bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHAMELEON: Hides privacy in cloud IoT system by LSB and CSE
Authors: Dong Meiya , Zhao Jumin , Zhu Biaokai , Liu Zhaobin
Published: October 2019

Recently, in a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) application scenarios, fingerprint image as a common biological information has been widely collected. For example, in safe city projects, civil fingerprints representing unique identification are vastly assembled, stored, and transmitted wirelessly. Under such situations, data privacy protection becomes increasingly valued. In our study, this fundamental problem was centered. In our work, the method to remain secure in such an universal cloud based IoT system and the approach to hide important information in biologically collected data such are fully discussed. A new lightweight algorithm in protecting the privacy and integrity of data in a cloud based IoT system is badly needed. We believe that it is a way to hide the core information in the surrounding environment just like “Chameleon” to protect the data security. Thus, in this paper, we propose “CHAMELEON” by using least significant bits (LSB) to hide important information in fingerprint images and chaotic sequence encryption (CSE) to securely transmit useful data. The experimental results of this algorithm show that Chameleon can resist static attacks and protect the privacy of users regarding to the information security and integrity.
Integrating the underlying structure of stochasticity into community ecology
Authors: Shoemaker Lauren G. , Sullivan Lauren L. , Donohue Ian , Cabral Juliano S. , Williams Ryan J. , Mayfield Margaret M. , Chase Jonathan M. , Chu Chengjin , Harpole W. Stanley , Huth Andreas , HilleRisLambers Janneke , James Aubrie R. M. , Kraft Nathan J. B. , May Felix , Muthukrishnan Ranjan , Satterlee Sean , Taubert Franziska , Wang Xugao , Wiegand Thorsten , Yang Qiang , Abbott Karen C.
Published: October 2019

Stochasticity is a core component of ecology, as it underlies key processes that structure and create variability in nature. Despite its fundamental importance in ecological systems, the concept is often treated as synonymous with unpredictability in community ecology, and studies tend to focus on single forms of stochasticity rather than taking a more holistic view. This has led to multiple narratives for how stochasticity mediates community dynamics. Here, we present a framework that describes how different forms of stochasticity (notably demographic and environmental stochasticity) combine to provide underlying and predictable structure in diverse communities. This framework builds on the deep ecological understanding of stochastic processes acting at individual and population levels and in modules of a few interacting species. We support our framework with a mathematical model that we use to synthesize key literature, demonstrating that stochasticity is more than simple uncertainty. Rather, stochasticity has profound and predictable effects on community dynamics that are critical for understanding how diversity is maintained. We propose next steps that ecologists might use to explore the role of stochasticity for structuring communities in theoretical and empirical systems, and thereby enhance our understanding of community dynamics.
Impacts of Sex and Exposure Duration on Gene Expression in Zebrafish Following Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Exposure
Authors: Khazaee Manoochehr , Guardian Mary Grace E. , Aga Diana S. , Ng Carla A.
Published: October 2019

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a member of the anthropogenic class of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) and one of the most frequently detected PFAAs in water, humans, mammals, and fish around the world. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a small freshwater fish considered an appropriate vertebrate model for investigating the toxicity of compounds. Previous investigations showed tissue-specific bioaccumulation and alterations in the expression of fatty acid–binding proteins (fabps) in male and female zebrafish, potentially due to interactions between PFAA and fatty acid transporters. In addition, a number of neurological impacts have been reported as a result of human and animal exposure to PFAAs. Therefore, the present comprehensive study was designed to investigate whether PFOS exposure affects the expression of genes associated with fatty acid metabolism (fabp1a, fabp2, and fabp10a) in zebrafish liver, intestine, heart, and ovary and genes involved in the nervous system (acetylcholinesterase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, choline acetyltransferase, histone deacetylase 6, and nerve growth factor) in brain and muscle. The results indicate alterations in expression of genes associated with fatty acid metabolism and neural function that vary with both exposure concentration and sex. In addition, our findings highlight that expression of these genes differs according to exposure duration. The present results extend the knowledge base on PFOS effects to other tissues less often studied than the liver. The findings of the present investigation provide a basis for future studies on the potential risks of PFOS as one of the most abundant PFAAs in the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:437–449. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate on zebrafish gene expression.
The possible role of predator–prey dynamics as an influence on early hominin use of burned landscapes
Authors: Hoare Sally
Published: October 2019

