bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomentosin induces apoptotic pathway by blocking inflammatory mediators via modulation of cell proteins in AGS gastric cancer cell line
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Zhao Hongchao , Dong Xinhua , Yang Zhen , Chang Weilong
Published: March 2020

In this study, we investigated the in vitro effect of tomentosin on cell proliferation by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, reactive oxygen species by 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining assay, apoptosis (AO/EtBr, propidium iodide, and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, mitochondrial membrane potential), cell adherent, cell migration, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress from gastric cancer cells (GCCs) AGS. Upon their relative cell proliferative, inflammatory, and apoptotic molecular markers were analyzed by using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis method. Treatment with tomentosin (IC50 = 20 µM) significantly inhibited cell proliferation and oxidative stress‐induced anti‐cell proliferative (proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin‐D1) also regulated expression, drastically diminished tumor necrosis factor‐α, nuclear factor‐κB, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐1β expression levels, significantly upregulated Bcl‐2 and Bax expression. Thus, this tomentosin can significantly reduce GCC proliferation via cytotoxicity which is stimulated apoptosis markers via morphology staining changes and inhibitory inflammatory markers. The tomentosin‐induced oxidative stress may be involved to stimulate apoptotic mechanisms via mitochondria‐mediated signaling by the inhibition of inflammation. Taken together, our findings suggest a possible future use of chemotherapeutic agents for pharmacological benefits and as an anti‐cancer treatment option.
The CFTR variant profile of Hispanic patients with cystic fibrosis: Impact on access to effective screening, diagnosis, and personalized medicine
Authors: Januska Megan N. , Marx Laura , Walker Patricia A. , Berdella Maria N. , Langfelder‐Schwind Elinor
Published: March 2020

Hispanic patients comprise an appreciable and increasing proportion of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the United States (US). Hispanic patients with CF are known to have increased morbidity and mortality compared to non‐Hispanic white patients with CF, and ongoing investigations are underway to identify contributing factors amenable to intervention in order to address the disparate health outcomes. One contributing factor is the different CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) variant profile observed in Hispanic patients with CF. The most common CFTR variant, p.Phe508del (legacy name F508del), is proportionally underrepresented in Hispanic patients with CF. This difference has implications for prenatal screening, newborn screening (NBS), and CFTR variant‐specific therapeutic options. In particular, the recent approval of a highly effective CFTR modulator for patients carrying at least one copy of F508del, elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor triple combination therapy, underscores the potential for unequal access to personalized treatment for Hispanic patients with CF. We report the CFTR variant profiles of Hispanic patients with CF and non‐CF Hispanic infants with a false‐positive New York State CF NBS at a single center in New York City over a 5‐year study period, as an opportunity to address the racial and ethnic disparities that currently exist in CF screening, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition to the previously documented disparate prevalence of the CFTR variant F508del in Hispanic patients, we observed two CFTR variants, p.His609Arg (legacy name H609R) and p.Thr1036Asn (legacy name T1036N), frequently identified in our Hispanic patients of Ecuadorian and Mexican ancestry, respectively, that are not well‐described in the US population. The presence of population‐specific and individually rare CFTR variants in Hispanic patients with CF further accentuates the disparity in health outcomes, as these CFTR variants are often absent from prenatal and NBS CFTR variant panels, potentially delaying diagnosis, and without an approved CFTR variant‐specific therapy.
Caution should be exercised for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, especially in the elderly
Authors: Yuan Yajun , Wang Nan , Ou Xueqing
Published: March 2020

In December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was first identified in Wuhan, China and presented a major threat to public health. Nationwide, there were more than 70 000 confirmed cases and 2500 deaths. Most patients were elderly, with severe disease. For acute respiratory infection, reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) is routinely used to detect causative viruses in respiratory secretions. Coronavirus RNA can be detected from nose and throat swabs, sputum and other lower respiratory tract secretions, blood, and feces. Such specimens were examined by RT‐PCR. Three targets, RdRP, E, and N genes were detected, indicating samples were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. After patient recovery, a chest computed tomography examination, combined with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection, confirmed diagnosis. However, some recovery patients with negative RNA tests turned RNA positive. The preliminary data is about 14% of discharged patients in Guangdong reported by the Guangdong Center for Disease Control (CDC). This is an important scientific issue. If samples are positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA, patients should be managed according to infection source. Fortunately, there were no close contacts of second‐generation cases. We herein report six SARS‐CoV‐2 cases confirmed in our hospital, for the changes of results of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA should attract attention. Most patients were elderly, with a low Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). However, the association of the phenomenon with aging and GNRI has not yet been reported in detail. Further investigations are necessary to confirm and improve these findings. Similarly, discharged patient follow‐up should be strengthened.
Sociodemographic predictors of surgery refusal in patients with stage I‐III colon cancer
Authors: Lu Pamela W. , Fields Adam C. , Yoo James , Irani Jennifer , Goldberg Joel E. , Bleday Ronald , Melnitchouk Nelya
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

Over 104 000 cases of colon cancer are estimated to be diagnosed in 2020. Surgical resection is a critical part of colon cancer treatment and adequate resection impacts prognosis. However, some patients refuse potentially curative surgery. We aimed to identify the rate and predictors of surgery refusal among patients with colon cancer.

