bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Medicine Oral Case Presentations: Evaluation of a Novel Curriculum
Authors: Wawrykow Teresa M. J. , McColl Tamara , Velji Alkarim , Chan Ming‐Ka
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Oral case presentation (OCP) is recognized as a central educational and patient care activity, yet has not been well studied in the emergency medicine (EM) setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel curriculum on medical students’ EM‐OCP skills.

Methods

An EM‐OCP assessment tool and novel blended curriculum were developed based on results from a Canadian survey of emergency physicians and focus groups with key stakeholders. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 96 clerkship students between 2017 and 2018. Students were randomly assigned into an intervention group where they completed a novel EM‐OCP curriculum or a control group without the curriculum. A pretest baseline assessment of students’ OCP skills was performed using a standardized patient case at the beginning of their EM rotation. Similarly, all students completed a posttest assessment with a different standardized patient case at the end of their 6‐week EM rotation. Audio recordings of pre‐ and posttests were assessed using the EM‐OCP assessment tool by two blinded assessors.

Results

Using the Kruskal‐Wallis test, all students demonstrated improvement in EM‐OCP skills between their pretest and posttest; however, those who received the curriculum (intervention group) showed significantly greater improvement in “synthesis of information,” “management,” and “overall entrustment decision” scores.

Conclusions

Implementation of a novel EM‐OCP curriculum resulted in improved clinical reasoning and higher entrustment scores. This curriculum could improve OCP performance not only in EM settings but also across specialties where medical students and residents manage critically ill patients.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cascade Radical Cyclization of 1,6‐Enynes with Br−CX3: Access to Bromine‐Containing Trihalomethylated Pyrrolidines
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Chen Chen , Zhao Jinghui , Liu Guiyan
Published: November 2019

We describe a novel rhodium(I)‐catalyzed cascade radical cyclization of 1,6‐enynes with Br−CX3 (X=Cl,Br). This transformation presents an efficient method for the construction of a variety of bromine‐containing trihalomethylated pyrrolidines in moderate to good yields. A possible radical pathway is proposed based on the relevant literature and control experiments. Moreover, this protocol is also applicable to 1,7‐enyne analogues.
Relation between cross‐sectional bone geometry and double zonal osteon frequency and morphology
Authors: Raguin Emeline , Drapeau Michelle S. M.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

While double‐zonal osteons (DZ) are characterized by a hyper‐mineralized ring inside their lamellae, recent findings suggest that this ring is also defined by a change in the collagen fibers' orientation. Collagen and minerals are essential components to the maintenance of adequate bone strength and their alteration can modify the mechanical properties of the bone tissue. Consequently, the aim of this study is to explore the effect of past loads, as estimated from cross‐sectional geometric properties, on the formation of DZ osteons compared to type I (common) osteons.

Materials and Methods

The sample consists of paired humerus and femur midshaft sections (n = 23) of Eurocanadian settlers from the historical St. Matthew cemetery, Quebec City (1771–1860). Histomorphometric variables included in this study are osteon density for DZ and type I osteons (DZD; OPD), osteon area (DZOn.Ar; On. Ar), Haversian canal area (DZH.Ar; H.Ar), and the area within the hypermineralized ring (HR. Ar). Loading history is estimated from cross‐sectional properties including the following variable: cortical and total area (CA, TA), maximum and minimum second moment of area (Imax, Imin) and polar moment of area (J).

Results

When the humerus and femur of the same individuals are compared, the femur has a higher OPD, DZD, and relative DZD (DZD/OPD). DZ osteons have a smaller area and Haversian canal area compared to type I osteons. The area within the hypermineralized ring in DZ is higher than the Haversian canal area of the type I osteons. Correlations between the residual scores of the regression of histomorphometric variables and cross‐sectional properties of the humerus on the femur were not significant.

Discussion

Based on the analysis of the entire cross‐section, the lack of correlation between variations in cross‐sectional properties and remodeling combined with the significant differences between humeri and femura suggests that the creation of DZ or type I osteons in the bone tissue might be due to a bone specific response, possibly related to differences in bone tissue age that needs to be further investigated. Definitive conclusion regarding biomechanical loads still seem to be premature as regional variations associated with mechanical properties remain to be explored.
Variation in chewing efficiency of Yakushima Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui)
Authors: He Tianmeng , Honda Takeaki , Kurihara Yosuke , Thiery Ghislain
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Chewing efficiency plays an important role in the survival and distribution of primates. Yet, little is known about the intra‐specific variation of chewing efficiency. The purpose of this study is to report the pattern of seasonal and regional variation in chewing efficiency among Yakushima Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui).

Materials and Methods

Fecal samples of Yakushima Japanese macaques were collected from lowland, highland and summit areas in Yakushima between July 2015 and March 2016 (n = 236). Using sieving analysis, we compared fecal particle size (dMEAN) and proportion of finest particles p(0) between different geographical areas and seasons.

Results

Seasonally, in the lowland zone, there was a non‐significant decrease in dMEAN during spring, while p(0) was significantly higher during summer than it was during winter and spring. Regionally, dMEAN was higher in the summit zone than it was in other areas during autumn, while p(0) was also higher in the summit zone.

