bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast sensitivity reveals an oculomotor strategy for temporally encoding space
Authors: Casile Antonino , Victor Jonathan D , Rucci Michele
Published: January 2019

The contrast sensitivity function (CSF), how sensitivity varies with the frequency of the stimulus, is a fundamental assessment of visual performance. The CSF is generally assumed to be determined by low-level sensory processes. However, the spatial sensitivities of neurons in the early visual pathways, as measured in experiments with immobilized eyes, diverge from psychophysical CSF measurements in primates. Under natural viewing conditions, as in typical psychophysical measurements, humans continually move their eyes even when looking at a fixed point. Here, we show that the resulting transformation of the spatial scene into temporal modulations on the retina constitutes a processing stage that reconciles human CSF and the response characteristics of retinal ganglion cells under a broad range of conditions. Our findings suggest a fundamental integration between perception and action: eye movements work synergistically with the spatio-temporal sensitivities of retinal neurons to encode spatial information.
Nothobranchius furzeri, an 'instant' fish from an ephemeral habitat
Authors: Reichard Martin , Polačik Matej
Published: January 2019

The turquoise killifish, Nothobranchius furzeri, is a promising vertebrate model in ageing research and an emerging model organism in genomics, regenerative medicine, developmental biology and ecotoxicology. Its lifestyle is adapted to the ephemeral nature of shallow pools on the African savannah. Its rapid and short active life commences when rains fill the pool: fish hatch, grow rapidly and mature in as few as two weeks, and then reproduce daily until the pool dries out. Its embryos then become inactive, encased in the dry sediment and protected from the harsh environment until the rains return. This invertebrate-like life cycle (short active phase and long developmental arrest) combined with a vertebrate body plan provide the ideal attributes for a laboratory animal.
Bulk Photodriven CO2 Conversion through TiO2@Si(HIPE) Monolithic Macrocellular Foams
Authors: Bernadet Sophie , Tavernier Eugénie , Ta Duc‐Minh , Vallée Renaud A. L. , Ravaine Serge , Fécant Antoine , Backov Rénal
Published: January 2019

Operating photo‐induced reactions exclusively on catalyst surfaces while not exploiting the full catalyst volume generates a major footprint penalty for the photocatalytic reactor and leads to an inefficient use of the catalytic material. Photonic investigations clearly show that the solid foams have a strongly multidiffusive character, with photons being significantly trapped within the sample cores while addressing a photon mean free path lt = 20.1 ± 1.3 µm. This 3D process both greatly limits back‐reactions and promotes outstanding selectivity toward methane (around 80%) generation, and even ethane (around 18%) through C‐C coupling reaction, with residual carbon monoxide and dihydrogen contents (around 2%). Silica–titania TiO2@Si(HIPE) self‐standing macrocellular catalysts lead to optimal efficient thicknesses up to 20 times those of powders, thereby enhancing the way for real 3D‐photodriven catalytic processes above the millimeter scale and up to a 6 mm thickness. A rather simple Langmuir–Hinshelwood based kinetic model is proposed which highlights the strong dependence of photocatalytic reaction rates on light scattering and the crucial role on oxidation back‐reactions. In addition, a strong correlation between light attenuation coefficient and photon mean free path and median pore aperture diameter is demonstrated, offering thus a tool for photocatalytic behavior prediction.
Nanoconfinement‐Induced Giant Electrocaloric Effect in Ferroelectric Polymer Nanowire Array Integrated with Aluminum Oxide Membrane to Exhibit Record Cooling Power Density
Authors: Zhang Guangzu , Weng Lingxi , Hu Zhaoyao , Liu Yang , Bao Runxi , Zhao Peng , Feng Hao , Yang Nuo , Li Ming‐Yu , Zhang Sulin , Jiang Shenglin , Wang Qing
Published: January 2019

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) offers a unique mechanism to realize environmentally friendly and highly efficient solid‐state cooling that completely differs from the conventional vapor‐compression refrigeration. Here a new class of hybrid films composed of ferroelectric polymer nanowire array and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane is reported, which displays pronounced ECE driven by relatively low electric fields. Under confinement and orientation of AAO channels on the crystallization of the polymer, the polymer nanowire array shows substantially enhanced ECE that is about three times that of the corresponding thin films. Simultaneously, the integrated AAO membrane forms thermally conducting channels for the polymer nanowires, enabling the efficient transfer of cooling energy and operation of the EC materials under high frequencies, which are unattainable based on the currently available EC structures. Consequently, the integrated polymer nanowire–AAO hybrid film exhibits the state‐of‐the‐art cooling power density, outperforming the current ferroelectric polymers, ceramics, and composites. This work opens a new route for the development of scalable, high‐performance EC materials for next‐generation refrigeration.
Highly Dynamic Shape Memory Alloy Actuator for Fast Moving Soft Robots
Authors: Huang Xiaonan , Kumar Kitty , Jawed Mohammad K. , Mohammadi Nasab Amir , Ye Zisheng , Shan Wanliang , Majidi Carmel
Published: January 2019

