bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ulipristal acetate for Japanese women with symptomatic uterine fibroids: A double‐blind, randomized, phase II dose‐finding study
Authors: Irahara Minoru , Maejima Yasuhiro , Shinbo Nobuhiro , Yamauchi Yuji , Mizunuma Hideki
Published: October 2019

Purpose

A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and appropriate dose of ulipristal acetate (UPA) in Japanese women with symptomatic uterine fibroids (UFs).

Methods

A total of 121 premenopausal women with UFs were enrolled to receive either placebo, UPA‐2.5 mg, UPA‐5 mg, UPA‐10 mg, or leuprorelin acetate (LEU), a reference drug, for 12 weeks. The primary end point was the rate of patients having achieved amenorrhea for 35 days at Week 12.

Results

The rates for amenorrhea were 4.5%, 60.0%, 72.7%, 88.0%, and 76.2% in the placebo, UPA‐2.5 mg, UPA‐5 mg, UPA‐10 mg, and LEU groups, respectively. The median times to amenorrhea were 20.0, 5.0, 5.0, and 23.0 days for treatment with UPA‐2.5 mg, UPA‐5 mg, UPA‐10 mg, and LEU, respectively. A significant dose‐response of UPA for the rate of amenorrhea was observed. The overall incidence rates of adverse events were 45.8% in the placebo group, 56.5%‐80.0% in the UPA groups, and 100.0% in the LEU group. There were no notable safety issues with UPA.

Conclusions

Ulipristal acetate was effective and well tolerated in Japanese women with UFs. The recommended dose of UPA is considered to be 10 mg.
Sound Stories: Using Nonverbal Sound Effects to Support English Word Learning in First‐Grade Music Classrooms
Authors: Lawson‐Adams Jessica , Dickinson David K.
Published: October 2019

Early vocabulary knowledge is vital for later reading comprehension and academic success. Studies have found that augmenting explicit teaching of word meanings with nonverbal visual aids, particularly pictures and gestures, assists young learners in building rich lexical representations. Research has focused on the effects of visual supports in fostering word knowledge but has not considered the effectiveness of using sound‐based supports. Working from a semiotics perspective, the authors used a music instructional strategy known as a sound story to examine the impact of using sound effects to teach words to first‐grade students. Words were taught with explicit instruction in combination with sound effects or no sound effects during music class. All sound effects were created and performed using musical instruments in the classroom. Students’ receptive and productive definitional word knowledge were assessed. The productive measure was used as a measure of depth of word knowledge. The authors found that students had deeper knowledge of words that were taught with an associated sound effect compared with words taught with no sound effect. Analysis of the types of information students provided about words showed that students gave more contextual information and gestural responses for words that were taught with sound compared with words taught with no sound. These results provide evidence that vocabulary learning can be fostered during specialist music classes using methods familiar to music educators.
Phase transitions of the Moran process and algorithmic consequences
Authors: Ann Goldberg Leslie , Lapinskas John , Richerby David
Published: October 2019

The Moran process is a random process that models the spread of genetic mutations through graphs. On connected graphs, the process eventually reaches “fixation,” where all vertices are mutants, or “extinction,” where none are. Our main result is an almost‐tight upper bound on expected absorption time. For all ϵ>0, we show that the expected absorption time on an n‐vertex graph is o(n3+ϵ). Specifically, it is at most , and there is a family of graphs where it is Ω(n3). In proving this, we establish a phase transition in the probability of fixation, depending on the mutants' fitness r. We show that no similar phase transition occurs for digraphs, where it is already known that the expected absorption time can be exponential. Finally, we give an improved fully polynomial randomized approximation scheme (FPRAS) for approximating the probability of fixation. On degree‐bounded graphs where some basic properties are given, its running time is independent of the number of vertices.
Synthesis and Antitumor Biological Evaluation of the Derivatives of Natural Enmein and Nodosin
Authors: Shang Xiao‐Jun , Zhang Chong , Zhao Jie , Shao Peng , Lu Hui‐Juan , Yan Fu‐Lin
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the antitumor activity of diterpenoid compounds. A series of modified diterpenoid derivatives (3–26) were obtained from the natural products enmein (1) and nodosin (2), using simple synthetic methods. The structures of the synthesized compounds were established through 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. The compounds were screened using a CCK8 assay for their antiproliferative activities against K562 and HepG2 human cancer cells. Most of the target compounds showed improved antiproliferative activity against K562 and HepG2 human cancer cells compared with natural enmein (1) and nodosin (2). 6‐Propynyloxy‐enmein (13), 6‐ propynyloxy‐nodosin (25) and 6‐cyclopropylmethoxy‐nodosin (26) exhibited strong inhibitory activity against K562 cells with IC50 values of 3.58 ± 0.16, 1.89 ± 0.18, and 4.86 ± 0.30μg/mL, respectively.
An Ultra‐Sensitive Naphthalimide‐Derived Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Cu2+ in Water Samples and Living Cells
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Fan Chang‐Chun , Zhu Mei , Jiang Dao‐Yong , Zhang Han , Li Lu‐Ying , Zhang Guo‐Ning , Wang Yu‐Cheng , Zhao Hong
Published: October 2019

