bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Study of Psychiatric Symptoms Among Adolescents After the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Geng Fulei , Liang Yingxin , Shi Xuliang , Fan Fang
Published: August 2018

Natural disaster exposure is associated with increased risk of mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, course, and risk factors of probable psychiatric disorders among 1,573 adolescents following the May 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SP), conduct disorder (CD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were assessed at 6 and 18 months postearthquake using a battery of standardized measures. Approximately 62.9% and 56.1% of the sample, respectively, had at least one probable psychiatric disorder at 6 and 18 months postearthquake. The most common disorders were PTSD, depression, PD, GAD, and ADHD. With regard to the course of disorders, PTSD, GAD, PD, SAD. and ADHD decreased; SP and CD remained stable; and depression increased. Generalized estimating equations models showed that female sex, older age, having experienced the death or injury of family members, being a direct witness of tragic scenes, low social support, and a high level of negative life events were risk factors for most disorders, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.3–20.8. However, logistic regressions indicated that earthquake exposure variables were specifically related to persistent PTSD, ORs = 2.0–2.5, and negative life events were associated with persistent depression, ORs = 2.4–5.3. Various psychiatric symptoms are pervasive, intense, and persistent among adolescent survivors. Systematic and periodic screening are needed to closely monitor the onset, course, and risk factors of mental health problems after disasters.
Wind erosion enhanced by land use changes significantly reduces ecosystem carbon storage and carbon sequestration potentials in semiarid grasslands
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Lingli , Wang Jing , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Xin , Bai Yongfei , Chen Shiping
Published: August 2018

Wind erosion exerts a fundamental influence on the biotic and abiotic processes associated with ecosystem carbon (C) cycle. However, how wind erosion under different land use scenarios will affect ecosystem C balance and its capacity for future C sequestration is poorly quantified. Here, we simulated different intensities of land uses in Inner Mongolia: control, 50% of vegetation mowed (50 M), 100% vegetation mowed (100 M), and tillage (TI). We monitored abiotic C flux caused by wind erosion, net ecosystem exchange (NEE), and soil characteristics from 2013 to 2016. We found that the frequency of heavy wind exerts a fundamental control over the severity of soil erosion, and its interaction with precipitation and vegetation characteristics explained 69% of the variation in erosion intensity. With increases in land use intensity, the abiotic C flux induced by wind erosion increased rapidly, equivalent to 33%, 86%, 111%, and 183% of the NEE of natural steppe in the control, 50 M, 100 M, and TI sites, respectively. The erosion‐induced decrease in fine fraction soils led to 31%, 43%, and 85% permanent losses of C sequestration potential in the surface soil for 50 M, 100 M, and TI sites. Overall, our study demonstrates that the abiotic C flux associated with wind erosion is too large to be ignored. The loss of C‐enriched fine particles not only reduces the current ecosystem C content but also results in an irreversible loss of future soil C sequestration potential. These dynamic soil characteristics need to be considered when projecting future ecosystem C balance in aeolian landscapes.
Comparative analysis of early immune responses induced by two strains of Newcastle disease virus in chickens
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Ren Mengting , Liu Chenggang , Xu Liwen , Wang Fangfang , Han Zongxi , Shao Yuhao , Ma Deying
Published: August 2018

Newcastle disease, caused by virulent strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), is an acute, highly contagious disease that is prevalent worldwide and is responsible for serious economic losses to the poultry industry. In the current study, we compared the early immune responses in chickens infected with two strains of velogenic NDV, a duck origin, named GD strain (Md/CH/LGD/1/2005, genotype VIId), and an chicken origin, F48E9 strain (genotype IX). The viral RNA level of GD strain was significantly higher than those of F48E9 in most tissues of chicken. Furthermore, the high level of viral RNA of the GD strain was associated with a stronger immune response compared to that of F48E9, characterized by upregulated expression of some of avian β‐defensins and cytokines, most of toll‐like receptors, and some of the other immune‐related genes investigated. This study thus demonstrated differences in host early immune responses to the two NDV strains. Further studies are needed to characterize the basic molecular mechanisms involved in the host responses in chickens infected by the two NDV strains.
Core bacterial community composition of a cryptoendolithic ecosystem in the Grand Staircase‐Escalante National Monument, Utah
Authors: Kaur Sukhpreet , Kurtz HD
Published: August 2018

Cryptoendolithic bacterial communities in the Jurassic Navajo Sandstones play an important ecological role in this ecosystem. Developing a better understanding of the role of these cryptoendolithic communities required a deeper knowledge of the microbial diversity present. We analyzed the bacterial diversity in eight sandstones samples from several microgeological features associated with a large sandstone dome. Cryptoendolithic bacterial diversity is clustered into three distinct groups which correlated with topography, suggesting the duration of water retention might be a factor. Comparisons of diversity between each cluster showed that a core bacterial community exists in this habitat. The overall bacterial community structure was dominated by Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The most prevalent genera in cyanobacteria were Leptolyngbya, Chroococcidiopsis, and unclassified cyanobacteria accounting for the bulk of cyanobacterial sequences. Within the Proteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria were the largest class detected, with members of the Acetobacteraceae, particularly the genus Acidiphilium, being the most abundant. Acidiphilium spp. are capable of aerobic ferric iron reduction under moderately acidic conditions, explaining the high levels of iron (II) in this system. This study highlights the extent of unexplored bacterial diversity in this habitat system and sets the premise for elaborating on the ecological function of cryptoendolithic communities.
A natural molecule, urolithin A, downregulates androgen receptor activation and suppresses growth of prostate cancer
Authors: Dahiya Nisha R. , Chandrasekaran Balaji , Kolluru Venkatesh , Ankem Murali , Damodaran Chendil , Vadhanam Manicka V.
Published: August 2018

