bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrologic connectivity at the hillslope scale through intra‐snowpack flow paths during snowmelt
Authors: Webb Ryan W. , Wigmore Oliver , Jennings Keith , Fend Mike , Molotch Noah P.
Published: December 2019

The seasonal snowmelt period is a critical component of the hydrologic cycle for many mountainous areas. Changes in the timing and rate of snowmelt as a result of physical hydrologic flow paths, such as longitudinal intra‐snowpack flow paths, can have strong implications on the partitioning of meltwater amongst streamflow, groundwater recharge, and soil moisture storage. However, intra‐snowpack flow paths are highly spatially and temporally variable and thus difficult to observe. This study utilizes new methods to non‐destructively observe spatio‐temporal changes in the liquid water content of snow in combination with plot experiments to address the research question: What is the scale of influence that intra‐snowpack flow paths have on the downslope movement of liquid water during snowmelt across an elevational gradient? This research took place in northern Colorado with study plots spanning from the rain‐snow transition zone up to the high alpine. Results indicate an increasing scale of influence from intra‐snowpack flow paths with elevation, showing higher hillslope connectivity producing larger intra‐snowpack contributing areas for meltwater accumulation, quantified as the upslope contributing area required to produce observed changes in liquid water content from melt rate estimates. The total effective intra‐snowpack contributing area of accumulating liquid water was found to be 17, 6, and 0 m2 for the above tree line, near tree line, and below tree line plots, respectively. Dye tracer experiments show capillary and permeability barriers result in increased number and thickness of intra‐snowpack flow paths at higher elevations. We additionally utilized aerial photogrammetry in combination with ground penetrating radar surveys to investigate the role of this hydrologic process at the small watershed scale. Results here indicate that intra‐snowpack flow paths have influence beyond the plot scale, impacting the storage and transmission of liquid water within the snowpack at the small watershed scale.
Zinc interference with Cd‐induced hormetic effect in differentiated Caco‐2 cells: Evidence for inhibition downstream ERK activation
Authors: Lemaire Joannie , Mireault Myriam , Jumarie Catherine
Published: December 2019

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal that enters the food chain. Following oral ingestion, the intestinal epithelium represents an effective protective barrier against Cd toxicity, but it is also a target tissue that may accumulate and trap high levels of the ingested metal. Using human enterocytic‐like Caco‐2 cells, we have previously shown that Cd may induce a concentration and time‐dependent increase in 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT)‐reducing activity in differentiated cultures with correlation to ERK1/2 activation. The present study shows that (a) Zn prevents the Cd‐induced hormesis effect on MTT reduction in a concentration‐dependent manner, without inhibiting Cd‐induced ERK1/2 activation; (b) Zn also induces similar hormetic stimulation of MTT‐reducing activity but without ERK1/2 activation. The effect of both metals was sensitive to inhibitors of translation during protein synthesis. There is evidence for the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Cd‐induced ERK1/2 activation. In contrast, the Zn effect on the MTT‐reducing activity would not be triggered by ROS but it would be sensitive to the redox state of the cell. Steps downstream ERK1/2 activation by Cd does not involve eIF4E which is rather downregulated by Cd. In conclusion, Cd and Zn both can modify translation processes during protein synthesis via different signaling cascades with crosstalk, and cross‐inhibition may occur. This phenomenon is observed over a small range of metal concentrations and is characterized by a hormesis‐like response. Considering that the hormetic effect on dehydrogenase activity could reflect an adaptive response to the metals whether cross‐inhibition is beneficial is an open question.
Data mining analysis of the PP2A cell cycle axis in mesothelioma patients
Authors: Pippa Raffaella , Boffo Silvia , Odero Maria D. , Giordano Antonio
Published: December 2019

Mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor that affects thousands of people every year. The therapeutic options for patients are limited; hence, a better understanding of mesothelioma biology is crucial to improve patient survival. To find new molecular targets and therapeutic strategies related to the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) network, we analyzed the gene expression of known PP2A inhibitors in mesothelioma patient samples. Our analysis disclosed a general overexpression of all PP2A‐negative regulators in mesothelioma patients. Moreover, the expression of ANP32E and CIP2A genes, increased in 16% and 11% of cases, positively correlates with the ones of all the other PP2A regulators and the ones of the main cyclins and CDKs, suggesting the existence of a feed‐forward loop that might contribute to the mesothelioma progression via PP2A inactivation. Overall, our study indicates the existence of a strategic and targetable axis between PP2A inhibitors (ANP32E and CIP2A) and cell cycle regulators (cyclin B2/CDK1) and provides a valuable rationale for using a personalized combinational therapy approach to improve mesothelioma patient survival.
Fetal mediastinal teratoma: Misinterpretation as congenital cystic lesions of the lung on prenatal ultrasound
Authors: Darouich Sihem , Bellamine Houda
Published: December 2019

