bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutation analysis and clinical characterization of Iranian patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I
Authors: Taghikhani Mohammad , Khatami Shohreh , Abdi Mohammad , Hakhamaneshi Mohammad Said , Alaei Mohammad Reza , Zamanfar Daniel , Vakili Rahim
Published: August 2019

Background

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPSI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of α‐l‐iduronidase (IDUA) encoded by the IDUA gene. We examined the mutation spectrum of the IDUA gene to explain the clinical, biochemical, and molecular features in 21 Iranian patients with MPSI.

Methods

Sanger sequencing was used to measure the IDUA gene sequence in the coding region and exon‐intron boundaries. We recorded the clinical findings of studied patients at the first diagnosis of disease and then during the treatment and follow‐up.

Results

Five different missense disease‐causing mutations were determined in our patient groups, indicating 90.48% of detection rate. The most widespread mutation was the p.Y109H, occurring in 15.625% of all alleles, which was reported for the first time in our study. Other frequent mutations were as follows: p.Ser157Pro (12.5%), p.Gly84Arg (12.5%), p.Asp257His (9.375%), and p.Asp301Glu (9.375%). Three ones of them were new missense mutations: p.Ser157Pro, p.Asp257His, and p.Asp301Glu.

Discussion

The results of this study explain the different spectrum of IDUA gene mutations in our patients with MPSI. We introduced here 32 different variants including four new variants: p.Y109H (15.625%), p.S157P (12.5%), p.D257H (9.375%), and p.D301E (9.375%). In this series, there was no relationship between the happening of clinical features and genotype variations and biochemical findings.
A comparative evaluation of Korean MMPI‐A and MMPI‐A‐RF Substance Abuse Scales
Authors: White Jacob V. , Han Kyunghee , Weed Nathan C. , Lim Jeeyoung , Moon Kyungjoo , Yook Keunyoung , Kim Ji‐Hae
Published: August 2019

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to compare psychometric properties of the Substance Abuse (SUB) Scale on the Korean Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Adolescent‐Restructured Form (MMPI‐A‐RF) with those on the Korean MMPI‐A (the Alcohol/Drug Problem Acknowledgment Scale [ACK]), the Alcohol/Drug Problem Proneness Scale [PRO], and the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale‐Revised Scale [MAC‐R]).

Method

Participants consisted of 237 Korean adolescent psychiatric patients whose scores on these measures were compared in terms of internal consistency and predictive validity.

Results

Scores on SUB exhibited superior internal consistency to that of the MMPI‐A substance abuse scales. Further, scores on SUB predicted substance abuse more accurately than did the optimal combination of scores on the MMPI‐A substance abuse scales.

Conclusion

Results provide strong support for the use of the Korean MMPI‐A‐RF SUB scale when assessing substance abuse in Korean youth.
Facilitative interpersonal skills performance test: Psychometric analysis of a German language version
Authors: Munder Thomas , Schlipfenbacher Carina , Toussaint Kyra , Warmuth Mirjam , Anderson Timothy , Gumz Antje
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study aimed at a psychometric analysis of the Facilitative Interpersonal Skills (FIS) performance test, a test of therapist relational skills that has repeatedly been found to predict psychotherapy outcome. We investigated the reliability, unidimensionality, and convergent validity of a German language version and psychometrics relevant for repeated and short assessments.

Method

Thirty‐nine trainee therapists took the FIS performance test and responded to self‐report scales.

Results

Inter‐rater agreement and internal consistency were high. The findings suggest that the FIS is a unidimensional scale. Correlations between the FIS and self‐reported social skills, interpersonal problems, and working involvement were absent to low. FIS performance was independent from specific video stimuli and there was no indication of temporal effects.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the FIS is robust and ready to be used in repeated assessments and in short form. Further conceptual clarification of the FIS is needed.
Effects of Maribavir on P‐Glycoprotein and CYP2D6 in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Song Ivy H. , Ilic Katarina , Murphy Joseph , Lasseter Kenneth , Martin Patrick
Published: August 2019