In this work, a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe L based on naphthalimide derivative is developed for detection of Cu2+ ion in water samples and living cells. The probe displays excellent performance with great selectivity for Cu2+ ion detection in CH3CN/phosphate buffered saline (PBS, 10 mM, 9:1, v/v). The fluorescence of probe L is almost completely quenched upon the addition of Cu2+. The 2:1 stoichiometry of L–Cu2+ complex is confirmed by a Job's plot and ESI‐MS analysis. More evidence about the interaction mechanism of L with Cu2+ is 1H NMR titration data and density functional theoretical (DFT) studies. More importantly, the probe L with good cell permeability has been successfully applied to intracellular imaging of Cu2+ in A549 cells.
The Oxidative Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers in the Presence of N‐Hydroxyphthalimide
Authors: Opeida Iosyp O. , Kushch Olga V. , Kompanets Mykhailo O. , Litvinov Yurii E. , Zosenko Olha O. , Shendrik Alexander N.
Published: October 2019

The oxidation of vinyl compounds such as styrene, α‐methylstyrene, methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile with molecular oxygen in the presence of N‐hydroxyphthalimide have been studied. It was shown that the N‐hydroxyphthalimide is efficient in initiation of the oxidative polymerization of vinyl monomers. The products of the monomer oxidation at 66 °C and 1 atm of O2 are corresponding polyperoxides and low molecular carbonyl compounds. IR‐ and 1H NMR spectroscopy confirm the alternating copolymer structure of polyperoxides with –O–O– bonds in the main chain. In the oxidative polymerization of vinyl monomers initiated with the mixtures of N‐hydroxyphthalimide and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile or benzoyl peroxide it was observed a synergistic effect of initiators’ action. N‐hydroxyphthalimide reacts with molecular oxygen, initiator radicals or monomer to form the phthalimide‐N‐oxyl radical, which participates in the chain initiation stage and does not participate in the termination stages, which leads to a synergistic effect.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on A Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with GO/MnO2 for Simultaneous Determination of Trace Cu(II) and Pb(II) in Environmental Water
Authors: Sun Hongyan , Wang Chengxiang , Xu Yongji , Dai Dongmei , Deng Xiaoyan , Gao Hongtao
Published: October 2019

In this study, manganese dioxide hybridized with graphene oxide (GO/MnO2) nanocomposite was prepared by a facile synthesis method, which was applied to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in an electrochemical sensor of Cu(II) and Pb(II) for the first time. The morphology and structure of the nanocomposite were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, which exhibited MnO2 had been uniformly attached to the lamellar structure of GO, resulting in more adsorptive sites. Electrochemical properties of GO/MnO2/GCE were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the result confirmed GO/MnO2/GCE had an excellent electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the important factors affecting on the sensor sensitivity, including pH value, deposition potential, deposition time and material proportion were systematically investigated using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The interferences from other ions on the target ion have also been discussed in this study. Under the optimal conditions, the GO/MnO2/GCE exhibited the linear ranges of 0.05 ∼ 1 μM for Cu(II) and Pb(II) with the detection limits of 1.67 nM and 3.33 nM, respectively, which was much lower than some electrochemical methods in reported literatures. The work provides a novel, simple and fast method for the simultaneous determination of Cu(II) and Pb(II).
Thiazolothiazole‐Based Fluorescence Probe towards Detection of Copper and Iron Ions through Formation of Radical Cations
Authors: Sathiyan Govindasamy , Chatterjee Shovon , Sen Pratik , Garg Ashish , Gupta Raju Kumar , Singh Anand
Published: October 2019

This work describes the design and synthesis of fluorescent triphenylamine‐thiazolothiazole based donor‐acceptor‐donor chemosensor 4,4′‐(thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐2,5‐diyl)bis(N,N‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)aniline) (TTz‐1). TTz‐1 exhibited positive solvatochromism effect in the excited state due to its strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) properties. Potential application of TTz‐1 toward metal ion detection were explored systematically. It was established that the addition of Cu(ClO4)2 . 6H2O into TTz‐1 resulted in near‐infrared (NIR) colorimetric and fluorescent quenching allowing for Cu2+ detection. EPR studies indicate that formation of radical cation occurs when Cu2+ and TTz‐1 interact. TTz‐1 was also able to detect Fe3+ employing a color change from orange to colourless (fluorescent). It was observed that the TTz‐1 emission peak at 567 nm was quenched after addition of Cu2+ and Fe3+ metal ions. Electrochemical analysis showed that LUMO values of the TTz‐1 decreased after addition of Fe3+ and Cu2+. The limits of detection (LOD) for Cu2+ and Fe3+ detection by TTz‐1 were found to be 0.30 μM and 0.29 μM, respectively. These results suggest that the TTz‐1 is a highly selective and sensitive sensor for the detection of Cu2+ or Fe3+ ions.
Wafer‐Scale Synthesis of Graphene on Sapphire: Toward Fab‐Compatible Graphene
Authors: Mishra Neeraj , Forti Stiven , Fabbri Filippo , Martini Leonardo , McAleese Clifford , Conran Ben R. , Whelan Patrick R. , Shivayogimath Abhay , Jessen Bjarke S. , Buß Lars , Falta Jens , Aliaj Ilirjan , Roddaro Stefano , Flege Jan I. , Bøggild Peter , Teo Kenneth B. K. , Coletti Camilla
Published: October 2019

