bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ifosfamide, gemcitabine, and vinorelbine is an effective salvage regimen with excellent stem cell mobilization in relapsed or refractory pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Marr Kristin , Ronsley Rebecca , Nadel Helen , Douglas Kate , Gershony Sharon , Strahlendorf Caron , Davis Jeffrey H. , Deyell Rebecca J.
Published: January 2020

We describe 12 pediatric patients (8‐16 years) with primary refractory (N = 6) or first relapse (N = 6) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated with ifosfamide, gemcitabine, and vinorelbine (IGEV). The overall response rate to IGEV was 100%, with seven (58%) complete responses (CR) and five (42%) partial responses. Successful CD34+ stem cell mobilization was achieved in all patients. Following subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation, 10 patients (83%) achieved CR. At a median follow‐up of 71 months, 11 patients had no evidence of disease. Five‐year second event‐free survival and overall survival were 83% ± 11.0% and 90.0% ± 9.5%, respectively. IGEV is an effective salvage regimen for children with relapsed/refractory HL.
Practice patterns for stroke prevention using transcranial Doppler in sickle cell anemia: DISPLACE Consortium
Authors: Schlenz Alyssa M. , Phillips Shannon , Mueller Martina , Melvin Cathy , Adams Robert J. , Kanter Julie ,   On Behalf of the DISPLACE Investigators
Published: January 2020

Background

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are at increased risk for stroke. In 2014, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) developed guidelines for stroke prevention in SCA informed by the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) and Optimizing Primary Stroke Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP II) trials. The guidelines specify the use of transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening and intervention with chronic red cell transfusions (CRCT) in children with SCA who have TCD indication of high stroke risk. The purpose of this study was to describe real‐world practice patterns of stroke risk screening and intervention in sites that participated in the Dissemination and Implementation of Stroke Prevention Looking at the Care Environment (DISPLACE) Consortium.

Procedure

Site investigators completed a survey during the formative stages of the study to evaluate their TCD practices relative to the STOP studies. Descriptive statistics and analysis of free‐text comments for more complex practices were evaluated.

Results

Results suggested universal acceptance of annual TCD screening and initiation of CRCT following an abnormal result among the DISPLACE Consortium, consistent with NHLBI recommendations. However, there was wide variation in methods for conducting TCD screenings (eg, dedicated Doppler vs TCD imaging), classifying TCD results, and actions taken for conditional and inadequate results.

Conclusions

Annual TCD screening and initiation of CRCT are critical stroke prevention practices that were universally embraced in the consortium. Additional research would be beneficial for informing clinical practices for areas in which guidelines are absent or unclear.
Prognostic impact of diagnostic and treatment delays in children with osteosarcoma
Authors: Vasquez Liliana , Silva Jose , Chavez Sharon , Zapata Arturo , Diaz Rosdali , Tarrillo Fanny , Maza Ivan , Sialer Luis , García Juan
Published: January 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the latency to diagnosis (LD) and the time to completion of chemotherapy (TCC) with clinical outcomes in children with osteosarcoma.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who received treatment for osteosarcoma in two tertiary centers in Peru from 2008 to 2015. All causes of delayed LD or TCC were evaluated. Overall survival (OS) and event‐free‐survival (EFS) were estimated and compared according to LD, TCC, and established clinical prognostic factors.

Results

One hundred and thirteen patients were included in the study. The median LD was 13.5 weeks (interquartile range, 10‐18.5 weeks). No association was observed among clinical stage, tumor size, and LD. Delayed LD was not associated with a worse clinical outcome. Multivariate analysis confirmed that OS and EFS were significantly worse in cases of a delayed TCC (≥4 weeks), with hazard ratios of 2.70 (1.11‐6.76, P = 0.003) and 1.13 (1.00‐1.26, P = 0.016), respectively. Most delays in TCC (85%) were due to extramedical reasons (e.g., lack of available hospital beds).

Conclusion

The LD did not seem to influence the EFS and OS in pediatric patients with osteosarcoma. However, a delay in TCC from any cause is independently associated with poor outcome in pediatric patients with osteosarcoma. Based on these results, further efforts may be needed to avoid treatment delays in patients with osteosarcoma in middle‐income countries.
Factors influencing diagnostic delays of pediatric cancers in Botswana
Authors: Carpenter Kendall , Slone Amanda K. , Scheuer Michael , Mehta Parth S. , Slone Jeremy S.
Published: January 2020

Background

A major barrier in improving cancer outcomes in Botswana and other low‐ and middle‐income countries is timely access to care. Understanding time to diagnosis of pediatric cancers in Botswana and evaluating factors contributing to delays was necessary to inform interventions.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of children diagnosed with cancer at Princess Marina Hospital from 2008 to 2015 was performed utilizing the Botswana Pediatric Oncology Database. The time to diagnosis, pretreatment center delay, and pathology turnaround time were calculated. Time to diagnosis was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses to determine association with age, sex, distance to a treatment center, HIV status, cancer type, outcome, and presence of metastasis at diagnosis.

