bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practices, knowledge and inter‐professional relationships between speech pathologists and radiation therapists managing patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Hutchison Alana R. , Cartmill Bena , Wall Laurelie R. , Ward Elizabeth C. , Hargrave Catriona , Brown Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

Introduction

This study examined knowledge and practices of speech pathologists (SPs) and radiation therapists (RTs) regarding plan optimisation for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, and the potential impacts on swallowing function. The secondary aim was to explore the level of interaction occurring between these professional groups within cancer centres.

Methods

Two electronic surveys, with matched questions for SPs and RTs, explored: service/institutional demographics; clinician awareness, practices regarding plan optimisation to swallowing structures and; relationships and interactions between SPs and RTs in the management of HNC patients. Participant recruitment occurred through specialist professional networks with additional snowball sampling. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 32 SPs and 41 RTs completed surveys. All SPs and 50% of RTs were aware of dose‐dysphagia relationships, though SPs rarely used dosimetric information to inform patient management. Only 33% of RTs indicated that their centres actively constrain dose to swallowing structures, reporting that staffing skill mixtures and lack of prescription by the treating RO were restrictive factors. Both SPs and RTs acknowledged the importance of collaborating with colleagues (SPs/RTs) and felt they could assist their colleagues in devising patient management plans, though current collaboration/interaction was minimal.

Conclusions

Levels of awareness were found to be higher in SP group. Despite high levels of awareness, limited use of swallowing structure dose constraints and hence dosimetric information specific to swallowing was rarely used to optimise/guide multidisciplinary HNC acute care. Opportunities for enhanced collaboration between SPs and RTs should be considered.
Impact of molecular point‐of‐care testing on clinical management and in‐hospital costs of patients suspected of influenza or RSV infection: a modeling study
Authors: Rahamat‐Langendoen Janette , Groenewoud Hans , Kuijpers Judith , Melchers Willem J.G. , van der Wilt Gert Jan
Published: April 2019

Background

At hospital admission, patients suspected of infection with influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are placed in isolation, pending the outcome of diagnostics. In a significant number, isolated care proves unnecessary. We investigated the potential impact of molecular point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostics on patient management and in‐hospital costs.

Method

Prospective collection of data on resource utilization within the hospital from consecutive patients 18 years or older presenting at our university medical center with symptoms of respiratory tract infection from December 2016 to April 2017. A cost analysis was conducted using Markov modeling comparing the actual course of events (on the basis of routine diagnostic tests) with two hypothetical scenarios: when POC would impact time to diagnosis only (scenario 1) or on discharge from the hospital, too (scenario 2).

Results

A total of 283 patients were included, of whom 217 (76.7%) were admitted. Influenza and RSV were detected in 31% and 7% of the patients, respectively. Fifty‐four percent of patients tested negative, of which 79% were kept in isolated care waiting for test results, with a median duration of 24 hours. Median length of stay was 6.0 days. Mean total in‐hospital costs per patient were € 5243. Introducing POC would lower mean costs per patient to € 4904 (scenario 1) and € 4206 (scenario 2). At the hospital level, this would result in a total cost reduction of € 95 937 to € 293 471 in a single influenza season.

Conclusions

Introducing POC testing for patients presenting with symptoms of viral respiratory tract infection can reduce time‐to‐diagnosis, hospital stay and, thereby, in‐hospital costs.
Lab‐on‐paper surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy platform based on self‐assembled Au@Ag nanocube monolayer for on‐site detection of thiram in soil
Authors: Lin Xiang , Lin Shuang , Liu Yuanlan , Zhao Haiyan , Liu Benkang , Wang Li
Published: April 2019

A paper‐based surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate was prepared by assembling Au@Ag nanocubes onto a patterned paper with the assistance of a mask paper by liquid–liquid interface self‐assembly techniques. The paper‐based SERS substrate was glued to the glass slide to construct a novel lab‐on‐paper SERS platform. This paper‐based SERS sensor possesses a sample injecting zone together with a SERS detection zone in order that sample pretreatment and detection could be performed simultaneously. The SERS performance of this paper‐based sensor was investigated by using 4‐MBA as a probe molecule, and its enhancement factor as high as 0.56 × 105 could be obtained. Additionally, the SERS sensor demonstrated an excellent repeatability with the relative standard deviation for the variation from the spot‐to‐spot Raman intensity as low as 12.8%. Based on the superiority and functionality of this paper‐based SERS platform, sensitive SERS quantitative analysis of thiram in soil could be achieved, which suggests its significant application prospects for the measurement of pesticides in soil without any pretreatment.
Eco‐friendly extraction and physicochemical properties of pectin from jackfruit peel waste with subcritical water
Authors: Li Wen‐Jia , Fan Zhi‐Guo , Wu Ying‐Ying , Jiang Zhi‐Guo , Shi Rui‐Cheng
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Water is generally considered to be a safe and green solvent suitable for use in natural product extraction. In this study, an eco‐friendly subcritical water method was used to extract pectin from waste jackfruit peel (JFP‐S), which was compared with pectin obtained by the traditional citric acid method (JFP‐C).

