bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic mechanisms related to cognitive decline during aging
Authors: Harman María F. , Martín Mauricio G.
Published: May 2019

Cognitive decline is a hallmark of the aging nervous system, characterized by increasing memory loss and a deterioration of mental capacity, which in turn creates a favorable context for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. One of the most detrimental alterations that occur at the molecular level in the brain during aging is the modification of the epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression. As a result of these epigenetic‐driven changes in the transcriptome most of the functions of the brain including synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory decline with aging. The epigenetic mechanisms altered during aging include DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome remodeling, and microRNA‐mediated gene regulation. In this review, we examine the current evidence concerning the changes of epigenetic modifications together with the molecular mechanisms underlying impaired neuronal gene transcription during aging. Herein, we discuss the alterations of DNA methylation pattern that occur in old neurons. We will also describe the most prominent age‐related histone posttranslational modifications in the brain since changes in acetylation and methylation of specific lysine residues on H3 and H4 are associated to functional decline in the old. In addition, we discuss the role that changes in the levels of certain miRNAs would play in cognitive decline with aging. Finally, we provide an overview about the mechanisms either extrinsic or intrinsic that would trigger epigenetic changes in the aging brain, and the consequences of these changes, i.e., altered transcriptional profile and reactivation of transposable elements in old brain.
Supra‐optimal growth temperature exacerbates adverse effects of low Zn supply in wheat
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Farooq Muhammad , Asif Muhammad , Ozturk Levent
Published: May 2019

Rising temperatures are a major threat to global wheat production, particularly when accompanied by other abiotic stressors such as mineral nutrient deficiencies. This study aimed to quantify the effects of supra‐optimal temperature on growth, photosynthetic performance, and antioxidative responses in bread wheat cultivars grown under varied zinc (Zn) supply. Two bread wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L., cvs. Lasani‐2008 and Faisalabad‐2008) with varied responsiveness to Zn supply and drought tolerance were cultured in nutrient solution with low (0.1 µM) or adequate (1.0 µM) Zn under optimal (25/20°C day/night) or supra‐optimal (36/28°C day/night) temperature regimes. Supra‐optimal temperature severely reduced root but not shoot biomass, whereas low Zn reduced shoot as well as root biomass. Shoot‐to‐root biomass ratio was reduced under low Zn but increased under supra‐optimal temperature. Supra‐optimal temperature inhibited root elongation and volume particularly in plants supplied with low Zn. In both cultivars, Zn efficiency index was reduced by supra‐optimal temperature, whereas heat tolerance index was reduced by low Zn supply. Supra‐optimal temperature decreased photosynthesis, quantum yield, and chlorophyll density in low‐Zn but not in adequate‐Zn plants. In comparison, low Zn decreased specific activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and increased glutathione reductase (GR), where supra‐optimal temperature increased SOD, decreased GR and did not change APX activity in leaves and roots. Moreover, supra‐optimal temperature severely reduced shoot Zn concentration and Zn uptake per plant specifically under adequate Zn supply. Overall, supra‐optimal temperature exacerbated adverse effects of low Zn supply, resulting in severe reductions in growth traits viz. shoot and root biomass, root length and volume, and consequently impeded Zn uptake, enhanced oxidative stress and impaired photosynthetic performance. Adequate Zn nutrition is crucial to prevent yield loss in wheat cultivated under supra‐optimal temperatures.
Postbiliary drainage rates of cholangitis are impacted by procedural technique for patients with supra‐ampullary cholangiocarcinoma: A SEER‐Medicare analysis
Authors: Kariya Christine M. , Wach Michael M. , Ruff Samantha M. , Ayabe Reed I. , Lo Winifred M. , Torres Madeline B. , Petrick Jessica L. , McNeel Timothy S. , Davis Jeremy L. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Hernandez Jonathan M.
Published: May 2019

Background

The optimal approach to biliary drainage for patients with supra‐ampullary cholangiocarcinoma remains undetermined. Violation of sphincter of Oddi results in bacterial colonization of bile ducts and may increase postdrainage infectious complications. We sought to determine if rates of cholangitis are affected by the type of drainage procedure.

Methods

We examined the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare linked database from 1991 to 2013 for cholangiocarcinoma. Biliary drainage procedures were categorized as sphincter of Oddi violating (SOV) or sphincter of Oddi preserving (SOP). Patients were stratified by resection.

Results

A total of 1914 patients were included in the final analysis. A total of 1264 patients did not undergo a postdrainage resection (SOP 83, SOV 1181) while 650 did undergo a postdrainage resection (SOP 26, SOV 624). For those patients not undergoing a postdrainage resection, the rate of cholangitis 90 days after an SOP procedure was 19% compared with 34% in the SOV cohort (P = 0.007). For those patients undergoing a postdrainage resection, the rate of cholangitis 90 days after an SOP procedure was less than 42.3% compared with 30% in the SOV cohort (P = 0.66).

Conclusion

For patients with supra‐ampullary cholangiocarcinoma that did not undergo resection, biliary drainage procedures that violated the sphincter of Oddi were associated with increased rates of cholangitis.
Trigeminocardiac reflex in pediatric adenotonsillectomy: A report of two cases with literature review
Authors: Li Lilun , Lin Connie , Peña Maria , Challa Chaitanya
Published: May 2019

Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a physiological response that occurs due to stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, resulting in vagus nerve activation, parasympathetic dysrhythmia, and sympathetic hypotension. The pediatric population is vulnerable to TCR due to higher resting vagal tone, which can result in ischemia and death. This study reports two cases of TCR during adenotonsillectomy. Placement and rapid opening of a Crowe‐Davis retractor led to immediate bradycardia and hypotension in two children undergoing adenotonsillectomy, which resolved upon release of the retractor. Early intraoperative recognition of TCR with removal of mechanical stimulation can resolve vital instability without need for chemical intervention.

