bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting IL‐34 in inflammatory autoimmune diseases
Authors: Xu Wang‐Dong , Huang An‐Fang , Fu Lu , Liu Xiao‐Yan , Su Lin‐Chong
Published: June 2019

Interleukin‐34 (IL‐34) shares a common receptor with macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF), and can bind to CSF‐1R, induces lymphocytes differentiation, proliferation, and regulates the synthesis of inflammatory components. Recent findings reported aberrant expression of IL‐34 in several autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, arthritis, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases. The functional analysis further demonstrated that IL‐34 may perform significantly in these inflammatory autoimmune disorders. IL‐34 might consider as a biomarker for these diseases. I hope this collection of the findings in this review will improve knowledge of the role of IL‐34, and targeting IL‐34 may give the potential for these autoimmune diseases.
Disease Progression Modeling Analysis of the Change of Bone Mineral Density by Postoperative Hormone Therapies in Postmenopausal Patients With Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Yoon SeokKyu , Bae Kyun‐Seop , Cho Yong‐Soon , Han Sunpil , Kim Hyungsub , Lim Hyeong‐Seok
Published: June 2019

The osteoporosis incidence in postmenopausal patients on aromatase inhibitors (AI) is much higher than in those on tamoxifen, and adverse effects other than musculoskeletal disorders are less on AI than on tamoxifen. In this study we performed disease‐progression modeling in postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer who had received 5 years of postoperative hormone therapy. Clinical data from postmenopausal patients who had received postoperative hormonal therapy and met the predefined selection criteria were retrospectively collected in an anonymized way. Disease‐progression modeling and simulations were performed using NONMEM version 7.42. A first‐order deterioration model with a combination of a symptomatic model (when a drug effect provides a transient bad effect by offsetting the severity of the disease) and a disease‐modifying model (when a drug affects the disease progression rate) was used. Vitamin D supplementation was found to have a disease‐modifying effect in osteoporosis, whereas AI decreased the bone mineral density by a t score of –0.21. However, after stopping the AI, the estrogen level reverted to normal, thereby reexercising protective effects against bone loss. In the simulation the probability of osteoporosis increased by 10% in the AI group compared with the other groups (tamoxifen, no‐treatment group) during the medication period. Tamoxifen showed no significant effects in the final model.
Solar‐powered BDD‐electrolysis remediation of soil washing fluid spiked with diesel
Authors: de Melo Henrique João Miller , de Andrade Déborah Cordeiro , Barros Neto Eduardo L , da Silva Djalma Ribeiro , dos Santos Elisama Vieira
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The remediation of a soil spiked with diesel using Unitol L90 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in a soil washing process was evaluated. The washing process was followed by an anodic oxidation based on boron doped‐diamond electrolysis (BDD‐electrolysis) to treat the washing liquid, using a solar photovoltaic (PV)‐battery system as a direct electrical power source.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that high concentrations of Unitol L 90 and SDS are required for the surfactant‐aided soil‐washing (SASW) to efficiently extract diesel from the soil. However, Unitol L 90 strongly interacts with the soil due to the adsorption process. The main characteristics of the effluents produced during this soil remediation was low conductivity. Therefore, the addition of 0.05 mol L–1 sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) as an electrolyte, at current density of 30 mA cm−2, was investigated. BDD‐electrolysis demonstrated that total organic carbon (TOC) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) were removed more effectively using SDS. The key of the treatment is associated to the electrogeneration of S2O82− due to the contribution of the surfactant composition and the addition of 0.05 mol L–1 Na2SO4. Additionally, an average solar irradiation intensity and integration of PV cells produced more than 10 A current and continuous electricity (∼27 V), which was constantly supplied to the electrolytic reactor at all times through a direct current generator.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, based on the achieved results, BDD‐electrolysis is an efficient technology approach to remove hydrocarbons from the effluent produced during the soil washing process. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Taxonomic significance of foliar epidermal morphology in Lamiaceae from Pakistan
Authors: Gul Saba , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Bahadur Saraj , Celep Ferhat , Sultana Shazia , Begum Najla , Hanif Uzma , Zaman Wajid , Shuaib Muhammad , Ayaz Asma
Published: June 2019

Foliar micromorphological features are useful to elucidate the taxonomy and systematics of the Lamiaceae species. Leaf epidermal morphology using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy of 22 Lamiaceae species from 15 genera have been investigated with an aim to solve its taxonomic problem in the correct identification. Various foliar micromorphological features were observed to explain their importance in resolving the correct identification of Lamiaceae taxa. Two main types of trichomes were observed; glandular trichomes (GTs) and nonglandular trichomes (NGTs). GTs were further divided into seven subtypes including the capitate, subsessile capitate, sessile capitate, sunken, barrel, peltate, and clavate. Similarly, NGTs were also divided into simple unicellular and multicellular including conical, falcate, cylindrical, dendrite, papillose, and short hook shape. Quantitative measurement includes the length and width of the trichomes, stomatal complex, epidermal cells, stomata, and trichomes index. Based on the foliar micromorphological characters, a taxonomic key was developed to delimit and correctly identify studied taxa. Further molecular, other anatomical and phylogenetic studies are recommended to strengthen the systematics of Lamiaceae.
The microfoundations of an operational capability in digital manufacturing
Authors: Roscoe Samuel , Cousins Paul D. , Handfield Robert
Published: June 2019