Androgen ablation therapy is the primary therapeutic option for locally advanced and metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We investigated therapeutic effect of a dietary metabolite Urolithin A (UroA) and dissected the molecular mechanism in CRPC cells. Treatment with UroA inhibited cell proliferation in both androgen receptor‐positive (AR+) (C4‐2B) and androgen receptor‐negative (AR−) (PC‐3) cells however, AR+ CaP cells were more sensitive to UroA treatment as compared with AR− CaP cells. Inhibition of the AR signaling was responsible for the UroA effect on AR+ CaP cells. Ectopic expression of AR in PC‐3 cells sensitized them to UroA treatment as compared to the vector‐expresseing PC‐3 cells, which suggests that AR could be a target of UroA. Similarly, in enzalutamide‐resistant C4‐2B cells, a downregulation of AR expression also suppressed cell proliferation which was observed with the UroA treatment. Oral administration of UroA significantly suppressed the growth of C4‐2B xenografts (P = 0.05) compared with PC‐3 xenografts (P = 0.069) without causing toxicity to animals. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed in vitro findings such as downregulation of AR/pAKT signaling in UroA‐treated C4‐2B tumors, which suggests that UroA may be a potent chemo‐preventive and therapeutic agent for CRPC.
Volumetric assessment of spontaneous mechanical activities by simultaneous multi‐slice MRI techniques with correlation to muscle fiber orientation
Authors: Schwartz Martin , Martirosian Petros , Steidle Günter , Erb Michael , Stemmer Alto , Yang Bin , Schick Fritz
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this work was assessment of volumetric characteristics of spontaneous mechanical activities in musculature (SMAMs) by diffusion‐weighted simultaneous multi‐slice (DW‐SMS) imaging and spatial correlation to anatomical structure, as revealed by fusion to fiber tractographic information derived from diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI).

The feasibility of using DW‐SMS to image spontaneous events in human musculature was assessed by phantom measurements. Series of DW‐SMS images and DTI datasets were recorded from the resting calf of three human subjects. Simultaneously recorded SMAMs in multiple slices were analyzed regarding spatial extension by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Direct correlation of spatial distribution of SMAMs and fiber orientation was investigated by mapping of muscle fibers to multi‐slice SMAM datasets.

The DW‐SMS strategy allows simultaneous assessment of SMAMs in several slices of resting skeletal musculature, since 73.9% of SMAM‐affected volumes have shown SMAMs in multiple DW‐SMS slices. Spatial extension of SMAMs was highly correlated over different simultaneously recorded DW‐SMS slices, and affected areas followed the orientation of muscle fibers with a connectivity ratio up to 57.18 ± 14.80% based on event count and connectivity count maps. In 89.2% of all SMAM‐affected datasets muscle fiber connectivity was shown in at least two adjacent slices.

Direct correlation between SMAMs in human lower leg musculature and underlying anatomical structure was revealed by high muscle fiber connectivity (89.2%). SMAMs have shown a wide distribution along the longitudinal muscle direction (73.9% in multiple DW‐SMS slices) with direct involvement of muscle fibers. Correlation between SMAMs in multiple DW‐SMS slices and crossing muscular fiber tracts provides evidence that SMAMs result from physiological processes in musculature. Fusion of DW‐SMS with DTI facilitates non‐invasive studies of muscle fiber involvement in SMAMs in resting muscle.
Body Composition and Mortality in Mexican American Adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Howell Carrie R. , Mehta Tapan , Ejima Keisuke , Ness Kirsten K. , Cherrington Andrea , Fontaine Kevin R.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Epidemiologic analyses indicate a lack of association between BMI (kg/m2) and mortality among Hispanic adults. Because BMI provides only a surrogate for the real variable of interest, adiposity, this study evaluated associations between measures of body composition and mortality.

Methods

Using data from US‐residing Mexican Americans in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (n = 4,480) and NHANES 1999‐2010 (n = 5,849), the association between seven measures of body composition measured via anthropometry and bio‐electrical impedance analysis (i.e., waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratios [WHtR], skinfolds, lean mass, fat mass, percent body fat, and BMI) and all‐cause and cardiovascular and diabetes mortality were examined. Additional analyses were stratified by gender.

Results

Waist circumference (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.07) and WHtR (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.14) were weakly associated with an increased all‐cause mortality, while WHtR was associated with an increased risk of diabetes‐related death (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.49). In gender‐stratified analyses, there was an increased risk of mortality in females who had increases in WHtR and waist circumference for all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular deaths.