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are popular as actuators for soft bioinspired robots because they are naturally compliant, have high work density, and can be operated using miniaturized on‐board electronics for power and control. However, SMA actuators typically exhibit limited bandwidth due to the long duration of time required for the alloy to cool down and return to its natural shape and compliance following electrical actuation. This challenge is addressed by constructing SMA‐based actuators out of thermally conductive elastomers and examining the influence of electrical current and actuation frequency on blocking force, bending amplitude, and operating temperature. The actuator is composed of a U‐shape SMA wire that is sandwiched between layers of stretched and unstretched thermal elastomer. Based on the studies, the ability is demonstrated to create a highly dynamic soft actuator that weighs 3.7 g, generates a force of ≈0.2 N, bends with curvature change of ≈60 m−1 in 0.15 s, and can be activated with a frequency above 0.3 Hz with a pair of miniature 3.7 V lithium–polymer batteries. Together, these properties allow the actuator to be used as an “artificial muscle” for a variety of tethered and untethered soft robotic systems capable of fast dynamic locomotion.
SO3H‐functionalized nano‐MGO‐D‐NH2: Synthesis, characterization and application for one‐pot synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives in aqueous media
Authors: Alinezhad Heshmatollah , Tarahomi Mehrasa , Maleki Behrooz , Amiri Amirhassan
Published: January 2019

An SO3H‐functionalized nano‐MGO‐D‐NH2 catalyst has been prepared by multi‐functionalization of a magnetic graphene oxide (GO) nanohybrid and evaluated in the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone derivatives. The GO/Fe3O4 (MGO) hybrid was prepared via an improved Hummers method followed by the covalent attachment of 1,4‐butanesultone with the amino group of the as‐prepared polyamidoamine‐functionalized MGO (MGO‐D‐NH2) to give double‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as the catalyst. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized to confirm their synthesis and to precisely determine their physicochemical properties. In summary, the prepared catalyst showed marked recyclability and catalytic performance in terms of reaction time and yield of products. The results of this study are hoped to aid the development of a new class of heterogeneous catalysts to show high performance and as excellent candidates for industrial applications.
All in the Family – Touch Versus Olfaction in Moles
Authors: Catania Kenneth C.
Published: January 2019

Here I review, compare, and contrast the neurobiology and behavior of the common, eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) and the star‐nosed mole (Condylura cristata). These two species are part of the same family (Talpidae) and have similar body size and general morphology. But they differ in sensory specializations, complexity of neocortical organization, and behavior. The star‐nosed mole has an elaborate mechanosensory organ—the star—consisting of 22 epidermal appendages (rays) covered with 25,000 touch domes called Eimer's organs. This densely innervated structure is represented in the neocortex in three different somatosensory maps, each visible in flattened neocortical sections as a series of 11 modules representing the 11 rays from the contralateral body. The 11th ray is greatly magnified in primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Behavioral studies show the star is moved in a saccadic manner and the 11th ray is a high‐resolution tactile fovea, allowing star‐nosed moles to forage on small prey with unprecedented speed and efficiency. In contrast, common mole noses lack Eimer's organs, their neocortex contains only two cortical maps of the nose, and they cannot localize small prey. Yet common moles have exceptional olfactory abilities, sniffing in stereo to rapidly localize discrete odor sources originating from larger prey. In addition, common moles are shown to track odorant trails laid down by moving prey. These results highlight the surprising abilities of species once thought to be simple, and the usefulness of diverse species in revealing general principles of brain organization and behavior. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
Cardiometabolic Polygenic Risk Scores and Osteoarthritis Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study Using Data From the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study and the UK Biobank
Authors: Hindy George , Åkesson Kristina E. , Melander Olle , Aragam Krishna G. , Haas Mary E. , Nilsson Peter M. , Kadam Umesh T. , Orho‐Melander Marju
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate the causal role of cardiometabolic risk factors in osteoarthritis (OA) using associated genetic variants.

Methods

We studied 27,691 adults from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS) and replicated novel findings among 376,435 adults from the UK Biobank. Trait‐specific polygenic risk scores for low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, and systolic blood pressure (BP) were used to test the associations of genetically predicted elevations in each trait with incident OA diagnosis (n = 3,559), OA joint replacement (n = 2,780), or both (total OA; n = 4,226) in Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses in the MDCS, and with self‐reported and/or hospital‐diagnosed OA (n = 65,213) in the UK Biobank. Multivariable MR, MR‐Egger, and weighted median MR were used to adjust for potential pleiotropic biases.

Results

In the MDCS, genetically predicted elevation in LDL cholesterol level was associated with a lower risk of OA diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.83 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.73–0.95] per 1SD increase) and total OA (OR 0.87 [95% CI 0.78–0.98]), which was supported by multivariable MR for OA diagnosis (OR 0.84 [95% CI 0.75–0.95]) and total OA (0.87 [95% CI 0.78–0.97]), and by conventional 2‐sample MR for OA diagnosis (OR 0.86 [95% CI 0.75–0.98]). MR‐Egger indicated no pleiotropic bias. Genetically predicted elevation in BMI was associated with an increased risk of OA diagnosis (OR 1.65 [95% CI 1.14–2.41]), while MR‐Egger indicated pleiotropic bias and a larger association with OA diagnosis (OR 3.25 [1.26–8.39]), OA joint replacement (OR 3.81 [95% CI 1.39–10.4]), and total OA (OR 3.41 [95% CI 1.43–8.15]). No associations were observed between genetically predicted HDL cholesterol level, triglyceride level, FPG level, or systolic BP and OA outcomes. The associations with LDL cholesterol levels were replicated in the UK Biobank (OR 0.95 [95% CI 0.93–0.98]).

