bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A feasibility study of a psycho‐educational support intervention for men with prostate cancer on active surveillance
Authors: Hughes John G. , Leydon Geraldine M. , Watts Sam , Hughes Stephanie , Brindle Lucy A. , Arden‐Close Emily , Bacon Roger , Birch Brian , Carballo Lallita , Plant Hilary , Moore Caroline M. , Stuart Beth , Yao Guiqing , Lewith George , Richardson Alison
Published: December 2019

Background

PROACTIVE is a psycho‐educational support intervention for prostate cancer patients managed on Active Surveillance. PROACTIVE is composed of two interdependent components: group workshops and internet‐delivered information modules.

Aims

We conducted a feasibility study to determine the practicality of delivering PROACTIVE at two prostate cancer centres.

Methods and Results

The feasibility study was a mixed‐methods randomized parallel‐group exploratory trial. Participants were randomised using a ratio of 3:1 PROACTIVE group to treatment as usual. Qualitative semi‐structured interviews and quantitative measures were completed at baseline, intervention completion (week 6), and at 6‐month follow‐up. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically using Framework analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to examine recruitment and retention rates and changing trends in outcome measures. Most aspects of the research design and PROACTIVE intervention were acceptable to those participating in the study. In particular, participants valued the opportunity to share and discuss experiences with other prostate cancer patients on Active Surveillance and receive detailed authoritative information. However, three issues were identified: (a) a low response rate (13 participants recruited, response rate 16%), (b) low utilisation of internet delivered information modules, (c) self‐perceived low levels of anxiety amongst participants with the majority perceiving their cancer as not impacting on their day‐to‐day life or causing anxiety.

Conclusions

Due to these significant research design issues, it is not recommended PROACTIVE be evaluated in a large‐scale randomised controlled trial. Further research is required to explore the impact of Active Surveillance on anxiety amongst men with localized prostate cancer managed by Active Surveillance.
Progress of Two‐Dimensional Ti3C2Tx in Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Lu , Wen Jing , Zhang Xitian
Published: December 2019

Exploring stable cycling electrode materials with high energy and power density is the key to accelerating the development and application of supercapacitors. Ti3C2Tx, which is the most investigated member of the family of two‐dimensional layered transition‐metal carbides, has attracted considerable attention, owing to its unique two‐dimensional morphology, large interlayer spacing, outstanding metallic conductivity, abundant chemical surface, and ultrahigh volumetric capacitance. However, the inherent restacking tendency of ultrathin Ti3C2Tx sheets hinder its practical application. In this review, the synthetic methods and charge‐storage mechanisms of Ti3C2Tx are stressed to provide clues for improving its electrochemical performance. Functionalization, including architectural construction, hybridization, and surface modification of the Ti3C2Tx sheets, to circumvent difficulties and application in supercapacitors is then summarized. Accordingly, the aim is to highlight the opportunities and challenges for Ti3C2Tx‐based materials in practical applications in supercapacitors.
Utilizing Cyclic Voltammetry to Understand the Energy Storage Mechanisms for Copper Oxide and its Graphene Oxide Hybrids as Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Day Cameron , Greig Katie , Massey Alexander , Peake Jennifer , Crossley David , Dryfe Robert A. W.
Published: December 2019

Graphene‐based materials have been extensively researched as a means improve the electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides in Li‐ion battery applications, however an understanding of the effect of the different synthesis routes, and the factors underlying the oft‐stated better performance of the hybrid materials (compared to the pure metal oxides) is not always demonstrated. For the first time, we report a range of synthetic routes to produce graphene oxide (GO)‐coated CuO, micro‐particle/GO “bundles” as well as nano‐particulates decorated on GO sheets to enable a comparison with CuO and its carbon‐coated analogue, as confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and Raman spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was utilized to probe the lithiation/delithiation mechanism of CuO by scanning at successively decreasing vertex potentials, uncovering the importance of a full reduction to Cu metal on the reduction step. The GO hybrid materials clearly show enhanced specific capacities and cycling stabilities comparative to the CuO, with the most promising material achieving a capacity of 746 mAh g−1 and capacity retention of 92 % after 30 cycles, which is the highest stable capacity quoted in literature for CuO. The simple cyclic voltammetry technique used in this work could be implemented to help further understand any conversion‐type anode materials, in turn accelerating the research and industrial development of conversion anodes.
Assessment for familial pattern and association of polymorphisms in KIAA0319 gene with specific reading disorder in children from North India visiting a tertiary care centre: A case–control study
Authors: Sharma Pawan , Sagar Rajesh , Deep Raman , Mehta Manju , Subbiah Vivekanandhan
Published: December 2019

