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In this study, a pilot scale microwave hopper dryer was fabricated and used for drying the plastic pellets. The electromagnetic field analysis was conducted according to the positions of the waveguide and reflector for the highest dissipated energy was determined. The experimental setup was prepared by placing the waveguide in the middle of the cylindrical cavity and the cone for scattered reflection at the position facing the waveguide by the electromagnetic field analysis results. The experiments were carried out at two microwave powers (1 and 2 kW), 5 pulsed microwave (off–on time ratio—0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0). As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that 2 kW of power is required to dry 25 kg of plastic pellets, and the pulsed microwave off–on time ratio is less than 0.4, the pellets are damaged. Therefore as a final concluding result, to prevent breakage plastic pellets, microwave power of 2 kW and 0.6 microwave off–on time ratio was selected as the most appropriate combination for drying plastic pellets using the microwave hopper dryer. Assessment of the specific energy requirement in microwave power and off–on time ratio showed that the value with 278.36 MJ/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a market model with returns assumed to follow a multivariate normal tempered stable distribution defined by a mixture of the multivariate normal distribution and the tempered stable subordinator. This distribution can capture two stylized facts: fat-tails and asymmetry, that have been empirically observed for asset return distributions. We discuss a new portfolio optimization method on the new market model, which is an extension of Markowitz's mean-variance optimization. The new optimization method considers not only reward and dispersion but also asymmetry in tails. The efficient frontier is extended to a curved surface on three-dimensional space of reward, dispersion, and asymmetry in tails. We also propose a new performance measure, which is an extension of the Sharpe ratio. Moreover, we derive closed-form solutions for portfolio managers' two important measures in portfolio construction: the marginal value-at-risk (VaR) and the marginal conditional VaR (CVaR). We illustrate the proposed model using stocks comprising the Dow Jones Industrial Average. First, perform the new portfolio optimization and then demonstrating how the marginal VaR and marginal CVaR can be used for portfolio optimization under the model. Based on this paper's empirical evidence, our framework offers realistic portfolio optimization and tractable methods for portfolio risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twins involve a higher risk of perinatal complications compared to singletons. We compared the risk of under five mortality between twins and singletons among late preterm and term births. The national birth data of South Korea pertaining to the years 2010–2014 linked with the mortality record of children aged under 5 years in 2010–2019 was analyzed. The final study population was 2,199,632 singletons and 62,351 twins. We conducted a survival analysis of under-five mortality with adjustment for neonatal and familial factors. Overall under-five mortality rates during the study period were 3.6 and 2.0 for twins and singletons, respectively. Although the unadjusted overall under-five mortality was higher in twins (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57, 2.06, overall risk), twin birth was associated with comparable or lower risk (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.85, overall; 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.87, excluding neonatal mortality; 0.59, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.86, excluding infant mortality) after controlling for both neonatal and familial factors. Twins born at a gestational age of 34–35 weeks showed a generally lower risk of under-five mortality than their singleton counterparts, regardless of model specification. Conclusion: Among late preterm and term birth, under-5-year mortalities for twins were lower than singleton births when adjusted for neonatal and familial risk factors. This highlights the differential implication of gestational age at birth between twin and singleton in the child mortality. What is Known: • Twin births involve a higher risk of perinatal complications compared to singletons. What is New: • Among late preterm and term birth, twins showed lower under-5-year mortalities than singleton births when adjusted for neonatal and familial risk factors. • Birth at 34–35 weeks of gestation implicates different prognosis between twin and singleton in the child mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce a new time series model with a stochastic exponential tail. This model is constructed based on the Normal Tempered Stable distribution with a time-varying parameter. It captures the stochastic exponential tail, which generates the volatility smile effect and volatility term structure in option pricing. Moreover, the model describes the time-varying volatility of volatility and empirically indicates stochastic skewness and stochastic kurtosis in the S&P 500 index return data. We present a Monte-Carlo simulation technique for parameter calibration of the model for S&P 500 option prices and show that a stochastic exponential tail improves the calibration performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The concept of a stimuli-activated molecular dopant (SAMD) strategy is introduced. • As a proof of concept, selected photoacid generators are examined as the SAMD and devised photoactivated acidic doping. • The results demonstrate superior thermoelectric properties with high molecular order retained after doping. Conjugated polymers (CPs) are a promising class of materials for organic thermoelectric generators (OTEGs); however, achieving high electrical conductivity through molecular doping while maintaining compatibility with thin-film printing processes remains a huge challenge. In this paper, we present a novel doping strategy using stimuli-activated molecular dopants (SAMDs) based on photoacid generators (PAGs) that can be activated by light of a specific wavelength. We demonstrate that this approach can effectively control the doping efficiency and optoelectronic properties of CP-PAG-blended thin films, resulting in a wide range of electrical conductivities. Our selected PAG molecules enabled efficient printing of the CP-PAG mixed solution and yielded a high thermoelectric figure of merit. To elucidate the mechanism behind this high thermoelectric performance, we systematically investigated the morphologies, microstructures, and energy structures of the PAG-doped CP thin films and performed various comparative tests. We also demonstrate the feasibility of using SAMDs to print flexible OTEG modules on thin polyimide substrates. We believe that our work represents a significant step toward the development of efficient, scalable, and sustainable thermoelectric devices for power generation and waste heat recovery, and highlights the advantages of PAG-based SAMDs for printable organic thermoelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The edges of vacuum glazing panels sealed using a hydrogen-mixed gas torch are of various shapes, which affect the strength of vacuum glass. The characteristic strengths were analyzed according to the edge shapes. Specimens with different edge shapes were manufactured to study the characteristic strengths according to the edge shapes. Three shape parameters (thickness, radius, and deflection) were selected to numerically represent the edge shapes, and the cross-sections were measured accordingly. The four-point bending test was employed on the prepared specimens. Furthermore, the Weibull distribution, which is a statistical analysis method commonly used to study product failure and malfunctioning, was employed to analyze the experimental results. The strength and fracture distribution of the sealing shape were confirmed using the shape parameter and scale parameter of the Weibull distribution. In addition, the cross-sectional shape with the maximum strength was determined by taking into account the characteristic strength and safety factors proposed by major countries. Therefore, it can be applied to the production of vacuum glass by sealing the edge of the glass using the hydrogen-mixed gas torch in the cross-sectional shape satisfying the strength performance of the sealing parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a growing number of studies indicate associations between experiences of bullying and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not clear what roles comorbid behavioral problems may play. We investigated the experiences of children with ASD as victims and/or