The adoption of graphene in electronics, optoelectronics, and photonics is hindered by the difficulty in obtaining high‐quality material on technologically relevant substrates, over wafer‐scale sizes, and with metal contamination levels compatible with industrial requirements. To date, the direct growth of graphene on insulating substrates has proved to be challenging, usually requiring metal‐catalysts or yielding defective graphene. In this work, a metal‐free approach implemented in commercially available reactors to obtain high‐quality monolayer graphene on c‐plane sapphire substrates via chemical vapor deposition is demonstrated. Low energy electron diffraction, low energy electron microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements identify the Al‐rich reconstruction ° of sapphire to be crucial for obtaining epitaxial graphene. Raman spectroscopy and electrical transport measurements reveal high‐quality graphene with mobilities consistently above 2000 cm2 V−1 s−1. The process is scaled up to 4 and 6 in. wafers sizes and metal contamination levels are retrieved to be within the limits for back‐end‐of‐line integration. The growth process introduced here establishes a method for the synthesis of wafer‐scale graphene films on a technologically viable basis.
Environmentally Robust Memristor Enabled by Lead‐Free Double Perovskite for High‐Performance Information Storage
Authors: Cheng Xue‐Feng , Qian Wen‐Hu , Wang Jia , Yu Chuang , He Jing‐Hui , Li Hua , Xu Qing‐Feng , Chen Dong‐Yun , Li Na‐Jun , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: October 2019

Memristors are emerging as a rising star of new computing and information storage techniques. However, the practical applications are severely challenged by their instability toward harsh conditions, including high moisture, high temperatures, fire, ionizing irradiation, and mechanical bending. In this work, for the first time, lead‐free double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 is utilized for environmentally robust memristors, enabling highly efficient information storage. The memory performance of the typical indium‐tin‐oxide/Cs2AgBiBr6/Au sandwich‐like memristors is retained after 1000 switching cycles, 105 s of reading, and 104 times of mechanical bending, comparable to other halide perovskite memristors. Most importantly, the memristive behavior remains robust in harsh environments, including humidity up to 80%, temperatures as high as 453 K, an alcohol burner flame for 10 s, and 60Co γ‐ray irradiation for a dosage of 5 × 105 rad (SI), which is not achieved by any other memristors and commercial flash memory techniques. The realization of an environmentally robust memristor from Cs2AgBiBr6 with a high memory performance will inspire further development of robust electronics using lead‐free double perovskites.
Electronic Structures and Catalytic Activities of Niobium Oxides as Electrocatalysts in Liquid‐Junction Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Yun Sining , Si Yiming , Shi Jing , Zhang Taihong , Hou Yuzhi , Liu Hang , Meng Sheng , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: October 2019

Two types of nanosized niobium oxides and their composites, pseudohexagonal Nb2O5 (TT‐Nb2O5), monoclinic NbO2 (M‐NbO2), and the coexistence of TT‐Nb2O5 and M‐NbO2 (TT‐Nb2O5/M‐NbO2), are successfully synthesized through the urea‐metal chloride route, and they exhibit excellent catalytic activity and photovoltaic performance in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). First‐principles density function theory (DFT) calculations show that their catalytic activity is significantly influenced by their intrinsic electronic structures and properties. The lone‐pair 4d1 electrons of Nb4+ in M‐NbO2 enhance the Nb–I interaction and promote electron transfer from the M‐NbO2 counter electrode (CE) to I, thus resulting in superior catalytic properties in M‐NbO2‐based DSSCs. In addition, the adsorption energy of I on the M‐NbO2 surface is in the optimal energy range of 0.3—1.2 eV, and the Fermi level of M‐NbO2 is 0.6 eV, which is higher than the I3− reduction reaction potential, and I3− can be spontaneously reduced to 3I−. Herein, a general strategy for understanding the electronic structures and catalytic activities of transition metal compounds as CE catalysts for DSSCs is provided.
Appropriate spring stiffness models for the end supports of bolted angle compression members
Authors: Kettler Markus , Unterweger Harald , Harringer Thomas
Published: October 2019

Selected, extended paper from the SDSS 2019 special session ECCS/TC8 – Structural Stability

Preliminary numerical and experimental investigations by the authors have highlighted the fact that the stiffness of the rotational restraints at the gusset plates near the ends of members are crucial for the prediction of the compression member capacities of bolted angles. Consequently, analytical models for estimating appropriate spring stiffness values have been developed for several practical applications in buildings and two‐bolt connections at both ends of a member. The connection details investigated comprise a simply fixed gusset plate, a connection to the flange of an I‐shaped section and a connection to the web of an I‐shaped section via a gusset plate. In this paper, the formulae developed are presented alongside the detailed background to their derivation. The stiffness values formulated can in future be used to improve the accuracy of the prediction of the compression member capacities of single steel angles with bolted end connections.
Self‐centering viscoelastic diagonal brace for the outrigger of supertall buildings: Development and experiment investigation
Authors: Lu Xiao , Lv Zekai , Lv Quanlin
Published: October 2019

