bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Biomedical Program of Research in the Blackfeet Community: Challenges and Rewards
Authors: John‐Henderson Neha A. , Henderson‐Matthews Betty , Ollinger Scott R. , Racine Jerry , Gordon Megan R. , Higgins Aidan A. , Horn Wil C. , Reevis Sequoia A. , Running Wolf Jolynn A. , Grant Davida , Rynda‐Apple Agnieszka
Published: July 2019

American Indian (AI) communities have high levels of stress and trauma and are disproportionately affected by numerous preventable diseases. Here, we describe an academic–community partnership based on a collaboration between Blackfeet Community College students and faculty in Psychology and Immunology at Montana State University (MSU). The collaboration, which has spanned over 5 years, was sparked by community interest in the relationship between stress and disease on the Blackfeet reservation. Specifically, community members wanted to understand how the experience of psychological stress and trauma may affect disease risk in their community and identify factors that promote resilience. In doing so, they hoped to identify pathways through which health could be improved for individual community members. Here, we discuss all stages of the collaborative process, including development of measures and methods and themes of research projects, challenges for community members and non‐indigenous collaborators, future directions for research, and the lessons learned. Finally, we note the ways in which this partnership and experience has advanced the science of community engagement in tribal communities, with the hope that our experiences will positively affect future collaborations between indigenous community members and non‐indigenous scientists.
Adenosine‐induced transient hypotension for carotid artery injury during endoscopic skull‐base surgery: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fastenberg Judd H. , Garzon‐Muvdi Tomas , Hsue Victor , Reilly Erin K. , Jabbour Pascal , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Rosen Marc R. , Evans James J. , Nyquist Gurston N. , Farrell Christopher J.
Published: July 2019

Background

As the management of ventral skull‐base pathology has transitioned from open to endonasal treatment, there has been an increased focus on the prevention and endoscopic endonasal management of internal carotid artery (ICA) and major vascular injury. The use of adenosine to induce transient hypotension or flow arrest has been previously described during intracranial aneurysm surgery; however, there have been no reports of the technique being used during endonasal skull‐base surgery to achieve hemostasis following major vascular injury.

Methods

Case report (n = 1) and literature review.

Results

A 25‐year‐old female underwent attempted endoscopic endonasal resection of an advanced right‐sided chondrosarcoma. During resection of the tumor, brisk arterial bleeding was encountered consistent with focal injury to the right cavernous ICA. Stable vascular hemostasis could not be achieved with tamponade. An intravenous bolus dose of adenosine was administered to induce a transient decrease in systemic blood pressure and facilitate placement of the muscle patch over the direct site of vascular injury. The patient subsequently underwent endovascular deconstruction of the right ICA.

Conclusion

This is the first reported use of adenosine to induce transient hypotension for a major vascular injury sustained during endonasal skull‐base surgery. Based on well‐established safety data from neurosurgical application, adenosine has the potential to be used as a safe and effective adjunctive technique in similar endonasal circumstances and may represent an additional tool in the armamentarium of the skull‐base surgeon. Surgeons should consider having adenosine available when a risk of ICA injury is anticipated.
Intramolecular O‐arylation using nano‐magnetite supportedN‐heterocyclic carbene‐copper complex with wingtip ferrocene
Authors: Naikwade Altafhusen , Jagadale Megha , Kale Dolly , Gajare Shivanand , Bansode Prakash , Rashinkar Gajanan
Published: July 2019

Nano‐magnetite supportedN‐heterocyclic carbene‐copper complex with wingtip ferrocene has been preparedviamulti‐step procedure. The complex has been characterized by various analytical techniques such as fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), fourier transform Raman (FT‐Raman), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The catalytic activity of the complex has been exploited in intramolecular O‐arylation ofo‐iodoanilides under heterogeneous conditions. The complex could be successfully recycled up to twelve consecutive cycles.
Fatty Acid Profiles of Oil Obtained from Mid‐Oleic Sunflowers Grown in Tropical Region
Authors: de Carvalho Claudio Guilherme Portela , Mazzola Luana Fernanda , Mandarino José Marcos Gontijo , Dalchiavon Flávio Carlos , Ribeiro José Lopes , Filho Aluisio Brigido Borba , Alves Alberto Donizete
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to verify whether the fatty acid profiles of mid‐oleic genotypes grown in the tropical region of Brazil fit the Codex Alimentarius and to examine the possibility of using traditional inbred lines to produce high‐oleic hybrids. For this purpose, we assessed the fatty acid profile of six mid‐oleic hybrids grown in environments with different minimum temperatures during oil formation in the achenes. The tests were conducted between 2015 and 2017 in an experimentally randomized complete block design with four replications. The oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acid contents were determined using gas chromatography. The mid‐oleic hybrids presented varying levels of fatty acids, with oleic acid ranging between 43.6% and 84.6%, linoleic acid between 8.5% and 45.6%, palmitic acid between 3.9% and 5.7%, and stearic acid between 2.2% and 6.2%. Some of the fatty acid values were outside the ranges established by the CODEX STAN 210‐1999 and were characteristic of high‐oleic type sunflowers. This finding shows that we can take advantage of the potential of combining traditional inbred lines to produce high‐oleic hybrids for faster and more economical breeding programs in these environments.
Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of bio‐oil model compound for production of fuel grade oil
Authors: Patil Mallikarjun L. , Lali Arvind M. , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: July 2019