Conclusions

While seasonal variation in dMEAN can be explained by the reported difference in the proportions of food categories in diet between seasons, its influence is mitigated, possibly by the selective feeding of less mechanically challenging parts in each category. Regional variation in dMEAN and p(0) may be the results of bamboo consumption in this area. Combining our data with studies that focus on seasonal and regional variations of food properties or gut microbes might provide a better understanding of the relation between diet, chewing and digestion in Yakushima macaques.
Modeling variation in the growth of wild and captive juvenile vervet monkeys in relation to diet and resource availability
Authors: Jarrett Jonathan D. , Bonnell Tyler , Jorgensen Matthew J. , Schmitt Christopher A. , Young Christopher , Dostie Marcus , Barrett Louise , Henzi Stephanus Peter
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To compare longitudinal weight gain in captive and wild juvenile vervet monkeys and conduct an empirical assessment of different mechanistic growth models.

Methods

Weights were collected from two groups of captive monkeys and two consecutive cohorts of wild monkeys until the end of the juvenile period (~800 days). The captive groups were each fed different diets, while the wild groups experienced different ecological conditions. Three different growth curve models were compared.

Results

By 800 days, the wild juveniles were lighter, with a slower maximum growth rate, and reached asymptote earlier than their captive counterparts. There were overall differences in weight and growth rate across the two wild cohorts. This corresponded to differences in resource availability. There was considerable overlap in growth rate and predicted adult weight of male and females in the first, but not the second, wild cohort. Maternal parity was not influential. While the von Bertalanffy curve provided the best fit to the data sets modeled together, the Logistic curve best described growth in the wild cohorts when considered separately.

Conclusions

The growth curves of the two captive cohorts are likely to lie near the maximum attainable by juvenile vervets. It may be helpful to include deviations from these rates when assessing the performance of wild vervet monkeys. The comparison of wild and captive juveniles confirmed the value of comparing different growth curve models, and an appreciation that the best models may well differ for different populations. Choice of mechanistic growth model can, therefore, be empirically justified, rather than theoretically predetermined.
High glass transition temperature shape‐memory materials: Hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane‐modified cyanate ester
Authors: Li Zhihua , Hu Jiankang , Ma Li , Liu Hongxin
Published: November 2019

Hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HTPDMS) and hydrogenated bisphenol A‐type epoxy resin (AL‐3040) were coreacted with a silane coupling agent (KH‐550) to form an AL‐3040 epoxy resin–HTPDMS block copolymer. Then, the copolymer was used as a compatibilizer to modify cyanate ester with different mass ratios. Subsequently, the blend was cured to form HTPDMS‐modified shape‐memory cyanate ester. The soft Si─O─Si segments of HTPDMS act as a flexible unit that can be grafted with the crosslinked triazine structures of cyanate ester. It was excellent for the toughening modification of cyanate ester. With increasing mass ratio of compatibilizer and cyanate ester, the tensile strength and glass transition temperature (T
g) of HTPDMS‐modified cyanate ester were decreased, whereas impact strength and elongation at break were increased. The shape‐memory tests exhibited that HTPDMS‐modified cyanate ester systems have excellent shape‐memory properties with a shape recovery rate of >96% and shape fixity rate of >97% and a recovery time of less than 110 s. Furthermore, Thermo‐Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) tests showed that HTPDMS‐modified cyanate ester exhibited good thermal stability; the temperature of 10% mass loss was high at 365 °C. The char yield was increased with increasing contents of compatibilizer at 800°C. Therefore, HTPDMS modified cyanate ester exhibited much better heat resistance at high temperature. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48641.
Polyphenol conjugated poly(beta‐amino ester) polymers with hydrogen peroxide triggered degradation and active antioxidant release
Authors: Jordan Carolyn T. , Hilt J. Zach , Dziubla Thomas D.
Published: November 2019

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a primary or secondary player to numerous diseases. A potential approach to control oxidative stress induced diseases is to deliver small antioxidant compounds to compromised sites at equivalent rates of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This becomes a complicated task as antioxidant molecules typically have poor bioavailability and stability. Antioxidants synthesized into poly(beta‐amino ester) (PBAE) crosslinked polymers have shown improved delivery by enhancing stability while allowing controlled release through hydrolysis. The tunable crosslinked networks show significant response to specific oxidizing environments, where free radicals can be present. Curcumin conjugated PBAE bulk films have proportional rates of accelerated degradation, thus faster release of curcumin, in a range of low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), where 2′2‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride has no substantial impact. This effect suggests the possibility to create a system that releases its therapeutic agent in direct relationship to the need through ROS signaling. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48647.
Cellulose nanocrystals as a compatibilizer for improved miscibility of water‐soluble polymer binary blends
Authors: Surov Oleg V. , Voronova Marina I. , Rubleva Natalia V. , Afineevskii Andrei V. , Zakharov Anatoly G.
Published: November 2019