Genetic association studies have identified KIAA0319 gene as a possible susceptibility locus for reading disorder; however, very few studies are available from India. The study was planned to investigate the familial pattern and association of KIAA0319 polymorphisms among children with reading disorder visiting a tertiary centre in North India. This is a case–control, familial, and genetic association study on 30 children diagnosed with reading disorder (ICD‐10) and 30 matched healthy controls and their families. The Aggregate Neurobehavioral Student Health and Educational Review System was administered on parents of probands and controls for reading problems in their siblings, and Adult Reading Questionnaire was administered for parents of both groups. The blood sample was taken from probands, and DNA was isolated. Four KIAA0319 coding sequence single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs4504469, rs6935076, rs2038137, and rs2179515) were genotyped using SNaPshot single nucleotide extension. The incidence of reading problem was significantly higher in families of probands as compared with families of controls. There were no significant differences in both groups regarding the frequency of alleles of four SNPs. The reading disorder showed a significant familial pattern, but KIAA0319 gene did not appear to be a susceptibility factor. Future replications with larger samples and whole genome studies are warranted.
Revegetation by sowing reduces soil bacterial and fungal diversity
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Weiwei , Zhao Chunqiao , Shi Ruishuang , Xue Ruibin , Li Xiaona
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of revegetation on the diversity of bacteria and fungi in soil by sowing a single species and exploring the underlying mechanism.

Location

Beijing, China.

Taxon

Plants and Microbes.

Methods

In a short‐term ecological restoration experiment, one natural recovery treatment and three seed sowing treatments were chosen to assess their effects on the alteration of fungal and bacterial diversity. Plant species richness, abundance, and height were investigated. The diversity of fungi and bacteria was analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing technologies. Linear mixed‐effects model analysis was used to examine the effects of different restoration methods on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Pearson's correlation analysis, analysis of covariance, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to examine the relationship between biodiversity and environmental factors.

Results

Species richness and the Shannon–Wiener Index (H′) of plants in the sown treatments were lower than in the natural recovery treatment, especially with sowing of Medicago sativa L. Similarly, the sum of the observed species and H′ of fungi and bacteria significantly decreased in the sown treatments. Moreover, plant density, community coverage, and soil moisture increased markedly, while soil bulk density decreased in the sown treatments. Importantly, SEM showed that sown treatments reduced the diversity of plants through increasing plant density, while it decreased the diversity of fungi and bacteria through decreasing the plant diversity and increasing soil moisture.

Main conclusions

Our findings confirm that ecological restoration by sowing could improve soil conditions, but may be unfavorable to the amelioration of soil microbial diversity in the short‐term. Restoration practitioners should consider long‐term studies on the dynamics of biodiversity in the above‐ and belowground after revegetation by native species to achieve goals related to biodiversity conservation.
Female Greater Prairie‐Chicken response to energy development and rangeland management
Authors: Londe David W. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Davis Craig A. , Rutledge Jimmy
Published: December 2019

Wildlife habitat use is the result of behaviors that occur at multiple spatial and temporal scales. The interactions between these behaviors can often result in complex patterns of selection that can make it challenging to select the most appropriate scale to implement management actions. Greater Prairie‐Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido), a declining grassland grouse species, face many conservation challenges throughout its distribution, including increased fragmentation from anthropogenic activities (e.g., energy development and altered disturbance regimes). However, much of the literature on this species has focused on a narrow portion of its lifecycle, specifically the breeding season. We examined habitat use of female Greater Prairie‐Chickens in a grassland that is managed with prescribed fire and grazing and that has also undergone considerable development for oil and gas production. We developed discrete choice models for four behaviorally distinct life‐history stages and two spatial scales to evaluate how rangeland management, energy development, and scale influence habitat use throughout the annual cycle. Additionally, we used cumulative distribution functions to determine response distances to landscape features. We found that time since fire, proximity to woodlands and proximity of lek sites were the most consistent predictors of habitat use during most periods and spatial scales. Greater Prairie‐Chickens consistently avoided woodlands and remained relatively close to lek sites during all parts of the year. Selection of time since fire varied through the year with Greater Prairie‐Chickens primarily using unburned patches in the lekking and nesting season and recently burned patches in the post‐nesting and nonbreeding season. Greater Prairie‐Chickens demonstrated a seasonally variable response to energy development, avoiding power lines and areas with a high densities of oil wells by as much as 300–600 m in the lekking, post‐nesting, and nonbreeding season. Management actions that promote vegetation heterogeneity will benefit Greater Prairie‐Chickens by creating a variety of seral stages used during different life stages, but efforts should be made to limit future fragmentation of grasslands by energy development.
Brachial pulse pressure in acute heart failure. Results of the Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Bonapace Stefano , Rossi Andrea , Laroche Cécile , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , Piepoli Massimo F. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Dahlström Ulf , Malek Filip , Macarie Cezar , Temporelli Pier Luigi , Maggioni Aldo P. , Tavazzi Luigi ,   the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry Investigators group
Published: December 2019

Aims

To investigate the still uncertain independent prognostic impact of pulse pressure (PP) in acute heart failure (HF), in particular across the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) phenotypes, and the potential contribution of PP in outlining the individual phenotypes.