Conclusion

Our MR study provides evidence of a causal role of lower LDL cholesterol level and higher BMI in OA.
Does designing environmental sustainability disclosure quality measures make a difference?
Authors: Helfaya Akrum , Whittington Mark
Published: January 2019

Assessing the quality of information disclosed by companies is a complex task. Accounting studies usually rely on analysing the content of corporate reports using measures to obtain a proxy for the information reported by companies. However, there is no consensus about the best design for these measures. The objective of the current paper is to investigate if there are significant differences in the results generated from seven alternative measures for assessing the quality of FTSE100 environmental sustainability reporting. Seven measures/indices have been used to assess disclosure quality. The three unidimensional measures include two “quantity measures” and one “scope measure” that measure the volume and width/coverage of information, respectively. Three compound measures are adopted from the literature, and the final measure is a multidimensional quality model, based on the results of a questionnaire ascertaining the perceptions of 86 preparers and 177 users of annual report (AR) and/stand‐alone corporate responsibility report (CRR). Although the results of the empirical analysis indicate that the measures are significantly correlated, the choice of a specific method can result in the very different ranking of companies. The evidence presented indicates that the choice of measure is of key importance.
A child with Klinefelter syndrome and both IgE‐mediated food allergy and low proportion of naive Treg
Authors: Frederick Rachel , Vuillermin Peter , Tang Mimi L. K. , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Webster Elise , Saffery Richard , Collier Fiona ,   the Barwon Infant Study Investigator Group
Published: January 2019

Key Clinical Message

This case suggests a possible association between Klinefelter Syndrome and decreased regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, relating to an increased risk of allergic and autoimmune disorders in these patients. The immune phenotyping of the circulating FOXP3+ naive Treg populations in KS patients may help to indicate this predisposition.
Address the challenges of animals on campus
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2019

ALBUQUERQUE — When a student shows up on campus with a dog, he may not realize the difference between a pet, an assistance dog, an emotional support animal, and an Americans with Disabilities Act service dog, said Julie Ballinger of the Southwest ADA Center. The student just knows he does better if the animal is there, she added. It's up to you to interact with the student in a way that complies with the law and helps the student determine what category the animal fits into, Ballinger said.
Understand how autism presents differently in women than men
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: January 2019

There are approximately four men for every woman diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, but the actual number could be as high as one in 10 for those with average or higher intelligence, and the reasons are just beginning to be researched. It is still unknown whether there are really fewer females with autism or they are just not being recognized and diagnosed.
Florida State University research helps libraries better serve ASD students
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2019

Autism spectrum disorder is the fastest‐growing disability in the United States. According to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.7 percent of the population has ASD. At a large institution with tens of thousands of students, that could translate to a not‐insignificant percentage of the student body. Are all parts of your institution well‐equipped to deal with the needs of students with ASD?
Interindividual variation in the cytochrome P4501A response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in herring gull embryo hepatocytes
Authors: Head Jessica A. , Kennedy Sean W.
Published: January 2019

Exposure to dioxin-like compounds is consistently associated with concentration-dependent induction of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) enzymes in primary cultures of avian hepatocytes. We have previously demonstrated that the median effective concentration (EC50) for induction of this response is predictive of in vivo sensitivity to dioxin-like compounds in birds. We investigated sources of interindividual variation in the CYP1A response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in wild herring gulls and considered how this variation may complicate dioxin sensitivity estimates based on the CYP1A bioassay. Concentration-dependent effects of TCDD on CYP1A mRNA expression were characterized in 55 hepatocyte cultures prepared from individual herring gull embryos. A large degree of variability was observed among the hepatocyte culture preparations. For example, 1) basal CYP1A4 and CYP1A5 mRNA expression varied by 20- and 126-fold, respectively, among individuals, and 2) exposure to TCDD induced CYP1A4 mRNA expression by 57-fold in the most responsive sample but did not significantly induce CYP1A4 mRNA expression above baseline values in 42% of hepatocyte culture preparations. Environmental and genetic factors contributing to the observed variability are discussed. Despite the large amount of interindividual variation, we conclude that reproducible EC50-based estimates of species sensitivity can be obtained from the CYP1A cell culture bioassay when samples are collected from relatively uncontaminated colonies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:660–670. © 2019 SETAC
LncRNA ST3Gal6‐AS1/ST3Gal6 axis mediates colorectal cancer progression by regulating α‐2,3 sialylation via PI3K/Akt signaling
Authors: Hu Jialei , Shan Yujia , Ma Jia , Pan Yue , Zhou Huimin , Jiang Liqun , Jia Li
Published: January 2019