Foraging in burned areas has been suggested to represent the earliest stage in the use and control of fire by early hominins. Recently burned areas offer immediate foraging benefits including increased search efficiency for high‐ranked food items and decreased hunting opportunities for ambush predators. As such, they provide a triple‐bonus (reduced risk from ambush, ease of terrestrial travel and higher foraging returns) for some primates. However, previous studies have not yet accounted for other types of predators e.g., coursing (endurance predators that can pursue prey over long distances) which were sympatric with hominins and may also have exploited these environments. Behavioral ecology studies on the use of burned landscapes by extant carnivores demonstrate that while some ambush predators avoid recently burned areas, coursing predators do take advantage of their immediate hunting opportunities. Research examining habitat selection by animals under the simultaneous threat of multiple predator species with different modes of hunting, and the diversity of Plio‐Pleistocene carnivore guild is suggestive of two possible evolutionary scenarios in which hominins could either have selected or avoided burned areas (3–2 mya), based on whether ambush or coursing predators were perceived as presenting the greatest risk.
Testing NTRK testing: Wet‐lab and in silico comparison of RNA‐based targeted sequencing assays
Authors: Pfarr Nicole , Kirchner Martina , Lehmann Ulrich , Leichsenring Jonas , Merkelbach‐Bruse Sabine , Glade Julia , Hummel Michael , Stögbauer Fabian , Lehmann Annika , Trautmann Marcel , Kumbrink Jörg , Jung Andreas , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Endris Volker , Kazdal Daniel , Evert Matthias , Horst David , Kreipe Hans , Kirchner Thomas , Wardelmann Eva , Lassen Ulrik , Büttner Reinhard , Weichert Wilko , Dietel Manfred , Schirmacher Peter , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: October 2019

NTRK fusions involving three neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase genes NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 and a variety of fusion partners were identified as oncogenic drivers across many cancer types. Drugs that target the chimeric protein product require the identification of the underlying gene fusion. This advocates the diagnostic use of molecular assays ranging from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)/Sanger approaches to targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Immunohistochemistry may be used as a screening tool and adjunct diagnostic assay in this context. Although FISH and RT‐PCR/Sanger approaches are widely adopted in routine diagnostics, current experience with targeted RNA‐based NGS is limited. Here, we report on the analysis of major assays (TruSight TST170 and TruSight RNA Fusion [Illumina]; Archer FusionPlex Solid Tumor, Archer FusionPlex Lung, and Archer FusionPlex Oncology [Archer]; Oncomine Comprehensive Assay v3 RNA and Oncomine Focus RNA [Thermo Fisher Scientific]) that are commercially available. The data set includes performance results of a multicentric comparative wet‐lab study as well as an in silico analysis on the ability to detect the broad range of NTRK fusions reported until now. A test algorithm that reflects assay methodology is provided. This data will support implementation of targeted RNA sequencing in routine diagnostics and inform screening and testing strategies that have been brought forward.
Longitudinal stability of the brain functional connectome is associated with episodic memory performance in aging
Authors: Ousdal Olga Therese , Kaufmann Tobias , Kolskår Knut , Vik Alexandra , Wehling Eike , Lundervold Astri J. , Lundervold Arvid , Westlye Lars T.
Published: October 2019

The brain functional connectome forms a relatively stable and idiosyncratic backbone that can be used for identification or “fingerprinting” of individuals with a high level of accuracy. While previous cross‐sectional evidence has demonstrated increased stability and distinctiveness of the brain connectome during the course of childhood and adolescence, less is known regarding the longitudinal stability in middle and older age. Here, we collected structural and resting‐state functional MRI data at two time points separated by 2–3 years in 75 middle‐aged and older adults (age 49–80, SD = 6.91 years) which allowed us to assess the long‐term stability of the functional connectome. We show that the connectome backbone generally remains stable over a 2–3 years period in middle and older age. Independent of age, cortical volume was associated with the connectome stability of several canonical resting‐state networks, suggesting that the connectome backbone relates to structural properties of the cortex. Moreover, the individual longitudinal stability of subcortical and default mode networks was associated with individual differences in cross‐sectional and longitudinal measures of episodic memory performance, providing new evidence for the importance of these networks in maintaining mnemonic processing in middle and old age. Together, the findings encourage the use of within‐subject connectome stability analyses for understanding individual differences in brain function and cognition in aging.
Different patterns of cerebral perfusion in SLE patients with and without neuropsychiatric manifestations
Authors: Zhuo Zhizheng , Su Li , Duan Yunyun , Huang Jing , Qiu Xiaolu , Haller Sven , Li Haiyun , Zeng Xiaofeng , Liu Yaou
Published: October 2019

To investigate brain perfusion patterns in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with and without neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE and non‐NPSLE, respectively) and to identify biomarkers for the diagnosis of NPSLE using noninvasive three‐dimensional (3D) arterial spin labeling (ASL). Thirty‐one NPSLE and 24 non‐NPSLE patients and 32 age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls (NCs) were recruited. Three‐dimensional ASL‐MRI was applied to quantify cerebral perfusion. Whole brain, gray (GM) and white matter (WM), and voxel‐based analysis (VBA) were performed to explore perfusion characteristics. Correlation analysis was performed to find the relationship between the perfusion measures, lesion volumes, and clinical variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and support vector machine (SVM) classification were applied to differentiate NPSLE patients from non‐NPSLE patients and healthy controls. Compared to NCs, NPSLE patients showed increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) within WM but decreased CBF within GM, while non‐NPSLE patients showed increased CBF within both GM and WM. Compared to non‐NPSLE patients, NPSLE patients showed significantly reduced CBF in the frontal gyrus, cerebellum, and corpus callosum. CBF within several brain regions such as cingulate and corpus callosum showed significant correlations with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index scores. ROC analysis showed moderate performance in distinguishing NPSLE from non‐NPSLE patients with AUCs > 0.7, while SVM analysis demonstrated that CBF within the corpus callosum achieved an accuracy of 83.6% in distinguishing NPSLE from non‐NPSLE patients. Different brain perfusion patterns were observed between NPSLE and non‐NPSLE patients. CBF measured by noninvasive 3D ASL could be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and disease monitoring of NPSLE and non‐NPSLE patients.
The relations of dosimetric parameters with long‐term outcomes and late toxicities in advanced T‐stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma with IMRT
Authors: Gou Xiaoxia , Duan Baofeng , Shi Huashan , Qin Lei , Xiao Jianghong , Chen Nianyong
Published: October 2019

