bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering Change Agents: Youth Organizing Groups as Sites for Sociopolitical Development
Authors: Nicholas Celeste , Eastman‐Mueller Heather , Barbich Natalie
Published: February 2019

In addition to social action campaigns, some youth organizing groups provide formative learning experiences which engage youth in relevant sociopolitical issues through critical approaches. These groups support sociopolitical development (SPD), a self and socially‐oriented process which influences youth personally, politically, and professionally into adulthood. This study explored how youth organizing experiences influenced SPD in the professional domain, applying an empowerment lens. Phenomenologically‐based interviews were conducted with former sexual health education youth organizers and adult program staff. Former youth participants chose socially‐oriented career paths influenced by the group's empowering approach to sexual health education and advocacy. They related meaningful sociopolitical learning experiences (e.g., interpersonal, educational, and civic engagement) to empowerment outcomes (e.g., political efficacy, critical awareness, and participatory behaviors) which informed career decisions. Professionally, participants sought to empower others as the group empowered them, drawing upon youth organizing social and human capital as they worked toward this aim. Combining sociopolitical and empowerment theorizing, the study adds to what is known about how purposefully designed youth organizing experiences support long‐term development outcomes for individuals. Viewed as socially‐oriented career development sites, youth organizing groups build capacity for social change beyond the groups themselves. Implications for youth organizing scholars and practitioners are provided.
Need for a new workplace safety and health (WSH) strategy for the fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Chia Gabriel , Lim See Ming , Sng Gek Khim Judy , Hwang Yi‐Fu Jeff , Chia Kee Seng
Published: February 2019

We are on the cusp of the fourth Industrial Revolution which promises to revolutionize the way we live and work. Throughout history, as society and technology progress, so too have our workplace safety and health (WSH) strategies in regard to better knowledge and enhanced regulation. In this paper, we argue for a new WSH 4.0 strategy which requires us to adopt an adaptive and highly responsive approach to promote Total Worker Health in the face of rapid technological advancements and changes in employment relationships. To do so, we propose a multi‐pronged strategy comprising (i) adaptive WSH solutions in regard to surveillance, risk assessment, and control measures leveraging on new technologies; (ii) effective multi‐stakeholder dialogues for collaborative and sustainable solutions; (iii) an anticipatory WSH governance framework based upon shared values and cooperative responsibility; and (iv) professional development among WSH practitioners. This new WSH 4.0 strategy will enable WSH professionals to remain effective in this coming Industrial Revolution.
Asymmetric 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Enones by Primary Amine Catalysis
Authors: Yang Qi , Zhang Jieyu , Jia Zongbin , Yang Chunming , Zhang Long , Luo Sanzhong
Published: February 2019

We report herein a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition between enones and nitrones with good to excellent distereo‐ and enantioselectivities by a chiral primary amine catalyst, which furnishes an operationally simple synthetic protocol for the fused bicyclic isoxazolidine derivatives with multiple stereogenic centers.
Technical note: Comparing dental topography software using platyrrhine molars
Authors: Pampush James D. , Crowell Jordan , Karme Aleksis , Macrae Scott A. , Kay Richard F. , Ungar Peter S.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

There remain many idiosyncrasies among the values calculated for varying dental topography metrics arising from differences in software preferences among research groups. The aim of this work is to compare and provide potential conversion formulae for dental topography metrics calculated using differing software platforms.

Methods

Three software packages: ArcGIS, Surfer Manipulator, and molaR were used to calculate orientation patch count rotated (OPCR), Dirichlet normal energy (DNE), occlusal relief (OR), slope (m), and angularity (a) on platyrrhine second upper molars. Values derived from the various software packages were compared for distributional consistency and correlation. Where appropriate, formulae for conversion between like measures calculated on different software platforms were developed.

Results

When compared with the same measurement across software, OPCR, OR, and slope were all highly correlated. However, only OR demonstrated distributional consistency (i.e., nearly consistent mean, median, max, and min). Slope and OPCR were both higher when calculated by molaR as compared to Surfer Manipulator and ArcGIS calculations, conversion formulae are provided for these measures. DNE is only weakly correlated with angularity; but is correlated with orientation patch count across taxa.

Discussion

We explore why there is variation in the dental topography values calculated among the various software packages. The conversion formulae provided in this work will make possible direct comparisons among studies conducted across multiple research groups.
A Redox‐Active Nickel Complex that Acts as an Electron Mediator in Photochemical Giese Reactions
Authors: van Leeuwen Thomas , Buzzetti Luca , Perego Luca Alessandro , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: February 2019

We report a simple protocol for the photochemical Giese addition of C(sp3)‐centered radicals to a variety of electron‐poor olefins. The chemistry does not require external photoredox catalysts. Instead, it harnesses the excited‐state reactivity of 4‐alkyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines (4‐alkyl‐DHPs) to generate alkyl radicals. Crucial for reactivity is the use of a catalytic amount of Ni(bpy)32+ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridyl), which acts as an electron mediator to facilitate the redox processes involving fleeting and highly reactive intermediates.
Platforms for Stable Carbon‐Centered Radicals
Authors: Kato Kenichi , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: February 2019