Sialylation is associated with cancer progression. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important roles in diverse diseases including cancer. The lncRNA ST3Gal6 antisense 1 (ST3Gal6‐AS1) derives from the promoter region of sialyltransferase ST3Gal6. However, the mechanisms by which ST3Gal6‐AS1 modulates colorectal cancer (CRC) development through sialylation remain largely unknown. Here, we found that ST3Gal6‐AS1 and ST3Gal6 levels were lower in tumor tissues than adjacent normal tissues of CRC patients. The correlation between ST3Gal6‐AS1 and ST3Gal6 was further validated in several types of CRC cell lines. In addition, ST3Gal6 was dysregulated and positively correlated to ST3Gal6‐AS1. ST3Gal6‐AS1 recruited histone methyltransferase MLL1 to the promoter region of ST3Gal6, induced H3K4me3 modification and activated ST3Gal6 transcription. Furthermore, ST3Gal6‐AS1/ST3Gal6 axis mediated α‐2, 3 sialylation and inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling, thereby resulting in Foxo1 nuclear translocation in CRC cells. ST3Gal6‐AS1 was a target of transcription factor Foxo1 and regulated by Foxo1. ST3Gal6‐AS1 also inhibited CRC cell proliferation, metastasis, and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Overexpression of ST3Gal6‐AS1 significantly decreased the tumorigenesis, lung and liver metastasis of SW620 cells in vivo. ST3Gal6‐AS1 expression was negatively correlated with tumor size, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis and tumor stage in CRC patients. Collectively, these data indicated that ST3Gal6‐AS1, ST3Gal6, PI3K/Akt, and Foxo1 formed a positive feedback loop, which might play a key role in CRC progression.
Vitamin D levels and cancer incidence in 217,244 individuals from primary health care in Denmark
Authors: Vojdeman Fie Juhl , Madsen Christian Medom , Frederiksen Kirsten , Durup Darshana , Olsen Anja , Hansen Louise , Heegaard Anne‐Marie , Lind Bent , Tjønneland Anne , Jørgensen Henrik Løvendahl , Schwarz Peter
Published: January 2019

Vitamin D has been linked to cancer development in both pre‐clinical and epidemiological studies. Our study examines the association between serum levels of vitamin D and cancer incidence in the Capital Region of Denmark. Individuals who had vitamin D analyzed at The Copenhagen General Practitioners Laboratory between April 2004 and January 2010 were linked to Danish registries with end of follow‐up date at Dec 31st 2014, excluding individuals with pre‐existing cancer. Cox regression models adjusted for age in one‐year intervals, sex, month of sampling, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were applied. The study population of 217,244 individuals had a median vitamin D level of 46 nmol/L (IQR 27–67 nmol/L). Non‐melanoma skin cancer was the most frequent form of cancer, followed by breast‐, lung‐, and prostate cancers. No associations were found between increments of 10 nmol/L vitamin D and incidence of breast, colorectal, urinary, ovary or corpus uteri cancer. However, higher levels of vitamin D were associated with higher incidence of non‐melanoma (HR 1.09 [1.09–1.1]) and melanoma skin cancer (HR 1.1 [1.08–1.13]) as well as prostate (HR 1.05 [1.03–1.07]) and hematological cancers (HR 1.03 [1.01–1.06]), but with lower incidence of lung cancer (HR 0.95 [0.93–0.97]). In our study, vitamin D levels are not associated with the incidence of several major cancer types, but higher levels are significantly associated with a higher incidence of skin, prostate, and hematological cancers as well as a lower incidence of lung cancer. These results do not support an overall protective effect against cancer by vitamin D.
Association of type and intensity of physical activity with plasma biomarkers of inflammation and insulin response
Authors: Lee Dong Hoon , de Rezende Leandro Fórnias Machado , Eluf‐Neto José , Wu Kana , Tabung Fred K. , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: January 2019

Several biological mechanisms linking physical activity with cancer have been proposed. However, the influence of specific components of physical activity (volume, type and intensity), and their interaction with adiposity and diet, on cancer‐related biomarkers remain unclear. We used cross‐sectional data on 7,219 men in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (1992–1994) with C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 2 (TNFαR2), adiponectin, C‐peptide and triglycerides/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL). Details on physical activity, diet and adiposity were assessed by questionnaires. We used multivariable‐adjusted linear regression analyses to estimate relative concentrations of biomarkers by physical activity. Total physical activity was favorably associated with all biomarkers in a fairly linear manner. Comparing the highest (63+ metabolic equivalent (MET)‐hr/week) to the lowest (0‐8.9 MET‐hr/week) physical activity groups, the percent relative difference in concentration of biomarkers was −31% for CRP, −22% for IL6, −8% for TNFαR2, +9% for adiponectin, −22% for C‐peptide, and −20% for TG/HDL. These differences were modestly attenuated after adjustment for adiposity. For the same total MET‐hours of physical activity, the association was stronger for men engaging in both aerobic and resistance exercises compared to those engaging in aerobic only. However, no difference was found between those engaging in vigorous activities (≥20% of total MET‐hours) compared to those who did smaller amount of vigorous activities. Physical activity showed similar associations for these biomarkers regardless of adiposity and dietary pattern. In conclusion, high physical activity, preferably aerobic plus resistance training, was associated with favorable cancer‐related biomarkers.
Structural studies on M. tuberculosis argininosuccinate lyase and its liganded complex: Insights into catalytic mechanism
Authors: Paul Anju , Mishra Archita , Surolia Avadhesha , Vijayan Mamannamana
Published: January 2019