Background

Balancing the dose requirements between targets and normal tissue is a challenge in radiation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the dosimetric parameters and clinical outcomes in NPC.

Methods

We presented a retrospective review of patients with T3‐4 NPC treated by intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Patient characteristics, dosimetric parameters, and the follow‐up data for survival and late toxicities were analyzed.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival, local relapse‐free survival, and distant metastasis‐free survival were 83.0%, 90.1%, and 82.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the volume of involved lymph node was an independent prognostic factor. The volume of primary tumor and the maximal dose were significant factors affecting temporal lobe injury.

Conclusions

IMRT provided satisfactory local control for advanced T‐stage NPC, with acceptable late toxicities. The dose constraint criteria of selected critical structures can be appropriately loosen.
Humanizing the Practice of Witnessing Trauma Narratives
Authors: Zamora Liu Rossina
Published: October 2019

The authors featured in this department column share instructional practices that support transformative literacy teaching and disrupt “struggling reader” and “struggling writer” labels.
Transforming Empathy: A Review of Educating for Empathy: Literacy Learning and Civic Engagement
Authors: Miyata Cathy
Published: October 2019

This forum reviews a mix of resources to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youths and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
Earning or Learning, or Not: Reconnecting Young Adults With Learning Through Multiliteracies Pedagogy
Authors: Comber Barbara , Carter Jenni
Published: October 2019

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.
miR‐665 promotes the progression of gastric adenocarcinoma via elevating FAK activation through targeting SOCS3 and is negatively regulated by lncRNA MEG3
Authors: Tang Hailing , Long Qianfa , Zhuang Kun , Yan Yuan , Han Kun , Guo Hanqing , Lu Xiaolan
Published: October 2019

Studies have found that miR‐665 acted as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene in different malignancies. miR‐665 expression was elevated in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues; however, its role and mechanism in this disease are not fully clarified. The expression of miR‐665 and its target gene was detected in human gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Moreover, we analyzed the effects of miR‐665 on the proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric adenocarcinoma cells as well as tumor growth in vivo. The mechanisms of miR‐665 in gastric adenocarcinoma were investigated by using molecular biology techniques. We found miR‐665 was upregulated and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) was downregulated in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Elevated miR‐665 was positively correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, invasion depth, TNM stage, and poor differentiation in gastric adenocarcinoma patients. Overexpression of miR‐665 promoted, whereas knockdown of miR‐665 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and EMT of gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR‐665 functioned through targeting SOCS3, followed by activation of the FAK/Src signaling pathway in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. miR‐665 antagomir inhibited tumor growth as well as the activation of the FAK/Src pathway but increased SOCS3 expression in nude mice. In addition, miR‐665 expression was negatively regulated by long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3). In conclusion, miR‐665 acted as an oncogene in gastric adenocarcinoma by inhibiting SOCS3 followed by activation of the FAK/Src pathway and it was negatively modulated by MEG3. miR‐665 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Reversals in complex traits uncovered as reticulation events: Lessons from the evolution of parity‐mode, chromosome morphology, and maternal resource transfer
Authors: Horreo Jose L. , Suarez Teresa , Fitze Patrick S.
Published: October 2019

Complex traits include, among many others, the evolution of eyes, wings, body forms, reproductive modes, human intelligence, social behavior, diseases, and chromosome morphology. Dollo's law states that the evolution of complex traits is irreversible. However, potential exceptions have been proposed. Here, we investigated whether reticulation, a simple and elegant means by which complex characters may be reacquired, could account for suggested reversals in the evolution of complex characters using two datasets with sufficient genetic coverage and a total of five potential reversals. Our analyses uncovered a potential reversal in the evolution of parity mode and a potential reversal in the evolution of placentotrophy of fish (Cyprinodontiformes) as reticulation events. Moreover, in a reptile that exhibits a potential reversal from viviparity to oviparity (Zootoca vivipara), reticulation provided the most parsimonious explanation for sex chromosome evolution. Therefore, three of the five studied potential reversals were unraveled as reticulation events. This constitutes the first evidence that accounting for reticulation can fundamentally influence the interpretation of the evolution of complex traits, that testing for reticulation is crucial for obtaining robust phylogenies, and that complex ancestral characters may be reacquired through hybridization with a lineage that still exhibits the trait. Hybridization, rather than reappearance of ancestral traits by means of small evolutionary steps, may thus account for suggested exceptions to Dollo's law. Consequently, ruling out reticulation is required to claim the evolutionary reversal of complex characters and potential exceptions to Dollo's rule.
Challenges and facilitators of transition from adolescent to adult HIV care among young adults living with HIV in Moshi, Tanzania
Authors: Masese Rita V , Ramos Julia V , Rugalabamu Leonia , Luhanga Severa , Shayo Aisa M , Stewart Kearsley A , Cunningham Coleen K , Dow Dorothy E
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Scale up of anti‐retroviral therapy has enabled millions of children infected with HIV to survive into adulthood, requiring transition of care to the adult HIV clinic. This transition period is often met with anxiety and reluctance. Youth who fail to transition may create strain on capacity in the pediatric and adolescent clinics or result in individuals dropping out of care entirely. This study examined challenges and facilitators to the transition among young adults living with HIV in Moshi, Tanzania.

