bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory testing associates with pain quality descriptors during acute dental pain
Authors: Erdogan Ozge , Malek Matthew , Janal Malvin N. , Gibbs Jennifer L.
Published: June 2019

Background

Pain descriptors capture the multidimensional nature of pain and can elucidate underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. This study determined whether the pain descriptors chosen by subjects experiencing acute dental pain associate with the outcomes of two commonly performed dental sensory tests. The goal of the study is to clarify whether pain descriptors are useful in discriminating the underlying biological processes contributing to dental pain.

Methods

Participants (n = 228) presenting with acute toothache underwent standardized clinical dental sensory testing and described their pain in reference to 22 pain quality descriptors. Univariate and two‐way ANOVA determined the relationship between groups defined by cold detection (positive or negative) and percussion hypersensitivity (painful or not) on the affected tooth, and pain descriptor reporting.

Results

Subjects experiencing painful toothache most frequently reported evoked pain to temperature and chewing, and pain descriptors such as “throbbing” and “aching.” They also reported neuropathic pain descriptors such as “tingling” and “electric shock.” Subjects who detected a cold stimulus (thermal) on the affected tooth, frequently reported high intensity paroxysmal shooting pain compared to those that did not detect cold. By contrast, patients with percussion (mechanical) hypersensitivity on the affected tooth, reported higher levels of global pain intensity at rest and in function, and reported significantly higher intensity “radiating” and “throbbing” pain, than subjects with non‐painful percussion.

Conclusions

The reporting of neuropathic pain descriptors by subjects experiencing acute toothache was more frequent than expected, suggesting that neuropathic mechanisms could contribute to typical toothache pain. Subjects experiencing toothache with mechanical hypersensitivity experience more intense pain overall.

Significance

In subjects experiencing acute toothache, specific pain descriptors associate with the responses to routine clinical sensory tests performed on the injured tooth. The frequent reporting of neuropathic pain descriptors suggests that neuropathic mechanisms could create a diagnostic challenge to differentiate toothache from intraoral neuropathic conditions. Persons experiencing toothache with mechanical hypersensitivity experience more intense pain overall, suggesting patients with this clinical feature will have distinct clinical pain management needs.
Comparative effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Silvennoinen Katri , de Lange Nikola , Zagaglia Sara , Balestrini Simona , Androsova Ganna , Wassenaar Merel , Auce Pauls , Avbersek Andreja , Becker Felicitas , Berghuis Bianca , Campbell Ellen , Coppola Antonietta , Francis Ben , Wolking Stefan , Cavalleri Gianpiero L. , Craig John , Delanty Norman , Johnson Michael R. , Koeleman Bobby P. C. , Kunz Wolfram S. , Lerche Holger , Marson Anthony G. , O’Brien Terence J. , Sander Josemir W. , Sills Graeme J. , Striano Pasquale , Zara Federico , van der Palen Job , Krause Roland , Depondt Chantal , Sisodiya Sanjay M. ,   the EpiPGX Consortium
Published: June 2019

Objective

To study the effectiveness and tolerability of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) commonly used in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME).

Methods

People with JME were identified from a large database of individuals with epilepsy, which includes detailed retrospective information on AED use. We assessed secular changes in AED use and calculated rates of response (12‐month seizure freedom) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) for the five most common AEDs. Retention was modeled with a Cox proportional hazards model. We compared valproate use between males and females.

Results

We included 305 people with 688 AED trials of valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, carbamazepine, and topiramate. Valproate and carbamazepine were most often prescribed as the first AED. The response rate to valproate was highest among the five AEDs (42.7%), and significantly higher than response rates for lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and topiramate; the difference to the response rate to levetiracetam (37.1%) was not significant. The rates of ADRs were highest for topiramate (45.5%) and valproate (37.5%). Commonest ADRs included weight change, lethargy, and tremor. In the Cox proportional hazards model, later start year (1.10 [1.08‐1.13],P < 0.001) and female sex (1.41 [1.07‐1.85],P = 0.02) were associated with shorter trial duration. Valproate was associated with the longest treatment duration; trials with carbamazepine and topiramate were significantly shorter (HR [CI]: 3.29 [2.15‐5.02],P < 0.001 and 1.93 [1.31‐2.86],P < 0.001). The relative frequency of valproate trials shows a decreasing trend since 2003 while there is an increasing trend for levetiracetam. Fewer females than males received valproate (76.2% vs 92.6%,P = 0.001).

Significance

In people with JME, valproate is an effective AED; levetiracetam emerged as an alternative. Valproate is now contraindicated in women of childbearing potential without special precautions. With appropriate selection and safeguards in place, valproate should remain available as a therapy, including as an alternative for women of childbearing potential whose seizures are resistant to other treatments.
Copper Deficiency in Liver Diseases: A Case Series and Pathophysiological Considerations
Authors: Yu Lei , Liou Iris W. , Biggins Scott W. , Yeh Matthew , Jalikis Florencia , Chan Lingtak‐Neander , Burkhead Jason
Published: June 2019