Bio‐oil, a promising renewable fuel candidate obtained from the hydrothermal liquefaction/pyrolysis of agricultural waste, contains significant amount of oxygen in the form of oxygenated compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, aliphatic/aromatic acids, alcohols, and ethers. This prevents it from being used directly as a fuel. Technologies that can lower the oxygen content of bio‐oil are desired. The present work was driven towards the deoxygenation of bio‐oil. To understand the mechanism of deoxygenation, guaiacol was selected as a model compound. The deoxygenating ability of acid site (support) and hydrogenation ability of metal were leveraged in this work. Highly acidic mixed oxide support such as ZrO2–Al2O3 was used to synthesize a bimetal catalyst Ni–Mo/ZrO2–Al2O3, and the said catalyst was used for deoxygenation of bio‐oil/model compound in tetralin as hydrogen donor solvent. The effects of reaction time, temperature, and hydrogen pressure on the conversion were examined. Results showed that 100% guaiacol conversion was obtained with 45.3% phenol and 11.1% cyclohexane yield at 330°C and 30‐bar H2 pressure and reaction time of 10 hr.
Temperature‐triggered three‐dimensional network formation in graphene–polybutadiene nanocomposite
Authors: Pal Sanjay , Chatterjee Tuhin , Naskar Kinsuk
Published: July 2019

Since the invention of vulcanization in the early 19th century, the study on potential factors affecting the crosslink network formation and the corresponding changes in the initial physiochemical attributes of elastomer has been the subject of prime interest. Where several investigations highlight the mechanism and kinetics of the crosslink network formation, the exclusive effect of compounding ingredients, such as filler, plasticizer, and anti‐oxidant, is still being pursued. In this direction, we report preparation and characterization of cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene (PB)–graphene (G) nanocomposite and highlight a phenomenon in which graphene induces the spontaneous chemical reactions in the cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene elastomer matrix triggered at 170 °C temperature. PB–G nanocomposites were prepared by a fairly simple solution mixing and precipitation process, and such nanocomposites were analytically investigated using several characterization techniques. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis shows the evidence of reactions via exothermic peak transition at ~170 °C temperature. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and stress–strain analysis suggest improvement in the initial physiochemical attributes of elastomer. The equilibrium swelling study quantifies the network structure that formed during the spontaneous reactions induced by graphene. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and Raman spectroscopic analysis suggest clear deviation in the pristine chemical structure of cis‐1,4‐PB elastomer and graphene, respectively. We believe that the spontaneous chemical reactions led to the formation of a three‐dimensional network within the PB elastomer. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48209.
Selection ofBacillus subtilisUS191 as a mannanase‐producing probiotic candidate
Authors: Blibech Monia , Mouelhi Sana , Farhat‐Khemakhem Ameny , Boukhris Ines , Ayeb Afef El , Chouayekh Hichem
Published: July 2019

β‐Mannanases are crucial enzymes for the breakdown of mannans. As Mannans are being considered as antinutritional factors in poultry production, the search for mannanase‐producing probiotic bacteria is now attracting considerable attention as a strategy to enhance nutrients bioavailability. Five soil born Bacilli (US134, US150, US176, US180, and US191) were selected for their ability to produce extracellular β‐mannanases that were biochemically characterized. The probiotic properties of these strains were determined to assess their potential as animal feed supplements.Bacillus subtilisUS191 was shown to be sensitive to all antibiotics tested, to inhibit growth of the bacterial pathogens tested, and to produce a thermostable β‐mannanase. It exhibited a notable acid and bovine bile tolerance and high ability to form biofilm. These features may favor its adherence to the intestinal epithelial cells allowing its survival and persistence in the digestive tract. Furthermore, our study revealed that US191 was among the strains showing the highest ability to digest wheat dry matter in vitro when compared to the commercial feed additive Rovabio®Max. Altogether, our findings suggest that the β‐mannanase producerB.subtilisUS191 is a promising probiotic candidate for the feed industry.
A conformational switch‐based aptasensor for the chemiluminescence detection of microRNA
Authors: Cai Sheng , Ye Jiawei , AL‐maskri Abdu Ahmed Abdullah , Sun Lianli , Zeng Su
Published: July 2019