Argininosuccinate lyase catalyses the reversible breakdown of argininosuccinate into arginine and fumarate and is known to form tetramers in its quaternary association. The absence of structures involving competent enzymes bound to substrate/products came in the way of the precise elucidation of the catalytic mechanism of this family of proteins. Crystal structures of the enzyme from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an unliganded form and its complex with the substrate/products have now been determined at 2.2 and 2.7 Å, respectively. The refinement of the structure of the complex was bedevilled by the presence of a lattice translocation defect. The two tetramers in the apo‐crystals and the one in the crystals of the liganded protein, have the same structure except for the movements associated with enzyme action. Each molecule consists of an N‐domain, an M‐domain, and a C‐domain. The molecule consists of four binding sites, each made up of peptide stretches from three subunits. Three binding sites appear to be occupied by the ligand in the transition state, while the products occupy the fourth site. The structure exhibits the movement of a loop in the M‐domain and parts of the C‐domain. This is the first instance when the appropriate movements are observed in a complex with bound substrate/product. The detailed picture of the binding site, active site residues and the movements associated with catalysis thus obtained, enabled a revisit of the mechanism of action of the enzyme. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(5):643–652, 2019
The signal quality of grades across academic fields
Authors: Thomas James
Published: January 2019

I use transcript data from Duke University and a correlated learning model to measure the signal quality of grades across academic fields. I find science, engineering, and economics grades are significantly more informative than humanities and social science grades. The correlated learning structure allows grades in one field to signal abilities in all fields. This sometimes generates information spillovers so powerful that science, engineering, and economics grades inform humanities and social science beliefs more than humanities and social science grades. I show that grade compression reduces signal quality but cannot explain the differences in signal quality across academic fields.
Contribution of atmospheric moisture transport to winter Arctic warming
Authors: Hao Mingju , Luo Yong , Lin Yanluan , Zhao Zongci , Wang Lei , Huang Jianbin
Published: January 2019

Atmospheric moisture transport (AMT) is known to have an influence on the winter Arctic surface air temperature (SAT). However, a systematic investigation involving a verification of the physical linkages and spatial sensitivity within the Arctic, as well as a quantification of such contribution is still lacking. Our work first verifies the variation coherence between AMT and the SAT over the winters of 1979–2015, based on multiple data sets. Climate model projections reveal tendencies towards more frequent high values in both SAT and AMT from 2010 to 2065 relative to that from 1950 to 2005, as well as a high correlation coefficient between their detrended series. Then, a composite analysis is applied based on different AMT values. During high‐AMT episodes, enhanced AMT intrudes into the Arctic, with the Norwegian Sea as the gateway, and further induces unevenly distributed warming inside the Arctic. The greatest warming occurs in the Barents‐Kara Sea, which is tightly associated with the altered atmospheric moisture content and its subsequent changes of surface radiation balance. In addition, the intruding moisture can induce latent heat release and sea ice melting, which also influences the warming. Furthermore, by conducting numerical model experiments in the winter of 2012/2013, a total warming effect of 9.66 °C averaged across the Arctic for the original AMT is revealed. By setting different incremental AMT values in five cases, the leading role of AMT is found to switch in the 0.5MT case (the case wherein the AMT value is 0.5 times the original) from altering the atmospheric moisture content to producing precipitation. This finding suggests that evenly spaced AMTs result in the alleviation of SAT increases.
El Niño–Southern Oscillation variability, teleconnection changes and responses to large volcanic eruptions since AD 1000
Authors: Dätwyler Christoph , Abram Nerilie J. , Grosjean Martin , Wahl Eugene R. , Neukom Raphael
Published: January 2019

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the earth's dominant mode of inter‐annual climate variability. It alternates between warm (El Niño) and cold (La Niña) states, with global impacts on climate and society. This study provides new ENSO reconstructions based on a large, updated collection of proxy records. We use a novel reconstruction approach that employs running principal components, which allows us to take covariance changes between proxy records into account and thereby identify periods of likely teleconnection changes. Using different implementations of the principal component analysis enables us to identify periods within the last millennium when quantifications of ENSO are most robust. These periods range from 1580 to the end of the 17th century and from 1825 to present. We incorporate an assessment of consistency among our new and existing ENSO reconstructions leading to five short phases of low agreement among the reconstructions between 1700 and 1786. We find a consistent spatial pattern of proxy covariance during these four phases, differing from the structure seen over the instrumental period. This pattern points towards changes in teleconnections in the west Pacific/Australasian region, compared to the present state. Using our new reconstructions, we find a significant response of ENSO towards more La Niña‐like conditions 3–5 years after major volcanic events. We further show that our new reconstructions and existing reconstructions largely agree on the state of ENSO during volcanic eruptions in the years 1695 and 1784, which helps put into perspective the climatic response to these events. During all other large volcanic eruptions of the last 1000 years, there is no reconstruction coherency with regard to the state of ENSO.
The Ability of Conditioned Media From Stem Cells to Repair Vocal Fold Injuries
Authors: Kim Choung‐Soo , Choi Hyunsu , Kim Sung Won , Sun Dong‐Il
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study investigated the ability of hypoxia‐induced 25‐fold concentrated conditioned media (hCM) from human nasal inferior turbinate‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hTMSC) to repair injured vocal folds during the early phase of the wound‐healing process.

