bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal chemical kinetic mechanism generation for methanol combustion and systematic analysis on the ignition characteristics
Authors: Liang Jinhu , Jia Wenlin , Sun Yanjin , Wang Quan‐De
Published: February 2020

A skeletal chemical kinetic mechanism for methanol combustion is developed based on a comprehensive detailed mechanism (AramcoMech 3.0), which consists of 581 species and 3,037 reactions. The systematic skeletal mechanism reduction methods are applied to the detailed mechanism to obtain a minimal skeletal mechanism. Systematic mechanism analysis including global reaction path and sensitivity analysis are performed to identify key reactions relevant to methanol oxidation. Species relevant to the combustion chemistry of methanol are analyzed through global reaction path and compared with other reduced mechanisms, which highlights the importance of maintaining realistic chemistry in skeletal mechanism. Brute‐force sensitivity analysis and chemical explosive mode analysis are employed to analyze the ignition properties of methanol. The performance of the skeletal mechanism is validated against a wide range of pressures, temperatures, and equivalence ratios for ignition, species concentrations, and laminar flame speeds. This work not only presents a minimal skeletal mechanism for methanol combustion based on systematic mechanism reduction methods from very large detailed mechanisms but also provides insight into the chemical kinetics of methanol combustion.
Older adultsʼ credibility assessment of online health information: An exploratory study using an extended typology of web credibility
Authors: Choi Wonchan
Published: February 2020

Credibility assessment is a crucial component in the process of peopleʼs health information seeking, especially in the web context. Finding “credible” health information from a plethora of information on the web may be more challenging for older adults, who have relatively less experience with the Internet. This article reports on the findings of an exploratory study of older adultsʼ credibility assessments of online health information. The data collected through semistructured interviews with 21 older adult Internet users in the United States were analyzed based on the extended typology of web credibility (Choi & Stvilia, 2015,Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 66, 2399–2414). The findings of the study revealed that older adults paid closer attention to operator‐related credibility cues and heuristics when judging the credibility of health information on the web, followed by content‐ and design‐related ones. Also, the findings suggest that participants who were younger and used the Internet more frequently employed a wider variety of cues and heuristics to evaluate the credibility of online health information. Based on these findings, both theoretical and practical implications of the research and future research directions are discussed.
Spectral energy distribution modeling of broadband emission in the pulsar wind nebula 3C 58
Authors: Kim Seungjong , An Hongjun
Published: February 2020

We investigate the broadband emission properties of the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) 3C 58 using a spectral energy distribution (SED) model. We attempt to match simultaneously the broadband SED and spatial variations of X‐ray emission in the PWN. We further use the model to explain a possible far‐IR feature of which a hint was recently suggested in 3C 58: a small bump at ∼1011 GHz in the PLANCK and Herschel bands. While external dust emission may easily explain the observed bump, it may be the internal emission of the source, implying an additional population of particles. Although significance for the bump is not high, here we explore possible origins of the IR bump using the emission model, and find that a population of electrons with GeV energies can explain it. If it is produced in the PWN, it may provide new insights into particle acceleration and flows in
PWNe.
Encapsulation enhances protoplast fusant stability
Authors: Gulli Jordan , Kroll Eugene , Rosenzweig Frank
Published: February 2020

A barrier to cost‐efficient biomanufacturing is the instability of engineered genetic elements, such as plasmids. Instability can also manifest at the whole‐genome level, when fungal dikaryons revert to parental species due to nuclear segregation during cell division. Here, we show that by encapsulatingSaccharomyces cerevisiae‐Pichia stipitisdikaryons in an alginate matrix, we can limit cell division and preserve their expanded metabolic capabilities. As a proxy to cellulosic ethanol production, we tested the capacity of such cells to carry out ethanologenic fermentation of glucose and xylose, examining substrate use, ploidy, and cell viability in relation to planktonic fusants, as well as in relation to planktonic and encapsulated cell cultures consisting of mixtures of these species. Glucose and xylose consumption and ethanol production by encapsulated dikaryons were greater than planktonic controls. Simultaneous co‐fermentation did not occur; rather the order and kinetics of glucose and xylose catabolism by encapsulated dikaryons were similar to cultures where the two species were encapsulated together. Over repeated cycles of fed‐batch culture, encapsulatedS. cerevisiae‐P. stipitisfusants exhibited a dramatic increase in genomic stability, relative to planktonic fusants. Encapsulation also increased the stability of antibiotic‐resistance plasmids used to mark each species and preserved a fixed ratio ofS. cerevisiaetoP. stipitiscells in mixed cultures. Our data demonstrate how encapsulating cells in an extracellular matrix restricts cell division and, thereby, preserves the stability and biological activity of entities ranging from genomes to plasmids to mixed populations, each of which can be essential to cost‐efficient biomanufacturing.
Microfluidic skin chip with vasculature for recapitulating the immune response of the skin tissue
Authors: Kwak Bong Shin , Jin Seon‐Pil , Kim Su Jung , Kim Eun Joo , Chung Jin Ho , Sung Jong Hwan
Published: February 2020

