bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐23a inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in mice through a negative feedback regulation of sdcbp and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Shelian , Xu Qunyuan
Published: December 2018

Melanoma is the main cause of death associated with skin cancer. Surgical resection and adjuvant therapy are currently effective treatments, but the recurrence rate is very high. The understanding of microRNA (miR) dynamics after surgical resection of melanoma is essential to accurately explain the changes in the recurrence of melanoma. In this study, we hypothesized that microRNA‐23a (miR‐23a) affects the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma with a mechanism related to SDCBP and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. To validate this, we performed a series of experiments in cells of melanoma modeled. Initially, positive expression of SDCBP and morphology of normal and melanoma tissues and cells were observed. Expression of miR‐23a, SDCBP, and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway‐related genes was identified in melanoma tissues. Melanoma cells transfected with mimic or inhibitor of miR‐23a or si‐SDCBP were detected to validate effect of miR‐23a on SDCBP and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. MTT assay, scratch test, transwell assay, and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate cell viability, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis in vitro, respectively. Tumorigenicity assay in nude mice was conducted to test the tumorigenesis of the transfected cells in vivo. High positive expression of SDCBP and abnormal morphology were observed in melanoma tissues and cells. Reduced expression of miR‐23a and increased expression of SDCBP and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway‐related genes were identified in the melanoma tissues of melanoma mice. Overexpressed miR‐23a dampened SDCBP and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The melanoma cells with overexpressed miR‐23a presented ascended cell apoptosis and descended cell proliferation, migration, invasion as well as tumor size. Taken together, our study demonstrated that miR‐23a could inhibit the development of melanoma in mice through a negative feedback regulation of SDCBP and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(5):587–600, 2019
Leading Literacy Change Through Collaborative Analysis of Practice
Authors: Wilson Aaron , Lai Mei Kuin
Published: December 2018

This department focuses on literacy leaders, including school and instructional leaders, teachers, and external partners, who are working to improve outcomes for adolescent and adult learners in a wide range of education settings. Columns investigate the challenges and complexities inherent in such work and share lessons learned, impactful strategies and approaches, and promising pathways forward.
Rewriting John Henry: Using Texts to Interrogate Personal Trauma
Authors: Taylor Kara M.
Published: December 2018

This forum focuses on the intersections of texts and identities with the aim of selecting and mediating texts that readers and writers find valuable within and outside of formal educational settings.
Language Comprehension Development au Naturel
Authors: Hruby George G.
Published: December 2018

This department explores critical perspectives on issues at the intersection of policy and practice in order to generate fresh questions about enduring dilemmas, new challenges, and debates.
Diagnosis of early gastric cancer based on fluorescence hyperspectral imaging technology combined with partial‐least‐square discriminant analysis and support vector machine
Authors: Li Yuanpeng , Xie Xiaojuan , Yang Xinhao , Guo Liu , Liu Zhao , Zhao Xiaoping , Luo Ying , Jia Wei , Huang Furong , Zhu Siqi , Chen Zhenqiang , Chen Xingdan , Wei Zhong , Zhang Weimin
Published: December 2018

This study investigated the feasibility of using fluorescence hyperspectral imaging technology to diagnose of early‐stage gastric cancer. Fluorescence spectral images of 76 patients who were pathologically diagnosed as non‐atrophic gastritis, premalignant lesions and gastric cancer were collected. Fluorescence spectra at 100‐pixel points were randomly extracted after binarization. Diagnostic models of non‐atrophic gastritis, premalignant lesions and gastric cancer were constructed through partial‐least‐square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms. The prediction effects of PLS‐DA and SVM models were compared. Results showed that the average spectra of normal, precancerous and gastric cancer tissues significantly differed at 496, 546, 640 and 670 nm, and regular changes in fluorescence intensity at 546 nm were in the following order: normal > precancerous lesions > gastric cancer. Additionally, the effect of the diagnostic model established by SVM is significantly better than PLS‐DA which accuracy, specificity and sensitivity are above 94%. Experimental results revealed that the fast diagnostic model of early gastric cancer by combining fluorescence hyperspectral imaging technology and improved SVM was effective and feasible, thereby providing an accurate and rapid method for diagnosing early‐stage gastric cancer.
How does the NMR thermometer work? Application of combined quantum molecular dynamics and GIPAW calculations into the study of lead nitrate
Authors: Szeleszczuk Łukasz , Pisklak Dariusz M. , Zielińska‐Pisklak Monika
Published: December 2018

Lead nitrate is an inorganic salt, commonly used for the accurate temperature determination in the solid state NMR spectroscopy, due to the strong temperature dependence of the 207Pb chemical shift. As the reason for this phenomenon remained unknown, the main purpose of this study was to explain this temperature dependence at the molecular level. To achieve this, combined CASTEP geometry optimization, quantum molecular dynamics at chosen temperatures and GIPAW NMR computations were performed. Due to the previous literature reports on inaccuracy in the calculation of 207Pb NMR parameters using GIPAW, a large emphasis was put on the optimization of computational method. The application of quantum molecular dynamics provided the simulation of the temperature‐dependent vibrational motions and enabled to accurately compute the changes in the value of Pb δiso resulting from them. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of curcumin on glioblastoma cells
Authors: Hesari AmiReza , Rezaei Marzieh , Rezaei Maryam , Dashtiahangar Maryam , Fathi Mozhgan , Rad Jeyran Ganji , Momeni Fatemeh , Avan Amir , Ghasemi Faezeh
Published: December 2018

