bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern and scale: evaluating generalities in crab distributions and marsh dynamics from small plots to a national scale
Authors: Wasson Kerstin , Raposa Kenneth , Almeida Monica , Beheshti Kathryn , Crooks Jeffrey A. , Deck Anna , Dix Nikki , Garvey Caitlin , Goldstein Jason , Johnson David Samuel , Lerberg Scott , Marcum Pamela , Peter Christopher , Puckett Brandon , Schmitt Jenni , Smith Erik , Laurent Kari St. , Swanson Katie , Tyrrell Megan , Guy Rachel
Published: July 2019

The generality of ecological patterns depends inextricably on the scale at which they are examined. We investigated patterns of crab distribution and the relationship between crabs and vegetation in salt marshes at multiple scales. By using consistent monitoring protocols across 15 U.S. National Estuarine Research Reserves, we were able to synthesize patterns from the scale of quadrats to the entire marsh landscape to regional and national scales. Some generalities emerged across marshes from our overall models, and these are useful for informing broad coastal management policy. We found that crab burrow distribution within a marsh could be predicted by marsh elevation, distance to creek and soil compressibility. While these physical factors also affected marsh vegetation cover, we did not find a strong or consistent overall effect of crabs at a broad scale in our multivariate model, though regressions conducted separately for each site revealed that crab burrows were negatively correlated with vegetation cover at 4 out of 15 sites. This contrasts with recent smaller‐scale studies and meta‐analyses synthesizing such studies that detected strong negative effects of crabs on marshes, likely because we sampled across the entire marsh landscape, while targeted studies are typically limited to low‐lying areas near creeks, where crab burrow densities are highest. Our results suggest that sea‐level rise generally poses a bigger threat to marshes than crabs, but there will likely be interactions between these physical and biological factors. Beyond these generalities across marshes, we detected some regional differences in crab community composition, richness, and abundance. However, we found striking differences among sites within regions, and within sites, in terms of crab abundance and relationships to marsh integrity. Although generalities are broadly useful, our findings indicate that local managers cannot rely on data from other nearby systems, but rather need local information for developing salt marsh management strategies.
Structures and Properties of Phenylene‐Bridged 1,3‐Diaza‐2‐silole and Related 2H‐Azasilirenes Obtained by the Reactions of a Dialkylsilylene with Arylnitriles
Authors: Ishida Shintaro , Uchida Kenya , Mori Maiko , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: July 2019

Cycloadditions of silylenes (silicon analogues of carbene) have been extensively explored as convenient and efficient routes to silacycles. Among these, reactions of silylenes with nitriles are still limited and the electronic properties of the resulting azasilacycles such as 2H‐azasilirene and 1,3‐diaza‐2‐siloles are less examined. We report herein synthesis of a phenylene‐bridged 1,3‐diaza‐2‐silole and C‐aryl 2H‐azasilirenes using cycloaddition reactions of a silylene as well as their structures and UV/Vis absorption spectra. Treatment of an isolable dialkylsilylene with o‐phthalonitrile afforded a phenylene‐bridged 1,3‐diazasilole and an isomeric dearomatized product. Similar reactions with p‐substituted benzonitriles gave new 2H‐azasilirenes. UV/Vis absorption spectra and theoretical calculations showed that high‐lying n(C=N) orbitals in 1,3‐diaza‐2‐siloles and 2H‐azasilirenes and low‐lying π*(1,3‐diaza‐2‐silole) orbitals are important for their electronic characters. Computational studies revealed that 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of silylene nitrile complexes (nitrile silaylides) with the second nitrile and an aromatic C=C bond of 2‐cyanopheyl group are key steps for the cycloaddition.
Bimodal Probe for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Photoacoustic Imaging Based on a PCTA‐Derived Gadolinium(III) Complex and ZW800–1
Authors: Devreux Marie , Henoumont Céline , Dioury Fabienne , Stanicki Dimitri , Boutry Sébastien , Larbanoix Lionel , Ferroud Clotilde , Muller Robert N. , Laurent Sophie
Published: July 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Sophie Laurent from the University of Mons, Belgium. The cover image shows a blood vessel containing the bimodal probe reported in this paper.
Selective Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation of Unsaturated Oleochemicals
Authors: Cousin Kévin , Hapiot Frédéric , Monflier Eric
Published: July 2019

Rhodium‐catalyzed hydroaminomethylation (HAM) is recently described as an innovative way to functionalize triglycerides. In the search to reduce production costs, rhodium is sought to be replaced by ruthenium whose price is currently more than 20 times lower. In this study, HAM of unsaturated oleochemicals using ruthenium precursors is proceeded under phosphine‐free conditions. The experimental conditions are optimized by changing the nature of the solvent, the reaction temperature, and the CO/H2 pressure. While rhodium leads to good catalytic activity and low chemoselectivity (mixture of hydroxyl and amino groups), ruthenium proves to be less active but more chemoselective as amino‐substituted products are mainly formed. Of interest, HAM of methyl 10‐undecenoate (MU) occurs in a highly chemo‐ and regioselective fashion using acetonitrile as solvent.

