bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reenvisioning Literacy Development for English Learners: Amplifying the Curriculum, Amplifying Leadership
Authors: Walqui Aída , Bunch George C.
Published: February 2020

This department focuses on literacy leaders, including school and instructional leaders, teachers, and external partners, who are working to improve outcomes for adolescent and adult learners in a wide range of education settings. Columns investigate the challenges and complexities inherent in such work and share lessons learned, impactful strategies and approaches, and promising pathways forward.
A microRNA Approach to Discriminate Cortical Low Bone Turnover in Renal Osteodystrophy
Authors: Nickolas Thomas L , Chen Neal , McMahon Donald J , Dempster David , Zhou Hua , Dominguez James , Aponte Maria A , Sung Joshua , Evenepoel Pieter , D'Haese Patrick C , Mac‐Way Fabrice , Moyses Rosa , Moe Sharon
Published: February 2020

A main obstacle to diagnose and manage renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is the identification of intracortical bone turnover type (low, normal, high). The gold standard, tetracycline‐labeled transiliac crest bone biopsy, is impractical to obtain in most patients. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Guidelines recommend PTH and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) for the diagnosis of turnover type. However, PTH and BSAP have insufficient diagnostic accuracy to differentiate low from non‐low turnover and were validated for trabecular turnover. We hypothesized that four circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate osteoblast (miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b) and osteoclast development (miRNA‐155) would provide superior discrimination of low from non‐low turnover than biomarkers in clinical use. In 23 patients with CKD 3‐5D, we obtained tetracycline‐labeled transiliac crest bone biopsy and measured circulating levels of intact PTH, BSAP, and miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b, and 155. Spearman correlations assessed relationships between miRNAs and histomorphometry and PTH and BSAP. Diagnostic test characteristics for discriminating low from non‐low intracortical turnover were determined by receiver operator curve analysis; areas under the curve (AUC) were compared by χ2test. In CKD rat models of low and high turnover ROD, we performed histomorphometry and determined the expression of bone tissue miRNAs. Circulating miRNAs moderately correlated with bone formation rate and adjusted apposition rate at the endo‐ and intracortical envelopes (ρ = 0.43 to 0.51;p< 0.05). Discrimination of low versus non‐low turnover was 0.866, 0.813, 0.813, and 0.723 for miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b, and 155, respectively, and 0.509 and 0.589 for PTH and BSAP, respectively. For all four miRNAs combined, the AUC was 0.929, which was superior to that of PTH and BSAP alone and together (p< 0.05). In CKD rats, bone tissue levels of the four miRNAs reflected the findings in human serum. These data suggest that a panel of circulating miRNAs provide accurate noninvasive identification of bone turnover in ROD. © 2020 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width as predictors of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Assulyn Tikva , Khamisy‐Farah Rola , Nseir William , Bashkin Amir , Farah Raymond
Published: February 2020

Background and aim

Chronic inflammation has an important role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes through immunologic inflammatory mechanisms. Simple new inexpensive inflammatory markers may contribute to the detection of microalbuminuria. Aim of our study is to evaluate the predictive value of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) for microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients for possible application as prognostic factors for the prediction of microalbuminuria and the progression of disease in patients with diabetes.

Methods

A total of 168 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were classified into gender‐ and BMI‐matched three groups according to hemoglobin A1c and microalbuminuria: Group A: 53 patients with controlled diabetes, Group B: 57 patients with uncontrolled diabetes, both without microalbuminuria, and Group C: 58 patients with uncontrolled diabetes with microalbuminuria. Levels of NLR, MPV, and RDW between the study groups were examined and compared.

Results

A significant difference in NLR was found between Group C and groups A and B (P < .001, P = .005, respectively). A statistically significant difference in RDW was found between groups B and C (P = .014). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of inflammatory markers and microalbuminuria prediction showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.675 for NLR (CI 0.58‐0.76, P < .001) and 0.614 for RDW (CI 0.52‐0.70, P = .013). NLR value of 2.54 has 39.7% sensitivity, 78.8% specificity, and 45% positive predictive value (PPV). RDW value of 14.44 has 37.9% sensitivity, 76% specificity, and 41.5% PPV.

Conclusions

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and RDW have PPV for microalbuminuria in diabetic patients.
A randomized crossover trial of elamipretide in adults with primary mitochondrial myopathy
Authors: Karaa Amel , Haas Richard , Goldstein Amy , Vockley Jerry , Cohen Bruce H.
Published: February 2020

Background

This study aims to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous (SC) elamipretide dosing on exercise performance using the 6 min walk test (6MWT), patient‐reported outcomes measuring fatigue, functional assessments, and safety to guide the development of the Phase 3 trial.

Methods

MMPOWER‐2 was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial that enrolled participants (N = 30) with genetically confirmed primary mitochondrial myopathy. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to 40 mg/day SC elamipretide for 4 weeks followed by placebo SC for 4 weeks, separated by a 4‐week washout period, or the opposite sequence. The primary endpoint was the distance walked on the 6MWT.