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcumin longa L. There are growing bodies of evidence revealing the antitumor effect of curcumin in different tumors; although the molecular mechanism behind this inhibition in glioblastoma multiform (GBM) still remains unclear. Here we investigated the antitumor activity of nano micelles curcumin compared with erlotinib in U‐373 cells in monolayer cell cultures and spheroids models. Furthermore, we characterized affecting cell cycle perturbation, as well as apoptosis induction in GBM cells. The antiproliferative activity of nano micelles curcumin and erlotinib were assessed in monolayer and spheroid models. The influence of the cell cycle and expression levels of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was checked. Nano micelles curcumin suppressed cell growth in U‐373 cells via modulation of Wnt and NF‐κB pathways. Moreover, cells developed an early G2/M cell cycle arrest followed by sub‐G1 apoptosis and apoptotic bodies formation posttreatment with nano micelles curcumin and erlotinib. In the core signaling pathways of GBM, nano micelles curcumin either significantly influences the NF‐κB pathway by decreasing p‐65 expression or significantly inhibits the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway by declining cyclin D1 expression. In conclusion, we have shown that nano micelles curcumin effectively prevent proliferation, and invasion of GBM cells through perturbation of Wnt/β‐catenin and NF‐κB pathways, suggesting further investigations on the therapeutic application of this novel anticancer drug in in vivo models.
Systematic approach to the correct identification of Asplenium dalhousiae (Aspleniaceae) with their medicinal uses
Authors: Zaman Wajid , Shah Syed Nasar , Ullah Fazal , Ayaz Asma , Ahmad Mushtaq , Ali Ashaq
Published: December 2018

In present study, multiple microscope techniques were used for the systematics identification of the species Asplenium dalhousiae. The plant was collected from different phytogeographical and its natural habitat of Pakistan, where it shows higher diversity. Morphology, foliar epidermal anatomy, and spore morphological characters of the species were studied in detailed using multiple microscopic techniques through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). LM and SEM were used for the systematics identification of the species. Traditionally, the species is used in the ailment of many diseases, so the spore morphology, anatomical features, and morphological characters are relevant to describe the species taxonomy. The importance of multiple methods of taxonomic study (e.g., documentation and morphological characteristics) for characterizing herbs are important step in systematic certification to maintain the efficacy of herbal medicines. The aim of the present study is to examine the morphological, anatomical, and spore morphology of the species A. dalhousiae in more detailed for the correct taxonomic identification and their medicinal validation from Pakistan.
Interaction of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes and Simple Carbenes with Small Molecules (One to Three Atoms) Excluding Metals: Formation of Covalent C–X Bonds
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: December 2018

This review reports the reactivity of carbenes (>C:), both N‐heterocyclic and simpler ones, with 29 small molecules to form C–X bonds and some weak interactions. The structures thus obtained belong to many functional groups proving the characteristic reactivity of N‐heterocyclic carbenes. Particular attention has been paid to X‐ray structures that are useful for theoretical calculations.
Calcium activation of cortical neurons by continuous electrical stimulation: Frequency dependence, temporal fidelity, and activation density
Authors: Michelson Nicholas J. , Eles James R. , Vazquez Alberto L. , Ludwig Kip A. , Kozai Takashi D. Y.
Published: December 2018

Electrical stimulation of the brain has become a mainstay of fundamental neuroscience research and an increasingly prevalent clinical therapy. Despite decades of use in basic neuroscience research and the growing prevalence of neuromodulation therapies, gaps in knowledge regarding activation or inactivation of neural elements over time have limited its ability to adequately interpret evoked downstream responses or fine‐tune stimulation parameters to focus on desired responses. In this work, in vivo two‐photon microscopy was used to image neuronal calcium activity in layer 2/3 neurons of somatosensory cortex (S1) in male C57BL/6J‐Tg(Thy1‐GCaMP6s)GP4.3Dkim/J mice during 30 s of continuous electrical stimulation at varying frequencies. We show frequency–dependent differences in spatial and temporal somatic responses during continuous stimulation. Our results elucidate conflicting results from prior studies reporting either dense spherical activation of somas biased toward those near the electrode, or sparse activation of somas at a distance via axons near the electrode. These findings indicate that the neural element specific temporal response local to the stimulating electrode changes as a function of applied charge density and frequency. These temporal responses need to be considered to properly interpret downstream circuit responses or determining mechanisms of action in basic science experiments or clinical therapeutic applications.
Positive Psychological States and Employee Creativity: The role of Ethical Leadership
Authors: Younas Amjad , Wang Daoping , Javed Basharat , Rawwas Mohammed Y.A. , Abdullah Iqra , Zaffar Muhammad Adeel
Published: December 2018