Practical Applications: Selective Ru‐catalyzed hydroaminomethylation can be implemented on an industrial scale for the conversion of unsaturated oleochemicals into amines. This finding is of importance as the obtained amino‐products can be used in many industrial areas such as surfactants, polymers, or lubricants.
A Ugi Straightforward Access to Bis‐β‐lactam Derivatives
Authors: Cheibas Cristina , Cordier Marie , Li Yanyan , El Kaïm Laurent
Published: July 2019

THe Ugi reaction of β‐amino acids with aromatic aldehydes affords β‐lactams which may be used as starting materials in a second β‐lactam formation following a base triggered diiodomethane addition. The sequence may be conducted in a one‐pot fashion affording a straightforward access to bis‐β‐lactams.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Bicyclic Lactam N,S‐Acetals in One Pot by Cascade Transformations
Authors: Zhang Kaiheng , Deiana Luca , Grape Erik Svensson , Inge A. Ken , Córdova Armando
Published: July 2019

A versatile strategy for the enantioselective synthesis of bicyclic lactam N,S‐acetals by one‐pot cascade transformations is disclosed. The transformation of readily available substrates is promoted by chiral amines and creates bicyclic or tricyclic lactam N,S‐acetals with high chemo‐ and stereoselectivity (up to > 99.5:0.5 dr and > 99 % ee) in one‐pot operations.
Development of a body fluid identification multiplex via DNA methylation analysis
Authors: Gauthier Quentin T. , Cho Sohee , Carmel Justin H. , McCord Bruce R.
Published: July 2019

The goal of this study is to develop an epigenetic multiplex for body fluid identification based on tissue specific DNA methylation. A series of genetic loci capable of discerning the origin of DNA as coming from saliva, blood, vaginal epithelia, or semen were used for this application. The markers – BCAS4, CG06379435, VE_8, and ZC3H12D – were amplified together and then sequenced via pyrosequencing. Methylation values for cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG) sites at each locus were then measured across the four markers. In total, 124 samples were collected, and bisulfite modified to convert unmethylated DNA to uracil. This converted DNA was then amplified via multiplex PCR with reverse primers containing a biotin molecule. Biotinylated PCR products were then analyzed using pyrosequencing to generate a series of pyrograms containing 18 CpG sites. The percent methylation at each CpG site was determined, and then agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis was used to create a model to indicate sample origin. Further analysis reduced the number of CpG sites required for optimal determination of body fluid type to five. This study demonstrates an efficient multiplexed body fluid identification process utilizing DNA methylation that can be easily implemented in forensic laboratories.
Experimental study on insulative properties of intumescent coating exposed to standard and nonstandard furnace curves
Authors: Wang Lingling , Chen Bowen , Zhang Chao , Li Guoqiang
Published: July 2019

This paper reports the results of an experimental study on two types of intumescent coating exposed to the ISO834 standard fire and three nonstandard fire curves. The nonstandard fires were all less severe than the standard fire. A total of 72 intumescent coating protected steel specimens were tested. The expanded thickness of intumescent char was measured, and the pore feature was observed. Constant thermal conductivity for each specimen was calculated based on the measured steel plate temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test was carried out, and the results show that more gas is trapped within the coating due to better matching of thermal behaviour between gas evolution and polymer viscosity as the rate of heating increases. The constant effective thermal conductivities for the intumescent coating under the nonstandard fires were 65% (type‐W) and 35% (type‐S) higher than that under the standard fire, which resulted in an overestimation of the coating failure time up to 15 and 11 minutes, respectively. Therefore, it is sometimes insecure to use results from standard fire tests guiding the design of coating thickness for steel elements under nonstandard fire conditions.
Integration of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with an Organic Rankine Cycle and Absorption Chiller for Dynamic Generation of Power and Cooling for a Residential Application
Authors: Asghari M. , Brouwer J.
Published: July 2019

The high temperature exhaust heat from a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) can be captured and used as the primary thermal energy source for bottoming cycles. In this study, the waste heat from a fuel cell is captured and processed either through an organic Rankin cycle (ORC) to provide extra power or an absorption chiller (AC) to provide cooling for meeting the dynamic cooling demands of a residence/community. A spatially resolved dynamic model was developed in Simulink to study dynamic characteristics of an SOFC system. Also, a dynamic model was developed for the ORC and AC to study the dynamic characteristics and performance of the integrated system. This model was then used to evaluate the efficiency, capacity, and dispatchability of the system, based upon meeting measured load profiles of residential buildings. Dynamic data from a residential complex were used as an input to evaluate the dynamic system model. The SOFC was capable of following the highly dynamic load with an average electrical efficiency of 46%. An average of 7% more power was produced through the ORC cycle with an average efficiency of 10%. The AC generated an average 125 kW of cooling with an average coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.08.
Cognitive mediation in people with dementia: Development, structural, and construct validity of the first dementia‐specific measure
Authors: Stott Joshua , Cadman Tim , Scior Katrina , Brede Janina , Chadwick Eleanor , Charlesworth Georgina
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Anxiety and depression are common and deleterious comorbidities in people living with dementia (PLWD). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the few promising treatments; however, it is unclear whether PLWD have the necessary prerequisites to engage in this. Having an understanding of cognitive mediation, that a thought mediates the relationship between an antecedent event and its emotional consequence, is key for engaging with CBT and is also a critical component of emotion regulation. There are no measures of this construct validated for PLWD. This study aims to adapt and validate an existing measure for this population. A secondary aim is to assess its applicability in older adults (OA) without a recognised neurocognitive impairment.

