bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro RNA‐4651 Serves as a Potential Biomarker for Prognosis When Selecting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients for Postoperative Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy
Authors: Zhang Tian‐Qi , Su Qun‐Qing , Huang Xiao‐Ying , Yao Jin‐Guang , Wang Chao , Xia Qiang , Long Xi‐Dai , Ma Yun
Published: September 2018

Our previous reports have shown that microRNA‐4651 is a potential early diagnostic and prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to investigate whether microRNA‐4651 modified postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (pa‐TACE) to improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. A hospital‐based retrospective study, including 302 patients with advanced‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma who received tumor resection or tumor resection plus pa‐TACE as an initial therapy, was conducted to assess the effects of microRNA‐4651 on pa‐TACE treatment. MicroRNA‐4651 expression in tumor tissues was tested using the TaqMan‐PCR technique. The sensitivity of tumor cells to doxorubicin (an anticancer drug used in pa‐TACE procedure) was analyzed by the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Upregulated microRNA‐4651 expression in tumor tissues can improve the therapeutic response of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on pa‐TACE (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] = 0.32 [0.22‐0.46] for death risk and 0.39 [0.28‐0.56] for tumor‐recurrence risk, respectively), but downregulated expression cannot. Functional analyses–displayed microRNA‐4651 mimics decreased while its inhibitor increased the IC50 of tumor cells to doxorubicin (0.65 [0.61‐0.69] versus 2.17 [1.98‐2.37] µM). Cytochrome P450 2W1 was shown as a possible target of microRNA‐4651. Additionally, dysregulation of microRNA‐4651 also affected the clinical pathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma and was an independent prognostic factor for this cancer. Conclusion: These results indicate that increasing microRNA‐4651 expression may be beneficial for pa‐TACE in improving hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis.
H19 Is Expressed in Hybrid Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α+ Periportal Hepatocytes but Not Cytokeratin 19+ Cholangiocytes in Cholestatic Livers
Authors: Jiang YanChao , Huang Yi , Cai ShiYing , Song YongFeng , Boyer James L. , Zhang KeZhong , Gao Ling , Zhao JiaJun , Huang WenDong , Liang Guang , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Wang Li
Published: September 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is abundantly expressed in fetal liver. Its expression is significantly diminished in adult healthy liver but is re‐induced in chronic liver diseases, including cholestasis. In this study, we developed a new method with combined
in situ
hybridization (ISH) and immunofluorescence (IF) colabeling to establish an H19 expression profile with both parenchymal and nonparenchymal cell‐specific markers in the livers of cholestatic mouse models and patients with cholestasis. H19RNA+ cells showed no colocalization with biliary epithelial cell marker cytokeratin 19 (CK19)+ cholangiocytes but were immediately adjacent to biliary structures in bile duct ligation (BDL), 3,5‐diethoxycarbony1‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC), and multidrug‐resistant gene 2 knockout (
Mdr2

–/–

) mouse models and in human primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) liver specimens. In contrast, double‐positive H19RNA+/sex‐determining region Y (SRY)‐box 9 (SOX9)+ ductal progenitor cells, H19RNA+/hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)+ hepatocytes, H19RNA+/F4/80+ Kupffer cells, HNF4α+/SOX9+ hybrid hepatocytes, as well as triple‐positive
H19
RNA+/HNF4α+/SOX9+ periportal hepatocytes were identified. In addition,
H19
RNA could not be detected in mesenchymal cell marker desmin+ cells. Furthermore,
H19
RNA was predominately detected in cytoplasm with a small amount at the interspace with neighboring cells.
Conclusion:

H19RNA is localized in HNF4α+ periportal hepatocytes, SOX9+ ductal progenitor cells, and F4/80+ Kupffer cells but not in CK19+ cholangiocytes and desmin+ stellate cells in cholestatic livers.
How important are fixed effects and time trends in estimating returns to schooling? Evidence from a replication of Jacobson, Lalonde, and Sullivan, 2005
Authors: Dynarski Susan , Jacob Brian , Kreisman Daniel
Published: September 2018