This study explores a new theoretical model of employee creativity by investigating the impact of ethical leadership on creativity mediated by creative self‐efficacy and psychological safety. Data collected from 200 supervisor–subordinate dyads in Pakistan reveal that ethical leadership is positively related to creativity. Further, psychological safety partially mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and creativity. However, creative self‐efficacy is found insignificant in the relationship between ethical leadership and creativity. The study discusses research and practical implications of the proposed new theoretical framework with regard to employee creativity.
A novel silk‐based vocal fold augmentation material: 6‐month evaluation in a canine model
Authors: Gulka Christopher P. , Brown Joseph E. , Giordano Jodie E.M. , Hickey Jennifer E. , Montero Maria P. , Hoang Anh , Carroll Thomas L.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Ideal long‐term vocal fold augmentation materials should be biocompatible, easily administered, allow tissue integration for long‐term effect, and remain at the site of injection. A novel silk protein particle suspended in hyaluronic acid (Silk‐HA) has been developed specifically for vocal fold augmentation to address this unmet need. This article presents the 6‐month, preclinical findings of a canine vocal fold injection trial for Silk‐HA.

Methods

Twelve beagle dogs were injected transorally in the lateral/deep aspect of their right thyroarytenoid muscles with 0.3 cc of Silk‐HA or calcium hydroxylapatite in carboxymethyl cellulose (CaHA‐CMC). The Silk‐HA particle injectable was delivered via a custom catheter, whereas CaHA‐CMC was delivered through a commercially available malleable needle. The six dogs from each material group were sacrificed 6 months from the injection date for the evaluation of implant longevity, immune response, and material migration.

Results

Silk‐HA provides immediate medialization of the right vocal fold, lasting for a minimum of 6 months in a canine model. Silk‐HA and CaHA‐CMC both demonstrate similar inflammatory responses. The Silk‐HA was shown to remain without migration at the site of injection in all six canine subjects, whereas CaHA‐CMC demonstrated migration in four of the six canines. In two canines implanted with CaHA‐CMC, material was discovered to migrate to the retropharyngeal lymph nodes.

Conclusion

In a canine subject model, the Silk‐HA material compares favorably in terms of longevity and immune response to CaHA‐CMC. The lack of migration of the Silk‐HA material demonstrates a promising potential for vocal fold injection in the clinic.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1856–1862, 2019
The Impact of Nasalance on Cepstral Peak Prominence and Harmonics‐to‐Noise Ratio
Authors: Madill Catherine , Nguyen Duong Duy , Yick‐Ning Cham Kristie , Novakovic Daniel , McCabe Patricia
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Cepstral peak prominence (CPP) has been reported as a reliable measure of dysphonia and a preferred alternative to harmonics‐to‐noise ratio (HNR). However, CPP has been observed to be sensitive to articulatory variation and vocal intensity. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of nasalance on CPP and HNR of voice signals. It was hypothesized that increased nasalance would be associated with decreased CPP.

Study Design

Within‐subject correlation design.

Methods

Thirty vocally healthy female participants were recorded reading and producing a vowel in alternation with a nasal consonant while wearing a nasometer for calculation of nasalance. Recorded vowel, nasalized, and nasal segments of speech were used to calculate CPP using Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice software, and HNR and vocal intensity using Praat software.

Results

Significant main effects of conditions were observed for CPP. CPP values decreased significantly when phonation changed from vowel to nasalized vowel and to nasal. There was correlation between CPP and nasalance and between CPP and intensity. HNR was slightly higher in the nasal condition than in vowel. There was a weak correlation between HNR and nasalance. No correlation was found between HNR and intensity.

Conclusions

CPP is sensitive to changes in vocal tract configuration caused by nasalization as well as intensity, whereas HNR is not. Therefore, CPP may reflect the periodicity in source signal or the filtering effects of vocal tract. Further research is needed to clarify the application and interpretation of CPP in clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:E299–E304, 2019
The Effect of Octanoic Acid on Essential Voice Tremor: A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Lowell Soren Y. , Kelley Richard T. , Monahan Marika , Hosbach‐Cannon Carly Jo , Colton Raymond H. , Mihaila Dragos
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of octanoic acid on acoustic, perceptual, and functional aspects of essential voice tremor (EVT).

Study Design

Prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study.

Methods

Sixteen participants with a diagnosis of EVT were randomized to a 3‐week dosing condition of octanoic acid or placebo, followed by a 2‐week washout period and crossover to the other condition for an additional 3 weeks. Baseline and post‐testing sessions were completed before and at the completion of each condition. Primary outcome measures were the magnitude of amplitude and frequency tremor, measured from the acoustic signal. Secondary outcomes were auditory‐perceptual ratings of tremor severity and self‐ratings of voice handicap.

