bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel genetic algorithm for N‐Queens problem based on message passing interface‐compute unified device architecture
Authors: Jianli Cao , Zhikui Chen , Yuxin Wang , He Guo
Published: March 2020

N‐Queens problem derives three variants: obtaining a specific solution, obtaining a set of solutions and obtaining all solutions. The purpose of the variant I is to find a constructive solution, which has been solved. Variant III is aiming to find all solutions and the largest number of queens currently being resolved is 26. Variant II whose purpose is to obtain a set of solutions for larger‐scale problems relies on various intelligent algorithms. In this paper, we use a master‐slave model genetic algorithm that combines the idea of the evolutionary algorithm and simulated annealing algorithm to solve Variant III, and use a parallel fitness function based on compute unified device architecture. Experimental results show that our scheme achieved a maximum 60‐fold speedup over the single‐CPU counterpart. On this basis, a two‐level parallel genetic algorithm based on the island model and master‐slave model is implemented on the GPU cluster by using message passing interface technology. Using two‐node and three‐node GPU cluster, speedup of 1.46 and 2.01 are obtained on average over single‐node, respectively. Compared with the sequential genetic algorithm, the two‐level parallel genetic algorithm makes full use of the parallel computing power of GPU cluster in solving N‐Queen variant II and improves the performance by 99.19 times in the best
case.
Marine biodiversity offsets: Pragmatic approaches toward better conservation outcomes
Authors: Jacob Céline , van Bochove Jan‐Willem , Livingstone Suzanne , White Thomas , Pilgrim John , Bennun Leon
Published: March 2020

Increasing exploitation of marine natural resources and expansion of energy infrastructure, shipping, and aquaculture across the oceans are placing increased pressure on marine life. Biodiversity offsets, as the last stage of the mitigation hierarchy, provide an opportunity to promote a more sustainable basis for development by addressing residual impacts and achieving “no net loss” for biodiversity. Despite debate around their effectiveness, biodiversity offsets are seeing increasing application on land but remain a rarely used tool in the marine environment. We assess how offsets can be applied in the marine environment to achieve better biodiversity outcomes, and identify implications for conservation policy and practice. For instance, spatial conservation planning provides opportunities to move away from a siloed, project‐by‐project, approach by pooling offsets on a regional scale. There are real differences between marine and terrestrial environments in relation to ecology, connectivity, data availability, management options, and impact perception, and marine offsets are therefore often regarded as challenging. However, fundamental offset principles, types, and approaches apply equally on land and at sea. Marine biodiversity offset approaches can build on the experience of terrestrial offsets but can also innovate to help achieve biodiversity gains and contribute toward global and national biodiversity targets.
Ichthyosen im klinischen Alltag: Umgang mit einer seltenen Erkrankungsgruppe
Authors: Süßmuth Kira , Traupe Heiko , Metze Dieter , Oji Vinzenz
Published: March 2020

Ichthyosen sind eine Gruppe genetisch bedingter Verhornungsstörungen, welche sich in den unterschiedlichsten Ausprägungen zeigen können. Man unterscheidet zwischen den häufigen hereditären Ichthyosen (Ichthyosis vulgaris und X‐chromosomale Ichthyose), die meist im ersten Lebensjahr manifest werden und den seltenen, manchmal schwerwiegenden, kongenitalen Ichthyosen. Dazu zählen die autosomal‐rezessiven kongenitalen Ichthyosen. Bei sehr milden Formen ist den Betroffenen häufig das Vorliegen einer genetisch bedingten Erkrankung nicht bewusst. Die Diagnose einer Ichthyose wird meistens klinisch gestellt und kann mit molekulargenetischen, histologischen und elektronenmikroskopischen Untersuchungen eingegrenzt oder bestätigt werden. Bei der Diagnostik ist die Erstellung eines Stammbaumes hilfreich. Wichtig sind bei der Anamnese und körperlichen Untersuchung neben dem Hautbefund der Zeitpunkt erster Symptome, Kollodiumphase, Haaranomalien und extrakutane Symptome.

Bei der Ichthyosetherapie steht die symptomatische Behandlung durch konsequente Rückfettung mehrmals täglich und Badetherapie im Vordergrund. Für einige Patienten mit schweren Formen sollte eine Systemtherapie mit Acitretin durchaus individuell erwogen werden. Ichthyosen sind zumeist auf die Haut begrenzt. Es gibt jedoch syndromale Formen, bei denen andere Organe erkranken können. Diese Formen der Ichthyosen erfordern eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit. Zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt sind Ichthyosen eine nicht heilbare, aber gut therapierbare Erkrankungsgruppe. Allerdings ist die Behandlung häufig kostspielig und zeitintensiv. In Zukunft könnten Enzymersatz‐ und Gentherapien sowie antientzündliche Medikamente neue Therapieoptionen darstellen.
Polycomb group RING finger protein 5 influences several developmental signaling pathways during the in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Meng Ying , Liu Yang , Dakou Eleni , Gutierrez Gustavo J. , Leyns Luc
Published: March 2020