Conclusions

Waist circumference and WHtR were associated with increased risk of all‐cause and diabetes‐related mortality in US‐residing Mexican American adults.
Adiposity and Diabetes Risk in Adults with Prediabetes: Heterogeneity of Findings Depending on Age and Anthropometric Measure
Authors: Giráldez‐García Carolina , Franch‐Nadal Josep , Sangrós F. Javier , Ruiz Antonio , Carramiñana Francisco , Goday Albert , Villaró Mercè , García‐Soidán F. Javier , Serrano Rosario , Regidor Enrique ,   the PREDAPS Study Group
Published: August 2018

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of age on diabetes incidence by general and central adiposity after 3‐year follow‐up in adults with prediabetes.

Methods

Data were taken from a cohort of 1,184 subjects with prediabetes included in The Cohort Study in Primary Health Care on the Evolution of Patients with Prediabetes (PREDAPS). General adiposity was defined using body mass index (BMI), and central adiposity was defined with waist circumference and waist to height ratio. Data were analyzed by age groups 30 to 59 and 60 to 74 years. The association between adiposity and diabetes incidence was assessed using hazard ratios (HR).

Results

Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, and metabolic parameters, diabetes HR for central adiposity based on the waist circumference clinical cutoff were 2.14 (1.12‐4.09) and 1.48 (0.80‐2.74) for people aged 30 to 59 and 60 to 74 years, respectively. In the model additionally adjusted for BMI, diabetes HR were 2.65 (1.24‐5.65) and 1.33 (0.68‐2.59), respectively. The use of a 1‐SD increase rather than cutoff points did not alter this pattern. Similar findings were observed with central adiposity based on waist to height ratio.

Conclusions

The association of central adiposity with type 2 diabetes incidence was lower for people in the older age group than for those in the younger age group.
Synthesis of Hollow Co–Fe Prussian Blue Analogue Cubes by using Silica Spheres as a Sacrificial Template
Authors: Azhar Alowasheeir , Zakaria Mohamed B. , Ebeid El‐Zeiny M. , Chikyow Toyohiro , Bando Yoshio , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Alghamdi Yousef Gamaan , Cai Ze‐Xing , Kumar Nanjundan Ashok , Lin Jianjian , Kim Hansu , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: August 2018

Herein, we report a novel method for the formation of hollow Prussian blue analogue (CoFe–PBA) nanocubes, using spherical silica particles as sacrificial templates. In the first step, silica cores are coated by a CoFe–PBA shell and then removed by etching with hydrofluoric acid (HF). The cubic shape of CoFe–PBA is well‐retained even after the removal of the silica cores, resulting in the formation of hollow CoFe–PBA cubes. The specific capacity of the hollow CoFe–PBA nanocubes electrodes is about two times higher than that of solid CoFe–PBA nanocubes as storage materials for sodium ions. Such an improvement in the electrochemical properties can be attributed to their hollow internal nanostructure. The hollow architecture can offer a larger interfacial area between the electrolyte and the electrode, leading to an improvement in the electrochemical activity. This strategy can be applied to develop PBAs with hollow interiors for a wide range of applications.
Efficacy of canagliflozin against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Itani Toshio , Ishihara Tomoaki
Published: August 2018

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is characterized by insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and often prediabetes or diabetes. Canagliflozin, a selective sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is a new oral anti‐diabetic drug that reduces hyperglycaemia by promoting urinary glucose excretion. Glycosuria produced by canagliflozin is associated with weight loss, mainly due to reduced fat volume and improve insulin resistance. Reduced body weight and improvement of insulin resistance by canagliflozin may be an effective treatment for NAFLD.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients with NAFLD (17 men and 18 women) were enrolled and administered canagliflozin (100 mg). Body weight and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (γ‐GTP), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), blood sugar (BS), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C), uric acid (UA) and ferritin, and fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index values were measured at baseline and at 3‐month and 6‐month follow‐up visits.

Results

Body weight and serum levels of AST, ALT, γ‐GTP, TG, UA, HbA1C, BS and ferritin decreased significantly after 3 and 6 months of canagliflozin treatment. Serum BS levels and FIB‐4 index values decreased slightly following 3 months of treatment; these results reached significance after 6 months. Reduced serum ALT levels at 6 months were significantly correlated with baseline HbA1C and ferritin levels. Moreover, a significant correlation between reduced body weight and serum ALT levels was observed at 6 months. Decreased serum ALT levels were significantly correlated with decreased serum ferritin at 6 months.