There is a considerable need for cell‐based in vitro skin models for studying dermatological diseases and testing cosmetic products, but current in vitro skin models lack physiological relevance compared to human skin tissue. For example, many dermatological disorders involve complex immune responses, but current skin models are not capable of recapitulating the phenomena. Previously, we reported development of a microfluidic skin chip with a vessel structure and vascular endothelial cells. In this study, we cocultured dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes with vascular endothelial cells, human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. We verified the formation of a vascular endothelium in the presence of the dermis and epidermis layers by examining the expression of tissue‐specific markers. As the vascular endothelium plays a critical role in the migration of leukocytes to inflammation sites, we incorporated leukocytes in the circulating media and attempted to mimic the migration of neutrophils in response to external stimuli. Increased secretion of cytokines and migration of neutrophils was observed when the skin chip was exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, showing that the microfluidic skin chip may be useful for studying the immune response of the human tissue.
Telemedicine in postoperative follow-up of STOMa PAtients: a randomized clinical trial (the STOMPA trial)
Authors: Augestad K M , Sneve A M , Lindsetmo R-O
Published: February 2020

Background

A stoma has severe impact on the patient's quality of life (QoL). Postoperative home community follow-up by teleconsultation (TC) and stoma nurses may reduce the burden of travel and improve QoL.

Methods

A university hospital and five district medical centres participated. Patients with a stoma were randomized to follow-up by either TC (intervention) or hospital (control). Stoma nurses performed the clinical examination at the TC studio, aided remotely by hospital nurses and surgeons. The primary endpoint was the EQ-5D™ index score; secondary endpoints were the Stoma Quality-of-Life Scale, the OutPatient Experiences Questionnaire, and use of hospital resources.

Results

A total of 110 patients were randomized to hospital (58 patients) or TC (52) follow-up; 64 patients (hospital 38, TC 26) were followed for more than 12 months and 246 consultations (hospital 151, TC 95) were performed. There were no differences in QoL: EQ-5D™ index score (P = 0·301) and EQ-5D™ visual analogue scale (VAS) score (P = 0·775); Work/Social Function (P = 0·822); Sexuality/Body Image (P = 0·253) and Stoma Function (P = 0·074). Hospital follow-up performed better for organization of care (staff collaboration, P = 0·004; met same persons, P = 0·003) and communication (surgeon understandable, P < 0·001; surgeon caring P = 0·003). TC did not increase the number of hospital consultations (P = 0·684) and reduced the number of journeys of more than 8 h (P = 0·007).

Conclusion

Telemedicine follow-up by stoma nurses did not improve the QoL of patients, but decreased the readmission rate and burden of travel. Registration number NCT01600508 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Parenchyma sparing multicomponent liver resection strategy for multiple bilobar synchronous colorectal cancer metastasis
Authors: Burlaka Anton Anatoliyovych , Kolesnik Olena Oleksandrivna
Published: February 2020

A two‐stage multicomponent parenchymal sparing surgical strategy (anatomical extended on left hepatic vein 2‐nd segment liver resection and R1vascular approach) allows the successful resection of synchronous multiple bilobar CRC metastases.
Deep lamellar keratectomy and penetrating scleroplasty using CO2laser photoablation and bimodal grafting for the treatment of a limbal melanoma in a dog
Authors: Cochrane Zachary N. , Mohoric Peter J.
Published: February 2020

A novel approach for en bloc resection of a limbal melanoma using a CO2laser in a dog. Benefits of this advanced technique include excellent surgical precision, improved hemostasis, and the induction of coagulative necrosis of neoplastic cells.
Nanoporous CoO Nanowire Clusters Grown on Three‐Dimensional Porous Graphene Cloth as Free‐Standing Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Chencheng , Liu Jinzhe , Guo Shouzhi , Zhang Peilin , Li Shuo , Yang Yun , Wu Jing , Chen Luyang , Wang Mingyi
Published: February 2020

To further improve the capacity, charge rate and cycling stability has become urgent issues to be solved for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). In our study, we have synthesized nanoporous CoO nanowire clusters on three‐dimensional (3D) porous graphene cloth (denoted as CoO‐NW@GC) via a facile hydrothermal reaction and subsequent annealing process. The self‐supported graphene cloth is provided with large surface area, high porosity and superior electric conductivity, which can greatly contribute to the fast electron and ion transport. Due to the nanoporous CoO nanowire clusters uniformly in situ depositing on the robust 3D skeleton of GC substrate, the CoO‐NW@GC hybrid as anode for LIBs achieves 1190 mAh/g and 429 mAh/g under the current densities of 0.2 A/g and 3.2 A/g, respectively. After more than 200 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A/g, the capacity still maintains 1100 mAh/g. The CoO‐NW@GC illustrates high specific capacity, good stability as well as excellent rate performance.
Arylethynyl Groups That Modulate Anion‐Binding and Assembling Modes of Rod‐ and Fan‐Shaped π‐Electronic Systems
Authors: Watanabe Yuta , Haketa Yohei , Nakamura Kazuto , Kaname Shunsuke , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: February 2020

