bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking versus quitting and fear of cancer recurrence 9 years after diagnosis in the American Cancer Society's Longitudinal Study of Cancer Survivors‐I (SCS‐I)
Authors: Westmaas J. Lee , Thewes Belinda , Séguin Leclair Caroline , Lebel Sophie
Published: August 2019

Background

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) adversely affects quality of life. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of recurrence and may exacerbate FCR among survivors who smoke. FCR also may motivate quitting, but research on whether quitting reduces long‐term survivors' FCR is lacking. Among long‐term survivors of various cancers, the authors investigated relationships between quitting (vs smoking) and FCR, controlling for sociodemographic, cancer‐related, and health‐related variables.

Methods

Data from the American Cancer Society's Longitudinal Study of Cancer Survivors‐I were used in generalized estimating equations to compare FCR at 3 waves (T1‐T3) after diagnosis between 2 groups; survivors who reported current smoking (n = 196) approximately 9 years after diagnosis (at T3) or who, based on T3 recall of quitting age, had quit smoking after diagnosis (n = 97). T3 cross‐sectional analyses among current smokers examined associations of FCR with smoking level and intentions of quitting.

Results

A significant smoking status × time interaction (P = .003) indicated that only quitters experienced decreases in FCR from T1 to T3 (P = .007). At T3, FCR was significantly lower among quitters than among current smokers (P = .05), and current smokers reported that FCR caused more functioning impairments (eg, disruption of relationships, everyday activities, mood) than quitters (P = .001). Cross‐sectional analyses (T3) among smokers found that heavier smoking predicted less attempts to cope with FCR (P = .04) and that reassurance behaviors (eg, self‐examination for cancer) predicted stronger quitting intentions (P = .02).

Conclusions

Quitting smoking lowers FCR, and FCR may disrupt functioning among continuing smokers. Interventions for FCR should be multimodal and should treat both psychological distress and health‐related behaviors such as smoking.
Cervical high‐risk human papillomavirus infection among women residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Prevalence, type‐specific distribution, and correlation with cervical cytology
Authors: Ali Mohamed A. M. , Bedair Rania N. , Abd El Atti Rasha M.
Published: August 2019

Background

The scarcity of updated data on the prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries hampers the establishment of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination programs. The current study estimated the prevalence of cervical high‐risk (HR) HPV infection among women residing in some countries of the GCC and analyzed the correlation between HR‐HPV infection types and cytology results.

Methods

In total, 2478 women residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain were enrolled in this study. Cervical specimens were subjected to simultaneous liquid‐based cytology and HR‐HPV DNA analysis.

Results

Of 2478 women, 520 (21%) tested positive for HR‐HPV. Other non‐HPV genotype 16 (HPV16)/HPV18 HR‐HPV was the most frequently detected infection type, accounting for 63.7%. Non‐Arab women had a significantly higher HR‐HPV positivity rate compared with Arab women (31.6% vs 16.4%; P < .001). The HR‐HPV positivity rate was highest among women residing in Qatar (31.3%), followed by women living in Bahrain (20%), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (17.2%), and the United Arab Emirates (14.7%). The overall prevalence of HR‐HPV infections declined significantly with advancing age (P < .001). Women with abnormal cytology had a significantly higher HR‐HPV positivity rate than those with normal cytology (50.6% vs 14.7%; P < .001). The HR‐HPV positivity rate increased as the severity of the cytological lesion increased.

Conclusions

The current study provides updated data on HR‐HPV prevalence in the GCC countries and delivers an evidence base for supporting the introduction of regional/national vaccination and screening programs in these countries.
Competition between Singlet Fission and Spin‐Orbit‐Induced Intersystem Crossing in Anthanthrene and Anthanthrone Derivatives
Authors: Jue Bae Youn , Krzyaniak Matthew D. , Majewski Marek B. , Desroches Maude , Morin Jean‐François , Wu Yi‐Lin , Wasielewski Michael R.
Published: August 2019

Singlet and triplet excited‐state dynamics of anthanthrene and anthanthrone derivatives in solution are studied. Triisopropylsilyl‐ (TIPS) or H‐terminated ethynyl groups are used to tune the singlet and triplet energies to enable their potential applications in singlet fission and triplet fusion processes. Time‐resolved optical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies are used to obtain a mechanistic understanding of triplet formation. The anthanthrene derivatives form triplet states efficiently at a rate (ca. 107 s−1) comparable to radiative singlet fluorescence processes with approximately 30 % triplet yields, despite their large S1‐T1 energy gap (>1 eV) and the lack of carbonyl groups. In contrast, anthanthrone has a higher triplet yield (50±10 %) with a faster intersystem crossing rate (2.7
108 s−1) because of the n‐π* character of the S1←S0 transition. Analysis of time‐resolved spin‐polarized EPR spectra of these compounds reveals that the triplet states are primarily generated by the spin‐orbit‐induced intersystem crossing mechanism. However, at high concentrations, the EPR spectrum of the 4,6,10,14‐tetrakis(TIPS‐ethynyl)anthanthrene triplet state shows a significant contribution from a non‐Boltzmann population of the ms=0 spin sublevel, which is characteristic of triplet formation by singlet fission.
An Analysis on Commercial Screening Kits and Chemical Components in Biomacromolecular Crystallization Screening
Authors: Qin Wei , Xie Si‐Xiao , Zhang Jie , Zhao Dong , He Chun‐Xia , Li Hui‐Jin , Xing Lu , Li Peng‐Quan , Jin Xi , Yin Da‐Chuan , Cao Hui‐Ling
Published: August 2019