Maribavir is an investigational drug being evaluated in transplant recipients with cytomegalovirus infection. To understand potential drug‐drug interactions, we examined the effects of multiple doses of maribavir on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) activity using probe substrates in healthy volunteers. During this phase 1 open‐label study (NCT02775240), participants received the probe substrates digoxin (0.5 mg) and dextromethorphan (30 mg) before and after maribavir (400 mg twice daily for 8 days). Serial plasma samples were analyzed for digoxin, dextromethorpha, dextrorphan, and maribavir concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated (noncompartmental analysis) and analyzed with a linear mixed‐effects model for treatment comparison to estimate geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs). CYP2D6 polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 17 of 18 participants (94.4%) completed the study. All participants were genotyped as CYP2D6 intermediate/extensive metabolizers. GMR (90%CI) of digoxin Cmax, AUClast, and AUC0‐∞ with and without maribavir was 1.257 (1.139‐1.387), 1.187 (1.088‐1.296), and 1.217 (1.110‐1.335), respectively, outside the “no‐effect” window (0.8‐1.25). GMR (90%CI) of dextromethorphan AUClast and AUClast ratio of dextromethorphan/dextrorphan were 0.877 (0.692‐1.112) and 0.901 (0.717‐1.133), respectively, marginally outside the no‐effect window, although large variability was observed in these pharmacokinetic parameters. Pharmacokinetic parameters of dextrorphan were unaffected. Maribavir inhibited P‐gp activity but did not affect CYP2D6 activity. Maribavir's effect on the pharmacokinetics of P‐gp substrates should be evaluated individually, and caution should be exercised with P‐gp substrates with narrow therapeutic windows.
Global celebrities' effect on health awareness among Jordanians: A study using the case of Angelina Jolie
Authors: Al‐Hussaini Maysa , Ammar Khawlah , Kasasbeh Nour , Sultan Hala , Al‐Omari Amal
Published: August 2019

Celebrities' health decisions have long been associated with heightened awareness and health trend changes. This is the first study conducted in an Arab population investigating the impact of international celebrity news on local communities using the case of Angelia Jolie's (AJ) prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy surgeries. The objective was to measure the effect of publicized medical information on cancer genetic testing knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This is a cross‐sectional study using a semi‐structured, self‐administered questionnaire for clinic visitors at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC). We had predominantly female (n = 262, 66.3%) and healthy participants (n = 248, 66.5%). Approximately 80.7% (n = 330) recognized AJ, the actress, and of these, 71% (n = 232) were aware of her recent diagnosis and prophylactic surgeries. Males reported a higher knowledge score (p < .001). However, females had more initiative to seek information (18.3% vs. 10.1%; p = .04). People aware of Angelina's prophylactic procedures were inclined to seek information regarding cancer genetics (20.8% vs. 9.6% p = .003). Breast and ovarian cancer patients were more likely than other cancer patients to encourage family members to undergo prophylactic surgery in case of BRCA1/2 mutations (39.2% vs. 17.1% p = .03). Ninety‐three percent of the sample lacked knowledge regarding the availability of cancer genetic testing in Jordan. Results highlight a clear effect of celebrity medical news on our population, as well as openness to consider genetic testing as an early detection tool for women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Generalization of these results to the population of Jordan requires further studies.
Possible regenerative effects of fingolimod (FTY720) in multiple sclerosis disease: An overview on remyelination process
Authors: Yazdi Azadeh , Ghasemi‐Kasman Maryam , Javan Mohammad
Published: August 2019

Fingolimod (FTY720) is a sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor analog, which has been approved as an oral immunomodulator for treating relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. This drug prevents lymphocyte egression from lymph nodes and reduces the infiltration of inflammatory mediators into the central nervous system. Based on its lipophilic nature, FTY720 passes through the blood–brain barrier and can directly affect neural cells. A notably different subtype of S1P receptors expresses in neural cells, which suggests FTY720 is a drug capable of affecting neural cells. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are considered as the primary target cells in MS. Remyelination is a process including the proliferation of neural progenitors and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, their migration to the lesion site and their differentiation to mature oligodendrocytes. Experimental and clinical studies have described the impact of FTY720 on endogenous remyelination elements. In this review, we will explain the current clinical and experimental evidence that exists on the effects of FTY720 on remyelination and the underlying mechanisms.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and post‐stroke depression
Authors: Zhang Eric , Liao Ping
Published: August 2019

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is well known to play a critical role in cognition. Its role in mood disorders, including post stroke depression (PSD), is also recognized with more evidence surfacing. In patients with PSD, their serum BNDF level is lower than in those without depression. Furthermore, antidepressants could enhance BDNF expression in the brain, resulting in an alleviation of depression symptoms. Such therapeutic effect can be abolished in animals with the BDNF gene deleted. In PSD patients, the presence of stroke may contribute to the development of depression, including affecting the expression of BDNF. However, the mechanisms of BDNF in the development of PSD remain largely unknown. Lower BDNF levels may have existed in some patients before stroke onset, making them vulnerable to develop depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, the hypoxic environment induced by stroke could possibly downregulate BDNF expression in the brain. Current antidepressant treatments are not specific for PSD and there is a lack of treatments to address the linkage between stroke and PSD. This review summarizes the current knowledge of BDNF in PSD. By regulating BDNF expression, a synergistic effect may be achieved when such treatments are applied together with existing antidepressants.
Analytical strategy for representative subsampling of Raman‐based robotic planetary exploration missions: The case study of solid dispersions of β‐carotene and L‐cysteine in gypsum
Authors: Demaret Lucas , Hutchinson Ian B. , Eppe Gauthier , Malherbe Cédric
Published: August 2019