Results

The distance walked on the 6MWT by the elamipretide‐treated participants was 398.3 (±134.16) meters compared with 378.5 (±125.10) meters in the placebo‐treated group, a difference of 19.8 m (95% confidence interval, −2.8, 42.5; P = 0.0833). The results of the Primary Mitochondrial Myopathy Symptom Assessment Total Fatigue and Total Fatigue During Activities scores showed that participants treated with elamipretide reported less fatigue and muscle complaints compared with placebo (P = 0.0006 and P = 0.0018, respectively). Additionally, the Neuro‐QoL Fatigue Short Form and Patient Global Assessment showed reductions in symptoms (P = 0.0115 and P = 0.0421, respectively). In this 4‐week treatment period, no statistically significant change was observed in the Physician Global Assessment (P = 0.0636), the Triple Timed Up and Go (P = 0.8423) test, and wrist/hip accelerometry (P = 0.9345 and P = 0.7326, respectively). Injection site reactions were the most commonly reported adverse events with elamipretide (80%), the majority of which were mild. No serious adverse events or deaths were reported.

Conclusions

Participants who received a short‐course treatment of daily SC elamipretide for 4 weeks experienced a clinically meaningful change in the 6MWT, which did not achieve statistical significance as the primary endpoint of the study. Secondary endpoints were suggestive of an elamipretide treatment effect compared with placebo. Nominal statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were seen in patient‐reported outcomes. The results of this trial provided an efficacy signal and data to support the initiation of MMPOWER‐3, a 6‐month long, Phase 3 treatment trial in patients with primary mitochondrial myopathy.
Impact of soil incorporation of biochar on environmental radioactivity
Authors: Szewczak Kamil , Jednoróg Sławomir , Wołoszczuk Katarzyna , Szlązak Radosław , Podgórska Zuzanna , Rafalska‐Przysucha Anna , Gluba Łukasz , Łukowski Mateusz
Published: February 2020

Biochar (charcoal made from biomass in the pyrolysis process) has found broad application in agriculture. It helps to improve both the physical and chemical properties of soil through decontamination of heavy metals and pesticides. This work examines the potential for biochar application to improve the radiological condition of soil. We investigated the activity concentration of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soil samples collected from fields treated with various doses of biochar (in 1–100 Mg ha−1). In addition, we directly measured radon emission rate at the experimental fields. The analyses were performed using gamma spectrometry and an active method for radon emission using an AlphaGUARD instrument equipped with an accumulation box. The results of activity concentration assessments for six radionuclides, five natural and one anthropogenic, show that the only effect of biochar application into the soil is associated with the reduction of soil bulk density by this material. The radon emission rate increased by 6 mBq m−1 s−1, on average, depending on the biochar dose (from 1 to 100 Mg ha−1). Our results demonstrate that application of biochar into soil kept without vegetation had a limited influence on the radioactivity in the environment.
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Perioperative Monitoring Using Phase‐Resolved Functional Lung (PREFUL)‐MRI
Authors: Pöhler Gesa H. , Klimes Filip , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Behrendt Lea , Czerner Christoph , Gutberlet Marcel , Cebotari Serghei , Ius Fabio , Fegbeutel Christine , Schoenfeld Christian , Kaireit Till F. , Hauck Erik F. , Olsson Karen M. , Hoeper Marius M. , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: February 2020

Background

The translation of phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL)‐MRI to routine practice in monitoring chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) still requires clinical corresponding imaging biomarkers of pulmonary vascular disease.

Purpose

To evaluate successful pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) via PREFUL‐MRI with pulmonary pulse wave transit time (pPTT).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Thirty CTEPH patients and 12 healthy controls were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

For PREFUL‐MRI a 2D spoiled gradient echo sequence and for DCE‐MRI a 3D time‐resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories (TWIST) sequence were performed on 1.5T.

Assessment

Eight coronal slices of PREFUL‐MRI were obtained on consecutive 13 days before and 14 days after PEA. PREFUL quantitative lung perfusion (PREFULQ) phases over the whole cardiac cycle were calculated to quantify pPTT, the time the pulmonary pulse wave travels from the central pulmonary arteries to the pulmonary capillaries. Also, perfusion defect percentage based on pPTT (QDPpPTT), PREFULQ (QDPPREFUL), and V/Q match were calculated. For DCE‐MRI, pulmonary blood flow (PBF) and QDPPBF were computed as reference. For clinical correlation, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and 6‐minute walking distance were evaluated preoperatively and after PEA.

Statistical Tests

The Shapiro–Wilk test, paired two‐sided Wilcoxon rank sum test, Dice coefficient, and Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ) were applied.

Results

Median pPTT was significantly lower post PEA (139 msec) compared to pre PEA (193 msec), P = 0.0002. Median pPTT correlated significantly with the mPAP post PEA (r = 0.52, P < 0.008). Median pPTT was distributed more homogeneously after PEA: IQR pPTT decreased from 336 to 281 msec (P < 0.004). Median PREFULQ (P < 0.0002), QDPpPTT (P < 0.0478), QDPPREFUL (P < 0.0001) and V/Q match (P < 0.0001) improved significantly after PEA. Percentage change of PREFULQ correlated significantly with percentage change of 6‐minute walking distance (ρ = 0.61; P = 0.0031) 5 months post PEA.