Conclusions

Canagliflozin significantly reduced the serum levels of BS, HbA1C, TG, UA and ferritin, as well as FIB‐4 index values and body weight, with improved liver function. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may be an important therapeutic modality for improving liver injury in NAFLD patients.
Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon in an infant: Successful treatment with prednisolone, vincristine, and addition of sirolimus
Authors: Cashell Jamie , Smink Gayle M. , Helm Klaus , Xavier Frederico
Published: August 2018

A full‐term newborn with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) affecting the right thigh with thrombocytopenia due to Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) was referred to our center. After biopsy, he rapidly evolved to severe thrombocytopenia and severe coagulopathy. Standard therapy was initiated with prednisolone and vincristine. His coagulopathy worsened to life‐threatening hemorrhage necessitating aggressive blood products replacement. Sirolimus was added; he became transfusion independent with no further bleeding and reduction in tumor size. Addition of sirolimus to treatment of vascular anomalies with hemostatic complications should be considered as part of early treatment for patients with KMP/KHE.
Fludarabine‐based reduced toxicity yet myeloablative conditioning is effective and safe particularly in patients with high‐risk thalassemia undergoing allogeneic transplantation
Authors: Sheth Vipul , Grisariu Sigal , Avni Batia , Stepensky Polina , Ashkenazi Maayan , Shapira Michael Y. , Or Reuven
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Thalassemia major (TM) is an inherited disorder caused by ineffective erythropoiesis. At the present time, allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) is a curative option. Conventional busulfan and cyclophosphamide based myeloablative conditioning regimens are limited by increased toxicity, especially in high‐risk patients. Replacement of cyclophosphamide with fludarabine has reduced toxicity and nonrelapse mortality (NRM), thus improving outcomes. We analyzed long‐term data of our fludarabine‐based myeloablative, reduced toxicity protocol, specifically in high‐risk patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 47 consecutive patients with TM undergoing allo‐SCT from matched donors, using the fludarabine‐based regimen (reduced toxicity regimen). The median age of the cohort was 10 years. Thirty‐eight patients (80%) were in the high‐risk and nine patients (20%) were in the low‐risk category. The primary aim of this analysis was thalassemia‐free survival (TFS).

Results

The rejection rate was 11% within high‐risk patients with NRM of 2%. With a median follow‐up period of 7 years (1–15 years), the 10‐year TFS in the entire cohort was 87%, and the overall survival (OS) was 97%. The 10‐year TFS and OS among the low‐risk and high‐risk groups were 90% versus 84%, respectively (P = 0.45) and 100% versus 96%, respectively (P = 0.5), and both subsets of patients did equally well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, replacement of high‐dose cyclophosphamide with fludarabine is well tolerated with minimal regimen‐related toxicity and acceptable rejection rates, especially in high‐risk patients.
Resource utilization and toxicities after single versus tandem autologous stem cell rescue in high‐risk neuroblastoma using a national administrative database
Authors: Desai Ami V. , Li Yimei , Getz Kelly , Seif Alix E. , Fisher Brian , Huang Vera , Aplenc Richard , Bagatell Rochelle
Published: August 2018

Background

High‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue (HDC‐ASCR) has improved event‐free survival for children with high‐risk neuroblastoma. Common regimens include carboplatin/etoposide/melphalan (CEM), busulfan/melphalan (BuMel), and tandem HDC‐ASCR [thiotepa/cyclophosphamide (TC) followed by CEM]. To complement clinical trial data and to evaluate the clinical burden associated with these regimens, resource ultilization (RU) was evaluated. An administrative database was used to evaluate RU in a previously developed high‐risk neuroblastoma cohort. Single CEM and BuMel patients were followed for 60 days from the first day of the HDC‐ASCR preparative regimen or until death, whichever came first. Tandem patients were followed from the first day of the first HDC‐ASCR preparative regimen through day 60 from the first day of the second HDC‐ASCR. Resources compared included inpatient days, ICU‐level care, and medications administered.

Results

A cohort of 578 patients was evaluated; 422 patients underwent single HDC‐ASCR with CEM, 67 received BuMel, 72 underwent TC/CEM, and 17 received only the first portion of tandem HDC‐ASCR. The median number of inpatient days and days of exposure to antibiotics, opioids, and total parenteral nutrition were higher in the tandem group than in the CEM and BuMel groups. However, the rate of use of several ICU‐level resources per 1000 hospital days was lower for the tandem group.

Conclusions

These data suggest that while patients undergoing tandem HDC‐ASCR were hospitalized longer, the severity of illness during hospitalization was not greater in tandem patients.
Outcomes of febrile events in pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Sirigaddi Krishnaveni , Aban Inmaculada , Jantz Amelia , Pernell Brandi M. , Hilliard Lee M. , Bhatia Smita , Lebensburger Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2018

Background

Limited evidence exists to create institutional admission criteria guidelines for febrile sickle cell patients. In addition, evidence is lacking to understand readmission rates for febrile sickle cell patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) or hospital.

Procedures

We conducted a 16‐year retrospective study of bacteremia outcomes for febrile sickle cell patients. Risk variables analyzed included fever (either ≥ 39.5°C or ≥40°C), abnormal white blood cell (WBC) (>30,000 or <5,000/mcL), tachycardia and hypotension, or “ill appearing.” Fourteen‐day readmission rates were analyzed to determine outcomes for febrile sickle cell patients discharged from the ED or discharged within 72 h.

Results

Bacteremia was identified in 17 (2.6%) of 653 febrile events that are presented to the ED. “Ill‐appearing” patients had an 8.5‐fold increased odds of being diagnosed with bacteremia. Models using WBC count, “ill appearing,” and hypotension have the highest sensitivity and specificity (AUC > 0.75). Among 427 patients discharged from the ED or within 72 h of hospitalization, only 10 (2.3%) were readmitted for a new sickle cell complication.