Methods

From April to June 2017, in‐depth interviews were conducted with young adults aged 18 to 27 years living with HIV in order to capture the spectrum of experiences from pre‐transitioning youth to those who successfully transitioned to adult care. Young adults were purposively recruited based on prior study enrollees and recommendations from healthcare staff. Recruitment occurred in the adolescent, adult HIV and the prevention of mother to child transition clinics at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Two separate in‐depth interviews were conducted with eligible participants. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively to collect information on HIV‐related outcomes.

Results

In‐depth interviews were held with 19 young adults. Participants mean age was 23.8 years (interquartile range 22.2 to 26.3 years); 53% were female. Most (78.9%) participants had been receiving anti‐retroviral therapy for nearly a decade and 72.2% were virologically suppressed (HIV RNA <200 copies/mL). Barriers to transition included fear of losing peer networks formed in the adolescent clinic, the abrupt manner in which young adults were asked to transition, stigma, financial constraints and a lower quality of care in the adult clinic. Facilitators of transition included family and social support, positive perspectives on living with HIV and maintenance of good health. Recommendations for transition included transition preparation, transition as a group and adoption of desirable aspects of the adolescent clinic (peer networks and education) in the adult clinic.

Conclusions

Transition is a complex process influenced by many factors. As the number of young adults living with HIV continues to grow, it is vital to develop a transition protocol that addresses these challenges and is feasible to implement in low‐resource settings.
Structural analysis of pathogenic mutations targeting Glu427 of ALDH7A1, the hot spot residue of pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy
Authors: Laciak Adrian R. , Korasick David A. , Gates Kent S. , Tanner John J.
Published: October 2019

Certain loss‐of‐function mutations in the gene encoding the lysine catabolic enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 7A1 (ALDH7A1) cause pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy (PDE). Missense mutations of Glu427, especially Glu427Gln, account for ~30% of the mutated alleles in PDE patients, and thus Glu427 has been referred to as a mutation hot spot of PDE. Glu427 is invariant in the ALDH superfamily and forms ionic hydrogen bonds with the nicotinamide ribose of the NAD+ cofactor. Here we report the first crystal structures of ALDH7A1 containing pathogenic mutations targeting Glu427. The mutant enzymes E427Q, Glu427Asp, and Glu427Gly were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The recombinant enzymes displayed negligible catalytic activity compared to the wild‐type enzyme. The crystal structures of the mutant enzymes complexed with NAD+ were determined to understand how the mutations impact NAD+ binding. In the E427Q and E427G structures, the nicotinamide mononucleotide is highly flexible and lacks a defined binding pose. In E427D, the bound NAD+ adopts a “retracted” conformation in which the nicotinamide ring is too far from the catalytic Cys residue for hydride transfer. Thus, the structures revealed a shared mechanism for loss of function: none of the variants are able to stabilise the nicotinamide of NAD+ in the pose required for catalysis. We also show that these mutations reduce the amount of active tetrameric ALDH7A1 at the concentration of NAD+ tested. Altogether, our results provide the three‐dimensional molecular structural basis of the most common pathogenic variants of PDE and implicate strong (ionic) hydrogen bonds in the aetiology of a human disease.
Singlet oxygen‐induced protein aggregation: Lysozyme crosslink formation and nLC‐MS/MS characterization
Authors: Marques Emerson Finco , Medeiros Marisa H.G. , Di Mascio Paolo
Published: October 2019

Singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) has been associated with a number of physiological processes. Despite the recognized importance of 1O2‐mediated protein modifications, little is known about the role of this oxidant in crosslink formation and protein aggregation. Thus, using lysozyme as a model, the present study sought to investigate the involvement of 1O2 in crosslink formation. Lysozyme was photochemically oxidized in the presence of rose bengal or chemically oxidized using [18O]‐labeled 1O2 released from thermolabile endoperoxides. It was concluded that both 1O2 generating systems induce lysozyme crosslinking and aggregation. Using SDS‐PAGE and nano‐scale liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, the results clearly demonstrated that 1O2 is directly involved in the formation of covalent crosslinks involving the amino acids histidine, lysine, and tryptophan.
An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of thirteen components extracted from Radix Puerariae in rat plasma and tissues: Application to pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study
Authors: Wei Liuting , Zhu Pingchuan , Chen Xiaoqing , Wang Yilin , Xu Yuanjin
Published: October 2019