Organic radicals can potentially play important roles in functional materials owing to an unpaired electron, but they are usually highly reactive and difficult to use. Therefore, stabilization of organic radicals is important. Among organic radicals, carbon‐centered radicals are promising because of their trivalent nature, which enables structural diversity and elaborate designs, but they are also less stable because of the reactivities towards carbon–carbon bond formation and atmospheric oxygen. Recently, stable carbon‐centered radicals across diverse molecular platforms have been increasingly explored. This Minireview highlights these newly explored, stable carbon‐centered radicals, with a focus on porphyrinoid‐stabilized radicals because of their remarkable spin delocalization abilities.
Opening up the Single‐Cell Toolbox for Microbial Natural Products Research
Authors: Cahn Jackson K. B. , Piel Jörn
Published: February 2019

The diverse microbes that produce natural products represent an important source of novel therapeutics, drug leads, and scientific tools. However, the vast majority have not been grown in axenic culture and are members of complex communities. While meta‐’omic methods such as metagenomics, ‐transcriptomics, and ‐proteomics reveal collective molecular features of this “microbial dark matter”, the study of individual microbiome members can be challenging. To address these limits, a number of techniques with single‐bacterial resolution have been developed in the last decade and a half. While several of these are embraced by microbial ecologists, there has been less use by researchers interested in mining microbes for natural products. In this review, we discuss the available and emerging techniques for targeted single‐cell analysis with a particular focus on applications to the discovery and study of natural products.
Catalytic Prenylation and Reverse Prenylation of Indoles with Isoprene: Regioselectivity Manipulation through Choice of Metal Hydride
Authors: Hu Yan‐Cheng , Ji Ding‐Wei , Zhao Chao‐Yang , Zheng Hao , Chen Qing‐An
Published: February 2019

The basic industrial feedstock isoprene was employed as a building block to install prenyl and reverse‐prenyl groups onto indoles. The regioselectivity can be manipulated by the choice of metal hydride. Reverse‐prenylated indoles were attained with high selectivity when using Rh−H. By switching to a Pd−H catalyst, selectivity toward prenylated indoles was achieved. This regiodivergent method also features high atom economy without stoichiometric byproduct formation.
Ecofriendly Autoxidation of Castor Oil/Ricinoleic Acid. Multifunctional Macroperoxide Initiators for Multi Block/Graft Copolymers
Authors: Hazer Baki , Eren Melike
Published: February 2019

Ecofriendly autoxidation is a reaction of air oxygen with unsaturated organic molecules at room temperature. Castor oil and ricinoleic acid were ecofriendly autoxidized for 5 months to obtain castor oil macroperoxide with a Mn of 1935 g mol−1 (Pcast5m) and the ricinoleic acid macroperoxide initiator (Prici5m) with a Mn of 1169 g mol−1. Peroxide groups thermally initiated the free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), n‐butyl methacrylate (nBMA), and styrene (S). Peroxide formation in the oxidized castor oil and ricinoleic acid was confirmed using iodometric analysis, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry technique. Peroxide decomposition in both macroperoxide initiators was observed at 166 °C for Prici5m and 170 °C for Pcast5m. Hydroxyl groups of Pcast5m were reacted with methacryloyl chloride to obtain methacrylated castor oil macroperoxide (PcastMA). The polymerization rates of the obtained macroinitiators were compared. The polymerization rate order is Pcast5m > Prici5m > PcastMA. Polymerization of styrene by PcastMA resulted in an increase in molar masses and an increase in the polymerization time while those of the styrene polymerization by Pcast5m and Prici5m remained constant. Carboxylic acid groups were reacted with amine‐terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), and polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) while the hydroxyl functionality initiated the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL). Prici‐PEG‐PMMA, Prici‐PS‐PDMS, Prici‐PS‐PTHF, Pcast‐PS‐PCL, Pcast‐PCL‐PMMA, and Pcast‐PS‐PnBMA multiblock copolymers were prepared and characterized using spectrometric, thermal, and stress–strain measurement techniques.
Thermoplastic starch/whey protein isolate/rosemary essential oil nanocomposites obtained by extrusion process: Antioxidant polymers
Authors: Azevedo Viviane Machado , Carvalho Raissa Alvarenga , Borges Soraia Vilela , Claro Pedro Ivo Cunha , Hasegawa Fernando Ken , Yoshida Maria Irene , Marconcini José Manoel
Published: February 2019

Active substances are added to polymers to act as a barrier to external elements, protecting the product. This article evaluated the effect of the addition of sodium montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles and the antioxidant activity of rosemary essential oil (EO) in thermoplastic starch/whey protein isolate (TPS/WPI) nanocomposites obtained by extrusion. X‐ray diffractograms showed dispersion/exfoliation of the MMT in the TPS/WPI matrix. The nanocomposites presented rough surface with the presence of porosity as shown by scanning electron microscopy images. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the combination between MMT and rosemary EO increased thermal stability of nanocomposites. The addition of rosemary EO became the films less rigid, weaker and had an antioxidant effect as shown by mechanical properties and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay. The optical properties showed in opaque greenish yellow nanocomposites. Therefore, the addition of rosemary EO in nanocomposites showed an alternative for use as antioxidant polymers in packaging material. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47619.
Shedding light on the migratory patterns of the Amazonian goliath catfish, Brachyplatystoma platynemum, using otolith 87Sr/86Sr analyses
Authors: Hauser Marília , Doria Carolina R.C. , Santos Roberto V. , García‐Vasquez Aurea , Pouilly Marc , Pécheyran Christophe , Ponzevera Emmanuel , Torrente‐Vilara Gislene , Bérail Sylvain , Panfili Jacques , Darnaude Audrey , Renno Jean‐François , García‐Dávila Carmen , Nuñez Jesus , Ferraton Franck , Vargas Gladys , Duponchelle Fabrice
Published: February 2019