This article seeks insights into how individuals, processes, and structures interact to form the microfoundations of an operational capability in digital manufacturing. Using a knowledge‐based theory lens, we develop an empirical framework that explains how structures and processes encourage individuals to interact and share knowledge, and through these interactions, operating routines and operational capabilities emerge. The model is further refined using data collected from 40 interviews, steering committee meetings and participant observations at a high technology aerospace company. We find that discrete technologies, used in one component or subassembly, can be developed within authority‐based hierarchies using rigid new product development processes. We also find that whole system technologies that affect multiple aspects of the final product require flexible processes and consensus‐based hierarchical structures. Consensus‐based structures include centers of competence, which provide individuals the freedom to “learn through failure” and develop flexible ad hoc problem solving processes. Such flexible processes encourage individuals to learn from their mistakes and share new knowledge on a repetitive basis, leading to the emergence of operating routines. The paper contributes to the knowledge‐based view by empirically demonstrating how different types of new technology development programs, be they for discrete or whole system technologies, may benefit from different configurations of flexible/rigid processes and authority‐based/consensus‐based structures.
Epidemiology of Infectious and Noninfectious Catheter Complications in Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Reitzel Ruth A. , Rosenblatt Joel , Chaftari Anne‐Marie , Raad Issam I.
Published: June 2019

Patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) as their primary source of nutrition are at high risk for both infectious and noninfectious catheter complications (catheter‐related infections, catheter occlusion, and venous thrombosis). The aim of this review was to synthesize and evaluate what is known about catheter complications and prevention strategies in the PN population. Three electronic databases (Medline, Embase, and CINAHL) were screened for studies published between January 2012 and February 2019 regarding infectious and noninfectious catheter complications in patients receiving PN. Rates of infectious and noninfectious catheter complications, prevalence of causative pathogens, potential risk factors, and prevention strategies via the use of antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT) were assessed. Fifty‐three catheter complication studies and 12 ALT studies were included. Studies were grouped by definition of complication: catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) or central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Random effects summary rates per 1000 catheter days were 0.85 CRBSI episodes (95% CI 0.27–2.64) and 1.65 CLABSI episodes (95% CI 1.09–2.48). Use of taurolidine or ethanol ALT was efficacious in reducing infectious catheter complications; however, several studies had concerns for adverse mechanical complications. Potential risk factors for catheter complications were highly varied and often contradictory between studies. The rates of catheter complications were higher among catheterized patients receiving PN compared with nationally reported rates of complications in all catheterized patients. Risk factors for catheter complications need to be better understood for targeted prophylactic use of ALT. Future studies are warranted; however, they should be conducted using more standardized definitions and criteria.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of predictors of airway intervention in adult epiglottitis
Authors: Sideris Anders , Holmes Timothy R. , Cumming Benjamin , Havas Thomas
Published: June 2019

Objective

Epiglottitis is typically considered a pediatric disease; however, there is growing evidence that the incidence of adult epiglottitis has changed since the introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae vaccine. The literature is composed of multiple small series with differing findings. To date, there has been no attempt to collaborate evidence on predictors of airway intervention in this disease.

Methods

The population of interest was adults with a diagnosis of epiglottitis. The primary outcome in this review was incidence of airway intervention. A comprehensive literature search was conducted of the MEDLINE and Embase databases, and a separate random‐effects model meta‐analysis was undertaken for all outcome data. Moderator tests for comparison between prevaccine and postvaccine estimates were made, and absolute risk difference (RD) and relative risk (RR) calculations were made for all predictors of airway intervention.

Results

Thirty studies and a total of 10,148 patients were finally included for meta‐analysis. A significant decrease in airway intervention was seen post vaccine introduction introduction from 18.8% to 10.9% (P = 0.01). The presence of an abscess (RD 0.27, P = 0.04; RR 2.45, P < 0.001), stridor (RD 0.64, P < 0.001; RR 7.15, P < 0.001), or a history of diabetes mellitus (RD 0.11, P = 0.02; RR 2.15, P = 0.01) were associated with need for airway intervention.