Obtaining diffraction‐quality crystals is still a bottleneck for biomacromolecular structure determination using X‐ray diffraction. In practice, the bottleneck mainly comprises two aspects: difficulties in screening and in optimization, and both of them need screening kits. The paper aims at an investigation of the chemical components employed in 86 common commercial screening kits, and comparison with those in the Biological Macromolecules Crystallization Database (BMCD). First, the 86 screening kits are systematically analyzed in terms of design methods, classification, applicable scope, and manufacturing company. Second, the chemical components applied in these screening kits are investigated in detail in terms of the classification and utilization frequency, which are compared with those in BMCD. Third, four main chemical reagents of screening kits including salts, buffers, precipitants, and additives are analyzed in detail. The top ten utilized chemical components are listed. Last, the paper summarizes new progress and further innovation in crystallization condition screening practice and screening kits design. The analysis result would be a valuable reference for rational selection and design of screening kits, and even for personalized screening of a target biomacromolecule, which would provide new ideas to solve the bottleneck problem of biomacromolecular structure determination.
Bio‐derived Carbon Nanofibres from Lignin as High‐Performance Li‐Ion Anode Materials
Authors: Culebras Mario , Geaney Hugh , Beaucamp Anne , Upadhyaya Prathviraj , Dalton Eric , Ryan Kevin M. , Collins Maurice N.
Published: August 2019

Development of cost‐effective and increasingly efficient sustainable materials for energy‐storage devices, such Li‐ion batteries, is of crucial future importance. Herein, the preparation of carbon nanofibres from biopolymer blends of lignin (byproduct from the paper and pulp industry) and polylactic acid (PLA) or a thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethane (TPU) is described. SEM analysis shows the evolving microstructural morphology after each processing step (electrospinning, stabilisation and carbonisation). Importantly, it is possible to tailor the nanofibre porosity by utilising miscibility/immiscibility rules between lignin and the polymer additive (PLA/TPU). PLA blends (immiscible) generate porous structures whereas miscible lignin/TPU blends are solid when carbonised. Electrodes produced from 50 % PLA blends have capacity values of 611 mAh g−1 after 500 charge/discharge cycles, the highest reported to date for sustainable electrodes for Li‐ion batteries. Thus, this work will promote the development of lignocellulose waste materials as high‐performance energy‐storage materials.
Altitudinal biodiversity patterns of seed plants along Gongga Mountain in the southeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zu Kuiling , Luo Ao , Shrestha Nawal , Liu Bo , Wang Zhiheng , Zhu Xiangyun
Published: August 2019

The mechanisms underlying elevation patterns in species and phylogenetic diversity remain a central issue in ecology and are vital for effective biodiversity conservation in the mountains. Gongga Mountain, located in the southeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, represents one of the longest elevational gradients (ca. 6,500 m, from ca. 1,000 to 7,556 m) in the world for studying species diversity patterns. However, the elevational gradient and conservation of plant species diversity and phylogenetic diversity in this mountain remain poorly studied. Here, we compiled the elevational distributions of 2,667 native seed plant species occurring in Gongga Mountain, and estimated the species diversity, phylogenetic diversity, species density, and phylogenetic relatedness across ten elevation belts and five vegetation zones. The results indicated that species diversity and phylogenetic diversity of all seed plants showed a hump‐shaped pattern, peaking at 1,800–2,200 m. Species diversity was significantly correlated with phylogenetic diversity and species density. The floras in temperate coniferous broad‐leaved mixed forests, subalpine coniferous forests, and alpine shrublands and meadows were significantly phylogenetically clustered, whereas the floras in evergreen broad‐leaved forests had phylogenetically random structure. Both climate and human pressure had strong correlation with species diversity, phylogenetic diversity, and phylogenetic structure of seed plants. Our results suggest that the evergreen broad‐leaved forests and coniferous broad‐leaved mixed forests at low to mid elevations deserve more conservation efforts. This study improves our understanding on the elevational gradients of species and phylogenetic diversity and their determinants and provides support for improvement of seed plant conservation in Gongga Mountain.
Tuning the Crystal Structure of A2CoPO4F (A = Li, Na) Fluoride‐Phosphates: A New Layered Polymorph of LiNaCoPO4F
Authors: Fedotov Stanislav S. , Aksyonov Dmitry A. , Samarin Aleksandr Sh. , Karakulina Olesia M. , Hadermann Joke , Stevenson Keith J. , Khasanova Nellie R. , Abakumov Artem M. , Antipov Evgeny V.
Published: August 2019