A substantial and rapidly growing literature has developed around estimating earnings gains from 2‐year college degrees using administrative data. These papers almost universally employ a person‐level fixed‐effects strategy to estimate earnings premia net of fixed attributes. We note that the seminal piece on which these papers build—Jacobson, Lalonde, & Sullivan, Journal of Econometrics, 2005, 125(1–2), 271–304—provides theoretical and empirical evidence for the importance of additionally differencing out individual time trends. The subsequent literature has not followed suit. Through replication we ask whether this matters. We show that it does, and further that these person‐level time trends need not be computationally burdensome in large administrative data. We recommend them as a unifying econometric standard for future work.
Chinese Women in Both the United States and Hong Kong Have Cortical Microstructural Advantages and More Trabecular Plates Compared With White Women
Authors: Sum Melissa , Zhu Tracy Y , Zhou Bin , Zhang Zhendong , Bilezikian John P , Guo X Edward , Qin Ling , Walker Marcella
Published: September 2018

We cross‐sectionally compared racial differences in bone quality between Chinese women in the United States (US) and Hong Kong (HK) with white women. A total of 514 women were included. We measured bone geometry, mass, microstructure, and stiffness by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT), individual trabecula segmentation (ITS), and microfinite element analysis (μFEA). After adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI), premenopausal Chinese women in the US and HK had smaller bone area but greater radial cortical (Ct.) thickness and Ct. and trabecular (Tb.) volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) versus white women but did not differ from each other. At the radius, Tb. number was lower and spacing greater in Chinese women from HK and the US versus white women, whereas Chinese women did not differ from each other. Tb. thickness was highest in Chinese women from HK, intermediate in Chinese‐Americans, and lowest in white women. Chinese women had more trabecular plates versus white women, leading to greater age‐ and BMI‐adjusted stiffness for premenopausal Chinese women in HK and the US (both p < 0.05) versus white women. Tibial differences were similar in premenopausal women; analogous trends in microstructure were present in postmenopausal women at the tibia, although stiffness did not differ. In contrast, at the radius, cortical, plate‐to‐rod ratio, and stiffness were similar between postmenopausal HK and white women. Adjusting for age, weight, and height rather than age and BMI tended to reduce differences in bone size and Tb. parameters but accentuate cortical differences such that Chinese premenopausal women in both locations and postmenopausal women from HK had higher stiffness at both skeletal sites compared with white women. Compared with white women, Chinese women in the US and HK have vBMD and microstructural advantages leading to higher or similar mechanical competence in pre‐ and postmenopausal women, respectively, despite smaller bone size. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Long noncoding RNA PAGBC contributes to nitric oxide (NO) production by sponging miR‐511 in airway hyperresponsiveness upon intubation
Authors: Li Ling‐Xia , Li Yuan‐Jun , He Jia‐Xuan
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives

In this study, we aimed to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the symptoms of hyperresponsiveness during intubation.

Method

The value of circulating long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)‐prognosis‐associated gallbladder cancer (PAGBC) in the prediction of hyperresponsiveness upon intubation during general anesthesia was evaluated via the receiver operating characteristic analyses of serum miR‐511, serum PAGBC, and serum nitric oxide (NO). In addition, the possible association between lncRNA‐PAGBC/NOS1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and miR‐511 was further validated via real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry assay, computational analysis, and luciferase assay. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis were also conducted to establish the regulatory relationship among PAGBC, miR‐511, and NO synthase 1 (NOS1).

Results

Compared with circulating miR‐511 and serum NO, circulating PAGBC was associated with a higher predictive value. In addition, a negative correlation was found between serum miR‐511 and serum PAGBC (multicorrelation coefficient: −0.5) as well as between serum miR‐511 and serum NO (multicorrelation coefficient: −0.6). In addition, both lncRNA‐PAGBC and NO were decreased in patients with hyperresponsiveness, whereas the levels of miR‐511 and NOS1 in these patients were similar to those in normal patients. Furthermore, our computational analyses and luciferase assays validated the direct binding between miR‐511 and lncRNA‐PAGBC, whereas NOS1 mRNA was identified as a virtual target gene of miR‐511. Moreover, in the presence of lncRNA‐PAGBC, we also observed an evident increase in the levels of NOS1 and NO accompanied by an obvious decrease of miR‐511 expression.