In the Amazon, migratory catfishes of the genus Brachyplatystoma are apex predators that are important for fisheries and conservation. The life cycle of Brachyplatystoma platynemum Boulenger, 1898 is poorly known, although it has been hypothesized to be very similar to that of Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii Castelnau, 1855, which uses the entire length of the Amazon basin to complete its life cycle (from the Andes to the estuary). This study provides the first data on the migratory patterns of B. platynemum at the individual level using otolith microchemistry.

In total, 94 individuals were sampled close to major breeding areas in the Amazon basin (78 fish from the middle and upper Madeira River and 14 fish from the upper Amazon), and their lifetime movements were assessed by measuring variations in 87Sr/86Sr along transverse sections of their otoliths (ear stones), using laser ablation multi‐collector mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS).

The migrations of B. platynemum are not as extensive as those of B. rousseauxii, and do not involve natal homing. Furthermore, the estuary is not a nursery area, at least for fish hatched in the Madeira. Nevertheless, B. platynemum migrates several thousand kilometres within the Amazon basin, with transboundary displacements between at least Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.

Current and planned hydroelectric development in the Amazon basin will severely disrupt both migration and access to breeding grounds, ultimately affecting the recruitment and population dynamics of these apex predators.

The conservation of B. platynemum is crucial for the stability of the Amazonian aquatic food webs. This requires building effective fish passage on the two existing Madeira dams and considering alternative options to the large‐scale hydropower development in the Amazon basin.
Collagen XIII and Other ECM Components in the Assembly and Disease of the Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Heikkinen Anne , Härönen Heli , Norman Oula , Pihlajaniemi Taina
Published: February 2019

Alongside playing structural roles, the extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as an interaction platform for cellular homeostasis, organ development, and maintenance. The necessity of the ECM is highlighted by the diverse, sometimes very serious diseases that stem from defects in its components. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a large peripheral motor synapse differing from its central counterparts through the ECM included at the synaptic cleft. Such synaptic basal lamina (BL) is specialized to support NMJ establishment, differentiation, maturation, stabilization, and function and diverges in molecular composition from the extrasynaptic ECM. Mutations, toxins, and autoantibodies may compromise NMJ integrity and function, thereby leading to congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs), poisoning, and autoimmune diseases, respectively, and all these conditions may involve synaptic ECM molecules. With neurotransmission degraded or blocked, muscle function is impaired or even prevented. At worst, this can be fatal. The article reviews the synaptic BL composition required for assembly and function of the NMJ molecular machinery through the lens of studies primarily with mouse models but also with human patients. In‐depth focus is given to collagen XIII, a postsynaptic‐membrane‐spanning but also shed ECM protein that in recent years has been revealed to be a significant component for the NMJ. Its deficiency in humans causes CMS, and autoantibodies against it have been recognized in autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Mouse models have exposed numerous details that appear to recapitulate human NMJ phenotypes relatively faithfully and thereby can be readily used to generate information necessary for understanding and ultimately treating human diseases. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bestimmung der zentrischen Nachrisszugfestigkeit von UHPFRC mithilfe gekerbter 3‐Punkt‐Biegezugversuche
Authors: Oettel Vincent , Matz Henrik , Empelmann Martin
Published: February 2019

Sowohl die zentrische Matrixzugfestigkeit als auch die zentrischen Nachrisszugfestigkeiten von faserbewehrten Betonen werden in der Regel indirekt über Biegezugversuche ermittelt. Dazu muss eine in Versuchen ermittelte Kraft‐Verformungs‐Kurve in eine Zugspannungs‐Dehnungs‐Beziehung überführt werden. Für ultrahochfesten Faserbeton (UHPFRC) gibt es in Deutschland zurzeit mangels gültiger Normen und Richtlinien kein geregeltes derartiges Umrechnungsverfahren. Zur Untersuchung des Zugspannungs‐Dehnungs‐Verhaltens von UHPFRC wurden am iBMB, Fachgebiet Massivbau der TU Braunschweig gekerbte 3‐Punkt‐Biegezugversuche nach DIN EN 14651 durchgeführt. Unter Berücksichtigung der Versuchsergebnisse und in Anlehnung an den Model Code 2010, der normal‐ und hochfesten Faserbeton regelt, wurde ein Umrechnungsverfahren für UHPFRC entwickelt. Zur Validierung des Verfahrens wurde die Finite‐Elemente‐Methode (FEM) hinzugezogen.
Einfluss der Wassersättigung auf die statische und dynamische Druckfestigkeit von Beton
Authors: Mosig Oliver , Curbach Manfred
Published: February 2019

