bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Translation and Cultural Appropriateness of Spanish‐Language Consent Materials for Biobanks
Authors: Brelsford Kathleen M. , Ruiz Ernesto , Hammack Catherine M. , Beskow Laura M.
Published: September 2019

A growing proportion of prospective research participants in the United States speak limited or no English. We conducted cognitive interviews with native Spanish speakers to test Spanish‐language translations of simplified and traditional biobank consent forms. Comprehension was generally high and did not differ by form. Most of those who received the simplified form felt it contained the right amount of information, compared with fewer than half of those who received the traditional form. Qualitative results allowed us to identify overarching issues related to tone, formality, and voice that may affect prospective participants’ trust and willingness to participate. Certain characteristics of written Spanish are seemingly at odds with recommended actions to simplify consent forms; thus, even when significant empirical effort has been expended to develop simplified consent materials in English, additional work is needed to ensure the accuracy, comprehensibility, and cultural‐congruence of Spanish‐language translations.
Seasonal shifts in feeding patterns: Individual and population realized specialization in a high Arctic fish
Authors: Cusa Marine , Berge Jørgen , Varpe Øystein
Published: September 2019

Species with a broad and flexible diet may be at an advantage in a rapidly changing environment such as in today's Arctic ecosystems. Polar cod (Boreogadus saida), an abundant and ecologically important circumpolar Arctic fish, is often described as a zooplankton generalist feeder, which suggests that it may cope successfully with changes in prey composition. This description is justified based on the relatively broad diet of polar cod across sites and seasons. In this case study, we used polar cod dietary data from fall and winter and from two distinct environments, dominated either by Arctic or Atlantic water masses in Svalbard. Our results point to the importance of time and space when drawing conclusions on dietary plasticity and degree of specialization. Polar cod diet differed significantly between fall and the winter and between Arctic and Atlantic domains. Polar cod from Arctic domains displayed a strong realized population specialization onThemisto libellulain fall, and the larger dietary niche width observed in the winter was the product of realized individual specialization, with increased feeding on fish prey. Overall, we did not observe a generalized feeding behavior. If dietary niche width is to inform conservation management, we argue it must be recognized that populations from a single species may adopt seasonally contrasting degrees of dietary specialization and that these populations may differ in their vulnerability to climate‐induced changes in prey community composition.
N–Alkylation of Amines Catalyzed by a Ruthenium–Pincer Complex in the Presence of in situ Generated Sodium Alkoxide
Authors: Das Kanu , Nandi Pran Gobinda , Islam Khadimul , Srivastava Hemant Kumar , Kumar Akshai
Published: September 2019

We report the use of ruthenium–NNN‐pincer complexes of the type (R2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) (R = tBu, iPr, Cy and Ph) for the catalytic N‐alkylation of primary amines under solvent‐free conditions. For the first time, the base that is required to promote these reactions is generated in situ from the alcohol by the use of sodium. The resulting sodium alkoxide regenerates the alcohol substrate while acting as the water scavenger thus mitigating the need of an additional base. Among the catalysts screened, (tBu2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) (0.02 mol‐%) gives very high turnovers and good yields at 140 °C. The (tBu2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) catalyzed N‐alkylation tolerates a variety of amine and alcohol substrates. While excellent turnover (29000) was obtained for the (tBu2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) (0.002 mol‐%) catalyzed alkylation of aniline with cyclohexyl methanol, the turnovers obtained in the corresponding catalytic methylation of p‐anisidine was also very high (12000). The (tBu2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) catalyzed reactions have also been accomplished under open‐vessel conditions resulting in a net dehydrogenative coupling reaction. This protocol has been used to transform benzene‐1,2‐diamines to benzimidazoles with high productivity (12000 turnovers). DFT studies indicate that while β‐hydride elimination is rate‐determining (RDTS: 24.31 kcal/mol) for the alcohol dehydrogenation segment which is endothermic, insertion of the imine is rate‐determining (RDTS: 11.26 kcal/mol) for its hydrogenation that is exothermic.
Summary statistic analyses can mistake confounding bias for heritability
Authors: Holmes John B. , Speed Doug , Balding David J.
Published: September 2019

Linkage disequilibrium SCore regression (LDSC) has become a popular approach to estimate confounding bias, heritability, and genetic correlation using only genome‐wide association study (GWAS) test statistics. SumHer is a newly introduced alternative with similar aims. We show using theory and simulations that both approaches fail to adequately account for confounding bias, even when the assumed heritability model is correct. Consequently, these methods may estimate heritability poorly if there was an inadequate adjustment for confounding in the original GWAS analysis. We also show that the choice of a summary statistic for use in LDSC or SumHer can have a large impact on resulting inferences. Further, covariate adjustments in the original GWAS can alter the target of heritability estimation, which can be problematic for test statistics from a meta‐analysis of GWAS with different covariate adjustments.
Association of vitamin D genetic pathway with asthma susceptibility in the Kurdish population
Authors: Nasiri‐Kalmarzi Rasoul , Abdi Mohammad , Hosseini Javad , Tavana Somayeh , Mokarizadeh Aram , Rahbari Rezgar
Published: September 2019

Background

Vitamin D (Vit D) function in asthma progression has been studied well. The effects of genetic variations in Vit D pathway molecules have been also studied, although the results are contradicted. In the present study, for the first time we examined the Vit D pathway molecules included serum Vit D and vitamin D‐binding protein (VDBP) and also genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and VDBP in a Kurdish population with asthma.

