bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modular Assessment of Rainfall-Runoff Models Toolbox (MARRMoT) v1.0: an open-
source, extendable framework providing implementations of 46 conceptual hydrologic models as continuous space-state formulations
Authors: Knoben Wouter J. M. , Freer Jim E. , Fowler Keirnan J. A. , Peel Murray C. , Woods Ross A.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This paper presents the Modular Assessment of Rainfall-Runoff Models Toolbox (MARRMoT): a modular open-source toolbox containing documentation and model code for 46 existing conceptual hydrologic models. The toolbox is developed in Matlab and works with Octave. Models are implemented following several best practices: definition of model equations (the mathematical model) is kept separate from the numerical methods used to solve these equations (the numerical model) to generate clean code that is easy to adjust and debug; the Implicit Euler time-stepping scheme is provided as the default option to numerically approximate each model's Ordinary Differential Equations in a more robust way than (common) Explicit schemes would; threshold equations are smoothed to avoid discontinuities in the model's objective function space; and the model equations are solved simultaneously, avoiding physically unrealistic sequential solving of fluxes. Generalized parameter ranges are provided to assist with model inter-comparison studies. In addition to this paper and its Supporting Materials, a User Manual is provided together with several workflow scripts that show basic example applications of the toolbox. The toolbox and documentation are available from https://github.com/wknoben/MARRMoT (DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2482542). Our main scientific objective in developing this toolbox is to facilitate the inter-comparison of conceptual hydrological model structures which are in widespread use, in order to ultimately reduce the uncertainty in model structure selection.
MACRO PHOTOGRAMMETRY IN INVENTORY OF HISTORICAL ENGRAVINGS AT THE ROYAL CASTLE IN WARSAW
Authors: Zawieska D. , Markiewicz J. , Łuba M.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. In the community historical objects play the role of witnesses of the past history. This creates an obligation to preserve and reconstruct them for future generations. Photogrammetric methods have been applied for those purposes for many years. In the process of development of inventory documentation, the key aspects related to the selection of appropriate measuring methods for particular objects and the creation of appropriate working conditions. At present, digital measuring techniques allow developing 3D photogrammetric documentation which is particularly valuable both, for conservators of historical objects, as well as for creating virtual museums. Particular attention should be paid to the utilisation of macro photography for that purpose which allows for recreating small fragments of historical details. The objective of this paper is to present possible use of macro photography for inventory of historical patterns engraved in brick walls of one of the cellars of the Royal Castle in Warsaw (Poland); they are called engravings or house marks. The cellar walls were made of bricks (20 × 10 cm) on the stone foundations, where a prison was located in the 17th century. Prisoners left their drawings of signs and crests. Bricks are destroyed, some of them are moss-grown, so many engravings are hardly visible and their depths vary between 3 and 5 mm. The Canon 5D Mark II camera with the 50 mm macro lens was used to inventory engravings together with the shadow-free flash, mounted on the lens and a special frame with bolts, being the photogrammetric control network. To ensure the high quality of the 3D model, a network of photographs were acquired from two different distances; they were processed with the use of SfM/MVS algorithms implemented in Agisoft PhotoScan software. The aim of this paper is to discusses the impact of selection of control points on the accuracy of the orientation process, the impact of the point cloud density on correct projection of the digital surface, the influence of the DSM resolution on details of projection of shapes and selection of orthorectification and mosaicking parameters on the accuracy of orthoimage generation.
MODERN SYSTEM OF CIVIL SERVANT PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN UKRAINE
Authors: Grygorieva Svitlana
Published: February 2019

The article deals with the main elements of the modern system of civil servant professional
training, taking into account changes in the legal field as a result of the implementation of
public administration reforms. The purpose of this article is to highlight the current state of the
of civil servant professional training system in Ukraine, taking into account the updated legal
framework.It is established that the main subjects of the modern system of civil servant professional
training in Ukraine are: The National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service
(Natsderzhsluzhba), The National Academy and its regional institutions of public administration,
higher education institutions, providing training for educational program of the specialty
“Public management and administration”. The main legal documents adopted over the past
three years have identified strategic directions, mechanisms, funding sources and the time
frame for the formation of an effective and efficient system of civil servant training. The lack
of professional standards in the field of public service and educational-professional program
standard of master training in specialty “Public management and administration” make it
impossible to unify training programs for quality training of future civil servants and pass the
unified state qualification examination upon completion of the master training program in
specialty “Public management and administration”.
Piezoelectric‐Effect‐Enhanced Full‐Spectrum Photoelectrocatalysis in p–n Heterojunction
Authors: Liu Zhirong , Wang Longwei , Yu Xin , Zhang Jian , Yang Ruiqi , Zhang Xiaodi , Ji Yanchen , Wu Mengqi , Deng Lin , Li Linlin , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2019