The introduction of arylethynyl moieties at the pyrrole α‐ and β‐positions of dipyrrolyldiketone BF2 complexes as anion‐responsive π‐electronic molecules was investigated. The arylethynyl‐substituted derivatives formed a variety of anion complexes with planar [1+1]‐ and interlocked [2+1]‐type structures in solution and in the solid state. The derivatives with long alkyl chains in the introduced arylethynyl groups also formed mesophases in the form of ion pairs of the anion complexes and a counter cation. The geometries of the constituent anion complexes affected the packing modes of the dimension‐controlled assemblies.
Calibrations and validations of biological models with an application on the renal fibrosis
Authors: Karagiannis Georgios , Hao Wenrui , Lin Guang
Published: February 2020

We calibrate a mathematical model of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by Hao et al which is used to explore potential drugs for Lupus Nephritis, against a real data set of 84 patients. For this purpose, we present a general calibration procedure which can be used for the calibration analysis of other biological systems as well. Central to the procedure is the idea of designing a Bayesian Gaussian process (GP) emulator that can be used as a surrogate of the fibrosis mathematical model which is computationally expensive to run massively at every input value. The procedure relies on detecting influential model parameters by a GP‐based sensitivity analysis, and calibrating them by specifying a maximum likelihood criterion, tailored to the application, which is optimized via Bayesian global optimization.
Governmental inspection and green innovation: Examining the role of environmental capability and institutional development
Authors: Qi Guoyou , Zou Hailiang , Xie Xuemei
Published: February 2020

As an important method for normalizing firms' environmental behaviors, regulatory inspection has received much attention in both practice and research. However, a consistent conclusion regarding whether and under what conditions regulatory inspection leads to green innovation is lacking. Drawing on the attention‐based view, we argue that the threats or opportunities that top managers perceive from environmental inspection affect the attention they pay to the strategy of green innovation as a response. We hypothesize that firms lacking the capability of regulatory compliance are less likely to invest in green innovation and that the development of promarket institutions diverts managers' attention from reacting to governmental inspection. Using survey data on Chinese industrial firms, we confirm these hypotheses, the theoretical and practical implications of which are discussed.
Bioderived Molecular Electrodes for Next‐Generation Energy‐Storage Materials
Authors: Miroshnikov Mikhail , Mahankali Kiran , Thangavel Naresh Kumar , Satapathy Sitakanta , Arava Leela Mohana Reddy , Ajayan Pulickel M. , John George
Published: February 2020

Nature‐derived organic small molecules, as energy‐storage materials, provide low‐cost, recyclable, and non‐toxic alternatives to inorganic and polymer electrodes for lithium‐/sodium‐ion batteries and beyond. Some organic carbonyl compounds have met or exceeded the voltages and gravimetric storage capacities achieved by traditional transition metal oxide‐based compounds due to the metal‐ion coupled redox and facile electron‐transport capability of functional groups. Stability issues that previously limited the capacity of small organic molecules can be remediated with reactions to form insoluble salts, noncovalent interactions (hydrogen bonding and π stacking), loading onto substrates, and careful electrolyte selection. The cost‐effectiveness and sustainability of organic materials may further be improved by employing porphyrin‐based electrodes and multivalent‐ion batteries utilizing abundant metals, such as aluminum and zinc. Finally, redox flow batteries take advantage of the solubility of organics for the development of scalable, high power density, and safe energy‐storage devices based on aqueous electrolytes. Herein, the advantages and prospects of small molecule‐based electrodes, with a focus on nature‐derived organic and biomimetic materials, to realize the next‐generation of green battery chemistry are reviewed.
E‐TDGO: An encrypted trust‐based dolphin glowworm optimization for secure routing in mobile ad hoc network
Authors: Mukhedkar Moresh Madhukar , Kolekar Uttam
Published: February 2020

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are independent networks, where mobile nodes communicate with other nodes through wireless links by multihop transmission. Security is still an issue to be fixed in MANETs. Hence, a routing protocol named encrypted trust‐based dolphin glowworm optimization (DGO) (E‐TDGO) is designed using Advanced Encryption Standard‐128 (AES‐128) and trust‐based optimization model for secure routing in MANET. The proposed E‐TDGO protocol includes three phases, namely, k‐path discovery, optimal path selection, and communication. At first, k paths are discovered based on the distance and the trust level of the nodes. From the k paths discovered, the optimal path is selected using a novel algorithm, DGO, which is developed by combining glowworm swarm optimization (GSO) algorithm and dolphin echolocation algorithm (DEA). Once the optimal path is selected, communication begins in the network such that E‐TDGO protocol ensures security. The routing messages are encrypted using AES‐128 with shared code and key to offer security. The experimental results show that the proposed E‐TDGO could attain throughput of 0.11, delay of 0.01 second, packet drop of 0.44, and detection rate of 0.99, at the maximum number of rounds considered in the network of 75 nodes with attack consideration.
Improved oxytocin analysis from human serum and urine by orbitrap ESI‐LC‐HRAM‐MS
Authors: Franke Adrian A. , Li Xingnan , Dabalos Chester , Lai Jennifer F.
Published: February 2020