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been studied as compatibilizers for improving the interfacial miscibility of polymer binary blends. Binary blends of water‐soluble polymers–poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(ethylene oxide), and polyvinylpyrrolidone—containing different amounts of CNC (16 and 25 wt %) were prepared by a solution casting method. For the first time, a systematic side‐by‐side comparison between the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the polymer blends reinforced by CNC has been conducted. It has been determined that in the presence of CNC, the degree of crystallinity of the blend components decreased and the miscibility of the blends increased. The blends possess enhanced thermal and mechanical properties as a result of improved miscibility of the blend components. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48662.
Humerus osteology, myology, and finite element structure analysis of Cheloniidae
Authors: Krahl Anna , Lipphaus Andreas , Sander Martin P. , Maffucci Fulvio , Hochscheid Sandra , Witzel Ulrich
Published: November 2019

Adaptation of osteology and myology lead to the formation of hydrofoil foreflippers in Cheloniidae (all recent sea turtles except Dermochelys coriacea) which are used mainly for underwater flight. Recent research shows the biomechanical advantages of a complex system of agonistic and antagonistic tension chords that reduce bending stress in bones. Finite element structure analysis (FESA) of a cheloniid humerus is used to provide a better understanding of morphology and microanatomy and to link these with the main flipper function, underwater flight. Dissection of a Caretta caretta gave insights into lines of action, that is, the course that a muscle takes between its origin and insertion, of foreflipper musculature. Lines of action were determined by spanning physical threads on a skeleton of Chelonia mydas. The right humerus of this skeleton was micro‐CT scanned. Based on the scans, a finite element (FE) model was built and muscle force vectors were entered. Muscle forces were iteratively approximated until a uniform compressive stress distribution was attained. Two load cases, downstroke and upstroke, were computed. We found that muscle wrappings (m. coracobrachialis magnus and brevis, several extensors, humeral head of m. triceps) are crucial in addition to axial loading to obtain homogenous compressive loading in all bone cross‐sections. Detailed knowledge on muscle disposition leads to compressive stress distribution in the FE model which corresponds with the bone microstructure. The FE analysis of the cheloniid humerus shows that bone may be loaded mainly by compression if the bending moments are minimized.
Dasotraline as a selective cytochrome 2B6 inhibitor for reaction phenotyping
Authors: Yang Xin , Ryu Sangwoo , Di Li
Published: November 2019

Reaction phenotyping using human liver microsomes or hepatocytes with chemical inhibitors is one of the most commonly applied methods to assess the fraction metabolized (fm) of drug candidates by enzymes. The fm information is critical to understanding the risk of victim drug–drug interactions in the clinic. Inhibitor selectivity is essential in order to generate reliable data and irreversible inhibitors are often preferred over reversible inhibitors to minimize the impact of inhibitor depletion. Although many selective cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitors are available, the identification of selective CYP2B6 inhibitors has been challenging due to cross inhibition to the other enzymes. In this study, dasotraline was evaluated as a selective inactivator of CYP2B6 under reaction phenotyping conditions with human hepatocytes. The results show that dasotraline is a very selective inactivator for CYP2B6 with minimal inhibition to other enzymes. A concentration of 0.1 μM dasotraline is recommended for reaction phenotyping with a hepatocyte cell density of 0.5 million cells/ml or 0.5 μM for 2 million cells/ml, when using a 15 minute preincubation, as well as the protocol of inactivator removal before the addition of substrates.
Scalable Synthesis of One‐Dimensional Mesoporous ZnMnO3 Nanorods with Ultra‐Stable and High Rate Capability for Efficient Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhang Longhai , Zhang Yanru , Xu Senyang , Zhang Chaofeng , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: November 2019

The cost‐efficient ZnMnO3 has attracted increasing attention as a prospective anode candidate for advanced lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its resourceful abundance, large lithium storage capacity and low operating voltage. However, its practical application is still seriously limited by the modest cycling and rate performances. Herein, a facile design to scalable synthesize unique one‐dimensional (1D) mesoporous ZnMnO3 nanorods (ZMO‐NRs) composed of nanoscale particles (≈11 nm) is reported. The 1D mesoporous structure and nanoscale building blocks of the ZMO‐NRs effectively promote the transport of ions/electrons, accommodate severe volume changes, and expose more active sites for lithium storage. Benefiting from these appealing structural merits, the obtained ZMO‐NRs anode exhibits excellent rate behavior (≈454 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1) and ultra‐long term cyclic performance (≈949.7 mAh g−1 even over 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1) for efficient lithium storage. Additionally, the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2//ZMO‐NRs full cell presents a practical energy density (≈192.2 Wh kg−1) and impressive cyclability with approximately 91 % capacity retention over 110 cycles. This highlights that the ZMO‐NRs product is a highly promising high‐rate and stable electrode candidate towards advanced LIBs in electronic devices and sustainable energy storage applications.
Antibody Conjugation of a Chimeric BET Degrader Enables in vivo Activity
Authors: Pillow Thomas H. , Adhikari Pragya , Blake Robert A. , Chen Jinhua , Del Rosario Geoffrey , Deshmukh Gauri , Figueroa Isabel , Gascoigne Karen E. , Kamath Amrita V. , Kaufman Susan , Kleinheinz Tracy , Kozak Katherine R. , Latifi Brandon , Leipold Douglas D. , Sing Li Chun , Li Ruina , Mulvihill Melinda M. , O'Donohue Aimee , Rowntree Rebecca K. , Sadowsky Jack D. , Wai John , Wang Xinxin , Wu Cong , Xu Zijin , Yao Hui , Yu Shang‐Fan , Zhang Donglu , Zang Richard , Zhang Hongyan , Zhou Hao , Zhu Xiaoyu , Dragovich Peter S.
Published: November 2019