This paper aims to improve the seismic performance of outriggers within supertall buildings and eliminate the defects of obvious degradation of stiffness, low energy dissipation capacity, and large residual deformation after the buckling of traditional diagonal members by presenting a new type of outrigger. The traditional profiled steel diagonal member is replaced with a self‐centering viscoelastic diagonal brace (SC‐VEDB) in the proposed outrigger, providing enhanced energy dissipation and self‐centering capacity. The new SC‐VEDB is composed of the inner and outer steel tubes, viscoelastic materials, and prestressed tendons. Energy dissipation capacity is produced by the shear deformation of viscoelastic materials, whereas prestressed tendons provide the self‐centering capacity. The working mechanism of SC‐VEDB is first theoretically analyzed. Following this, two specimens with a length of 2.2 m were designed, fabricated, and tested under low cyclic reversed loadings within different frequencies and pretension forces. The results confirm that the hysteretic curve of SC‐VEDB has a typical flag shape, which imparts the stable stiffness, good energy dissipation, and self‐centering capacities. The activation force of SC‐VEDB is mainly determined by the initial pretension force, and the post‐activation stiffness predominantly depends on the stiffness of the prestressed tendons. Moreover, SC‐VEDB has better repairability, and the initial hysteretic behavior of the component can be quickly recovered by replacing the damaged prestressed tendons. A refined finite element model for SC‐VEDB is established to predict its hysteretic behavior, and the numerical simulation corresponds well with the experimental results. The maximum relative error of the initial elastic stiffness and ultimate strength is approximately 4.6% and 1.3%, respectively, which verifies the accuracy of the SC‐VEDB numerical simulation method.
Resolution of plaque-type psoriasis: what is left behind (and reinitiates the disease)
Authors: Benezeder Theresa , Wolf Peter
Published: October 2019

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that involves numerous types of immune cells and cytokines resulting in an inflammatory feedback loop and hyperproliferation of the epidermis. A more detailed understanding of the underlying pathophysiology has revolutionized anti-psoriatic treatment and led to the development of various new drugs targeting key inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A and IL-23. Successfully treated psoriatic lesions often resolve completely, leaving nothing visible to the naked eye. However, such lesions tend to recur within months at the exact same body sites. What is left behind at the cellular and molecular levels that potentially reinitiates psoriasis? Here, we elucidate the cellular and molecular “scar” and its imprints left after clinical resolution of psoriasis treated with anti-TNFα, anti-IL-17, or anti-IL-23 antibodies or phototherapy. Hidden cytokine stores and remaining tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) might hold the clue for disease recurrence.
General treatment principles for fracture-related infection: recommendations from an international expert group
Authors:   On behalf of the Fracture-Related Infection (FRI) group, Metsemakers Willem-Jan , Morgenstern Mario , Senneville Eric , Borens Olivier , Govaert Geertje A. M. , Onsea Jolien , Depypere Melissa , Richards R. Geoff , Trampuz Andrej , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Kates Stephen L. , Raschke Michael , McNally Martin A. , Obremskey William T.
Published: October 2019

Fracture-related infection (FRI) remains a challenging complication that creates a heavy burden for orthopaedic trauma patients, their families and treating physicians, as well as for healthcare systems. Standardization of the diagnosis of FRI has been poor, which made the undertaking and comparison of studies difficult. Recently, a consensus definition based on diagnostic criteria for FRI was published. As a well-established diagnosis is the first step in the treatment process of FRI, such a definition should not only improve the quality of published reports but also daily clinical practice. The FRI consensus group recently developed guidelines to standardize treatment pathways and outcome measures. At the center of these recommendations was the implementation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. If such a team is not available, it is recommended to refer complex cases to specialized centers where a MDT is available and physicians are experienced with the treatment of FRI. This should lead to appropriate use of antimicrobials and standardization of surgical strategies. Furthermore, an MDT could play an important role in host optimization. Overall two main surgical concepts are considered, based on the fact that fracture fixation devices primarily target fracture consolidation and can be removed after healing, in contrast to periprosthetic joint infection were the implant is permanent. The first concept consists of implant retention and the second consists of implant removal (healed fracture) or implant exchange (unhealed fracture). In both cases, deep tissue sampling for microbiological examination is mandatory. Key aspects of the surgical management of FRI are a thorough debridement, irrigation with normal saline, fracture stability, dead space management and adequate soft tissue coverage. The use of local antimicrobials needs to be strongly considered. In case of FRI, empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy should be started after tissue sampling. Thereafter, this needs to be adapted according to culture results as soon as possible. Finally, a minimum follow-up of 12 months after cessation of therapy is recommended. Standardized patient outcome measures purely focusing on FRI are currently not available but the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) seems to be the preferred tool to assess the patients’ short and long-term outcome. This review summarizes the current general principles which should be considered during the whole treatment process of patients with FRI based on recommendations from the FRI Consensus Group.

