bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the extent of nodal involvement for node positive breast cancer patients: Development and validation of a novel tool
Authors: van den Hoven Ingrid , van Klaveren David , Verheuvel Nicole C. , van la Parra Raquel F. D. , Voogd Adri C. , de Roos Wilfred K. , Bosscha Koop , Heuts Esther M. , Tjan‐Heijnen Vivianne C. G. , Roumen Rudi M. H. , Steyerberg Ewout W.
Published: July 2019

Background

This study aimed to develop an easy to use prediction model to predict the risk of having a total of 1 to 2, ≥3, or ≥4 positive axillary lymph nodes (LNs), for patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) positive breast cancer.

Methods

Data of 911 SLN positive breast cancer patients were used for model development. The model was validated externally in an independent population of 180 patients with SLN positive breast cancer.

Results

Final pathology after ALND showed additional positive LN for 259 (28%) of the patients. A total of 726 (81%) out of 911 patients had a total of 1 to 2 positive nodes, whereas 175 (19%) had ≥3 positive LNs. The model included three predictors: the tumor size (in mm), the presence of a negative SLN, and the size of the SLN metastases (in mm). At external validation, the model showed a good discriminative ability (area under the curve = 0.82; 95% confidence interval = 0.74‐0.90) and good calibration over the full range of predicted probabilities.

Conclusion

This new and validated model predicts the extent of nodal involvement in node‐positive breast cancer and will be useful for counseling patients regarding their personalized axillary treatment.
Motivations of tourism‐induced mobility: Tourism development and the pursuit of the Chinese dream
Authors: Zhou Lingxu , Chan Eric S.W.
Published: July 2019

Less developed areas face the challenge of attracting and sustaining various forms of capital for tourism development. This study examines the motivations and experiences of migrant employees and entrepreneurs in the context of tourism development in rural China. In‐depth interviews with migrant employees and entrepreneurs revealed that they were motivated by economic, sociocultural, and intrinsic factors to enter the tourism industry and strive towards personal achievement. Tourism development offers opportunities for individuals in pursuit of the Chinese dream, suggestions are made on the strategic planning of tourism and providing more administrative support to improve tourism supply‐induced mobility.
Influence of land management on soil erosion, connectivity, and sediment delivery in agricultural catchments: Closing the sediment budget
Authors: Sherriff Sophie C. , Rowan John S. , Fenton Owen , Jordan Phil , Ó hUallacháin Daire
Published: July 2019

Agricultural land, and arable farming in particular, is commonly associated with increased soil erosion risk. Such systems are most vulnerable during low groundcover periods, but downstream delivery is ultimately controlled by connectivity. This study provides a catchment‐scale sediment budget integrating three discrete but complementary investigations spanning different temporal and spatial scales. The first gives details on suspended sediment fluxes at the catchment outlet (2009–2012). The second provenances sources of fluxes using quantitative sediment fingerprinting. The third sets recent data in a multidecadal (60‐year) context using radiometric (137Cs) field‐scale soil loss estimates. The catchment observatory (11 km2) is low relief with predominantly well‐drained soils and dominated by spring‐sown cereal cropping through the study period. Modelling 137Cs inventory losses across 30 fields provided a catchment‐wide mean soil loss of 2.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1. Although such rates are not atypical of intensively managed agriculture across Europe, they are considerably higher than contemporary sediment export yields of 0.12 Mg ha−1 yr−1 of which fingerprinting revealed that contemporary slope erosion contributed less than 25% (0.03 Mg ha−1 yr−1). No evidence of floodplain or in‐channel sediment storage was consistent with disconnectivity. Instead, it is hypothesised that soil loss is associated with coextraction from root crop harvesting of previously widespread sugar beet crops. Considering that the highest mass‐specific 137Cs concentration occurred during the 1960s, there appears to have been significant depletion of the cumulative 137Cs inventory where root crop harvesting occurred as compared with atmospheric fallout ‘reference sites.' The study highlights the value of multiple methodologies when seeking to understand legacy issues within agricultural catchment settings.
Potential of artificial grasslands in crop rotation for improving farmland soil quality
Authors: Cui Zeng , Liu Yu , Huang Ze , He Honghua , Wu Gao‐Lin
Published: July 2019