RESULTS

The extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), and the optimum process parameters were as follows: extraction temperature 138 °C, extraction time 9.15 min, liquid / solid (L/S) ratio 17.03 mL g−1. Under these conditions, the pectin yield was 149.6 g kg−1 (dry basis). Pectin obtained from the two extraction methods displayed a high degree of esterification and the monosaccharide composition was consistent. The galacturonic acid content of JFP‐S and JFP‐C was 52.27% and 56.99%, respectively. JFP‐S had more hairy regions and side chains than JFP‐C. The molecular weight of JFP‐S was 113.3 kDa, which was significantly lower than that of JFP‐C (174.3 kDa). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that two samples had similar pectin typical absorption peaks. According to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), both JFP‐S and JFP‐C had relatively good thermal stability. JFP‐S demonstrated lower apparent viscosity and elasticity than JFP‐C. Meanwhile, the G′ and G′′ moduli of JFP‐S were lower, which found expression in the gel textural characterization of the samples.

CONCLUSION

This work showed that the subcritical water method is an efficient, time‐saving, and eco‐friendly technology for the extraction of pectin from jackfruit peel compared with the traditional citric acid method. The physicochemical properties of pectin could be changed during subcritical water extraction. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Image flickering reduction by dimer and polymer stabilization in FFS liquid crystal display
Authors: Jiang Yingfei , Zhou Xiaochen , Shin Yunho , Qin Guangkui , Xu Xiaoguang , Zhou Li , Lee SeungHee , Yang Deng‐Ke
Published: April 2019

Power consumption of a liquid crystal display, when it is used to display static images, can be reduced by using low frequency driving. However, when the driving frequency is decreased, the brightness of the display may change with time, a phenomenon known as image flickering. One factor responsible for the flickering issue is flexoelectric effect which is sensitive to the polarity of the applied voltage. We show that the flickering in fringe field switching (FFS) LCD can be significantly reduced by doping a liquid crystal dimer and using polymer stabilization. We demonstrated that 2 Hz driving frequency can be used to display static images.
Highly selective separation and detection of cyromazine from seawater using graphene oxide based molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Chen Jianlei , Wang Jiangtao , Tan Liju
Published: April 2019

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer based on graphene oxide was prepared as a solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for the selective adsorption and extraction of cyromazine from seawater samples. The obtained graphene oxide molecularly imprinted polymer and non‐imprinted polymer were nanoparticles and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The imprinted polymer showed higher adsorption capacity and better selectivity than non‐imprinted polymer, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 14.5 mg/g. The optimal washing and elution solvents for molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction procedure were 2 mL of acetonitrile/water (80:20, v/v) and methanol/acetic acid (70:30, v/v), respectively. The recoveries of cyromazine in the spiked seawater samples were in the range of 90.3–104.1%, and the relative standard deviation was <5% (n = 3) under the optimal procedure and detection conditions. The limit of detection of the proposed method was 0.7 μg/L, and the limit of quantitation was 2.3 μg/L. Moreover, the imprinted polymer could keep high adsorption capacity for cyromazine after being reused six times at least. Finally, the synthesized graphene oxide molecularly imprinted polymer was successfully used as a satisfied sorbent for high selectivity separation and detection of cyromazine from seawater coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography.
Clinical Applications of Superb Microvascular Imaging in the Liver, Breast, Thyroid, Skeletal Muscle, and Carotid Plaques
Authors: Jiang Zhen‐zhen , Huang Yan‐hua , Shen Hua‐liang , Liu Xia‐tian
Published: April 2019

This article reviews the clinical applications of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Canon Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan) in the liver, breast, thyroid, skeletal muscle, and carotid plaques. Diseases that are closely associated with angiogenesis can be diagnosed by SMI in a relatively early phase, and using SMI can prevent adverse reactions associated with the contrast agents used in contrast‐enhanced ultrasound. Super Microvascular Imaging also shows particular value in grading disease activities and monitoring therapeutic responses. Although SMI has some limitations, such as a lack of clinical standards, it can add information to conventional ultrasound examinations and may become a noninvasive alternative to invasive diagnostic procedures for many clinical conditions.
On Stein's extension operator preserving Sobolev–Morrey spaces
Authors: Lamberti Pier Domenico , Violo Ivan Yuri
Published: April 2019

We prove that Stein's extension operator preserves Sobolev–Morrey spaces, that is spaces of functions with weak derivatives in Morrey spaces. The analysis concerns classical and generalized Morrey spaces on bounded and unbounded domains with Lipschitz boundaries in the n‐dimensional Euclidean space.
Effects of RHD gene polymorphisms on distinguishing weak D or DEL from RhD− in blood donation in a Chinese population
Authors: Shi Jie , Luo Ying
Published: April 2019

Background

Weak D or DEL red blood cell units may be mistyped as RhD− by current serology assays, which can lead to incompatible transfusion to RhD− recipients and further cause anti‐D immunization. Molecular RHD blood group typing is a very effective method for overcoming current technical limits. The purpose of this study was to identify RHD single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and compare the genotype prevalence among confirmed RhD− individuals in a Chinese population as well as explore effective biomarkers for current weak D or DEL detection before blood transfusion.