perpetrators of bullying. Children with ASD epidemiologically ascertained participated in a cross-sectional study. Although children with ASD showed significantly increased risk for bullying involvement compared to community children, after controlling for comorbid psychopathology and other demographic factors, increased risks for being perpetrators or victim-perpetrators disappeared while risk for being bullied/teased continued to be significantly elevated. This finding will help guide medical, educational and community personnel to effectively identify children with ASD at risk for school bullying and develop interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrepancy in perception of bullying experiences may lead to later internalizing or externalizing behavior in adolescents. A 1,663 South Korean 7th and 8th graders (mean age: 13.1 and 14.1 years old), were seen for a follow-up study to examine the relationships between the discrepancy in perception of their bullying experiences (defined as discrepancy between self- and peer-reports of bullying experiences) and internalizing or externalizing behavior at follow-up. Bullying was assessed by self- and peer-report. The discrepancy in perception of bullying experiences was defined by the concordance or discordance between self- and peer-reports. Internalizing and externalizing behavior was evaluated using the Youth Self Report and Child Behavior Checklist, at baseline and follow-up. Two by two ANCOVA was performed with a factorial design, categorizing discrepancy in perception of bullying experiences based on the agreement between self-report and peer-report. Internalizing/externalizing behavior-at-follow-up was used as an outcome, adjusting for other known risk factors for internalizing/externalizing behavior, including baseline internalizing/externalizing behavior, and bullying experiences. Adolescents with perceptions of bullying experiences discrepant from peer-reports showed increased internalizing/externalizing behavior at follow-up. Bullying also stands out as an independent risk factor for the development of future externalizing behavior even among adolescents with accurate perceptions of bullying experiences. These specific groups of youth warrant more focused assessment and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate whether Asian (Korean children) populations can be validly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using Western-based diagnostic instruments and criteria based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual on Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).Methods: Participants included an epidemiologically ascertained 7-14-year-old (N = 292) South Korean cohort from a larger prevalence study (N = 55,266). Main outcomes were based on Western-based diagnostic methods for Korean children using gold standard instruments, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Factor analysis and ANOVAs were performed to examine factor structure of autism symptoms and identify phenotypic differences between Korean children with ASD and non-ASD diagnoses.Results: Using Western-based diagnostic methods, Korean children with ASD were successfully identified with moderate-to-high diagnostic validity (sensitivities/specificities ranging 64%-93%), strong internal consistency, and convergent/concurrent validity. The patterns of autism phenotypes in a Korean population were similar to those observed in a Western population with two symptom domains (social communication and restricted and repetitive behavior factors). Statistically significant differences in the use of socially acceptable communicative behaviors (e.g., direct gaze, range of facial expressions) emerged between ASD versus non-ASD cases (mostly p < 0.001), ensuring that these can be a similarly valid part of the ASD phenotype in both Asian and Western populations.Conclusions: Despite myths, biases, and stereotypes about Asian social behavior, Asians (at least Korean children) typically use elements of reciprocal social interactions similar to those in the West. Therefore, standardized diagnostic methods widely used for ASD in Western culture can be validly used as part of the assessment process and research with Koreans and, possibly, other Asians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the cost of a light emitting diode (LED) package is lowered by using a silicon substrate as the base attached to the chip, in contrast to the conventional chip-on-board (COB) package. In addition we proposed an LED package with a new structure to promote reliability and lifespan by maximizing heat dissipation from the chip. We designed an LED package combining the advantages of COB based on conventional metal printed circuit board (PCB) and the merits of a silicon sub-mount as a substrate. When an input current 500–1000 mA was applied, the fabricated LED exhibited the light output of approximately 112 lm/W at 29 W. We also measured and compared the thermal resistance of the sub-mount package and conventional COB package. The measured thermal resistance of the sub-mount package with a reflective film of Ag and the COB package were 0.625 K/W and 1.352 K/W, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders has proven to be challenging. Using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a paradigmatic neurodevelopmental disorder, this article reviews the existing literature on the etiological substrates of ASD and explores how genetic epidemiology approaches including gene-environment interactions (G×E) can play a role in identifying factors associated with ASD etiology. New genetic and bioinformatics strategies have yielded important clues to ASD genetic substrates. The next steps for understanding ASD pathogenesis require significant effort to focus on how genes and environment interact with one another in typical development and its perturbations. Along with larger sample sizes, future study designs should include sample ascertainment that is epidemiologic and population-based to capture the entire ASD spectrum with both categorical and dimensional phenotypic characterization; environmental measurements with accuracy, validity, and biomarkers; statistical methods to address population stratification, multiple comparisons, and G×E of rare variants; animal models to test hypotheses; and new methods to broaden the capacity to search for G×E, including genome-wide and environment-wide association studies, precise estimation of heritability using dense genetic markers, and consideration of G×E both as the disease cause and a disease course modifier. Although examination of G×E appears to be a daunting task, tremendous recent progress in gene discovery has opened new horizons for advancing our understanding of the role of G×E in the pathogenesis of ASD and ultimately identifying the causes, treatments, and even preventive measures for ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in the genetics of neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) have demonstrated that rare mutations play a role not only in Mendelian syndromes, but in complex, common forms of NDDs as well. Strikingly, both common polymorphisms and rare variations in a single gene or genetic locus have been found to carry risk for conditions previously considered to be clinically and aetiologically distinct. Recent developments in the methods and tools available for studying complex NDDs have led to systematic and reliable genome-wide variant discovery. Both common as well as rare, and structural as well as sequence, genetic variations have been identified as contributing to NDDs. There are multiple examples in which the identical variant had been found to contribute to a wide range of formerly distinct diagnoses, including autism, schizophrenia, epilepsy, intellectual disability and language disorders. These include variations in chromosomal structure at 16p11.2, rare de novo point mutations at the gene SCN2A, and common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mapping near loci encoding the genes ITIH3, AS3MT, CACNA1C and CACNB2. These selected examples point to the challenges to current diagnostic approaches. Widely used categorical schema have been adequate to provide an entré into molecular mechanisms of NDDs, but there is a need to develop an alternative, more biologically-relevant nosology.Thus recent advances in gene discovery in the area of NDDs are leading to a re-conceptualization of diagnostic boundaries. Findings suggest that epidemiological samples may provide important new insights into the genetics and diagnosis of NDDs and that other areas of medicine may provide useful models for developing a new diagnostic nosology, one that simultaneously integrates categorical diagnoses, biomarkers and dimensional variables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: In this paper, we discuss a copula