A rapid and sensitive ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was established and validated for simultaneous determination of thirteen bioactive components (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, puerarin, p‐hydroxycinnamic acid, daidzin, ononin, daidzein, naringenin, genistein, apigenin, formononetin, biochanin A, and β‐sitosterol) of Radix Puerariae extract in rat plasma and tissues. The plasma and tissues samples were pretreated by protein precipitation extraction, and umbelliferone and rutin were used as internal standards. Sample separation was performed on a ZORBAX RRHD Eclipse plus C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.8 µm, Agilent) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol–water (containing 0.1% formic acid). The mass spectrometry analysis was conducted in positive and negative ionization modes with multiple reaction monitoring. The lower limit of quantitation range for the 13 analytes was 0.2−35 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision of all the analytes were less than 10.92%, with an accuracy ranging from −13.10 to 11.96%. Both the recovery and matrix effect were within acceptable limits. This method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study of the 13 bioactive components in rats after oral administration of R. Puerariae extract.
Comparison of total nitrogen data from direct and Kjeldahl‐based approaches in integrated data sets
Authors: Stanley Emily H. , Rojas‐Salazar Shirley , Lottig Noah R. , Schliep Erin M. , Filstrup Christopher T. , Collins Sarah M.
Published: October 2019

There are multiple protocols for determining total nitrogen (TN) in water, but most can be grouped into direct approaches (TN‐d) that convert N forms to nitrogen‐oxides (NOx) and combined approaches (TN‐c) that combine Kjeldahl N (organic N +NH3) and nitrite+nitrate (NO2+NO3‐N). TN concentrations from these two approaches are routinely treated as equal in studies that use data derived from multiple sources (i.e., integrated data sets) despite the distinct chemistries of the two methods. We used two integrated data sets to determine if TN‐c and TN‐d results were interchangeable. Accuracy, determined as the difference between reported concentrations and the most probable value (MPV) of reference samples, was high and similar in magnitude (within 3.5–4.5% of the MPV) for both methods, although the bias was significantly smaller at low concentrations for TN‐d. Detection limits and data flagged as below detection suggested greater sensitivity for TN‐d for one data set, while patterns from the other data set were ambiguous. TN‐c results were more variable (less precise) by many measures, although TN‐d data included a small fraction of notably inaccurate results. Precision of TN‐c was further compromised by propagated error, which may not be acknowledged or detectable in integrated data sets unless complete metadata are available and inspected. Finally, concurrent measures of TN‐c and TN‐d in lake samples were extremely similar. Overall, TN‐d tended to be slightly more accurate and precise, but similarities in accuracy and the near 1 : 1 relationship for concurrent TN‐d and TN‐c measurements support careful use of data interchangeably in analyses of heterogeneous, integrated data sets.
“Twitching” and Stiffness in POLG1 Mutation Carriers: Red Flag or Red Herring?
Authors: Pauly Martje G. , Tunc Sinem , Bäumer Tobias , Gillessen‐Kaesbach Gabriele , Münchau Alexander
Published: October 2019

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Cryptogenic small‐fiber neuropathies: Serum autoantibody binding to trisulfated heparan disaccharide and fibroblast growth factor receptor‐3
Authors: Levine Todd D. , Kafaie Jafar , Zeidman Lawrence A. , Saperstein David S. , Massaquoi Reyanna , Bland Ruth J. , Pestronk Alan
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Causes of small‐fiber peripheral neuropathies (SFN) are often undefined. In this study we investigated associations of serum autoantibodies, immunoglobulin G (IgG) vs fibroblast growth factor receptor‐3 (FGFR‐3), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) vs trisulfated heparan disaccharide (TS‐HDS) in cryptogenic SFN.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐five patients with biopsy‐proven SFN and no identified cause for their neuropathy were blindly tested for serum IgM vs TS‐HDS and IgG vs FGFR‐3.

Results

Forty‐eight percent of SFN patients had serum antibodies, 37% with IgM vs TS‐HDS and 15% with IgG vs FGFR‐3. TS‐HDS antibodies were more frequent in SFN patients than in controls (P = .0012). Both antibodies were more common in females, and with non–length‐dependent nerve pathology. Nintey‐two percent of patients with acute‐onset SFN had serum IgM vs TS‐HDS.