Untersucht wurde der Einfluss der Wassersättigung auf die statische und dynamische Druckfestigkeit von Beton. Hierzu wurden zwei verschiedene Probengeometrien mit definierten Sättigungsgraden getestet. Für die dynamischen Druckfestigkeitsversuche wurde der Split‐Hopkinson‐Bar verwendet. Es wurde festgestellt, dass die Druckfestigkeit von Beton mit steigendem Sättigungsgrad abnimmt, sowohl im statischen als auch im dynamischen Belastungsfall. Der Betrag der Abminderung der Druckfestigkeit mit steigender Sättigung ist im statischen und dynamischen Fall gleich. So kann festgehalten werden, dass der Einfluss der Wassersättigung unabhängig von der Dehn‐ und Belastungsgeschwindigkeit ist. Die trockenen Proben versagten explosionsartiger mit einer erhöhten Riss‐ und Bruchstückanzahl im Vergleich zu den wassergesättigten Probekörpern.
Polysomnographic and neuropsychological characteristics of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Song Zhiyi , Ye Jingyi , Fu Ying , Wang Jinying , Su Lei , Zhu Xiaodong , Zhang Meiyun , Cheng Yan , Wu Wei , Xue Rong
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To compare the sleep characteristics and cognition between rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) patients and non‐RBD (nRBD) healthy control subjects and to determine the correlation between sleep and cognition in RBD patients.

Methods

Polysomnography (PSG) was performed to confirm and exclude RBD. Fifteen iRBD patients, 12 PD with RBD patients, and 23 matched nRBD healthy control subjects were enrolled. Subjective sleep and neuropsychological evaluations were performed.

Results

No differences were found in the subjective sleep among the three groups. Compared to the nRBD subjects, iRBD patients showed higher PLMI, the PD with RBD patients showed an increased proportion of N1 sleep, a decreased proportion of N2 and N3 sleep, and an increased periodic leg movement index. The iRBD patients performed worse on RCFT time than the nRBD subjects, the PD with RBD patients performed worse than the nRBD subjects on the following evaluations: the Mini‐Mental State Examination; auditory verbal learning test (AVLT); Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) time, Clock drawing test (CDT); delay memory score of RCFT; Symbol digit modalities test (SDMT); Trail Making Test (TMT); and Stroop Test B and C, all significant changes (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, in RBD patients, lower sleep efficiency was correlated with decreased SDMT scores (r = 0.694, p < 0.01), longer time on the TMT A (r = −0.589, p < 0.01), and lower city fluency test scores(r = 0.556, p < 0.01). Less total sleep time was correlated with lower RCFT scores (r = 0.392, p = 0.043), longer time on the TMT A (r = −0.417, p = 0.031), and lower city fluency test scores (r = 0.405, p = 0.036).

Conclusions

PD with RBD patients suffered from abnormal sleep architecture and extensive cognition dysfunction. Decreased total sleep time and sleep efficiency may contribute to cognitive deterioration in RBD patients.
Risk of recurrence and bleeding in patients with cancer‐associated venous thromboembolism treated with rivaroxaban: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Søgaard Mette , Nielsen Peter Brønnum , Skjøth Flemming , Kjældgaard Jette Nordstrøm , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard
Published: February 2019

Background

Rivaroxaban could be an attractive alternative to low molecular weight heparin for the treatment of cancer‐associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) but the safety and effectiveness remain unclear. We examined risk of recurrent VTE and major bleeding associated with rivaroxaban treatment of cancer‐associated VTE.

Methods

Through linkage of nationwide Danish registries, we identified all adults with cancer‐associated VTE initiating treatment with rivaroxaban, 2012‐2017. We estimated rates and absolute risk of the primary outcome of recurrent VTE and major bleeding; all‐cause mortality was studied as a secondary outcome.

Results

We identified 8901 patients with cancer‐associated VTE of whom 476 (5.3%) redeemed a prescription for rivaroxaban within 30 days of VTE diagnosis (mean age 71.5 years, 41% females, 57% with pulmonary embolism). Median time from cancer diagnosis to rivaroxaban prescription was 31 days (interquartile range 12‐73 days). Most frequent cancers were gastrointestinal (26.1%), genitourinary (23.3%), and hematological cancer (12.6%). Few had distant metastases (7.1%). At 6 months, recurrent VTE occurred in 6.1% (15.1 events per 100 person‐years) with the highest absolute risks for genitourinary cancer (8.1%), gastrointestinal cancer (7.3%), and breast cancer (6.5%). Major bleeding occurred in 1.9% (5.3 events per 100 person‐years), in particular, in genitourinary cancer (4.5%) and lung cancer (4.2%). Eighty deaths (17.8%) occurred during follow up.

Conclusion

In this clinical practice setting, rivaroxaban was rarely used for cancer‐associated VTE. However, among those who received rivaroxaban, the treatment appeared safe and effective with rates comparable to previous studies of selected populations.
Effect of the Co‐SiO2 Mesoporous Layer Coating Step on the Performance of Liquid Fuel Dimethyl Amino Ethyl Azide Dehydration
Authors: Rahimi Elham , Pakdehi Shahram G. , Shafiei Korosh
Published: February 2019

