bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
iCONE‐SRS: Development of inverse treatment planning for cone‐based stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Lausch Anthony , Nghiem Brian , Nielsen Michelle
Published: May 2019

Purpose

At present, commercially available treatment planning systems (TPS) only offer manual planning functionality for cone‐based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) leading to labor intensive treatment planning. Our objective was to reduce treatment planning time through development of a simple inverse TPS for cone‐based SRS.

Methods

The iCONE TPS was developed using MATLAB (R2015a, The MathWorks Inc.) and serves as an inverse planning adjunct to a commercially available TPS. Simulated annealing is used to determine optimal table angle, gantry start and stop angles, and cone sizes for a user‐defined number of non‐coplanar arcs relative to user‐defined dose objectives. iCONE and clinically generated plans were compared through a retrospective planning study of 60 patients treated for 1–3 brain metastases (total of 100 lesions).

Results

Planning target volume (PTV) coverage was enforced for all plans through normalization. PTV maximum dose was constrained to be within 120%–135% of the prescription dose. The median conformity index for iCONE plans was 1.35, 1.33, and 1.32 for 1, 2, and 3‐target cases respectively corresponding to a median increase of 0.05 (range = −0.1 to 0.5, P < 0.05), 0.06 (range = −0.83 to 0.53, P < 0.05), and 0.03 (range = −1.21 to 0.74, P > 0.05) relative to the clinical plans. No clinically significant differences were found with respect to the dose to organs‐at‐risk. Median iCONE planning times were approximately a factor of five lower than consensus estimates for manual planning provided by local experienced SRS planners.

Conclusions

A simple inverse TPS for cone‐based SRS was developed. Plan quality was found to be similar to manually generated plans; however, degradation was observed in some cases highlighting the need for continued oversight and manual adjustment by experienced planners if implemented in the clinic. A factor of five reduction in treatment planning time was estimated.
miRNAcontributions to pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis inferred fromGWAS
Authors: Rhead Brooke , Shao Xiaorong , Graves Jennifer S. , Chitnis Tanuja , Waldman Amy T. , Lotze Timothy , Schreiner Teri , Belman Anita , Krupp Lauren , Greenberg Benjamin M. , Weinstock–Guttman Bianca , Aaen Gregory , Tillema Jan M. , Rodriguez Moses , Hart Janace , Caillier Stacy , Ness Jayne , Harris Yolanda , Rubin Jennifer , Candee Meghan S. , Gorman Mark , Benson Leslie , Mar Soe , Kahn Ilana , Rose John , Casper T. Charles , Quach Hong , Quach Diana , Schaefer Catherine , Waubant Emmanuelle , Barcellos Lisa F. ,   the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers
Published: May 2019

Objective

Onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs in childhood for approximately 5% of cases (pediatricMS, or ped‐MS). Epigenetic influences are strongly implicated inMSpathogenesis in adults, including the contribution from microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncodingRNAs that affect gene expression by binding target genemRNAs. Few studies have specifically examined miRNAs in ped‐MS, but individuals developingMSat an early age may carry a relatively high burden of genetic risk factors, and miRNAdysregulation may therefore play a larger role in the development of ped‐MSthan in adult‐onsetMS. This study aimed to look for evidence of miRNAinvolvement in ped‐MSpathogenesis.

Methods

GWASresults from 486 ped‐MScases and 1362 controls from the U.S. PediatricMSNetwork and Kaiser Permanente Northern California membership were investigated for miRNA‐specific signals. First, enrichment of miRNA‐target gene network signals was evaluated usingMIGWASsoftware. Second,SNPs in miRNAgenes and in target gene binding sites (miR−SNPs) were tested for association with ped‐MS, and pathway analysis was performed on associated target genes.

Results

MIGWASanalysis showed that miRNA‐target gene signals were enriched inGWAS(P = 0.038) and identified 39 candidate biomarker miRNA‐target gene pairs, including immune and neuronal signaling genes. The miR‐SNPanalysis implicated dysregulation of miRNAbinding to target genes in five pathways, mainly involved in immune signaling.

Interpretation

Evidence fromGWASsuggests that miRNAs play a role in ped‐MSpathogenesis by affecting immune signaling and other pathways. Candidate biomarker miRNA‐target gene pairs should be further studied for diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic utility.
The feasibility of working memory tablet tasks in predicting scholastic skills in classroom settings
Authors: Kanerva Kaisa , Kiistala Ilkka , Kalakoski Virpi , Hirvonen Riikka , Ahonen Timo , Kiuru Noona
Published: May 2019

Cognitive assessment in natural group settings facilitates data collection but poses threats to the validity. In this study, tablet‐based working memory (WM) tasks, the counting span, and reading span were used in predicting 12‐year‐old children's (N= 837) scholastic skills and fluid intelligence in a classroom with environmental noise. WM tasks had excellent internal consistency, correlated with scholastic skills, and accounted for more of the variance in cognitive performance (grade point average, fluid intelligence, scholastic skills) compared with individually administered (n= 190) digit span task. Furthermore, the multilevel analysis revealed that compared with the classrooms with no noise, when naturally occurring speech or nonspeech types of environmental noises were present during assessment, WM scores or the reliability estimates were not lower. In contrast, when both types of noises were present, the relationships between some of the WM and achievement scores were even stronger. Thus, assessments in natural classroom contexts may promote revealing the individual differences in WM.
The relationship between mental toughness and cognitive control: Evidence from the item‐method directed forgetting task
Authors: Dewhurst Stephen A. , Anderson Rachel J. , Howe David , Clough Peter J.
Published: May 2019