Laryngoscope, 130:803–805, 2020
Preparation and Characterization of Novel Low‐Temperature/pH Dual‐Responsive Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐1H‐benzimidazolyl‐ethyl acrylate) Copolymers
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Gui , Ju Xiao‐Jie , Zhou Xing‐Long , Pu Xing‐Qun , Peng Han‐Yu , Wang Wei , Xie Rui , Liu Zhuang , Chu Liang‐Yin
Published: May 2019

Stimuli‐responsive polymers in response to both low temperature and pH are of great potential for designing drug carriers to obtain a better therapeutic effect during cryotherapy of tumors. In this work, novel low‐temperature and pH dual‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐1H‐benzimidazolyl‐ethyl acrylate) (PNBM) linear copolymers are developed, which can undergo stretching/shrinking conformational transition at low temperature and mildly acidic conditions. The dual‐responsive properties of PNBM copolymers can be affected and regulated by the host–guest inclusion action between benzimidazole and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) molecules. The critical response temperature of the copolymers can be flexibly adjusted when the benzimidazole groups in copolymer chains are captured by HP‐β‐CD. And the PNBM copolymers present a pH‐responsive stretching‐to‐shrinking‐to‐stretching conformational transition in a narrow pH range in HP‐β‐CD solution. The results provide valuable guidance for designing and applying PNBM‐based smart materials in biomedical applications.
A familial case of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHA2) with a novel mutation (D564N) in the acidic motif in WNK4
Authors: Sakoh Takashi , Sekine Akinari , Mori Takayasu , Mizuno Hiroki , Kawada Masahiro , Hiramatsu Rikako , Hasegawa Eiko , Hayami Noriko , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Suwabe Tatsuya , Sawa Naoki , Ubara Yoshifumi , Fujimaru Takuya , Sohara Eisei , Shinichi Uchida , Hoshino Junichi , Takaichi Kenmei
Published: May 2019

Background

There have been still few case reports of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHA2), also known as Gordon's syndrome, genetically diagnosed, and this is the first report of familial PHA2 case in Japan with a novel D564N mutation in WNK4.

Methods

A 29‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital due to hyperkalemia (serum potassium: 6.4 mmol/L). She had mild hypertension (135/91 mm Hg), a bicarbonate level at the lower limit of the normal range (HCO3: 22 mmol/L) with a normal anion gap, low plasma renin activity (0.2 ng ml‐1 hr‐1), and high urinary calcium excretion (505.4 mg/g Cre). A hereditary condition was suspected because her mother also had the same symptoms. We performed a comprehensive genetic analysis for major inherited kidney diseases with next‐generation sequencing including the genes responsible for PHA2 (WNK1, WNK4, KLHL3, and CUL3).

Results

Genetic analysis revealed that the patient and her mother had a novel missense mutation (D564N) in the acidic motif in WNK4, which leads to the diagnosis of PHA2. Administration of trichlormethiazide (1 mg/day) effectively ameliorated her blood pressure (114/69 mm Hg), plasma bicarbonate (25 mmol/L), serum potassium (4.3 mmol/L), and urinary calcium excretion (27.2 mg/g Cre).

Conclusion

We report the first Japanese familial case of PHA2 with WNK4 mutation. D564N mutation in WNK4 is a novel genetic cause of PHA2 with a relatively mild phenotype.
A 3D k‐space Fourier encoding and reconstruction framework for simultaneous multi‐slab acquisition
Authors: Dai Erpeng , Wu Yuhsuan , Wu Wenchuan , Guo Rui , Liu Simin , Miller Karla L. , Zhang Zhe , Guo Hua
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To propose a novel 3D k‐space Fourier encoding and reconstruction framework for simultaneous multi‐slab (SMSlab) acquisition and demonstrate its efficacy in high‐resolution imaging.

Methods

First, it is illustrated in theory how the inter‐slab gap interferes with the formation of the SMSlab 3D k‐space. Then, joint RF and gradient encoding are applied to remove the inter‐slab gap interference and form a SMSlab 3D k‐space. In vivo experiments are performed to validate the proposed theory. Acceleration in the proposed SMSlab 3D k‐space is also evaluated.

Results

High‐resolution (1.0 mm isotropic) images can be reconstructed using the proposed SMSlab 3D framework. Controlled aliasing in parallel imaging sampling and 2D GRAPPA reconstruction can also be applied in the SMSlab 3D k‐space. Compared with conventional multi‐slab acquisition, SMSlab exhibits better SNR maintainability (such as lower g‐factors), especially at high acceleration factors.

