bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A functional decomposition of sex inconstancy in the dioecious, colonizing plant Mercurialis annua
Authors: Cossard Guillaume G. , Pannell John R.
Published: May 2019

Premise

Plants with separate sexes often show “inconstant” or “leaky” sex expression, with females or males producing a few flowers of the opposite sex. The frequency and degree of such inconstancy may reflect residual hermaphroditic sex allocation after an evolutionary transition from combined to separate sexes. Sex inconstancy also represents a possible first step in the breakdown of dioecy back to hermaphroditism. In the Mercurialis annua (Euphorbiaceae) species complex, monoecy and androdioecy have evolved from dioecy in polyploid populations. Here, we characterize patterns of sex inconstancy in dioecious M. annua and discuss how sex inconstancy may have contributed to the breakdown of separate sexes in the genus.

Methods

We measured sex inconstancy in three common gardens of M. annua over 2 years using a modification of Lloyd's phenotypic gender in terms of frequency and degree, with the degree calibrating inconstancy against the sex allocation of constant males and constant females, yielding a measure of gender that does not depend on the distribution of gender in the population.

Results

Unusually for dioecious plants, the frequency of sex inconstancy in M. annua was greater in females, but its degree was greater for males in the 2 years of study. We suggest that this pattern is consistent with the maintenance of inconstancy in dioecious M. annua by selection for reproductive assurance under mate limitation.

Conclusions

Our study illustrates the utility of decomposing measures of sex inconstancy into its frequency and its degree and throws new light on the origin of variation in sexual systems in Mercurialis.
Controlled Assembly of Block Copolymer Coated Nanoparticles in 2D Arrays
Authors: Leffler Vanessa B. , Mayr Lina , Paciok Paul , Du Hongchu , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Dulle Martin , Förster Stephan
Published: May 2019

The defined assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) in polymer matrices is an important prerequisite for next‐generation functional materials. A promising approach to control NP positions in polymer matrices at the nanometer scale is the use of block copolymers. It allows the selective deposition of NPs in nanodomains, but the final defined and ordered positioning of the NPs within the domains has not been possible. This can now be achieved by coating NPs with block copolymers. The self‐assembly of block copolymer‐coated NPs directly leads to ordered microdomains containing ordered NP arrays with exactly one NP per unit cell. By variation of the grafting density, the inter‐nanoparticle distance can be controlled from direct NP surface contact to surface separations of several nanometers, determined by the thickness of the polymer shell. The method can be applied to a wide variety of block copolymers and NPs and is thus suitable for a broad range of applications.
M−O Bonding Beyond the Oxo Wall: Spectroscopy and Reactivity of Cobalt(III)‐Oxyl and Cobalt(III)‐Oxo Complexes
Authors: Andris Erik , Navrátil Rafael , Jašík Juraj , Srnec Martin , Rodríguez Mònica , Costas Miquel , Roithová Jana
Published: May 2019

Terminal oxo complexes of late transition metals are frequently proposed reactive intermediates. However, they are scarcely known beyond Group 8. Using mass spectrometry, we prepared and characterized two such complexes: [(N4Py)CoIII(O)]+ (1) and [(N4Py)CoIV(O)]2+ (2). Infrared photodissociation spectroscopy revealed that the Co−O bond in 1 is rather strong, in accordance with its lack of chemical reactivity. On the contrary, 2 has a very weak Co−O bond characterized by a stretching frequency of ≤659 cm−1. Accordingly, 2 can abstract hydrogen atoms from non‐activated secondary alkanes. Previously, this reactivity has only been observed in the gas phase for small, coordinatively unsaturated metal complexes. Multireference ab‐initio calculations suggest that 2, formally a cobalt(IV)‐oxo complex, is best described as cobalt(III)‐oxyl. Our results provide important data on changes to metal‐oxo bonding behind the oxo wall and show that cobalt‐oxo complexes are promising targets for developing highly active C−H oxidation catalysts.
Orbitals and the Interpretation of Photoelectron Spectroscopy and (e,2e) Ionization Experiments
Authors: Truhlar Donald G. , Hiberty Philippe C. , Shaik Sason , Gordon Mark S. , Danovich David
Published: May 2019

Electron momentum spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy provide unique information about electronic structure, but their interpretation has been controversial. This essay discusses a framework for interpretation. Although this interpretation is not new, we believe it is important to present this framework in light of recent publications. The key point is that these experiments provide information about how the electron distribution changes upon ionization, not how electrons behave in the pre‐ionized state. Therefore, these experiments do not lead to a “selection of the correct orbitals” in chemistry and do not overturn the well‐known conclusion that both delocalized molecular orbitals and localized molecular orbitals are useful for interpreting chemical structure and dynamics. The two types of orbitals can produce identical total molecular electron densities and therefore molecular properties. Different types of orbitals are useful for different purposes.
Molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres prepared via the two‐step swelling polymerization for the separation of lincomycin
Authors: Zhang Youhong , Lu Yinan , Zhong Jiliang , Li Weipeng , Wei Qing , Wang Kean
Published: May 2019

