bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding benefits from cardiac resynchronization therapy to exercise‐induced left bundle branch block in advanced heart failure
Authors: Scolari Fernando L. , Silveira Anderson D. , Menegazzo Willian R. , Mendes Ana Paula Chedid , Pimentel Maurício , Clausell Nadine , Goldraich Livia A.
Published: January 2020

Indications of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) do not include exercise‐induced left bundle branch block, but functional impairment could be improved with CRT in such cases. A 57‐year‐old woman with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction 23%) presented with New York Heart Association Class IV and recurrent hospitalizations. During heart transplant evaluation, a new onset of intermittent left bundle branch block was observed on the cardiopulmonary exercise test. CRT was implanted, and 97% resynchronization rate was achieved. In 12 month follow‐up, both clinical and prognostic exercise parameters improved. In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and no left bundle branch block at rest, exercise test can uncover electromechanical dyssynchrony that may benefit from CRT.
Efficient Synthesis of Antigenic Trisaccharides Containing N‐Acetylglucosamine: Protection of NHAc as NAc2
Authors: Tsutsui Masato , Sianturi Julinton , Masui Seiji , Tokunaga Kento , Manabe Yoshiyuki , Fukase Koichi
Published: January 2020

The antigenic trisaccharides, α‐gal epitope and H antigen, containing N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine (GlcNAc) were synthesized using a diacetyl strategy, in which NHAc is tentatively converted to NAc2 during oligosaccharide construction. Acetylation of NHAc in GlcNAc significantly improved the reactivity in glycosylation reactions. The diacetyl strategy allowed to achieve the efficient synthesis of α‐gal through a sequential one‐pot and one‐flow procedure. Meanwhile, H antigen was synthesized by stepwise elongation from the reducing end side of GlcNAc. The enhancement of the reactivity by NAc2 protection was observed in both glycosylations at proximal and distal positions to GlcNAc. This diacetyl strategy is expected to be applicable to the synthesis of a wide range of glycans.
A Chiron Approach to the Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Phomonol and Phytotoxic Nonenolides
Authors: Chandra Naveen , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: January 2020

A common strategy from d‐glucono‐δ‐lactone to the pyran natural product phomonol and the phytotoxic nonenolides has been developed. The key steps include a one‐pot conversion of d‐glucono‐δ‐lactone to β‐hydroxy‐γ‐vinyl‐γ‐lactone and diastereoselective Grignard reaction. The synthesis of phomonol also involved cross‐metathesis and intramolecular oxa‐Micheal addition, while that of nonenolides was based on Yamaguchi esterification and intramolecular ring‐closing metathesis (RCM).
Incorporating covariate information in the covariance structure of misaligned spatial data
Authors: Yarali Esmail , Rivaz Firoozeh
Published: January 2020

Incorporating covariates in the second‐ structure of spatial processes is an effective way of building flexible nonstationary covariance models. Fitting these covariances requires covariates to already exist at locations where there is response data. However, studies in environmental statistics often involve covariate and response data that are misaligned in space. A common strategy to remedy this is to interpolate the covariate at locations with response data. This introduces a bias in parameters estimation and prediction. To overcome issues associated with spatial misalignment, this develops a new class of covariate‐dependent nonstationary covariance models using basis function expansions. Specifically, both covariate and response processes are represented in terms of basis systems, and the effect of the covariate is introduced on the covariance structure through a linear model between the random coefficients of basis vectors. A spike and slab prior is used to determine the structure of the association matrix between the random coefficients of the bases. The effectiveness of this prior is assessed through a simulation study. In addition, results from a real dataset show that the proposed model possesses better spatial prediction and computational advantages over other competing models.
A hybrid multi‐output‐predictive modelling based NSGA II approach for dimensions design optimization of battery pack module for electric vehicles
Authors: Ruhatiya Chaitanya , Gia Bao Pham N. , Quan Tram L. , Tho Quan T. , Xinyu Li
Published: January 2020

Battery module safety is a major concern for the commercial success of electric vehicles (EVs). Concurrently, it is also important to have a mechanically sound and ergonomically fit battery pack design. To solve this problem, a hybrid multi‐output‐predictive modelling based NSGA II approach is proposed. In this approach, the multiple predictive modelling methods (linear regression, regression with AdaBoost, decision tree regression and multi‐layer perceptron [MLP]) are applied to predict the deformation, natural frequency and mass of battery pack enclosure. By performing the comparative analysis of these methods, the decision tree regression model was selected for deformation, MLP with tanh function for frequency and MLP with ReLU function for mass. Further, these selected models were optimized using NSGA II which resulted in optimum combination of input variables for achieving the maximum deformation (0.0019 m), minimum natural frequency (91.60 Hz), and mass (12.41 kg) simultaneously.
Resource-dependent evolution of female resistance responses to sexual conflict
Authors: Rostant Wayne G. , Mason Janet S. , de Coriolis Jean-Charles , Chapman Tracey
Published: January 2020