Methods and results

We prospectively evaluated 1‐year death and rehospitalization in 4314 patients admitted for acute HF grouped by EF and stratified by their PP level on admission. In HF with reduced (< 40%) EF (HFrEF), the highest quartiles of PP had the lowest unadjusted [hazard ratio (HR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.98] and adjusted (HR 0.64 0.50–0.82) risk of 1 year all cause death compared to the lowest quartile. Its prognostic impact was partially mediated by systolic blood pressure (SBP). In HF with preserved (≥ 50%) EF (HFpEF), the intermediate quartile of PP showed the lowest 1 year all cause mortality in unadjusted (HR 0.598, CI 0.416–0.858) and adjusted (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.388‐0.801) models with no relationship with SBP. In a receiver operating characteristic analysis, a combination of PP > 60 mmHg and SBP > 140 mmHg was associated to a preserved EF with a high performance value. No prognostic significance of PP was found in the HF with mid‐range EF subgroup.

Conclusions

In acute HFrEF, there is an almost linear inverse relation between mortality and PP, partly mediated by SBP. In HFpEF, a J‐shaped relationship between mortality and PP was present with a better prognosis at the nadir. A combination of PP > 60 mmHg with SBP > 140 mmHg may be clinically helpful as marker of a preserved left ventricular EF.
S,N‐GQDs Enzyme Mimicked Electrochemical Sensor to Detect the Hazardous Level of Monocrotophos in Water
Authors: Kulandaiswamy Arockia Jayalatha , Sharma Nidhi , Nesakumar Noel , Kailasam Kamalakannan , Rayappan John Bosco Balaguru
Published: December 2019

The detection of monocrotophos, an organophosphate pesticide, which disrupts water bodies and the entire eco‐system has been proposed. The non‐enzymatic organophosphate electrochemical biosensor has been developed with sulphur, nitrogen co‐doped graphene quantum dots (S,N‐GQDSs) nanocatalyst as an interface that mimics the enzyme to activate acetylthiocholine chloride (ATChCl) with significant sensitivity and selectivity. Activation of ATChCl in the absence of enzyme using the S,N‐GQDs interface is the maiden approach accomplished in this work. Activated ATChCl was employed to detect and quantify monocrotophos by reducing phosphoric acid to phosphorous acid during incubation and further to elemental phosphorous. The sensor detects the separation of phosphorus at −131 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) by non‐enzymatic approach coupled with amperometric analysis. The sensor exhibited a limit of detection and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 25 and 83 nM L−1 respectively.
Hotspots of nitrogen deposition in the world's urban areas: a global data synthesis
Authors: Decina Stephen M , Hutyra Lucy R , Templer Pamela H
Published: December 2019

Human activities have altered the global nitrogen (N) cycle, elevating rates of atmospheric N deposition up to tenfold above pre‐industrial levels, with consequences for ecosystem function and human health. To date, most N deposition studies have been carried out in rural areas; however, there has been a recent surge of N deposition studies conducted in urban ecosystems due to the increased recognition that humans are greatly altering the N cycle in these environments. We synthesized data from 174 publications over a period of 40 years that examined rates of N deposition in urban and nearby rural areas worldwide. Results of this meta‐analysis help to quantify urban N deposition, demonstrate that total N deposition in cities is predominately composed of chemically reduced – as opposed to oxidized – forms of N like ammonia, and identify regional hotspots of urban N deposition, particularly in China. These findings highlight the need to examine and address the N cycle in cities as the world continues to urbanize.
Weighted network measures reveal differences between dementia types: An EEG study
Authors: Mehraram Ramtin , Kaiser Marcus , Cromarty Ruth , Graziadio Sara , O'Brien John T. , Killen Alison , Taylor John‐Paul , Peraza Luis R.
Published: December 2019

The diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) versus Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be difficult especially early in the disease process. However, one inexpensive and non‐invasive biomarker which could help is electroencephalography (EEG). Previous studies have shown that the brain network architecture assessed by EEG is altered in AD patients compared with age‐matched healthy control people (HC). However, similar studies in Lewy body diseases, that is, DLB and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) are still lacking. In this work, we (a) compared brain network connectivity patterns across conditions, AD, DLB and PDD, in order to infer EEG network biomarkers that differentiate between these conditions, and (b) tested whether opting for weighted matrices led to more reliable results by better preserving the topology of the network. Our results indicate that dementia groups present with reduced connectivity in the EEG α band, whereas DLB shows weaker posterior–anterior patterns within the β‐band and greater network segregation within the θ‐band compared with AD. Weighted network measures were more consistent across global thresholding levels, and the network properties reflected reduction in connectivity strength in the dementia groups. In conclusion, β‐ and θ‐band network measures may be suitable as biomarkers for discriminating DLB from AD, whereas the α‐band network is similarly affected in DLB and PDD compared with HC. These variations may reflect the impairment of attentional networks in Parkinsonian diseases such as DLB and PDD.
Photocontrolled Release of the Anticancer Drug Chlorambucil with Caged Harmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Vuilleumier Jérémy , Gaulier Geoffrey , De Matos Raphaël , Mugnier Yannick , Campargue Gabriel , Wolf Jean‐Pierre , Bonacina Luigi , Gerber‐Lemaire Sandrine
Published: December 2019