A simple microRNA (miRNA) aptasensor has been developed combining the conformational switch of a streptavidin aptamer and isothermal strand displacement amplification. In the presence of its target miRNA, the allosteric molecular beacon (aMB) probe immobilized on the plate can be ‘switched on' and release the streptavidin aptamer. At the same time, Klenow fragment (3′→5′ exo‐) is utilized to initiate DNA‐strand displacement, which starts the target recycling process. Based on the aptamer' high binding affinity and subsequent catalytic chemiluminescence (CL) detection, this CL strategy is highly specific in distinguishing mature miRNAs in same family. It exhibits a dynamic range of four orders of magnitude with a detection limit of 50 fM, and shows great potential for miRNA‐related clinical practices and biochemical research.
Prognostic impact of extratumoral perineural invasion in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Li‐Yu , De Paz Dante , Lin Chien‐Yu , Fan Kang‐Hsing , Wang Hung‐Ming , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun , Lee Li‐Ang , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Liao Chun‐Ta , Yeh Ching‐Hua , Kang Chung‐Jan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Perineural invasion (PNI) is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). The American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual, eighth edition, introduced a subdivision of PNI into two distinct forms, that is, extratumoral and intratumoral PNI (EPNI and IPNI, respectively). We designed the current study to assess whether EPNI and IPNI have different prognostic implications in terms of disease control and survival outcomes in patients with OCSCC.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively examined 229 consecutive patients with OCSCC and PNI who underwent radical surgery between July 2003 and November 2016. EPNI and IPNI were identified in 76 and 153 patients, respectively. The 5‐year locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates served as the main outcome measures.

Results

Compared with patients showing IPNI, those with EPNI had a higher prevalence of worst pattern of invasion type‐5 (P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (P = 0.03), and close margins (P = 0.002). Univariate analysis revealed that EPNI was a significant predictor of 5‐year LRC (P = 0.024), DFS (P = 0.007), and OS (P = 0.034) rates. After allowance for potential confounders in multivariable analysis, ENPI was retained in the model as an independent predictor of 5‐year LRC (P = 0.028), DFS (P = 0.011), and OS (P = 0.034) rates.

Conclusion

Compared with IPNI, the presence of EPNI in OCSCC portends less favorable outcomes. Patients with EPNI are potential candidates for definite aggressive treatment modalities aimed at improving prognosis.
Economic inequality and the rise of far‐right populism: A social psychological analysis
Authors: Jay Sarah , Batruch Anatolia , Jetten Jolanda , McGarty Craig , Muldoon Orla T.
Published: July 2019

It is argued that far‐right (FR) populism in the West is fuelled by inequality. In this paper, we argue that three social psychological processes are central to explaining these phenomena. We suggest that these processes are recursive although we do not specify their temporal order. Drawing on the social identity tradition, we first examine how inequality is linked to reduced social trust and cohesion, which has consequences for both low‐ and high‐income groups. We examine the known effects of perceived threat in amplifying tensions between groups and consolidating identity positions. Second, we argue that national identity consolidation is a particularly likely response to inequality, which, in turn, reduces tolerance of cultural diversity as an associated consequence. Finally, we consider the value of these strengthened national identities to those who harness them effectively to gain political ground. In this way, those who offer FR populist rhetoric aligned with nationalism can blame immigrants, “foreign” powers, and mainstream politics for both the lack of social cohesion and reduced economic circumstances of many. We conclude that FR populist leaders not only tap into the negative social consequences of inequality, their policy positions also fail to address and may even compound the situation.
The use of bidirectional barbed suture in the treatment of a complete common calcanean tendon rupture in a dog: Long‐term clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation
Authors: Frame Kevin , Ben‐Amotz Oded , Simpler Renee , Zuckerman Josh , Ben‐Amotz Ron
Published: July 2019

The canine common calcanean tendon can be repaired successfully using a modified Kessler knotless barbed technique. A long‐term ultrasound follow‐up showed improved and increased normal tendon fibrillar echotexture and homogeneity.
Customized Design of Scalable Microfluidic Droplet Generators Using Step‐Emulsification Methods
Authors: Eberhardt Angelika , Bošković Dušan , Loebbecke Stefan , Panić Slobodan , Winter Yannik
Published: July 2019

Customized monodisperse microparticles and microcapsules can be produced by combining microfluidic droplet generation with subsequent particle solidification. Established microfluidic devices for droplet formation like flow‐focusing structures or T‐junctions provide high reproducibility and controllability, but are often limited in terms of throughput or variability. A higher throughput by means of simple numbering‐up can be achieved by applying alternative droplet formation mechanisms like step emulsification. Using laser‐ablated glass reactors designed in‐house, comprehensive studies with varied step geometry and process parameters were performed in order to provide fundamental data for general calculation methods allowing the fast design of customized microfluidic droplet generators.
S−ZnO/CNTs Microspheres Prepared by Spray Drying for Improved Cathodes in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Haipeng , Wang Jiayi , Zhao Yan , Yang Shuang , Tian Yuan , Wang Yong
Published: July 2019

