bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The first Neolithic roundel discovered in Poland reinterpreted with the application of the geophysical Amplitude Data Comparison (ADC) method
Authors: Welc Fabian , Nebelsick Luis D. , Wach Dariusz
Published: June 2019

This article presents the results of a three‐dimensional (3D) stratigraphic analysis of a Neolithic roundel in Bodzów (south‐western Poland) with the application of the Amplitude Data Comparison (ADC) method. The ADC method is based on the comparison of magnetic amplitude records (in nanoteslas) with corresponding ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) reflection profiles. Thus, it is possible to analyse the 3D aspects of buried features based on GPR images and their composition from magnetic readings. In other words, the ADC method can be used to provide a more complete understanding of buried archaeological objects and structures detected by geophysical surveys using GPR and magnetic (gradiometer) methods. The surveys performed in Bodzów have indicated that the Neolithic roundel located there had a multiphase development and thus is perfectly suitable for a study with the application of the ADC method. The performed ADC analysis indicates that there were three gates leading to the roundel interior. Positions of prehistoric storage and dwelling pits, and other settlement features were also detected and interpreted. Clusters of these features are located both inside and outside the roundel, which suggests that people lived within the site during different periods. In the southern part of the roundel, GPR reflection profiles and associated magnetic readings point to the presence of V‐shaped shallow ditches, which may date back to the early Iron Age, as well as an extensive Pleistocene fluvial channel and associated geological features, which is very clearly marked on GPR maps.
Predicting aggression to others in youth with autism using a wearable biosensor
Authors: Goodwin Matthew S. , Mazefsky Carla A. , Ioannidis Stratis , Erdogmus Deniz , Siegel Matthew
Published: June 2019

Unpredictable and potentially dangerous aggressive behavior by youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can isolate them from foundational educational, social, and familial activities, thereby markedly exacerbating morbidity and costs associated with ASD. This study investigates whether preceding physiological and motion data measured by a wrist‐worn biosensor can predict aggression to others by youth with ASD. We recorded peripheral physiological (cardiovascular and electrodermal activity) and motion (accelerometry) signals from a biosensor worn by 20 youth with ASD (ages 6–17 years, 75% male, 85% minimally verbal) during 69 independent naturalistic observation sessions with concurrent behavioral coding in a specialized inpatient psychiatry unit. We developed prediction models based on ridge‐regularized logistic regression. Our results suggest that aggression to others can be predicted 1 min before it occurs using 3 min of prior biosensor data with an average area under the curve of 0.71 for a global model and 0.84 for person‐dependent models. The biosensor was well tolerated, we obtained useable data in all cases, and no users withdrew from the study. Relatively high predictive accuracy was achieved using antecedent physiological and motion data. Larger trials are needed to further establish an ideal ratio of measurement density to predictive accuracy and reliability. These findings lay the groundwork for the future development of precursor behavior analysis and just‐in‐time adaptive intervention systems to prevent or mitigate the emergence, occurrence, and impact of aggression in ASD. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1286–1296. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Unpredictable aggression can create a barrier to accessing community, therapeutic, medical, and educational services. The present study evaluated whether data from a wearable biosensor can be used to predict aggression to others by youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results demonstrate that aggression to others can be predicted 1 min before it occurs with high accuracy, laying the groundwork for the future development of preemptive behavioral interventions and just‐in‐time adaptive intervention systems to prevent or mitigate the emergence, occurrence, and impact of aggression to others in ASD.
Exploring classification of birth defects severity in national hospital discharge databases compared to an active surveillance program
Authors: Matas Jennifer L. , Agana Denny Fe G. , Germanos George J. , Hansen Michael A. , Modak Sanjukta , Tanner Jean Paul , Langlois Peter H. , Salemi Jason L.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To explore the extent to which the severity of birth defects could be differentiated using severity of illness (SOI) and risk of mortality (ROM) measures available in national discharge databases.

Methods

Data from the 2012–14 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify hospitalizations with one or more major birth defects reported annually to the National Birth Defects Prevention Network using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) diagnosis codes. Each hospitalization also contained a 4‐level SOI and 4‐level ROM classification measure. For each birth defect and for each individual birth defect‐related ICD‐9‐CM code, we calculated mean and median SOI and ROM, the proportion of hospitalizations in each level of SOI and ROM, the inpatient mortality rate, and level of agreement between various existing or derived severity proxies in the NIS and the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR).

Results

Mean SOI ranged from 1.5 (cleft lip alone) to 3.7 (single ventricle), and mean ROM ranged from 1.1 (cleft lip alone) to 3.9 (anencephaly). As a group, critical congenital heart defects had the highest average number of co‐occurring defects, mean SOI, and ROM, whereas orofacial and genitourinary defects had the lowest SOI and ROM. We found strong levels of agreement between TBDR severity classifications and NIS severity classifications defined using Level 3 or 4 SOI or ROM Level 3 or 4.