Results

The median time to diagnosis was 10.7 weeks, median pretreatment center delay was 9.6 weeks, and median pathology turnaround time was 3 weeks. Longer time to diagnosis was significantly correlated with presence of metastasis at diagnosis. Age, sex, distance to a treatment center, HIV status, cancer type, and outcome were not significantly associated with diagnostic delay.

Conclusion

Children with cancer in Botswana have more than three months of symptoms prior to diagnosis, which is associated with metastasis at diagnosis. Efforts should be made to empower and promote awareness of pediatric cancer symptoms among caregivers and community healthcare providers in order to shorten time to presentation at a treatment center.
Influence of solid‐state biaxial orientation on the adhesion between poly(ethylene terephthalate)/tie layer/isotactic polypropylene multilayer films
Authors: Ghazaryan Gagik , Hausmann Karlheinz , Tervoort Theo A.
Published: January 2020

Current state‐of‐the‐art packaging films typically consist of solid‐state stretched multilayer polymer systems, in which each of the polymer layers provides a specific property. Often these polymer film layers are incompatible and need to be glued together by so‐called “tie layers.” In this article, we apply a novel biaxial orientation technique to examine the effect of solid‐state biaxial stretching on the adhesive behavior of a model multilayer system consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and isotactic polypropylene, as an example of two typical incompatible base layers, glued together by a common tie layer. Two main factors affecting the adhesion, the temperature at which the biaxial stretching is performed and the thickness of the tie layer, are discussed in detail. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 446–454
Evaluation of SLAKES, a smartphone application for quantifying aggregate stability, in high‐clay soils
Authors: Flynn Kade D , Bagnall Dianna K. , Morgan Cristine L.S.
Published: January 2020

The measurement of aggregate stability is widely used for establishing quantified soil condition ratings. These ratings can inform managers and scientists on effective soil management practices and identify regions where poor soil conditions are jeopardizing the environment and soil productivity. However, many current methods for quantifying soil conditions are complicated and time‐consuming, and require specialized equipment, especially the measure of aggregate stability. SLAKES is a smartphone application created by the University of Sydney, Australia, that quantifies aggregate stability through a simple experiment. The experiment requires three pea‐sized soil peds, a petri dish of water, and a smartphone running the SLAKES application. The application takes 10 min to produce an on‐screen measurement of aggregate stability and a downloadable text file of the ped dissolution over time. SLAKES, along with the Cornell Wet Aggregate Stability Test, was used on seven conventional tillage, seven no‐till, and eight perennial grass fields to determine whether the application showed sensitivity to different management practices. All 22 sites were on Vertisols (Typic Haplusterts). The SLAKES results showed higher significant separation of means (p < .0001) between each management type than the Cornell method, which was only able to differentiate between conventional tillage and perennial grass management at a lower significance (p = .06). SLAKES proved to be a legitimate method for quantifying aggregate stability based on slaking. With this simplified aggregate stability measurement method, rating and quantifying soil health is viable for anyone with a portable electronic device and is much less tedious than traditional lab‐based methods.
Defect‐Passivation Using Organic Dyes for Enhanced Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xiong Shaobing , Song Jingnan , Yang Jianming , Xu Jinqiu , Zhang Ming , Ma Ruru , Li Danqin , Liu Xianjie , Liu Feng , Duan Chungang , Fahlman Mats , Bao Qinye
Published: January 2020

Perovskite solar cells are a highly competitive candidate for next‐generation photovoltaic technology. Defects in the perovskite grain boundaries and on the film surfaces however have significant impacts on both the device efficiency and environmental stability. Herein, a strategy using organic dyes as additives to passivate the defect states and produce more n‐type perovskite films, thereby improving charge transport and decreasing charge recombination, is reported. Based on this strategy, the power conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cell is significantly increased from 18.13% to 20.18% with a negligible hysteresis. Furthermore, the rich hydrogen bonds and carbonyl structures in the organic dye can significantly enhance device stability both in terms of humidity and thermal stress. The results present a promising pathway using abundant and colorful organic dyes as additives to achieve high‐performance perovskite solar cells.
The Influence of Xanthan Gum on Rheological Properties and In Vitro Digestibility of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Starch
Authors: Zheng Yuxue , Sun Weixuan , Yang Wenhan , Chen Shiguo , Liu Donghong , Tian Jinhu , Ye Xingqian
Published: January 2020

The study describes the effects of xanthan gum (0.5–2.0%) on the in vitro digestibility and rheological and pasting properties of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) starch pastes. The flow behavior index (n) shows a decrease in trends (from 0.43 to 0.31) as the xanthan gum concentration increases, indicating pseudoplastic behavior. Dynamic viscoelasticity analysis indicate that the elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli increase in the presence of xanthan gum, suggesting a strong interaction between xanthan gum and kudzu starch in the composite system. All concentrations of xanthan gum result in increased elasticity (G′ > G″). Pasting properties reveal that the peak and final viscosity of the xanthan gum–kudzu starch dispersion decreases with the increasing concentration of xanthan gum, highlighting the importance of xanthan gum in controlling overall viscosity. The addition of xanthan gum also decreases the hydrolysis of kudzu starch during in vitro digestion.
Gallic acid prevents 1, 2‐Dimethylhydrazine induced colon inflammation, toxicity, mucin depletion, and goblet cell disintegration
Authors: Shree Alpa , Islam Johirul , Vafa Abul , Mohammad Afzal Sheikh , Sultana Sarwat
Published: January 2020