Level of evidence: Level V.
Effects of different land-use systems (grazing and understory cultivation) on growth and yield of semi-arid oak coppices
Authors: Soltani Ali , Sadeghi Kaji Hamdollah , Kahyani Saleh
Published: October 2019

The present study examines the extent of negative effects of traditional multiple land-use systems on oak coppices, from a forest management point of view. The study area was located in approximately 10,000 ha of hilly Brant’s oak (Quercus brantiiLindl.) woodlands in the central Zagros Mountains. In the same site-quality class, three land-use systems were compared: simple coppice (Co), coppice in conjunction with small ruminant grazing (CoG), and coppice with understory rain-fed wheat cultivation plus grazing (CoCG). Data on total wood volume of trunk and major branches, and annual ring growth, were collected and analyzed from 74 stands in 15 coppiced woodland patches. The results showed the advantage of Co over CoG and CoCG land-uses by 43 and 60 m3of mean accumulated wood volume per hectare, respectively. The diameter growth analysis also revealed an annual increase in wood production of trees in Co land-uses over 43 years, with an exception of the recent decade, when growth coincided with a severe drought. Using a back-extrapolation method, the minimum rotation age of woodlands in Co land-use was found to be 23.6 years, 5 and 7 years shorter than those of CoG and CoCG land-uses, respectively. Unlike CoCG, woodlands located in Co and CoG land-use systems demonstrated a high level of agreement with self-thinning rule of − 3/2. Values for the stand density index for coppiced oak woodlands were between more than 1000 for the least disturbed (Co) and less than 400 for the most disturbed woodlands (CoCG). The structure and growth rate of the coppiced oak woodlands were irreversibly disrupted by understory tillage plus grazing and in less extent by grazing alone. It was concluded that ending undergrowth cultivation in semi-arid oak coppices should be addressed as a priority by adopting minimum regulations.
Environmental beliefs and their role in environmental behaviours of undergraduate students
Authors: Inkpen Robert , Baily Brian
Published: October 2019

A survey of the environmental world-views of undergraduate students found that their views of the environment could be reduced, as had been found by Price et al. (J Environ Psychol, 37, 8–20 2014) into the ‘as elastic’ and the ‘environment as ductile’. The ‘environment as elastic’ summarizes a range of views that focus on the unpredictable nature of the environment and its ability to recover from the impact of human activities. Unlike Price et al. (J Environ Psychol, 37, 8–20 2014), however, the basis of the ‘environment as elastic’ view is solidly based on a fatalistic/non-fatalistic world-view of this age group. The survey suggests that the likelihood of individuals demonstrating environmentally aware behaviour was strongly correlated with their environmental world-view and how their general ideological word views is conditioned by their political alignment. There was, however, a limited range of behaviours that even environmentally aware undergraduates were prepared to take now and into the future and these were correlated with their concern to adopt what might be considered to be conveniently successful life styles.
Evaluating Disaster Damages and Operational Status of Health-Care Facilities During the Emergency Response Phase of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
Authors: Irvin-Barnwell E.A. , Cruz M. , Maniglier-Poulet C. , Cabrera J. , Rivera Diaz J. , De La Cruz Perez R. , Forrester C. , Shumate A. , Mutter J. , Graziano L. , Rivera Gonzalez L. , Malilay J. , Raheem M.
Published: October 2019

On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico as a category 4 storm, resulting in serious widespread impact across the island, including communication and power outages, water systems impairment, and damage to life-saving infrastructure. In collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Health, the Public Health Branch (PHB), operating under the Department of Health and Human Services Incident Response Coordination Team, was tasked with completing assessments of health-care facilities in Puerto Rico to determine infrastructure capabilities and post-hurricane capacity. Additionally, in response to significant data entry and presentation needs, the PHB leadership worked with the Puerto Rico Planning Board to develop and test a new app-based infrastructure capacity assessment tool. Assessments of hospitals were initiated September 28, 2017, and completed November 10, 2017 (n= 64 hospitals, 97%). Assessments of health-care centers were initiated on October 7, 2017, with 186 health-care centers (87%) assessed through November 18, 2017. All hospitals had working communications; however, 9% (n= 17) of health-care centers reported no communication capabilities. For the health-care centers, 114 (61%) reported they were operational but had sustainment needs. In conclusion, health-care facility assessments indicated structural damage issues and operational capacity decreases, while health-care centers reported loss of communication capabilities post-Hurricane Maria.
High-resolution correlation of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (Silurian) across the interior of the Midland Platform (Avalonia), UK
Authors: Ray David C. , Jarochowska Emilia , Röstel Philipp , Worton Graham , Munnecke Axel , Wheeley James R. , Boomer Ian
Published: October 2019