Methods

A measure of cognitive mediation was adapted via expert and service user consultation for use in PLWD. A total of 102 PLWD and 77 OA without neurocognitive impairments completed the adapted measure along with two measures of emotion recognition and reasoning. Factor structure was examined separately in both samples, and the measure reduced, with convergent validity assessed.

Results

A final measure of 10 items (named the CM‐Dem) was subject to factor analysis yielding a single factor solution. The measure showed good psychometric properties in PLWD, including good model fit, high internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability, and moderate convergent validity with related constructs. In contrast, poor validity was found in OA, especially a lack of convergent validity.

Conclusions

The CM‐Dem has clinical and research utility as a measure of cognitive mediation in PLWD, but less so in OA.
Neighbourhood ethnic diversity and mental health in Australia
Authors: Awaworyi Churchill Sefa , Farrell Lisa , Smyth Russell
Published: July 2019

We present the first study that empirically examines the effects of neighbourhood ethnic diversity on mental health. Using 16 waves of longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, we find that ethnic diversity is negatively associated with mental health. Our preferred estimates, using lagged ethnic diversity at the state level to instrument for neighbourhood ethnic diversity, suggest that a standard deviation increase in ethnic diversity is associated with a decline of 0.092–0.129 standard deviations in mental health. This result is robust to alternative estimation approaches to addressing endogeneity of ethnic diversity and alternative ways of measuring ethnic diversity and irrespective of whether mental health is measured with the Mental Health Inventory scale or the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). We further find that ethnic diversity influences mental health through the level of neighbourhood trust. Our findings point to the need to develop policies that promote social inclusion in multicultural societies and build trust between heterogeneous ethnic groups as a vehicle to improve mental health.
Characterization of Cellular Sources and Circulating Levels of Extracellular Vesicles in a Dietary Murine Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Li Jiahui , Liu Huimin , Mauer Amy S. , Lucien Fabrice , Raiter Abagail , Bandla Harikrishna , Mounajjed Taofic , Yin Ziying , Glaser Kevin J. , Yin Meng , Malhi Harmeet
Published: July 2019

Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a novel and emerging biomarker for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It has been demonstrated that total circulating EVs and hepatocyte‐derived EVs are elevated in male mice with diet‐induced NASH. How hepatocyte‐derived EVs change over time and other cellular sources of EVs in NASH have not been determined. Our objective was to define the quantitative evolution of hepatocyte‐derived, macrophage‐derived, neutrophil‐derived, and platelet‐derived EVs in male and female mice with dietary NASH. Fluorescently labeled antibodies and a nanoscale flow cytometer were used to detect plasma levels of EVs. Asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) and cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily E member 1 (CYP2E1) are markers of hepatocyte‐derived EVs; galectin 3 is a marker of macrophage‐derived EVs; common epitope on lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus G/C1 (Ly‐6G and Ly‐6C) is a marker of neutrophil‐derived EVs; and clusters of differentiation 61 (CD61) is a marker of platelet‐derived EVs. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) was calculated using hematoxylin and eosin‐stained liver sections, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for measurement of the fat fraction and elastography. Hepatocyte‐derived EVs increased in both male and female mice at 12 and 10 weeks of feeding, respectively, and remained elevated at 24 weeks in both male and female mice and at 48 weeks in male mice and 36 weeks in female mice. Macrophage‐ and neutrophil‐derived EVs were significantly elevated at 24 weeks of dietary feeding concomitant with the histologic presence of inflammatory foci in the liver. In fat‐, fructose‐, and cholesterol‐ (FFC) fed male mice, platelet‐derived EVs were elevated at 12, 24, and 48 weeks, whereas in female mice, platelet derived EVs were significantly elevated at 24 weeks. Hepatocyte‐, macrophage‐ and neutrophil‐derived EVs correlated well with the histologic NAS. Conclusion: Circulating cell‐type‐specific EVs may be a novel biomarker for NASH diagnosis and longitudinal follow up.
Abortion among adolescents in Africa: A review of practices, consequences, and control strategies
Authors: Atuhaire Shallon
Published: July 2019

Background

Developing countries register 98% of unsafe abortion annually, 41% of which occur among women aged between 15 and 25 years. Additionally, 70% of hospitalizations due to unsafe abortion are among girls below 20 years of age.

Purpose

This study unveils abortion practices in Africa, its consequences, and control strategies among adolescents.

Methods

Online databases that provided relevant information on the topic were searched. A Google Scholar search yielded 623 000 results, PubMed yielded 1134 results, African Journals Online yielded 110 results, and PsycINFO yielded eight results. A total of 25 studies published from 2000 to 2018 that met the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) standard were thematically reviewed.

Findings

These studies indicated that abortion is a neglected problem in health care in developing countries, and yet decreasingly safe abortion practices dominate those settings. Adolescents who have unintended pregnancies may resort to unsafe abortion practices due to socio‐economic factors and the cultural implications of being pregnant before marriage and the legal status of abortion. Adolescents clandestinely use self‐prescribed drugs or beverages, insert sharps in the genitals, and most often consult traditional service providers. Abortion results in morbidities such as sepsis, severe anaemia, disabilities, and, in some instances, infertility and death. Such events can be controlled by the widening availability of and accessibility to contraceptives among adolescents, advocacy, and comprehensive sexuality education and counselling.