Co‐containing fluoride‐phosphates are of interest in sense of delivering high electrode potentials and attractive specific energy values as positive electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. In this paper we report on a new Co‐based fluoride‐phosphate, LiNaCoPO4F, with a layered structure (2D), which was Rietveld‐refined based on X‐ray powder diffraction data [P21/c, a = 6.83881(4) Å, b = 11.23323(5) Å, c = 5.07654(2) Å, β = 90.3517(5) °, V = 389.982(3) Å3] and validated by electron diffraction and high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed that 2D‐LiNaCoPO4F forms in a narrow temperature range of 520–530 °C and irreversibly converts to the known 3D‐LiNaCoPO4F modification (Pnma) above 530 °C. The non‐carbon‐coated 2D‐LiNaCoPO4F shows reversible electrochemical activity in Li‐ion cell in the potential range of 3.0–4.9 V vs. Li/Li+ with an average potential of ≈ 4.5 V and in Na‐ion cell in the range of 3.0–4.5 V vs. Na/Na+ exhibiting a plateau profile centered around 4.2 V, in agreement with the calculated potentials by density functional theory. The energy barriers for both Li+ and Na+ migration in 2D‐LiNaCoPO4F amount to 0.15 eV along the [001] direction rendering 2D‐LiNaCoPO4F as a viable electrode material for high‐power Li‐ and Na‐ion rechargeable batteries. The discovery and stabilization of the 2D‐LiNaCoPO4F polymorph indicates that temperature influence on the synthesis of A2MPO4F fluoride‐phosphates needs more careful examination with perspective to unveil new structures.
Redox Denaturation of Proteins: Electrochemical Treatment of Egg Plasma
Authors: Taniguchi Daisuke , Handa Akihiro , Kodama Risa , Okada Yohei , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: August 2019

Although acid/base reactions are used widely to denature proteins during food processing, the application of reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions are relatively rare in this field. Herein, we demonstrate a “redox denaturation” of proteins, using egg plasma as a model. Electrochemical treatment of egg plasma in the presence of iodide ion (I−) selectively induced intramolecular disulfide bond formations, resulting in a different type of denaturation than that achieved via heat treatment. The reaction mechanism was examined through electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry. Although the involvement of hypervalent iodine (“I+”) cannot be ruled out, molecular iodine (I2) generated at the surface of anode is the most likely oxidizing agent that formed the disulfide bonds. We believe that the redox denaturation of proteins described herein would be a promising approach in food processing and can find practical applications in this field.
Linear Driving Force Approximations as Predictive Models for Reactive Sorption
Authors: Azzam Sara , Simonetti Dante A.
Published: August 2019

Herein, the utilization of linear driving‐force approximations as predictive models for hydrogen sulfide removal on a commercial copper‐based sorbent is assessed. Sorption experiments are carried out in a fixed‐bed reactor at different flow conditions, temperatures, total pressures, and inlet hydrogen sulfide concentrations. For large pellet sizes (≥800 μm), quasi‐chemical linear driving‐force approximations, that are first order in both bulk gas‐phase concentration and solid‐phase capacity, effectively model contaminant breakthrough curves. Experimentally determined rate parameters (10.7 ± 0.7 s−1 and 6.5 ± 0.5 s−1 for 800 and 1000 μm‐sized particles, respectively) reflect those determined from pore diffusion within pellets. For small pellet sizes (≤212 μm), linear driving‐force approximations, that are zero order in bulk gas‐phase concentration but first order in solid‐phase capacity, model contaminant breakthrough curves; and rate parameters reflect reaction and diffusion at reactive interfaces rather than bulk or pore diffusion. These studies demonstrate that linear driving‐force approximations can model experimentally determined trace hydrogen sulfide removal parameters. Alternatively, under conditions where bulk and/or pore diffusions are limiting, the rate parameters can be calculated from known engineering theories (e.g., the Chapman–Enskog relation or the Wilke–Chang correlation).
Enhancing thermochemical energy storage density of magnesium‐manganese oxides
Authors: King Keith , Randhir Kelvin , Petrasch Joerg , Klausner James
Published: August 2019

Three approaches for enhancing the energy density of magnesium‐manganese oxide porous reactive materials for thermochemical energy storage (TCES) are investigated: adjusting the mole ratio, lowering the oxygen partial pressure during thermal reduction, and transition metal oxide doping. The manganese‐to‐magnesium molar ratios are varied to determine the composition yielding maximal energy density. The increase in energy density by lowering the oxygen partial pressure during the reduction step is also studied. Volumetric oxygen exchange capacities are measured for every case considered. Finally, the effects of doping magnesium‐manganese oxide with cobalt oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and nickel oxide on the TCES properties are examined. We found the optimal Mn/Mg ratio for maximum volumetric energy density is in the vicinity of 1/1, achieving 1813 ± 175, 2178 ± 204, and 2323 ± 281 MJ m−3 for oxygen partial pressures of 0.2, 0.05, and 0.01 atm during thermal reduction, respectively; lowering the oxygen partial pressure below atmospheric during thermal reduction enhances oxygen exchange capacities and improves the energy density between 10%‐42% and 24%‐55% for oxygen partial pressures of 0.05 and 0.01 atm, respectively, with the greatest increases observed for high manganese content samples; and, doped samples exhibit reduced oxygen exchange and questionable reactive stability, thus appearing to reduce energy density.
Comparison of three different lipid removal cleanup techniques prior to the analysis of sulfonamide drug residues in porcine tissues
Authors: Wang Jie , Hu Qiuhui , Li Peng , Fang Yong , Yang Wenjian , Ma Ning , Pei Fei
Published: August 2019

