Kilpatrick Jennifer Renée , Wolbers Kimberly A.
Published: September 2019

Deaf students often differ from their hearing peers in written language development. Providing developmentally appropriate instruction is ideal, yet current methods of writing assessment do not provide teachers with sufficient information regarding the written language (i.e., syntactic) development of deaf students. In this research, we use a Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) approach to language analysis to provide teachers with a new way to evaluate deaf students’ writing. This project consisted of two studies. The first study focused on determining whether SFG analysis could be helpful for teachers of the deaf. The second study focused on mapping a trajectory of the written language development of deaf students and the development of written language inventory for teachers of the deaf. This inventory, along with additional evaluation tools, has the potential to impact both objective setting and instruction.
Safety of prolonged magnesium sulfate infusions during treatment for severe pediatric status asthmaticus
Authors: Graff Danielle M. , Stevenson Michelle D. , Berkenbosch John W.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Magnesium sulfate (Mg) is one of several “second‐tier” therapies for treating severe status asthmaticus. Pediatric reports primarily describe bolus use with limited data regarding prolonged infusions. We sought to describe the safety of prolonged Mg infusions during therapy of status asthmaticus in critically ill children.

Design

Single center, retrospective study.

Setting

Thirty‐four‐bed tertiary level medical/surgical/cardiac surgical pediatric intensive care unit.

Patients

Pediatric patients 2 to 18 years of age admitted with status asthmaticus receiving Mg infusion for more than 24 hours.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main findings

A total of 154 children received Mg infusions for a median of 53.4 hours (interquartile range = 36.6‐74.8). The most common adverse event (AE) was hypotension (48.1%), almost exclusively diastolic (94%), and was mostly limited to 1 blood pressure measurement (78%). 2.9% of events required intervention (fluids, decrease Mg infusion). Other AEs included nausea/emesis (22.7%), transient weakness (14.9%), and flushing (6.5%). Five patients experienced serious AEs including hypotonia (n = 1), escalation to continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure (n = 3), and sedation (n = 1), all attributed to progression of underlying medical disease. No patient required endotracheal intubation. Supratherapeutic levels (>6 mg/dL) were uncommon (2%) and were not more likely to be associated with AEs. Most (81%) patients were therapeutic by the 2nd Mg level check.

Conclusion

Prolonged Mg infusions were well tolerated in pediatric status asthmaticus patients. While diastolic hypotension was not uncommon, rarely were interventions deemed necessary. No serious AEs were attributed to Mg. Toxicity was uncommon suggesting that Mg levels could potentially be checked less frequently than historically reported.
Regulation of the Interface Binding and Elastic Properties of SiC/Ti via Doping‐Induced Electronic Localization
Authors: Zhang Tingbo , Chen Yongtao , Xie Haonan , Zhao Naiqin , Shi Chunsheng , He Chunnian , Liu Enzuo
Published: September 2019

The interface between metal matrix and reinforcement significantly affects mechanical properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs), but the interplay mechanism among the interface microstructure, the interface binding, and the mechanical properties is still unclear. Herein, the interface microstructure and interface binding of β‐SiC (111)/α‐Ti (0001) composite are regulated through the introduction of Sc, Y, Mg, Al, Si, Ni, Cu, and Mn dopants. Adhesive work and elastic properties of different doped interfaces are studied by first‐principles calculations. It is found that the elastic modulus does not directly relate to the adhesive work. The analysis of the electronic structure reveals that dopants change interface bonding states, which results in the localization of the interface electron distribution and enhances the elastic modulus. However, the lattice distortion induced by the dopants causes a significant decrease in the elastic modulus. Combined with the analysis of the adhesive work and interface electronic and atomic structure, the microscopic mechanism of the dopant‐induced electronic localization to regulate elastic properties of SiC/Ti composite is established. The new mechanism is helpful to understand the relationship among the interface microstructure, the interface binding, and the elastic properties, and to design MMCs with improved elastic properties.
Intriguing Hysteresis Dynamics in Ultrafast Photo‐Induced Magnetization
Authors: Shim Je-Ho , Kim Chul-Hoon , Piao Hong-Guang , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Lee Kyung Min , Jeong Jong-Ryul , Park Seung-Young , Choi Yeon Suk , Kim Dong Eon , Kim Dong-Hyun
Published: September 2019