Native circulating oxytocin (OT) levels in non‐pregnant/non‐lactating/non‐medicated humans are very low (≤ 8 pg/mL). The lower limit of detection (LLOD) of our previous liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method (10–25 pg/mL) precluded their quantification in serum and urine. Thus, we sought to improve the LC–MS sensitivity of OT measurements in these matrices by hydrophobic tagging and solid phase extraction (SPE). In the former approach, OT was reduced then alkylated with N‐alkyl acetamide (C12, C14, C16, and C18) tags or derivatized using sulfonyl chloride‐based reagents. In the latter approach, native OT in serum and urine was concentrated by offline SPE using gradient acetonitrile washings after first crashing with acetonitrile. Peak urinary eluate fractions were further concentrated online then analyzed by orbitrap‐based LC–MS with electrospray ionization. All hydrophobic OT derivatives had lower sensitivity than native OT. Washing with a water‐acetonitrile gradient during SPE improved the LLOD of OT in spiked serum to 2.5 pg/mL, while adding a subsequent online‐concentration step improved the LLOD in spiked urine to 1–5 pg/mL and allowed us to detect OT in urine from lactating women. We were unable to improve the sensitivity of OT measurements by hydrophobic tagging or by derivatization using sulfonyl chloride‐based reagents. However, we were successful in improving the sensitivity of native OT measurements in serum and urine 2‐ and 5‐fold, respectively, from our previous orbitrap‐based LC–MS method. Offline SPE was mandatory for both matrices and a subsequent online‐concentration step was required for urine.
Do major host shifts spark diversification in butterflies?
Authors: Kaczvinsky Chloe , Hardy Nate B.
Published: February 2020

The Escape and Radiate Hypothesis posits that herbivorous insects and their host plants diversify through antagonistic coevolutionary adaptive radiation. For more than 50 years, it has inspired predictions about herbivorous insect macro‐evolution, but only recently have the resources begun to fall into place for rigorous testing of those predictions. Here, with comparative phylogenetic analyses of nymphalid butterflies, we test two of these predictions: that major host switches tend to increase species diversification and that such increases will be proportional to the scope of ecological opportunity afforded by a particular novel host association. We find that by and large the effect of major host‐use changes on butterfly diversity is the opposite of what was predicted; although it appears that the evolution of a few novel host associations can cause short‐term bursts of speciation, in general, major changes in host use tend to be linked to significant long‐term decreases in butterfly species richness.
Dynamic Gold(I) Complexes of Hexa‐tert‐butyl‐octaphosphane
Authors: Grell Toni , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: February 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Evamarie Hey‐Hawkins, Leipzig University, Germany. The cover image shows a huge octopus wrecking a ship, which symbolizes the coordination behavior of the studied ligand.
Stereochemistry and Recent Applications of Axially Chiral Organic Molecules
Authors: Mancinelli Michele , Bencivenni Giorgio , Pecorari Daniel , Mazzanti Andrea
Published: February 2020

This minireview covers the literature of the last decade related to the stereochemistry of axially chiral molecules. The first section reviews the use of dynamic NMR and dynamic HPLC for the ranking of the steric size of common organic moieties. The second and third sections describe the recent advances in the preparation of new atropisomeric scaffolds, and in the asymmetric synthesis of stereogenic axes by means of atroposelective organocatalysis.
Construction of a New Flow‐through Cell for Screen Printed Electrodes
Authors: Henríquez Camelia , Cerdà Víctor
Published: February 2020

In this paper a new flow‐through cell for voltammetric determinations using screen printed electrodes is described. This cell is much simpler than one with similar performances described in a previous work. This new flow‐through cell has been coupled to a multisyringe flow injection system (MSFIA) and to a multiport selection valve allowing the online calibration using the standard addition method. The uses of the MSFIA, together with the small volume of the flow cell and the reduced surface area of the solid phase electrode (SPE) have considerably reduced the volume of reagents and samples to be used. This system has allowed obtaining similar or better detection limits than those obtained using other techniques and flow analysis devices such as SIA, FIA, LOV and microfluidic channels. Graphite ink has been used for the development of screen‐printed electrodes. The determination of Cd and Pb with ASV has been made through its co‐deposition with Bi. For this, Bi(III) solution and the sample were mixed in line. Due to the creation of a new Bi film in each voltammetric cycle, very well defined and reproducible peaks corresponding to Cd and Pb have been obtained. The use of Bi is one of the most important advantages of this system, since it is a recognized substitute for Hg, and its impact on the environment is much lower due to its reduced toxicity. The fact of being an automatic system, the low cost of its components, its simplicity and ease of handling, make it a system that could be useful for monitoring tasks in fieldwork, or measurements on board.
Dual‐Scale Al2O3 Particles Coating for High‐Performance Separator and Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Wang Qingtong , Yang Jian , Wang Zhuyi , Shi Liyi , Zhao Yin , Yuan Shuai
Published: February 2020

Herein, the polyethylene (PE) separators are coated by micro/nanoalumina particles. The alumina particles with different sizes play different roles. The microalumina mainly enhances the thermal stability of the polyolefin separator and provides large channels for lithium‐ion diffusion. The nanoalumina particles are helpful in improving the lithium‐ion transference number by increasing the contact interface area of electrolyte/alumina. The lithium‐ion transference number of the separators with different coatings increases from 0.32 to 0.40, mainly due to the ratio of micro/nanoalumina particles. Meanwhile, ion conductivity increases from 0.30 to 0.40 mS cm−1. As a result, the cycling stability of the lithium metal anode is greatly improved by the synergetic effect of microsized alumina particles and nanosized alumina particles.
Adaptive threshold techniques for cognitive radio‐based low power wide area network
Authors: Onumanyi A. J. , Abu‐Mahfouz A. M. , Hancke G. P.
Published: February 2020