Methods

The National Cancer Database (2004‐2015) was queried for patients diagnosed with stage I‐III colonic adenocarcinoma. Sociodemographic factors, clinical features, and treatment facility characteristics were collected. Patients who underwent surgery with curative intent were compared to those who refused surgery. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with surgery refusal. Adjusted survival analysis was performed on propensity‐matched cohorts.

Results

A total of 151 020 patients were included and 1071 (0.71%) refused surgery. In multivariable analysis older age, Black race, higher Charlson comorbidity score, Medicaid, Medicare, or lack of insurance were predictive of refusing surgery. After propensity matching, there was a significant difference in 5‐year survival for patients who refused surgery vs those who underwent surgery (P < .001).

Conclusions

There are racial and socioeconomic disparities in the refusal of surgery for colon cancer. Further studies are needed to better understand the drivers behind differences in refusing curative surgery for colon cancer.
Genetic variants in PDSS1 and SLC16A6 of the ketone body metabolic pathway predict cutaneous melanoma‐specific survival
Authors: Dai Wei , Liu Hongliang , Chen Ka , Xu Xinyuan , Qian Danwen , Luo Sheng , Amos Christopher I. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Li Xin , Nan Hongmei , Li Chunying , Wei Qingyi
Published: March 2020

A few single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified to be associated with cutaneous melanoma (CM) survival through genome‐wide association studies, but stringent multiple testing corrections required for the hypothesis‐free testing may have masked some true associations. Using a hypothesis‐driven analysis approach, we sought to evaluate associations between SNPs in ketone body metabolic pathway genes and CM survival. We comprehensively assessed associations between 4196 (538 genotyped and 3658 imputed) common SNPs in 44 ketone body metabolic pathway genes and CM survival, using a dataset of 858 patients of a case‐control study from The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as the discovery set and another dataset of 409 patients from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study as the replication set. There were 95/858 (11.1%) and 48/409 (11.7%) patients who died of CM, respectively. We identified two independent SNPs (ie, PDSS1 rs12254548 G>C and SLC16A6 rs71387392 G>A) that were associated with CM survival, with allelic hazards ratios of 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44‐0.76, P = 9.00 × 10−5) and 1.98 (95% CI = 1.34‐2.94, P = 6.30 × 10−4), respectively. Additionally, associations between genotypes of the SNPs and messenger RNA expression levels of their corresponding genes support the biologic plausibility of a role for these two variants in CM tumor progression and survival. Once validated by other larger studies, PDSS1 rs12254548 and SLC16A6 rs71387392 may be valuable biomarkers for CM survival.
Investigating short‐time diffusion of hyperpolarized 129Xe in lung air spaces and tissue: A feasibility study in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Kern Agilo L. , Gutberlet Marcel , Moher Alsady Tawfik , Welte Tobias , Wacker Frank , Hohlfeld Jens M. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To investigate the diffusion of hyperpolarized 129Xe in air spaces at short‐time scales for determination of lung surface‐to‐gas‐volume ratio in comparison to results from chemical shift saturation recovery, CT, and established clinical measures.

Methods

A pulse sequence for measurement of time‐dependent diffusion of 129Xe in air spaces at short diffusion times was developed. Gas uptake into lung tissue was measured in the same breathhold using chemical shift saturation recovery spectroscopy in the short‐time regime. The potential to obtain the surface‐to‐gas‐volume ratio using a first‐order and second‐order approximation of the short‐time expansion of time‐dependent diffusion according to Mitra et al11 and its diagnostic relevance were tested in a study with 9 chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases patients.

Results

Surface‐to‐gas‐volume ratios obtained from time‐dependent diffusion were correlated with results from chemical shift saturation recovery, r = 0.840, P = .005 (first‐order fits), and r = 0.923, P < .001 (second‐order fits), and from CT results for second‐order fits, r = 0.729, P = .026. Group means ± SD were 75.0 ± 15.5 cm−1 (first‐order fits) and 122.3 ± 32.8 cm−1 (second‐order fits) for time‐dependent diffusion, 125.9 ± 43.3 cm−1 for chemical shift saturation recovery, and 159.5 ± 50.9 cm−1 for CT. Surface‐to‐gas‐volume ratios from time‐dependent diffusion with first‐order fits correlated significantly with carbon monoxide diffusing capacity as percent of prediction, r = 0.724, P = .028.