Discussion

Autoantibodies directed against TS‐HDS and FGFR‐3 suggest an immune disorder in otherwise idiopathic SFN. Serum IgM vs TS‐HDS may be a marker for SFN with an acute onset.
Non‐masticatory dental wear patterns in individuals exhumed from the Middle Bronze Age rock‐cut tombs of Torre Velha 3 (Serpa, Portugal)
Authors: Fidalgo Daniel , Silva Ana Maria , Porfírio Eduardo
Published: October 2019

Dental examination of 21 individuals (11 females, nine males and one undetermined sex) exhumed from the rock‐cut tombs of Torre Velha 3 (Serpa, Portugal), dating from the 2nd millennium BC, revealed dental wear features and oral lesions that can be linked to non‐masticatory activities and/or dietary habits. A total of 471 teeth were macroscopically analyzed. One young‐adult female and a middle‐age adult of unknown sex display lingual surface attrition of the maxillary anterior teeth (LSAMAT). A middle‐age adult female has LSAMAT, anterior occlusal surface groove (AOSG) and chipping. Two other middle‐age adult females have oblique wear planes (OWP), one of them also with chipping. Overall variation and low frequencies of the observed alterations suggest that multiple activities and/or dietary habits could have caused these wear patterns. The hypothesis that atypical wear patterns are sex biased was tested using Fischer's exact test, and results were not statistically significant (p‐value = 0.09). Thus, it is possible to infer that these individuals had possible dietary or cultural idiosyncratic behaviors, besides repetitive non‐masticatory task related‐activities.
Polycaprolactone‐chitosan‐polypyrrole conductive biocomposite nanofibrous scaffold for biomedical applications
Authors: Talebi Alireza , Labbaf Sheyda , Karimzadeh Fathallah
Published: October 2019

In this study, polycaprolactone/chitosan/polypyrrole (PCL/chitosan/PPy) conductive composite nanofibrous scaffold is fabricated. For this purpose, initially, a polymer blend of PCL/chitosan (7:3) and (4:1) was selected and then 1, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 wt% of PPy was added to each solution. A range of techniques were applied to study the chemical, physical and biodegradability properties of the resultant fibrous mats. According to scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, with the addition of PPy to the PCL/chitosan blend, the size of the fiber diameter decrease. There was significant increase in the electrical conductivity of the mats such that the electrical conductivity of PCL/chitosan was around 0.1 S/cm but increased to 2 S/cm in biological environment with the addition of 7.5% PPy. Hydrophobicity was found to improve with the addition of PPy as water contact angle changed from 120 ± 10° for PCL/chitosan to 133 ± 18° at 7.5% PPy. The incorporation of PPy within the PCL/chitosan matrix was found to positively influence the overall properties of nanofibrous structure, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
Mass Spectrometry‐Based Analysis of Time‐Resolved Proteome Quantification
Authors: Valdés Alberto , Bergström Lind Sara
Published: October 2019

The aspect of time is essential in biological processes and thus it is important to be able to monitor signaling molecules through time. Proteins are key players in cellular signaling and they respond to many stimuli and change their expression in many time‐dependent processes. Mass spectrometry (MS) is an important tool for studying proteins, including their posttranslational modifications and their interaction partners—both in qualitative and quantitative ways. In order to distinguish the different trends over time, proteins, modification sites, and interacting proteins must be compared between different time points, and therefore relative quantification is preferred. In this review, the progress and challenges for MS‐based analysis of time‐resolved proteome dynamics are discussed. Further, aspects on model systems, technologies, sampling frequencies, and presentation of the dynamic data are discussed.
Consideration of a Credibility Assessment Framework in Model‐Informed Drug Development: Potential Application to Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Kuemmel Colleen , Yang Yuching , Zhang Xinyuan , Florian Jeffry , Zhu Hao , Tegenge Million , Huang Shiew‐Mei , Wang Yaning , Morrison Tina , Zineh Issam
Published: October 2019

The use of computational models in drug development has grown during the past decade. These model‐informed drug development (MIDD) approaches can inform a variety of drug development and regulatory decisions. When used for regulatory decision making, it is important to establish that the model is credible for its intended use. Currently, there is no consensus on how to establish and assess model credibility, including the selection of appropriate verification and validation activities. In this article, we apply a risk‐informed credibility assessment framework to physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation and hypothesize this evidentiary framework may also be useful for evaluating other MIDD approaches. We seek to stimulate a scientific discussion around this framework as a potential starting point for uniform assessment of model credibility across MIDD. Ultimately, an overarching framework may help to standardize regulatory evaluation across therapeutic products (i.e., drugs and medical devices).
Performance of the NCMRWF convection‐permitting model during contrasting monsoon phases of the 2016 INCOMPASS field campaign
Authors: Jayakumar A. , Abel Steven J. , Turner Andrew G. , Mohandas Saji , Sethunadh Jisesh , O'Sullivan D. , Mitra A. K. , Rajagopal E. N.
Published: October 2019