New δ13Ccarb and microfacies data from Hereford–Worcestershire and the West Midlands allow for a detailed examination of variations in the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (Silurian) and depositional environment within the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation of the Midland Platform (Avalonia), UK. These comparisons have been aided by a detailed sequence-stratigraphic and bentonite correlation framework. Microfacies analysis has identified regional differences in relative sea-level change and indicates an overall shallowing of the carbonate platform interior from Hereford–Worcestershire to the West Midlands. Based upon the maximum δ13Ccarb values for the lower and upper peaks of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (CIE), the shallower depositional setting of the West Midlands is associated with values that are 0.7 ‰ and 0.8 ‰ higher than in Hereford–Worcestershire. At the scale of parasequences the effect of depositional environment upon δ13Ccarb values can also be observed, with a conspicuous offset in the position of the trough in δ13Ccarb values between the peaks of the Homerian CIE. This offset can be accounted for by differences in relative sea-level change and carbonate production rates. While such differences complicate the use of CIEs as a means of high-resolution correlation, and caution against correlations based purely upon the isotopic signature, it is clear that a careful analysis of the depositional environment can account for such differences and thereby improve the use of carbon isotopic curves as a means of correlation.
Prevalence of undernutrition in Bangladeshi children
Authors: Rahman Md. Sazedur , Rahman Md. Ashfikur , Maniruzzaman Md. , Howlader Md. Hasan
Published: October 2019

Child undernutrition is a major public health problem throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for acute undernutrition among under-5 children in Bangladesh. Data were taken from the nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic Health and Survey conducted in 2014. The study sample comprised 7131 under-5 children. Of these, 4.6% were found to be severely wasted (Z-score < −3.0), 11.1% moderately wasted (−3.0≤Z-score < −2.0) and 84.3% adequately nourished (Z-score ≥−2.0). Chi-squared analysis was used to investigate the association between child nutrition status and selected covariates. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to identify the risk factors for acute undernutrition. The selected factors division, place of residence, sex of child, place of delivery, child age, respiratory illness, size at birth, measles vaccination, fever, diarrhoea, maternal BMI, maternal education, paternal occupation, wealth index and household toilet facilities were found to be highly significant (p< 0.05) in the analysis. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that residence in Barisal and Chittagong divisions, a smaller than average size at birth and low maternal BMI (≤18.50 kg/m2) were significant determinants of both moderate and severe acute undernutrition among under-5 children in Bangladesh.
Genetic and environmental contributions to diagnostic fluctuation in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Yao Shuyang , Larsson Henrik , Norring Claes , Birgegård Andreas , Lichtenstein Paul , DʼOnofrio Brian M. , Almqvist Catarina , Thornton Laura M. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Kuja-Halkola Ralf
Published: October 2019

Background

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are two severe eating disorders associated with high premature mortality, suicidal risk and serious medical complications. Transition between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa over the illness course and familial co-aggregation of the two eating disorders imply aetiological overlap. However, genetic and environmental liabilities to the overlap are poorly understood. Quantitative genetic research using clinical diagnosis is needed.

Methods

We acquired a clinical diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (prevalence = 0.90%) and bulimia nervosa (prevalence = 0.48%) in a large population-based sample (N = 782 938) of randomly selected full-sisters and maternal half-sisters born in Sweden between 1970 and 2005. Structural equation modelling was applied to quantify heritability of clinically diagnosed anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and the contributions of genetic and environmental effects on their overlap.

Results

The heritability of clinically diagnosed anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa was estimated at 43% [95% confidence interval (CI) (36–50%)] and 41% (31–52%), respectively, in the study population, with the remaining variance explained by variance in unique environmental effects. We found statistically significant genetic [0.66, 95% CI (0.49–0.82)] and unique environmental correlations [0.55 (0.43–0.66)] between the two clinically diagnosed eating disorders; and their overlap was about equally explained by genetic and unique environmental effects [co-heritability 47% (35–58%)].

Conclusions

Our study supports shared mechanisms for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and extends the literature from self-reported behavioural measures to clinical diagnosis. The findings encourage future molecular genetic research on both eating disorders and emphasize clinical vigilance for symptom fluctuation between them.
The positive end of the polygenic score distribution for ADHD: a low risk or a protective factor?
Authors: Li James J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Polygenic scores (PGS) are widely used to characterize genetic liability for heritable mental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about the effects of a low burden of genetic liability for ADHD, including whether this functions as a low risk or protective factor for ADHD and related functional outcomes in later life. The current study examines the association of low ADHD PGS and functional outcomes in adulthood.

Methods

Participants were from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) (N = 7088; mean age = 29, s.d. = 1.74). ADHD PGS was computed from an existing genome-wide association study, and adult functional outcomes, including cognition, educational attainment, mental health, and physical health were assessed during in-home interviews.

Results

Individuals at the lowest end of the ADHD PGS distribution (i.e. lowest 20th percentile) had the lowest probabilities of ADHD, exhibiting a 17–19% reduction in risk for ADHD relative to the observed 8.3% prevalence rate of ADHD in Add Health. Furthermore, individuals with low ADHD PGS had higher cognitive performance, greater levels of educational attainment, and lower BMI relative to individuals representing the rest of the ADHD PGS distribution, including those who were in the medium and high-PGS groups.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that psychiatric PGS likely capture far more than just the risk and the absence of risk for a psychiatric outcome; where one lies along the PGS distribution may predict diverging functional consequences, for better and for worse.
Burden and health state utility values of eating disorders: results from a population-based survey
Authors: Le Long Khanh-Dao , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Engel Lidia , Touyz Stephen , González-Chica David Alejandro , Stocks Nigel , Hay Phillipa
Published: October 2019

Background

There are no published estimates of the health state utility values (HSUVs) for a broad range of eating disorders (EDs). HSUVs are used in economic evaluations to determine quality-adjusted life years or as a measure of disorder burden. The main objective of the current study is to present HSUVs for a broad range of EDs based on DSM-5 diagnoses.