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers a promising strategy for converting solar energy to chemical fuels. Herein, a piezoelectric‐effect–enhanced full‐spectrum photoelectrocatalysis with multilayered coaxial titanium dioxide/barium titanate/silver oxide (TiO2/BTO/Ag2O) nanorod array as the photoanode is reported. The vertically grown nanorods ensure good electron conductivity, which enables fast transport of the photogenerated electrons. Significantly, the insertion of a piezoelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) nanolayer at the p‐type Ag2O and n‐type TiO2 interface created a polar charge‐stabilized electrical field. It maintains a sustainable driving force that attract the holes of TiO2 and the electrons of Ag2O, resulting in greatly increased separation and inhibited recombination of the photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, Ag2O as a narrow bandgap semiconductor has a high ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) photoelectrocatalytic activity. The TiO2/BTO/Ag2O, after poling, successfully achieves a prominent photocurrent density, as high as 1.8 mA cm−2 at 0.8 V versus Ag/Cl, which is about 2.6 times the TiO2 nanorod photoanode. It is the first time that piezoelectric BaTiO3 is used for tuning the interface of p‐type and n‐type photoelectrocatalyst. With the enhanced light harvesting, efficient photogenerated electron–hole pairs' separation, and rapid charge transfer at the photoanode, an excellent photoelectrocatalytic activity is realized.
Piezotronic Effect Enhanced Plasmonic Photocatalysis by AuNPs/BaTiO3 Heterostructures
Authors: Xu Shuya , Guo Limin , Sun Qijun , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2019

Piezopotential‐assisted catalysis is of great significance for low cost and efficient catalysis processes. Here, Aux/BaTiO3 plasmonic photocatalysts are fabricated by precipitating Au nanoparticles on piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanocubes through a chemical approach. The Au nanoparticles (<8 nm) are decorated uniformly on the surface of BaTiO3, which endows the heterostructure with a wide light absorption from 300 to 600 nm. The photocatalytic properties of the heterostructures are investigated in detail toward methyl orange (MO) degradation. The Au content, piezoelectric potential of the BaTiO3 substrate, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) are confirmed to be vital to the photocatalytic activity. The Au4/BaTiO3 shows an optimum photocatalytic performance for a complete degradation of MO in 75 min under full spectrum light irradiation with auxiliary ultrasonic excitation. The piezoelectric field originating from the deformation of BaTiO3 further enhances the separation of photon‐generated carriers induced by SPR and promotes the formation of hydroxyl radicals, which results in a strong oxidizing ability of organic dyes. This work introduces the piezotronic effect to enhance plasmonic photocatalysis with Aux/BaTiO3 heterostructures, which is ready to extend to other catalytic systems and offers a new option to design high‐performance catalysts for pollutant treatment.
Complex Tuning of Physical Properties of Hyperbranched Polyglycerol‐Based Bioink for Microfabrication of Cell‐Laden Hydrogels
Authors: Hong Jisu , Shin Yoonkyung , Kim Suntae , Lee Jiseok , Cha Chaenyung
Published: February 2019

Microfabrication technology has emerged as a valuable tool for fabricating structures with high resolution and complex architecture for tissue engineering applications. For this purpose, it is imperative to develop “bioink” that can be readily converted to a solid structure by the modus operandi of a chosen apparatus, while optimally supporting the biological functions by tuning their physicochemical properties. Herein, a photocrosslinkable hyperbranched polyglycerol (acrylic hyperbranched glycerol (AHPG)) is developed as a crosslinker to fabricate cell‐laden hydrogels. Due to its hydrophilicity as well as numerous hydroxyl groups for the conjugation of reactive functional groups (e.g., acrylate), the mechanical properties of resulting hydrogels could be controlled in a wide range by tuning both molecular weight and degree of acrylate substitution of AHPG. The control of mechanical properties by AHPG is highly dependent on the type of monomer, due to the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of polyglycerol backbone and acrylate as well as the dynamic conformational flexibility based on the molecular weight of polyglycerol. The cell encapsulation studies demonstrate the biocompatibility of the AHPG‐linked hydrogels. Eventually, the AHPG‐based hydrogel precursor solution is employed as a bioink for a digital light processing based printing system to generate cell‐laden microgels with various shapes and sizes for tissue engineering applications.
Morphology‐Controlled Metal Sulfides and Phosphides for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Joo Jinwhan , Kim Taekyung , Lee Jaeyoung , Choi Sang‐Il , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: February 2019

Because H2 is considered a promising clean energy source, water electrolysis has attracted great interest in related research and technology. Noble‐metal‐based catalysts are used as electrode materials in water electrolyzers, but their high cost and low abundance have impeded them from being used in practical areas. Recently, metal sulfides and phosphides based on earth‐abundant transition metals have emerged as promising candidates for efficient water‐splitting catalysts. Most studies have focused on adjusting the composition of the metal sulfides and phosphides to enhance the catalytic performance. However, morphology control of catalysts, including faceted and hollow structures, is much less explored for these systems because of difficulties in the synthesis, which requires a deep understanding of the nanocrystal growth process. Herein, representative synthetic methods for morphology‐controlled metal sulfides and phosphides are introduced to provide insights into these methodologies. The electrolytic performance of morphology‐controlled metal sulfide‐ and phosphide‐based nanocatalysts with enhanced surface area and intrinsically high catalytic activity is also summarized and the future research directions for this promising catalyst group is discussed.
Surface CH3NH3+ to CH3+ Ratio Impacts the Work Function of Solution‐Processed and Vacuum‐Sublimed CH3NH3PbI3 Thin Films
Authors: Wang Rongbin , Zhuo Ming‐Peng , Li Jitao , Zhai Tianshu , Yang Jiacheng , Fu Keke , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Liu Lijia , Duhm Steffen
Published: February 2019