Conclusion

In the postvaccine era, clinicians should expect to have to secure airways in 10.9% of cases. The presence of an epiglottic abscess, stridor, or a history of diabetes mellitus are the most reliable clinical features associated with need for airway intervention.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:465–473, 2020
Dating reservoir deposits to assess the recently changing sediment yields from a medium‐sized agricultural catchment
Authors: Zhang Yunqi , Long Yi , Lu Xue , Pei Zengli , Wu Zhehong , Zheng Jiangkun , Xu Shujian , Wang Xiaoli , Li Wei
Published: June 2019

Medium‐sized catchments exhibit different patterns of sediment yield than small catchments and large river basins (taking scale dependency into account) and play in soil loss from upstream areas with downstream sediment transportation over larger spatial scales than small catchments. Few studies have used reservoir depositional records to assess historical sediment yields at the scale of a medium‐sized catchment. By analyzing six cores obtained from reservoir deposits, this investigation reconstructed the recent sediment yield from a medium‐sized agricultural catchment (the Xujiaya catchment in Northern China) and examined the changing pattern of sediment yield over the past 57 years. The cores were dated using the 137Cs and 210Pbex methods. The historical specific sediment yields (SSYs) were estimated based on the original reservoir capacity curve and the depositional chronology modeled using a composite chronological model based on the constant rate of supply (CRS) approach (i.e., the C‐CRS model). The mean SSYs estimated from the six cores over each of seven short stages (i.e., 1959–1963, 1964–1972, 1973–1980, 1981–1989, 1990–1997, 1998–2007, and 2008–2016) defined over the 57‐year study period ranged between 4.6 ± 1.8 and 16.2 ± 6.3 t ha−1 yr−1, with a mean value of 8.1 ± 3.2 ha−1 yr−1 for all seven stages, and this mean value can be used to broadly represent the sediment yield from the catchment since dam construction. These SSY values are relatively high, reflecting intense agricultural disturbance and the underlying lithology. The values were highest for the 1959–1963 stage and lowest in the following stage of 1964–1972 and then generally increased over the successive stages of 1973–1980, 1981–1989, and 1990–1997 before decreasing slightly during the last two stages after 1997. This change was driven mainly by human activity over the past 57 years. The results indicate that the environmental factors (e.g., human activity and lithology) influencing sediment yield in a medium‐sized catchment are more complicated than those affecting a small catchment and reveal the characteristic pattern of sediment yield in medium‐sized catchments.
Branched Oligophenylenes with Phenylene–Ethynylene Fragments as Anode Interfacial Layer for Solution Processed Optoelectronics
Authors: Mróz Wojciech , Kovalev Aleksey I. , Babushkina‐Lebedeva Marina A. , Kushakova Natalia S. , Vercelli Barbara , Squeo Benedetta M. , Botta Chiara , Pasini Mariacecilia , Destri Silvia , Giovanella Umberto , Khotina Irina A.
Published: June 2019

Two branched oligophenylenethynylenes with phenylene or biphenylene moieties as inter‐nodal fragments are synthesized by the Sonogashira reaction for optoelectronic applications. The branching of polyphenylenethynylenes influences the electro‐optical properties, but cannot be precisely controlled, while its determination is often hardly addressed. The optical investigation, supported by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies, of oligophenylenethynylenes and the properly synthesized model compounds is performed to get insights on the branching and related effect on the material performance. The proposed branched oligophenylenethynylenes are good ultraviolet emitters in solution, while in solid‐state aggregation phenomena strongly affect emission properties. However, the interactions between π‐electrons on phenylene and ethynylene of neighboring molecules in films enhance intermolecular charge transport (hole mobility = 3.2 × 10−3 cm2 V−1s−1) making them optimal candidates as hole transport materials in optoelectronic devices. The insertion of the oligophenylenethynylene film as a hole transporting layer in multilayered solution processes blue, green, and red electroluminescent diodes, enhances OLEDs electro‐optical properties.
Phenolic Resins – Recent Progress of Structure and Properties Investigations
Authors: Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Shudo Yasuyuki , Izumi Atsushi
Published: June 2019

Excellent physical properties of cured phenolic resins are derived from their highly cross‐linked network structures. However, the structure‐property relationship has not been well elucidated because of their insoluble and infusible nature. We employed a large scale atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with 232 000 atoms and constructed “model” cross‐linked phenolic resins. The constructed model resins are large enough (≈13 × 13 × 13 nm3) to study the inhomogeneity revealed by small angle X‐ray and neutron scattering experiments. The structure and properties of the model phenolic resins agreed with those obtained by the scattering experiments and experimental measurements.
Smart Hydrogel for the pH‐Selective Drug Delivery of Antimicrobial Compounds
Authors: Pinho Eva , Machado Sandra , Soares Graça
Published: June 2019

Infection is a major prompt of chronic wounds, increasing the pH on the injury tissues. Thus, pH can be used as trigger for antimicrobial agents’ delivery, preventing chronic wounds. Hence, the present work aimed to develop a hydrogel with drug delivery capacity, modulated by environmental pH. Chitosan was used as electrolyte monomer and it was crosslinked with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. The polymeric network assembly was confirmed by FTIR and thermal analysis. The developed hydrogels behaved as superabsorbent systems, with higher swelling at pH 7. Caffeic acid loading was ruled by the inclusion complex formation between the phenolic acid and cyclodextrin. Chitosan hydrogels delivery capacity was pH‐dependent and, also, more efficient at pH 7. Based on the Peppas–Sahlin model, fickian diffusion was the main mechanism responsible for caffeic acid release. Based on the results, the developed hydrogel can be used to prevent wound infection, due to its ability to release antimicrobial agents when the wound pH rises.
Effect of the Ionic Environment on the Supramolecular Structure and Thermodynamics of DNA Gels
Authors: Horkay Ferenc
Published: June 2019