In the long‐term improper agricultural activities can result in soil compaction, which is accompanied by a series of problems. Artificial grasslands with high economic benefits and environmental efficiencies are suitable for cultivation in semiarid areas. It is necessary to explore whether artificial grasslands could be used as crop rotation to improve compacted farmland. In this study, five typical artificial grasslands (Miscanthus sinensis, Medicago sativa, Panicum virgatum, Trifolium repens, and Bromus inermis) and bare farmland were selected to compare relevant indicators of soil physical properties (SPP), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil water storage (SWS), and aboveground biomass via field observations. B. inermis and T. repens with high depth‐averaged SOC (10.14 and 9.81 g kg−1, respectively) had significant effects on the improvement of SPP, but such effects were limited by their low biomass yield (2,208.9 and 1,831.3 kg ha−1, respectively). In contrast, P. virgatum improved SPP and increased SOC while maintaining higher biomass yield (25028.5 kg ha−1) and SWS (1,534.79 mm). In conclusion, artificial grasslands with high environmental efficiencies improved soil quality and could be considered as feasible and suitable rotation species to increase land productivity and promote sustainable agricultural management. Furthermore, P. virgatum with higher biomass yield and SWS might be a feasible and suitable choice on the basis of its potential to improve soil quality in semiarid regions.
Moxifloxacin Labeling‐Based Multiphoton Microscopy of Skin Cancers in Asians
Authors: Chang Hoonchul , Jang Won Hyuk , Lee Seunghun , Kim Bumju , Kim Myoung Joon , Kim Won Oh , Ryoo Young Wook , Oh Byung Ho , Kim Ki Hean
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Although multiphoton microscopy (MPM) can visualize both cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) structures of the skin in high‐contrast without exogenous labeling, label‐free MPM is usually too slow to image clinically relevant large regions. A high‐speed MPM method would be beneficial for evaluating clinical skin specimens by increasing the imaging area. In this study, moxifloxacin labeling‐based MPM (moxifloxacin MPM) was characterized in various human skin cancer specimens.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution was used for cell‐labeling and MPM imaging was conducted afterwards. Moxifloxacin MPM was characterized in ex vivo normal human skin and skin cancer specimens in comparison with the label‐free MPM and fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) using acridine orange as a labeling agent. Then, moxifloxacin MPM was applied to various
ex vivo human skin cancer specimens including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Results of moxifloxacin MPM were compared with bright‐field clinical and histopathologic findings.

Results

Moxifloxacin MPM imaged both cells and collagen in the skin, similarly to label‐free MPM, but with enhanced fluorescence intensities in cells and enhanced imaging speeds. Moxifloxacin MPM imaged cells in the skin similarly to acridine orange‐based FCM. Moxifloxacin MPM of various human skin cancer specimens imaged their specific cellular features. The microscopic features detected in moxifloxacin MPM were confirmed with histological images.

Conclusions

This observational pilot study demonstrated that moxifloxacin MPM could detect specific cellular features of various skin cancers in good correlation with histopathological images in Asian patients at the higher imaging speed than label‐free MPM. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly Water‐Soluble Rod–Coil Conjugated Block Copolymer for Efficient Humidity Sensor
Authors: Khawas Koomkoom , Daripa Soumili , Kumari Pallavi , Das Santanu , Dey Ratan Kumar , Kuila Biplab Kumar
Published: July 2019

In this report, the preparation of highly water‐soluble rod–coil conjugated block copolymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐polystyrenesulfonic acid (P3HT‐b‐PSSA) is demonstrated using a facile method with its moisture sensing properties. The block copolymer synthesis method comprises Kumada catalyst transfer polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization from a bifunctional initiator followed by sulfonation of polystyrene using moderate reaction conditions. The polymerization results in the synthesis of well‐defined block copolymers with controllable block length. The successful synthesis of the block copolymer is studied by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy while optical and structural properties of the block copolymer are investigated using UV–vis, photoluminescence spectroscopy, XRD, and FESEM. In water, the block copolymer shows aggregated structure with crystalline core formed by rod‐like P3HT chain with absorption maxima at 558 nm, whereas in solid state the absorption maxima is blue shifted to 548 nm. The proton conductivity of the block copolymer P3HT‐b‐PSSA with ≈91% of PSSA (by weight) is measured from impedance study, and the values for bulk and grain conductivities are 5.25 × 10−4 and 4.66 × 10−6 S cm−1, respectively, at room temperature. The as‐synthesized block copolymer shows a very high water uptake with maximum ≈80% in comparison with its initial weight. The I–V measurement of the device made from block copolymer shows nonlinear, rectifying characteristic and the current increases with increase of relative humidity (RH%). The block copolymer device shows well‐correlated systemic and reversible resistance change with RH both in doped and undoped state. It is believed that the interesting and highly reversible moisture‐sensitive electronic properties of this block copolymer will be useful for the fabrication of moisture‐sensitive polymer‐based flexible electronic devices.
Role of miR‐214 in regulation of β‐catenin and the malignant phenotype of melanoma
Authors: Prabhakar Kirthana , Rodrίguez Carlos I. , Jayanthy Ashika S. , Mikheil Dareen M. , Bhasker Aishwarya Iyer , Perera Ranjan J. , Setaluri Vijayasaradhi
Published: July 2019