CH3NH3PbI3 thin films are fabricated using several representative synthesis methods such as spin‐coating, evaporation, and a combination of the two. These methods, which frequently occur in reported literatures, use the same precursors PbI2 and CH3NH3I but differ in how the two are mixed. It is found that the latter plays a vital role in determining the surface morphology, composition, and grain size of the films, even when the same stoichiometric ratio of the precursors is used. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that the amount of CH3+‐type defects, which results from CH3NH3I dissociation, is sensitive to both the physical state of CH3NH3I and the order of mixing sequence. The variation of the CH3NH3+:CH3+ ratio also affects the valence band and the work function of the corresponding films, as revealed by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the energy‐level alignment between the perovskite film and a model hole transport layer, N,N′‐di(1‐naphthyl)‐N,N′‐diphenylbenzidine (NPB) is examined. It is found that the CH3NH3+:CH3+ ratio correlates with the offsets between the valence band maximum of perovskite film and the highest occupied molecular orbital of NPB as well, and the energy‐level alignment with the dual‐source, coevaporated CH3NH3PbI3 film is most suitable for efficient hole transport.
Scalable High‐Performance Nanolaminated SERS Substrates Based on Multistack Vertically Oriented Plasmonic Nanogaps
Authors: Song Junyeob , Nam Wonil , Zhou Wei
Published: February 2019

Metallic nanogap structures can support gap surface plasmon modes and strongly concentrate optical fields to enable surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for label‐free biochemical analysis down to single molecule level. However, current scalable SERS substrates based on horizontally oriented plasmonic nanogaps still face challenges for accurate sub‐10 nm control of in‐plane nanostructures. Here, we report a new type of scalable high‐performance SERS substrate based on multistack vertically oriented nanogap hotspots in metal–insulator–metal nanolaminated plasmonic crystals. In contrast to horizontally oriented nanogaps, vertically oriented plasmonic nanogaps can be controlled at subnanometer resolution in the multilayered thin‐film deposition process. After a partial etching of dielectric layers, embedded nanogap hotspots in nanolaminated SERS substrates can be exposed to further increase SERS enhancement factors (EFs) by over one order of magnitude from ≈1 × 107 to ≈1.6 × 108. Moreover, oxygen plasma can be used to regenerate clean nanogap hotspots for repeated SERS measurements with maintained high SERS EFs (>1 × 108). Therefore, this work presents a novel out‐of‐plane plasmonic engineering approach to design and manufacture scalable high‐performance reusable SERS substrates for various biochemical analysis applications that prefer high spatial‐temporal resolution and good hotspot uniformity.
Single‐Layer Bifacial Metasurface: Full‐Space Visible Light Control
Authors: Sung Jangwoon , Lee Gun‐Yeal , Choi Chulsoo , Hong Jongwoo , Lee Byoungho
Published: February 2019

Optical metasurfaces have attracted considerable attention thanks to their unprecedented ability to control the electromagnetic properties of light in subwavelength scale. These metasurface‐integrated devices not only have the merit of compact form factor but also exhibit some better performance in comparison with conventional bulk optic devices. In this work, a novel metasurface that enables full‐space light control is realized, offering an unconventional functionality that provides a new foothold for metasurface integration in optics. Multipolar interference and Pancharatnam–Berry phase are combined with each other and suggested as a physical background for the proposed device. As an example of the functionality, asymmetric beam steering and hologram generation are proposed and measured experimentally. As far as it is known, this is the first work achieving full‐space control in visible range. Thanks to its manufactural ease and unprecedented function capability, this work will offer innovative potentials to be utilized in various integrated optic devices that need miniaturization or implementation of ingenious and light‐weight optical components used in optical systems for photography, microscopy, computer vision, etc.
Photoredox‐Catalzyed Halo‐trifluoromethylation of 1,7‐Enynes for Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Yuan Xin , Zheng Ming‐Wei , Di Zhe‐Chen , Cui Yu‐Sheng , Zhuang Kai‐Qiang , Qin Long‐Zhou , Fang Zheng , Qiu Jiang‐Kai , Li Guigen , Guo Kai
Published: February 2019

An efficient photoredox‐catalyzed halo‐trifluoromethylation reaction of 1,7‐enynes has been developed under mild conditions. This photocatalytic protocol provides an efficient and functional strategy leading to CF3− and halogen‐containing 3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐ones from a wide range of 1,7‐enynes through two different radical pathways. The reaction mechanism was proposed based on the control experiments.