Polycomb group (PcG) RING finger protein 5 (PCGF5) is a core component of the so‐called Polycomb repressive complex 1.5 (PRC1.5), which is involved in epigenetic transcriptional repression. To explore the developmental function of Pcgf5, we generated Pcgf5 knockout (Pcgf5−/−) mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) lines with the help of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We subjected the Pcgf5−/− and wild‐type (WT) mESCs to a differentiation protocol toward mesodermal‐cardiac cell types as aggregated embryoid bodies (EBs) and we found that knockout of Pcgf5 delayed the generation of the three germ layers, especially the ectoderm. Further, disruption of Pcgf5 impacted the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition during EB morphogenesis and differentially affected the gene expression of essential developmental signaling pathways such as Nodal and Wnt. Finally, we also unveiled that loss of Pcgf5 induced the repression of genes involved in the Notch pathway, which may explain the enhancement of cardiomyocyte maturation and the dampening of ectodermal‐neural differentiation observed in the Pcgf5−/− EBs.
Sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor cardiovascular outcome trials and generalizability to English primary care
Authors: Hinton W. , Feher M. , Munro N. , Joy M. , de Lusignan S.
Published: March 2020

Aim

To identify people in English primary care with equivalent cardiovascular risk to participants in the sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT‐2i) cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs). A secondary objective was to report the usage of SGLT‐2is.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of people registered with participating practices in the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) network on the 31 December 2016. We derived: (1) proportions of the primary care population eligible for inclusion in each SGLT‐2i CVOT (CANVAS, DECLARE, EMPA‐REG and VERTIS); (2) characteristics of the eligible population compared with trial participants (demographics, disease duration and vascular risk); and (3) differences within the eligible population prescribed SGLT‐2is.

Results

The proportions of people with type 2 diabetes (N = 84 394) meeting the inclusion criteria for each CVOT were: DECLARE 27% [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.5–27.1]; CANVAS 17% (16.6–17.1); VERTIS 7% (7.1–7.4); and EMPA‐REG 7% (6.5–6.8). Primary care populations fulfilling inclusion criteria were 5–8 years older than trial cohorts, and <10% with inclusion criteria of each trial were prescribed an SGLT‐2i; a greater proportion were men, and of white ethnicity.

Conclusions

There was variation in proportions of the primary care type 2 diabetes population fulfilling inclusion criteria of SGLT‐2i CVOTs. The more stringent the inclusion criteria, the lower the proportion identified in a primary care setting. Prescription rates for SGLT‐2is were low in this national database, and there were demographic disparities in prescribing.
Differential expression of nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase in primary and recurrent ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts
Authors: Mascitti Marco , Sartini Davide , Togni Lucrezia , Pozzi Valentina , Rubini Corrado , Santarelli Andrea , Emanuelli Monica
Published: March 2020

Background

Odontogenic tumours are a group of rare heterogeneous diseases that range from hamartomatous tissue proliferations to benign and malignant neoplasms. Recurrences can occur after 10 years, so long‐term clinical and radiological follow‐up is required. The study of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of these lesions is necessary to identify new prognostic markers. In this study, we evaluate the possible role of nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT) in ameloblastomas (AM) and odontogenic keratocysts (OKC).

Materials and methods

A total of 105 surgical specimens of primary and recurrent lesions were obtained from 55 patients (25 AM, 30 OKC). In particular, 50 AMs (25 primary, 25 recurrences) and 55 OKCs (30 primary, 25 recurrences) were retrieved. We carried out immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate the cytoplasmic expression of NNMT, measuring the percentage of positive cells and the value of NNMT expression intensity.

Results

NNMT expression was significantly higher in recurrent than primary AMs (P = .0430). This result was confirmed by staining intensity, showing more cases with moderate/intense staining in recurrent AMs (P = .0470). NNMT expression was significantly lower in recurrent than primary OKC (P = .0014). Staining intensity showed more cases with moderate/intense staining in primary OKCs (P = .0276).

Conclusions

This report is the first to evaluate NNMT expression in odontogenic lesions and to demonstrate a differential expression in recurrent AMs and OKCs, suggesting that there is potential for use of NNMT as prognostic marker.
ANTITRUST TREATMENT OF NONPROFITS: SHOULD HOSPITALS RECEIVE SPECIAL CARE?
Authors: Capps Cory S. , Carlton Dennis W. , David Guy
Published: March 2020

Nonprofit hospitals receive favorable tax treatment in exchange for providing socially beneficial activities. Extending this rationale suggests that nonprofit hospital mergers should be evaluated differently than mergers of for‐profit hospitals because suppression of competition may also allow nonprofits to cross‐subsidize care for the poor. Using detailed California data, we find no evidence that nonprofit hospitals are more likely than for‐profit hospitals to provide more charity care or offer unprofitable services in response to an increase in market power. Therefore, we find no empirical justification for applying, as some courts have suggested, different antitrust standards for nonprofit hospitals. (JEL I11, L1, L44)
RECIPROCITY UNDER BRIEF AND LONG‐TIME DELAYS
Authors: Gagnon Nickolas , Noussair Charles N.
Published: March 2020

We report the results from three experiments embedded in the same overarching design, which extends the Gift Exchange paradigm for the study of worker–employer relationships. We focus on the effect of the length of the delay, between the time at which workers learn their wage and when they choose an effort level, on the relationship between wage and effort. We compare effort choices made within a few hours with those made several weeks afterward. We find that the strength of the wage‐effort relationship decreases over time, and this change appears to be driven by workers who receive low wages. (JEL C91, J33, M52)
A laboratory study to disentangle hydrological, mechanical and structural mechanisms of soil stabilization by plant mucilage between eroding and depositional zones of a slope
Authors: Zhong Xiao‐lan , Li Jiang‐tao , Naveed Muhammad , Raffan Annette , Hallett Paul D.
Published: March 2020