Methods

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to measure the serum Vit D and VDBP. VDR rs1544410 and rs2228570 and VDBP rs7041 were assessed by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP).

Results

The serum level of Vit D significantly decreased in asthmatic patients versus controls (16.26 ± 6.76 vs 23.05 ± 10.57 ng/mL, P value = .001). We observed an indirect correlation between Vit D and clinical findings. We also found an increased level of serum VDBP in patients as compared to the controls (1044.6 ± 310.82 vs 545.95 ± 121.73 µg/mL, P value < .0001). Besides, the risk of asthma progression was increased in patients with the VDR rs2228570 CC and VDBP rs7041 GG genotypes (OR = 3.56, P = .0382 and OR = 2.58, P = .01, respectively).

Conclusion

In summary, our results explain the influence of the genetic variations in VDR and VDBP in addition to Vit D and VDBP serum concentrations on asthma susceptibility in the Kurdish population.
MTSS1 hypermethylation is associated with prostate cancer progression
Authors: Chen Junjie , Huang Liang , Zhu Quan , Wang Zhao , Tang Zhengyan
Published: September 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of DNA methylation of metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1) on prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Forty‐nine paired PCa tissue samples and normal tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas were analyzed. Methylome analysis, CpG island arrays and Hierarchical clustering were used to analyze methylation profiles of PCa tissues. MTSS1 methylation level was detected by methylation‐specific PCR. Relative messenger RNA and the expression level of MTSS1 protein were identified by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis. The migration, invasion, proliferation, and cell cycle were detected separately by wound‐healing assay, transwell chamber assay, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry. The roles of MTSS1 in PCa progression were demonstrated in vivo by tumor formation assays in nude mice. MTSS1 expression was decreased in PCa tissues in comparison with paired adjacent normal prostate tissues. Compared to the methylation of MTSS1 in normal prostate tissues based on the MethHC website, the MTSS1 in PCa tissues was hypermethylated. The expression of MTSS1 detected by qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis was found to be downregulated in PCa cells and tissues. The reduced expression of MTSS1 by small interfering RNA‐MTSS1 was recovered by 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine treatment. Besides, MTSS1 demethylation inhibited migration, invasion, and proliferation of PCa cells, and induced cell cycle to be arrested at G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, it was shown by tumor xenograft assay that MTSS1 inhibited the growth of tumor in vivo. Hypermethylated MTSS1 promoted PCa cells migration, invasion, and proliferation, and suppressed cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.
YAP/TEAD3 signal mediates cardiac lineage commitment of human‐induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Han Zhenbo , Yu Ying , Cai Benzhi , Xu Zihang , Bao Zhengyi , Zhang Ying , Bamba Djibril , Ma Wenya , Gao Xinlu , Yuan Ye , Zhang Lai , Yu Meixi , Liu Shenzhen , Yan Gege , Jin Mengyu , Huang Qi , Wang Xiuxiu , Hua Bingjie , Yang Fan , Pan Zhenwei , Liang Haihai , Liu Yu
Published: September 2019

Cardiomyocytes differentiated from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold great potential for therapy of heart diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of its cardiac differentiation have not been fully elucidated. Hippo‐YAP signal pathway plays important roles in cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, and organ size. Here, we identify the role of Hippo‐YAP signal pathway in determining cardiac differentiation fate of hiPSCs. We found that cardiac differentiation of hiPSCs were significantly inhibited after treatment with verteporfin (a selective and potent YAP inhibitor). During hiPSCs differentiation from mesoderm cells (MESs) into cardiomyocytes, verteporfin treatment caused the cells retained in the earlier cardiovascular progenitor cells (CVPCs) stage. Interestingly, during hiPSCs differentiation from CVPC into cardiomyocytes, verteporfin treatment induced cells dedifferentiation into the earlier CVPC stage. Mechanistically, we found that YAP interacted with transcriptional enhanced associate domain transcription factor 3 (TEAD3) to regulate cardiac differentiation of hiPSCs during the CVPC stage. Consistently, RNAi‐based silencing of TEAD3 mimicked the phenotype as the cells treated with verteporfin. Collectively, our study suggests that YAP‐TEAD3 signaling is important for cardiomyocyte differentiation of hiPSCs. Our findings provide new insight into the function of Hippo‐YAP signal in cardiovascular lineage commitment.
Pharmacokinetic Drug‐Drug Interactions Between Trospium Chloride and Ranitidine Substrates of Organic Cation Transporters in Healthy Human Subjects
Authors: Abebe Bayew Tsega , Weiss Michael , Modess Christiane , Tadken Tobias , Wegner Danilo , Meyer Marleen J. , Schwantes Ulrich , Neumeister Claudia , Scheuch Eberhard , Schulz Hans‐Ulrich , Tzvetkov Mladen , Siegmund Werner
Published: September 2019