Congenital mediastinal teratoma can lead to development of hydrops fetalis and may be misinterpreted on ultrasound. In this case report, ultrasound revealed severe fetoplacental hydrops, moderate posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, and multiple pulmonary cysts suggesting cystic adenomatoid malformation and displacement of the heart to the left side. Autopsy of the hydropic 24‐weeks male fetus showed a large cystic‐solid mediastinal mass that was consistent with nonmetastatic immature teratoma. It also demonstrated thymic, cardiac and pulmonary hypoplasia, and confirmed the germinal matrix‐intraventricular hemorrhage. Accurate prenatal diagnosis of mediastinal teratoma may be achieved by a careful Doppler ultrasound assessment that also allows evaluating the fetal outcome.
Expression, immune infiltration and clinical significance of SPAG5 in hepatocellular carcinoma: A gene expression‐based study
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Xing , Li Sijin , Ren Biqiong
Published: December 2019

Background

Overexpression of sperm‐associated antigen 5 (SPAG5) is a marker of poor prognosis in numerous tumors and is recognized as an index of tumor proliferation; however, its expression in liver cancer remains unclear.

Methods

The Oncomine (https://www.oncomine.org) and Timer (https://cistrome.shinyapps.io/timer) databases were used to analyze the expression of SPAG5 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and normal liver tissues. The relationship between the expression of SPAG5 and immune infiltration of HCC was investigated using the Timer and GEPIA (http://gepia.cancer‐pku.cn) databases, and the mechanism was analyzed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. A Kaplan–Meier Plotter (http://kmplot.com/analysis) was used to evaluate the effect of SPAG5 on the prognosis of patients with HCC.

Results

The results revealed that the SPAG5 expression level was positively correlated with the infiltration levels of CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and especially B cells and dendritic cells. In addition, SPAG5 expression was significantly associated with T cell exhaustion. The overall survival time, progression‐free survival time, recurrence‐free survival time and disease‐specific survival time were significantly reduced for HCC patients with high SPAG5 expression (p < 0.01) and high expression of SPAG5 was significantly associated with a poor overall survival time and progression‐free survival time of grade and stage II–III HCC (p < 0.05) but not with stage I HCC (p > 0.05). Additionally, the expression of SPAG5 is related to the p53 and cell cycle signal pathways.

Conclusions

In conclusion, SPAG5 is not only a marker of immune infiltration and poor prognosis, but also a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.
Randomized controlled trial of a positive affect intervention to reduce HIV viral load among sexual minority men who use methamphetamine
Authors: Carrico Adam W , Neilands Torsten B , Dilworth Samantha E , Evans Jennifer L , Gόmez Walter , Jain Jennifer P , Gandhi Monica , Shoptaw Steven , Horvath Keith J , Coffin Lara , Discepola Michael V , Andrews Rick , Woods William J , Feaster Daniel J , Moskowitz Judith T
Published: December 2019

Introduction

In the era of HIV treatment as prevention (TasP), evidence‐based interventions that optimize viral suppression among people who use stimulants such as methamphetamine are needed to improve health outcomes and reduce onward transmission risk. We tested the efficacy of positive affect intervention delivered during community‐based contingency management (CM) for reducing viral load in sexual minority men living with HIV who use methamphetamine.

Methods

Conducted in San Francisco, this Phase II randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of a positive affect intervention for boosting and extending the effectiveness of community‐based CM for stimulant abstinence to achieve more durable reductions in HIV viral load. From 2013 to 2017, 110 sexual minority men living with HIV who had biologically confirmed, recent methamphetamine use were randomized to receive a positive affect intervention (n = 55) or attention‐control condition (n = 55). All individual positive affect intervention and attention‐control sessions were delivered during three months of community‐based CM where participants received financial incentives for stimulant abstinence. The 5‐session positive affect intervention was designed to provide skills for managing stimulant withdrawal symptoms as well as sensitize individuals to natural sources of reward. The attention‐control condition consisted of neutral writing exercises and self‐report measures.

Results

Men randomized to the positive affect intervention displayed significantly lower log10 HIV viral load at six, twelve and fifteen months compared to those in the attention‐control condition. Men in the positive affect intervention also had significantly lower risk of at least one unsuppressed HIV RNA (≥200 copies/mL) over the 15‐month follow‐up. There were concurrent, statistically significant intervention‐related increases in positive affect as well as decreases in the self‐reported frequency of stimulant use at six and twelve months.

Conclusions

Delivering a positive affect intervention during community‐based CM with sexual minority men who use methamphetamine achieved durable and clinically meaningful reductions in HIV viral load that were paralleled by increases in positive affect and decreases in stimulant use. Further clinical research is needed to determine the effectiveness of integrative, behavioural interventions for optimizing the clinical and public health benefits of TasP in sexual minority men who use stimulants such as methamphetamine.
Ensemble Learning for Early‐Response Prediction of Antidepressant Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Pei Cong , Sun Yurong , Zhu Jinlong , Wang Xinyi , Zhang Yujie , Zhang Shuqiang , Yao Zhijian , Lu Qing
Published: December 2019

Background

In order to reduce unsuccessful treatment trials for depression, neuroimaging and genetic information can be considered as biomarkers. Together with machine‐learning methods, prediction models have proved to be valuable for baseline prediction.

Purpose

To propose an ensemble learning modeling framework that integrates imaging and genetic information for individualized baseline prediction of early‐stage treatment response of antidepressants in major depressive disorder (MDD).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

In all, 98 inpatients with MDD.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T MRI and gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequence.