Methods

In the present study, 125 weak D (1, 2, 3, and 4.1) or DEL and 185 RhD− blood samples from donors detected by current standard serology were collected. Genotyping system was used to analyze the SNPs of RHD in each sample.

Results

Seven SNPs (rs592372, rs11485789, rs6669352, rs3118454, rs1053359, rs590787, and rs3927482) were detected in the RHD region. Rs3118454, rs1053359, rs590787, and rs3927482 showed significant differences between the weak D (1, 2, 3 and 4.1) or DEL and RhD− groups. Further combined analysis of the allelic distribution of these four SNPs revealed their higher frequencies in the RhD− group.

Conclusion

The SNPs rs3118454, rs1053359, rs590787, and rs3927482 in RHD showed a significantly higher frequency among an RhD− Chinese population and are potential biomarkers.
Prediction of Ligands Binding Acetylcholinesterase with Potential Antidotal Activity: A Virtual Screening Approach
Authors: Ochoa Rodrigo , Rodriguez Carlos A. , Zuluaga Andres F.
Published: April 2019

Intoxications caused by organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are associated with the reversible, and sometimes irreversible interaction with acetylcholinesterase (AChE). OPs are commonly used as pesticides mainly in developing countries, where the associated poisoning is a major health problem related to suicidal attempts, careless manipulation, and chemical warfare. The current antidotes are oxime‐based drugs that can regenerate the AChE catalytic activity. Nevertheless, challenges associated with lack of efficiency and difficulties for crossing blood‐brain barrier have motivated the design of novel alternatives. We used a validated molecular docking approach for the virtual screening of 579,890 synthetic ligands and 478 drugs against a human AChE in its apo conformation, and a murine AChE conjugated with the OP tabun. After filtering, 7 hits were selected as potential competitors due to the formation of key interactions within the active site gorge of the AChE structure, and potential reactivators based on interactions with amino acids of the catalytic triad in the presence of organophosphorus compounds. The selected candidates will be further evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays.
Global well‐posedness for the compressible magnetohydrodynamic system in the critical Lp framework
Authors: Shi Weixuan , Xu Jiang
Published: April 2019

The present work is dedicated to the well‐posedness issue of strong solutions (away from vacuum) to the compressible viscous magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) system in
(d  ≥  2). We aim at extending those results in previous studies to more general Lp critical framework. Precisely, by recasting the whole system in Lagrangian coordinates, we prove the local existence and uniqueness of solutions by means of Banach fixed‐point theorem. Furthermore, with the aid of effective velocity, we employ the energy argument to establish global a priori estimates, which lead to the unique global solution near constant equilibrium. Our results hold in case of small data but large highly oscillating initial velocity and magnetic field.
Dietary Carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin Change Brain Activation in Older Adult Participants: A Randomized, Double‐Masked, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Ceravolo S. Anna , Hammond Billy R. , Oliver William , Clementz Brett , Miller L. Stephen , Renzi‐Hammond Lisa M.
Published: April 2019

Scope

Steady‐state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) can be used to test the topological response of cortical neurons. Studies have shown that a lutein (L) preferentially accumulates within cortical tissue. L, zeaxanthin (Z), and their isomers can be measured directly in retina (macular pigment optical density, MPOD), and retinal L+Z correlate highly with L+Z levels in cortical visual processing areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between MPOD and SSVEP signal power, cross‐sectionally and after supplementation with L+Z.

Methods and Results

SSVEP to three different driving frequencies of stimulation (5, 10, and 16.6 Hz) were obtained for community‐dwelling older adults, at baseline and after 12 months of supplementation with either 12 mg L+Z or placebo. Power was quantified at the driving frequencies. Non‐specific activation was quantified within the 10–15 Hz band. MPOD was measured psychophysically. Subjects with low MPOD had reduced power at 16.6 Hz and reduced non‐specific activation, compared with subjects with high MPOD. Supplementation significantly improved signal power at 5 and 10 Hz.

Conclusion

Past research suggests that L+Z can improve visual memory, visual processing speeds, etc. One possible mechanism for that improvement may be improving signal‐to‐noise ratio throughout the vision system.
Preventive Effects by Black Raspberries of Endometrial Carcinoma Initiation and Promotion Induced by a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Huang Yi‐Wen , Chen Jo‐Hsin , Rader Janet S. , Aguilera‐Barrantes Irene , Wang Li‐Shu
Published: April 2019

Scope

The chemopreventive effects of black raspberries (BRBs) have not been studied in endometrial tumorigenesis. Here, they are examined in a mouse model of endometrial cancer.

Methods and results

Wild‐type and Pten heterozygous (+/−) female mice are weaned at 3 weeks and fed with four AIN‐93G diets: 93G; 93G+5% BRBs powder; high‐fat (HF); and HF+5% BRBs. Body weight and diet consumption are recorded weekly until the mice are euthanized at 28 weeks of age. Mice fed with HF diets are found to significantly gain body weight over time. BRBs are not found to affect the development of obesity. Mice in the HF+BRBs group consume less food than the HF‐only mice. HF+BRBs diets suppress uterine tumor initiation and promotion more than the HF‐only diet by inhibiting cell proliferation. It also reduces HF‐induced levels of plasma leptin and 17β‐estradiol (E2). Urolithin A, a metabolite of BRBs, suppresses cell proliferation induced by leptin and E2.