Raman spectroscopy is a commonly applied technique for identifying the molecular nature of the constituents of solid samples. However, the quantification of the intensity associated with a particular molecular solute in solid dispersions requires analytical strategies to integrate the possible microheterogeneity in terms of composition. Many quantitative applications of solid dispersions rely on large spectral datasets. However, analytical procedures with limited data acquisition must be developed in preparation for future robotic planetary exploration missions or for field applications on earth, both of which involve miniaturised instrumentation. Based on statistical models, we evaluate the minimum number of spectra required to deliver robust data for quantitative measurements associated with differing concentrations of β‐carotene or L‐cysteine dispersed in gypsum. In this respect, reference materials were prepared, and we investigated an analytical methodology based on a large, automated multipoint scanning approach enabling the representative interrogation of the samples. We demonstrate from a comprehensive and reproducible model that the intensity associated with different organic contents within a mineral matrix can be estimated from a reduced number of spectra. Calibration curves were established for our reference dispersions of L‐cysteine in gypsum in the range 1–10 wt%, using both confocal benchtop and nonconfocal miniaturised portable instruments. We propose a reference system and a Raman analytical strategy, that is, adaptable for planetary exploration constraints, and which allows quantitative comparison of performance of instrumentation in terms of signal detection.
Preparation and antagonistic effect of ACE inhibitory peptide from cashew
Authors: Shu Yang , Cao Xian‐Ying , Chen Jian
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides were found to alleviate acute hepatitis significantly. In this study, we purified and identified ACE inhibitory peptide from cashew to evaluate its protective role on alcohol‐induced acute hepatitis in mice.

RESULTS

The ACE inhibitory peptides were purified by using consecutive chromatographic techniques. One of these peptides (FETISFK) exhibited the highest ACE inhibition rate (91.04 ± 0.31%). In vivo, the results showed that ACE inhibitory peptide decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) caused by alcohol exposure. Moreover, it could increase the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and decrease the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). It was also found to down‐regulate markedly the expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). It could also decrease the expression of ACE, angiotensin II (AngII) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R).

CONCLUSION

These findings support the view that the ACE inhibitory peptide alleviated acute hepatitis by down‐regulating the ACE–AngII–AT1R axis, broadening the research approach to prevent acute hepatitis, and providing experimental data for the development and utilization of cashews. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlation Between Peak Nasal Flow Reversibility and Mucociliary Clearance in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kirtsreesakul Virat , Leelapong Jitanong , Ruttanaphol Suwalee
Published: August 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Reversibility of nasal airflow after decongestion measured by rhinomanometry is associated with the severity of allergic inflammation. Peak nasal flow is a simpler alternative method for assessing nasal patency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between changes in peak nasal expiratory and inspiratory flows (PNEFs and PNIFs) after decongestion and nasal mucociliary clearance times (NMCCTs).

Study Design

Single‐center, prospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

One hundred one allergic rhinitis patients were enrolled. Nasal symptoms and NMCCTs were assessed. PNEF and PNIF were performed before and after decongestion. Correlations between changes in PNEF and PNIF after decongestion and NMCCTs were analyzed. One‐half the standard deviation of baseline peak nasal flows was used to estimate the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) and discriminate between patients with reversible mucosa and with irreversible mucosa.

Results

PNEF showed more peak flow improvements after decongestion compared to PNIF. Changes in PNEF had better negative correlations with NMCCTs than PNIF (ρ = −0.49, P < .001 and ρ = −0.34, P < .001, respectively). The MCID values of the PNEF and PNIF were 27.93 and 19.74, respectively. In comparisons of NMCCTs between patients with or without MCID of peak nasal flow after decongestion, PNEF had better discrimination ability compared to PNIF (P = .003 and P = .026, respectively).

Conclusions

The limitation of reversibility as measured by peak nasal flows could indirectly point to the affection of mucosal inflammation as indicated by NMCCTs. PNEF is more sensitive to assess peak flow changes after decongestion than PNIF.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 130:1372–1376, 2020
Varied response of underground and aboveground plant matter: functional diversity of three different vegetational types after translocation to reclaimed postindustrial land
Authors: Świerszcz Sebastian , Nobis Marcin , Maślak Magdalena , Smieja Agata , Kojs Paweł , Nowak Sylwia , Nowak Arkadiusz
Published: August 2019

The indicators of functional diversity are increasingly used to assess the conservation effectiveness of the most valuable habitats. However, little is known about the response of functional traits, their diversity, and divergence in plant communities after translocation. To assess how functional diversity changes on dry heath, meadow, and fen after translocation of entire turfs of vegetation from an airport area to the Botanical Garden in Radzionków, we used leaf–height–seed (LHS) traits (specific leaf area, height, and seed mass) and vegetative traits (bud bank size, bud bank depth, and lateral spread). We also measured community weighted means and multifunctional diversity metrics (functional richness, evenness, and divergence) for all the traits and for LHS and vegetative traits separately. On the basis of our results, we found that the most sensitive type of vegetation to changes in functional diversity is meadow, where an increase in functional evenness and divergence were observed. The functional richness increased also for the LHS traits set in meadow plots. The response to the translocation on dry heath was a decline in functional richness and an upswell of functional evenness and divergence of vegetative reproduction traits. Additionally, we observed changes in community weighted means on meadow and dry heath. Fen was the most resistant to alterations in functional diversity after translocation. Despite the changes in functional diversity and community weighted means being significant, the shift in values of particular indices was not considerable. Our results may provide a better insight into function changes in translocated vegetation plots.
Effects of plantation age and precipitation gradient on soil carbon and nitrogen changes following afforestation in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Han Xiaoyang , Gao Guangyao , Li Zongshan , Chang Ruiying , Jiao Lei , Fu Bojie
Published: August 2019