Data Conclusion

Perioperative perfusion changes in CTEPH can be detected and quantified by PREFUL‐MRI. Normalization of pPTT reflects surgical success and improvement of PREFULQ predicts 6‐minute walking distance changes.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:610–619.
Recent applications of chemometrics in one‐ and two‐dimensional chromatography
Authors: Bos Tijmen S. , Knol Wouter C. , Molenaar Stef R.A. , Niezen Leon E. , Schoenmakers Peter J. , Somsen Govert W. , Pirok Bob W.J.
Published: February 2020

The proliferation of increasingly more sophisticated analytical separation systems, often incorporating increasingly more powerful detection techniques, such as high‐resolution mass spectrometry, causes an urgent need for highly efficient data‐analysis and optimization strategies. This is especially true for comprehensive two‐dimensional chromatography applied to the separation of very complex samples. In this contribution, the requirement for chemometric tools is explained and the latest developments in approaches for (pre‐)processing and analyzing data arising from one‐ and two‐dimensional chromatography systems are reviewed. The final part of this review focuses on the application of chemometrics for method development and optimization.
Strong Cationic Radical Initiator‐Based Design of a Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Showing Drastic Volume Transition
Authors: Masuda Tsukuru , Tsuji Toshikazu , Koizumi Hideki , Takai Madoka
Published: February 2020

In this study, a millimeter‐sized thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) gel is prepared by free radical polymerization using 2,2′‐azobis‐[2‐(1,3‐dimethyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium‐2‐yl)]propane triflate (ADIP), a radical initiator possessing a strong cationic group that is newly developed. By comparing this gel with a PNIPAAm gel prepared using a conventional radical initiator, 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile, the following properties are found: 1) the cationic residue of ADIP is introduced in the gel, and 2) the PNIPAAm gel prepared using ADIP exhibits a discontinuous volume transition as a function of temperature and rapid shrinking in response to temperature jump. This thermoresponsive behavior is attributed to the low polymer fraction in the gel prepared using ADIP. The ADIP‐based design of the thermoresponsive hydrogel investigated herein may contribute to the design of functional soft materials.
Realizing Long‐Range Orientational Order in Conjugated Polymers via Solventless Polymerization Strategy
Authors: Chai Yuqiao , Ma Xinlei , Jiang Yuqian , Xiao Dongdong , Xue Mianqi
Published: February 2020

Long‐range orientational order in polymers, especially in conjugated polymers (CPs), is of significance in soft matter: from in‐depth understanding of their intrinsic states to fabrication of high‐performance CP‐based devices. However, this field is under‐explored due to lack of approaches to realizing such long‐range order in CPs. Here a universal rule for the synthesis of highly oriented CPs is presented: in a very stable environment with controllable growth rate and size. In order to verify this rule, the growth of highly oriented PPy is realized within the semi‐closed micropores of a graphene foam using a solventless polymerization method at low temperature. These findings provide directions for the construction of ordered CPs. Further explorations of the physical/chemical properties and high‐performance CP‐based device fabrication are anticipated.
On p‐adic semi‐algebraic continuous selections
Authors: Thamrongthanyalak Athipat
Published: February 2020

Let and T be a set‐valued map from E to . We prove that if T is p‐adic semi‐algebraic, lower semi‐continuous and is closed for every , then T has a p‐adic semi‐algebraic continuous selection. In addition, we include three applications of this result. The first one is related to Fefferman's and Kollár's question on existence of p‐adic semi‐algebraic continuous solution of linear equations with polynomial coefficients. The second one is about the existence of p‐adic semi‐algebraic continuous extensions of continuous functions. The other application is on the characterization of right invertible p‐adic semi‐algebraic continuous functions under the composition.
A Vinylene‐Bridged Conjugated Covalent Triazine Polymer as a Visible‐Light‐Active Photocatalyst for Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Xu Chen , Xie Qiujian , Zhang Weijie , Xiong Shaohui , Pan Chunyue , Tang Juntao , Yu Guipeng
Published: February 2020

The development of new photocatalytic platforms using novel semiconductor material is an important challenge. Herein, a sp2 carbon‐conjugated covalent triazine polymer (sp2c‐CTP‐4), featuring a vinylene bridge and extended π‐conjugation, is prepared as a highly efficient photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue. sp2c‐CTP‐4 exhibits substantial semiconducting properties such as enhanced charge transfer and prolonged lifetime of carriers compared to its counterparts with CN or CC connections, likely due to its extended π‐delocalization with an unencumbered CC bridge. Moreover, benefiting from its high chemical stability, the as‐made catalyst can be recycled five times with good retention of photocatalytic activity. This study provides a new pathway for constructing a robust platform for efficient photocatalysis and gives insight into the structure–property relationship of conjugated polymers.
Burkholderia cenocepacia–host cell contact controls the transcription activity of the trimeric autotransporter adhesin BCAM2418 gene
Authors: Pimenta Andreia I. , Mil‐Homens Dalila , Fialho Arsenio M.
Published: February 2020

