bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of water soaking on swelling and microcharacteristics of coal
Authors: Wen Guangcai , Yang Shuo , Liu Yanbao , Wu Wenbin , Sun Dongling , Wang Kai
Published: October 2019

Improving the coal seam permeability is an important measure for increasing the coal bed methane (CBM) production and preventing gas disasters. Hydraulic technologies are effective ways of improving coal seam permeability. However, hydraulic technologies can also cause water to enter the coal seam, allowing the coal seam to soak for a long time. In this study, to obtain the influence of water soaking on the microscopic characteristics of coal, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), free swelling ratio tests, and low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption tests (LT‐NATs) were conducted. The mineral compositions of raw coal samples, the variation regularities of micromorphologies, and pore characteristics of the samples with different soaking times were obtained. The results showed that the coal samples contained about 8.5% clay minerals, of which 71% were illite/smectite mixed‐layer. Expansions of different sizes in the areas where the surface of the soaked coal samples contained clay minerals were observed, and the swelling was also observed macroscopically. The swelling not only led to an increase in the coal sample volume but also led to a decrease in pore volume. This change was magnified with the increase in soaking time (within 30 days). The cumulative pore volume of the samples soaked for 30 days was 0.00681 cm3/g. This was a reduction of 29.9% compared to the unsoaked samples. Moreover, the pore volumes show a logarithmic dependence on soaking time. This study provides evidence that the coal containing clay minerals will swell obviously when soaked in water, and the hydration swelling of clay minerals has a great influence on the swelling of coal. This swelling would lead to a decrease in the pore volume and the efficiency of CBM transport, thus affecting the effect of hydraulic measures.
Proposed Indoor Test Procedure to Quantify Pesticide Treatment Effects on Seed Consumption by Birds
Authors: Esther Alexandra , von Blanckenhagen Felix , der Heiden Angela an , Dürger Joanna , Kozyczkowska-Kneffel Dominika , Ludwigs Jan-Dieter , Sadowski Jan , Shadid Maisam , Gabriel Doreen
Published: October 2019

Pesticides used in seed coatings can influence seed consumption by birds and, therefore, actual exposure risk for them. A quantification of such effects on consumption is currently not regarded as a refinement factor in environmental risk assessments, although it is a possible option and should be considered, for example, for comparing exposure risk of different pesticides. It can highlight avoidance behavior, preventing birds from taking up lethal or sublethal pesticide doses. To formulate a standard, we developed an indoor test procedure based on established pen test methods, including 2- and no-choice phases with hunger periods. During testing, the highest standards of animal welfare were applied. Statistical approaches were used to determine the most appropriate number of replicates and for analysis. The effect on consumption of seeds is expressed as the ratio of consumed treated to untreated seeds. This consumption factor can be applied in avian risk assessments for seed treatments equivalent to an avoidance factor. We present, as an example, an application of the procedure to obtain a seed- and species-specific consumption factor for oilseed rape seeds (Brassica napus) provided untreated and treated with fungicides to greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Overall, bird constitution was not negatively affected by the test procedure in either species. The test procedure was suitable for showing differences in expected consumption patterns, such as greater avoidance of treated seeds in 2-choice than in no-choice tests. However, the consumption differed between species and fungicide treatments, allowing us to rank avoidance effects of different fungicides. Using the presented standard procedure to generate comparable pesticide- and species-specific consumption factors for more species and seed treatments may result in refinement of default values and reduce animal trials in different designs in the future. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:359–370. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
N‐space collision model for rotation‐translation energy exchange in DSMC collisions
Authors: Macrossan M. N.
Published: October 2019

A new discrete simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) collision model for molecules possessing an integer number of classical degrees of freedom for molecular structure energy is proposed. The total molecular energy (translation plus molecular structure) is represented by a velocity in five‐dimensional space. Each collision is an elasticN‐sphere collision inN‐space, whereN= 3, 4, or 5. ForN=5, there is a maximum chance of exchange of energy between the two components of velocity, which represent the rotation energy and the three components that represent the translational velocity. ForN=3, there is no change in the rotation energy of each molecule, and forN=4, there is an intermediate chance that rotation and translation energy will be exchanged. The exchange probabilityϕcan be set to give the desired rotational relaxation rate. To achieve any realistic viscosityμ(T), theN‐space model must be coupled with a modified collision procedure known asν‐DSMC. The new model is shown to match the results of molecular dynamics calculations for the internal structure of a Mach 7 shock, with a saving of about 20% in CPU time compared to standard DSMC using the standard Borgnakke‐Larsen exchange model.
Heterogeneous fate choice of genetically modulated adult neural stem cells in gray and white matter of the central nervous system
Authors: Beyer Felix , Jadasz Janusz , Samper Agrelo Iria , Schira‐Heinen Jessica , Groh Janos , Manousi Anastasia , Bütermann Christine , Estrada Veronica , Reiche Laura , Cantone Martina , Vera Julio , Viganò Francesca , Dimou Leda , Müller Hans Werner , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Küry Patrick
Published: October 2019