Conclusion

It is demonstrated that the joint application of RF and gradient encoding enables SMSlab within a 3D Fourier encoding framework. Images with high isotropic resolution can be reconstructed, and further acceleration is also applicable. The proposed SMSlab 3D k‐space can be valuable for both high‐resolution and high‐efficiency diffusion and functional MRI.
Schwarze Kunststoffe erkennen und sortenrein trennen
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: May 2019

Hyperspektrales Imaging liefert ein IR‐ oder Vis‐Spektrum pro Pixel. Damit lassen sich Polymersorten voneinander unterscheiden. Eine Verfahrensvariante mit Laseranregung eignet sich für die sonst kaum zu trennenden Abfälle aus schwarzem Plastik.
Bilanz 2018: Borealis
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: May 2019

Borealis‘ Gewinn im Jahr 2018 stammt aus Polyolefinen und dem Gemeinschaftsunternehmen Borouge.
Plastik auf deutschen Äckern
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: May 2019

Makro‐ und Mikroplastik landen auch ohne kunststoffeinbringende Dünger und Techniken auf landwirtschaftlichen Flächen.
CheMento: Mit Mentoring ins Karriere‐Netzwerk
Authors: Gajda Alina
Published: May 2019

Zum dritten Mal nutzten Teilnehmer des GDCh‐Mentoring‐Programms „CheMento“ die Chance, ihre Erfahrungen an eine ihnen unbekannte Person weiterzugeben und ihre Kompetenzen zu erweitern. Mit der Frage „Was will ich und was brauche ich dafür?“ setzten sich die 60 Teilnehmer mit den Themen Karriereplanung, Berufswahl und Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf auseinander.
Alles im Ein‐Topf – MCR 2018 in Düsseldorf
Authors: Müller Thomas J. J. , Schaper Klaus
Published: May 2019

An der Universität in Düsseldorf trafen sich Ende August 2018 148 Wissenschaftler aus vier Kontinenten, um sich im Rahmen der 7th International Conference on Multicomponent Reactions and Related Chemistry über die Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Multikomponenten‐ und Dominoreaktionen auszutauschen. Thomas J. J. Müller war federführender Organisator und Gastgeber der sechstägigen Veranstaltung, die seit dem Jahr 2000 in etwa dreijährigem Abstand stattfindet und nach München, Genua, Amsterdam, Ekaterinenburg, Hangzhou und Brasilìa nun einmal den Globus umrundet hat.
Bilanz 2018: Merck
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: May 2019

Der Konzernumsatz von Merck stieg im Jahr 2018. Dazu trugen vor allem zwei der drei Unternehmensbereiche bei. Währungseinflüsse wirkten negativ.
Studie zu Titandioxid
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: May 2019

Die EU‐Kommission will Titandioxid als Krebsverdachtsstoff einstufen. Dies würde Kunststoffproduktion und ‐abfallbehandlung beeinflussen.
Studie Antibiotikaresistente Bakterien
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: May 2019

Wie antibiotikaresistente Bakterien, Antibiotikaresistenzgene und ‐rückstände in Abwässer und andere Gewässer gelangen.
Incorporating intervention fidelity components into randomized controlled trials promoting exercise adherence in heart failure patients
Authors: McGuire Rita , Duncan Kathleen , Pozehl Bunny
Published: May 2019

Intervention fidelity (IF) in behavioral interventions is complicated by their dynamic and interactive nature. Translation of the outcomes to practice may be diminished by lack of fidelity. The purpose of this paper is to describe a systematic, evidence‐based IF approach in a complex, multicomponent behavioral change study. The National Institutes of Health‐funded randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effect of an adherence to exercise intervention. Two hundred forty‐six heart failure patients from two sites were enrolled. This description of the study‐specific standardized protocol, the data collection methods used, findings from the plan, and the discussion of the successes and challenges contributes to the advancement of IF implementation science.
Young Chinese consumers' brand perception; the role of mianzi as moderator
Authors: Rashid Rao Muhammad , Rashid Qurat ul Ain , Nawaz Muhammad Asim , Akhtar Sadia
Published: May 2019

The basic purpose of this study was to investigate the role of exposure and past experience on consumers' brand perception, as mediated by three variables (perceived quality, brand recall, and satisfaction) and moderated by mianzi. Using data collected from a survey of 331 customers, brand perception models for two diverse kinds of products (high and low involvement) were tested. SmartPLS structural equation modeling was applied to produce models for both types of products. Exposure and experience significantly influences brand perception in different product categories, which suggests that customers perceive both high and low involvement. Our study also established that mianzi has a significant moderating role in high‐involvement product category. Ultimately, the findings suggest significant differences in the brand perception of product types with respect to mianzi and the mediational role of perceived quality and satisfaction, providing a structure for future research on brand perception.
Chromosomal gains of 12p and 1q are not associated with inferior outcome of pediatric and adolescent germ cell tumors
Authors: Greimelmaier Kristina , Calaminus Gabriele , Kristiansen Glen , Vokuhl Christian , Klapper Wolfram
Published: May 2019

Background

Pediatric germ cell tumors (GCT) are rare and very heterogeneous neoplasms that show a high diversity in tumor biology and histology. The clinical behavior cannot be predicted based on morphology or immunohistochemistry. The aim of this study was to investigate a large number of pediatric GCT regarding chromosomal gains of 12p and 1q.

Methods

One hundred and eighty pediatric nonseminomatous GCT, that is, mature teratomas, immature teratomas, yolk sac tumors, and mixed germ cell tumors, from three age groups were evaluated for 1q and 12p gains by fluorescence in situ hybridization in tissue micro arrays. The results were correlated with tumor biology and clinical data.

Results

Eleven out of 143 GCT showed gains of 1q. In 29/157 GCT a gain of 12p was found. Prepubertal patients (≤6 years of age) more often displayed gains of 1q compared to pubertal/adolescent patients (11‐17 years of age), whereas pubertal/adolescent patients showed gains of 12p most frequently. Twenty‐one out of 155 patients suffered from relapse or metachronous disease. Patients with and without gains of 1q or 12p did not differ in frequency of these events. However, the likelihood of occurrence of these clinical events varied depending on the histological type of the tumor.