A cobalt‐doped silica (Co‐SiO2) layer was successfully synthesized in a sol‐gel process as the mesoporous layer overlaid in three‐, six‐, and ten‐step coating on a mullite support. The microporous layer was coated over the mesoporous layer in six steps by adopting the sol‐gel method. The membranes were applied in pervaporation experiments to dehydrate dimethyl amino ethyl azide (DMAZ) containing 5 wt % water. In dehydration tests, the membrane permeate flux decreased and its separation factor increased. During the first initial hours, it reached a steady state and subsequently remained constant.
Nanosized Composite Pt‐Ru Catalysts for Production of Modern Modified Fuels
Authors: Tungatarova Svetlana , Baizhumanova Tolkyn , Zheksenbaeva Zauresh , Zhumabek Manapkhan , Kaumenova Gulnar , Aubakirov Yermek , Begimova Gulzeynep
Published: February 2019

A Pt‐Ru/2 % Ce/(θ+α)‐Al2O3 nanosized catalyst was developed for selective catalytic oxidation of CH4 to synthesis gas. The process was carried out entirely with the formation of synthesis gas at high selectivity by H2 and CO with H2:CO = 2.0 ratio only at Pt:Ru = 2:1 or 1:1 atomic ratio and short contact time on Pt‐, Ru‐, and Pt‐Ru low‐percentage catalysts. Samples, which were reduced by H2 at high temperature, presented a mixture of Pt‐, Ru‐, and Pt‐Ru nanosized particles, its alloy in the mixed catalysts. The correlation between experimental results and data of physicochemical research was established. The activity together with physicochemical properties and quantum chemical calculations for the developed low‐percentage Pt‐Ru catalysts was investigated.
Improvement of Centrifugal Cryoconcentration by Ice Recovery Applied to Orange Juice
Authors: Orellana-Palma Patricio , González Yasna , Petzold Guillermo
Published: February 2019

Centrifugal cryoconcentration, a concentration technique employed for fruit juices, involves challenges that still have to be overcome. The improvement of centrifugal cryoconcentration by recovery of ice fractions applied to orange juice is evaluated. The concentration process was performed with three consecutive cryoconcentration cycles and two recirculated ices. The solutes in the concentrated samples increased progressively six times after three cycles compared to the initial concentration of solids. The ice recovery samples increase the overall efficiency of the centrifugal cryoconcentration technique applied to orange juice.
The impact of psychosocial stress and stress management on immune responses in patients with cancer
Authors: Antoni Michael H. , Dhabhar Firdaus S.
Published: February 2019

The range of psychosocial stress factors/processes (eg, chronic stress, distress states, coping, social adversity) were reviewed as they relate to immune variables in cancer along with studies of psychosocial interventions on these stress processes and immune measures in cancer populations. The review includes molecular, cellular, and clinical research specifically examining the effects of stress processes and stress‐management interventions on immune variables (eg, cellular immune function, inflammation), which may or may not be changing directly in response to the cancer or its treatment. Basic psychoneuroimmunologic research on stress processes (using animal or cellular/tumor models) provides leads for investigating biobehavioral processes that may underlie the associations reported to date. The development of theoretically driven and empirically supported stress‐management interventions may provide important adjuncts to clinical cancer care going forward.
Association between primary language, a lack of mammographic screening, and later stage breast cancer presentation
Authors: Balazy Katy E. , Benitez Cecil M. , Gutkin Paulina M. , Jacobson Clare E. , von Eyben Rie , Horst Kathleen C.
Published: February 2019

Background

Health determinants are known to influence the stage of breast cancer presentation, but it is unclear to what extent language affects stage. This study investigates whether non–English‐speaking (NES) patients present at a later stage than their English‐speaking (ES) counterparts and whether language is associated with mammographic screening.

Methods

This study was a retrospective, single‐institution cohort analysis of women undergoing breast radiotherapy from 2012 to 2017 (n = 1057). Patients were categorized as ES (n = 904) or NES (n = 153). Ordinal logistic regression analysis identified variables associated with later stage presentation, including language, race/ethnicity, and age. A subcohort analysis investigated the influence of mammographic screening on stage for NES patients.

Results

NES patients had greater odds of later stage disease than ES patients (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence, 1.001‐2.150). This association persisted across all races/ethnicities. An additional analysis examined age categories associated with mammographic screening. For women eligible for screening (ie, those 40‐50 years old or older than 50 years), there was a significant association between language and stage. NES patients older than 50 years were twice as likely to present at an advanced stage in comparison with ES patients (16.19% vs 8.11%;P = .0082). An additional subset analysis accounted for mammograms. NES patients who did not undergo screening had a higher probability of stage III disease (40.3% of NES patients vs 12.7% of ES patients). There was no difference in stage between NES and ES patients who did undergo screening.

Conclusions

Language is independently associated with later stage breast cancer for NES patients, regardless of race/ethnicity. NES patients may have difficulty in accessing the health care system. Future interventions should seek to reduce language barriers for mammographic screening and diagnosis.
An opcode‐based technique for polymorphic Internet of Things malware detection
Authors: Darabian Hamid , Dehghantanha Ali , Hashemi Sattar , Homayoun Sajad , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond
Published: February 2019

The increasing popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices makes them an attractive target for malware authors. In this paper, we use sequential pattern mining technique to detect most frequent opcode sequences of malicious IoT applications. Detected maximal frequent patterns (MFP) of opcode sequences can be used to differentiate malicious from benign IoT applications. We then evaluate the suitability of MFPs as a classification feature for K nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machines (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP), AdaBoost, decision tree, and random forest classifier. Specifically, we achieve an accuracy rate of 99% in the detection of unseen IoT malware. We also demonstrate the utility of our approach in detecting polymorphed IoT malware samples.
Challenges introduced by heterogeneous devices for Wi‐Fi–based indoor localization
Authors: Machaj Juraj , Brida Peter , Majer Norbert
Published: February 2019