Conclusions

This preliminary investigation demonstrated how severity indices of birth defects could be differentiated and compared to a severity algorithm of an existing surveillance program.
Post‐Transcriptional Noise Control
Authors: Hansen Maike M. K. , Weinberger Leor S.
Published: June 2019

Recent evidence indicates that transcriptional bursts are intrinsically amplified by messenger RNA cytoplasmic processing to generate large stochastic fluctuations in protein levels. These fluctuations can be exploited by cells to enable probabilistic bet‐hedging decisions. But large fluctuations in gene expression can also destabilize cell‐fate commitment. Thus, it is unclear if cells temporally switch from high to low noise, and what mechanisms enable this switch. Here, the discovery of a post‐transcriptional mechanism that attenuates noise in HIV is reviewed. Early in its life cycle, HIV amplifies transcriptional fluctuations to probabilistically select alternate fates, whereas at late times, HIV utilizes a post‐transcriptional feedback mechanism to commit to a specific fate. Reanalyzing various reported post‐transcriptional negative feedback architectures reveals that they attenuate noise more efficiently than classic transcriptional autorepression, leading to the derivation of an assay to detect post‐transcriptional motifs. It is hypothesized that coupling transcriptional and post‐transcriptional autoregulation enables efficient temporal noise control to benefit developmental bet‐hedging decisions.
An undergraduate laboratory module that uses the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate frameshift mutations in yeast
Authors: de Waal Eric , Tran Thomas , Abbondanza Domenic , Dey Arup , Peterson Celeste
Published: June 2019

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful tool for gene editing and it has become increasingly important for biology students to understand this emerging technique. Most CRISPR laboratory teaching modules use complex metazoan systems or mammalian cell culture which can be expensive. Here, we present a lab module that engages students in learning the fundamentals of CRISPR/Cas9 methodology using the simple and inexpensive model system, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Students use CRISPR/Cas9 and nonhomologous end joining to generate frameshift insertion and deletion mutations in the CAN1 gene, which are easily selected for using media plates that have canavanine. DNA sequencing is also performed to determine what type of mutation occurred in gene‐edited cells. This easy to implement set of experiments has been run as both a 5‐week and a shorter 3‐week lab module. Learning assessments demonstrate increased understanding in CRISPR‐related concepts as well as increased confidence using molecular techniques. Thus, this CRISPR/Cas9 lab module can be added to an existing Genetics, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology lab course to help undergraduate students learn current gene editing techniques with limited effort and cost. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(5):573–580, 2019.
Lack of association between serum homocysteine level and middle cerebral artery stenosis
Authors: Zhou Haitao , Huang Chao , Liu Ruihua , Liu Chao , Ma Congmin , Ren Xiangyang
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Lowering homocysteine (HCY) has beneficial effects on vascular events in primary prevention but not in secondary prevention. Research on serum HCY level and middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis is lacking. The purpose of the study was to determine the association between these factors and provide more evidence for the prevention of ischemic stroke.

Methods

A total of 412 patients (35–93 years old) in the Neurology Department were recruited. Data of clinical and biochemical vascular risk factors were collected. MCA stenosis, including M1, M2, and M3, was determined by brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and classified into stenosis or no stenosis. The differences and associations were analyzed by relevant statistical methods.

Results

There was no significant difference (p = 0.325) in HCY levels between the MCA stenosis and no stenosis groups at baseline. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there was no significant association between HCY levels and MCA stenosis (p = 0.447). After the two groups were matched for age and sex, there was still no difference (p = 0.540 for males and 0.061 for females) or association (p = 0.709 for males and 0.098 for females). In addition, we found that ischemic stroke was more prevalent in the MCA stenosis group and uric acid was higher in males with MCA stenosis.

Conclusions

The study indicates a lack of association between serum HCY level and MCA stenosis, which may partially explain the negative results of secondary prevention clinical trials focused on lowering serum HCY level. Future studies on HCY reduction should focus more on primary prevention of ischemic stroke.
Chief executive officer attributes, sustainable performance, environmental performance, and environmental reporting: New insights from upper echelons perspective
Authors: Shahab Yasir , Ntim Collins G. , Chen Yugang , Ullah Farid , Li Hai‐Xia , Ye Zhiwei
Published: June 2019

This study examines the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) attributes on sustainable performance, environmental performance, and environmental reporting, which are motivated by institutionally driven environmental policies, regulations, and management in the context of Chinese listed firms. With the use of a comprehensive dataset of 2,854 Chinese listed firms over the 2010–2017 period (i.e., making over 16,000 individual firm‐year observations), our findings are fourfold. First, our overall findings reveal that CEOs with research background tend to engage more in activities that improve sustainable performance, environmental performance, and environmental reporting than do those without research background. Second, CEOs with financial expertise are positively linked with increased sustainable performance and environmental reporting. Third, CEOs with foreign exposure are more eager to engage in activities that enhance sustainable and environmental performance than do those without foreign exposure. Fourth, young CEOs tend to take actions that reduce both sustainable and environmental performance than do their older counterparts. We interpret our results within upper echelons theoretical perspective. The results are robust to alternative measures, potential endogeneities, and sample selection problems.
Electronic medical record‐verified hepatitis C virus screening in a large health system
Authors: Kasting Monica L. , Giuliano Anna R. , Reich Richard R. , Duong Linh M. , Rathwell Julie , Roetzheim Richard G. , Vadaparampil Susan T.
Published: June 2019

Background

Baby boomers are at increased risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and related cancer; therefore, one‐time HCV screening is recommended.