We report osmotic swelling pressure and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements made on DNA gels prepared in 40 mM NaCl solution. Two series of gels were made: in the first the crosslinks were introduced in the absence of CaCl2, while in the second the DNA was crosslinked in solutions containing 40 mM NaCl with different amounts of CaCl2. The swelling pressure of the gels was determined as a function of the DNA concentration at constant salt concentrations. It was found that gels prepared in the presence of CaCl2 exhibited significantly lower swelling pressure than the corresponding gels made in CaCl2 free solutions. SANS revealed the presence of large clusters (>1000 Å) dominating the scattering signal at low values of q. In the intermediate q‐range the SANS intensity varied as q−1, in agreement with the linear character of the DNA chains. From the SANS response in the high q region the thermodynamic component of the concentration fluctuations, Idyn(0), was estimated. It was shown that Idyn(0) determined from SANS was in good agreement with the intensity calculated from osmotic swelling pressure measurements.
Extending the Phantom Network Theory to Account for Cooperative Effect of Defects
Authors: Lin Tzyy‐Shyang , Wang Rui , Johnson Jeremiah A. , Olsen Bradley D.
Published: June 2019

Recent developments in network theory have extended the classical phantom network theory to account for different types of defects. These theories are typically linear and adopt the ideal defect gas approximation, which is valid only in the infinite dilution limit of defects. In this study, the Virial expansion is used to determine the cooperative effects of multiple loops. It was found that in most cases, the Virial coefficients of all order vanish, and adjacent loops have no more negative impact than the individual isolated loops. Furthermore, a general nonlinear theory was developed to calculate the elasticity of phantom networks beyond the dilute limit. It was found that for a tree‐like complete network, the dispersity of network strands does not affect the elasticity of the network. However, for a tree‐like incomplete network, as conversion is lowered, a much slower decrease in the elasticity is predicted by the nonlinear theory. Finally, for loopy networks, the nonlinear theory gave predictions almost identical to that of the linear theory in small loop fraction regime. However, as loop fraction is increased, the nonlinear theory predicts a significant negative deviation from the linear theory. This behavior qualitatively matches with the behavior observed in experiments.
The Inhibition of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose on Calcite Growth by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhao Yu , Xu Zhiming , Wang Bingbing , Wang Jingtao
Published: June 2019

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) effectively inhibits the growth of calcium carbonate fouling. In this work, molecular dynamics simulation is used to reveal the antifouling mechanism between SCMC and calcite surface. The configuration, radial distribution function, interaction energy between SCMC and calcite surface, and ability of SCMC to replace water molecules are analyzed. The results indicate that SCMC molecules regularly appear in the vicinity of 2.3 Å near the calcite surface for the different concentrations, and a strong interaction exists between them. The probability of SCMC appearing at ≈2.3 Å from the crystal surface increases with the SCMC concentration, and more SCMC molecules are adsorbed on calcite surface. Moreover, the interaction between SCMC and calcite surface increases with the increase of SCMC concentrations, and the SCMC molecules exhibit strong ability to drive water molecules on calcite surface. The binding energy between three calcite surfaces and SCMC from strong to weak follows the order: (1‐10) > (104) > (110).
Autophagy markers LC3 and p62 accumulate in immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy
Authors: Girolamo Francesco , Lia Anna , Annese Tiziana , Giannini Margherita , Amati Angela , D'Abbicco Dario , Tampoia Marilina , Virgintino Daniela , Ribatti Domenico , Serlenga Luigi , Iannone Florenzo , Trojano Maria
Published: June 2019

Introduction: The molecular mechanism of immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) remains unknown. Autophagy impairment, described in autoimmune diseases, is a key process in myofiber protein degradation flux and muscle integrity and has not been studied in IMNM.

Methods: Muscle biopsies from patients with IMNM (n = 40), dermatomyositis (DM; 24), polymyositis (PM; 8), polymyositis with mitochondrial pathology (4), sporadic inclusion body myositis (8), and controls (6) were compared by immunohistochemistry.

Results: The proportions of myofibers containing autophagy markers LC3b and p62 were higher in IMNM than in DM or PM and correlated with creatine kinase levels. In IMNM, compartmentalized LC3b puncta were located in regenerating and degenerating myofibers surrounded by major histocompatibility complex type II+ inflammatory cells. Several IMNM myofibers accumulated ubiquitin and misfolded protein.