Time‐resolved magneto‐optical Kerr effect measurement is carried out to determine ultrafast hysteresis behavior during a photo‐induced demagnetization/remagnetization process for Co/Pt ferromagnetic multilayers. Due to the stroboscopic measurement scheme, hysteresis curve measured by a pump–probe technique exhibits an irreversible behavior, repeatedly reset to a metastable hysteresis state at each stroboscopic measurement, observed as the reduction of the coercivity. It is demonstrated that the stroboscopically measured hysteresis and the coercivity could be a stable parameter in describing the ultrafast photo‐induced spin dynamics for both reversible and irreversible behaviors. Moreover, it is found that an unusual coercivity behavior exists together with a nontrivial magnetization change under external fields comparable to the coercivity of the sample.
Effects of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil supplementation on metabolic syndrome components: A randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Morovati Ashti , Pourghassem Gargari Bahram , Sarbakhsh Parvin
Published: September 2019

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), as a major health problem, is increasing. Very limited data exist on the effect of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (CuEO) on MetS components. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the effect of CuEO supplementation on anthropometric indices, glycemic control, blood pressure, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in patients with MetS. In a randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 56 patients with MetS aged 18–60 years received either 75 mg CuEO or placebo soft gel thrice daily for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices and biochemical measurements were assessed at baseline and end of the study. At the end of study, except for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the other assessed variables were not significantly different between two groups. In intra group analysis, placebo and CuEO groups both had nonsignificant decrements in DBP (mean difference [MD] with 95% CI: −3.31 [−7.11, 0.47] and −1.77 [−5.95, 2.40] mmHg, respectively). However, DBP was significantly lower in CuEO compared with the placebo group at the end of study (81.41 ± 5.88 vs. 84.09 ± 5.54 mmHg, MD with 95% CI: −3.98 [−7.60, −0.35] mmHg, p < .05). The results indicated that CuEO does not have any effect on MetS components, except for DBP in patients with MetS.
Influences of Coal Tar Pitch on Metallurgical Properties of Iron Carbon Agglomerates
Authors: Bao Jiwei , Chu Mansheng , Han Dong , Cao Laigeng , Liu Zhenggen , Tang Jue
Published: September 2019

Utilization of iron carbon agglomerates (ICA) with high reactivity in blast furnace (BF) can reduce fuel ratio and carbon emission by decreasing the temperature of thermal reserve zone, which is considered to be an innovative technology for achieving low‐carbon ironmaking. Herein, the influences of coal tar pitch (CTP) as binder on the metallurgical properties of ICA are investigated. The results show that the compressive strength of ICA is first enhanced from 1639 to 3168 N and then reduced to 2243 N with the ratio of CTP increasing from 0% to 11%. Meanwhile, the drum strength () of ICA is accelerated from 67.3% to 80.5% and then leveled off. In addition, the reactivity of ICA is mitigated from 65.6% to 58.1% first and then increased to 68.8%, while the post‐reaction strength shows an inverse trend. When the ratio of CTP is 5–7%, the mechanical strength, reactivity, and post‐reaction of ICA are all at a relatively better levels. For the ICA with adding CTP, the mechanical strength is dependent on the microstructure, pore volume, and specific surface area, whereas the variation of reactivity and post‐reaction strength are relevant to the pore structure and carbon crystallites structure.
Impact of Preoperative Skeletal Muscle Quality Measurement on Long‐Term Survival After Curative Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Waki Yuhei , Irino Tomoyuki , Makuuchi Rie , Notsu Akifumi , Kamiya Satoshi , Tanizawa Yutaka , Bando Etsuro , Kawamura Taiichi , Terashima Masanori
Published: September 2019

Background

Skeletal muscle quality is a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, similar studies on curatively resected gastric cancer are lacking. We evaluated skeletal muscle quality using intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC) to clarify its impact on survival in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

We reviewed 370 patients who underwent curative resection for stage II/III gastric cancer. IMAC was calculated using preoperative computed tomography images. IMAC cutoff values were determined for each sex and were set at the 75th percentile. The patients were classified into normal and high IMAC groups according to the cutoff values. Clinicopathological factors and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS).

Results

In all, 277 patients were classified into the normal IMAC group and 93 were classified into the high IMAC group. The patients in the high IMAC group were older, more obese, and had more comorbidities and poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status than those in the normal IMAC group. Although no significant differences were observed in the pathological findings between the two groups, a high IMAC was significantly associated with poor OS and CSS. Multivariate analysis identified high IMAC as an independent prognostic factor for both OS and CSS (p = 0.046 and p = 0.035, respectively).