In this work, S−ZnO/CNTs microspheres were prepared by spray drying to yield caddice‐like ball morphologies, composed of large numbers of carbon nanotubes deposited with ZnO nanoparticles. This synthesis route was advantageous since sulfur was loaded simultaneously and caddice‐like ball morphologies were formed in one step during spray drying. The unique hierarchical structure and polycrystalline nature of S−ZnO/CNTs microspheres did not only facilitate the physical and chemical confinement of sulfur but also inhibited shuttling behaviors of polysulfides. Therefore, the testing of S−ZnO/CNTs composite as cathodes in Li−S batteries revealed elevated initial specific capacities reaching 1237.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C. In addition, the cathodes presented cycling stabilities, with 919.2 mAh g−1 retained capacitance after 150 cycles. At elevated C‐rate of 3 C, the cathodes showed also substantial specific capacities reaching 495.6 mAh g−1. Overall, the proposed preparation strategy looks promising for preparation of future advanced cathode materials for (Li−S) batteries.
Tube Swirler Inserts – Development Status
Authors: Effert Martin , Brückner Jan
Published: July 2019

Tube swirler inserts were developed for the evaporator heating surfaces of once‐through boilers with a firing system. The improvement of the internal heat transfer has been shown in extensive measurements. Application of the swirler inserts is not limited to the power industry. Any heat transmission process might benefit from the new technology, especially in case of two‐phase flow. The inserts can be introduced into smooth tubes of any steel grade.
PROTOCOL: Independent living programmes for improving outcomes for young people leaving the care system
Authors: Donkoh C , Underhill K , Montgomery P
Published: July 2019

The objective of this Campbell systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of independent living programmes (ILPs) for young people leaving the care system.

The following electronic databases were searched: Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Issue 3, 2005); MEDLINE (1966 to June 2005); EMBASE (1980 to June 2005); CINAHL (1982 to June 2005); Psyc INFO (1887 to June 2005); Sociological Abstracts (1952 ‐ June 2005); Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) (1987‐ June 2005) and Dissertation Abstracts (to June 2005). All bibliographies were cross‐referenced, and experts were contacted for unpublished or ongoing studies. Studies were included if they were randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled trials comparing ILPs to standard care, another intervention, no intervention, or a wait‐list control, for young people leaving care systems at their country's statutory age of discharge.

No study was found that met the inclusion criteria of the review. Eighteen studies using non‐randomised or noncomparative designs were found, which generally reported favourable outcomes for ILP participants; however, reliable inferences cannot be drawn from these studies due to their use of weak methodology.

Results from randomised controlled trials show no evidence of the effectiveness of ILPs in improving or impairing outcomes for young people discharged from care. Further research into ILPs using randomised controlled designs is needed.
Intent and subsequent initiation of human papillomavirus vaccine among young cancer survivors
Authors: Cherven Brooke , Castellino Sharon M. , Chen Yanjun , Wong F. Lennie , York Jocelyn M. , Wasilewski‐Masker Karen , Hudson Melissa M. , Bhatia Smita , Klosky James L. , Landier Wendy
Published: July 2019

Background

Despite an increased risk of subsequent human papillomavirus (HPV)–related malignancies, HPV vaccine initiation rates among cancer survivors remain critically low. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between HPV vaccine intent and subsequent vaccine initiation among cancer survivors by linking data from a cross‐sectional survey with state‐based immunization registry records.

Methods

Cancer survivors who were 9 to 26 years old were surveyed 1 to 5 years after their treatment to assess their HPV vaccine initiation status, HPV vaccine intent, sociodemographic factors, and vaccine‐related health beliefs. HPV vaccine doses/dates were abstracted from the Georgia Registry for Immunization Transactions for 3.5 years after survey participation. Logistic regression models identified factors associated with vaccine intent and subsequent vaccine initiation.

Results

Among survivors who were HPV vaccine–naive at survey participation (n = 103), factors associated with vaccine intent included the following: 1) provider recommendation for the HPV vaccine (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4‐18.1; P = .014), 2) positive general attitude toward vaccines (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.0‐11.2; P < .001), and 3) perceived severity of HPV disease (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.2‐9.9; P = .02). Of the vaccine‐naive patients, 28 initiated the HPV vaccine at a median of 1.1 years after the survey. Initiation was more likely among survivors who had reported vaccine intent (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.2‐12.5; P = .02) and was less likely among older survivors (OR per year, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6‐0.9; P < .001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that provider recommendation for the HPV vaccine plays a role in establishing intent, which then translates into subsequent initiation.
Diagnostic accuracy of FNA cytology for diagnosis of salivary gland tumors in pediatric patients
Authors: Ronchi Andrea , Montella Marco , Zito Marino Federica , Panarese Iacopo , Pagliuca Francesca , Colella Giuseppe , Franco Renato , Cozzolino Immacolata
Published: July 2019

Background

Salivary gland tumors are rare in pediatric patients and include both benign and malignant types. Although fine‐needle aspiration cytology is widely used to diagnose salivary gland tumors in adults, such diagnostic techniques in pediatric patients are still poorly applied and studied. Nevertheless, a preoperative diagnostic definition of salivary gland lesions is highly recommended to plan a correct surgical management and to avoid over‐treatment of inflammatory or reactive lesions.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective analysis on a series of salivary gland lesions—both neoplastic and non‐neoplastic—in pediatric patients who underwent fine‐needle aspiration. When obtainable, the corresponding histological diagnoses were retrieved. The authors calculated the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of fine‐needle aspiration in this clinical setting and evaluated the diagnostic agreement between cytology and histology.