Methods

To assess prevalence of, and factors associated with providers ordering HCV screening, we examined a retrospective cohort of electronic medical records for patient visits from 01 August 2015 until 31 July 2017 in a large health system. HCV screening ordered was examined by patient age, gender, race/ethnicity, provider specialty, and number of clinical visits, stratified by birth cohort: born ≤1945, 1945‐1965 (baby boomers), 1966‐1985, and ≥1985. Multivariable regression identified factors independently associated with HCV screening ordered among average risk baby boomers.

Results

A total of 65 114 patients ages ≥18 years were evaluated. Among baby boomers HCV screening test order increased threefold between the two study years (4.0%‐12.9%). Odds of screening test ordered were significantly higher for non‐Hispanic Blacks (multivariable adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.36; 95% CI = 1.19‐1.55), males (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.33‐1.57), and having a clinic visit with a primary care provider alone or with specialty care (aOR = 3.25‐4.16). Medicare (aOR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.80‐0.99), Medicaid (aOR 0.89; 95% CI 0.80‐0.99), and an unknown provider type (aOR = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.08‐0.33), were associated with lower odds of screening tests ordered.

Conclusions

While the proportion of baby boomers with an HCV screening test ordered increased during the study, the rate of screening remains far below national goals. Data from this study indicate that providers are not ordering HCV screening universally for all of their baby boomer patients. Continued efforts to increase HCV screening are needed to reduce the incidence of HCV‐related morbidity and mortality.
Crosstalk between cancer and immune cells: Role of tumor‐associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Danyang , Cang Huaixing , Guo Bo
Published: June 2019

Tumor microenvironment is a complex system that contains multiple cells and cytokines. Among the multiple immune cells, macrophage is particularly abundant and plays an important role throughout the tumor progression process, namely, tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM) in this special tumor microenvironment. Many kinds of cytokines from TAMs and other immune cells in tumor niche are involved in the linkage of inflammation, immunity and tumorigenesis. Inflammatory responses induced by TAMs are crucial to tumor development of different stages. This review highlights the critical role of TAMs in the linkage of inflammation, immunity, and cancer. It outlines the molecules of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors mainly from TAMs in tumor microenvironment and their functions in tumor development during the major issues of angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and immune suppression. Additionally, the signaling pathways involved in tumor progression and the crosstalk between them are also summarized.
Antiproliferative Activity of Chemically Characterized Propolis from Turkey and Its Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Aru Başak , Güzelmeric Etil , Akgül Aslı , Demirel Gülderen Yanıkkaya , Kırmızıbekmez Hasan
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ethanolic extract of propolis originated from northern Turkey for its antiproliferative, apoptotic and cell cycle arrest promoting effects on MCF7, HGC27, A549 cancer cell lines and a healthy cell line (HUVEC) in terms of DNA content, morphological features, expression of cell cycle checkpoint proteins p21, p53, Cyclin D1 and immune checkpoint protein PD‐L1. The extract showed moderate antiproliferative activity against all tested cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 58.6–90.7 μg/mL in MTS assay. Further studies indicated that propolis extract exerted apoptotic effect on cancer cell lines, promoted cell cycle arrest through activation of p21 and resulted in accumulation at G0/G1 phase of cancer cells. Propolis treatment caused increased cell size, according to fluorescent imaging except for MCF7. HPTLC analysis revealed that 3‐O‐methylquercetin, chrysin, caffeic acid, CAPE, galangin and pinocembrin were the main components of the extract. The amounts of caffeic acid and CAPE in the extract were found to be 5.5 and 11.1 mg/g, respectively, by a validated HPLC method. Our study is the first one, revealing effect of propolis on PD‐L1 expression on certain cancer cell lines.
Effect of Operating Parameters on Gas‐Solid Hydrodynamics and Heat Transfer in a Spouted Bed
Authors: Luo Kun , Lin Junjie , Wang Shuai , Hu Chenshu , Fan Jianren
Published: June 2019

Through a combined computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method approach, the effect of the operating parameters on the hydrodynamics and heat‐transfer properties of gas‐solid two‐phase flows in a spouted bed are extensively investigated. Considering the high velocity in the fountain region, gas turbulence is resolved by employing the large‐eddy simulation. The rolling friction model is adopted for more precise predictions of solid behavior near the wall. Subsequently, the gas‐solid flow patterns, gas‐solid velocities, and temperature evolution are investigated. Moreover, different operating conditions and geometry configurations are evaluated with respect to heat‐transfer performance. The results provide a fundamental understanding of heat‐transfer mechanisms in spouted beds.
Acyclic Stereocontrol in the Additions of Nucleophilic Alkenes to α‐Chiral N‐Sulfonyl Imines
Authors: Moore Lucas C. , Lo Anna , Fell Jason S. , Duong Matthew R. , Moreno Jose A. , Rich Barry E. , Bravo Martin , Fettinger James C. , Souza Lucas W. , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Houk Kendall N. , Shaw Jared T.
Published: June 2019

Diastereoselective Lewis acid‐mediated additions of nucleophilic alkenes to N‐sulfonyl imines are reported. The canonical polar Felkin–Anh model describing additions to carbonyls does not adequately describe analogous additions to N‐sulfonyl imines. Herein, we describe the development of conditions to produce both syn and anti products with high diastereoselectivity and good yields. A stereoelectronic model consistent with experimental outcomes is also proposed.
Preoperative PET/CT does not accurately detect extrauterine disease in patients with newly diagnosed high‐risk endometrial cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Stewart Katherine I. , Chasen Beth , Erwin William , Fleming Nicole , Westin Shannon N. , Dioun Shayan , Frumovitz Michael , Ramirez Pedro T. , Lu Karen H. , Wong Franklin , Aloia Thomas A. , Soliman Pamela T.
Published: June 2019

Background

The identification of extrauterine disease is critical to the management of patients with high‐risk endometrial cancer. The purpose of the current study was to determine the accuracy of preoperative positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in the detection of extrauterine disease.