Previous research by the authors found that mental toughness, as measured by the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48 (MTQ48; Clough, P.J., Earle, K., & Sewell, D. [2002]. Mental toughness: the concept and its measurement. In I. Cockerill (Ed.), Solutions in sport psychology [pp. 32–43]. London: Thomson Publishing), was significantly associated with performance on the list‐method directed forgetting task. The current study extends this finding to the item‐method directed forgetting task in which the instruction to Remember or Forget is given after each item in the study list. A significant positive association was found between the correct recognition of Remember words and the emotional control subscale of the MTQ48. No significant associations were observed with other measures of mental toughness or personality. The findings are discussed in terms of the relationship between mental toughness and cognitive control.
Adaptive output feedback control of uncertain nonlinear systems with input delay and output constraint
Authors: Kang Guanpeng , Xia Xiaonan , Zhang Tianping
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes an adaptive neural‐network control design for a class of output‐feedback nonlinear systems with input delay and unmodeled dynamics under the condition of an output constraint. A coordinate transformation with an input integral term and a Nussbaum function are combined to solve the problem of the input possessing both time delay and unknown control gain. By utilizing a barrier Lyapunov function and designing tuning functions, the adjustment of multiparameters is handled with a single adaptive law. The uncertainty of the system is approximated by dynamic signal and radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs). Based on Lyapunov stability theory, an adaptive tracking control scheme is developed to guarantee all the signals of the closed‐loop systems are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded, and the output constraint is not violated.
Planar Porous Components for Low‐Loss Terahertz Optics
Authors: Guerboukha Hichem , Nallappan Kathirvel , Cao Yang , Seghilani Mohamed , Azaña Jose , Skorobogatiy Maksim
Published: May 2019

There is a strong interest in using the terahertz (THz) frequency band for applications in sensing, imaging, and wireless communications. To enable many of these applications, compact low‐loss components for beamforming are required. Typically, such components are made using solid dielectric elements with spatially variable thickness, for example, planoconvex lenses or spiral phase plates. However, as losses in dielectrics typically greatly increase with THz frequency, so do the losses of the solid components. This work demonstrates that when introducing low‐refractive index, low‐loss subwavelength inclusions (air holes) into a solid material matrix, the loss of porous components can be greatly reduced compared to the loss of solid components with otherwise identical optical properties, thus opening a way to create efficient optical components even with nominally high‐loss materials. Additionally, porous optical components can be created completely flat as spatially dependent optical path difference is achieved by varying the local porosity rather than the component thickness. This offers additional advantages for free‐space alignment and integration of such components into optical systems. As an example, the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of planar lenses and planar orbital angular momentum phase plates are carried out. It is then demonstrated how these porous components outperform their all‐solid counterparts.
Combining Benzotriazole and Benzodithiophene Host Units in Host–Guest Polymers for Efficient and Stable Near‐Infrared Emission from Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Xiong Wenjing , Tang Shi , Murto Petri , Zhu Weiguo , Edman Ludvig , Wang Ergang
Published: May 2019

A set of host–guest copolymers with alternating benzodithiophene and benzotriazole (BTz) derivatives as host units and 4,7‐bis(5‐bromothiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole as the minority guest are synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for applications. A light‐emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) comprising such a host–guest copolymer delivers fast‐response near‐infrared (NIR) emission peaked at 723 nm with a high radiance of 169 µW cm−2 at a low drive voltage of 3.6 V. The NIR‐LEC also features good stability, as the peak NIR output only drops by 8% after 350 h of continuous operation. It is, however, found that the LEC performance is highly sensitive to the detailed chemical structure of the host backbone, and that the addition of electron‐donating thiophene bridging units onto the BTz unit is highly positive while the inclusion of fluorine atoms results in a drastically lowered performance, presumably because of the emergence of hydrogen bonding within the active material.
Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Cyclization of β‐Amino‐1,4‐enols to Oxazol‐2(3H)‐ones and 5‐Alkenyloxazolidin‐2‐ones
Authors: Zhao Yichao , Henry Stuart Adam , Jin Jianwen , Clarkson Guy James , Chan Philip Wai Hong
Published: May 2019

A synthetic method to prepare oxazol‐2(3H)‐ones and 5‐alkenyloxazolidin‐2‐ones efficiently that relies on a Brønsted acid‐catalyzed cyclization of the respective secondary and tertiary β‐amino‐1,4‐enols in ethanol is described. The reaction did not require the exclusion of air or moisture.
Fano‐Majorana Effect and Bound States in the Continuum on a Crossbar‐Shaped Quantum Dot Hybrid Structure
Authors: Ramos‐Andrade Juan Pablo , Zambrano David , Orellana Pedro A.
Published: May 2019