Results

The series included 34 cases of salivary gland lesions in patients aged <20 years, including 21 benign neoplasms and 6 malignant neoplasms. Cytological samples were adequate for diagnosis in 32 of 34 cases, and a definitive cytological diagnosis was achieved in 29 of 34 cases. Cytology demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.92 and a specificity of 0.86 for the diagnosis of salivary gland tumors, and a comparison between the diagnostic performance of cytology and histology demonstrated statistically significant concordance between the 2 techniques.

Conclusions

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology shows high accuracy in the diagnosis of pediatric salivary gland tumors, with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity similar to those reported for adult patients.
Controlling Gold Electrodeposition on Porous Polymeric Templates Produced by the Breath‐Figure Method: Fabrication of SERS‐Active Surfaces
Authors: Colombo Rafael Neri Prystaj , Moreira Rodrigo Valim , de Faria Dalva Lúcia Araújo , Córdoba de Torresi Susana Inés
Published: July 2019

Porous structured surfaces decorated with gold nanoparticles can be fabricated in an economical two‐step process. Sub‐micrometric porous polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) templates are formed by using the breath‐figure method (BFM) with a single‐step spin‐coating onto a conducting substrate to result in a set of delimited microdomains for gold electrodeposition. By controlling electrochemical parameters, distinct morphologies are engendered, among them, nanoparticles that present useful local Raman enhancement in the order of up to 106 with stability of a solid‐phase platform and characteristic chemical resistance of gold. The spatial confinement of metallic structures resulted in electromagnetic field enhancement, here compared to flat metallic surfaces where contributions of area effect and fluorescence quenching are responsible for a significant apparent enhancement to Raman spectra that has not been frequently reported to date.
Extending a communication service provider's operations management based on knowledge granules and aspects derived from imperfect information
Authors: Dragun Nenad , Bogunović Nikola
Published: July 2019

The core of a communication service provider's business revolves around service‐related operations management, usually relying strongly on expert knowledge built inside the company. Knowledge representation in this environment inevitably requires addressing various domains. Team members working on common tasks bring domain diversity to their teams due to their various ontological areas of expertise. All team members must attain an acceptable level of knowledge regarding other domains to reach a team's desired level of effectiveness. This paper provides a novel way of linking divergent domain ontologies to facilitate and enrich service management in the communication service provider environment. The typical service provider infrastructure offers an extensive source of information for deriving knowledge regarding services, but the information is generally imperfect, inconsistent, and incomplete. Introducing a granular approach based on rough sets applicable to this imperfect information enables fractional management, which together with multiaspect formalisms enables the derivation of the specificity of a certain domain from a common source of knowledge without interference from other domains. A case study illustrates the implementation of an intelligent communication service and network management system based on the contexts used for assisting service strategies. The implementation empirically justifies the proposed approach.
Affective attunement in peer dyads containing children adopted from institutions
Authors: DePasquale Carrie E. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: July 2019

Children who have experienced institutional care early in life tend to show deficits in behavioral and adrenocortical regulation that impact their ability to form friendships and have positive social interactions with peers. Understanding how post‐institutionalized children interact with unfamiliar peers and the factors that predict the quality of these interactions may shed light on the processes contributing to the persistent, often increasing social deficits seen in post‐institutionalized children. In this study, one child (either post‐institutionalized or non‐adopted; the “target”) interacted with another non‐adopted child (the “peer”; N = 58 dyads, M age = 9.65 years) through a series of competitive and cooperative games during which interaction quality and affect of each participant were coded. Three saliva samples were also collected from each participant to measure cortisol production across the session. No group differences in behavior, affect, or cortisol were found. However, non‐adopted target children's affect was positively associated with their peers’ affect and negatively associated with peers’ change in cortisol across the session, while post‐institutionalized target children's affect was not associated with their peers’ affect or cortisol. Thus, future interventions may want to promote social skills in children exposed to early adversity by focusing on dyadic social contingencies rather than individual behavior.
Zebrafish Wtx is a negative regulator of Wnt signaling but is dispensable for embryonic development and organ homeostasis
Authors: Große Andreas , Perner Birgit , Naumann Uta , Englert Christoph
Published: July 2019

Background

The X‐chromosomally linked gene WTX is a human disease gene and a member of the AMER family. Mutations in WTX are found in Wilms tumor, a form of pediatric kidney cancer and in patients suffering from OSCS (Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis), a sclerosing bone disorder. Functional data suggest WTX to be an inhibitor of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Deletion of Wtx in mouse leads to perinatal death, impeding the analysis of its physiological role.

Results

To gain insights into the function of Wtx in development and homeostasis we have used zebrafish as a model and performed both knockdown and knockout studies using morpholinos and transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), respectively. Wtx knockdown led to increased Wnt activity and embryonic dorsalization. Also, wtx mutants showed a transient upregulation of Wnt target genes in the context of caudal fin regeneration. Surprisingly, however, wtx as well as wtx/amer2/amer3 triple mutants developed normally, were fertile and did not show any anomalies in organ maintenance.