Conclusion

Adolescents are more likely to use clandestine methods of abortion whose consequences are devastating, lifelong, or even fatal. Awareness and utilization of youth‐friendly services would minimize the problem.
I am therefore I own: Implications of organization‐based identity for employee stock ownership
Authors: Paterson Ted A. , Welbourne Theresa M.
Published: July 2019

Most research on employee stock plan participation investigates the effects of such forms of ownership on employee attitudes, leaving our understanding of the individual differences that contribute to employee ownership largely unknown. Drawing from the consumer behavior literature, our study explores the effect of organization‐based identity on the decision to participate in an employee stock purchase plan. The study was conducted in a newly public firm where we examine the effect of organization‐based identity on the purchase decision in two time periods. The first point in time was the initial public offering (IPO), when the employee has little information on how the firm's stock will perform in the market. The second point in time was the first quarter following the IPO, when employees have market data to help them with decision‐making. Results indicate that, as predicted, organization‐based identity is associated with participation in an employee stock purchase plan, at both points in time, above and beyond the influence of several economic and psychological predictors reported in prior studies.
Human papillomavirus‐related anogenital premalignancies and cancer in renal transplant recipients: A Danish nationwide, registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Reinholdt Kristian , Thomsen Louise T. , Dehlendorff Christian , Larsen Helle K. , Sørensen Søren S. , Hædersdal Merete , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: July 2019

In this registry‐based cohort study, we estimated the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related anogenital premalignancies and cancer in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) compared to a nontransplanted comparison cohort. We identified all first‐time RTRs in Denmark during 1990–2015 in a nationwide nephrology register. For each RTR, we randomly selected 50 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐RTRs from the background population. The study population was followed for diagnoses of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2–3 (IN2/3) and cancer for up to 27 years. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) of anogenital IN2/3 and cancer in RTRs vs. non‐RTRs by Cox regression separately for men and women using age as underlying timescale, adjusting for income, education, HPV vaccination and immunocompromising conditions. We included 4,261 RTRs and 213,673 non‐RTRs. RTRs had increased hazard of cervical (HR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.7–2.8), vaginal (HR = 35.0, 95% CI: 13.9–87.7), vulvar (HR = 16.4, 95% CI: 10.4–25.8), penile (HR = 21.9, 95% CI: 11.1–43.5) and anal (women: HR = 51.1, 95% CI: 28.0–93.1; men: HR = 39.0, 95% CI: 16.7–91.1) IN2/3. The HRs of anogenital cancers were also increased at most sites. The HR of anogenital IN2/3 in female RTRs tended to be higher during graft function than during dialysis. In female RTRs aged <40 years at transplantation, 10–15% had cervical IN2/3 and 5–12% had vaginal/vulvar/anal IN2/3 within 20 years after transplantation, compared to 4–8 and 0.2–0.4%, respectively, of female non‐RTRs. In conclusion, RTRs had substantially higher risk of HPV‐related anogenital premalignancies and cancer than non‐RTRs.
Changes in colorectal cancer screening use after introduction of alternative screening offer in Germany: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Guo Feng , Chen Chen , Schöttker Ben , Holleczek Bernd , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: July 2019

In October 2002, screening colonoscopy was added to the German colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program as an alternative to fecal occult blood test (FOBT). We aimed to evaluate the change in CRC screening use after introduction of the dual screening offer and to assess determinants of screening use. Data were drawn from a population‐based cohort study initiated during 2000–2002 in Germany (n = 5,845, age range at recruitment: 50–75 years). We conducted both cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses to obtain uptake rates of CRC screening based on four waves of data. Age‐group specific proportions of participants having had FOBT within 2 years remained essentially unchanged at 61–67% between 2000 and 2002 (1st wave) and 2005–2007 (3rd wave). The proportions of participants having undergone screening colonoscopy within 10 years increased from 23–29% to 46–57%, leading to a substantial overall increase in being up‐to‐date with CRC screening from 66–68% to 77–80%. In 2008–2010 (4th wave), FOBT use declined and colonoscopy use continued to increase. Obesity was significantly associated with lower prevalence of being up‐to‐date with FOBT (odds ratio [OR] at 8‐year follow‐up 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58–0.80) and screening colonoscopy (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62–0.86). Also, smokers were less likely to have ever used FOBT (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40–0.75) or colonoscopy (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63–0.90) compared to nonsmokers. After the introduction of dual screening offer, the overall adherence to CRC screening steeply increased, mainly due to an increase in screening colonoscopy uptake. Screening tests kept being underused by obese people and smokers who are at elevated CRC risk.
Dieckol inhibits non‐small–cell lung cancer cell proliferation and migration by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Chun‐Hong , Li Xiao‐Feng , Jin Li‐Fang , Zhao Yan , Zhu Geng‐Jun , Shen Wei‐Zhang
Published: July 2019