Conclusion

LncRNA‐PAGBC downregulated the expression of miR‐511, which in turn upregulated the expression of NOS1 mRNA and led to the increase in NOS1 expression, thus leading to the inhibited responsiveness (normal‐responsiveness rather than hyperresponsiveness) to intubation in patients.
The association of hemocyte profile and obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Fan Zeqin , Lu Xiaoxia , Long Hong , Li Taoping , Zhang Yanhong
Published: September 2018

Background

The hemocyte profile is one of the most frequently requested clinical laboratory tests. However, the analysis of blood cell indexes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients in previous studies was not comprehensive. And, this study aimed to fully analyze the blood routine in OSA patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 1087 male patients, who were admitted to the sleep center of Nanfang Hospital from May 2013 to February 2018. According to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), patients were divided into four groups: control group (AHI < 5, n = 135), mild OSA (5 ≦ AHI < 15, n = 185), moderate OSA (15 ≦ AHI < 30, n = 171), and severe OSA (AHI ≧ 30, n = 596). Data collected included sleep parameters, complete blood routine, body mass index (BMI), age, and comorbidities.

Results

In our study, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, MPV, and PDW‐SD were statistically significant among the four groups based on AHI (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were found in MCV, RDW‐SD, N/L, and P/L ratio (P > 0.05). Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and MPV were significantly correlated with AHI. Moreover, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that hematocrit (β = 73.254, P = 0.001), neutrophils (β = 1.414, P = 0.012), and lymphocytes (β = 4.228, P < 0.001) were independently associated with AHI.

Conclusion

Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and hematocrit were independently associated with OSA severity. And combining these three blood cell indicators could contribute to the diagnosis of OSA.
Innovative Study Designs Optimizing Clinical Pharmacology Research in Infants and Children
Authors: Balevic Stephen J. , Cohen‐Wolkowiez Michael
Published: September 2018

Almost half of recent pediatric trials failed to achieve labeling indications, in large part because of inadequate study design. Therefore, innovative study methods are crucial to optimizing trial design while also reducing the potential harms inherent with drug investigation. Several methods exist to optimize the amount of pharmacokinetic data collected from the smallest possible volume and with the fewest number of procedures, including the use of opportunistic and sparse sampling, alternative and noninvasive matrices, and microvolume assays. In addition, large research networks using master protocols promote collaboration, reduce regulatory burden, and increase trial efficiency for both early‐ and late‐phase trials. Large pragmatic trials that leverage electronic health records can capitalize on central management strategies to reduce costs, enroll patients with rare diseases on a large scale, and augment study generalizability. Further, trial efficiency and safety can be optimized through Bayesian adaptive techniques that permit planned protocol changes based on analyses of prior and accumulated data. In addition to these trial design features, advances in modeling and simulation have paved the way for systems‐based and physiologically based models that individualize pediatric dosing recommendations and support drug approval. Last, given the low prevalence of many pediatric diseases, collecting deidentified genetic and clinical data on a large scale is a potentially transformative way to augment clinical pharmacology research in children.
Adverse Drug Reactions Across the Age Continuum: Epidemiology, Diagnostic Challenges, Prevention, and Treatments
Authors: Rieder Michael
Published: September 2018