Conclusion

Time‐dependent diffusion measurements of 129Xe at short‐time scales down to ~1 ms are feasible in chronic obstructive pulmonary patients and provide clinically relevant information on lung microstructure.
Evaluating Display Reflections in Reflective Displays and Beyond
Authors: Hertel Dirk , Penczek John
Published: March 2020

Although reflected ambient light can be disturbing when viewing some displays, it's essential for seeing reflective displays. Here, two experts explain how to properly measure display reflection to predict the visual performance of a display technology under realistic lighting conditions.
Feasibility of real‐time cardiac MRI in mice using tiny golden angle radial sparse
Authors: Li Hao , Metze Patrick , Abaei Alireza , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Just Steffen , Lu Qinghua , Rasche Volker
Published: March 2020

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging has proven valuable for the assessment of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities. Even although it is an established imaging method in small animals, the long acquisition times of gated or self‐gated techniques still limit its widespread application. In this study, the application of tiny golden angle radial sparse MRI (tyGRASP) for real‐time cardiac imaging was tested in 12 constitutive nexilin (Nexn) knock‐out (KO) mice, both heterozygous (Het, N = 6) and wild‐type (WT, N = 6), and the resulting functional parameters were compared with a well‐established self‐gating approach. Real‐time images were reconstructed for different temporal resolutions of between 16.8 and 79.8 ms per image. The suggested approach was additionally tested for dobutamine stress and qualitative first‐pass perfusion imaging. Measurements were repeated twice within 2 weeks for reproducibility assessment. In direct comparison with the high‐quality, self‐gated technique, the real‐time approach did not show any significant differences in global function parameters for acquisition times below 50 ms (rest) and 31.5 ms (stress). Compared with WT, the end‐diastolic volume (EDV) and end‐systolic volume (ESV) were markedly higher (P < 0.05) and the ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower in the Het Nexn‐KO mice at rest (P < 0.001). For the stress investigation, a clear decrease of EDV and ESV, and an increase in EF, but maintained stroke volume, could be observed in both groups. Combined with ECG‐triggering, tyGRASP provided first‐pass perfusion data with a temporal resolution of one image per heartbeat, allowing the quantitative assessment of upslope curves in the blood‐pool and myocardium. Excellent inter‐study reproducibility was achieved in all the functional parameters. The tyGRASP is a valuable real‐time MRI technique for mice, which significantly reduces the scan time in preclinical cardiac functional imaging, providing sufficient image quality for deriving accurate functional parameters, and has the potential to investigate real‐time and beat‐to‐beat changes.
Adaptive and highly accurate numerical treatment for a gradient‐enhanced brittle damage model
Authors: Vogel Andreas , Junker Philipp
Published: March 2020

We present an adaptive numerical treatment for a recently published model for brittle damage with gradient enhancement. We employ adaptive strategies both in time and space, yielding detailed investigations of the convergence behavior: the damage distribution can be resolved with very high accuracy, turning the damage behavior into cracks known from fracture mechanics. Although the localization is extreme, mesh‐independent results are obtained thanks to the spatial adaptivity and allow for a detailed investigation of the influence of the regularization parameter.
Comparing student achievement in traditional learning with a combination of blended and flipped learning
Authors: Halasa Suhaila , Abusalim Nimer , Rayyan Mohammad , Constantino Rose E. , Nassar Omayah , Amre Huda , Sharab Moayad , Qadri Insirah
Published: March 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of blended learning with a flipped classroom design on student academic achievement in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing course.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study.

Method

Students were split into an experimental blended learning with a flipped classroom design group and a control group using the traditional, teacher‐centred learning method. Data were collected during spring 2018 (13.3 weeks) and student's grades for the registered course and their grade point average (GPA) were recorded.

Results

Findings showed statistically significant increases in student grades in the experimental group. Predictability calculations also showed better achievement of learning outcomes if a blended learning with a flipped classroom design is continued to be used in the future.
Development of polymer film coatings with high adhesion to steel alloys and high wear resistance
Authors: Yumashev Alexei , Mikhaylov Alexey
Published: March 2020

This work proposes a technique for the controlled incorporation of nanoinclusions into a polymer matrix, which, as expected, will help resolve the contradiction in the requirements asked of polymer film coats, that is, good adhesion and above‐average tribological properties, including the high wear resistance. The study introduces and puts to the test an approach by performing the controlled incorporation of fullerene‐like nanoinclusions. The results of experimental verification, that is, the tribological profile of resultant nanocomposite were presented. It was found that a polyacetal matrix reinforced with the fullerene‐like nanoinclusions demonstrated a more stable behavior in tribological tests. These polymer films showed slightly lower coefficients of friction. This result can be considered successful and promising; without changing the nanocomposite composition, a tribological enhancement was achieved by manipulating the nanoparticle distribution within the polymer matrix. This study sought to create a three‐dimensional structure of nanoinclusions, specifically a graphite‐like hexagonal structure, that is, “columns” with a height equal to the film thickness and located at the nodes of the hexagonal lattice. The research concept was experimentally verified by comparing polymer films with a different distribution of nanoinclusions integrated into them. The filler fractions were 2 wt% in all films regardless of nanoparticle distribution. A polymer film with a uniform distribution of nanoinclusions was regarded as a baseline. A film with an ordered arrangement of nanoinclusions showed a 40% greater wear resistance (the number of cycles to film fragmentation) and a 39% lower coefficient of friction.
Spirituality in cancer patients on phase 1 clinical trials
Authors: Ferrell Betty , Chung Vincent , Koczywas Marianna , Borneman Tami , Irish Terry L. , Ruel Nora H. , Azad Nilofer S. , Cooper Rhonda S. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Patients with cancer who are at a transition to Phase I investigational treatments have been identified as an underserved population with regard to palliative care. This disease transition is often accompanied by spiritual and existential concerns. The study objective was to conduct a secondary analysis of data from a larger study testing a palliative care intervention. This paper reports the findings of this secondary focus on the spiritual needs of this population.