Biological exudates, such as plant mucilage, can greatly stabilize soils, but as the mechanical and hydrological drivers depend much on soil particle size composition, eroding and depositional areas of a slope may respond differently. Soils from an eroded midslope and a depositional footslope in an arable farm were amended with chia (Salvia hispanica) seed mucilage at concentrations of 0 g C kg−1, 0.46 g C kg−1 and 2.3 g C kg−1 mucilage, formed into cores, and then imparted with wetting and drying (WD) cycles. Mucilage increased the stability of these inherently stable soils from 80% to >98% water‐stable macroaggregates at 0 WD cycles regardless of slope position. Aggregate stability was maintained after 5 WD cycles by mucilage, whereas the stability of unamended soil dropped by 66.7% in the footslope and 30.1% in the midslope compared with 0 WD. The underlying physical stability properties were measured by tensile strength and penetration resistance for mechanical properties, water sorptivity and repellency for hydrological properties, and micro‐, meso‐, macro‐ and total porosity for structural properties. Almost every soil physical property measured changed less with WD cycles if mucilage was present. Compared to unamended soil, 2.3 g C kg−1 mucilage amendment decreased water sorptivity from 0.289 mm s−1/2 to 0.122 mm s−1/2 in the midslope and 0.230 mm s−1/2 to 0.182 mm s−1/2 in the footslope after 5 WD cycles. Aggregate stability, total porosity and water sorptivity were correlated. In the midslope, hydrology and penetration resistance were affected the most, which was likely to be driven by mucilage deposition in the macropores of this more coarsely textured soil. In the footslope, the greater impact of mucilage on tensile strength was likely to be driven by buffering of macroporosity formation by WD cycles in this finer‐textured soil.

Highlights

We explored how slope position interacts with plant mucilage to drive soil physical stability.

Changes in soil physical stability by plant mucilage have rarely been considered with slope position.

Interactions between mucilage and soil particles caused greater physical stability in the midslope than footslope.

Mucilage stabilized soil by easing changes in pore structure, DOC redistribution and water repellency, with particle bonding less important.
Association of daytime napping with incident stroke in middle‐aged and older adults: a large community‐based study
Authors: Yan B. , Jin X. , Li R. , Gao Y. , Zhang J. , Li J. , Wang G.
Published: March 2020

Background and purpose

There are conflicting reports on the association between daytime napping and incident stroke. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between daytime napping and stroke within a community‐based cohort.

Methods

The present prospective study was based on the Sleep Heart Health Study. Napping habits were assessed with a self‐reported Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Participants with napping habits of different durations and frequencies were followed up until the first stroke occurred or the final censoring date. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the relationship between napping habits and stroke.

Results

A total of 4757 participants (2219 men, mean age 63.6 ± 11.1 years) were enrolled in this study. Compared with those taking no naps, multivariate proportional hazards models analysis indicated that individuals taking naps with a duration of >60 min [hazard ratio (HR), 2.460; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.538–3.934] had a higher risk of stroke. There was also an increased risk of stroke among participants taking naps daily (HR, 1.563; 95% CI, 1.059–2.307) or five to six times/week (HR, 1.548; 95% CI, 1.026–2.335). After combining napping durations and frequencies, regular long naps (HR, 1.903; 95% CI, 1.182–3.065) and regular short naps (HR, 1.451; 95% CI, 1.010–2.084) were independent risk factors for incident stroke.

Conclusion

Daytime napping with a long duration (>30 min) or a high frequency (≥5 times/week) may increase the risk of stroke.
Experimental study of alarm calls of the oriental tit (Parus minor) toward different predators and reactions they induce in nestlings
Authors: Ha Jungmoon , Lee Keesan , Yang Eunjeong , Kim Woojoo , Song Ho‐kyung , Hwang Injae , Lee‐Cruz Larisa , Lee Sang‐im , Jablonski Piotr
Published: March 2020

Anti‐predatory strategies of birds are diverse and may include predator‐specific alarm calls. For example, oriental tit (Parus minor) parents can distinguish snakes from other predators and produce snake‐specific referential vocalizations ("jar" call) when a snake poses a threat to their nest. The “jar” call has a very specific function to induce fledging of nestlings close to fledging age. This reaction ensures nestlings' survival in natural encounters with snakes that are capable of entering nest cavities and kill entire broods. Sciurid rodents, like chipmunks, may pose a similar threat to cavity‐nesting birds. We explored the hypothesis that parents use the fledging‐inducing alarm vocalizations in this situation, because chipmunks, like snakes, can kill the brood upon entering the nest cavity. We compared alarm calls of parents toward two predators (chipmunk and snake) who pose a similar threat to the nestlings in a nest cavity, and toward an avian predator (Eurasian jay) who cannot enter nest cavities and poses no threat to the nestlings in a nest. Our results show that the vocal responses of oriental tits were different among the three predators. This suggests that the acoustic properties of vocal responses to predators are different between predators of a similar hunting strategy (nest‐cavity entering). The playback of recorded vocal responses of parents to chipmunks did not trigger the fledging of old nestlings, whereas the vocalizations toward a snake did, as shown by earlier studies. Our study suggests that the vocal response of parents does not carry information about the ability of predators to enter the nest cavity and confirms the special status of alarm calls triggered by snakes.
Habitat‐dependent advertisement call variation in the monkey frog Phyllomedusa nordestina
Authors: Röhr David Lucas , Camurugi Felipe , Martinez Pablo Ariel , Sousa‐Lima Renata S. , Juncá Flora Acuña , Garda Adrian Antonio
Published: March 2020