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common and important complications of drug therapy for children. The risk for ADRs changes over childhood, as do the nature and types of ADRs. Importantly, the risk and nature of ADRs in children are markedly different from those of adults, and adult data cannot be relied on to guide safe drug therapy in children. There are groups of children, notably those with complex and chronic diseases, who are at substantial risk for ADRs. The evaluation of an undesired effect during therapy is ideally accomplished by an organized approach that is a skill that clinicians who care for children—especially those children at high risk for ADRs must have. Additionally, clinicians as well as drug regulatory agencies and industry need to be both vigilant and astute as well as aware that ADRs in children are often different in nature and frequency from those in adults. The increasing use of pharmacogenomics to guide drug dosing and the increasing number of biological agents will provide new sets of challenges to clinicians over the next decade.
Ultrasound‐assisted fractionation of dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) at mild temperature for co‐production of xylan and protein feed
Authors: Gu Hanqi , Zhu Yuyong , Li Jie , Peng Yanfang , Huang Jinglu , Bi Chunpu
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound‐assisted fractionation of DDGS under mild conditions was proposed for extracting xylan from dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) and recovering protein‐rich DDGS residue as animal feed. The composition and properties of xylan fractions and the DDGS residue obtained by ultrasound‐assisted extraction and those by a conventional method of alkaline extraction without ultrasound‐assistance were compared.

RESULTS

Compared with the result for the conventional method, a similar xylan yield of 73.8% in the extracted liquid, but higher protein content of 26.2% in the DDGS residue were obtained by the ultrasound‐assisted process with NaOH at ultrasound power of 900W and 30 °C for 20 min. The ultrasound‐assisted process has a significant impact on the sugar composition and polysaccharide side chain and polymerization degree of the xylan fractions. The DDGS residue produced by the ultrasound‐assisted process had a fine porous structure as well as greater protein and essential amino acid content. The enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in DDGS residue reached 70% in the initial 3 h.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound‐assisted fractionation was an efficient process for comprehensive utilization of xylan and protein in the DDGS. The xylan fractions with lower polymerization degree were perfect feedstock for xylooligosaccharide production by enzymatic hydrolysis. The DDGS residue with adequate nutrition composition and efficient digestibility had potential advantages as an alternative animal feed to DDGS. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
New three‐dimensional/four‐dimensional volume rendering imaging software for detecting the abnormally invasive placenta
Authors: Aryananda Rozi Aditya , Akbar Aldika , Wardhana Manggala Pasca , Gumilar Khanisyah Erza , Wicaksono Budi , Ernawati Ernawati , Sulistyono Agus , Aditiawarman Aditiawarman , Joewono Hermanto Tri , Dachlan Erry Gumilar , Parange Anupam , Dekker Gustaaf Albert
Published: September 2018

Objective

This study aimed to determine the role of three‐dimensional (3D)/four‐dimensional (4D) volume rendering ultrasound (VRU) in the diagnosis of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP).

Materials and Methods

Twelve consecutive patients strongly suspected of having AIP on the basis of conventional ultrasound (US) and clinical history performed between September 2016 and December 2016 in the main tertiary referral hospital in Surabaya, East Java were included in this prospective observational study. A Samsung WS 80A Elite US scanner with a 3D/4D “crystal vue” and “realistic vue” volume rendering mode was used to establish the diagnosis of AIP and evaluate the site, and depth of placental invasion. The VRU images were compared with the intraoperative findings.

Results

Using this novel US technique, all cases of suspected AIP were subsequently confirmed during surgery. Importantly, the new US technique provided a correct diagnosis of the degree of invasion in 11 out of these 12 suspected AIP cases: 5/5 for placenta percreta, 3/3 for placenta increta, and 2/3 for placenta accreta; one patient was misdiagnosed in terms of the degree of placenta accreta, and one patient had normal implantation).

Conclusion

This new software of 3D/4D VRU represents a promising technique for the preoperative diagnosis and staging of AIP.
Morphological and molecular responses in ovaries of Mytilus galloprovincialis collected in two different sites of the Naples Bay
Authors: Rosati L. , Agnese M. , Verderame M. , Aniello F. , Venditti M. , Mita D. G. , Andreuccetti P. , Prisco M.
Published: September 2018

