bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Alkanoic‐Acid Ester Enolates
Authors: Visse Robin , Möllemann Martin‐Alexander , Braun Manfred
Published: June 2019

A protocol for the direct palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of simple alkanoic‐acid esters through their lithium enolates has been developed. The method permits to create stereogenic centers in the homo‐allylic or allylic position. The configuration of the allylation products has been elucidated.
Support for collective action against refugees: The role of national, European, and global identifications, and autochthony beliefs
Authors: Hasbún López Paola , Martinović Borja , Bobowik Magdalena , Chryssochoou Xenia , Cichocka Aleksandra , Ernst‐Vintila Andreea , Franc Renata , Fülöp Éva , Ghilani Djouaria , Kochar Arshiya , Lamberty Pia , Leone Giovanna , Licata Laurent , Žeželj Iris
Published: June 2019

To understand recent anti‐refugee protests in Europe, we examined how different levels of inclusiveness of group identities (national, European, and global) are related to intentions to protest among native Europeans. We focused on the mediating role of autochthony (a belief that the first inhabitants of a territory are more entitled) and the moderating role of threat. Survey data from 11 European countries (N = 1,909) showed that national identification was positively associated with autochthony, and therefore, with the intention to protest against refugees. In contrast, global identification was related to lower protest intentions via lower autochthony. These paths were found only among Europeans who perceived refugees as a threat. European identification was not related to the endorsement of autochthony or to collective action. These findings indicate why and when majority members are willing to participate in collective action against refugees, and underscore the importance of global identification in the acceptance of refugees.
Identification of driver genes and somatic mutations in cell‐free DNA of patients with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Ming‐Jie , Wang Wei , Zhao Jing‐Ya , Wu Jia‐Liang , Liu Yan‐Pu , Zhu Hong , Qu Jie‐Ming , Zhou Min
Published: June 2019

Next‐generation sequencing of cell‐free circulating DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as promising technique for identifying minimally invasive genomic profiling of tumor cells recently. However, it remains relatively unknown in LAM disease. In our study, paired cfDNA and genomic DNA (gDNA) in blood samples were obtained from 23 LAM patients and seven healthy controls to explore mutations profiles of targeted 70 cancer‐related genes. As results, log2‐based allele frequencies of mutations in cfDNA were significantly different from those of gDNA. By comparing the mutual mutations identified both in cfDNA and gDNA, a significant correlation was also observed. After removing mutations in gDNA, distinct somatic mutation profiles of cfDNA were observed in LAM patients. Forty of 70 targeted genes had recurrent mutations, of which ATM, BRCA2 and APC showed the highest frequency. Based on the mutation, correlation network constructed of 40 mutated genes, 11 hub genes bearing intensive interactions were highlighted, including BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD50, RB1, NF1, APC, MLH3, ATM, PDGFRA, PALB2 and BLM. Expression of the hub genes showed significant clusters between LAM patients and controls and that RAD50 and BRCA2 had the strongest associations with subject phenotypes. Myogenesis and estrogen response were confirmed to be positively regulated in LAM patients. Collectively, our study provided a landscape of genomic alterations in LAM and discovered several potential driver genes, that is, BRCA2 and RAD50, which shed a substantial light on the clinical application of key molecular markers and potential therapy targets for precision diagnosis and treatment in the future.
Treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis with the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system
Authors: Li Lei , Leng Jinhua , Jia Shuangzheng , Lang Jinghe
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine the long‐term effects of using the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) to treat symptomatic adenomyosis.

Method

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among 1100 women who received the LNG‐IUS at a tertiary teaching hospital in China between December 10, 2006, and December 24, 2014. All participants had symptomatic adenomyosis (visual analogue scale [VAS] ≥7 and/or pictorial blood loss assessment chart [PBAC] score >100) diagnosed by transvaginal sonography. Follow‐up was at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after LNG‐IUS placement. The primary outcome was symptom relief. Secondary outcomes included LNG‐IUS retention status; changes in uterine volume; serum levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA125); menstruation pattern; and adverse events.

Results

In all, 374 (33.7%) participants completed 60 months of LNG‐IUS treatment. The VAS, verbal rating scale, PBAC score, hemoglobin level, uterine volume, and serum CA125 level all showed marked improvements at this time point when compared with baseline (P<0.05 for all comparisons). The cumulative retention rate of LNG‐IUS was 56.2%. Changes in menstruation pattern at 60 months included amenorrhea (n=97, 25.9%) and shortened periods (n=82, 21.9%). The incidence of adverse events was <10% and not considered notable.

Conclusions

Long‐term use of LNG‐IUS was effective and acceptable for the treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis.

Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03027648).
Primary male urethral squamous cell carcinoma presenting with a genital abscess
Authors: Mizusawa Hiroya , Hara Hiroaki , Mimura Yuji , Kato Haruaki
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Primary urethral cancer is a rare disease accounting for <1% of all urological cancer cases. We encountered a patient with urethral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed during treatment of a genital abscess.

Case presentation

A 69‐year‐old male was referred to our hospital for recurrent urethritis and swelling of the scrotum. The genital skin was atrophic with a purulent discharge. A diagnosis of epididymitis‐induced genital abscess was made, and conservative treatment was administered. However, local infection recurred and the infected tissue was resected 4 months after the first examination. The pathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. Subsequently, radical surgery was performed, but the patient died 17 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Four patients with primary urethral squamous cell carcinoma presenting as genital abscess have been reported. Careful examination is necessary while considering a malignant tumor as an underlying disease.
Switching from entecavir to tenofovir alafenamide versus maintaining entecavir for chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hagiwara Satoru , Nishida Naoshi , Ida Hiroshi , Ueshima Kazuomi , Minami Yasunori , Takita Masahiro , Komeda Yoriaki , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: June 2019

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a newly developed prodrug of tenofovir (TFV). We divided 48 chronic hepatitis B patients who had taken entecavir (ETV) for ≥2 years into two groups: the ETV continuation (n = 24) and the TAF switching (n = 24) groups, and compared the antiviral effects and safety until 48 weeks after the start of the study. There were no significant differences in the alterations in the serum levels of HBs antigen (HBsAg) level between the ETV continuation and the TAF switching groups at 24 or 48 weeks. We also examined the effect of baseline HBsAg level on the decrease of HBsAg during the treatment; in the TAF switching group, the decrease of HBsAg level at 48 weeks was more significant in patients with low baseline HBsAg (<800 IU/mL) than those with high baseline HBsAg (
>800 IU/mL) (change of HBsAg; − 0.029 vs − 0.132 for high and low baseline HBsAg, respectively, P = .007). Also, the effect on renal function was found to be comparable between the TAF switch group and the ETV continuation group. In this study, switching from ETV to TAF may represent higher efficacy for a decrease of HBsAg than a continuation of ETV among the patients with low baseline HBsAg level.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus spike protein counteracts BST2‐mediated restriction of virus‐like particle release
Authors: Wang Shiu‐Mei , Huang Kuo‐Jung , Wang Chin‐Tien
Published: June 2019

BST2/tetherin, an interferon‐inducible antiviral factor, can block the cellular release of various enveloped viruses. We previously reported that human coronavirus 229E (HCoV‐229E) infection can alleviate the BST2 tethering of HIV‐1 virions by downregulating cell surface BST2, suggesting that coronaviruses are capable of encoding anti‐BST2 factors. Here we report our new finding that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) spike (S) glycoprotein, similar to Vpu, is capable of antagonizing the BST2 tethering of SARS‐CoV, HCoV‐229E, and HIV‐1 virus‐like particles via BST2 downregulation. However, unlike Vpu (which downmodulates BST2 by means of proteasomal and lysosomal degradation pathways), BST2 downregulation is apparently mediated by SARS‐CoV S through the lysosomal degradation pathway only. We found that SARS‐CoV S colocalized with both BST2 and reduced cell surface BST2, suggesting an association between SARS‐CoV S and BST2 that targets the lysosomal degradation pathway. According to one recent report, SARS‐CoV ORF7a antagonizes BST2 by interfering with BST2 glycosylation1. Our data provide support for the proposal that SARS‐CoV and other enveloped viruses are capable of evolving supplementary anti‐BST2 factors in a manner that requires virus replication. Further experiments are required to determine whether the BST2‐mediated restriction of authentic SARS‐CoV virions is alleviated by the SARS‐CoV spike protein.
An ensemble procedure for pattern recognition of regional drought
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Hussain Ijaz , Faisal Muhammad , Shad Muhammad Yousuf , Elashkar Elsayed E. , Gani Showkat
Published: June 2019

Drought being a complex natural hazard is challenging to monitor. Although standardized procedures for drought characterization are commonly used, the uncertainty about accurate drought characterization under various procedures always exists. Therefore, for effective drought mitigation policies, it is necessary to compare the performance of new and the existing drought procedures. In this study, we proposed a new procedure—The Drought Intensity Pattern Determinate (DIPD) to examine and compare the spatial‐temporal intensities of various drought episodes based on Standardized Drought Indices (SDI). The DIPD framework provides a new tool—The Drought Concentration Index (DCI) to understand the annual intensity of drought classes by alluding the observed frequencies of drought episodes. At the preliminary level of assessment, DIPD is employed at 52 meteorological stations of Pakistan, and compared three commonly used standardized drought indices: Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Standardized Precipitation Temperature Index (SPTI). Exploratory analysis shows a mixed picture as all the drought indices behaving similar for some patterns of drought classes, while some classes show significant discrepancies. In addition, we assessed and compared the spatial distributions using spatial Poisson lognormal model by assuming SDI as a non‐Gaussian process for individual total classes of observed DCI. Results show that the proposed method has ability to incorporate the inner variability in patterns of drought classes. In summary, the DIPD provided a new regional based comparative framework, which accounts the all possible episodes of drought classes and effect of inner discrepancies among quantitative values of SDI.
Microvascular invasion is a major prognostic factor after pancreatico‐duodenectomy for adenocarcinoma
Authors: Panaro Fabrizio , Kellil Tarek , Vendrell Julie , Sega Valentina , Souche Regis , Piardi Tullio , Leon Piera , Cassinotto Christophe , Assenat Eric , Rosso Edoardo , Navarro Francis
Published: June 2019

Background

Microvascular invasion (MVI) has been proved to be poor prognostic factor in many cancers. To date, only one study published highlights the relationship between this factor and the natural history of pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of MVI, on disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), after pancreatico‐duodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. Secondarily, we aim to demonstrate that MVI is the most important factor to predict OS after surgery compared with resection margin (RM) and lymph node (LN) status.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2015 and December 2017, 158 PD were performed in two hepato‐bilio‐pancreatic (HBP) centers. Among these, only 79 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study. Clinical‐pathological data and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively maintained database.

Results

Of the 79 patients in the cohort, MVI was identified in 35 (44.3%). In univariate analysis, MVI (P = .012 and P < .0001), RM (P = .023 and P = .021), and LN status (P < .0001 and P = .0001) were significantly associated with DFS and OS. A less than 1 mm margin clearance did not influence relapse (P = .72) or long‐term survival (P = .48). LN ratio > 0.226 had a negative impact on OS (P = .044). In multivariate analysis, MVI and RM persisted as independent prognostic factors of DFS (P = .0075 and P = .0098, respectively) and OS (P < .0001 and P = .0194, respectively). Using the likelihood ratio test, MVI was identified as the best fit to predict OS after PD for ductal adenocarcinomas compared with the margin status model (R0 vs R1) (P = .0014).

Conclusion

The MVI represents another major prognostic factor determining long‐term outcomes.
Theoretical and experimental studies of passivity breakdown of Aermet 100 ultra‐high stainless steel in chloride ion medium
Authors: Zhong Jinyan , Yu Mei , Li Songmei , Macdonald Digby D. , Xiao Bin , Liu Jianhua
Published: June 2019

Passivity breakdown and pitting behavior in the presence of aggressive Cl− on ultra‐high strength steel Aermet 100, commonly used for landing gear, has been studied, the data are explained in view of the point defect model (PDM). Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were examined to observe corrosion progress and corrosion products in the salt spray tests at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days intervals. The breakdown behavior was studied using CPP, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and digital confocal microscopy were used to explore the micromorphology and depth distribution of pits. The cumulative distribution basically satisfies a normal probabilistic distribution at the different concentrations of chloride and pH, which is consistent with PDM assuming a near‐normal distribution of potential breakdown sites regarding to the cation vacancy diffusivity.
Layer‐by‐Layer Formation of Polyamine‐Salt Aggregate/Polyelectrolyte Multilayers. Loading and Controlled Release of Probe Molecules from Self‐Assembled Supramolecular Networks
Authors: Herrera Santiago E. , Agazzi Maximiliano L. , Cortez M. Lorena , Marmisollé Waldemar A. , von Bilderling Catalina , Azzaroni Omar
Published: June 2019

The use of soft materials as building blocks in layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assemblies represent a very appealing and useful approach to enhance the loading capacity of thin films. Here, the capacity of positively charged polyamine‐salt aggregates (PSAs) based on ionically crosslinked poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) with phosphate anions (Pi) is explored to act as building blocks in construction of multilayers by alternated deposition with poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate). Hybrid thin films are successfully prepared by the LbL technique with a highly regular growth and a material deposition rate higher than the traditional full polyelectrolyte LbL. The loading of bromophenol blue (BPB) is evaluated by integration into PSAs followed by LbL deposition and monitored with UV–vis spectroscopy. Finally, the release of the dye molecules is carried out by exposing the film to different aqueous solutions. It is shown that a fully controlled release can be achieved by simply varying the media pH obtaining total BPB release over periods between minutes and months. The data obtained reveal that this new LbL construction strategy using ionically crosslinked PAH/Pi colloids allows to obtain nanoarchitectures with high loading capacity and remarkable properties for controlled release.
Rs1884444 variant in IL23R gene is associated with a decreased risk in esophageal cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Li Miao , Yue Chenli , Jin Guoquan , Guo Hulin , Ma Haizhao , Wang Guanying , Huang Shangke , Wu Fang , Zhao Xinhan
Published: June 2019

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin‐23 receptor (IL23R) are involved in the pathogenesis of many cancers and autoimmune diseases. IL23R gene is still controversial in the study of esophageal cancer. The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of IL23R SNPs on the risk of esophageal cancer. Five hundred six esophageal cancer and 507 controls frequency matched by age and gender were conducted, and the genotypes were determined by the Agena MassARRAY. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of rs1884444 and rs6682925 with susceptibility of esophageal cancer. A total of 30 articles are eligible. Pooled ORs and the 95% CI were calculated using the random‐effect model. Database predicts the expression of IL23R gene in esophageal cancer. IL23R rs1884444 allele G decreased the risk of esophageal cancer under allele, genotype, and additive models (allele model: OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68‐0.98, P =
 .032; genotype model: OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44‐0.97, P =
 .035; additive model: OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68‐0.98, P =
 .031). Meta‐analysis shown that IL23R rs1884444 increased the risk of overall disease in allele model (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.25, P <
 .001), and also increased the risk of gastrointestinal tumor (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.31, P = .005). The database analysis showed that the expression of IL23R gene was upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues. IL23R rs1884444 may play an important role in the susceptibility of esophageal cancer.
Attitudes of people with inherited retinal conditions toward gene editing technology
Authors: Hoffman‐Andrews Lily , Mazzoni Ronit , Pacione Michelle , Garland‐Thomson Rosemarie , Ormond Kelly E.
Published: June 2019

Background

The views of people with genetic conditions are crucial to include in public dialogue around developing gene editing technologies. This qualitative study sought to characterize the attitudes of people with inherited retinal conditions (retinitis pigmentosa [RP] and Leber congenital amaurosis [LCA]) toward gene editing.

Methods

Individuals with RP (N = 9) and LCA (N = 8) participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews about their experience with and attitudes toward blindness, and their views about gene editing technology for somatic, germline, and enhancement applications.

Results

Participants saw potential benefits from gene editing in general, but views about its use for retinal conditions varied and were influenced by personal perspectives on blindness. Those who felt more negatively toward blindness, particularly those with later onset blindness, were more supportive of gene editing for retinal conditions. Concerns about both germline and somatic editing included: the importance of informed consent; impacts of gene editing on social attitudes and barriers affecting blind people; and worries about “eliminating” blindness or other traits.

Conclusion

People with RP and LCA have diverse attitudes toward gene editing technology informed by their own lived experience with disability, and many have concerns about how the ways in which it is discussed and implemented might affect them.
Dual‐element antenna with high isolation operating at the WLAN bands
Authors: Shen Dong‐Lin , Zhang Li , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Yan Yang‐Dong
Published: June 2019

This article proposes a dual‐element antenna working in the 2.4/5‐GHz WLAN bands with high isolation. The antenna element is a coupled‐fed structure, which is formed by a driven monopole and a shorting branch. The decoupling structure disposed between the elements is a hybrid structure, which includes a protruded ground for the 2.4‐GHz WLAN band and a narrow slot etched on the ground plane for the 5‐GHz WLAN band. Moreover, to reduce the dimension of the protruded ground, two 8.2‐nH lumped inductors are embedded in the branches. The measured −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidths are in the range of 2400‐2497 MHz and 5150‐5940 MHz. The measured transmission coefficient indicates that a good isolation higher than 20 dB over the two bands is obtained.
Single cell RNA‐seq in the sea urchin embryo show marked cell‐type specificity in the Delta/Notch pathway
Authors: Foster Stephany , Teo Yee Voan , Neretti Nicola , Oulhen Nathalie , Wessel Gary M.
Published: June 2019

Sea urchin embryos are excellent for in vivo functional studies because of their transparency and tractability in manipulation. They are also favorites for pharmacological approaches since they develop in an aquatic environment and addition of test substances is straightforward. A concern in many pharmacological tests though is the potential for pleiotropic effects that confound the conclusions drawn from the results. Precise cellular interpretations are often not feasible because the impact of the perturbant is not known. Here we use single‐cell mRNA (messenger RNA) sequencing as a metric of cell types in the embryo and to determine the selectivity of two commonly used inhibitors, one each for the Wnt and the Delta‐Notch pathways, on these nascent cell types. We identified 11 distinct cell types based on mRNA profiling, and that the cell lineages affected by Wnt and Delta/Notch inhibition were distinct from each other. These data support specificity and distinct effects of these signaling pathways in the embryo and illuminate how these conserved pathways selectively regulate cell lineages at a single cell level. Overall, we conclude that single cell RNA‐seq analysis in this embryo is revealing of the cell types present during development, of the changes in the gene regulatory network resulting from inhibition of various signaling pathways, and of the selectivity of these pathways in influencing developmental trajectories.
3D Cartesian fast interrupted steady‐state (FISS) imaging
Authors: Küstner Thomas , Bustin Aurélien , Jaubert Olivier , Neji Radhouene , Prieto Claudia , Botnar René
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To enable intrinsic and efficient fat suppression in 3D Cartesian fast interrupted steady‐state (FISS) acquisitions.

Methods

A periodic interruption of the balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) readout train (FISS) has been previously proposed for 2D radial imaging. FISS modulates the bSSFP frequency response pattern in terms of shape, width and location of stop band (attenuated transverse magnetization). Depending on the FISS interruption rate, the stop band characteristic can be exploited to suppress the fat spectrum at 3.5 ppm, thus yielding intrinsic fat suppression. For conventional 2D Cartesian sampling, ghosting/aliasing artifacts along phase‐encoding direction have been reported. In this work, we propose to extend FISS to 3D Cartesian imaging and report countermeasures for the previously observed ghosting/aliasing artifacts. Key parameters (dummy prepulses, spatial resolution, and interruption rate) are investigated to optimize fat suppression and image quality. FISS behavior is examined using extended phase graph simulations to recommend parametrizations which are validated in phantom and in vivo measurements on a 1.5T MRI scanner for 3 applications: upper thigh angiography, abdominal imaging, and free‐running 5D CINE.

Results

Using optimized parameters, 3D Cartesian FISS provides homogeneous and consistent fat suppression for all 3 applications. In upper thigh angiography, vessel structures can be recovered in FISS that are obscured in bSSFP. Fat suppression in free‐running cardiac CINE resulted in less fat‐related motion aliasing and yielded better image quality.

Conclusion

3D Cartesian FISS is feasible and offers homogeneous intrinsic fat suppression for selected imaging parameters without the need for dedicated preparation pulses, making it a promising candidate for free‐running fat‐suppressed imaging.
Whole‐brain snapshot CEST imaging at 7 T using 3D‐EPI
Authors: Akbey Suzan , Ehses Philipp , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Zaiss Moritz , Stöcker Tony
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The aim of this work is to develop a fast and robust CEST sequence in order to allow the acquisition of a whole‐brain imaging volume after a single preparation block (snapshot acquisition).

Methods

A 3D‐CEST sequence with an optimized 3D‐EPI readout module was developed, which acquires the complete k‐space data following a single CEST preparation for 1 saturation offset. Whole‐brain mapping of the Z‐spectrum with 2 mm isotropic resolution is achieved at 68 saturation frequencies in 5 minutes (4.33 s per offset). We analyzed the distribution in order to optimize correction and to provide accurate CEST quantification across the whole brain.

Results

We obtained maps for 3 different CEST contrasts from 4 healthy subjects. Based on our distribution analysis, we conclude that 3 sampling points allow for sufficient compensation of variations across most of the brain. Two brain regions, the cerebellum and the temporal lobes, are difficult to quantify at 7 T due to very low that was achieved in these regions.

Conclusions

The proposed sequence enables robust acquisition of 2 mm isotropic whole‐brain CEST maps at 7 Tesla within a total scan time of 16 minutes.
Cognitive Effects of Adding Caloric Restriction to Aerobic Exercise Training in Older Adults with Obesity
Authors: Hugenschmidt Christina E. , Leng Xiaoyan , Lyles Mary , Michael Lemaat , Dougherty Ashley , Babcock Phyllis , Baker Laura D. , Brinkley Tina E. , Nicklas Barbara J.
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study examined the short‐ and long‐term effects of adding caloric restriction to 5 months of aerobic exercise training on executive function in sedentary older adults with obesity.

Methods

Sedentary adults with obesity aged 65 to 79 years completed a randomized trial investigating the cardiorespiratory benefits of adding moderate (~ 250 kcal) or high (~ 600 kcal) caloric restriction to a 20‐week aerobic exercise program. Approximately half (n = 88) completed a cognitive assessment battery at baseline, post intervention, and 18 to 24 months after intervention completion. The primary outcome was an executive function composite score.

Results

In the overall sample, the executive function composite increased 0.114 from baseline to postintervention (P = 0.01). Randomization to caloric restriction did not significantly alter executive function over aerobic exercise alone, nor were there between‐group differences on any individual executive function test following the intervention or at long‐term follow‐up. Adding caloric restriction to exercise was associated with a modest increase in Mini‐Mental State Examination score (P = 0.04). In the overall sample, increases from baseline at long‐term follow‐up were noted in digit symbol and word list recall performance as well.

Conclusions

Adding caloric restriction to a 20‐week aerobic exercise program does not worsen or improve executive function more than exercise alone assessed up to 24 months post randomization.
Prenatal Exposure to Acetaminophen and Overweight in Childhood
Authors: Liew Zeyan , Nohr Ellen A. , Morgen Camilla S. , Ernst Andreas , Li Jiong , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Olsen Jørn
Published: June 2019

Objective

Acetaminophen (paracetamol), a medication commonly used in pregnancy, has hormonal effects, as has been suggested in experimental studies. Developmental exposure to endocrine disruptors could predispose individuals to weight gain. This study evaluated the associations between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and overweight in childhood.