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized via a two‐step swelling polymerization method for the purification of lincomycin. Polystyrene microspheres were prepared by the dispersion‐polymerization process and used as the substrate. Methacrylic acid was used as the functional monomer, whereas ethylene glycol dimethacrylate was the cross‐linker. The MIP was structurally characterized and examined for its separation performance at different conditions (temperature, solvents, etc.). It was found that the MIP possesses the good sphericity, porosity, monodispersity, and a high adsorption capacity of (180 μmol/g) in chloroform solution. Comparison studies showed that the MIP presents a higher capacity than the NIP (non‐imprinted polymer) in chloroform solution and a much higher capacity in the practical lincomycin fermentation solution extracts, confirming the underlining mechanisms of the MIP. Scatchard plot revealed two adsorption mechanisms on the MIP, whereas the isotherm is better described by Freundlich equation. The adsorption/elution kinetics demonstrated that the MIP possesses good elution/regeneration capabilities with the elution ratio > 93%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47938.
Unique glucose oxidation catalysis of Gluconobacter oxydans constitutes an efficient cellulosic gluconic acid fermentation free of inhibitory compounds disturbance
Authors: Zhou Pingping , Yao Ruimiao , Zhang Hongsen , Bao Jie
Published: May 2019

Toxic inhibitory compounds from lignocellulose pretreatment are the major obstacle to achieve high bioconversion efficiency in biorefinery fermentations. This study shows a unique glucose oxidation catalysis of Gluconobacter oxydans with its gluconic acid productivity free of inhibitor disturbance. The microbial experimentations and the transcriptome analysis revealed that both the activity of the membrane‐bound glucose dehydrogenase and the transcription level of the genes in periplasmic glucose oxidation respiratory chain of G. oxydans were essentially not affected in the presence of inhibitory compounds. G. oxydans also rapidly converted furan and phenolic aldehyde inhibitors into the less toxic alcohols or acids. The synergy of the robust periplasmic glucose oxidation and the rapid inhibitor conversion of G. oxydans significantly elevated the efficiency of the oxidative fermentation in lignocellulose hydrolysate. The corresponding genes responsible for the conversion of furan and phenolic aldehyde inhibitors were also mined by DNA microarrays. The synergistic mechanism of G. oxydans provided an important option of metabolic modification for enhancing inhibitor tolerance of general fermentation strains.
Investigation of Li1.17Ni0.20Mn0.53Co0.10O2 as an Interesting Li‐ and Mn‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathode Material through Electrochemistry, Microscopy, and In Situ Electrochemical Dilatometry
Authors: Nayak Prasant Kumar , Yang Liangtao , Pollok Kilian , Langenhorst Falko , Aurbach Doron , Adelhelm Philipp
Published: May 2019

Despite their high capacity, Li‐ and Mn‐rich layered oxide cathode materials suffer from capacity fading during prolonged cycling when cycled to potentials higher than 4.5 V vs. Li+/Li. In the work reported herein, we have synthesized the Li‐ and Mn‐rich Li1.17Ni0.20Mn0.53Co0.10O2 cathode material by using a sol‐gel method. The composition and structure are analyzed by ICP, XRD, SEM, and TEM. During testing in half‐cells between 2.5 and 4.6 V vs. Li+/Li at 20 mA g−1, the initial capacity of about 165 mAh g−1 increases during cycling, reaching about 200 mAh g−1 after 30 cycles. The capacity then slowly fades, reaching 188 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles. Also, a high average discharge potential of 3.8 V is obtained, which decreases to 3.6 V after 120 cycles. This study leads to new insights about the effect of Ni concentration on the stability of the Li‐ and Mn‐ rich cathode materials. The in situ electrochemical dilatometry (ECD) study demonstrates an irreversible process during the 1st cycle, which can be related to the activation of Li2MnO3. During subsequent cycles, the electrodes’ thickness does not change, which reflects a morphological stabilization, in contrast to the continuous electrochemical instability of these materials upon cycling.
Salalens and Salans Derived from 3‐Aminopyrrolidine: Aluminium Complexation and Lactide Polymerisation
Authors: Britton Luke , Ditz Daniel , Beament James , McKeown Paul , Quilter Helena C. , Riley Kerry , Mahon Mary F. , Jones Matthew D.
Published: May 2019

In this paper a series of 7 salalen ligands based on an aminopyrrolidine backbone have been prepared and characterised. Several systems have been reduced to the salan ONNO type‐ligand. All ligands have been complexed to AlIII with Al(1–7)Me, Al(2a)(OiPr) and Al(7a)Me being characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In general the AlIII centres are best described as being in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The solution and solid‐state structures are discussed. All complexes have all been trialled for the production of PLA from rac‐lactide, the salalen complexes had a preference for heterotactic PLA (Pr = 0.71), whereas the salan had a more isotactic bias (Pm = 0.72). In all cases PLA with low dispersities and predictable molecular weights were prepared. The activity of the two classes of ligands is compared with the salan complexes appearing to be significantly more active than the salalen systems.
Numerical study for estimation of temperature distribution in solar pond in diverse climatic conditions for all cities of Turkey
Authors: Sogukpinar Haci
Published: May 2019