1,2‐Dimethylhydrazine (DMH), an environmental toxicant specifically targets the colon. The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of gallic acid (GA) against colon toxicity induced by DMH in Wistar rats. GA, a phenolic acid has numerous beneficial properties, which include antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties which help cells to overcome oxidative stress and balance the redox homeostasis. GA was administered orally at two doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 14 days and a single dose (40 mg/kg body weight) of DMH was administered subcutaneously on 14th day. Animals were sacrificed on the 15th day and we could find that GA at both the doses significantly ameliorates DMH‐induced increased toxicity markers and also substantially increases the glutathione content level and activities of detoxifying enzymes. It also ameliorates the expression of proliferation, inflammation, apoptosis, goblet cell disintegration, and mucin depletion in the colon that was elevated upon administration of DMH. Histological alterations provide further confirmation of the protective role of GA against DMH‐induced colon toxicity. The results of this study clearly indicate supplementation of GA is beneficial in ameliorating DMH‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, mucin depletion, and goblet cell disintegration in colon of Wistar rats.
Prevention of biofilm formation by quorum quenching
Authors: Paluch E. , Rewak-Soroczyńska J. , Jędrusik I. , Mazurkiewicz E. , Jermakow K.
Published: January 2020

Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism that enables microbial communication. It is based on the constant secretion of signaling molecules to the environment. The main role of QS is the regulation of vital processes in the cell such as virulence factor production or biofilm formation. Due to still growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics that have been overused, it is necessary to search for alternative antimicrobial therapies. One of them is quorum quenching (QQ) that disrupts microbial communication. QQ-driving molecules can decrease or even completely inhibit the production of virulence factors (including biofilm formation). There are few QQ strategies that comprise the use of the structural analogues of QS receptor autoinductors (AI). They may be found in nature or be designed and synthesized via chemical engineering. Many of the characterized QQ molecules are enzymes with the ability to degrade signaling molecules. They can also impede cellular signaling cascades. There are different techniques used for testing QS/QQ, including chromatography-mass spectroscopy, bioluminescence, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, electrochemistry, and colorimetry. They all enable qualitative and quantitative measurements of QS/QQ molecules. This article gathers the information about the mechanisms of QS and QQ, and their effect on microbial biofilm formation. Basic methods used to study QS/QQ, as well as the medical and biotechnological applications of QQ, are also described. Basis research methods are also described as well as medical and biotechnological application.
Specific relations of dimensional anxiety and manifest anxiety disorders during pregnancy with difficult early infant temperament: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Thiel Freya , Iffland Laura , Drozd Filip , Haga Silje Marie , Martini Julia , Weidner Kerstin , Eberhard-Gran Malin , Garthus-Niegel Susan
Published: January 2020

Anxiety in the antenatal period is a common experience, associated with adverse consequences for mother and child. Specific types of prenatal anxiety may have unique associations with infant temperament. This study examines the prospective relationships between general prenatal anxiety, fear of childbirth, and specific prenatal anxiety disorders and early infant temperament 8 weeks postpartum. Data were derived from the Akershus Birth Cohort (ABC), a longitudinal cohort study which targeted all women scheduled to give birth at Akershus University Hospital, Norway. Psychometric measures pertained to general prenatal anxiety (Hopkins Symptom Checklist), fear of childbirth (Wijma delivery expectancy questionnaire), screening for manifest prenatal anxiety disorders based on questions from the mini-international neuropsychiatric interview, and difficult infant temperament (Infant Characteristics Questionnaire). The sample for the present study included 2206 women. General prenatal anxiety, fear of childbirth, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobia presented unique significant prospective contributions to difficult infant temperament 8 weeks postpartum. Separate hierarchical regression models indicated that general prenatal anxiety and fear of childbirth provided the strongest unique contributions. Considering the burden on mothers and the potential long-term effects on child development, the findings of this study highlight the importance of screening women for different types of prenatal anxiety in routine obstetric care. Clinical awareness of the condition and its consequences is warranted. Due to the complexity of infant temperament as a construct with various influences, future research should consider mechanisms and influential factors pertaining to the relationship between prenatal anxiety and infant temperament.
Increased assessment of HER2 in metastatic gastroesophageal cancer patients: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Dijksterhuis Willemieke P. M. , Verhoeven Rob H. A. , Meijer Sybren L. , Slingerland Marije , Haj Mohammad Nadia , de Vos-Geelen Judith , Beerepoot Laurens V. , van Voorthuizen Theo , Creemers Geert-Jan , van Oijen Martijn G. H. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Addition of trastuzumab to first-line palliative chemotherapy in gastroesophageal cancer patients with HER2 overexpression has shown to improve survival. Real-world data on HER2 assessment and administration of trastuzumab are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess HER2 testing, trastuzumab administration, and overall survival (OS) in a nationwide cohort of metastatic gastroesophageal cancer patients.