Wnt/β‐catenin signaling plays an important role in melanocyte biology, especially in the early stages of melanocyte transformation and melanomagenesis. β‐catenin, encoded by the gene
CTNNB1, is an intracellular signal transducer of Wnt signaling and activates transcription of genes important for cell proliferation and survival. Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is frequently activated in melanoma through oncogenic mutations of β‐catenin and elevated β‐catenin levels are positively correlated with melanoma aggressiveness. Molecular mechanisms that regulate β‐catenin expression in melanoma are not fully understood. MicroRNA‐214 is known to function as a tumor suppressor by targeting β‐catenin in several types of cancer cells. Here, we investigated the regulation of β‐catenin by miR‐214 and its role in melanoma. We show that β‐catenin mRNA levels are negatively correlated with miR‐214 in melanoma. However, overexpression of miR‐214 paradoxically increased β‐catenin protein levels and promoted malignant properties of melanoma cells including resistance to mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi). RNA‐seq analysis revealed that melanoma cells predominantly express a β‐catenin mRNA isoform lacking miR‐214 target site. Using matched miRNA and mRNA‐seq and bioinformatics analysis, we identified novel miR‐214 targets, ankyrin repeat domain 6 (ANKRD6) and C‐terminal binding protein 1 (CTBP1), that are involved in negative regulation of Wnt signaling. Overexpression of miR‐214 or knockdown of the novel miR‐214 targets, ANKRD6 or CTBP1, increased melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and decreased sensitivity to MAPKi. Our data suggest that in melanoma cells β‐catenin is not regulated by miR‐214 and the functions of miR‐214 in melanoma are mediated partly by regulating proteins involved in attenuation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.
Identification of a novel EVC variant in a Han‐Chinese family with Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome
Authors: Huang Xiangjun , Guo Yi , Xu Hongbo , Yang Zhijian , Deng Xiong , Deng Hao , Yuan Lamei
Published: July 2019

Background

Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome (EVC), a very rare genetic skeletal dysplasia, is clinically characterized by a tetrad consisting of chondrodystrophy, polydactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and cardiac anomalies. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic defect for EVC in a five‐generation consanguineous Han‐Chinese pedigree.

Methods

A five‐generation, 12‐member Han‐Chinese pedigree was enrolled in this study. Exome sequencing was applied in the proband to screen potential genetic variant(s), and then Sanger sequencing was used to identify the variant in family members and 200 unrelated ethnicity‐matched controls.

Results

A novel homozygous variant, c.2014C>T, p.(Q672*), in the EvC ciliary complex subunit 1 gene (EVC), was detected in the patient, which was cosegregated with the disease in the family and absent in the controls.

Conclusion

The identified novel homozygous EVC variant, c.2014C>T, p.(Q672*), was responsible for EVC in this Han‐Chinese pedigree. The findings in this study extend the EVC mutation spectrum and may provide new insights into EVC causation and diagnosis with implications for genetic counseling and clinical management.
Persistence properties and wave‐breaking criteria for the Geng‐Xue system
Authors: Chen Rong , Qiao Zhijun , Zhou Shouming
Published: July 2019

Considered herein is a two‐component Novikov equations (called Geng‐Xue system for short) with cubic nonlinearities. The persistence properties and some unique continuation properties of the solutions to the system in weighted Lp spaces
are established. Moreover, a wave‐breaking criterion for strong solutions is determined in the lowest Sobolev space by using the localization analysis in the transport equation theory, and we also give a lower bound for the maximal existence time.
The real‐life management of overactive bladder: Turkish Continence Society multicenter prospective cohort study with short‐term outcome
Authors: Zümrütbas Ali E. , Citgez Sinharib , Acar Ömer , İzol Volkan , Uzun Hakki , Kabay Şahin , Sancak Eyüp B. , Yazıcı Cenk , Erdogan Mehmet S. , Tarcan Tufan , Demirkesen Oktay
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Turkish Continence Society aimed to analyze how overactive bladder (OAB) is being managed in routine practice by the urologists in Turkey.

Material and methods

Fourteen urology departments were randomly selected to represent the whole population in this multicenter study. An online data entry and storage software was created for patient recruitment and data assessment. A survey including demographic data, daily habits, lower urinary tract symptoms, and Turkish‐validated OAB‐V8 and ICIQ‐SF questionnaires were completed by all patients. Second part of the survey, including the questions about clinical evaluation and management of the patient, was completed by the treating physician.

Results

A total of 507 patients (394 female and 113 male) were included. Behavioral therapy was recommended to 73.2% of female and 81.4% of male patients although bladder diary was requested for 59.5% and 52.7% of the female and male patients, respectively. In the first visit, 86.1% of the female and 89.3% of the male patients were given antimuscarinics (P = .431). Antimuscarinic‐related side effects occurred in 94.9% and 88.9% of the female and male patients, respectively (P = .937). However, the rate of medical treatment change due to antimuscarinic‐related side effects was only 1.7% in female and 4.8% in male patients at the end of 4 months.

Conclusions

Behavioral therapy and antimuscarinics were the preferred initial treatment modalities of OAB in concordance with the guidelines. Despite guideline recommendations, bladder diaries were not utilized in half of the patients. Insufficient efficacy appeared to be the main reason for treatment modification.
Rayleigh‐wave dispersion analysis using complex‐vector seismic data
Authors: Qiu Xinming , Wang Yun , Wang Chao
Published: July 2019