Transport properties are investigated through a crossbar‐shaped structure formed by a quantum dot (QD) coupled to two normal leads and embedded between two 1D topological superconductors (TSCs). Each TSC hosts Majorana‐bound states (MBSs) at its ends, which can interact between them with an effective coupling strength. A signature of bound states in continuum (BIC) is found in the MBSs spectral function. By allowing finite inter MBSs coupling, BICs splitting is observed and shows projection in transmission for asymmetric coupling case as quasi‐BICs. As a consequence, it is also shown that the Fano effect, arising from interference phenomena between MBSs hybridization trough QD, is observed with a half‐integer amplitude modulation. It is believed that the findings can help to better understand the properties of MBSs and their interplay with QDs.
1,4‐Bis(2,3‐dicarboxyl‐phenoxy)benzene dianhydride‐based phenylethynyl terminated thermoset oligoimides for resin transfer molding applications
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Guofei , Fang Xingzhong
Published: May 2019

A series of thermoset oligoimides have been prepared by the thermal polycondensation of 1,4‐bis(2,3‐dicarboxyl‐phenoxy)benzene dianhydride with three different aromatic diamines in the presence of 4‐phenylethynylphthalic anhydride as an end capping reagent. The aromatic diamines included 4,4′‐oxydianiline, 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFDB) and 2‐phenyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (p‐ODA). Effects of the chemical structures and molecular weights of the oligoimides on their aggregated structures, melt processability as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of the cured films were then systematically investigated. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that ODA series oligoimides and TFDB series oligoimides showed crystallinity; however, the asymmetricalp‐ODA enables thep‐ODA series oligoimides to exhibit amorphous forms. So thep‐ODA based oligoimides with molecular weight of 750 g mol−1showed much lower melt viscosity at a low temperature and the melt viscosity could maintain below 1 Pa s−1after isothermal aging for 2 h at any temperature in the range of 220–280 °C by rheological measurements. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47967.
A Look at the Anatomy Educator Job Market: Anatomists Remain in Short Supply
Authors: Wilson Adam B. , Notebaert Andrew J. , Schaefer Audra F. , Moxham Bernard J. , Stephens Shiby , Mueller Caroline , Lazarus Michelle D. , Katrikh Aaron Z. , Brooks Williams S.
Published: May 2019

In 2002, a widely publicized report projected an anatomy educator shortage based on department chairpersons' perceptions. Now, 17 years later, the question lingers: “Does an anatomy educator shortage persist and, if so, how severe is the shortage?” Trends in the number, type, and fill rate of anatomy educator job openings were explored by analyzing job posting in the United States over the past two years. A survey was distributed to leaders of anatomy‐related departments in the United States, Canada, and European Union. Most departmental leaders who responded (65% or more) from the United States/Canada (n = 81) and the European Union (n = 52) anticipate they will have “moderate” to “great” difficulty hiring anatomy educators in gross anatomy, histology, and embryology over the next five years. Within the United States, the number of anatomy educator job postings at medical schools more than doubled from at least 21 postings in 2017 to 52 postings in 2018. Twenty‐one percent of postings between 2017 and 2018 were never filled. While the number of anatomy educator openings within the United States/Canada is perceived to remain in a steady state for the next five years, the European Union estimates a five‐fold increase in the number of openings. Departmental leaders prioritize anatomy educator applicants who have teaching experience (mean ± SD = 4.64 ± 0.84 on five‐point Likert scale), versatility in teaching multiple anatomy disciplines (3.93 ± 1.07), and flexibility in implementing various teaching pedagogies (3.69 ± 1.17). Collectively, these data suggest the shortage of anatomy educators continues in the United States/Canada and the European Union.
Neonatal vitamin D status in relation to autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay in the CHARGE case–control study
Authors: Schmidt Rebecca J. , Niu Qiaojuan , Eyles Darryl W. , Hansen Robin L. , Iosif Ana‐Maria
Published: May 2019

Vitamin D appears essential for normal neurodevelopment and cognitive and behavioral function. We examined neonatal vitamin D in relation to the child's later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delay (DD). Children aged 24–60 months enrolled in the population‐based CHARGE case–control study were evaluated clinically for ASD (n = 357), DD (n = 134), or typical development (TD, n = 234) at the MIND Institute (Sacramento, CA) using standardized assessments. Total 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) was measured using sensitive isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in archived dried blood spots collected for the California Department of Public Health's Newborn Screening Program. Multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate ORs as measures of the associations between 25 nmol/L change in 25(OH)D and ASD and DD. Associations between 25(OH)D and scores on Mullen Scales of Early Learning and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were assessed using robust linear regression. Effect modification was examined using stratified models and interaction product terms.