Methods

Women with high‐risk endometrial cancer were enrolled prospectively and underwent preoperative PET/CT followed by surgery, including sentinel lymph node biopsy and lymphadenectomy. Primary tumor factors on PET/CT were correlated with lymph node pathology. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for the detection of lymphadenopathy and peritoneal disease by PET/CT.

Results

A total of 112 patients were enrolled and underwent PET/CT between April 2013 and May 2016, 108 of whom were evaluable. On PET/CT, 21 patients (19.4%) were found to have extrauterine disease, 18 (17%) had positive lymph nodes, and 8 (7%) had peritoneal disease. A total of 108 patients underwent surgery, 103 of whom (95%) underwent lymphadenectomy. The sensitivity of PET/CT to detect positive lymph nodes was 45.8%, with a specificity of 91.1%, positive predictive value of 61.1%, and negative predictive value of 84.7%. The false‐negative rate was 54.2%. There was no difference in primary tumor characteristics on imaging noted between patients with positive and negative lymph nodes. The sensitivity of PET/CT to detect peritoneal disease was 37.5%, with a specificity of 97.8%, positive predictive value of 75%, and negative predictive value of 90.0%. The false‐negative rate was 62.5%.

Conclusions

Preoperative PET/CT did not reliably predict the presence of extrauterine disease in women with high‐risk endometrial cancer. Given the high false‐negative rates, PET/CT should not be used in the preoperative treatment planning of these patients.
Co‐expression of opsins in the eye photoreceptor cells of the terrestrial slug Limax valentianus
Authors: Matsuo Ryota , Koyanagi Mitsumasa , Nagata Akane , Matsuo Yuko
Published: June 2019

Visual opsins coupled with Gq‐type G protein have been considered to be responsible for the vision in mollusks. Recent transcriptomic studies, however, revealed the presence of opsin mRNA belonging to different groups of opsin subfamilies in the eyes of mollusks. In the present study, we found that at least three different opsins, Gq‐coupled rhodopsin, opsin5A, and xenopsin, are co‐expressed in the rhabdomeric photoreceptor cell in the eyes of the terrestrial slug Limax valentianus. These opsins were all localized to the microvilli of the rhabdomere. Co‐expression of rhodopsin and opsin5A mRNA was also demonstrated by dual fluorescence in situ hybridization. Co‐expression of multiple opsins in the rhabdomeric photoreceptors cells may explain the previously reported shift in the action spectra of the electroretinogram of eyes of Limax flavus between the light‐ and dark‐adapted states, which was also reproduced in the present study in L. valentianus.
Cell type specific impact of cannabinoid receptor signaling in somatosensory barrel map formation in mice
Authors: Hedrich Jana , Angamo Eskedar A. , Conrad Andrea , Lutz Beat , Luhmann Heiko J.
Published: June 2019

Endocannabinoids and their receptors are highly abundant in the developing cerebral cortex and play major roles in early developmental processes, for example, neuronal proliferation, migration, and axonal guidance as well as postnatal plasticity. To investigate the role of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) in the formation of sensory maps in the cerebral cortex, the topographic representation of the whiskers in the primary somatosensory cortex (barrel field) of adult mice with different cell type specific genetic deletion of CB1 was studied. A constitutive absence of CB1 (CB1‐KO) significantly decreased the total area of the somatosensory cortical map, affecting barrel, and septal areas. Cell specific CB1 deletion in dorsal telencephalic glutamatergic neurons only (Glu‐CB1‐KO) or in both glutamatergic and forebrain GABAergic neurons (Glu/GABA‐CB1‐KO) resulted in an increased septa area in the barrel field map. No significant modifications in area parameters could be observed in GABA‐CB1‐KO mice. These data demonstrate that CB1 signaling especially in cortical glutamatergic neurons is essential for the development of topographic maps in the cerebral cortex.
Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity in the developing avian retina
Authors: de Mera‐Rodríguez José Antonio , Álvarez‐Hernán Guadalupe , Gañán Yolanda , Martín‐Partido Gervasio , Rodríguez‐León Joaquín , Francisco‐Morcillo Javier
Published: June 2019

Background

Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐GAL) histochemistry is the most commonly used biomarker of cellular senescence. These SA‐β‐GAL‐positive cells are senescent embryonic cells that are usually removed by apoptosis from the embryo, followed by macrophage‐mediated clearance.