Assessment

Participants were divided into responders and nonresponders based on reducing rates of HDRS‐6 after early‐stage treatment of 2 weeks. Fourteen brain regions of interest were selected according to previous studies. An ensemble learning modeling framework was used to integrate imaging data and genetic data.

Statistical Tests

Support vector machine (SVM) with linear kernel was utilized to integrate multimode information and then to construct the prediction model. Leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV) was used to evaluate the performance. The position characteristics obtained through SVM‐RFE (recursive feature elimination) algorithm and LOOCV was considered to compare each feature's relative importance for the prediction model.

Results

Compared with the single‐level prediction model, the ensemble learning prediction model showed improvement in prediction performance (accuracy from 0.61 to 0.86 with imaging data and genetic data). Integrated with 14 priori brain regions, the region of interest (ROI) map ensemble learning prediction model can achieve a performance that is analogous with the model with information from whole‐brain regions (both with accuracy of 0.81). The integration of genetic features further improved the sensitivity of prediction (sensitivity from 0.78 to 0.87 under the ensemble learning framework).

Data Conclusion

Our ensemble learning prediction model demonstrated significant advantages in interpretability and information integration. The findings may provide more assistance for clinical treatment selection in MDD at the individual level.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:161–171.
Uncovering matrix effects on lipid analyses in MALDI imaging mass spectrometry experiments
Authors: Perry William J. , Patterson Nathan Heath , Prentice Boone M. , Neumann Elizabeth K. , Caprioli Richard M. , Spraggins Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2019

The specific matrix used in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) can have an effect on the molecules ionized from a tissue sample. The sensitivity for distinct classes of biomolecules can vary when employing different MALDI matrices. Here, we compare the intensities of various lipid subclasses measured by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) IMS of murine liver tissue when using 9‐aminoacridine (9AA), 5‐chloro‐2‐mercaptobenzothiazole (CMBT), 1,5‐diaminonaphthalene (DAN), 2,5‐Dihydroxyacetophenone (DHA), and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB). Principal component analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed significant matrix effects on the relative signal intensities observed for different lipid subclasses and adducts. Comparison of spectral profiles and quantitative assessment of the number and intensity of species from each lipid subclass showed that each matrix produces unique lipid signals. In positive ion mode, matrix application methods played a role in the MALDI analysis for different cationic species. Comparisons of different methods for the application of DHA showed a significant increase in the intensity of sodiated and potassiated analytes when using an aerosol sprayer. In negative ion mode, lipid profiles generated using DAN were significantly different than all other matrices tested. This difference was found to be driven by modification of phosphatidylcholines during ionization that enables them to be detected in negative ion mode. These modified phosphatidylcholines are isomeric with common phosphatidylethanolamines confounding MALDI IMS analysis when using DAN. These results show an experimental basis of MALDI analyses when analyzing lipids from tissue and allow for more informed selection of MALDI matrices when performing lipid IMS experiments.
Application of electrical resistivity to assess subsurface geological and hydrological conditions at post‐tin mining sites in Indonesia
Authors: Itoh Masayuki , Matsubara Takashi , Shiodera Satomi , Iizuka Kotaro , Sakurai Ken , Nakajima Yoko , Ohashi Hiroki , Manalu Ivan
Published: December 2019

In many parts of Southeast Asia, opencast hydraulic tin mining has been carried out since the colonial era. Regardless of its scale, this mining method has significantly affected microtopography and left extremely degraded soil surfaces, where vegetation can hardly grow. Therefore, the identification of a feasible method for the rehabilitation and reforesting of these areas is a long‐term issue. In this study, we aimed to clarify the subsurface geological (soil properties and distribution) and hydrological conditions at a post‐tin mining site on an Indonesian island using an electrical resistivity survey combined with microtopographic information. The electrical resistivity survey of the study site provided information about the distribution of bedrock and sandy and clayey soils, reflecting mining activities. Furthermore, direct and continuous groundwater level monitoring showed the ranges of groundwater fluctuation depending on the soil and climate conditions. Our study demonstrates that subsurface assessment by electrical resistivity survey can provide essential information, contributing to the development of feasible plans for reforestation or transformation to agricultural land at post‐tin mining sites through the improvement of physical conditions and soil fertility.
An investigation on the effectiveness of hedonic versus utilitarian message appeals in luxury product communication
Authors: Amatulli Cesare , De Angelis Matteo , Donato Carmela
Published: December 2019

This research studies the role of hedonic versus utilitarian message appeals in luxury goods communication, investigating how using one or the other type of message appeal affects product perceived luxuriousness and, in turn, product attitude, and consumers' willingness to buy. This research presents three experiments in which message appeal and brand prominence have been manipulated, while perception of luxuriousness, attitude toward luxury products, willingness to buy them and consumers' conspicuous consumption orientation have been measured. Hedonic, compared with utilitarian, message appeals increase perceived luxuriousness, thereby increasing product attitude and consumers' willingness to buy the product promoted. This effect is particularly likely to occur for consumers with lower levels of conspicuous consumption orientation and for products carrying lowly prominent logos. We extend the literature on luxury communication by studying the effect of hedonic versus utilitarian message appeals on consumers' responses, and the literature on hedonism versus utilitarianism by studying this dichotomy in the context of luxury goods communication. This research suggests that different message appeals used in luxury goods communication produce different effects on consumers' responses and that this differential effectiveness is particularly likely to manifest for certain types of consumers and certain types of luxury products.
Barriers to practicing patient advocacy in healthcare setting
Authors: Nsiah Comfort , Siakwa Mate , Ninnoni Jerry P. K.
Published: December 2019

Aim

To explore barriers to practicing patient advocacy in healthcare setting.