Conclusions

Our data show that members of the zebrafish wtx/amer gene family, while sharing a partially overlapping expression pattern do not compensate for each other. This observation demonstrates a remarkable robustness during development and regeneration in zebrafish.
Nitrogen addition decreases seed germination in a temperate steppe
Authors: Zhong Mingxing , Miao Yuan , Han Shijie , Wang Dong
Published: July 2019

Seed germination and seedling establishment play an important role in driving the responses of plant community structure and function to global change. Nitrogen (N) deposition is one of the driving factors of global change, which often leads to a loss in species richness in grassland ecosystems. However, how seed germination responds to N addition remains unclear. A pot incubation test was conducted in a semi‐arid grassland in the Mongolian Plateau, Northern China, to investigate the effect of N addition (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 g N/m2) on seed germination from May to October 2016. Twenty species germinated under all treatments; however, the responses of the 20 species to N addition were different. The densities of Stipa krylovii, Leymus chinensis, and Artemisia frigida, which are the dominant species in this temperate steppe, decreased significantly as the amount of N addition. Moreover, N addition significantly suppressed seedling densities of the community, perennial forbs, perennial grasses, and annuals and biennials. Furthermore, species richness of the community, perennial forbs, and annuals and biennials decreased sharply with increasing N addition level, but perennial grass species richness did not change. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index also decreased as the amount of N addition increased. Our results suggest that N enrichment plays an important role in the seed germination stage and decreases supplements of seedlings to adult plants. These findings may help explain the causes of species loss by atmospheric N deposition in grassland ecosystems.
Fundamental experiments of radio‐frequency preionized inert gas plasma MHD electrical power generation
Authors: Nakane Takayuki , Uehigashi Katsuya , Iwamoto Takuya , Okuno Yoshihiro
Published: July 2019

A seed‐free radio‐frequency (RF) preionized inert gas plasma MHD electrical power generation has been first demonstrated in fundamental experiments with a shock‐tunnel facility. An enthalpy extraction ratio of 2.6% was successfully obtained even under an inlet total temperature of 2200 K at which the power generation can be operated continuously. Since the RF input power required for the preionization tends to be increased for lower inlet total temperature, the reduction of the RF input power is needed for further improvement in the total performance.
Influence of Water Addition on Lipid Oxidation in Protein Oleogels
Authors: Meissner Philipp M. , Keppler Julia K. , Stöckmann Heiko , Schrader Katrin , Schwarz Karin
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study is the investigation of lipid oxidation in protein based oleogels. For this purpose, oleogels are prepared by suspension of freeze dried whey protein isolate aggregates and small amounts of water (<10%) in purified oleic rich safflower oil. The formation of conjugated dienes positively correlates with the addition of water. In contrast, a lower concentration of aldehydes is measured by headspace gas chromatography in oleogels with higher water addition, indicating a water facilitated degradation of aldehydes reacting with proteins. Determination of water activity indicates the presence of water droplets at higher water addition to oleogels. Furthermore, changes in the surface appearance (greasy‐glossy to dull) and the texture (consistent gel vs. crumbly) structure are indicative of microstructural changes due to increased water addition. The study suggests that water droplet formation is responsible for the marked increase in lipid oxidation. However, cross reaction of aldehydes with proteins is suggested to result in lowering the levels of secondary lipid oxidation products hexanal and propanal in oleogel.

Practical Applications: The practical applications of the present work are related to the fabrication, processing, storage and consumption of oleogels and other protein‐lipid‐matrices. The results clearly indicate oleogels are prone to oxidation and proteins are involved by cross‐reaction resulting in visible browning during storage. Oxidation products such as hexanal (marker for secondary lipid oxidation) may not reflect the level of oxidation due to degradation by cross‐reactions with proteins.

The aim of the present study is the investigation of lipid oxidation in protein based oleogels. The formation of conjugated dienes positively correlates with the addition of water. In contrast, a lower concentration of aldehydes is measured in oleogels with higher water addition. Water activity indicates the presence of water droplets at higher water addition to oleogels, which are likely responsible for the marked increase in lipid oxidation. However, cross reaction of aldehydes with proteins is suggested to result in lowering the levels of secondary lipid oxidation products hexanal and propanal in oleogels.
OxPLs‐Masking/Degradation Immune Assay: An “All‐Included” Analysis of Mechanisms Detoxifying Oxidized Phospholipids
Authors: Philippova Maria , Oskolkova Olga V. , Bochkov Valery N.
Published: July 2019