Cell‐to‐cell early contact between pathogens and their host cells is required for the establishment of many infections. Among various surface factors produced by bacteria that allow an organism to become established in a host, the class of adhesins is a primary determinant. Burkholderia cenocepacia adheres to the respiratory epithelium of cystic fibrosis patients and causes chronic inflammation and disease. Cell‐to‐cell contacts are promoted by various kinds of adhesins, including trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs). We observed that among the 7 TAA genes found in the B. cenocepacia K56‐2 genome, two of them (BCAM2418 and BCAS0236) express higher levels of mRNA following physical contact with host cells. Further analysis revealed that the B. cenocepacia K56‐2 BCAM2418 gene shows an on–off switch after an initial colonization period, exhibits a strong expression dependent on the host cell type, and enhances its function on cell adhesion. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that adhesion to mucin‐coated surfaces dramatically increases the expression levels of BCAM2418. Abrogation of mucin O‐glycans turns BCAM2418 gene expression off and impairs bacterial adherence. Overall, our findings suggest that glycosylated extracellular components of host membrane might be a binding site for B. cenocepacia and a signal for the differential expression of the TAA gene BCAM2418.
On the decay of solutions of a damped quasilinear wave equation with variable‐exponent nonlinearities
Authors: Messaoudi Salim A.
Published: February 2020

In this work, we consider the following nonlinear wave equation with variable exponents:

where
is a bounded domain,
, and
and
are continuous functions. We will establish several decay results depending on the range of the variable exponents
and
.
Large time behavior of solutions to a nonlinear hyperbolic relaxation system with slowly decaying data
Authors: Fukuda Ikki
Published: February 2020

We consider the large time asymptotic behavior of the global solutions to the initial value problem for the nonlinear damped wave equation with slowly decaying initial data. When the initial data decay fast enough, it is known that the solution to this problem converges to the self‐similar solution to the Burgers equation called a nonlinear diffusion wave, and its optimal asymptotic rate is obtained. In this paper, we focus on the case that the initial data decay more slowly than previous works and derive the corresponding asymptotic profile. Moreover, we investigate how the change of the decay rate of the initial values affect its asymptotic rate.
Influence of periodic structure and pixel area on the performance of antenna‐coupled Nb5N6 array detector
Authors: Jiang Chengtao , Kang Lin , Xiao Peng , Liu Mengxin , Guo Xinle , Tu Xuecou , Jia Xiaoqing , Chen Jian , Wu Peiheng
Published: February 2020

Uncooled Nb5N6 array detector has been designed and fabricated for 0.65 terahertz (THz) detection. The length and width of the optimized bow tie antenna in the periodic structure of 150 × 150 μm2 are 130 and 50 μm by using CST MICROWAVE STUDIO. The electric field intensity at the center point of the bow tie antenna is about 550‐factor enhancement at 0.647 THz. Furthermore, the periodic structure of the substrate is continuously optimized when the dimensions of the bow tie antenna are kept constant. It is found that the electric field intensity increases with the increase of periodic sizes. Compared with the periodic size of 150 × 150 μm2, the optimized periodic size is 200 × 230 μm2 and the electric field intensity is increased by three times. The experimental results show that the measured optical voltage responsivity of the Nb5N6 array detector with the periodic structure of 200 × 230 μm2 is about three times than that of the Nb5N6 array detector with the periodic structure of 150 × 150 μm2, which is basically consistent with the simulation results.
Periosteal reaction recognition and specificity assessed by surface microscopy
Authors: Rothschild Bruce , Jellema Lyman
Published: February 2020

Purpose/Research Question

Distinguishing bone surface alterations from normal longitudinal striations and its semantic characterization are challenging. One classification divides periosteal reaction into woven (interpreted as active disease) and sclerotic (indicative of healing). Another classification “scored” healing if the plaque had rounded edges, seemingly ignoring non‐applicée alterations.

Population prevalence and skeletal distribution of periosteal reaction has documented diagnostic significance, in contrast to isolated lesions. Specificity of different forms of periosteal reaction for specific diseases has been controversial.

Materials and Methods

Surface microscopy was performed on tibia of healthy individuals and those with in vivo diagnoses of trauma, infection, and metabolic and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Triceratops scapula, Mammut metapodial, and Zalophus vertebrae were examined to assess trans‐phylogenetic reproducibility of findings.

Results

Periosteal reaction was present in 216 individuals with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy with tuberculosis, 84 with nontubercular pulmonary disease, 15 with cancer, and three with endocarditis, 49 with syphilis, 51 with chronic renal insufficiency, 171 with infection, and 621 with fractures. A longitudinal pattern of ridges was observed trans‐phylogenetically in individuals lacking macroscopically perceived cortical alteration. Periosteal reaction predominantly took two forms, an “appliquée” form and an “integrated surface” form. The former appeared as if new bone had been physically pasted on the original surface, whereas the latter appeared to be an integral part of the surface. Both appearances were distinct from normal bone's linear pattern. Both forms were observed in hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (independent of cause), syphilis, trauma, and chronic renal insufficiency. Subperiosteal reaction, in the form of surface erosions often accompanied the periosteal reaction in the presence of chronic renal insufficiency. Filigree reaction was unique to individuals with direct osseous infection.

Conclusions

The character of the periosteal reaction is clearly distinguishable from normal bone but is otherwise nonspecific, with the exception of distinguishing direct pyogenic bone infection and those not directly related to infection and perhaps allowing identification of renal disease.
Modeling interactions between brain function, diet adherence behaviors, and weight loss success
Authors: Szabo‐Reed Amanda N. , Martin Laura E. , Hu Jinxiang , Yeh Hung‐Wen , Powell Joshua , Lepping Rebecca J. , Patrician Trisha M. , Breslin Florance J. , Donnelly Joseph E. , Savage Cary R.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Obesity is linked to altered activation in reward and control brain circuitry; however, the associated brain activity related to successful or unsuccessful weight loss (WL) is unclear.