Trospium chloride, a muscarinic receptor blocker, is poorly absorbed with different rates from areas in the jejunum and the cecum/ascending colon. To evaluate whether organic cation transporter (OCT) 1, OCT2 and multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) 1 and MATE2‐K are involved in pharmacokinetics, competitions with ranitidine, a probe inhibitor of the cation transporters, were evaluated in transfected HEK293 cells. Furthermore, a drug interaction study with trospium chloride after intravenous (2 mg) and oral dosing (30 mg) plus ranitidine (300 mg) was performed in 12 healthy subjects and evaluated by noncompartmental analysis and population pharmacokinetic modeling. Ranitidine inhibited OCT1, OCT2, MATE1, and MATE2‐K with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 186 ± 25 µM, 482 ± 105 µM, 134 ± 37 µM, and 35 ± 11 µM, respectively. In contrast to our hypothesis, coadministration of ranitidine did not significantly decrease oral absorption of trospium. Instead, renal clearance was lowered by ∼15% (530 ± 99 vs 460 ± 120 mL/min; P < .05). It is possible that ranitidine was not available in competitive concentrations at the major colonic absorption site, as the inhibitor is absorbed in the small intestine and undergoes degradation by microbiota. The renal effects apparently result from inhibition of MATE1 and/or MATE2‐K by ranitidine as predicted by in vitro to in vivo extrapolation. However, all pharmacokinetic changes were not of clinical relevance for the drug with highly variable pharmacokinetics. Intravenous trospium significantly lowered mean absorption time and relative bioavailability of ranitidine, which was most likely caused by muscarinic receptor blocking effects on intestinal motility and water turnover.
Intellectual functioning in alpha‐mannosidosis
Authors: Cathey Sara S. , Sarasua Sara M. , Simensen Richard , Pietris Katie , Kimbrell Gordon , Sillence David , Wilson Callum , Horowitz Lucia
Published: September 2019

Alpha‐mannosidosis is a rare inherited metabolic disorder (OMIM #248500) caused by mutations in the enzyme α‐mannosidase encoded by the gene MAN2B1. Patients have distinct physical and developmental features, but only limited information regarding standardized cognitive functioning of patients has been published. Here we contribute intellectual ability scores (IQ) on 12 patients with alpha‐mannosidosis (ages 8‐59 years, 10 males, 2 females). In addition, a pooled analysis was performed with data collected from this investigation and 31 cases obtained from the literature, allowing a comprehensive analysis of intellectual functioning in this rare disease. The initial and pooled analyses show that patients with alpha‐mannosidosis have variable degrees of intellectual disability but show decline in IQ with age, particularly during the first decade of life. Patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation tend to show stabilized cognitive abilities.
Evaluation of a home medicines review program at an Aboriginal Medical Service in the Northern Territory
Authors: Deidun Danielle , Ali Mohammed , Madden Angela , O'Brien Margaret
Published: September 2019

Background

The home medicines review (HMR) program aims to achieve quality use of medicines. In 2009, the model of HMR provision at Danila Dilba Health Service (DDHS) in Darwin was adjusted to include the services of a dedicated consultant pharmacist and an expanded role for an Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) in the HMR process.

Aim

This study evaluated a unique program providing HMRs to Indigenous clients of DDHS.

Methods

A retrospective review of HMRs was conducted for clients at DDHS between December 2009 and December 2010 to determine relevant time frames between HMR activities, reasons for referral, issues identified by the pharmacist, education provided, recommendations and uptake of recommendations. Awareness and attitudes to the program among general practitioners (GPs), AHWs, and pharmacists were also evaluated using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Sixty‐four HMRs were conducted. Thirty‐nine (61%) follow‐up appointments were documented and 30 Medicare claims made. The average time between referral and follow‐up was 66 days. For most HMRs, more than one reason for referral was identified. In all, 348 issues were identified, 256 educational activities undertaken and 379 recommendations made. Fifty‐two per cent of recommendations were implemented. Attitudes to the HMR program were positive. Common themes included the importance of cultural safety, particularly the inclusion of an AHW in HMR activities and difficulties associated with the follow‐up of patients.

Conclusion

Uptake of recommendations for improvements in the quality of documentation, GP follow‐up and the referral system will enhance the HMR service at DDHS.
Structural Dynamics in Thermal Treatment of Amorphous Indium Oxide Films
Authors: Ovadyahu Zvi
Published: September 2019

Thermal treatment of amorphous indium oxide (InxO) films is used in various basic studies as a means of tuning the disorder perceived by the electronic system. In this process, the resistance of a given sample decreases, whereas its amorphous structure and chemical composition is preserved. The main effect of the process is an increase in the system density, which, in turn, leads to improved interatomic overlap manifested as improved conductivity. A similar effect has been observed in studies of other amorphous systems that were subjected to pressure. Herein, the Raman spectra of amorphous InxO change in response to thermal treatment in a similar way as in pressure experiments performed on other disordered and amorphous systems. A study of how thermal treatment changes the system dynamics is presented by monitoring the resistance versus time of InxO films following various stages of thermal treatment. The time dependence of the sample resistance fits the stretched exponential law with parameters that change systematically with repeated thermal treatment cycles. The implications of these results to slow dynamics phenomena that are governed by the Kohlrausch's law are discussed.
Magnetoelectric Effect in the Bidomain Lithium Niobate/Nickel/Metglas Gradient Structure
Authors: Bichurin Mirza I. , Sokolov Oleg V. , Leontiev Viktor S. , Petrov Roman V. , Tatarenko Alexander S. , Semenov Gennadiy A. , Ivanov Sergey N. , Turutin Andrei V. , Kubasov Ilya V. , Kislyuk Alexander M. , Malinkovich Mikhail D. , Parkhomenko Yuriy N. , Kholkin Andrei L. , Sobolev Nikolai A.
Published: September 2019