In this study, a numerical investigation for the solar ponds temperature distribution in Turkey was conducted and is compared with the experimental data for a particular district. For this, a prototype salinity‐gradient solar pond with square cross‐section with insulated wall and with seven layers was modeled by considering previously conducted experimental studies, and then, numerical method was conducted by using Finite Element Method with a commercial software COMSOL. Temperature and solar radiation data were taken from General Directorate of Meteorology where they have been measured since 1927. Numerical calculation was performed by taking annual average values of temperature and solar radiation data. The model includes all possibility to calculate temperature distribution of upper convective zone, non‐convective zone, and the heat storage zone where radiative, conductive, and evaporative heat losses were taken into account. Numerical results indicate that during 720 hr of total simulation, maximum temperature was calculated at the end of 600 hr and then temperature remained constant. As the side wall and base were insulated with rock wool, a lot of heat loss was simulated at the top surface of the pond. According to the numerical study in 81 provinces, only one solar pond temperature remained under 300 K in Edirne and solar pond temperatures in five provinces remained under 310 K, and the solar pond temperature for 31 provinces were calculated higher than 320 K.
Modeling and optimization of chromium adsorption onto clay using response surface methodology, artificial neural network, and equilibrium isotherm models
Authors: Oskui Fatemeh Notghi , Aghdasinia Hassan , Sorkhabi Mahsa Golghasemi
Published: May 2019

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization of the adsorbent dosage, initial solution pH, initial ion concentration, and contact time in removal of Cr (III) with local nanoclay. The adsorption process was modeled by RSM and artificial neural network (ANN). The process was done in batch mode by central composite design (CCD) and the same design was applied for training ANN. The optimum condition was determined to be 500mg/L for adsorbent dosage, initial pH of 5, initial chromium concentration of 180mg/L and 20 min of contact time. In these conditions qRSM = 238.7780mg/g and qANN = 237.5152mg/g which indicate removal percentage of 72.45% and 72.07%, respectively. and indicate that the two models can predict the adsorption of Cr3+ properly. The two parameter Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin‐Radushkevich (D‐R), Temkin and three parameter Redlich‐Peterson (R‐PT), Sips and Toth isotherm models were applied to equilibrium data by minimizing the sum of squared errors (SSE), sum of the absolute errors (SAE), average relative errors (ARE), Hybrid fractional error function (HYBRID), Marquardt's percent standard deviation (MPSD), and nonlinear chi‐square test error functions. The results showed that the HYBRID error function gives the lowest value and the R‐PT model fits the data better than other isotherm models.
Comparative Analysis of Plant Demographic Traits Across Species of Different Conservation Concern: Implications for Pesticide Risk Assessment
Authors: Rueda-Cediel Pamela , Brain Richard , Galic Nika , Forbes Valery
Published: May 2019

Pesticide risk assessment for “listed” (threatened and endangered) plant species is hampered by a lack of quantitative demographic information. Demographic information for nonlisted plant species could provide risk-assessment data and inform recovery plans for listed species; however, it is unclear how representative demography of the former would be for the latter. We performed a comparison of plant demographic traits and elasticity metrics to explore how similar these are between listed and nonlisted species. We used transition matrices from the COMPADRE Plant Matrix Database to calculate population growth rate (λ), net reproductive rate (Ro), generation time (Tg), damping ratio (ρ), and summed elasticities for survival (stasis), growth, fertility (reproduction), and evenness of elasticity (EE). We compared these across species varying in conservation status and population trend. Phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) models were used to evaluate differences between listed and nonlisted plants. Overall, demographic traits were largely overlapping for listed and nonlisted species. Population trends had a significant impact on most demographic traits and elasticity patterns. The influence of Tg on elasticity metrics was consistent across all data groupings. In contrast, the influence of λ on elasticity metrics was highly variable, and correlated in opposite directions in growing and declining populations. Our results suggested that population models developed for nonlisted plant species may be useful for assessing the risks of pesticides to listed species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2043–2052. © 2019 SETAC.
A Proof‐of‐Concept Study on Scoring Oral Presentation Videos in Higher Education
Authors: Feng Gary , Joe Jilliam , Kitchen Christopher , Mao Liyang , Roohr Katrina Crotts , Chen Lei
Published: May 2019

This proof‐of‐concept study examined the feasibility of a new scoring procedure designed to reduce the time of scoring a video‐based public speaking assessment task. Instead of scoring the video in its entirety, the performance was evaluated based on content‐related (e.g., speech organization, word choice) and delivery‐related (e.g., vocal expression, nonverbal behaviors) dimensions. Content‐related dimensions were scored based on speech transcripts, while delivery dimensions were scored using a video thin‐slicing technique, where scores were assigned based on brief vignettes of a video rather than the complete performance. Initial feasibility data were collected from 4 novice raters scoring 10 video performances. Results indicated that for delivery dimensions, four 10 second thin slices yielded interrater consistency reliability somewhat similar to that of full‐video scoring, and additional slices resulted in only small improvements. For transcription‐based scoring, while raters were consistent, their scores had low correlations with criterion scores, which was likely due to differences in the modality (video vs. text). Video thin‐slicing appears to be a promising scoring technique for relevant constructs. Further testing of a combination of audio and transcript is recommended for scoring content‐related constructs.
Secondary analysis of the WOMAN trial to explore the risk of sepsis after invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Cornelissen Laura , Woodd Susannah , Shakur‐Still Haleema , Fawole Bukola , Noor Shehla , Etuk Saturday , Akintan Adesina Lawrence , Chaudhri Rizwana , Roberts Ian
Published: May 2019

Objective

To examine the association between the use of invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage and the risk of sepsis and severe sepsis.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of the WOMAN randomized controlled trial, including 20 060 women with postpartum hemorrhage in 21 countries. Logistic regression with random effects was used.