Design

This study used a qualitative research approach to arrive at the study result.

Methods

Twenty‐five Registered Nurses were purposively selected. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The main theme identified was lack of cooperation between healthcare team, care recipients and the health institution which included the health institution and work environment, ineffective communication and interpersonal relationship, patients' family, religious and cultural beliefs. Unsuccessful advocacy resulted in increased complications, death, negative consequence on the health institution and nursing as a profession. This study has significantly created awareness of the need for an improved patient advocacy to enhance the quality and safety in the care of patients.
Association of Food Access, Recreational Opportunities, and Natural Amenities with Engagement in the Veterans MOVE! Weight Management Program
Authors: Graham Laura A. , Malone Emily B. , Richman Joshua S. , Carson April P. , Affuso Olivia , Knight Sara J. , Levitan Emily B.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the association of county‐level food access, recreational opportunities, and natural amenities with participant engagement in a weight management program.

Methods

In this cohort study, participants in the Veterans Health Administration MOVE! weight management program between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2013, were observed for 12 months after enrollment. Engagement was measured as the number of program visits per year at 12 months. Cross‐sectional analysis and spatial regression were used to examine county characteristics associated with greater participant engagement at 12 months.

Results

A total of 321,624 participants in 2,708 counties were included. Greater engagement was associated with older age, female sex, white race, being married, and being retired. After accounting for similarities between nearby communities, engagement at 12 months was 3.1 visits higher for each additional farmers’ market per 1,000 population (P = 0.01). Engagement was highest for participants living in counties with the most natural amenities (P < 0.001). Recreational opportunities had only a small effect on engagement in the program (β = 0.02 visits at 12 months; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Consideration of a participant’s county characteristics in addition to other known demographics and program factors may help to explain variation in engagement in weight management programs.
Maternal Weight, Weight Gain, and Metabolism are Associated with Changes in Fetal Heart Rate and Variability
Authors: Mat Husin Haliza , Schleger Franziska , Bauer Ilena , Fehlert Ellen , Kiefer‐Schmidt Isabelle , Weiss Magdalene , Kagan Karl Oliver , Brucker Sara , Pauluschke‐Fröhlich Jan , Eswaran Hari , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas , Preissl Hubert
Published: December 2019

Objective

Prepregnancy obesity and extensive weight gain can lead to diseases in the offspring later in life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anthropometric and metabolic factors on the fetal autonomic nervous system (ANS) in uncomplicated pregnancies.

Methods

A total of 184 pregnant women in the second or third trimester were included, and for 104 women, maternal insulin sensitivity (ISI) was determined. Fetal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined by magnetic recording. Associations of maternal prepregnancy BMI, weight gain, and ISI with fetal HR and HRV were evaluated by ANCOVA, partial correlation, and mediation analysis.

Results

HR was increased and HRV decreased in fetuses of mothers with overweight or obesity in comparison to normal‐weight mothers. Fetal HR was negatively correlated with maternal weight gain. Maternal prepregnancy BMI was positively correlated with fetal high frequency and was negatively correlated with low frequency and low/high frequency ratio. Maternal ISI showed a negative correlation with fetal HR.

Conclusions

The results show that the fetal ANS is sensitive to alterations of prepregnancy BMI, weight changes, and glucose metabolism. These findings highlight the importance of the intrauterine environment on the developing ANS and the possible programming of obesity.
Visible‐to‐UV Photon Upconversion in Nanostructured Chromophoric Ionic Liquids
Authors: Hisamitsu Shota , Miyano Junji , Okumura Keisuke , Ka‐Ho Hui Joseph , Yanai Nobuhiro , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: December 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Professor Nobuhiro Yanai and Nobuo Kimizuka at Kyushu University. The cover picture shows visible‐to‐ultraviolet (vis‐to‐UV) triplet‐triplet annihilation‐based photon upconversion (TTA‐UC) via triplet exciton diffusion in a chromophoric ionic liquid (IL). Chromophore moieties spontaneously form continuous arrays in non‐polar nano‐domains of the IL. The close arrangement of the chromophores in the IL allowed effective diffusion of triplet excitons, resulting in the vis‐to‐UV TTA‐UC at a low excitation intensity. Read the full text of their Communication at 10.1002/open.201900304.
Fabrication and electrochemical instrumentation of redox‐active nanofiber mat for polyaniline incorporated with poly(imide sulfonate)
Authors: Shoji Eiichi , Hatano Hiroaki , Hatashita Masanori
Published: December 2019