Non‐small–cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent type of lung cancers with an increased mortality rate in both developed and developing countries worldwide. Dieckol is one such polyphenolic drug extracted from brown algae which has proven antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. In the present study, we evaluated the anticancer property of dieckol against NSCLC cell line A549. The LC50 value of dieckol was found to be 25 µg/mL by performing 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the antiapoptotic property of dieckol was analyzed by dual staining technique with acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) stains. It was further confirmed with flow cytometry analysis with Annexin FITC and JC‐1 staining and the anti‐invasive property was assessed by Transwell assay. The molecular mechanism of dieckol anticancer activity was confirmed by estimating the levels of caspases and by estimating the signaling proteins of Pi3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway using the immunoblotting technique. Our data suggest that dieckol is potent anticancer agent, it effectively inhibits the invasive and migratory property A549 cells and it also induces apoptosis via inhibiting Pi3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, activating the tumor suppressor protein E‐cadherin signifying that dieckol is potent natural anticancer drug to treat NSCLC.
A critical look on CRISPR‐based genome editing in plants
Authors: Ahmad Niaz , Rahman Mehboob‐ur , Mukhtar Zahid , Zafar Yusuf , Zhang Baohong
Published: July 2019

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐based genome editing, derived from prokaryotic immunity system, is rapidly emerging as an alternative platform for introducing targeted alterations in genomes. The CRISPR‐based tools have been deployed for several other applications including gene expression studies, detection of mutation patterns in genomes, epigenetic regulation, chromatin imaging, etc. Unlike the traditional genetic engineering approaches, it is simple, cost‐effective, and highly specific in inducing genetic variations. Despite its popularity, the technology has limitations such as off‐targets, low mutagenesis efficiency, and its dependency on in‐vitro regeneration protocols for the recovery of stable plant lines. Several other issues such as persisted CRISPR activity in subsequent generations, the potential for transferring to its wild type population, the risk of reversion of edited version to its original phenotype particularly in cross‐pollinated plant species when released into the environment and the scarcity of validated targets have been overlooked. This article briefly highlights these undermined aspects, which may challenge the wider applications of this platform for improving crop genetics.
The (not very) typical protonymphons of Pycnogonum litorale
Authors: Alexeeva Nina , Tamberg Yuta , Shunatova Natalia
Published: July 2019

Sea spiders are unique and poorly known marine chelicerates. Their larvae are even less studied, especially at the ultrastructural level. Here, we examined the hatchlings of Pycnogonum litorale (Strøm, 1,762) using histology, SEM and TEM. Existing classifications place these larvae among “typical” protonymphons, together with Nymphon brevirostre. Our results, however, revealed major differences between the two species. Hatchlings of P. litorale are endotrophic for 1–2 weeks, with yolk deposits in the body wall and a reduced secretory apparatus. They lack a body cavity, demonstrate an unusual modification of the midgut sheath cells and a complex subesophageal ganglion, which includes neuromeres of the prospective walking legs 1. These larvae also possess well‐developed glia and complex sensory structures: eyes, V‐shaped mechanoreceptive bristles, integrated chemo‐ and mechanoreceptors, and three types of concealed mechanoreceptors embedded into the body wall and only seen on the sections. In this paper we also propose a new interpretation of the pycnogonid larval types: we present a set of traits useful for diagnosis and a preliminary classification. Finally, we discuss the complexity of glial types in sea spiders and other arthropods.
Improving the adoption of an electronic clinical decision support tool and evaluating its effect on venous thromboembolism prophylaxis prescribing at a Sydney tertiary teaching hospital
Authors: Soo Garry C. , Wong Doo Nicole C. , Burrows Judith , Ritchie Angus , Zhang Jan , Burke Rosemary
Published: July 2019

Background

An electronic venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis clinical decision support (CDS) tool was implemented in an electronic medication management system at an Australian tertiary teaching hospital. The VTE CDS had not been clinically validated nor widely adopted.

Aim

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the VTE CDS for improving risk‐appropriate prescribing of VTE prophylaxis, a peer‐to‐peer strategy for improving adoption of the VTE CDS and the effects of the strategy on VTE risk assessment documentation, risk‐appropriate prophylaxis prescribing rate and user acceptability of the VTE CDS.

Methods

Nominated junior medical officers were trained to educate and promote the use of the VTE CDS to target colleagues over 6 weeks. Pre‐ and postintervention audits of VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis prescribing were conducted. A user acceptance survey was distributed.

Results

Analysis of pre‐ and postintervention audit data (n = 198 for each) revealed no significant differences in rates of VTE CDS adoption or risk‐appropriate VTE prophylaxis prescribed. More patients had risk‐appropriate prophylaxis prescribed when the VTE CDS was used (90%; 63/70) than when it was not used (71.5% (233/326); p = 0.001). Documented evidence of VTE risk assessment increased significantly from 51.5% (102/198) to 68.2% (135/198) following the intervention (p < 0.001). Most survey responses were favourable towards VTE CDS usability despite limitations.

Conclusion

Peer‐to‐peer promotion was unsuccessful in improving VTE CDS adoption in this study. Findings suggest VTE CDS use is associated with more appropriate VTE prophylaxis prescribing decisions and may improve risk assessment documentation. Future studies should examine strategies to sustainably improve adoption of VTE CDS and patient outcomes.
Hospice utilization among Medicare beneficiaries dying from pancreatic cancer
Authors: Paredes Anghela Z. , Hyer J. Madison , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Mehta Rittal , Sahara Kota , White Susan , Dillhoff Mary E. , Ejaz Aslam , Cloyd Jordan M. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Use of hospice services among patients with pancreatic cancer following pancreatic resection remains unknown.