The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) predicts that acoustic signals are selected to propagate more efficiently in the habitat where they are normally transmitted. Several studies corroborated the AAH for primates and birds, but evidence for frogs is contentious: While most studies failed to support the AAH, recent studies have shown that within‐species variation conforms to the predictions of the AAH. Herein, we test the AAH by comparing advertisement calls of Phyllomedusa nordestina from two contrasting habitats (Atlantic Rainforest and Caatinga) and by testing the influence of the amount of vegetation around calling sites on acoustic parameters of frog calls. The interval between pulses was significantly different between individuals from the Atlantic Rainforest and from the Caatinga, and the number of pulses was correlated with the amount of vegetation around calling sites. Hence, our results indicate that multiple evolutionary forces may act simultaneously on the advertisement calls of frogs.
Thermo‐chemo‐mechanical modeling of refractory behavior in service: Key points and new developments
Authors: Blond Eric , Nguyen Anh K. , de Bilbao Emmanuel , Sayet Thomas , Batakis Athanasios
Published: March 2020

The lifespan of refractory results from a complex interaction between chemistry, thermal conditions, and mechanics. The development of numerical models able to predict the results of such complex multi‐physics couplings requires an intensive use of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes framework. Today, the main barriers to reach fully predictive simulations are: the access to relevant data at high temperature (chemical kinetics, chemical expansion coefficient, etc), the numerical complexity and the computational time. The theoretical framework is briefly illustrated on refractory lining applications with a focus on the impact of the swelling induced by corrosion. Then, the numerical difficulties to ensure the numerical convergence and the accuracy of the results when solving classical partial differential equations are examined. Finally, a new approach to model the capillary impregnation by slag, based on percolation theory, is proposed. The basics of this method and the first numerical results are presented.
Effects of a carbohydrate‐restricted diet on hepatic lipid content in adolescents with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot, randomized trial
Authors: Goss Amy M. , Dowla Shima , Pendergrass May , Ashraf Ambika , Bolding Mark , Morrison Shannon , Amerson Alesha , Soleymani Taraneh , Gower Barbara
Published: March 2020

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common form of liver disease among adolescents in industrialized countries. While lifestyle intervention remains the hallmark treatment for NAFLD, the most effective dietary strategy to reverse NAFLD in children is unknown.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a moderately CHO‐restricted diet (CRD) vs fat‐restricted diet (FRD) in adolescents with NAFLD on reduction in liver fat and insulin resistance.

Methods

Thirty‐two children/adolescents (age 9‐17) with obesity and NAFLD were randomized to a CRD (<25:25:>50% energy from CHO:protein:fat) or FRD (55:25:20) for 8 weeks. Caloric intakes were calculated to be weight maintaining. Change in hepatic lipid content was measured via magnetic resonance imaging, body composition via dual energy X ray absorptiometry and insulin resistance via a fasting blood sample.

Results

Change in hepatic lipid did not differ with diet, but declined significantly (−6.0 ± 4.7%, P < .001 only within the CRD group. We found significantly greater decreases in insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR, <.05), abdominal fat mass (P < .01) and body fat mass (P < .01) in response to the CRD vs FRD.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that consumption of a moderately CHO‐restricted diet may result in decreased hepatic lipid as well as improvements in body composition and insulin resistance in adolescents with NAFLD even in the absence of intentional caloric restriction. Larger studies are needed to determine whether a CHO‐restricted diet induces change in hepatic lipid independent of change in body fat.
Phonemic contrasts under construction? Evidence from Basque
Authors: Larraza Saioa , Molnar Monika , Samuel Arthur G.
Published: March 2020

Attunement theories of speech perception development suggest that native‐language exposure is one of the main factors shaping infants' phonemic discrimination capacity within the second half of their first year. Here, we focus on the role of acoustic–perceptual salience and language‐specific experience by assessing the discrimination of acoustically subtle Basque sibilant contrasts. We used the infant‐controlled version of the habituation procedure to assess discrimination in 6‐ to 7‐month and 11‐ to 12‐month‐old infants who varied in their amount of exposure to Basque and Spanish. We observed no significant variation in the infants' discrimination behavior as a function of their linguistic experience. Infants in both age‐groups exhibited poor discrimination, consistent with Basque adults finding these contrasts more difficult than some others. Our findings are in agreement with previous research showing that perceptual discrimination of subtle speech sound contrasts may follow a different developmental trajectory, where increased native‐language exposure seems to be a requisite.
Unique mating behavior, and reproductive biology of a simultaneous hermaphroditic marine flatworm (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Maricola)
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Jun‐Yu , Sluys Ronald , Li Wei‐Xuan , Li Shuang‐Fei , Wang An‐Tai
Published: March 2020