Mytilus galloprovincialis female specimens were collected from two mussel farms located in two sites next to Castel dell’Ovo, a historical complex located in the Naples Bay. Such sites were named, respectively, A‐area and B‐area for the different microbiological parameters so that mussels from A‐area can be sold without purification, whereas mussels from B‐area must be purified before sale. The mussels were collected during the nonreproductive (summer 2009) and reproductive periods (autumn 2009). Gonadosomatic index, structural organization of the ovary, presence of apoptosis, estrogen receptors expression, as well as the bisphenol A (BPA) content in the ovaries, were evaluated. Ovaries from specimens collected in area B showed a different and significant distribution of the investigated biomarkers as well as of BPA content in respect to those measured in the A‐area specimens, confirming that mussels are valid sentinel organisms to biomonitor in the Naples bay too.
Spatial and temporal variations of summer hot days and heat waves and their relationships with large‐scale atmospheric circulations across Northeast China
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Wen J. , Wu Zhengfang , Du Haibo , Shen Xiangjin , Ma Shuang
Published: September 2018

This study investigated the recent and future spatiotemporal changes in summer hot days (HDs) and heat waves (HWs) and their relationships with large‐scale atmospheric circulations over Northeast China (NEC). We used daily maximum temperature data from 109 meteorological stations for the period 1961–2013 across NEC and the output of 11 general circulation models from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. We found that the frequencies and intensities of summer HDs and HWs overall increased in the last 53 years. The increases mainly occurred in the northeastern Inner Mongolia, the north part of the Heilongjiang Province, and southern Changbai Mountains. The during time periods between the start and end dates of HDs were lengthened from 1961 to 2013 in the eastern Inner Mongolia, the northeastern Heilongjiang Province, and the southern Liaoning Province. Our results showed that HDs and HWs exhibited significant increasing trends from 2006 to 2100 under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. Generally, more frequent and intense summer HDs and HWs would happen in NEC over the 21st century. Especially, the northwest of NEC and the south and middle of Da Hinggan Mountains would experience the most frequent and intense HDs and HWs. The variations in atmospheric circulation in summers with abnormal frequency of HDs and HWs were driven by Asian Zonal Circulation and Western Pacific Subtropical High simultaneously. An anticyclonic circulation anomaly prevailing over the west of NEC and the higher summer surface sea temperature in Japan Sea resulted in more frequent HDs and HWs across NEC. This study may help to understand future changes in HDs and HWs and provide references for water resources management and policy‐making in agriculture and forestry.
Creative Problem Solving in Small Groups: The Effects of Creativity Training on Idea Generation, Solution Creativity, and Leadership Effectiveness
Authors: Puccio Gerard J. , Burnett Cyndi , Acar Selcuk , Yudess Jo A. , Holinger Molly , Cabra John F.
Published: September 2018

This investigation evaluated the degree to which creativity training, idea generation instruction, and creative process impacted idea production, creativeness of solutions, and leadership effectiveness. Three sets of hypotheses were tested with a 114 groups of adults. First, groups whose members had some (i.e., one CPS course) or advanced training (i.e., graduate‐level study in creativity or creativity professionals) were significantly more effective at idea generation than groups without training. Furthermore, leaders with some and advanced training were perceived to be significantly more effective than those with no creativity training. With respect to creativeness of solutions, the advanced training groups outperformed all others. The second set of hypotheses focused on the effectiveness of idea generation instruction (i.e., instructions without brainstorming, brainstorming, and brainstorming with criticism). Analysis revealed no significant difference for idea generation instruction relative to idea production or creativeness of solutions. The final set of hypotheses examined the use of a simple process structure for groups without prior creativity training (i.e., distinct phases for idea generation and solution development). Analysis revealed that those meetings that followed a simple process structure out performed groups that did not follow a process for both idea generation and creativeness of solutions. Further results are presented and implications discussed.
Creative Fixation is No Laughing Matter: The Effects of Funny and Unfunny Examples on Humor Production
Authors: Shin Hyelim , Cotter Katherine N. , Christensen Alexander P. , Silvia Paul J.
Published: September 2018