Methods

Patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent resection were identified in the Medicare Standard Analytic Files. Outcomes included overall hospice use, early hospice enrollment (≥4 weeks before death), late hospice enrollment (initiation within 3 days of death), and Medicare expenditures.

Results

Among the 4369 deceased individuals, three‐fourths of patients (n = 3252, 74.4%) used hospice at the time of death. Patients who did not use hospice were more likely to be male, have a complication on index admission and receive life sustaining treatments on subsequent admissions (P < .05). Only one‐third (32.2%) of patients initiated hospice services early. Medicare expenditure during the last month of life was $10 000 lower among patients who initialized hospice services at least 1 month before death versus within 3 days of death (late: $10 581 [$5454‐$17 200], early: $221 [$46‐$733]; P < .001)

Conclusion

While three‐fourths of patients utilized hospice services after pancreatic resection, only one‐third of patients initiated hospice services at least one‐month before death. Late hospice use was associated with higher Medicare expenditures during the last month of life. Further research is needed to understand barriers to early hospice utilization.
Gender as Potential Moderator of Associations Among Trauma Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, and Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms in Young Adults
Authors: Bremer‐Landau Jodi D. , Caskie Grace I. L.
Published: July 2019

Traumatic events (TEs), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms can significantly impair functioning, yet little is known about whether associations among these variables differ between men and women within young adult samples. The current study conducted a path analysis of archival, longitudinal data from the Drug Use Trajectories: Ethnic/Racial Comparisons 1998–2002 (DUT) study (Turner, 2011) to examine gender differences as a possible moderator of the relations between TEs, PTSD symptoms, and AUD symptoms among 1,076 young adults (aged 18–23 years) residing in South Florida. The sample included 580 male (53.9%) and 496 female (46.1%) participants, whose ethnicity was self‐reported as African American (n = 280, 26.0%), non‐Hispanic White (n = 268, 24.9%), other Hispanic (n = 267, 24.8%), and Cuban (n = 261, 24.3%). Significant positive associations were found between TEs and PTSD symptoms, βs = .08–.30; PTSD and AUD symptoms, βs = .09 – .10; PTSD symptoms over time, β = .52; and AUD symptoms over time, β = .46. In addition, for male but not female participants, a higher frequency of PTSD symptoms at Wave I was related to more AUD symptoms at Wave II, β = .09. Findings build upon existing research to further elucidate the role of gender as a potential moderator of the associations among TEs, PTSD symptoms, and AUD symptoms for young adults and provide important implications for future research and clinical practice, including informing mental health prevention and treatment efforts.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Outcomes for Patients Outside the U.S. FDA Recommendations
Authors: Sarber Kathleen M. , Chang Katherine W. , Ishman Stacey L. , Epperson Madison V. , Dhanda Patil Reena
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HGNS) is currently approved for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of >15 to ≤65 events/hour, and a central apnea index (CAI) <25% of the AHI, no complete concentric collapse on drug‐induced sleep endoscopy, and a recommended body mass index (BMI) <32 kg/m2. We present 18 patients implanted as a salvage procedure despite being outside these guidelines.

Methods

We included all patients who underwent HGNS but who did not meet all FDA guidelines. Demographic data, previous OSA treatments, polysomnographic (PSG) parameters from baseline and HGNS titration PSG, Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), and BMI were compared before and after surgery.

Results

Eighteen patients were identified: 94.4% male, median age 63 years. Seven underwent previous sleep surgery. Four had an AHI <15 (mean 10.5 events/hour), four had an AHI >65 (mean 86.9 events/hour), two had an elevated CAI (mean 31.3% of AHI), and 12 had a BMI >32 kg/m2 (range 32.1–39.1). Median AHI decreased from 25.3 to 3.75 events/hour on titration polysomnography (P = .0006), oxyhemoglobin saturation nadir increased from 82% to 88.5% (P = .0001) and median ESS dropped from 11 to 7.5 (P = .0016). Fifteen (83.3%) patients achieved surgical success (decrease in AHI >50% and AHI <20 events/hour) and 12 (66.7%) had an AHI <5 events/hour. Neither patient with CAI >25% was successfully treated. Median adherence = 33.5 hours/week.

Conclusion

Our success rate for patients outside the Food and Drug Administration guidelines for HGNS (67%) was similar to the 1‐year STAR trial results (66%). Future studies are necessary to consider expansion of these guidelines.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:866–872, 2020
Oceanographic and sedimentological influences on carbonate geochemistry and mineralogy in hypersaline coastal lagoons, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
Authors: Nascimento Gabriela S. , Eglinton Timothy I. , Haghipour Negar , Albuquerque Ana Luiza , Bahniuk Anelize , McKenzie Judith A. , Vasconcelos Crisogono
Published: July 2019