Apart from dedicated oligodendroglial progenitor cells, adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) can also give rise to new oligodendrocytes in the adult central nervous system (CNS). This process mainly confers myelinating glial cell replacement in pathological situations and can hence contribute to glial heterogeneity. Our previous studies demonstrated that the p57kip2 gene encodes an intrinsic regulator of glial fate acquisition and we here investigated to what degree its modulation can affect stem cell‐dependent oligodendrogenesis in different CNS environments. We therefore transplanted p57kip2 knockdown aNSCs into white and gray matter (WM and GM) regions of the mouse brain, into uninjured spinal cords as well as in the vicinity of spinal cord injuries and evaluated integration and differentiation in vivo. Our experiments revealed that under healthy conditions intrinsic suppression of p57kip2 as well as WM localization promote differentiation toward myelinating oligodendrocytes at the expense of astrocyte generation. Moreover, p57kip2 knockdown conferred a strong benefit on cell survival augmenting net oligodendrocyte generation. In the vicinity of hemisectioned spinal cords, the gene knockdown led to a similar induction of oligodendroglial features; however, newly generated oligodendrocytes appeared to suffer more from the hostile environment. This study contributes to our understanding of mechanisms of adult oligodendrogenesis and glial heterogeneity and further reveals critical factors when considering aNSC mediated cell replacement in injury and disease.
Functional outcome is tied to dynamic brain states after mild to moderate traumatic brain injury
Authors: van der Horn Harm J. , Vergara Victor M. , Espinoza Flor A. , Calhoun Vince D. , Mayer Andrew R. , van der Naalt Joukje
Published: October 2019

The current study set out to investigate the dynamic functional connectome in relation to long‐term recovery after mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Longitudinal resting‐state functional MRI data were collected (at 1 and 3 months postinjury) from a prospectively enrolled cohort consisting of 68 patients with TBI (92% mild TBI) and 20 healthy subjects. Patients underwent a neuropsychological assessment at 3 months postinjury. Outcome was measured using the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS‐E) at 6 months postinjury. The 57 patients who completed the GOS‐E were classified as recovered completely (GOS‐E = 8; n = 37) or incompletely (GOS‐E < 8; n = 20). Neuropsychological test scores were similar for all groups. Patients with incomplete recovery spent less time in a segregated brain state compared to recovered patients during the second visit. Also, these patients moved less frequently from one meta‐state to another as compared to healthy controls and recovered patients. Furthermore, incomplete recovery was associated with disruptions in cyclic state transition patterns, called attractors, during both visits. This study demonstrates that poor long‐term functional recovery is associated with alterations in dynamics between brain networks, which becomes more marked as a function of time. These results could be related to psychological processes rather than injury‐effects, which is an interesting area for further work. Another natural progression of the current study is to examine whether these dynamic measures can be used to monitor treatment effects.
Radiation‐induced nausea and vomiting in head and neck cancer: Is it something worth considering in the intensity modulated radiotherapy era? “A narrative review”
Authors: Paiar Fabiola , Cristaudo Agostino , Gonnelli Alessandra , Giannini Noemi , Cocuzza Paola , Montrone Sabrina , Bruschini Luca , Pasqualetti Francesco , Ursino Stefano , Bonomo Pierluigi
Published: October 2019

Radiation therapy is one of the cornerstones in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), alone or in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. Technological advances which occurred over the last few decades have increased the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT), particularly, intensity‐modulated RT (IMRT). IMRT can deliver treatments on complex tumoral targets with dose escalation while sparing organs at risk; anyway IMRT deposits dose in unpredictable patterns outside of the target volume with the purpose of improving conformality. Radiation‐induced nausea and vomiting (RINV) is a frequent albeit neglected side effect of RT that can lead to delays in treatment with serious consequences on cure rates. According to several guidelines (MASCC 2016, NCCN 2018), RT for HNSCC has traditionally been regarded as a low emetic risk treatment. Nevertheless, several works suggest that IMRT could increase RINV. Further studies are needed to define the exact incidence and the detailed pathophysiology of RINV in patients with HNSCC treated with state of art IMRT techniques, with and without concurrent chemotherapy.
Gata3 targets Runx1 in the embryonic haematopoietic stem cell niche
Authors: Fitch Simon R. , Kapeni Chrysa , Tsitsopoulou Aikaterini , Wilson Nicola K. , Göttgens Berthold , de Bruijn Marella F. , Ottersbach Katrin
Published: October 2019