Results

Some authors have proposed that SA‐β‐GAL activity in differentiated neurons from young and adult mammals cannot be uniquely attributed to cell senescence, whether in vivo or in vitro. Using the developing visual system of the chicken as a model, the present study found that SA‐β‐GAL detected in the developing retina corresponded to lysosomal β‐galactosidase activity, and that SA‐β‐GAL activity did not correlate with the chronotopographical distribution of apoptotic cells. However, SA‐β‐GAL staining in the undifferentiated retina coincided with the appearance of early differentiating neurons. In the laminated retina, SA‐β‐GAL staining was concentrated in the ganglion, amacrine, and horizontal cell layers. The photoreceptors and pigment epithelial cells also exhibited SA‐β‐GAL activity throughout retinal development. We have also found that SA‐β‐GAL staining strongly correlated p21 immunoreactivity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results clearly show that SA‐β‐GAL activity cannot be regarded as a specific marker of senescence during retinal development, and that it is mainly expressed in subpopulations of postmitotic neurons, which are nonproliferative cells, even at early stages of cell differentiation.
Heterozygosity at neutral and immune loci is not associated with neonatal mortality due to microbial infection in Antarctic fur seals
Authors: Litzke Vivienne , Ottensmann Meinolf , Forcada Jaume , Heitzmann Louise , Ivan Hoffman Joseph
Published: June 2019

Numerous studies have reported correlations between the heterozygosity of genetic markers and fitness. These heterozygosity–fitness correlations (HFCs) play a central role in evolutionary and conservation biology, yet their mechanistic basis remains open to debate. For example, fitness associations have been widely reported at both neutral and functional loci, yet few studies have directly compared the two, making it difficult to gauge the relative contributions of genome‐wide inbreeding and specific functional genes to fitness. Here, we compared the effects of neutral and immune gene heterozygosity on death from bacterial infection in Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) pups. We specifically developed a panel of 13 microsatellites from expressed immune genes and genotyped these together with 48 neutral loci in 234 individuals, comprising 39 pups that were classified at necropsy as having most likely died of bacterial infection together with a five times larger matched sample of healthy surviving pups. Identity disequilibrium quantified from the neutral markers was positive and significant, indicative of variance in inbreeding within the study population. However, multilocus heterozygosity did not differ significantly between healthy and infected pups at either class of marker, and little evidence was found for fitness associations at individual loci. These results support a previous study of Antarctic fur seals that found no effects of heterozygosity at nine neutral microsatellites on neonatal survival and thereby help to refine our understanding of how HFCs vary across the life cycle. Given that nonsignificant HFCs are underreported in the literature, we also hope that our study will contribute toward a more balanced understanding of the wider importance of this phenomenon.
Morphometric convergence among European sand gobies in freshwater (Gobiiformes: Gobionellidae)
Authors: Thacker Christine E. , Gkenas Christos
Published: June 2019

The five genera of sand gobies inhabit the seas and freshwaters of Europe and western Asia and occupy habitats ranging from fully marine to exclusively freshwater. In this study, we use geometric morphometrics to quantify body shape among sand gobies, in order to investigate how shape has evolved and how it is related to habitat. We also compare body shape between preserved museum specimens and fresh specimens, to determine whether or not fixation and storage in ethanol introduce detectable bias. We confirm that the fixed specimens exhibit significant shape changes as compared to fresh specimens, and so, we perform the bulk of our analyses exclusively on fixed specimens. We find that Economidichthys, Orsinigobius, and Pomatoschistus occupy distinct regions of morphospace. Knipowitschia and Ninnigobius have intermediate forms that overlap with Pomatoschistus and Orsinigobius, but not Economidichthys. This pattern is also in rough accordance with their habitats: Pomatoschistus is fully marine, Economidichthys fully freshwater, and the others fresh with some brackish tolerance. We augment a recent phylogeny of sand gobies with data for P. quagga and interpret morphometric shape change on that tree. We then evaluate convergence in form among disparate lineages of freshwater species by constructing a phylomorphospace and applying pattern‐based (convevol) measures of convergence. We find that freshwater taxa occupy a mostly separate region of morphospace from marine taxa and exhibit significant convergence in form. Freshwater taxa are characterized by relatively larger heads and stockier bodies than their marine relatives, potentially due to a common pattern of heterochronic size reduction.
Association between vildagliptin and risk of angioedema, foot ulcers, skin lesions, hepatic toxicity, and serious infections in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A European multidatabase, noninterventional, postauthorization safety study
Authors: Williams Rachael , Kothny Wolfgang , Serban Carmen , Lopez‐Leon Sandra , de Vries Frank , Schlienger Raymond
Published: June 2019

Objectives

This noninterventional, multidatabase, analytical cohort study explored whether vildagliptin is associated with an increased risk of specific safety events of interest, namely angioedema, foot ulcers, or skin lesions, adverse hepatic events, or serious infections compared with other noninsulin antidiabetic drugs (NIADs) using real‐world data from five European electronic healthcare databases.

Design

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥18 years on NIAD treatment were included between January 2005 and June 2014. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the outcomes of interest were estimated using negative binomial regression.

Patients

Approximately 2.8% of the included patients (n = 738 054) used vildagliptin at any time during the study, with an average follow‐up time of 1.4 years.

