bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kids Nowadays Hear Better Than We Did: Declining Prevalence of Hearing Loss in US Youth, 1966–2010
Authors: Hoffman Howard J. , Dobie Robert A. , Losonczy Katalin G. , Themann Christa L. , Flamme Gregory A.
Published: October 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate factors associated with hearing impairment (HI) in adolescent youths during the period 1966–2010.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analyses of US sociodemographic, health, and audiometric data spanning 5 decades.

Methods

Subjects were youths aged 12 to 17 years who participated in the National Health Examination Survey (NHES Cycle 3, 1966–1970; n = 6,768) and youths aged 12 to 19 years in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994; n = 3,057) and NHANES (2005–2010; n = 4,374). HI prevalence was defined by pure‐tone average (PTA) ≥ 20 dB HL for speech frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) and high frequencies (3, 4, and 6 kHz). Multivariable logistic models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Overall speech‐frequency HI prevalence was 10.6% (95% CI: 9.7%‐11.6%) in NHES, 3.9% (95% CI: 2.8%‐5.5%) in NHANES III, and 4.5% (95% CI: 3.7%–5.4%) in NHANES 2005 to 2010. The corresponding high‐frequency HI prevalences were 32.8% (95% CI: 30.8%‐34.9%), 7.3% (95% CI: 5.9%‐9.0%), and 7.9% (95% CI: 6.8%‐9.2%). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, overall high‐frequency HI was increased twofold for males and cigarette smoking. Other significant risk factors in NHANES 2005 to 2010 included very low birth weight, history of ear infections/otitis media, ear tubes, fair/poor general health, and firearms use.

Conclusions

HI declined considerably between 1966 to 1970 and 1988 to 1994, with no additional decline between 1988 to 1994 and 2005 to 2010. Otitis media history was a significant HI risk factor each period, whereas very low birth weight emerged as an important risk factor after survival chances improved. Reductions in smoking, job‐related noise, and firearms use may partially explain the reduction in high‐frequency HI. Loud music exposure may have increased, but does not account for HI differences.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1922–1939, 2019
Seeing Things in a New Light
Authors: Pelaprat Jean-Michel , Finuf Matthew , Fritz Robert , Zediker Mark
Published: October 2018

Nuburu has introduced a new high‐power blue laser that brings unmatched performance to many materials processing applications. Lasers are capable of delivering high energy density with pinpoint precision. The energy can be delivered without physical contact between the components of the laser and any material to be worked. These characteristics suit lasers for many materials processing applications – perhaps none more well‐suited than laser welding. Common industrial lasers are high‐power infrared (IR) systems operating at wavelengths around 10.6 μm or around 1 μm, or low‐ to moderate‐power green light systems operating at a wavelength around 532 nm. The capabilities of these systems are constrained by either the physics of the interaction (in the case of infrared lasers) or the cost and technological capability of the laser (in the case of green lasers). Nuburu's AO‐150 laser puts out a 150‐watt high‐quality beam of 450 nm laser light that brings game‐changing capabilities to laser welding and other industrial applications.
The association between auditory nerve neurovascular conflict and sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Brenner‐Ullman Adi , Cavel Oren , Oron Yahav , Wasserzug Oshri , Handzel Ophir
Published: October 2018

Hypothesis

There may be an association between a neurovascular conflict (NVC) of the auditory nerve and unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Background

Compression of cranial nerves by vascular structures can lead to significant symptomatology that may require surgical decompression. Notable examples are trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is part of the workup for SSNHL, and it may depict an NVC of the auditory nerve. Here we look into the association between this NVC and unilateral SSNHL.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on all consecutive patients with unilateral SSNHL who underwent an MRI scan in our medical center. The data collected included age, gender, side and severity of hearing loss, and accompanying complaints. Each MRI scan was reviewed by a neuroradiologist who was unaware of hearing loss laterality. The presence, side, extent, and location of a potential NVC involving the auditory nerve were determined, and a correlation between radiological findings and auditory parameters was sought.

Results

Fifty‐four patients (male‐to‐female ratio 26:28, age range 25–80 years) were enrolled into the study. Fourteen of them (25.9%) had normal MRI findings. Twenty‐six patients had a unilateral NVC, and the pathology was ipsilateral to the side of hearing loss in only 12 of them (46.2%). Fourteen (25.9%) patients had MRI findings of bilateral NVCs. There was no significant correlation between the side of the SSNHL and any radiological findings (P = .314).

Conclusion

The data presented herein support the conclusion that there is no association between CN8 NVC and unilateral SSNHL.