Identification of different modes of Rayleigh waves is essential in surface‐wave surveys. Multi‐mode Rayleigh waves can provide higher accuracy of the near‐surface structure than the fundamental mode alone. However, some modes or frequencies of Rayleigh waves may be absent in the vertical‐component seismic data. To complement the dispersion information, a method based on complex‐vector seismic data is proposed. We construct the complex vector by setting the radial component and vertical component as the real part and imaginary part, respectively. Then, high‐resolution linear Radon transform is used to obtain the multi‐mode Rayleigh‐wave dispersion image of the complex‐vector seismic data. Based on different dispersion characteristics of the radial and vertical components, the dispersion images of the complex–vector seismic data show better performance against interferences and mode misidentification. Synthetic and field examples demonstrate advantages of the complex‐vector method over the traditional vertical‐component method in spectral bands and dispersion curve mode identification. Therefore, a more robust and accurate near‐surface S‐wave velocity structure can be expected compared to the traditional vertical‐component Rayleigh‐wave method.
Synthesis of multiresponsive β‐cyclodextrin nanocomposite through surface RAFT polymerization for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hossein , Hosseinzadeh Soleyman , Pashaei Shahryar , Ghorbani Naser , Mazaherpour Rohollah
Published: July 2019

In this study, a unique magnetic, pH, and thermo‐responsive hydrogel nanocomposite was synthesized via surface reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) in the presence of magnetic β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD). The nanocomposite demonstrated a pH‐responsiveness behavior at pHs 3 and 9. Moreover, swelling behaviors of nanocomposite were measured in solutions with various temperatures. Furthermore, the nanocomposites exhibited high swelling capacity by applying an external magnetic field because of the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the polymer structure. Besides, the doxorubicin (DOX) loading and releasing behaviors of the hydrogel nanocomposites were studied because of the stimuli‐responsive properties of the synthesized carriers. The adsorption of DOX obeyed a pseudo‐second‐order model and fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model with the maximum adsorption capacity uptake of 291 mg g−1. In conclusion, the hydrogel nanocomposites were found to be as potential nanocarriers for use in controlled release applications.
Cardiovascular risks associated with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors monotherapy compared with other antidiabetes drugs in the Japanese population: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Komamine Maki , Kajiyama Kazuhiro , Ishiguro Chieko , Uyama Yoshiaki
Published: July 2019

Purpose

We evaluated the cardiovascular risk associated with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4Is) as monotherapy compared with other antidiabetic drugs in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cohort study involving 2 716 000 diabetes patients in Japan. New users of any antidiabetic drug as monotherapy between 1 April 2010 and 31 October 2014 were identified. Occurrences of myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and stroke requiring hospitalization associated with DPP‐4Is were compared with those associated with biguanides (BGs), sulfonylureas (SUs), or α‐glucosidase inhibitors (α‐GIs). Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for these outcomes were estimated by Cox proportional hazards model. Propensity score standardization was used to control for confounding.

Results

We identified 1 105 103 patients using DPP‐4Is, 278 280 patients using BGs, 273 449 patients using SUs, and 217 026 patients using α‐GIs. The risks of MI and HF for DPP‐4I users were significantly higher than those for BG users (MI: aHR, 1.48 [95%CI, 1.20‐1.82], HF: aHR, 1.46 [95%CI, 1.31‐1.62]), while significantly lower than those for SU users (MI: aHR, 0.84 [95%CI, 0.72‐0.98], HF: aHR, 0.86 [95%CI, 0.81‐0.92]). The risk of MI for DPP‐4I users was similar to that for α‐GI users, while the risk of HF for DPP‐4I users was slightly higher than for α‐GI users (MI: aHR, 0.98 [95%CI, 0.82‐1.17], HF: aHR, 1.12[95%CI, 1.04‐1.21]).

Conclusions

Risk of MI and HF requiring hospitalization associated with DPP‐4Is as monotherapy was significantly higher than BGs, significantly lower than SUs, and similar to α‐GIs.
Intestinal responses of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) after ingestion of an entomopathogenic bacterium strain
Authors: Zeng Tian , Bai Xue , Liu Ya‐Lan , Li Jian‐Fang , Lu Yong‐Yue , Qi Yi‐Xiang
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is the main fruit fly pest of tropical and subtropical countries. The application of insecticides to manage this pest has led to serious resistance problems; therefore, new ways to control B. dorsalis are required. Pathogenic bacteria are sources of biocontrol agents for pest management.

RESULTS

We determined that a pathogenic bacterial strain, Serratia marcescens PS‐1, isolated from a moribund striped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata), was lethal to B. dorsalis adults following ingestion. Histological analyses revealed that PS‐1 damaged the intestinal epithelium, resulting in cell death within 24 h. We then generated a gut transcriptomic data set using RNA‐Seq at two time points (6 and 24 h) after PS‐1 infection. We found that genes encoding the peritrophic matrix constituent were down‐regulated, whereas genes involved in lipid and glycan metabolism, and renewal of the gut epithelium, along with genes encoding digestive enzymes and stress response factors, were up‐regulated. In addition, 14 cecropin genes were identified and cloned from B. dorsalis. To our knowledge, the number of cecropins identified in the present study is greater than that reported in the insects of earlier studies. Moreover, some of the cecropins identified were significantly down‐regulated after PS‐1 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide new insights into the insect gut response to pathogenic bacterial invasion and may aid the development of new strategies for the biological control of B. dorsalis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Selective control of photoassociation of alkaline earth dimers: A theoretical study
Authors: Cheng Junxia , Zhang Hong , Cheng Xinlu , Wu Shenjiang
Published: July 2019