defined by the Gaussian subordination method. The copula can capture the dependence between extreme events, and asymmetric dependence, which are observed in empirical financial return distributions. We further perform an empirical test for this new copula against the standard Gaussian copula using 10 years daily returns of the Standard&Poor’s 500 (S&P500) and the Deutscher Aktien Index (DAX) equity market indices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the multivariate process having long-range dependency is presented. The process is defined by the time-changed fractional Brownian motion whose subordinator is given by the fractional tempered stable subordinator. The fractional tempered stable subordinator is a generalization of the non-decreasing tempered stable process with long-range dependence. The multivariate process allows for (1) the long-range dependence in the endogenous noise, (2) the long-range dependence in time or the volatility, (3) the fat-tailed marginal distribution, and (4) an asymmetric dependence structure between elements. Numerical methods to generating sample paths for the process are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Emergence agitation is associated with increased morbidity and hospital costs. However, there have been few reports in the medical literature on the occurrence of emergence agitation in adults. The aim of this study was to compare emergence agitation between sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia in adults after closed reduction of nasal bone fracture. Methods: Forty adults (ASA I-II, 20-60 yr) undergoing closed reduction of nasal bone fracture were randomly assigned to either sevoflurane or propofol group and anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane or propofol. The bispectral index (BIS) was monitored and maintained within 40-60. At the end of surgery, patients were transported to the post anesthetic care unit (PACU) and agitation state scale was checked by Aono's four-point scale (AFPS). Emergence agitation was defined as and AFPS score of 3 or 4. Pain score were measured by numeric rating scale (NRS) on arrival and peak value at PACU. Results: Nine (45.0%) patients in the sevoflurane group and 2 (10.0%) patients in the propofol group developed emergence agitation in the PACU (P = 0.031). There was no correlation between peak NRS and Aono's four-point scale. Conclusions: Propofol may decrease incidence of emergence agitation compared to sevoflurane in adults undergoing closed reduction of nasal bone fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Autism has been hypothesized to reflect neuronal disconnection. Several recent reports implicate the key thalamic relay nuclei and cortico-thalamic connectivity in the pathophysiology of autism. Accordingly, we aimed to focus on evaluating the integrity of the thalamic radiation and sought to replicate prior white matter findings in Korean boys with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Methods: We compared fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) in 17 boys with ASD and 17 typically developing controls in the anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), superior thalamic radiation (STR), posterior thalamic radiation (PTR), corpus callosum (CC), uncinate fasciculus (UF) and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). Results: The two groups were group-matched on age, IQ, handedness and head circumference. In whole-brain voxel-wise analyses, FA was significantly reduced and MD was significantly increased in the right ATR, CC, and left UF in subjects with ASD (p<0.05, corrected). We found significantly lower FA in right and left ATR, CC, left UF and right and left ILF and significantly higher MD values of the CC in the ASD group in region of interest-based analyses. We also observed significantly higher RD values of right and left ATR, CC, left UF, left ILF in subjects with ASD compared to typically developing boys and significantly lower AD values of both ILF. Right ATR and right UF FA was significantly negatively correlated with total SRS score within the ASD group (r=−.56, p=.02). Conclusions: Our preliminary findings support evidence implicating disturbances in the thalamo-frontal connections in autism. These findings highlight the role of hypoconnectivity between the frontal cortex and thalamus in ASD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A polyoxadiazole containing the 4-hydroxypyridine group, introduced to enhance the intermolecular interaction between polymer chains as well as for photosensitization, was synthesized from a corresponding precursor polyhydrazide. The absorption and emission spectra of the polymer film exhibited red-shifted maxima compared to those of the polyoxadiazole in chloroform solution, indicative of the presence of significant intermolecular interactions. The synthesized polymer showed a unique fluorescence enhancement upon UV irradiation in solution as well as in the film, presumably due to the photosensitized oxidation of hydroxypyridine groups to produce pyridone structures having different intermolecular interactions. Thus, this phenomenon enabled us to obtain a stable patterned image with enhanced fluorescence intensity in the UV-exposed area of the polymer film without any subsequent processes such as baking or etching. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An analysis was made about the flow characteristics and the rocket motion during supersonic separation of a air-launching rocket from the mother plane. The three-dimensional Euler equations were numerically solved to analyze the steady/unsteady flow fields around the rocket. The simulation results clearly demonstrated the effect of shock-expansion wave interaction between the rocket and its mother plane. A comprehensive analysis showed that the presence of properly designed fins can make the pitch-up motion be more stabilized, and design parameters such as fin size and location of the center of gravity of the rocket are essentially important factors for safe separation. Finally, a guideline about the supersonic air-launching rocket design for safe separation is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ceramide is a bioactive sphingolipid-derived second messenger that has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various cancer cell culture systems. Although in vitro tumor cell culture models have illuminated the potential therapeutic utility of a cell-permeable analog of ceramide, C6, in vivo delivery is impeded by the extreme hydrophobicity and physical-chemical properties of this bioactive lipid. Previously, we have demonstrated that the incorporation of C6 into pegylated liposomal vesicles is an effective anti-cancer drug delivery strategy in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report the utilization of a novel multi-functional polymeric drug delivery system designed to therapeutically target C6 to solid tumor tissue. This delivery system is a hydrolytically degradable and temperature-sensitive linear-dendritic nanoparticle with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 30°C. C6 was effectively loaded into the nanoparticles, and released continuously for at least 1 month in vitro, measured by mass spectroscopy. The preferential uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled linear-dendritic nanoparticles into human MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma cells at temperature above the LCST (37°C) was confirmed by confocal microscopy and quantified by flow cytometry. The accumulation of NBD-C6 into MDA-MB-231 cells was highly enhanced by the thermoresponsive linear-dendritic nanoparticles, but not by non-thermoresponsive liposome and PEG-dendritic polymer, at temperature above the LCST (37°C). The linear-dendritic nanoparticles alone were not toxic, but their complexes with C6 caused significant growth inhibition and apoptosis to MDA-MB-231 cells at 37°C. The designed thermoresponsive and biodegradable linear-dendritic nanoparticles have great potential for thermally targeted and sustained release of C6 for the treatment of solid tumors with hyperthermia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is a crucial component in the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis, as well as in the formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pores. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of the ANT gene are poorly understood. In this study, we have identified three DNA replication-related elements (DRE; 5′-TATCGATA) in the 5′-flanking region of the Drosophila ANT ( dANT) gene. Gel-mobility shift analyses revealed that all three of the DREs were recognized by the DRE-binding factor (DREF). The site-directed mutagenesis of these DRE sites induces a considerable reduction in the activity of the dANT gene promoter in vitro. Analyses with transgenic flies harboring a dANT-lacZ fusion gene bearing the wild-type or mutant DRE sites showed that the DRE sites were required for the expression of dANT in vivo. We determined that the over-expression or knockdown of DREF exerts a regulatory effect on the activity of the dANT promoter. In addition, we observed the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential in the eye imaginal discs in which DREF was over-expressed. These results show that DRE/DREF is a crucial regulator of dANT gene expression, and also suggest the possibility that cross-talk may occur between the DRE/DREF system and mitochondrial functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) are both involved in the degradation of various biogenic amines which have been hypothesized to have a relationship with personality traits. The present study investigated the possible relationships between the genotypes of COMT Val158Met and MAOA-uVNTR polymorphisms and personality traits measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). We recruited 286 normal, unrelated Korean subjects (138 males and 148 females). There were no associations between the COMT Val158Met genotypes or the TCI subscales in the male subjects. However, a significant correlation was observed between the COMT genotype and harm avoidance (HA, F =6.0, p =0.003) in females. Post hoc analyses showed that the subjects with the Met/Met genotype had the lowest mean HA (HA=13.8±5.7, p =0.02), Val/Met group had an intermediate mean HA score (HA=16.3±7.0, p =0.02), and Val/Val group had the highest mean HA value (HA=19.6±7.0, p =0.02). There were no associations between the MAOA-uVNTR and the TCI subscales in either the male or female subjects. These results suggest that genetic variants of the COMT Val158Met gene may play a role in HA in Korean females but not in males. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although the etiology of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not well understood, evidence from the family and twin studies suggest that ADHD is familial and highly heritable. The aim of the study was to test whether dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) and dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) polymorphisms are in linkage disequilibrium with ADHD in Korean children, using a family-based association study. One hundred and twenty-six trios were studied and 87% of probands were boys (mean age=8.2 years, mean IQ=104). ADHD not otherwise specified (NOS) was the most common subtype and comorbidity rates were low. Descriptive analysis and the TDT test were the primary analyses. In exploratory analyses, logistic regression and QTDT were performed. The 10-repeat allele and 4-repeat allele were the most frequent for DAT1 and DRD4. TDT test for DAT1 and DRD4 did not show preferential transmission. Based on logistic regression and QTDT, the 5-repeat allele of DRD4 may confer protection for hyperactive-impulsivity symptom severity compared to the 4-repeat allele. The negative TDT finding between DAT1 and DRD4 VNTR polymorphisms and ADHD should be interpreted with caution; partly due to lack of power caused by low heterozygosity in the study population. Future studies are necessary to test the hypothesis generated in this study that the 5-repeat allele of DRD4 is protective for hyperactive-impulsivity symptom severity compared to the 4-repeat allele. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have synthesized a novel conjugated polymer composed of bipyridine and cyanostyryl groups. The polymer solution in DMF exhibited absorption maximum at 404 nm and emission maximum at 535 nm. Once the polymer in DMF solution was added a hydroxide anion, UV-visible and fluorescence spectra exhibited considerable changes in absorption intensity, absorption wavelength, and emission intensity. These optical changes of polymer solution with hydroxide anion show potential application in chemosensory material for anion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new copoly(hydroxypyridine-oxadiazole) linked with 2,5-dialkoxybenzene group was prepared via simple polycondensation reaction. The polymer 4 is basically an amorphous material with thermal decomposition temperature greater than 250°C. Introduction of ethylhexyloxy groups into the rigid backbone resulted in better solubility in common organic solvents such as THF, chloroform, and DMF. UV-visible and fluorescence spectrometers were employed to investigate the optical properties both in solution and in the film state showing that the material has blue fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 6-arylamino-7-chloro-quinazoline-5,8-diones were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity in cultured human cancer cell lines A549 (lung cancer), Col2 (colon cancer), and SNU-638 (stomach cancer). The preliminary structure–activity relationship has been described for providing further development of potent antitumor agents. To further investigate the cytotoxic mechanism, the effects of test compounds on DNA topoisomerase I and II activities have been assessed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

6,7-Dichloroquinoline-5,8-dione (1) was reacted with a number of 2-aminopyridine derivatives. Of the several possible products of this reaction, 4a,10,11-triazabenzo[3,2-a]fluorene-5,6-dione (6), produced by condensation and rearrangement, was obtained as the major product, and its structure was subsequently unambigously determined by X-ray crystallographic study. Ortho-quinones were produced via nucleophilic substitution at position C7, which was unexpected, considering that para-quinones were produced via C6 substitution in the reaction between compound 1 and ethyl acetoacetate in our previous work. Such unexpected nucleophilic substitution at C7 provides an effective, yet simple route, to the preparation of biologically active ortho-quinone derivatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

6,11-Dihydro-pyrido[2,3-b]phenazine-6,11-diones and 6,11-dihydro-benzo[2,3-b]phenazine-6,11-diones were synthesized from 6,7-dichloro-5,8-quinolinedione and 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone. The study on the cytotoxicity on these products revealed that the pyridophenazinediones, tetracyclic heteroquinone analogues with three nitrogen atoms exhibited a high cytotoxicity on several human tumor cell lines. Compound 9c and 9e showed in vitro antitumor activity comparable or superior to doxorubicin against the human ovarian tumor cells (SK-OV-3) and the human CNS cells (XF 498). The IC50 value for compound 9e was 0.06 μM against the human CNS cells (XF 498), which was 2.6 times higher than that (0.16 μM) of doxorubicin. In addition, the X-ray crystallographic analysis of two phenazinedione derivatives (9b,c) showed clearly the exact position of the nucleophilic substitution of 6,7-dichloro-5,8-quinolinedione. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of conjugated polymers with structures that are suitable for efficient molecular doping and charge transport is a key challenge in the construction of high‐performance conjugated polymer‐based thermoelectric devices. In this study, three novel conjugated polymers based on dithienopyrrole (DTP) are synthesized and their thermoelectric properties are compared. When doped with p‐dopant, a donor–acceptor type copolymer, DPP‐MeDTP, exhibits higher electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power factor compared to the other donor–donor type copolymers. The high electrical conductivity of DPP‐MeDTP compared to the other polymers originates from the high degree of backbone planarity and molecular order, which contributes to its high charge carrier mobility. In addition, the highly crystalline structure of DPP‐MeDTP is well maintained upon doping, while the crystalline order of the other polymers decreases significantly upon doping. The findings of this work not only provide insights into the design of DTP‐based conjugated polymers for thermoelectric use but also demonstrate the significance of a high degree of molecular order and structural robustness upon doping to achieve high thermoelectric performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of ecofriendly cars, various inverters are also being developed depending on the performance of motors. The DC-link capacitor is used as an inverter component; however, there are several limitations on its size, such as the requirement for wide films. Film width is a major factor that affects the capacitor's equivalent series resistance (ESR) and is closely related to heat generation. When the temperature of the capacitor increases, the dielectric breakdown due to high voltage causes a reduction in capacitance, which leads to a decrease in inverter power and causes vehicle defects; this needs to be addressed to minimize the heat of the capacitor. Recently, genetic films