Unadjusted mean (SD) 25(OH)D was lower for DD (73.2 [37.6]) than for TD (82.7 [39.3]) and ASD (80.1 [37.4]). After adjustment for maternal prepregnancy body mass index and education, a 25 nmol/L increase in total 25(OH)D was not associated with ASD (OR = 0.97; CI: 0.87–1.08) or DD (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.78–1.06). Neonatal 25(OH)D was associated with significantly reduced ASD only in females (adjusted OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55–0.99, Pinteraction = 0.03), and significantly reduced DD only in non‐Hispanic white children (adjusted OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63–0.98, Pinteraction = 0.11 for Hispanic, Pinteraction = 0.31 for other), driven by DD children with trisomy 21. This study provides evidence that neonatal vitamin D could be associated with ASD in females and with DD in non‐Hispanic white children. Autism Res 2019, 12: 976–988. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Vitamin D appears essential for brain development and function. We examined neonatal total 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) measured in dried blood spots in relation to later diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delay (DD) and related assessment scores. Higher neonatal 25(OH)D was associated with a 26% reduction in the odds for ASD only in females. After taking into account factors that could contribute to vitamin D status, a significant association with 21% reduced odds for DD was found only in non‐Hispanic white children. Though results were nonsignificant overall, certain subgroups might benefit from higher neonatal vitamin D.
The activated newborn neurons participate in enriched environment induced improvement of locomotor function in APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Wang Hualong , Li Qiongqiong , Tang Huidong , Ding Jianqing , Xu Nanjie , Sun Suya , Chen Shengdi
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age‐related neurodegenerative disorder. One of the pathological features of AD is neuronal loss in brain regions associated with cognition, particularly the hippocampus. An enriched environment (EE) can facilitate neuronal plasticity and improve behaviors such as emotion, motor function, and cognition in AD.

Methods

After APP/PS1 mice were exposed to EE at an early stage (2 months of age), elevated plus maze performance and contextual fear conditioning were tested, and neurogenesis and the extent of activation in the hippocampus were observed.

Results

The results showed that, compared with that in the mice that experienced a standard environment, the cognition of the mice exposed to EE, as measured by contextual fear conditioning, was not statistically significant. However, based on their performance in the elevated plus maze, the index was increased in the mice, especially the APP/PS1 mice, exposed to EE. Consistent with the behavioral changes, the APP/PS1 mice exposed to EE showed an increased number of c‐Fos‐positive neurons and elevated neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) area. In addition, the activation of newborn neurons did not occur in the other three groups.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the activation of newborn neurons may participate in the improvement of behavioral performance in APP/PS1 mice after EE.
Recognize the value of officer wellness programs
Authors: Rahn Josh
Published: May 2019

It's no secret that the overall health and well‐being of officers is critical to the success of an agency's mission. We now understand that well‐being includes not only physical fitness, but also mental wellness. And neglecting this mental aspect is an underlying cause of officer stress, poor performance, and burnout, according to Patrick Brady, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminology at the University of West Georgia.
High‐Performance Ordered PdCuFe/C Intermetallic Catalyst for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Ji Xiangdong , Gao Peng , Zhang Libo , Wang Xiaoran , Wang Fanghui , Zhu Hong , Yu Jinghua
Published: May 2019

The phase state of nanoparticles plays a pivotal role in regulating the electronic structure of Pd to enhance the catalytic performance and durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To elucidate the correlation of the electronic structure with activity, a series of body‐centered cubic (bcc) PdCu/C, PdCuFe/C, and PdCuCo/C intermetallic compounds were fabricated by using an impregnation reduction method followed by annealing. The results of rotating disk electrode studies show that the structurally ordered PdCuFe/C nanoparticles exhibit a much larger increase in mass activity (0.08 A mgPd−1), about 2.1 and 5 times higher than ordered PdCuCo/C and PdCu/C, respectively. More importantly, the maximum power density of the ordered PdCuFe/C was 267 mW cm−2 in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results revealed that that the addition of Fe into PdCu/C can efficiently regulate the electronic structure of Pd in optimizing the oxygen binding energy for the ORR. Our work provides a general approach to enhance Pd‐based ternary alloy catalysts with Pt‐like catalytic activity for fuel cell applications.
Lewis Acid‐Catalyzed Intramolecular [3 + 2] Cross‐Cycloaddition of Donor‐ Acceptor Epoxides with Alkenes for Construction of Oxa‐[n.2.1] Skeletons
Authors: Chen Lu , Tian Jun , Zhan Yizhou , Ren Jun , Wang Zhong‐Wen
Published: May 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The first LA‐catalyzed [3 + 2]IMCC of GDA‐epoxides with carbon‐carbon double bonds has been developed. This provides an efficient and general strategy for construction of bridged oxa‐[n.2.1] skeletons. A novel SN‐like mechanism through a carbon‐carbon bond cleavage of epoxide ring has been proposed.
Microbially Contaminated Water in Urban Fountains as a Hidden Source of Infections
Authors: Modrzewska Barbara D. , Bartnicka Magdalena , Blaszkowska Joanna
Published: May 2019