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Selective Engineering of Linkage‐Specific α2,6‐N‐Linked Sialoproteins Using Sydnone‐Modified Sialic Acid Bioorthogonal Reporters
Authors: Chinoy Zoeisha S. , Bodineau Clément , Favre Camille , Moremen Kelley W. , Durán Raúl V. , Friscourt Frédéric
Published: February 2019

The metabolic oligosaccharide engineering (MOE) strategy using unnatural sialic acids has recently enabled the visualization of the sialome in living systems. However, MOE only reports on global sialylation and dissected information regarding subsets of sialosides is missing. Described here is the synthesis and utilization of sialic acids modified with a sydnone reporter for the metabolic labeling of sialoconjugates. The positioning of the reporter on the sugar significantly altered its metabolic fate. Further in vitro enzymatic assays revealed that the 9‐modified neuraminic acid is preferentially accepted by the sialyltransferase ST6Gal‐I over ST3Gal‐IV, leading to the favored incorporation of the reporter into linkage‐specific α2,6‐N‐linked sialoproteins. This sydnone sugar presents the possibility of investigating the roles of specific sialosides.
Back From the Brink: Retrieval of Membrane Proteins From Terminal Compartments
Authors: Seaman Matthew N. J.
Published: February 2019

It has long been believed that membrane proteins present in degradative compartments such as endolysosomes or vacuoles would be destined for destruction. Now however, it appears that mechanisms and machinery exist in simple eukaryotes such as yeast and more complex organisms such as mammals that can rescue potentially “doomed” membrane proteins by retrieving them from these “late” compartments and recycling them back to the Golgi complex. In yeast, a sorting nexin dimer containing Snx4p can recognize and retrieve the Atg27p membrane protein while in mammals, the AP5 complex (with SPG11 and SPG15) directs the recycling of Golgi‐localized proteins along with the cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor (CIMPR). Although the respective machinery is different, there is much commonality between yeast and mammals regarding the mechanisms of retrieval and the physiological importance of these late recycling pathways.
Multicentre propensity score-matched study of laparoscopic versus open repeat liver resection for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: van der Poel M J , Barkhatov L , Fuks D , Berardi G , Cipriani F , Aljaiuossi A , Lainas P , Dagher I , D'Hondt M , Rotellar F , Besselink M G , Aldrighetti L , Troisi R I , Gayet B , Edwin B , Abu Hilal M
Published: February 2019

Background

Repeat liver resection is often the best treatment option for patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Repeat resections can be complex, however, owing to adhesions and altered liver anatomy. It remains uncertain whether the advantages of a laparoscopic approach are upheld in this setting. The aim of this retrospective, propensity score-matched study was to compare the short-term outcome of laparoscopic (LRLR) and open (ORLR) repeat liver resection.

Methods

A multicentre retrospective propensity score-matched study was performed including all patients who underwent LRLRs and ORLRs for CRLM performed in nine high-volume centres from seven European countries between 2000 and 2016. Patients were matched based on propensity scores in a 1 : 1 ratio. Propensity scores were calculated based on 12 preoperative variables, including the approach to, and extent of, the previous liver resection. Operative outcomes were compared using paired tests.

Results

Overall, 425 repeat liver resections were included. Of 271 LRLRs, 105 were matched with an ORLR. Baseline characteristics were comparable after matching. LRLR was associated with a shorter duration of operation (median 200 (i.q.r. 123–273) versus 256 (199–320) min; P < 0·001), less intraoperative blood loss (200 (50–450) versus 300 (100–600) ml; P = 0·077) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (5 (3–8) versus 6 (5–8) days; P = 0·028). Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were similar after LRLR and ORLR.

Conclusion

LRLR for CRLM is feasible in selected patients and may offer advantages over an open approach.
Two‐Phase Flow in Miniature Geometries: Comparison of Gas‐Liquid and Liquid‐Liquid Flows
Authors: Verma Raj Kumar , Ghosh Sumana
Published: February 2019

Miniature reactors are important devices used for process intensification. They provide a larger surface‐to‐volume ratio and enhance mass transfer and heat transfer significantly. This paper presents a review of transport processes of gas‐liquid and liquid‐liquid two‐phase flow in miniature geometries, in which the hydraulic diameter of the channel lies between 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm. Correlations for predicting the pressure drop in case of both adiabatic and non‐adiabatic gas‐liquid flows are summarized. Gas‐liquid distributions are observed to be different from liquid‐liquid flow distributions. Cross‐sectional geometry does not have any effect on the flow regimes in this range. In case of liquid‐liquid flow, the wall material plays an important role on flow distribution.
Granulocytic sarcoma: An uncommon cause of systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Rajaretnam Niroshini , Malcolm Paul , Aroori Somaiah
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Granulocytic sarcoma rarely arises from adrenal glands. Its necrosis can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), causing clinical difficulty in diagnosis without imaging and both biochemical and histological analysis. Compressive effects of the tumor may mask its source, and therefore, prompt resuscitation, symptom control, and investigation are vital in preventing clinical deterioration.
One‐Pot Synthesis of CuCo2S4 Sub‐Microspheres for High‐Performance Lithium‐/Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Qun , Jiao Qingze , Feng Xueting , Zhao Yun , Li Hansheng , Feng Caihong , Shi Daxin , Liu Hongbo , Wang Hongxia , Bai Xiaoping
Published: February 2019