Level of Evidence

2b.
Mechanistic model identifies increasing light availability due to sea ice reductions as cause for increasing macroalgae cover in the Arctic
Authors: Scherrer K. J. N. , Kortsch S. , Varpe Ø. , Weyhenmeyer G. A. , Gulliksen B. , Primicerio R.
Published: October 2018

In the Arctic, rising seawater temperatures and increasing underwater light caused by reductions in sea ice cover are expected to change the structure of arctic marine communities. Substantial, sometimes sudden, increases in macroalgal productivity and biomass have already been observed in arctic rocky bottom communities. These macroalgal responses have been attributed to increasing temperature and light, but the relative importance of the suggested drivers of change has not yet been assessed. In this study, we used a mechanistic competition model to unravel the effects of temperature and light on benthic community structure and algae dominance, focusing on key algae species: red calcareous algae and macroalgal fronds. We find that light is the primary driver of increases in macroalgal coverage, whereas increased seawater temperature plays a secondary role. Shifts leading to macroalgae dominated communities may be mediated by competitive interactions, and are likely due to three light‐related processes: earlier sea ice break‐out at high latitudes can result in an exponential increase in the cumulative amount of light that enters the water column during a year; threshold effect in light requirements for algal growth; and light requirements of calcareous algae being substantially lower than those of macroalgae. With continued warming, our modeling results suggest that reduced sea ice coverage and increased light availability will favor dominance of macroalgae, which due to their key ecological role are expected to alter the structure and functioning of arctic rocky bottom ecosystems.
Acoustic‐telemetry payload control of an autonomous underwater vehicle for mapping tagged fish
Authors: Dodson Tom , Grothues Thomas M. , Eiler John H. , Dobarro Joseph A. , Shome Rahul
Published: October 2018

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have demonstrated superior performance for tracking marine animals tagged with individually coded acoustic transmitters. However, AUVs engaged in mapping the distribution of multiple tagged fish have not previously been able to alter search paths to achieve precise position estimates. This problem is solved by the development of payload control software (Synthetic Aperture Override, SAOVR) that allows the AUV to maneuver with trajectories favorable for solving the tag's location from a synthetic aperture. Upon tag detection during a default mission search path, SAOVR (running on an embedded guest computer) seeks permission to take over navigation from the vehicle's native system after checking constraints of geography, timing, tag identification, signal strength, and current navigation state. Permitted maneuvers are then chosen from a template library and executed before returning the AUV to the point of first deviation for continued searching of other tags. Field evaluation on moored reference tags showed a high level of predictability in the AUV's behavior at SAOVR initiation and through maneuvers. Trials suggest that this logic system is highly beneficial to AUV use for fish telemetry in challenging environments such as narrow, deep fjords, or among reefs. Any mission programmed with the AUV's native software can be run with the SAOVR package to allow scientists to easily implement and manipulate synthetic aperture geometries without altering any of the software. Further modeling can help improve template design specific to expected movements of different fish species and relative to the designation of signal strength‐defined execution thresholds.
Unity Integration of Grating Slot Waveguide and Microfluid for Terahertz Sensing
Authors: Liang Li , Hu Xin , Wen Long , Zhu Yuhuan , Yang Xianguang , Zhou Jun , Zhang Yaxin , Carranza Ivonne Escorcia , Grant James , Jiang Chunping , Cumming David R. S. , Li Baojun , Chen Qin
Published: October 2018

Refractive index sensing is attracting extensive interest. Limited by the weak light–matter interaction and the broad bandwidth of resonance, the figure of merit (FoM) of terahertz (THz) sensors is much lower than their counterparts in visible and infrared regions. Here, these two issues are addressed by incorporating a microfluidic channel as a slot layer into a grating slot waveguide (GSW), where guided‐mode resonance results in a narrowband resonant peak and the sensitivity increases remarkably due to the greatly concentrated electromagnetic fields in the slot layer. Both reflective and transmissive sensors are developed with the calculated quality (Q) factors two orders of magnitude larger than metamaterial and plasmonic sensors, and the sensitivities one order of magnitude larger than grating waveguide sensors, contributing to a record high FoM of 692. The measured results match well with the simulations considering the fabrication errors, where the degeneration of narrowband transmission peaks in experiments is attributed to the error of the microfluidic channel height and the divergence of the incident beam. The proposed unity‐integrating configuration with simultaneous optimizations of the resonance mechanism, and the spatial overlap between the sensing field and the analytes shows the potential for high sensitivity bio and chemo sensing.
Effect of Different Electrolytes on the Supercapacitor Behavior of Single and Multilayered Electrode Materials Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Polyaniline Composite
Authors: Holla Sowmya , Selvakumar Muthu
Published: October 2018

In the present study, the electropolymerization (template synthesis) and then fabrication of symmetrical supercapacitors based on single and multilayered multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyaniline (MWCNT/PA) is achieved. It is found that the morphology and capacitance values depend strongly on the nature and concentration of electrolytes. The presence of micro and mesopores on the MWCNTs provides the space for the deposition of PA on them. The extended conjugation results due to the overlapping of π electron cloud of sp2 hybridized carbon network of MWCNT with quinoid rings of three layers of PA doped with three dopants. This leads to the highest capacitance of 333 F g−1 and good charge–discharge cycling behavior with 85% charge retention at 1000 cycles for the symmetrical supercapacitor based on the multilayered composite material.
Tuning the Conductivity of Nanocomposites through Nanoparticle Migration and Interface Crossing in Immiscible Polymer Blends: A Review on Fundamental Understanding
Authors: Salehiyan Reza , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: October 2018