Flatworms generally are simultaneous hermaphrodites that exhibit various kinds of mating behavior. Here we report on the mating behavior and reproductive biology of the planarian Paucumara falcata. We recognized three phases in its mating behavior: a courtship, copulation, and postcopulatory phase. During the last‐mentioned phase, the partners showed a unique and very characteristic behavior in which their bodies intertwined, forming a spiral. Histological study of partners in copula revealed that the sclerotic tip of the musculo‐parenchymatic organ pierces the body wall of the partner and then becomes lodged in its parenchyma, suggesting that this organ may act as an anchor, thus stabilizing the worms during copulation. Similar organs in other species of marine triclad may also perform a stabilizing role during copulation. During copulation in individuals of P. falcata, sperm transfer was reciprocal or only unilateral. Copulation duration ranged 13–35 min (average 20 ± 5 min), irrespective of whether the mating was successful (i.e., resulted in the production of fertile cocoons). The spiraling phase lasted on average 10 min; some worms did not show the postcopulatory spiraling phase during their mating behavior. After successful copulation, an individual worm produced 1–12 fertile cocoons over a period of 1–17 days; from a cocoon hatched either one young (in 70% of the cases), or two young worms.
Differences in oxidative stress across seasons and ability to cope with environmental mismatch in muscle and brain of black‐capped chickadees Poecile atricapillus and rock pigeons Columba livia
Authors: Jimenez Ana Gabriela , Tobin Kailey J. , Anderson Katherine N. , McCann MaryKathryn E. , Briggs Christopher W.
Published: March 2020

Resident birds in temperate areas respond to seasonally fluctuating temperatures by adjusting their physiology so as to match thermogenic requirements of their environment. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of heat waves, increasing the likelihood that birds will face environmental mismatch. Changes in BMR due to seasonality or anomaly events should show effects to the oxidative stress system. We examined the effects of chronic and acute heat exposure on muscle and brain tissue total antioxidant capacity, enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) damage in two temperate bird species of differing body masses and ecological strategies, the black‐capped chickadee Poecile atricapillus and the rock pigeon Columba livia, across three seasons. We found that heat stress did not alter oxidative stress in either species or tissue. But, in muscle, rock pigeons and black‐capped chickadees demonstrated similar seasonal changes where peroxyl scavenging capacity was highest in the fall, hydroxyl scavenging capacity was higher in fall and summer. CAT activity was lowest in the fall and highest in the summer, GPx activity was highest in the fall, and LPO damage was highest in the summer but lowest in the fall. In brain, we found that scavenging capacity to hydroxyl radicals was highest in fall and summer for rock pigeons, whereas it was only elevated in the summer for black‐capped chickadees. Our data suggest that the oxidative stress system is slow to change seasonally.
iNOS‐inhibitor driven neuroprotection in a porcine retina organ culture model
Authors: Hurst José , Mueller‐Buehl Ana Maria , Hofmann Lisa , Kuehn Sandra , Herms Fenja , Schnichels Sven , Joachim Stephanie Christine
Published: March 2020

Nitrite oxide plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various retinal diseases, especially when hypoxic processes are involved. This degeneration can be simulated by incubating porcine retinal explants with CoCl2. Here, the therapeutic potential of iNOS‐inhibitor 1400W was evaluated. Degeneration through CoCl2 and treatment with the 1400W were applied simultaneously to porcine retinae explants. Three groups were compared: control, CoCl2, and CoCl2 + iNOS‐inhibitor (1400W). At days 4 and 8, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), bipolar, and amacrine cells were analysed. Furthermore, the influence on the glia cells and different stress markers were evaluated. Treatment with CoCl2 resulted in a significant loss of RGCs already after 4 days, which was counteracted by the iNOS‐inhibitor. Expression of HIF‐1α and its downstream targets confirmed the effective treatment with 1400W. After 8 days, the CoCl2 group displayed a significant loss in amacrine cells and also a drastic reduction in bipolar cells was observed, which was prevented by 1400W. The decrease in microglia could not be prevented by the inhibitor. CoCl2 induces strong degeneration in porcine retinae by mimicking hypoxia, damaging certain retinal cell types. Treatment with the iNOS‐inhibitor counteracted these effects to some extent, by preventing loss of retinal ganglion and bipolar cells. Hence, this inhibitor seems to be a very promising treatment for retinal diseases.
The Relationship of Loneliness to End‐of‐Life Experience in Older Americans: A Cohort Study
Authors: Abedini Nauzley C. , Choi HwaJung , Wei Melissa Y. , Langa Kenneth M. , Chopra Vineet
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about the relationship between loneliness and end‐of‐life (EOL) experience including symptom burden, intensity of care, and advance care planning among older adults.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

SETTING

Population based.

PARTICIPANTS

Decedents older than 50 years who died between 2004 and 2014 (n = 8700). Exclusions included those who were ineligible for surveys assessing loneliness (n = 2932) or had missing or incomplete loneliness or symptom data (n = 2872).