Decorative fountains are a common element of urban architecture and are frequently used by inhabitants as recreational water reservoirs. The presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the water, as well as lack of sanitary and epidemiological supervision over such objects, poses a risk of acquiring a water‐borne infection. Hence, the aim of the study is to assess the microbiological and mycological contamination of fountain water. Water samples are collected from 10 fountains located in the city of Lodz (Poland), in 2016 twice: June/July (first sampling period) and September (second sampling period). Bacteriological analysis of water samples is carried out in accordance with standard procedures of the Commission Directive (EU) 2015/1787. Additionally, the material is examined for the presence of potentially pathogenic microscopic fungi by standard mycological protocols. In the first sampling period, 15.6% Escherichia coli and 74.3% of other coliform bacteria are detected in total isolates, while coliform bacteria accounts for 43.8% and E. coli 5.6% of the total in samples taken in September. In addition, 82 strains of fungi are isolated from the water samples, which are classified into yeasts (5 species) and filamentous fungi (17 species). Of the isolated fungi, 36.4% are potential pathogens from biosafety level 2 (BSL‐2). Aspergillus fumigatus is dominant among filamentous fungi and Candida albicans among yeasts. Contaminated fountains are hidden sources of infection for humans and represent an epidemiological problem of public health. The presence of fecal bacteria and fungal species classified into BSL‐2 in the fountain water indicates the need to introduce seasonal microbiological monitoring and implement legal regulations regarding its sanitary condition.
Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Liu Hao , Guo Jingjing , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2019

The huge market demand for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) has attracted a significant number of researchers to explore robust and cheap luminescent materials for application in high‐performance and low‐cost OLEDs. This concept article presents a new class of organic luminescent materials which demonstrate aggregation‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF). This material type can perform particularly well when applied in nondoped OLEDs, with devices exhibiting excellent electroluminescence (EL) efficiencies and very small efficiency roll‐off. Recent works on typical AIDF materials, investigating molecular design strategies, photophysical properties and EL performance in nondoped OLEDs, are discussed. These newly emerged organic luminescent materials are promising candidates for highly efficient nondoped OLEDs and have potential practical applications.
Age‐specific diastolic dysfunction improves prediction of symptomatic heart failure by Stage B heart failure
Authors: Coller Jennifer M. , Gong Fei Fei , McGrady Michele , Jelinek Michael V. , Castro Julian M. , Boffa Umberto , Shiel Louise , Liew Danny , Stewart Simon , Krum Henry , Reid Christopher M. , Prior David L. , Campbell Duncan J.
Published: May 2019

Aims

We investigated whether addition of diastolic dysfunction (DD) and longitudinal strain (LS) to Stage B heart failure (SBHF) criteria (structural or systolic abnormality) improves prediction of symptomatic HF in participants of the SCReening Evaluation of the Evolution of New Heart Failure study, a self‐selected population at increased cardiovascular disease risk recruited from members of a health insurance fund in Melbourne and Shepparton, Australia. Both American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASE/EACVI) criteria and age‐specific Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study criteria, for SBHF and DD, and ARIC criteria for abnormal LS, were examined.

Methods and results

Inclusion criteria were age ≥60 years with one or more of self‐reported ischaemic or other heart disease, irregular or rapid heart rhythm, cerebrovascular disease, renal impairment, or treatment for hypertension or diabetes for ≥2 years. Exclusion criteria were known HF, or ejection fraction <50% or >mild valve abnormality detected on previous echocardiography or other imaging. Echocardiography was performed in 3190 participants who were followed for a median of 3.9 (interquartile range: 3.4, 4.5) years after echocardiography. Symptomatic HF was diagnosed in 139 participants at a median of 3.1 (interquartile range: 2.1, 3.9) years after echocardiography. ARIC structural, systolic, and diastolic abnormalities predicted HF in univariate and multivariable proportional hazards analyses, whereas ASE/EACVI structural and systolic, but not diastolic, abnormalities predicted HF. ARIC and ASE/EACVI SBHF criteria predicted HF with sensitivities of 81% and 55%, specificities of 39% and 76%, and C statistics of 0.60 (95% confidence interval: 0.57, 0.64) and 0.66 (0.61, 0.71), respectively. Adding ARIC DD to SBHF increased sensitivity to 94% with specificity of 24% and C statistic of 0.59 (0.57, 0.61), whereas addition of ASE/EACVI DD to SBHF increased sensitivity to 97% but reduced specificity to 9% and the C statistic to 0.52 (0.50, 0.54, P < 0.0001). Addition of LS to ARIC or ASE/EACVI SBHF criteria had minimal impact on prediction of HF.

Conclusions

Age‐specific ARIC DD criteria, but not ASE/EACVI DD criteria, predicted symptomatic HF, and addition of age‐specific ARIC DD criteria to ARIC SBHF criteria improved prediction of symptomatic HF in asymptomatic individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Addition of LS to ASE/EACVI or ARIC SBHF criteria did not improve prediction of symptomatic HF.
Protein‐film Voltammetry of Two‐step Electrode Enzymatic Reactions Coupled with an Irreversible Chemical Reaction of a Final Product – A Theoretical Study in Square‐wave Voltammetry
Authors: Kokoskarova Pavlinka , Maksimova Viktorija , Janeva Milkica , Gulaboski Rubin
Published: May 2019