A number of 17 sulfonamides (SNs) determination in porcine tissues using two new materials including Enhanced Matrix Removal for Lipid (EMR‐L) and Oasis PRiME hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance (HLB), and the conventional liquid–liquid extraction with n‐hexane (LLE) sample preparation methods were evaluated and compared. Samples were extracted uniformly with acidified acetonitrile and cleaned up by the three sample preparation methods, and then, analytes were further separated by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and detected by a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS) or a quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (Q‐TOF/MS). The results showed that the matrix effects from the EMR‐L and HLB were significantly lower than that from LLE, suggesting that these two new materials are superior to n‐hexane in the precipitation of proteins and the adsorption of lipids. Moreover, the recoveries of 17 SNs were quantified by the matrix‐matched calibration curve at spiked level of 5, 10, and 20 μg/kg, and 97.0% of the results satisfied method validation requirements. The samples cleaned up by EMR‐L and HLB achieved the highest average recovery in liver and kidney with high moisture content, and muscle which is high in fat, respectively. In addition, Q‐TOF/MS could play a good role in aided verification based on the result of repeated validation test. In summary, either combination of approaches could be used to achieve monitoring purposes; it is still worthwhile to adopt a specific sample preparation method and MS detector for the quantification in a specific matrix.
Influence of Manually Adjustable Photovoltaic Array on the Performance of Water Pumping Systems
Authors: Singh Vinamrita
Published: August 2019

This work presents a theoretical procedure to calculate various parameters needed for the installation of a photovoltaic water pump (PVWP) system. Specifically, the monthly optimum tilt angle of PV arrays is calculated, which will allow larger quantities of water to be pumped each month. For this, a simple performance optimization procedure is developed using solar radiation data. The investigations are based on the solar radiation data of New Delhi, India. The total amount of water pumped is compared with that by keeping the solar panels fixed throughout the year. The total amount of water that can be extracted by using manually adjustable arrays is found to be greater by 3–5%. This may be an alternative to an automatic sun tracker, which is not only expensive but also requires more space and maintenance. This method allows for analyzing the performance of low‐cost water pumping systems that may be used for both domestic and irrigation purposes.
Ergebnisse eines Ringversuchs zur DGGT‐Empfehlung Nr. 23: Cerchar‐Versuch
Authors: Lange Tristan , Plinninger Ralf J. , Henk Andreas
Published: August 2019

Spätestens seit Referenzierung in den Allgemeinen Technischen Vertragsbedingungen der VOB/C ist der Cerchar‐Abrasivitätsversuch in Deutschland als Standardverfahren zur Beschreibung der Abrasivität von Festgesteinen anzusehen. Der Versuch wird üblicherweise auf Basis der in 2016 veröffentlichten Empfehlung Nr. 23 des Arbeitskreises 3.3 „Versuchstechnik Fels“ der DGGT ausgeführt. Um die praktische Anwendbarkeit und den Wert dieser Empfehlung für eine einheitliche Versuchsdurchführung zu überprüfen, wurde im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit an der TU Darmstadt ein Cerchar‐Ringversuch mit 17 felsmechanischen Laboren aus Deutschland und Österreich organisiert und als Präzisionsversuch nach DIN ISO 5725 ausgewertet. Es zeigt sich, dass der Cerchar‐Versuch nach DGGT‐Empfehlung Nr. 23 als grundsätzlich geeignetes Mittel zur Einschätzung der Abrasivität von Festgestein betrachtet werden kann. Bei der Interpretation der Ergebnisse sollte jedoch stets die Streuung der Messwerte berücksichtigt werden, die in erheblichem Maße von der Zusammensetzung und dem Gefüge des geprüften Gesteins abhängig ist. Diese Streuung lässt sich mithilfe der Ergebnisse des Cerchar‐Ringversuchs erstmals quantitativ abschätzen. Darüber hinaus können Empfehlungen zur weiteren Optimierung des Versuchsablaufs abgeleitet werden.
Evaluation of the efficacy of lipotransfer to manage radiation‐induced fibrosis and volume defects in head and neck oncology
Authors: Griffin Michelle F. , Drago Jelovac , Almadori Aurora , Kalavrezos Nicholas , Butler Peter E.
Published: August 2019

Background

Multimodality treatment for head and neck cancer leads to substantial functional and esthetic impairment mainly manifested as radiation‐induced skin fibrosis (RIF) in combination with volumetric defects and reduction in neck mobility. This study assessed the impact of lipotransfer as part of secondary surgical procedure(s) in patients treated for head and neck malignancies.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed between 2005 and 2016. All patients with a history of head and neck malignancy, multimodal treatment including at least surgery or radiotherapy, and at least 2‐year disease‐free survival were included. Thirty‐eight patients (22 men, 16 women) matched the inclusion criteria.