Methods

Adults with obesity (N = 75) completed a baseline functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan before entering a WL intervention (ie,3‐month diet and physical activity [PA] program). We conducted an exploratory analysis to identify the contributions of baseline brain activation, adherence behavior patterns, and the associated connections to WL at the conclusion of a 3‐month WL intervention. Food cue‐reactivity brain regions were functionally identified using fMRI to index brain activation to food vs nonfood cues. Food consumption, PA, and class attendance were collected weekly during the 3‐month intervention.

Results

The left middle frontal gyrus (L‐MFG, BA 46) and right middle frontal gyrus (R‐MFG; BA 9) were positively activated when viewing food compared with nonfood images. Structural equation modeling with bootstrapping was used to investigate a hypothesized path model and revealed the following significant paths: (1) attendance to 3‐month WL, (2) R‐MFG to attendance, and (3) indirect effects of R‐MFG through attendance on WL.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that brain activation to appetitive food cues predicts future WL through mediating session attendance, diet, and PA. This study contributes to the growing evidence of the importance of food cue reactivity and self‐regulation brain regions and their impact on WL outcomes.
An exploration of public risk perception and governmental engagement of nuclear energy in India
Authors: Ram Mohan M. P. , Namboodhiry Sreenath K.
Published: February 2020

Public acceptance constitutes an important factor in successfully establishing and operating nuclear power plants. This paper explores public attitudes to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project commissioned in 2013 and situated in Southern India, through assessing the role of socio‐demographic factors, externalities, and social trust in determining the level of public acceptance. An exploratory survey (n = 100) was carried out in two administrative units in the vicinity of the plant. The study reveals that acceptance of the plant is positively correlated with positive externalities and trust in governmental entities, whereas negative externalities and trust in antinuclear nongovernmental organizations and media are associated with negative public perception. The results show that governmental policies on nuclear power must support the effects of positive externalities and reduce the effects of negative externalities.
Adverse drug reaction or innocent bystander? A systematic comparison of statistical discovery methods for spontaneous reporting systems
Authors: Dijkstra Louis , Garling Marco , Foraita Ronja , Pigeot Iris
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Spontaneous reporting systems (SRSs) are used to discover previously unknown relationships between drugs and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). A plethora of statistical methods have been proposed over the years to identify these drug‐ADR pairs. The objective of this study is to compare a wide variety of methods in their ability to detect these signals, especially when their detection is complicated by the presence of innocent bystanders (drugs that are mistaken to be associated with the ADR, since they are prescribed together with the drug that is the ADR's actual cause).

Methods

Twelve methods, 24 measures in total, ranging from simple disproportionality measures (eg, the reporting odds ratio), hypothesis tests (eg, test of the Poisson mean), Bayesian shrinkage estimates (eg, the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, BCPNN) to sparse regression (LASSO), are compared in their ability to detect drug‐ADR pairs in a large number of simulated SRSs with varying numbers of innocent bystanders and effect sizes. The area under the precision‐recall curve is used to assess the measures' performance.

Results

Hypothesis tests (especially the test of the Poisson mean) perform best when the associations are weak and there is little to no confounding by other drugs. When the level of confounding increases and/or the effect sizes become larger, Bayesian shrinkage methods should be preferred. The LASSO proves to be the most robust against the innocent bystander effect.

Conclusions

There is no absolute “winner”. Which method to use for a particular SRS depends on the effect sizes and the level of confounding present in the data.
The Application of a Novel Char Source From Petroleum Refining Waste in Flame Retardant Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Authors: Wang Di , Guo Jia , Su Ming , Sun Jun , Zhang Sheng , Yang Wantai , Gu Xiaoyu , Li Hongfei
Published: February 2020

Carbon 9 (C9) resin is a major by‐product of the petrochemical industry and is rich in unsaturated hydrocarbons. By copolymerization with maleic anhydride (MAH), the product MAH‐C9 was used as a carbon foaming agent. Combining MAH‐C9 with ammonium polyphosphate (APP), which served as an acid and a gas source, an intumescent flame‐retardant system was introduced into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Flammability evaluation indicated that 4.5 wt% APP and 0.5 wt% MAH‐C9 helped TPU achieve the maximal limiting oxygen index value of 25.9%, passing UL‐94 V‐0 rating. Total smoke release was decreased from 1,884.4 m2/m2 for neat TPU to 833.0 m2/m2 and char formation was promoted. The mechanical loss brought by 5 wt% APP was a little recovered by 4.5 wt% APP/0.5 wt% MAH‐C9. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:1029–1034, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Colony heating protects honey bee populations from a risk of contact with wide‐spectrum Beauveria bassiana insecticides applied in the field
Authors: Peng Guoxiong , Tong Sen‐Miao , Zeng Deyu , Xia Yuxian , Feng Ming‐Guang
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The safety of fungal insecticides to apiculture is a public concern but remains poorly understood. This study seeks to evaluate whether, how and why wide‐spectrum Beauveria bassiana insecticides are safe to honey bees in a novel assessment system.