The ability to selectively degrade proteins with bifunctional small molecules has the potential to fundamentally alter therapy in a variety of diseases. However, the relatively large size of these chimeric molecules often results in challenging physico‐chemical properties (e. g., low aqueous solubility) and poor pharmacokinetics which may complicate their in vivo applications. We recently discovered an exquisitely potent chimeric BET degrader (GNE‐987) which exhibited picomolar cell potencies but also demonstrated low in vivo exposures. In an effort to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of this molecule, we discovered the first degrader‐antibody conjugate by attaching GNE‐987 to an anti‐CLL1 antibody via a novel linker. A single IV dose of the conjugate afforded sustained in vivo exposures that resulted in antigen‐specific tumor regressions. Enhancement of a chimeric protein degrader with poor in vivo properties through antibody conjugation thereby expands the utility of directed protein degradation as both a biological tool and a therapeutic possibility.
The functional anatomy of cognitive control: A domain‐general brain network for uncertainty processing
Authors: Wu Tingting , Chen Caiqi , Spagna Alfredo , Wu Xia , Mackie Melissa‐Ann , Russell‐Giller Shira , Xu Pengfei , Luo Yue‐jia , Liu Xun , Hof Patrick R. , Fan Jin
Published: November 2019

Cognitive control is the coordination of mental operations under conditions of uncertainty in accordance with goal‐directed behaviors, and plays a key role in the domains of executive control, working memory, and decision‐making. Although there is emerging evidence of common involvement of the cognitive control network (CCN) of the brain in these domains, this network has mostly been linked to the processing of conflict, which is just one case of an increase in uncertainty. Here, we conducted an activation‐likelihood‐estimation‐based large‐scale meta‐analysis of 289 functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in the three domains to examine the common involvement of the CCN in uncertainty processing by contrasting the high‐uncertainty versus low‐uncertainty conditions. We found a general association between increase in uncertainty and an activation increase in regions of the CCN, including the frontoparietal network (comprising the frontal eye fields, the areas near and along the intraparietal sulcus, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), the cingulo‐opercular network (including the anterior cingulate cortex extending to the supplementary motor area, and the anterior insular cortex), and a subcortical structure (the striatum). These results demonstrate that the CCN is a domain‐general construct underlying uncertainty processing to support goal‐directed behaviors.
2D‐Layered Ni–MgO–Al2O3 Nanosheets for Integrated Capture and Methanation of CO2
Authors: Zhou Zhongjin , Sun Nannan , Wang Baodeng , Han Zhihua , Cao Shicheng , Hu Deng , Zhu Tianyang , Shen Qun , Wei Wei
Published: November 2019

CO2 capture is an enabling technology for carbon conversion and storage; however, the high costs of the process have hindered its large‐scale application so far. Therefore, new approaches for carbon abatement, particularly from diluted sources, are urgently needed. Herein, based on the adsorption and catalysis bifunctionality of 2D‐layered Ni–O–Al2O3 nanosheets, a two‐step “capture and methanation” process is reported for the removal and utilization of CO2, with no additional energy input for desorption being required. Continuous and nearly 100 % capture of CO2 was demonstrated at low temperatures (≤250 °C) and prolonged cycles. At isothermal conditions, the material could be fully regenerated with the production of methane, showing considerably higher time efficiency than temperature‐swing and pressure‐swing technologies. This strategy may pave a new way for CO2 reduction, providing a scalable connection between the power grid and the gas grid when H2 is used.
Phosphoflow cytometry and barcoding in blood platelets: Technical and analytical considerations
Authors: Spurgeon Benjamin E.J. , Naseem Khalid M.
Published: November 2019

Platelet function is regulated by finely tuned phosphoprotein signals. Subtle aberrations in signaling can cause platelet hyperactivity and severe cardiovascular events. Mapping phosphorylation profiles in health and disease could accelerate antiplatelet discovery and enhance cardiovascular management, but traditional assays are ill‐suited to clinical application as they are laborious and low throughput. Recent advances in multiplex flow cytometry (barcoding) allow the rapid acquisition of highly batched samples with standard laboratory equipment. However, many assays have not been standardized, and success is largely dependent on protocol/reagent selection. Accordingly, we review the technical steps that are key to success with an emphasis on fixation, permeabilization, staining, controls, and data visualization.
Evaluation of ultrasonographical and cytological features of thyroid nodules in patients treated with radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism
Authors: Bilginer Muhammet C. , Ozdemir Didem , Seyrek Fatma N. C. , Yildirim Nilufer , Yazgan Aylin K. , Kilic Mehmet , Ersoy Reyhan , Cakir Bekir
Published: November 2019

Background

In this study, we aimed to evaluate ultrasonographical and cytological features of thyroid nodules in patients who were treated with radioactive iodine (RAI) for hyperthyroidism years ago.