MEASUREMENTS

Individuals were characterized as lonely based on responses to the three‐item Revised University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale in the most recent HRS survey before death. Outcomes were proxy reports of total EOL symptom burden, intensity of EOL care (eg, late hospice enrollment, place of death, hospitalizations, use of life support), and advance care planning. Results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

One‐third of 2896 decedents (n = 942) were lonely. After adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, multimorbidity, depressive symptoms, family and friends, and social support, loneliness was independently associated with increased total symptom burden at EOL (ß = .13; P = .004). Compared with nonlonely individuals, lonely decedents were more likely to use life support in the last 2 years of life (35.5% vs 29.4%; aOR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.08‐1.71) and more likely to die in a nursing home (18.4% vs 14.2%; aOR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.30‐2.42). No significant differences in other measures of intense care (late hospice enrollment, number of hospitalizations, or dialysis use) or likelihood of advance care planning were observed.

CONCLUSION

Lonely older people may be burdened by more symptoms and may be exposed to more intense EOL care compared with nonlonely people. Interventions aiming to screen for, prevent, and mitigate loneliness during the vulnerable EOL period are necessary. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1064–1071, 2020
Deciphering late Devonian–early Carboniferous P–T–t path of mylonitized garnet‐mica schists from Prins Karls Forland, Svalbard
Authors: Kośmińska Karolina , Spear Frank S. , Majka Jarosław , Faehnrich Karol , Manecki Maciej , Piepjohn Karsten , Dallmann Winfried K.
Published: March 2020

Quartz‐in‐garnet inclusion barometry integrated with trace element thermometry and calculated phase relations is applied to mylonitized schists of the Pinkie unit cropping out on the island of Prins Karls Forland, western part of the Svalbard Archipelago. This approach combines conventional and novel techniques and allows deciphering of the pressure–temperature (P–T) evolution of mylonitic rocks, for which the P–T conditions could not have been easily deciphered using traditional methods. The results obtained suggest that rocks of the Pinkie unit were metamorphosed under amphibolite facies conditions at 8–10 kbar and 560–630°C and mylonitized at ~500 to 550°C and 9–11 kbar. The P–T results are coupled with in‐situ Th–U‐total Pb monazite dating, which records amphibolite facies metamorphism at c. 359–355 Ma. This is the very first evidence of late Devonian–early Carboniferous metamorphism in Svalbard and it implies that the Ellesmerian Orogeny on Svalbard was associated with metamorphism up to amphibolite facies conditions. Thus, it can be concluded that the Ellesmerian collision between the Franklinian margin of Laurentia and Pearya and Svalbard caused not only commonly accepted brittle deformation and weak greenschist facies metamorphism, but also a burial and deformation of rock complexes at much greater depths at elevated temperatures.
Fatty acids based α‐Tocopherol loaded nanostructured lipid carrier gel: In vitro and in vivo evaluation for moisturizing and anti‐aging effects
Authors: Ijaz Musarrat , Akhtar Naveed
Published: March 2020

Background

α‐Tocopherol is a potent antioxidant present in the skin. Its concentration decreases with age. Synthetically available α‐tocopherol is viscous, irritating to skin and unstable toward oxidation and ultraviolet (UV) light.

Aims

To develop fatty acids based nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) gel loaded with α‐tocopherol and to evaluate its moisturizing and anti‐aging properties.

Methods

Lauric acid, oleic acid, and Tween‐80 were used as solid lipid, liquid lipid, and surfactant, respectively. Seven formulations (F0‐F6) were developed by using different concentration of ingredients. Most optimized formulation (F2) was selected for further study on the basis of characterization. Dialysis tube method was used for release study. F2 was incorporated in gel, and then, in vitro and noninvasive in vivo study regarding skin moisture content by corneometer® and skin mechanical properties by cutometer® for 12 weeks on human volunteers (n = 13) was conducted.

Results

Size, polydispersibility index (PDI), zeta potential, and %entrapment efficiency (%EE) of optimized formulation (F2) were found 82 nm, 0.261, −28.6, and 94.88 ± 1.16, respectively. Particles were spherical in shape. The release profile showed initial burst and then sustained release, and release data were best fitted to weibull model. α‐tocopherol loaded NLC gel (NLCG) appeared physically stable for 12 weeks at room temperature and showed significant results in terms of skin capacitance and mechanical properties. Rheological assessment showed non‐Newtonian behavior.

Conclusion

Fatty acids based NLC proved to be a promising carrier of photochemically unstable lipophilic vitamin E with enhanced moisturizing and anti‐aging properties.
Approach to women who become pregnant while on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for chronic B hepatitis: A report of two cases
Authors: Ergen Pınar , Yilmaz Karadağ Fatma
Published: March 2020

Mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus can occur during the intrauterine, antenatal and postnatal periods, with an increased risk of perinatal transmission. Appropriate management of patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive during pregnancy can substantially reduce the rates of perinatal transmission. Herein, two pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B are presented; one became pregnant while receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and continued the treatment during pregnancy, the other discontinued tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment on her own due to conception, but restarted at 26 weeks of pregnancy. At birth the newborns of both women were vaccinated and immunoglobulin was given, with no perinatal transmission. Whether pregnant women should receive antiviral therapy or immunoprophylaxis still remains controversial. In order to keep the mother's liver stable and to prevent perinatal transmission, it is of paramount importance to manage pregnant women in line with the current information and guidelines.
Interaction Patterns in Adolescent Romantic Relationships: A Typological Analysis
Authors: Couture Stéphanie , Fernet Mylène , Côté Philippe‐Benoit
Published: March 2020