Sexual conflict can promote the evolution of dramatic reproductive adaptations as well as resistance to its potentially costly effects. Theory predicts that responses to sexual conflict will vary significantly with resource levels—when scant, responses should be constrained by trade-offs, when abundant, they should not. However, this can be difficult to test because the evolutionary interests of the sexes align upon short-term exposure to novel environments, swamping any selection due to sexual conflict. What is needed are investigations of populations that are well adapted to both differing levels of sexual conflict and resources. Here, we used this approach in a long-term experimental evolution study to track the evolution of female resistance to sexual conflict in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In resource-rich regimes, high-conflict females evolved resistance to continual exposure to males. There was no difference in baseline survival, consistent with the idea that responses evolving under nutritional abundance experienced no trade-offs with resistance. In the poor resource regimes, the ability of high-conflict females to evolve resistance to males was severely compromised and they also showed lower baseline survival than low-conflict females. This suggested high-conflict females traded off somatic maintenance against any limited resistance they had evolved in response to sexual conflict. Overall, these findings provide experimental support for the hypothesis that evolutionary responses to sexual conflict are critically dependent upon resource levels.
Herbivore-mediated negative frequency-dependent selection underlies a trichome dimorphism in nature
Authors: Goldberg Jay K. , Lively Curtis M. , Sternlieb Sonya R. , Pintel Genevieve , Hare J. Daniel , Morrissey Michael B. , Delph Lynda F.
Published: January 2020

Negative frequency-dependent selection (NFDS) has been shown to maintain polymorphism in a diverse array of traits. The action of NFDS has been confirmed through modeling, experimental approaches, and genetic analyses. In this study, we investigated NFDS in the wild using morph-frequency changes spanning a 20-year period from over 30 dimorphic populations of Datura wrightii. In these populations, plants either possess glandular (sticky) or non-glandular (velvety) trichomes, and the ratio of these morphs varies substantially among populations. Our method provided evidence that NFDS, rather than drift or migration, is the primary force maintaining this dimorphism. Most populations that were initially dimorphic remained dimorphic, and the overall mean and variance in morph frequency did not change over time. Furthermore, morph-frequency differences were not related to geographic distances. Together, these results indicate that neither directional selection, drift, or migration played a substantial role in determining morph frequencies. However, as predicted by negative frequency-dependent selection, we found that the rare morph tended to increase in frequency, leading to a negative relationship between the change in the frequency of the sticky morph and its initial frequency. In addition, we found that morph-frequency change over time was significantly correlated with the damage inflicted by two herbivores: Lema daturaphila and Tupiochoris notatus. The latter is a specialist on the sticky morph and damage by this herbivore was greatest when the sticky morph was common. The reverse was true for L. daturaphila, such that damage increased with the frequency of the velvety morph. These findings suggest that these herbivores contribute to balancing selection on the observed trichome dimorphism.
Rectification of “restrained vs unrestrained”
Authors: LaMalva Kevin , Bisby Luke , Gales John , Gernay Thomas , Hantouche Elie , Jones Cliff , Morovat Ali , Solomon Robert , Torero Jose
Published: January 2020

For furnace testing of fire‐resistant floor and roof assemblies in the United States, the ASTM E 119 standard (and similarly the UL 263 standard) permits two classifications for boundary conditions: “restrained” and “unrestrained.” When incorporating tested assemblies into an actual structural system, the designer, oftentimes a fire protection or structural engineer, must judge whether a “restrained” or “unrestrained” classification is appropriate for the application. It is critical that this assumption be carefully considered and understood, as many qualified listings permit a lesser thickness of applied fire protection for steel structures (or less concrete cover for concrete structures) to achieve a certain fire resistance rating if a “restrained” classification is confirmed, as compared with an “unrestrained” classification. The emerging standardization of structural fire engineering practice in the United States will disrupt century‐long norms in the manner to which structural behavior in fire is addressed. For instance, the current edition of the ASCE/SEI 7 standard will greatly impact how designers consider restraint. Accordingly, this paper serves as an exposé of the “restrained vs unrestrained” paradigm in terms of its paradoxical nature and its controversial impact on the industry. More importantly, potential solutions toward industry rectification are provided for the first time in a contemporary study of this paradigm.
Electrochemical immunosensor based on carboxylated single‐walled carbon nanotube‐chitosan functional layer for the detection of cephalexin
Authors: Yu Wenlong , Sang Yaxin , Wang Tianying , Liu Weihua , Wang Xianghong
Published: January 2020

In this study, a sensitive and selective electrochemical immunosensor for cephalexin (CEX) determination on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface was modified by a carboxylated single‐walled carbon nanotubes/chitosan (SWNTs‐COOH/CS) composite. The SWNTs‐COOH/CS composite was used to enhance sensor performance and to enlarge the electrochemical response of CEX. The cephalosporin‐ovalbumin coupling (CEX‐OVA) was synthesized using the reactive ester method. The free CEX in solution could be effectively measured based on the competitive immunoreaction between CEX‐antibody and CEX. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical immunosensor offered an excellent response for CEX. The linear range was 1–800 ng/ml, with a detection limit of 45.7 ng/ml (S/N = 3). This method was applied to determine CEX in six different samples and obtained the recovery range from 80.15% to 94.04%. These results indicated that the fabricated electrochemical immunosensor and sensing method are suitable for quantification of CEX in real samples. These have great potential for wider applications in environmental and agri‐food products industries.
Neoarchean arc‐back arc subduction system in the Indian Peninsula: Evidence from mafic magmatism in the Shimoga greenstone belt, western Dharwar Craton
Authors: Singh Mutum Rajanikanta , Singh Athokpam Krishnakanta , Santosh M. , Lingadevaru Muddarmaiah , Lakhan Nongmaithem
Published: January 2020