that can be used at high temperatures have been developed. However, producing such films is difficult because of their 5 µm thickness; thus, the size increases when they are designed and they consequently cannot be used in practical applications. Based on a film width of 50 mm, this study analyzed the factors that can reduce ESR, set the level for each factor, and conducted experiments using the Box–Behnken design. The variables (thermal conductivity, film thickness, and capacitance) were set to three levels for each factor, and the ESR, thermal flux, and temperature characteristics were analyzed through finite element analysis. Based on the temperature results, optimized conditions for film thickness of 3.15 μm, capacitance of 390 μF, and thermal conductivity epoxy of 4.5 W/m·K were derived using Minitab, and samples were made for verification tests. A capacitor was installed in the chamber and was saturated for 2 h at 85 °C and current of 50 A rms was applied at 16 kHz frequency. The K Type sensor attached to the film surface was connected to a temperature recorder to measure the temperature change in the film over time after applying the current. The experimental results confirmed that the temperature of the genetic film with a 50 mm film width was similar to that with a 35 mm film width, and this confirmed that the set factors were similar to that of the genetic film with 35 mm film width. It was confirmed that increased film width can reduce ESR and minimize heat generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a recent surge of interest in vacuum insulating glass (VIG) due to its excellent thermal insulation performance. Vacuum glazing is necessary for high-performance sealing solders and various applications in sealing technology. This paper describes experimental studies into heating and edge-sealing of flat glass using microwaves. Electric–thermal coupled analysis using ANSYS was employed and heating and edge-sealing experiments were conducted on flat glass. In order to ensure a uniform electric field distribution in the microwave chamber, the electric field and temperature distributions were analyzed according to waveguide patterns. In addition, the electric field and temperature distribution were analyzed with the inclusion of carbon susceptor plates. Based on the electric simulation results by waveguide pattern, a microwave heating chamber was fabricated, and a basic experiment was conducted on both heating and edge-sealing of the glass. The cross-section of the sealed glass confirmed that it was sealed without cracks or breakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the composite manufacturing methods, injection molding has higher time efficiency and improved processability. The production of composites via injection molding requires a pre-process to mix and pelletize the matrix polymer and reinforcement material. Herein, we studied the effect of extrusion process conditions for making pellets on the mechanical and thermal properties provided by injection molding. Polyamide 6 (PA6) was used as the base, and composites were produced by blending carbon fibers and Al2O3 as the filler. To determine the optimum blending ratio, the mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and melt flow index (MI) were measured at various blending ratios. With this optimum blending ratio, pellets were produced by changing the temperature and RPM conditions, which are major process variables during compounding. Samples were fabricated by applying the same injection conditions, and the mechanical strength, MI values, and thermal properties were measured. The mechanical strength increased slightly as the temperature and RPM increased, and the MI and thermal conductivity also increased. The results of this study can be used as a basis for specifying the conditions of the mixing and compounding process such that the desired mechanical and thermal properties are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetics, environment, and their interactions impact autism spectrum disorder etiology. Smoking is a suspected autism spectrum disorder risk factor due to biological plausibility and high prevalence. Using two large epidemiological samples, we examined whether autism spectrum disorder was associated with prenatal paternal smoking in a Discovery sample (N = 10,245) and an independent Replication sample (N = 29,773). Paternal smoking was retrospectively assessed with questionnaires. Likelihood of having autism spectrum disorder was estimated with the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire at three levels: low (<10), intermediate (10–14), and high (⩾15). Ordinal regression was used to examine the relationship between prenatal paternal smoking and likelihood of having autism spectrum disorder, adjusting for confounders. A total of 36.5% of Discovery sample fathers and 63.3% of Replication sample fathers smoked during the pregnancy period; 7% of the Replication sample smoker fathers smoked during the pre-conception period but quit during pregnancy period. Discovery sample prenatal paternal smoking significantly increased the likelihood of having autism spectrum disorder in their offspring (adjusted odds ratio=1.27). This was confirmed in the Replication sample with adjusted odds ratio of 1.15 among smoking pre-conception period + pregnancy period fathers; 14.4% and 11.1% increased high likelihood of autism spectrum disorder was attributable to prenatal paternal smoking in Discovery sample and Replication sample, respectively. Smoking prevention, especially in pregnancy planning, may decrease autism spectrum disorder risk in offspring. What is Already Known about This Subject: Genetics, (including de novo mutations), environmental factors (including toxic exposures), and their interactions impact autism spectrum disorder etiology. Paternal smoking is a candidate risk for autism spectrum disorder due to biological plausibility, high prevalence, and potential intervention. What This Study Adds: This original study and its replication confirms that paternal factors can substantially contribute to autism spectrum disorder risk for their offspring. It specifically indicates that paternal smoking both before and during pregnancy contributes significantly to autism spectrum disorder risk. Implications for practice, research, or policy: Smoking prevention, especially in pregnancy planning, may decrease autism spectrum disorder risk in offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives We evaluated the familial risk of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and examined interactions between family history and smoking. Methods Using the National Health Insurance and Health Screening Program databases, which include information on familial relationships and lifestyle factors, we identified 5 524 403 individuals with first-degree relatives (FDRs) from 2002–2018. We calculated familial risk using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs which compare the risk of individuals with and without affected FDRs. Interactions between smoking and family history were assessed on an additive scale using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). Results Individuals with affected FDR had 4.52-fold (95% CI 3.98, 5.12) increased risk of disease compared with those with unaffected FDR. Familial risk adjusted for lifestyle factors decreased slightly (HR 4.49), suggesting that a genetic contribution is the predominant driver in the familial aggregation of RA. Smoking was associated with an increased risk of disease that was more pronounced among heavy (HR 1.92 95% CI 1.70, 2.18) compared with moderate (HR 1.15 95% CI 1.04, 1.28) smoking. In the interaction analysis, the risk associated with the combined effect of smoking and family history was higher than the sum of their individual effects, though statistically non-significant (RERI 1.30 95% CI ‒0.92, 3.51). Heavy smokers with a positive family history showed a prominent interaction (RERI 4.13 95% CI ‒0.88, 9.13) which exceeded moderate smokers (RERI 0.61 95% CI ‒1.90, 3.13), suggesting a dose-response interaction pattern. Conclusion Our findings indicate the possibility of an interaction between RA-associated genes and smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Behavior Assessment System for Children-2, Parent Rating Scale-Chidren As a Potential Screener for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Korean Children" by Jungeun Song and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "A Systematic Review of Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder," by Tomoya Hirota, Young Shin Kim, Ryuhei So, Bennett L. Leventhal, and Richard Epstein is presented.