RESULTS

Mesonotum dipping with a 108 conidia ml−1 suspension and body contact with conidial suspension in sucrose solution caused high mortalities of adult forager bees at 25 °C optimal for conidial germination and hyphal invasion. Intriguingly, colony sizes in the hives contaminated by the forager bees contacting viable and inactivated conidia at two sites (1.2 km in distance), respectively, showed similar increase percentages (31.7% versus 29.2%) during a 4‐week summer period of exposure to environment. No sign of fungal infection was found within each of the monitored colonies. Neither was fungal outgrowth observed on surfaces of bee cadavers cleaned from each hive at either site. Hourly counts of cleaned cadavers from videotapes presented no significant difference in colony‐cleaning behavior between the two sites. During the period, in‐hive temperatures at both sites were persistently stabilized at approximately 35 °C, which abolished conidial germination and were far above the out‐hive temperature range.

CONCLUSION

It is colony heating that protects honey bee populations from a risk of forager bees' contact with formulated conidia applied for arthropod pest control. No role was detected for colony self‐cleaning behavior in protecting the bee colonies from the risk. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Identifying and managing autism in adults
Authors: Weir Elizabeth , Allison Carrie , Baron‐Cohen Simon
Published: February 2020

The diagnosis of autism is frequently delayed, and it is important that GPs can quickly and effectively identify those who require specialist referral. Following on from our article on autism in children in the January issue of Prescriber, this article discusses how to recognise and screen for autism in adults, and the support and interventions that can be offered.
Tunable Valley Polarization in a Multiferroic CuCrP2Te6 Monolayer
Authors: Ma Xikui , Sun Lei , Liu Jian , Feng Xukun , Li Weifeng , Hu Jifan , Zhao Mingwen
Published: February 2020

Valleytronic devices in which both the encoding and processing of information are achieved by manipulating electronic valley degrees of freedom are drawing increasing interest. However, materials with sizable intrinsic valley polarization are currently very rare. Using first‐principles calculations, a promising 2D multiferroic CuCrP2Te6 monolayer with intrinsic valley and spin polarization is proposed. The valley splitting at the corners of the Brillouin zone (K and K′) with opposite Berry curvatures can be as large as 110.4 meV, which is quite promising for achieving an anomalous valley Hall effect. Moreover, such valley splitting can be tuned through different approaches, such as modulating the spin polarization and electric polarization and external strain. The interplay between valley and multiferroic properties reveled herein offers a unique strategy for the valleytronic device applications.
Nutrient limitations for overstory and understory plants during Robinia pseudoacacia afforestation in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Liu Weichao , Fu Shuyue , Wu Shaojun , Zhong Zekun , Xu Yadong , Deng Jian , Ren Chengjie , Han Xinhui , Zhang Qingyue , Su Yubo
Published: February 2020

Overstory trees and understory herbs are in different niches in the community; however, how their nutrient limitations change following afforestation remains unclear. Therefore, we used plant nutrient resorption and ecological stoichiometry to illustrate the nutrient relationship between plants and soil while exploring the nutrient limitations of different plants during afforestation. Soil and plant samples were collected from farmland and three Robinia pseudoacacia L. (RP) forests that were 17, 26, and 42 yr old. The physical characteristics of the soil and the content and stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P in the plants, litter, soil microbes, and soil were measured. Additionally, the resorption of N and P in RP and understory herbaceous biomass (UHB) was assessed. Results showed that, at all sites, N resorption (0.45–0.52) and P resorption (0.39–0.49) were approximately equal in RP, while P resorption (0.48–0.65) was significantly higher than N resorption (0.06–0.32) in UHB. With afforestation age, the N/P resorption ratios (1.06–1.25) were not significantly different in RP but declined significantly from 0.50 to 0.14 in UHB. Results suggest that RP is co‐limited by N and P while understory herbs are limited by P. Although the nutrient limitation of RP and UHB may be different, their nutrient relationship with the soil is consistent after afforestation. There was a significant positive relationship for C and N content but a negative relationship of the C/N ratios between soil and plants. These findings deepen the understanding of a linkage between the aboveground and belowground systems and provide evidence that nutrient limitation changes occur in plants of different ecological niches after afforestation in the Loess Plateau.
Cinnamomi Cortex and Scutellariae Radix in the Japanese herbal medicine Kampo saireito inhibit expression of iNOS through different mechanisms in hepatocytes
Authors: Matsushima Hideyuki , Hishikawa Hidehiko , Miki Hirokazu , Hatta Masahiko , Nakatake Richi , Okumura Tadayoshi , Nishizawa Mikio , Kaibori Masaki , Sekimoto Mitsugu
Published: February 2020

Aim

The Japanese herbal medicine, saireito, prevents the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO production, which is an indicator of liver protection. Saireito is composed of 12 kinds of crude drug. This study aimed to examine whether these crude drugs influence the induction of iNOS gene expression and if so, the mechanisms involved.

Methods

Hepatocytes were isolated from rats by collagenase perfusion and cultured. Each crude drug was added to primary cultured cells stimulated by interleukin (IL)‐1β. Induction of iNOS/NO production and its signaling pathway were analyzed.