The Neoarchean Shimoga greenstone belt (SGB) of western Dharwar Craton is dominated by ultramafic‐mafic‐felsic magmatic suite and sedimentary rocks. Here, we investigate the mineral chemistry and whole‐rock geochemistry of the Koppa–Herambapura mafic magmatic rocks (tholeiitic metagabbro and metabasalt) from the southern SGB in order to understand their petrogenesis and geodynamic implication. The geochemical features classify the Shimoga rocks as basaltic‐basaltic andesite with a sub‐alkaline tholeiitic signature. Both the rock types display uniform depletion in HFSE relative to LILE‐LREE, higher LILE/HFSE, and LREE/HFSE ratios (La/Nb = 1.30–8.07, Nb/Ta = 11.58–16.19, Zr/Sm = 10.24–29.77) and negative Nb–Ta, Zr–Hf, and Ti anomalies in multi‐element patterns, corresponding to magmatic arc rocks generated within intraoceanic subduction environment. Their Nb/Th (2–15), Zr/Sm (10–29), and Zr/Hf (44–233) ratios indicate a depleted to enriched mantle source, and the parental magma of the mafic rock suite was generated by low to medium degrees (~8–30%) of mantle melting at depths corresponding to spinel to garnet peridotite fields of arc‐back arc setting. Our field and analytical data suggest that the tholeiitic metagabbros were derived from depleted mantle source generated in an arc environment, whereas the metabasalts had a mantle source attributed to (a) development of juvenile back‐arc rift; (b) upwelling of MORB‐like mantle; and (c) flux‐induced melting in the compositional domain of spinel‐garnet peridotite. Based on these results, we conclude that the mafic rock suite from the southern SGB possibly marks one of the earliest Neoarchean arc‐back arc subduction in the western Dharwar Craton.
Volcanogenic talc‐copper deposits of Darhib‐Abu Jurdi area, Egypt: Petrogenesis and remote sensing characterization
Authors: Ali‐Bik Mohamed W. , Hassan Safaa M. , Sadek Mohamed F.
Published: January 2020

Economic talc deposits were developed as an integral part of a volcanogenic massive sulfide system in Darhib‐Abu Jurdi bimodal‐mafic type submarine volcanics in the South Eastern Desert of Egypt. These Pan‐African metavolcanics were erupted in a rift‐related environment and experienced low‐grade greenschist metamorphism. They host talc‐malachite mineralization, mainly within E–W trending alteration zones along the major latitudinal shear planes. These mineralized alteration zones contain economic talc deposits as well as averages of 1.7% Cu and 0.46% Zn; the maximum may exceed 11% Cu. Sentinel‐2, ASTER, and Landsat‐8 dataset in conjunction with a portable TerraSpec Halo mineral identifier device (ASD) were employed in detecting and mapping these mineralized alteration zones within the Darhib‐Abu Jurdi metavolcanics. Petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of these deposits and host volcanics enabled to put constraints on their petrogenesis and evolution as a submarine hydrothermal vent system. Mineralogical characteristics of pervasive chloritization stringer zone, hypogene primary sulfide ore zone, and supergene oxidized zone are addressed and discussed. Talc deposits were formed at Darhib‐Abu Jurdi area as the main gangue phase via (a) direct precipitation on seafloor by interaction of silica‐saturated hydrothermal fluids with Mg‐rich seawater, (b) precipitation with actinolite/tremolite at shallow depth beneath the sulfide ore lenses due to penetration of Mg‐rich seawater into hydrothermal conduit, and (c) replacement of pre‐existing tremolite, actinolite, chlorite, and septechlorite.
A systematic review of the effects of psychosocial interventions on social functioning for middle‐aged and older‐aged adults with severe mental illness
Authors: Smart Emily L. , Brown Laura , Palmier‐Claus Jasper , Raphael Jessica , Berry Katherine
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The number of older adults with severe mental health problems such as schizophrenia is likely to double in the next 20 years. The needs of this patient group change across the life course, but difficulties with social functioning persist into older age. Poorer social functioning is associated with poorer outcomes and has been identified as a priority for intervention by patients themselves. This paper systematically reviews studies examining the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on social functioning for people with severe mental health problems in later life.

Methods

A systematic review of peer‐reviewed journal articles was conducted and databases were searched from inception to December 2017. The review was limited to psychosocial interventions, for mid to older aged adults (≥40 years of age) with severe mental illness that included a validated measure of social functioning.

Results

Fifteen studies (17 papers) met inclusion criteria. There was evidence to support skills training interventions that primarily focused on social skills training or integrated mental and physical health interventions. There was not sufficient evidence to recommend any other interventions.