The manuscript discusses the use of circulating oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) as potential disease biomarkers. Blood levels of OxPLs have been previously demonstrated to be strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. These data were obtained using an immune assay based on monoclonal antibody E06 which detects oxidized phosphatidylcholine. The impact of other classes of OxPLs on disease progression is not known. It is postulated that 1) other classes of OxPLs may contribute to cardiovascular disease and 2) both the absolute concentrations of OxPLs and the activity of detoxifying mechanisms are essential factors linking OxPLs with disease progression. Among such mechanisms is opsonization of OxPLs by endogenous antibodies and other plasma proteins. Furthermore, plasma contains enzymes degrading OxPLs. Experimental data from this study show that highly diluted blood plasma significantly reduces (“masks”) binding of E06, as well as another anti‐OxPL monoclonal antibody that recognizes oxidized phosphatidylethanolamine, to OxLDL. Potentially, sequestration or degradation of OxPLs by plasma proteins, antibodies or enzymes can ameliorate pathogenic effects of OxPLs, thus preventing disease onset. Based on these considerations, it is hypothesized that analysis of blood levels of “masking/degrading” proteins may provide important additional information complementary to the E06‐based assay and therefore improve its diagnostic value.

Practical Applications: The manuscript discusses application of antibodies against OxPLs for their analysis as potential disease biomarkers.

Plates are coated with OxLDL, blocked and incubated with either control buffer or plasma, which contains proteins and enzymes binding or degrading OxPLs present on OxLDL. Then the amount of remaining OxPLs is determined using monoclonal antibodies detecting OxPCs or OxPEs. The difference in signal intensities between the buffer‐ and plasma‐treated wells represents the activity of OxPLs‐masking/degradation.
An Approach for Using In Vitro and In Silico Data to Identify Pharmaceuticals with Potential (Anti-)Estrogenic Activity in Aquatic Vertebrates at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Pinto Caroline Lucia , Bloom Raanan A. , Laurenson James P.
Published: July 2019

Endocrine-active pharmaceuticals can cause adverse reproductive and developmental effects in nontarget organisms. Aquatic vertebrates may be susceptible to the effects of such pharmaceuticals given that the structure of hormone receptors and the physiology of the endocrine system are highly conserved across vertebrates. To aid in the regulatory review of the environmental impact of drugs, we demonstrate an approach to screen and support the prioritization of pharmaceuticals based on their ability to interact with estrogen receptors (ERs) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Tox21 in vitro results from ER agonist and antagonist assays were retrieved for 1123 pharmaceuticals. In silico predictions from the Collaborative Estrogen Receptor Activity Prediction Project (CERAPP) models were used to estimate ER agonist and antagonist activity for an additional 170 pharmaceuticals not tested in the Tox21 assay platform. The estrogenic effect ratio (EER) and anti-estrogenic effect ratio (AEER) were calculated by comparing the activity concentration at half-maximal response (AC50) for ER agonism and antagonism, respectively, with estimated pharmaceutical concentrations in fish tissue based on estimates of environmental exposures. A total of 73 and 127 pharmaceuticals were identified as ER agonists and antagonists, respectively. As expected, 17β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol displayed EERs  > 1, and raloxifene and bazedoxifene acetate displayed AEERs > 1, thus indicating that these pharmaceuticals have the potential to reach fish tissue levels that exceed concentrations estimated to interact with ERs. Four pharmaceuticals displayed EERs between 0.1 and 1, and 6 displayed AEERs between 0.1 and 1. This approach may help determine the need for submission of environmental assessment data for new drug applications and support prioritization of pharmaceuticals with the potential to disrupt endocrine signaling in vertebrates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2154–2168. © 2019 SETAC.
The impact of the Canterbury earthquakes on dispensing for older person's mental health
Authors: Beaglehole Ben , Bloomer Christopher , Zhang Tao , Hamilton Greg , Boden Joseph M. , Mulder Roger T. , Bell Caroline , Frampton Chris
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the Canterbury earthquakes on the mental health of older people by examining dispensing patterns of psychotropic medication.

Method

Dispensing data from community pharmacies for antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and sedative/hypnotics are routinely recorded in a national database. Longitudinal data are available for residents of the Canterbury District Health Board (DHB) (n = 67 760 at study onset) and the rest of New Zealand (n = 469 055 at study onset). We compared older age dispensing data between 2008 and 2018 for Canterbury DHB with older age dispensing data nationally in order to assess the impact of the Canterbury earthquakes on the mental health of older persons.

Results

Older age residents of Canterbury are dispensed antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics at higher rates than national comparators, but this finding predated the onset of the earthquakes. Short‐term increases in anxiolytic and sedative/hypnotic dispensing occurred for the month following the February 2011 earthquake. No other short‐ or longer‐term increases in dispensing of psychiatric medication were present.