Background: Existing reviews of screening tools for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) focus on young children, and not all screening tools have been examined against validated diagnostic procedures.Aims: To examine the validity of screening tools for ASD in non-young children and adults to provide clinical recommendations about the use of these tools in a variety of clinical settings.Methods and Procedures: Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, were searched through March 2017. Studies examining the validity of ASD screening tools against the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and/or the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised in non-young children (age 4 or above) and adults were included. Three authors independently reviewed each article for data extraction and quality assessment.Outcomes and Results: 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 11 studies were with children (4-18 years of age) and 3 studies included adults only (19 years of age and above). Included studies were conducted in a general population/low-risk sample (N = 3) and a clinically referred/high-risk sample (N = 11). In total 11 tools were included.Conclusions and Implications: Only three screening tools (the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Social Responsiveness Scale) were examined in more than 2 studies. These tools may assist in differentiating ASD from other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders or typically developed children. In young adult populations, the paucity of the existing research in this group limits definitive conclusion and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Thermoelectric properties of novel isoindio-based conjugated copolymers are compared. • A high thermoelectric power factor of 212 µW m−1 K−2 is attained. • Interchain molecular docking of polymer enables high thermoelectric performance. The development of organic materials with high thermoelectric performance requires the exploration of organic molecules having various structures and a deep understanding of the relationship between their structure and thermoelectric properties. In this study, a series of donor–acceptor-type conjugated copolymers with an isoindigo (IID) unit as a building block are synthesized and compared to investigate the effect of the molecular structure of the IID-based conjugated polymers on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of polymer films. The crystallinity and molecular packing of the polymers change significantly depending on the symmetry of the donor unit copolymerized with the IID unit, resulting in considerable differences in the doping and charge transport characteristics of the polymers. Importantly, the polymer with high crystallinity and fibril-like crystalline network shows excellent thermoelectric performance, exhibiting a high power factor of 212 µW m−1 K−2 upon doping; this is attributed to the high electrical conductivity and high Seebeck coefficient, which result from its highly ordered structure. This study not only demonstrates the potential of the IID unit as a promising building block for high-performance conjugated polymers for thermoelectric applications but also provides important guidelines for the design of IID-based polymers having high thermoelectric performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated microglia and inflammatory cell responses after selective retina therapy (SRT) with microsecond-pulsed laser in comparison to continuous-wave laser photocoagulation (cwPC).Methods: Healthy C57BL/6 J mice were treated with either a train of short pulses (SRT; 527-nm, Q-switched, 1.7-μs pulse) or a conventional thermal continuous-wave (532-nm, 100-ms pulse duration) laser. The mice were sacrificed and their eyes were enucleated 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after both laser treatments. Pattern of cell death on retinal section was evaluated by TUNEL assay, and the distribution of activated inflammatory cells and glial cells were observed under immunohistochemistry. Consecutive changes for the expression of cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were also examined using immunohistochemistry, and compared among each period after quantification by Western blotting.Results: The numbers of TUNEL-positive cells in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer did not differ in SRT and cwPC lesions, but TUNEL-positive cells in neural retinas were significantly less on SRT. Vague glial cell activation was observed in SRT-treated lesions. The population of inflammatory cells was also significantly decreased after SRT, and the cells were located in the RPE layer and subretinal space. Proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and TNF-α, showed significantly lower levels after SRT; conversely, the level of TGF-β was similar to the cwPC-treated lesion.Conclusions: SRT resulted in selective RPE damage without collateral thermal injury to the neural retina, and apparently produced negligible glial activation. In addition, SRT showed a markedly less inflammatory response than cwPC, which may have important therapeutic implications for several macular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: PEERS® for Adolescents is an evidence-based social skills training program developed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is now widely implemented by community providers in clinics and schools. However, majority of past efficacy studies on PEERS® were conducted in controlled research settings, with limited information about its effectiveness when delivered in the community. We sought to examine the effects of PEERS® on social functioning and mental health outcomes when delivered in an outpatient autism specialty clinic.Clinical data from 45 adolescents with social challenges (age range: 11–18 years old; 31.1% female assigned at birth) were extracted for secondary analyses. Paired t-tests were performed to examine the pre- to post-intervention changes in social and mental health outcomes. Correlations between pre- and post-change scores of outcome measures were examined.Self-reported social skills knowledge, caregiver-reported social skills (measured by the Social Skills Improvement Systems) and the number of get-togethers hosted, increased significantly from pre- to post-intervention. Additionally, caregiver-reported anxiety and self-reported loneliness significantly decreased from pre- to post-intervention. Exploratory analyses showed that increases in caregiver-reported social skills were associated with decreases in self-reported loneliness.Our findings provide evidence supporting the efficacy of PEERS® for improving social knowledge and skills of adolescents with social challenges when delivered in the community. The current study also showed the potential benefit of PEERS® for improving adolescent mental health.Methods: PEERS® for Adolescents is an evidence-based social skills training program developed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is now widely implemented by community providers in clinics and schools. However, majority of past efficacy studies on PEERS® were conducted in controlled research settings, with limited information about its effectiveness when delivered in the community. We sought to examine the effects of PEERS® on social functioning and mental health outcomes when delivered in an outpatient autism specialty clinic.Clinical data from 45 adolescents with social challenges (age range: 11–18 years old; 31.1% female assigned at birth) were extracted for secondary analyses. Paired t-tests were performed to examine the pre- to post-intervention changes in social and mental health outcomes. Correlations between pre- and post-change scores of outcome measures were examined.Self-reported social skills knowledge, caregiver-reported social skills (measured by the Social Skills Improvement Systems) and the number of get-togethers hosted, increased significantly from pre- to post-intervention. Additionally, caregiver-reported anxiety and self-reported loneliness significantly decreased from pre- to post-intervention. Exploratory analyses showed that increases in caregiver-reported social skills were associated with decreases in self-reported loneliness.Our findings provide evidence supporting the efficacy of PEERS® for improving social knowledge and skills of adolescents with social challenges when delivered in the community. The current study also showed the potential benefit of PEERS® for improving adolescent mental health.Results: PEERS® for Adolescents is an evidence-based social skills training program developed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is now widely implemented by community providers in clinics and schools. However, majority of past efficacy studies on PEERS® were conducted in controlled research settings, with limited information about its effectiveness when delivered in the community. We sought to examine the effects of PEERS® on social functioning and mental health outcomes when