Methods

The vocal fold was injured in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Next, hCM from hTMSC (the hCM group) or hTMSC (the hTMSC group) were injected into the injured vocal folds. As a control, saline (the phosphate‐buffered saline group) or 25‐fold concentrated media (the media group) was injected in the same manner. The vocal folds were harvested for quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 1 week and 2 weeks after injury. Histologic evaluation was performed at 3 weeks postinjury.

Results

In the hCM group at 1 week after injury, PCR showed that the genes encoding hyaluronan synthase (HAS), HAS 1, and HAS 2 were significantly upregulated compared to the media and normal groups. The gene encoding procollagen III was significantly downregulated compared to the media group. Nearly identical results were obtained for the hTMSC group at 1 week after injury. Histological examination showed that the hCM group was similar to or better than the hTMSC group in collagen deposition and hyaluronic acid production.

Conclusion

The injection of hCM into injured vocal folds produced antifibrotic effects in the early phase of wound healing. These effects were equivalent to those produced by the injection of hTMSC. These results provide a foundation for the future clinical use of hCM for vocal fold regeneration.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1867–1875, 2019
Elevated Risk of Split‐Liver grafts in adult liver Transplantation: Statistical Artifact or Nature of the Beast?
Authors: Sasaki Kazunari , Firl Daniel J. , McVey John C. , Schold Jesse D. , Iuppa Giuseppe , Diago Uso Teresa , Fujiki Masato , Aucejo Federico N. , Quintini Cristiano , Eghetsad Bijan , Miller Charles M. , Hashimoto Koji
Published: January 2019

A recent study using US national registry data reported, using Cox proportional hazards (PH) models, that split‐liver transplantation (SLT) has improved over time and is no more hazardous than whole‐liver transplantation (WLT). However, the study methods violated the PH assumption, which is the fundamental assumption of Cox modeling. As a result, the reported hazard ratios (HRs) are biased and unreliable. This study aimed to investigate whether the risk of graft survival (GS) in SLT has really improved over time, ensuring attention to the PH assumption. This study included 80,998 adult deceased donor liver transplantation (LT) (1998‐2015) from the Scientific Registry Transplant Recipient. The study period was divided into 3 time periods: era 1 (January 1998 to February 2002), era 2 (March 2002 to December 2008), and era 3 (January 2009 to December 2015). The PH assumption was tested using Schoenfeld’s test, and where the HR of SLT violated the assumption, changes in risk for SLT over time from transplant were assessed. SLT was performed in 1098 (1.4%) patients, whereas WLT was used in 79,900 patients. In the Cox PH analysis, the P values of Schoenfeld’s global tests were <0.05 in all eras, which is consistent with deviation from proportionality. Assessing HRs of SLT with a time‐varying effect, multiple Cox models were conducted for post‐LT intervals. The HR curves plotted according to time from transplant were higher in the early period and then decreased at approximately 1 year and continued to decrease in all eras. For 1‐year GS, the HRs of SLT were 1.92 in era 1, 1.52 in era 2, and 1.47 in era 3 (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, the risk of SLT has a time‐varying effect and is highest in the early post‐LT period. The risk of SLT is underestimated if it is evaluated by overall GS. SLT was still hazardous if the PH assumption was considered, although it became safer over time.
MicroRNA Delivery with Bioreducible Polyethylenimine as a Non‐Viral Vector for Breast Cancer Gene Therapy
Authors: Dai Yu , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: January 2019

Polyethylenimines (PEIs) are outstanding macromolecules belonging to the polycations used in gene transfection. The transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of PEIs increase with the increase in their molecular weight. To break up the correlation between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity for non‐viral gene delivery, disulfide cross‐linked polyethylenimine (PEI‐SS) has been widely employed as highly efficient gene vectors for DNA/siRNA delivery in numerous efforts. In this work, PEI‐SS is described as a non‐viral vector for miRNA delivery for the first time. PEI‐SS is synthesized via cross‐linking using disulfide bonds as the cross‐linker from low molecular weight PEI. PEI‐SS can efficiently bind anti‐miR‐155 to form the polyplex with nano‐sized spherical structures in the size range of 10–100 nm. The polyplex is degraded by glutathione (GSH, a reducing agent) in cancer cells. Anti‐miR‐155 is then released to efficiently inhibit tumor growth.
The World Health Organization World Mental Health International College Student initiative: An overview
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Auerbach Randy P. , Benjet Corina , Bruffaerts Ronny , Ebert David , Karyotaki Eirini , Kessler Ronald C.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The college years are a developmentally crucial period and a peak age for the onset of mental disorders.

Methods

The World Health Organization World Mental Health International College Student (WMH‐ICS) initiative is aimed at developing and implementing a system for improving prevention and early interventions for mental health problems among college students.

Results

The initiative consists of three core elements. The first element is a web‐based survey to assess the magnitude and nature of emotional problems, the effects of these problems on students' functioning, and barriers to seeking treatment. All first‐year students in participating colleges are invited to participate, and we plan to expand the survey to all students in the future. The second element is an infrastructure to test internet‐based interventions aimed at the prevention and early intervention in mental health problems. Participating colleges can develop and test internet‐based interventions in randomized trials. The first pilot tests on such interventions now been done. The third element is the dissemination and continuous quality improvement monitoring of the evidence‐based interventions developed in WMH‐ICS.