Methods

Patients (n = 479) were accrued to this study prior to initiating a Phase I clinical trial with data collected at baseline, and 4, 12, and 24 week follow‐up.

Results

Qualitative data revealed that the transition to Phase 1 trial participation is a time of balancing hope for extended life with the reality of advancing disease. Quantitative results demonstrated increased spirituality over time in both religious‐ and non‐religious‐affiliated patients.

Conclusions

Patients entering Phase I trials have important spiritual needs as they face treatment decisions, advancing disease, and often mortality. Spiritual care should be provided to seriously ill patients as a component of quality care.
An explosion accident analysis of the laboratory in university
Authors: Chen Mengmeng , Wu Yaqin , Wang Kai , Guo Haijun , Ke Wei
Published: March 2020

Academic research in the laboratory is often considered as the work with lower risks compared with other process industries. Whereas, it is revealed that there are still many accidents happening in the laboratory, causing deaths, injuries, and economic losses. In order to identify the main causes and improve the safety management, an explosion accident in a laboratory of a university is thoroughly investigated based on the 24Model and 5Whys method. The results indicate that inadequate safety knowledge and insufficient safety awareness of the experimenters serve as main contributors of the accident. In order to effectively prevent such accidents, it is necessary to strengthen the safety training of the experimenters and associated technical managers, so as to create a good safety culture atmosphere in the university. Moreover, a smart safety management system based on internet of things (IoT) is established for the laboratory, which contains equipment management subsystem, experiment consumables management subsystem, personnel management, training and assessment subsystem, environmental monitoring subsystem, and accident diagnosis subsystem. With the help of the system, daily safety of the laboratory can be greatly improved.
Riverine landscapes, water resource development and management: A view from downunder
Authors: Thoms Martin , Rose Teresa , Dyer Fiona
Published: March 2020

A perfect storm refers to an event in which a rare combination of circumstances significantly exacerbates the event. River science faces a potential perfect storm through the emergence of several factors. First, pronounced and persistent human modifications to catchments and rivers have resulted in regime shifts—a state change of riverine landscapes. Anthropocene Rivers have different ecosystem structures and functions and cannot return to their “natural state.” This new regime challenges accepted river science paradigms, especially those focused on traditional models of stressor—response. Second, river science is rapidly transitioning from a multidisciplinary activity focused on biophysical structures and functions, to rivers as social–ecological systems. The rise of interdisciplinary research not only recognizes the high degree of coupling between natural and human components, but also the generation of river knowledge that is more socially accountable. Third, the application of scientific knowledge to solve “wicked” river problems continues. However, increasingly river managers are faced with decisions in an environment of high uncertainty about what they are managing, and the potential impacts of their actions. The manuscripts in this Special Issue highlight a potential perfect storm facing Australian riverine landscapes. The issue is dedicated to Professor Wayne Erskine; an intellectual leader of Australian river science for over 20 years. Focussed on the science and management of Australian Rivers, the 14 manuscripts broadly cover the areas in which Wayne made his greatest contributions: river processes and management. Each has a strong foundation in theory and has application in helping to solve some of the complex problems faced by Australia's river managers across a range of spatial and temporal scales.
Next‐Generation Sequencing Reveals Differential Responses to Acute versus Long‐Term Exposures to Graphene Oxide in Human Lung Cells
Authors: Mukherjee Sourav P. , Gupta Govind , Klöditz Katharina , Wang Jun , Rodrigues Artur Filipe , Kostarelos Kostas , Fadeel Bengt
Published: March 2020