Ternary transition metal sulfides have come into notice as a new class of prospective material with multiple applications in energy storage. In this work, CuCo2S4 sub‐microspheres with sizes of 0.3–0.5 μm were prepared by a facile one‐pot solvothermal method. This method combines chemical co‐precipitation and sulfidation processes into one pot to make it low‐cost and time‐saving by controlling the volume ratio of mixed solvent. The as‐prepared CuCo2S4 sub‐microsphere exhibits an outstanding energy storage performance as dual anodes for lithium/sodium‐ion batteries. It possesses a high specific capacity of 1081.3 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles with pseudocapacitive properties in lithium‐ion batteries and 522.4 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 140 cycles in sodium‐ion batteries. The superior electrochemical performances of CuCo2S4 sub‐microspheres forecast they will be a kind of competitive anode materials for lithium/sodium‐ion batteries.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Lipopeptide Conjugates of Mercaptoundecahydrododecaborate for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Isono Aoi , Tsuji Mieko , Sanada Yu , Matsushita Akari , Masunaga Shinichiro , Hirayama Tasuku , Nagasawa Hideko
Published: February 2019

We developed new 10B carriers for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) that can effectively transport and accumulate boron clusters into cells. These carriers consist of a lipopeptide, mercaptoundecahydrododecaborate (BSH), and a disulfide linker. The carriers were conceived according to the structure of pepducin, a membrane‐penetrating lipopeptide targeting protease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR1). To improve the membrane permeability of BSH, the structure was optimized using various lipopeptides possessing different peptides and lipid moieties. These synthesized lipopeptides were conjugated with BSH and evaluated for intracellular uptake using T98G glioblastoma cells. Among them, the most effectively incorporated and accumulated in the cells was compound 5 a, which contains a peptide of 13 residues derived from the intracellular third loop of PAR1 and a palmitoyl group. For further improvement of 10B accumulation in cells, the introduction of an amine linker was investigated; intracellular uptake similar to that of 5 a was observed for compound 14, which has a piperazine linker. Both compounds 5 a and 14 showed a stronger radiosensitizing effect than BSH along on T98G cells under mixed‐neutron beam irradiation. The results demonstrate that lipopeptide conjugation is effective for enhancing intracellular delivery and accumulation of BSH and improving the cytotoxic effect of BNCT.
A population‐based multistate model for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma–specific mortality in older patients
Authors: Çağlayan Çağlar , Goldstein Jordan S. , Ayer Turgay , Rai Ashish , Flowers Christopher R.
Published: February 2019

Background

Despite effective therapies, outcomes for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLCBL) remain heterogeneous in older individuals due to comorbid diseases and variations in disease biology.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database, the authors conducted a multistate survival analysis of 11,780 patients with DLBCL who were aged ≥65 years at the time of diagnosis (2002‐2009). Cox proportional hazards models were used to specify the impact of prognostic factors on overall survival and cause‐specific deaths, and the Aalen‐Johansen estimator was used to project the course of DLBCL over time with or without standard therapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP).

Results

Advanced age (hazard ratio [HR] for ages 71‐75 years: 1.25; HR for ages 76‐80 years: 1.46; HR for ages 81‐85 years: 1.88; and HR for age ≥86 years: 2.26), DLBCL stage (HR for Ann Arbor stage II: 1.28; HR for stage III: 1.54; and HR for stage IV: 1.95), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥1 (HR for CCI of 1, 1.15; and HR for CCI >1, 1.37), and not being married (HR, 1.12) were associated with an increased risk of DLBCL‐specific death. Being female (HR, 0.91) and of higher socioeconomic status (HR, 0.91) were associated with a lower risk of DLBCL‐related mortality after therapy. For patients treated with R‐CHOP (3610 patients), the risk of death due to DLBCL was 14.0% and 18.6%, respectively, at 2 and 5 years of treatment and plateaued afterward, confirming a 5‐year “cure” point while receiving R‐CHOP among older patients.

Conclusions

Conducting a survival analysis over a large data set, the current study evaluated competing risks for death within a multistate modeling framework, and identified age, sex, and CCI as risk factors for DLBCL‐specific and other causes of death.
A new baseline for countrywide α‐diversity and species distributions: illustration using >6,000 plant species in Panama
Authors: Leung Brian , Hudgins Emma J. , Potapova Anna , Ruiz‐Jaen Maria C.
Published: February 2019

Estimating α‐diversity and species distributions provides baseline information to understand factors such as biodiversity loss and erosion of ecosystem services. Yet, species surveys typically cover a small portion of any country's landmass. Public, global databases could help, but contain biases. Thus, the magnitude of bias should be identified and ameliorated, the value of integration determined, and application to current policy issues illustrated. The ideal integrative approach should be powerful, flexible, efficient, and conceptually straightforward. We estimated distributions for >6,000 species, integrating species sightings (S) from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), systematic survey data (S2), and “bias‐adjustment kernels” (BaK) using spatial and species trait databases (S2BaK). We validated our approach using both locational and species holdout sets, and then applied our predictive model to Panama. Using sightings alone (the most common approach) discriminated relative probabilities of occurrences well (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.88), but underestimated actual probabilities by ~4,000%, while using survey data alone omitted over three‐quarters of the >6,000 species. Comparatively, S2BaK had no systematic underestimation, and substantially stronger discrimination (AUC = 0.96) and predictive power (deviance explained = 47%). Our model suggested high diversity (~200% countrywide mean) where urban development is projected to occur (the Panama Canal watershed) and also suggested this is not due to higher sampling intensity. However, portions of the Caribbean coast and eastern Panama (the Darién Gap) were even higher, both for total plant biodiversity (~250% countrywide mean), and CITES listed species. Finally, indigenous territories appeared half as diverse as other regions, based on survey observations. However, our model suggested this was largely due to site selection, and that richness in and out of indigenous territories was roughly equal. In brief, we provide arguably the best estimate of countrywide plant α‐diversity and species distributions in the Neotropics, and make >6,000 species distributions available. We identify regions of overlap between development and high biodiversity, and improve interpretation of biodiversity patterns, including for policy‐relevant CITES species, and locations with limited access (i.e., indigenous territories). We derive a powerful, flexible, efficient and simple estimation approach for biodiversity science.
Mechanistic Details on the Conversion of Si–O to Si–C Bonds Using Metal Hydrides: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Butera Valeria , Fukaya Norihisa , Choi Jun‐Chul , Sato Kazuhiko , Choe Yoong‐Kee
Published: February 2019