Methods

We used pooled data of two Health Omnibus Surveys (2015 and 2016) including representative samples of individuals aged 15 + years living in South Australia. HSUVs were derived from the SF-6D (based on the SF-12 health-related quality of life questionnaire) and analysed by ED classification, ED symptoms (frequency of binge-eating or distress associated to binge eating) and weight status. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for socio-demographics, were used to test the differences of HSUVs across ED groups.

Results

Overall, 18% of the 5609 individuals met criteria for ED threshold and subthreshold. EDs were associated with HSUV decrements, especially if they were severe disorders (compared to non-ED), binge ED: −0.16 (95% CI −0.19 to −0.13), bulimia nervosa: −0.12, (95% CI −0.16 to −0.08). There was an inverse relationship between distress related binge eating and HSUVs. HSUVs were lower among people with overweight/obese compared to those with healthy weight regardless of ED diagnosis.

Conclusions

EDs were significantly associated with lower HSUVs compared to people without such disorders. This study, therefore, provides new insights into the burden of EDs. The derived HSUVs can also be used to populate future economic models.
Survey on Aerial Manipulator: System, Modeling, and Control
Authors: Meng Xiangdong , He Yuqing , Han Jianda
Published: October 2019

The aerial manipulator is a special and new type of flying robot composed of a rotorcraft unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a/several manipulator/s. It has gained a lot of attention since its initial appearance in 2010. This is mainly because it enables traditional UAVs to conduct versatile manipulating tasks from air, considerably enriching their applications. In this survey, a complete and systematic review of related research on this topic is conducted. First, various types of structure designs of aerial manipulators are listed out. Subsequently, the modeling and control methods are introduced in detail from the perspective of two types of typical application cases: free-flight and motion-restricted operations. Finally, challenges for future research are presented.
Female Breadwinners in State Socialism: The Value of Women's Work for Wages in Post-Stalinist Poland
Authors: Jarska Natalia
Published: October 2019

This article examines popular opinion about women's wage work in the late 1950s and early 1960s in Poland, using letters to institutions and sociological research from this period. It introduces the notion of female breadwinning as a useful category to describe the understanding of women's wage work under state socialism. Opinions on women's wage work varied, but all of them were based on gender assumptions. Women's and men's work were valued differently. Men's work had an indisputable, independent position. Women's work was evaluated in the context of family. Women could be breadwinners, but not equal to male ones; their wage work was perceived as secondary.
Performance and Symptom Validity Assessment in Patients with Apathy and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Dandachi-FitzGerald Brechje , Duits Annelien A. , Leentjens Albert F.G. , Verhey Frans R.J. , Ponds Rudolf W.H.M.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Performance and symptom validity tests (PVTs and SVTs) measure the credibility of the assessment results. Cognitive impairment and apathy potentially interfere with validity test performance and may thus lead to an incorrect (i.e., false-positive) classification of the patient’s scores as non-credible. The study aimed at examining the false-positive rate of three validity tests in patients with cognitive impairment and apathy.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, comparative study was performed in 56 patients with dementia, 41 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 41 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Two PVTs – the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and the Dot Counting Test (DCT) – and one SVT – the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS) – were administered. Apathy was measured with the Apathy Evaluation Scale, and severity of cognitive impairment with the Mini Mental State Examination.

Results:

The failure rate was 13.7% for the TOMM, 23.8% for the DCT, and 12.5% for the SIMS. Of the patients with data on all three tests (n = 105), 13.5% failed one test, 2.9% failed two tests, and none failed all three. Failing the PVTs was associated with cognitive impairment, but not with apathy. Failing the SVT was related to apathy, but not to cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

In patients with cognitive impairment or apathy, failing one validity test is not uncommon. Validity tests are differentially sensitive to cognitive impairment and apathy. However, the rule that at least two validity tests should be failed to identify non-credibility seemed to ensure a high percentage of correct classification of credibility.
The Pennsylvania Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (PALSPAC) Twin Registry
Authors: Ramos Amanda M. , Chen Tong , Hatemi Peter K. , Cleveland H. Harrington , Neiderhiser Jenae M.
Published: October 2019

The Pennsylvania Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children Twin Registry was developed to capture a representative sample of multiple births and their parents in the state of Pennsylvania. The registry has two main efforts. The first began in 2012 through recruitment of adolescents in Pennsylvania schools. The second effort began in January 2019 in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to capture the birth cohort of twins born from 2007 to 2017. Study recruitment, sample demographics, focus and measures are provided, as well as future directions.
Interpretation of Gas Hydrate Province Supported by Petrophysical Analyses: Mississippi Fan, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Madof Andrew S. , Baumgardner Sarah E. , Laugier Fabien J. , Haataja Joshua I.
Published: October 2019