Methods

Data of patients with synchronous metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma diagnosed in 2010–2016 that received palliative systemic treatment (n = 2846) were collected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and Dutch Pathology Registry. The ToGA trial criteria were used to determine HER2 overexpression. Proportions of HER2 tested patients were analyzed between hospital volume categories using Chi-square tests, and over time using trend analysis. OS was tested using the Kaplan Meier method with log rank test.

Results

HER2 assessment increased annually, from 18% in 2010 to 88% in 2016 (P < 0.01). Median OS increased from 6.9 (2010–2013) to 7.9 months (2014–2016;P < 0.05). Between the hospitals, the proportion of tested patients varied between 29–100%, and was higher in high-volume hospitals (P < 0.01). Overall, 77% of the HER2 positive patients received trastuzumab. Median OS was higher in patients with positive (8.8 months) and negative (7.4 months) HER2 status, compared to non-tested patients (5.6 months;P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased determination of HER2 and administration of trastuzumab have changed daily practice management of metastatic gastroesophageal cancer patients receiving palliative systemic therapy, and possibly contributed to their improved survival. Further increase in awareness of HER2 testing and trastuzumab administration may improve quality of care and patient outcomes.
The Social and Local Dimensions of Governance of Energy Poverty: Adaptive Responses to State Remoteness
Authors: Creutzfeldt N. , Gill C. , McPherson R. , Cornelis M.
Published: January 2020

Energy poverty is a huge social problem. Academic and policy deliberations about energy poverty focus repeatedly on the same issues: the lack of a shared definition, who is responsible for the problem, and how best to measure it through indicators. We argue that debates at EU and national level do not address the daily reality of people living in energy poverty. The preliminary findings of our ESRC funded project suggest that local actors (e.g., NGOs) make a substantial contribution to bridging the gap between top-down policy and the energy poor. We argue that these actors represent an adaptive response to the inherent limitations of state and supra-national action and, therefore, play a key role in the governance of energy poverty. In presenting this argument, we suggest, as an avenue for future research, nodal governance as a lens through which to understand the role local actors play in the governing order for tackling energy poverty. The article provides an exploratory analysis of these issues, discussed through the selection of four illustrative examples in Italy, France, Catalonia, and England.
‘We are not just a union, we are a family’ class, kinship and tribe in Zambia’s mining unions
Authors: Kapesea Robby , McNamara Thomas
Published: January 2020

Trade unions in Zambia and in several other developing countries have been understood to create ‘detribalising’ class consciousnesses. In contrast, we argue that Zambian understandings of unionism have developed through similar political economic processes to those that generated ‘tribes’. Values and structures that enable concepts of the good life more commonly found among Bemba speakers and Eastern Zambians have been naturalised into Zambia’s mining unions, guiding union policy and practice in a manner which limits North Western Zambians’ union participation. Utilising Lazar's (2018) understanding of unionism as kinship, we explore how Zambians of various tribes attempt to utilise unions to achieve what they see as human flourishing and social justice. We foreground that people’s understandings of the good life frequently incorporate gendered and gerontocratic hierarchies and we demonstrate that intra-national unionisms are co-created through (and influence) local cultural norms and political histories. This encourages anthropologists of trade unionism to ask what values and hierarchies are rendered invisible in other union ‘families’, and to explore intertwinements between unions and communities enabled through kinship, rather than through Civil Society Organisations.
Casting the Net Wider: Network Approaches to Artefact Variation in Post-Roman Europe
Authors: Martin Toby F.
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the stylistic variability of fifth- and sixth-century brooches in Europe using network visualisations, suggesting an alternative means of study, which for more than a century has been dominated by typology. It is suggested that network methods and related theories offer alternative conceptual models that encourage original ways of exploring material that has otherwise become canonical. Foremost is the proposal that objects of personal adornment like brooches were a means of competitive display through which individuals mediated social relationships within and beyond their immediate communities, and in so doing formed surprisingly far-flung networks. The potential sizes of these networks varied according to their location in Europe, with particularly large distances of up to 1000 km achieved in Scandinavia and continental Europe. In addition, an overall tendency toward the serial reproduction of particular forms in the mid-sixth century has broader consequences for how we understand the changing nature of social networks in post-Roman Europe.
Norway spruce at the trailing edge: the effect of landscape configuration and composition on climate resilience
Authors: Honkaniemi Juha , Rammer Werner , Seidl Rupert
Published: January 2020

Context

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is one of the most widespread tree species in Europe’s forests. Due to its high economic value it has been strongly favored by management, especially at the trailing edge of its natural distribution. However, disturbances from wind and bark beetles are increasingly impacting these forests, and their resilience under climate change has been called into question recently.