Afforestation of degraded land significantly influences soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN) sequestration. The interaction effects of plantation age and climate gradient on SOC and STN changes following afforestation are not well understood. In this study, five sites were selected along a precipitation gradient (410–600 mm yr−1) in the Loess Plateau. The SOC and STN stocks at a depth of 0–200 cm were measured in cropland and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) forests with different plantation ages, that is, young forest (<15 years), middle‐aged forest (15–25 years), and old forest (>25 years). The SOC and STN stocks in the 0‐ to 200‐cm profiles of young forest, middle‐aged forest, and cropland increased significantly with mean annual precipitation (p < .05), whereas the increasing trend of the SOC stocks of old forest was not significant, indicating an age‐dependent change in the SOC and STN stocks across the precipitation gradient. The SOC stock change (∆SOC) following afforestation increased with mean annual precipitation in young forest, but it had a decreasing trend in middle‐aged and old forests. The STN stock changes (∆STN) in the three forests were negative at most sites, and they all decreased along the precipitation gradient. There were significant positive correlations between ∆SOC and ∆STN (p < .01), and 1‐g STN stock accumulation was accompanied by 8.40‐, 6.10‐, and 10.48‐g SOC accumulation for young forest, middle‐aged forest, and old forest, respectively. The different patterns of SOC and STN stock changes should be incorporated into soil C and N modelling and estimation.
Synthesize Hyperbranched Polymers Carrying Two Reactive Handles via CuAAC Reaction and Thiol–Ene Chemistry
Authors: Naguib Hannah , Cao Xiaosong , Gao Haifeng
Published: August 2019

Structurally defined hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) bearing multiple azido peripheral groups and alkene dangling groups are constructed using the authors' recently developed chain‐growth copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition polymerization (CuAACP) of an alkene‐containing AB2 monomer. Sequential integration of CuAAC and photo‐initiated thiol–ene reactions proves highly efficient and chemo‐selective functionalization of polymers at different placements with quantitative yield of both reactive groups. A variety of HBPs carrying both surface and internal functionalities are then produced, achieving quantitative/ratiometric incorporations of guest molecules in most cases. To demonstrate possible conjugation with bioactive ingredients, well‐defined HBPs decorated with peripheral cysteine moieties are produced as an example, showing pH responsiveness in water.
Evaluating the Performances of Size-Frequency-Based Methods for Estimating Fishing Mortality of Pholis fangi
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhang Chongliang , Sun Ming , Xu Binduo , Xue Ying , Ren Yiping , Chen Yong
Published: August 2019

Age-structured data are commonly needed in stock assessments but are unavailable for the majority of existing fisheries, while fish size (length or weight) data are most readily accessible and carry critical information of population status. However, the performances of assessment methods based on size-frequency data have been less well understood. This study evaluated the reliability of two size-frequency-based assessment methods in R package, s6model and TropFishR, for estimating the exploitation status of one data-poor stock, Pholis fangi in Haizhou Bay, China. We used both simulation and empirical approaches to compare the performances of the two assessment methods in estimating F and Fmsy and examined their robustness to the stochasticity and amount of sampling data. In the simulation test, s6model and TropFishR yielded satisfactorily accurate and consistent estimates of F and Fmsy. In the empirical test, the estimated stock exploitation status varied substantially among seasons. TropfishR and s6model estimated the F/Fmsy to be 2.40 and 2.05 in spring, respectively, indicating remarkable overfishing, and 0.43 and 0.41 in fall, respectively, indicating an optimistic exploitation level. The reflected pattern was consistent with the fishery characteristics of this species. The s6model method was substantially influenced by sample size and might lead to unreasonable estimations in small samples, whereas TropFishR was relatively robust on the changes of sample size. This study highlighted the usefulness of size-frequency methods in guiding fisheries management and provided references for their applications in data-limited situations.
Multiple System Atrophy With Predominant Striatonigral Degeneration and TAR DNA‐Binding Protein of 43 kDa Pathology: An Unusual Variant of Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Nwabuobi Lynda , Tomishon Darya , Shneider Neil A. , Fahn Stanley , Vonsattel Jean Paul , Cortes Etty
Published: August 2019

Background

The pathological hallmark in MSA is oligodendrocytic glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing α‐synuclein, in addition to neuronal loss and astrogliosis especially involving the striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar systems. Rarely, TAR DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43), a component of ubiquitinated inclusions observed mainly in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration has been demonstrated in cases of MSA and, more recently, was shown to colocalize with α‐synuclein pathology in GCIs in 2 patients.