Conclusion

BRBs are preventive in HF‐mediated uterine tumorigenesis because they suppress cell growth and plasma leptin and E2 levels.
Dynamic changes to claudins in the uterine epithelial cells of the marsupial Sminthopsis crassicaudata (Dasyuridae) during pregnancy
Authors: Buddle Alice L. , Thompson Michael B. , Lindsay Laura A. , Murphy Christopher R. , Whittington Camilla M. , McAllan Bronwyn M.
Published: April 2019

The fluid that surrounds the embryo in the uterus contains important nourishing factors and secretions. To maintain the distinct microenvironment in the uterine lumen, the tight junctions between uterine epithelial cells are remodeled to decrease paracellular movement of molecules and solutes. Modifications to tight junctions between uterine epithelial cells is a common feature of pregnancy in eutherian mammals, regardless of placental type. Here we used immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis to describe distributional changes to tight junctional proteins, claudin‐1, ‐3, ‐4, and ‐5, in the uterine epithelial cells of a marsupial species, Sminthopsis crassicaudata. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed claudin‐1, ‐3, and ‐5 in the tight junctions of the uterine epithelium of S. crassicaudata during pregnancy. These specific claudins are associated with restricting passive movement of fluid between epithelial cells in eutherians. Hence, their function during pregnancy in S. crassicaudata may be to maintain the uterine luminal content surrounding developing embryos. Claudin‐4 disappears from all uterine regions of S. crassicaudata at the time of implantation, in contrast with the distribution of this claudin in some eutherian mammals. We conclude that like eutherian mammals, distributional changes to claudins in the uterine epithelial cells of S. crassicaudata are necessary to support pregnancy. However, the combination of individual claudin isoforms in the tight junctions of the uterine epithelium of S. crassicaudata differs from that of eutherian mammals. Our findings suggest that the precise permeability of the paracellular pathway of the uterine epithelium is species‐specific.
Volumetric abdominal perfusion measurement using a pseudo‐randomly sampled 3D fast‐spin‐echo (FSE) arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequence and compressed sensing reconstruction
Authors: Taso Manuel , Zhao Li , Guidon Arnaud , Litwiller Daniel V. , Alsop David C.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To improve image quality and spatial coverage for abdominal perfusion imaging by implementing an arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequence that combines variable‐density 3D fast‐spin‐echo (FSE) with Cartesian trajectory and compressed‐sensing (CS) reconstruction.

Methods

A volumetric FSE sequence was modified to include background‐suppressed pseudo‐continuous ASL labeling and to support variable‐density (VD) Poisson‐disk sampling for acceleration. We additionally explored the benefits of center oversampling and variable outer k‐space sampling. Fourteen healthy volunteers were scanned on a 3T scanner to test acceleration factors as well as the various sampling schemes described under synchronized‐breathing to limit motion issues. A CS reconstruction was implemented using the BART toolbox to reconstruct perfusion‐weighted ASL volumes, assessing the impact of acceleration, different reconstruction, and sampling strategies on image quality.

Results

CS acceleration is feasible with ASL, and a strong renal perfusion signal could be observed even at very high acceleration rates (≈15). We have shown that ASL k‐space complex subtraction was desirable before CS reconstruction. Although averaging of multiple highly accelerated images helped to reduce artifacts from physiologic fluctuations, superior image quality was achieved by interleaving of different highly undersampled pseudo‐random spatial sampling patterns and using 4D‐CS reconstruction. Combination of these enhancements produces high‐quality ASL volumes in under 5 min.

Conclusions

High‐quality isotropic ASL abdominal perfusion volumes can be obtained in healthy volunteers with a VD‐FSE and CS reconstruction. This lays the groundwork for future developments toward whole abdomen free‐breathing non‐contrast perfusion imaging.
Malnutrition in Children With Chronic Disease
Authors: Larson‐Nath Catherine , Goday Praveen
Published: April 2019

Malnutrition occurs when nutrient intake does not meet the needs for normal body functions and as a consequence leads to alterations of growth and development in children. Chronic illness puts children at risk for developing malnutrition. Because of children's rapid periods of growth and development, early diagnosis, prevention, and management of malnutrition are paramount. The reasons for malnutrition in children with chronic disease are multifactorial and are related to the underlying disease and non‐illness‐associated factors. This review addresses the causes, evaluation, and management of malnutrition in pediatric congenital heart disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and cystic fibrosis.
Determinants of social entrepreneurial intentions for educational programs
Authors: Asma  , Peng Xiaobao , Hassan Shah , Akhtar Sadia , Sarwar Asma , Khan Muhammad Asif , Khan Barkat Ullah
Published: April 2019