Results

Thirty seven (97%) reported esthetic and functional improvements in their RIF and volumetric defect at follow‐up of 32 months. Major improvement in esthetic and functional outcome was reported by 24 (63%) patients and surgeons and minor by 13 patients and surgeons (34%) without causing any complications. Lipotransfer was also found to significantly improve patient's psychological health postoperatively as showed by significant improvements in Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS24), Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36), and University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW‐QOL V4) scores (P < .001).

Conclusions

Lipotransfer is effective for volume restoration and treating scar and RIF from head and neck defects.
HIV/AIDS‐related stigma, immediate families, and proactive coping processes among a clinical sample of people living with HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Authors: Meanley Steven , Yehia Baligh R. , Hines Janet , Thomas Rosemary , Calder Daniel , Carter Bryce , Dubé Benoit , Bauermeister José A.
Published: August 2019

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) engage in proactive coping behaviors to minimize the risk of interpersonal stigma. This study explores proactive coping processes in navigating HIV/AIDS‐related stigma within immediate families. Data for this study come from 19 one‐on‐one, qualitative interviews with a diverse, clinical sample of PLWHA in Philadelphia, PA. Thematic analysis indicated that participants continue to experience enacted, anticipated, and internalized forms of HIV/AIDS‐related stigma. Participants discussed status concealment and selective disclosure as proactive coping resulting from anticipated stigma and physical distancing as proactive coping motivated by internalized HIV/AIDS‐related stigma. Study findings demonstrate how living with a stigmatized condition can affect PLWHA social interactions with close networks like immediate families, specifically in eliciting stigma‐avoidant behaviors. Anti‐stigma efforts that educate immediate families to overcome stigmatizing attitudes and provide HIV‐positive family members with high‐quality social support should be coupled with efforts that target health‐promotive self‐management strategies for PLWHA.
miR‐222 inhibits cardiac fibrosis in diabetic mice heart via regulating Wnt/β‐catenin‐mediated endothelium to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wang Zhongmin , Gao Lu , Xiao Lili , Yao Rui , Du Binbin , Li Yapeng , Wu Leiming , Liang Cui , Huang Zhen , Li Pengcheng , Zhang Yanzhou
Published: August 2019

miR‐222 participates in many cardiovascular diseases, but its effect on cardiac remodeling induced by diabetes is unclear. This study evaluated the functional role of miR‐222 in cardiac fibrosis in diabetic mice. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to establish a type 1 diabetic mouse model. After 10 weeks of STZ injection, mice were intravenously injected with Ad‐miR‐222 to induce the overexpression of miR‐222. miR‐222 overexpression reduced cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in diabetic mice. Mechanistically, miR‐222 inhibited the endothelium to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in diabetic mouse hearts. Mouse heart fibroblasts and endothelial cells were isolated and cultured with high glucose (HG). An miR‐222 mimic did not affect HG‐induced fibroblast activation and function but did suppress the HG‐induced EndMT process. The antagonism of miR‐222 by antagomir inhibited HG‐induced EndMT. miR‐222 regulated the promoter region of β‐catenin, thus negatively regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which was confirmed by β‐catenin siRNA. Taken together, our results indicated that miR‐222 inhibited cardiac fibrosis in diabetic mice via negatively regulating Wnt/β‐catenin‐mediated EndMT.
A trade‐off model for immunocompetence: The potential contribution of immunological regulation in invasive vertebrate success
Authors: Poirier Marie‐Véronique
Published: August 2019

Invasive species have become a prolific environmental issue, second only to climate change, yet many of the phenomena that facilitate invasive success are not well understood (Phillip & Shine, Proc. Roy. Soc. B, 273, 1545‐1550). The combination of several generalist life‐history traits, certain physiological mechanisms, and environmental conditions is thought to play a significant role in invasion success. The ability to undergo fitness trade‐offs—to reallocate nutritional and energetic resources towards processes that increase reproduction, growth, and dispersal—is also thought to be an adaptive quality of many invasive species. Due to their inherent flexibility, phenotypically plastic traits in particular are often targeted for fitness reallocations. Immune function, for example, is determined by a highly plastic phenotype, which is crucial for combating a diverse array of pathogens. When active, immune function also demands extensive resources from the host. Laboratory and field studies suggest that certain aspects of the immune system are more costly than others, though, and that its components can be regulated independent of one another. In invasive species undergoing fitness trade‐offs, costly innate inflammatory responses are often downregulated, while antibody‐mediated responses may be enhanced. A combination of fixed physiological responses and environmentally induced trade‐offs are thought to regulate the immune system, though the relationship between these facets of regulation is still an area of active research. The field of ecoimmunology, then, has emerged in effort to understand the phenomena by which individual immune regulation can drive (and be driven by) species‐level ecology and evolution, and therefore be linked to invasive success (Downs et al., 2014. Integr. Compar. Biol., 54, 340–352).
Molecular characterization of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates collected in the 2015‐2016 season and comparison of HA mutations detected in Turkey since 2009
Authors: Guldemir Dilek , Coskun‐Ari Fatma Filiz , Altas Ayse Basak , Bakkaloglu Zekiye , Unaldi Ozlem , Bayraktar Fatma , Korukluoglu Gulay , Aktas Ali Riza , Durmaz Riza
Published: August 2019