Results

The cumulative incidence was 1.8% for sepsis and 0.5% for severe sepsis. All‐cause mortality was 40.4% in women with severe sepsis versus 2.2% for women without. After adjusting for bleeding severity and other confounders, intrauterine tamponade, hysterectomy, and laparotomy increased the risk of sepsis (aOR 1.77 [95% CI 1.21–2.59], P=0.004; aOR 1.97 [95% CI 1.49–2.65], P<0.001; and aOR 6.63 [95% CI 4.29–10.24], P<0.001, respectively) and severe sepsis (aOR 2.60 [95% CI 1.47–4.59], P=0.002; aOR 1.97 [95% CI 0.83–2.46], P=0.033; and aOR 5.35 [95% CI 2.61–10.98], P<0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

In this secondary data analysis, certain invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage appear to increase the risk of sepsis. Further research is needed to confirm this finding and investigate the role of prophylactic antibiotics during these procedures. The harms and benefits of such interventions must be carefully weighed, both in treatment guidelines and during individual patient management.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN76912190
Hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded by adipose stem cells enhances wound healing by modulating IL‐1β, TGF‐β1, and bFGF in burn wound model in rat
Authors: Alemzadeh Esmat , Oryan Ahmad , Mohammadi Ali A.
Published: May 2019

Application of hydrogels can be an effective technique in transferring the adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) to injured tissue and their protection from further complications. Besides, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has successfully been used in treatment of wounds. In this study, a combination of hylauronic acid (HA) and ASCs (HA/ASCs) was applied on burn wounds and the injured area was then covered by an ADM dressing in a rat model (ADM‐HA/ASCs). Wound healing was evaluated by histopathological, histomorphometrical, molecular, biochemical, and scanning electron microscopy assessments on days 7, 14, and 28 post‐wounding. ADM‐HA/ASCs stimulated healing significantly more than the ADM‐HA and ADM treated wounds, as it led to reduced inflammation, and improved angiogenesis and enhanced granulation tissue formation. Expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was lower in the ADM‐HA/ASCs treated wounds than the ADM‐HA and ADM groups, at the seventh post‐wounding day. ADM‐HA/ASCs also enhanced the expression level of TGF‐β1 mRNA at 14 day post‐wounding that was parallel to the experimental data from histological and biochemical assessments and confirmed the positive role of ASCs in repair of burn wounds. Additionally, increase in basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression and decreased TGF‐β1 level on the 28th post‐wounding day indicated the anti‐scarring activity of ASCs. HA loaded by adipose stem cells can represent a promising strategy in accelerating burn wound healing.
A 4‐gene panel predicting the survival of patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Guo Xiao‐Xia , Su Jiao , He Xiao‐Feng
Published: May 2019

Background

To identify independently prognostic gene panel in patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

Materials and methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)‐GBM was used as a training set and a test set. GSE13041 was used as a validation set. Survival associated differentially expression genes (DEGs), derived between GBM and normal brain tissue, was obtained using univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model and then was included in a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized Cox proportional hazards regression model. Thus, a 4‐gene prognostic panel was developed based on the risk score for each patient in that model. The prognostic role of the 4‐gene panel was validated using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

A total of 686 patients with GBM were included in our study; 724 DEGs was identified, 133 of which was significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) of patients with GBM. A 4‐gene panel including NMB, RTN1, GPC5, and epithelial membrane protein 3 (EMP3) was developed. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis suggested that patients in the 4‐gene panel low risk group had significantly better OS than those in the 4‐gene panel high risk group in the training set (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.3826; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2751‐0.532; P < 0.0001), test set (HR = 0.718; 95% CI: 0.5282‐0.9759; P = 0.033) and the independent validation set (HR = 0.6898; 95% CI: 0.4872‐0.9766; P = 0.035). Both univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis suggested that the 4‐gene panel was independent prognostic factor for GBM in the training set.

Conclusion

We developed and validated 4‐gene panel that was independently correlated with the survival of patients with GBM.
Endocrinological characterization of pancreatic ducts in HFD and HGD fed mice
Authors: Huang Wenjun , Su Lianxiu , Zhang Xiaoxi , Xu Xiaoxiao , Li Rong
Published: May 2019