Conclusion

The February 2011 Canterbury earthquake caused a short‐term increase in dispensing of anxiolytics and sedative/hypnotics. No longer‐term effects on dispensing were observed. This suggests that older persons sought assistance for insomnia and anxiety in the aftermath of the most devastating earthquake, but longer‐term rates of clinically significant anxiety and depression for older persons did not increase as a consequence of the earthquakes sequence
Dopaminergic modulation of motor network compensatory mechanisms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Jastrzębowska Maya A. , Marquis Renaud , Melie‐García Lester , Lutti Antoine , Kherif Ferath , Herzog Michael H. , Draganski Bogdan
Published: July 2019

The dopaminergic system has a unique gating function in the initiation and execution of movements. When the interhemispheric imbalance of dopamine inherent to the healthy brain is disrupted, as in Parkinson's disease (PD), compensatory mechanisms act to stave off behavioral changes. It has been proposed that two such compensatory mechanisms may be (a) a decrease in motor lateralization, observed in drug‐naïve PD patients and (b) reduced inhibition ‐ increased facilitation. Seeking to investigate the differential effect of dopamine depletion and subsequent substitution on compensatory mechanisms in non‐drug‐naïve PD, we studied 10 PD patients and 16 healthy controls, with patients undergoing two test sessions — “ON” and “OFF” medication. Using a simple visually‐cued motor response task and fMRI, we investigated cortical motor activation — in terms of laterality, contra‐ and ipsilateral percent BOLD signal change and effective connectivity in the parametric empirical Bayes framework. We found that decreased motor lateralization persists in non‐drug‐naïve PD and is concurrent with decreased contralateral activation in the cortical motor network. Normal lateralization is not reinstated by dopamine substitution. In terms of effective connectivity, disease‐related changes primarily affect ipsilaterally‐lateralized homotopic cortical motor connections, while medication‐related changes affect contralaterally‐lateralized homotopic connections. Our findings suggest that, in non‐drug‐naïve PD, decreased lateralization is no longer an adaptive cortical mechanism, but rather the result of maladaptive changes, related to disease progression and long‐term dopamine replacement. These findings highlight the need for the development of noninvasive therapies, which would promote the adaptive mechanisms of the PD brain.
Effects of the Molecular Design on the Supramolecular Organization of Luminescent Pt(II) Complexes
Authors: Aliprandi Alessandro , Capaldo Luca , Bobica Carla , Silvestrini Simone , De Cola Luisa
Published: July 2019

Self‐assembly is an extremely important processes that allows the constructions of large supramolecular architectures through encoded information present in the components. A subtle change in the chemical structure of the single unit can dramatically change the kinetics and thermodynamic pathway. We demonstrate that a minor change, introduced by designing the structure of a family of Pt(II) complexes can influence the color of the emission of the assemblies and their kinetic behaviour. The assembly processes, visualized by confocal microscopy, and detailed through photophysical measurements, reveal that the establishment of intermolecular interactions, as well as electronic factors lead to completely different assemblies in solution of the platinum compounds. A correlation between the observed behaviour and the chemical structure of the compounds is discussed and the results indicate a strong kinetic control of the supramolecular processes.
Aberration corrections of doughnut beam by adaptive optics in the turbid medium
Authors: Wu Chenxue , Chen Jiajia , Si Ke , Song Yanchun , Zhu Xinpei , Hu Lejia , Zheng Yao , Gong Wei
Published: July 2019

The doughnut beam is a spatially structured beam which has been widely used in super‐resolution microscopy, laser trapping and so on. However, when it passes through thick scattering medium, aberrations will seriously affect its performance. Currently, adaptive optics (AO) has become one of the most powerful tools to compensate aberrations. However, conventional AO always suffers from limited corrected field of view (FOV). Here, we propose a method with conjugate AO system based on coherent optical adaptive technique. The results show that the corrected FOV can be improved effectively. For a wide range of the optical applications with doughnut beam, our method has potentials in correcting aberrations with high speed in turbid media.(A) Mouse brain slice, (B) the distribution of r
PAO, (C) the distribution of r
CAO. The vortex beam focus of the blue point in (B) and (C) among a 137.5 × 137.5 μm FOV (D1) ideally, (D2) with scattering, (D3) in pupil AO system and (D4) in conjugate AO system.
Investigation of the source‐detector separation in near infrared spectroscopy for healthy and clinical applications
Authors: Wang Lei , Ayaz Hasan , Izzetoglu Meltem
Published: July 2019

Understanding near infrared light propagation in tissue is vital for designing next generation optical brain imaging devices. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations provide a controlled mechanism to characterize and evaluate contributions of diverse near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor configurations and parameters. In this study, we developed a multilayer adult digital head model under both healthy and clinical settings and assessed light‐tissue interaction through MC simulations in terms of partial differential pathlength, mean total optical pathlength, diffuse reflectance, detector light intensity and spatial sensitivity profile of optical measurements. The model incorporated four layers: scalp, skull, cerebrospinal‐fluid and cerebral cortex with and without a customizable lesion for modeling hematoma of different sizes and depths. The effect of source‐detector separation (SDS) on optical measurements' sensitivity to brain tissue was investigated. Results from 1330 separate simulations [(4 lesion volumes × 4 lesion depths for clinical +3 healthy settings) × 7 SDS × 10 simulation = 1330)] each with 100 million photons indicated that selection of SDS is critical to acquire optimal measurements from the brain and recommended SDS to be 25 to 35 mm depending on the wavelengths to obtain optical monitoring of the adult brain function. The findings here can guide the design of future NIRS probes for functional neuroimaging and clinical diagnostic systems.