This article critically reviews the detailed fundamental understanding of the influence of conductive nanoparticle migration on the localization, and hence, electrical conductivity of immiscible polymer blend nanocomposites. Three types of conductive nanoparticles, namely, spherical, tubular, and platelet, are discussed with respect to their migration and electrical conductivity of obtained nanocomposites. A complete migration process consists of bulk migration within one component, contact with the interface, and penetration to the other component. During processing, the wetting coefficient parameter is the main thermodynamically controlling factor for nanoparticle localization. However, kinetic effects, such as mixing sequence and intensity, viscosity ratio, size and shape of the nanoparticles, and mixing time, can play a substantial role in determining the final locations of nanoparticles. Moreover, the rate of migration varies with the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles. It has been reported that nanoparticles in a more viscous phase move slower compared with a low viscous phase. Furthermore, nanoparticles having high aspect ratios and surface polarities compatible with the other component migrating faster. It is established that immiscible polymer blend nanocomposites with a “double percolation” structure having higher conductivity with nanoparticles are localized at the interface of the co‐continuous blends.
Retracted: Oscillatory solutions of n‐th order advanced trinomial differential equations
Authors: Luo Demou , Liang Haihua
Published: October 2018

Retraction: Luo D, Liang, H. Oscillatory solutions of n‐th order advanced trinomial differential equations. Mathematische Nachrichten. 2018; 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/mana.201700219 The above article, published online on 5 October 2018, has been retracted by agreement between the corresponding author, Demou Luo, the journal's Editors‐in‐Chief, R. Denk, B. Andrews, K. Hulek and F. Klopp, and Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. The retraction has been agreed due to the unattributed use of substantial portions of text from an article previously submitted to, but not published in, Mathematische Nachrichten by another author.
Is Benign Hereditary Chorea Really Benign? Brain‐Lung‐Thyroid Syndrome Caused by NKX2‐1 Mutations
Authors: Parnes Mered , Bashir Hassaan , Jankovic Joseph
Published: October 2018

Background

Since its localization to the NKX2‐1 gene in 2002, the phenotype of the disorder historically called “benign hereditary chorea” has been expanding beyond chorea.

Methods

The phenomenology of movement disorders and other symptomatology associated with mutations in NKX2‐1 were characterized after a detailed evaluation of consecutive patients evaluated in our clinic over the past 3 years.

Results

We studied 5 patients (3 females), ages 2 to 31 years, with confirmed pathogenic variants in NKX2‐1. All patients exhibited chorea, gross motor delay, and gait impairment. Other symptoms included neonatal respiratory failure (n = 4), cognitive deficits (n = 3), hypothyroidism (n = 4), joint laxity (n = 2), myoclonus (n = 1), hypotonia (n = 3), and seizures (n = 1). Chorea often proved refractory to medical therapies.

Conclusions

The phenotype associated with pathogenic variants in NKX2‐1 frequently includes disabling and often medically refractory neurological and non‐neurological abnormalities. We therefore suggest that the term benign hereditary chorea be abandoned in favor of its genetic designation as NKX2‐1–related disorder.
Optimal chemotherapy and immunotherapy schedules for a cancer‐obesity model with Caputo time fractional derivative
Authors: Akman Yıldız Tuğba , Arshad Sadia , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: October 2018

This work presents a new mathematical model to depict the effect of obesity on cancerous tumor growth when chemotherapy and immunotherapy have been administered. We consider an optimal control problem to destroy the tumor population and minimize the drug dose over a finite time interval. The constraint is a model including tumor cells, immune cells, fat cells, and chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic drug concentrations with the Caputo time fractional derivative. We investigate the existence and stability of the equilibrium points, namely, tumor‐free equilibrium and coexisting equilibrium, analytically. We discretize the cancer‐obesity model using the L1 method. Simulation results of the proposed model are presented to compare three different treatment strategies: chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and their combination. In addition, we investigate the effect of the differentiation orderαand the value of the decay rate of the amount of chemotherapeutic drug to the value of the cost functional. We find out the optimal treatment schedule in case of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
High‐Fat Diet, Betaine, and Polydextrose Induce Changes in Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Metabolism in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Airaksinen Kaisa , Jokkala Jenna , Ahonen Ilmari , Auriola Seppo , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Hanhineva Kati , Tiihonen Kirsti
Published: October 2018

Scope

High‐fat diets are a likely cause of low‐grade inflammation and obesity‐related pathologies. This study measures the effects of a high‐fat diet, in combination with two dietary supplements—betaine and polydextrose—on metabolism and inflammation in the adipose tissue of diet‐induced obese mice.

Methods and Results

Forty male C57BL/6J mice are fed a high‐fat diet for 8 weeks and compared with low‐fat‐diet‐fed control animals (n = 10). For the last 4 weeks, the high‐fat‐diet‐fed animals are supplemented with 1% betaine, 3.33% polydextrose, their combination, or plain water. Fat depots from subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue are analyzed for inflammatory markers and nontargeted metabolomics by quantitative PCR and LC–QTOF‐MS.