The aim of this research is to find out the determinants of social entrepreneurial intentions for educational programs. For this purpose, some of the factors have been included in this research as the determinants of social entrepreneurial intention. Prior experience has been added as the independent variable although empathy, moral obligation, self‐efficacy, and the perceived social support have been added as the variables that moderate the relationship between prior experience entrepreneurial intentions. The study has been conducted through the positivism philosophy, and with the quantitative method, a survey was conducted based on the questionnaire consisted of the items related to understudied variables. Through purposive sampling, the data were collected from 231 students studying bachelors and masters at University of Beijing and Shanghai. SPSS software was used for screening and descriptive analysis, and AMOS was used for structure modeling and confirmatory factor analysis. Results showed that prior experience tends to have greater social entrepreneurial intent, empathy, self‐efficacy, and moral obligation that have positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial intent. On the other hand, perceived social support puts negative impact on entrepreneurial intention. Business schools and policymakers can take advantage of this study. The future studies can increase the sample size and can add the variables of belief to study the entrepreneurial intention.
Public service delivery in South Africa: The political influence at local government level
Authors: Masuku Mfundo Mandla , Jili Nokukhanya Noqiniselo
Published: April 2019

This paper analyses poor service delivery at local government level, which is attributed to the politicisation of administrative components in municipalities, resulting in poor local governance. The public service delivery system has been perceived as one of the most important ways of reducing poverty through poverty alleviation programmes. As part of the South African government's cooperative system, key stakeholders in municipalities ought to adopt an integrated approach to public service delivery. An integrated approach to public service delivery demands that local municipalities, together with relevant stakeholders, integrate processes and services to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. This ultimately will result in an improved standard of living and sustainable livelihood for communities. With regard to public service delivery, local municipalities have the obligation of creating income opportunities people, especially the poor, with the sole aim of contributing towards poverty reduction and the realisation of the expectations of people, as stated in the South African government's White Paper of transforming public service delivery. The political interface in local municipalities greatly affects effective and efficient administration, as well as growth opportunities. Administrators, therefore, have the important function of ensuring that explicit assignments of objectives and administrative functions are wholly separated from the policymaking activities of government. This paper, therefore, suggests that municipalities adopt the merit system and abandon the spoils system that is highly characterised by political favours and political interferences. Political favours and interferences are dominant in local South African government, and they hinder the process of providing services equally.
The impact of alkyl tri‐methyl ammonium side chains on perfluorinated ionic membranes for electrochemical applications
Authors: Divekar Ashutosh G. , Kuo Mei‐Chen , Park Andrew M. , Motz Andrew R. , Page‐Belknap Zachary S. , Owczarczyk Zbyslaw , Long Hai , Seifert Soenke , Maupin Christopher Mark , Yandrasits Michael A. , Yang Yuan , Pivovar Bryan S. , Herring Andrew M.
Published: April 2019

Three different perfluorinated type polymers as anion exchange membranes for electrochemical applications were studied. They have a sulfonamide linkage to a spacer methylene chain attached to a tri‐methyl ammonium cation, specifically using a three carbon spacer chain (PFAEM_H_C3), and methylated imide polymers with three (PFAEM_CH3_C3) and six carbon spacer chain (PFAEM_CH3_C6). There are significant number of zwitterionic side chains in the PFAEM_H_C3 polymer and very few in the PFAEM_CH3_C3 or the PFAEM_CH3_C6 polymer. They have similar halide conductivity, but the PFAEM_CH3_C6 showed highest OH− conductivity, 122 mS cm−1 at 80 °C and 95% RH. The larger spacer chain polymer, PFAEM_CH3_C6 has a higher water uptake value (λ = 9) compared to PFAEM_CH3_C3(λ = 7) at 60 °C and 95% RH in the Cl− form. Therefore, it has a larger domain spacing of 4.9 nm versus 4.1 nm from small angle X‐ray scattering data. The polymer was characterized by FTIR and DFT was used to fully assign the spectra. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 700–712
Pessimism predicts anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors: A 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Faye‐Schjøll Hege Hovd , Schou-Bredal Inger
Published: April 2019

Objective

We investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depression at diagnosis and at 1, 3, and 5 years after breast cancer diagnosis. We hypothesized that a low level of optimism (pessimism) at diagnosis could predict change in anxiety and depression 5 years later.

Methods

Three hundred sixty‐seven women with operable breast cancer were included, and data were collected at all five‐time points for 293 of these. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Dispositional optimism/pessimism was measured using the Life Orientation Test–Revised (LOT–R). Frequency analysis was used to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression. Logistic regression was used to examine dispositional optimism/pessimism as a predictor of change in anxiety and depression 5 years after diagnosis.

Results

The prevalence rates of anxiety and depression 5 years after diagnosis were 26.3% and 9.6%, respectively. Predictors of change in anxiety 5 years after diagnosis were pessimism (odds ratio [OR] = 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76‐0.89, P < .001); younger age (OR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93‐0.99, P = .005); and anxiety at diagnosis (OR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.33‐4.37, P = .004). Predictors of change in depression 5 years after diagnosis were pessimism (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77‐0.94, P < .001) and comorbidity (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.10‐2.06, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Anxiety and depression did not decrease after the first postoperative year. Pessimism was a predictor of change in both anxiety and depression 5 years after breast cancer diagnosis.
Beliefs that contribute to delays in diagnosis of prostate cancer among Afro‐Caribbean men in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: King‐Okoye Michelle , Arber Anne , Faithfull Sara
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men's prediagnosis experiences of prostate cancer (PCa). This study is part of a wider project that examined men and their partners' experiences of routes to diagnosis for PCa in TT.