Results

Magnitude of amplitude and frequency tremor were significantly lower after 3 weeks of octanoic acid dosing as compared to the placebo condition. Auditory‐perceptual ratings of tremor severity did not show significant differences between conditions. A trend toward better voice was seen for the sustained vowel ratings, but not the sentence‐level ratings. No significant differences between conditions were seen on self‐reported voice disability as assessed on the Voice Handicap Index‐10.

Conclusions

The results of this controlled investigation support the potential utility of octanoic acid for reducing the magnitude of tremor in people with EVT. Further research is needed to determine whether different dosing or treatment combinations can improve functional communication in EVT.

Level of Evidence

1

Laryngoscope, 129:1882–1890, 2019
Laryngeal reconstruction for recurrent desmoid tumor using three‐dimensional modeling: A unique approach for a rare tumor
Authors: Tracy Lauren F. , Patel Samip N. , Buckmire Robert A. , Shah Rupali N.
Published: December 2018

Desmoid tumors are exceedingly rare within the larynx and cause significant morbidity due to their locally aggressive and infiltrative nature. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment with previous reports describing total and near‐total laryngectomy for cure. We present a case of recurrent glottic desmoid tumor managed with hemilaryngectomy and reconstructed with temporoparietal free tissue, rib, and buccal grafts. Three‐dimensional modeling was utilized to optimize aerodigestive function after laryngeal reconstruction.

Laryngoscope, 129:1989–1992, 2019
Age‐related changes in the gut microbiota of the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Zhang Mengjie , Gaughan Sarah , Chang Qing , Chen Hua , Lu Guoqing , Wang Xungang , Xu Liangliang , Zhu Lifeng , Jiang Jianping
Published: December 2018

The composition of the intestinal microbial community may vary across developmental stages. In this study, we explored how this microbial community shifted along the intestinal tract of the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) at various ages. Next‐generation sequencing was used to sequence the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from different kind of samples, including the stomach, duodenum, ileum, and rectum. The highest mean relative abundance of the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tract shifted in relation to age: within the first year, Bacteroidetes (47.76%) dominated the gut microbiome, whereas Proteobacteria was the most dominant at age 2 (32.88%) and age 3 (30.78%), and finally, Firmicutes was the most dominant at age 4 (34.70%). The overall richness of the gut bacterial community also generally increased from age 2 to 4. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the gut microbiome at age 2 had greater variability than that at either age 3 or 4, likely representing a shift in diet from yolk or redworms as a juvenile to shrimp or crab as an adult. As these salamanders develop, their gastrointestinal tracts increase in complexity, and this compartmentalization may also facilitate an increase in microbial gut diversity.
Benchtop NMR for the monitoring of bioprocesses
Authors: Bouillaud Dylan , Farjon Jonathan , Gonçalves Olivier , Giraudeau Patrick
Published: December 2018

Benchtop NMR devices are transportable, convenient, and affordable, unlike high‐field devices based on superconducting magnets. Such devices have opened numerous applications across a broad variety of scientific areas. This minireview focuses on the usefulness of benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for the monitoring of bioprocesses, highlighting new perspectives opened by the reduced size of devices in relaxometry, magnetic resonance imaging, and NMR spectroscopy. Using benchtop NMR in bioprocesses is not exempt of limitations—especially the loss of sensitivity and resolution arising from the use of a low magnetic field—and which are even further exacerbated by the sample complexity. Still, several studies have shown the efficiency of benchtop NMR in being a noninvasive probe to monitor the evolution of biological samples. If benchtop relaxometry and imaging have been developed for decades and have shown their capacity in monitoring such processes, the more recent emergence of the benchtop NMR spectroscopy gives a breath of fresh air for many applications and benefits from recent research led by spectroscopy specialists, which are adapted on these new devices, from nonconventional pulse sequences to advanced data processing. There is no doubt that these recent devices are powerful tools that will open numerous perspectives for the real‐time study of bioprocesses in the coming years.
Analysis of coupled axial and lateral deformation of roots in soil
Authors: Meijer Gerrit J. , Muir Wood David , Knappett Jonathan A. , Bengough Glyn A. , Liang Teng
Published: December 2018

Plant roots can help to stabilise slopes. Existing analytical models to predict their mechanical contribution are however limited: they typically focus on the ultimate limit state, employ various empirical factors, and ignore much of the underlying root‐soil interaction. A new model was developed based on large deflection Euler‐Bernoulli elastic beam theory that can be used to study the mobilisation of root strength under various loading conditions (direct shear and pull‐out). Both lateral and axial loading of the root by the soil were incorporated, based on existing methodologies for foundation piles (p‐y and t‐z curves). The model is able to take the key parameters into account (root biomechanical properties, root architectural properties, and soil properties) while remaining quick to solve using a numerical boundary value problem solver. The model was compared with experimental direct shear test data using various root analogues (rubber, plastic, and wood) in dry sand with various densities and effective stress levels and was able to accurately predict the measured shear force‐displacement behaviour. Comparison with experimentally measured pull‐out force‐displacement curves using rubber and wooden root analogues with various architectures in dry and partially saturated sands was also satisfactory. In the future, this model can aid with addressing long‐standing problems in the root‐reinforcement community: quantifying the effect of (sequential) mobilisation of root strength in direct shear, the effect of the angle at which the root crosses a shear plane, the effect of root topology on root‐reinforcement or the effect of root bending, and root shear shear forces on root‐reinforcement.
Structure‐preserving local optimal control of mechanical systems
Authors: Flaßkamp Kathrin , Murphey Todd D.
Published: December 2018