The laser synthesis of alkaline earth dimers (Be2, Mg2, Ca2, Sr2, and Ba2) is investigated by theoretical calculation. Photoassociation based on ab initio calculations is rationalized by Franck‐Condon filtering. The optimal target states of photoassociations have been obtained, which are A1∑+u state for Be2, Mg2, and Ca2, and are B1∑+u state for Sr2 and Ba2, corresponding to vibrational transition bands from X1∑+g to excited state are 0‐1, 0‐7, 0‐10, 0‐13, and 0‐3, respectively. The proposed laser drive transitions to target states are also investigated that range from 350 to 740 nm. By using quantum wave‐packet dynamic methods, we calculated the absorption cross sections of photon energy and yields for the selected states of photoassociation. It show that the most sensitive molecules for quantum selective control of photoassociation are Be2 and Ba2 for alkaline earth dimers. These important parameters will provide a feasible scheme for further experimental researches.
Planarity of ethylene/linear polyene analogues focused on π‐electron holding ability of the components
Authors: Nakamura Taiji , Imanishi Akira , Kudo Takako
Published: July 2019

Ethylene/polyene analogues composed of heavier group 14 elements, such as silicon and germanium, do not prefer a planar structure. In the repulsion dominant (RD) model of our previous study mainly focusing on the planarity of hexasilabenzene, it was demonstrated that electron repulsion promotes nonplanarization of heavy benzene analogues. In this study, we have investigated a correlation between intramolecular π‐electron transfers (polarization effect) and planarity in various linear unsaturated compounds in order to deepen the RD model. Herein, it was revealed that the ability to hold π‐electrons in the planar molecular structure is characteristic of each element. For example, carbon can hold more than one π‐electron, whereas silicon and germanium cannot tolerate even one π‐electron to keep the planar structure. Thus, π‐accepting substituents on the heavy atom were found to make the heavy ethylenes and linear polyenes planar by controlling the number of π‐electrons on each skeletal atom.
Making social networks more human: A topological approach
Authors: Berry Jonathan W. , Phillips Cynthia A. , Saia Jared
Published: July 2019

A key problem in social network analysis is to identify nonhuman interactions. State‐of‐the‐art bot‐detection systems like Botometer train machine‐learning models on user‐specific data. Unfortunately, these methods do not work on data sets in which only topological information is available. In this paper, we propose a new, purely topological approach. Our method removes edges that connect nodes exhibiting strong evidence of non‐human activity from publicly available electronic‐social‐network datasets, including, for example, those in the Stanford Network Analysis Project repository (SNAP). Our methodology is inspired by classic work in evolutionary psychology by Dunbar that posits upper bounds on the total strength of the set of social connections in which a single human can be engaged. We model edge strength with Easley and Kleinberg's topological estimate; label nodes as “violators” if the sum of these edge strengths exceeds a Dunbar‐inspired bound; and then remove the violator‐to‐violator edges. We run our algorithm on multiple social networks and show that our Dunbar‐inspired bound appears to hold for social networks, but not for nonsocial networks. Our cleaning process classifies 0.04% of the nodes of the Twitter‐2010 followers graph as violators, and we find that more than 80% of these violator nodes have Botometer scores of 0.5 or greater. Furthermore, after we remove the roughly 15 million violator‐violator edges from the 1.2‐billion‐edge Twitter‐2010 follower graph, 34% of the violator nodes experience a factor‐of‐two decrease in PageRank. PageRank is a key component of many graph algorithms such as node/edge ranking and graph sparsification. Thus, this artificial inflation would bias algorithmic output, and result in some incorrect decisions based on this output.
Mixed‐effects models for slope‐based endpoints in clinical trials of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Vonesh Edward , Tighiouart Hocine , Ying Jian , Heerspink Hiddo L. , Lewis Julia , Staplin Natalie , Inker Lesley , Greene Tom
Published: July 2019

In March of 2018, the National Kidney Foundation, in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, sponsored a workshop in which surrogate endpoints other than currently established event‐time endpoints for clinical trials in chronic kidney disease (CKD) were presented and discussed. One such endpoint is a slope‐based parameter describing the rate of decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time. There are a number of challenges that can complicate such slope‐based analyses in CKD trials. These include the possibility of an early but short‐term acute treatment effect on the slope, both within‐subject and between‐subject heteroscedasticity, and informative censoring resulting from patient dropout due to death or onset of end‐stage kidney disease. To address these issues, we first consider a class of mixed‐effects models for eGFR that are linear in the parameters describing the mean eGFR trajectory but which are intrinsically nonlinear when a power‐of‐mean variance structure is used to model within‐subject heteroscedasticity. We then combine the model for eGFR with a model for time to dropout to form a class of shared parameter models which, under the right specification of shared random effects, can minimize bias due to informative censoring. The models and methods of analysis are described and illustrated using data from two CKD studies one of which was one of 56 studies made available to the workshop analytical team. Lastly, methodology and accompanying software for prospectively determining sample size/power estimates are presented.
Preparation of the Orthorhombic Lix(C2H8N2)yFe2Se2 Superconductor by Amine Exchange Method
Authors: Gao Zhan , Zhu Baichuan , Xu Han‐Shu , Xu Wentao , Luo Qinxin , Tang Kaibin
Published: July 2019