Redox mechanisms in which a consecutive two‐step electrode transformation occurs, and the product generated in the second electrochemical step at the electrode surface is coupled to a follow‐up irreversible chemical reaction, is theoretically considered under conditions of square‐wave voltammetry. The electrochemical description of considered systems is a “surface EECirr mechanism”. With the methodology named “protein‐film square‐wave voltammetry” we provide theoretical information on kinetics and thermodynamics of many lipophilic enzymes containing quinones or polyvalent cations of transient metals as redox active sites. We address theoretically situations of energetically separated square‐wave voltammetric peaks for at least −150 mV at potential scale. We also consider also a complex scenario of a single voltammetric peak, hiding in its shape both the features of electrode steps (occurring at same potential) and the chemical reaction. We pay a particular attention on how to distinguish the surface two‐step EECirr mechanism from a simple one‐step surface ECirr mechanism, but also from other two‐step surface mechanisms. While presenting plenty of calculated square‐wave voltammograms relevant to many enzymatic systems, we point out several simple features that allow kinetic characterization of studied mechanism from time‐independent experiments at constant scan rate.
Simulation process of biodiesel production plant
Authors: Salehi Abozar , Karbassi Abdolreza , Ghobadian Barat , Ghasemi Amir , Doustgani Amir
Published: May 2019

The increasing global demands for fossil fuels have resulted in the release of large quantity of pollutants and reduction of the available resources. Owing to this fact, alternatives to fossil fuels, like biodiesel, are essential for the survival of the existing resources and the decrease of environmental contamination. In the current study, the technical assessment of five continuous biodiesel production processes was designed and simulated with the Aspen Plus v8.6 software. In order to convert virgin vegetable oil (VVO) as well as waste cooking oil (WCO) to biodiesel, alkali‐catalyzed and acid‐catalyzed processes were utilized in the first three processes. In the fourth and fifth processes, the two‐step supercritical methanol method (noncatalytic) and the acid‐catalyzed process were adopted by hexane extraction to transform the WCO to biodiesel. According to the technical assessment, the two‐step supercritical methanol process has the lowest number of operating units; however, it has the lowest purity of FAME (98.47%). The highest purity of glycerol (99.98%) and FAME (99.7%) belong to Processes 3 and 1, respectively. As a result, the homogeneous acid catalytic process of WCO and the two‐step supercritical methanol process are the best choices in terms of technical evaluation among all the examined processes.
Transactions between early binge eating and personality predict transdiagnostic risk
Authors: Davis Heather A. , Ortiz Anna Marie L. , Smith Gregory T.
Published: May 2019

Psychiatric comorbidities are prevalent in youth eating disorders. In a sample of 1,906 youth from the United States (49.2% female), followed from elementary school into high school, we found support for a model to help explain this comorbidity. Endorsement of binge eating in fifth grade (elementary school) predicted increases in negative urgency, negative affect, and lack of planning in seventh grade (middle school). In turn, seventh grade negative urgency predicted increases in 10th grade (high school) externalizing dysfunction (binge eating, alcohol use problems, and smoking) and internalizing dysfunction (depressive symptoms). Seventh grade negative affect predicted increases in 10th grade binge eating and depressive symptoms. Seventh grade lack of planning predicted increases only in 10th grade externalizing behaviours. Early engagement in binge eating may elevate risk for multiple forms of dysfunction, at least in part due to its prediction of high‐risk personality change in middle school.
Forecasting inflation using univariate continuous‐time stochastic models
Authors: Fergusson Kevin
Published: May 2019

In this paper we investigate the applicability of several continuous‐time stochastic models to forecasting inflation rates with horizons out to 20 years. While the models are well known, new methods of parameter estimation and forecasts are supplied, leading to rigorous testing of out‐of‐sample inflation forecasting at short and long time horizons. Using US consumer price index data we find that over longer forecasting horizons—that is, those beyond 5 years—the log‐normal index model having Ornstein–Uhlenbeck drift rate provides the best forecasts.
Place cell assemblies remain intact, despite reduced phase precession, after cholinergic disruption
Authors: Venditto Sarah Jo C. , Le Brianna , Newman Ehren L.
Published: May 2019

The hippocampal theta rhythm is frequently viewed as a clocking mechanism that coordinates the spiking activity of neurons across the hippocampus to form coherent neural assemblies. Phase precession is a form of temporal coding evidencing this mechanism and is degraded following systemic pharmacological disruption of cholinergic signaling. However, whether neural assemblies are commensurately degraded, as would be predicted from a clocking mechanism hypothesis, remains unknown. To address this, we recorded the spiking activity of hippocampal place cells as rats completed laps on a circle track for chocolate drink before versus during the influence of a systemic muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. We compared the integrity of hippocampal ensembles using three approaches. The first approach used cross‐correlogram (CCG) analyses to ask if the relative spike‐timing between pairs of cells became less reliable. The second used a general linear model based analysis to ask whether the activity of simultaneously recorded neurons became any less predictive of the spiking activity of single neurons. Finally, the third approach used a reconstruction analysis to ask if the population activity was any less informative regarding the environmental position of the animal and whether theta sequences were impaired. The results of all three analyses paint a consistent picture: systemic cholinergic disruption did not degrade assembly integrity. These data demonstrate that place cell assemblies do not depend upon high quality phase precession.
Changes in sovereign debt dynamics in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Cuestas Juan Carlos
Published: May 2019