Runx1 is an important haematopoietic transcription factor as stressed by its involvement in a number of haematological malignancies. Furthermore, it is a key regulator of the emergence of the first haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) during development. The transcription factor Gata3 has also been linked to haematological disease and was shown to promote HSC production in the embryo by inducing the secretion of important niche factors. Both proteins are expressed in several different cell types within the aorta‐gonads‐mesonephros (AGM) region, in which the first HSCs are generated; however, a direct interaction between these two key transcription factors in the context of embryonic HSC production has not formally been demonstrated. In this current study, we have detected co‐localisation of Runx1 and Gata3 in rare sub‐aortic mesenchymal cells in the AGM. Furthermore, the expression of Runx1 is reduced in Gata3
−/− embryos, which also display a shift in HSC emergence. Using an AGM‐derived cell line as a model for the stromal microenvironment in the AGM and performing ChIP‐Seq and ChIP‐on‐chip experiments, we demonstrate that Runx1, together with other key niche factors, is a direct target gene of Gata3. In addition, we can pinpoint Gata3 binding to the Runx1 locus at specific enhancer elements which are active in the microenvironment. These results reveal a direct interaction between Gata3 and Runx1 in the niche that supports embryonic HSCs and highlight a dual role for Runx1 in driving the transdifferentiation of haemogenic endothelial cells into HSCs as well as in the stromal cells that support this process.
Cytotoxic effects of thioxanthone derivatives as photoinitiators on isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshio , Inomata Akiko , Moriyasu Takako , Suzuki Toshinari
Published: October 2019

Thioxanthone and its analogues, 2‐ or 4‐isopropylthioxanthone, 2‐chlorothioxanthone, 2,4‐diethylthioxanthone (DETX) and xanthone, are used as photoinitiators of ultraviolet (UV) light‐initiated curable inks. As these photoinitiators were found in numerous food/beverage products packaged in cartons printed with UV‐cured inks, the cytotoxic effects and mechanisms of these compounds were studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. The toxicity of DETX was greater than that of other compounds. DETX elicited not only concentration (0–2.0 mm)‐ and time (0–3 hours)‐dependent cell death accompanied by the depletion of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and reduced glutathione (GSH) and protein thiol levels, but also the accumulation of GSH disulfide and malondialdehyde. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with either fructose at a concentration of 10 mm or N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) at a concentration of 5.0 mm ameliorated DETX (1 mm)‐induced cytotoxicity. Further, the exposure of hepatocytes to DETX resulted in the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, both of which were partially prevented by the addition of NAC. These results indicate that: (1) DETX‐induced cytotoxicity is linked to mitochondrial failure and depletion of cellular GSH; (2) insufficient cellular ATP levels derived from mitochondrial dysfunction were, at least in part, ameliorated by the addition of fructose; and (3) GSH loss and/or ROS formation was prevented by NAC. Taken collectively, these results suggest that the onset of toxic effects caused by DETX may be partially attributable to cellular energy stress as well as oxidative stress.
Biaxial fatigue crack propagation behavior of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene reinforced by carbon nanofibers and hydroxyapatite
Authors: Liu Zhenduo , Wang Jianhai , Gao Hong , Gao Lilan
Published: October 2019

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) artificial joint has remained the preferred polymer component in total joint replacement surgery. However, more and more concerns have been raised about the failure of UHMWPE components due to the initiation and propagation of cracks at the notches with fixed functions. For this reason, biaxial fatigue crack growth (FCG) experiments of UHMWPE reinforced by carbon nanofibers (CNF) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were carried out using elastic–plastic fracture mechanics theory. The FCG resistance of UHMWPE, UHMWPE/CNF, and UHMWPE/HA was compared, and the effects of stress ratio (R) value and phase difference on FCG rate were investigated. At the same time, the influence of loading path was considered, and the corresponding crack path was analyzed. Results suggest that UHMWPE/CNF has better FCG resistance and the FCG rate increases with the increase of R value and the existence of 180° phase difference. In addition, crack bifurcation behavior is not observed under nonproportional loading conditions. The findings in this study will provide experimental validation and data support for better clinical application of UHMWPE‐modified materials.
Binding mechanism of spinosine and venenatine molecules with p300 HAT enzyme: Molecular screening, molecular dynamics and free‐energy analysis
Authors: Magudeeswaran Sivanandam , Poomani Kumaradhas
Published: October 2019

The chromatin modification is regulated by the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetyltransferase (HDAC) enzymes; abnormal function of these enzymes leads to several malignant diseases. The inhibition of these enzymes using natural ligand molecules is an emerging technique to cure these diseases. The in vitro analysis of natural molecules, venenatine, spinosine, palmatine and taxodione are giving the best inhibition rate against p300 HAT enzyme. However, the detailed understanding of binding and the stability of these molecules with p300 HAT is not yet known. The aim of the present study is focused to determine the binding strength of the molecules from molecular dynamics simulation analysis. The docking analysis confirms that, the venenatine (−6.97 kcal/mol ‐ conformer 8), spinosine (−6.52 kcal/mol conformer −10), palmatine (−5.72 kcal/mol conformer‐3) and taxodione (−4.99 kcal/mol conformer‐4) molecules form strong hydrogen bonding interactions with the key amino acid residues (Arg1410, Thr1411 and Trp1466) present in the active site of p300. In the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, the spinosine retain these key interactions with the active site amino acid residues (Arg1410, Thr1411, and Trp1466) than venenatine and are stable throughout the simulation. The RMSD value of spinosine (0.5 to 1.3 Å) and venenatine (0.3 to 1.3 Å) are almost equal during the MD simulation. However, during the MD simulation, the intermolecular interaction between venenatine and the active site amino acid residues (Arg1410, Thr1411, and Trp1466) decreased on comparing with the spinosine‐p300 interaction. The binding free energy of the spinosine (−15.30 kcal/mol) is relatively higher than the venenatine (−11.8 kcal/mol); this increment is attributed to the strong hydrogen bonding interactions of spinosine molecule with the active site amino acid residues of p300.
Primary glioblastoma transcriptome data analysis for screening survival‐related genes
Authors: Yang Ying , Yan Ranran , Zhang Liwen , Meng Xiangli , Sun Wen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to screen survival‐related genes for glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods

GSE53733 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including 16 short‐term (ST), 31 intermediate (IM), and 23 long‐term (LT) survivors. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the expression in three groups. The genes with P < .01 were screened as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Soft clustering was performed using Mfuzz to mine the expression patterns of differential genes in three groups of overall survival (OS) classification. The cytoscape plugin clueGO was used for functional enrichment analysis. The protein interaction between differential genes was extracted from the STRING V10 database, and the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and displayed with cytoscape. The hub genes were verified by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Total 662 DEGs were obtained among three groups and enriched in 12 clusters. The overlap analysis between clusters could classify these 12 clusters Cluster A and B. Total 264 OS.DEGs were contained in Cluter A and Cluster B, and enriched in 28 Gene Ontology terms, such as trophoblast giant cell differentiation (P value = 6.18E−04), muscle fiber development (P value = 9.09E−04), and negative regulation of stem cell differentiation (P value = 1.76E−03). The top five nodes with highest degree in OS.PPI were HDAC1, DECR1, RASL11A, PDIA3, and POLR2F. The expression of DECR1 and POLR2F was significantly lower, while the levels of HDAC1 and PDIA3 were highly expressed in GBM tissues.

Conclusion

DECR1, POLR2F, HDAC1, and PDIA3 might be potential key genes affected the overall survival time of patients with GBM.
Retracted: Negative feedback of NF‐κB signaling by long noncoding RNA MALAT1 controls lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation injury in human lung fibroblasts WI‐38
Authors: Zhu Wei , Men Xuelin
Published: October 2019

The study was designed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of long noncoding RNA human metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐caused inflammation injury in human lung fibroblasts WI‐38. WI‐38 cells were stimulated with LPS to construct acute pneumonia cell model. MALAT1 in LPS‐stimulated WI‐38 cells was examined. LPS‐induced inflammation injury was estimated using viability, apoptosis, and cytokine secretion including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐6. Furthermore, the modulatory relations of MALAT1 and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling were explored. We found that the sensitivity of WI‐38 cells to apoptosis was enhanced by LPS‐caused inflammation. Moreover, LPS promoted MALAT1 expression which was found to alleviate LPS‐caused damages. Besides, NF‐κB p65 overexpression resulted in an increased expression of MALAT1, and MALAT1 was identified as a target gene of p65. Furthermore, overexpression of MALAT1 reduced NF‐κB activation. Pulldown assay showed that MALAT1 could directly interact with p65. Taken together, our findings revealed that MALAT1 was upregulated in LPS‐stimulated WI‐38 cells. Through directly interacting with p65, MALAT1 blocked LPS‐caused activation of NF‐κB and repressed LPS‐induced inflammation injury. MALAT1 may serve as a potential diagnostic indicator or therapeutic target for pneumonia.
MicroRNA‐1296‐5p suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human osteosarcoma cells by targeting NOTCH2
Authors: Wang Lei , Hu Kejun , Chao Yu , Wang Xueli
Published: October 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive bone tumor with a poor prognosis. MicroRNAs are revealed to exerts essential roles in the carcinogenesis and tumor invasion of OS. But, the function of miR‐1296‐5p and its related mechanism in OS progression have not yet been studied. This study discovered the levels of miR‐1296‐5p in OS and corresponding noncancerous tissues, and we demonstrated that miR‐1296‐5p level was markedly downregulated in tumor specimens as compared with nontumor tissues. In addition, we discovered that miR‐1296‐5p was also underexpressed in OS cells compared with the hFOB1.19 osteoblast cells. Interestingly, the reduced expression of miR‐1296‐5p was confirmed to associated with large tumor size, advanced tumor stages, and distance metastasis, respectively. Patients with OS low‐expressing miR‐1296‐5p showed a prominent shorter survival. In addition, gain‐of‐function assays verified that miR‐1296‐5p overexpression remarkably repressed OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conversely, depletion of miR‐1296‐5p facilitated the growth and mobility of OS cells. Notably, miR‐1296‐5p inversely modulated notch receptor 2 (NOTCH2) in OS cells. The level of NOTCH2 messenger RNA was negatively correlated with miR‐1296‐5p level in OS samples. NOTCH2 knockdown markedly suppressed the abilities of MG‐63 cell proliferation and mobility. More importantly, the restoration of NOTCH2 prominently rescued miR‐1296‐5p‐induced tumor‐suppressive effects on MG‐63 cells. In conclusion, our study identified the reduced expression of miR‐1296‐5p, which contributed to OS progression. miR‐1296‐5p might be a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target in OS.
Vascular endothelial growth factor enhances tendon‐bone healing by activating Yes‐associated protein for angiogenesis induction and rotator cuff reconstruction in rats
Authors: Huang Yao , Pan Min , Shu Hao , He Bing , Zhang Fucheng , Sun Luning
Published: October 2019