A new FeSe‐based superconductor Lix(C2H8N2)yFe2Se2 with Tc=30 K was successfully synthesized by substituting ethylenediamine(en) for ammonia molecules in Lix(NH3)yFe2Se2. The XRD pattern indicates that the intercalation compound is an orthorhombic structure with lattice parameters a=3.8517(7)Å, b=3.9188(7)Å, c=21.4862(6)Å at room temperature, which is different from the tetrahedral phase Lix(C2H8N2)yFe2Se2 with Tc=45 K synthesized by solvothermal method. Compared with the precursor Lix(NH3)yFe2Se2, the Lix(C2H8N2)yFe2Se2 underwent a structure transition from tetrahedral to orthorhombic during the amine exchange reaction accompanying by the decrease of Tc, indicating that Tc is influenced by structure.
Fe3O4@BNPs‐CPTMS‐Chitosan‐Pd(0) as an Efficient and Stable Heterogeneous Magnetic Nanocatalyst for the Chemoselective Oxidation of Alcohols and Homoselective Synthesis of 5‐Subestituted 1H‐Tetrazoles
Authors: Khodamorady Minoo , Bahrami Kiumars
Published: July 2019

In this content, a stable, efficient, active, reusable and inexpensive magnetic boehmite was synthesized by hydrothermal sol‐gel method. In the next step magnetic boehmite immobilized further with palladium chitosan complex (Fe3O4@BNPs‐CPTMS‐Chitosan‐Pd(0)). This novel nanocatalyst was used for the oxidation of alcohols in ethanol and the preparation of 5‐substituted tetrazoles in solvent‐free conditions. To confirm the structure of catalyst, a variety of techniques, including FT‐IR, XRD, FESEM, TEM, EDX, mapping, VSM, TGA‐DTA, BET, ICP and UV‐Visible were used. The mol % of catalyst was obtained with ICP (2.8 mol%). Also, some benefits of the catalyst are: excellent magnetic properties, easy separating from the reaction mixture with the external magnet, the use of cheap and affordable materials, good surface area (55.94 m2/g), low palladium leaching from the catalyst surface, use the green ligand and the use of catalyst for at least 5 consecutive times without reducing the catalytic activity.
Simultaneous Boost of Power Factor and Figure‐of‐Merit in In–Cu Codoped SnTe
Authors: Guo Fengkai , Cui Bo , Geng Huiyuan , Zhang Yang , Wu Haijun , Zhang Qian , Yu Bo , Pennycook Stephen J. , Cai Wei , Sui Jiehe
Published: July 2019

Significantly enhanced thermoelectric performance is achieved for eco‐friendly SnTe by a coorperative effect between a dopant resonant energy level and interstitial defects. By manipulating the band structure through indium doping, the Seebeck coefficient is remarkably improved, leading to an enhanced power factor, with a high level of ≈29 µW cm−1 K−2 at 873 K. Lattice thermal conductivity is sharply reduced, approaching the amorphous limit, through the strong phonon scattering induced by multiple scales of Cu2Te nanoprecipitates, as well as Cu interstitials, leading to a high ZT value of ≈1.55 at 873 K.
In Vitro Recapitulation of Developmental Transitions in Human Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Ostermann Laura , Ladewig Julia , Müller Franz-Josef , Kesavan Jaideep , Tailor Jignesh , Smith Austin , Brüstle Oliver , Koch Philipp
Published: July 2019

During nervous system development, early neuroepithelial stem (NES) cells with a highly polarized morphology and responsiveness to regionalizing morphogens give rise to radial glia (RG) cells, which generate region-specific neurons. Recently, stable neural cell populations reminiscent of NES cells have been obtained from pluripotent stem cells and the fetal human hindbrain. Here, we explore whether these cell populations, similar to their in vivo counterparts, can give rise to neural stem (NS) cells with RG-like properties and whether region-specific NS cells can be generated from NES cells with different regional identities. In vivo RG cells are thought to form from NES cells with the onset of neurogenesis. Therefore, we cultured NES cells temporarily in differentiating conditions. Upon reinitiation of growth factor treatment, cells were found to enter a developmental stage reflecting major characteristics of RG-like NS cells. These NES cell-derived NS cells exhibited a very similar morphology and marker expression as primary NS cells generated from human fetal tissue, indicating that conversion of NES cells into NS cells recapitulates the developmental progression of early NES cells into RG cells observed in vivo. Importantly, NS cells generated from NES cells with different regional identities exhibited stable region-specific transcription factor expression and generated neurons appropriate for their positional identity. Stem Cells  2019;37:1429–1440
Advanced analytics for detection and diagnosis of false alarms and faults: A real case study
Authors: Pliego Marugán Alberto , García Márquez Fausto Pedro
Published: July 2019