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic virus causing the 2009 global outbreak moved into the post‐pandemic period, but its variants continued to be the prevailing subtype in the 2015‐2016 influenza season in Europe and Asia. To determine the molecular characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates circulating during the 2015‐2016 season in Turkey, we identified mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) genes and investigated the presence of H275Y alteration in the neuraminidase genes in the randomly selected isolates. The comparison of the HA nucleotide sequences revealed a very high homology (>99.5%) among the studied influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates, while a relatively low homology (96.6%‐97.2%), was observed between Turkish isolates and the A/California/07/2009 vaccine virus. Overall 14 common mutations were detected in HA sequences of all 2015‐2016 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates with respect to the A/California/07/2009 virus, four of which located in three different antigenic sites. Eleven rare mutations in 12 HA sequences were also detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all characterized influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates formed a single genetic cluster, belonging to the genetic subclade 6B.1, defined by HA amino acid substitutions S84N, S162N, and I216T. Furthermore, all isolates showed an oseltamivir‐sensitive genotype, suggesting that Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) could still be the drug of choice in Turkey.
Extreme precipitation events under climate change in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Cardoso Pereira Susana , Marta‐Almeida Martinho , Carvalho Ana C. , Rocha Alfredo
Published: August 2019

Precipitation is one of the most important atmospheric variables to assess, particularly in the context of climate change. This study evaluates future changes in precipitation over the Iberian Peninsula (IP) under the RCP8.5 scenario. Changes are assessed for two future climate periods namely (2046–2065) and (2081–2100), relative to a recent reference climate (1986–2005). Here we introduce the concept of precipitation episodes (PEs) and estimate their statistical properties for the present climate and, their changes for future climate scenarios. PEs are defined by considering a full range of durations as well as intensities. This constitutes a novel approach to estimate changes with relevance, for example, for water resources applications. The climate simulations are performed with the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. These are compared with an ensemble of other similar simulations from the Coordinated Downscaling Experiment initiative. This was done to evaluate the performance of the WRF model and also to estimate uncertainty of the derived future projections. Since models may present systematic errors, results from all simulations were previously bias corrected relative to observations using the same quantile mapping method. Under climate change, a great part of the region is expected to experience reduced annual precipitation of approximately 20–40% and reaching 80% in summer by the end of the XXI century. For the PEs, a large reduction in the average number of days and duration of all types of PEs is expected across all seasons and regions. The average intensity of episodes is projected to increase in winter and spring and decrease in summer. These results imply that climate change will likely influence precipitation and precipitation extremes in the 21st century, mostly in southern areas. These, together with projected warming may amplify desertification already taking place in the southern regions of the IP and cause stresses to water resources.
Joining of blanks by cold pressure welding: Incremental rolling and strategies for surface activation and heat treatment
Authors: Schmidt H.C. , Homberg W. , Orive A.G. , Grundmeier G. , Duderija B. , Hordych I. , Herbst S. , Nürnberger F. , Maier H.J.
Published: August 2019

The cold pressure welding of metals is a joining by forming technique capable of joining both similar and dissimilar metals in their solid state. In this article collective research on the cold pressure welding of metals with the aim of increasing both the overall weld strength and the weld‐ability is presented. The application of innovative strategies based on electrochemical methods for an optimized conditioning of metal surfaces is investigated. The results account for a noticeable increase in the weld strength of steel‐aluminum joints after a surface activation consisting of either an electrochemical roughening or electrodeposition of a bifunctional organosilane thin film. In addition to the surface activation process regimes for the pre‐ and post‐welding heat treatment is investigated. Both weld strength and weld ability are improved due to heat treatments of steel sheets with various coatings and uncoated aluminium. The cold pressure welding is hereby done by incremental rolling, a new design process that allows for the manufacture of linear and curved joints between sheet metal blanks.
Numerical simulation of periodic cracking mechanism in microscopic surface films during roll bonding processes
Authors: Khaledi K. , Brepols T. , Reese S.
Published: August 2019

The microscopic surface films existing on the top of metallic layers play an important role in the process of joining by plastic deformation. The bond formation during cold welding processes is basically associated with the fracturing of surface films to produce intimate metallic contacts. The present paper aims at providing a numerical model to describe the cracking pattern of brittle surface films bonded to the ductile substrates. A microscale finite element model is developed which takes into account the fracturing mechanisms of thin surface films in roll bonding processes. The presented model is calibrated by using the existing experimental data for an aluminum alloy covered by a thin layer of oxide film. The model is also validated against a well‐known analytical model for periodic cracking. The distribution of stresses within the fractured surface film demonstrates that the generated cracks in the surface film have essentially a periodic pattern. Moreover, it is shown that the crack spacing is highly dependent on the properties of the surface film. Finally, the obtained results for the roll bonding show that a crack density saturation takes place at the entry of the roll bite where a small surface expansion is applied to the rolled samples.
Simulation‐aided development of a robust thermoclinching joining process for hybrid structures with textile reinforced thermoplastic composites and metallic components
Authors: Gude M. , Vogel C. , Gröger B.
Published: August 2019