Copper is an indispensable trace element. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, iron transport, and fibrogenesis. Although these processes are central in the pathogenesis of liver disorders, few studies have attributed them to copper deficiency. We herein describe in detail a case series of liver disease patients (n = 12) who presented with signs of copper deficiency based on serum and liver copper measurements. Median age of the group at the time of presentation was 39 (range 18‐64 years). Six patients were female. The median serum copper was 46 μg/dL (normal range: 80‐155 μg/dL for women and 70‐140 μg/dL for men). Seven of the 12 patients had hepatic copper concentration less than 10 μg/g dry weight (normal range: 10‐35 μg/g). Most cases presented with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (n = 4) and decompensated cirrhosis (n = 5). Only 3 patients had a condition known to be associated with copper deficiency (ileocolonic Crohn’s disease following resection n = 1, Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass n = 2) before presenting with hepatic dysfunction. Notable clinical features included steatohepatitis, iron overload, malnutrition, and recurrent infections. In 2 of the 3 patients who received copper supplementation, there was an improvement in serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and liver function parameters. Conclusion: Copper deficiency in the serum or liver occurs in a wide range of liver diseases. Given the biological essentiality of copper, the mechanism and clinical significance of this association require systematic study.
A low DNA methylation epigenotype in lung squamous cell carcinoma and its association with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and poorer prognosis
Authors: Hata Atsushi , Nakajima Takahiro , Matsusaka Keisuke , Fukuyo Masaki , Morimoto Junichi , Yamamoto Takayoshi , Sakairi Yuichi , Rahmutulla Bahityar , Ota Satoshi , Wada Hironobu , Suzuki Hidemi , Matsubara Hisahiro , Yoshino Ichiro , Kaneda Atsushi
Published: June 2019

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have higher risk of developing lung cancer, for example, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and show poor prognosis, while the molecular basis has not been fully investigated. Here we conducted DNA methylome analysis of lung SCC using 20 SCC samples with/without IPF, and noncancerous lung tissue samples from smokers/nonsmokers, using Infinium HumanMethylation 450K array. SCC was clustered into low‐ and high‐methylation epigenotypes by hierarchical clustering analysis. Genes hypermethylated in SCC significantly included genes targeted by polycomb repressive complex in embryonic stem cells, and genes associated with Gene Ontology terms, for example, “transcription” and “cell adhesion,” while genes hypermethylated specifically in high‐methylation subgroup significantly included genes associated with “negative regulation of growth.” Low‐methylation subgroup significantly correlated with IPF (78%, vs. 17% in high‐methylation subgroup, p = 0.04), and the correlation was validated by additional Infinium analysis of SCC samples (n = 44 in total), and data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 390). The correlation between low‐methylation subgroup and IPF was further validated by quantitative methylation analysis of marker genes commonly hypermethylated in SCC (HOXA2, HOXA9 and PCDHGB6), and markers specifically hypermethylated in high‐methylation subgroup (DLEC1, CFTR, MT1M, CRIP3 and ALDH7A1) in 77 SCC cases using pyrosequencing (p = 0.003). Furthermore, low‐methylation epigenotype significantly correlated with poorer prognosis among all SCC patients, or among patients without IPF. Multivariate analysis showed that low‐methylation epigenotype is an independent predictor of poor prognosis. These may suggest that lung SCC could be stratified into molecular subtypes with distinct prognosis, and low‐methylation lung SCC that significantly correlates with IPF shows unfavorable outcome.
Prognostic factors for pregnancy after intrauterine insemination
Authors: Ejzenberg Dani , Gomes Tiago J.O. , Monteleone Pedro A.A. , Serafini Paulo C. , Soares‐Jr José M. , Baracat Edmund C.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate prognostic factors for pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted among couples who underwent IUI at Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, between January 31, 2008, and April 30, 2016. The main outcome was a positive β human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) test result after IUI. Univariate analyses were used to determine predictors of pregnancy. Selected numerical variables were categorized to maximize the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Logistic regression was performed using the backward method. The quality of the model was evaluated using the R2 (Nagelkerke) and Hosmer‐Lemeshow tests.

Results

Of 355 insemination cycles, 56 (15.8%) resulted in a positive β‐hCG test result. The predictors and cutoff values that maximized the area under the ROC curve were as follows: follicle‐stimulating hormone (<7.7 mIU/mL; P<0.001); duration of infertility (<62 menses; P<0.001); number of follicles greater than or equal to 14 mm (>1 follicle; P<0.001); baseline spermatozoa concentration (>52.0 million/mL; P=0.007); total ejaculate (>123.7 million; P=0.003); and grade B motility (>35%; P=0.013). These factors were able to predict 50.4% of the positive test results (R2).

Conclusion

Prognostic factors for pregnancy identified approximately half of all successful outcomes after IUI.
Decomposing the effects of monetary policy using an external instruments SVAR
Authors: Lakdawala Aeimit
Published: June 2019