Methods

Men (n = 51) were voluntarily recruited to semi‐structured interviews from four centres. Data were analysed following principles of grounded theory.

Results

Major barriers to medical help seeking were highlighted as lack of knowledge and awareness of the prostate gland and symptoms of PCa, the digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), cultural and religious beliefs, and hegemonic masculinity norms and nonreporting of bodily changes to GPs. Fear of DRE, distrust in providers, and misinterpretation of bodily changes as related to ageing and diabetes mellitus also contributed to delays towards seeking medical help. Men's interactions with pharmacists and traditional healers lengthened the time taken to consult with health care providers for prostate concerns.

Conclusions

TT men's PCa prediagnosis experiences are important to unearth barriers and facilitators to care along routes to diagnosis for this disease. This can help target specific health promotion strategies to motivate men to seek medical care for symptoms in a timely manner.
Trp‐1999‐Ser mutation of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase and cytochrome P450s‐involved metabolism confer resistance to fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl in Polypogon fugax
Authors: Zhao Ning , Ge Lu'an , Yan Yanyan , Bai Shuang , Wang Dandan , Liu Weitang , Wang Jinxin
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Asia minor bluegrass (Polypogon fugax Nees ex Steud.) is an invasive grass species severely infesting wheat and canola fields in China. In May 2017, a suspected resistant P. fugax population AHHY that survived fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl applied at its field‐recommended rate was collected from a wheat field in Huaiyuan County, Anhui Province, China. This study aimed to determine the resistance profile of AHHY to acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors and to investigate its mechanisms of resistance to fenoxaprop.

RESULTS

Single‐dose testing indicated that the AHHY population had evolved resistance to fenoxaprop. The partial carboxyltransferase domain of ACCase in P. fugax was amplified and compared. Four loci encoding plastidic ACCase were isolated from both the resistant and sensitive individuals. Combining gene sequencing with the derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence assay, we found that 100% of the plants of AHHY carried Trp‐1999‐Ser mutation in their ACCase1,1–2 allele. Whole‐plant dose–response bioassay indicated that AHHY was highly resistant to fenoxaprop and pinoxaden (resistance index (RI) ≥ 10) with low resistance to clodinafop‐propargyl, sethoxydim, and clethodim (2 ≤ RI < 5). Pre‐treatment with piperonyl butoxide largely reduced (55%) the weed's resistance to fenoxaprop. Both basal and fenoxaprop‐induced glutathione S‐transferases activities toward 1‐chloro‐2, 4‐dinitrobenzene were significantly higher in resistant plants than in susceptible plants.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that P. fugax had multiple alleles encoding plastidic ACCase, and reported for the first time the occurrence of Trp‐1999‐Ser mutation and non‐target‐site resistance in this species. Fenoxaprop resistance in AHHY plants was conferred by target‐site mutation and P450s‐involved enhanced metabolism. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Accelerating radiative transfer calculations for high‐resolution atmospheric models
Authors: Barker Howard W. , Li Jiangnan
Published: April 2019

This study presents a method for calculating all‐sky, broadband radiative fluxes for high‐resolution atmospheric model domains, such as limited‐area numerical weather prediction models and Cloud System‐Resolving Models, that have many columns (i.e. ≫ 105). The aim is to replace the Independent Column Approximation (ICA) which applies 1D radiative transfer models (RTMs) to all columns; but usually after skipping many dynamical time steps due to the ICA's computational burden. The proposed method, referred to as Partitioned Gauss–Legendre Quadrature (PGLQ), begins by partitioning a domain into sub‐domains. This study is concerned just with cloudy columns so partitioning was done according to cloud‐top altitudes. Then, for each sub‐domain, sort columns from smallest to largest cloud water path , assign each column a sequence number, identify nG GLQ points, and apply 1D RTMs to the nG columns with resulting flux profiles assigned to nearby columns in the sorted sequence. Last, reposition columns back to the full domain. Marine boundary‐layer and deep convective cloud fields were used to assess PGLQ. For ratios of RTM calculations between ICA and PGLQ of fRT = /(nG · )−1 ∈ [103, 104], MBEs and RMSEs for net short‐wave (SW) surface fluxes scale close to (nG · )−1, RMSEs being typically ∼200× smaller than domain‐average . Structure function analyses of indicate that PGLQ errors resemble white noise. Long‐wave (LW) fluxes perform less well due to sorting on but seem likely to be acceptable, RMSEs being ∼5–10× smaller than domain‐average . All MBEs are typically <±0.5 W/m2. Estimates of radiative heating rate profiles are unbiased, and while noisy at small scales, they are portrayed well at scales larger than typical individual clouds. Overall speed‐up of PGLQ relative to ICA, for serial computation as consider here, is expected to be >300×; likely to be comparable to parallel computation. This should allow application of RTMs at every dynamical time step.
Mediastinal emphysema after long‐distance flight with ketoacidosis and underlying diabetes mellitus type 1
Authors: Ardila Pardo Gracia Lana , Kübler Wolfgang Michael , Witzenrath Martin , Oestmann Jörg‐Wilhelm
Published: April 2019