While system dynamics are usually derived in continuous time, respective model‐based optimal control problems can only be solved numerically, ie, as discrete‐time approximations. Thus, the performance of control methods depends on the choice of numerical integration scheme. In this paper, we present a first‐order discretization of linear quadratic optimal control problems for mechanical systems that is structure preserving and hence preferable to standard methods. Our approach is based on symplectic integration schemes and thereby inherits structure from the original continuous‐time problem. Starting from a symplectic discretization of the system dynamics, modified discrete‐time Riccati equations are derived, which preserve the Hamiltonian structure of optimal control problems in addition to the mechanical structure of the control system. The method is extended to optimal tracking problems for nonlinear mechanical systems and evaluated in several numerical examples. Compared to standard discretization, it improves the approximation quality by orders of magnitude. This enables low‐bandwidth control and sensing in real‐time autonomous control applications.
The psychological characteristics of people consuming vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten free and weight loss dietary patterns
Authors: Norwood R. , Cruwys T. , Chachay V. S. , Sheffield J.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Previous research has identified several psychological factors associated with dietary restriction but has focused almost exclusively on the subcategory of people following a weight loss diet. Little is known about the psychological factors associated with other kinds of restrictive dietary patterns. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the identified psychological characteristics of dieters (e.g. elevated disordered eating behaviours, poor well‐being) are a cause of dieting, follow from calorie restriction or are the result of cognitive restraint.

Methods

This study conducted the first direct comparison of people (N = 393) following five different restrictive dietary patterns (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, paleo and weight loss) as well as a comparison group who were not following a specific dietary pattern.

Results

The weight loss group had more negative psychological characteristics than all other groups, reporting the highest levels of eating disorder symptoms (M = 1.50), food cravings (M = 69.39), emotional eating (M = 2.97) and negative affect (M = 19.72). By contrast, several of the other restrictive dietary groups showed a number of psychological strengths, relative to the comparison group. This was particularly apparent among the paleo group, who reported the lowest levels of eating disorder symptoms (M = 0.74), food cravings (M = 47.63), emotional eating (M = 2.30) and negative affect (M = 14.81). By contrast, people following vegetarian and gluten free diets were largely the same as the non‐restricted comparison group in their psychological characteristics.

Conclusions

People adhering to different dietary patterns showed stark differences in their psychological characteristics. Indeed, some restrictive dietary patterns (paleo and vegan) were associated with more positive psychological characteristics than seen in an unrestricted comparison group. This suggests that the psychological risk factors seen in weight loss dieters are not attributable to a restrictive dietary regimen per se.
Delayed insulin absorption correlates with alterations in subcutaneous depot kinetics in rats with diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Gradel A. K. J. , Porsgaard T. , Brockhoff P. B. , Seested T. , Lykkesfeldt J. , Refsgaard H. H. F.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Obesity is associated with delayed insulin absorption upon subcutaneous (s.c.) dosing in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate whether alterations in depot structure and kinetics of the s.c. injection depot contribute to this delay.

Methods

Rats fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) and low‐fat diet (LFD) were included in a series of insulin pharmacokinetic and imaging studies. Injection depots were visualized with micro X‐ray computed tomography imaging upon s.c. administration of insulin aspart mixed with the contrast agent iomeprol, and insulin aspart exposure was measured by means of luminescent oxygen channelling immunoassay.

Results

Body weight and fat mass were increased in rats fed an HFD vs. LFD (p < 0.05), whereas the lean mass was not. The HFD group exhibited delayed insulin absorption from the s.c. tissue (p < 0.001). This delay was associated with smaller injection depots upon s.c. dosing (p < 0.05) and correlated with a slower depot disappearance from the s.c. tissue (p < 0.05) compared with the LFD group. Depot disappearance from the s.c. tissue was inversely correlated with body fat mass (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Alterations in s.c. injection depot structure and kinetics may play a role in the obesity‐associated delay in insulin absorption.
Hybrid materials based on rubber blend nanocomposites
Authors: Porobić Slavica J. , Marković Gordana , Ristić Ivan , Samaržija‐Jovanović Suzana , Jovanović Vojislav , Budinski‐Simendić Jaroslava , Marinović‐Cincović Milena
Published: December 2018