While chemotherapy is one of the most used treatments in oncology, the systemic administration of chemotherapeutics generally results in undesired damages to healthy tissues and cells, side effects such as severe nausea and leukopenia, and reduced efficacy due to multidrug resistance and poor target accessibility. The limitations of conventional chemotherapy formulation have prompted the development of alternative nanomaterials‐based strategies to achieve targeted and stimuli sensitive payload delivery to reach optimal local drug concentration at tumor sites. In this study, the anticancer drug chlorambucil (Clb) was conjugated to the surface of silica coated lithium niobate (LNO) harmonic nanoparticles (HNPs) using a photocaging tether based on coumarin‐4‐yl methyl derivative. Upon laser pulsed femtosecond irradiation at 790 nm, the second harmonic emission from the metal oxide core induced the efficient release of Clb, with concomitant contribution from the nonlinear absorption of the coumarin (CM)‐based moiety.
Predicting determinants of the intention to use digital currency in the UAE: An empirical study
Authors: Saif Almuraqab Nasser A.
Published: December 2019

Digital currencies represent a new, innovative means of exchange, utilizing the internet to simplify and enhance online transactions, which brings a revolution to the economy. This research investigated the acceptance predictors of digital currency among the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To achieve this goal, I surveyed a sample of 181 UAE residents, aiming to predict the intention to use digital currency. The researcher argues that perceived usefulness, perceived trust, social influence, and perceived ease of use are significant determinants of citizens' intention to use digital currency, and perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness mediate the relationship between awareness and intention to use. Also, this paper reveals the factors affecting digital currency acceptance in the UAE, representing differences and similarities regarding global acceptance. The results extend existing models of digital currency acceptance, providing governments, policymakers, and IT professionals with understanding of how acceptance is developed in this context.
Development of highly reliable SERS‐active photonic crystal fiber probe and its application in the detection of ovarian cancer biomarker in cyst fluid
Authors: Beffara Flavien , Perumal Jayakumar , Puteri Mahyuddin Aniza , Choolani Mahesh , Khan Saif A. , Auguste Jean‐Louis , Vedraine Sylvain , Humbert Georges , Dinish U. S. , Olivo Malini
Published: December 2019

Conventionally Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is realized by adsorbing analytes onto nano‐roughened planar substrate coated with noble metals (silver or gold) or their colloidal nanoparticles (NPs). Nanoscale irregularities in such substrates/NPs could lead to SERS sensors with poor reproducibility and repeatability. Herein, we demonstrate a suspended core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based SERS sensor with extremely high reproducibility and repeatability in measurement with a relative SD of only 1.5% and 4.6%, respectively, which makes it more reliable than any existing SERS sensor platforms. In addition, our platform could improve the detection sensitivity owing to the increased interaction area between the guided light and the analyte, which is incorporated into the holes that runs along the length of the PCF. Numerical calculation established the significance of the interplay between light coupling efficiency and evanescent field distribution, which could eventually determine the sensitivity and reliability of the developed SERS active‐PCF sensor. As a proof of concept, using this sensor, we demonstrated the detection of haptoglobin, a biomarker for ovarian cancer, contained within the ovarian cyst fluid, which facilitated in differentiating the stages of cancer. We envision that with necessary refinements, this platform could potentially be translated as a next‐generation highly sensitive SERS‐active opto‐fluidic biopsy needle for the detection of biomarkers in body fluids.
The European Union's endorsement of Amendments to International Financial Reporting Standard 4: An unprecedented “top up”
Authors: Dobler Michael
Published: December 2019

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) must pass a formal endorsement process to become binding for companies based in the European Union (EU). In an unparalleled instance, the EU recently endorsed “Amendments to IFRS 4” with a modification labeled as “top up” by allowing European financial conglomerates to defer the application of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” in their insurance sectors. This paper explains the background of this decision, identifies the “top up” as an unprecedented case of carve‐in, and discusses the key implications for regulation and practice.
Prognostic relevance of telomere length and telomerase reverse transcriptase variant (rs2242652) on the multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Aref Salah , Al Saeed Alshaimaa , El Menshawy Nadia , Abdalla Doaa , El Ashery Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Background

The search for enhancement of multiple myeloma prognostic tools is an area of current research. This study aimed to assess the clinicopathological impact of telomere length and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) polymorphic variant, rs2242652, on multiple myeloma (MM) patients.

Methods

Fifty MM patients and 50 healthy controls were included. Relative telomere length (RTL) and rs2242652 genotype polymorphic variants of TERT were analyzed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The MM patients' group was categorized into stage I (n = 16); stage II (n = 12), and stage III (n = 22).

Results

The median telomere length was significantly longer in MM patients' group (0.78) as compared to controls (0.43) (P = .001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that MM patients with RTL < 0.5 had significant poor response for induction remission therapy with odds ratio 26.45. On the other hand, TERT genotyping analysis of rs2242652 revealed insignificant difference between cases and controls (P = .234), regarding to induction remission response. Survival analysis using Kaplan‐Meier curve revealed that patients with shorter telomere length and those with TERT genotype GA had shorter overall survival.