The paper describes the magnetoelectric (ME) effect in a gradient laminate structure consisting of a LiNbO3/Ni/metglas multilayer based on a bidomain lithium niobate single crystal with a Y + 128° cut. The main purpose of the work is to obtain a self‐biased structure. A theoretical and experimental study is conducted to determine the optimal thickness of the Ni film for creating such a structure. The application of self‐biased structures based on gradient bidomain crystals in ME devices can significantly reduce their weight and dimensions as well as improve their electrical characteristics.
Protein electrophoresis in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus): Reference values and differences between wild and rehabilitating individuals
Authors: Plaza Pablo I. , Blanco Guillermo , Barbar Facundo , Wiemeyer Guillermo , Alarcón Pablo , Donázar José Antonio , Hiraldo Fernando , Lambertucci Sergio A.
Published: September 2019

The study of wildlife health greatly contributes to understanding population dynamics and detecting conservation threats. The determination of the different fractions of plasma proteins (proteinogram) is an important laboratory tool to study wildlife health. The aim of this study was to characterize protein electrophoresis in wild Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from north‐western Patagonia and to evaluate differences according to age and sex classes. Once reference values of wild, apparently healthy individuals, were established, we compared these values to those of individuals received at the Buenos Aires Zoo in Argentina for rehabilitation due to various health problems. Reference proteinograms from wild Andean condors differed only in the α 1 and β 2‐fractions between sex categories. Males showed higher concentrations of these protein fractions than females. We found clear differences between wild birds and rehabilitating individuals. Total proteins, globulins, α 1‐globulins, total α‐globulins, β 2‐globulins, total β‐globulins, and γ‐globulins were significantly higher in rehabilitating than in wild individuals, whereas albumin, α 2, and β1‐globulins were similar between these groups. The albumin/globulin ratio, as a general indicator of health, was significantly lower in rehabilitating than in wild individuals. The results indicate the effects on different protein fractions of pathologic processes occurring in individuals undergoing rehabilitation. Our results provide useful insights, contributing to improving diagnoses and prognoses in this species. This information may also be useful to assess the health status of Andean condors in studies of wild populations and for comparisons with other bird species.
Juvenile morphology of the large Antarctic canopy-forming brown alga, Desmarestia menziesii J. Agardh
Authors: Küpper Frithjof C. , Amsler Charles D. , Morley Simon , de Reviers Bruno , Reichardt Aurelia , Peck Lloyd S. , Peters Akira F.
Published: September 2019

For many types of seaweeds in Polar Regions, open questions remain about how their life cycle contributes to their overall adaptation to the extreme abiotic environment. This applies in particular to the major canopy-forming brown algae in much of the Antarctic Peninsula of the genusDesmarestia, which was investigated here. Diving surveys around Rothera Research Station (Adelaide Island, Antarctica) during December 2017–February 2018 revealed the widespread presence of a hitherto-unknown life form ofDesmarestiasp. of a tender, feather-like morphology. Further studies explored whether this could be (1) a new, hitherto undescribedDesmarestiaspecies (2) a new record for the region of a knownDesmarestiaspecies previously recorded elsewhere or (3) a so-far unknown life form of a species recorded for the region. Collections enabled the extraction of PCR-friendly DNA and sequencing of ITS1, which unambiguously showed that the samples belonged toDesmarestia menziesii, the onlyDesmarestiaspecies presently recorded for the Adelaide Island/Marguerite Bay region. The presence of the juvenile morphology was subsequently confirmed throughout much of the natural range ofD. menziesiiduring cruise-based diving surveys along the Western Antarctic Peninsula in 2019 and from collections at Anvers Island in 1989. Our collections thus constitute its juvenile morphology, which is not previously documented in the literature. The wider significance for the Polar seaweeds is discussed in the context of Taxonomy and Ecology.
Flexible device compositions and dynamic resource sharing in PCIe interconnected clusters using Device Lending
Authors: Markussen Jonas , Kristiansen Lars Bjørlykke , Borgli Rune Johan , Stensland Håkon Kvale , Seifert Friedrich , Riegler Michael , Griwodz Carsten , Halvorsen Pål
Published: September 2019