We study the effects of monetary policy on economic activity separately identifying the effects of a conventional change in the fed funds rate from the policy of forward guidance. We use a structural VAR identified using external instruments from futures market data. The response of output to a fed funds rate shock is found to be consistent with typical monetary VAR analyses. However, the effect of a forward guidance shock that increases long‐term interest rates has an expansionary effect on output. This counterintuitive response is shown to be tied to the asymmetric information between the Federal Reserve and the public.
Circular RNA circPIP5K1A promotes non‐small cell lung cancer proliferation and metastasis through miR‐600/HIF‐1α regulation
Authors: Chi Yongbing , Luo Qiancheng , Song Yuting , Yang Fangsong , Wang Ying , Jin Mingming , Zhang Denghai
Published: June 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have an important function in human diseases, especially in cancer. circRNA hsa_circ_0014130 (circPIP5K1A), a particularly abundant circRNA, participates in the tumorigenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the circPIP5K1A role in NSCLC. Expression of circPIP5K1A in NSCLC cell lines was explored with quantitative real‐time PCR. The effect of circPIP5K1A on NSCLC was evaluated with circPIP5K1A silencing, miR‐600 mimic transfection, and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α overexpression, followed by assessment of cell proliferation, metastasis, and tumorigenesis in nude mice. The subcellular localization of circPIP5K1A was evaluated via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and correlation between circPIP5K1A, miR‐600, and HIF‐1α was assessed by luciferase assay. The data demonstrated that circPIP5K1A expression was increased in NSCLC cells. FISH showed that circPIP5K1A localized to the cytoplasm. The circPIP5K1A knockdown suppressed NSCLC cell metastasis and proliferation by promoting expression of miR‐600. Overexpression of miR‐600 inhibited HIF‐1α‐mediated metastasis and proliferation of NSCLC cell by downregulating the endothelial mesenchymal transition‐related proteins, Snail and vimentin, and upregulating E‐cadherin. In vivo experiments illustrated that circPIP5K1A silence suppressed tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. The circPIP5K1A may function as an miR‐600 sponge to facilitate NSCLC proliferation and metastasis by promoting HIF‐1α. A bifluorescein reporter experiment confirmed that miR‐600 was the circPIP5K1A target, and miR‐600 interacted with the 3′ untranslated region of HIF‐1α. These results show that circPIP5K1A acted as a tumor promoter through a novel circPIP5K1A/miR‐600/HIF‐1α axis, which provides candidate markers and therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
Pathways linking clinician demographics to mental health diagnostic accuracy: An international perspective
Authors: Brechbiel Julia K. , Keeley Jared W.
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study examined the impact of clinicians’ demographics and response time on diagnostic accuracy.

Method

We conducted mediation analyses on data from a WHO field study of the ICD­11 that required clinicians (N = 1,822, 44.3% female, 44.92 years old) to diagnose two case vignettes.

Results

Contradictory to decision‐making theories, clinicians with more years of experience and slower response times had higher rates of diagnostic accuracy. In comparison to North American clinicians, clinicians in Asia who responded faster had lower accuracy rates, and clinicians in South America who responded slower had higher accuracy rates. Medical professionals with quicker response times had lower accuracy rates compared with psychologists and other clinical professionals.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that clinicians should consider how their clinical setting, level of experience, and response time influence the diagnostic process. Future research on diagnostic accuracy should consider additional mediating factors, such as cultural differences in response time.
Differential structural features in soleus and gastrocnemius of carnitine‐treated cancer cachectic rats
Authors: Busquets Sílvia , Pérez‐Peiró Maria , Salazar‐Degracia Anna , Argilés Josep M. , Serpe Roberto , Rojano‐Toimil Alba , López‐Soriano Francisco J. , Barreiro Esther
Published: June 2019

Muscle wasting is associated with chronic diseases and cancer. Elucidation of the biological mechanism involved in the process of muscle mass loss and cachexia may help identify therapeutic targets. We hypothesized that l‐carnitine treatment may differentially revert muscle fiber atrophy and other structural alterations in slow‐ and fast‐twitch limb muscles of rats bearing the Yoshida ascites hepatoma. In soleus and gastrocnemius of tumor‐bearing rats (108 AH‐130 Yoshida ascites hepatoma cells inoculated intraperitoneally) with and without treatment with l‐carnitine (1 g/kg body weight for 7 days, intragastric), food intake, body and muscle weights, fiber typing and morphometry, morphological features, redox balance, autophagy and proteolytic, and signaling markers were explored. Levels of carnitine palmitoyl transferase were also measured in all the study muscles. l‐Carnitine treatment ameliorated the atrophy of both slow‐ and fast‐twitch fibers (gastrocnemius particularly), muscle structural alterations (both muscles), and attenuated oxidative stress, proteolytic and signaling markers (gastrocnemius). Despite that carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1 levels increased in both muscle types in a similar fashion, l‐carnitine ameliorated muscle atrophy and proteolysis in a muscle‐specific manner in cancer‐induced cachexia. These data reveal the need to study muscles of different fiber type composition and function to better understand whereby l‐carnitine exerts its beneficial effects on the myofibers in muscle wasting processes. These findings also have potential clinical implications, since combinations of various exercise and muscle training modalities with l‐carnitine should be specifically targeted for the muscle groups to be trained.
Adipocytes utilize sucrose as an energy source—Effect of different carbohydrates on adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Krishna Mahesh S. , Revathy V. M. , Jaleel Abdul
Published: June 2019