Conclusions

The results highlight the limited nature of interventions designed specifically for older people with severe mental health problems that target social functioning and the need for more robust, large‐scale studies in the area. Current evidence suggests that cognitive behaviour therapy can be effective in targeting social functioning in younger age groups, but, as yet, there is insufficient evidence to recommend this intervention for an older population.
Magnetohydrodynamics convection in nanofluids‐filled cavities: A review
Authors: Molana Maysam , Zarrinderafsh Vahid , Chamkha Ali J. , Izadi Sina , Rafizadeh Siamak
Published: January 2020

This manuscript reviews most of the available papers on the nanofluids convection in different shapes of cavities and enclosures, applying a magnetic field. The papers have been categorized into two major classes: natural convection and mixed convection. Important research have been described more and then two tables demonstrate a summary of the papers. Statistical considerations are mentioned to realize some helpful information on the scope. Most of the results demonstrated that the heat transfer usually enhances with an increase in nanoparticles volume concentration and Rayleigh number and shows inverse behavior with growth in the Hartmann number. The average Nusselt number will decrease with any increase in the Richardson number. Moreover, magnetohydrodynamic constraints the heat transfer and therefore, can play as an applicable controller of heat transfer applications.
Waist‐to‐Hip Ratio Sensitivity in Early Infancy
Authors: White Hannah , Chroust Alyson , Jubran Rachel , Heck Alison , Bhatt Ramesh S.
Published: January 2020

The waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) is correlated with health and associated with sex, attractiveness, and age judgments by adults. We examined the development of sensitivity to the WHR by testing 3.5‐month‐old infants' (N = 71) preference between images depicting different WHRs. Female 3.5‐month‐olds exhibited a preference for the WHR associated with attractiveness and mate value by adults (0.7) over a larger WHR (0.9). This preference was exhibited when infants were tested on upright stimuli but not when they were tested on inverted stimuli, indicating that low‐level differences (e.g., curviness) were not driving performance. This sensitivity to WHR may lay the foundation for more explicit preferences and categorical associations later in life. In contrast to females, male infants failed to exhibit a significant preference for the 0.7 WHR in either orientation, replicating previous findings of female infants' superior processing of social stimuli. Implications for theories of the development of body knowledge and sex differences in social information processing are discussed.

Highlights

Waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) is a significant social cue for adults, with 0.7 WHR considered ideal for females.

3.5‐month‐old female infants preferred 0.7 WHR over 0.9 WHR, but male infants did not exhibit a preference.

Findings indicate sensitivity to WHR early in life and replicate prior findings of female infants' superior processing of social stimuli.
Remarkable antitumor effect of nivolumab in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma previously treated with a peptide‐based vaccine
Authors: Kurahashi Ryoma , Motoshima Takanobu , Fukushima Yumi , Murakami Yoji , Yatsuda Junji , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Sugiyama Yutaka , Fukushima Satoshi , Komohara Yoshihiro , Suekane Shigetaka , Kamba Tomomi
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The safety and efficacy of combination therapy comprising immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer‐specific peptide vaccines have not yet been established.

Case presentation

A 71‐year‐old female metastatic renal cell carcinoma patient with multiple lung and pleural metastases. She had been treated with interferon alpha, sunitinib, axitinib, and pazopanib sequentially, but no clinical efficacy was observed. She participated in a clinical trial using cancer‐specific peptide vaccine therapy. Initially no antitumor effect was observed, and vaccine therapy was ceased after two courses. But 3 months after the start of nivolumab, remarkable tumor shrinkage was observed at all metastatic sites, which resulted in almost complete response at 6 months. At 10 months, nivolumab was stopped due to cellulitis at the peptide vaccine inoculation site. Intriguingly, even after nivolumab discontinuation, complete response was maintained for more than 1 year.

Conclusion

We experienced a remarkable antitumor effect by nivolumab in a patient who was previously treated with vaccine therapy.
Hard decision of the zero a posteriori LLR in 5G NR
Authors: Wu Hao
Published: January 2020

The a posteriori log likelihood ratios (LLRs) have three kinds of values: negative, zero and positive. For the binary code, the hard decision is 1 when the a posteriori LLR is negative and is 0 when the a posteriori LLR is positive. To simplify the implementation of the decoder, the hard decision is usually 0 when the a posteriori LLR is zero since sign bits of zero and positive are the same. In 5G NR, this scheme increases the undetected error probability and the hard decision should be 1 when the a posteriori LLR is zero.
Miniature probe for dual‐modality photoacoustic microscopy and white‐light microscopy for image guidance: A prototype toward an endoscope
Authors: Li Guangyao , Ye Zhanhong , Liang Siqi , Chen Sung‐Liang
Published: January 2020

In this study, a novel photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) probe integrating white‐light microscopy (WLM) modality that provides guidance for PAM imaging and complementary information is implemented. One single core of an imaging fiber bundle is employed to deliver a pulsed laser for photoacoustic excitation for PAM mode, which provides high resolution with deep penetration. Meanwhile, for WLM mode, the imaging fiber bundle is used to transmit two‐dimensional superficial images. Lateral resolution of 7.2 μm for PAM is achieved. Since miniature components are used, the probe diameter is only 1.7 mm. Imaging of phantom and animals in vivo is conducted to show the imaging capability of the probe. The probe has several advantages by introducing the WLM mode, such as being able to conveniently identify regions of interest and align the focus for PAM mode. The prototype of an endoscope shows potential to facilitate clinical photoacoustic endoscopic applications.
Hyperthermia‐induced seizures produce long‐term effects on the functionality of adenosine A1 receptor in rat cerebral cortex
Authors: Crespo María , León‐Navarro David Agustín , Ruíz María Ángeles , Martín Mairena
Published: January 2020