In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of an electrochemically active nanofiber mat that is a composite of high‐performance poly(imide sulfonate) (PIS) and polyaniline (PANI). First, a nonconductive nanofiber mat comprising nanofibers having diameters of ca. 300 nm was fabricated by the electrospinning of ionomeric PIS in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). Then, the nanofibers were modified using PANI, which was synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of aniline, yielding an electrochemically active nanofiber mat having a diameter of ca. 350 nm. It was confirmed that PANI was successfully incorporated onto the PIS nanofiber mats by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Subsequently, we conducted electrochemical measurements of the PANI‐modified nanofiber mats using a tailor‐made attachment in which the working electrode gently comes in contact with the nanofiber mat surface. This attachment was observed to be widely useful in the cyclic voltammetry measurements related to redox‐active nanofibers. These observations are expected to contribute to the advancements in application development of the electrochemically active nanofiber mats.
Agrochemical industry development, trends in R&D and the impact of regulation
Authors: Phillips Matthew William Archer
Published: December 2019

Over the last 20 years the share of the crop protection market attributable to the leading markets (North America, EU‐15 and Japan) that are the major focus of new active ingredient research and development (R&D) has declined. Greater growth has been recorded in developing markets, questioning the focus of current R&D strategy. R&D budgets within the major companies have seen a shift toward genetically modified (GM) trait development away from agrochemicals, such that the rate of new active ingredients entering development and subsequently being introduced has declined. As a result, the industry has become more reliant on older, off‐patent chemistry, although the availability of older products has been affected by re‐registration requirements, particularly in the EU. Current criteria often preclude the registration of broad‐spectrum agrochemicals, resulting in many new active ingredients being single site active, which is perceived to increase the potential for resistance development, particularly for herbicides, although this is not always the case. © 2019 The Author. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Electrical Properties of Sn‐Doped α‐Ga2O3 Films on m‐Plane Sapphire Substrates Grown by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Akaiwa Kazuaki , Ota Katsuya , Sekiyama Takahito , Abe Tomoki , Shinohe Takashi , Ichino Kunio
Published: December 2019

Growth and electrical property of conductive Sn‐doped α‐Ga2O3 films on m‐plane sapphire by mist chemical vapor deposition (mist‐CVD) are exhibited. Although the crystallinity is still inferior in comparison with previously reported α‐Ga2O3 films on c‐plane sapphire, highly crystalline α‐Ga2O3 films on m‐plane sapphire substrates are grown by applying two‐step growth procedure. Carrier concentration of Sn‐doped α‐Ga2O3 films is controlled in the range of 1017–1019 cm−3 by changing the Sn/Ga concentration ratio in source solution. α‐Ga2O3 films on m‐plane sapphires with the thickness of 2 μm show mobilities as high as 65 cm2 (V s)−1, which is much higher than previously reported value of 24 cm2 (V s)−1 in the films grown on c‐plane sapphire.
The Role of Nanoparticles on Topographic Cross‐Talk in Electric Force Microscopy and Magnetic Force Microscopy
Authors: Fuhrmann Marc , Krivcov Alexander , Musyanovych Anna , Thoelen Ronald , Möbius Hildegard
Published: December 2019

Topographic cross‐talk is still an issue in magnetic force microscopy (MFM) as well as in electric force microscopy (EFM). Using interleave mode measurements, combining a first topographic scan with a second scan in a certain distance from the surface following the topography from the first scan, capacitive coupling effects occur while measuring nanoparticles. This article focuses on the influence of the dielectric constant of polystyrene nanoparticles in interleave mode MFM measurements. To investigate the contribution of the capacitive coupling effect to the signal, nonmagnetic polystyrene nanoparticles are investigated. The tip‐substrate distance change above the nanoparticle leads to a positive phase shift in MFM signals. Simulations and fits to the experimental data allow the investigation of the influence of the dielectric constant of the nanoparticles on topographic effects in interleave mode measurements in general.
Forecast bias correction through model integration: A dynamical wholesale approach
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Jingzhuo , Du Jun , Xia Yu , Chen Fajing , Hongqi Li
Published: December 2019

Unlike the retail‐like (for selected variables) statistical post‐processing methods, a wholesale‐like (for all variables) dynamical approach is proposed to correct forecast bias during model integration. Subtracting a bias tendency from the model total tendency is intended to de‐bias all variables at once to better (i.e. more dynamically consistent) couple with downstream applications. Three experiments were tested using an ensemble prediction system since the method is intended for an ensemble model. The verification was carried out over China for a period of 31 days (1–31 July 2015). The verification of 500 hPa temperature indicates that all three experiments have significantly improved the raw ensemble forecasts with reduced bias error, a more accurate ensemble mean, a better spread‐skill relationship, and more reliable and sharper probabilities. The performance is better than or comparable to the current operational statistical method. When the verification was expanded to include more variables, a summary scorecard shows that the three experiments also had a general positive or neutral impact on both upper‐air and surface variables, especially the height and temperature fields. Precipitation forecasts remained relatively unchanged. There were only a few categories that were degraded. The comparison between the three experiments yielded a mixed result: the most sophisticated approach often performed the best for 500 hPa temperature, while the simplest approach worked the best when verifying a mixture of variables. The degradation of the wind forecasts by the third experiment was discussed. These are the two challenges: how to accurately describe the bias tendency and how to add internally coherent bias tendencies to multiple variables. Given its advantages, this approach could be a promising approach for correcting biases in a numerical model.
GLM‐based control charts for the inverse Gaussian distributed response variable
Authors: Kinat Summera , Amin Muhammad , Mahmood Tahir
Published: December 2019