Methods

Patients who had a history of RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism and had thyroid nodules that were evaluated with fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were included in the study.

Results

There were 27 patients (22 female and 5 male) with a mean age of 59.3 ± 13.5. The indication for RAI treatment was Graves in 5 (18.6%), toxic nodular or multinodular goiter in 16 (69.2%), and unknown in 6 (22.2%) patients. A total of 48 thyroid nodules were evaluated with FNAB and cytological diagnosis were benign in 24 (50.0%), nondiagnostic in 15 (31.2%), atypia of undetermined significance in 5 (10.4%), suspicous for malignancy in 2 (4.2%), and malignant in 2 (4.2%) nodules. Thyroidectomy was performed in 10 patients, 5 were benign (50.0%), and 5 (50.0%) were malignant histopathologically. Ultrasonography features of 31 cytologically/histopathologically benign and five cytologically/histopathologically malignant nodules were compared. Prevalence of isoechoic nodules was higher in benign nodules (P = .025). Macrocalcification was observed in 4 (80.0%) of malignant and 10 (32.3%) of benign nodules (P = .042).

Conclusion

In patients with a history of RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules with suspicious ultrasonography features, particulary hypoechoic appearence and macrocalcification, should be evaluated with FNAB irrespective of the time elapsed after RAI treatment.
Diagnostic utility of touch imprint cytology for intraoperative assessment of surgical margins and sentinel lymph nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients using four different cytological stains
Authors: Zafar Aiman , Sherlin Herald J. , Jayaraj Gifrina , Ramani Pratibha , Don Kanchi R , Santhanam Archana
Published: November 2019

Background

OSCC is most commonly associated with positive surgical margins. The important cause of loco regional recurrence is histologically positive or closed margins. Clear surgical margins might favor the patient with a better prognosis and prevent repetitive surgeries. The present study was designed to the diagnostic utility of touch imprint (TI) smears using H and E, Pap, Giemsa and Feulgen stains, so that they can be used on a routine basis.

Materials and methods

A total of 720 smears from 130 margins resected from 32 patients who underwent surgical resection of OSCC were prospectively evaluated. The slides were fixed in alcohol and randomly divided into four different batches for staining with H&E, rapid Pap, Giemsa, Feulgen stain. TI of 30 sentinel lymph node were fixed in 95% alcohol, stained by (H&E) and evaluated by two independent observers. The results were compared with gold standard histopathology.

Results

H&E stain showed sensitivity 44%, rapid Pap 35%, Giemsa 29% and Feulgen stain 25%. Positive predictive value—100% for all the four stains. NPV–H&E 70%, Pap 66%, Giemsa 62%, Feulgen 59%. Diagnostic test accuracy of H&E stained smears was higher 72%, compared to Pap 67%. Giemsa 65%, and Feulgen 63%. In lymph nodes, Specificity was 94.74%, PPV 90.91%, NPV 94.74%, diagnostic accuracy 93.33%.

Conclusion

TIC is effective in identifying an inadequate or severe dysplasia margin comparable to gold standard histopathology. It might be used to intraoperatively identify metastases in sentinel lymph nodes in clinically N0 Patients.
Immunopharmacological effect of β‐d‐mannuronic acid (M2000), as a new immunosuppressive drug, on gene expression of miR‐155 and its target molecules (SOCS1, SHIP1) in a clinical trial on rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Mortazavi‐Jahromi Seyed Shahabeddin , Aslani Mona , Omidian Saiedeh , Ahmadzadeh Arman , Rezaieyazdi Zahra , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: November 2019

The positive impacts of β‐d‐mannuronic acid (M2000) on the gene expression of miR‐155, its target molecules (SOCS1 and SHIP1), and NF‐κB transcription factor were demonstrated in a study using the HEK293‐TLR2 cell line. This new drug has been approved as a safe and effective medication by a randomized, multinational, phase III clinical trial on RA patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the oral administration effect of M2000 on the expression levels of the mentioned genes in RA patients. This research was conducted on 12 RA patients and 12 healthy individuals. After extraction of total RNA from PBMCs of patients and synthesis of cDNA, the expression levels of miR‐155, SOCS1, SHIP1, and NF‐κB genes were measured through quantitative Real‐time PCR at baseline and after 12 weeks of M2000 therapy. Our findings showed that the miR‐155 gene expression level significantly decreased in the M2000‐treated patients compared with the baseline (0.76‐fold, with p < .05). The expression levels of SOCS1 and SHIP1 genes significantly increased in the patients treated with M2000 compared with the before treatment (1.46‐, 1.54‐fold, with p < .01, p < .05, respectively). In addition, it was found that the gene expression level of the NF‐κB transcription factor significantly reduced in M2000‐treated patients compared with the baseline (0.81‐fold, with p < .05). This study showed that the oral administration of M2000 was able to reduce the expression of the miR‐155, increase the expression of SOCS1 and SHIP1, and decrease the NF‐κB gene expression (Trial Registration Number: IRCT2017100213739N10).
Highly diversified crop–livestock farming systems reshape wild bird communities
Authors: Smith Olivia M. , Kennedy Christina M. , Owen Jeb P. , Northfield Tobin D. , Latimer Christopher E. , Snyder William E.
Published: November 2019