Conclusion

Telomere length and TERT rs2242652 genotype polymorphism could be used for refining risk stratification of MM patients.
Family Readiness Groups: Helping deployed Army National Guard soldiers and their families
Authors: Griffith James
Published: December 2019

Many have espoused the benefits of Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) for families of deployed soldiers. These include fostering family well‐being (main effect) and buffering the family against the negative effects of stressful life events (moderating effect). Yet, few published studies have tested these hypothesized relationships. Survey responses gathered from returning deployed Army National Guard soldiers (N = 4,568 soldiers in 50 company‐sized units) gave the opportunity to test hypothesized benefits of FRGs, both main and buffering effects. Half the sample of soldiers reported their families as having used FRGs. Two‐thirds of the soldiers reported FRGs as being helpful to their families. On the whole, results supported hypotheses: More effective coping among family members was associated with FRG use (main effect), and FRGs appeared most beneficial to spouses who experienced more stressful events (buffering effect). FRG use and its associations with helpfulness to family and with family coping suggest FRGs are important resources for families of deployed soldiers, in particular, for families of reservists. Future directions for research and practice are proposed.
Analysis of the Local Mobility of RAFT Mediated Poly(acrylic acid) Networks via Low Field 1H‐NMR Techniques for Investigation of the Network Topology
Authors: Cavalli Federica , Pfeifer Christoph , Arens Lukas , Barner Leonie , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: December 2019

An in‐depth investigation of the network topology for a series of sodium acrylate hydrogels synthesized via conventional free radical polymerization (FRP) and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is conducted. The role of the RAFT agent on the crosslinking process is demonstrated on a model system upon analysis of the reaction mixture via size‐exclusion chromatography before the gelation point. For a comprehensive study, both the impact of the amount of RAFT agent and of the degree of crosslinking on the microstructure of the final product are systematically investigated. In addition to swelling experiments and oscillatory shear rheology measurements, the resulting networks are analyzed via low‐field proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) techniques such as transverse relaxation and double‐quantum coherence to evaluate the network mobility, which is then correlated to structural inhomogeneity. A broader mobility distribution is observed for the RAFT mediated networks compared to the FRP samples, which can be assigned to a higher content of dangling ends in the former case. The results are further elaborated to propose a mechanism for network formation in presence of a RAFT agent.
Pay disparity tops list of DoD provider recruitment challenges
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2019

Multiple factors impede recruitment, replacement and/or retention of civilian mental health providers in the military, including low pay — the strongest issue — and lack of career advancement opportunities, according to a Department of Defense (DoD) report and review of mental health professionals, released to Congress Nov. 27 to accompany the FY 2020 Defense Health Program budget submission.
The centroid of the zeroes of a polynomial via certain Laguerre‐type operators
Authors: Aloui Baghdadi , Chammam Wathek , Alhussain Ziyad A.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we present several properties of the centroid of the zeroes of a polynomial. As an illustration, we apply these results to the d‐orthogonal polynomials. Finally, we provide the relationship between different centroids of a general monic polynomial and its image under a certain Laguerre–type operator.
Segmented diffusion imaging with iterative motion‐corrected reconstruction (SEDIMENT) for brain echo‐planar imaging
Authors: Steinhoff Malte , Nehrke Kay , Mertins Alfred , Börnert Peter
Published: December 2019

Multi‐shot techniques offer improved resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio for diffusion‐ weighted imaging, but make the acquisition vulnerable to shot‐specific phase variations and inter‐shot macroscopic motion. Several model‐based reconstruction approaches with iterative phase correction have been proposed, but robust macroscopic motion estimation is still challenging. Segmented diffusion imaging with iterative motion‐corrected reconstruction (SEDIMENT) uses iteratively refined data‐driven shot navigators based on sensitivity encoding to cure phase and rigid in‐plane motion artifacts. The iterative scheme is compared in simulations and in vivo with a non‐iterative reference algorithm for echo‐planar imaging with up to sixfold segmentation. The SEDIMENT framework supports partial Fourier acquisitions and furthermore includes options for data rejection and learning‐based modules to improve robustness and convergence.
What is the optimal schedule for multiparametric MRS? A magnetic resonance fingerprinting perspective
Authors: Kulpanovich Alexey , Tal Assaf
Published: December 2019