Conclusion

The biological behavior of pediatric GCT depends more on the histological type of the tumor than on the genetic aberrations examined in this study. Gains of 1q and 12p are not suitable to predict the clinical outcome of GCT in childhood. Nevertheless, both genetic alterations might be used as biomarkers to distinguish different histological types of GCT and therefore could be of diagnostic value, especially in borderline cases.
Epigenetic drug screen identifies the histone deacetylase inhibitor NSC3852 as a potential novel drug for the treatment of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wiggers Caroline R.M. , Govers Anita M.A.P. , Lelieveld Daphne , Egan David A. , Zwaan C. Michel , Sonneveld Edwin , Coffer Paul J. , Bartels Marije
Published: May 2019

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease regarding morphology, immunophenotyping, genetic abnormalities, and clinical behavior. The overall survival rate of pediatric AML is 60% to 70%, and has not significantly improved over the past two decades. Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk of developing acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL), which can be preceded by a transient myeloproliferative disorder during the neonatal period. Intensification of current treatment protocols is not feasible due to already high treatment‐related morbidity and mortality. Instead, more targeted therapies with less severe side effects are highly needed.

Procedure

To identify potential novel therapeutic targets for myeloid disorders in children, including DS‐AMKL and non‐DS‐AML, we performed an unbiased compound screen of 80 small molecules targeting epigenetic regulators in three pediatric AML cell lines that are representative for different subtypes of pediatric AML. Three candidate compounds were validated and further evaluated in normal myeloid precursor cells during neutrophil differentiation and in (pre‐)leukemic pediatric patient cells.

Results

Candidate drugs LMK235, NSC3852, and bromosporine were effective in all tested pediatric AML cell lines with antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and differentiation effects. Out of these three compounds, the pan‐histone deacetylase inhibitor NSC3852 specifically induced growth arrest and apoptosis in pediatric AML cells, without disrupting normal neutrophil differentiation.

Conclusion

NSC3852 is a potential candidate drug for further preclinical testing in pediatric AML and DS‐AMKL.
The complementary role of imaging modalities in Binder phenotype. Can prognostic factors of neonatal respiratory distress be found?
Authors: Bosselut Hortense , Panuel Michel , Sigaudy Sabine , Gorincour Guillaume , Chaumoitre Kathia , Bretelle Florence
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate the complementarity between prenatal ultrasound, computed tomography, and MRI scans for fetuses with Binder phenotype.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2018, of fetuses with Binder phenotype. Prenatal ultrasound (US) data were collected. A systematic survey of the entire skeleton was performed to look for associated abnormalities such as calcifications, brachytelephalangy, and spinal stenosis. Parents were systematically offered fetal skeletal computed tomography (CT).

Results

Thirteen cases were included. Two cases of perinatal respiratory distress (18%) were observed. Chondrodysplasia punctata was diagnosed from the presence of calcifications, especially of the proximal femoral epiphyses and tarsal bones, in five cases (38%) by US and in 10 cases (83%) by CT. Calcifications of the hyoid bone were detected by CT in three cases (25%) one of which had respiratory distress. Polyhydramnios was associated with the Binder phenotype in four cases (30%) one of which had respiratory distress. One single fetus had combined polyhydramnios and laryngeal calcifications, and he suffered from perinatal respiratory distress.

Conclusion

An antenatal diagnosis of Binder phenotype is often associated with chondrodysplasia punctata. We recommend the use of fetal CT as a complement to US in this condition.
Das Rätsel der verschwundenen Antimaterie
Authors: Kiesling Christian
Published: May 2019

Das Standardmodell der Teilchenphysik kann trotz unbestreitbarer Erfolge wichtige Beobachtungen nicht erklären. Dazu zählt das Verschwinden der Antimaterie im Universum. Deshalb wird intensiv nach „Neuer Physik“ gesucht. Parallel zu den Experimenten am LHC, der die höchsten Kollisionsenergien erzielt, hat nun eine neue Super‐B‐Factory in Japan mit dem Belle‐II‐Detektor seinen Betrieb aufgenommen. Dort sollen mit höchster Präzision die Unterschiede zwischen B‐Mesonen und Ihren Antiteilchen untersucht werden. Für Belle II wurde unter deutscher Federführung ein neuartiger Pixel‐Vertexdetektor entwickelt, der für die genaue Vermessung der B‐Meson‐Zerfälle essentiell ist.
Bilder von Molekülorbitalen in unterschiedlichen Ladungszuständen
Authors: Scheuerer Philipp , Queck Fabian , Patera Laerte L. , Repp Jascha
Published: May 2019

Bisher galt, dass Rastertunnelmikroskopie eine leitfähige Probe erfordert – dies ist nun überholt. Bei der von unserer Gruppe an der Universität Regensburg entwickelten Methode werden nicht mehr die tunnelnden Elektronen in die Probe abgeleitet, sondern diese tunneln ausschließlich zwischen der Spitze des Instruments und einem einzelnen Molekül hin und zurück. Detektiert werden dabei die einzelnen Elektronen anhand ihrer Kraftwirkung auf die Spitze. Diese neue Variante der Rastersondenmikroskopie ermöglicht das Abbilden von Molekülorbitalen in unterschiedlichen Ladungszuständen des Moleküls.
The association of let‐7c, miR‐21, miR‐145, miR‐182, and miR‐221 with clinicopathologic parameters of prostate cancer in patients diagnosed with low‐risk disease
Authors: Kurul N. Ozgur , Ates Ferhat , Yilmaz Ismail , Narli Gizem , Yesildal Cumhur , Senkul Temucin
Published: May 2019

Background

The diagnostic benefit of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is limited, owing to its lack of specificity, particularly in men with PSA levels of 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL. Therefore, there is a need for more specific and sensitive biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy and to predict prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Assessing the expression levels of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with PCa may be helpful in detecting cancer and predicting the cancer prognosis and its evolution, and may serve as markers to decide the treatment. We examined the expression levels of five miRNAs (let‐7c, miR‐21, miR‐145, miR‐185, and miR‐221) on patients with low‐risk PCa who had been eligible for active surveillance but underwent radical prostatectomy. We investigated the correlation between the relative expression of miRNAs and clinicopathologic parameters to evaluate their clinical significance.