Some low power wide area network (LPWAN) developers such as Sigfox, Weightless, and Nwave, have recently commenced the integration of cognitive radio (CR) techniques in their respective LPWAN technologies, generally termed CR‐LPWAN systems. Their objective is to overcome specific limitations associated with LPWANs such as spectra congestion and interference, which in turn will improve the performance of many Internet of Things (IoT)‐based applications. However, in order to be effective under dynamic sensing conditions, CR‐LPWAN systems are typically required to adopt adaptive threshold techniques (ATTs) in order to improve their sensing performance. Consequently, in this article, we have investigated some of these notable ATTs to determine their suitability for CR‐LPWAN systems. To accomplish this goal, first, we describe a network architecture and physical layer model suitable for the effective integration of CR in LPWAN. Then, some specific ATTs were investigated following this model based on an experimental setup constructed using the B200 Universal Software Radio Peripheral kit. Several tests were conducted, and our findings suggest that no single ATT was able to perform best under all sensing conditions. Thus, CR‐LPWAN developers may be required to select a suitable ATT only based on the specific condition(s) for which the IoT application is designed. Nevertheless, some ATTs such as the forward consecutive mean excision algorithm, the histogram partitioning algorithm and the nonparametric amplitude quantization method achieved noteworthy performances under a broad range of tested conditions. Our findings will be beneficial to developers who may be interested in deploying effective ATTs for CR‐LPWAN systems.
Evolution of strategic cooperation
Authors: Madgwick P. G. , Wolf J. B.
Published: February 2020

Group-beneficial behaviors have presented a long-standing challenge for evolutionary theory because, although their benefits are available to all group members, their costs are borne by individuals. Consequently, an individual could benefit from “cheating” their group mates by not paying the costs while still reaping the benefits. There have been many proposed evolutionary mechanisms that could favor cooperation (and disfavor cheating) in particular circumstances. However, if cooperation is still favored in some circumstances, then we might expect evolution to favor strategic cooperation, where the level of contribution toward group-beneficial behavior is varied in response to the social context. To uncover how and why individuals should contribute toward group-beneficial behavior across social contexts, we model strategic cooperation as an evolutionary game where players can quantitatively adjust the amount they contribute toward group-beneficial behavior. We find that the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) predicts, unsurprisingly, that players should contribute in relation to their relatedness to the group. However, we surprisingly find that players often contribute to cooperation in such a way that their fitness is inverse to their relatedness to the group such that those that contribute to cooperation end up with the same return from group-beneficial behavior, essentially removing any potential advantage of higher relatedness. These results bring to light a paradox of group-beneficial cooperation: groups do best when they contain highly related individuals, but those with the highest relatedness to the group will often have the lowest fitness within the group.
Convex combination sequence kernel association test for rare‐variant studies
Authors: Posner Daniel C. , Lin Honghuang , Meigs James B. , Kolaczyk Eric D. , Dupuis Josée
Published: February 2020

We propose a novel variant set test for rare‐variant association studies, which leverages multiple single‐nucleotide variant (SNV) annotations. Our approach optimizes a convex combination of different sequence kernel association test (SKAT) statistics, where each statistic is constructed from a different annotation and combination weights are optimized through a multiple kernel learning algorithm. The combination test statistic is evaluated empirically through data splitting. In simulations, we find our method preserves type I error at and has greater power than SKAT(‐O) when SNV weights are not misspecified and sample sizes are large (). We utilize our method in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) to identify SNV sets associated with fasting glucose. While we are unable to detect any genome‐wide significant associations between fasting glucose and 4‐kb windows of rare variants () in 6,419 FHS participants, our method identifies suggestive associations between fasting glucose and rare variants near ROCK2 () and within CPLX1 (). These two genes were previously reported to be involved in obesity‐mediated insulin resistance and glucose‐induced insulin secretion by pancreatic beta‐cells, respectively. These findings will need to be replicated in other cohorts and validated by functional genomic studies.
Amnestic and non‐amnestic symptoms of dementia: An international study of Alzheimer's disease in people with Down's syndrome
Authors: Fonseca Luciana M. , Padilla Concepcion , Jones Elizabeth , Neale Natalie , Haddad Glenda G. , Mattar Guilherme P. , Barros Eriton , Clare Isabel C. H. , Busatto Geraldo F. , Bottino Cassio M. C. , Hoexter Marcelo Q. , Holland Anthony J. , Zaman Shahid
Published: February 2020

The presence of age‐related neuropathology characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in people with Down syndrome (DS) is well‐established. However, the early symptoms of dementia may be atypical and appear related to dysfunction of prefrontal circuitry.

Objective

To characterize the initial informant reported age‐related neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia in people with DS, and their relationship to AD and frontal lobe function.

Methods

Non‐amnestic informant reported symptoms (disinhibition, apathy, and executive dysfunction) and amnestic symptoms from the CAMDEX‐DS informant interview were analyzed in a cross‐sectional cohort of 162 participants with DS over 30 years of age, divided into three groups: stable cognition, prodromal dementia, and AD. To investigate age‐related symptoms prior to evidence of prodromal dementia we stratified the stable cognition group by age.