A 21‐year old female with diabetes mellitus type 1 presented to our hospital's emergency department having suffered from shortness of breath, mild chest pain, and vomiting following her arrival after a long‐distance flight two days earlier. Symptoms had since subsided and physical examination was normal. Blood analysis revealed increased D‐dimers and diabetic ketoacidosis. Computed tomography (CT) examination excluded pulmonary embolism but demonstrated significant mediastinal emphysema. After conservative treatment including nasal oxygen and adjustment of insulin therapy, follow‐up low‐dose CT after four days confirmed full regression of the emphysema. The patient was discharged feeling well, with a recommendation for improved diabetes treatment. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare condition occurring in younger patients without trauma or pulmonary disease. Over‐inflation and/or pulmonary vasoconstriction have been proposed as major physiological contributors and were likely evoked in the present case by increased respiratory drive due to ketoacidosis and hypoxic vasoconstriction during long distance flight.
Efficient learning from adaptive control under sufficient excitation
Authors: Pan Yongping , Aranovskiy Stanislav , Bobtsov Alexey , Yu Haoyong
Published: April 2019

Parameter convergence is desirable in adaptive control as it enhances the overall stability and robustness properties of the closed‐loop system. In existing online historical data (OHD)–driven parameter learning schemes, all OHD are exploited to update parameter estimates such that parameter convergence is guaranteed under a sufficient excitation (SE) condition which is strictly weaker than the classical persistent excitation condition. Nevertheless, the exploitation of all OHD not only results in possible unbounded adaptation but also loses the flexibility of handling slowly time‐varying uncertainties. This paper presents an efficient OHD‐driven parameter learning scheme for adaptive control, where a variable forgetting factor is specifically designed and is equipped with an estimation error feedback such that exponential parameter convergence is achieved under the SE condition without the aforesaid drawbacks. The proposed parameter learning scheme is incorporated with direct adaptive control to construct an OHD‐based composite learning control strategy. Numerical results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Experimental investigation of axially loaded reinforced concrete square column subjected to lateral low‐velocity impact loading
Authors: Yilmaz Tolga , Kiraç Nevzat , Anil Özgür
Published: April 2019

Design of reinforced concrete (RC) columns has been carried out under the effect of static loads and dynamic loads with long return period such as earthquake and wind. However, due to reasons such as the vehicle crash to the bridges of highway or seaway, rock fall, the collision of masses with the effect of flood and landslide, the effect of the blast‐induced air‐shock wave to buildings that have strategic importance, RC column may subject to sudden dynamic impact loads. For this reason, it is considered that the impact behavior of RC columns, which are highly important vertical load‐bearing members for the stability of structures, should be investigated and taken account of the design stage. For this purpose, an experimental study was performed. Sixteen RC square columns with the scale of 1/3 were manufactured and tested under impact load by using drop‐weight test setup that was specially designed by authors for impact tests of beam, column, and slab specimens. In the experimental study, the axial load level applied to RC column, input impact energy, and shear reinforcement ratio were taken as variables and with the effect of lateral impact energy applied to RC columns, time‐history of impact load acting on columns, the acceleration and the displacement values of columns were measured. The effect of experimental variables on the impact behavior of RC columns was determined and interpreted in detail. It has been demonstrated that axial load level, impact energy, and shear reinforcement ratio have a significant effect on the impact behavior of RC columns.
Harnessing writing in the wild: Practical applications of affinity spaces for English language instruction
Authors: Halaczkiewicz Marta Dominika
Published: April 2019

In this article the author explores ways in which affinity spaces (Gee, 2004) can be adapted for English language instruction. Affinity spaces attract participants who enthusiastically share their passions, such as popular culture, video games, or literature. Researchers have found that affinity spaces contribute to improvements in reading (Steinkuehler, Compton‐Lilly, & King, 2010) and writing (Black, 2007) literacy of both native English speakers and English language learners. Previous research has explored applications of these spaces in language instruction, including incorporating topics from popular culture in courses and engaging students in online writing (Sauro & Sundmark, 2016). Other adaptations have used the online content of affinity spaces as materials for language analysis in the classroom (Thorne & Reinhardt, 2008). This article breaks down the characteristics of affinity spaces (Gee & Hayes, 2012) and proposes them as a framework aimed to harness the benefits of affinity spaces for English language classroom adaptation. These practical applications include student‐selected course activity topics, sharing student writing online, and taking on leadership roles in an online environment.
Partial replacement of dietary buffalo meat on the bone with chicken carcass improves serum antioxidant profile of zoo‐housed Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca)
Authors: Sarode Roshan M. , Das Asit , Verma Ashok K. , Singh Putan , Saini Mohini , Bhardwaj Yogesh , Sharma Anil K.
Published: April 2019