Conclusions

By addressing these three core elements, the WMH‐ICS aims to integrate epidemiological and clinical research to offer scalable and effective evidence‐based interventions for mental health problems at a critical life course stage.
Reply
Authors: Mengel David , Dodel Richard , Tackenberg Björn
Published: January 2019

See editorial on page E22 in this issue.
Evaluation of the post‐LA space index in the normal fetus
Authors: Kawazu Yukiko , Inamura Noboru , Kayatani Futoshi , Taniguchi Takeshi
Published: January 2019

Objective

We previously reported the post‐LA space index (PLAS index), which is calculated as left atrial‐descending aorta distance (LD) divided by the diameter of descending aorta (DA), could be useful for prenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). In this study, we evaluated PLAS index in normal fetuses to assess its usefulness.

Methods

In 304 normal fetuses, LD and DA were retrospectively measured, and the PLAS index was calculated. In 206 fetuses with data on the biparietal diameter (BPD) and femoral length (FL), the relationship between the PLAS index and them was investigated. We also calculated the PLAS index in 13 TAPVC fetuses.

Results

Mean LD was 3.0+/−0.94 mm, mean DA was 4.8+/−0.87 mm, and the mean PLAS index was 0.62+/−0.19. DA and LD were correlated with gestational age (R = 0.52, 0.25), while the PLAS index showed little variation with gestational age (R < 0.2). BPD and FL were correlated with DA (R = 0.4, 0.42) but not with LD or the PLAS index (both R < 0.2). In the TAPVC fetuses, both LD and the PLAS index were significantly higher than in normal fetuses.

Conclusion

In normal fetuses, the PLAS index was independent of gestational age and fetal physique and may be useful for raising the suspicion of congenital heart disease, including TAPVC.
Current Controversies in Prenatal Diagnosis 1: Should MRI be performed on all fetuses with mild ventriculomegaly?
Authors: Prayer Daniela , Paladini Dario , Deprest Jan
Published: January 2019

A ventricular diameter of 10 mm correlates with more than two standard deviations of the normal and hence is qualified as ventriculomegaly. The relevance of this is dependent on whether there are associated infectious, genetic, or structural problems. The chance for neurodevelopmental delay in isolated ventriculomegaly less than 15 mm is 7.9% (4.7‐11.1), and less if it is unilateral. It can be further divided in mild (10‐12) or moderate (13‐15), though this is not widely accepted.

As part of the workup, structural assessment today may include ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, or both. Discussants agreed that the diagnostic performance of both methods is as good as the expertise with which the images are acquired and interpreted. Discussants agreed that when the initial neurosonogram is normal, the likelihood of finding significant findings on MRI is low. Nevertheless, some anomalies may only be picked up or better worked out by fetal MRI. In utero follow‐up is advocated, as progression may indicate a poorer outcome, and some conditions are only obvious late in pregnancy. Most benefit for future patients is expected from appropriate training in prenatal neuroimaging.
Morphological, Structural, and Compositional Evolution of Pt–Ni Octahedral Electrocatalysts with Pt‐Rich Edges and Ni‐Rich Core: Toward the Rational Design of Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Shviro Meital , Gocyla Martin , Polani Shlomi , Heggen Marc , Zitoun David , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E.
Published: January 2019

The progress in colloidal synthesis of Pt–Ni octahedra has been instrumental in rising the oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity high above the benchmark of Pt catalysts. This impressive catalytic performance is believed to result from the exposure of the most active catalytic sites after an activation process, chemical or electrochemical, which leads to a Pt surface enrichment. A foremost importance is to understand the structure and the elemental distribution of Pt–Ni octahedral, which leads to an optimal catalytic activity and stability. However, the factors governing the synthesis of the Pt–Ni octahedra are not well understood. In this study, unprecedented surface atomic segregation of Pt atoms in a Ni‐rich Pt–Ni octahedral nanoparticle structure is established by advanced electron microscopy. The Pt atoms are almost exclusively located on the edges of the Pt–Ni octahedra. This structure is formed in a pristine form, i.e., prior to any chemical or electrochemical etching. A new growth mechanism is revealed, which involves the transformation from an octahedron with a Pt‐rich core to a Ni‐rich octahedron with Pt‐rich edges. This observation may pave the way for a deeper understanding of this class of Pt–Ni octahedral nanoparticles as an electrocatalyst.
Tunable Wide‐Bandwidth Resonators Based on Layered Gallium Sulfide
Authors: Chitara Basant , Ya'akobovitz Assaf
Published: January 2019

Wide‐bandwidth and high‐frequency operation are the two desired properties from resonators in a wide range of applications, such as communication devices, energy harvesters, inertial sensors, and electronic components. However, achieving both of these prerequisites along with detectable vibration amplitudes is very challenging. Herein, nano‐electromechanical resonators based on layered gallium sulfide (GaS) are demonstrated. These resonators show resonance frequencies in the range of 10–25 MHz under ambient conditions and a bandwidth of hundreds of kilohertz, which can be simply tuned by predetermining the dimensions of the devices. Therefore, this study emphasizes that, in addition to excellent performances in electronic and optoelectronic applications, GaS can also be implemented as a high performance core element in nanoresonator applications.
Cover Image, Volume 75, Issue 2
Authors: Sparks Thomas C , Crouse Gary D , Demeter David A , Samaritoni Geno , McLeod Casandra L
Published: January 2019