Onshore and offshore wind farms require a high level of advanced maintenance. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and condition monitoring systems are now being employed, generating large amounts of data. They require robust and flexible approaches to convert dataset into useful information. This paper presents a novel approach based on the correlations of SCADA variables to detect and identify faults and false alarms in wind turbines. A correlation matrix between all the SCADA variables is used for pattern recognition. A new method based on curve fittings is employed for detecting false alarms and abnormal behaviours or faults in the components. The study is done in a real case study, validated with false alarms.
Including the genetic values of the possible parents when analyzing pedigrees that contain MULT groups
Authors: Willis Kevin , Willis Raymond E.
Published: July 2019

In a studbook, MULT is used in a parent ID field when the actual parent is unknown but the parent is known to be one of a set of possible parents. Probabilities of being the actual parent are assigned to each possible parent in the MULT group, and that information is used in the calculation of mean kinships (MKs). Parental probabilities are typically assigned based on the species biology and/or what was known about how the animals were being managed at the time of conception. If there is no additional information, the default is to assign each possible parent the same probability. What has not been considered to date is the impact of different MKs among the group of possible parents. Methods are developed which allow a combination of parental probabilities and MKs into parental weights. These weights replace parental probabilities in the analysis. One important conclusion is that even when the MKs of possible parents are quite different, the difference between the parental weights and probabilities is typically less than 30%. This highlights the importance of correct estimation of parental probabilities, whenever possible, instead of reliance on a default.
Dark mesons at the LHC
Authors: Kribs Graham D. , Martin Adam , Ostdiek Bryan , Tong Tom
Published: July 2019

Abstract

A new, strongly-coupled “dark” sector could be accessible to LHC searches now. These dark sectors consist of composites formed from constituents that are charged under the electroweak group and interact with the Higgs, but are neutral under Standard Model color. In these scenarios, the most promising target is the dark meson sector, consisting of dark vector-mesons as well as dark pions. In this paper we study dark meson production and decay at the LHC in theories that preserve a global SU(2) dark flavor symmetry. Dark pions — like the pions of QCD — can be pair-produced through resonant dark vector meson production, pp → ρ

D
→ π

D

π

D
, and decay in one of two distinct ways: “gaugephobic”, when

$$ {\pi}_D\to f{\overline{f}}^{\prime } $$

π
D

→
f

f
¯

′

generally dominates; or “gaugephilic”, when π

D
→ W + h, Z + h dominates once kinematically open. Unlike QCD, the decay π

D

0
 → γγ is virtually absent due to the dark flavor symmetry. We recast a vast set of existing LHC searches to determine the current constraints on (and future opportunities for) dark meson production and decay. When

$$ {m}_{\rho_D} $$

m

ρ
D

is slightly heavier than

$$ 2{m}_{\pi_D} $$

2

m

π
D

and ρ

D

±,0
kinetically mixes with the weak gauge bosons, the 8 TeV same-sign lepton search strategy sets the best bound,

$$ {m}_{\pi_D} $$

m

π
D

> 500 GeV. Yet, when only the ρ

D

0
kinetically mixes with hypercharge, we find the strongest LHC bound is

$$ {m}_{\pi_D} $$

m

π
D

> 130 GeV, that is only slightly better than what LEP II achieved two decades ago. We find the relative insensitivity of LHC searches, especially at 13 TeV, can be blamed mainly on their penchant for high mass objects or large missing energy. Dedicated searches would undoubtedly yield substantially improved sensitivity. We provide a GitHub page to speed the implementation of these searches in future LHC analyses. Our findings for dark meson production and decay provide a strong motivation for model-independent searches of the form pp → A → B + C → SM SM + SM SM where the theoretical prejudice is for SM to be a 3rd generation quark or lepton, W, Z, or h.
Rational development of transformation in Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405 via complete methylome analysis and evasion of native restriction–modification systems
Authors: Riley Lauren A , Ji Lexiang , Schmitz Robert J , Westpheling Janet , Guss Adam M
Published: July 2019

A major barrier to both metabolic engineering and fundamental biological studies is the lack of genetic tools in most microorganisms. One example is Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405T, where genetic tools are not available to help validate decades of hypotheses. A significant barrier to DNA transformation is restriction–modification systems, which defend against foreign DNA methylated differently than the host. To determine the active restriction–modification systems in this strain, we performed complete methylome analysis via single-molecule, real-time sequencing to detect 6-methyladenine and 4-methylcytosine and the rarely used whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to detect 5-methylcytosine. Multiple active systems were identified, and corresponding DNA methyltransferases were expressed from the Escherichia coli chromosome to mimic the C. thermocellum methylome. Plasmid methylation was experimentally validated and successfully electroporated into C. thermocellum ATCC 27405. This combined approach enabled genetic modification of the C. thermocellum-type strain and acts as a blueprint for transformation of other non-model microorganisms.
Adaptation of an Analytical Procedure for Concurrent Determination of Np and Pu in clay samples
Authors: Renz Tobias , Plaschke Markus , Quinto Francesca , Bauer Andreas , Lagos Markus , Taubald Heinrich , Geckeis Horst
Published: July 2019