How do people come up with humorous ideas? In creative cognition research, exposure to good examples sometimes causes fixation (people get “stuck” on the examples) but other times sparks inspiration (people's responses are more creative). The present research examined the effects of funny and unfunny examples on joke production. A sample of 175 adults read scenarios that they completed with funny responses. All participants were instructed to be funny, but before responding they read (a) funny responses as examples of good responses to emulate, (b) unfunny responses as examples of poor responses to avoid, or (c) no examples. The participants’ own responses were rated for funniness and for similarity to the example responses, and response times were recorded. Reading either funny or unfunny examples, compared to no examples, caused people to come up with funnier jokes. Similarity to the examples was low in all conditions, so fixation was relatively modest, but people who saw unfunny examples spent more time coming up with their responses. Taken together, the findings support the growing literature showing that examples are often inspiring rather than constraining, and they imply that good and bad examples spark creative thought via different paths.
Evaluation of medication list accuracy from hospital discharge to first outpatient follow‐up
Authors: Sacco Keith , Irvin Myra , Bates Allan A. , Hiroto Brett , Heckman Alexander , Mareth Karl , Williams Shamol , Parkulo Mark
Published: September 2018

Background

Medication discrepancies are common between transitions in healthcare and are associated with higher healthcare utilisation and hospital readmission following discharge. Medication reconciliation is a key intervention to reduce medication list discrepancy. The transition between discharge and first outpatient appointment is critical for patient recovery. The proportion of medication discrepancies during this interval is not well characterised.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of patients’ medication list between discharge from hospital or emergency department to first outpatient follow‐up with their primary care physician.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was performed between November 2015 and May 2016. A 10‐question survey was designed to identify potential areas of inaccuracies in the medication lists.

Results

In all, 106 patients completed the survey, of whom 67.9% (n = 72) had complete data. Eighty per cent of patients (n = 85) had a provider review their medication list prior to discharge. At the time of follow‐up, 22.6% (n = 28) were not taking the listed medications; of this cohort, 35% (n = 8) had a physician instruct them to stop taking medication. Six per cent of patients (n = 6) reported incorrect medication doses.

Conclusion

Medication discrepancies occur in the transition from hospital discharge to first follow‐up. This poses a threat to patient safety. A standardised process of medication review is critical to prevent such errors.
Nest site selection by reddish egrets in Florida
Authors: Cox W. Andrew , Bankovich Brittany , Malachowski Katie , Schwarzer Amy C. , Paul Ann , Rachal Mark , Lorenz Jerome J. , Meyer Kenneth D. , Kent Gina M.
Published: September 2018

Understanding nest site preferences for a species is a necessary component of conservation efforts because it allows managers to protect and create habitat that will promote population growth. We surveyed 305 sites with or near colonially nesting waterbirds for nesting reddish egrets (Egretta rufescens) during 2016 in Florida, USA, to identify factors that influenced the probability of occurrence and the abundance of nesting reddish egrets. Fifty‐eight of 150 (39%) sites with nesting waterbirds had ≥1 nesting pair of reddish egrets. Zero‐inflated Poisson models indicated that sites with a greater amount of foraging habitat within a 5‐km radius, with greater richness of nesting species, and, to a lesser extent, with shorter vegetation had a greater number of nesting reddish egrets. By contrast, the distance of an island from the mainland, an island's size, and an island's proximity to deep water did not influence the probability of occurrence or abundance of nesting reddish egrets. Our results suggest that effective management of large, speciose coastal rookeries are likely to benefit reddish egrets. Coastal restoration efforts that tightly link nest site management with high‐quality foraging habitat will be most likely to prove beneficial to reddish egrets. Long‐term management of reddish egrets will benefit from better knowledge of how sea level rise will alter the location and extent of foraging habitat. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Trends in Post‐Interview Communication Practices
Authors: Harvey Rebecca S. , Kovatch Kevin J. , Prince Mark E. P. , Malloy Kelly M. , Thorne Marc C.
Published: September 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Postinterview communication between residency programs and applicants is common during the US residency match process. To date, current communication practices between otolaryngology residency programs and applicants have not been studied. The objectives of this study were to characterize the frequency and type of postinterview communication and perceptions of how this communication influences ranking behavior of match participants.

Study Design

Survey.

Methods

A national survey of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited otolaryngology programs was distributed via the Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization.