Febrile seizures are one of the most frequent childhood neurological disorders; they are classified into simple and prolonged, depending on their duration. Prolonged FS lasts more than 15 min and may evoke neurological sequelae in a process in which molecular alterations seem to play an important role. Adenosine is a purine nucleoside that exerts anticonvulsant effects through binding to adenosine A1 receptor (A1R). This receptor belongs to the GPCR superfamily and is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity through Gi proteins. In the present study, we analyzed the functionality of A1R, measured as the inhibition of forskolin‐stimulated AC activity, 48 hr after hyperthermia‐induced seizures (HIS). Surprisingly, the results obtained show that the activation of A1R increased forskolin‐stimulated cAMP production instead of decreasing it. This alteration was not accompanied by changes in αG protein levels. The functionality of A1R remained altered two months after HIS. However, this alteration was abolished when AC assays were carried out in the presence of anti αGs subunit‐specific antibody, suggesting that HIS can switch A1R coupling from Gi to Gs proteins. Finally, radioligand binding assays revealed that density and affinity of A1R were not significantly altered by HIS. In summary, the results obtained show that HIS induces long‐term changes in the A1R/AC signaling pathway in rat brain cortex.
Synthesis and antifungal activities of 3,5‐diphenyl‐7‐amino‐[1,3]‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐nitrile derivatives
Authors: Borthakur Susanta Kumar , Kalita Pabitra Kumar , Borthakur Sukanya
Published: January 2020

A series of novel 3,7‐diphenyl‐7‐amino[1,3]‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐nitrile derivatives 3 were synthesized by refluxing 2‐amino‐4‐phenyl‐1,3‐thiazole 1 and arylidinemalononitrile 2 in propanol using NaOH as catalyst. Various synthesized products were characterized by 1H NMR, mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR), and elemental analysis. Antifungal activities of the synthesized compounds were done by testing against Rhizoctonia solani and Drechslera orazae, two fungal pathogens causing diseases on rice crops.
Uses of ethyl benzoylacetate for the synthesis of thiophene, thiazole, pyridine, and pyran derivatives with antitumor activities
Authors: Mohareb Rafat M. , Mostafa Bahaa M.
Published: January 2020

The reaction of ethyl benzoylacetate with malononitrile in an oil bath at 120°C gave the condensation product 3. The latter compound underwent a series of heterocyclization to give thiophene, thiazole, pyridine, and pyran derivatives. The structures of the synthesized products were established on the basis of analytical and spectral data. The antitumor evaluation of the newly synthesized products against the six cancer cell lines namely human gastric cancer (NUGC and HR), human colon cancer (DLD1), human liver cancer (HA22T and HEPG2), human breast cancer (MCF), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HONE1), and normal fibroblast cells (WI38) indicated that many compounds expressed high inhibition against the six cancer cell lines. Compounds 3, 8a, 8c, 14b, 16b, 16c, 16d, 19a, 19b, 20a, 22a, 27b, and 28a were the most cytotoxic compounds among the tested compounds.
Preparation of the alpha‐emitting prostate‐specific membrane antigen targeted radioligand [212Pb]Pb‐NG001 for prostate cancer
Authors: Stenberg Vilde Yuli , Juzeniene Asta , Chen Qingqi , Yang Xiaoming , Bruland Øyvind Sverre , Larsen Roy Hartvig
Published: January 2020

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is the most promising target for radioligand therapy of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to prepare a small molecular ligand p‐SCN‐Bn‐TCMC‐PSMA (NG001) and compare it with the commonly used DOTA‐based PSMA‐617. The PSMA‐targeting ability of the 212Pb‐labelled ligands was evaluated using PSMA‐positive C4‐2 human prostate cancer cells. Lead‐212 is an in vivo generator of alpha particles by its daughter nuclides 212Bi and 212Po. NG001 was synthesized by conjugating the isothiocyanato group of p‐SCN‐Bn‐TCMC to the amino group of a glutamate‐urea‐based PSMA‐binding entity. Molecular size, chelator unit and chelator linking method are different in NG001 and PSMA‐617. Both ligands were efficiently labelled with 212Pb using a 224Ra/212Pb‐solution generator in transient equilibrium with progeny. Lead‐212‐labelled NG001 was purified with a yield of 85.9±4.7% and with 0.7±0.2% of 224Ra. Compared with [212Pb]Pb‐PSMA‐617, [212Pb]Pb‐NG001 displayed a similar binding and internalization in C4‐2 cells, with comparable tumour uptake in mice bearing C4‐2 tumours, but almost a 2.5‐fold lower kidney uptake. Due to the rapid normal tissue clearance and tumour cell internalization, any significant translocalization of 212Bi was not detected in mice. In conclusion, the obtained results warrant further preclinical studies to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of [212Pb]Pb‐NG001.
Assessment of immune status against measles, mumps, and rubella in young Kuwaitis: MMR vaccine efficacy
Authors: Madi Nada , Altawalah Haya , Alfouzan Wadha , Al‐Nakib Widad , Al‐Roumi Ebtehal , Jeragh Ahlam
Published: January 2020