Adipose tissue is a complex and heterogenic tissue exhibiting high variability and appears to have multiple functions, especially in metabolic regulation. Change in carbohydrate source is reported to have a profound effect in the regular functioning of adipocytes. Here, we analyzed the role of two monosaccharides namely, glucose (5.2 and 25 nM), galactose (25 mM), and two disaccharides namely, lactose and sucrose (both at 25 mM) in the adipocyte differentiation process and its utilization by adipocytes as an energy source. The change in cell morphology, adipocyte‐specific gene expression, and protein levels were analyzed at three different time points: 2, 6, and 48 hr. Oil Red O staining at Day 8 of differentiation showed that no other carbohydrates were able to increase lipid content as better as 25 mM glucose. Gene expression pattern was altered by the change in glucose concentration and sucrose was able to mimic the effect of glucose even though, the lipid synthesis was solely promoted by high glucose levels. Galactose and lactose did not show any effect in promoting adipocyte differentiation. The expression of PPAR γ was high in the presence of sucrose and galactose, possibly of adipogenic cocktail in enhancing the expression rather than the effect of carbohydrate. Acarbose, a potent glucosidase inhibitor was able to inhibit the lipid content in adipocytes grown with sucrose as a carbohydrate source and shows the possibility of its direct utilization. Lactate production by cells upon differentiation also proved the possible uptake of glucose after sucrose cleavage.
Linc00210 enhances the malignancy of thyroid cancer cells by modulating miR‐195‐5p/IGF1R/Akt axis
Authors: Du Peijie , Liu Fei , Liu Yanling , Shao Mingwei , Li Xialian , Qin Guijun
Published: June 2019

Emerging evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating thyroid cancer (TC) development. Linc00210 is a newly identified lncRNA which plays an oncogenic role in hepatocellular carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but whether Linc00210 can modulate the development of TC remains elusive. Here, we found that Linc00210 expression was upregulated in TC tissues compared to the matched noncancerous tissues. Overexpression of Linc00210 augmented the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TC cells. Mechanistically, Linc00210 served as a sponge for miR‐195‐5p, thereby counteracting its ability in downregulating the expression of IGF1R and the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. Moreover, inhibition of Linc00210 suppressed the growth of TC cells in nude mice. Our findings for the first time uncovered the oncogenic property of Linc00210 in TC.
Experimental study and parametric analysis of SO2 capture in limestone fixed bed reactor
Authors: Bontzolis Christos D , Petraki Maria K , Spartinos Dimitrios N
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The use of absorbents, based on calcium, for the reduction of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from power plants has been studied for the last 90 years. The present work is part of a research project, which aims at the development of a fixed and a moving bed limestone filter. A filter is placed after the burning, in order to capture SO2 from the flue gases of pulverized lignite combustors. An experimental study and a parametric analysis in a limestone and lignite fixed bed reactor for SO2 capture were conducted in previous works.

RESULTS

This work studies experimentally the SO2 capture by analyzing the following parameters: inlet mole fraction of SO2, inlet mole fraction of O2, volumetric flow rate, average temperature in bed, type of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and length of the solid bed. Under specific circumstances, conversion of SO2 values were found to be greater than 0.99 in the gas outlet for more than 110 min.

CONCLUSION

Useful conclusions are drawn regarding the behavior of a fixed bed reactor in different conditions. The results highlight the importance of technological interest in the dry process for SO2 capture. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and fibrosis 4 scores for hepatic fibrosis assessment compared with transient elastography in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Sripongpun Pimsiri , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Chotiyaputta Watcharasak , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Bunchorntavakul Chalermrat , Sobhonslidsuk Abhasnee , Leerapun Apinya , Khemnark Suparat , Poovorawan Kittiyod , Siramolpiwat Sith , Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin , Pan‐Ngum Wirichada , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana ,   the THASL study group
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim

Fibrotic stage (FS) assessment is essential in chronic hepatitis C treatment cascade. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using transient elastography (TE) is reliable and correlated with liver biopsy. However, TE may not be widely available. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis 4 (FIB‐4) scores compared with TE.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, cross‐sectional study, including all chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfection patients with successful and reliable LSM, at 10 centers in Thailand from 2012 to 2017. Characteristics and laboratory data within 3 months of TE were retrospectively reviewed. Using TE as a reference standard, the diagnostic performances of APRI and FIB‐4 were evaluated. TE cut‐off levels of 7.1 and 12.5 kPa represented significant fibrosis (SF) and cirrhosis, respectively.

Results

The distribution of FS by TE in 2000 eligible patients was as follows: no SF 28.3%, SF 31.4%, and cirrhosis 40.3%. APRI ≥ 1 provided 70.1% sensitivity and 80.6% specificity, with an area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.834 for cirrhosis. The specificity increased to 96.3% when using a cut‐off level of APRI ≥ 2. FIB‐4 ≥ 1.45 provided a sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of 52.4%, 91.0%, and 0.829 for cirrhosis, respectively. For SF, APRI performed better than FIB‐4, with an AUROC of 0.84 versus 0.80 (P < 0.001). APRI score < 0.5 and FIB‐4 score > 1.45 yielded sensitivities of 82.3% and 74.4% and specificities of 65.4% and 69.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

APRI and FIB‐4 scores had good diagnostic performances for FS assessment compared with TE, especially for cirrhosis. APRI may be used as the noninvasive assessment in resource‐limited settings for HCV patients’ management.
Naji's characterization of circle graphs
Authors: Geelen Jim , Lee Edward
Published: June 2019