Local angiogenesis following rotator cuff reconstruction is crucial for tendon‐bone healing. The current research on the mechanism underlying angiogenesis that promotes tendon‐bone healing is scarce. This study investigates the mechanism underlying vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐Hippo signaling pathway's involvement in tendon‐bone healing following rotator cuff reconstruction. Verteporfin, the inhibitor of the Yes‐associated protein (YAP), was used to mechanically test and analyze two groups of tensile‐failure loads following rotator cuff reconstruction and to detect collagen and angiogenesis‐related marker expressions in the tendon. The interaction mechanism of the VEGF‐Hippo signaling pathway was assessed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The diameter of the supraspinatus tendon reduced following verteporfin treatment. Mechanical tests revealed that verteporfin significantly reduces the tensile‐failure load of the supraspinatus tendon. Verteporfin significantly reduces collagen 1 (Col 1), Col 3, Angiopoietin 2, CD31, Von Willebrand factor, CTGF, and CYR61 expressions. In HUVECs, VEGF activates VEGF receptors and inhibits LATS and YAP phosphorylation. YAP is then transferred to the nucleus to further activate downstream pathways. Therefore, verteporfin can inhibit VEGF‐induced YAP pathway activation by inhibiting YAP activity. Angiogenesis in tendon‐bone healing following rotator cuff reconstruction requires VEGF‐Hippo signaling pathway synergy.
Local conformational dynamics regulating transport properties of a Cl−/H+ antiporter
Authors: Wang Zhi , Swanson Jessica M. J. , Voth Gregory A.
Published: October 2019

ClC‐ec1 is a Cl−/H+ antiporter that exchanges Cl− and H+ ions across the membrane. Experiments have demonstrated that several mutations, including I109F, decrease the Cl− and H+ transport rates by an order of magnitude. Using reactive molecular dynamics simulations of explicit proton transport across the central region in the I109F mutant, a two‐dimensional free energy profile has been constructed that is consistent with the experimental transport rates. The importance of a phenylalanine gate formed by F109 and F357 and its influence on hydration connectivity through the central proton transport pathway is revealed. This work demonstrates how seemingly subtle changes in local conformational dynamics can dictate hydration changes and thus transport properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shape from focus based on 3D structure tensor using optical microscopy
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad T. , Lee Ik H.
Published: October 2019

Shape from focus (SFF) is a widely used passive optical method for 3D shape reconstruction. In SFF, a focus measure, which is used to estimate the relative focus level, plays a critical role in depth estimation. In this article, we present a new focus measure for accurate 3D shape estimation in optical microscopy based on the analysis of 3D structure tensor. First, the 3D tensors are computed from the input image sequence for each pixel. Then, each tensor is decomposed into point, curve, and surface tensors by decomposing tensors into eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Finally, the surfaceness is used to measure the quality of sharpness. The proposed focus measure provides accurate focus values and better resistance against noise. The proposed measure is evaluated by conducting experiments using image sequences of simulated and microscopic real objects. The comparative analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed focus measure in recovering 3D shape.
Uncountable dichromatic number without short directed cycles
Authors: Joó Attila
Published: October 2019

Hajnal and Erdős proved that a graph with uncountable chromatic number cannot avoid short cycles, it must contain, for example, (among other obligatory subgraphs). It was shown recently by Soukup that, in contrast of the undirected case, it is consistent that for any there exists an uncountably dichromatic digraph without directed cycles shorter than . He asked if it is provable already in ZFC (i.e., Zermelo ‐Fraenkel set theory with the Axiom of choice). We answer his question positively by constructing for every infinite cardinal and a digraph of size with dichromatic number at least without directed cycles of length less than .
Who are the missing men? Characterising men who never tested for HIV from population‐based surveys in six sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Quinn Caitlin , Kadengye Damazo T , Johnson Cheryl C , Baggaley Rachel , Dalal Shona
Published: October 2019

Introduction

We sought to characterize men who had never tested for HIV, understand factors associated with not testing, and measure survey HIV test uptake among never testers. We analysed nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys of six African countries from 2013 to 2016: Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Lesotho and Zambia.

Methods

Eligible men were household residents or overnight visitors aged 15 to 59 years. We analysed questionnaire responses on HIV testing, known behavioural risk factors, and corresponding HIV laboratory results. We used survey‐weighted logistic regression to identify factors associated with never testing for HIV.