Materials and Methods

Total RNA was isolated from the tumor and the corresponding non‐neoplastic prostate tissue of 45 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. Quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the levels of let‐7c, miR‐21, miR‐145, miR‐185, miR‐221, and RNU6B expression, using TaqMan MicroRNA Assays. miRNA expression was examined in low‐risk PCa, and miRNAs' association with Gleason upgraded (GU) and biochemical recurrent (BR) patients was evaluated.

Results

We observed that miR‐21 and miR‐182 were overexpressed; conversely, let‐7c, miR‐145, and miR‐221 were underexpressed in patients with low‐risk PCa. GU patients (n = 16) and non‐upgraded patients (n = 28) were compared. miR‐145 was downregulated significantly in the GU group (P = 0.03). Similarly, miR‐221 was downregulated significantly in patients with BR (n = 14) compared with non‐recurrent patients (n = 30) (P = 0.04). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis revealed that miR‐221 levels were significantly associated with BR in patients with a cut‐off <−1.666, a value at which sensitivity was 70% and specificity 71% (area under curve [AUC] = 0.705, P = 0.030).

Conclusions

There is still a need for a tumor marker with higher sensitivity and specificity than that of PSA. Among the five miRNAs examined, miR‐221 was most associated with biochemical recurrence in low‐risk PCa.
Could Postnatal Age–Related Uridine Diphosphate Glucuronic Acid Be a Rate‐Limiting Factor in the Metabolism of Morphine During the First Week of Life?
Authors: Liu Tao , Lewis Tamorah R. , Moore Jason N. , Kraft Walter K. , Gauda Estelle B. , Sartori David , Moody David E. , Gobburu Jogarao V. S. , Ivaturi Vijay
Published: May 2019

Neonates experience dramatic changes in the disposition of drugs after birth as a result of enzyme maturation and environmental adjustment, challenging therapeutic decision making. In this research, we establish postnatal age, postmenstrual age, and body weight as physiologically reasonable predictors of morphine's clearance in neonates. By integrating knowledge of bilirubin, morphine, and other drugs metabolized by glucuronidation pathways from previously published studies, we hypothesize that uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid, a postnatal age–dependent sugar, plays an important role in the metabolism of morphine during the first week of life. This finding can be extended to other drugs metabolized by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase pathways in neonates and thus has important clinical implications for the use of drugs in this population.
Evaluating the Role of Janus Kinase Pathways in Platelet Homeostasis Using a Systems Modeling Approach
Authors: Koride Sarita , Nayak Satyaprakash , Banfield Christopher , Peterson Mark C.
Published: May 2019

Maintaining platelet homeostasis is important to avoid spontaneous bleeding and organ damage. Thrombopoietin, the primary regulator of platelet production, is affected by and acts in part via Janus kinase (JAK)‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)–mediated mechanisms. Interleukin‐6 is also partly responsible for inducing thrombopoietin production via the JAK‐STAT pathway. Although current understanding suggests that JAK2 is a primary mediator of platelet regulation, the emerging data show that a JAK1‐specific inhibitor resulted in the modulation of platelet numbers following dosing. To gain a mechanistic understanding, a model describing platelet regulation based on known physiology and JAK‐STAT pathways was built. The model provides a tool to coalesce biological understanding of platelet physiology and an in silico experimental platform to explore drug effects on platelet homeostasis. In this article, we explain the model construction and demonstrate the use of JAK‐inhibitor programs as informing probes of the physiology, gaining insights on dosing paradigms that avoid platelet‐related safety concerns.
Terahertz Radiation Modulated by Confinement of Picosecond Current Based on Patterned Ferromagnetic Heterostructures
Authors: Jin Zuanming , Zhang Shunnong , Zhu Weihua , Li Qin , Zhang Wenjie , Zhang Zongzhi , Lou Shitao , Dai Ye , Lin Xian , Ma Guohong , Yao Jianquan
Published: May 2019

The ultrashort laser excitation of nonmagnetic/ferromagnetic/nonmagnetic (NM/FM/NM) heterostructures is intensively studied as a terahertz (THz) emitter. Herein, the combined spintronic and photonic ultrathin metal heterostructures are exploited to realize actively modulated THz radiation. It is demonstrated that the THz radiation can be mediated coherently through the charge current induced by the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) and the built‐in transient current quasi‐simultaneously created within the striped NM/FM/NM heterostructures. The waveforms of THz radiation can be shaped by the charge current confinement effect, including the amplitude modulation and the center‐frequency shift. These findings can be utilized for device‐oriented opto‐spintronics and also extend the established THz emitter to THz modulator.
Enhanced Performance for Thiolation of Dimethyl Sulfide to Methanethiol over Al2O3‐Supported HPW Catalysts
Authors: Chen Shiping , Lin Liqin , Jing Xiaolian , Yang Yiquan
Published: May 2019