Results

The adjusted IRRs (vildagliptin vs. other NIADs) were in the range of 0.87‐3.71 (angioedema), 0.73‐1.19 (foot ulcers), 0.37‐1.18 (skin lesions), 0.24‐1.14 (composite of foot ulcer or skin lesions), 0.29‐0.55 (serious hepatic events), and 0.59‐1.04 (serious infections), with no lower bound of the 95% CIs > 1.

Conclusions

Overall, there was no increased risk of the events of interest in association with vildagliptin use compared with other NIADs.
Valorisation of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid Phenolics in the Synthesis of UV Absorbers
Authors: Ngwira Kennedy J. , Kühlborn Jonas , Mgani Quintino A. , de Koning Charles B. , Opatz Till
Published: June 2019

With current concerns over the use of fossil resources for chemical synthesis of functional molecules and the effect of current UV absorbers in sunscreens have on the ecosystem, we describe a xylochemical synthesis of different classes of aromatic UV absorbers utilizing cashew nut shell liquid as a non‐edible bio‐renewable carbon source. Hydroxybenzophenones, xanthones, triazines, and flavones were synthesized starting from cardanol or anacardic acid. Several compounds exhibited favorable UVA and UVB absorption characteristics.
Comparative analysis of fractional order PI and integer order PI based controller for hybrid standalone wind energy conversion system
Authors: Jain Anjana , Saravanakumar Rajendran
Published: June 2019

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of fractional order proportional integral (FOPI) and integer order proportional integral (IOPI) controllers for voltage and frequency control of a variable speed hybrid standalone wind energy conversion system. Variations in wind velocity and load introduce the changes in terminal voltage and frequency. This can be controlled by an appropriate controller with satisfactory response. In this work, FOPI controller is proposed for controlling the terminal voltage and frequency. Dual second order generalized integral phase locked loop (DSOGI‐PLL) is utilized to track the system frequency. Fractional‐order controller is implemented for voltage source converter, which makes it robust due to their fractional characteristics. FOPI (PIλ) provides an additional degree of freedom (λ), along with proportional gain (Kp) and integral gain (Ki). The robustness of the controller is validated through simulations in MATLAB/simulink and its performance is compared with IOPI under various operating conditions. The results show that, FOPI based controller is able to maintain the terminal voltage and frequency constant with improved transient response in comparison to IOPI. Finally, performance assessment of the controllers is carried out using performance metrics.
Current research on high‐energy ionizing radiation for wastewater treatment and material synthesis
Authors: Jiang Lei , Iwahashi Hitoshi
Published: June 2019

High‐energy ionizing radiation (HEIR) can be a powerful tool for wastewater treatment and material synthesis in industry owing to its strong ionization ability. However, deficiencies in research data have limited the further use of the HEIR method. This review discusses the research data accumulated within the past 10 years for the application of gamma irradiation, X‐rays, and ion and electron beams. Each section contains a discussion on the effective HEIR doses and possible available mechanisms. This article reviews the most recent information and highlights issues for future investigation, for the purpose of promoting the full use of HEIR technology in industry.
Re‐carbonation by recycling NaOH‐dissolved ethanol solution for carbon dioxide fixation
Authors: Han Sang‐Jun , Han Dae‐Yu , Wee Jung‐Ho
Published: June 2019

Re‐carbonation is investigated using NaOH‐dissolved ethanol. Five hundred mL of recycled filtrates is obtained from a previous carbonation in which 3 g of NaOH has been replenished and dissolved. CO2 is physically absorbed at each re‐carbonation, and the amount decreases with increasing numbers of re‐carbonation repetitions. However, the amount of CO2 chemically absorbed that was consumed in the production of precipitates, such as sodium ethyl carbonates (SEC) and NaHCO3, slightly increases. This is due to the slight water that accumulates with repeated re‐carbonation, which increases the generation of NaHCO3 and the reaction time. The amount of precipitates and SEC composition decrease from the initial carbonation to the 22nd re‐carbonation, and the amount of CO2 fixed in the precipitates is calculated as a maximum of 0.92 g of CO2/g of NaOH at the initial carbonation, which then decreases linearly to 0.56 g of CO2/g of NaOH at the 22nd re‐carbonation. However, 3.16 g of NaHCO3 precipitates is repeatedly obtained from the 23rd re‐carbonation, maintaining an ethanol concentration of 90.33 wt.%. Thus, 0.55 g of CO2/g of NaOH is fixed in this region. Therefore, CO2 can be fixed in the SEC and NaHCO3 precipitates via re‐carbonation using NaOH‐dissolved ethanol.
The influence of sapphire substrate silicon carbide sludge on structural properties of metakaolin‐based geopolymers
Authors: Lo Kang‐Wei , Lin Kae‐Long , Cheng Ta‐Wui , Zhang Bo‐Xuan
Published: June 2019