Conclusions

High IMAC was significantly associated with poor survival, suggesting that skeletal muscle quality has oncological implications in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.
First displacement time of a tagged particle in a stochastic cluster in a simple exclusion process with random slow bonds
Authors: Uquillas Adriana , Simonis Adilson
Published: September 2019

We consider the nearest-neighbour simple exclusion process on the one-dimensional discrete torus

$\mathbb{T}_N=\mathbb{Z}/N\mathbb{Z}$

, with random rates

$c_N=\{c_{x,N}\colon x \in \mathbb{T}_N\}$

defined in terms of a homogeneous Poisson process on

$\mathbb{R}$

with intensity

$\lambda$

. Given a realization of the Poisson process, the jump rate along the edge

$\{x,x+1\}$

is 1 if there is not any Poisson mark in

$ (x,x+1) $

; otherwise, it is

$\lambda/N,\, \lambda \in( 0,1]$

. The density profile of this process with initial measure associated to an initial profile

$\rho_0\colon \mathbb{R}
\rightarrow [0,1]$

, evolves as the solution of a bounded diffusion random equation. This result follows from an appropriate quenched hydrodynamic limit. If

$\lambda=1$

then

$\rho$

is discontinuous at each Poisson mark with passage through the slow bonds, otherwise the conductance at the slow bonds decreases meaning no passage through the slow bonds in the continuum. The main results are concerned with upper and lower quenched and annealed bounds of

$T_j$

, where

$T_j$

is the first displacement time of a tagged particle in a stochastic cluster of size j (the cluster is defined via specific macroscopic density profiles). It is possible to observe that when time t grows, then

$\mathbb{P}\{T_j \geq t\}$

decays quadratically in both the upper and lower bounds, and falls as slow as the presence of more Poisson marks neighbouring the tagged particle, as expected.
Systematic reviews and meta-analysis in nutrition research
Authors: Kelley George A. , Kelley Kristi S.
Published: September 2019

There exists an ever-increasing number of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, in the field of nutrition. Concomitant with this increase is the increased use of such to guide future research as well as both practice and policy-based decisions. Given this increased production and consumption, a need exists to educate both producers and consumers of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, on how to conduct and evaluate high-quality reviews of this nature in nutrition. The purpose of this paper is to try and address this gap. In the present manuscript, the different types of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analyses, are described as well as the description of the major elements, including methodology and interpretation, with a focus on nutrition. It is hoped that this non-technical information will be helpful to producers, reviewers and consumers of systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, in the field of nutrition.
Deep phenotyping of attention impairments and the ‘Inattention Biotype’ in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Keller Arielle S. , Ball Tali M. , Williams Leanne M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Attention impairment is an under-investigated feature and diagnostic criterion of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that is associated with poorer outcomes. Despite increasing knowledge regarding mechanisms of attention in healthy adults, we lack a detailed characterization of attention impairments and their neural signatures in MDD.

Methods

Here, we focus on selective attention and advance a deep multi-modal characterization of these impairments in MDD, using data acquired from n = 1008 patients and n = 336 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Selective attention impairments were operationalized and anchored in a behavioral performance measure, assessed within a battery of cognitive tests. We sought to establish the accompanying neural signature using independent measures of functional magnetic resonance imaging (15% of the sample) and electroencephalographic recordings of oscillatory neural activity.

Results

Greater impairment on the behavioral measure of selective attention was associated with intrinsic hypo-connectivity of the fronto-parietal attention network. Not only was this relationship specific to the fronto-parietal network unlike other large-scale networks; this hypo-connectivity was also specific to selective attention performance unlike other measures of cognition. Selective attention impairment was also associated with lower posterior alpha (8–13 Hz) power at rest and was related to more severe negative bias (frequent misidentifications of neutral faces as sad and lingering attention on sad faces), relevant to clinical features of negative attributions and brooding. Selective attention impairments were independent of overall depression severity and of worrying or sleep problems.

Conclusions

These results provide a foundation for the clinical translational development of objective markers and targeted therapeutics for attention impairment in MDD.
FISCAL MULTIPLIERS AT THE ZERO LOWER BOUND: THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING PERSISTENCE
Authors: Ngo Phuong V.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, I examine the role of government spending persistence on fiscal multipliers at the zero lower bound (ZLB) in a more realistic environment while keeping the model simple enough to identify mechanisms driving the result. In particular, I build on a standard dynamic New Keynesian (DNK) model with an occasionally binding ZLB and Rotemberg pricing with rebates, where the probability of hitting the ZLB and the government purchase shock are in line with US data. Moreover, I compute the multiplier in a state that mimics the Great Recession. The main findings of the paper are as follows: (1) the multiplier is non-monotonic in the persistence of government spending while the economy is at the ZLB; (2) given the persistence estimated from US data, the multiplier is 1.25; and (3) in the framework with perfect foresight or with aggregate resource cost for adjusting prices, the multiplier is around 1 or less.