In this research, conversion of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and hydrogen sulfide to methanethiol (MT) in the presence of Al2O3 supported HPW catalysts has been investigated. The catalyst characterization shows that Al2O3 supported HPW catalyst has the improved surface acidity of Lewis acid sites and uniform distribution of W species, which in turn enhances the catalytic performance. The supported HPW catalysts show better catalytic activity during thiolation of DMS to MT, and 5 wt.% HPW is the optimum concentration in promoting the DMS thiolation, attaining approximately 20‐degree lower initial reaction temperature than Al2O3. Moreover, a small amount of residual CS2 is acceptable for methionine chemical company for the sake of cost control. A mechanism of the enhanced DMS conversion at the catalyst surface is proposed: First H2S and DMS are adsorbed on lattice oxygen O2−. Then the main reaction occurs between CH3S−M and HO‐ M−O groups to form CH3SH.
Sequential Extraction of Coal Tar Pitch and Structural Characterization of Enriched Large Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Fan Xiao‐Hua , Li Wei , Chen Lei , Ouyang Ting , Fei Youqing
Published: May 2019

Four fractions separated sequentially from a coal tar pitch by two different methods are examined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF‐MS) and 50/24 matrix analysis, to evaluate both separation effectiveness and characteristics of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in variable fractions. Both Soxhlet extraction and anti‐solvent precipitation can sequentially produce four fractions that have narrower molecular mass distribution with specific structural features of PAHs. The results show that the overall molecular mass (MM) and ring size of large PAHs abundant in the fractions gradually shift to higher values as solvent strength increases, with some overlap between two adjacent fractions. A broad range of peaks in MS spectra has been resolved as 4‐ to about 25‐ ring PAHs by 50/24 matrix analysis, with some detailed molecular structure elucidated. For example, the PAHs in the light HS fraction include 4 to 11‐ring aromatics with more ortho‐condensed structure. On the other hand, heavier fractions contain more aromatic rings fused by bay‐condensations that result in quaternary aromatic carbons. Besides structural insights, SEM morphologically reveals differences in the extraction effectiveness between Soxhlet and anti‐solvent, due to mass transfer and diffusion limitations in bituminous material.
Adsorption of Bromonitromethane over Graphene‐Based Substrates: A Density Functional Theory Analysis
Authors: Mandeep  , Sharma Lekha , Kakkar Rita
Published: May 2019

Disinfection by‐products (DBPs) are present ubiquitously in drinking water. These are the by‐products of the water disinfection process and are a matter of great concern, as they affect human health. In this work, the adsorption of a model DBP, bromonitromethane (BNM), on pristine graphene, graphene oxide and Ni/Pd/Pt‐doped graphene systems has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) studies. Two adsorption modes have been considered, based on the interaction of BNM with graphene surfaces via the Br atom and the NO2 functional group. While adsorption of BNM on the pristine graphene is purely physisorption, it has been found that the adsorption capacity of pristine graphene and graphene oxide can be significantly enhanced by doping with Ni/Pd/Pt metals. Particularly, for Ni, the graphene oxide substrate gets involved in H‐bonding with the adsorbed BNM. As a result, effective and favorable adsorption occurs. Partial density of states (PDOS) plots reveal the effect of metal doping on the band gap and reactivity of different substrates. Electron density difference plots give insights into the adsorption behavior of BNM.
Enhancement in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Using Surface Plasmon Resonance Effects from Colloidal Core‐Shell Au@SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Neshat Abdollah , Safdari Rasoul
Published: May 2019

Surface plasmon resonance effect from silica coated colloidal gold nanoparticles (Au@SiO2 NPs) was investigated on photocurrent density in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The less stability and aggregation of noble metal nanoparticles have limited their application in dye‐based solar cells. In this report, a simple method for the incorporation of noble Au nanoparticle in DSSCs to achieve higher photocurrent density is described. The DSSCs showed better performance when photo‐anode surface of a DSSC was decorated with Au@SiO2 NPs of appropriate size and shape. With incorporated Au@SiO2 NPs to the anode surface, 1 cm2 and 2 cm2 DSSCs exhibited 20% and 10% increase in the solar energy‐to‐electricity conversion efficiencies under AM 1.5 illumination and 100 mW cm−2 irradiations.
Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots Induced High‐Quality Perovskite Film for Efficient and Thermally Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Weitao , Chen Jiehuan , Lian Xiaomei , Li Jun , Yao Fenfa , Wu Gang , Qiu Weiming , Jin Chuanhong , Heremans Paul , Chen Hongzheng
Published: May 2019

Crystallinity and trap‐state density of a perovskite film play a critical role in the performance of corresponding perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Herein, liquid‐phase‐exfoliated black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are incorporated into the perovskite precursor solution as additives to direct the formation of the perovskite film, i.e., methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). It is found that the perovskite films made with BPQDs have higher crystallinity and less nonradiative detects compared with the pristine ones, leading to longer carrier lifetime and higher carrier collection efficiency. Time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectra and surface density calculation of BPQDs reveal that the improvement of the perovskite film quality may be related to the heterogeneous nucleation of the perovskite film at the BPQDs. PVSCs using MAPbI3 films made with BPQDs achieve a maximum power conversion efficiency of 20.0% and an encouraging thermal stability of T80 = 100 h at 100 °C. Both values are remarkably higher than the devices with pristine perovskite films. Therefore, this work demonstrates the potential of the 2D materials quantum dots‐assisted growth method for high‐performance PVSCs.
Drucktragfähigkeit von Fachwerkdiagonalen mit Kastenquerschnitt und alleinigem Anschluss der Gurtbleche
Authors: Unterweger Harald , Kampleitner Andreas
Published: May 2019