delivered in an outpatient autism specialty clinic.Clinical data from 45 adolescents with social challenges (age range: 11–18 years old; 31.1% female assigned at birth) were extracted for secondary analyses. Paired t-tests were performed to examine the pre- to post-intervention changes in social and mental health outcomes. Correlations between pre- and post-change scores of outcome measures were examined.Self-reported social skills knowledge, caregiver-reported social skills (measured by the Social Skills Improvement Systems) and the number of get-togethers hosted, increased significantly from pre- to post-intervention. Additionally, caregiver-reported anxiety and self-reported loneliness significantly decreased from pre- to post-intervention. Exploratory analyses showed that increases in caregiver-reported social skills were associated with decreases in self-reported loneliness.Our findings provide evidence supporting the efficacy of PEERS® for improving social knowledge and skills of adolescents with social challenges when delivered in the community. The current study also showed the potential benefit of PEERS® for improving adolescent mental health.Conclusions: PEERS® for Adolescents is an evidence-based social skills training program developed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is now widely implemented by community providers in clinics and schools. However, majority of past efficacy studies on PEERS® were conducted in controlled research settings, with limited information about its effectiveness when delivered in the community. We sought to examine the effects of PEERS® on social functioning and mental health outcomes when delivered in an outpatient autism specialty clinic.Clinical data from 45 adolescents with social challenges (age range: 11–18 years old; 31.1% female assigned at birth) were extracted for secondary analyses. Paired t-tests were performed to examine the pre- to post-intervention changes in social and mental health outcomes. Correlations between pre- and post-change scores of outcome measures were examined.Self-reported social skills knowledge, caregiver-reported social skills (measured by the Social Skills Improvement Systems) and the number of get-togethers hosted, increased significantly from pre- to post-intervention. Additionally, caregiver-reported anxiety and self-reported loneliness significantly decreased from pre- to post-intervention. Exploratory analyses showed that increases in caregiver-reported social skills were associated with decreases in self-reported loneliness.Our findings provide evidence supporting the efficacy of PEERS® for improving social knowledge and skills of adolescents with social challenges when delivered in the community. The current study also showed the potential benefit of PEERS® for improving adolescent mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher prevalence of suicidality has been reported in individuals with ASD. This study aimed to (1) Estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) in epidemiologically-ascertained, population-based, samples of children with ASD or Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) Screen Positivity (ASP); (2) Determine whether ASD/ASP is an independent risk factor for SI, controlling for known SI risk factors; and, (3) Develop an explanatory model for SI in children with ASD/ASP. Participants came from three epidemiologically-ascertained samples of school-aged Korean children (n = 14,423; 3,702; 4,837). ASSQ ≥ 14 was the cutoff for ASP. A subsample (n = 86) was confirmed to have ASD. SI was based on parents' endorsement of items on the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2-Parent Report Scale-Children. Logistic regressions were used to assess associations between SI and ASD/ASP, controlling for demographics, peer victimization, behavior problems, and depression. To develop an explanatory model for SI within ASD/ASP, the associations between SI and child characteristics (comorbid conditions, ASD symptoms, IQ, adaptive function) were tested. SI was higher in children with ASD (14%) and ASP (16.6–27.4%) than ASSQ Screen Negative (ASN) peers (3.4–6.9%). ASD/ASP was strongly predictive of SI (ORs: 2.87–5.67), after controlling for known SI risk factors compared to ASN. Within the ASD and ASP groups, anxiety was the strongest predictor of SI. SI prevalence was higher in non-clinical samples of children with ASD and ASP, relative to ASN peers. These results underscore the need for routine screening for SI in children with ASD and social difficulties, particularly those with high anxiety. Population-based, epidemiologically-ascertained, school-aged children ASD and ASP are independent risk factors for SI in school-aged children Anxiety is an independent risk factor for SI in children with ASD or ASP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop a model for measuring experimental design ability based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during biological inquiry. More specifically, the researchers developed an experimental design task that measures experimental design ability. Using the developed experimental design task, they measured both the paper experimental design ability and the fMRI experimental design ability of subjects. Subjects’ paper experimental design ability was measured using the quotient equation of experimental design ability, and their fMRI experimental design ability using the brain connectivity coefficient. According to the fMRI results, differences in design ability existed among subjects in terms of brain connectivity coefficient level during the experimental design task. The experimental design ability brain connectivity coefficient level and quotient for each subject were analysed. Statistically significant correlations between subjects’ connectivity strength level among brain activation regions and quotient value guided the establishment of a measuring model. The model measured experimental design ability and could predict an individual’s experimental design ability quotient using his or her brain connectivity coefficient. Hence, the model developed for this study for measuring experimental design ability based on fMRI may serve as a practical measurement of students’ scientific experimental design ability. Furthermore, this study could serve as a founding theory for measuring models of other scientific processing abilities such as observation, question generation, classification, hypothesis generation and hypothesis evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder with involvement of genetic and environmental factors. We investigated genetic loci previously implicated in Tourette syndrome and associated disorders in interaction with pre- and perinatal adversity in relation to tic severity using a case-only (N = 518) design. We assessed 98 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from (I) top SNPs from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of TS; (II) top SNPs from GWASs of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD); (III) SNPs previously implicated in candidate-gene studies of TS; (IV) SNPs previously implicated in OCD or ASD; and (V) tagging SNPs in neurotransmitter-related candidate genes. Linear regression models were used to examine the main effects of the SNPs on tic severity, and the interaction effect of these SNPs with a cumulative pre- and perinatal adversity score. Replication was sought for SNPs that met the threshold of significance (after correcting for multiple testing) in a replication sample (N = 678). One SNP (rs7123010), previously implicated in a TS meta-analysis, was significantly related to higher tic severity. We found a gene–environment interaction for rs6539267, another top TS GWAS SNP. These findings were not independently replicated. Our study highlights the future potential of TS GWAS top hits in gene–environment studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to examine the associations of various types of school bullying involvement experiences with different dimensions of anxiety symptoms on the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC) and to examine the moderating effects of gender and age on the associations in Taiwanese adolescent students aged at 11–18. Method: Involvement in passive and physical bullying and belongings snatch and multiple dimensions of anxiety symptoms in 5537 adolescents were determined through use of the self-reported Chinese version of the School Bullying Experience Questionnaire (C-SBEQ) and the Taiwanese version of the MASC, respectively. The associations between four types of bullying involvement and four dimensions of anxiety symptoms and the moderating effects of gender and age were examined using linear mixed model analysis. Results: The results indicated that except for the non-significant association between victimization by verbal and relational