Clinical magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) mainly concerns itself with the quantification of metabolite concentrations. Metabolite relaxation values, which reflect the microscopic state of specific cellular and sub‐cellular environments, could potentially hold additional valuable information, but are rarely acquired within clinical scan times. By varying the flip angle, repetition time and echo time in a preset way (termed a schedule), and matching the resulting signals to a pre‐generated dictionary – an approach dubbed magnetic resonance fingerprinting – it is possible to encode the spins' relaxation times into the acquired signal, simultaneously quantifying multiple tissue parameters for each metabolite. Herein, we optimized the schedule to minimize the averaged root mean square error (RMSE) across all estimated parameters: concentrations, longitudinal and transverse relaxation time, and transmitter inhomogeneity. The optimal schedules were validated in phantoms and, subsequently, in a cohort of healthy volunteers, in a 4.5 mL parietal white matter single voxel and an acquisition time under 5 minutes. The average intra‐subject, inter‐scan coefficients of variation (CVs) for metabolite concentrations, T1 and T2 relaxation times were found to be 3.4%, 4.6% and 4.7% in‐vivo, respectively, averaged over all major singlets. Coupled metabolites were quantified using the short echo time schedule entries and spectral fitting, and reliable estimates of glutamate+glutamine, glutathione and myo‐inositol were obtained.
How did we get here? The career paths of higher education fundraisers
Authors: Farwell Megan M. , Gaughan Maren , Handy Femida
Published: December 2019

University‐based fundraisers have career paths that are unique in that most do not come to their careers through traditional training programs that are available to other professions, which may impact their expectations of and experiences in their work. Using the conceptual framework of person‐in‐environment fit, this study uses qualitative data from semistructured interviews of 44 higher education fundraisers to understand factors influencing their career trajectories. While formal educational backgrounds do not necessarily provide specific skills necessary for a fundraising career, findings show that many rely on on‐the‐job training, which was at times inadequate. Findings also counter common reports of fundraisers as “falling into the profession” when choosing to join the fundraising field and demonstrate how organizational factors can influence recruitment and retention.
Towards ecosystem accounts for Rwanda: Tracking 25 years of change in flows and potential supply of ecosystem services
Authors: Bagstad Kenneth J. , Ingram Jane Carter , Lange Glenn‐Marie , Masozera Michel , Ancona Zachary H. , Bana Mediatrice , Kagabo Desire , Musana Bernard , Nabahungu Nsharwasi Leon , Rukundo Emmanuel , Rutebuka Evariste , Polasky Stephen , Rugege Denis , Uwera Claudine
Published: December 2019

Rwanda, a small but rapidly developing central African nation, has undertaken development of natural capital accounts to better inform its economic development through the World Bank's Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) Partnership. In this paper, we develop ecosystem service (ES) models to quantify ecosystem condition and physical supply components of ecosystem accounts in Rwanda from 1990 to 2015.

We applied the InVEST carbon storage, sediment delivery ratio, nutrient delivery ratio, and annual and seasonal water yield models to map changes in potential ES supply nationwide. We also quantified flows of sediment, water and nutrients to 96 hydroelectric dam, irrigation dam and water treatment plant sites.

Over a 25‐year period, we found declines in all ES, which were most strongly driven by conversion of forests to cropland. Declines were most pronounced from 1990 to 2000 and 2010 to 2015; ES were relatively stable from 2000 to 2010 (with the exception of nutrient exports to water bodies, which jumped most sharply from 2000 to 2010). From 2010 to 2015, over 42% of Rwanda's water‐use sites (representing 9% of the nation's hydroelectric generation capacity and 59% of its water treatment capacity) had upstream increases in sediment export and quick flow greater than the national average. Half of Rwanda's water treatment plants had upstream phosphorus exports greater than the national average.

Our results quantify nation‐wide ES trends, their implications for key water‐dependent industries, and the importance of protected areas in safeguarding ES flows and potential supply in Rwanda. They also provide data that can be integrated with existing land, water and economic accounts for Rwanda, as well as a baseline to inform development strategies that better link economic and environmental goals.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Thermal degradation and pyrolysis study of brominated butyl rubber‐based damping material
Authors: Chen Hong‐Bing , Peng Qiu‐Si , Jian Yuan , Wang Pu‐Cheng , Zhang Feng‐Shun
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with the thermal stability and decomposition behavior of brominated butyl rubber‐based damping material (BRP). The raw materials, butyl rubber matrix (IIR) and brominated phenolic resin (PF), were also investigated as control. IIR shows one decomposition stage, while PF shows four weight loss stages. Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa calculation indicates that BRP has thermal stability between IIR and PF. Thermogravimetric analysis–Fourier transform infrared (TGA‐FTIR) and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to investigate the volatile products under nitrogen atmosphere. As expected, BRP shows combined thermal decomposition behavior of both IIR and PF. The degradation mechanism of BRP was proposed, which is not significantly influenced by the incorporation of PF. The application stability of BRP is worth to be noticed since the post‐cure effect, that is, the free radicals remained from vulcanization would cause additional cross‐linking when stored at 80°C to 120°C.
Endothelial cell malignancies in infants, children and adolescents: Treatment results of three Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials and one registry
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Koscielniak Ewa , Vokuhl Christian , Schmid Irene , Bien Ewa , Seitz Guido , Hallmen Erika , von Kalle Thekla , Scheer Monika , Münter Marc , Bielack Stefan S. , Niggli Felix , Ljungman Gustaf , Fuchs Joerg , Hettmer Simone , Rössler Jochen , Klingebiel Thomas ,   on behalf of the CWS Study Group
Published: December 2019

Background

Endothelial cell malignancies are extremely rare in childhood. New identification of genetic abnormalities (WWTR1:CAMTA1 translocation) helps to recognize potential therapeutic targets. Little is known about treatment and outcome of these patients.