Results

Approximately double the proportion of men had never tested for HIV compared to women (Malawi: 30% vs. 17%, p < 0.0001; Zimbabwe: 35% vs. 19%, p < 0.0001; Lesotho: 34% vs. 15%, p < 0.0001; Zambia: 36% vs. 20%, p < 0.0001); although, less of a differential existed in Ethiopia (54% vs. 56%, p = 0.12) and Rwanda (19% vs. 14%, p < 0.0001). When offered a test during the survey, 85% to 99% of sexually active men who reported never previously testing, accepted testing. HIV positivity ranged from <0.05% to 14% for never tested men. After adjusting for age, factors associated with never having tested for HIV were never being married (aOR range: 1.46 to 10.39), not having children (aOR: 1.36 to 3.59) and lower education (less than primary education aOR: 2.77 to 5.59).

Conclusions

Although higher proportions of men than women had never tested for HIV, 85% to 99% of men did accept a test when offered. Finding opportunities to offer HIV testing to single men without children, older men who have never tested, and those disadvantaged with less schooling and employment, alongside other facility and community‐based services, will be important in identifying those living with undiagnosed HIV and improving men's health.
Handelsbanken: A radical business model transforms a conservative bank
Authors: Bukovinsky David M.
Published: October 2019

In 46 of the last 47 years, Sweden's Handelsbanken has met its corporate goal of achieving a higher return on equity than peer banks and weathered worldwide financial crises largely unscathed. Its success can be attributed to an organizational model that replaced traditional top‐down, centralized management guided by an annual budget with decentralized operations that gave decision‐making authority to frontline branch employees with intimate knowledge of customers’ preferences. The new system also abolished the annual budget process and allowed managers to make resource requests as needed. Corporate goals were simplified, branch performance measures were tied directly to the new targets, and a profit‐sharing plan was designed to treat all employees equally. The benefits that the bank reaped from this radical approach prompted other organizations to follow its lead and continue to inspire replication of the beyond budgeting concept.
Randomized, Controlled Early Intervention of Dynamic Mode Fractional Ablative CO2 Laser on Acute Burn Injuries for Prevention of Pathological Scarring
Authors: Waibel Jill S. , Gianatasio Chloe , Rudnick Ashley
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

This study challenges the currently accepted treatment parameters of waiting 1 year following burn injury to treat the resultant scarring. It assesses the impact of treating burn and trauma wounds at less than 3 months of injury on scar formation, providing a new temporal paradigm to patients in the prevention and minimization of scar formation.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This randomized clinical trial included 19 patients with moderate‐to‐severe acute burn injuries less than 3 months from injury. The treatment areas underwent three fractional ablative CO2 laser treatments at 8‐week intervals. The primary outcomes were improvement in the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) and photography. Secondary outcomes were optical coherence tomography (OCT), treatment time, immediate post‐treatment response, and histology.

Results

Upon blinded evaluation, 100% of treatment areas were correctly identified when compared with control. MSS scores before and after treatment were totaled with an averaged sum of 13.33 per scar at baseline to 8.39 after treatment, a 63% average improvement versus control (P < 0.001). Histology and OCT demonstrated a re‐organization of the underlying skin structure. The average treatment time was 18 minutes. Immediate post‐treatment responses were limited to mild‐to‐moderate erythema.

Conclusions

Early intervention with ablative fractional laser on acute traumatic wounds resulted in significant decrease of scar formation compared with untreated areas on the same wounds, providing an impactful new time course to treat severe burn and trauma injuries. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
dPGS Regulates the Phenotype of Macrophages via Metabolic Switching
Authors: Wu Hao , Reimann Sabine , Siddiqui Sophiya , Haag Rainer , Siegmund Britta , Dernedde Jens , Glauben Rainer
Published: October 2019

The synthetic compound dendritic polyglycerol sulfate (dPGS) is a pleiotropic acting molecule but shows a high binding affinity to immunological active molecules as L‐/P‐selectin or complement proteins leading to well described anti‐inflammatory properties in various mouse models. In order to make a comprehensive evaluation of the direct effect on the innate immune system, macrophage polarization is analyzed in the presence of dPGS on a phenotypic but also metabolic level. dPGS administered macrophages show a significant increase of MCP1 production paralleled by a reduction of IL‐10 secretion. Metabolic analysis reveals that dPGS could potently enhance the glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in M0 macrophages as well as decrease the mitochondrial respiration of M2 macrophages. In summary the data indicate that dPGS polarizes macrophages into a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in a metabolic pathway‐dependent manner.
The CuAAC: Principles, Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysts, and Novel Developments and Applications
Authors: Neumann Steve , Biewend Michel , Rana Sravendra , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: October 2019

The copper‐catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC) has emerged as the most useful “click” chemistry. Polymer science has profited enormously from CuAAC by its simplicity, ease, scope, applicability and efficiency. Basic principles of the CuAAC are reviewed with a focus on homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, ligands, anchimeric assistance, and basic chemical principles. Recent developments of ligand design and acceleration are discussed.
California's ballot initiative for housing homeless with SMI moving forward
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