In this applicative work, two types of silica filler were used to increase the adhesion strength between steel and elastomeric hybrid materials based on chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber (CSM) and polychloroprene rubber (CR) as network precursors. Precipitated silica (PS) with the average size of primary particles 15 nm and diatomaceous earth (DE) with the average size of primary particles 28 μm were used to ascertain differences in metal‐elastomer compounds adhesion strength caused by different particle size. The ratio of network precursors in CSM/CR rubber blends was 50:50 (w/w). The filler loading was in the range of 0–35 phr. Characteristics of the obtained composites were examined by combining the cure kinetics, adhesion strength and the dynamic mechanical properties. The viscoelasticity of obtained hybrid materials was assessed by the mechanical spectrometer (in a single cantilever bending mode) in the temperature range from −50 °C to 150 °C using multifrequency mode. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3056–3064, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Graphite tube woven fabric/boron nitride/polymer composite with enhanced thermal conductivity and electric isolation
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Fei , Chen Lin , Ge Yang‐Yang , Wang Qin‐Ying , Bai Shu‐Lin
Published: December 2018

Graphite tube woven fabrics (GTWF) and boron nitride (BN) sheets filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites were successfully prepared with enhanced thermal conductivity (TC) and electrical insulation. The continuous graphite tubes after etching nickel template provide fast channels for heat transfer, especially in in‐plane direction. The addition of BN prevents the formation of electrically conductive networks in the matrix. GTWF/BN/PDMS composites exhibit synchronously good TC and relatively high electrical resistivity. When compared with PDMS, the TC of GTWF/BN/PDMS composite with 4.2 wt% GTWF and 14 wt% BN is increased by 166 and 2521% in out‐of‐plane and in‐plane directions, respectively. Meanwhile, its electrical insulation is also improved compared with GTWF/PDMS composites. All above properties provide advantages to the GTWF/BN/PDMS composite for potential application in electronic packaging and electrical insulation. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1808–E1817, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Classification of factors involved in nonreportable results of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and prediction of success rate of second NIPT
Authors: Suzumori Nobuhiro , Sekizawa Akihiko , Takeda Eri , Samura Osamu , Sasaki Aiko , Akaishi Rina , Wada Seiji , Hamanoue Haruka , Hirahara Fumiki , Kuriki Hiroko , Sawai Hideaki , Nakamura Hiroaki , Yamada Takahiro , Miura Kiyonori , Masuzaki Hideaki , Yamashita Takahiro , Kamei Yoshimasa , Namba Akira , Murotsuki Jun , Tanemoto Tomohiro , Fukushima Akimune , Haino Kazufumi , Tairaku Shinya , Matsubara Keiichi , Maeda Kazutoshi , Kaji Takashi , Ogawa Masanobu , Osada Hisao , Nishizawa Haruki , Okamoto Yoko , Kanagawa Takeshi , Kakigano Aiko , Endo Masayuki , Kitagawa Michihiro , Ogawa Masaki , Izumi Shunichiro , Katagiri Yukiko , Takeshita Naoki , Kasai Yasuyo , Naruse Katsuhiko , Neki Reiko , Masuyama Hisashi , Hyodo Maki , Kawano Yukie , Ohba Takashi , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Watanabe Atsushi , Nishikawa Naomi , Hamajima Naoki , Shirato Nahoko , Yotsumoto Junko , Nishiyama Miyuki , Koide Keiko , Hirose Tatsuko , Sago Haruhiko
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate the reasons for nonreportable cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) results in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), we retrospectively studied maternal characteristics and other details associated with the results.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study in pregnant women undergoing NIPT by massively parallel sequencing (MPS) with failed cfDNA tests was performed between April 2013 and March 2017. The women's data and MPS results were analyzed in terms of maternal characteristics, test performance, fetal fraction (FF), z scores, anticoagulation therapy, and other details of the nonreportable cases.

Results

Overall, 110 (0.32%) of 34 626 pregnant women had nonreportable cfDNA test results after an initial blood sampling; 22 (20.0%) cases had a low FF (<4%), and 18 (16.4%) cases including those with a maternal malignancy, were found to have altered genomic profile. Approximately half of the cases with nonreportable results had borderline z score. Among the women with nonreportable results because of altered genomic profile, the success rate of retesting using a second blood sampling was relatively low (25.0%‐33.3%). Thirteen (11.8%) of the women with nonreportable results had required hypodermic heparin injection.

Conclusions

The classification of nonreportable results using cfDNA analysis is important to provide women with precise information and to reduce anxiety during pregnancy.
Analyzing Multidimensional Poverty Estimates in Mexico From an Ethnic Perspective: A Policy Tool for Bridging the Indigenous Gap
Authors: Canedo Ana P.
Published: December 2018

Indigenous people in Mexico are more likely to be disadvantaged and live in poverty than non‐indigenous people. To better understand the forms in which indigenous people in Mexico experience poverty, this article reports, from an ethnic perspective, on the findings of multidimensional poverty estimates. The premise guiding this exercise is that the primary purpose of poverty measurement is to provide a continuous assessment of how to better target poverty. The analysis utilizes Alkire and Foster's (AF) specific multidimensional measurement framework. It also employs the Mexican Official Poverty Measure (MPM). Both methods are applied to 2014 data provided by the Mexican National Household Expenditure Revenue Survey (ENIGH) to explore the extent to which the privation of social rights influences the living conditions of Mexico's indigenous poor to better target poverty alleviation efforts. Results showing higher levels of deprivation in the social rights domain for indigenous people than for non‐indigenous people reveal the need for the Mexican government to articulate social policies that are specifically designed to tackle the social rights deprivations that the indigenous poor endure.
Economic Inequality and the Violation Economy
Authors: Koenig Biko
Published: December 2018