We present a simpler proof of Naji's characterization of circle graphs.
Indigenous strategies used by selected farming communities in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to manage soil, water, and climate extremes and to make weather predictions
Authors: Vilakazi Bonginkosi S. , Zengeni Rebecca , Mafongoya Paramu
Published: June 2019

Most of rural South Africa is semi arid, experiencing a variable climate with extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. Communal farmers experience problems of getting reliable weather information. Datasets used to describe climate change and variability rely on spatially interpolated gridded data from a few weather stations. The ability of gridded climate data to describe climate variability at the local level has been widely questioned. Communal farmers have developed indigenous strategies to cope with these extremes in order to sustain agricultural production. The objective of this study was to document indigenous strategies that smallholder farmers in Bergville and Msinga, in KwaZulu Natal Province, use to predict weather, conserve soil and water, and manage climate extremes events. Data were gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaire. Results showed that more farmers in Msinga than Bergville observed reduced rainfalls and increased temperatures as an indicator of climate variability (p<.05). Bergville and Msinga communal farmers use indigenous indicators such as wind and cloud patterns, animal and bird behaviour, moon shape, and position of the sun to predict weather. Communal farmers using manure were 0.17 times more likely to conserve soil and water when compared with those using artificial fertilizer (p<.05). Thus, indigenous knowledge system (IKS) can be used to conserve soil and water and manage climate extremes and variability. Communal farmers also resist adopting unfamiliar strategies that are forced on them without proper engagement. Communal farmers have managed to survive extreme weather events using IKS.
Subtle gait and balance impairments occur in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Ehgoetz Martens Kaylena A. , Matar Elie , Hall Julie M. , Phillips Joseph , Szeto Jennifer Y. Y. , Gouelle Arnaud , Grunstein Ronald R. , Halliday Glenda M. , Lewis Simon J. G.
Published: June 2019

Background

Although motor abnormalities have been flagged as potentially the most sensitive and specific clinical features for predicting the future progression to Parkinson's disease, little work has been done to characterize gait and balance impairments in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD).

Objective

The objective of this study was to quantitatively determine any static balance as well as gait impairments across the 5 independent domains of gait in polysomnography‐confirmed iRBD patients using normal, fast‐paced, and dual‐task walking conditions.

Methods

A total of 38 participants (24 iRBD, 14 healthy controls) completed the following 5 different walking trials across a pressure sensor carpet: (1) normal pace, (2) fast pace, (3) while counting backward from 100 by 1s, (4) while naming as many animals as possible, (5) while subtracting 7s from 100.

Results

Although no gait differences were found between the groups during normal walking, there were significant differences between groups under the fast‐paced and dual‐task gait conditions. Specifically, in response to the dual tasking, healthy controls widened their step width without changing step width variability, whereas iRBD patients did not widen their step width but, rather, significantly increased their step width variability. Similarly, changes between the groups were observed during fast‐paced walking wherein the iRBD patients demonstrated greater step length asymmetry when compared with controls.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that iRBD patients have subtle gait impairments, which likely reflect early progressive degeneration in brainstem regions that regulate both REM sleep and gait coordination. Such gait assessments may be useful as a diagnostic preclinical screening tool for future fulminant gait abnormalities for trials of disease‐preventive agents. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
3D rigid‐body motion information from spherical Lissajous navigators at small k‐space radii: A proof of concept
Authors: Buschbeck Richard P. , Yun Seong Dae , Jon Shah N.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To demonstrate, for the first time, the feasibility of obtaining low‐latency 3D rigid‐body motion information from spherical Lissajous navigators acquired at extremely small k‐space radii, which has significant advantages compared with previous techniques.

Theory and Methods

A spherical navigator concept is proposed in which the surface of a k‐space sphere is sampled on a 3D Lissajous curve at a radius of 0.1/cm. The navigator only uses a single excitation and is acquired in less than 5 ms. Rotation estimations were calculated with an algorithm from computer vision that exploits a rotation theorem of the spherical harmonics transform and has minimal computational cost. The effectiveness of the concept was investigated with phantom and in vivo measurements on a commercial 3T MRI scanner.

Results

Scanner‐induced in vivo motion was measured with maximum absolute errors of 0.58° and 0.33 mm for rotations and translations, respectively. In the case of real, in vivo motion, the proposed method showed good agreement with motion information from FSL image registrations (mean/maximum deviations of 0.37°/1.24° and 0.44 mm/1.35 mm). In addition, phantom measurements indicated precisions of 0.014° and 0.013 mm. The computations for complete motion information took, on average, 24 ms on an ordinary laptop.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates a proof of concept for obtaining accurate motion information from small‐radius spherical navigators. The method has the potential to overcome several previously reported problems and could help increase the utility of navigator‐based motion correction both in research and in the clinic.
Bis‐[3]Ferrocenophanes with Central >E−E’< Bonds (E, E’=P, SiH): Preparation, Properties, and Thermal Activation
Authors: Isenberg Stefan , Weller Stefan , Kargin Denis , Valić Srećko , Schwederski Brigitte , Kelemen Zsolt , Bruhn Clemens , Krekić Kristijan , Maurer Martin , Feil Christoph M. , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich , Nyulászi László , Pietschnig Rudolf
Published: June 2019