While several studies in adolescents have addressed issues related to romantic relationships and dating violence, there is a limited understanding of their interaction patterns. This study aims to document interactions in conflict situations by identifying profiles of adolescent romantic relationships. Qualitative analysis based on the dimensions of the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems was used to investigate the interaction task of 40 dyads. A typological analysis revealed four profiles: (1) rigid, (2) entangled, (3) hampered, and (4) balanced. Results highlight the diversity of romantic experiences and offer a better understanding of the intricacies of different interaction profiles. Dating violence prevention efforts and programs promoting harmonious and egalitarian romantic relationships could benefit from the insights of the identified profiles.
A cross sectional study of Mexican caregiver social status, dental knowledge, self‐efficacy, and caregiver/child oral health. A structural equation model
Authors: Jolanta Aleksejūnienė , María del Carmen Villanueva‐Vilchis , Mónica Anaya‐Morales
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To test hypothetical models relating caregivers' social status, knowledge, and self‐efficacy to caregiver/child (C/C) oral health‐related outcomes.

Methods

One hundred fifty C/C pairs participated (recruitment = 87.7 percent). Three C/C outcomes were clinically assessed: “Oral self‐care”; “Functional dentitions”; and “Dental treatment needs.” Information about caregiver (CG) social status, knowledge, and self‐efficacy was also gathered. Structural equation modeling tested measurement models (MMs) for CG social status, CG knowledge, and CG self‐efficacy. The structural models (SMs) hypothesized causal paths among CG social status, CG knowledge, CG self‐efficacy, and C/C oral health outcomes.

Results

All three MMs had a good overall fit (nonsignificant χ2 estimates, Goodness of Fit Index >0.95, Normed Fit Index ~ >0.95, Confirmatory Fit Index >95, Root Mean Square Error Approximation <0.05). For the SMs, the best overall fit was for “Functional dentitions,” while SMs for “Oral self‐care,” and “Dental treatment needs” required revisions. In all the SMs, the path between “Caregiver social status” and “Caregiver knowledge” was significant. In the “C/C Functional dentitions” SM, the significant path linked “CG self‐efficacy” and “Child functional dentition.” In the “C/C Dental treatment needs” SM, the significant path linked “CG self‐efficacy” and “CG functional dentition.”

Conclusions

Hypothetical models for three oral health‐related outcomes were partly or fully validated.
Urinary metabolomics research for Huangqi Jianzhong Tang against chronic atrophic gastritis rats based on 1H NMR and UPLC-Q/TOF MS
Authors: Liu YueTao , Jin Zhidong , Qin Xuemei , Zheng QingXia
Published: March 2020

Objectives

As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HQJZ) has a good efficacy in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Our objective was to determine its mechanism based on the urine comprehensive metabolome.

Methods

In the study, a metabolomic approach was applied to reveal the efficacy of HQJZ on the constructed CAG rats coupled with proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF MS).

Key findings

The results showed the regulatory effect of HQJZ on urinary metabolism disorder in CAG rats was similar to the positive drug teprenone. Nineteen and 16 potential biomarkers related to CAG were detected by NMR and UPLC-Q/TOF MS, respectively. Thirty-two urine metabolites were significantly regulated by HQJZ treatment. Combined with MetPA and partial least square regression analysis (PLS-RA), three metabolic pathways of valine, leucine and isoleucine, TCA cycle, and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism were the most relevant pathways for HQJZ treatment.

Conclusions

The main mechanism of HQJZ might be due to the balance of energy consumption, inflammatory inhibition, improvement of the immune system and oxidative stress on the constructed CAG rats. These findings provided comprehensive metabolic information of TCM by parallel measurements by LC-MS and NMR.
Liver imaging reporting and data system category M: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Dong Hwan , Choi Sang Hyun , Park Seong Ho , Kim Kyung Won , Byun Jae Ho , Kim So Yeon , Lee Seung Soo , Shin Yong Moon , Won Hyung Jin , Kim Pyo‐Nyun
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) category M (LR‐M) was introduced to preserve the high specificity of LI‐RADS algorithm for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to systematically determine the probability of the LR‐M for HCC and non‐HCC malignancy, and to determine the sources of heterogeneity between reported results.

Methods

Original studies reporting the probability of LR‐M for HCC and non‐HCC malignancy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE. The meta‐analytic pooled percentages of HCC and non‐HCC in LR‐M were calculated. Meta‐regression analysis was performed to explore study heterogeneity. The meta‐analytic frequency of each LR‐M imaging feature was determined.

Results

We found 10 studies reporting the diagnostic performance of LR‐M (1819 lesions in 1631 patients), and six reporting the frequency of LR‐M imaging features. The pooled percentages of HCC and non‐HCC malignancy for LR‐M were 28.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.8%‐33.1%; I2 = 83%) and 69.6% (95% CI, 64.6%‐74.1%; I2 = 83%) respectively. The study type and MRI scanner field strength were significantly associated with study heterogeneity (P ≤ .04). Of the seven imaging features, rim arterial phase hyperenhancement showed the highest frequency in both non‐HCC (48.9%; 95% CI, 43.0%‐54.8%) and HCC groups (9.8%; 95% CI, 6.9%‐13.6%).