Modern workloads often exceed the processing and I/O capabilities provided by resource virtualization, requiring direct access to the physical hardware in order to reduce latency and computing overhead. For computers interconnected in a cluser, access to remote hardware resources often requires facilitation both in hardware and specialized drivers with virtualization support. This limits the availability of resources to specific devices and drivers that are supported by the virtualization technology being used, as well as what the interconnection technology supports. For PCI Express (PCIe) clusters, we have previously proposed Device Lending as a solution for enabling direct low latency access to remote devices. The method has extremely low computing overhead, and does not require any application- or device-specific distribution mechanisms. Any PCIe device, such as network cards disks, and GPUs, can easily be shared among the connected hosts. In this work, we have extended our solution with support for a virtual machine (VM) hypervisor. Physical remote devices can be “passed through” to VM guests, enabling direct access to physical resources while still retaining the flexibility of virtualization. Additionally, we have also implemented multi-device support, enabling shortest-path peer-to-peer transfers between remote devices residing in different hosts.Our experimental results prove that multiple remote devices can be used, achieving bandwidth and latency close to native PCIe, and without requiring any additional support in device drivers. I/O intensive workloads run seamlessly using both local and remote resources. With our added VM and multi-device support, Device Lending offers highly customizable configurations of remote devices that can be dynamically reassigned and shared to optimize resource utilization, thus enabling a flexible composable I/O infrastructure for VMs as well as bare-metal machines.
Selecting Treatment Options and Choosing Between them: Delineating Patient and Professional Autonomy in Shared Decision-Making
Authors: Cave Emma
Published: September 2019

Professional control in the selection of treatment options for patients is changing. In light of social and legal developments emphasising patient choice and autonomy, and restricting medical paternalism and judicial deference, this article examines how far patients and families can demand NHS treatment in England and Wales. It considers situations where the patient is an adult with capacity, an adult lacking capacity and a child. In all three cases, there is judicial support for professional autonomy, but there are also inconsistencies that have potential to elevate the importance of patient and family preferences. In combination, they may be perceived by healthcare professionals as an obligation to follow patient preferences, even where doing so conflicts with other professional obligations. It is argued that a more nuanced approach to shared decision-making could help clarify the boundaries of decision-making responsibility.
The Role of Primary School Composition in the Trajectories of Internalising and Externalising Problems across Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Papachristou Efstathios , Flouri Eirini , Midouhas Emily , Lewis Glyn , Joshi Heather
Published: September 2019

There is little research on the role of school and its composition in explaining individual children’s psychological outcomes. This study examined for the first time the role of several primary-school compositional characteristics, and their interactions with individual level characteristics, in the development of two such outcomes, internalising and externalising problems, at ages 7, 11 and 14 years in 4794 children in England participating in the Millennium Cohort Study. Using hierarchical (multilevel) linear models, we found that, even after adjusting for individual and family characteristics, children in schools with higher proportions of pupils eligible for free school meals had more externalising problems. In general, children with special educational needs, lower academic performance, more distressed mothers, and those in non-intact families had more internalising and externalising problems. Our results underline the importance of targeting schools with less affluent overall intakes, but also highlight the key role of individual and family characteristics in the development of their pupils’ psychological functioning.
Barkhausen Noise Probes and Modelling: A Review
Authors: Santa-aho Suvi , Laitinen Arttu , Sorsa Aki , Vippola Minnamari
Published: September 2019

This review looks at the main types of magnetic Barkhausen noise (BN) probes that have been developed. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing knowledge of magnetic Barkhausen noise probes and the magnetic modelling of them. The BN probes have been the focus of many previous studies, but no sufficient review or conclusions have been made so far. This review focuses on combining information regarding the different types of BN probes and their modelling. The review is divided into two sections; in the first part the different designs and types of Barkhausen noise probes are introduced. The second part of the review deals with the BN probe modelling with various modelling software. Finally, a comparison of the experimental measurements is made and BN sensitivity is discussed.
Linking weed patterns with soil properties: a long-term case study
Authors: Pätzold Stefan , Hbirkou Christine , Dicke Dominik , Gerhards Roland , Welp Gerhard
Published: September 2019

The spatial distribution and density of different weed species were monitored during a long-term survey over a period of 9 years on a 5.8 ha arable field and related to soil properties. Weed seedlings were determined every year in spring on a regular grid with 429 observation points (15 × 7.5 m; net study area = 4 ha). Dominant weed species were Chenopodium album, Polygonum aviculare, Viola arvensis and different grass weeds, clearly dominated by Alopecurus myosuroides. A non-invasive electromagnetic induction survey was conducted to evaluate available water capacity directly in the field at high spatial resolution. Further soil properties were evaluated following the minimum-invasive approach with soil sampling and subsequent mid-infrared spectroscopy. Plant available nutrients were analysed with conventional lab methods. Redundancy analysis served to describe the effect of soil properties, different years and field crops on weed species variability. Seven soil properties together explained 30.7% of the spatial weed species variability, whereas 28.2% was explained by soil texture, available water capacity and soil organic carbon. Maps for site-specific weed management were created based on soil maps. These maps permit several benefits for precision crop protection, such as a better understanding of soil–weed inter-relations, improved sampling strategies and reduction in herbicide use.
Quality of life in nursing home residents with pain: pain interference, depression and multiple pain-related diseases as important determinants
Authors: Brandauer A. , Berger S. , Freywald N. , Gnass I. , Osterbrink J. , Seidenspinner D. , Kutschar P.
Published: September 2019

Aim

Quality of life is an essential outcome parameter in geriatric research and presents an important indicator for the evaluation of care treatments. The present study analyses potential impact factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of nursing home residents (NHR) who are in pain.