Seroprevalence studies on measles, mumps, and rubella immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies after the implementation of the measles‐mumps‐rubella (MMR) vaccine are lacking in Kuwait. This study is an age‐stratified serological study to assess the herd immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella among the young Kuwaiti population to evaluate the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine. IgG antibody titers to mumps, measles, and rubella were determined with commercial immune‐assay in serum samples of 1000 Kuwaitis aged 5 to 20 years. The highest level of seropositivity was to measles (94.6%), which was significantly higher in females than in males. The highest seronegativity was for mumps (29%). The percentage of the young Kuwaiti population who were serologically positive for all the components of the MMR vaccine was 47%, and 2% of the individuals were without any protective antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella. Females aged 5 to 10 years were best protected to rubella; however, seronegativity in 8.2% of 11‐ to 20‐year‐old females makes them vulnerable to rubella virus infection and congenital complications during pregnancy. The study provided insight into the effect of the MMR vaccine on seroprevalence of antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella in Kuwait, which will contribute to the global knowledge base of vaccine coverage and help to inform elimination strategies. The findings strengthen the need for a third dose of MMR vaccine and catch‐up campaigns for the young Kuwaiti population to increase vaccination coverage and prevent waning immunity, especially among those who received only one dose of the vaccine during childhood.
Impact of short‐rotation coppice with poplar and willow on soil physical properties
Authors: Kahle Petra , Janssen Manon
Published: January 2020

As the land area of short‐rotation coppice (SRC) increases, their soil physical impacts have to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to detect the effects of long‐term SRC with poplar and willow on the vertical distribution of soil physical properties (bulk density, water retention, penetration resistance) and on solute transport patterns. An 18‐year‐old SRC located in northeastern Germany was compared to an adjacent continuous arable cropping system by means of soil sampling, penetrologger measurements and dye tracer experiments. The topsoil's bulk density was significantly lower under SRC than under cropland. This effect was especially pronounced in the uppermost 10 cm, where also the air capacity and the plant‐available water content were higher under SRC. The penetration resistance in 25–50 cm depth was reduced under SRC compared to the cropland, indicating a loosening of the plough pan. Dye tracer experiments showed that the importance of preferential flow was higher under SRC due to tree root channels and an increasing colonisation with invertebrates. SRC has ecologically advantageous effects on soil physical properties of the topsoil, however, combined with an enhanced risk of preferential solute transport upon application of agrochemicals.
Synthesis and characterization of bis‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline) strontium (SrQ2) in water medium
Authors: Xu Yuna , Zhong Xueming , Li Yanrong , Liu Junchen , Wu Shiting , Zeng Hongze
Published: January 2020

One‐dimensional nanowires of 8‐hydroxyquinoline strontium (SrQ2‐1) was synthesized by liquid phase method. The structure and composition of the products were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), indicating that 8‐hydroxyquinoline strontium was successfully synthesized. The fluorescence properties of SrQ2‐1 were analyzed by fluorescence spectra; the results showed that the maximum emission wavelength was detected at 473 nm (blue light area), the fluorescence lifetime of SrQ2‐1 is 7.38 nanoseconds, and the fluorescence quantum yield is 28.3%. The analysis of TG‐DSC diagram suggests that SrQ2‐1 begins to decompose at 475°C, which indicates SrQ2‐1 has good thermal stability. Consequently, 8‐hydroxyquinoline strontium can be used as a blue luminescent material.
Rapid measurements of curcumin from complex samples coupled with magnetic biocompatibility molecularly imprinted polymer using electrochemical detection
Authors: Li Wei , Jiang Zhuang‐Fei , Tan Ling , Wang Shu‐Xian , Wang Chong‐Zhi , Zhang Jia‐Wei , Zhou Lian‐Di , Zhang Qi‐Hui , Yuan Chun‐Su
Published: January 2020

Curcumin widely exists in food, and rapid selective and accurate detection of curcumin have great significance in chemical industry. In this experiment, a new magnetic biocompatibility molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared with nontoxic and biocompatible Zein to adsorb curcumin selectively. The polymer has high biocompatibility, good adsorption capacity, and specific adsorption for curcumin. Combined with portable electrochemical workstations, the polymer can be used to detect curcumin rapidly and cost‐effectively. Using curcumin as a template and Zein as the crosslinking agent, the polymers were synthesized on the surface of Fe3O4 particles for solid phase extraction. The experimental results showed that the polymer reached large adsorption capacity (32.12 mg/g) with fast kinetics (20 min). The adsorption characteristic of the polymer followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models. Hexacyanoferrate was used as electrochemical probe to generate signals, and the linear range was 5–200 µg/mL for measuring curcumin. The experimental analysis showed that the polymer was an ideal material for selective accumulation of curcumin from complex samples. This approach has been successfully applied to the determination of curcumin in food samples with electrochemical detection, indicating that this is a feasible and practical technique.
Calcite precipitation in Lake Powell reduces alkalinity and total salt loading to the Lower Colorado River Basin
Authors: Deemer Bridget R. , Stets Edward G. , Yackulic Charles B.
Published: January 2020