Our previous findings show that insulin‐produced cells are found in human pancreatic ducts. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of transdifferentiation in pancreatic ductal cells is not yet totally uncovered. High‐fat diet (HFD) and high‐glucose diet (HGD) fed mice were subjected to the biochemical tests in sera. And the pancreatic samples were used for immunostaining and immunoblotting assays, respectively. These serological findings showed that fasting blood glucose, insulin, blood lipids (triglyceride, total cholesterol), liver functional enzymes (glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase) were increased in HFD fed mice. Immunostaining observations showed that insulin protein was positively expressed in pancreatic islets and ducts, characterized with elevated immunoreactive cells of insulin, neurogenin‐3, poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), and reduced F‐box/WD repeat‐containing protein 7‐positive cells in pancreatic islets and ducts of HFD and HGD fed mice. Interestingly, immunoblotting assays suggested that intrapancreatic expressions of insulin, Krüppel‐like Factor 2, PARP, p42/44MAPK proteins were upregulated in HFD and HGD exposed mice, while Fbxw7 protein content in pancreas samples were reduced. Taken together, the current findings reveal that there may be potential transdifferentiation of insulin‐producing cells in pancreatic ducts through inducing a pathway of intracellular Fbxw7 ubiquitination.
Lidocine potentiates the cytotoxicity of 5‐fluorouracil to choriocarcinoma cells by downregulating ABC transport proteins expression
Authors: Zhang Xue , Pang Wenwen , Liu Hong , Wang Juan
Published: May 2019

Choriocarcinoma is a gestational trophoblastic cancer, which often occurs in the first 3 months of pregnancy. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐Fu) is the widely used chemotherapeutic drug for choriocarcinoma but limited by drug resistance. Lidocaine, an aminamide‐type anesthetic, shows potential anticancer and chemosensitization effects in recent years. Herein, we tested the possible chemosensitization activity of lidocaine on the cytotoxicity of 5‐Fu in choriocarcinoma cells. Viabilities and apoptosis of choriocarcinoma JEG‐3 and JAR cells after lidocaine and/or 5‐Fu treatment were detected using Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, annexin V‐FITC/PI (fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide) staining and Western blot analysis, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was done to measure breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) messenger RNA level. Western blot analysis was carried out to detect ABCG2, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), MRP1, and MRP2 protein levels. pEX‐ABCG2 was transfected to elevate ABCG2 level. Then, the influence of ABCG2 on lidocaine + 5‐Fu‐caused cell viability loss, apoptosis, and inactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway were analyzed. We found that lidocaine in low concentration had no significant cytotoxicity to JEG‐3 and JAR cells, but stimulated cell apoptosis in high concentration. Moreover, lidocaine potentiated the cytotoxicity of 5‐Fu to JEG‐3 and JAR cells through decreasing viability and increasing apoptosis. Lidocaine treatment reduced the ABCG2, P‐gp, MRP1, and MRP2 protein levels in cells. Overexpression of ABCG2 reversed the synergistic effects of lidocaine + 5‐Fu on JEG‐3 and JAR cell viability and apoptosis, as well as PI3K/AKT pathway. Our research verified that lidocaine potentiated the cytotoxicity of 5‐Fu to choriocarcinoma cells by downregulating ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transport proteins expression.
In limbo: A systematic review of psychological responses and coping among people with a missing loved one
Authors: Kennedy Cecilia , Deane Frank P. , Chan Amy Y. C.
Published: May 2019

Objective

This review explored psychological responses and coping among loved ones left behind when a person is missing.

Method

A systematic search identified 42 studies that reported data gathered among people with a missing loved one regarding psychological symptoms and/or coping strategies. Studies were arranged according to context of disappearance: forced (a result of war/conflict, abduction, forced separation) or unclear (reason unknown)/unspecified circumstances.

Results

The most consistent findings for psychological symptoms were reports of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and prolonged grief reactions. When the disappearance was unclear/unspecified, people more often reported use of cognitive avoidance and continuing a bond as coping strategies. When the disappearance was forced, people more often reported use of informal support seeking.

Conclusions

Further research is warranted to clarify (a) the generalizability of findings to those left behind under circumstances where the ambiguity may be greater and (b) the acceptability of various targeted psychological interventions.
Knockdown of RAD18 inhibits glioblastoma development
Authors: Xie Chen , Lu Dejuan , Xu Meng , Qu Zhengyi , Zhang Weiguang , Wang Hongwei
Published: May 2019

This study aimed at investigating the role of RAD18 in the regulation of glioblastoma development as well as the underlying mechanisms. The human glioblastoma U251 and U87MG cells were transfected with siRNAs specifically targeting RAD18, and the effects of knockdown of RAD18 on the viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of U251 and U87MG cells were investigated. Transcriptome sequencing of the siRNA‐RAD18‐tranfected and siRNA‐NC‐transfected U251 cells was performed, followed by bioinformatic analyses for sequencing data. The results showed that knockdown of RAD18 significantly inhibited cell viability, promoted apoptosis, and suppressed migration and invasion of U251 and U87MG cells. Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data identified 1,051 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (369 up‐ and 682 downregulated genes) in the siRNA‐RAD18‐transfected U251 cells compared with siRNA‐NC‐transfected U251 cells. Eleven DEGs, including nerve growth factor (NGF), colony‐stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA), and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), were identified as the hub nodes in protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Moreover, the aforementioned 11 hub genes were significantly enriched in PI3K–Akt signaling pathway and GO functions associated with the extracellular region. Notably, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction further confirmed that the expression levels of NGF, CSF2, HMOX1, and MMP1 were significantly downregulated, while that of PDGFRA was markedly upregulated in the siRNA‐RAD18‐transfected U251 cells than in the siRNA‐NC cells. In conclusion, the knockdown of RAD18 may inhibit glioblastoma development by regulating the expression of the aforementioned key DEGs.
Proposal for a chemically consistent way to annotate ions arising from the analysis of reference compounds under ESI conditions: A prerequisite to proper mass spectral database constitution in metabolomics
Authors: Damont Annelaure , Olivier Marie‐Françoise , Warnet Anna , Lyan Bernard , Pujos‐Guillot Estelle , Jamin Emilien L. , Debrauwer Laurent , Bernillon Stéphane , Junot Christophe , Tabet Jean‐Claude , Fenaille François
Published: May 2019