Objectives

We quantified the effects of landscape configuration and composition on (1) the risk from natural disturbances, and (2) on the overall resilience of Norway spruce to changing climate at the trailing edge.

Methods

We simulated the dynamics of a 9183 ha forest landscape in Eastern Austria over 190 years. We used the simulation model iLand to experimentally study a wide range of landscape compositions and configurations under five different climate scenarios.

Results

Natural disturbances increased considerably under all future climate scenarios. Dispersing Norway spruce throughout the landscape in mixed stands resulted in the highest levels of climate resilience. Reducing the percentage of Norway spruce on the landscape increased the resilience of the remaining Norway spruce trees, yet landscape configuration generally had a stronger effect on resilience than composition.

Conclusions

The resilience of Norway spruce at the trailing edge of its distribution is challenged by climate change, and considerable efforts are needed to sustain these ecosystems. While currently discussed adaptation measures focus largely on the stand level, we show that modifying landscape composition and configuration can be used to foster Norway spruce resilience while maintaining socio-economically relevant proportions of Norway spruce.
Long-term evolution of mid-altitude quasi-satellite orbits
Authors: Baresi Nicola , Dell’Elce Lamberto , Cardoso dos Santos Josué , Kawakatsu Yasuhiro
Published: January 2020

Quasi-satellite orbits are of great interest for the exploration of planetary moons because of their dynamical features and close proximity with respect to the surface of scientifically relevant objects like Phobos and Deimos. This paper explores the equations of the elliptical Hill problem, offering a new analytical insight into the long-term evolution of mid-altitude quasi-satellite orbits. Our developments are based on the Yamanaka–Ankersen solution of the Tschauner–Hempel equations and capture the effects of the secondary’s gravity and orbital eccentricity on the shape and orientation of near-equatorial retrograde relative trajectories. The analytical solution of the in-plane and out-of-plane components of the secular motion is achieved by averaging over the relative longitude of a spacecraft as seen from the co-rotating frame of the two primaries. Developments are validated against the numerical integration of quasi-periodic trajectories that densely cover the surface of three-dimensional invariant tori. This analysis confirms the stable nature of quasi-satellite orbits and provides new tools for future spacecraft missions such as the Martian Moons eXploration envisaged by JAXA.
Azimuthal elastic impedance-based Fourier coefficient variation with angle inversion for fracture weakness
Authors: Li Lin , Zhang Jia-Jia , Pan Xin-Peng , Zhang Guang-Zhi
Published: January 2020

Quantitative inversion of fracture weakness plays an important role in fracture prediction. Considering reservoirs with a set of vertical fractures as horizontal transversely isotropic media, the logarithmic normalized azimuthal elastic impedance (EI) is rewritten in terms of Fourier coefficients (FCs), the 90° ambiguity in the azimuth estimation of the symmetry axis is resolved by judging the sign of the second FC, and we choose the FCs with the highest sensitivity to fracture weakness and present a feasible inversion workflow for fracture weakness, which involves: (1) the inversion for azimuthal EI datasets from observed azimuthal angle gathers; (2) the prediction for the second FCs and azimuth of the symmetry axis from the estimated azimuthal EI datasets; and (3) the estimation of fracture weakness combining the extracted second FCs and azimuth of the symmetry axis iteratively, which is constrained utilizing the Cauchy sparse regularization and the low-frequency regularization in a Bayesian framework. Tests on synthetic and field data demonstrate that the 90° ambiguity in the azimuth estimation of the symmetry axis has been removed, and reliable fracture weakness can be obtained when the estimated azimuth of the symmetry axis deviates less than 30°, which can guide the prediction of fractured reservoirs.
Postoperative radiotherapy-induced leiomyosarcoma in breast cancer: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Yong , Wang Jiaming , Su Rong , Tang Yi , Liao Xiaoli
Published: January 2020

Radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS) is a late complication of breast cancer radiotherapy, with a very low incidence, long latent period and poor prognosis. Among them, leiomyosarcoma after radiation is an extremely rare radiation-associated sarcoma. In this study, we report a case of radiation-induced leiomyosarcoma 2 years after postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer. After the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma, the patient received radical resection of the left chest wall leiomyosarcoma. The patient showed no relapse or progression during the follow-up time of 1 year after operation. Rare occurrence of RIS induced by postoperative radiotherapy in breast cancer and limited experience concerning its diagnosis and treatment bring obstacle to both patients and doctors. Preoperative examinations must be carefully refined. With a perfect coordination between different disciplines, RIS induced by postoperative radiotherapy in breast cancer can be ideally treated with better prognosis.
Sonapani Glacier Recession over a Century from 1906-2016, Chandra Basin, Himachal Himalaya
Authors: Majeed Zahid , Mukhtar Muneer Ahmad , Mir Riyaz Ahmad , Kumar Pawan , Krishna Kalyan
Published: January 2020