Methods

Data came from the cRCT ‘PIASMA’. Statistical analyses of 146 respondents were carried out by multiple linear regressions based on the EQ-5D index (Euroquol Quality of Life) as dependent variable. Potential impact factors were applied and categorised in five blocks: pain intensity and interference (according to the Brief Pain Inventory), intervention effect, sex and age, pain-related diagnoses, and scales regarding depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment (based on the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination).

Results

On average, residents showed a pain intensity of 18.49, a pain interference of 29.61, a MMSE score of 22.84, a GDS score of 5.65 and an EQ-5D index of 0.52. Residents with more diagnoses, more depressive symptoms, and a higher pain interference showed a significantly reduced HRQOL.

Conclusion

Findings underline the importance of identifying and applying treatment options for both pain (especially interference) and depressive disorders to maintain HRQOL of NHR.
Microstructure and Properties of Electrodeposited nc-TiO2/Ni–Fe and Ni–Fe Coatings
Authors: Ledwig P. , Ratajski T. , Indyka P. , Kalemba-Rec I. , Kopia A. , Kąc M. , Dubiel B.
Published: September 2019

In this study, nc-TiO2/Ni–Fe composite coatings, and Ni–Fe alloys as equivalents to their matrices, were obtained from citrate-sulphate baths in the electrodeposition process using direct current and pulse current conditions. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of TiO2nanoparticles and current conditions on the chemical composition, surface morphology, microstructure, microhardness and magnetic properties of the electrodeposited coatings. The results show that the concentration of Fe in Ni–Fe alloys is related to the current conditions and is higher in the case of pulse current electrodeposition, while such a relationship was not observed for composites. The reinforcement of composites with TiO2nanoparticles results in a more developed surface topography with many nodule-like structures. Composites and equivalent alloys deposited in pulse current are characterized by a finer grain size than those obtained in direct current. TiO2nanoparticles and their agglomerates, several tens of nanometres in size, are distributed randomly in the Ni–Fe matrix of composites deposited in both current conditions used. Incorporation of a high volume fraction of nc-TiO2, exceeding over a dozen percent, and decreasing the nanograin size in nc-TiO2/Ni–Fe composites electrodeposited under pulse current conditions, allow a higher hardness to be achieved than in their counterparts obtained using direct current. Magnetic measurements showed ferromagnetic ordering of pristine TiO2nanoparticles, however, the introduction of TiO2nanoparticles into the Ni–Fe matrix resulted in a decrease in coercivity and saturation magnetization.

Graphic Abstract
2D MXenes as Co-catalysts in Photocatalysis: Synthetic Methods
Authors: Sun Yuliang , Meng Xing , Dall’Agnese Yohan , Dall’Agnese Chunxiang , Duan Shengnan , Gao Yu , Chen Gang , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: September 2019

Since their seminal discovery in 2011, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides/nitrides known as MXenes, that constitute a large family of 2D materials, have been targeted toward various applications due to their outstanding electronic properties. MXenes functioning as co-catalyst in combination with certain photocatalysts have been applied in photocatalytic systems to enhance photogenerated charge separation, suppress rapid charge recombination, and convert solar energy into chemical energy or use it in the degradation of organic compounds. The photocatalytic performance greatly depends on the composition and morphology of the photocatalyst, which, in turn, are determined by the method of preparation used. Here, we review the four different synthesis methods (mechanical mixing, self-assembly, in situ decoration, and oxidation) reported for MXenes in view of their application as co-catalyst in photocatalysis. In addition, the working mechanism for MXenes application in photocatalysis is discussed and an outlook for future research is also provided.
The effect of the Suicide Prevention Program (SPP) on the characteristics
of Israeli soldiers who died by suicide after its implementation
Authors: Shelef Leah , Nir Ishai , Tatsa-Laur Lucian , Kedem Ron , Gold Niv , Bader Tarif , Yehuda Ariel Ben
Published: September 2019

Background:

Suicide is major cause of death in the IDF. The Suicide Prevention
Program (SPP) led to significant reduction in yearly rates of suicide. A
study regarding demographic changes of those who died by suicide was
done to further investigate its affect.

Method:

Nested case control retrospective study based on medical and HR data
gathered between 1992 and 2016. Participants were divided into four
groups: soldiers who died by suicide and non-suicidal soldiers, before
and after SPP implementation.

Results:

Multivariate analysis with suicide as the binary logistic dependent
variable before and after implementation of the SPP among four groups
revealed that before SPP the OR was higher for males (OR, 7.885; 95% CI,
5.071–12.259;p < 0.001) compared to
after (OR, 3.281; 95% CI, 1.600–6.726; p =
0.001). For support unit soldiers the values before SPP were OR, 14.962
and 95% CI, 8.427–26.563 (p < 0.001) while
after SPP they were OR, 6.304 and 95% CI, 3.334–11.919
(p < 0.001). After SPP, OR was higher
for psychiatric diagnosis at recruitment (OR, 5.830; 95% CI,
2.046–16.612; p = 0.001) than before SPP (OR,
2.422; 95% CI, 1.526–3.842; p < 0.001).For
soldiers from Ethiopian ethnicity, after SPP values were higher (OR,
8.130 and 95% CI, 2.868–23.047 (p < 0.001)
compared to before (OR, 3.522; 95% CI, 1.2891–6.650;
p < 0.001). For those of Druse
religion before values (OR, 4.027; 95% CI, 2.211–7.331;
p < 0.001) were significant but not
after.