A series of bis‐[3]ferrocenophanes of the general type Fe(C5H4E’)2E−E(E'C5H4)2Fe (E=P, SiH and E’=PtBu, NneoPentyl, NSi(CH3)3) with an isolobal molecular framework have been prepared and characterized by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. The thermal dissociation behavior with respect to homolytic fission of the central bond generating phosphorus centered radicals was investigated using EPR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations.
Device Performance as a Metrology Tool to Detect Metals in Silicon
Authors: Claeys Cor , Simoen Eddy
Published: June 2019

Herein, the impact of transition metals (TMs) on the electrical device performance, i.e., carrier lifetime, leakage current, low‐frequency noise, photocurrent, and solar cell efficiency is reviewed. Defect information is obtained by using either simple device structures such as metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) capacitors and pn‐diodes or transistors. The impact of metals on complementary MOS (CMOS) image sensors (CIS) and solar cells is also briefly addressed. Scaled devices are a power tool to detect small‐sized defect clusters or even single metal atoms. Examples are given for a variety of both slow‐ and fast‐diffusing metals. The final section outlines the power of density functional theory (DFT) ab initio calculations to support the experimental observations and to get a deeper physical insight into the defect structure.
Antidepressant‐like effect of anacardic acid in mice via the L‐arginine–nitric oxide–serotonergic system
Authors: Júnior Antonio Luiz Gomes , Tchekalarova Jana Dimitrova , da Conceição Machado Keylla , Silva Samara Wanessa Cardoso , Paz Márcia Fernanda Correia Jardim , Nogueira Tiago Rocha , de Matos Monteiro Lira Beatriz Santiago , Zihad S.M. Neamul Kabir , Islam Muhammad Torequl , Ali Eunus S. , de Sousa Rios Maria Alexsandra , Carvalho André Luis Menezes , da Silva Lopes Luciano , Saha Swapan Kumar , Mubarak Mohammad S. , de Carvalho Melo‐Cavalcante Ana Amélia
Published: June 2019

Depression, a multifactorial neuronal disorder with high morbidity/mortality, is associated with psychological, psychosocial, hereditary, and environmental etiologies, where reactive species exert pathophysiological functions. Anacardic acid (AA), a natural compound obtained from cashew nut liquid, has several pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anticonvulsant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antidepressant‐like effect of AA and the involvement of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and L‐arginine–nitric oxide (NO) in tail suspension and forced swim tests and, more so, to investigate its antioxidant effect in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in male Swiss mice (n = 8). In order to identify the antidepressant mechanisms, AA (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg, p.o.) was given 30 min before clonidine (2‐adrenergic receptor agonist), L‐arginine (NO precursor), propranolol (β‐adrenergic receptor antagonist), and several other agonists or antagonists used. On the other hand, clonidine, noradrenoreceptor, noradrenaline, and L‐arginine were used to identify the antidepressant mechanisms. Results suggest that AA exerts antidepressant‐like activity, especially at higher doses, possibly by inhibiting serotonin and 5HT‐1A reuptake receptors and by inhibiting NO synthetase and guanylyl cyclase enzymes. Additionally, AA exhibited antioxidant effect in S. cerevisiae. This antioxidant capacity may be linked to its antidepressant‐like effect but does not interact with α‐ and β‐adrenoceptor receptors. In conclusion, AA may be used as a promising agent to treat depression, especially which arises from oxidative stress.
Spatial distribution of elvitegravir and tenofovir in rat brain tissue: Application of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ntshangase Sphamandla , Mdanda Sipho , Naicker Tricia , Kruger Hendrik G. , Baijnath Sooraj , Govender Thavendran
Published: June 2019

Rationale

The complexity of central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery is the main obstacle with the blood–brain barrier (BBB) known to restrict access of most pharmaceutical drugs into the brain. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) offers possibilities for studying drug deposition into the CNS.

Methods

The deposition and spatial distribution of the two antiretroviral drugs elvitegravir and tenofovir in the brain were investigated in healthy female Sprague–Dawley rats following a single intraperitoneal administration (50 mg/kg). This was achieved by the utilization of quantitative liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MSI.

Results

LC/MS/MS showed that elvitegravir has better BBB penetration, reaching maximum concentration in the brain (Cmaxbrain) of 976.5 ng/g. In contrast, tenofovir displayed relatively lower BBB penetration, reaching Cmaxbrain of 54.5 ng/g. MALDI‐MSI showed the heterogeneous distribution of both drugs in various brain regions including the cerebral cortex.

Conclusions

LC/MS/MS and MALDI‐MSI provided valuable information about the relative concentration and the spatial distribution of the two common antiretroviral drugs. This study has also shown the capability of MALDI‐MSI for direct visualization of pharmaceutical drugs in situ.
Three Coordination Polymers Based on Resorcin[4]arene as Effective Catalysts for the Knoevenagel Condensation Reaction and as Multifunctional Luminescent Sensors
Authors: Wang Li , Guo Ting‐Ting , Ma Ji‐Cheng , Liu Ying‐Ying , Xu Guo‐Hai , Ma Jian‐Fang
Published: June 2019