In this study, the changes in snout and area of Sonapani glacier located in Chandra river valley, Himachal Himalaya has been studied over a century from 1906 to 2016. The study used a Survey Map (1906), Corona KH4-B (1971), Landsat 5 TM (1989), Landsat 7 ETM+ (2000) and Google Earth (2016) data images. In order to validate the satellite data images and other field studies, field work was carried out during 2014 in this area. The Survey Map (SM) of the Glacier was prepared by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 1906 and hence, demarcated its earliest snout position. Thus, the SM has been used as the base map for overall change detection studies. The study indicated a total glacier retreat of 1820 m at a rate of 16.5 ma−1 over a time period of century from 1906 to 2016. During the different time intervals, the SG has indicated variable recessional patterns. For instance, the glacier has retreated by 991 m at a rate of 15 ma−1 during 1906-1971, 202 m at a rate of 11.2 ma−1 during1971-1989, 31 m at a rate 2.8 ma−1 during 1989-2000 and 596 m at rate of 37.3 ma−1 during 2000-2016. During the recent time period from 2000 to 2016, the rate of recession has increased rapidly. Due to this rapid recession of the glacier a major tributary towards the lower left side has also detached from it. The glacier also indicated an area loss of 29.7% (6.85 km2) from 1906 (23.9 km2) to 2016 (17.09 km2).
Textural Analysis of Coastal Sediments along East Coast of India
Authors: Pradhan U. K. , Sahoo R.K. , Pradhan S. , Mohany P. K. , Mishra P.
Published: January 2020

The study investigates textural characteristics of sediment at selected tourist beaches extending from Rameswaram to Paradip along east coast of India. Samples were taken from backshore and foreshore at nine selected locations to evaluate sediment grain size distribution and its seasonality. Analysis of grain size distribution carried out to identify textural characteristics (mean size, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis) and its variability in two different seasons (southwest and northeast monsoon). Results show that sediments lying in backshore regions are mostly medium sand, while its changes are relatively invariant against seasons. The percentage of fine sand is higher during January compared to September due to prevalence of calm wave conditions. The mean grain size trend decreases at backshore region while it increases at foreshore region from south to north along the coast indicating dominance of aeolian transport. Sediments are mostly moderately sorted at backshore and moderately well sorted at foreshore region. Mostly symmetrical and mesokurtic sediments are dominated along the coast indicating sediments are well sorted at central portion of sediment distribution. The CM diagram depicts sediment source are from beach environment during both the seasons and some of them transported by tractive current in September and transporting during September is by rolling, bottom suspension and rolling; and graded suspension no rolling.
Organic Geochemistry, Petrography, Depositional Environment and Hydrocarbon Potential of the Eocene Coal Deposits of west Daranggiri Coalfield, Meghalaya
Authors: Gogoi Mousumi , Kumar T. Satish , Phukan Sarat
Published: January 2020

The Eocene coal deposits of west Daranggiri coalfield of Meghalaya is hosted in the Tura Formation. The coals are perhydrous in composition, rich in organic matters and poor in mineral content. The organic matters are dominantly represented by Type III kerogens contributed by terrestrial plants. Petrographic analysis confirms dominance of vitrinite with subordinate amounts of liptinite and inertinite. Maturity parameters like vitrinite reflectance, Rock-Eval Tmax, volatile matter content etc. indicate low thermal maturity of the coal within lignite to subbituminous rank. The coals are immature to act as petroleum source rock despite having high-quality organic matters. However, perhydrous nature of the organic matters and significant amount of liptinite macerals suggest that despite low thermal maturity, the coals might have some capacity to generate liquid hydrocarbon. High liptinite and perhydrous vitrinite contents of the coal may result in suppression of vitrinite reflectance, thus, underestimation of maturity. Presence of exsudatinite in the coal also points to generation of some liquid hydrocarbon. The coal deposits possess excellent potential for hydrogenation industry. The coals are characterized by very high rate of conversion from coal to oil and high oil yield. Indices of facies critical maceral association indicate the origin of the coal in wet swamps under mildly oxic to the anoxic environment with moist hydrodynamic condition. The high sulphur content of the coal, association of marine palynological assemblage and presence of limestone beds at the top of the Tura Formation point to nearshore environment of deposition.
Understanding the behavior of an effluent generation indicator throughout uncertainty analysis
Authors: Mendes Carlos , Oliveira-Esquerre Karla , Martins Márcio A. F. , Kalid Ricardo de Araújo
Published: January 2020

This paper addresses the impact of uncertainty evaluation on the analysis of an environmental performance indicator for the process industry. As an industrial case study, the analysis concerns an indicator of the effluent generation of a Brazilian petrochemical industry. The uncertainty evaluation results from the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) and its Supplement 1 (GUM-S1) revealed that the current company target to reduce the effluent generation indicator by 5% is unfeasible. This is because the worst-case uncertainty scenario of the indicator has a value of 5.4%. The analysis also demonstrated that the effluent flow rate is the major source of uncertainty in the indicator, and the uncertainty associated with the measurement apparatus (Parshall flume) is the most meaningful factor with respect to this uncertainty. Before establishing any target reduction concerning this indicator, the measurement system of the effluent flow rate should be improved.
Whose Algorithm Says So: The Relationships between Type of Firm, Perceptions of Trust and Expertise, and the Acceptance of Financial Robo-Advice
Authors: Lourenço Carlos J.S. , Dellaert Benedict G.C. , Donkers Bas
Published: January 2020