Conclusions:

While the SPP succeeded in reducing risk of suicide in situational
factors, dispositional risk factors were not affected by the SPP. The OR
decreased in critical masses and rose in unique and smaller
groups.
Electroretinography in psychiatry: A systematic literature review
Authors: Youssef Peter , Nath Siddharth , Chaimowitz Gary A , Prat Sebastien S.
Published: September 2019

This review aims to consolidate the available information on use of
electroretinography as a diagnostic tool in psychiatry. The
electroretinogram (ERG) has been found to have diagnostic utility in cocaine
withdrawal (reduced light-adapted b-wave response), major depressive
disorder (reduced contrast gain in pattern ERG), and schizophrenia (reduced
a- and b-wave amplitudes). This review examines these findings as well as
the applicability of ERG to substance use disorder, Alzheimer’s disease,
autism spectrum disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders, attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder, and medication use. While there have been
promising results, current research suffers from a lack of specificity.
Further research that quantifies anomalies in ERG present in psychiatric
illness is needed.
High-power biofuel cells based on three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube micro-arrays
Authors: Song Yin , Wang Chunlei
Published: September 2019

Miniaturized enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) with high cell performance are promising candidates for powering next-generation implantable medical devices. Here, we report a closed-loop theoretical and experimental study on a micro EBFC system based on three-dimensional (3D) carbon micropillar arrays coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a biocatalyst composite. The fabrication process of this system combines the top–down carbon microelectromechanical systems (C-MEMS) technique to fabricate the 3D micropillar array platform and bottom–up electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to deposit the reduced rGO/CNTs/enzyme onto the electrode surface. The Michaelis–Menten constant KM of 2.1 mM for glucose oxidase (GOx) on the rGO/CNTs/GOx bioanode was obtained, which is close to the KM for free GOx. Theoretical modelling of the rGO/CNT-based EBFC system via finite element analysis was conducted to predict the cell performance and efficiency. The experimental results from the developed rGO/CNT-based EBFC showed a maximum power density of 196.04 µW cm−2 at 0.61 V, which is approximately twice the maximum power density obtained from the rGO-based EBFC. The experimental power density is noted to be 71.1% of the theoretical value.
Hybrid superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic micro/nanostructures fabricated by femtosecond laser-induced forward transfer for sub-femtomolar Raman detection
Authors: Ma Xiaodan , Jiang Lan , Li Xiaowei , Li Bohong , Huang Ji , Sun Jiaxing , Wang Zhi , Xu Zhijie , Qu Liangti , Lu Yongfeng , Cui Tianhong
Published: September 2019

Raman spectroscopy plays a crucial role in biochemical analysis. Recently, superhydrophobic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have enhanced detection limits by concentrating target molecules into small areas. However, due to the wet transition phenomenon, further reduction of the droplet contact area is prevented, and the detection limit is restricted. This paper proposes a simple method involving femtosecond laser-induced forward transfer for preparing a hybrid superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic SERS (HS-SERS) substrate by introducing a superhydrophilic pattern to promote the target molecules to concentrate on it for ultratrace detection. Furthermore, the HS-SERS substrate is heated to promote a smaller concentrated area. The water vapor film formed by the contact of the solution with the substrate overcomes droplet collapse, and the target molecules are completely concentrated into the superhydrophilic region without loss during evaporation. Finally, the concentrated region is successfully reduced, and the detection limit is enhanced. The HS-SERS substrate achieved a final contact area of 0.013 mm2, a 12.1-fold decrease from the unheated case. The reduction of the contact area led to a detection limit concentration as low as 10−16 M for a Rhodamine 6G solution. In addition, the HS-SERS substrate accurately controlled the size of the concentrated areas through the superhydrophilic pattern, which can be attributed to the favorable repeatability of the droplet concentration results. In addition, the preparation method is flexible and has the potential for fluid mixing, fluid transport, and biochemical sensors, etc.
A paper-based microfluidic platform with shape-memory-polymer-actuated fluid valves for automated multi-step immunoassays
Authors: Fu Hao , Song Pengfei , Wu Qiyang , Zhao Chen , Pan Peng , Li Xiao , Li-Jessen Nicole Y. K. , Liu Xinyu
Published: September 2019