Numerous studies have addressed the biological impact of graphene‐based materials including graphene oxide (GO), yet few have focused on long‐term effects. Here, RNA sequencing is utilized to unearth responses of human lung cells to GO. To this end, the BEAS‐2B cell line derived from normal human bronchial epithelium is subjected to repeated, low‐dose exposures of GO (1 or 5 µg mL−1) for 28 days or to the equivalent, cumulative amount of GO for 48 h. Then, samples are analyzed by using the NovaSeq 6000 sequencing system followed by pathway analysis and gene ontology enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes. Significant differences are seen between the low‐dose, long‐term exposures and the high‐dose, short‐term exposures. Hence, exposure to GO for 48 h results in mitochondrial dysfunction. In contrast, exposure to GO for 28 days is characterized by engagement of apoptosis pathways with downregulation of genes belonging to the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family. Validation experiments confirm that long‐term exposure to GO affects the apoptosis threshold in lung cells, accompanied by a loss of IAPs. These studies reveal the sensitivity of RNA‐sequencing approaches and show that acute exposure to GO is not a good predictor of the long‐term effects of GO.
Low‐Dose Silver Nanoparticle Surface Chemistry and Temporal Effects on Gene Expression in Human Liver Cells
Authors: House John S. , Bouzos Evangelia , Fahy Kira M. , Francisco Victorino Miguel , Lloyd Dillon T. , Wright Fred A. , Motsinger‐Reif Alison A. , Asuri Prashanth , Wheeler Korin E.
Published: March 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely incorporated into consumer and biomedical products for their antimicrobial and plasmonic properties with limited risk assessment of low‐dose cumulative exposure in humans. To evaluate cellular responses to low‐dose AgNP exposures across time, human liver cells (HepG2) are exposed to AgNPs with three different surface charges (1.2 µg mL−1) and complete gene expression is monitored across a 24 h period. Time and AgNP surface chemistry mediate gene expression. In addition, since cells are fed, time has marked effects on gene expression that should be considered. Surface chemistry of AgNPs alters gene transcription in a time‐dependent manner, with the most dramatic effects in cationic AgNPs. Universal to all surface coatings, AgNP‐treated cells responded by inactivating proliferation and enabling cell cycle checkpoints. Further analysis of these universal features of AgNP cellular response, as well as more detailed analysis of specific AgNP treatments, time points, or specific genes, is facilitated with an accompanying application. Taken together, these results provide a foundation for understanding hepatic response to low‐dose AgNPs for future risk assessment.
Early evolution of Coriariaceae (Cucurbitales) in light of a new early Campanian (ca. 82 Mya) pollen record from Antarctica
Authors: Renner Susanne S. , Barreda Viviana D. , Tellería María Cristina , Palazzesi Luis , Schuster Tanja M.
Published: March 2020

Coriariaceae comprise only Coriaria, a genus of shrubs with nine species in Australasia (but excluding Australia), five in the Himalayas, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan, one in the Mediterranean, and one ranging from Patagonia to Mexico. The sister family, Corynocarpaceae, comprises five species of evergreen trees from New Guinea to New Zealand and Australia. This distribution has long fascinated biogeographers as potential support for Wegener's theory of continental drift, with alternative scenarios invoking either Antarctic or Beringian range expansions. Here, we present the discovery of pollen grains from Early Campanian (ca. 82 Mya) deposits in Antarctica, which we describe as Coriaripites goodii sp. nov., and newly generated nuclear and plastid molecular data for most of the family's species and its outgroup. This greatly expands the family's fossil record and is the so far oldest fossil of the order Cucurbitales. We used the phylogeny, new fossil, and an Oligocene flowering branch assigned to a small subclade of Coriaria to generate a chronogram and to study changes in chromosome number, deciduousness, and andromonoecy. Coriaria comprises a Northern (NH) and a Southern Hemisphere (SH) clade that diverged from each other in the Paleocene (ca. 57 Mya), with the SH clade reaching the New World once, through Antarctica, as supported by the fossil pollen. While the SH clade retained perfect flowers and evergreen leaves, the NH clade evolved andromonoecy and deciduousness. Polyploidy occurs in both clades and points to hybridization, matching weak species boundaries throughout the genus.
Concentration of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural produced by insulating paper in an oil–paper insulation system
Authors: Chen Chen , Li Shengli , He Tao , Liu Yushuang
Published: March 2020

The transformer is a core device of the power system, and it is generally considered that the aging of insulating paper is important to the transformer. The aging process of insulating paper is the degradation process of cellulose. If it can be detected regularly, the aging of oil–paper insulating systems can be monitored conveniently. 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural is an important chemical substance produced by cellulose decomposition. It has broad prospects because of its many advantages. The oil–paper insulation system was thermally aged at 80, 90, 100, and 110 °C to measure the concentration of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural on insulating paper and in transformer oil. In this paper, the concentration of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural is detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The linear correlation coefficient of this method can reach 0.99, and the minimum detected concentration can be reduced to 10 µg/l. Experiments show that the concentration of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural increases with the aging time, and when degree of polymerization (DP) decreased, the concentration of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural increased. The correlation coefficient is greater than 0.92, which shows that there is an experimental relationship between the concentration of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and DP. The parameters of regression curves are different at different temperatures, but in actual operation, the temperature is low and remains stable. Therefore, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural is expected to be a new indicator of the aging degree of oil–paper insulation system. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analyzing amber color features and methods of estimating colors of amber debris
Authors: Ishikawa Hina , Kageyama Yoichi , Ishizawa Chikako , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Nishida Makoto , Shinden Hisao , Takizawa Toshio , Koyama Taro , Kobushi Makoto
Published: March 2020