Methods

A 66‐year‐old woman presented with a syndrome characterized by spasticity, dysautonomia, bulbar dysfunction, and parkinsonism. Symptoms progressed until her death at age 74. Neuropathological evaluation was performed at the New York Brain Bank at Columbia University.

Results

On gross examination, there was striking severe volume loss of the left striatum compared to mild involvement of the right striatum. Microscopically, neuronal loss and gliosis of the putamen and globus pallidus were severe on the left side, in contrast to mild involvement on the right side. Immunohistochemistry for α‐synuclein revealed widespread GCIs. The sections subjected to TDP‐43 antibodies showed a few GCIs with definite nucleocytoplasmic translocation of the labeling within the lenticular nucleus and within the paracentral cortex.

Conclusions

This report adds to the evidence that TDP‐43 and α‐synuclein colocalize in GCIs. Whether this coexistence contributes to the pathogenesis of a subset of MSA patients or is an age‐related process is not known. More cases with these peculiar pathological hallmarks might help determine whether TDP‐43 contributes to neurodegeneration in a subset of patients with MSA.
Consumption trends and the warehouse club retail format
Authors: Dukes Anthony , Geylani Tansev , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Since emerging in 1983, warehouse club growth outpaced traditional grocery stores. Individual consumption in the U.S. grew concurrently. We investigate whether there is a connection between the emergence of the warehouse clubs and Americans' unparalleled consumption levels.

Findings

Using standard principles from microeconomics, we postulate that consumers' increasing acquisitiveness is sufficient to explain (a) why warehouse clubs have grown at a faster rate than the traditional retailers and (b) how the emergence of the warehouse club may have accelerated the growth in personal consumption.

Conclusion

Warehouse clubs may have contributed to the rapid growth of Americans' consumption rates.
Three GLI2 mutations combined potentially underlie non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a Chinese pedigree
Authors: Meng Peiqi , Zhao Huaxiang , Huang Wenbin , Zhang Yunfan , Zhong Wenjie , Zhang Mengqi , Jia Peizeng , Zhou Zhibo , Maimaitili Gulibaha , Chen Feng , Zhang Jieni , Lin Jiuxiang
Published: August 2019

Background

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is the most common craniofacial birth defect. Its etiology is complex and it has a lifelong influence on affected individuals. Despite many studies, the pathogenic gene alleles are not completely clear. Here, we recruited a Chinese NSCL/P family and explored the candidate causative variants in this pedigree.

Methods

We performed whole‐exome sequencing on two patients and two unaffected subjects of this family. Variants were screened based on bioinformatics analysis to identify the potential etiological alleles. Species conservation analysis, mutation function prediction, and homology protein modeling were also performed to preliminarily evaluate the influence of the mutations.

Results

We identified three rare mutations that are located on a single chromatid (c.2684C > T_p.Ala895Val, c.4350G > T_p.Gln1450His, and c.4622C > A_p.Ser1541Tyr) in GLI2 as candidate causative variants. All of these three mutations were predicted to be deleterious, and they affect amino acids that are conserved in many species. The mutation c.2684C > T was predicted to affect the structure of the GLI2 protein.

Conclusion

Our results further demonstrate that GLI2 variants play a role in the pathogenesis of NSCL/P, and the three rare missense mutations combined are probably the potential disease‐causing variants in this family.
Existence theory for a system of coupled multi‐term fractional differential equations with integral multi‐strip coupled boundary conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Alghamdi Najla , Alsaedi Ahmed , Ntouyas Sotiris K.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we study a new boundary value problem of coupled nonlinear multi‐term fractional differential equations supplemented with integral multi‐strip coupled boundary conditions. The modern tools of fractional analysis are applied to derive the existence and uniqueness results for the given problem. We emphasize that our results are new and enrich the literature on the topic.
A graphene‐based tunable miniaturized‐element frequency selective surface in terahertz band and its application in high‐isolation multiple‐input multiple‐output system
Authors: Luo Yanbin , Zeng Qingsheng , Yan Xin , Hu Nan , Xie Wenqing , Wu Yong , Lu Qichao , Zhang Xia
Published: August 2019