The Região dos Lagos situated along the coast east of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is dominated by a semiarid microclimate attributed to the occurrence of oceanographic upwelling at nearby Cabo Frio. The upwelling is strongly associated with the dominance of NE winds during austral spring/summer and the directional change of the shoreline orientation. Some coastal hypersaline lagoons from this region have been studied intensively over the last 25 yr because they represent relatively rare sites of modern primary dolomite precipitation. Comparison of environmental signals in three lagoons indicates that during the last ~ 3.0 kyr, changes in oceanographic parameters may have influenced biogeochemical processes associated with the production of carbonate‐bearing sediments. The timing of a decrease in sea level may have influenced a period of more intense upwelling, which coincides with precipitation of stoichiometric dolomite at ~ 2.3 kyr BP in the lagoons located along the coast directly west of Cabo Frio. The dolomite found in the lower sections of cores from Lagoa Vermelha and Brejo do Espinho contains more positive δ18O values, indicating greater evaporation with a period of increased semiarid conditions corresponding to greater terrestrial input. The lower δ13C values indicate re‐equilibration with the input of new carbonate ions derived from the decomposition of organic matter during dolomite formation. In contrast, the sediment core from Lagoa Salgada, located northeast of Cabo Frio, contains no dolomite, and very positive δ13C values recorded in carbonate sediments are attributed to microbially mediated methanogenesis, whereas δ18O values remain relatively constant throughout the core at around zero.
Controlled Thermoreversible Formation of Supramolecular Hydrogels Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Natural Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Euti Esteban M. , Wolfel Alexis , Picchio Matías L. , Romero Marcelo R. , Martinelli Marisa , Minari Roque J. , Igarzabal Cecilia I. Alvarez
Published: July 2019

Supramolecular hydrogels have promising applications in a wide variety of fields including 3D bioprinting, sensors and actuators, biomedicine, and controlled drug delivery. This communication reports the facile reversible thermotriggered formation of novel pH‐responsive supramolecular hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) bonded via dynamic H‐bridge with small phenolic biomolecules. PVA and phenolic compounds form a clear solution when they are physically mixed in water at high temperature, but a fast gelation is produced at room temperature through multiple strong H‐bonding interactions. The structure and type of functional groups of different phenolic molecules allow preparing hydrogels with tailor‐made viscoelastic properties, controlled low phase transition temperature, and pH‐dependent swelling behavior. This combination makes these supramolecular networks very interesting candidates to be used in 3D bioprinting and topical drug delivery of thermolabile biomolecules.
Characterization of temperature‐dependent hemin uptake receptors HupA and HvtA in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Datta Shreya , Kenton Ryan J.
Published: July 2019

The Gram‐negative pathogen Vibrio vulnificus produces several iron‐sequestration systems including a hemin uptake system in response to iron limitation as a means to acquire this essential element. Strains of this organism are capable of causing serious septicemia in humans and eels, where hemin is abundant and an advantageous source of iron. Vibrio vulnificus hemin uptake systems consist of HupA, a well studied outer membrane protein, and a recently identified HvtA protein receptor. In this study, we confirmed that the expression of the hvtA gene is iron‐regulated in a fur‐dependent manner. When analyzed for virulence in a hemin‐overloaded murine model system, the hupA gene was more important for establishing infection than the hvtA gene. Transcriptional profiling of these genes using strains of two different biotypes, biotype 1 (human pathogen) and biotype 2 (eel pathogen), showed that the expression of the two receptors was also regulated in response to temperature. The expression of hupA was highly induced in elevated temperatures in the human pathogenic strain when tested in iron‐depleted conditions. Conversely, hvtA expression was induced significantly in the eel pathogenic strain at a lower temperature, a condition where the hupA locus was relatively repressed. Our results indicate that although both hupA and hvtA are involved for optimal hemin uptake in V. vulnificus, their expression is dually regulated by the environmental cues of iron concentration and temperature. Together, these data suggest that the virulence genes hupA and hvtA are tightly regulated and strictly induced during iron limitation combined with the physiological temperature of the host organism.
Somatic mosaicism in adult‐onset TNF receptor‐associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS)
Authors: Kontzias Apostolos , Zarabi Samaneh K. , Calabrese Cassandra , Wang Yan , Judis LuAnn , Yao QingPing , Cheng Yu‐Wei
Published: July 2019

Background

Somatic mosaicism is to date an uncommon finding in genetic autoinflammatory syndromes such as Cryopyrin‐associated periodic syndrome, Blau syndrome, and TNF receptor‐associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). However, somatic mosaicism may be particularly important in adult‐onset or atypical phenotypes of these conditions. Herein, we report a unique adult‐onset TRAPS patient presenting with intermittent daily fever for 3 weeks, rash, peritonitis, and lymphadenopathy, who was found with hematopoietic mosaicism involving different white blood cell populations.

Methods

Patient's lymphocyte genomic DNA was initially analyzed by periodic fever seven‐gene next‐generation sequencing panel. Genomic DNAs extracted from patient's hair roots, buccal swab, and subpopulations of white blood cells were subsequently examined on the identified TNFRSF1A variant using Sanger sequencing.

Results

A de novo mosaic missense variant, c.265 T>C(p.Phe89Leu), in the TNFRSF1A gene was found in the patient's buccal swab, B cells, neutrophils, and NK cells but not detected in monocytes, T cells, and hair roots.