Results

Amnestic and non‐amnestic symptoms were present before evidence of informant‐reported cognitive decline. In those who received the diagnosis of AD, symptoms tended to be more marked. Memory impairments were more marked in the prodromal dementia than the stable cognition group (OR = 35.07; P < .001), as was executive dysfunction (OR = 7.16; P < .001). Disinhibition was greater in the AD than in the prodromal dementia group (OR = 3.54; P = .04). Apathy was more pronounced in the AD than in the stable cognition group (OR = 34.18; P < .001).

Conclusion

Premorbid amnestic and non‐amnestic symptoms as reported by informants increase with the progression to AD. For the formal diagnosis of AD in DS this progression of symptoms needs to be taken into account. An understanding of the unique clinical presentation of DS in AD should inform treatment options.
Open enrollment periods and plan choices
Authors: Decarolis Francesco , Guglielmo Andrea , Luscombe Clavin
Published: February 2020

Open enrollment periods are pervasively used in insurance markets to limit adverse selection risks resulting when enrollees can switch plans at will. We exploit a change in the open enrollment rules of Medicare Advantage to analyze how beneficiaries responded to the option of switching to a 5‐star‐rated plan at anytime, in a setting where insurers adjusted premiums and benefit design to counterbalance the increased selection risk. We present three findings: Within‐year switches to 5‐star plans increase by 7–16%; demand for 5‐star plans across the years does not decline; and the enrollees who switch to a 5‐star plan during the year are in better health status than those who do not switch.
Risk factors for human papillomavirus‐positive nonoropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Windon Melina J. , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Waterboer Tim , Rooper Lisa , Westra William H. , Troy Tanya , Pardoll Drew , Tan Marietta , Yavvari Siddhartha , Kiess Ana P. , Miles Brett , Mydlarz Wojciech K. , Ha Patrick K. , Bender Noemi , Eisele David W. , Fakhry Carole
Published: February 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPV‐OPC) is distinct from HPV‐unassociated head and neck cancer. However, whether risk factors for HPV‐positive oropharyngeal and nonoropharyngeal squamous cell cancer are the same is unclear.

Methods

Incident cases of HPV‐positive head and neck cell cancer and matched non‐cancer controls were enrolled in a multi‐institutional, prospective study examining risk factors, biomarkers, and survival.

Results

HPV‐nonOPC (n = 20) were more likely to be ever smokers than controls (n = 80, OR 3.49, 95%CI 1.11‐10.9) and HPV‐OPC (n = 185, OR 3.28, 95%CI 1.10‐10.2). Compared with HPV‐OPC, HPV‐nonOPC were less likely to have had over 3 oral sexual partners (OR 0.29, 95%CI 0.06‐0.9), more likely to have multimorbidity (OR 3.30, 95%CI 1.04‐10.5), and less likely to have antibodies to HPV16 E6 (90% vs 28%, OR 0.05, 95%CI 0.02‐0.2). HPV‐nonOPC had worse 4‐year OS (77% vs 96%, P = .001) and RFS (69% vs 94%, P < .001) than HPV‐OPC.

Conclusions

HPV‐positive nonoropharyngeal are distinct from HPV‐positive oropharyngeal cancers.
Green Synthesis of M0 Nanoparticles (M=Pd, Pt, and Ru) for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Patra Shanti G. , Sathiyan Krishnamoorthy , Meistelman Michael , Zidki Tomer
Published: February 2020

In recent years the demand for green synthesis and green energy has increased immensely. Herein M0 nanoparticles were synthesized using a metal precursor and NaHCO3 under hydrothermal conditions without using any reducing agent. The nanoparticles were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). Surprisingly, it found that the Pt and Pd nanoparticles contain a high concentration of carbon. The presence of carbon is also evident from the attenuated transmission resonance infra‐red (ATRIR) spectroscopy. Moreover, acetic acid was detected as a byproduct of the hydrothermal reaction. NaHCO3 can be considered as the dissolution of CO2 in a mildly alkaline solution. Thus, during the reaction, CO2 was converted to carbonaceous material, which can be considered as a fixation of CO2. The synthesized nanoparticles are also efficient catalysts for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It was found that Ru nanoparticles exhibit the highest activity among the three catalysts studied.
Up‐regulation of microRNA‐30b/30d cluster represses hepatocyte apoptosis in mice with fulminant hepatic failure by inhibiting CEACAM1
Authors: Zhao Changpu , Dang Zhongqin , Sun Junbo , Yuan Shuaiqiang , Xie Li
Published: February 2020