In the modern era of digitalization, manufacturing industries needed monitoring methods to timely detect an abrupt change in the process. Control charts are widely used online monitoring method and used in several sectors for the surveillance of the process. Usually, control charts are developed for a single study variable, but there exists auxiliary information along with the study variable. Because of the linear relation between the study variable and auxiliary variable, several control chart studies are designed based on the simple linear regression model, but they are restricted to the normally distributed response variable. When the response variable follows an exponential family distribution, then the generalized linear modeling (GLM) approach provides better estimates. Hence, this study is designed to propose GLM‐based control charts when the response variable follows the inverse Gaussian (IG) distribution. In GLM‐based control charts, deviance and Pearson residuals of the IG regression are considered as plotting statistics. For the evaluation purpose, a simulation study is designed, and the performance of the proposed methods is compared with existing counterparts in terms of the run length properties. Moreover, run‐rules are also implemented to gain the efficiency of the Shewhart type GLM‐based control charts under small‐to‐moderate shifts. Finally, an example related to the yarn manufacturing industry is also used to highlight the importance of the stated proposal.
Insight into the reaction mechanism of CH2SH with HO2: A density functional theory study
Authors: Bian He , Zhang Honghong , Pei Ling , Wang Qian , Wang Fang , Zhang Yun , Chen Jinshe
Published: December 2019

Density functional theory was adopted in this work to reveal the reaction mechanism of CH2SH with HO2. Reaction rate constants were computed from 200 to 2000 K using the transition state theory combined with Wigner and Eckart tunneling correction. Moreover, localized orbital locator, atoms in molecules and Mayer bond order analyses were used to study the essence of chemical bonding evolution. Eleven singlet paths and three triplet ones are located on the potential surface (PES). The results show that the main products on the singlet PES are1CH2S and H2O2, whereas on the triplet PES they are CH3SH + 3O2, which are coincident with the similar reaction of CH3S and HO2. This conclusion is also supported by rate constant calculation results. Interestingly, all the possible paths are involved in the hydrogen transfer. The results have provided underlying insights to the analogous reactions and further experimental studies.
Analysis of ordered composite endpoints
Authors: Follmann Dean , Fay Michael P , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Evans Scott
Published: December 2019

Composite endpoints are frequently used in clinical trials, but simple approaches, such as the time to first event, do not reflect any ordering among the endpoints. However, some endpoints, such as mortality, are worse than others. A variety of procedures have been proposed to reflect the severity of the individual endpoints such as pairwise ranking approaches, the win ratio, and the desirability of outcome ranking. When patients have different lengths of follow‐up, however, ranking can be difficult and proposed methods do not naturally lead to regression approaches and require specialized software. This paper defines an ordering scoreOto operationalize the patient ranking implied by hierarchical endpoints. We show how differential right censoring of follow‐up corresponds to multiple interval censoring of the ordering score allowing standard software for survival models to be used to calculate the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimators (NPMLEs) of different measures. Additionally, if one assumes that the ordering score is transformable to an exponential random variable, a semiparametric regression is obtained, which is equivalent to the proportional hazards model subject to multiple interval censoring. Standard software can be used for estimation. We show that the NPMLE can be poorly behaved compared to the simple estimators in staggered entry trials. We also show that the semiparametric estimator can be more efficient than simple estimators and explore how standard Cox regression maneuvers can be used to assess model fit, allow for flexible generalizations, and assess interactions of covariates with treatment. We analyze a trial of short versus long‐term antiplatelet therapy using our methods.
Improving safety of the continual reassessment method via a modified allocation rule
Authors: Mozgunov Pavel , Jaki Thomas
Published: December 2019

This article proposes a novel criterion for the allocation of patients in phase I dose‐escalation clinical trials, aiming to find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Conventionally, using a model‐based approach, the next patient is allocated to the dose with the toxicity estimate closest (in terms of the absolute or squared distance) to the maximum acceptable toxicity. This approach, however, ignores the uncertainty in point estimates and ethical concerns of assigning a lot of patients to overly toxic doses. In fact, balancing the trade‐off between how accurately the MTD can be estimated and how many patients would experience adverse events is one of the primary challenges in phase I studies. Motivated by recent discussions in the theory of estimation in restricted parameter spaces, we propose a criterion that allows to balance these explicitly. The criterion requires a specification of one additional parameter only that has a simple and intuitive interpretation. We incorporate the proposed criterion into the one‐parameter Bayesian continual reassessment method and show, using simulations, that it can result in similar accuracy on average as the original design, but with fewer toxic responses on average. A comparison with other model‐based dose‐escalation designs, such as escalation with overdose control and its modifications, demonstrates that the proposed design can result in either the same mean accuracy as alternatives but fewer toxic responses or in a higher mean accuracy but the same number of toxic responses. Therefore, the proposed design can provide a better trade‐off between the accuracy and the number of patients experiencing adverse events, making the design a more ethical alternative over some of the existing methods for phase I trials.
Synthesis and Characteristics of Metastable 2‐Benzyl‐4H‐3,1‐benzoxazin‐4‐one as Anticancer Agent and its Comparison with other Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Mokhtar Radwan Tasneem , Abdel‐Aziz El‐Hashash Maher , Abdel‐Hamid Farouk Wasfy Ashraf , Abdelhalim Abdallah Suzan
Published: December 2019