Nowadays, high‐resolution mass spectrometry is widely used for metabolomic studies. Thanks to its high sensitivity, it enables the detection of a large range of metabolites. In metabolomics, the continuous quest for a metabolite identification as complete and accurate as possible has led during the last decade to an ever increasing development of public MS databases (including LC‐MS data) concomitantly with bioinformatic tool expansion. To facilitate the annotation process of MS profiles obtained from biological samples, but also to ease data sharing, exchange, and exploitation, the standardization and harmonization of the way to describe and annotate mass spectra seemed crucial to us. Indeed, under electrospray (ESI) conditions, a single metabolite does not produce a unique ion corresponding to its protonated or deprotonated form but could lead to a complex mixture of signals. These MS signals result from the existence of different natural isotopologues of the same compound and also to the potential formation of adduct ions, homomultimeric and heteromultimeric ions, fragment ions resulting from “prompt” in‐source dissociations. As a joint reflection process within the French Infrastructure for Metabolomics and Fluxomics (MetaboHUB) and with the purpose of developing a robust and exchangeable annotated MS database made from pure reference compounds (chemical standards) analysis, it appeared to us that giving the metabolomics community some clues to standardize and unambiguously annotate each MS feature was a prerequisite to data entry and further efficient querying of the mass spectral database. The use of a harmonized notation is also mandatory for interlaboratory MS data exchange. Additionally, thorough description of the variety of MS signals arising from the analysis of a unique metabolite might provide greater confidence on its annotation.
Abscopal effect when combining oncolytic adenovirus and checkpoint inhibitor in a humanized NOG mouse model of melanoma
Authors: Kuryk Lukasz , Møller Anne‐Sophie W. , Jaderberg Magnus
Published: May 2019

Melanoma, an immunogenic tumor, is the first indication where oncolytic viruses are now becoming part of clinical practice. ONCOS‐102, a transgened adenovirus, has shown to act as a primer of relevant tumor targeting immune cells both in preclinical and clinical melanoma studies. Strategies to augment its effectiveness warrant investigation. Combination therapy of ONCOS‐102 with the checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) pembrolizumab was evaluated in a quasi‐human animal model, the humanized NOG mouse model. A dosing schedule of the combination, beginning the CPI concurrently with the oncolytic viral therapy and continuing the CPI treatment, appeared to induce an abscopal effect in untreated tumor lesions. Concurrent combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors may improve the induction of antitumor immune responses of ONCOS‐102.
Correlation of Force to Deformation of the Anterior Bundle of the Medial Collateral Ligament Through Consideration of Band Laxity
Authors: Jordan David , Schimoler Patrick , Kharlamov Alexander , DeMeo Patrick J. , Miller Mark Carl
Published: May 2019

The anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament (AMCL) resists the loads that arise at the elbow during overhand throwing and has commonly been divided into posterior and anterior bands. While these anterior and posterior bands have been thought to bear the load at different flexion angles, any transition of the load distribution between the two bands is poorly understood and has not considered laxity (slack). This study considers the AMCL as three bands and quantifies the mechanical response to vertical distraction, simulating valgus‐load joint opening, through the sequential superposition of the band responses after the elimination of inherent laxity. Eight cadaveric elbow specimens were used for the study. The intact AMCL of each specimen was tested under vertical distraction in a specialized load frame at four elbow flexion angles and then subsequently retested after two longitudinal transections. The greatest laxity at full extension and full flexion belonged to the posterior (1.9 mm) and anterior (2.4 mm) band, respectively. At the lesser and higher flexion angles, the greatest structural stiffness belonged to the anterior and middle band. The overall AMCL was the most structurally stiff at 60°, with approximately 150 N of force required for 2% elongation. This study shows that the different bands of the AMCL may have different load bearing properties at different flexion angles, causing each band to support different proportions of an imposed load. The presence of the laxity may impose a load‐bearing delay, causing load‐bearing in each band to begin asynchronously. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2027–2034, 2019
The reproductive success of sandhill cranes in midwestern landscapes
Authors: Fox Jeff , Semel Brad , Ward Michael P.
Published: May 2019