Agricultural intensification is a leading threat to bird conservation. Highly diversified farming systems that integrate livestock and crop production might promote a diversity of habitats useful to native birds foraging across otherwise‐simplified landscapes. At the same time, these features might be attractive to nonnative birds linked to a broad range of disservices to both crop and livestock production. We evaluated the influence of crop–livestock integration on wild bird richness and density along a north‐south transect spanning the U.S. West Coast. We surveyed birds on 52 farms that grew primarily mixed vegetables and fruits alone or integrated livestock into production. Crop–livestock systems harbored higher native bird density and richness relative to crop‐only farms, a benefit more pronounced on farms embedded in nonnatural landscapes. Crop–livestock systems bolstered native insectivores linked to the suppression of agricultural pest insects but did not bolster native granivores that may be more likely to damage crops. Crop–livestock systems also significantly increased the density of nonnative birds, primarily European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) that may compete with native birds for resources. Models supported a small, positive correlation between nonnative density and overall native bird density as well as between nonnative density and native granivore density. Relative to crop‐only farms, on average, crop–livestock systems exhibited 1.5 times higher patch richness, 2.4 times higher density of farm structures, 7.3 times smaller field sizes, 2.4 times greater integration of woody crops, and 5.3 times greater integration of pasture/hay habitat on farm. Wild birds may have responded to this habitat diversity and/or associated food resources. Individual farm factors had significantly lower predictive power than farming system alone (change in C statistic information criterion (ΔCIC) = 80.2), suggesting crop–livestock systems may impact wild birds through a suite of factors that change with system conversion. Collectively, our findings suggest that farms that integrate livestock and crop production can attract robust native bird communities, especially within landscapes devoted to intensified food production. However, additional work is needed to demonstrate persistent farm bird communities through time, ecophysiological benefits to birds foraging on these farms, and net effects of both native and nonnative wild birds in agroecosystems.
Novel plant–insect interactions in an urban environment: enemies, protectors, and pollinators of invasive knotweeds
Authors: Johnson Lea R. , Breger Benjamin , Drummond Francis
Published: November 2019

Relationships between invasive plants and other species in their introduced ranges may facilitate or hinder the process of invasion. Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed), Fallopia sachalinensis (giant knotweed), and their hybrid Fallopia × bohemica (Bohemian knotweed) are widespread invasive plants in North America and Europe. These species possess extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) that attract mutualist insect protectors in their native ranges. Popillia japonica Newman, 1841 (Japanese beetle) is a primary herbivore of invasive Fallopia spp. in these species’ native range in Japan. These natural enemies are reunited in North America, where Fallopia spp. have been repeatedly introduced as ornamental plantings of residential and commercial properties since the 1800s, and the Japanese beetle has become a widespread insect pest. Spread of Fallopia spp. and their hybrids along linear features of urban landscapes such as roads, railways, and waterways make their performance in urban environments important to these invasive species’ impact. To test the role of insect interactions in the success of Fallopia japonica and F. × bohemica in urban conditions in their invasive range, we examined ant visitation, Japanese beetle abundance and herbivory, ant–Japanese beetle interactions, pollinator visits, and seed production. All active herbivory observed was by Japanese beetles. Leaf area loss to herbivory was much lower than levels reported in Japan, suggesting partial enemy release. New Fallopia leaves were more frequently visited by ants than mature leaves, while Japanese beetle herbivory was observed on mature but not on new leaves. All ant species observed visiting invasive Fallopia EFN were native to North America. Active physical defense by these ants against Japanese beetles was observed but was rare. Native and non‐native insects visited Fallopia flowers, followed by seed production. Our results indicate that both native and non‐native species may facilitate invasion of Fallopia through pollination and protection mutualisms.
Epidemic spruce beetle outbreak changes drivers of Engelmann spruce regeneration
Authors: Pettit Jessika M. , Burton Julia I. , DeRose R. Justin , Long James N. , Voelker Steve L.
Published: November 2019