Heterocyclic compounds with different heterocycle moieties, namely benzoxazinone, benzimidazole, quinazolinone, and benzofuranone heterocyclic rings, were synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their anticancer activities against Lung cancer cell line (A549) using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. In vitro, a compound with benzoxazinone scaffold namely 2‐benzyl‐3,1‐benzoxazin‐4‐one was shown to have the best antiproliferative activity against Lung cancer cell line (A549) with IC50 values 53.9 μM in comparison with other heterocyclic rings. This compound showed an excellent cytotoxicity effect against the pancreatic cancer cell line (PANC‐1) with IC50 values 0.15 μM, while it has a slight effect on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2).
Altering the O/C Ratio of Lignin Derived Monomers without Sacrificing Atom Efficiency
Authors: Singh Dheerendra , Dhepe Paresh L.
Published: December 2019

Synthesis of platform and fuel grade chemicals from lignin without losing atom efficiency and lowering O/C ratio is a challenge in a bio‐refinery concept. In this work, we report solid acid catalysed alkylation of lignin derived variety of monomers such as guaiacol, veretrole, phenol, anisole, and catechol using numerous alcohols as alkylating agents. Results elaborate that the type of acidity and structure of catalyst play important role in achieving higher dialkylated products (DAP). With 85% conversion of guaiacol, 30.9% DAP formation was achieved at 250 °C within 2 h. A unique substrate adsorption study on the catalyst surface and effect of solubility of substrates on the activity of catalyst is evaluated. Catalyst was observed to be recyclable with marginal loss in the activity due to handling error.
Ferromagnetically Coupled Molecular Complexes with a CoII2GdIII Pivalate Core: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic Properties and Thermal Stability
Authors: Lutsenko Irina A. , Kiskin Mikhail A. , Nikolaevskii Stanislav A. , Starikova Alyona A. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Khoroshilov Andrey V. , Bogomyakov Artem S. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Voronina Julia K. , Goloveshkin Alexander S. , Sidorov Aleksey A. , Eremenko Igor L.
Published: December 2019

New adducts with the composition [Co2Gd(NO3)(Piv)6L2] (L=2,4‐lutidine (lut) (1), 2‐phenylpyridine (PhPy) (4), 2‐ethynylpyridine (EtPy) (5)) and [Co2Eu(NO3)(Piv)6(EtPy)2] (6) were synthesized. According to X‐ray diffraction data, the molecular complexes comprise two atoms of cobalt(II) and one central atom of gadolinium(III) bridged by carboxylate ligands. The donor base molecules are coordinated to cobalt atoms. Magnetic measurements of the new and previously synthesized complexes with quinoline (2) and pyridine (3) ligands showed the ferromagnetic nature of the coupling between the metal centers in the CoII2GdIII core with JCo‐Gd parameters in the range of 0.15−0.18 cm−1. DFT calculations supported the ferromagnetic type of coupling for these complexes. Simultaneous thermal analysis of 1 and 2 showed the thermal stability of the complexes up to 180 °C and the stepwise nature of thermolysis, which includes the stages of elimination of the donor base molecules and the thermal decomposition of the pivalate moieties in the complex.
Direct Growth of Perovskite Crystals on Metallic Electrodes for High‐Performance Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Liu Jia , Liu Fengjing , Liu Haining , Hou Rui , Yue Junyi , Cai Jinzhong , Peng Zhisheng , Impundu Julienne , Xie Liming , Li Yong Jun , Sun Lianfeng
Published: December 2019

Metal halide perovskite has attracted enhanced interest for its diverse electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, the fabrication of micro‐ or nanoscale crystalline perovskite functional devices remains a great challenge due to the fragility, solvent, and heat sensitivity of perovskite crystals. Here, a strategy is proposed to fabricate electronic and optoelectronic devices by directly growing perovskite crystals on microscale metallic structures in liquid phase. The well‐contacted perovskite/metal interfaces ensure these heterostructures serve as high‐performance field effect transistors (FETs) and excellent photodetector devices. When serving as an FET, the on/off ratio is as large as 106 and the mobility reaches up to ≈2.3 cm2 V−1 s−1. A photodetector is displayed with high photoconductive switching ratio of ≈106 and short response time of ≈4 ms. Furthermore, the photoconductive response is proved to be band‐bending‐assisted separation of photoexcited carriers at the Schottky barrier of the silver and p‐type perovskites.
Ternary Organic Solar Cell with a Near‐Infrared Absorbing Selenophene–Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Nonfullerene Acceptor and an Efficiency above 10%
Authors: Privado María , Malhotra Prateek , de la Cruz Pilar , Singhal Rahul , Cerdá Jesús , Aragó Juan , Ortí Enrique , Sharma Ganesh D. , Langa Fernando
Published: December 2019