Fachwerkträger im schweren Stahlbau weisen meist Druckdiagonalen mit geschweißten Kastenquerschnitten auf. Dabei sind in der Regel nur die seitlichen Gurtbleche direkt an die Fachwerkgurte angeschlossen, sodass hinsichtlich Biegeknicken aus der Fachwerkebene ein für einen Knickstab untypisches Tragverhalten vorliegt. Nach der Darstellung der untersuchten Anschlussdetails im Zuge einer begrenzten Parameteruntersuchung wird auf das spezielle Tragverhalten der Druckdiagonalen näher eingegangen. Es wird ein FEM‐Modell vorgestellt, das es ermöglicht, die Druckdiagonale isoliert zu betrachten. Abschließend wird ein Ingenieurmodell dargestellt, das es erlaubt, ohne FEM‐Berechnung die Drucktragfähigkeit der Diagonalstäbe zu bestimmen. Die Hintergründe des Ingenieurmodells sowie die Treffsicherheit gegenüber einer realitätsnahen 3D‐Systemberechnung werden ebenfalls erläutert.
Untersuchungen zur Interpretation des Beulnachweises nach der Methode der reduzierten Spannungen
Authors: Timmers Ralph , Schwienbacher Manuel , Lener Gerhard
Published: May 2019

Die Nachweise gegen Plattenbeulen ausgesteifter Blechfelder sind in der Norm EN 1993‐1‐5 geregelt. In der aktuellen Fassung ist die Vorgehensweise nach der Methode der reduzierten Spannungen (Abschnitt 10) jedoch relativ kurz gehalten und lässt durchaus einigen Interpretationsspielraum in der Nachweisführung zu, speziell wenn es um die Berücksichtigung des Einzelfeldbeulens geht. In der Literatur werden zumeist getrennte Nachweise der Einzelfelder und des ausgesteiften Gesamtfelds geführt. Ausgehend von den aktuellen Formulierungen der EN 1993‐1‐5 stellte sich im Zuge der anstehenden Überarbeitung der Norm die Frage, ob auch ein einzelner Gesamtnachweis des ausgesteiften Blechfelds ausreichend bzw. wirtschaftlicher ist. In den vorliegenden Untersuchungen wurden daher diese beiden Methoden zur Nachweisführung im Zuge einer Parameterstudie aufgearbeitet und mit den Traglasten aus numerischen Simulationen verglichen. Hierzu wurden vorab Vergleichsbetrachtungen zur numerischen Modellbildung durchgeführt.
In this issue of Weather
Authors: Huggett Gavin
Published: May 2019

Mila Zinkova begins this issue weather of Weather with the second in a fascinating series of papers investigating the ‘mirage theory’ of the Titanic disaster with an examination of the haze reported by lookouts in ‘Titanic's mirage, part 2: Did a mysterious mirage‐associated haze camouflage the iceberg?’ on p. 151.

On 24 April 2017 there was a significant remobilisation of ash deposits in southern Iceland left over from the huge eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 and Grímsvötn in 2011. Krista Hammond and Frances Beckett investigate the specific meteorological conditions that led up to the event on p. 167 in ‘Forecasting resuspended ash clouds in Iceland at the London VAAC’.

The Sumatra squall is a common and yet highly disruptive weather system that affects part of the south‐east Asia region. On p. 176, Man Yau Chan, Jeff Chun‐Fung Lo and Thomas Orton examine the structure of one event in detail with a view to understanding the dynamics in order to improve forecasting of these features in ‘The structure of tropical Sumatra squalls’.

Staying in the tropics, on p. 181 in ‘Monsoon tropical cyclones: Part 3’, David Membery looks into the meteorology and impact of five destructive tropical cyclones that have affected the Arabian sea and considers the long‐term trends in their occurrence.

The application of satellite technology has been a rapidly expanding field in recent years. In our final paper this month on p. 186, C. Purna Chand, M. V. Rao, K. V. S. R. Prasad and K. H. Rao bring us some important research on the use satellite sensing to estimate low‐level circulations in ‘Validation of global sea‐level pressure fields calculated from Oceansat‐2 scatterometer wind data using the UWPBL model’.
Molecular anatomy of the architectural NEAT1 noncoding RNA: The domains, interactors, and biogenesis pathway required to build phase‐separated nuclear paraspeckles
Authors: Hirose Tetsuro , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: May 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are extremely diverse and have various significant physiological functions. lncRNAs generally associate with specific sets of RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) to form functional ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. NEAT1 is a highly abundant lncRNA in the mammalian cell nucleus that associates with specific RBPs to form NEAT1 RNPs. Intriguingly, cellular NEAT1 RNPs are extraordinarily large and can be detected using an optical microscope. These gigantic RNPs, so‐called paraspeckles, are a type of membraneless nuclear body. Paraspeckles contain approximately 50 NEAT1 RNA molecules together with characteristic RBPs possessing aggregation‐prone prion‐like domains. Paraspeckle formation proceeds on the nascent NEAT1 transcript in conjunction with NEAT1 biogenesis, which exhibits various features that differ from those exhibited by mRNA biogenesis, including a lack of introns, noncanonical 3′ end formation, and nuclear retention. These unique features may be required for the mechanism of paraspeckle formation. NEAT1 possesses three distinct RNA domains (A, B, and C), which function in stabilization (A), isoform switching (B), and paraspeckle assembly (C). In particular, the central C domain contains smaller subdomains that are high‐affinity binding sites for the essential paraspeckle proteins (NONO and SFPQ) that subsequently polymerize along NEAT1. Subsequent recruitment of additional essential PSPs (FUS and RBM14) induces liquid–liquid phase separation to build a massive paraspeckle structure. Thus, the molecular anatomy of the NEAT1 arcRNA provides an ideal model to understand how lncRNAs form the functional RNP machinery.