In our previous study, we presented a method of estimating the color of amber using the red, green, and blue (RGB) color space and the hue, saturation, and value (HSV) color space. In particular, the method estimates the color of amber on a target image consisting of four colors (yellow, brown, black, and amber with an outer cover [AOC]). However, because of the existence of amber with a partially exposed outer cover (APEOC), the estimated accuracy of AOCs was 57.1%. In addition, the size of the amber used in the study was approximately 1–2 cm, considering improvements in versatility. It is also necessary to estimate the color of amber with a size of approximately 3–5 mm, which is even smaller. However, because the color of brown amber is similar to yellow amber, the estimation accuracy of amber having a size of less than 1 cm, using conventional methods, was 62.1%. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a method that switches the estimation method in terms of color features and amber of sizes ranging between 1 and 2 cm and those of 1 cm or less. Based on the experimental results of the proposed method, estimation accuracies of 94.1% for 185 ambers with a size of 1–2 cm and 96.0% for 125 ambers with a less than 1 cm were achieved. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Talent management and global competition for top talent: A co‐opetition‐based perspective
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph
Published: March 2020

In an age of competition for top talent, lateral hiring or personnel poaching has flourished not just between rivals, but also among allies transcending across national borders. This article integrates the literature on lateral hiring and co‐opetition to develop a “novel” perspective of the co‐opetition‐based view of lateral hiring. A conceptual framework was developed to account for conditions under co‐opetition setting in different markets. Contrary to the popular belief that poaching from rivals is more beneficial, the present research demonstrates that poaching from allies may be more beneficial in mitigating the “winner's curse.” Indeed, poaching in the collaboration domain is characterized by greater access to information about the target employee before job change. Lateral hiring from allies in foreign markets can also be more beneficial given the potentially moderate stigma attached compared with those from domestic markets. The implications for firms and strategic human resource management literature are examined.
On zero-remainder conditions in the Bethe ansatz
Authors: Granet Etienne , Jacobsen Jesper Lykke
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We prove that physical solutions to the Heisenberg spin chain Bethe ansatz equations are exactly obtained by imposing two zero-remainder conditions. This bridges the gap between different criteria, yielding an alternative proof of a recently devised algorithm based on QQ relations, and solving its minimality issue.
Virtual Refinements of the Vafa–Witten Formula
Authors: Göttsche Lothar , Kool Martijn
Published: March 2020

We conjecture a formula for the generating function of virtual $$\chi _y$$χy-genera of moduli spaces of rank 2 sheaves on arbitrary surfaces with holomorphic 2-form. Specializing the conjecture to minimal surfaces of general type and to virtual Euler characteristics, we recover (part of) a formula of C. Vafa and E. Witten. These virtual $$\chi _y$$χy-genera can be written in terms of descendent Donaldson invariants. Using T. Mochizuki’s formula, the latter can be expressed in terms of Seiberg–Witten invariants and certain explicit integrals over Hilbert schemes of points. These integrals are governed by seven universal functions, which are determined by their values on $${\mathbb {P}}^2$$P2 and $${\mathbb {P}}^1 \times {\mathbb {P}}^1$$P1×P1. Using localization we calculate these functions up to some order, which allows us to check our conjecture in many cases. In an appendix by H. Nakajima and the first named author, the virtual Euler characteristic specialization of our conjecture is extended to include $$\mu $$μ-classes, thereby interpolating between Vafa–Witten’s formula and Witten’s conjecture for Donaldson invariants.
The effects of unilateral and bilateral cerebellar rTMS on human pharyngeal motor cortical activity and swallowing behavior
Authors: Sasegbon Ayodele , Smith Craig J. , Bath Philip , Rothwell John , Hamdy Shaheen
Published: March 2020

The cerebellum is recognised to bilaterally modulate sensorimotor function and has recently been shown to play a role in swallowing. Unilateral cerebellar repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) excites corticobulbar motor pathways to the pharynx but the effects of bilateral versus unilateral cerebellar rTMS on these pathways are unknown. In this three-part cross-over study, healthy participants (n = 13) were randomly allocated to receive unilateral or bilateral 10 Hz cerebellar rTMS. Participants were intubated with pharyngeal electromyography and/or manometry catheters for motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and pressure recordings. In part 1 of the study, single pulse TMS was used to measure baseline motor cortical pharyngeal MEP (PMEP) and hemispheric cerebellar MEP (CMEP) amplitudes, before cerebellar rTMS was administered. Repeat measures of PMEP amplitude were performed at 15-min intervals for an hour post unilateral and bilateral rTMS. Thereafter, in two further studies, a cortical ‘virtual lesion’ (V/L) was applied prior to cerebellar rTMS with pre and post PMEPs (part 2) and measurements of swallowing accuracy (part 3) using a behavioural task. Compared to baseline, unilateral and bilateral cerebellar rTMS provoked increases in pharyngeal cortical excitation (P = 0.028, 0.0005, respectively). Bilateral rTMS was significantly more effective than unilateral in causing cortical excitation (P = 0.0005) and in reversing the suppressive neurological (P = 0.0005) and behavioural (P = 0.0005) effects of a cortical V/L. Our findings suggest bilateral cerebellar rTMS has greater facilitatory effects on corticobulbar motor pathways to the pharynx than unilateral stimulation with the potential to be a more effective clinical therapy if its effects are reproduced in populations with neurogenic dysphagia.
Multi-bump solutions for the nonlinear magnetic Schrödinger equation with exponential critical growth in $${\mathbb {R}}^{2}$$
Authors: Ji Chao , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, using variational methods, we establish the existence and multiplicity of multi-bump solutions for the following nonlinear magnetic Schrödinger equation $$\begin{aligned} -(\nabla +\mathrm{i} A(x))^2 u+(\lambda V(x)+Z(x))u=f(\vert u\vert ^{2})u\quad \text {in}\, \,{\mathbb {R}}^{2}, \end{aligned}$$