In order to take advantage of the specific structural and functional properties inside a multi‐material assembly, it is necessary to provide adapted joining technologies. Therefore, the new joining technology “thermoclinching” was developed to join endless fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites and metallic joining partners. Previous experimental and numerical studies demonstrated the potential of the novel joining technology. In experimental and numerical studies essential geometrical and material parameters influencing the forming behavior are identified and evaluated. Thereby, the inline‐thermoclinching technology is developed by integrating the pre‐processed steps of cutting and heating into the actual joining process. For structural analysis of the joining zone as well as for quality analysis and validation of the process simulations computer tomography (CT) is used. Furthermore, experimental characterizations of the failure behavior of thermoclinched joints and the development of simulation models as well as strategies for numerical strength analyses are carried out.
The Phenotypic Variation of a Parkin‐Related Parkinson's Disease Family and the Role of Heterozygosity
Authors: Stark Robert S. , Walch Julia , Kägi Georg
Published: August 2019

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with both sporadic occurrence and Mendelian heredity, as it is true for autosomal recessive parkin‐related PD (PARK‐parkin). Parkin‐related PD is characterized by early onset, slow progression, frequent lower limb dystonia, and a robust response to levodopa. Clinicians are increasingly confronted with heterozygous PD patients mimicking dominant inheritance. Nevertheless, the exact clinical implications of heterozygosity are not fully understood.

Cases

We present an illustrative PARK‐parkin family with 2 affected sisters (compound heterozygous) and their father (heterozygous). One sister expresses the classical phenotype, whereas the other has isolated jerky tremor. The father has left‐sided action tremor of the hand with some dystonic posturing without clear bradykinesia and normal DaTSCAN.

Conclusion

This case series illustrates the phenotypic variability in parkin‐related PD with 1 classical phenotype and 1 patient with isolated jerky tremor. Unilateral hand tremor of the heterozygous father could mislead genetic testing by mimicking dominant inheritance.
Interleukin 10 gene polymorphisms and frailty syndrome in elderly Mexican people: (Sadem study)
Authors: Juárez‐Cedillo Teresa , Vargas‐Alarcón Gilberto , Martínez‐Rodríguez Nancy , Juárez‐Cedillo Enrique , Fragoso José Manuel , Escobedo‐de‐la‐Peña Jorge
Published: August 2019

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome, characterized by a loss in functional reserve with an increase in morbidity and mortality. There are no reports that link the genetic polymorphisms between interleukin 10 (IL10) and frailty; for this reason, our objective was used to analyze the role of the polymorphisms of IL10 (rs1800896, rs1800871) in the susceptibility to frailty in a Mexican population. Our study included 984 participants divided into 368 nonfrail, 309 prefrail, and 307 frail. The models for the polymorphisms rs1800896 and rs1800871 were recessive models in association with frailty (OR = 2.3, CI 95% = 1.6–3.2; OR = 1.53, CI 95% = 1.0–2.6), respectively. Two risk haplotypes were identified: ACG and CCG (p < .0001), and three protective haplotypes were identified: ACA, ATG, and ATA (p < .05). This study evaluated the relationship between IL10 and the three subtypes of this geriatric syndrome (frail, prefrail, and nonfrail). These results support a greater susceptibility to frailty for the minor alleles of rs1800871 and rs1800896. In addition, we found two risk haplotypes supporting the participation of the IL10 in the susceptibility for frailty in the Mexican population.
Equine chorionic gonadotropin drives the transcriptional profile of immature cumulus‐oocyte complexes and in vitro‐produced blastocysts of superstimulated Nelore cows
Authors: Franchi Fernanda Fagali , Satrapa Rafael Augusto , Fontes Patrícia Kubo , Santos Priscila Helena , Razza Eduardo Montanari , Emanuelli Isabele Picada , Ereno Ronaldo Luiz , Mareco Edson Assunção , Nogueira Marcelo Fábio Gouveia , Barros Ciro Moraes , de Souza Castilho Anthony César
Published: August 2019

Studies have shown that the use of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), which binds both follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors, could modify the female reproductive tract. We, thus, aimed to quantify the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of genes related to cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) and embryo quality in Nelore cows (Bos taurus indicus) submitted to ovarian superstimulation using only FSH (FSH group;n = 10) or replacement of the last two doses of FSH by eCG (FSH/eCG group;n = 10). All animals were slaughtered and the ovarian antral follicles from both groups (10–14 mm in diameter) were aspirated for cumulus, oocyte and in vitro embryo production gene expression analysis. The relative mRNA abundance of 96 genes related to COCs development and embryo quality was measured by RT‐qPCR. We found that oocytes are more affected by eCG use and that 35 genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, transcriptional control, and cellular development were upregulated in the FSH/eCG group. In blastocysts, lipid metabolism seems to be the main pathway regulated by eCG use. We suggest that these multiple effects could be due to the ability of eCG to bind LHR and FSHR, which could activate multiple signal transduction pathways in the superstimulated ovary, further impacting the transcriptional profile of COCs and blastocysts.
Parallel transmission to reduce absorbed power around deep brain stimulation devices in MRI: Impact of number and arrangement of transmit channels
Authors: Guerin Bastien , Angelone Leonardo M. , Dougherty Darin , Wald Lawrence L.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To assess the mean and variance performance of parallel transmission (pTx) coils for reduction of the absorbed power around electrodes (APAE) in patients implanted with deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices.