This study uses INCOMPASS aircraft, radiosonde and satellite observations for verifying hydrometeors and associated state variables predicted by the regional model of the NCMRWF (NCUM‐R) for contrasting phases of the 2016 monsoon. INCOMPASS flights B957 and B975 took place between Lucknow in northern India and Bhubaneswar near the east coast, and represent a contrast between dry pre‐monsoon and active monsoon conditions, respectively. A moist profile above 4 km in Bhubaneswar measured on B957 showed a dry‐air intrusion being eroded by mid‐level clouds, whereas the Lucknow profile showed a drier, pre‐monsoon profile. Aerosol extinction coefficient and cloud‐top height measured using lidar showed an influx of continental aerosol, and intermittent multiple clouds below the aircraft in the mid‐troposphere and boundary layer. Measurements from B975 match well with cyclonic wind patterns estimated from satellite observations and the convective tendency represented in radiosonde profiles. Extensive clouds were detected below 5 km during the active monsoon. Two model formulations for cloud representation (prognostic cloud and prognostic condensate, PC2, and diagnostic schemes, Diag) are compared with observations during the campaign. Vertical structures of state variables from both schemes are generally in agreement along the flight tracks. Surface energy budget and cloud diagnoses indicate higher cloud cover in Diag consistent with lower surface temperatures through reduced surface downwelling short‐wave flux than in PC2, while the latent‐heat flux is found to be insensitive to cloud scheme chosen. In‐cloud water content is larger in PC2 for lower cloud fraction, and the autoconversion process is faster with respect to Diag. Higher total condensed‐water content in the model with respect to aircraft measurements and an enhanced light precipitation bias with respect to satellite data is common to both cloud schemes. Further work to improve the representation of clouds and precipitation for the tropical implementation of the model is clearly warranted.
Reading Text When Studying in a Second Language: An Eye‐Tracking Study
Authors: Dirix Nicolas , Vander Beken Heleen , De Bruyne Ellen , Brysbaert Marc , Duyck Wouter
Published: October 2019

The authors investigated how eye movements are influenced by different reading goals in participants’ first (L1) and second language (L2). Participants read or studied the contents of texts while their eye movements were recorded. One group was asked to read L1 and L2 texts as they would read any expository text (informational reading). Another group was asked to study L1 and L2 texts for subsequent tests involving true/false questions (study condition). After reading, all participants, including those in the informational reading condition, completed the true/false tests without being able to further consult the texts, which allowed the authors to investigate the extent to which reading goal and text language affect recognition memory for texts. In general, more reading time was spent on studying than on informational reading, which also resulted in higher test scores in the study condition. The L2‐processing cost was larger in the study condition than in the informational reading condition: Participants needed approximately 20% more time to study L2 texts. The results of various eye movement measures suggest that this is caused by slower word recognition processes and a smaller amount of information that can be processed simultaneously in L2. This was true not only for the first reading of the text but also for the rereadings in the study condition. Interestingly, the additional time for L2 studying seemed to compensate for the less efficient processing, as the recognition test scores were the same in L2 as in L1.
How Relevance Affects Understanding of Conflicts Between Multiple Documents: An Eye‐Tracking Study
Authors: Stadtler Marc , Scharrer Lisa , Bromme Rainer
Published: October 2019

The authors examined how information relevance affects readers’ understanding of conflicting information in multiple documents and how relevance affects the processing of conflicting information on a moment‐by‐moment level. Sixty‐four undergraduate students read a set of documents about a medical topic containing three intertextual conflicts addressing subtopics that were either highly relevant or irrelevant to the readers’ task. Eye movements were recorded during reading, and afterward, readers’ memory for conflicting information and their ability to apply their knowledge about the conflicting information was assessed. Relevance had a powerful influence on readers’ understanding of conflicts between multiple documents: Readers for whom the intertextual conflicts were relevant remembered conflicting information better and reported conflicts more frequently than readers for whom the conflicts were irrelevant. The time course of this effect revealed that relevance exerts its influence only during a later stage of processing. Readers appear to initially detect conflicts regardless of their relevance, but only readers for whom conflicts are relevant invest the additional regulatory effort needed to include them in their mental representation.
Detecting associations between intact connectomes and clinical covariates using recursive partitioning object‐oriented data analysis
Authors: Yang Dake , Deych Elena , Shands Berkley , Campbell Meghan C. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Petersen Steve , Schlaggar Bradley L. , Shannon William
Published: October 2019

Many neuroscientists are interested in how connectomes (graphical representations of functional connectivity between areas of the brain) change in relation to covariates. In statistics, changes like this are analyzed using regression, where the outcomes or dependent variables are regressed onto the covariates. However, when the outcome is a complex object, such as connectome graphs, classical regression models cannot be used.

The regression approach developed here to work with complex graph outcomes combines recursive partitioning with the Gibbs distribution. We will only discuss the application to connectomes, but the method is generally applicable to any graphical outcome. The method, called Gibbs‐RPart, partitions the covariate space into a set of nonoverlapping regions such that the connectomes within regions are more similar than they are to the connectomes in other regions. This paper extends the object‐oriented data analysis paradigm for graph‐valued data based on the Gibbs distribution, which we have applied previously to hypothesis testing to compare populations of connectomes from distinct groups (see the work of La Rosa et al).
Sample size calculation for clinical trials with correlated count measurements based on the negative binomial distribution
Authors: Li Dateng , Zhang Song , Cao Jing
Published: October 2019