Results

Program directors were surveyed regarding methods and content of postinterview communication, perceived impact that communication has on final rank lists, and current interpretations of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Code of Conduct. Thirty‐three of 106 program directors (31.1%) responded. Thirty‐eight percent of programs that responded initiate at least some form of postinterview communication. The program director most commonly initiated communication, typically in the form of an email. A minority of respondents (12.1%) indicated that specific information is revealed regarding rank status. Thirty‐two percent of respondents indicated that communication initiated by applicants may influence final rank list. Twenty percent of respondents interpret the current NRMP Code of Conduct as allowing programs to reveal rank positions to applicants, and 63.6% of respondents as allowing applicants to reveal intended rank positions.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that postinterview communication practices within otolaryngology vary widely. Program directors perceive that postinterview contact between applicants and programs has limited impact on ranking behavior. NRMP rules for postinterview communication between programs and candidates are interpreted variably by program directors.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:607–612, 2019
Presence of Fatty‐Acid Ethyl Esters in Krill Oil Dietary Supplements
Authors: Srigley Cynthia T. , Orr‐Tokle Isa C.
Published: September 2018

Krill oil dietary supplements are increasingly used for their high concentrations of phospholipids (PL), which offer reportedly greater bioavailability of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than those of triacylglycerols or fatty‐acid ethyl esters (FAEE) commonly found in fish oils and fish‐oil concentrates. This work evaluated the lipid composition of 22 commercial krill oil (CKO) supplements available in the US market, and found ten products (i.e. 45%) contained significant amounts of FAEE, varying from 41% to 75%, by weight. These concentrations of FAEE differed from the minor abundances of FAEE (<3%, by weight) found in manufacturer‐supplied krill oil. The potential clinical and regulatory implications for these findings warrant further investigation.
Groundwater as a source of dissolved organic matter to coastal waters: Insights from radon and CDOM observations in 12 shallow coastal systems
Authors: Webb Jackie R. , Santos Isaac R. , Maher Damien T. , Tait Douglas R. , Cyronak Tyler , Sadat‐Noori Mahmood , Macklin Paul , Jeffrey Luke C.
Published: September 2018

The influence of groundwater and pore‐water exchange on dissolved organic matter (DOM) dynamics in coastal surface waters remains poorly understood. Here, we combine bottom up (i.e., groundwater‐derived flux estimates) and top down (i.e., water column response) evidence to assess whether groundwater exchange drives DOM dynamics in shallow coastal waters. We rely on automated chromophoric DOM (CDOM, a proxy for DOM) and radon (222Rn, groundwater proxy) measurements over tidal time scales in 12 shallow systems, including tidal freshwater wetlands, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, coastal lakes, a saltmarsh, and a residential canal estate. Groundwater‐derived dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes ranged from 2 ± 2 mmol m−2 d−1 in a coral reef to 1941 ± 1325 mmol m−2 d−1 in a mangrove tidal creek. These groundwater fluxes replaced surface water DOC inventories on time scales ranging from ~ 0.5 d to several weeks. Systems with short replacement times displayed positive correlations between radon and CDOM in surface waters. Groundwater exchange diluted surface water DOC in four systems. Using multiple lines of evidence, we interpreted groundwater to be an important source of DOM to surface waters in 4 out of the 12 systems, including an offshore coral reef lagoon with low surface water DOC concentrations. Groundwater discharge was a negligible source of DOM in systems with high surface water DOC and CDOM concentrations such as tidal freshwater wetlands and coastal lakes. This investigation highlights the high variability in groundwater‐derived DOC fluxes and responses in the water column, and demonstrates that submarine groundwater discharge and advective pore‐water exchange should be considered in coastal carbon budgets.
Wind energy assessment over the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions
Authors: Satyanarayana G. Ch. , Lucy Supriya R. H. , Bhaskar Rao D. V.
Published: September 2018