Discussion: The detection of LC3b+ or p62+ myofibers could be used in differentiating IMNM from PM. The identification of autophagy‐modifying molecules potentially could improve patients’ outcomes. Muscle Nerve, 2019
Nutritional Utilization of Modified Carinata Brassica carinata Meals in Sunshine Bass Diets
Authors: Kasiga Tom , Brown Michael L
Published: June 2019

Low amounts (approximately ≤ 10%) of raw carinata Brassica carinata meals are used in animal diets due to the negative effects of antinutrients, mainly glucosinolates. We processed carinata meal by aerobic conversion followed with a single wash (ACCM). Another portion of carinata meal was double-washed without aerobic conversion (WCM). The objective of this study was to determine if sunshine bass (female White Bass Morone chrysops × male Striped Bass M. saxatilis) fed diets containing low (20%) animal meals could tolerate up to 30% of ACCM or 30% of WCM. Twenty randomly selected sunshine bass (19.2 ± 0.08 g) were stocked in each tank (106 L) of a 32-tank recirculating aquaculture system, with temperature maintained at 25.6 ± 0.7°C using an inline heater. Seven and six replicates were used for the reference and test diets (10% or 30% ACCM or 30% WCM), respectively, and the fish were cultured for 106 d. Growth improved with increasing levels of processed carinata meals in diets. Survival (>99%) was similar among dietary treatments. Consumption of 30% ACCM and 30% WCM diets was higher than for the reference diet. Feed conversion ratio improved in the WCM dietary treatment and was associated with a better protein efficiency ratio and apparent net protein utilization. Protein deposition was highest in sunshine bass fed 30% of processed carinata meals. Whole-body protein also increased with increasing processed carinata meals in diets. Sunshine bass fed 30% WCM had lower liver weights and were in better condition than sunshine bass fed other diets. Hematocrit was high in sunshine bass fed ACCM diets. Although carinata meal is high in iron, the single wash in ACCM processing likely removed less iron than the two washes in WCM processing. Hemoglobin contents of sunshine bass were also increased by ACCM but not by WCM. Our results demonstrate that high levels of even moderately processed carinata meal (WCM) can be tolerated in fish diets without affecting fish performance.
Variational inequality‐based particle discontinuous deformation analysis
Authors: Fan Huo , Wang JianFeng , Zheng Hong
Published: June 2019

Orienting the circular and rigid particle medium, the variational inequality‐based discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) is established. In the proposed DDA, the global stiffness matrix, the penalty parameters, and the open‐close iteration are successfully avoided. The contact constraint is transferred into the problem of variational or quasi‐variational inequalities. And explicit variational expression on the contact force is firstly established. To speed up the rate of solving contact force, on the basis of the two‐stage prediction‐correction method, we design a compatibility iteration algorithm (PPC‐CI). The C++ code is developed in multicore environment through the open multi‐processing (OpenMP) in order to take advantage of the parallelizable features of the new DDA. Numerical tests suggest that the presented DDA is effective and promising.
Folate as an Adjuvant Therapy in Methanol Poisoning
Authors: Theobald Jillian , Lim Christopher
Published: June 2019

Folate and its derivatives have long been used as an adjunctive treatment in methanol poisoning. Methanol is ultimately metabolized to formate, the toxic compound. The accumulation of formate can lead to acidemia, retinal damage, visual impairment, and death. Formate is converted to carbon dioxide and water in a folate‐dependent manner, and folate is often given in cases of methanol poisoning. In this paper, the evidence for folate as an adjunctive therapy in methanol poisoning is reviewed.
Oncology health care professionals' perspectives on the causes of mental health distress in cancer patients
Authors: Granek Leeat , Nakash Ora , Ariad Samuel , Shapira Shahar , Ben‐David Merav A.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To explore oncologists, social workers, and nurses' perceptions about the causes of their cancer patient's mental health distress.

Methods

The grounded theory (GT) method of data collection and analysis was used. Sixty‐one oncology health care professionals were interviewed about what they perceived to be the causes of mental health distress in their patients. Analysis involved line‐by‐line coding and was inductive, with codes and categories emerging from participants' narratives.

Results

Oncology health care professionals were sensitive in their perceptions of their patients' distress. The findings were organized into three categories, namely, disease‐related factors, social factors, and existential factors. Disease‐related themes included side effects of the disease and treatment, loss of bodily functions, and body image concerns as causing patient's mental health distress. Social‐related themes included socio‐economic stress, loneliness/lack of social support, and family‐related distress. Existential themes included dependence/fear of being a burden, death anxiety, and grief and loss.

Conclusions

Oncology health care professionals were able to name a wide range of causes of mental health distress in their patients. These findings highlight the need to have explicit conversations with patients about their mental status and to explore their understanding of their suffering. A patient‐centered approach that values the patient's conceptualization of their problem and their narrative to understanding their illness can improve the patient‐provider relationship and facilitate discussions about patient‐centered treatments.
Use of outcome measures in children with severe cerebral palsy: A survey of U.K. physiotherapists
Authors: Knox Virginia , Vuoskoski Pirjo , Mandy Anne
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To investigate the use of outcome measures for children with cerebral palsy (CP) by paediatric physiotherapists (PTs) who are based in the United Kingdom, as limited research exists regarding their use in this population, and to explore therapists' use of measures within different Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and for different types of CP.

Methods

A six‐item online survey was advertised through two paediatric therapy special interest groups inviting physiotherapists to participate. Descriptive statistics (range, frequencies, and percentages) were used to analyse survey data.

Results

Two hundred and seven physiotherapists returned completed survey questionnaires. One hundred and seventy‐six (85%) therapists reported using a wide variety of outcome measures (57).