Graphene is a promising material for terahertz (THz) reconfigurable devices due to the tunability of the surface conductivity. Here, a graphene‐based THz miniaturized‐element tunable band‐stop frequency selective surface (FSS) is demonstrated. The proposed FSS unit cell consists of convoluted metallic strips with graphene embedded between adjacent metallic strips. The center resonance frequency of the stop band shows an obvious blue shift from 1.76 to 2.56 THz when increasing the chemical potential of the graphene from 0 to 0.5 eV. Particularly, the convoluted design leads to an ultra‐small cell dimension of 11.73% of the free space wavelength at resonance frequency (1.76 THz). In addition, the positive role of the proposed FSS in enhancing the isolation of the multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system has been verified through two simple models. This work provides an effective method to design miniaturized‐element graphene‐based tunable FSSs, and gives a simple way to realize high‐isolation MIMO systems.
A fiber‐optic sensor‐based device for the measurement of vaginal integrity in women
Authors: Parkinson Luke A. , Rosamilia Anna , Mukherjee Shayanti , Papageorgiou Anthony W. , Melendez‐Munoz Joan , Werkmeister Jerome A. , Gargett Caroline E. , Arkwright John W.
Published: August 2019

Aims

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) in women are a major public health concern. Current clinical methods for assessing PFDs are either subjective or confounded by interference from intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP). This study introduces an intravaginal probe that can determine distributed vaginal pressure during voluntary exercises and measures the degree of vaginal tissue support independent of IAP fluctuations.

Methods

An intravaginal probe was fabricated with 18 independent fiber‐optic pressure transducers positioned along its upper and lower blades. Continuous pressure measurement along the anterior and posterior vaginal walls during the automated expansion of the probe enabled the resistance of the tissue to be evaluated as a function of displacement, in a manner reflecting the elastic modulus of the tissue. After validation in a simulated vaginal phantom, in vivo measurements were conducted in the relaxed state and during a series of voluntary exercises to gauge the utility of the device in women.

Results

The probe reliably detected variations in the composition of sub‐surface material in the vaginal phantom. During in‐vivo measurements the probe detected distributed tissue elasticity in the absence of IAP change. In addition, the distribution of pressure along both anterior and posterior vaginal walls during cough, Valsalva and pelvic floor contraction was clearly resolved with a large variation observed between subjects.

Conclusions

Our data highlight the potential for the probe to assess the integrity of the vagina wall and support structures as an integrated functional unit. Further in vivo trials are needed to correlate data with clinical findings to assist in the assessment of PFDs.
Analysis of errors in diffusion kurtosis imaging caused by slice crosstalk in simultaneous multi‐slice imaging
Authors: Olson Daniel V. , Nencka Andrew S. , Arpinar Volkan E. , Muftuler L. Tugan
Published: August 2019

Simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) imaging techniques accelerate diffusion MRI data acquisition. However, slice separation is imperfect and results in residual signal leakage between the simultaneously excited slices. The resulting consistent bias may adversely affect diffusion model parameter estimation. Although this bias is usually small and might not affect the simplified diffusion tensor model significantly, higher order diffusion models such as kurtosis are likely to be more susceptible to such effects. In this work, two SMS reconstruction techniques and an alternative acquisition approach were tested to quantify the effects of slice crosstalk on diffusion kurtosis parameters. In reconstruction, two popular slice separation algorithms, slice GRAPPA and split‐slice GRAPPA, are evaluated to determine the effect of slice leakage on diffusion kurtosis metrics. For the alternative acquisition, the slice pairings were varied across diffusion weighted images such that the signal leakage does not come from the same overlapped slice for all diffusion encodings. Simulation results demonstrated the potential benefits of randomizing the slice pairings. However, various experimental factors confounded the advantages of slice pair randomization. In volunteer experiments, region‐of‐interest analyses found high metric errors with each of the SMS acquisitions and reconstructions in the brain white matter.
Design and Testing of a Bending‐Resistant Transparent Nanocoating for Optoacoustic Cochlear Implants
Authors: Griffo Alessandra , Liu Yingying , Mahlberg Riitta , Alakomi Hanna‐L. , Johansson Leena‐S. , Milani Roberto
Published: August 2019

A nanosized coating was designed to reduce fouling on the surface of a new type of cochlear implant relying on optoacoustic stimulation. This kind of device imposes novel design principles for antifouling coatings, such as optical transparency and resistance to significant constant bending. To reach this goal we deposited on poly(dimethylsiloxane) a PEO‐based layer with negligible thickness compared to the curvature radius of the cochlea. Its antifouling performance was monitored upon storage by quartz crystal microbalance, and its resistance upon bending was tested by fluorescence microscopy under geometrical constraints similar to those of implantation. The coating displayed excellent antifouling features and good stability, and proved suitable for further testing in real‐environment conditions.
Robust Aluminum Electrodeposition from Ionic Liquid Electrolytes Containing Light Aromatic Naphta as Additive
Authors: Guinea Elena , Salicio‐Paz Asier , Iriarte Aitor , Grande Hans‐Jürgen , Medina Estíbaliz , García‐Lecina Eva
Published: August 2019