-

(
∇
+
i
A

(
x
)

)

2

u
+

(
λ
V

(
x
)

+
Z

(
x
)

)

u
=

f
(
|
u
|

2

)
u

in

R

2

,

where $$\lambda >0$$

λ
>
0

, f(t) is a continuous function with exponential critical growth, the magnetic potential $$A:{\mathbb {R}}^2\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

A
:

R

2

→

R

2

is in $$L^{2}_{loc}({\mathbb {R}}^2)$$

L

loc

2

(

R

2

)

and the potentials V, $$Z:{\mathbb {R}}^{2}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

Z
:

R

2

→
R

are continuous functions verifying some natural conditions. We show that if the zero set of the potential V has several isolated connected components $$\Omega _{1}, \ldots , \Omega _{k}$$

Ω
1

,
…
,

Ω
k

such that the interior of $$\Omega _{j}$$

Ω
j

is non-empty and $$\partial \Omega _{j}$$

∂

Ω
j

is smooth, then for $$\lambda >0$$

λ
>
0

large enough, the equation has at least $$2^{k}-1$$

2
k

-
1

multi-bump solutions.
Prevalence in Britain of abnormal prion protein in human appendices before and after exposure to the cattle BSE epizootic
Authors: Gill O. Noel , Spencer Yvonne , Richard-Loendt Angela , Kelly Carole , Brown David , Sinka Katy , Andrews Nick , Dabaghian Reza , Simmons Marion , Edwards Philip , Bellerby Peter , Everest David J. , McCall Mark , McCardle Linda M. , Linehan Jacqueline , Mead Simon , Hilton David A. , Ironside James W. , Brandner Sebastian
Published: March 2020

Widespread dietary exposure of the population of Britain to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) prions in the 1980s and 1990s led to the emergence of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) in humans. Two previous appendectomy sample surveys (Appendix-1 and -2) estimated the prevalence of abnormal prion protein (PrP) in the British population exposed to BSE to be 237 per million and 493 per million, respectively. The Appendix-3 survey was recommended to measure the prevalence of abnormal PrP in population groups thought to have been unexposed to BSE. Immunohistochemistry for abnormal PrP was performed on 29,516 samples from appendices removed between 1962 and 1979 from persons born between 1891 through 1965, and from those born after 1996 that had been operated on from 2000 through 2014. Seven appendices were positive for abnormal PrP, of which two were from the pre-BSE-exposure era and five from the post BSE-exposure period. None of the seven positive samples were from appendices removed before 1977, or in patients born after 2000 and none came from individuals diagnosed with vCJD. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of abnormal PrP across birth and exposure cohorts. Two interpretations are possible. Either there is a low background prevalence of abnormal PrP in human lymphoid tissues that may not progress to vCJD. Alternatively, all positive specimens are attributable to BSE exposure, a finding that would necessitate human exposure having begun in the late 1970s and continuing through the late 1990s.
Estimating the burden of lung cancer in Canada attributed to occupational radon exposure using a novel exposure assessment method
Authors: Ge C. B. , Kim J. , Labrèche F. , Heer E. , Song C. , Arrandale V. H. , Pahwa M. , Peters C. E. , Demers P. A.
Published: March 2020

Objective

Exposure to radon causes lung cancer. The scope and impact of exposure among Canadian workers have not been assessed. Our study estimated occupational radon exposure in Canada and its associated lung cancer burden.

Methods

Exposed workers were identified among the working population during the risk exposure period (1961–2001) using data from the Canadian Census and Labour Force Survey. Exposure levels were assigned based on 12,865 workplace radon measurements for indoor workers and assumed to be 1800 mg/m3 for underground workers. Lung cancer risks were calculated using the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VI exposure-age-concentration model. Population attributable fractions were calculated with Levin’s equation and applied to 2011 Canadian lung cancer statistics.

Results

Approximately 15.5 million Canadian workers were exposed to radon during the risk exposure period. 79% of exposed workers were exposed to radon levels < 50 Bq/m3 and 4.8% were exposed to levels > 150 Bq/m3. We estimated that 0.8% of lung cancers in Canada were attributable to occupational radon exposure, corresponding to approximately 188 incident lung cancers in 2011.