Methods

A total of 30,127 (age 7) and 24,934 (age 11) children in the Danish National Birth Cohort born during 1996 to 2002 were studied. Mothers reported acetaminophen use in telephone interviews conducted during pregnancy, and children's BMI and waist circumference were reported by parents at 7 and 11 years. Differences for BMI z score and waist circumference were estimated, as well as risk ratios for overweight in girls and boys adjusting for indications of use and other confounders.

Results

There were no consistent associations found for prenatal acetaminophen exposure and BMI z score or waist circumference in girls and boys at both ages. Prenatal acetaminophen exposure was associated with overweight in girls at age 11 (risk ratio 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.56, if exposed in all three trimesters; P < 0.001 for cumulative weeks of exposure), but no association was found in boys.

Conclusions

There was no strong association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and childhood BMI, but the findings on frequent prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and overweight in girls warrant further investigation.
Introducing a practice perspective on monitoring for adaptive management
Authors: West Simon , Beilin Ruth , Wagenaar Hendrik
Published: June 2019

Adaptive management (AM) is one of the most prominent ways ecologists contribute to ecosystem management, policy, and planning. AM treats management actions as experiments to monitor and learn from, creating a central role for ecologists in constructing the monitoring programs intended to guide learning.

Yet, ecologists have found monitoring for AM challenging. They face a daunting series of dilemmas: How to produce monitoring programs that are responsive to management goals and provide clear signals for action, in ever‐changing social‐ecological contexts, and in light of impending deadlines, limited funding and available skills? The applied ecological literature has so far struggled to account for the ways in which these dilemmas are experienced and resolved “on the ground.”

We address this problem by using contemporary practice theory to develop a practice perspective on monitoring for AM. Practice theory foregrounds the activities of science, viewing knowledge and context as products of practical action. We develop our practice perspective, rooted in pragmatist philosophy and relational thinking, through an empirical case study of a group of ecologists tasked with developing an adaptive approach to the restoration of threatened vegetation in an Australian national park.

A practice perspective enables us to trace in real time the myriad experiential, situated, practical judgments made by the scientists to navigate the tricky dilemmas they encounter. We thus highlight the messy complexities of scientific knowledge production, while retaining a commitment to the value of science for management.

Our work is relevant for ecologists working at the science‐policy interface because it reveals the embodied competencies essential for the production of usable knowledge. Our focus on the temporality of ecological fieldwork—the progression of monitoring in unfolding time—helps to extend practice‐based research in environmental management. By providing a relational account of practice, knowledge, and context in applied scientific research, we contribute to efforts in the environmental and sustainability sciences to develop relational understandings of people and nature.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Controlling type I error in the reference‐scaled bioequivalence evaluation of highly variable drugs
Authors: Ocaña Jordi , Muñoz Joel
Published: June 2019

Reference‐scaled average bioequivalence (RSABE) approaches for highly variable drugs are based on linearly scaling the bioequivalence limits according to the reference formulation within‐subject variability. RSABE methods have type I error control problems around the value where the limits change from constant to scaled. In all these methods, the probability of type I error has only one absolute maximum at this switching variability value. This allows adjusting the significance level to obtain statistically correct procedures (that is, those in which the probability of type I error remains below the nominal significance level), at the expense of some potential power loss. In this paper, we explore adjustments to the EMA and FDA regulatory RSABE approaches, and to a possible improvement of the original EMA method, designated as HoweEMA. The resulting adjusted methods are completely correct with respect to type I error probability. The power loss is generally small and tends to become irrelevant for moderately large (affordable in real studies) sample sizes.
Distributed learning consensus control based on neural networks for heterogeneous nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Shen Dong , Zhang Chao , Xu Jian‐Xin
Published: June 2019

This paper considers a novel distributed iterative learning consensus control algorithm based on neural networks for the control of heterogeneous nonlinear multiagent systems. The system's unknown nonlinear function is approximated by suitable neural networks; the approximation error is countered by a robust term in the control. Two types of control algorithms, both of which utilize distributed learning laws, are provided to achieve consensus. In the provided control algorithms, the desired reference is considered to be an unknown factor and then estimated using the associated learning laws. The consensus convergence is proven by the composite energy function method. A numerical simulation is ultimately presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed control schemes.
Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids Promote Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Liu Nanxin , Zhang Xiaolin , Li Ni , Zhou Mi , Zhang Tianxu , Li Songhang , Cai Xiaoxiao , Ji Ping , Lin Yunfeng
Published: June 2019

Poor post‐traumatic wound healing can affect the normal function of damaged tissues and organs. For example, poor healing of corneal epithelial injuries may lead to permanent visual impairment. It is of great importance to find a therapeutic way to promote wound closure. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) are new promising nanomaterials, which can affect the biological behavior of cells. In the experiment, corneal wound healing is used as an example to explore the effect of tFNAs on wound healing. Results show that the proliferation and migration of human corneal epithelial cells are enhanced by exposure to tFNAs in vitro, possibly relevant to the activation of P38 and ERK1/2 signaling pathway. An animal model of corneal alkali burn is established to further identify the facilitation effect of tFNAs on corneal wound healing in vivo. Clinical evaluations and histological analyses show that tFNAs can improve the corneal transparency and accelerate the re‐epithelialization of wounds. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that tFNAs can play a positive role in corneal epithelial wound healing.
A Review of Rice Starch Digestibility: Effect of Composition and Heat‐Moisture Processing
Authors: Khatun Amina , Waters Daniel L. E. , Liu Lei
Published: June 2019

Rice grain as the staple food for more than half the global population provides 20% of global human calorie requirements. Starch digestion rate is an important consideration for rice consumers who are concerned about health, particularly those with diabetes. Understanding the effect of rice grain composition on starch digestion may assist the growing and processing of rice for preferred eating quality and starch digestibility. Amylose content is regarded as the key determinant of rice starch digestibility, however, starch digestibility differs between rice varieties with similar amylose content indicating the possible role of non‐starch components in determining rice starch digestibility. The current understanding of the role of starch and non‐starch compounds in determining rice starch digestion has been reviewed here. Starch digestion rate is dependent upon starch granule size, starch crystallinity, amylose content and amylopectin chain length and non‐starch components such as fibre, protein, lipid and polyphenols. Non‐starch components may complex with starch and inhibit starch digestion by affecting starch properties or by producing a protective layer around starch or by having antagonistic effects on digestive enzymes. Hydrothermal processing of rice can alter the effects of starch and non‐starch components on starch digestion.
Spinning reserve quantification considering confidence levels of forecast in systems with high wind and solar power penetration
Authors: Nguyen Thi Nguyet Hanh , Yabe Kuniaki , Ito Masakazu , Dao Van Tu , Ishii Hideo , Hayashi Yasuhiro
Published: June 2019

The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, featured by intermittent outputs, emphasizes the investigation of the potential effects on frequency deviation in the normal operation and solving the associated problems. This paper proposes a method for assessing the impacts of forecast errors in wind and solar generation outputs on a unit commitment problem. An iterative process is used across different spinning reserve requirements until the hourly average and intrahour variation forecast errors in demand and renewable energy generation are fully compensated at the lowest cost. The process, containing time series simulations, is applied to various confidence levels of the forecasted renewable energy generation so that violations of the frequency limit will not occur in the normal operation. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method are well illustrated through a case study on the 2030 power system of the island of Hokkaido in Japan. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In the Age of Cities: The Impact of Urbanisation on House Prices and Affordability
Authors: van Doorn Lisette , Arnold Amanprit , Rapoport Elizabeth
Published: June 2019

Rapid urbanisation as well as demographic and technological changes are among the trends reshaping the cities in which we live, work and play. This paper explores how these trends, the growing diversity of household types and demands, and the development of residential real estate as a mainstream investment sector impact the housing market in major cities. These factors are contributing, in many cities, to rising house prices, affordable housing shortages and inflexible housing stock. These problems in turn threaten not just financial market stability, but also quality of life and integration, as well as city competitiveness on the national and international scale. In response, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) recommends that cities should focus on creating more housing, including a more diverse range of options so that the housing stock can better meet the needs of different household types and income levels. By applying the principles of “good density”—mixed, use, well-connected environments with high-quality placemaking—integrated urban environments can be created that cater to a range of income and population groups and contribute to the vibrancy and authenticity of a city.
The Smouldering Issue
Authors: Ivens Laurens
Published: June 2019

In the 90s, almost 90% of the housing supply in Amsterdam consisted of rental homes, largely in the affordable segment. But at the same time, a reduction of the social rental sector and stimulation of the market sector had gained the upper hand. At this moment, the housing market of Amsterdam has become overheated. Homes are increasingly more unaffordable for low and middle income households. More and more groups that previously had easy access to the Amsterdam housing market are now excluded from it, which is putting pressure on the old ideal of the undivided city in which rich and poor live amongst one another. Therefore the Housing Agenda 2025 has been adopted, in which it is stipulated that the target for new construction is 40% controlled rent, 40% moderately priced rent or purchase and 20% market-value homes. Construction of new homes is one of the Municipality’s main management instruments to keeping the housing market accessible. For the construction of homes, however, the Municipality is also dependent on market players and present price developments have caused the new homes to be increasingly smaller. These developments can only be adjusted to a limited extent.
Housing Markets in Scandinavia: Supply, Demand and Regulation
Authors: Torstensen Kjersti Næss , Roszbach Kasper
Published: June 2019

This chapter discusses the recent developments in the housing markets of Scandinavian capital cities and some of the related policy challenges. We briefly review demographic trends, both over the past 10 years and looking ahead, and show that housing supply shortages have been building up, contributing to rising house prices. Drawing on a few recent housing market studies, we go over the observed and likely consequences of housing shortages and house prices rises. Finally, we discuss the geographical mortgage policy implemented in Norway, with a particular focus on restricting mortgage lending in Oslo a year ago.
Soaring House Prices in Major Cities: How to Spot and Moderate Them
Authors: Claeys Grégory , Efstathiou Konstantinos , Schoenmaker Dirk
Published: June 2019