A vast accumulation of high‐saturation gas hydrates has been hypothesized to be present in the central Gulf of Mexico; the interpretation was based on seismic travel time deficits underlying high velocity Pleistocene coarse‐grained turbidites. While these deposits could represent one of the largest‐known gas hydrate reservoirs, some workers have concluded that lithologic contrasts are instead the primary cause of observed velocity pull‐ups. Here, using cuttings and core, well logs, and seismic data from the Mississippi Fan, we demonstrate that lithologic differences can account for a maximum of ~6–33% of the total observed travel time deficits. This conclusion supports the previous interpretation of a gas hydrate province, provides a basis for distinguishing the cause of velocity pull‐ups, and suggests that the future of gas hydrate exploration should continue to include the coarsest‐grained component of the Earth's largest near‐seafloor submarine fans.
Childhood trauma, life-time self-harm, and suicidal behaviour and ideation are associated with polygenic scores for autism
Authors: Warrier Varun , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: October 2019

Autistic individuals experience significantly elevated rates of childhood trauma, self-harm and suicidal behaviour and ideation (SSBI). Is this purely the result of negative environmental experiences, or does this interact with genetic predisposition? In this study we investigated if a genetic predisposition for autism is associated with childhood trauma using polygenic scores (PGS) and genetic correlations in the UK Biobank (105,222 < N < 105,638), and tested potential mediators and moderators of the association between autism, childhood trauma and SSBI. Autism PGS were significantly associated with childhood trauma (max R2 = 0.096%, P < 2 × 10−16), self-harm ideation (max R2 = 0.108%, P < 2 × 10−16), and self-harm (max R2 = 0.13%, P < 2 × 10−16). Supporting this, we identified significant genetic correlations between autism and childhood trauma (rg = 0.36 ± 0.05, P = 8.13 × 10−11), self-harm ideation (rg = 0.49 ± 0.05, P = 4.17 × 10−21) and self-harm (rg = 0.48 ± 0.05, P = 4.58 × 10−21), and an over-transmission of PGS for the two SSBI phenotypes from parents to autistic probands. Male sex negatively moderated the effect of autism PGS on childhood trauma (β = −0.023 ± 0.005, P = 6.74 × 10−5). Further, childhood trauma positively moderated the effect of autism PGS on self-harm score (β = 8.37 × 10−3 ± 2.76 × 10−3, P = 2.42 × 10−3) and self-harm ideation (β = 7.47 × 10−3 ± 2.76 × 10−3, P = 6.71 × 10−3). Finally, depressive symptoms, quality and frequency of social interactions, and educational attainment were significant mediators of the effect of autism PGS on SSBI, with the proportion of effect mediated ranging from 0.23 (95% CI: 0.09–0.32) for depression to 0.008 (95% CI: 0.004–0.01) for educational attainment. Our findings identify that a genetic predisposition for autism is associated with adverse life-time outcomes, which represent complex gene-environment interactions, and prioritizes potential mediators and moderators of this shared biology. It is important to identify sources of trauma for autistic individuals in order to reduce their occurrence and impact.
Prognostic relevance of the Golgi mannosidase MAN1A1 in ovarian cancer: impact of N-glycosylation on tumour cell aggregation
Authors: Hamester Fabienne , Legler Karen , Wichert Beatrice , Kelle Nicole , Eylmann Kathrin , Rossberg Maila , Ding Yi , Kürti Sascha , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Milde-Langosch Karin , Oliveira-Ferrer Leticia
Published: October 2019

Background

Maturation of complex N-glycans involves the action of Golgi mannosidases and plays a major role in cancer progression. We recently showed a favourable prognostic role of α-mannosidase MAN1A1 in breast cancer mainly caused by alteration of certain adhesion molecules.

Methods

We analysed the protein expression of MAN1A1 in ovarian cancer (n = 204) using western blot and studied the impact of MAN1A1 itself and of MAN1A1-related glycosylation on the prognostic relevance of two adhesion molecules. Functional consequences of mannosidase inhibition using kifunensine and MAN1A1 knock out were investigated in ovarian cancer cells in vitro.

Results

Patients with high MAN1A1 expression in tumours showed significantly shorter RFS than those with low-MAN1A1 levels. Moreover, high MAN1A1 expression correlated significantly with advanced stage, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. Further, the glycosylated adhesion molecule ALCAM reveals a significant adverse prognostic effect only in the presence of high MAN1A1 expression. In spheroid-formation assays, mannosidase inhibition and especially MAN1A1 knock out led to strong reduction of tumour cell aggregation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the unfavourable prognostic role of MAN1A1 in ovarian cancer, probably caused by an altered ability of spheroid formation, and the strong influence of this glycosylation enzyme on the prognostic impact of ALCAM.
Author Correction: Quantitative vessel tortuosity: A potential CT imaging biomarker for distinguishing lung granulomas from adenocarcinomas
Authors: Alilou Mehdi , Orooji Mahdi , Beig Niha , Prasanna Prateek , Rajiah Prabhakar , Donatelli Christopher , Velcheti Vamsidhar , Rakshit Sagar , Yang Michael , Jacono Frank , Gilkeson Robert , Linden Philip , Madabhushi Anant
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.