Conclusions

The LR‐M category most commonly included non‐HCC malignancy but also included 28.2% of HCC. Substantial study heterogeneity was noted, and it was significantly associated with study type and MRI scanner field strength. In addition, the frequency of LR‐M imaging features was variable.
The brecciated texture of polymict eucrites: Petrographic investigations of unequilibrated meteorites from the Antarctic Yamato collection
Authors: Vollmer Christian , Rombeck Stella , Roszjar Julia , Sarafian Adam R. , Klemme Stephan
Published: March 2020

We report on the petrography and mineralogy of five Yamato polymict eucrites to better constrain the formation and alteration of crustal material on differentiated asteroids. Each sample consists of different lithic clasts that altogether form four dominant textures and therefore appear to originate from closely related petrological areas within Vesta′s crust. The textures range from subophitic to brecciated, porphyritic, and quench‐textured, that differ from section to section. Comparison with literature data for these samples is therefore difficult, which stresses that polymict eucrites are extremely complex in their petrography and investigation of only one thick section may not be representative for the host rock. We also show that sample Y‐793548 consists of more than one lithic unit and must therefore be classified as polymict instead of monomict. The variety and nature of lithic textures in the investigated Yamato meteorites indicate shock events, intense post‐magmatic thermal annealing, and secondary alteration. These postmagmatic features occur in different intensities, varying from clast to clast or among coexisting mineral fragments on a small, local scale. Several clasts within the eucrites studied have been modified by late‐stage alteration processes that caused deposition of Fe‐rich olivine and Fe enrichment along cracks crosscutting pyroxene crystals. However, formation of these secondary phases seems to be independent of the degree of thermal metamorphism observed within every type of clast, which would support a late‐stage metasomatism model for their formation.
A case of disseminated microscopic demyelination with multifocal dystrophic calcification
Authors: Abdollahi Maryam , Gao Andrew F. , Munoz David G.
Published: March 2020

We present a 47‐year‐old woman with a 10‐year disease course consisting of episodic confusion, aphasia, psychosis, depression, migrainous headaches and seizures. There was mild elevation of protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, progressive cerebral atrophy, and numerous small T1 hypointensities appearing as central “holes” in the corpus callosum on magnetic resonance imaging. She eventually expired due to status epilepticus and subsequent significant respiratory complications. In the central nervous system, there was generalized brain atrophy, and patchy labeling of blood vessels by antibodies to complement component 4d (C4d) and membrane attack complex. Innumerable small patches with loss of cell bodies (neurons and glial cells in gray matter and glial cells in white matter) and demyelination were scattered throughout the brain and spinal cord. There was no cavitation and the passing axons were mostly preserved. Large solid calcified foci were present predominantly in the pons along with disseminated focal calcification involving neuron cell bodies, neurites, and capillaries. Patchy labeling of glial cells and linear structures suggestive of myelin sheaths with C4d antibodies was observed while immunostains for SV40, tau, β‐amyloid, alpha synuclein, p62, and trans‐activation response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa were negative. Whole‐exome sequencing did not reveal any clinically significant variants. Although the radiological findings are suggestive of Susacʼs syndrome (a rare condition characterized by encephalopathy, hearing loss, and branch retinal artery occlusion), in the absence of audiovisual manifestations, a definitive diagnosis cannot be rendered and therefore, this case may be representing a new entity. Further reports of similar cases are needed for clarification.
Unexpected diversity and evolutionary lability in root architectural ecomorphs in the rushes of the hyperdiverse Cape flora
Authors: Ehmig Merten , Linder H. Peter
Published: March 2020

Plants use roots to access soil resources, so differences in root traits and their ecological consequences could be a mechanism of species coexistence and niche divergence. Current views of the evolution of root diversity are informed by large‐scale evolutionary analyses based on taxonomically coarse sampling and led to the ‘root trait phylogenetic conservatism hypothesis’. Here we test this hypothesised conservatism among closely related species, and whether root variation plays an ecological role.

We collected root architectural traits for the species‐rich Cape rushes (Restionaceae) in the field and from herbaria. We used machine learning to interpolate missing data. Using model‐based clustering we classified root syndromes. We modelled the proportion of the syndromes along environmental gradients using assemblages and environmental data of 735 plots. We fitted trait evolutionary models to test for the conservatism hypothesis.

We recognised five root syndromes. Responses to environmental gradients are syndrome specific and thus these represent ecomorphs. Trait evolutionary models reveal an evolutionary lability in these ecomorphs.

This could present the mechanistic underpinning of the taxonomic radiation of this group which has been linked to repeated habitat shifts. Our results challenge the perspective of strong phylogenetic conservatism and root trait evolution may more generally drive diversification.
A case report of severe dermatitis, allergies, and metabolic wasting (SAM syndrome)
Authors: Rodríguez Tejero Andrea , Tercedor Sánchez Jesús , Montero Vilchez Trinidad , López Delgado David , Arias Santiago Salvador , Molina Leyva Alejandro
Published: March 2020

The presence of eczema and elevated IgE in pediatric patients does not always indicate atopic dermatitis. Rare genodermatoses may share this clinical presentation and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with congenital immunodeficiency and severe refractory dermatitis. We describe a case of severe dermatitis, allergies, and metabolic wasting syndrome, due to a novel mutation in DSG1 gene, an additional example of this uncommon genetic disorder of desmosome function.