Despite a few stops and starts, California voters have resoundingly approved Proposition 2, authorizing the state to issue up to $2 billion in bonds to create 20,000 permanent supportive housing units for people with serious mental illness who are homeless. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently gave the “green light” to move forward with this project for the state's most vulnerable population.
APA celebrates 175 years of advancement in the field, ongoing advocacy
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

The American Psychiatric Association (APA), considered the first national medical society in this country, is celebrating 175 years of establishing programs, publications and services essential to researchers, mental health practitioners and the public. Founded on Oct. 16, 1844, the association is four years older than the American Medical Association.
Federal bill to help schools provide MH services for students
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

Federal legislation to create a grant funded program to help schools add additional mental health services for K–12 students, first introduced in 2018, has been reintroduced in Congress this year. The bill would bolster counseling services for these students.
Comedy Central, national public health program partner on PSA
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

Making a difference for someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis is the emphasis behind a public service announcement (PSA) that first premiered on Oct. 10, which marked World Mental Health Day. The PSA campaign is a result of a partnership between Comedy Central and Mental Health First Aid, a program of the National Council for Behavioral Health.
Measurement of ester‐based transformer oil aging using tapered single mode‐multimode‐single mode fiber structure
Authors: Razzaq Alaa , Zainuddin Hidayat , Hanaffi Farhan , Chyad Radhi M. , Abdul Razak Hanim , Latiff Anas Abdul
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, ester‐based transformer oil has been an interest in high voltage transformers as an insulating and cooling medium. In‐service transformer oil is subjected to electrical and thermal stresses, leading to degradation process of the oil. In this work, a tapered single mode‐multimode‐single mode (SMS) optical fiber structure was used to detect transformer oil aging based on the change in oil refractive index (RI). An optical sensor was fabricated by splicing technique and chemical etching. For comparison, five samples of transformer ester oils were examined. The results show that high‐level‐aging transformer oil possesses a greater RI than fresh transformer oil. A correlation analysis was conducted among sensor output signal, oil absorption spectrum test, and breakdown voltage test. The performance of the sensor demonstrated good sensitivity and linearity of 20.41 nm/RIU and 95.95%, respectively. The single mode‐multimode‐single mode sensor was easily fabricated, low cost and could be used for real‐time high voltage transformer monitoring.
UWB antenna with sweeping dual notch based on metamaterial SRR fictive rotation
Authors: Fertas Khelil , Ghanem Farid , Azrar Arab , Aksas Rabia
Published: October 2019

In this article, a novel frequency switchable method for Ultra‐Wide‐Band (UWB) microstrip antenna with dual notches is presented and discussed. This method is based on hexagonal‐shaped Split Ring Resonator (SRR) metamaterial cells located close to the 50‐Ω feed line and ideal switches inserted at the inner and the outer SRR of each cell. The incorporation of these ideal switches helps in changing the location of the opening of the inner ring (inner ring fictive rotation) and in activating or deactivating the filtering introduced by the metamaterial cells. The resulting radiating structure has an impedance bandwidth extending from 2.8 GHz to more than 11GHz accompanied with dual notched bands characteristic. It offers several cases by opening or closing the ideal switches. The obtained simulation results agree well with measurements carried out on the fabricated prototypes.
MRI‐based transfer function determination through the transfer matrix by jointly fitting the incident and scattered field
Authors: Tokaya Janot P. , Raaijmakers Alexander J.E. , Luijten Peter R. , Sbrizzi Alessandro , van den Berg Cornelis A.T.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

A purely experimental method for MRI‐based transfer function (TF) determination is presented. A TF characterizes the potential for radiofrequency heating of a linear implant by relating the incident tangential electric field to a scattered electric field at its tip. We utilize the previously introduced transfer matrix (TM) to determine transfer functions solely from the MR measurable quantities, that is, the and transceive phase distributions. This technique can extend the current practice of phantom‐based TF assessment with dedicated experimental setup toward MR‐based methods that have the potential to assess the TF in more realistic situations.

Theory and Methods

An analytical description of the magnitude and transceive phase distribution around a wire‐like implant was derived based on the TM. In this model, the background field is described using a superposition of spherical and cylindrical harmonics while the transfer matrix is parameterized using a previously introduced attenuated wave model. This analytical description can be used to estimate the transfer matrix and transfer function based on the measured distribution.

Results

The TF was successfully determined for 2 mock‐up implants: a 20‐cm bare copper wire and a 20‐cm insulated copper wire with 10 mm of insulation stripped at both endings in respectively 4 and 3 different trajectories. The measured TFs show a strong correlation with a reference determined from simulations and between the separate experiments with correlation coefficients above 0.96 between all TFs. Compared to the simulated TF, the maximum deviation in the estimated tip field is 9.4% and 12.2% for the bare and insulated wire, respectively.