Climate‐mediated disturbances outside the range of historical variability can have severe consequences on vital, post‐disturbance regeneration processes. High‐elevation forests of the Rocky Mountains that are dominated by Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) are expected to be sensitive to climate change. Additionally, these forests have experienced recent epidemic spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) outbreaks that have often resulted in >95% mortality of overstory Engelmann spruce. Therefore, the future distribution of Engelmann spruce forests depends largely on natural regeneration processes. We examined Engelmann spruce seedlings across gradients in soil moisture and stand structural conditions 20 yr post‐disturbance on the Markagunt Plateau in southern Utah. All Engelmann spruce seedlings were mapped, measured, and aged, and aspects of stand structure and the microclimate were measured. The goal of our research was to infer processes affecting Engelmann spruce establishment by determining if patterns of advance regeneration that established before the outbreak (~60% of individuals) differed from seedlings that established during and immediately following the outbreak (combined into one group, ~40% of individuals). A generalized linear multi‐model approach identified that the density of advance regeneration (seedlings/saplings) was negatively influenced by historical competition with overstory trees. In contrast, post‐outbreak regeneration was related to microclimate conditions, including positive relationships with climatic moisture deficit and July soil water content. All seedlings were not significantly clustered around Engelmann spruce snags; however, there was evidence of facilitation of post‐outbreak seedlings by pre‐outbreak seedlings at higher elevation sites with lower moisture deficit. Together, these findings suggest post‐outbreak seedlings were not moisture‐limited at lower elevations but instead encouraged by higher evapotranspiration. Moreover, facilitation at higher elevations likely resulted from how pre‐outbreak seedlings modify snowpack and associated seedbed environments. Our study provides insight for managing Engelmann spruce after a beetle outbreak. In these forests, pre‐ and post‐outbreak regeneration can increase resilience to climate–disturbance interactions, but are patchy and structured at different scales. Therefore, the presence of advance regeneration and the likelihood of post‐outbreak seedlings depend on local environment (soil moisture and stand structure) and could be taken into account to most effectively plan post‐disturbance planting activities.
Transient Flow Rate Ramps for Methanation of Carbon Dioxide in an Adiabatic Fixed‐Bed Recycle Reactor
Authors: Theurich Steffi , Rönsch Stefan , Güttel Robert
Published: November 2019

The power‐to‐gas (PtG) process, enabling the long‐term indirect storage of electrical energy, includes the water electrolysis for hydrogen production and the subsequent hydrogenation of carbon dioxide in a methanation reactor. The dynamic operation of methanation reactors is favored to limit upstream storage capacities, but not fully understood thus far. Therefore, this contribution investigates the dynamic operation of a fixed‐bed recycle reactor during flow rate ramps with a variation of the ramp time. Load ramps of the volumetric flow rate lead to global maxima during the transition; for the methane content if the flow rate is decreased, and for the gas temperature if the flow rate is increased. Furthermore, the adaptation of the product recirculation during flow rate ramps is discussed at the end. The recycle ratio turns out to provide an additional degree of freedom for stabilizing the reactor behavior under fluctuating feed conditions.
Development of printable, flexible nickel‐iron batteries based on composite electrodes
Authors: Meng Xianyang , Wang Zhiqian , Di Benedetto Giuseppe , Zunino James L. , Mitra Somenath
Published: November 2019

We present flexible nickel‐iron batteries with printable multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) based electrodes. All the metal composites are prepared via a single‐step precipitation reaction to synthesize metal hydroxides on the MWCNTs. High loading of the conductive materials enhances reactivity. Compared with Ni(OH)2‐CNT, β‐NiOOH increases output energy due to higher discharge voltage in flexible cells. Cyclic voltammogram shows that the iron electrode underwent a two‐step redox reaction among Fe, Fe(II), and Fe(III). The flexible Ni‐Fe battery has higher charge‐discharge efficiency when using 6 M KOH electrolyte saturated with LiOH, and with 5% Co(NO3)2 added to anode. The anode exhibits a specific capacity of more than 300 mAh g−1. All the components and the flexible cells themselves show good performance under bending conditions and the fabrication methods are also suitable for scale‐up via printing techniques.
Evolution of random access process: From Legacy networks to 5G and beyond
Authors: Toor Waqas Tariq , Basit Abdul , Maroof Naeem , Khan Saqib Ali , Saadi Muhammad
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we discuss the random access procedures in legacy networks, long‐term evolution, LTE‐Advanced, and 5G networks. Random access is the first and incumbent step for connection establishment between base station/eNodeB/gNodeB and user equipment. Keeping in view its importance, there has been a regular thrive to improve the procedures of random access in communication networks. With the advent of new concepts such as machine‐type communication and Internet of Things, random access becomes extremely critical because huge number of devices try to connect to the network simultaneously. We present the evolution of random access process from legacy networks such as global system for mobile or wideband code division multiple access to 5G networks and beyond and their analysis. Simulations are performed in MATLAB to show various performance metrics such as access delay, total service time, and collision probability to demonstrate the pros and cons of one technique over another.
Evaluation of current research on stock return predictability
Authors: Reschenhofer Erhard , Mangat Manveer Kaur , Zwatz Christian , Guzmics Sándor
Published: November 2019