Financial advisors seek to accurately measure individuals’ risk preferences and provide sound personalized investment advice. Both advice tasks are increasingly offered through automated online technologies. Little is known, however, about what drives individuals’ acceptance of such automated financial advice and, from a consumer point of view, which firms may be best positioned to provide such advice.

We generate novel insights on these questions by conducting a real-world empirical study using an interactive automated online tool that employs an innovative computer algorithm to build pension investment profiles, the “Pension Builder,” and a large, representative sample.

We focus on the role that two key firm characteristics have on consumer acceptance of pension investment advice generated by computer algorithms running on automated interactive online tools: profit orientation and role in the sales channel.

We find that consumers’ perceptions of trust and expertise of the firm providing the automated advice are important drivers of advice acceptance (besides a strong impact of the satisfaction with the consumer–online tool interaction), and that these constructs themselves are clearly influenced by the for-profit vs. not-for-profit orientation and the product provider vs. advisor only role in the sales channel of the firm providing the advice.

We discuss the implications of our findings for marketers and policy makers and provide suggestions for future research.
Evidence for Persistence of Sexual Evaluative Learning Effects
Authors: Both Stephanie , Brom Mirte , Laan Ellen , Everaerd Walter , Spinhoven Philip
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Several studies demonstrated that genital arousal and enhanced positive affect toward neutral stimuli due to sexual conditioning did not extinguish during a brief extinction phase, but other studies showed contrasting results. Possible resistance to extinction of conditioned human sexual response has, however, not been studied using extensive extinction trials.

Aim

To study resistance to extinction of conditioned sexual response in men and women.

Methods

Healthy sexually functional men (N = 34) and women (N = 32) participated in a differential conditioning experiment, with neutral pictures as conditioned stimuli (CSs) and genital vibrostimulation as unconditioned stimulus. Only one CS (the CS+) was followed by the unconditioned stimulus during the acquisition phase.

Main Outcome Measure

Penile circumference and vaginal pulse amplitude were assessed, and ratings of affective value and subjective sexual arousal were obtained. In addition, a stimulus response compatibility task was included to assess automatic approach and avoidance tendencies.

Results

Men and women rated the CS+ as more positive than the CS− during all 24 extinction trials and demonstrated a slight tendency to approach the CS+ directly after the extinction procedure. Participants rated the CS+ as more sexually arousing than the CS− during 20 extinction trials. No evidence was found for conditioned genital sexual response.

Clinical Implications

Learned sexual evaluations may be difficult to modify through an extinction procedure; therefore, unwanted but persistent subjective sexual evaluations may be better targeted by interventions such as the deployment of emotion regulation strategies.

Strength & Limitations

Extensive extinction trials were used; however, only relatively short-term effects within one experimental session were studied and there was no (unpaired) control condition.

Conclusion

The results provide evidence that conditioned sexual likes are relatively persistent, also at the behavioral level.
Recommendations for the Study of Vulvar Pain in Women, Part 2: Methodological Challenges
Authors: Rosen Natalie O. , Bergeron Sophie , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Chronic vulvar pain is a multidimensional condition with great variability in clinical presentation among affected women. In a companion article, part 1, we reviewed and recommended assessment and measurement tools for vulvar pain and related outcomes with a view toward improving consistency and comparison across studies. Yet methodological challenges to conducting research with this population remain and can further hinder conclusions regarding etiology and treatment.

Aim

To discuss methodological challenges to conducting vulvar pain research alongside recommended solutions.

Methods

The expert authors reviewed the scientific evidence related to the study of vulvar pain and made decisions regarding methodological challenges and mitigation strategies via discussion and consensus.

Main Outcome Measure

We articulated key challenges to conducting research in this area and formulated recommendations for mitigating these challenges.

Results

Challenges to the field include selection and sample biases, heterogeneity of the condition, inclusion of the partner, and neglect of the multidimensional aspects of vulvar pain. 2 key recommendations are more careful and detailed tracking and characterization of research samples and greater multidisciplinary collaboration to better capture the complexity of chronic vulvar pain.

Clinical Implications

This methodological critique points to several challenges to clinical research with populations struggling with chronic vulvar pain and makes suggestions for how to mitigate these issues.

Strength & Limitations

Comments in this expert review raise awareness regarding core challenges to the study of vulvar pain and can inform study design of clinical research with this population. The content of this review is based on expert knowledge and opinion rather than a formal systematic review or extended consultation process.