Eighty‐one per cent of therapists' responses for having “most difficulty” in identifying responsive outcome measures were for children with impaired mobility at GMFCS Levels IV–V and children with more significant body involvement (76%), for example, spastic quadriplegia or dyskinesia. Eighty‐six per cent of therapists' responses for having “greatest ease” of identifying responsive outcome measures were for children within GMFCS Levels I–III and for children with less significant body involvement (72%), for example, hemiplegia. The variety of outcome measures used by therapists with children within GMFCS IV–V was less (16).

Conclusions

The majority (85%) of the PTs surveyed used outcome measures with children with CP, but 81% perceived a difficulty in identifying responsive measures for children with more severe impairments who are classified as GMFCS IV–V. The reasons for this perceived difficulty warrant investigation and may suggest a need for training regarding relevant measures and/or a need to develop new measures for this group of children.
Role of ZrO2 Passivation Layer Thickness in the Fabrication of High‐Responsivity GaN Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Chatterjee Abhishek , Khamari Shailesh K. , Porwal Sanjay , Sharma Tarun Kumar
Published: June 2019

The importance of a ZrO2 passivation layer in the fabrication of high‐responsivity GaN‐based ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) is discussed. It is found that an optimum thickness of the ZrO2 layer exists, which plays a critical role in controlling the photoresponse and transient response of the device. Beyond the optimal thickness, the performance of PDs deteriorates, which is limited by the restricted tunneling of photogenerated carriers across the oxide layer. At an optimum ZrO2 thickness of 3 nm, a spectral responsivity of 27 A W−1 at 361 nm is achieved at 4 V applied bias along with the fast response of the device with a rise (fall) time of 28 ms (178 ms), respectively. Such characteristics are found to be similar or better than the recently reported state‐of‐the‐art values for visible blind metal–semiconductor–metal PDs fabricated on GaN. The results confirm that the surface passivation with an optimal thickness of an oxide layer can be used to develop high‐responsivity GaN‐based UV PDs irrespective of having a large dark current, which is often inevitable due to the presence of a large density of dislocations in GaN epitaxial layers grown on foreign substrates.
Theacrine attenuates epithelial mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells
Authors: Ko Jeong‐Hyeon , Yang Min Hee , Baek Seung Ho , Nam Dongwoo , Jung Sang Hoon , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: June 2019

Theacrine, a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine, has recently become of interest as a potential therapeutic compound. Here, we investigated the antimetastatic potential of theacrine on human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells. We observed that theacrine can reverse epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), which resulted in a decrease in the levels of mesenchymal markers (Fibronectin, Vimentin, N‐cadherin, Twist, and Snail) and an increase in the levels of epithelial markers (Occludin and E‐cadherin) in the cells. Additionally, theacrine attenuates TGF‐β‐induced EMT, cell adhesion, migration, and invasion in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Overall, our results suggest that theacrine may inhibit the breast cancer cell metastasis by reversing the EMT process.
Selective Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid on Cobalt‐Decorated Copper Thin Films
Authors: Dai Chencheng , Sun Libo , Song Jiajia , Liao Hanbin , Fisher Adrian C. , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: June 2019

The development of highly efficient, selective, and economic approaches for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons is a promising way to promote the sustainable carbon cycle nowadays. Here, a stable cobalt‐decorated copper catalyst is reported with significantly enhanced selectivity toward formic acid produced from CO2 through electrochemical reduction. This catalyst is prepared through the electrodeposition of cobalt on the surface of copper, followed by Ar and air atmosphere treatment. The as‐prepared catalyst exhibits selective conversion of CO2 to formic acid with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of ≈80% at an applied potential of −0.65 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Meanwhile, the copper electrode treated with the same conditions without cobalt decoration and the cobalt‐decorated copper electrode without Ar treatment process only show an FE toward formic acid of ≈56% and ≈57% from CO2 reduction, respectively. This study represents a facile decoration method to prepare highly selective electrocatalysts for the efficient reduction of CO2 to value‐added chemicals in aqueous electrolytes.
Molecular neurochemistry of the lanthanides
Authors: Pałasz Artur , Segovia Yolanda , Skowronek Rafał , Worthington John J.
Published: June 2019

Lanthanides, once termed rare‐earth elements, are not as sparce in the environment as their traditional name suggests. Mean litospheric concentrations are in fact comparable to the physiologically fundamental elements such as iodine, cobalt, and selenium. Recent advances in medical technology have resulted in accumulation of lanthanides presenting potential exposure to both our central and peripheral nervous systems. Extensive and detailed studies on these peculiar active metals in the context of their influence on neural functions are therefore urgently required. Almost all neurochemical effects of trivalent lanthanide ions appear to result from the similarity of their radii to the key signaling ion calcium. Lanthanides, especially La3+ and Gd3+ block different types of calcium, potassium, and sodium channels in human and animal neurons, regulate neurotransmitter turnover and release, as well as synaptic activity. Lanthanides also act as modulators of several ionotropic receptors, e.g., GABA, NMDA, and kainate and can also affect numerous signaling mechanisms including NF‐κB and apoptotic‐related endoplasmic reticulum IRE1‐XBP1, PERK, and ATF6 pathways. Several lanthanide ions may cause oxidative neuronal injuries and functional impairment by promoting reactive oxygen species production. However, cerium and yttrium oxides have some unique and promising neuroprotective properties, being able to decrease free radical cell injury and even alleviate motor impairment and cognitive function in animal models of multiple sclerosis and mild traumatic brain damage, respectively. In conclusion, lanthanides affect various neurophysiological processes, altering a large spectrum of brain functions. Thus, a deeper understanding of their potential mechanistic roles during disease and as therapeutic agents requires urgent elucidation.
Key challenges for China's carbon emissions trading program
Authors: Wang Pu , Liu Lei , Tan Xianchun , Liu Zhu
Published: June 2019