The aim of this paper is to shed some light on the degree of sustainability of fiscal debt for a group of Central and Eastern European countries. We apply a battery of time series econometrics methods to show how the financial crisis has affected the debt‐to‐gross domestic product ratio and how the ratio has behaved recently. The results give us important insights into how governments in Central and Eastern Europe have reacted to the accumulation of debt. We distinguish between two groups of countries: one group where the sovereign debt stock stabilized after the crisis, and another where debt has been accumulated more quickly in recent years. The results provide important policy lessons for the authorities responsible.
An injectable scaffold based on temperature‐responsive hydrogel and factor‐loaded nanoparticles for application in vascularization in tissue engineering
Authors: He Dan , Zhao An‐Sha , Su Hong , Zhang Yan , Wang Ya‐Nan , Luo Dan , Gao Yuan , Li Jing‐An , Yang Ping
Published: May 2019

Controlled release of functional factors contributes to target migration of therapeutic cells and plays a crucial role in the in situ vascularization of tissue repair and regeneration. A biomedical application requires the selective release of multiple factors which will guide the synergy of the cells. Here, we developed an injectable system based on a temperature‐responsive hydrogel and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) loaded into two types of nanoparticles to induce migration and rapid proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) via selective SDF‐1/VEGF release. Series of in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that our composited system can accurately guide MSCs and ECs for vascularization. In addition, the properties of the nanoparticles and hydrogel, including micro/nanoscales, characteristic of charge, and biocompatibility, played crucial roles for the selective release and cells behavior (target migration and rapid proliferation).
Vegetable hierarchical structures as template for bone regeneration: New bio‐ceramization process for the development of a bone scaffold applied to an experimental sheep model
Authors: Filardo Giuseppe , Roffi Alice , Fey Tobias , Fini Milena , Giavaresi Gianluca , Marcacci Maurilio , Martínez‐Fernández Julian , Martini Lucia , Ramírez‐Rico Joaquin , Salamanna Francesca , Sandri Monica , Sprio Simone , Tampieri Anna , Kon Elizaveta
Published: May 2019

Long bone defects still represent a major clinical challenge in orthopedics, with the inherent loss of function considerably impairing the quality of life of the affected patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the safety and potential of bone regeneration offered by a load‐bearing scaffold characterized by unique hierarchical architecture and high strength, with active surface facilitating new bone penetration and osseointegration in critical size bone defects. The results of this study showed the potential of bio‐ceramization processes applied to vegetable hierarchical structures for the production of new wood‐derived bone scaffolds, further improved by surface functionalization, with good biological and mechanical properties leading to successful treatment of critical size bone defects in the sheep model. Future studies are needed to evaluate if these scaffolds prototypes, as either biomaterial alone or in combination with augmentation strategies, may represent an optimal solution to enhance bone regeneration in humans.
Recently Registered Midazolam Doses for Preterm Neonates Do Not Lead to Equal Exposure: A Population Pharmacokinetic Model
Authors: Völler Swantje , Flint Robert B. , Beggah Fouzi , Reiss Irwin , Andriessen Peter , Zimmermann Luc J.I. , van den Anker John N. , Liem Kian D. , Koch Birgit C.P. , de Wildt Saskia , Knibbe Catherijne A.J. , Simons Sinno H.P.
Published: May 2019

Although midazolam is a frequently used sedative in neonatal intensive care units, its use in preterm neonates has been off‐label. Recently, a new dosing advice for midazolam for sedation on intensive care units has been included in the label (0.03 mg/[kg·h] for preterm neonates <32 weeks and 0.06 mg/[kg·h] for neonates >32 weeks). Concentration‐time data of a prospective multicenter study (29 patients, median gestational age 26.7 [range 24.0‐31.1 weeks]) were combined with previously published data (26 patients, median gestational age 28.1 [range 26.3‐33.6 weeks]), and a population pharmacokinetic model describing the maturation of midazolam pharmacokinetics was developed in NONMEM 7.3. Clearance was 73.7 mL/h for a neonate weighing 1.1 kg and changed nonlinearly with body weight (exponent 1.69). Volume of distribution increased linearly with body weight and was 1.03 L for a neonate weighing 1.1 kg. Simulations of the newly registered dosing show considerable differences in steady‐state concentrations in preterm neonates. To reach similar steady‐state concentrations of 400 µg/mL (±100 µg/mL), a dose of 0.03 mg/(kg·h) is adequate for neonates ≥1 kg and ≤2 kg but would have to be reduced to 0.02 mg/(kg·h) (−33%) in neonates <1 kg and increased to 0.04 mg/(kg·h) (+33%) in neonates weighing >2 kg and ≤2.5 kg. The impact of the observed differences in exposure is difficult to assess because no target concentrations have yet been defined for midazolam, but the current analysis shows that one should be cautious in giving dosage advice based on historical data with a lack of reliable pharmacokinetic and effect data.
Psoas muscle fluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose uptake associated with the incidence of existing and incipient metabolic derangement
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Jun Dae Won , Choi Jun , Nam Eunwoo , Son Donghee , Choi Yun Young
Published: May 2019

Background

Skeletal muscle glucose utilization is an important component of whole‐body glucose consumption in normal humans. Fluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG) is a non‐invasive molecular imaging probe for evaluating tissue glucose utilization. It remains unclear whether or not 18F‐FDG uptake by skeletal muscle has utility as a biomarker for metabolic derangement. We investigated the utility of measurement of muscle 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography uptake as a surrogate marker for existing and incipient metabolic abnormalities.