We report results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations conducted to investigate the reaction mechanism for the formation of MeSi(OMe)3 from tetramethoxysilane [Si(OMe)4], using metal hydrides. In the present study, the effects of three different metal hydrides on the conversion reaction were investigated. This procedure represents an alternative route for the direct conversion from Si–O to Si–C bonds. Our DFT calculations revealed that the most energetically favorable reaction path that leads to the formation of the final product [MeSi(OMe)3] proceeding through the formation of HSi(OMe)3 as an intermediate. We found that the new Si–C bond originates from the methyl group transfer from another molecule of Si(OMe)4, and that this was the most energetically demanding process. We have also identified the origin of the reactivity difference between three metal hydrides. In agreement with the experiment, our results indicated that NaH was the best choice for this conversion reaction.
Wind speed variability study based on the Hurst coefficient and fractal dimensional analysis
Authors: Cadenas Erasmo , Campos‐Amezcua Rafael , Rivera Wilfrido , Espinosa‐Medina Marco Antonio , Méndez‐Gordillo Alma Rosa , Rangel Eduardo , Tena Jorge
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a study of a wind speed time series from La Venta, Oaxaca, Mexico. The time series consists of anemometric measurements taken by the Federal Electricity Commission of Mexico throughout a little over 6 years. The study was conducted to calculate the Hurst correlation coefficient using: box counting, rescaled range, power spectrum, detrended fluctuation analysis, and multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis techniques. The main objective of this research is to know the correlation among wind speed data to obtain a better description of real conditions of the time series, which is not always available, and to define the structure of its behavior. In this way, more suitable wind speed prediction models can be achieved. Results obtained from techniques above were used to generate fractals time series for a typical month, using the Hurst coefficient and a self‐affine trace generator, which produces fractals time series whose probability distribution is always normal. These time series were compared against time series generated by using random numbers with Gaussian behavior and the characteristics of a typical month. Fractals time series highlight in the qualitative part regarding the modeling of wind speed variability and the descriptive statistics (average, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation), which is similar to the real series. Discordance tests were applied to the datasets to detect deviated values, and so ensure the normal behavior of the samples. These tests showed the existence of different populations with normal behavior in the samples that had bimodal characteristics. By separating the samples, it was possible to apply the self‐affine trace generator to each population found, to generate the fractal time series. An additional objective was to find the level of change in the structure of the original series concerning its statistical and fractal characteristics at different window widths of the time series (daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual) to identify either a specific tendency or dynamic behavior. The results showed a wind speed time series with a negative correlation (antipersistent), a high degree of scale invariance (homothetic), and a fractal dimension very close to 2, thus indicating that the time series is more irregular than a random process.
Cooperative non‐orthogonal multiple access with SWIPT over Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Kader Md. Fazlul , Uddin Mohammed Belal , Islam Anik , Shin Soo Young
Published: February 2019

To meet with both the energy and spectral efficiency, cooperative non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) (termed as CNOMA) and simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) are integrated in this paper. Two different protocols such as CNOMA‐SWIPT‐PS and CNOMA‐SWIPT‐TS are proposed, by employing power‐splitting (PS) and time‐switching (TS) energy harvesting (EH) techniques, respectively. In the proposed protocols, a base station (BS) directly communicates with a NOMA near user, whereas the communication with a NOMA far user is performed with the assistance of an energy‐constrained relay node. The relay node harvests energy from the transmitted signal by the BS, employing PS or TS EH technique. We investigate ergodic sum capacity and outage probability of the proposed protocols along with analytical derivations over Nakagami‐m fading channels. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed schemes over existing strategy and conventional multiple access is demonstrated through analysis and simulation.
Acute leukemias harboring KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion: a 10‐year experience from a single genomics laboratory
Authors: Peterson Jess F. , Sukov William R. , Pitel Beth A. , Smoley Stephanie A. , Pearce Kathryn E. , Meyer Reid G. , Williamson Cynthia M. , Smadbeck James B. , Vasmatzis George , Hoppman Nicole L. , Greipp Patricia T. , Baughn Linda B. , Ketterling Rhett P.
Published: February 2019