Recently, impacts of microRNAs have been unraveled in human diseases, and we aimed to confirm the role of miR‐30b/30d in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Expression of miR‐30b/30d and CEACAM1 in serum of FHF patients and healthy people was measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blot analysis. Mice FHF models were established by injection of D‐Galn and lipopolysaccharide, and were treated with miR‐30b/30d mimics. Oxidative stress, liver injury, and inflammatory reaction in mouse liver tissues were measured using oxidative stress‐related factor kits, hematoxylin–eosin staining and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Moreover, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of hepatocytes of mice were determined by flow cytometry, and the target relation between miR‐30b/30d and CEACAM1 was confirmed by bioinformatic method and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. MiR‐30b/30d expression was positively, and CEACAM1 expression was negatively related to prognosis of FHF patients. Up‐regulation of miR‐30b/30d attenuated oxidative stress, liver injury, and inflammatory reaction, and improved survival rate of FHF mice. Furthermore, elevated miR‐30b/30d ameliorated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of hepatocytes of FHF mice. CEACAM1 was a target gene of miR‐30b/30d. This study highlights that up‐regulated miR‐30b/30d attenuates the progression of FHF by targeting CEACAM1, which may be helpful to FHF treatment.
Is oblique scanning laser ophthalmoscope applicable to human ocular optics? A feasibility study using an eye model for volumetric imaging
Authors: Shao Wenjun , Song Weiye , Yi Ji
Published: February 2020

Oblique scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (oSLO) is a novel imaging modality to provide volumetric retinal imaging without depth sectioning over a large field of view (FOV). It has been successfully demonstrated in vivo in rodent eyes for volumetric fluorescein angiography (vFA). However, engineering oSLO for human retinal imaging is challenging because of the low numerical aperture (NA) of human ocular optics. To overcome this challenge, we implement optical designs to (a) increase the angle of the intermediate image under Scheimpflug condition, and (b) expand the magnification in the depth dimension with cylindrical lens to enable sufficient sampling density. In addition, we adopt a scanning‐and‐descaning strategy, resulting in a compact oSLO system. We experimentally show that the current setup can achieve a FOV of ~3 × 6 × 0.8 mm3, and the transverse and axial resolutions of 7 and 41 μm, respectively. This feasibility study serves an important step for future in vivo human retinal imaging.
Synthesis, antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of novel quinoline‐aminophosphonate derivatives
Authors: Bazine Ismahene , Cheraiet Zinelaabidine , Bensegueni Rafik , Bensouici Chawki , Boukhari Abbes
Published: February 2020

A series of 20 novel α‐aminophosphonate derivatives bearing quinoline or quinolone moiety was designed and synthesized via Kabachnik‐Fields reaction in the presence of triethylammonium acetate as a solvent and catalyst under ultrasound irradiation. This procedure affords products in high yields and short reaction times. Molecular structures of the synthesized compounds 4a‐g and 5a‐m were confirmed using various spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was evaluated by eight complementary in vitro tests. The anticholinesterase activity (AChE, BChE) of these compounds were also evaluated. In addition, theoretical calculations of all compounds were investigated as corrosion inhibitors using density functional theory (DFT). The results revealed that 16 of these compounds exhibited high levels of antioxidant activities depending on the assay and that most compounds showed more potent inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE).
Longitudinal metabolomics in dried bloodspots yields profiles informing newborn screening for succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Brown Madalyn , Turgeon Coleman , Rinaldo Piero , Pop Ana , Salomons Gajja S. , Roullet Jean‐Baptiste , Gibson K. Michael
Published: February 2020

Analyses of 19 amino acids, 38 acylcarnitines, and 3 creatine analogues (https://clir.mayo.edu) were implemented to test the hypothesis that succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) could be identified in dried bloodspots (DBS) using currently available newborn screening methodology. The study population included 17 post‐newborn SSADHD DBS (age range 0.8‐38 years; median, 8.2 years; 10 M; controls, 129‐353 age‐matched individuals, mixed gender) and 10 newborn SSADHD DBS (including first and second screens from 3 of 7 patients). Low (informative) markers in post‐newborn DBS included C2‐ and C4‐OH carnitines, ornithine, histidine and creatine, with no gender differences. For newborn DBS, informative markers included C2‐, C3‐, C4‐ and C4‐OH carnitines, creatine and ornithine. Of these, only creatine demonstrated a significant change with age, revealing an approximate 4‐fold decrease. We conclude that quantitation of short‐chain acylcarnitines, creatine, and ornithine provides a newborn DBS profile with potential as a first tier screening tool for early detection of SSADHD. This first tier evaluation can be readily verified using a previously described second tier liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for γ‐hydroxybutyric acid in the same DBS. More extensive evaluation of this first/second tier screening approach is needed in a larger population.
Accurate identification of dimers from α‐pinene oxidation using high‐resolution collision‐induced dissociation mass spectrometry
Authors: Sekimoto Kanako , Fukuyama Daisuke , Inomata Satoshi
Published: February 2020

Interest in mass spectrometry of highly oxidized dimers from α‐pinene oxidation has increased in the atmospheric chemistry field. Here, we apply high‐resolution collision‐induced dissociation mass spectrometry (HR‐CID‐MS) with an atmospheric pressure ionization source to investigate in detail how α‐pinene‐derived dimers are detected and identified by MS. The resulting HR‐CID spectra and specific fragmentation patterns suggest that a large fraction of dimer ions detected in full‐scan mass spectra can be hydrogen‐bonded artifact clusters and the residual small fraction includes covalently bonded actual dimers. We also show how individual fractions of the artifact clusters and actual dimers are calculated using the HR‐CID spectra.
Characterization of links between hydro‐climate indices and long‐term precipitation in Brazil using correlation analysis
Authors: Giovannettone Jason , Paredes‐Trejo Franklin , Barbosa Humberto , dos Santos Carlos A. C. , Kumar T. V. Lakshmi
Published: February 2020