Conclusion

A careful reflection upon methodological challenges facing clinical research of vulvar pain and ways to mitigate such challenges is crucial for improving the quality, generalizability, and uptake of research findings.
On the Imbalance and Response Time of Glaciers in the European Alps
Authors: Zekollari Harry , Huss Matthias , Farinotti Daniel
Published: January 2020

Glaciers in the European Alps rapidly lose mass to adapt to changes in climate conditions. Here, we investigate the relationship and lag between climate forcing and geometric glacier response with a regional glacier evolution model accounting for ice dynamics. The volume loss occurring as a result of the glacier‐climate imbalance increased over the early 21st century, from about 35% in 2001 to 44% in 2010. This committed loss reduced to ~40% by 2018, indicating that temperature increase was outweighing glacier retreat in the early 2000s but that the fast retreat effectively somewhat diminished glacier imbalances. We analyze the lag in glacier response for each individual glacier and find mean response times of 50 ± 28 years. Our findings indicate that the response time is primarily controlled by glacier slope and secondarily by elevation range and mass balance gradient, rather than by glacier size.
Correcting the Arcjet Thruster Disturbance in GOES‐16 Magnetometer Data
Authors: Califf S. , Early D. , Grotenhuis M. , Loto'aniu T. M. , Kronenwetter J.
Published: January 2020

The GOES‐R series magnetometers provide observations of the Earth's magnetic field at geostationary orbit for operational use by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center. The GOES‐R spacecraft use arcjet thrusters for orbital stationkeeping, and the partially ionized thruster plume creates a relatively large (~20 nT) disturbance in the magnetometer data. This study presents a correction algorithm that removes the arcjet signal from the magnetometer data. The algorithm is based on an observed linear relationship between the arcjet disturbance and the ambient magnetic field. We estimate correction parameters using data from GOES‐16 (the first spacecraft of the GOES‐R series), evaluate the uncertainties in the corrected data during arcjet events, and discuss limitations and considerations for arcjet correction in the GOES‐R series magnetometers.
A fully biomass based monomer from itaconic acid and eugenol to build degradable thermosets via thiol–ene click chemistry
Authors: Tian Yazhou , Wang Qiong , Cheng Jue , Zhang Junying
Published: January 2020

A fully biomass based monomer (EUIT) was designed and synthesized from itaconic acid (IA) and eugenol (EU).
A visible-light-active CuInSe2:Zn/g-C3N4/TiO2 nanowires for photoelectrocatalytic bactericidal effects
Authors: Jiang Ning , Geng Hongchao , Qiao Yan , Zhu Xingqi , Li Chenyi , Cai Qingyun
Published: January 2020

A visible-light-active CuInSe2:Zn/g-C3N4/TiO2 nanowire (NW) photoelectrode was prepared by in situ growth of g-C3N4 on the surface of TiO2 NWs, followed by drop deposition of Zn-doped CuInSe2 quantum dots (CuInSe2:Zn QDs).
Development of nanofibrous scaffolds by varying the TiO2 content in crosslinked PVA for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Pattanashetti Nandini A. , Hiremath Chinmay , Naik Satishkumar R. , Heggannavar Geetha B. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y.
Published: January 2020

Development of TiO2 incorporated crosslinked PVA scaffolds with required characteristics for bone tissue engineering.
High‐energy high‐power near‐diffraction‐limited 1064 and 532 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Kornev A.F. , Balmashnov R.V. , Viktorov E.A. , Davtian A.S. , Koval V.V. , Makarov A.M. , Kuchma I.G.
Published: January 2020

The authors describe a diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser that produces 920 mJ output energy pulses with a pulse duration of 76 ps at 200 Hz pulse repetition rate. Second‐harmonic generation with a pulse energy of 730 mJ and pulse duration of 63 ps was obtained by using LiB3O5 crystal with II‐type phase matching. The output beam divergence was about 1.5 × DL (the diffraction limit) and 1.9 × DL for 1064 and 532 nm wavelengths, respectively.
Fault detection and faulty phase(s) identification in TCSC compensated transmission lines
Authors: Fasihipour Hamed , Seyedtabaii Saeed
Published: January 2020

Detection of fault in compensated transmission lines during power swing is a complicated task. The distance relay functioning is blocked during stable power swing while it is expected to react as quickly as possible to faults. Non‐linear behaviour of metal–oxide varistor and thyristor‐controlled series capacitor (TCSC) make even the issue more complicated. In this study, the cumulative sum of the phase current second harmonic is proposed as a unique fault isolation feature. Various low‐impedance, high‐impedance, symmetric, and asymmetric types of fault signals are collected and to exhibit the algorithm robustness, several disturbance events and measurement noise are applied. The algorithm is conducted over a single machine infinite bus, and a Western System Coordinating Council 9‐bus, 3‐machine network with TCSC compensated lines. The results of extensive simulations indicate that the algorithm performs excellent regarding some recently developed algorithms. Accurate single, two of three faulty phases are marked despite disturbances and powerful swing. As so, a simple and effective fault detection algorithm has been introduced, which correctly resolves the challenges.