Reservoirs can retain and transform carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica, but less is known about their effects on other biogeochemically relevant solutes. The salinization of freshwater ecosystems is a growing concern in many regions, and the role of reservoirs in salinity transport is an important research frontier. Here, we examine how a large desert southwest reservoir, Lake Powell, has altered the downstream transport of total dissolved solids (TDSs) as well as the dominant cations and anions comprising the TDS pool (, , and Ca2+). Average downstream TDS concentrations have declined significantly since river impoundment and seasonal fluctuations in TDS concentrations have become more modulated, but year to year variation in TDS concentrations has remained similar. While some of the reductions in TDS concentration can be attributed to watershed management, we find that Lake Powell retains about 10% of the TDS loaded to the system (1991 Mg TDS d−1). Much of this retention is occurring in the forms of calcium and bicarbonate, likely via calcite precipitation, and is equivalent to an average burial of 522 mg C m−2 d−1, thus reducing the alkalinity of downstream water. Flow‐weighted modeling suggests that, in the absence of Lake Powell, downstream salinity limits would be surpassed at the outflow to Lake Powell 41% of the time (vs. 0% of the time currently). Understanding the dominant mechanisms regulating solute transport through the reservoir is important given the relevance for downstream drinking water and irrigation concerns, biogeochemical cycling, and the high potential for reduced flows in the future.
The Effect of Vaginal Microablative Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment on Vaginal Cytology
Authors: Takacs Peter , Sipos Attila Gergely , Kozma Bence , Cunningham Tina D. , Larson Kindra , Lampé Rudolf , Poka Robert
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

Most recently vaginal laser treatment was introduced as a new option for women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal dryness. Our objective was to assess the effects of intravaginal CO2 laser treatment on vaginal cytology.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Fifty‐two women with symptoms of vaginal dryness were enrolled and underwent vaginal laser treatment using a fractional CO2 laser. Patients received three vaginal laser treatments 4 weeks apart. Vaginal cytology was obtained before the first treatment and 4 weeks after each additional treatment. Vaginal dryness was assessed by using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Results

Out of the 52 women enrolled, 34 were in menopause. Postmenopausal women had significantly lower vaginal maturation values (VMV) compared with premenopausal women at the baseline visit (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 42 ± 23 vs. 68 ± 13, P < 0.01). The vaginal dryness VAS was higher (worse) in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal cases (mean ± SD, 5.7 ± 4 vs. 2.4 ± 3, P < 0.01). The VMV did not change significantly over time after vaginal laser treatment. However vaginal dryness VAS improved significantly after each treatment. Both in the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups, vaginal dryness scores improved significantly from baseline after the three treatments (postmenopausal 5.7 ± 4 vs. 1.6 ± 2.5, P < 0.01 and premenopausal 2.4 ± 3 vs. 0.2 ± 0.5, P < 0.01). Those patients who had improvement in VMV had significantly better (lower) dryness VAS compared with those women without an improvement in VMV after the three treatments (mean ± SD, 0.3 ± 0.8 vs. 1.6 ± 2.6, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Vaginal dryness VAS improved significantly in a cohort of premenopausal and postmenopausal women undergoing vaginal CO2 laser treatment despite no significant change in vaginal cytology. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tool to Aid Patients in Selecting a Liver Transplant Center
Authors: Schaffhausen Cory R. , Bruin Marilyn J. , Chu Sauman , Fu Helen , McKinney Warren T. , Schladt David , Snyder Jon J. , Kim W. Ray , Lake Jack R. , Kasiske Bertram L. , Israni Ajay K.
Published: January 2020

Variations in candidate and donor acceptance criteria may influence access and mortality for liver transplantation. We sought to understand how recipient and donor characteristics vary across centers and how patients interpret this information, and we used these data to develop a tool to provide tailored information to candidates seeking a center (www.transplantcentersearch.org). We analyzed liver recipient data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to determine how recipient and donor characteristics (eg, age, Medicaid use, and human immunodeficiency virus status) varied across programs. Data included recipients and donors at each US program between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. The variation in characteristics was plotted with centers stratified by total transplant volume and by volume of each characteristic. A subset of characteristics was plotted to show variation over 3 years. We created mockups of potential reports displaying recipient characteristics alongside pretransplant and posttransplant outcomes and solicited feedback at patient and family interviews and focus groups, which included 39 individuals: 10 pilot interviews with candidates seeking liver transplant at the University of Minnesota‐Fairview (UMNF) and 5 focus groups with 13 UMNF candidates, 6 UMNF family members, and 10 national recipients. Transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Several themes emerged: (1) Candidates experience gaps in existing education about center options; (2) patients requested information about how selection criteria might impact access to transplant; and (3) information tailored to a candidate’s medical characteristics can inform decisions. Characteristics shown on mockups varied across centers (P < 0.01). Variation was widespread for small and large centers. In conclusion, variation exists in recipient and donor characteristics across centers. Liver transplant patients provide positive feedback upon viewing patient‐specific search tools.
The effects of online negative word‐of‐mouth on dissatisfied customers: A frustration–aggression perspective
Authors: Azemi Yllka , Ozuem Wilson , Howell Kerry E.
Published: January 2020