Conclusion

These data provide additional information about somatic mosaicism in autoinflammatory conditions and provide new insights regarding cellular players that are indispensable for the phenotypic expression of TRAPS.
An ultra‐wideband linear‐to‐circular polarization converter in reflection mode at terahertz frequencies
Authors: Li Sijie , Zhang Xiangjun
Published: July 2019

A new approach to designing wideband wide‐angle ultrathin linear‐to‐circular (LTC) polarization converter is presented. The metasurface is composed of a symmetric hexagonal structure formed by parallel metal slits printed on a grounded dielectric substrate, which has a pair of independent mutually perpendicular u and v axes, along ±45° directions with respect to the y‐axis direction. Numerical simulation results show that the LTC metasurface can convert a linear polarization incidence wave into a circular polarization reflected wave. The bandwidth of axis ratio less than 3 dB is 2.24 THz, which is from 2.37 THz to 4.61 THz, and the fractional bandwidth is 64% under normal incidence. Meanwhile, the unit cell of the LTC metasurface is low profile (0.35λ0 × 0.35λ0 × 0.118λ0) and compact. The polarization conversion efficiency can be maintained at over 85% at an angle of incidence up to 40°. Therefore, the proposed converter is useful for the development of the integrated THz polarization manipulation devices.
Analytical study of ground responses induced by the excavation of quasirectangular tunnels at shallow depths
Authors: Zeng Guangshang , Wang Huaning , Jiang Mingjing
Published: July 2019

The construction of quasirectangular tunnels at shallow depths is becoming increasingly common in urban areas to efficiently utilize underground space and reduce the need for backfilling. To clarify the mechanical mechanism of the stresses and displacements around the tunnels, this study proposes analytical solutions that precisely account for quasirectangular tunnel shapes, the ground surface, the tunnel depth, and the ground's elastic/viscoelastic properties. The Schwarz alternating method combined with complex variable theory is employed to derive the elastic solution, and convergent and highly accurate solutions are obtained by superposing the solutions in the alternating iterations. Based on the solution and the extended corresponding principle for the viscoelastic problem, the time‐dependent analytical solutions for the displacement are obtained for the ground assuming any viscoelastic model. The analytical solutions agree well with the finite element method (FEM) numerical results for models that are completely consistent, and qualitatively agree with field data. Furthermore, based on the stress solution combined with the Mohr‐Coulomb failure criterion, the predicted initial plastic zone and propagation directions around the tunnels are qualitatively consistent with those determined by the limit analysis. A parametric study is performed to investigate the influences of the rectangular/quasirectangular tunnel shape, burial depth, and supporting pressure on the ground stresses and displacements.
Medium‐term outcome of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy using polivinylidene fluoride as compared to a hybrid polyglecaprone and polypropylene mesh: A matched control study
Authors: Callewaert Geertje , Housmans Susanne , Cattani Laura , Pacquée Stefaan , D'Hoore André , Wyndaele Jan , Van der Aa Frank , Deprest Jan
Published: July 2019

Aim

To compare 2‐year outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) either with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or hybrid polypropylene containing a resorbable polyglecaprone (PP+ PG) mesh.

Materials and methods

Retrospective audit on 105 consecutive patients undergoing LSCP a with PVDF‐mesh (DynaMesh, FEG Textiltechniken), matched by prolapse stage and cervicopexy or vault suspension to 105 controls undergoing LSCP with a hybrid PP + PG‐mesh (Ultrapro, Ethicon). Patients are part of an ongoing prospective study. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Global Impression of Change score (PGIC), the coprimary variable was failure rate at the vault (≤1 cm). Other outcomes were intraoperative and postoperative complications within 3 months categorized by the Clavien‐Dindo classification, reinterventions, graft‐related complications (GRCs) and functional outcomes. All assessments were performed by an independent assessor. Data are reported as median (interquartile range) number and percent as appropriate, the Mann‐Whitney U, χ2, or Fisher exact were used for comparison.

Results

Patient satisfaction in the PVDF group, as measured with the PGIC, was high (90.9% PGIC, ≥4) as well as was the anatomical success (97.3%) at a follow‐up of 26 months. These outcomes were comparable to those of PP + PG‐patients (84.8% PGIC, ≥4; 94.9% anatomical success). There were five patients (2.4%) with Dindo‐III or higher complications and three patients had GRCs (1.5%), without differences between mesh type. Level‐II posterior defects (Bp ≥ −1) were less likely in PVDF patients (34.1% vs 50% for PP + PG‐patients; P = .003). Women in the PVDF group also were less bothered by prolapse (7.5% vs 26.4%; P = .001), yet they complained more of constipation (15.0% vs 9.0%; P = .01).

Conclusion

There were no differences in patient satisfaction and anatomical outcomes after LSCP either with PVDF or PP + PG mesh.
Low‐order locking‐free mixed finite element formulation with approximation of the minors of the deformation gradient
Authors: Kraus Alex , Wriggers Peter , Viebahn Nils , Schröder Jörg
Published: July 2019

In this work, a low‐order mixed finite element formulation for three‐dimensional nonlinear elastic problems is presented. The main goal of this paper is to develop a robust and efficient element formulation to overcome locking arising in the cases of hyperelastic bending, quasi‐incompressibility, and anisotropy. For this, a low‐order discretisation of a five‐field Hu‐Washizu functional written in terms of the minors of the Cauchy‐Green tensor is used. For the tested boundary value problems, the proposed element formulation is more accurate and computational efficient than comparable element formulations.