A new near‐IR absorbing nonfullerene acceptor (NFA), MPU4, is synthesized in three steps from an accessible selenophene–diketopyrrolopyrrole and rhodanine. The high planarity of the molecule and the extended conjugation determine that the new NFA presents a high optical absorption coefficient and a narrow bandgap. In thin films, MPU4 shows broad absorption in the visible and near‐IR regions from 550 to 930 nm. When blended with a phenothiazine‐based small‐molecule (SM) donor, SM1, the resulting additive‐free binary organic solar cell (OSC) exhibits an efficiency of 8.96% with a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.99 V and a short‐circuit current (Jsc) of 14.91 mA cm−2 with a remarkably low energy loss (Eloss) of 0.42 eV. This efficiency is significantly higher (24%) than that achieved with an analogous device with a thiophene‐containing NFA (MPU1, 7.22%) instead of MPU4. Importantly, ternary solar cells prepared with SM1 as the donor and MPU4 and PC71BM as acceptors afford, after solvent vapor annealing, an efficiency of 10.04% with a Voc of 0.92 V, Jsc of 16.32 mA cm−2, fill factor of 0.67, and Eloss of 0.49 eV. These results demonstrate the advantages of using selenophene instead of thiophene in SM OSCs.
Large charge at large N
Authors: Alvarez-Gaume Luis , Orlando Domenico , Reffert Susanne
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We apply the large-charge expansion to O(N) vector models starting from first principles, focusing on the Wilson-Fisher point in three dimensions. We compute conformal dimensions at zero and finite temperature at fixed charge Q, concentrating on the regime 1 « N « Q. Our approach places the earlier effective field theory treatment on firm ground and extends its predictions.
Examples of Interacting Particle Systems on $$\mathbb {Z}$$ as Pfaffian Point Processes: Coalescing–Branching Random Walks and Annihilating Random Walks with Immigration
Authors: Garrod Barnaby , Tribe Roger , Zaboronski Oleg
Published: December 2019

Two classes of interacting particle systems on $$\mathbb {Z}$$Z are shown to be Pfaffian point processes, at any fixed time and for all deterministic initial conditions. The first comprises coalescing and branching random walks, the second annihilating random walks with pairwise immigration. Various limiting Pfaffian point processes on $$\mathbb {R}$$R are found by diffusive rescaling, including the point set process for the Brownian web and Brownian net.
Correction to: Alarm call modification by prairie dogs in the presence of juveniles
Authors: Wilson-Henjum Grete E. , Job Jacob R. , McKenna Megan F. , Shannon Graeme , Wittemyer George
Published: December 2019

The article Alarm call modification by prairie dogs in the presence of juveniles
Hepatic artery infusion pump for nasopharyngeal carcinoma with liver metastasis
Authors: Peng Changli , Zhou Chunhui , Li Gang , Li Haiping , Shi Liangrong
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the benefits and risks of hepatic artery infusion (HAI) gemcitabine and floxuridine (FUDR) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma liver metastases. HAI catheter systems were implanted under the guide of digital subtract angiography (DSA) in 16 patients with unresectable nasopharyngeal carcinoma liver metastases. HAI gemcitabine and FUDR in combination with radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy were delivered. Disease control rate (DCR) of intrahepatic lesions is 100%, objective response rate (ORR) of intrahepatic lesions is 87.5%, including 4 patients (25%) with complete response (CR), 10 patients (62.5%) with partial response (PR) and 2 patients (12.5%) with stable disease (SD). The median overall survival (mOS) was 30 months. There was no significant difference between patients with < 9 intrahepatic lesions and patients with ≥ 9 intrahepatic lesions (31 months vs. 24 months, P = 0.562). Patients without extrahepatic metastases has longer survival than patients with extrahepatic metastases (31 months vs. 17 months, P = 0.005). In all 72 cycles of HAI, the main grade 3/4 toxicities related to HAI include: leukopenia occur in 8 cycles (11.1%), thrombocytopenia in 5 cycles (6.9%), AST/ALT elevation in 12 cycles (16.7). Catheter related complications occurred in 2 patients (12.5%). HAI gemcitabine and FUDR is effective to improve DCR of intrahepatic lesions and prolong mOS for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma liver metastases, and is associated with a relative low rate of toxicity.
Saadat Hasan Manto, Partition, and Mental Illness through the Lens of Toba Tek Singh
Authors: Jokinen Tahir , Assadullah Shershah
Published: December 2019

“Toba Tek Singh,” which describes the exchange of mental asylum inmates between India and Pakistan in the wake of partition, was perhaps Saadat Hasan Manto’s most well-known short story. Manto’s work was coloured by his experience of mental illness, including alcohol addiction and possible depressive disorder. This essay attempts to use “Toba Tek Singh” as a lens through which to shine an integrative light on the role of mental illness in Manto’s work and life, by discussing his personal experiences, themes of mental illness in the story, and the implications of his writing in the historical context of post-partition South Asia.