A number of wildlife species have recovered from the brink of extinction to flourish and, in some cases, even become a commonly recognized urban species (e.g., Canada goose [Branta canadensis]). Broadly extirpated from much of their historical range in North America, the sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis) demonstrated this potential for population recovery. The trajectory of the eastern population of greater sandhill cranes is remarkable—perhaps as many as 90,000 cranes now occur throughout the same Great Lakes states that reported only dozens of birds less than a century ago. However, understanding future population growth of the species remains uncertain because breeding birds are increasingly exposed to the pressures of urban sprawl and a changing agricultural landscape. From 2009 to 2014 we investigated the survival of sandhill crane nests and young up to 11 weeks of age (the point at which they are capable of flight) in the core of the eastern population's range in central Wisconsin and at its peripheral extent in a rapidly developing urban region of northeastern Illinois, USA. We located crane nests via systematic surveys on foot and from helicopters, we then radio‐tagged the young and monitored them until they died or were capable to sustained flight. Overall, young were more likely to hatch from nests in Illinois (60%) than in central Wisconsin (46%), regardless of differences in land cover surrounding the nest site. In contrast, the survivorship of young was positively correlated with urban land cover in both regions but higher in central Wisconsin (54%) than in northeast Illinois (27%). Overall, the probability of producing young was greater in landscapes with more urban development, regardless of region. We suggest that differences in predator composition, predator behavior, and crane density between rural and urban areas is the primary reason for the difference in crane productivity. Higher recruitment of sandhill cranes using urban landscapes may allow cranes to echo the population trajectory of urban Canada geese. We anticipate that sandhill cranes will continue to use urban landscapes, and likely expand their geographic range as breeding pairs benefit from the increased survivorship of young in those landscapes. © The Wildlife Society, 2019
Survival in low‐grade and high‐grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma: A national cancer database analysis
Authors: Shay Aryan , Ganti Ashwin , Raman Anish , Kuhar Hannah N. , Auger Samuel R. , Eggerstedt Michael , Patel Tirth , Kuan Edward C. , Batra Pete S. , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to investigate survival differences between low‐grade and high‐grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC) by examining demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment modalities.

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with SNAC between 2004 and 2015. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for all cases of SNAC. Subsequent analysis focused on low‐grade (grade 1 and grade 2) and high‐grade (grade 3 and grade 4) SNAC.

Results

A total of 1,288 patients with SNAC were included in the main cohort and divided into low grade (n = 601) and high grade (n = 370). The 5‐year overall survival for all patients, low‐grade, and high‐grade was 54%, 64%, and 38%, respectively. Prognostic factors associated with decreased survival for the main cohort include advanced age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03‐1.06), Charlson‐Deyo score (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.05‐1.78), grade 2 (HR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.26‐3.86], grade 3 (HR: 3.67; 95% CI: 2.09‐6.45), and grade 4 (HR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.38‐7.91). Radiotherapy was associated with improved overall survival for high‐grade SNAC (HR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.24‐0.70) but not for low‐grade SNAC (HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.59‐1.85).

Conclusions

This investigation is the largest to date analyzing the association of treatment modalities with overall survival in SNAC. Surgery remains paramount to treatment, with radiotherapy offering additional survival benefit for high‐grade SNAC. Administration of chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E1–E10, 2020
Long‐term subsidence in Mexico City from 2004 to 2018 revealed by five synthetic aperture radar sensors
Authors: Du Zheyuan , Ge Linlin , Ng Alex Hay‐Man , Zhu Qinggaozi , Zhang Qi , Kuang Jianming , Dong Yifei
Published: May 2019

Anthropogenic land subsidence is an example of changes to the natural environment due to human activities and is one of the key factors in causing land degradation at a range of scales. Previous studies assessing land subsidence in the Valley of Mexico either focused on regional scale or short (noncontinuous) temporal scale. In this study, long‐term land subsidence (~15 years) is mapped in Mexico City (Mexico) using two interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) methods, namely, GEOS (Geoscience and Earth Observing Systems Group)‐Advance Time‐series Analysis and GEOS‐Small Baseline Subset. An inverse distance weighted‐based integration module and maximum likelihood regression‐based M estimator are introduced to further enhance these two methods. The land subsidence was continuously mapped using ENVISAT (2004–2007), ALOS‐1 (2007–2011), COSMO‐SkyMed (2011–2014), ALOS‐2 (2014–2018), and SENTINEL‐1 (2015–2017) data sets. A comparison between InSAR time‐series and GPS measurement shows that the subsidence rates are consistent over 2004–2018. The subsidence map over 15 years was generated finding a maximum subsidence over 4.5 m. By comparing our InSAR results with a land use map, we find that the subsidence centre in Mexico City is mostly located in the residential regions with the consumption of groundwater contributing considerably to the local subsidence rate. A total volume of 1.20 × 108 m3 of the land in Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl subsided/degraded. A continuing subsidence process limits the potential land use causing serious land degradation. Our results may be used to assist disaster reduction plans.
Fetal whole‐heart 4D imaging using motion‐corrected multi‐planar real‐time MRI
Authors: van Amerom Joshua F.P. , Lloyd David F.A. , Deprez Maria , Price Anthony N. , Malik Shaihan J. , Pushparajah Kuberan , van Poppel Milou P.M. , Rutherford Mary A. , Razavi Reza , Hajnal Joseph V
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To develop an MRI acquisition and reconstruction framework for volumetric cine visualization of the fetal heart and great vessels in the presence of maternal and fetal motion.

Methods

Four‐dimensional (4D) depiction was achieved using a highly‐accelerated multi‐planar real‐time balanced steady‐state free precession acquisition combined with retrospective image‐domain techniques for motion correction, cardiac synchronization and outlier rejection. The framework was validated using a numerical phantom and evaluated in a study of 20 mid‐ to late‐gestational age human fetal subjects (23‐33 weeks gestational age). Reconstructed MR data were compared with matched ultrasound. A preliminary assessment of flow‐sensitive reconstruction using the velocity information encoded in the phase of real‐time images is included.