Conceptualizing how customers construe online negative word‐of‐mouth (nWOM) following failure experiences remains unsettled, leaving providers with inconclusive recovery strategy programmes. This empirical study recognizes online nWOM as a co‐created encounter between the complainant (i.e., the initiator of the online nWOM) and the recipient (i.e., the consumer who engages with the online nWOM), examining their idiosyncrasies to discern their understanding of the experience. It introduces frustration–aggression theory to online WOM literature, recognizing that it can support a higher‐order understanding of phenomena. Through phenomenological hermeneutics, interviews and focus groups, data were collected from millennials in Albania and Kosovo that provided accounts of nuanced and distinctive online nWOM realities. The emerged insights extended extant theory to a three‐fold online nWOM typology (i.e., lenient online nWOM, moderate online nWOM and severe online nWOM) recognizing the negative impact customers have on a provider, which is controlled by frustration–aggression tags. Frustration–aggression variations across online nWOM led to the construct of three types of customers that engage in online nWOM, namely tolerable online nWOM customers, rigorous online nWOM customers and confrontational online nWOM customers. Findings culminated with satisfactory recovery strategies aligned to customer inferences regardless of the nWOM context.
Loss‐of‐Function Mutations in NR4A2 Cause Dopa‐Responsive Dystonia Parkinsonism
Authors: Wirth Thomas , Mariani Louise Laure , Bergant Gaber , Baulac Michel , Habert Marie‐Odile , Drouot Nathalie , Ollivier Emmanuelle , Hodžić Alenka , Rudolf Gorazd , Nitschke Patrick , Rudolf Gabrielle , Chelly Jamel , Tranchant Christine , Anheim Mathieu , Roze Emmanuel
Published: January 2020

Background

The group of dystonia genes is expanding, and mutations of these genes have been associated with various combined dystonia syndromes. Among the latter, the cause of some dystonia parkinsonism cases remains unknown.

Objective

To report patients with early‐onset dystonia parkinsonism as a result of loss‐of‐function mutations in nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2.

Methods

Phenotypic characterization and exome sequencing were carried out in 2 families.

Results

The 2 patients reported here both had a history of mild intellectual disability in childhood and subsequently developed dystonia parkinsonism in early adulthood. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal, and DATscan suggested bilateral dopaminergic denervation. Two frameshift mutations in NR4A2 were identified: a de novo insertion (NM_006186.3; c.326dupA) in the first case and another small insertion (NM_006186.3; c.881dupA) in the second.

Conclusions

NR4A2 haploinsufficiency mutations have been recently reported in neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Our findings indicate that dystonia and/or parkinsonism may appear years after initial symptoms. Mutations in NR4A2 should be considered in patients with unexplained dystonia parkinsonism. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Emulsion Copolymerization of Vinyl Acetate and Vinyl Silanes: Kinetics and Development of Microstructure
Authors: Barquero Aitor , Agirre Amaia , Barandiaran María Jesús , Leiza Jose Ramon
Published: January 2020

The batch emulsion copolymerization of vinyl acetate with different vinyl silane functional monomers (vinyl trimethoxysilane [VTMS], vinyl triethoxysilane [VTES], and vinyl silanetriol [VSTO]) is studied. The nature of the silane strongly affects the development of the microstructure and crosslinking ability of the latexes. A combination of techniques (Soxhlet extraction, centrifugation, assymetric‐flow field flow fractionation AF4/MALS/RI) shows that the factor controlling the molar mass and crosslinking density is the degree of hydrolysis of the alkoxysilane, producing higher molar masses and degrees of crosslinking when the degree of hydrolysis is high. Thus, the copolymer containing VSTO produced a very crosslinked latex, the one with VTMS produced a latex with a low degree of crosslinking in the wet state that can yield high degrees of crosslinking upon drying, and the latex with VTES do not produce significant amounts of crosslinking neither before nor after drying.
Fast submillimeter diffusion MRI using gSlider‐SMS and SNR‐enhancing joint reconstruction
Authors: Haldar Justin P. , Liu Yunsong , Liao Congyu , Fan Qiuyun , Setsompop Kawin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

We evaluate a new approach for achieving diffusion MRI data with high spatial resolution, large volume coverage, and fast acquisition speed.

Theory and Methods

A recent method called gSlider‐SMS enables whole‐brain submillimeter diffusion MRI with high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) efficiency. However, despite the efficient acquisition, the resulting images can still suffer from low SNR due to the small size of the imaging voxels. This work proposes to mitigate the SNR problem by combining gSlider‐SMS with a regularized SNR‐enhancing reconstruction approach.

Results

Illustrative results show that, from gSlider‐SMS data acquired over a span of only 25 minutes on a 3T scanner, the proposed method is able to produce 71 MRI images (64 diffusion encoding orientations withb= 1500 s/, and 7 images without diffusion weighting) of the entire in vivo human brain with nominal 0.66 mm spatial resolution. Using data acquired from 75 minutes of acquisition as a gold standard reference, we demonstrate that the proposed SNR‐enhancement procedure leads to substantial improvements in estimated diffusion parameters compared to conventional gSlider reconstruction. Results also demonstrate that the proposed method has advantages relative to denoising methods based on low‐rank matrix modeling. A theoretical analysis of the trade‐off between spatial resolution and SNR suggests that the proposed approach has high efficiency.

Conclusions

The combination of gSlider‐SMS with advanced regularized reconstruction enables high‐resolution quantitative diffusion MRI from a relatively fast acquisition.