This study investigated a geopolymerization system focused on the effects of the solid‐to‐liquid ratio (S/L) were ranging from 0.4 to 1.0, which produces geopolymers with various silicon carbide sludge (SCS) replacement levels (0–40 wt. %). The results indicated that the silicon carbide sludge metakaolin‐based (SCSMB) geopolymers increased S/L ratios from 0.8 to 1.0, reducing initial and final setting times. Flexural strength of SCSMB geopolymers of the SL ratio of 0.4 increased rapidly from 1.31 to 1.70 MPa during the early stage of curing (1–14 days). For SCSMB geopolymers with 10–40% SCS replacement, peak of SiOSi bonds for geopolymers at 524 cm−1 shifted to a higher wavenumber of 527 cm−1. 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) showed that SCSMB geopolymer with an SCS replacement ratio of 10% increased S/L ratios from 0.8 to 1.0 (56 days) and increased the fractions of Q4(3Al; 38.2%–38.4%), Q4(2Al; 28.7%–31.7%), and Q4(1Al; 13.7%–14.6%). Moreover, the peak in 29Si NMR spectra shifted to the right side (higher frequency), indicating that an increased number of aluminum tetrahedrons coordinated with silicon tetrahedrons. SCSMB geopolymers with 10% SCS replacement and an S/L ratio of 1.0 yielded highly favorable mechanical characteristics and microstructure.
New magnetic Co3O4/Fe3O4 doped polyaniline nanocomposite for the effective and rapid removal of nitrate ions from ground water samples
Authors: Esmaeili Bidhendi Mehdi , Asadi Zeinab , Bozorgian Alireza , Shahhoseini Ahmad , Gabris Mohammad Ali , Shahabuddin Syed , Khanam Rashmin , Saidur Rahman
Published: June 2019

In the present study, a new nanocomposite of iron/cobalt oxides and magnetic nanoparticle doped with polyaniline (PANI‐Co
3O
4@MNPs) was synthesized and subsequently, evaluated for its potential in decontaminating nitrate ions from ground water. Various important parameters such as pH, mass dosage, adsorption time, initial concentration, and temperature were experimentally investigated. The important surface and chemical properties of PANI‐Co
3O
4@MNPs, such as surface morphology and roughness, composition and chemical structure were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. Finally, the removal of nitrate was assessed using kinetic, adsorption isotherm, and thermodynamic studies to investigate the underlying mechanism of the removal process. Maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 68.96 mg/g for nitrate ions at pH 6, adsorbent dosage 60 mg within 60 min. The kinetic studies and the adsorption isotherms have been well fitted using pseudo first and the Freundlich models respectively whereas the thermodynamic parameters have been described in terms of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy which showed a negative value signifying that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Enhancement of fire retardancy properties of glass fibre–reinforced polyesters composites
Authors: de Freitas Rocha Monique Amaro , Landesmann Alexandre , da Silva Ribeiro Simone Pereira , Martins Raíssa Carvalho
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the fire retardancy properties of glass fibre–reinforced polyester (GFRP) composites with bisphenol‐A vinylester and isophthalic polyester as matrices and low electrical conductivity E‐glass fibres as reinforcement. The fire protection systems tested were alumina trihydrate (ATH), decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDE), and antimony trioxide (Sb2O3). A mass loss cone calorimeter was used to obtain the properties of heat release rate (HRR), peak HRR, total heat released, total mass loss, time to ignition, and time of combustion. Moreover, limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and glow‐wire tests were also performed. The fire tests were carried out in order to investigate if the combination of ATH and DBDE could have “additive,” “antagonistic,” or “synergistic” effects on the flame retardant properties of the GFRP studied in this work. In addition, the influence of the ATH content variation on flame retardant properties was also evaluated. The results indicate that the sole addition of ATH at 47.7 phr could lead to the complete inhibition of the composites ignition, while the materials containing DBDE exhibit ignition and flame propagation in the cone calorimeter test.
Hepatocyte TNF Receptor–Associated Factor 6 Aggravates Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis by Promoting Lysine 6–Linked Polyubiquitination of Apoptosis Signal‐Regulating Kinase 1
Authors: Wang Yutao , Wen Huan , Fu Jiajun , Cai Lin , Li Peng‐Long , Zhao Chang‐Ling , Dong Zhu‐feng , Ma Jun‐peng , Wang Xi , Tian Han , Zhang Yan , Liu Ye , Cai Jingjing , She Zhi‐Gang , Huang Zan , Li Wenhua , Li Hongliang
Published: June 2019

Activation of apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is a key driving force of the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and represents an attractive therapeutic target for NASH treatment. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ASK1 activation in the pathogenesis of NASH remain incompletely understood. In this study, our data unequivocally indicated that hyperactivated ASK1 in hepatocytes is a potent inducer of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation by promoting the production of hepatocyte‐derived factors. Our previous serial studies have shown that the ubiquitination system plays a key role in regulating ASK1 activity during NASH progression. Here, we further demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 6 (TRAF6) promotes lysine 6 (Lys6)‐linked polyubiquitination and subsequent activation of ASK1 to trigger the release of robust proinflammatory and profibrotic factors in hepatocytes, which, in turn, drive HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis. Consistent with the in vitro findings, diet‐induced liver inflammation and fibrosis were substantially attenuated in Traf6
+/– mice, whereas hepatic TRAF6 overexpression exacerbated these abnormalities. Mechanistically, Lys6‐linked ubiquitination of ASK1 by TRAF6 facilitates the dissociation of thioredoxin from ASK1 and N‐terminal dimerization of ASK1, resulting in the boosted activation of ASK1‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2)‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase 14(p38) signaling cascade in hepatocytes. Conclusion: These results suggest that Lys6‐linked polyubiquitination of ASK1 by TRAF6 represents a mechanism underlying ASK1 activation in hepatocytes and a key driving force of proinflammatory and profibrogenic responses in NASH. Thus, inhibiting Lys6‐linked polyubiquitination of ASK1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for NASH treatment.
Long‐Term Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HCV Patients Treated With Direct Acting Antiviral Agents
Authors: Kanwal Fasiha , Kramer Jennifer R. , Asch Steven M. , Cao Yumei , Li Liang , El‐Serag Hashem B.
Published: June 2019