Conclusions

Institutions can develop admission criteria based on WBC count, hypotension, and “ill appearance.” Persistently febrile, well‐appearing patient can be discharged at 48 h with minimal risk for new complications.
Structural properties and mechanical performance of Salvadora persica L. (Miswak) reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Savaş Soner
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study is to put forth the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of Miswak powder reinforced composites and find an inspiration about their availability for diverse applications, from mechanical to medical parts. Polypropylene (PP) matrix and a maleic anhydride‐grafted PP (PP‐g‐MA) copolymer as coupling agent were used. Composites with different Miswak concentrations (5, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) were characterized primarily by tensile and flexural tests, dynamic mechanic analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, goniometer, water uptake and ball‐on‐disc test. The results show that the favorable properties of the composites are enhanced under the influence of Miswak with different concentrations. As a result, taking into consideration the required conditions for high surface energy and effective adhesion at the interface also with adequate mechanical and tribological properties, this is proved in the case of low Miswak concentrations (5 and 10%). A 5% Miswak reinforcement is also found to be effective in wet conditions without a serious surface deterioration which increases its usability in medical parts, as proposed in this study. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E663–E677, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Buckling strength optimization of fabrication factors of composite lattice cylinders using experimental‐statistical method (Taguchi)
Authors: Fadavian Ahmad , Davar Ali , Jam Jafar Eskandari , Taghavian Hossein
Published: August 2018

The effects of fabrication factors on the maximum buckling strength of composite lattice cylinders using experimental–statistical method are investigated. Composite lattice cylinders are fabricated using a silicone rubber mandrel, an automatic filament winding machine and autoclave. Design of experiments has been done using the Taguchi method and the orthogonal array L9 is used. The effects of four fabrication factors including “fiber tension”, “winding speed”, “cure cycle”, and “type of fiber” (Aramid, Glass, Carbon) are considered, separately, on the two response variables including the “specific maximum carried load” (SMCL) and the “compressive efficiency” (CE) of the structure. The analysis of the test results is done by analysis of variance. The results indicate that the factors “type of fiber” and “fiber tension” have predominant effects on the SMCL response variable, respectively, and the effects of the two factors “winding speed” and “cure cycle” are not significant. Also, the factors “type of fiber”, “fiber tension”, and “winding speed” are more effective factors on the CE response variable, respectively, and the effect of the factor “cure cycle” is insignificant. In this research, the optimization of the fabrication factors is carried out for the response variable CE. For validation purpose, the result from the buckling test of the optimum fabricated sample is checked to be fallen within the estimated range predicted using the Taguchi method. After optimization of the fabrication factors, it is observed that the buckling strength of the composite lattice cylinder made of Glass/Epoxy is possible to be increased up to 144%. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1850–1861, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of montmorillonite on the properties of halogen–antimony flame retardant polypropylene composites
Authors: Xu Jianlin , Liu Xiaoqi , Yang Wenlong , Niu Lei , Zhao Jinqiang , Ma Bingxue , Kang Chenghu
Published: August 2018

In order to improve the flame retardant properties of polypropylene, MMT/nano‐Sb2O3/BEO/PP‐based composites were prepared by melt blending method after mechanical ball mixing by using a high energy ball milling technique. The crystallization performance, flame retardant performance, and tensile strength of the composites were investigated, and the flame‐retardant mechanism was analysed. The results show that montmorillonite (MMT) can improve not only the tensile strength of polypropylene composites, but also the flame retardant performance basing on increasing of the intensity of residual carbon layer. Incorporation of 13 wt% of BEO, 7 wt% of nano‐Sb2O3 and 7 wt% of MMT within PP matrix resulted in excellent frame retardant properties, which the LOI value of MMT/nano‐Sb2O3/BEO/PP composites increased to 27.9% and the falme retardant grade reached V‐0 grade in UL‐94 testing. Meanwhile, The crystallinity and tensile strength of the composites are better than those of pure PP. The addition of MMT can reduce the using amount of BEO on the basis of improving the flame retardant performance and tensile strength. POLYM. COMPOS., 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comorbidities are associated with poorer quality of life and functioning and worse symptoms in the 5 years following colorectal cancer surgery: Results from the ColoREctal Well‐being (CREW) cohort study
Authors: Cummings Amanda , Grimmett Chloe , Calman Lynn , Patel Mubarak , Permyakova Natalia Vadimovna , Winter Jane , Corner Jessica , Din Amy , Fenlon Deborah , Richardson Alison , Smith Peter W. ,   Members of CREW Study Advisory Committee, Foster Claire
Published: August 2018

Objective

More people are living with the consequences of cancer and comorbidity. We describe frequencies of comorbidities in a colorectal cancer cohort and associations with health and well‐being outcomes up to 5 years following surgery.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 872 colorectal cancer patients recruited 2010 to 2012 from 29 UK centres, awaiting curative intent surgery. Questionnaires administered at baseline (pre‐surgery), 3, 9, 15, 24 months, and annually up to 5 years. Comorbidities (and whether they limit activities) were self‐reported by participants from 3 months. The EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐CR29 assessed global health/quality of life (QoL), symptoms, and functioning. Longitudinal analyses investigated associations between comorbidities and health and well‐being outcomes.