The high‐fat diet significantly increases adipose tissue inflammation in both fat depots. By metabolic profiling, clear differences are noted between low‐fat‐diet and high‐fat‐diet groups with regard to the levels of several metabolite species—primarily carnitines, lipids, and amino acids. Dietary betaine mitigates the high‐fat‐diet‐induced IL‐6 expression and significantly increases betaine and butyrobetaine levels in adipose tissue.

Conclusions

The high‐fat diet induces patent changes in carnitine and lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. Betaine supplementation elevates the levels of betaine and its derivatives and certain carnitine species, as reported in muscle and liver, and moderately reduces inflammation.
In Situ Gluten–Chitosan Interlocked Self‐Assembled Supramolecular Architecture Reduces T‐Cell‐Mediated Immune Response to Gluten in Celiac Disease
Authors: Ribeiro Miguel , Picascia Stefania , Rhazi Larbi , Gianfrani Carmen , Carrillo Jose Maria , Rodriguez‐Quijano Marta , Branlard Gérard , Nunes Fernando M.
Published: October 2018

Scope

The prevalence of celiac disease has increased since the last half of the 20th century and is now about 1% in most western populations. At present, people who suffer from celiac disease have to follow a gluten‐exclusion diet throughout their lives. Compliance to this restrictive diet is demanding and the development of alternative strategies has become urgent.

Methods and results

In this context, it is found that the biocompatible aminopolysaccharide chitosan imposes a different gluten reorganization after gluten redox reaction producing in situ mechanically interlocked supramolecular assemblies between gluten and chitosan. These new structures result in the decrease of gluten digestibility, tissue transglutaminase deamidation activity, and interferon‐γ production in intestinal T cell lines generated from biopsy specimens of celiac disease patients.

Conclusion

Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of this research avenue to celiac disease is problematic, as the reorganization of gluten proteins to a novel supramolecular architecture shows a positive impact on known pathogenesis mechanisms of the disease. At present, the only therapy for celiac disease is adherence to a gluten‐free diet. Here, it is shown that chitosan‐imposed gluten reorganization to an interlocked self‐assembled supramolecular architecture reduces gluten digestibility, R5‐reactivity, tissue transglutaminase deamidation activity, and its capacity to stimulate a T‐cell‐mediated immune response in celiac disease.
Intra‐arc binary collimation algorithm for the optimization of stereotactic radiotherapy treatment of multiple metastases with multiple prescriptions
Authors: MacDonald R. Lee , Thomas Christopher G. , Ward Lucy , Syme Alasdair
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To design and implement a novel treatment planning algorithm based on a modification of dynamic conformal arc (DCA) therapy for the treatment of multiple cranial metastases with variable prescription doses.

Methods

A workflow was developed in which separate dose matrices were calculated for each target at each control point (i.e., the multileaf collimator (MLC) was fit conformally to that single target). A cost function was used to quantify the relative contributions of each dose matrix in the plan to the overall plan objectives. Simulated annealing was used to allow for the inclusion or exclusion of individual dose matrices at each control point. The exclusion of individual targets at a given control point is termed intra‐arc binary collimation (iABC) in this work and is accomplished by closing the MLCs over the target for a duration specified by simulated annealing optimization. Dynamic collimator motions were employed to minimize the variation between the idealized dose matrices (i.e., perfectly collimated targets) and actual dose matrices (i.e., MLC apertures that include quantities of nontarget tissue due to the relative orientations of targets in the field). An additional simulated annealing optimization was performed to weight the relative contributions of dose at each control point [referred to as the monitor unit distribution (MUD)] to improve compliance with plan objectives. The algorithm was tested on seven previously treated multiple metastases patients and plans were compared to the clinically treated VMAT plans.

Results

Treatment plans generated with iABC used an average of 2716 (34%) fewer MU in the total plan than VMAT (P = 0.01). All normal tissue metrics for all plans and all patients were clinically acceptable. There were no statistically significant differences in any normal tissue dose metrics. Normalized prescription target coverage accuracy for all targets was 3% better on average for VMAT plans when compared to iABC (P = 0.07), and 14% better on average for iABC when compared to optimized DCA (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

A novel method of aperture and dose distribution design has been developed to significantly increase the MU efficiency of single isocenter treatment of multiple metastases with variable prescription doses when compared to VMAT, and which improves target coverage accuracy significantly when compared to optimized DCA. By applying a DCA approach to subsets of targets across control points, a hybrid method of treatment delivery has been developed that combines the efficiency of dynamic conformal treatments and the dosimetric flexibility of VMAT.
Infimal convolution‐based regularization for SPECT reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Jiahan , Li Si , Krol Andrzej , Schmidtlein C. Ross , Lipson Edward , Feiglin David , Xu Yuesheng
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Total variation (TV) regularization is efficient in suppressing noise, but is known to suffer from staircase artifacts. The goal of this work was to develop a regularization method using the infimal convolution of the first‐ and the second‐order derivatives to reduce or even prevent staircase artifacts in the reconstructed images, and to investigate if the advantage in noise suppression by this TV‐type regularization can be translated into dose reduction.