Sustained virologic response (SVR) after direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) holds promise for reducing hepatocellular cancer (HCC). DAAs have recently been available long enough to estimate the long‐term risk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who achieved SVR with DAAs from 129 Veterans Health Administration hospitals between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015, with follow‐up through September 30, 2018. We calculated the overall and quarterly HCC incidence rates. We examined the effect of demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors and the decline or increase of FIB‐4 and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) on HCC risk. Among the 18,076 patients with SVR, 544 incident cases of HCC were diagnosed during the mean 2.9 years of follow‐up. The cumulative 1, 2, and 3‐year risks of HCC were 1.1%, 1.9% and 2.8%, respectively. Cirrhosis was strongly associated with HCC risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 4.13, 95% confidence interval = 3.34‐5.11). The quarterly incidence rate of HCC remained stable between 1.00 and 1.23/100 person‐years (PY) and 1.5 to 2.3/100 PY in patients with cirrhosis. The risk of HCC was the highest in patients who had persistently high FIB‐4/APRI and both with and without cirrhosis. HCC risk fell in patients with cirrhosis who experienced a decrease of FIB‐4/APRI scores yet remained higher than the accepted threshold for HCC surveillance. HCC risk was also higher in patients with alcohol use, older age, and infection with HCV genotype 3. Most patients treated at an early stage of liver fibrosis had a stable low risk. Conclusion: Patients successfully treated with DAAs and at risk of HCC did not regress after 3.6 years of follow‐up. HCC risk remained above the accepted thresholds for surveillance in patients with cirrhosis. These data have important implications for HCC surveillance in cured HCV patients.
A review of pregnancy apps freely available in the Google Play Store
Authors: Brown Hannah M. , Bucher Tamara , Collins Clare E. , Rollo Megan E.
Published: June 2019

Issue addressed

Smartphone apps have emerged as a mode for provision of information to women during pregnancy. More apps are available for pregnancy than for any other medical topic. This review aimed to assess the quality of Android pregnancy apps, including pregnancy‐specific nutrition information.

Methods

A keyword search was conducted in the Google Play Store followed by the screening of app title, app store description and the downloaded app. To be included, apps needed to be free, in English, aimed at pregnant women and contain nutrition information. App quality was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the presence of nutrition topics was reported.

Results

A total of 76 apps were included in the analysis. Mean overall MARS quality score was 3.52 (max 5; SD: 0.58) (“1” = inadequate and “5” = excellent). The functionality subscale scored the highest (mean 4.06) and information scored the lowest (mean 3.23). The median number of pregnancy‐specific nutrition topics per app was four (range: 0‐6), with the most common related to caffeine consumption (n = 55, 72% of apps) and fish intake (n = 53, 69%), although the quality and quantity of nutrition information varied greatly between apps.

Conclusions

Although there are a large number of pregnancy apps available, few are of high quality and most contain only a small number of pregnancy‐focused nutrition topics. It is important to be aware of the limitations of current apps in providing dietary advice during this key life stage.

So what?

The current review does not support the use of freely available android apps currently on the market as an appropriate nutrition resource for pregnant women.
Determinants of individual healthcare expenditure: A cross‐sectional analysis in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Nakovics Meike Irene , Brenner Stephan , Robyn Paul Jacob , Tapsoba Ludovic Deo Gracias , De Allegri Manuela
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Overwhelming evidence suggests that out‐of‐pocket expenditures (OOPEs) hamper access to care and impose a heavy economic burden across sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Still, current user fee reduction and removal policies often target specific groups and services, leaving large sections of the population exposed to OOPE.

Methods

To estimate the magnitude and the determinants of OOPE for curative services in Burkina Faso, we used data from a household survey conducted in 24 districts between October 2013 and March 2014 (n = 7844). Given a context of medical pluralism, we purposely focused on total OOPE irrespective of type of care sought. We used a two‐part regression model to estimate determinants of OOPE.

Results

Nearly 60% of those who reported an illness episode incurred a positive expenditure, with an average amount of 9362.52 FRS CFA per episode (1 USD = 577.94 FRS CFA). The first model revealed that the probability of incurring a positive OOPE was positively associated with perceived illness severity (P < .001), hospitalization (P < .001), and negatively associated with age (P = .026), distance (P = .060), and poorest wealth quintile (P = .054). The second model revealed that the magnitude of OOPE was positively associated with age (P = .087), education (P = .025), being household head (P = .015), having a chronic comorbidity (P = .025), perceived illness severity (P = .029), and hospitalization (P < .001) and negatively associated with symptoms unlikely to lead to adverse outcomes if not attended to in time (P = .056).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that OOPEs remain a problem in Burkina Faso and that broader spectrum policy reforms are urgently needed to ensure adequate financial protection.