Rapidly rising house prices are a well-known source of financial instability. This chapter examines whether there are regional differences in house price growth within European countries and, whether this warrants more targeted measures to address vulnerabilities. The focus is on the division in terms of house prices between the capital cities and the rest of the territories of six EU countries. There is evidence of a decoupling between capitals and the rest of the country. House prices in capitals seem to have a stronger cyclical component which would indicate a clear rationale for regional-level tools. An instrument that could be used locally is tax. But adjusting taxes to dampen house prices would be very difficult. Structural measures to adjust the housing supply, such as relaxing planning restrictions typically have a long lead time. An alternative is to use macroprudential measures at a regional level, in particular loan-to-value and debt-to-income limits. In that way, the housing boom-bust cycle might be dampened.
House Prices and Financial Stability: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Bullock Michele , Orsmond David
Published: June 2019

Strong growth of household indebtedness and housing prices has raised a range of financial stability concerns in Australia. While the main policy response has been to tighten lending standards, two quantitative portfolio benchmarks have also been used to help address the emerging macro-financial risks. These benchmarks have dampened activity in the types of loans targeted, though there are a number of questions around their use over the medium term. In particular, it is difficult to directly measure the effectiveness of these policies in addressing financial stability risks and hence to calibrate them accordingly. It is also important to consider whether there are undesirable consequences of such measures. More generally, the use of quantitative benchmarks to address financial stability risks is a relatively new policy approach in Australia and the practices are likely to evolve as more experience is gained.
Tackling London’s Housing Crisis
Authors: Ratcliff Jamie
Published: June 2019

The origins of London’s housing crisis can be traced to a failure to provide the number and types of homes that are required. This resulted in prices and rents rising rapidly, with more than a quarter of Londoners living in poverty once housing costs are taken into account. Tackling London’s housing crisis will be a marathon and not a sprint, with a need to build 66,000 homes every year for the next 25 years. In order to meet housing need the majority of these homes will need to be affordable (subsidised) tenures. Central to addressing this challenge is to diversify who builds new homes, where they are located and how they are built. Besides that, land supply must increase and greater public investment is needed to sustain and support homebuilding. In order to build more homes, new players must enter the market to complement the work of traditional private sector developers. Action to help Londoners must not be delayed, immediate actions are needed to ensure that as many of the new homes as possible are genuinely affordable, to offer greater stability and tenant rights and to invest in places for homeless Londoners to live.
Regional House Price Differences: Drivers and Risks
Authors: Claessens Stijn , Schanz Jochen
Published: June 2019

Recently, rapid increases in house prices have caught policy makers’ attention, especially where regional discrepancies are stark. House price fluctuations in large cities can amplify macroeconomic fluctuations and impair financial stability. Price rises in cities tend to be persistent, and since urban areas tend to attract speculative buyers, house price reversals may be larger there. Externalities from such developments can be significant when the city is large and tightly connected to the rest of the country, through supply chain, labour market or financial sector links. Macroprudential policy may be applied to address regionally concentrated house price fluctuations, but the bar to using targeted macroprudential measures is currently high.
Renormalization properties of a Galilean Wess-Zumino model
Authors: Auzzi Roberto , Baiguera Stefano , Nardelli Giuseppe , Penati Silvia
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We consider a Galilean

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

supersymmetric theory with F-term couplings in 2 + 1 dimensions, obtained by null reduction of a relativistic Wess-Zumino model. We compute quantum corrections and we check that, as for the relativistic parent theory, the F-term does not receive quantum corrections. Even more, we find evidence that the causal structure of the non-relativistic dynamics together with particle number conservation constrain the theory to be one-loop exact.
Fractal-Scaling Properties as Aesthetic Primitives in Vision and Touch
Authors: Viengkham Catherine , Isherwood Zoey , Spehar Branka
Published: June 2019

Natural forms, often characterized by irregularity and roughness, have a unique complexity that exhibit self-similarity across different spatial scales or levels of magnification. Our visual system is remarkably efficient in the processing of natural scenes and tuned to the multi-scale, fractal-like properties they possess. The fractal-like scaling characteristics are ubiquitous in many physical and biological domains, with recent research also highlighting their importance in aesthetic perception, particularly in the visual and, to some extent, auditory modalities. Given the multitude of fractal-like scaling manifestations, we explore potential commonalities in the way they might affect aesthetic preference within and across different physical and sensory domains. We use a range of visual and tactile stimuli to explore the equivalence of fractal-scaling effects on aesthetic preferences within and across visual and tactile modalities. Our results suggest that, despite some superficial differences, the underlying dimensional structure mediating the preference across the two domains is remarkably similar. The qualitative nature of this dimensional structure as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.