Methods

In the present work, we introduce the infimal convolution of the first‐ and the second‐order total variation (ICTV) as the regularization term in penalized maximum likelihood reconstruction. The preconditioned alternating projection algorithm (PAPA), previously developed by the authors of this article, was employed to produce the reconstruction. Using Monte Carlo‐simulated data, we evaluate noise properties and lesion detectability in the reconstructed images and compare the results with conventional total variation (TV) and clinical EM‐based methods with Gaussian post filter (GPF‐EM). We also evaluate the quality of ICTV regularized images obtained for lower photon number data, compared with clinically used photon number, to verify the feasibility of radiation‐dose reduction to patients by use of the ICTV reconstruction method.

Results

By comparison with GPF‐EM reconstructed images, we have found that the ICTV‐PAPA method can achieve a lower background variability level while maintaining the same level of contrast. Images reconstructed by the ICTV‐PAPA method with 80,000 counts per view exhibit even higher channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), as compared to images reconstructed by the GPF‐EM method with 120,000 counts per view.

Conclusions

In contrast to the TV‐PAPA method, the ICTV‐PAPA reconstruction method avoids substantial staircase artifacts, while producing reconstructed images with higher CHO SNR and comparable local spatial resolution. Simulation studies indicate that a 33% dose reduction is feasible by switching to the ICTV‐PAPA method, compared with the GPF‐EM clinical standard.
Sensitivity of the IQM transmission detector to errors of VMAT plans
Authors: Razinskas Gary , Wegener Sonja , Greber Johannes , Sauer Otto A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The integral quality monitor (IQM) transmission detector is a wedge‐shaped large area ionization chamber that reports a position‐weighted dose area product for each control point of an IMRT or VMAT plan. In this study, the accuracy of the signal prediction is verified for the Synergy Agility MLC. Tolerance criteria for VMAT plan verification with the IQM were obtained from the observed sensitivity for the detection of incorrectly delivered plans.

Methods

The predicted IQM signal was compared to the measured signal recorded for a set of 30 VMAT plans for each beam quality of 6 and 10 MV. The system's capability to detect incorrectly delivered plans was tested by measuring altered plans containing small, random deviations. In addition, the observed deviations were related to measurements performed with a second QA phantom.

Results

The cumulative IQM signal per arc deviated from the respective calculation on average by −0.48% (6 MV) and +0.21% (10 MV) with a standard deviation of 1.08% in both cases, suggesting a 2% warning and 3% action threshold as plan acceptance criteria. This choice was confirmed by the optimum threshold of 2.5% obtained via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Reproducibility of individual control points in multiply measured plans was low (on average 7% for 1SD) and thus, segment‐by‐segment comparison was impractical. A suitable criterion to resolve the angular distribution of the plan was identified by binning three to five control points as a running average. While the correlation between IQM signal deviations and gamma passing rates obtained with the ArcCHECK phantom was low for clinical plans, it was apparent for erroneous plans. Binning led to even higher sensitivity to errors.

Conclusions

The IQM was able to detect induced errors at least as reliable as the standard phantom and showed the potential to be used in pretreatment plan verification to ensure the correct plan transfer and delivery. However, there is no direct correlation between the IQM signal deviation and DVH metrics, so the IQM should be primarily used to screen for errors. Finer diagnostics should then be carried out using a different phantom.
miR‐34 regulates reproduction by inhibiting the expression of MIH, CHH, EcR, and FAMeT genes in mud crab Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Zhou Mingcan , Jia Xiwei , Wan Haifu , Wang Shuhong , Zhang Xin , Zhang Ziping , Wang Yilei
Published: October 2018

Mud crab Scylla paramamosain is a commercially important species widely cultured in China. It is well known that the eyestalk regulates reproductive activities in crustaceans. In our previous research, we found that the miR‐34 expression level in male eyestalk was significantly higher than that in females. Thus, we assumed that it may play an important role in regulating reproduction. In this study, we used bioinformatic tools to identify the target genes of miR‐34 in eyestalk. Six reproduction‐related genes with an intact 3′‐untranslated region (UTR), including molt‐inhibiting hormone (MIH), crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH), vitellogenesis‐inhibiting hormone, red pigment concentrating hormone, ecdysone receptor (EcR), and farnesoic acid methyltransferase (FAMeT) were identified. When the 3′‐UTR plasmid vectors of the six genes were cotransfected with miR‐34 mimics into 293FT cells, respectively, the luciferase activities of four genes (MIH, CHH, EcR, and FAMeT) were significantly decreased compared with that in the control group; on the contrary, when the six plasmid vectors were cotransfected with the miR‐34 inhibitor respectively, the luciferase activities of four genes (MIH, CHH, EcR, and FAMeT) were significantly higher than that in the control group. When agomiR‐34 and antagomiR‐34 were injected into the eyestalk respectively in vivo, the expression levels of the MIH, CHH, EcR, and FAMeT genes were detected by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that agomiR‐34 suppressed the expression of the four genes, whereas antagomiR‐34 enhanced their expression. These experimental results confirmed our hypothesis that miR‐34 may indirectly regulate reproduction via binding to the 3′‐UTRs of MIH, CHH, EcR, and FAMeT genes and suppressing their expression.
A Monte Carlo Method to Quantify the Effect of Reactor Residence Time Distribution on Polyolefins Made with Heterogeneous Catalysts: Part IV—Intraparticle Transfer Resistance Effects
Authors: Liu Bao , Liu Boping , Soares João B. P.
Published: October 2018