Methods

Clinical course, treatment, and outcome in patients with endothelial cell malignancies treated within the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials CWS‐91, ‐96, ‐2002P, and the Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Registry (SoTiSaR) were analyzed (1991‐2019).

Results

Patients had angiosarcoma (AS) (n = 12), malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) (n = 16), and kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) (n = 13). The median age was 5.39 years (range, 0.8‐17.34); 33 patients had localized disease (LD), and 8 patients had metastatic disease. Therapy consisted of chemotherapy (CHT) (AS n = 8, EHE n = 9, KHE n = 5), interferon or new agent therapy (EHE n = 5, 2 KHE n = 2), microscopically or macroscopically complete resection (AS n = 3, EHE n = 6, KHE n = 3), and radiotherapy (AS n = 6, EHE n = 2, KHE n = 1). Two patients (KHE) had watch‐and‐wait strategy resulting in stable disease. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in AS (10/12; 83%), EHE (10/16; 63%), and KHE (5/13; 38%). The five‐year EFS and OS for patients with AS was 64% (± 29 CI 95%) and 80% (± 25, CI 95%), with EHE 62% (± 24, CI 95%) and 78% (± 23, CI 95%), with KHE 33% (± 34, CI 95%) and 92% (± 15, CI 95%), respectively. Complete resection was a significant prognostic factor for AS, LD for EHE.

Conclusions

Endothelial cell malignancies in childhood have a fair outcome with multimodal treatment. New treatment options are needed for metastic disease.
Mechanical, water uptake properties, and biodegradability of polystyrene‐coated sisal fiber‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Abdel‐Hakim Ahmed , Mourad Reda M.
Published: December 2019

In this study, composites of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) with uncoated sisal fibers (UF) and that coated (CF) with polystyrene (PS) and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) copolymers (PSV) were fabricated. The prepared copolymers containing 2.5% VTMS (PSa) and 5% VTMS (PSb) were used to coat the sisal fiber with a thin layer of hydrophobic polymer to make coated fibers CFa and CFb, respectively. The coating process was verified by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The mechanical, water absorption, morphology, and biodegradation properties of HDPE and its composites with UF (HUF) and CF (HCF) composites were evaluated. The tensile strength and flexural strength were improved by 19.5% and 34% after addition of 5% CFb to HDPE compared to HDPE composite which contains 5% UF. The results manifested significant reduction in the amount of water absorbed by CF and HCF composites compared to UF and HUF composites. Additionally, scanning electron micrographs indicated that the coating of sisal fibers with PSV improved the compatibility between sisal fibers and HDPE polymeric matrix. Also, the composites containing CF exhibited a lower rate of degradation than those containing UF.
Effect of crossing film among glass fibers on blanket performance
Authors: Wu Cao , Chen Zhaofeng , Wang Fei , Ye Xinli , Li Shun , Zhang Duanyin , Yang Lixia
Published: December 2019

An effective film construction was provided as a noise‐reducing materials based on self‐assembled polymer film supported by ultralight glass fiber blanket (UGFB) skeleton. The synthesized polymer film enhanced UGFB structure shows about 60% improvement over a broad frequencies compared to neat UGFB. The sound transmission loss has a remarkably increasing of 16.59 dB at 4 kHz. The reinforced acoustic performances was created by the structural optimization of UGFB/UMPR‐film, owing to the observably enhanced tortuosity in sound waves transmission and reinforced surface area, which can induce more viscous and thermal losses when the acoustic wave consumes in the semiopen pore construction. Moreover, the UGFB/UMPR‐film demonstrates 7.4 times increasing in breaking strength (width direction) and the degrees of uniformity lower than 0.0771. The manufacture of this new acoustic damping materials is low cost, structural controllable, and easy to large‐scale preparation, making it can be applied in multitudinous applications.
Situational Affordances for Prosocial Behaviour: On the Interaction between Honesty–Humility and (Perceived) Interdependence
Authors: Columbus Simon , Thielmann Isabel , Balliet Daniel
Published: December 2019