Results

At baseline, the mean age of participants was 68 years, with 60% male and 65% colon cancer. Thirty‐two per cent had 1 and 40% had ≥2 comorbidities. The most common comorbidities were high blood pressure (43%), arthritis/rheumatism (32%), and anxiety/depression (18%). Of those with comorbidities, 37% reported at least 1 that limited their daily activities. Reporting any limiting comorbidities was associated with poorer global health/QoL, worse symptoms, and poorer functioning on all domains over 5‐year follow‐up. Controlling for the most common individual comorbidities, depression/anxiety had the greatest deleterious effect on outcomes.

Conclusions

Clinical assessment should prioritise patient‐reported comorbidities and whether these comorbidities limit daily activities, as important determinants of recovery of QoL, symptoms, and functioning following colorectal cancer. Targeted interventions and support services, including multiprofessional management and tailored assessment and follow‐up, may aid recovery of health and well‐being in these individuals.
Effects of land use on infestation and parasitism rates of cabbage seed weevil in oilseed rape
Authors: Kovács Gabriella , Kaasik Riina , Lof Marjolein E , van der Werf Wopke , Kaart Tanel , Holland John M , Luik Anne , Veromann Eve
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

This study investigated how infestation rates of an important oilseed rape pest, the cabbage seed weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) and rates of parasitization by its parasitoids are affected by land use, up to 1000 m from 18 focal fields.

RESULTS

The mean proportion of C. obstrictus‐infested pods per plant was 8% (2–19.5%). Infestation rates were higher if the adjacent habitat was a herbaceous semi‐natural habitat than if it was either another crop or a woody habitat. Infestation rates were positively related to the area of herbaceous semi‐natural vegetation, permanent grassland and wheat (which followed oilseed rape in the crop rotation) at a spatial scale of at least 1 km. The mean parasitism rate of C. obstrictus larvae was 55% (8.3–87%), sufficient to provide efficient biocontrol. Parasitism rates were unrelated to adjacent habitats, however, they were positively related to the presence of herbaceous linear elements in the landscape and negatively related to permanent grasslands at a spatial scale of 200 m.

CONCLUSION

Proximity of herbaceous elements increased both infestation rates and parasitism, while infestation was also related to landscape factors at larger distances. The findings provide an empirical basis for designing landscapes that suppress C. obstrictus, at both field and landscape scales. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Production and analysis of multiply charged negative ions by liquid atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Hale Oliver J. , Ryumin Pavel , Brown Jeffery M. , Morris Michael , Cramer Rainer
Published: August 2018

Rationale

Liquid atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation (AP‐MALDI) has been shown to enable the production of electrospray ionisation (ESI)‐like multiply charged analyte ions with little sample consumption and long‐lasting, robust ion yield for sensitive analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). Previous reports have focused on positive ion production. Here, we report an initial optimisation of liquid AP‐MALDI for ESI‐like negative ion production and its application to the analysis of peptides/proteins, DNA and lipids.

Methods

The instrumentation employed for this study is identical to that of earlier liquid AP‐MALDI MS studies for positive analyte ion production with a simple non‐commercial AP ion source that is attached to a Waters Synapt G2‐Si mass spectrometer and incorporates a heated ion transfer tube. The preparation of liquid MALDI matrices is similar to positive ion mode analysis but has been adjusted for negative ion mode by changing the chromophore to 3‐aminoquinoline and 9‐aminoacridine for further improvements.

Results

For DNA, liquid AP‐MALDI MS analysis benefited from switching to 9‐aminoacridine‐based MALDI samples and the negative ion mode, increasing the number of charges by up to a factor of 2 and the analyte ion signal intensities by more than 10‐fold compared with the positive ion mode. The limit of detection was recorded at around 10 fmol for ATGCAT. For lipids, negative ion mode analysis provided a fully orthogonal set of detected lipids.

Conclusions

Negative ion mode is a sensitive alternative to positive ion mode in liquid AP‐MALDI MS analysis. In particular, the analysis of lipids and DNA benefited from the complementarity of the detected lipid species and the vastly greater DNA ion signal intensities in negative ion mode.
Improving the preparation of novice secondary science teachers for English learners: A proof of concept study
Authors: Lyon Edward G. , Stoddart Trish , Bunch George C. , Tolbert Sara , Salinas Ivan , Solis Jorge
Published: August 2018

This proof of concept study investigated a secondary science teacher preparation intervention in six university programs across Arizona, California, and Texas. Researchers and science method instructors (SMIs) collaboratively restructured respective science method courses to hold fidelity to an interrelated set of instructional practices that attend to science learning as envisioned in a Framework for K–12 Science Education, while also creating contextualized spaces for language and literacy development targeted to English learners (ELs), but also supportive of “mainstream” students. We observed the teaching of SMIs and preservice teachers (PSTs) with observation rubrics to gauge the fidelity to which they implemented practices. Across programs, SMIs provided opportunities for PSTs to experience the instructional practices as intended, although there was less opportunity for pedagogical development around them. The strongest evidence of PST fidelity to the intervention was found for two practices: “Increasing student interaction” and “Facilitating student talk.” Considerable variation was found across the programs for other practices including some evidence of negative effects. We discuss results in terms of promises for preparing novice secondary science teachers, as well as future directions to overcome challenges that researchers, SMIs, and novice teachers are likely to face when preparing novice science teachers.
Simultaneous record linkage and causal inference with propensity score subclassification
Authors: Wortman Joan Heck , Reiter Jerome P.
Published: August 2018