Conclusions

A method has been developed to measure the TF of medical implants using MRI experiments. Jointly fitting the incident and scattered distributions with an analytical description based on the transfer matrix enables accurate determination of the TF of 2 test implants. The presented method no longer needs input from simulated data and can therefore, in principle, be used to measure TF's in test animals or corpses.
Portable and platform‐independent MR pulse sequence programs
Authors: Cordes Cristoffer , Konstandin Simon , Porter David , Günther Matthias
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To introduce a new sequence description format for vendor‐independent MR sequences that include all calculation logic portably. To introduce a new MRI sequence development approach which utilizes flexibly reusable modules.

Methods

The proposed sequence description contains a sequence module hierarchy for loop and group logic, which is enhanced by a novel strategy for performing efficient parameter and pulse shape calculation. These calculations are powered by a flow graph structure. By using the flow graph, all calculations are performed with no redundancy and without requiring preprocessing. The generation of this interpretable structure is a separate step that combines MRI techniques while actively considering their context. The driver interface is slim and highly flexible through scripting support. The sequences do not require any vendor‐specific compiling or processing step. A vendor‐independent frontend for sequence configuration can be used. Tests that ensure physical feasibility of the sequence are integrated into the calculation logic.

Results

The framework was used to define a set of standard sequences. Resulting images were compared to respective images acquired with sequences provided by the device manufacturer. Images were acquired using a standard commercial MRI system.

Conclusions

The approach produces configurable, vendor‐independent sequences, whose configurability enables rapid prototyping. The transparent data structure simplifies the process of sharing reproducible sequences, modules, and techniques.
3D Whole‐heart free‐breathing qBOOST‐T2 mapping
Authors: Milotta Giorgia , Ginami Giulia , Bustin Aurelien , Neji Radhouene , Prieto Claudia , Botnar René M.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To develop an accelerated motion corrected 3D whole‐heart imaging approach (qBOOST‐T2) for simultaneous high‐resolution bright‐ and black‐blood cardiac MR imaging and quantitative myocardial T2 characterization.

Methods

Three undersampled interleaved balanced steady‐state free precession cardiac MR volumes were acquired with a variable density Cartesian trajectory and different magnetization preparations: (1) T2‐prepared inversion recovery (T2prep‐IR), (2) T2‐preparation, and (3) no preparation. Image navigators were acquired prior the acquisition to correct for 2D translational respiratory motion. Each 3D volume was reconstructed with a low‐rank patch‐based reconstruction. The T2prep‐IR volume provides bright‐blood anatomy visualization, the black‐blood volume is obtained by means of phase sensitive reconstruction between first and third datasets, and T2 maps are generated by matching the signal evolution to a simulated dictionary. The proposed sequence has been evaluated in simulations, phantom experiments, 11 healthy subjects and compared with 3D bright‐blood cardiac MR and standard 2D breath‐hold balanced steady‐state free precession T2 mapping. The feasibility of the proposed approach was tested on 4 patients with suspected cardiovascular disease.

Results

High linear correlation (y = 1.09 × −0.83, R2 = 0.99) was found between the proposed qBOOST‐T2 and T2 spin echo measurements in phantom experiment. Good image quality was observed in vivo with the proposed 4x undersampled qBOOST‐T2. Mean T2 values of 53.1 ± 2.1 ms and 55.8 ± 2.7 ms were measured in vivo for 2D balanced steady‐state free precession T2 mapping and qBOOST‐T2, respectively, with linear correlation of y = 1.02x+1.46 (R2 = 0.61) and T2 bias = 2.7 ms.

Conclusion

The proposed qBOOST‐T2 sequence allows the acquisition of 3D high‐resolution co‐registered bright‐ and black‐blood volumes and T2 maps in a single scan of ~11 min, showing promising results in terms of T2 quantification.
Baseline Psychosocial and Demographic Factors Associated with Study Attrition and 12‐Month Weight Gain in the DIETFITS Trial
Authors: Fielding‐Singh Priya , Patel Michele L. , King Abby C. , Gardner Christopher D.
Published: October 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine correlates of failure—trial attrition and weight gain—in a randomized clinical weight‐loss trial.

Methods

The Diet Intervention Examining The Factors Interacting with Treatment Success (DIETFITS) trial included 609 adults (18‐50 years; BMI 28‐40). Participants were randomized to a 12‐month healthy low‐fat or healthy low‐carbohydrate diet for weight loss. At baseline, participants completed psychosocial, demographic, and anthropometric measures. Stepwise logistic regressions identified baseline factors associated with (1) study attrition and (2) among trial completers, weight gain at 12 months.

Results

Having higher baseline food addiction and self‐efficacy was linked to treatment failure. Being younger, not having a college education, having higher outcome expectations and quality of life, and having lower social functioning and self‐control increased the odds of trial attrition. Identifying as other than non‐Hispanic white; not being married or cohabitating; having higher cognitive restraint and self‐control; and having lower amotivation, family encouragement, and physical limitations increased the odds of gaining weight by treatment’s end.

Conclusions

Participants’ baseline psychosocial and demographic factors may support or impede successful weight loss. Trialists should attend to these factors when designing treatments in order to promote participants’ likelihood of completing the trial and achieving their weight‐loss goals.