Statistical inference based on correlated count measurements are frequently performed in biomedical studies. Most of existing sample size calculation methods for count outcomes are developed under the Poisson model. Deviation from the Poisson assumption (equality of mean and variance) has been widely documented in practice, which indicates urgent needs of sample size methods with more realistic assumptions to ensure valid experimental design. In this study, we investigate sample size calculation for clinical trials with correlated count measurements based on the negative binomial distribution. This approach is flexible to accommodate overdispersion and unequal measurement intervals, as well as arbitrary randomization ratios, missing data patterns, and correlation structures. Importantly, the derived sample size formulas have closed forms both for the comparison of slopes and for the comparison of time‐averaged responses, which greatly reduces the burden of implementation in practice. We conducted extensive simulation to demonstrate that the proposed method maintains the nominal levels of power and type I error over a wide range of design configurations. We illustrate the application of this approach using a real epileptic trial.
Activity and Stability Evaluation of Nickel Supported over Al‐Meso‐Microporous Hybrids in Selective Hydrogenation of Benzene
Authors: Mohammadian Zahra , Peyrovi Mohammad Hasan , Parsafard Nastaran
Published: October 2019

Benzene selective hydrogenation has very important due to the need to reduce the carcinogenic effects of benzene as a toxic and volatile compound and production of cyclohexane as a green solvent for the production of nylons. Nickel loaded composites were prepared by the wet‐impregnation method. These catalysts were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared, X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and N2 adsorption‐desorption techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate the catalytic performance as a function of zeolite nature, reaction temperature and relative pressure of the reactants. The obtained results confirm that the nickel nanoparticles supported on Al‐MCF‐Zeolites hybrids have acceptable performance. Also, the best activity and high selectivity were obtained for Ni/Al−M‐MOR at all temperatures (150‐210 °C) and Ni/Al−M‐13X about 83% at 170 °C.
Mesoporous Hybrid NiCo2O4/CeO2 Hierarchical Hollow Spheres for Enhanced Supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Chengzhen , Zheng Xuan , Li Ru , Wang Xiaorui , Xaio Zhenyu , Wang Lei
Published: October 2019

Hollow architecture electrode materials, which are regarded as desired candidates for supercapacitors, possess large specific surface area, porous structure and inner cavities. In the current work, nanosheet assembled mesoporous hybrid NiCo2O4/CeO2 hierarchical hollow spheres are first successfully synthesized by a facile self‐template method, which includes the preparation of hierarchical hollow sphere precursors as the template by a solvothermal method and then calcinations in air. The hybrid NiCo2O4/CeO2 hierarchical hollow spheres exhibit specific surface area of 136.3 m2 g−1. As an electrode material, it exhibits a large specific capacitance of 2781.3 F g−1 at 8.0 A g−1 and excellent cycling stability (approximately 3% loss after 5,000 charging‐discharging cycles) in 3.0 M KOH + 0.10 M K4[Fe(CN)6] electrolyte. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor device is assembled with the mesoporous hybrid NiCo2O4/CeO2 hierarchical hollow spheres and activated carbon. The fabricated device exhibits an energy density of 59.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 3298.7 W kg−1. When the power density reaches 8243.6 W kg−1, the energy density remains as high as 44.2 Wh kg−1. Such notable electrochemical properties illustrate that mesoporous hybrid NiCo2O4/CeO2 hierarchical hollow spheres are ideal electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Atomic‐Level Insight of self‐assembled Nanorods from 4‐Biphenylcarboxy Protected L‐Phenylalanine
Authors: Sasmal Supriya , Nandi Sujay Kumar , Kumar Santosh , Haldar Debasish
Published: October 2019

Atomic‐level understanding of supramolecular materials from self‐assembly of molecular building blocks is highly important for the design of functional biomaterials. Here, we have synthesized three compounds exploiting 4‐biphenyl carboxylic acid and L‐alanine, L‐leucine and L‐Phenylalanine. From FE‐SEM, the compounds show poly disperse microspheres morphology, sheet like morphology and nano rod‐like morphology. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that compounds containing alanine and leucine form duplex structures, whereas compound containing phenylalanine shows rod like assembly. Irrespective of N‐terminal 4‐biphenylcarboxy protection, the minor change in the amino acid side chain has significant effect on structure and morphology.
Vanadium Nitride/Porous Carbon Composites on Ni Foam for High‐Performance Supercapacitance
Authors: Wang Cong , Liang Xizhuang , Wang Zeyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Peng , Qin Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Dai Ying , Li Yingjie , Huang Baibiao
Published: October 2019

A template‐free method for preparing vanadium nitride/carbon (VN/C) composites on Ni foam is developed by combining hydrothermal and nitridation methods. The VN/C composites on the Ni foam can be used as an electrode without any further treatment, and is found to be a good capacitance material. The highest specific capacitance of 386.6 F g−1 is obtained when the scan rate at 2 mV s−1, and the electrode demonstrates good cycling stability, owing to the synergistic integration of vanadium nitride with porous carbon, as well as the high surface area and conductive network provided by the microporous three‐dimensional Ni foam structure.