Results

IL‐1β induced iNOS expression and NO production. Eleven of the saireito crude drugs inhibited NO production. Among them, Cinnamomi Cortex and Scutellariae Radix had higher effects than the others and inhibited the expression of iNOS and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Transfection experiments revealed that both crude drugs reduced the activities of iNOS promoter transactivation (mRNA synthesis) and its mRNA stability. However, Cinnamomi Cortex and Scutellariae Radix showed that different mechanisms were involved in their inhibitory effects on two signaling pathways of iNOS induction, IκBα degradation/nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation and Akt activation/type I IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1RI) upregulation.

Conclusion

Cinnamomi Cortex and Scutellariae Radix can prevent the induction of iNOS gene expression, in part through NF‐κB activation and IL‐1RI upregulation with different mechanisms, indicating that saireito containing both crude drugs may be a potential therapeutic treatment for injured livers.
Boundary conditions and localization on AdS. Part II. General analysis
Authors: David Justin R. , Gava Edi , Gupta Rajesh Kumar , Narain Kumar
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We develop the method of Green’s function to evaluate the one loop determinants that arise in localization of supersymmetric field theories on AdS spaces. The theories we study have at least $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetry and normalisable boundary conditions are consistent with supersymmetry. We then show that under general assumptions the variation of the one loop determinant with respect to the localizing background reduces to a total derivative. Therefore it receives contributions only from the origin of AdS and from asymptotic infinity. From expanding both the Greens function and the quadratic operators at the origin of AdS and asymptotic infinity, we show that the variation of the one loop determinant is proportional to an integer. Furthermore, we show that this integer is an index of a first order differential operator. We demonstrate that these assumptions are valid for Chern-Simons theories coupled to chiral multiplets on AdS2 × S1. Finally we use our results to show that U(Nc) Chern-Simons theory at level k coupled to Nf chiral multiplets and Nf anti-chiral multiplets in the fundamental obeys level-rank duality on AdS2 × S1.
A Killing vector treatment of multiboundary wormholes
Authors: Caceres Elena , Kundu Arnab , Patra Ayan K. , Shashi Sanjit
Published: February 2020

Abstract

The two-sided BTZ black hole has been instrumental in elucidating several aspects of AdS/CFT. Similarly, multiboundary wormholes provide a useful and rich arena in which probing questions of quantum gravity can be posed and explored. In this work, we find the explicit forms of the Killing vectors needed to construct three-boundary wormholes, with and without rotation, as quotients of AdS3. We ensure that our method captures the full moduli space of such wormholes and elaborate on the generalization of our procedure to more exotic multiboundary spaces, including higher genus.
Evidenz der Kompressionstherapie unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der medizinischen adaptiven Kompressionssysteme
Authors: Dissemond Joachim , Kröger Knut , Stücker Markus
Published: February 2020

Die Kompressionstherapie ist seit mehreren Jahrzehnten eine nebenwirkungsarme Basis für die konservative Behandlung der Patienten mit phlebologischen und lymphologischen Krankheitsbildern. Für die praktische Umsetzung dieser Kompressionstherapie stehen viele verschiedene Materialien mit teilweise systemspezifischen Vor- und Nachteilen zur Verfügung. Eine in Deutschland noch recht neue Behandlungsoption sind medizinische adaptive Kompressionssysteme (MAK). Neben den sehr guten praktischen Erfahrungen im klinischen Alltag zeigt sich auch bei der Zusammenstellung der wissenschaftlichen Evidenz der Kompressionstherapie, dass insbesondere für die Behandlung von Patienten mit Venenerkrankungen die wissenschaftliche Datenlage deutlich besser als für viele andere medizinische Bereiche ist. Wichtig hierbei ist es zu beachten, dass die Kompressionstherapie zuverlässig einen adäquaten Kompressionsdruck gewährleisten muss. Dies vorausgesetzt, ist auf der Basis der aktuell zur Verfügung stehenden Daten davon auszugehen, dass die klinische Effektivität der unterschiedlichen Kompressionssysteme vergleichbar gut ist. Auch für MAK sind diese Aspekte mittlerweile wissenschaftlich gut überprüft worden, sodass diese Analogieschlüsse gezogen werden können. Somit können Therapeuten heute zwischen verschiedenen, sehr effektiven Therapieoptionen wählen und bei der Auswahl individuelle Faktoren, Wünsche der Patienten, aber auch ökonomische Aspekte berücksichtigen.
Do regional self-employment rates converge in the UK? Empirical evidence using club-clustering algorithm
Authors: Saridakis George , Mendoza González Miguel A. , Hand Chris , Muñoz Torres Rebeca I.
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the dynamics of self-employment rates overall and by gender across the UK during the period 2004–2016. Specifically, using the panel convergence methodology suggested by Phillips and Sul (Econometrica 75:1771–1855, 2007) we investigate whether self-employment rates can be characterised by a process where all regions tend to the same equilibrium (global or full convergence) or, if not, whether there are one or more clusters of regions with the same equilibrium (convergence clubs). We find that there is no global regional convergence in total and gender-specific self-employment rates. However, two convergence clubs of regions with lower self-employment rates are found along with a group of non-convergent regions which have higher self-employment rates and somewhat higher rates of growth in self-employment. We also show that gender differences in convergence patterns across UK exist.
Prostaglandin E2 in a TLR3- and 7/8-agonist-based DC maturation cocktail generates mature, cytokine-producing, migratory DCs but impairs antigen cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells
Authors: Gierlich Philipp , Lex Veronika , Technau Antje , Keupp Anne , Morper Lorenz , Glunz Amelie , Sennholz Hanno , Rachor Johannes , Sauer Sascha , Marcu Ana , Grigoleit Götz Ulrich , Wölfl Matthias , Schlegel Paul G. , Eyrich Matthias
Published: February 2020