Methods

Fluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG) uptakes of insulin‐sensitive organs (liver, pancreas, mesenteric visceral fat, psoas muscle, and abdominal subcutaneous fat) and their association with metabolic abnormalities were evaluated in an experimental group comprising 91 men and 66 women (mean age 49.9 ± 11.1 years). In this cross‐sectional cohort, we assessed the predictive power of the optimal cut‐off 18F‐FDG uptake [maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)]. We confirmed its feasibility and reliability for diagnosis of existing and incipient metabolic derangement in the validation group (longitudinal cohort comprising 91 men and 67 women; mean age 52.6 ± 7.9 years).

Results

Fluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG) uptake (SUVmax) of psoas muscle was strongly correlated with clinical metabolic parameters in the experimental group. It was positively correlated with waist circumference, body mass index, fasting glucose, triglyceride, systolic and diastolic pressure, and negatively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (for all, P < 0.05). SUVmax of the psoas muscle also showed the best area under the curve value (0.779) as a predictor of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the experimental group. Using the optimal cut‐off SUVmax of 1.34, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive value for predicting existing MetS in the experimental group were 70.0%, 84.6%, 80.9%, 60.9%, and 89.2%, respectively. In the validation group, corresponding values were 47.6%, 92.3%, 86.1%, 50.0%, and 91.6%, respectively. Existing and incipient MetS were significantly higher in subjects with high 18F‐FDG uptake by the psoas muscle (SUVmax > 1.34). Subjects with higher psoas muscle SUVmax had a 3.3‐fold increased risk of developing MetS (P = 0.017).

Conclusions

Fluorine‐18‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (18F‐FDG) uptake of psoas muscle is a promising surrogate marker for existing and incipient metabolic derangement.
How well does the local climate zone scheme discern the thermal environment of Toulouse (France)? An analysis using numerical simulation data
Authors: Kwok Yu Ting , Schoetter Robert , Lau Kevin Ka‐Lun , Hidalgo Julia , Ren Chao , Pigeon Grégoire , Masson Valéry
Published: May 2019

To build healthy, resilient, and climate‐responsive cities, planners need ways to understand the local complexities of urban thermal climates. To assist in meeting this need, this study employs the simple classification of “local climate zones” (LCZs) to conduct a spatiotemporal thermal climatic analysis of the Toulouse Metropolitan Region (France) under warm and dry summer conditions. Simulations are performed using the mesoscale atmospheric model Méso‐NH. These simulations provide a city‐wide spatial coverage of 2‐m air temperature (T2M), mean radiant temperature (MRT), and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Model parameters describing the urban morphology are initialized based on administrative databases and independent of LCZ maps, which allows for an evaluation of whether the distributions of the modelled thermal climatic parameters will differ between LCZs. The results show that different LCZs possess significantly different distributions of T2M and MRT, confirming the suitability of the LCZ scheme for discerning the thermal environment of Toulouse. Compact urban settings (LCZ 1/2/3) show the highest T2M throughout the day and a nocturnal temperature difference of up to 2.8 K compared to rural settings. The MRT of LCZ 1/2/3 in the late afternoon (1700–2000 LST (UTC + 2)) can be as much as 6.3 K lower than it is for LCZs with open settings due to shading by dense urban structures. Additional analysis reveals that the intra‐LCZ variabilities of T2M and MRT may be explained by the distance to the city centre. Finally, the thermal stress in different LCZs is assessed with the modelled UTCI. Among the built LCZs, the probability of strong heat stress is the highest for open high/mid‐rise (LCZ 4/5) and lowest for sparsely built (LCZ 9) and open low‐rise (LCZ 6) settings. For land cover type LCZs, dense trees (LCZ A) are the most favourable for daytime outdoor human thermal comfort.
Improvement in the Safety of Use of Hand Dishwashing Liquids through the Addition of Sulfonic Derivatives of Alkyl Polyglucosides
Authors: Seweryn Artur , Klimaszewska Emilia , Ogorzałek Marta
Published: May 2019

The effect of a sulfonic acid derivative of alkyl polyglucosides on the safety of hand dishwashing liquids was assessed. In this study, it was found that an increase in the concentration of the natural origin raw material in samples led to a decrease in the zein number, and reduced changes in the pH level of bovine serum albumin solution, compared to a reference sample formulated without these compounds. These findings suggest a high level of reduction in the skin‐irritation effect after applying hand dishwashing liquids. In addition, the application of this type of anionic surfactants in products decreases their ability to emulsify fats. Consequently, the skin‐drying effect produced by the washing process and removal of protective epidermal lipids may be significantly reduced.