We develop methodology for causal inference in observational studies when using propensity score subclassification on data constructed with probabilistic record linkage techniques. We focus on scenarios where covariates and binary treatment assignments are in one file and outcomes are in another file, and the goal is to estimate an additive treatment effect by merging the files. We assume that the files can be linked using variables common to both files, eg, names or birth dates, but that links are subject to errors, eg, due to reporting errors in the linking variables. We develop methodology for cases where such reporting errors are independent of the other variables on the files. We describe conceptually how linkage errors can affect causal estimates in subclassification contexts. We also present and evaluate several algorithms for deciding which record pairs to use in estimation of causal effects. Using simulation studies, we demonstrate that case selection procedures can result in improved accuracy in estimates of treatment effects from linked data compared to using only cases known to be true links.
Entrepreneurship, innovation, and political competition: How the public sector helps the sharing economy create value
Authors: Paik Yongwook , Kang Sukhun , Seamans Robert
Published: August 2018

Research Summary:With the recent growth of the sharing economy, regulators must frequently strike the right balance between private and public interests to maximize value creation. In this article, we argue that political competition is a critical ingredient that explains whether cities accommodate or ban ridesharing platforms and that this relationship is moderated in more populous cities and in cities with higher unemployment rates. We test our arguments using archival data covering ridesharing bans in various U.S. cities during the 2011–2015 period. We supplement these data with semistructured interviews. We find broad support for our arguments while mitigating potential endogeneity concerns. Our study has important implications for nonmarket strategy, entrepreneurship and innovation, and public‐private partnership literatures. In addition, our findings inform policy debates on the sharing economy.

Managerial Summary:Entrepreneurs and businesses oftentimes face severe regulatory barriers when commercializing innovative products and services even if the innovations are generally beneficial for consumers and the broader society. This research focuses on the political determinants of regulation to provide a better understanding of why some markets are more receptive to innovative products while other markets are more hostile to them. Using the banning of ridesharing companies (e.g., Uber and Lyft) in various U.S. cities during the 2011–2015 period, we find that elected politicians facing less political competition (i.e., not easily replaceable, serving multiple terms, longer tenure in office) were more likely to ban ridesharing companies and favor, potentially displaceable, local taxicab companies. Our research has implications for navigating the political barriers to entry.
Mesoporous Metal–Organic Frameworks: Synthetic Strategies and Emerging Applications
Authors: Liu Dingxin , Zou Dianting , Zhu Haolin , Zhang Jianyong
Published: August 2018

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention over the past two decades due to their highly promising applications not only in the fields of gas storage, separation, catalysis, drug delivery, and sensors, but also in relatively new fields such as electric, magnetic, and optical materials resulting from their extremely high surface areas, open channels and large pore cavities compared with traditional porous materials like carbon and inorganic zeolites. Particularly, MOFs involving pores within the mesoscopic scale possess unique textural properties, leading to a series of research in the design and applications of mesoporous MOFs. Unlike previous Reviews, apart from focusing on recent advances in the synthetic routes, unique characteristics and applications of mesoporous MOFs, this Review also mentions the derivatives, composites, and hierarchical MOF‐based systems that contain mesoporosity, and technical boundaries and challenges brought by the drawbacks of mesoporosity. Moreover, this Review subsequently reveals promising perspectives of how recently discovered approaches to different morphologies of MOFs (not necessarily entirely mesoporous) and their corresponding performances can be extended to minimize the shortcomings of mesoporosity, thus providing a wider and brighter scope of future research into mesoporous MOFs, but not just limited to the finite progress in the target substances alone.
Optical Microrheology of Protein Solutions Using Tailored Nanoparticles
Authors: Garting Tommy , Stradner Anna
Published: August 2018

This work represents a critical re‐examination of the application of dynamic light scattering (DLS)–based tracer particle microrheology to measure the zero shear viscosity of aqueous solutions of different proteins up to very high concentrations. It is demonstrated that a combination of surface‐functionalized tracer particles, the use of the so‐called 3D‐DLS technique, and carefully chosen parameters for the scattering experiments is essential for a reliable and artifact‐free determination of the viscosity of highly diverse protein solutions, while keeping the amount of protein to a minimum. The major challenges that arise in such microrheology experiments with protein solutions are discussed and used as guiding principles for the synthesis of all‐purpose tracer particles with optimal size and an efficient surface functionalization, and the choice of the appropriate amount of tracers in the sample. Potential problems arising from depletion attractions between the tracer particles induced by the proteins are addressed, and compelling evidences for the absence of such effects are presented. The validity of the approach is corroborated by the perfect agreement between the zero shear viscosity obtained from 3D‐DLS‐based microrheology and literature data from classical rheological measurements for two vastly different protein–solvent systems up to concentrations close to the arrest transition.
A Self‐Assembled Biocompatible Nanoplatform for Multimodal MR/Fluorescence Imaging Assisted Photothermal Therapy and Prognosis Analysis
Authors: Wang Lirong , Lin Hongyu , Chi Xiaoqin , Sun Chengjie , Huang Jiaqi , Tang Xiaoxue , Chen Hongming , Luo Xiangjie , Yin Zhenyu , Gao Jinhao
Published: August 2018