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of gradual replacement of dietary buffalo meat on the bone (BMB) with chicken carcass (CC) on nutrient utilization, serum cortisol, and total serum antioxidant profile of zoo‐housed Indian leopard. Twelve adult leopards were randomly distributed into a replicated Latin square design comprising three treatments, three periods, four animals, and three sequences. Leopards in group T1 were fed normal zoo diet of BMB. On the basis of dry matter, 10% and 20% of BMB was replaced with CC in groups T2 and T3, respectively. Each experimental period comprised 21 days. During each period, a digestion trial of 4‐day collection period was conducted after an adaptation period of 17 days. On Day 21 of each experimental period, blood was collected from all the animals by puncturing the ventral coccygial vein. Intake and apparent digestibility of major nutrients were similar among the groups. Replacement of 20% BMB with addition of CC increased (p < 0.001) the calculated supply of I, niacin, and vitamin A. Carotenoid intake increased (p < 0.01) with increased level of CC in the diet. Serum concentration of cortisol decreased (p < 0.01) whereas serum concentration of total carotenoids increased (p < 0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. Serum concentration of antioxidant enzymes increased (p < 0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. It was concluded that replacement of 20% of BMB with CC increased antioxidant profile. This may reduce oxidative stress in zoo‐housed Indian leopards without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization.
Screening of Coulomb interactions in holography
Authors: Mauri E. , Stoof H. T. C.
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We introduce Coulomb interactions in the holographic description of strongly interacting systems by performing a (current-current) double-trace deformation of the boundary theory. In the theory dual to a Reissner-Nordström background, this deformation leads to gapped plasmon modes in the density-density response, as expected from conventional RPA calculations. We further show that by introducing a (d + 1)-dimensional Coulomb interaction in a boundary theory in d spacetime dimensions, we recover plasmon modes whose dispersion is proportional to

$$ \sqrt{\left|\mathbf{k}\right|} $$

k

, as observed for example in graphene layers. Moreover, motivated by recent experimental results in layered cuprate high-temperature superconductors, we present a toy model for a layered system consisting of an infinite stack of (spatially) two-dimensional layers that are coupled only by the long-range Coulomb interaction. This leads to low-energy ‘acoustic plasmons’. Finally, we compute the optical conductivity of the deformed theory in d = 3 + 1, where a logarithmic correction is present, and we show how this can be related to the conductivity measured in Dirac and Weyl semimetals.
Gravity duals of $$ \mathcal{N}=\left(0,\ 2\right) $$ SCFTs from M5-branes
Authors: Bah Ibrahima , Stylianou Vasilis
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We describe the general BPS system that governs the gravity duals of

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(0,\ 2\right) $$

N
=

0
,

2

two-dimensional superconformal field theories in the low-energy limit of M5-branes on a four-manifold, M
4. In order to preserve supersymmetry, we restrict to cases where the four-manifold is embedded in a Calabi-Yau fourfold that is a sum of two line bundles over M
4. We further reduce the

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(0,\ 2\right) $$

N
=

0
,

2

system to describe the gravity duals of SCFTs with

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(0,4\right) $$

N
=

0
4

and

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,2\right) $$

N
=

2
2

supersymmetry. In the first case, the solutions fit in the larger class of AdS
3 ×S
2 × CY
3 solutions of M-theory dual to

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(0,4\right) $$

N
=

0
4

SCFTs. In the case of the

$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,2\right) $$

N
=

2
2

theories, the near-horizon limit of M
4 is necessarily a product of two constant curvature Riemann surfaces whose metrics are governed by a pair of Liouville equations.
Efficacy and safety of evocalcet in Japanese peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Shimazaki Ryutaro , Fukagawa Masafumi , Akizawa Tadao ,   Evocalcet Study Group, Hayashi Yoshimitsu , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Koga Shoji , Okido Ichiro , Kubota Minoru , Koiwa Fumihiko , Takeda Masahiro , Hayashi Terumasa , Hiramatsu Makoto , Kawanishi Hideki , Kanai Hidetoshi , Ito Sakuya , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Mitsuiki Koji , Ikeda Hirofumi
Published: April 2019

Background

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a serious and common complication in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Cinacalcet is currently the recommended therapy for SHPT; however, gastrointestinal (GI)-related symptoms can result in low adherence and high discontinuation rates. Evocalcet is a novel calcimimetic agent that has non-inferior efficacy while providing a more tolerable safety profile.

Methods

This was a multicenter, intra-subject dose-adjustment treatment study evaluating the efficacy and safety of 1–8 mg evocalcet orally administered once daily for 32 weeks for the treatment of SHPT in PD patients. Patients then entered a 20-week extension period (dose range 1–12 mg). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a mean intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level of 60–240 pg/mL during the evaluation period (weeks 30–32). Secondary efficacy endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving ≥ 30% decrease in iPTH levels.

Results

A total of 39 Japanese PD patients with SHPT received evocalcet. The target mean iPTH level of 60–240 pg/mL was achieved by 71.8% (28/39) of patients during the evaluation period and 83.3% (20/24) of patients at week 52. The proportion of patients who achieved ≥ 30% decrease in iPTH levels from baseline was 74.4% (29/39) during the evaluation period and 87.5% (21/24) at week 52. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 46.2% (18/39) of patients, with most being of mild-to-moderate severity including GI-related events.

Conclusion

This study shows the long-term efficacy and safety of evocalcet when orally administered to PD patients with SHPT once daily.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02549417, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02549417; JAPIC: JapicCTI-153016, http://www.clinicaltrials.jp/user/showCteDetailE.jsp?japicId=JapicCTI-153016.