In the recent time, Wi‐Fi–based indoor positioning attracts a high number of researchers worldwide because of its relatively easy implementation on widely available smart phones. Indoor positioning services can potentially open new markets for service providers and, thus, allow new ways to increase their income. A number of Wi‐Fi–enabled devices have grown significantly as well as coverage of buildings with Wi‐Fi signals, which can be considered ubiquitous nowadays. Recently, there has been a vast number of novel algorithms proposed for Wi‐Fi signals; however, they were mostly tested using only one type of device. In this paper, we will investigate the feasibility of Wi‐Fi–based positioning on different devices and highlight some of the problems that researchers have to face during the proposal of novel positioning algorithms. We have tested different devices in both laboratory and real conditions to see how they perform and which parameters can have a negative impact on the performance of the positioning system.
Monitoring Phenotypic Switching in Candida albicans and the Use of Next‐Gen Fluorescence Reporters
Authors: Frazer Corey , Hernday Aaron D. , Bennett Richard J.
Published: February 2019

Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that is able to cause both mucosal and systemic infections. It is also a frequent human commensal, where it is typically found inhabiting multiple niches including the gastrointestinal tract. One of the most remarkable features of C. albicans biology is its ability to undergo heritable and reversible switching between different phenotypic states, a phenomenon known as phenotypic switching. This is best exemplified by the white‐opaque switch, in which cells undergo epigenetic transitions between two alternative cellular states. Here, we describe assays to quantify the frequency of switching between states, as well as methods to help identify cells in different phenotypic states. We also describe the use of environmental cues that can induce switching into either the white or opaque state. Finally, we introduce the use of mNeonGreen and mScarlet fluorescent proteins that have been optimized for use in C. albicans and which outperform commonly used fluorescent proteins for both fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Does corporate social responsibility affect tax avoidance: Evidence from family firms
Authors: López‐González Eva , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , García‐Meca Emma
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the effect of corporate social responsibility performance on tax avoidance. It also examines whether family ownership affects tax avoidance practices by socially responsible performance. Based on an international sample of 6,442 firm‐year observations from 2006 to 2014, we use several panel‐data regression models. We find that social and environmental performance is negatively related with tax avoidance so that firms with a greater socially responsible performance show a lower tax‐saving practices. However, we find that this negative relation is lower in family‐owned firms, what suggests that despite the fact that family firms show a greater socially responsible behavior aimed to preserve their socioemotional endowments, family ownership is positively associated with tax avoidance practices.
When are internal and external corporate social responsibility initiatives amplified? Employee engagement in corporate social responsibility initiatives on prosocial and proactive behaviors
Authors: Hur Won‐Moo , Moon Tae‐Won , Choi Wook‐Hee
Published: February 2019

The aim of the study is to test not only the relative importance effect of employees' external and internal corporate social responsibility (CSR) perceptions on prosocial and proactive behaviors (i.e., organizational citizenship behavior [OCB] and job crafting) but also the impact of the interaction of these two kinds of employee CSR perceptions on proactive behaviors. Survey‐based data were collected from 181 employees at eight luxury hotels located in South Korea. Using a two‐wave longitudinal design, we measured employees' internal and external CSR perceptions, and then their supervisors rated OCB and job crafting one month after. Hierarchical moderated regression model is employed to test research hypotheses. The results showed that employees' internal CSR perceptions are more strongly related to prosocial and proactive behaviors than employees' external CSR perceptions are. Furthermore, the positive relationship between internal CSR perceptions and prosocial and proactive behaviors was more pronounced when external CSR perceptions were high than when they were low. The theoretical and managerial implications of the results and the limitations of the study are discussed, and future research directions are suggested.
The association between pancreas steatosis and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bi Ye , Wang Ji‐Lan , Li Ming‐Long , Zhou Jie , Sun Xiang‐Lan
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Pancreas steatosis is the description of fat accumulation in the pancreatic gland. The prevalence and development mechanisms of pancreatic steatosis in patients with metabolic disorders still remain unclear. The aim of this study is to systematically review the association between pancreatic steatosis and metabolic co‐morbidities.

Methods

We performed a systematic search strategy using three electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase) for relevant studies concerning the associations of pancreatic steatosis with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its clinical relevance from inception until 30 September 2018.

Results

One thousand three hundred fifty one references were identified in the initial search, and a total of 13 studies involving 49 329 subjects were included. This analyses elucidated the presence of non‐alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) and was associated with a significant increased risk of metabolic syndrome (RR = 2.25; 95% CI, 2.00‐2.53; P < 0.0001; I2 = 42.8%; eight studies included), hypertension (RR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.08‐1.90; P = 0.013; I2 = 94.7%; nine studies included), non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (RR = 2.49; 95% CI, 2.06‐3.02; P < 0.0001; I2 = 96.9%; nine studies included), diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.18‐3.35; P = 0.01; I2 = 97.6%; 10 studies included), and central obesity (RR = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.67‐2.19; P < 0.0001; I2 = 95.9%; six studies included). The association between NAFPD and hyperlipidaemia was not statistically significant (RR = 1.33; 95% CI, 0.82‐2.17; P = 0.249; I2 = 97%; five studies included).

Conclusions

The existing evidence indicates that NAFPD is significantly associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and its components. Well‐designed prospective cohort studies between pancreatic steatosis and MetS are needed to elaborate the causality in the future.
Can multitrophic interactions and ocean warming influence large‐scale kelp recovery?
Authors: Christie Hartvig , Gundersen Hege , Rinde Eli , Filbee‐Dexter Karen , Norderhaug Kjell Magnus , Pedersen Torstein , Bekkby Trine , Gitmark Janne K. , Fagerli Camilla W.
Published: February 2019

Ongoing changes along the northeastern Atlantic coastline provide an opportunity to explore the influence of climate change and multitrophic interactions on the recovery of kelp. Here, vast areas of sea urchin‐dominated barren grounds have shifted back to kelp forests, in parallel with changes in sea temperature and predator abundances. We have compiled data from studies covering more than 1,500‐km coastline in northern Norway. The dataset has been used to identify regional patterns in kelp recovery and sea urchin recruitment, and to relate these to abiotic and biotic factors, including structurally complex substrates functioning as refuge for sea urchins. The study area covers a latitudinal gradient of temperature and different levels of predator pressure from the edible crab (Cancer pagurus) and the red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus). The population development of these two sea urchin predators and a possible predator on crabs, the coastal cod (Gadus morhua), were analyzed. In the southernmost and warmest region, kelp forests recovery and sea urchin recruitment are mainly low, although sea urchins might also be locally abundant. Further north, sea urchin barrens still dominate, and juvenile sea urchin densities are high. In the northernmost and cold region, kelp forests are recovering, despite high recruitment and densities of sea urchins. Here, sea urchins were found only in refuge habitats, whereas kelp recovery occurred mainly on open bedrock. The ocean warming, the increase in the abundance of edible crab in the south, and the increase in invasive red king crab in the north may explain the observed changes in kelp recovery and sea urchin distribution. The expansion of both crab species coincided with a population decline in the top‐predator coastal cod. The role of key species (sea urchins, kelp, cod, and crabs) and processes involved in structuring the community are hypothesized in a conceptual model, and the knowledge behind the suggested links and interactions is explored.
Repeat disturbances have cumulative impacts on stream communities
Authors: Haghkerdar Jessica M. , McLachlan Jack R. , Ireland Alexis , Greig Hamish S.
Published: February 2019

Climate change has altered disturbance regimes in many ecosystems, and predictions show that these trends are likely to continue. The frequency of disturbance events plays a particularly important role in communities by selecting for disturbance‐tolerant taxa.

However, ecologists have yet to disentangle the influence of disturbance frequency per se and time since last disturbance, because more frequently disturbed systems have also usually been disturbed more recently. Our understanding of the effects of repeated disturbances is therefore confounded by differences in successional processes.

We used in‐situ stream mesocosms to isolate and examine the effect of disturbance frequency on community composition. We applied substrate moving disturbances at five frequencies, with the last disturbance occurring on the same day across all treatments. Communities were then sampled after a recovery period of 9 days.

Macroinvertebrate community composition reflected the gradient of disturbance frequency driven by differential vulnerability of taxa to disturbance. Diversity metrics, including family‐level richness, decreased, reflecting a likely loss of functional diversity with increasing disturbance frequency. In contrast, overall abundance was unaffected by disturbance frequency as rapid recovery of the dominant taxon compensated for strong negative responses of disturbance‐vulnerable taxa.

We show that cumulative effects of repeated disturbances—not just the time communities have had to recover before sampling—alter communities, especially by disproportionately affecting rare taxa. Thus, the timing of past disturbances can have knock‐on effects that determine how a system will respond to further change.
Renal function stratified dose comparisons of eplerenone versus placebo in the EMPHASIS‐HF trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Abreu Paula , McMurray John J.V. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Swedberg Karl , Pocock Stuart J. , Vincent John , Lins Katharina , Rossignol Patrick , Pitt Bertram , Zannad Faiez
Published: February 2019

Background

Current heart failure guidelines recommend target eplerenone dose of 50 mg/day. We have examined the effect of different eplerenone doses based on pre‐specified renal function stratification in the Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure (EMPHASIS‐HF).

Methods and results

In EMPHASIS‐HF, the target dose of eplerenone/placebo was stratified at randomization according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 50 mg/day if eGFR ≥ 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 and ≤ 25 mg/day if eGFR 30–49 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients remained within these dose ranges during the trial (as per stratification). The primary outcome was a composite of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular mortality. Eplerenone was superior to placebo within each respective eGFR stratum [eplerenone vs. placebo in the eGFR ≥ 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 stratum: hazard ratio (HR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.74; and eplerenone vs. placebo in the eGFR 30–49 mL/min/1.73 m2 stratum: HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49–0.78; Pinteraction = 0.89]. Despite receiving lower eplerenone doses, patients in the eGFR 30–49 mL/min/1.73 m2 stratum more often had hyperkalaemia, renal failure events, and drug discontinuation.

Conclusion

In EMPHASIS‐HF the eplerenone dose was stratified according to renal function and the treatment effect was not influenced by renal function: 25 mg/day in patients with eGFR 30–49 mL/min/1.73 m2 was as effective as 50 mg/day in patients with eGFR > =50 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, patients with impaired renal function experienced more adverse events, despite reveiving lower eplerenone doses. Current guidelines do not recommend tailoring the dose of eplereone according to renal function but the current data suggest they should.
Reactions of 3,3′‐Linked Bispyrroles with Carbon Electrophiles
Authors: Lücht Alexander , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: February 2019

The reactivity of 3,3′‐linked bispyrroles, easily accessible by ring‐enlargement reactions of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes, towards various carbon electrophiles was investigated. A biscyclopropanated furan, equipped with imines as acceptor units, was converted by rearrangement and subsequent elimination of water to 3,3′‐linked bispyrroles. Thereby the nucleophilic 2‐position of the pyrroles stayed unsubstituted, thus permitting a further reaction with electrophiles. The heterocycles were treated with oxalyl chloride to form a new six‐membered ring between the pyrrolic subunits. The 1,2‐diketone moiety in these species was used as a starting point to extend the π‐system via a condensation reaction with aromatic 1,2‐diamines. The reaction of 3,3′‐linked bispyrroles with the phosgene surrogate triphosgene led to a seven‐membered anhydride. The use of the Vilsmeier reagent led to a formylation of the bispyrroles. Furthermore, a direct oxidative coupling between two bispyrroles resulted in a previously unknown linkage (3,3′:2′,2′′:3′′,3′′′) between four pyrrole subunits.
Consecutive Five‐Component Ugi‐4CR‐CAL B‐Catalyzed Aminolysis Sequence and Concatenation with Transition Metal Catalysis in a One‐Pot Fashion to Substituted Triamides
Authors: Gesse Pascal , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: February 2019

The concatenation of the Ugi four‐component synthesis and the CAL B‐catalyzed aminolysis of the intermediary formed Ugi methyl ester products furnishes a novel consecutive five‐component reaction for the formation of triamides. This one‐pot process is excellently compatible with metal catalyzed processes, such as copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition and Suzuki cross‐coupling or both in a one‐pot fashion. These novel consecutive six‐component syntheses represent a practical tool for synthesizing substrate libraries of complex triamide structures in a diversity‐oriented fashion.
Enhanced Crystallization and Optimized Morphology of Perovskites Through Doping an Indium‐Based Metal–Organic Assembly: Achieving Significant Solar Cell Efficiency Enhancements
Authors: Li Mengru , Xia Debin , Jiang Aifeng , Du Xi , Fan Xiao , Qiu Lele , Wang Ping , Fan Ruiqing , Yang Yulin
Published: February 2019

Perovskite crystallization and morphology are two essential factors to the photoelectric performances of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A 3D metal–organic assembly [In2(phen)3Cl6]·CH3CN·2H2O (In2) is introduced for the first time into lead iodide precursor to modify the quality of a perovskite thin film through a two‐step sequential deposition method. As a result, both the lead iodide and perovskite exhibit improved crystallization and modified morphology. The optimized film presents less trap states and is thus in favor of the charge transfer as well as charge collection. Consequently, open circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor obviously show enhancements from 0.99 to 1.04 V and from 0.66 to 0.71, respectively, yielding a significant increase in a power conversion efficiency from 15.41% to 17.15%. Meanwhile, the hydrophobic property of In2 can increase the moisture resistance of the perovskite, which offers a simple and effective method to improve the stability of PSCs.
RNA sequencing identifies a novel USP9X‐USP6 promoter swap gene fusion in a primary aneurysmal bone cyst
Authors: Blackburn Patrick R. , Davila Jaime I. , Jackson Rory A. , Fadra Numrah , Atiq Mazen A. , Pitel Beth A. , Nair Asha A. , VanDeWalker Todd J. , Hessler Mark G. , Hovel Sara K. , Wehrs Rebecca N. , Fritchie Karen J. , Jenkins Robert B. , Halling Kevin C. , Geiersbach Katherine B.
Published: February 2019

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign multiloculated cystic lesion of bone that is defined cytogenetically by USP6 gene rearrangements. Rearrangements involving USP6 are promoter swaps, usually generated by fusion of the noncoding upstream exons of different partner genes with exon 1 or 2 of USP6, thus leading to transcriptional upregulation of full‐length USP6 coding sequence. Testing for USP6 rearrangements is used diagnostically to distinguish it from secondary ABC and other giant cell‐rich primary bone tumors. In this report, we present a case of a 16‐year‐old male with a primary ABC of the left distal femur. USP6 break apart fluorescence in situ hybridization was positive for a rearrangement and conventional chromosome analysis identified a reciprocal X;17 translocation. In order to identify the putative USP6 fusion partner, we performed RNA sequencing and uncovered a novel USP9X‐USP6 promoter swap fusion. This result was confirmed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and by mate pair sequencing thus showing the utility of these alternative methodologies in identifying novel fusion candidates. Ubiquitin‐specific protease 9X (USP9X), like USP6, encodes a highly conserved substrate‐specific deubiquitylating enzyme. USP9X is highly expressed in a number of tissue types and acts as both an oncogene and tumor suppressor in several human cancers. We conclude that oncogenic activation of USP6 via USP9X promoter exchange represents a novel driver of primary ABC formation.