China's national carbon emissions trading program is expected to become the world's largest carbon market and is critical for achieving China's domestic mitigation goals. But China's trading program is likely to face significant challenges, due to its large scale and high complexity. First, the accuracy and credibility of China's emissions data have been widely criticized. There are significant inconsistencies between the national and provincial emissions inventories, and the facility‐level data are even less satisfying. Institutional capacities related to the carbon market need to be significantly enhanced to strengthen monitoring, reporting, and verifying capabilities. Second, compared to emissions trading programs in other parts of the world, China's program is likely to face greater market volatility, due to the country's economic structural transition from a manufacturing‐based to a service‐based economy. Wise cap‐setting and allowance allocation methods and proper price containment mechanisms are needed to maintain market stability. And third, China is a market economy with many features of a central planning system, particularly in the energy sector. Large state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) do not act as profit‐maximizing entities, and their behaviors could undermine the efficiency of the cap‐and‐trade program. To address these challenges, we provide a series of policy recommendations, including capacity building from central to local levels, wise selection of allowance allocation methods to cope with changing economic realities, and deepening market‐oriented reforms in energy sectors and SOEs.

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, Behavior
Knowledge flows from public science to industrial technologies
Authors: Wang Lili , Li Zexia
Published: June 2019

Scientific research has been acknowledged as an important knowledge resource for developing technologies. However, little is known about the heterogeneous nature of scientific knowledge and the associated contribution to technological advancement. Using nano technology as a case study, this paper investigates what types of scientific research can help improve the quality of technologies. This study uses backward and forward citation analysis, extracted from the Derwent World Patents Index. Non-patent citations from each patent are further connected with records indexed in Web of Science, and the forward citations for the cited articles are collected. On the one hand, our results confirm that there is an important contribution from science to technology. High-quality academic research has significantly contributed to the development of high-quality patents. On the other hand, this study also reveals the heterogeneous pattern of patents citing scientific publications, depending on the organizational type, country, and knowledge origin. Compared to those in the U.S., patents developed by Chinese inventors tend to reply on more recent science but with a narrower scientific scope.
Genetic determinants of low vitamin B12 levels in Alzheimer's disease risk
Authors: Gagliano Taliun Sarah A.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

There is observational evidence that low circulating levels of vitamin B12 are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease

Methods

We used a two‐sample summary‐statistics–based Mendelian randomization design to assess the relationship of genetic factors contributing to vitamin B12 with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease risk.

Results

Our results do not support a causal role of decreased vitamin B12 levels on Alzheimer's disease risk.

Discussion

This work encourages research on other modifiable biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease risk.
Tauopathy in basal ganglia involvement is exacerbated in a subset of patients with Alzheimer's disease: The Hisayama study
Authors: Hamasaki Hideomi , Honda Hiroyuki , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Shijo Masahiro , Ohara Tomoyuki , Hatabe Yozo , Okamoto Tsuyoshi , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Iwaki Toru
Published: June 2019

Introduction

We have conducted the pathological cohort study of autopsied cases of Hisayama residents to reveal a recent trend of dementia‐related pathology. We noticed a trend of putaminal involvement of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with parkinsonism. Then, we investigated the accurate prevalence of neurological diseases with putaminal AD pathology in the general population.

Methods

We examined a series of 291 autopsies in the Hisayama study and performed image analysis of immunohistochemistry for microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT) and amyloid β.

Results

Approximately 65.6% and 36.1% of cases showed putaminal MAPT and amyloid deposits, respectively. Diffuse deposits of them were mainly found in the AD cases. Putaminal MAPT was highly associated with AD‐related pathological criteria. Four of 22 cases with severe putaminal MAPT deposition were documented as having developed parkinsonism.