Methods

We simulated 4 pTx coils (8 and 16 channels, head and body coils) and a birdcage body coil. We characterized the RF safety risk using the APAE, which is the integral of the deposited power (in Watts) in a small cylindrical volume of brain tissue surrounding the electrode tips. We assessed the APAE mean and variance by simulation of 5 realistic DBS patient models that include the full DBS implant length, extracranial loops, and implanted pulse generator.

Results

PTx coils with 8 (16) channels were able to reduce the APAE by >18× (>169×) compared to the birdcage coil in average for all patient models, at no cost in term of flip angle uniformity or global specific absorption rate (SAR). Moreover, local pTx coils performed significantly better than body arrays.

Conclusion

PTx is a possible solution to the problem of RF heating of DBS patients when performing MRI, but the large interpatient variability of the APAE indicates that patient‐specific safety monitoring may be needed.
Feasibility of an intervention for men on androgen deprivation therapy: A research protocol
Authors: Manson Alana , Myers Jamie , Billinger Sandra , Ward Jaimie , Parker William , Hamilton‐Reeves Jill , Michel Carrie , Maliski Sally L.
Published: August 2019

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a treatment used across the prostate cancer disease spectrum and works by suppressing testicular androgen production to castrate levels. Although ADT can provide survival benefits, it is also associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, increased visceral fat mass, dyslipidemia, decreased arterial compliance, and diminished health‐related quality of life. The Staying Strong And Healthy protocol is a telephone‐delivered intervention led by a nurse coordinator to minimize the increased cardiovascular and metabolic risks associated with ADT. This study will evaluate the feasibility of the protocol and provides the foundation for future behavioral interventions across diverse populations of men on ADT.
Babes, bones, and isotopes: A stable isotope investigation on nonadults from Aventicum, Roman Switzerland (first–third century CE)
Authors: Bourbou Chryssi , Arenz Gabriele , Dasen Véronique , Lösch Sandra
Published: August 2019

The study of infant feeding practices in archaeological populations can aid in the understanding of cultural attitudes towards dietary choices and how specific circumstances experienced by mothers and their offspring influence childhood health and survivorship. Breastfeeding and weaning patterns have received increased interest in Roman bioarchaeology, especially through the application of stable isotopic investigation of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) values. This study presents the stable isotopic results of the first Roman bone sample analysed from Switzerland (30 nonadults and nine females), allowing us an unprecedented insight into health and diet at the site of Aventicum/Avenches, the capital city of the territory of Helvetii in Roman times (first–third century AD). The fact that the majority of the nonadult samples subject to stable isotope analysis were perinates highlights the complex relationship between their δ15N and δ13C values and those of adult females, as different factors, including variation of fetal and maternal stable isotope values, the possible effects of intrauterine growth, and maternal/fetal disease and/or nutritional stress (e.g., nutritional deficiencies such as scurvy, parasitic infections, such as malaria), could have influenced the observed elevated δ15N values.
Synthesis of organic‐inorganic hybrid nanocomposites based on the acrylate monomers and investigation of scratch resistance of these nanocomposites
Authors: Bagheri Shokufeh , Kalantari Maryam , Fozooni Samieh , Hashemipour Rafsanjani Hassan
Published: August 2019

Organic‐inorganic hybrid nanocomposites can be used as polymer coatings in order to improve their scratch resistance. These nanocomposites consist of a polymer matrix that provides flexibility and lightweight, and inorganic nanoparticles that are responsible for high thermal stability and improving scratch resistance. In this study, the polymer matrix, methyl methacrylate‐butyl acrylate (MMA‐BA) copolymer, was synthesized by conventional emulsion polymerization. To get the highest conversion percentage of the copolymer, various parameters, including reaction temperature, weight ratio of monomers, mechanical stirrer speed, type and amount of initiator, total amounts, and weight ratio of emulsifiers were investigated. For the synthesis of nanocomposites, nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, iron oxide, silver sulfide, and modified and unmodified nanosilica were added to the copolymer with the highest conversion percentage. According to the data, the best conditions for the synthesis of a copolymer with the highest conversion percentage were as follows: weight ratio of MMA:BA = 60:40 with a total amount of 10 g monomers, mechanical stirrer speed of 250 rpm, thermal initiator water‐soluble ammonium persulfate with amount of 0.12 g, emulsifiers such as sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X‐100 with a weight ratio of 1:3 and a total value of 1 g, and the reaction temperature of 80°C. According to the results of thermal gravimetric analysis, the samples with the highest thermal stability were selected for nanoscratch test. Nanoscratch test results suggested that Ag2S nanocomposite including 0.03 g AgNO3and 0.0072 g thiourea had the highest scratch resistance with the lowest coefficient friction (0.48) and the lowest coefficient scratch (0.113 μN–1/2). Chemical structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphology of synthesized Ag2S nanocomposite was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses.