bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of the diverticular lumen that enables oocyte fertilization in katoikogenic scorpions, Heterometrus spinifer and Opistophthalmus boehmi (Scorpionidae)
Authors: Jędrzejowska Izabela , Maltz Tomasz K. , Szymusiak Kamil
Published: March 2019

The structure of diverticula of the female gonads was analyzed in two scorpions from the family Scorpionidae by means of standard microscopic techniques (light microscopy, histochemistry, transmission electron microscopy). In scorpions, the female gonad, termed the ovariuterus, participates in two consecutive processes: oogenesis and embryogenesis. In sexually reproducing scorpions, the ovariuterus is also involved in fertilization. Both scorpions under study reproduce sexually. They also represent the katoikogenic type of development, which means that oogenesis, fertilization, and embryogenesis take place in the diverticula, which are sac‐like outpocketings of the ovariuterine tubules. Formation of a lumen in the diverticulum is indispensable for sperm entry to enable fertilization and subsequent embryogenesis. The aim of the study was to test our hypothesis that the diverticulum lumen forms due to the engagement of the centrally located stalk cells. In this report, we show that in two species of katoikogenic scorpions, at the final stages of oogenesis, the cytoplasm of the stalk cells contains secretory organelles. In the stages preceding fertilization, secretory activity of the stalk cells and fragmentation of their apical parts lead to formation of the diverticulum lumen by a process similar to “cord hollowing” that commonly occurs for lumen formation in other morphogenesis model systems.
Comprehensive assessment of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 global climate models using observed temperature and precipitation over mainland Southeast Asia
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Zhaofei , Yao Zhijun , Wang Rui
Published: March 2019

In this study, the performances of 31 global climate models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) were evaluated using observed temperature and precipitation data sets for mainland Southeast Asia (MSA). In addition, the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution model (TOPSIS), which is an effective multi‐objective decision method and has been widely applied in systems engineering, was used to comprehensively evaluate the GCMs on a regional scale. The meteorological variables employed included monthly mean, maximum, and minimum air temperature series and annual/seasonal precipitation during the period 1961–2004. Results showed the overall C
i values ranged from 0.56 to 0.80. Overall, ACCESS1.0, HadGEM2‐A, HadGEM2‐CC, and CESM1 (BGC) performed better than the other models with respect to air temperature and precipitation over MSA. For meteorological variables, the C
i of extreme temperature by GCMs was 0.65 and higher than mean temperature at 0.61. The performance of GCMs in simulating precipitation during wet season was superior to that for annual and dry season precipitation. With respect to evaluation indicators, most of the GCMs assessed in this study failed to capture observed mean annual air temperature and annual precipitation (they underestimated annual air temperature and overestimated mean annual precipitation). When evaluating the performance of the GCMs with respect to reproducing individual climatic variables, the use of various statistical evaluation criteria provided inconsistent results. These results demonstrate the need to consider the influence of different statistical eigenvalues and to employ multiple indicators when possible to enable a comprehensive evaluation of GCMs. The results of this study provide useful information for climate change, water resource, and agricultural management research in MSA.
Modeling elk‐to‐livestock transmission risk to predict hotspots of brucellosis spillover
Authors: Rayl Nathaniel D. , Proffitt Kelly M. , Almberg Emily S. , Jones Jennifer D. , Merkle Jerod A. , Gude Justin A. , Cross Paul C.
Published: March 2019

Wildlife reservoirs of infectious disease are a major source of human‐wildlife conflict because of the risk of potential spillover associated with commingling of wildlife and livestock. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the presence of brucellosis (Brucella abortus) in free‐ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) populations is of significant management concern because of the risk of disease transmission from elk to livestock. We identified how spillover risk changes through space and time by developing resource selection functions using telemetry data from 223 female elk to predict the relative probability of female elk occurrence daily during the transmission risk period. We combined these spatiotemporal predictions with elk seroprevalence, demography, and transmission timing data to identify when and where abortions (the primary transmission route of brucellosis) were most likely to occur. Additionally, we integrated our predictions of transmission risk with spatiotemporal data on areas of potential livestock use to estimate the daily risk to livestock. We predicted that approximately half of the transmission risk occurred on areas where livestock may be present (i.e., private property or grazing allotments). Of the transmission risk that occurred in livestock areas, 98% of it was on private ranchlands as opposed to state or federal grazing allotments. Disease prevalence, transmission timing, host abundance, and host distribution were all important factors in determining the potential for spillover risk. Our fine‐resolution (250‐m spatial, 1‐day temporal), large‐scale (17,732 km2) predictions of potential elk‐to‐livestock transmission risk provide wildlife and livestock managers with a useful tool to identify higher risk areas in space and time and proactively focus actions in these areas to separate elk and livestock to reduce spillover risk. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Wildlife Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society
From germ theory to germ therapy
Authors: Chen Chieh‐Chang , Chen Yen‐Nien , Liou Jyh‐Ming , Wu Ming‐Shiang ,   for the Taiwan Gastrointestinal Disease and Helicobacter Consortium
Published: March 2019

Germ theory of disease and Koch's postulates has been governing our understanding of the role of microbes in human health since 19th century. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and H. pylori associated diseases has typically represented the concept and framework of Koch's postulates. Eradication of H. pylori to prevent peptic ulcers recurrence and gastric cancer is the triumph of this microbiology paradigm. Advances of next generation sequencing provide great insight into the unculturable microbes and show trillions of microbes have evolved with human beings. Research into the microbiome—the microbial communities (microbiota) and the host environment that they inhabit—has changed our understanding about microbes in human health and disease. The gut microbiota, the largest reservoir of the microbiome in human, plays a critical role in our catabolic‐metabolism and immunity. This review will show the changes of the view of microbes on human health. We will briefly discuss dysbiosis, the disruption of symbiotic relationship between the host and microbiota, and the associated diseases. This leads to an idea to manipulate the microbiota, either by restoring missing functions or by eliminating harmful functions, to prevent or treat a variety of diseases. Current evidences of two common germ therapies, fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics, in treating diseases will be reviewed.
Comparison of hemodynamic responses and QTc intervals to tracheal intubation with the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope and the Macintosh direct laryngoscope in elderly patients
Authors: Colak Fatih , Ozgul Ulku , Erdogan Mehmet A. , Kayhan Gulay E. , Erdil Feray A. , Çolak Cemil , Durmus Mahmut
Published: March 2019

Our hypothesis was that intubations with the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope in elderly patients would produce less hemodynamic responses and ECG changes than the Macintosh direct laryngoscope. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who were intubated using the McGRATH MAC (Group V, n = 45) and patients who were intubated using the Macintosh direct laryngoscope (Group L, n = 45). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) were recorded before induction with anesthesia (baseline), immediately after induction and at 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min after intubation, with simultaneous ECG. When Group L was compared to Group V, there was an increase in the first, third and fitth minutes after intubation in terms of HR. SBP, MAP increased only at 1 min after intubation and DBP increased in the first and third minutes after intubation in Group L. In Group L, there was a significant difference in the HR values immediately after induction and the first minute after intubation compared with the baseline values. There was a difference in the SBP values immediately after induction and at 3 min and 5 min after intubation compared with the baseline values. There was a difference in DBP and MAP values immediately after induction and at 5 min after intubation. When the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope was compared with the Macintosh direct laryngoscope in elderly patients, the McGRATH MAC videolaryngoscope decreased the hemodynamic fluctuations due to tracheal intubation.
Optimization of cryogenic carbon dioxide capture from natural gas
Authors: Babar M. , Bustam M.A. , Maulud A.S. , Ali A.H.
Published: March 2019

Cryogenic carbon dioxide removal from natural gas requires accurate thermodynamic phase study of the natural gas mixture and individual components. Thermodynamic data generation of carbon dioxide‐methane mixture having 90 % carbon dioxide for cryogenic carbon dioxide capture from natural gas using Peng Robinson equation of state is discussed in this research work. Golden section search technique along with Eureqa optimizing tool is then used to optimize the pressure‐temperature conditions for the cryogenic carbon dioxide capture in the solid‐vapour two‐phase region. Cost optimization is done for the carbon dioxide capture system at atmospheric pressure and 20 bar. Temperature ranges for optimization were obtained from the predicted thermodynamic data for the mixture. The optimum temperatures obtained in this research work for the cryogenic carbon dioxide capture at atmospheric pressure and the 20 bar are −103.8 °C and −60.90 °C respectively. For atmospheric pressure at −103.8 °C the worth of methane, carbon dioxide, and energy is 114 $/h, 9 $/h, and 53 $/h respectively, while at 20 bar and −60.9 °C the worth of carbon dioxide, methane, and the energy are found to be 129 $/h, 46 $/h, 52 $/h, respectively.
Multi‐response optimization of the machining characteristics in electrical discharge machining (EDM) using span‐20 surfactant and chromium (Cr) powder mixed
Authors: Hosni N.A.J. , Lajis M.A.
Published: March 2019

Effects of Chromium (Cr) powder concentrations (Cp) and Span‐20 surfactant concentrations (Cs) on AISI D2 hardened steel were evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM) and parameter processing parameter were optimized for optimal parameter conditions using multi‐response desirability function. Responses taken involved material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra). The experimental plan was based on the face centered, central composite design (CCD) using version 10.0 of the Design Expert software. The results identified that Cp is the most important parameter to maximize material removal rate (MRR) and minimize electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra). With the topmost desirability solution, the suggested optimum parameter condition of Cp and Cs were 2.155 g/L and 10.000 g/L, respectively.
Stress analysis of nano porous material using computed tomography images
Authors: Meyghani B. , Awang M. , Emamian S. , Plank B. , Heinzl C. , Siow K.S.
Published: March 2019

Sintered silver materials possess an advantage that allows excellent bonding between chips and their substrate. Stress manifests as the materials resistance against external and internal forces, however during stress analysis the complex physical behavior caused by the forces and the nature of the material is often disregarded by researchers. This paper analyses the stress behavior of nano porous sintered silver in X and Y directions using finite element modelling. This study also focuses on observing the growth of the crack in samples in different directions. It is found that the occurrence of the cracks in the specimens starts at the peak stress point and the failure is observed at the largest void. It is also detected that the stress across the whole area of the model is regularly distributed in those samples which have relatively smaller voids. Thus, these samples have a better material integrity. In addition, this fact indicates that the material in these sample could hold higher levels of stress. Finally, the level of the stress and the possibility of failure in those samples that have smaller voids is found to be less than others.
Thermal and mechanical properties of chemically treated oil palm fiber filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites
Authors: Ong T.K. , Tshai K.Y. , Khiew P.S. , Yap E.H.
Published: March 2019

In this work, chemical surface treated oil palm fibers, including alkali, maleic and silane pre‐treatments are melt blended and hot compression molded with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene into varying compositions of polymer composites. The effectiveness of the chemical pre‐treatment and fiber dispersion are analyzed with the aid of Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscope while the influences on thermal degradation and mechanical properties of the resulting composites are analyzed through thermal gravimetric analysis and tensile test respectively. Differential thermogravimetric analysis result show that alkali, maleic and silane pre‐treatments could lower the onset thermal degradation temperature of oil palm fiber filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites. The tensile test results show that chemically treated oil palm fiber filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites attained enhancement in tensile strength as compared to untreated counterpart. Scanning electron microscopy observations on fracture surfaces of oil palm fiber filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites found that the reinforcing efficiency of chemically treated oil palm fiber could be further increased by improving interfacial bonding between oil palm fiber and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
Design of a pavement using piezoelectric materials
Authors: Maghsoudi Nia E. , Wan Abdullah Zawawi N.A. , Mahinder Singh B.S.
Published: March 2019

Pavement material is an important factor for creating a pedestrian and environmentally friendly walkway. Generally, kinetic energy of footstep during walking is mostly wasted, while, this energy can be harvested and converted to electrical power. This study aims to use piezoelectric materials within pavements in the form of tiles. The kinetic energy of walking is harvested through piezoelectric mechanism. The study proposed a pavement consisting of piezoelectric sensors. Flexible and green material are selected as the top layer of the pavement. The scaled prototype is fabricated according to the mechanism of walking. The pavement is tested in terms of voltage generation in different arrangements. The results show that in order to harvest the optimum energy of walking, the piezoelectric sensors need to be covered with a conductive layer such as a steel sheet. Also, it is found that covering the piezoelectric materials with a hard surface leads to load distribution over the sensors when stepping on it which subsequently, generates more voltage. Moreover, when the piezoelectric pieces are placed in an alternative arrangement, more voltage is generated. It can be concluded that the arrangement of the piezoelectric sensors and their connection to the conductive layer are important factors in harvesting the optimum walking energy. The study recommends that pavement equipped with piezoelectric material is a promising method to generate electricity when implemented in crowded areas.
Omega‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Inhibit IL‐17A Secretion through Decreased ICAM‐1 Expression in T Cells Co‐Cultured with Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells Harvested from Adipose Tissues of Obese Subjects
Authors: Chehimi Marwa , Ward Robert , Pestel Julien , Robert Maud , Pesenti Sandra , Bendridi Nadia , Michalski Marie‐Caroline , Laville Martine , Vidal Hubert , Eljaafari Assia
Published: March 2019

Scope

Obese adipose tissue (AT) is infiltrated by inflammatory immune cells including IL‐17A‐producing‐T (Th17) cells. It has been previously demonstrated that adipose‐derived stem cells from obese (ob‐ASCs), but not lean AT promote Th17 cells. Because n‐3 PUFAs are known to inhibit obese AT inflammation, it is tested here whether they could inhibit ob‐ASC‐mediated IL‐17A secretion.

Methods and Results

The n‐3 PUFA precursor, alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA), or its derivatives, eicosapentaenoic, or docosahexaenoic acid, is added to co‐cultures of human ob‐ASCs and mononuclear cells (MNCs). All three inhibited IL‐17A, but not IL‐1β, IL‐6, nor TNFα  secretion. As a control, palmitic acid (PA), a saturated fatty acid, did not inhibit IL‐17A secretion. ALA also inhibited IL‐17A secretion mediated by adipocytes differentiated from ob‐ASCs. Toll‐like‐receptor 4 is shown to be involved in ob‐ASC‐mediated‐IL‐17A secretion, and to be inhibited by ALA, together with Cyclo‐Oxygenase‐2 and Signal‐Transducer‐and‐Activator‐of‐transcription‐3. In addition, ALA down‐regulated Intercellular‐Adhesion‐Molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression in both monocytes and ASCs, which resulted in decreased interactions between ob‐ASCs and MNCs, and inhibition of IL‐17A secretion.