Three distinctive coordination polymers, [Zn2(m‐bdc)2(L)]⋅8DMF⋅2CH3OH (1), [Zn2(bpdc)2(L)]⋅9DMF⋅5CH3OH (2) and [Cd5Cl10(L)2]⋅6DMA⋅2CH3OH (3) were synthesized based on a novel pyridine‐functional resorcin[4]arene ligand (L=tetrakis(4‐mercaptopyridine‐ylmethyl) resorcin[4]arene, m‐H2bdc=1,3‐isophthalic acid, H2bpdc=biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid and DMA=N,N‐dimethylacetamide). Among them, 1 and 3 exhibit charming two‐dimensional layers, while 2 gives a three‐dimensional framework. The performance of 1 and 3 was studied as solvent‐free heterogeneous catalysts for Knoevenagel condensation reaction, of which 1 shows an efficient catalytic capability for the reactions of various aldehydes with malononitrile. Apart from that, the luminescent performance of 1 and 3 in a series of anions and cations were also explored. Their quenching to Cr2O72−, CrO42− and Fe3+ ions makes 1 and 3 become promising luminescent sensors.
Hollow Carbon Nanobelts Codoped with Nitrogen and Sulfur via a Self‐Templated Method for a High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Capacitor
Authors: Cui Chunyu , Wang Heng , Wang Meng , Ou Xuewu , Wei Zengxi , Ma Jianmin , Tang Yongbing
Published: June 2019

Sodium‐ion capacitors (SICs) have attracted enormous attention due to their high energy density and high power density. In this work, N and S codoped hollow carbon nanobelts (N/S‐HCNs) are synthesized by a self‐templated method. The as‐synthesized carbon nanobelts exhibit excellent performance in pseudocapacitance and electric double layer anions adsorption. After pairing the N/S‐HCNs cathode with a tin foil anode in a carbonate electrolyte, the obtained SIC achieves a high specific capacity of 400 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 (based on the mass of cathode material) and energy density of 250.35 Wh kg−1 at 676 W kg−1 (based on the total mass of cathode and anode materials). Besides, the presented SIC also demonstrates high cycling stability with almost 100% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles, which is among the best results of the reported SICs, suggesting the potential for high‐performance energy storage applications.
Rapid Discovery of Ferroelectric Photovoltaic Perovskites and Material Descriptors via Machine Learning
Authors: Lu Shuaihua , Zhou Qionghua , Ma Liang , Guo Yilv , Wang Jinlan
Published: June 2019

Rapid discovery of novel functional materials is urgent but a tremendous challenge using trial‐and‐error methods in vast chemical space. Here, a multistep screening scheme is developed by combining high‐throughput calculations and machine learning (ML) techniques. Successfully, 151 promising stable ferroelectric photovoltaic (FPV) perovskites with proper bandgap are screened out from 19 841 candidate compositions. Two new descriptors are proposed to describe mixed inorganic perovskites' formability through ML feature engineering. Additionally, phase‐transition energy difference is used as a criterion for directly judging whether the compound can expose spontaneous polarization. The ML prediction accuracy of both energy difference and bandgap regressions is over 90% and ML produces comparable results to density functional theory calculations. Moreover, bandgaps of eight selected FPV perovskites are all close to the optimal value of single‐junction solar cells. This scheme not only realizes the ML acceleration for targeted multiproperty materials' design and expansion of materials database, but also opens a way for descriptor development.
Alcohol Vapor Post‐Annealing for Highly Efficient Sb2S3 Planar Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Han Jian , Wang Shuangjie , Li Xuanhua , Tang Huijie , Cao Qi , Yang Jiabao , Zhu Jinmeng , Liu Xingrui , Li Zhen , Liu Weimin
Published: June 2019

Solution‐processed Sb2S3 planar heterojunction solar cells have shown great progress in power conversion efficiency (PCE) in recent years. However, a conventional solution process yields Sb2S3 films with a small grain size. Herein, an alcohol vapor post‐annealing strategy is reported that uses alcohol vapors to facilitate grain growth of Sb2S3 films during annealing, achieving films with a larger grain size and better crystallinity. A series of alcohols with different polarities are used for the vapor post‐annealing. Methanol with the highest polarity provides films with the largest grain size. As a result, the Sb2S3 films prepared via vapor post‐annealing show enhanced light absorption, longer carrier lifetime, and less carrier recombination, which are verified by photoluminescence, transient photovoltage, suns‐short‐circuit photocurrent density, and suns‐open‐circuit voltage measurements. The Sb2S3 solar cells post‐annealed with methanol vapor exhibit a PCE of 5.27%, showing a drastic improvement of 31% compared with the non‐treated devices. The alcohol vapor post‐annealing approach presents a new avenue toward controlling the morphology and crystallinity of solution‐processed Sb2S3 films and achieving efficient Sb2S3 solar cells.
Synergistic Effects of Side‐Chain Engineering and Fluorination on Small Molecule Acceptors to Simultaneously Broaden Spectral Response and Minimize Voltage Loss for 13.8% Efficiency Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Fan Qunping , Su Wenyan , Zhang Ming , Wu Jingnan , Jiang Yufeng , Guo Xia , Liu Feng , Russell Thomas P. , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: June 2019