bullying and harm avoidance, both victims of verbal and relational bullying and physical bullying and belongings snatch reported more severe anxiety symptoms on all four dimensions of MASC-T than non-bullied subjects. While the perpetrators of verbal and relational bullying reported more severe physical symptoms and social anxiety than did non-perpetrators of verbal and relational bullying, the perpetrators of physical bullying and belongings snatch reported less harm avoidance, social anxiety and separation/panic than did non-perpetrators of physical bullying and belongings snatch. Perpetrator-victims of verbal and relational bullying showed more physical symptoms than those who were pure victims or perpetrators of verbal and relational bullying. Perpetrator-victims of physical bullying and belongings snatch had more social anxiety than those who were pure victims or perpetrators. This study also found that gender and age had the moderating effect on the association between some forms of bullying involvement and some dimensions of anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: The results of this study support the necessity to apply the multi-dimensional scale to evaluate anxiety symptoms in adolescents who are involved in bullying and to take the different directions of association into consideration when developing prevention and intervention programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A synthetic progestin altrenogest (ALT) is used to synchronize the estrus cycle of swine for fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) and has been shown to improve follicular development and reproductive performances in post-weaning sows. However, the effects of ALT treatment on reproductive tracts, including the ovaries, oviducts and uterus have not been yet clarified. In this study, we examined the expression of genes involved in endometrial responses in ALT-treated sows. ALT did not significantly alter luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol profiles in blood compared to untreated control. Quantitative RT-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression of genes encoding galectin-3 (LGALS3) and fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) was upregulated in the reproductive tracts of ALT-treated sows, including the ovaries, oviducts and uteri. Moreover, ALT treatment induced the expression of FGF9 and galectin-3 proteins, and promoted their localization to the luminal epithelium of the oviducts and uterus. Our findings suggest that the enhancement of reproductive performance shown by ALT-treated sows is associated with the upregulation of galectin-3 and FGF9, which are essential for endometrial receptivity, successful implantation, and pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stem cells are tightly regulated by both intrinsic and extrinsic signals as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM) for tissue homeostasis and regenerative capacity. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), proteolytic enzymes, modulate the turnover of numerous substrates, including cytokine precursors, growth factors, and ECM molecules. However, the roles of MMPs in the regulation of adult stem cells are poorly understood. In the present study, we utilize the Drosophila midgut, which is an excellent model system for studying stem cell biology, to show that Mmp1 is involved in the regulation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). The results showed that Mmp1 is expressed in the adult midgut and that its expression increases with age and with exposure to oxidative stress. Mmp1 knockdown or Timp-overexpressing flies and flies heterozygous for a viable, hypomorphic Mmp1 allele increased ISC proliferation in the gut, as shown by staining with an anti-phospho-histone H3 antibody and BrdU incorporation assays. Reduced Mmp1 levels induced intestinal hyperplasia, and the Mmp1depletion-induced ISC proliferation was rescued by the suppression of the EGFR signaling pathway, suggesting that Mmp1 regulates ISC proliferation through the EGFR signaling pathway. Furthermore, adult gut-specific knockdown and whole-animal heterozygotes of Mmp1 increased additively sensitivity to paraquat-induced oxidative stress and shortened lifespan. Our data suggest that Drosophila Mmp1 is involved in the regulation of ISC proliferation for maintenance of gut homeostasis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Concerns have been raised that scores on standard measures of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms may differ as a function of sex. However, these findings are hindered by small female samples studied thus far. The current study evaluated if, after accounting for age, IQ, and language level, sex affects ASD severity estimates from diagnostic measures among children with ASD. Methods: Data were obtained from eight sources comprising 27 sites. Linear mixed‐effects models, including a random effect for site, were fit for 10 outcomes (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS] domain‐level calibrated severity scores, Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised [ADI‐R] raw scores by age‐based algorithm, and raw scores from the two indices on the Social Responsiveness Scale [SRS]). Sex was added to the models after controlling for age, NVIQ, and an indicator for language level. Results: Sex significantly improved model fit for half of the outcomes, but least square mean differences were generally negligible (effect sizes [ES] < 0.20), increasing to small to moderate in adolescence (ES < 0.40). Boys received more severe RRB scores than girls on both the ADOS and ADI‐R (age 4 + algorithm), and girls received more severe scores than boys on both SRS indices, which emerged in adolescence. Conclusions: This study combined several available databases to create the largest sample of girls with ASD diagnoses. We found minimal differences due to sex beyond other known influences on ASD severity indicators. This may suggest that, among children who ultimately receive a clinical ASD diagnosis, severity estimates do not systematically differ to such an extent that sex‐specific scoring procedures would be necessary. However, given the limitations inherent in clinically ascertained samples, future research must address questions about systematic sex differences among children or adults who do not receive clinical diagnoses of ASD. Moreover, while the current study helps resolve questions about widely used diagnostic instruments, we could not address sex differences in phenotypic aspects outside of these scores. Read the Commentary on this article at doi: 10.1111/jcpp.13284 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Whether there is a true increase in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequency or not remains unclear. Additionally, the rates of co-existing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) in a total population sample has not been fully examined before. Therefore, using a total population sample in Japan, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and cumulative incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) annually, to determine whether there is a true increase in ASD prevalence by estimating the cumulative incidence of ASD annually, and to examine the rates of co-existing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Method: In this cross-sectional sequential design study, all 5-year-old children in the catchment area underwent the screening annually from the year 2013–2016. Screen-positive children were invited to participate in a comprehensive assessment, including child and parent interview, behavioral observation, and cognitive and motor function testing. All cases were reviewed by a multidisciplinary research team. Results: Caregivers of 3954 children returned the screening, among which 559 children underwent the assessment with 87 children receiving an ASD diagnosis. Adjusted ASD prevalence was 3.22% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.66–3.76%). The male to female ratio of the crude prevalence was 2.2:1. The cumulative incidence of ASD up to 5 years of age for the total study years was 1.31% (95% CI 1.00–1.62%). A generalized linear model revealed no significant linear trends in 5-year cumulative incidence over the study years. Only 11.5% of children had ASD alone; the remaining 88.5% were found to have at least one co-existing NDD. Limitations: Modest sample size for a total population study. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the stability of the 5-year cumulative incidence of ASD, implying no true rise in ASD incident cases over the 4-year study period in the study catchment area. High rates of co-existing NDDs reflect the importance of investigating broad developmental challenges in children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]