Aluminum electrodeposition can be carried out from several ionic liquid electrolyte formulations. Nevertheless, this plating process has not been industrialized so far because of the durability of the electrolytes and because the Al coatings obtained are non‐fully homogeneous in terms of coating morphology and thickness distribution. In this work we electrodeposited Al coatings from a 3‐butyl‐1‐ethylimidazolium tetrachloroaluminate electrolyte additivated with increasing concentrations of a new cost‐effective additive: light aromatic naphtha solvent. Firstly, electrolytes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, where changes in the electrochemistry of the process were identified. Then, surface characterization showed that Al coatings morphology turned out to be smoother, more homogeneous and more compact with increasing additive concentration. Furthermore, the process was scaled up to flat plates of 18 cm2 area and also on 25 cm2 parts designed with straight corners to demonstrate both the optimization of the electrolytic bath performance and its throwing power enhancement.
NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/poly(arylene ether nitriles) composite film dielectrics with excellent flexibility and high permittivity for organic film capacitors
Authors: Huang Xu , Zeng Jingjing , Yu Hongtao , Wei Xianhua , Pu Linyu , Liu Jingsong
Published: August 2019

Nickel niobate (NiNb2O6) was used to modify the barium titanate (BaTiO3) ceramics, the obtained NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 ceramics possess better dielectric performances than that of raw BaTiO3. By adding NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 into poly(arylene ether nitriles) (PEN) polymer, a series of NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/PEN composite films with different NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 contents were prepared via solution casting method. The morphology, thermal, mechanical, dielectric properties, and flexibility of the obtained NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/PEN composite films were investigated detailedly. As the filler content increases, the tensile modulus of NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/PEN composite films increases gradually, while the tensile strength decreases. Thermal and flexibility analysis shows that the addition of the NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 fillers does not affect the thermal and flexibility properties endowed by the PEN matrix. The dielectric constant of the composites almost linearly increases from 3.7 (1 kHz) to 15.3 (1 kHz) as the filler content increases from 0 to 40 wt%. Besides, results show that NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/PEN composites exhibit higher dielectric constant than that of BaTiO3/PEN. The as‐prepared NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 will be a more promising filler to prepare polymer‐ceramic composites for organic film capacitors.
Comparison of alternative approaches to trim subjects in the tails of the propensity score distribution
Authors: Glynn Robert J. , Lunt Mark , Rothman Kenneth J. , Poole Charles , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Stürmer Til
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In nonexperimental comparative effectiveness research, restricting analysis to subjects with better overlap of covariate distributions, hence greater treatment equipoise, helps balance the groups compared and can improve validity. Three alternative approaches, derived from different perspectives, implement restriction by trimming observations in the tails of the propensity score (PS). Across approaches, we compared the relationships between the overlap in treatment‐specific PS distributions and the size of the balanced study population after trimming.

Methods

The three trimming approaches considered were absolute trimming to the range 0.1<PS<0.9, asymmetric trimming to include subjects in both treatment groups with PS above the 5th percentile of the distribution in the target group and below the 95th percentile in the comparison group, and restriction to preference score values between 0.3 and 0.7. Comparisons of approaches used simulated PSs from beta distributions and two example studies.

Results

The magnitude of the C‐statistic strongly predicted (R2≥.95) the percent of the balanced study population remaining. The balanced study population was largest under trimming at absolute PS levels, unless the target treatment was uncommon. Fewer than half of original study subjects remained after preference score trimming if C≥.80 and after asymmetric trimming if C≥.85. In examples, trimming improved the precision of estimated risk differences and identified apparent treatment effect heterogeneity in the PS tails where covariate balance was limited. Relative amounts of trimming in examples reflected the simulation results.

Conclusions

Study populations with high PS C‐statistics include only small percentages of subjects in whom valid treatment effects are confidently expected.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation episodes derived from electronic health record data validated using clinical trial data
Authors: Sperrin Matthew , Webb David J. , Patel Pinal , Davis Kourtney J. , Collier Susan , Pate Alexander , Leather David A. , Pimenta Jeanne M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To validate an algorithm for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) episodes derived in an electronic health record (EHR) database, against AECOPD episodes collected in a randomized clinical trial using an electronic case report form (eCRF).

Methods

We analyzed two data sources from the Salford Lung Study in COPD: trial eCRF and the Salford Integrated Record, a linked primary‐secondary routine care EHR database of all patients in Salford. For trial participants, AECOPD episodes reported in eCRF were compared with algorithmically derived moderate/severe AECOPD episodes identified in EHR. Episode characteristics (frequency, duration), sensitivity, and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated. A match between eCRF and EHR episodes was defined as at least 1‐day overlap.

Results

In the primary effectiveness analysis population (n = 2269), 3791 EHR episodes (mean [SD] length: 15.1 [3.59] days; range: 14‐54) and 4403 moderate/severe AECOPD eCRF episodes (mean length: 13.8 [16.20] days; range: 1‐372) were identified. eCRF episodes exceeding 28 days were usually broken up into shorter episodes in the EHR. Sensitivity was 63.6% and PPV 71.1%, where concordance was defined as at least 1‐day overlap.