The MLLT10 (formerly AF10) gene is the fourth most common KMT2A fusion partner across all acute leukemias and requires at least 3 breaks to form an in‐frame KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion due to the opposite orientation of each gene. A 10‐year retrospective review was performed to identify individuals from all age groups that harbor KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion obtained by our KMT2A/MLLT10 dual‐color dual‐fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization (D‐FISH) assay. Of the 60 unique individuals identified, 31 were male and 29 were female (M:F ratio, 1.1:1) with ages ranging from 3 days to 86 years (mean 21.5 years, median 5.5 years). The diagnoses included acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (49 patients, 82%), B‐ or T‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (7 patients, 12%), myeloid sarcoma (3 patients, 5%), and a single case (2%) of undifferentiated leukemia. Twenty‐seven of 49 patients (55%) with AML were in the infant or pediatric age group. Fifty‐three of 60 patients (88%) had KMT2A/MLLT10 D‐FISH signal patterns mostly consisting of single fusions. In addition, 10 (26%) of 38 patients with conventional chromosome studies had “normal” (5 patients) or abnormal (5 patients) chromosome studies that lacked structural or numeric abnormalities involving chromosomes 10 or 11, implying cryptic cytogenetic mechanisms for KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion. Lastly, mate‐pair sequencing was performed on 4 AML cases, 2 of which had “normal” chromosome studies and cryptic KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion as detected by KMT2A/MLLT10 D‐FISH studies, and verified the multiple breaks required to generate KMT2A/MLLT10 fusion.
Social networks and loneliness in people with Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Balouch Sara , Rifaat Enas , Chen Henglien Lisa , Tabet Naji
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Modifiable lifestyle risk factors are of great interest in the prevention and management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Loneliness and social networks may influence onset of AD, but little is known about this relationship in people with AD. The current study aimed to explore the relationship between loneliness and social networks (social measures) and cognitive and psychopathology decline (AD outcomes) in people with AD.

Methods

Ninety‐three participants with mild to moderate AD were recruited from memory clinics, in a cross‐sectional study. Social networks (measured by the Lubben Social Network Scale‐6), feelings of loneliness (measured by De Jong Loneliness Scale), cognition (measured by the Standardized Mini‐Mental State Examination), and psychopathology (measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory) were assessed in an interview setting. Two multiple regressions with bootstrap were conducted on cognition and psychopathology as outcome variables. Family and friends subsets of social networks and loneliness were entered as predictors and age, gender, and depression as covariates.

Results

The friendship subset of social networks was significantly related to cognition (independent of age, gender, depression, loneliness, and family subset of social network): B = 0.284, P = 0.01. Neither loneliness nor social networks predicted psychopathology (Ps > 0.05).

Conclusions

Maintaining or developing a close friendship network could be beneficial for cognition in people with AD. Alternatively, greater dementia severity may lead to fewer friends. More research on the direction of this relationship in people with AD is needed.
A Randomized, Controlled, Phase 2 Study of Maralixibat in the Treatment of Itching Associated With Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Mayo Marlyn J. , Pockros Paul J. , Jones David , Bowlus Christopher L. , Levy Cynthia , Patanwala Imran , Bacon Bruce , Luketic Velimir , Vuppalanchi Raj , Medendorp Sharon , Dorenbaum Alejandro , Kennedy Ciara , Novak Patricia , Gu Joan , Apostol George , Hirschfield Gideon M.
Published: February 2019

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is typically associated with elevated serum bile acid levels and pruritus, but pruritus is often refractory to treatment with existing therapies. This phase 2 study assessed the efficacy and safety of maralixibat, a selective, ileal, apical, sodium‐dependent, bile acid transporter inhibitor, in adults with PBC and pruritus. Adults with PBC and pruritus who had received ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for ≥6 months or were intolerant to UDCA were randomized 2:1 to maralixibat (10 or 20 mg/day) or placebo for 13 weeks in combination with UDCA (when tolerated). The primary outcome was change in Adult Itch Reported Outcome (ItchRO™) average weekly sum score (0, no itching; 70, maximum itching) from baseline to week 13/early termination (ET). The study enrolled 66 patients (maralixibat [both doses combined], n = 42; placebo, n = 24). Mean ItchRO™ weekly sum scores decreased from baseline to week 13/ET with maralixibat (–26.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], –31.8, –21.2) and placebo (–23.4; 95% CI, –30.3, –16.4). The difference between groups was not significant (P = 0.48). In the maralixibat and placebo groups, adverse events (AEs) were reported in 97.6% and 70.8% of patients, respectively. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequently reported AEs (maralixibat, 78.6%; placebo, 50.0%). Conclusion: Reductions in pruritus did not differ significantly between maralixibat and placebo. However, a large placebo effect may have confounded assessment of pruritus. Lessons learned from this rigorously designed and executed trial are indispensable for understanding how to approach trials assessing pruritus as the primary endpoint and the therapeutic window of bile acid uptake inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in PBC.
Histological, immunohistochemical, and genomic evaluation of excisional and diabetic wounds treated with human Wharton’s jelly stem cells with and without a nanocarrier
Authors: Raj Vaishnevi , Claudine Stephanie , Subramanian Arjunan , Tam Kimberley , Biswas Arijit , Bongso Ariff , Fong Chui‐Yee
Published: February 2019