Mature dendritic cells (DCs) represent cellular adjuvants for optimal antigen presentation in cancer vaccines. Recently, a combination of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) with Toll-like receptor agonists (TLR-P) was proposed as a new standard to generate superior cytokine-producing DCs with high migratory capacity. Here, we compare TLR-P DCs with conventional DCs matured only with the proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1ß (CDCs), focussing on the interaction of resulting DCs with CD8+T-cells. TLR-P matured DCs showed elevated expression of activation markers such as CD80 and CD83 compared to CDCs, together with a significantly higher migration capacity. Secretion of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 was highest after 16 h in TLR-P DCs, and only TLR-P DCs secreted active IL-12p70. TLR-P DCs as well as CDCs successfully primed multifunctional CD8+T-cells from naïve precursors specific for the peptide antigens Melan-A, NLGN4X, and PTP with comparable priming efficacy and T-cell receptor avidity. CD8+T-cells primed by TLR-P DCs showed significantly elevated expression of the integrin VLA-4 and a trend for higher T-cell numbers after expansion. In contrast, TLR-P DCs displayed a substantially reduced capability to cross-present CMVpp65 protein antigen to pp65-specific T cells, an effect that was dose-dependent on PGE2during DC maturation and reproducible with several responder T-cell lines. In conclusion, TLR-P matured DCs might be optimal presenters of antigens not requiring processing such as short peptides. However, PGE2seems less favorable for maturation of DCs intended to process and cross-present more complex vaccine antigens such as lysates, proteins or long peptides.
What is the outcome of the open IPOM versus sublay technique in the treatment of larger incisional hernias?: A propensity score-matched comparison of 9091 patients from the Herniamed Registry
Authors: Köckerling F. , Lammers B. , Weyhe D. , Reinpold W. , Zarras K. , Adolf D. , Riediger H. , Krüger C. M.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

In an Expert Consensus guided by systematic review, the panel agreed that for open elective incisional hernia repair, sublay mesh location is preferred, but open intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) may be useful in certain settings. This analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry aimed to compare the outcomes of open IPOM and sublay technique.

Methods

Propensity score matching of 9091 patients with elective incisional hernia repair and with defect width ≥ 4 cm was performed. The following matching variables were selected: age, gender, risk factors, ASA score, preoperative pain, defect size, and defect localization.

Results

For the 1977 patients with open IPOM repair and 7114 patients with sublay repair, n = 1938 (98%) pairs were formed. No differences were seen between the two groups with regard to the intraoperative, postoperative and general complications, complication-related reoperations and recurrences. But significant disadvantages were identified for the open IPOM repair in respect of pain on exertion (17.1% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.007), pain at rest (10.4% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.040) and chronic pain requiring treatment (8.8% vs. 5.8%; p < 0.001), in addition to rates of 3.8%, 1.1% and 1.1%, respectively, occurring in both matched patients. No relationship with tacker mesh fixation was identified. There are only very few reports in the literature with comparable findings.

Conclusion

Compared with sublay repair, open IPOM repair appears to pose a higher risk of chronic pain. This finding concords with the Expert Consensus recommending that incisional hernia should preferably be repaired using the sublay technique.
Beyond empathy: a qualitative exploration of arts and humanities in pre-professional (baccalaureate) health education
Authors: Costa Marcela , Kangasjarvi Emilia , Charise Andrea
Published: February 2020

For nearly four decades, researchers have explored the integration of arts and humanities content into health professions education (HPE). However, enduring controversies regarding the purpose, efficacy, and implementation of humanities initiatives suggest that thetimingandcontextof trainees’ exposure to such content is a key, but seldom considered, factor. To better understand the affordances of introducing humanities-based health curriculum prior to the HPE admissions gateway, we conducted a qualitative instrumental case study with participants from Canada’s first Health Humanities baccalaureate program. Fully anonymized transcripts from semi-structured interviews (n = 11) and focus groups (n = 14) underwent an open-coding procedure for thematic narrative analysis to reveal three major temporal domains of described experience (i.e.,prior to, during, andfollowingtheir participation in a 12-week semester-long “Introduction to Health Humanities” course). Our findings demonstrate that perceptions of arts- and humanities content in health education are generated well in advance of HPE admission. Among other findings, we define a new concept—epistemological multicompetence—to describe participants’ emergent capability to toggle between (and advocate for the role of) multiple disciplines, arts and humanities particularly, in health-related teaching and learning at the pre-professional level. Improved coordination of baccalaureate and HPE curricula may therefore enhance the development of capabilities associated with arts and humanities, including: epistemological multicompetence, aesthetic sensibility, and other sought-after qualities in HPE candidates. In conclusion, attending to the pre-professional admissions gateway presents a new, capabilities-driven approach to enhancing both the implementation and critical understanding of arts and humanities’ purpose, role, and effects across the “life course” of health professions education.