An integrated Monte Carlo/polymeric multilayer model (MC/PMLM) is developed to predict the polymer particle size distribution (PSD) and microstructures of polyolefins made with heterogeneous catalysts under intraparticle mass transfer limitations. The Monte Carlo model is used to randomly sample particle sizes and residence times from the catalyst PSD and reactor residence time distribution (RTD), respectively, while the polymeric multilayer model is used to describe single‐particle growth considering intraparticle mass transfer resistances. The effect of reactor RTD, catalyst PSD, and polymerization kinetics on polymer PSD and polymer properties is systematically investigated with the MC/PMLM for the first time. The results show that intraparticle mass transfer limitations under various operating conditions may affect polymer PSD and polymer properties. In addition, due to the versatility of the Monte Carlo approach, the proposed MC/PMLM is adequate to describe complex cases, such as reactor systems with arbitrary RTD and catalyst particles having any PSD.
Electrodiagnostic evidence of suprascapular nerve recovery after decompression
Authors: Feinberg Joseph H. , Mehta Priyesh , Gulotta Lawrence V. , Allen Answorth A. , Altchek David W. , Cordasco Frank A. , Potter Hollis G. , Warren Russell F. , Wickiewicz Thomas L. , Wolfe Scott W.
Published: October 2018

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical arthroscopic decompression or ultrasound‐guided aspiration of a paralabral cyst would result in suprascapular nerve recovery from axonal regeneration based on electrodiagnostic testing. Methods: Nine patients with preoperative electromyography (EMG) evidence of suprascapular neuropathy due to paralabral cysts at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch were prospectively studied. Eight patients underwent arthroscopic surgical decompression, and 1 patient underwent ultrasound‐guided aspiration. Postoperative EMG was performed in all patients to evaluate nerve regeneration. Results: Three (33%) patients had cysts at the suprascapular notch, whereas 6 (67%) patients had cysts at the spinoglenoid notch. All patients showed complete electrophysiological recovery after decompression. Discussion: Decompression of paralabral cysts at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch resulted in postoperative EMG evidence of nerve recovery. Long‐term studies with a greater number of patients are required to elucidate time to recovery. Muscle Nerve 59:247–249, 2019
Consolidation of viscoelastic soil by vertical drains incorporating fractional‐derivative model and time‐dependent loading
Authors: Huang Ming‐hua , Li Jia‐cheng
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a general solution to the consolidation system of viscoelastic soil by vertical drains incorporating a fractional‐derivative model and arbitrary time‐dependent loading. The fractional‐derivative Merchant model is introduced to describe the viscoelastic behavior of saturated soil around the vertical drains. Based on this model, the governing partial differential equation of a consolidation system incorporating vertical and horizontal drainage is obtained for the equal strain condition. Then, a general solution to the consolidation system involving arbitrary time‐dependent loading is derived using the Laplace transform technique and eigenfunction expansion method. Further, two comparisons are presented to verify the exactness of the proposed solution, and the consolidation behavior involving four time‐dependent loadings is illustrated and discussed.
Combating Excessive Eating: A Role for Four Evidence‐Based Remedies
Authors: Rogers Peter J.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study is to review the control of energy balance and outline some causes of and remedies for excessive energy intake.

Methods:

A narrative review was conducted.

Results:

There is negative feedback control of energy intake and body weight, but, nonetheless, energy intake is only loosely coupled with energy expenditure. Consequently, we are vulnerable to eating in excess of energy requirements. In this context, energy density, portion size, and habitual meal patterns have strong influences on energy intake and, accordingly, can be targeted to reduce energy intake. For example, energy density can be reduced without much affecting food reward (approximately the pleasure gained from eating) because their relationship is such that reward value is affected relatively little by increments in energy density above 1.5 kcal/g. This and other strategies that increase reward per calorie eaten may be superior to increasing the satiety effect of products because fullness is not inherently rewarding. Low‐calorie sweeteners provide a means to reduce energy density while largely preserving food or beverage reward value. Consistent with this, consumption of low‐calorie sweeteners compared with consumption of sugars has been found to reduce energy intake and body weight.