Discussion

Severe MAPT accumulation in the basal ganglia was closely related to the development of AD pathology and could occur most frequently in AD cases without comorbidities.
Tide-modulated ice motion and seismicity of a floating glacier tongue in East Antarctica
Authors: Minowa Masahiro , Podolskiy Evgeny A. , Sugiyama Shin
Published: June 2019

We recorded the ice motion and icequakes on the floating part of Langhovde Glacier in East Antarctica to better understand the dynamic behavior of ice shelves and floating tongues. Diurnal and semi-diurnal variations in ice motion and seismicity were simultaneously observed at all four global navigation satellite system and three seismic stations over 2 weeks. The short-term along-flow ice motion is explained by the elastic response of the glacier to ocean tide-induced hydrostatic stress variations, which decayed at a rate of 0.8 km−1 toward the grounding line. We observed a large number of icequakes during mid-rising and high tides that covered a broad frequency range and formed two major groups of events centered at 10 and 120 Hz, respectively. The hourly occurrence rates were ~500 events h−1, with the observed seismicity consistent with fracture due to floating tongue bending. We also observed minor secondary peaks at high ice speeds, which could reflect surface cracking due to stretching or basal friction. Our observation demonstrates that tidal-modulation was the main factor to fracture the floating tongue of Langhovde Glacier.
Space Colonization and Existential Risk
Authors: GOTTLIEB JOSEPH
Published: June 2019

Ian Stoner has recently argued that we ought not to colonize Mars because (1) doing so would flout our pro tanto obligation not to violate the principle of scientific conservation, and (2) there is no countervailing considerations that render our violation of the principle permissible. While I remain agnostic on (1), my primary goal in this article is to challenge (2): there are countervailing considerations that render our violation of the principle permissible. As such, Stoner has failed to establish that we ought not to colonize Mars. I close with some thoughts on what it would take to show that we do have an obligation to colonize Mars and related issues concerning the relationship between the way we discount our preferences over time and projects with long time horizons, like space colonization.
The unnoticed influence of peers on educational preferences
Authors: ANDERSEN SIMON CALMAR , HJORTSKOV MORTEN
Published: June 2019

Some of the most important decisions young people make are choices about education. Yet recent research shows that educational decisions are poorly explained by classical models of human capital investments: adolescents do not always choose what would best optimize their long-term net outcomes. Instead, students have been shown to be influenced by their current group of peers at the time when they make educational decisions. We expand on existing models by showing that students’ stated educational preferences can be influenced by simply priming them with their peers’ preferences. Further, we show that students are unaware of this peer influence in the sense that: (1) they claim that peers have no influence; (2) in a conjoint experiment, they do not select educations based on peers’ assessments; and (3) in a list experiment absent of any social desirability bias, they do not ascribe any influence to their peers either. All in all, the results show that young people are unwittingly influenced by their peers. These results have important implications for public policies aimed at encouraging young people to make more deliberate and informed educational choices.
P.047 The importance of assessing mental health in transition-aged adolescents with epilepsy
Authors: Healy S , Mabilangan K , Fantaneanu T , Whiting S
Published: June 2019

Background: When compared to the general population, researchers have reported elevated rates of mental health issues in the pediatric epilepsy population. These issues have been found to be especially problematic around the time of transition from pediatric to adult care. This is significant because depression and/or anxiety have been found to be directly related to worsened seizure outcomes and quality of life. Despite this, no known Canadian pediatric epilepsy centers have integrated mental health assessment into mainstream practice. Methods: To explore the importance of mental health assessments, we looked at the prevalence rates of both depression and anxiety in 91 adolescents with epilepsy aged 14 to 18 (M=16.3, 51 males, 41 females) enrolled into an epilepsy transition clinic. Results: 58.3% of adolescents showed signs of depression (28.6% mild, 21.4% moderate, 6.0% moderately-severe, 2.4% severe), and 51.8% of adolescents showed signs of anxiety (31.8% mild, 10.6% moderate, 9.4% severe). Remarkably, 54.8% of patients presenting with moderate to severe depression and/or anxiety had not been previously identified Conclusions: These results suggest that in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients, mental health assessments should be integrated into the standard model of care for transition-aged adolescents with epilepsy.
P.053 Whole-genome sequencing identified a frameshift mutation at LMNB1 in a family with early-onset dystonia
Authors: Yuen RK , Adhami-Mojarad B , Backstrom I , Yin A , Soman T
Published: June 2019

Background: Dystonia is a hyperkinetic condition that produces abnormal movements or postures. Its diagnostic procedure is often challenging and time consuming. Genetic testing provides an effective approach for diagnosis, but currently only very few dystonia genes have been identified. We propose that studying early-onset forms of dystonia with the use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) will improve the identification of dystonia-relevant genes and mutations. Methods: We performed deep WGS using the Illumina HiSeq X technology in a mother-proband pair with dystonia. The mother has generalized dystonia (age of onset: 15) and the proband has myoclonic dystonia (age of onset: 11). Results: No pathogenic mutation was identified in any of the known dystonia genes. However, we identified a rare heterozygous frameshift mutation (p.K342fs*7) at LMNB1 that was shared between the mother and the proband. Duplication of LMNB1 is known to cause Adult-onset Demyelinating Leukodystrophy. A heterozygous deletion of LMNB1 has been reported in a patient with microcephaly and global developmental disorder. Conclusions: Further characterization of phenotypes in the participants and their family members is needed to confirm the relationship between mutation in LMNB1 and dystonia. This work provides a proof-of-principle that novel disease-relevant genes can potentially be identified using the proposed approach.