Results

Reconstructed 4D data could be visualized in any two‐dimensional plane without the need for highly specific scan plane prescription prior to acquisition or for maternal breath hold to minimize motion. Reconstruction was fully automated aside from user‐specified masks of the fetal heart and chest. The framework proved robust when applied to fetal data and simulations confirmed that spatial and temporal features could be reliably recovered. Evaluation suggested the reconstructed framework has the potential to be used for comprehensive assessment of the fetal heart, either as an adjunct to ultrasound or in combination with other MRI techniques.

Conclusions

The proposed methods show promise as a framework for motion‐compensated 4D assessment of the fetal heart and great vessels.
A novel method for measuring small amounts of saliva in mice
Authors: Arakaki Rieko , Ushio Aya , Otsuka Kunihiro , Kudo Yasusei , Ishimaru Naozumi
Published: May 2019

Dry mouth is caused by the dysfunction of salivary glands due to various factors. In order to understand the mechanism of dry mouth or develop new therapies for dry mouth, many mice models have been widely used to analyze the function of saliva secretion. In this study, a small amount of saliva was collected using oral pH paper, following stimulation with a low dose of pilocarpine in mice. The method is simple and accurate for the evaluation of small volumes of saliva secretion following weak stimulation in mice. Thus, a simple method would be useful during experiments using mice for detection of small volumes of saliva. The establishment of small saliva volume detection in mice could be applied in the development of any new therapies for dry mouth.
High risk—What's next? A survey study on decisional conflict, regret, and satisfaction among high‐risk pregnant women making choices about further prenatal testing for fetal aneuploidy
Authors: Hartwig Tanja Schlaikjær , Borregaard Miltoft Caroline , Malmgren Charlotta Ingvoldstad , Tabor Ann , Jørgensen Finn Stener
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To investigate decision making among pregnant women when choosing between noninvasive prenatal testing, invasive testing, or no further testing.

Methods

Women with a high‐risk result from the first trimester screening were invited to fill in two online questionnaires at gestational age 12 to 14 (Q1) and 24 weeks (Q2). The scales used were Decisional Conflict and Regret Scales, Satisfaction with genetic Counselling Scale, and Health‐Relevant Personality Inventory.

Results

Three hundred thirty‐nine women agreed to participate, and the response rates were 76% on Q1 and 88% on Q2. A percentage of 75.4% chose an invasive test, 23.8% chose noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), 0.4% chose no further testing, and 0.4% had both NIPT and invasive testing. Among all participants, 13.3% had a high level of decisional conflict. We found that choosing NIPT was associated with a high decisional conflict (p = 0.013), receiving genetic counselling the same day was associated with a high decisional conflict (p = 0.039), and a high satisfaction with the genetic counselling was associated with low decisional conflict (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the personality subtrait “alexithymia” was associated with low decisional conflict (p = 0.043). There was a significant association between high decisional conflict and later decisional regret (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

We present evidence that satisfaction with and timing of counselling are important factors to limit decisional conflict. Interestingly, women choosing NIPT had more decisional conflict than women choosing invasive testing.
Diagnostic overshadowing in learning disability: think beyond the disability
Authors: Javaid Amir , Nakata Vera , Michael Dasari
Published: May 2019

Diagnostic overshadowing is increasingly recognised as contributing to health inequalities experienced by the learning disability population. This case is that of a 54‐year‐old male with mild‐to‐moderate learning disability who displayed abnormally aggressive behaviours and self‐neglect. He had multiple transfers between the psychiatric and medical units during an inpatient episode, partly due to his physical health symptoms being misattributed to learning disability and challenging behaviour.
Latent Fingerprint Imaging Using Dy and Sm Codoped HfO2 Nanophosphors: Structure and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Rai Shyam Bahadur , Rath Chandana
Published: May 2019

The development of latent fingerprints (LFPs) detected at the site of crime is considered as an imperative physical evidence in forensic investigations. Herein, a rapid and cost‐effective approach using nonhazardous Dy and Sm codoped HfO2 nanophosphors is demonstrated to be utilized for LFP imaging. Sol–gel method can produce Dy and Sm codoped HfO2 of monoclinic phase with crystallite size ranging from ≈10 to 25 nm. While selected area electron diffraction and lattice spacing calculated from high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy confirm monoclinic phase, Le‐Bail profile refinement of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns demonstrate an exponential increase in lattice volume with incorporating various concentrations of Dy and Sm in HfO2 lattice. Exciting Dy and Sm codoped HfO2 with 393 nm photoluminescence spectra show emissions in blue, yellow, and near red regions emerging primarily due to energy transfer from Dy3+ to Sm3+ through multipolar interaction suggested by time resolved decay spectra. Combining excitation and emission spectra, an energy band diagram is proposed. Owing to excellent emissions, Dy and Sm codoped HfO2 are explored for LFP imaging with good selectivity and resolution over multivariate surfaces like float glass and aluminum foil. The third‐level details like enclosure and termination–bifurcation are extracted due to nanosized nature of particles.