Individual differences in prosocial behaviour are well–documented. Increasingly, there has been a focus on the specific situations in which particular personality traits predict prosocial behaviour. HEXACO Honesty–Humility—the basic trait most consistently linked to prosocial behaviour in prior studies—has been found to predict prosociality most strongly in situations that afford the exploitation of others. Importantly, though, it may be the subjectively perceived situation that affords the behavioural expression of a trait. Following this reasoning, we tested the proposition that Honesty–Humility would predict prosocial behaviour more strongly in situations characterised by, and perceived to contain, two dimensions of interdependence that can afford exploitation: high conflict and high power. However, across a series of incentivised economic games and two large experience sampling studies, we only found inconsistent evidence for the association between Honesty–Humility and prosocial behaviour. Furthermore, the link between Honesty–Humility and prosociality was neither conditional on objective interdependence nor on subjective perceptions of interdependence. Nonetheless, perceptions of conflict and power tracked objective properties of economic games and were related to prosocial behaviour in the lab and field. Future research should take individuals’ subjective understanding of situations into account, which may also help understand the (generalisability of the) effect of Honesty–Humility on prosocial behaviour. © 2019 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology
Neurogranin Regulates Alcohol Sensitivity through AKT Pathway in the Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Nam Hyung W. , Grant Caleb A. , Jorgensen Ashton N. , Holtz‐Heppelmann Carrie J. , Trutschl Marjan , Cvek Urska
Published: December 2019

Dysfunction of glutamate neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorders (AUD). Neurogranin (Ng) is exclusively expressed in the brain and mediates N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypo‐function by regulating the intracellular calcium‐calmodulin (Ca2+‐CaM) pathway. Ng null mice (Ng–/– mice) demonstrate increased alcohol drinking compared to wild‐type mice, while also showing less tolerance to the effect of alcohol. To identify the molecular mechanism related to alcohol seeking, both in vivo microdialysis and label‐free quantification proteomics comparing Ng genotype and effects of alcohol treatment on the NAc are utilized. There is significant difference in glutamate and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission between genotypes; however, alcohol administration normalizes both glutamate and GABA levels in the NAc. Using label‐free proteomics, 427 protein expression changes are identified against alcohol treatment in the NAc among 4347 total proteins detected. Bioinformatics analyses reveal significant molecular differences in Ng null mice in response to acute alcohol treatment. Ingenuity pathway analysis found that the AKT network is altered significantly between genotypes, which may increase the sensitivity of alcohol in Ng null mice. The pharmacoproteomics results presented here illustrate a possible molecular basis of the alcohol sensitivity through Ng signaling in the NAc.
Higher serum testosterone levels predict poor prognosis in castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel
Authors: Ando Keisuke , Sakamoto Shinichi , Takeshita Nobushige , Fujimoto Ayumi , Maimaiti Maihulan , Saito Shinpei , Sanjyon Pae , Imamura Yusuke , Sato Nobuo , Komiya Akira , Akakura Koichiro , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: December 2019

Background

The role of testosterone as a prognostic factor for castration‐resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel in Japan was investigated.

Methods

A total of 164 patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer who received docetaxel treatment at Chiba University Hospital and an affiliated hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Testosterone and other clinical factors at the start of docetaxel treatment were evaluated with respect to overall survival and progression‐free survival.

Results

Of the 164 patients, 69 had high‐volume tumors. The median prostatic‐specific antigen was 27.0 ng/mL. The median testosterone was 13.0 ng/dL. The rates of bone and visceral metastases were 80.1% and 8.8%, respectively. For progression‐free survival, testosterone ≥13 ng/dL was an independent prognostic factor only on univariate analysis (hazard ratio, 1.81; P = .0108). For overall survival, testosterone ≥ 1.3 ng/dL (hazard ratio, 3.37; P < .0001), high volume (hazard ratio, 3.06; P = .0009), and prostate‐specific antigen ≥ 27.0 ng/mL (hazard ratio, 2.75; P = .0013) were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis. When assessing related clinical factors, higher serum testosterone was associated with visceral metastasis, high volume, and prostate‐specific antigen. Based on three prognostic factors (testosterone, high volume, prostate‐specific antigen), a risk classification was developed. The high‐risk group (3 risk factors) showed a significantly shorter overall survival compared to the moderate‐risk (2 risk factors) and low‐risk (0‐1 risk factor) groups (P < .0001).

Conclusions

The present study identified higher serum testosterone (≥13 ng/dL) as a significant prognostic factor in castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel therapy.
Fabrication of Hollow CoP/TiOx Heterostructures for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liang Zibin , Zhou Wenyang , Gao Song , Zhao Ruo , Zhang Hao , Tang Yanqun , Cheng Jinqian , Qiu Tianjie , Zhu Bingjun , Qu Chong , Guo Wenhan , Wang Qian , Zou Ruqiang
Published: December 2019

Transition‐metal phosphides have flourished as promising candidates for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. Herein, it is demonstrated that the electrocatalytic OER performance of CoP can be greatly improved by constructing a hybrid CoP/TiOx heterostructure. The CoP/TiOx heterostructure is fabricated using metal–organic framework nanocrystals as templates, which leads to unique hollow structures and uniformly distributed CoP nanoparticles on TiOx. The strong interactions between CoP and TiOx in the CoP/TiOx heterostructure and the conductive nature of TiOx with Ti3+ sites endow the CoP–TiOx hybrid material with high OER activity comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art IrO2 or RuO2 OER electrocatalysts. In combination with theoretical calculations, this work reveals that the formation of CoP/TiOx heterostructure can generate a pathway for facile electron transport and optimize the water adsorption energy, thus promoting the OER electrocatalysis.