Conclusion

It is demonstrated herein that ALA inhibits Th17 cell promotion, through decreased ICAM‐1expression in both ob‐ASCs and monocytes. This novel mechanism may contribute to explain the beneficial effects of n‐3 PUFA in IL‐17A‐related inflammatory pathologies.
Gain enhancement of circular waveguide antennas using near‐zero index metamaterials
Authors: Mohammadi Ershad , Tsakmakidis Kosmas L. , Sohrabi Foozieh , Tavakoli Ahad , Dehkhoda Parisa
Published: March 2019

In this article, a rigorous analytical methodology is introduced for designing near‐zero refractive index metamaterials (NZIMs). Our proposed NZIM media is realized by three stacked layers of perforated metallic surfaces, each layer composed of a fishnet‐like periodic array of square holes. By a proper design of such structures, a low refractive index medium is achieved at their corresponding plasma frequency. The low refractive index property is studied by retrieving the effective parameters of NZIM via inversion techniques, which gives an effective near‐zero refractive index, at an operating frequency of 1.5 GHz. Then, the designed NZIM is used for gain enhancement of a circular waveguide antenna. The analysis shows that the proposed platform can enhance the directivity of our antenna by 3 dB while maintaining the return loss <−20 dB.
Prior muscle activation affects the compound muscle action potential
Authors: Peterson Gordon W. , Tsao Bryan E. , Nist Laura D. , Estevez Dennys , Brandstater Murray E.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of prior voluntary activation of a muscle on the subsequently‐recorded compound muscle action potential (CMAP).

Methods

The CMAPs from the hypothenar, thenar, and extensor digitorum brevis muscles were recorded in 6 healthy volunteers at rest and for up to 30 min following 5 separate epochs of up to 20 s of voluntary muscle activation.

Results

There was consistent, significant (P < 0.02) enhancement of the negative area, amplitude, and duration of the CMAP after activation. The enhancement was maximal, up to 144% of baseline, within about 1 min post‐activation; thereafter, the CMAP gradually returned to baseline over about 15 min.

Discussion

Activation of a muscle within several minutes prior to testing enhances the subsequently‐recorded CMAP. This observation highlights prior muscle activation as a physiological variable that influences the size of the CMAP during motor nerve conduction studies. Muscle Nerve, 2019
Impaired short‐ and long‐latency afferent inhibition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Cengiz Bülent , Fidanci Halit , Kiyak Keçeli Yeliz , Baltaci Hande , KuruoĞlu Reha
Published: March 2019

Introduction: To test the hypothesis of impaired cholinergic activity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we studied short‐ and long‐latency afferent inhibition (SAI and LAI). Methods: The ulnar nerve was stimulated at the wrist preceding transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), 21 ms for SAI and 200 ms for LAI, in 21 patients and 17 control subjects. Short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and cognitive function was assessed in ALS patients using automatic threshold tracking and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: The SAI paradigm resulted in inhibition in all control subjects, whereas inhibition was observed in 13 of 21 (62%) patients. Mean SAI and LAI values were significantly reduced in ALS. No significant correlation existed between afferent inhibition and other neurophysiological data. The MoCA was normal in all but 1 patient. Discussion: LAI and SAI are both impaired in ALS, probably unrelated to increased cortical excitability or cognitive dysfunction. Muscle Nerve 59:699–704, 2019
Urological dysfunction in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Joussain Charles , Levy Jonathan , Charlanes Audrey , Even Alexia , Falcou Laetitia , Chartier Kastler Emmanuel , Denys Pierre
Published: March 2019

Aims

Purposes of this study were to describe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and related urodynamic patterns in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and to characterize LUTS management and associated uronephrological complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical files of HSP patients, consecutively followed in our Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department between 1999 and 2016. Clinical, urodynamic, and radiological data were collected and analyzed. Different treatments which have been prescribed and uronephrological complications were also recorded. Patients with other neurological or urological diseases were excluded.

Results

Thirty‐three patients with HSP were included. Mean duration of follow‐up was 8.1 ± 5 years, mean age 62 ± 14 years, and 70% were men. The most frequent LUTS was urgency and voiding dysfunction (both 69.7%). Incontinence and retention with a significant postvoid residue above 100 mL accounted for 66.7% and 57.6% of initial symptoms respectively. Neurogenic detrusor overactivity was diagnosed in 80.7% of patients. Two‐thirds of our cohort were treated with anticholinergics and 9.1% required intradetrusor botulinum‐toxin injections. Only 27.3% of patients performed clean intermittent self‐catheterization. Febrile urinary tract infections (21.2%), urolithiasis (15,1%), hydronephrosis (6%), and chronic renal failure (9.1%) were found.

Conclusion

Given their high prevalence and the risk of uronephrological complications, LUTS should be systematically assessed in HSP patients. The systematic screening of urological dysfunction in this population would improve its management, decrease the incidence of uronephrological complications, and increase the quality of life.
Validation of a novel digital health monitoring system to measure the volume of voided urine
Authors: Miyazato Minoru , Yonemoto Koji , Ashikari Asuka , Saito Seiichi , Yamashiro Kiyoto , Uehara Moriyuki , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Ishida Hajime , Matsushita Masayuki
Published: March 2019

Aim

To validate a novel digital health monitoring system to measure the volume of voided urine.

Methods

Micturition volume was calculated using our novel digital self‐health monitoring system of urine excretion (s‐HMSU) in 18 participants (16 women and 2 men; average age, 40.8 years), without a history of voiding symptoms. Participants completed a self‐reported questionnaire regarding their medical history and water intake during the period of observation, as well as the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) questionnaire. To assess the reliability of the voided volumes measured using the s‐HMSU, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated between the volume and the change in body weight before and after micturition.

Results

The CLSS questionnaire confirmed the absence of urinary system diseases in all participants. The medical history was also negative with the exception of hypertension in one participant. The ICC (1,1) between the measured volume of urine excretion using the s‐HMSU and the change in body weight was 0.972 (95% confidence interval, 0.957‐0.982).

Conclusions

The s‐HMSU system provides a reliable measure of voiding volume and is appropriate for home use. It has the potential to facilitate large‐scale clinical research to examine the relationship between medical diseases and voiding dysfunction.
Classic and inverse compositional Gauss‐Newton in global DIC
Authors: Passieux Jean‐Charles , Bouclier Robin
Published: March 2019

Today, effective implementations of digital image correlation (DIC) are based on iterative algorithms with constant linear operators. A relevant idea of the classic finite element (or, more generally, global) DIC solver consists in replacing the gradient of the deformed state image with that of the reference image, so as to obtain a constant operator. Different arguments (small strains, small deformations, equality of the two gradients close to the solution, etc) have been given in the literature to justify this approximation, but none of them are fully accurate. Indeed, the convergence of the optimization algorithm has to be investigated from its ability to produce descent directions. Through such a study, this paper attempts to explain why this approximation works and what is its domain of validity. Then, an inverse compositional Gauss‐Newton implementation of finite element DIC is proposed as a cost‐effective and mathematically sound alternative to this approximation.
Understanding U.K. ethnic minority entrepreneurship from an enterprise culture perspective
Authors: Lam Wing , Harris Phil , Yang Sen
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This paper is aimed at examining the enterprise culture within different ethnic groups (i.e., the enterprise subcultures) in the United Kingdom. The research aims to investigate the interplay between individuals and their institutional context (especially social and cultural context) and how the different institutional contexts then shape the different enterprise cultures, leading to differentiated ethnic business characteristics and consequently different levels of entrepreneurial activity in different ethnic communities.

Prior work

Unequivocal evidence shows that certain ethnic groups display higher levels of entrepreneurial activity than their White counterparts. Despite the large amount of work that has been dedicated to ethnic minority entrepreneurship, there is a lack of coherent conceptual and analytical framework that addresses the links between different factors contributing to ethnic minority entrepreneurship. This paper takes forward the available empirical evidence and theoretical constructs into a conceptual and methodological framework to aid understanding of ethnic minority entrepreneurship.

Approach

A process‐oriented research framework to investigate the enterprise culture within different ethnic groups (i.e., the enterprise subcultures) is proposed rather than one oriented primarily towards the differentiation of characteristics.

Results

A large‐scale national survey in the United Kingdom is adopted. The findings of the quantitative fieldwork will form the central part of this paper.

Implications

Understanding how and why certain ethnic groups are more entrepreneurial may assist the different parties in different ways. First, learning from the more entrepreneurial subcultures may contribute to the development and implementation of more effective public policies and efficient service delivery programmes. Second, advancing understanding of ethnic communities helps to support more informed decisions by policymakers and local support agencies through improved anticipation and greater understanding of responses. Third, it helps entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs to have a better understanding of the nature of their perceived barriers and constraints by demonstrating potential solutions successfully employed by other subcultures.

Value

The conceptual and methodological development of this study has the potential to build the link between relevant parties and pave the way forward for ethnic entrepreneurship research.
Effective and safe tumor inhibition using vinblastine in medulloblastoma
Authors: Nobre Liana , Pauck David , Golbourn Brian , Maue Mara , Bouffet Eric , Remke Marc , Ramaswamy Vijay
Published: March 2019

Most medulloblastoma protocols worldwide include vincristine during radiation and chemotherapy. A significant dose‐limiting toxicity is peripheral neuropathy; however, there is a paucity of data to support the view that omission of vincristine does not impact survival. Herein we report two adolescent patients with Group 4 and SHH medulloblastoma, where vinblastine successfully replaced vincristine with resolution of their peripheral neuropathy. We furthermore show vinblastine is highly active in vitro and demonstrates equivalent antitumoral activity compared to vincristine. Substitution of vincristine with vinblastine in future studies should be considered for all patients with medulloblastoma, particularly those with hereditary neuropathy, severe vincristine toxicity, and adults.
“What if?”: Addressing uncertainty with families
Authors: Snaman Jennifer M. , Feraco Angela M. , Wolfe Joanne , Baker Justin N.
Published: March 2019

Children with cancer and their families deal with uncertainty throughout their treatment course. Clinicians must help patients and families manage uncertainty by engaging them in discussions about their worries and fears. Too often, clinicians avoid or defer discussions about anticipated or worried‐about future events—the “what ifs.” Failing to engage in these conversations may lead to increased distress. We have developed a framework for having “what if” conversations with patients and families that enables providers to explore families’ informational and emotional needs. This framework may enable providers to improve families’ prognostic understanding, explore concerns, and examine preferences and goals of care.
Clinical outcomes and risk factors of thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban versus aspirin in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty in low‐incidence population: A nationwide study in Korea
Authors: Kim Hong Ah , Lee Ju‐Yeun , Park So Hyun , Kang JiEun , Choi Kyung Suk , Rhie Sandy Jeong
Published: March 2019

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in thromboprophylaxis compared with those of aspirin in real‐world patients who underwent hip arthroplasty using nationwide claims data.

Methods

Patients aged more than or equal to 18 years with at least one hip arthroplasty including total and partial hip replacements and hip replacement revisions during July 2009 to June 2013 were identified from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database. The study outcome was incidence rate of thromboembolic events and anticoagulation‐related major bleeding within 90 days of hip arthroplasty.

Results

The incidence of overall venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 90‐day postsurgery was significantly higher in the aspirin cohort than it was in the rivaroxaban cohorts. Bleeding events associated with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in patients who received rivaroxaban were not significantly different from that in aspirin‐treated patients. In aspirin cohorts, 65.7% of patients received less than 3‐week treatment while about half received a less than 14‐day treatment, and 31.7% received more than 3‐week treatment in the rivaroxaban cohort.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that rivaroxaban was more effective in preventing VTE following hip arthroplasty without raising bleeding risks in clinical settings. Age more than or equal to 80 years, women, and a history of thromboembolism were the risk factors of VTE incidence.
Teacher–student relationships, psychological need satisfaction, and happiness among diverse students
Authors: Froiland John Mark , Worrell Frank C. , Oh Hyejeong
Published: March 2019

Teacher–student relationships have been linked to autonomous motivation and achievement. However, relatively little is known about whether satisfying students’ psychological needs mediates the association between teacher–student relationships and student happiness. Furthermore, this relationship needs to be examined in samples of students from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. In this structural equation modeling study (N = 1,961), we found that teacher–student relationships were positively and moderately associated with the satisfaction of psychological needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Satisfying psychological needs, in turn, was moderately positively associated with happiness. These findings held across African American, Asian American, and Latinx subsamples. For the overall sample, students in higher grade levels perceived that their psychological needs were met to a lesser degree than students in earlier grades. However, only the Latinx subsample replicated this effect. Teacher–student relationships may promote happiness via meeting psychological needs.
Improved mental health among LABILE study participants: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Sanatinia Rahil , Afzal Samir , MacLaren Thomas , McNulty Antoinette , Adele Claudia , Morah Ayodeji , Crawford Mike
Published: March 2019

Results of the LABILE trial showed no difference between people with BPD who were prescribed lamotrigine and those on placebo. However, most study participants experienced sustained improvement in their mental health during the trial. We conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative data from interviews with 47 LABILE study participants to identify factors that may have contributed to this improvement. We identified three main themes: initial reasons and expectations regarding trial participation, patients' experiences of the trial and areas of change. Reasons for participating in the trial included a search for consistent and stable professional care as well as altruistic motives. Improvements in symptoms over the course of the trial were explained by several factors including consistency provided by the research team, salience of the social context and the availability of alternative support networks. While participants appreciated the autonomy provided by the voluntary nature of the trial, they felt that improvements stemmed from the ‘structure’ brought about by their actively engaging in the study. This study highlights the importance of clear and transparent communication when treating people with BPD. Mental health professionals should ensure that services for people with BPD are consistent and structured. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Followers Retweet! The Influence of Middle‐Level Gatekeepers on the Spread of Political Information on Twitter
Authors: Hemsley Jeff
Published: March 2019

Twitter allows political candidates to broadcast messages directly to the public, some of which spread virally, potentially reaching new supportive audiences. During the 2014 U.S. gubernatorial election, 74 candidates for State Governor posted 20,580 tweets, of which 10,946 were retweeted almost 140,000 times. By analyzing a collection of tweets posted by gubernatorial candidates that were classified by machine learning into categories of message types, we find that while candidates tend to post tweets that advocate for themselves the most, the public is more likely to retweet attack messages and messages labeled as call‐to‐action. As measured by number of retweets, call‐to‐action tweets tend to reach the broadest audience. We also find that middle‐level gatekeepers, those with between 1,800 and 26,000 followers, tend to have the most influence over the flow of political information. Since retweets tend to bring new followers, these findings suggest that politicians wishing to grow their audience may benefit from posting more call‐to‐action and attack messages, and that candidates may wish to find ways to actively enlist the support of middle‐level gatekeepers.
Mouse genetic background impacts susceptibility to hyperoxia‐driven perturbations to lung maturation
Authors: Tiono Jennifer , Surate Solaligue David E , Mižíková Ivana , Nardiello Claudio , Vadász István , Böttcher‐Friebertshäuser Eva , Ehrhardt Harald , Herold Susanne , Seeger Werner , Morty Rory E
Published: March 2019

Background

The laboratory mouse is widely used in preclinical models of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, where lung alveolarization is stunted by exposure of pups to hyperoxia. Whether the diverse genetic backgrounds of different inbred mouse strains impacts lung development in newborn mice exposed to hyperoxia has not been systematically assessed.

Methods

Hyperoxia (85% O2, 14 days)‐induced perturbations to lung alveolarization were assessed by design‐based stereology in C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, FVB/NJ, C3H/HeJ, and DBA/2J inbred mouse strains. The expression of components of the lung antioxidant machinery was assessed by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot.

Results

Hyperoxia‐reduced lung alveolar density in all five mouse strains to different degrees (C57BL/6J, 64.8%; FVB/NJ, 47.4%; BALB/cJ, 46.4%; DBA/2J, 45.9%; and C3H/HeJ, 35.9%). Hyperoxia caused a 94.5% increase in mean linear intercept in the C57BL/6J strain, whilst the C3H/HeJ strain was the least affected (31.6% increase). In contrast, hyperoxia caused a 65.4% increase in septal thickness in the FVB/NJ strain, where the C57BL/6J strain was the least affected (30.3% increase). The expression of components of the lung antioxidant machinery in response to hyperoxia was strain dependent, with the C57BL/6J strain exhibiting the most dramatic engagement. Baseline expression levels of components of the lung antioxidant systems were different in the five mouse strains studied, under both normoxic and hyperoxic conditions.

Conclusion

The genetic background of laboratory mouse strains dramatically influenced the response of the developing lung to hyperoxic insult. This might be explained, at least in part, by differences in how antioxidant systems are engaged by different mouse strains after hyperoxia exposure.
Tisagenlecleucel Model‐Based Cellular Kinetic Analysis of Chimeric Antigen Receptor–T Cells
Authors: Stein Andrew M. , Grupp Stephan A. , Levine John E. , Laetsch Theodore W. , Pulsipher Michael A. , Boyer Michael W. , August Keith J. , Levine Bruce L. , Tomassian Lori , Shah Sweta , Leung Mimi , Huang Pai‐Hsi , Awasthi Rakesh , Mueller Karen Thudium , Wood Patricia A. , June Carl H.
Published: March 2019

Tisagenlecleucel is a chimeric antigen receptor–T cell therapy that facilitates the killing of CD19+ B cells. A model was developed for the kinetics of tisagenlecleucel and the impact of therapies for treating cytokine release syndrome (tocilizumab and corticosteroids) on expansion. Data from two phase II studies in pediatric and young adult relapsed/refractory B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia were pooled to evaluate this model and evaluate extrinsic and intrinsic factors that may impact the extent of tisagenlecleucel expansion. The doubling time, initial decline half‐life, and terminal half‐life for tisagenlecleucel were 0.78, 4.3, and 220 days, respectively. No impact of tocilizumab or corticosteroids on the expansion rate was observed. This work represents the first mixed‐effect model‐based analysis of chimeric antigen receptor–T cell therapy and may be clinically impactful as future studies examine prophylactic interventions in patients at risk of higher grade cytokine release syndrome and the effects of these interventions on chimeric antigen receptor–T cell expansion.
Excitation of Rydberg Molecules in Ultracold Quantum Gases
Authors: Lippe Carsten , Eichert Tanita , Thomas Oliver , Niederprüm Thomas , Ott Herwig
Published: March 2019

Recent experiments in our group on the excitation of Rydberg molecules in ultracold quantum gases have been reviewed. Quantum gases are a well‐suited environment to excite Rydberg molecules, due to the high atomic density and the perfect control of the internal spin degrees of freedom and the center of mass motion of the atoms. In parallel, the coupling to Rydberg molecules can be used to probe and manipulate the interaction in ultracold quantum gases. In this Feature Article, a comprehensive introduction to the field of Rydberg molecules, including ultralong‐range molecules and butterfly molecules is given. The Rydberg molecules have been characterized spectroscopically and their internal spin structure is discussed. Then, it is shown how these Rydberg molecules work as a tool to monitor the double occupancy in optical lattice experiments and to change the inter‐particle interaction with the help of a so‐called optical Feshbach resonance.
Effects of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ostadmohammadi Vahidreza , Milajerdi Alireza , Ayati Elnaz , Kolahdooz Fariba , Asemi Zatollah
Published: March 2019

This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to determine the effect of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until August 30, 2018. Nine studies with 10 effect sizes out of 357 selected reports were identified eligible to be included in current meta‐analysis. The pooled findings indicated that quercetin supplementation did not affect fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostasis model of assessment‐estimated insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1c levels. In subgroup analysis, quercetin supplementation significantly reduced FPG in studies with a duration of ≥8 weeks (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI; −1.81, −0.07]) and used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day (WMD: −1.08; 95% CI [−2.08, −0.07]). In addition, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in insulin concentrations following supplementation with quercetin in studies that enrolled individuals aged <45 years (WMD: −1.36; 95% CI [−1.76, −0.97]) and that used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day (WMD: −1.57; 95% CI [−1.98, −1.16]). In summary, subgroup analysis based on duration of ≥8 weeks and used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day significantly reduced FPG levels.
Maximal feedback linearization and its internal dynamics with applications to mechanical systems on
Authors: Li Shunjie , Moog Claude H. , Respondek Witold
Published: March 2019

For systems that are not feedback linearizable, a natural question is: how to find the largest feedback linearizable subsystem and, if the partial linearization is not unique, what are the control‐theoretic properties of various partial linearizations. In this paper, we will consider the problem of how to choose a partially linearizing output that renders the zero dynamics asymptotically stable and when such an output exists. We will state general results solving completely the problem for systems whose linearizability defect is one by identifying and describing two classes of systems. For the first class, all maximal partial linearizations lead to the same zero dynamics. For the second class, any asymptotic behavior of the zero dynamics can be achieved by a suitable choice of a partially linearizing output. In the second part, we apply our results to mechanical systems with two‐degrees‐of‐freedom and provide a detailed study of their partial linearizations. We illustrate the obtained results by examples of Acrobot (which belongs to the second class) and Pendubot (which belongs to the first class).
An eutrophication index for lowland sandy rivers in Mediterranean coastal climatic regions of Southern Africa
Authors: Oberholster Paul J. , Madlala Tebogo , Blettler Martin César Maria , Amsler Mario L. , Eberle Eliana G. , Botha Anna‐Maria
Published: March 2019

The eutrophication of waterways has become an endemic global problem. Nutrient enrichment from agriculture activities and waste water treatment plants are major drivers, but it remains unclear how lowland sandy rivers respond to eutrophication. The objective of this study was the development and verification of eutrophication index for sandy rivers (EISR) to prioritize nutrient enrichment river stretches caused by different land use activities that include point and nonpoint sources of nutrient enrich water. The Berg River drainage system in South Africa served as a case study area for this purpose during the dry seasons (December and January) of 2015 and 2016. In the initial EISR development phase, periphyton, benthic biomass (chl‐a mg m−2), and macroinvertebrate families were employed as benthic bioindicators of river bedforms, whereas in the second phase, physicochemical and abiotic variables were used as target indicator. Using a weight of support approach, the site receiving sewage effluent was categorize as heavily polluted whereas sites impacted by agriculture land use activities were polluted. The EISR that focuses strongly on benthic bioindicators, which are close to the transfer of nutrients and energy in the food web, showed a distinct difference between river bedform impacted by sewage effluent and agriculture none point source. A maximum benthic algae biomass of 110 mg m−2 chl‐a was recorded with higher sediment orthophosphate concentration at sewage‐impacted sites. The outcome of the proposed EISR showed that it can be employed as a decision support tool for eutrophication management of sandy rivers.
Spherically symmetric random permutations
Authors: Gnedin Alexander , Gorin Vadim
Published: March 2019

We consider random permutations which are spherically symmetric with respect to a metric on the symmetric group Sn and are consistent as n varies. The extreme infinitely spherically symmetric permutation‐valued processes are identified for the Hamming, Kendall‐tau and Cayley metrics. The proofs in all three cases are based on a unified approach through stochastic monotonicity.
Marked point process models for the admissions of heart failure patients
Authors: Mancini Luca , Paganoni Anna Maria
Published: March 2019

The aim of this paper is to model the stochastic process of hospitalizations with marked point processes (MPPs). We examine the longitudinal data set including the admissions of heart failure patients to Lombardia hospitals on a follow‐up period of 6 years since January 1, 2006. We analyze four separate groups of patients, which we call heart failure groups, according to their diagnoses‐codes contained in the SDO (hospital discharge form) of their first hospitalizations. The statistical model links the temporal trend of hospitalization (the ground process) with the length of stay (the mark) at each event. Instead of framing our application in the more theoretical context of the counting measures and processes, we make use of the conditional intensity function, a parametric approach which leads us to deal with Hawkes processes. Hypotheses are made on the mark concerning its distribution as well as its independence or dependence with the ground process. Independence is better to model and give us significant results while dependence is harder to be dealt with due to computational and modeling issues. Finally, we provide a general framework for modeling longitudinal data with a MPP as a method for statistical inference and suggest a specific model for our topic, validating it through a goodness of fit technique.