Conclusions:

Understanding what causes excessive eating also provides insights into how to combat this problem.
Highly conductive PP/PET polymer blends with high electromagnetic interference shielding performances in the presence of thermally reduced graphene nanosheets prepared through melt compounding
Authors: Sadeghi Arash , Moeini Razieh , Yeganeh Jafar Khademzadeh
Published: October 2018

In this study, we have prepared highly conductive polypropylene (PP)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blends with high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performances by incorporating very low contents of thermally reduced graphene (TRG) through melt compounding method. Based on scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images, the blends exhibited co‐continuous morphologies in which TRG nanosheets had been thermodynamically and kinetically driven into PET polymer resulting in a double percolated structure. Both direct current and AC electrical conductivities of the blend nanocomposites significantly increased with TRG addition and a dramatically low electrical percolation threshold of 0.08 vol% was achieved. Electromagnetic properties were investigated by measuring complex permittivity and complex permeability of the samples in the X‐band frequency range (8.2–12.4 GHz). The EMI shielding effectiveness considerably increased with increasing TRG loading and depending on the frequency, a shielding effectiveness of 40–60 dB was obtained with incorporation of only 2 vol% of TRG. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1461–E1469, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of organic acids on the performance of cellulose triacetate forward osmosis membrane
Authors: Kong Yafang , Zheng Xiaopeng , Chen Gui‐E , Xu Zhenliang , Wu Hailing , Wang Yang
Published: October 2018

Forward osmosis (FO) membrane performance was improved using different organic acids (formic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid) for the addition of the casting solution. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of all the FO CTA membranes exhibited essentially the membranes have a structure of looking like two dense skin layers and a sponge‐like supporting layer. Additionally, based on the surface roughness values analysis of Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), the membranes with lactic acid, with similar roughness to the membranes without any acid, have bigger roughness than the membranes with formic acid or acetic acid. Furthermore, the water flux of membranes with acids has been improved and the reverse salt flux decreased. The membranes with lactic acid, with an outstanding penetration performance, were utilized to test the performance when 1 mol/L sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2),magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) were, respectively, as the draw solutions. The results revealed that the membranes have a higher rejection ratio for MgSO4. Besides, in the process of separating oil–water mixture, the membranes with the organic acids have a better separation efficiency than the membrane without any acid during FO process and the water flux recovery rate could achieve above 90% insuring the membrane anti‐fouling. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E138–E145, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Why Are We Creating Less Garbage?
Authors:   American Chemistry Council
Published: October 2018

Something odd happened to our garbage a couple decades ago. We started creating less of it. According to a new study by researchers at the Earth Engineering Center at City College of New York, sometime around the late 1990s we began to see a decrease in the rate at which we generate waste compared to economic growth. Typically, as gross domestic product (GDP) increases, the amount of trash increases along with it, at about the same rate. The authors note that both GDP and waste generation tracked each other from 1960 on, as expected—until the late 1990s. Then, as GDP continued to climb, waste generation began to climb more slowly. We were getting richer, but we were creating less waste
Student Awards Honor Bill Moggridge's Legacy While Supporting Young Designers
Authors: Grace Robert
Published: October 2018

If legendary British designer Bill Moggridge were still alive today, he'd likely be a tad sheepish. Chances are he'd wonder what he did to deserve having a student design awards competition in his name––but he would see the value in recognizing and encouraging outstanding young talent
What's on the Inside?
Authors: Romeo Jim
Published: October 2018

“One day your car may speed along an electric super‐highway, its speed and steering automatically controlled by electronic devices embedded in the road. Highways will be made safe—by electricity! No traffic jams … no collisions … no driver fatigue.”
Omadacycline Enters the Ring: A New Antimicrobial Contender
Authors: Barber Katie E. , Bell Alison M. , Wingler Mary Joyce B. , Wagner Jamie L. , Stover Kayla R.
Published: October 2018

Omadacycline is a novel aminomethylcycline approved for the treatment of community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. This article reviews existing data pertaining to the biochemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, in vitro activity, and current progress with omadacycline in clinical trials. Omadacycline inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome at the tetracycline‐binding site with an affinity similar to glycylcyclines. It is able to bypass older tetracycline resistance mechanisms and demonstrates activity against bacterial strains that are tetracycline resistant. In addition, omadacycline displays broad‐spectrum activity against gram‐positive organisms (including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant enterococci), gram‐negative organisms, atypical organisms, and anaerobes. It has been evaluated against infections in adults both intravenously and orally. Dosage adjustments are not required for patients with renal impairment. Omadacycline displays a comparable efficacy and safety profile to standard‐of‐care agents, with the most common side effects observed being gastrointestinal. Currently available data for omadacycline suggest that this is a promising agent added to our antimicrobial armamentarium.
Bender‐Gestalt II differential item functioning across Caucasian and African American examinees
Authors: Strait Julia E. , Wright Emma Kate C. , Decker Scott L.
Published: October 2018