The rise of the service economy, low‐wage jobs, and precarious employment practices are often noted as the core drivers of contemporary inequality. This article argues that the new economy should be understood alongside a policy regime that provides tremendous leeway for employers to routinely flout labor regulations, and some of the fissuring of the labor market is due to the ability of employers to engage in illegal activity. This article describes four policy areas to explore how employer violations impact the economics of employment: (1) union violations and the National Labor Relations Act; (2) wage theft and the Fair Labor Standards Act; (3) the categorization of temporary workers and independent contractors; (4) and workplace safety violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Editor's Letter
Authors: Skidmore Max J.
Published: December 2018

Editor‐in‐Chief Max J. Skidmore introduces the fourth issue of the year, completing the first decade of Poverty and Public Policy. This issue, 10:4, is his final issue as editor‐in‐chief. He also includes more comment from “Peter the Citizen,” providing conservative support for social programs; he describes the issue's content; and he discusses the special section that includes the papers from the 2018 American Political Science Association panel from the Caucus on Poverty, Inequality, and Public Policy. The papers all relate to a single theme: the special obstacles to securing social legislation in the United States.
Inverse electron demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) reactions in peptide chemistry
Authors: Pagel Mareen
Published: December 2018

Click chemistry is applied to selectively modify, lable and ligate peptides for their use as therapeutics, in biomaterials or analytical investigations. The inverse electron demand Diels‐Alder (IEDDA) reaction is a catalyst‐free click reaction with pronounced chemoselectivity and fast reaction rates. Applications and achievements of the IEDDA reaction in peptide chemistry since 2008 are described in this review.
The MUSHA underactuated hand for robot‐aided minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Selvaggio Mario , Fontanelli Giuseppe Andrea , Marrazzo Vincenzo Romano , Bracale Umberto , Irace Andrea , Breglio Giovanni , Villani Luigi , Siciliano Bruno , Ficuciello Fanny
Published: December 2018

Background

Keyhole surgery is characterized by loss of dexterity of surgeon's movements because of the limited workspace, nonintuitive motor skills of the surgical systems, and loss of tactile sensation that may lead to tissue damage and bad execution of the tasks.

Methods

In this paper, a three‐fingered underactuated miniature tool for robot‐aided laparoscopic surgery is presented. The design is conceived to realize a closed‐hand configuration allowing the insertion of the tool into the abdominal cavity through the trocar in one step and to reach different grasping as well as pushing/holding configurations once in the cavity.

Results

Aiming to replicate human hand dexterity and versatility, different solutions for the kinematic structure of the hand are analyzed using quality indices to evaluate the manipulability and stability of the grasp. Furthermore, a first prototype of fingertip force sensor based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology has been realized and tested. The design choices of the prototype are described and discussed with the aid of experiments.

Conclusions

The whole concept and the need for such anthropomorphic tool are discussed with surgeons to highlight constraints and potentials in surgical tasks. The feedback by expert surgeons is used to provide specifications and improvements to the kinematics and mechanical design. The investigations of different designs allow identifying the optimal solution to improve grasping and manipulation capabilities. The tests on FBG sensors led to the conclusion that this technology guarantees good performance and can be a good solution for applications in surgical robotics.
Effects of thioTEPA chemotherapy on cognition and motor coordination
Authors: Alexander Tyler C. , Kiffer Frederico , Groves Thomas , Anderson Julie , Wang Jing , Hayar Abdallah , Chen Michelle T. , Rodriguez Analiz , Allen Antiño R.
Published: December 2018

Cancer survivorship has increased greatly as therapies have become more advanced and effective. Thus, we must now focus on improving the quality of life of patients after treatment. After chemotherapy, many patients experience chemotherapy‐induced cognitive decline, indicating a need to investigate pathologies associated with this condition. In this study, we addressed cognitive impairment after thioTEPA treatment by assessing behavior and assaying cytokine production and the structure of dendrites in the hippocampus. Male mice were given three intraperitoneal injections of thioTEPA. Five weeks later, the mice underwent behavior testing, and brains were collected for Golgi staining and cytokine analysis. Behavior tests included y‐maze and Morris water maze and licking behavioral task. Cytokines measured include: IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, MCP‐1, TNF‐α, GMCSF, and RANTES. We observed decreased memory retention in behavioral tasks. Also, dendritic arborization and length were decreased after chemotherapy treatment. Finally, thioTEPA decreased cytokine production in animals treated with chemotherapy, compared to saline‐treated controls. Here, we used a mouse model to correlate the decreases in dendritic complexity and inflammatory cytokine production with cognitive impairment after chemotherapy.
Physical and biological controls on fine sediment transport and storage in rivers
Authors: Wilkes Martin A. , Gittins Joshua R. , Mathers Kate L. , Mason Richard , Casas‐Mulet Roser , Vanzo Davide , Mckenzie Morwenna , Murray‐Bligh John , England Judy , Gurnell Angela , Jones J. Iwan
Published: December 2018