Smart fluid manipulation with automatically controlled paper valves will enable automated and multi-step immunoassays on paper-based microfluidic devices. In this work, we present an integrated paper-based microfluidic platform with shape-memory polymer (SMP)-actuated fluid valves capable of automated colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). A single-layer microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was designed to store all the reagents on the chip, and sequentially transfer reagents to a paper test zone following a specific ELISA protocol through automatic fluidic flow control by the multiple SMP-actuated valves. The actuation of a paper valve was based on the thermally responsive, duel-state shape transformation of a SMP sheet attached to the root of a paper cantilever beam for driving a hydrophilic paper bridge to connect and disconnect two paper channels. A portable colorimetric reader was developed to control the on-chip valve operations, quantify the colorimetric signal output, display the assay result, and wirelessly transmit the data to a smart phone for the application of telemedicine. Reliable operations of the paper valve and the entire μPAD were demonstrated with success rates of 97% and 93%, respectively. A detection mechanism for valve malfunction was designed and confirmed effective to identify any mal-operation of individual valves, thus rendering our platform reliable in real assays. For device calibration, we conducted direct ELISAs of rabbit IgG in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 27 pM (comparable to that of standard and paper-based ELISAs). In order to demonstrate the clinical application of our multi-step immunoassay platform, we also conducted sandwich ELISAs to quantify the protein level of an inflammatory cytokine, namely tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in surgically injured laryngeal tissues of rats. The protein levels of TNF-α were shown similar between the conventional and μPAD ELISAs.
Novel fabrication of soft microactuators with morphological computing using soft lithography
Authors: Tyagi Manav , Pan Jingle , Jager Edwin W. H.
Published: September 2019

A simple and cost-effective method for the patterning and fabrication of soft polymer microactuators integrated with morphological computation is presented. The microactuators combine conducting polymers to provide the actuation, with spatially designed structures for a morphologically controlled, user-defined actuation. Soft lithography is employed to pattern and fabricate polydimethylsiloxane layers with geometrical pattern, for use as a construction element in the microactuators. These microactuators could obtain multiple bending motions from a single fabrication process depending on the morphological pattern defined in the final step. Instead of fabricating via conventional photolithography route, which involves multiple steps with different chromium photomasks, this new method uses only one single design template to produce geometrically patterned layers, which are then specifically cut to obtain multiple device designs. The desired design of the actuator is decided in the final step of fabrication. The resulting microactuators generate motions such as a spiral, screw, and tube, using a single design template.
Calcium: magnesium intake ratio and colorectal carcinogenesis, results from the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial
Authors: Zhao Jing , Giri Ayush , Zhu Xiangzhu , Shrubsole Martha J. , Jiang Yixing , Guo Xingyi , Ness Reid , Seidner Douglas L. , Giovannucci Edward , Edwards Todd L. , Dai Qi
Published: September 2019

Background

We aimed to evaluate the associations between calcium and various stages of colorectal carcinogenesis and whether these associations are modified by the calcium to magnesium (Ca:Mg) ratio.

Methods

We tested our hypotheses in the prostate lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer screening trial.

Results

Calcium intake did not show a dose–response association with incident adenoma of any size/stage (P-trend = 0.17), but followed an inverse trend when restricted to synchronous/advanced adenoma cases (P-trend = 0.05). This inverse trend was mainly in participants with Ca:Mg ratios between 1.7 and 2.5 (P-trend = 0.05). No significant associations were observed for metachronous adenoma. Calcium intake was inversely associated with CRC (P-trend = 0.03); the association was primarily present for distal CRC (P-trend = 0.01). The inverse association between calcium and distal CRC was further modified by the Ca:Mg ratio (P-interaction < 0.01); significant dose–response associations were found only in participants with a Ca:Mg ratio between 1.7 and 2.5 (P-trend = 0.04). No associations for calcium were found in the Ca:Mg ratio above 2.5 or below 1.7.

Conclusion

Higher calcium intake may be related to reduced risks of incident advanced and/or synchronous adenoma and incident distal CRC among subjects with Ca:Mg intake ratios between 1.7 and 2.5.
Protein kinase C inhibitors override ZEB1-induced chemoresistance in HCC
Authors: Sreekumar Rahul , Emaduddin Muhammad , Al-Saihati Hajir , Moutasim Karwan , Chan James , Spampinato Marcello , Bhome Rahul , Yuen Ho Ming , Mescoli Claudia , Vitale Alessandro , Cillo Umberto , Rugge Massimo , Primrose John , Hilal Mohammad Abu , Thirdborough Stephen , Tulchinsky Eugene , Thomas Gareth , Mirnezami Alex , Sayan A. Emre
Published: September 2019

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which tumour cells lose epithelial characteristics, become mesenchymal and highly motile. EMT pathways also induce stem cell features and resistance to apoptosis. Identifying and targeting this pool of tumour cells is a major challenge. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition has been shown to eliminate breast cancer stem cells but has never been assessed in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). We investigated ZEB family of EMT inducer expression as a biomarker for metastatic HCC and evaluated the efficacy of PKC inhibitors for HCC treatment. We showed that ZEB1 positivity predicted patient survival in multiple cohorts and also validated as an independent biomarker of HCC metastasis. ZEB1-expressing HCC cell lines became resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and were enriched in CD44high/CD24low cell population. ZEB1- or TGFβ-induced EMT increased PKCα abundance. Probing public databases ascertained a positive association of ZEB1 and PKCα expression in human HCC tumours. Inhibition of PKCα activity by small molecule inhibitors or by PKCA knockdown reduced viability of mesenchymal HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that ZEB1 expression predicts survival and metastatic potential of HCC. Chemoresistant/mesenchymal HCC cells become addicted to PKC pathway and display sensitivity to PKC inhibitors such as UCN-01. Stratifying patients according to ZEB1 and combining UCN-01 with conventional chemotherapy may be an advantageous chemotherapeutic strategy.