We showed in previous studies that human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) improved the healing rates of excisional and diabetic wounds in the mouse model. As an extension of those studies, we report here the more detailed quantitative histological, immunohistochemical, and genomic evaluation of biopsies from those excisional and diabetic wounds in an attempt to understand the mechanisms of the enhanced wound healing aided by hWJSCs. Bright‐field microscopic observations and ImageJ software analysis on histological sections of the excisional and diabetic wound biopsies collected at different time points showed that the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, and positive picrosirius‐red stained areas for collagen, were significantly greater in the presence of hWJSCs compared with controls (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry of the diabetic wound biopsies showed increased positive staining for the vascular endothelial marker CD31 and cell proliferation marker Ki67 in the presence of hWJSCs and its conditioned medium (hWJSC‐CM). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed upregulation of groups of genes involved in extracellular matrix regulation, collagen biosynthesis, angiogenesis, antifibrosis, granulation, and immunomodulation in the presence of hWJSCs. Taken together, the results demonstrated that hWJSCs and hWJSC‐CM that contains the paracrine secretions of hWJSCs, enhance the healing of excisional and diabetic wounds via re‐epithelialization, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. The inclusion of an
Aloe vera‐polycaprolactone (AV/PCL) nanocarrier did not significantly change the effect of the hWJSCs. However, the topical application of an AV/PCL nanocarrier impregnated with hWJSCs is convenient and less invasive than the administration of hWJSC injections into wounds.
Group divisible designs with block size four and type —II
Authors: Forbes A. D.
Published: February 2019

We show that the necessary conditions for the existence of group divisible designs with block size four (4‐GDDs) of type are sufficient for (mod ),  = 39, 51, 57, 69, 87, 93, 111, 123 and 129, and for  = 13, 17, 19, 23, 25, 29, 31 and 35. More generally, we show that for (mod 6), the possible exceptions occur only when , and there are no exceptions at all if has a divisor such that (mod 4) or is a prime not greater than 43. Hence, there are no exceptions when (mod 12). Consequently, we are able to extend the known spectrum for and 5 (mod 6). Also, we complete the spectrum for 4‐GDDs of type .
SPARC promotes the proliferation and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by PI3K/AKT/PDGFB/PDGFRβ axis
Authors: Jing Yue , Jin Yue , Wang Yujia , Chen Sheng , Zhang Xiaoxin , Song Yuxian , Wang Zhiyong , Pu Yumei , Ni Yanhong , Hu Qingang
Published: February 2019

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly lethal cancer in the world, and the prognosis of OSCC is poor with a 60% 5‐year survival rate in recent decades. Here, we introduced a novel secretory and acid glycoprotein with cysteine rich (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, SPARC), which is correlated with the worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) and prognosis of OSCC. SPARC expression levels were measured in OSCC tissues and normal tissues using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The influence of SPARC on cell proliferation was examined by cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, and Edu tests. Then, the effect of SPARC on the metastasis of OSCC cells was detected by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Next, the biologic characteristics of SPARC shared by STRING were analyzed. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were confirmed by western blot analysis. SPARC revealed higher expression in OSCC tissues than nontumor tissues. Higher SPARC expression was correlated with poorer tumor differentiation, poorer WPOI pattern, and significantly and shorter overall survival. Knockdown SPARC significantly restrained OSCC cell growth, migration, and invasion. In addition, bioinformatics analysis found SPARC had a coexpression network with the platelet‐derived growth factor‐B (PDGFB) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways with minimal false discovery rate. Furthermore, SPARC promotes OSCC cells metastasis by regulating the expressions of PDGFB, PDGFRβ, p‐PDGFRβ , and the PI3K/AKT pathway. Higher SPARC expression was positively correlated with poor WPOI and differentiation in OSCC. SPARC activates the PI3K/AKT/PDGFB/PDGFRβ axis to promote proliferation and metastasis by OSCC cell lines. Therefore, SPARC may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with OSCC.
Resurgence is greater following a return to the training context than remaining in the extinction context
Authors: Podlesnik Christopher A. , Kuroda Toshikazu , Jimenez‐Gomez Corina , Abreu‐Rodrigues Josele , Cançado Carlos R. X. , Blackman Abigail L. , Silverman Karli , Villegas‐Barker Jamie , Galbato Melinda , Teixeira Italo S. C.
Published: February 2019

The present study examined whether resurgence of a previously reinforced target response upon removing alternative reinforcement would be greater when (1) returning to the original training context (ABA context changes) versus (2) remaining in the analogue treatment context in which the alternative response was differentially reinforced (ABB context changes). Experiment 1 arranged reinforcement of button pressing with points exchangeable for money in university students. Experiment 2 arranged reinforcement of lever pressing with food for rats. Experiment 3 arranged reinforcement of responses to a touchscreen with small bites of food with children diagnosed with ASD. Overall, resurgence of target responding tended to be greater when returning to the original training context (A) than when remaining in the analogue treatment context (B). These findings suggest context changes with differential reinforcement treatments could exacerbate the recurrence of problem behavior resulting from reductions in treatment integrity through failure to reinforce appropriate behavior.