Performance on figure copying tasks is empirically linked to the school readiness, learning, cognition, and neuropsychological functioning. These nonverbal tasks are frequently used to evaluate children from diverse backgrounds to minimize bias due to factors such as language, ethnicity, culture, or socioeconomic status on test performance. The current study examined the possible Differential Item Functioning across African American and Caucasian groups, ages 4 to 7 years, in Bender Motor Gestalt Test, Second Edition (BG‐II) visual‐motor scores. Results indicated that in general the BG‐II can be considered invariant across these ethnic groups in this age range.
Type D personality as a predictor of smoking cessation failure in smoking high school adolescents
Authors: Kim Sung Reul , Kim Hye Young , Kim Ji Young , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to identify the association between type D personality and smoking cessation among high school students who had participated in a stop smoking program. From 27 high schools, we recruited 279 smoking students who had participated in a stop smoking program between May 29, 2015, and January 25, 2016. About 26.5% of participants had a type D personality. A logistic regression analysis revealed that initiating smoking before or during 5th grade, smoking 21 or more cigarettes daily, and having a type D personality were significantly related to smoking cessation failure. Type D personality was significantly associated with social nicotine dependency and was a predictor of smoking cessation failure after a stop smoking program. Accordingly, type D personality should be considered along with other smoking‐related factors when attempting to promote smoking cessation among high school adolescents.
Partial cellulose acetylation in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate induced by dichloromethane
Authors: Alfassi Gilad , Rein Dmitry M. , Cohen Yachin
Published: October 2018

Cellulose acetate (CA) is one on the most important cellulose derivatives. The use of ionic liquids in cellulose processing was recently discovered to not exclusively act as a solvent but also as a reagent. Recent studies showed that bulky chlorides as well as acetyl chloride mixed with ionic liquids can facilitate cellulose acetylation. This work focused on a simple chloro‐organic cosolvent, dichloromethane (DCM), and showed the ability of this relatively small molecule, mixed with the ionic liquid, to facilitate homogenous acetylation by displacement of the acetate ion of the ionic liquid with a chloride ion. Maximal acetylation achieved by this method was a degree of substitution (DS) of 1.9, were only a small fraction of DCM was utilized for acetylation, well below even that expected for equimolar reaction. The degree of substitution was controlled by the dichloromethane content, thus controlling its solubility in water. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2458–2462
Body mass index and sexual function in women with gynaecological cancer
Authors: Donkers Hannah , Smits Anke , Eleuteri Antonio , Bekkers Ruud , Massuger Leon , Galaal Khadra
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and sexual functioning in gynaecologic cancer patients. To determine the association between socio‐economic deprivation and sexual functioning.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study on women undergoing surgery for suspected or proven gynaecological cancer between September 2014 and February 2016 in the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust. Patients were invited to participate by completing the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at three time points: preoperative, 3 months postoperative, and 1 year postoperative. A semiparametric model of the FSFI score was used to establish the association between BMI and sexual functioning.

Results

A total of 257 patients were approached of which 166 patients were included. Fifty‐two patients (33.8%) were overweight (BMI, 25‐29.9 kg/m2), 44 (28.6%) were obese (BMI, 30‐39.9 kg/m2), and a further 20 (13.0%) morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). Overweight and obese women reported improved sexual functioning compared with normal‐weight women in endometrial, ovarian, and vulvar cancers. Among cervical cancer, worse sexual functioning was seen in women with an increased BMI; however, this was not significant. Younger age was associated with improved sexual function, and sexual functioning was better postoperatively for all patients compared with preoperatively. There was no evidence of relationship between deprivation and sexual functioning in gynaecological cancer patients.

Conclusion

Higher BMI is associated with improved sexual functioning in endometrial, ovarian, and vulvar cancer; however, this was not seen in cervical cancer patients. There is no evidence of correlation between deprivation and sexual functioning.
Distress predicts utilization of psychosocial health services in oncology patients
Authors: Hamilton Jessica , Kroska Emily B.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The prevalence of increased distress among cancer patients has been well established and is known to be associated with negative consequences. Limited research has examined the association between distress and utilization of services, however, which is critical to understanding whether measurements of distress are being used to optimize patient care in the context of cancer.

Methods

One thousand two hundred thirteen adult cancer patients completed the Distress Thermometer and Patient Needs Assessment early in their cancer care. Electronic medical record (EMR)–abstracted data included psychosocial service utilization in the 12 months following the completion of these psychosocial metrics. Logistic regressions followed by t tests were completed to assess if distress or unmet needs were affiliated with service utilization rates.

Results

When controlling for age, distress significantly predicted service utilization rates overall. Follow‐up t tests suggest that use of social work and registered dietician services was higher among those with distress scores greater than 6. When assessing unmet needs, utilization rates were positively associated with number of unmet needs, specifically for social work and dieticians.

Conclusions

Distress and unmet needs were related to higher rates of psychosocial service utilization during the 12 months following assessment of symptoms. These results support the continued mandate for evaluation of distress and suggest that psychosocial screening may be assisting in directing referrals and enhancing comprehensive care for patients. As psychosocial services grow, the need for continued evaluation is recommended to determine if psychology and chaplaincy services are utilized at higher rates as available providers increase.