Np and Pu are two important actinides of concern for the safe long-term disposal of nuclear waste. Both actinides are, in addition, constituents of global nuclear fallout. Investigation of their environmental behavior requires ultra-sensitive analytical methods, but current methods for a concurrent determination in clay minerals are lacking. In the present study, a Pu isotope was investigated for use as a non-isotopic yield tracer for Np in extraction, purification, and mass spectrometric determination of Np and Pu isotopes in clay materials. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used in this developmental study, but the method is intended for future ultra-trace analysis of global-fallout Np and Pu in clay-rich soil materials by the more sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry. Another field of application may be the investigation of diffusion patterns of actinides in compacted clay liners and potential host rocks for radioactive waste disposal. The analytical procedure includes the following steps: (1) extraction of Np and Pu from clay samples; (2) adjustment of Np and Pu to Np(IV) and Pu(III); (3) pre-concentration of Np and Pu by co-precipitation with iron hydroxide; (4) adjustment of Pu to Pu(IV); (5) extraction chromatographic separation of Pu and Np from iron and matrix elements; and (6) determination of Np and Pu by mass spectrometry. The analytical procedure was applied successfully to spiked montmorillonite and illite test portions of up to 1 g. High chemical yields near 90% were obtained for both Np and Pu. The suitability of Pu as a non-isotopic tracer for Np was indicated by Np/Pu chemical yield ratios close to unity. Accurate pH adjustment during the reductive co-precipitation and short processing times are vital to obtain high chemical yields and Np/Pu yield ratios close to unity.
Iron Mineralogy and Magnetic Susceptibility of Soils Developed on Various Rocks in Western Iran
Authors: Ayoubi Shamsollah , Adman Vali
Published: July 2019

The characterization of magnetic minerals and the relationship of these minerals to the magnetic susceptibility of soils that have developed on various parent materials can provide valuable information to various disciplines, such as soil evolution and environmental science. The aim of the study reported here was to investigate variations in the magnetic susceptibility (χ) of soils in western Iran due to differences in lithology and to examine the relationship of χ to ferrimagnetic minerals. Eighty samples were collected from eight parent materials taken from both intact rocks and associated soils. The soil parent materials included a range of igneous and sedimentary rocks, such as ultrabasic rocks (Eocene), basalt (Eocene), andesite (Eocene), limestone (Permian), shale (Cretaceous), marl (Cretaceous), and the Qom formation (partially consolidated fine evaporative materials, early Miocene). The 80 samples were analyzed for χ using a dual-frequency magnetic sensor and for mineralogy using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The highest χ values were found in the ultrabasic rocks and associated soils, while the lowest χ values were observed in the limestone rocks and associated soils. The pedogenic processes significantly enhanced the χ values of soils developed on the sedimentary rocks due to the formation of ferrimagnetic minerals. In contrast, χ values decreased as a result of pedogenic processes in soils developed on igneous rocks due to the dilution effects of diamagnetic materials, such as halite, calcite, phyllosilicates, and organic matter. The significant positive correlation between the XRD peak intensity of the maghemite/magnetite particles and χ values confirmed that χ values in soils are largely controlled by the distribution and content of ferrimagnetic minerals. These results show that χ measurements can be used to quantify low concentrations of ferrimagnetic minerals in the soils of semiarid regions.
The Radiocarbon Record of the Western Stemmed Tradition on the Southern Columbia Plateau of Western North America
Authors: Brown Thomas J. , Gilmour Daniel M. , Solimano Paul S. , Ames Kenneth M.
Published: July 2019

The late Pleistocene–early Holocene archaeological record of the interior Pacific Northwest is dominated by what has been regionally referred to as the Western Stemmed Tradition (WST). While various efforts have attempted to clarify the chronology of this tradition, these have largely focused on data from the Great Basin and have been disproportionately preoccupied with establishing the beginning of the tradition due to its temporal overlap with Clovis materials. Specifically focusing on the Columbia Plateau, we apply a series of Bayesian chronological models to create concise estimates of the most likely beginning, end, and span of the WST. We then further explore its chronology by modeling its temporal span under various parameters and criteria so as to better identify places in the chronology that need further work and those that are robust regardless of data iteration. Our analysis revealed four major findings: (1) WST conservatively dates between 13,000 and 11,000 cal BP, likely extending to ~13,500 cal BP; (2) the most problematic period for WST is its termination; (3) the WST is incredibly long-lived compared to roughly contemporary Paleoindian traditions; and (4) the WST was seemingly unaffected by the onset of the Younger Dryas.
RANS prediction of open jet aerofoil interaction and design metrics
Authors: Al-Shabab A. A. Sheikh , Tucker P. G.
Published: July 2019

RANS models remain an attractive turbulence simulation method which could provide some open jet aerofoil interaction analysis at a fraction of the cost of a high-fidelity LES approach. The present work explores the potential and limitations of RANS in this context by simulating an open jet aerofoil noise experiment using the aerospace oriented Menter SST RANS model. This model’s tendency to transition at a critical Reynolds number lower than the experimental value was found to impact the boundary layer development. However, the introduction of a low-Re correction improved the prediction of surface pressure and skin friction, enabling the suction surface separation bubble to be captured. The free shear layer’s virtual origin characteristics exhibited sensitivity to the interaction with the aerofoil, which can be developed into a metric of the interaction. The main challenge for RANS was accounting for the rise in background disturbance level in the working section, which is caused by the high-turbulence intensity in the free shear layers.