This article is characterized under:

RNA Export and Localization > Nuclear Export/Import

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Unintentional weight loss, its associated burden, and perceived weight status in people with cancer
Authors: Yuen Eva Y. N. , Zaleta Alexandra K. , McManus Shauna , Buzaglo Joanne S. , LeBlanc Thomas W. , Hamilton Kathryn , Stein Kevin
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Unintentional weight loss (UWL) is a prevalent problem in people with cancer and is associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes. A gap exists in understanding whether and how perceived and/or weight status impacts experiences of UWL. Thus, we sought to examine subjective experiences of UWL in people with cancer, and whetherperceivedand/or actual weight status impacts these experiences.

Methods

Participants were recruited through Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Experience Registry® and related networks. Participants completed an online survey that included the FAACT Anorexia-Cachexia subscale, and 19 items that captured six themes related to “beliefs and concerns” (positive beliefs, psychosocial impact, physical impact, cancer outcomes, self-esteem, relationships with others). Perceived weight status (PWS) was assessed using a single item. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported weight and height measurements.

Results

Of 326 respondents, 114 reported experiencing UWL. Over one-third misperceived their weight, with 29% perceiving weight status as below their BMI status. UWL in those with perceived weight status of overweight/obese was associated with positive beliefs. However, being underweight by BMI or perceiving oneself as underweight were both associated with greater concerns about weight loss. Perceived weight status of underweight compared to normal or overweight/obese weight status was associated with poorer psychosocial well-being, personal control, self-esteem, and relationships with others.

Conclusion

In people with cancer, perceived weight status, rather than BMI, had greater impact on negative “beliefs and concerns” about UWL. Findings suggest assessment of both perceived and actual BMI to address the impact of UWL on psychosocial wellbeing.
Potential two‐step proteomic signature for Parkinson's disease: Pilot analysis in the Harvard Biomarkers Study
Authors: O'Bryant Sid E. , Edwards Melissa , Zhang Fan , Johnson Leigh A. , Hall James , Kuras Yuliya , Scherzer Clemens R.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

We sought to determine if our previously validated proteomic profile for detecting Alzheimer's disease would detect Parkinson's disease (PD) and distinguish PD from other neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

Plasma samples were assayed from 150 patients of the Harvard Biomarkers Study (PD, n = 50; other neurodegenerative diseases, n = 50; healthy controls, n = 50) using electrochemiluminescence and Simoa platforms.

Results

The first step proteomic profile distinguished neurodegenerative diseases from controls with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.94. The second step profile distinguished PD cases from other neurodegenerative diseases with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.98. The proteomic profile differed in step 1 versus step 2, suggesting that a multistep proteomic profile algorithm to detecting and distinguishing between neurodegenerative diseases may be optimal.

Discussion

These data provide evidence of the potential use of a multitiered blood‐based proteomic screening method for detecting individuals with neurodegenerative disease and then distinguishing PD from other neurodegenerative diseases.
Urate and risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: A population‐based study
Authors: Scheepers Lieke E.J.M. , Jacobsson Lennart T.H. , Kern Silke , Johansson Lena , Dehlin Mats , Skoog Ingmar
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Low serum urate (sU) has been suggested to increase the risk of dementia since a reduction might impair antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, high sU is associated with increased cardiovascular risk which might increase the risk of dementia, especially for vascular dementia.

Methods

In 1968–1969, a population‐based sample of 1462 women aged 38 to 60 years was examined and were followed up over 44 years (mean 33.1 years). We examined whether sU (determined in 1968–1969 and 1992–1994) is associated with risk of late‐life dementia.

Results

During 44 years of follow‐up, a higher sU (per standard deviation of 76.5 μmol/L) was associated with lower risk for dementia (n = 320; hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; confidence interval [CI] 0.72–0.91), Alzheimer's disease (n = 152; HR 0.78; CI 0.66–0.91), and vascular dementia (n = 52; HR 0.66; CI 0.47–0.94).

Discussion

Our findings support the hypothesis that sU has a protective role in the development of dementia, regardless of dementia subtype. This may have important implications in the treatment of dementia and treatment goals for hyperuricemia in patients with gout.
Chemical Heat Packs as an Intervention to Prolong Ultrasound Battery Runtime
Authors: Roy Steven , Schielke Ryck K. , Haffey Daniel , Coombs Heather
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Point-of-care ultrasonography is a burgeoning field of practice and study. Although point-of-care ultrasonography has started to penetrate the field of wilderness medicine, its use in cold environments is often limited by poor battery performance. In the current study, we investigated the effect of chemical foot warmers on battery runtime of handheld ultrasound machines in cold weather.

Methods

This prospective study used a balanced, crossover randomization design to compare handheld ultrasound machines exposed to cold weather with and without the application of chemical foot warmers. Time to power off, ambient temperature, air humidity, and wind speed were recorded for each trial and compared in a mixed-effects model analysis of variance.

Results

Ultrasound machines showed significantly decreased functional battery life with decreasing temperature ( P<0.01) and increasing wind speed ( P=0.01). Addition of the chemical foot warmer resulted in a statistically significant increase in handheld ultrasound machine runtime compared with controls ( P<0.001). Overall machine runtime was increased by approximately 21.8 min (95% CI 16.2–27.3).

Conclusions

The application of chemical foot warmers to handheld ultrasound machines exposed to cold environments prolongs usable battery life and, consequently, may allow for extended scanning time in austere and remote environments.