Conclusions

The lung cancer burden associated with occupational radon exposure in Canada is small, with the greatest burden occurring among those exposed to low levels of radon.
Strategies for array data retrieval from a relational back-end based on access patterns
Authors: Andrejev Andrej , Orsborn Kjell , Risch Tore
Published: March 2020

Multidimensional numeric arrays are often serialized to binary formats for efficient storage and processing. These representations can be stored as binary objects in existing relational database management systems. To minimize data transfer overhead when arrays are large and only parts of arrays are accessed, it is favorable to split these arrays into separately stored chunks. We process queries expressed in an extended graph query language SPARQL, treating arrays as node values and having syntax for specifying array projection, element and range selection operations as part of a query. When a query selects parts of one or more arrays, only the relevant chunks of each array should be retrieved from the relational database. The retrieval is made by automatically generated SQL queries. We evaluate different strategies for partitioning the array content, and for generating the SQL queries that retrieve it on demand. For this purpose, we present a mini-benchmark, featuring a number of typical array access patterns. We draw some actionable conclusions from the performance numbers.
Ten-year changes in the psychosocial well-being, psychopathology, substance use, suicidality, bullying, and sense of coherence of 18-year-old males: a Finnish population-based time-trend study
Authors: Kronström Kim , Multimäki Petteri , Ristkari Terja , Parkkola Kai , Sillanmäki Lauri , Sourander Andre
Published: March 2020

We studied Finnish 18-year-old males attending obligatory military call-up assessments in 1999 (n = 2340) and 2009 (n = 4309) on time-trend changes in psychosocial well-being, psychopathology, substance use, suicidality, bullying, and sense of coherence. Subjects filled in questionnaires, including the Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) for psychopathology and the Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-13) for sense of coherence. The prevalence of minor mental health problems in the last 6 months decreased from 22.3% in 1999 to 18.6% in 2009 (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9), whereas severe mental health problems remained stable. Suicidal thoughts decreased from 5.7 to 3.7% (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–0.8). The use of illicit drugs decreased from 6.0 to 4.7% (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–0.95), but being drunk at least once a week increased from 10.3 to 13.4% (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.5). Attention problems increased in YASR syndrome domains (mean score 2.9 vs 3.2, p < 0.001) and so did somatic complains (mean score 1.7 vs 1.9, p = 0.005). The SOC-13 scores remained stable. The percentage of males who had studied during the past 6 months increased from 91.4 to 93.4% (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6), while being employed decreased from 64.9 to 49.4% (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.5–0.6). The positive findings included reductions in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and the use of illicit drugs, but being drunk at least once a week increased. Self-reported somatic problems and attention problems increased. Despite changes in society and family structures, there were only minor overall changes in psychopathology.
A Valveless Pulsatile Pump for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Hemo- and Fluid Dynamic Feasibility
Authors: Escher Andreas , Choi Young , Callaghan Fraser , Thamsen Bente , Kertzscher Ulrich , Schweiger Martin , Hübler Michael , Granegger Marcus
Published: March 2020

Treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a major unmet medical need. An implantable valveless pulsatile pump with a single cannula—the CoPulse pump—may provide beneficial hemodynamic support for select HFpEF patients when connected to the failing ventricle. We aimed to demonstrate hemodynamic efficacy and hemocompatible design feasibility for this novel assist device. The hemodynamic effect of the pump was investigated with an in vitro circulatory mock loop and an ex vivo isolated porcine heart model. The hydraulic design was optimized using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and validated by 4D-flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The pump reduced left atrial pressure (> 27%) and increased cardiac output (> 14%) in vitro. Ex vivo experiments revealed elevated total stroke volume at increased end-systolic volume during pump support. Asymmetric cannula positioning indicated superior washout, decreased stagnation (8.06 mm2 vs. 31.42 mm2), and marginal blood trauma potential with moderate shear stresses (< 24 Pa) in silico. Good agreement in flow velocities was evident among CFD and 4D-flow MRI data (r > 0.76). The CoPulse pump proved hemodynamically effective. Hemocompatibility metrics were comparable to those of a previously reported, typical pulsatile pump with two cannulae. The encouraging in vitro, ex vivo, and hemocompatibility results substantiate further development of the CoPulse pump.
Government control and the value of cash: evidence from listed firms in China
Authors: Yu Xinyu , Wang Ping
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we investigate the impact of government control on investors’ valuation of cash held by listed firms in China. We find strong and robust evidence that government control leads to a lower value of cash. Further evidence suggests that this negative impact is associated with significant agency costs of political expropriation rather than low financial constraints of the soft-budget effect. Moreover, our extended analyses reveal that the negative impact of government control on the value of cash depends on regional institutional development. In particular, in regions with high institutional development, government control reduces the value of cash, while in areas that are less developed, this negative impact is attenuated to some extent. Overall, our findings shed new light and add a further dimension to the literature, broadening our understanding of the impact of government intervention on the listed firms under its control.