Excess fine sediment, comprising particles <2 mm in diameter, is a major cause of ecological degradation in rivers. The erosion of fine sediment from terrestrial or aquatic sources, its delivery to the river, and its storage and transport in the fluvial environment are controlled by a complex interplay of physical, biological, and anthropogenic factors. While the physical controls exerted on fine sediment dynamics are relatively well‐documented, the role of biological processes and their interactions with hydraulic and physicochemical phenomena has been largely overlooked. The activities of biota, from primary producers to predators, exert strong controls on fine sediment deposition, infiltration, and resuspension. For example, extracellular polymeric substances associated with biofilms increase deposition and decrease resuspension. In lower energy rivers, aquatic macrophyte growth and senescence are intimately linked to sediment retention and loss, whereas riparian trees are dominant ecosystem engineers in high energy systems. Fish and invertebrates also have profound effects on fine sediment dynamics through activities that drive both particle deposition and erosion depending on species composition and abiotic conditions. The functional traits of species present will determine not only these biotic effects but also the responses of river ecosystems to excess fine sediment. We discuss which traits are involved and put them into context with spatial processes that occur throughout the river network. While strides towards better understanding of the impacts of excess fine sediment have been made, further progress to identify the most effective management approaches is urgently required through close communication between authorities and scientists.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water Quality
Emergency Departments
Authors: Alharethi Salman , Gani Abdullah , Othman Mohd Khalit
Published: December 2018

Emergency services are essential and any person may require these services at some point in their lives. Emergency services are run by complex management and consist of many different parts. It is essential to establish effective procedures to ensure that patients are treated in a timely fashion. By obtaining real-time information, it is expected that intelligent decisions would be made. Hence, thorough analytics of problems concerning appropriate operational effective management, would help prevent patient dissatisfaction in the future. Mapping studies are utilized to configure and explore a research theme, whereas systematic reviews are utilized to combine proofs. The use of improvement strategies and quality measurements of the health care industry, specifically in emergency departments, are essential to value patients’ level of satisfaction and the quality of the service provided based on patients’ experience. This paper explores and creates momentum with all the methodologies utilized by researchers from 2010 and beyond with the stress on patient fulfillment in the emergency services segment.
Evaluating school and peer protective factors in the effects of interparental conflict on adolescent threat appraisals and self‐efficacy
Authors: McCauley Devin M. , Weymouth Bridget B. , Feinberg Mark E. , Fosco Gregory M.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Recent work has sought to understand how family‐specific risk, such as exposure to interparental conflict, may generalize to developmentally‐salient processes in adolescence. A cascade model has been identified in which conflict‐specific threat appraisals may erode adolescents' self‐efficacy over time, and in turn, undermine their psychological well‐being. The goal of this study was to integrate success in the school and peer contexts as potential contextual protective factors that may mitigate the effects of interparental conflict on self‐efficacy.

Methods

We tested the additive and interactive effects of success in school and peer contexts on adolescent self‐efficacy to better understand these ecological contextual factors for a family risk model. Analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling with a sample of 768 two‐parent U.S. families across three measurement occasions. Interparental conflict, threat appraisals, self‐efficacy, and school success and peer support were measured using multiple, established scales.

Results

Results supported the additive effects model, in that school success and peer support significantly contributed to general self‐efficacy above and beyond the effects of threat appraisals of interparental conflict, but did not moderate the association between threat appraisals and self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that strengths in school and peer contexts have potential to compensate for, but do not appear to buffer, the negative effects of threat appraisals of interparental conflict and underscore the importance of these contexts for understanding multifinality in outcomes of adolescents exposed to interparental conflict.
NEW EVIDENCE OF THE EARLIEST DOMESTIC DOGS IN THE AMERICAS
Authors: Perri Angela , Widga Chris , Lawler Dennis , Martin Terrance , Loebel Thomas , Farnsworth Kenneth , Kohn Luci , Buenger Brent
Published: December 2018

The domestication of dogs likely occurred in Eurasia by 16,000 years ago, and the initial peopling of the Americas potentially happened around the same time. Dogs were long thought to have accompanied the first migrations into the Americas, but conclusive evidence for Paleoindian dogs is lacking. In this study, the direct dating of two dogs from the Koster site (Greene County, Illinois) and a newly described dog from the Stilwell II site (Pike County, Illinois) to between 10,190 and 9,630 cal BP represents the earliest confirmed evidence of domestic dogs in the Americas and individual dog burials anywhere in the world. Analysis of these animals shows Early Archaic dogs were medium sized, lived active lifestyles, and exhibited significant morphological variation. Stable isotope analyses suggest diets dominated by terrestrial C3resources and substantial consumption of riverine fish.