The need for better imaging assisted cancer therapy calls for new biocompatible agents with excellent imaging and therapeutic capabilities. This study successfully fabricates albumin‐cooperated human serum albumin (HSA)‐GGD‐ICG nanoparticles (NPs), which are comprised of a magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent, glycyrrhetinic‐acid‐modified gadolinium (III)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetate (GGD), and a fluorescence (FL) dye, indocyanine green (ICG), for multimodal MR/FL imaging assisted cancer therapy. These HSA‐GGD‐ICG NPs with excellent biocompatibility are stable under physiological conditions, and exhibit enhanced T1 contrast capability and improved fluorescence imaging capacity. In vitro experiments reveal an apparent effect of the NPs in killing tumor cells under low laser irradiation, due to the enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency (≈85.1%). Importantly, multimodal MR/FL imaging clearly shows the in vivo behaviors and the efficiency of tumor accumulation of HSA‐GGD‐ICG NPs, as confirmed by a pharmacokinetic study. With the guidance of multimodal imaging, photothermal therapy is subsequently conducted, which demonstrates again high photothermal conversion capability for eliminating tumors without relapse. Notably, real‐time monitoring of tumor ablation for prognosis and therapy evaluation is also achieved by MR imaging. This strategy of constructing nanoplatforms through albumin‐mediated methods is both convenient and efficient, which would enlighten the design of multimodal imaging assisted cancer therapy for potential clinical translation.
Electronic Structure Evolution in Tricomponent Metal Phosphides with Reduced Activation Energy for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Wang Miao , Dong Chung‐Li , Huang Yu‐Cheng , Li Yanrui , Shen Shaohua
Published: August 2018

Non‐noble metal catalysts for high‐active electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are essential in large‐scale application for water splitting. Herein, tricomponent metal phosphides with hollow structures are synthesized from cobalt‐contained metal organic frameworks (MOFs), i.e., ZIF‐67, by tailoring the feeding ratios of Ni and Fe, followed by a high‐temperature reduction and a subsequent phosphidation process. Excellent OER activity and long‐time stability are achieved in 1 m NaOH aqueous solution, with an overpotential of 329 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of 48.2 mV dec−1, even superior to the noble metal‐based catalyst. It is evidenced that the formed (oxyhydr)oxide/phosphate species by in situ electrochemical surface oxidation are responsible for active OER. Accordingly, the simultaneous introduction of external Ni and Fe elements significantly influences the electronic structures of the parent metal phosphides, leading to the in situ electrochemical formation of surface active layer with decreased OER activation energy for greatly improved water oxidation performance. This electronic structure tuning strategy by introducing multicomponent metals demonstrates a versatile method to use MOFs as precursors for synthesizing high‐efficient water splitting electrocatalysts.
A Brief Review of Metallothermic Reduction Reactions for Materials Preparation
Authors: Xing Zhenyu , Lu Jun , Ji Xiulei
Published: August 2018

Metallothermic reduction reactions (MRRs) are displacement reactions that use reactive metals to reduce compounds so that metals, alloys, nonmetal elementary substances, and composites are produced, often in a scalable manner. In recent years, nonmetal materials, mainly silicon and carbon, particularly in their nanostructured forms obtained using an MRR with magnesium as the reductant, have started to attract much attention. However, reactions using other metals as the reductant have not been widely investigated yet. Furthermore, the reaction mechanisms and their controlling factors remain unclear, and much more effort is needed to advance this emerging field. Here, MRR preparation methods for metals, alloys, nanoporous silicon, nanoporous carbon, and composites are discussed as an introduction for new researchers in this field.
The Reaction of [C(NMe2)3][(CO)4FeC(O)NMe2] with InX3 (X = Br, I); Isolation and Crystal Structures of Unusual Addition and Oxidation Products
Authors: Petz Wolfgang , Esser Michael , Neumüller Bernhard
Published: August 2018

The reaction between the salt like iron carbamoyl complex [C(NMe2)3][(CO)4FeC(O)NMe2] (1) and InBr3 proceeds with formation of an iron indium bond to give the salt [C(NMe2)3]2[(CO)4FeInBr3] (2). InI3, however, acts as an oxidation agent to produce with 1 the intercalation compound [FeI2]2·[MeN=C(NMe2)2] (3) as main product. Minor amounts of the penta‐metallic neutral complex [{(CO)3Fe(μ‐C(NMe2)O)2Fe(CO)2C(NMe2)O}2Fe] (4) and the indium containing salt [C(NMe2)3][(CO)4Fe(μ‐InI2)2NMe2] (5) were also isolated and characterized by X‐ray analyses.