The results of recent replication studies suggest that false positive findings are a big problem in empirical finance. We contribute to this debate by reviewing a sample of articles dealing with the short‐term directional forecasting of the prices of stocks, commodities, and currencies. Screening all relevant articles published in 2016 by one of the 96 journals covered by the Social Sciences Citation Index in the category “Business, Finance,” we select only those studies that use easily accessible data of daily or higher frequency. We examine each study in detail, from the selection of the dataset to the interpretation of the results. We also include empirical analyses to illustrate the shortcomings of certain approaches. There are three main findings from our review. First, the number of selected papers is very low, which is surprising even when the strict selection criteria are taken into account. Second, there are hardly any relevant studies that use high‐frequency data—despite the hype about financial big data and machine learning. Third, the economic significance of the findings—for example, their usefulness for trading purposes—is questionable. In general, apparently good forecasting performance does not translate into profitability once realistic transaction costs and the effect of data snooping are taken into account. Other typical problems include unsuitable benchmarks, short evaluation periods, and nonoperational trading strategies.
Fish Gut Microbiome: A Primer to an Emerging Discipline in the Fisheries Sciences
Authors: Gallo Benjamin D , Farrell John M , Leydet Brian F
Published: November 2019

High throughput next generation sequencing has propelled advances in genomic inquiry, including discoveries on the composition of the host gut microbiota. Research on mammals has demonstrated critical ways through which the gut microbiota influences host health and fitness, but applications involving fisheries are in their infancy. Given the breadth of research interests and importance of hatcheries in fisheries management and aquaculture in food production, studies investigating the gut microbiome of fish will play an integral role in promoting fish growth and health in all settings. This perspective highlights what is currently known about the fish gut microbiome, and how research can apply next generation sequencing and related methods to address emerging questions in fisheries and aquaculture. With continuing advances in sequencing technologies, gut microbiome research will change our understanding of the microbiota's role in fisheries and aquaculture through inquiry into the mutualistic relationship between microbes and fish hosts.
Clinical and molecular characterization of primary sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma of bone and review of the literature
Authors: Tsuda Yusuke , Dickson Brendan C. , Dry Sarah M. , Federman Noah , Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , Swanson David , Sung Yun‐Shao , Zhang Lei , Healey John H. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: November 2019

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare sarcoma subtype characterized by monomorphic epithelioid cells embedded in a densely sclerotic collagenous matrix. The overwhelming majority of tumors arise in soft tissues; however, rare cases have been documented to occur primarily in bone. The hallmarks of soft tissue SEF include MUC4 immunoreactivity and the presence of an EWSR1‐CREB3L1 fusion. Rare cases with alternative fusions have also been reported such as EWSR1‐CREB3L2 and FUS‐CREB3L2 transcripts. The molecular alterations of skeletal SEF have not been well‐defined, with only rare cases analyzed to date. In this study we investigated the clinicopathologic and molecular features of seven patients presenting with primary osseous SEF. There were 3 males and 4 females, with a mean age at diagnosis of 38 years. All cases had microscopic features within the histologic spectrum of SEF and showed strong and diffuse MUC4 positivity, while lacking SATB2 expression. However, due to its unusual presentation within bone, four cases were initially misinterpreted as either osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma or chondroblastoma. Half of the patients with follow‐up data developed metastasis. The cases were tested by targeted RNA sequencing, MSK‐IMPACT, and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization, showing EWSR1‐CREB3L1 in six cases and EWSR1‐CREB3L2 in one case. The fusion transcripts were composed of EWSR1 exon 11 to either exon 6 of CREB3L1 or CREB3L2. In summary, due to their rarity in the bone, skeletal SEF are often misdiagnosed, resulting in inadequate treatment modalities. Similar to their soft tissue counterpart, bone SEF follow an aggressive clinical behavior and show similar EWSR1‐CREB3L1/CREB3L2 fusions.
Understanding the association between psychomotor processing speed and white matter hyperintensity: A comprehensive multi‐modality MR imaging study
Authors: Wang Shuyue , Jiaerken Yeerfan , Yu Xinfeng , Shen Zhujing , Luo Xiao , Hong Hui , Sun Jianzhong , Xu Xiaojun , Zhang Ruiting , Zhou Ying , Lou Min , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Minming
Published: November 2019

Cognitive processing speed is crucial for human cognition and declines with aging. White matter hyperintensity (WMH), a common sign of WM vascular damage in the elderly, is closely related to slower psychomotor processing speed. In this study, we investigated the association between WMH and psychomotor speed changes through a comprehensive assessment of brain structural and functional features. Multi‐modal MRIs were acquired from 60 elderly adults. Psychomotor processing speeds were assessed using the Trail Making Test Part A (TMT‐A). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between TMT‐A and brain features, including WMH volumes in five cerebral regions, diffusivity parameters in the major WM tracts, regional gray matter volume, and brain activities across the whole brain. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to demonstrate the contribution of each index to slower psychomotor processing speed. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that WMH volume in the occipital lobe and fractional anisotropy of the forceps major, an occipital association tract, were associated with TMT‐A. Besides, resting‐state brain activities in the visual cortex connected to the forceps major were associated with TMT‐A. Hierarchical regression showed fractional anisotropy of the forceps major and regional brain activities were significant predictors of TMT‐A. The occurrence of WMH, combined with the disruption of passing‐through fiber integrity and altered functional activities in areas connected by this fiber, are associated with a decline of psychomotor processing speed. While the causal relationship of this WMH‐Tract‐Function‐Behavior link requires further investigation, this study enhances our understanding of these complex mechanisms.