Some teleconnection patterns characterized through various hydro‐climate indices (HCIs) have been shown to influence regional rainfall regimes over a range of time scales in Brazil. However, our current knowledge of how various HCI–rainfall relationships vary across regions in Brazil is still incomplete. In this study, simple correlation analysis is performed using sliding window sizes and lag times on the order of months to years to substantially reduce the effects of high‐frequency variability inherent in HCI and precipitation time series and reveal any lower‐frequency relationships that may exist. This analysis is applied to monthly rainfall and HCI data during the time‐span of 1961–2015. The strength and significance of each correlation were tested. HCIs considered in this analysis include those characterizing the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), those characterizing the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), as well as the Tropical Southern Atlantic index (TSA), the Caribbean index (CAR), and several others. A cluster analysis based on the k‐medoids algorithm was also applied to explore the relationship between local factors and the distribution of HCIs exhibiting maximum correlation at each site. A 60‐month sliding window and a 12‐month lag time were found to optimize the results of the correlation. The MJO was found to have a strong and significant link to annual rainfall throughout much of eastern Brazil, while other HCIs showing strong influence in other regions include ENSO, the CAR, and the TSA. The cluster analysis revealed a more spatially homogeneous response over the Amazon River basin and the southern regions than other regions of Brazil with complex topography, where the orographic effect attenuates the influence of the main atmospheric mechanisms at a local scale. In general, the rainfall–HCI relationship could be exploited for some operational applications (e.g., a regional drought early warning system), where the strongest correlations were observed.
Gastric Residual to Predict Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Piglets As Models for Infants
Authors: Kappel Susanne Soendergaard , Sangild Per Torp , Hilsted Linda , Hartmann Bolette , Thymann Thomas , Aunsholt Lise
Published: February 2020

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal inflammatory disease in preterm infants. High volume of gastric residual (GR) after oral feedings is often used as a predictor of NEC, but evidence is limited. Using NEC‐sensitive preterm piglets as models, we hypothesized that GR mass and related plasma biomarkers predict early onset of NEC.

Methods

In total, 258 newborn preterm piglets were fed bovine milk–based formulas for 5 days. At euthanasia, the stomach, small intestine, and colon were evaluated for NEC lesions. Mass, acidity, gastrin, and bile acid levels were determined for GR content, together with gastrin, glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2), and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) levels in plasma.

Results

In total, 48% of piglets had NEC lesions in the small intestine and/or colon. These piglets had higher GR mass (+32%, P < 0.001) and lower gastric bile acid concentrations (−22%, P < 0.05) than piglets without NEC lesions. The positive and negative predictive values for these markers were 34%–61%. Gastric acidity, gastrin, GLP‐2, and GIP levels were similar for piglets with and without NEC lesions.

Conclusion

Elevated GR mass correlates positively with NEC lesions but may be a poor predictor of NEC, even when combined with other biomarkers. More knowledge about gastric emptying and gut transit in preterm neonates is required to understand how GR volume and composition relate to morbidities, such as NEC, in preterm neonates.
Multi‐Scale Assessment of Male Northern Yellow Bat Roost Selection
Authors: Castleberry Steven B. , Bland Craig R. , Beck Jacalyn M. , Kurimo‐Beechuk Elizabeth , Morris Katrina M. , Hepinstall‐Cymerman Jeff
Published: February 2020

Knowledge of roost selection by northern yellow bats (Lasiurus intermedius) is limited to a small number of known roost locations. Yet knowledge of basic life history is fundamental to understanding past response to anthropogenic change and to predict how species will respond to future environmental change. Therefore, we examined male northern yellow bat roost selection on 2 Georgia, USA, barrier islands with different disturbance histories. Sapelo Island has a history of extensive disturbance and is dominated by pine (Pinus spp.) forests; Little Saint Simons Island has a limited disturbance history with maritime oak (Quercus spp.) forest as the dominant cover type. From March–July 2012 and 2013, we radio‐tracked 35 adult male northern yellow bats to diurnal roosts and modeled roost characteristics at the plot and landscape scales. We located 387 roosts, of which 95% were in Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) hanging in hardwood trees. On both islands, bats selected roost trees with larger diameters than surrounding trees and selected roost locations with greater open flight space (i.e., low midstory clutter) underneath. Roosts were located farther from open areas on Sapelo and closer to fresh water on Little Saint Simons compared to random locations. Lower availability of hardwood forest on Sapelo may have resulted in small‐scale roost site selection (i.e., plot level) despite potential increased costs of commuting to water and open areas for foraging. In contrast, greater availability of hardwood forest on Little Saint Simons likely allowed selection of roosts closer to fresh water, which provides foraging and drinking opportunities. Our results indicate that mature hardwood trees in areas with low midstory clutter are important in male northern yellow bat roost selection, but landscape‐level features have varying influences on roost selection, likely as a result of differences in disturbance history. Therefore, management will differ depending on the landscape context. Further research is needed to examine roost selection by females, which may have different habitat requirements. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.