Conclusions

The EHR algorithm performance was acceptable, indicating that EHR‐derived AECOPD episodes may provide an efficient, valid method of data collection. Comparing EHR‐derived AECOPD episodes with those collected by eCRF resulted in slightly fewer episodes, and eCRF episodes of extreme lengths were poorly captured in EHR. Analysis of routinely collected EHR data may be reasonable when relative, rather than absolute, rates of AECOPD are relevant for stakeholders' decision making.
Thermomechanical characterization of thermoplastic polyimide–polyurea to improve the chain interaction via internal hydrogen bonds
Authors: Rivera Nicholls Alejandro , Pellisier Matthew , Perez Yesenia , Stock John Allan , Kull Ken , Julien Tamalia , Eubank Jarrod , Harmon Julie P.
Published: August 2019

Recently, we have studied polyimides (PIs) synthesized by incorporating an aromatic diamine monomer with a methylene linker, 4,4′‐methylenebis(2,6‐dimethylaniline), to make a robust main chain along with aliphatic polyetherdiamine backbone linkers to reduce rigidity. In this report, we incorporate a urea linkage into these materials in order to observe the effect of additional hydrogen bonding. The polymers are designed to exhibit thermal properties in between those of conventional aromatic PIs and polymers with wholly aliphatic ether diamine links. Herein, we demonstrate that the addition of 1,6 hexamethylene diisocyanate and the increase of hydrogen bonds at the urea linkage can be used to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the PI. Furthermore, the imide ring is an important component to maintain the thermal stability characteristics in polyimide–polyurea hybrids. The polymers were characterized by FTIR, thermomechanical and calorimetric analysis, microhardness, and tensile testing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1948–1959, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quality over quantity?: Mentoring relationships and purpose development among college students
Authors: Lund Terese J. , Liang Belle , Konowitz Lily , White Allison E. , DeSilva Mousseau Angela
Published: August 2019

A growing number of studies have demonstrated that purpose in life is associated with positive outcomes among adolescents and young adults. The college years represent an important period of both personal and professional growth, including purpose in life. Supportive relationships may play a critical role in the identification and pursuit of purpose. Relationships with mentors, for example, have been linked with purpose among adolescents. The present study examined whether mentoring relationships were linked with purpose among college students (N = 194) from three institutions across the United States. Both aspects of quality (relational health) and quantity (i.e., number of mentors) were examined as predictors of purpose. Students who had at least one mentor reported higher levels of purpose compared to students with no mentors. Among students with at least one mentor, quality of mentoring was significantly associated with a greater commitment to purpose, while the number of mentors was not associated with commitment to purpose. Results are discussed in the context of practical applications regarding student success and purpose formation in higher education settings.
Trajectories of Aging: How Systems Biology in Yeast Can Illuminate Mechanisms of Personalized Aging
Authors: Crane Matthew M. , Chen Kenneth L. , Blue Ben W. , Kaeberlein Matt
Published: August 2019

All organisms age, but the extent to which all organisms age the same way remains a fundamental unanswered question in biology. Across species, it is now clear that at least some aspects of aging are highly conserved and are perhaps universal, but other mechanisms of aging are private to individual species or sets of closely related species. Within the same species, however, it has generally been assumed that the molecular mechanisms of aging are largely invariant from one individual to the next. With the development of new tools for studying aging at the individual cell level in budding yeast, recent data has called this assumption into question. There is emerging evidence that individual yeast mother cells may undergo fundamentally different trajectories of aging. Individual trajectories of aging are difficult to study by traditional population level assays, but through the application of systems biology approaches combined with novel microfluidic technologies, it is now possible to observe and study these phenomena in real time. Understanding the spectrum of mechanisms that determine how different individuals age is a necessary step toward the goal of personalized geroscience, where healthy longevity is optimized for each individual.
Morphology, dynamics, and order development in a thermoplastic polyurethane with melt blended POSS
Authors: Szefer Ewa , Stafin Krzysztof , Leszczyńska Agnieszka , Zając Paulina , Hebda Edyta , Raftopoulos Konstantinos N. , Pielichowski Krzysztof
Published: August 2019

A top‐down approach is applied for the production of polyurethane (PU)–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites, namely melt blending. As opposed to the typical chemical incorporation during synthesis, a POSS moiety with two hydroxyl groups is melt blended into a commercial thermoplastic polyurethane with mass fraction up to 2 wt %. POSS disperses in the matrix in submicrometer‐sized crystals, as well as in length scale of few tens of nanometers, in the bulk. Phase separation of the produced composites was studied by both standard dynamic and isothermal annealing experiments. In an approach rare in the literature, the dynamics of phase separation is discussed based on isothermal differential scanning calorimetry curves recorded during annealing. The blended‐in nanoparticles affect the micromorphology in a complicated manner, dependent on the intrinsically complex phase separation mechanism of PU. At higher temperatures, POSS slows down the phase separation, whereas at lower ones, it enhances and accelerates it. POSS decreases the mechanical modulus of the final material, presumably as a result of changes in the microphase separation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1133–1142