The front cover image is based on the Spotlight Discovery of highly insecticidal synthetic spinosyn mimics ‐ CAMD enabled de novo design simplifying a complex natural product by Thomas C Sparks et al., DOI: 10.1002/ps.5217.

image
Photoluminescence of Cerium Doped Si Nanocrystals Embedded in Silicon Nitride Films
Authors: Harriman Tres A. , Lee Jung‐Kun , Sung Gun Yong , Lucca Don A.
Published: January 2019

SiNx films containing embedded Si nanocrystals (nc‐Si) are created by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and subsequently doped with Ce by ion implantation. Films are chosen that have nominal photoluminescence (PL) emission in the blue, green, and red portions of the spectrum with average nc‐Si diameters of 2.6, 3.0, and 3.9 nm, respectively. The effect of nc‐Si size on the PL response after doping by Ce implantation and subsequently heat treating is investigated. Films with the smallest nc‐Si exhibit as much as an 80‐fold increase in PL intensity after post‐implantation heat treatments. Energy transfer from the Ce to the nc‐Si is the likely source of the enhanced PL emission. Films with the largest nc‐Si did not exhibit evidence of an interaction with the Ce ions.
Probing the Heterogeneity of Ionic Liquids in Solution through Phenol‐Water Phase Behavior.
Authors: Verma Abhineet , Prasad Namburi Eswara , Srivastava Jyoti , Saha Satyen
Published: January 2019

Phenol‐water system is important considering its resemblances to biological systems. Here, we explore this phenol‐water system to get crucial information on ionic liquids (ILs). Comparative studies on the effect of high melting salts, micelles and ionic liquids (ILs) reveal interesting facts: while normal high melting salts such as KCl, CsCl and ionic surfactants (above and below critical micelle concentration (CMC)) show only an enhancement of critical solution temperature (CST) along with no substantial change in the shape of phase diagram, TX‐100 shows an interesting trend. Below CMC, TX‐100 shows normal trend while complete deviation is observed above CMC. When IL is added at various concentrations in the phenol‐water system, the concentration‐dependent effect on the phase diagram is observed. While at the low concentration, it follows the normal trend, at higher concentration phase diagram deviates drastically. The concentration at which this deviation is observed is termed here as Critical Ionic Liquid Aggregation Concentration (CILAC). Above CILAC, ILs exert an effect that resembles the effect of TX‐100 micelles in the phenol‐water phase diagram. Viscosity measurements of the system substantiate these data. Based on our observations, we propose that imidazolium chloride ILs constitute elliptical aggregates similar to TX‐100 (having ∼300 Å length) in solution above CILAC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the possible shape and size of ILs aggregation in solution.
The Phosphates ‐ Skipped Reaction Products in the Octahedron‐like Yb and Lu‐Doped Ceria Synthesis.
Authors: Małecka M. A.
Published: January 2019

An unexpected aggregation effect observed for the octahedron‐like mixed oxides (Ce1‐x(Yb or Lu)xO2‐x/2), but unobserved for the pure ceria crystals, has been described and explained. The aggregation effect is probably due to the presence of Na3PO4*12H2O as a base and Yb3+ in the reaction (octahedrons synthesis) mixture. During the hydrothermal synthesis process, the small octahedron‐like mixed oxide crystals undergo the aggregation process, but in a very specified way. In the pure ceria samples, the octahedral crystals of CeO2 and the rod‐like crystals of cerium phosphate have been observed on the HRTEM images. On the other hand, on the HRTEM images collected for the Ce‐Yb (or Ce‐Lu) mixed oxides, only octahedral aggregates of the octahedron‐like crystals have been found. The EDX measurements show that the amount of phosphorus in case the doped and pure ceria are very similar. The thin layer of P‐phase plays a role of “glue” for the crystals, but at the same time prevent the growth of mixed oxide crystallites. Considering the presence of phosphates in the octahedron like pure and doped ceria particles is crucial to the correct description of the shape dependency of the properties in the ceria based materials.
1,10‐Phenanthrolin‐1‐ium Trinitromethanide (1,10‐PHTNM) as a Nano Molten Salt Catalyst With Y‐Aromatic Counter Ion: Applications for Synthesis of Organic Compounds
Authors: Dashteh Mohammad , Baghery Saeed , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Bayat Yadollah , Asgari Asiye
Published: January 2019

1,10‐Phenanthrolin‐1‐ium trinitromethanide (1,10‐PHTNM) as a novel nano molten slat with Y‐aromatic counter ion was synthesized and fully characterized by using various techniques such as FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass, TGA, DTG, XRD, SEM and TEM. A series of organic compounds include 1,4‐dihydropyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazoles, tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran, pyrano[4,3‐b]pyrans, bispyrazole, 1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinolones, hexahydroacridine‐1,8‐diones and methylenebis(3‐hydroxy‐5,5‐dimethylcyclohex‐2‐enones) were synthesized in the presence of 1,10‐PHTNM as a novel and efficient proton sponge nano molten slat catalyst. According to the results of FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrum of 1,10‐PHTNM and due to high electron charge density and none bonded repulsion of lone pair electrons between two nitrogen atoms (peri‐effect), this catalyst is a type of proton sponge.