Herein, three small molecule (SM)‐acceptors (POIT‐IC, POIT‐IC2F, and POIT‐IC4F) are developed by combining the side‐chain engineering located on the sp3‐hybridized carbon atoms of the fused‐ring core and the fluorination of end groups. From ITIC to POIT‐IC, POIT‐IC2F, and then to POIT‐IC4F, the SM‐acceptors show gradually broadened absorption spectra, increased maximum extinction coefficient, crystallinity, and electron mobilities due to the synergistic effects of side‐chain engineering and fluorination. Compared with nonfluorinated ITIC and POIT‐IC, as fluorination broadens the molecular spectra, POIT‐IC2F and POIT‐IC4F with alkoxyphenyl side chains show less decreased LUMO levels than IT‐IC2F and IT‐IC4F with alkylphenyl side chains, which are conducive to both higher Voc and Jsc for organic solar cells (OSCs). Combined with polymer donor PM6, the POIT‐IC4F‐based OSCs achieve a device efficiency of up to 13.8% with a high Voc of 0.91 V and Jsc of 20.9 mA cm−2, which are significantly higher than that of the control OSCs based on ITIC (8.9%), POIT‐IC (10.1%), or IT‐IC4F (12.2%). An efficiency of 13.8% is one of the highest PCEs reported for the annealing‐free OSCs. Our results show that the synergistic effects of side‐chain engineering and fluorination on SM‐acceptor can simultaneously broaden spectral response and minimize voltage loss of OSCs and ultimately achieve high device efficiency.
Obtaining DNA from ammunition: A review
Authors: Montpetit Shawn
Published: June 2019

In the past 10 years, considerable progress has been made on the ability to obtain DNA from ammunition (unfired cartridges or the casings that remain after the firing process). Several groups have researched methods and processes to optimize the recovery of DNA from ammunition. A comprehensive review of published articles indicates that successful DNA testing of ammunition is possible using a variety of collection techniques, extraction methodologies, and amplification kits.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Forensic DNA Technologies
Geometry of massless scattering in integrable superstring
Authors: Fontanella A. , Torrielli A.
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We consider the action of the q-deformed Poincaré superalgebra on the massless non-relativistic R-matrix in ordinary (undeformed) integrable AdS
2 × S
2 × T
6 type IIB superstring theory. The boost generator acts non-trivially on the R-matrix, confirming the existence of a non-relativistic rapidity γ with respect to which the R-matrix must be of difference form. We conjecture that from a massless AdS/CFT integrable relativistic R-matrix one can obtain the parental massless non-relativistic R-matrix simply by replacing the relativistic rapidity with γ. We check our conjecture in ordinary (undeformed) AdS

n
× S

n
× T
10−2n
, n = 2,3. In the case n = 3, we check that the matrix part and the dressing factor — up to numerical accuracy for real momenta — obey our prescription. In the n = 2 case, we check the matrix part and propose the non-relativistic dressing factor. We then start a programme of classifying R-matrices in terms of connections on fibre bundles. The conditions obtained for the connection are tested on a set of known integrable R-matrices.
b → sℓ+ℓ− transitions in two-Higgs-doublet models
Authors: Crivellin Andreas , Müller Dario , Wiegand Christoph
Published: June 2019

Abstract

In this article we study b → sμ
+
μ
− transitions and possible correlations with the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (a

μ
) within two-Higgs-doublet models with generic Yukawa couplings, including the possibility of right-handed neutrinos. We perform the matching on the relevant effective Hamiltonian and calculate the leading one-loop effects for b → sℓℓ
(′), b → sγ, ΔB = ΔS = 2,

$$ b\to s\nu \overline{v} $$

b
→
s
ν

v
¯

and ℓ → ℓ′γ transitions in a general R

ξ
gauge. Concerning the phenomenology, we find that an explanation of the hints for new physics in b → sμ
+
μ
− data is possible once right-handed neutrinos are included. If lepton flavour violating couplings are allowed, one can account for the discrepancy in a

μ
as well. However, only a small portion of parameter space gives a good fit to b → sμ
+
μ
− data and the current bound on h → τμ requires the mixing between the neutral Higgses to be very small if one aims at an explanation of a

μ
.
Benign Portal Vein Stenosis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Ohgi Katsuhisa , Sugiura Teiichi , Yamamoto Yusuke , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ito Takaaki , Ashida Ryo , Aramaki Takeshi , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: June 2019

Background

The long‐term patency of the portal vein (PV) in patients who survive after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical features and risk factors for benign PV stenosis after PD.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent PD from September 2002 and December 2015 at our institution without intraoperative radiation therapy or concomitant PV resection. The postoperative computed tomography of each patient was evaluated, and PV stenosis was defined as the shortest diameter of the PV being <3 mm. The patients with PV stenosis due to local recurrence were excluded.

Results

Of the 458 patients, PV stenosis occurred in 57 (12.4%), including benign PV stenosis in 28 (6.1%) and PV stenosis due to local recurrence in 29 (6.3%). Of the 28 patients with benign PV stenosis, 7 (25%) developed symptoms related to portal hypertension, namely recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in 5 and refractory ascites in 2. Six patients were treated with percutaneous transhepatic PV stent placement, and all of their symptoms improved. A multivariate analysis found that a postoperative pancreatic fistula was an independent risk factor for benign PV stenosis after PD (odds ratio, 4.36; p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Postoperative pancreatic fistula was a significant risk factor for benign PV stenosis after PD. Stent placement for benign PV stenosis was effective for the patients with symptoms due to portal hypertension.