The socioeconomic welfare of any country is dependent on its sustainable development besides harmony with nature. The use of sustainable resources such as wind, which is a clean energy and an imperative source of energy in the long run, contributes to the long term ecological balance conserving non‐renewable resources. This study investigates the long term climatological mean wind speed distribution and provides an assessment of wind energy potential for a part of the Indian subcontinent. The wind data at the 10 m level at 12.5 km resolution for the period 1979–2015 are used. The present study is confined to the regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states; the wind energy potential was assessed for all 23 districts of these two states. The wind speed varies remarkably from one location to another depending upon the terrain characteristics and seasonal atmospheric circulation features. The work reviews the degree of consistency of wind speed throughout the 37 year period monthly, seasonally and annually. The European Reanalysis (ERA) Interim wind dataset describes the inordinate predominance of variations observed for each location. The potentiality of the wind energy is well determined using the Weibull probability density function, which provides a good approximation of wind energy assessment. The study further provides the hours per year frequencies of wind speed above 4.5 m/s at each grid of the study region. Wind energy potential was estimated at four different levels below 120 m and the optimized height for wind harnessing is identified as 80 m.
Impact of data assimilation and air−sea flux parameterization schemes on the prediction of cyclone Phailin over the Bay of Bengal using the WRF‐ARW model
Authors: Singh Kuvar S. , Tyagi Bhishma
Published: September 2018

The present study investigates the impact of data assimilation for prediction of the landfalling cyclone Phailin (October 8–13, 2013) over the Bay of Bengal by using the Weather Research and Forecasting Advanced Research model and its 3D variational data assimilation system. The impact of the air−sea flux (ACF) parameterization scheme is also tested with an improved model initial condition. Nine experiments were conducted, six with and without data assimilation at three different initial conditions. Three more experiments were conducted with the available ACF parameterization scheme. In all experiments, the lateral boundary conditions were obtained from the Global Forecast System (GFS) at 0.5° × 0.5° resolution with a temporal resolution of 3 hr, and the initial condition was taken from GFS analysis. The results suggest that assimilation of observations is beneficial for the forecast of tropical cyclone track and intensity. They show that forecasted storm intensity is highly sensitive during the maximum value of intensity to the parameterization of the ACFs, and higher surface intensity was produced by a large surface exchange co‐efficient for moisture. The distribution and magnitude of rainfall and reflectivity of the storm were compared with observed datasets from the Automatic Weather Station and Doppler Weather Radar, respectively. The results show that accumulated rainfall, as well as the structure of the cyclone, are fairly well captured by the model. The predicted higher diabatic heating rate and horizontal eddy diffusivity of heat are also found to be responsible for increasing wind speed of the storm.
Opportunities and challenges to utilization of quantitative imaging: Report of the AAPM practical big data workshop
Authors: Mackie Thomas R. , Jackson Edward F. , Giger Maryellen
Published: September 2018

Background

This article is a summary of the quantitative imaging subgroup of the 2017 AAPM Practical Big Data Workshop (PBDW‐2017) on progress and challenges in big data applied to cancer treatment and research supplemented by a draft white paper following an American Association of Physicists in Medicine FOREM meeting on Imaging Genomics in 2014.

Aims

The goal of PBDW‐2017 was to close the gap between theoretical vision and practical experience with encountering and solving challenges in curating and analyzing data.

Conclusions

Recommendations based on the meetings are summarized.
Creatine and phosphocreatine mapping of mouse skeletal muscle by a polynomial and Lorentzian line‐shape fitting CEST method
Authors: Chen Lin , Barker Peter B. , Weiss Robert G. , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Xu Jiadi
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To obtain high‐resolution Cr and PCr maps of mouse skeletal muscle using a polynomial and Lorentzian line‐shape fitting (PLOF) CEST method.

Methods

Wild‐type mice and guanidinoacetate N‐methyltransferase–deficient (GAMT‐/‐) mice that have low Cr and PCr concentrations in muscle were used to assign the Cr and PCr peaks in the Z‐spectrum at 11.7 T. A PLOF method was proposed to simultaneously extract and quantify the Cr and PCr by assuming a polynomial function for the background and 2 Lorentzian functions for the CEST peaks at 1.95 ppm and 2.5 ppm.

Results

The Z‐spectra of phantoms revealed that PCr has 2 CEST peaks (2 ppm and 2.5 ppm), whereas Cr only showed 1 peak at 2 ppm. Comparison of the Z‐spectra of wild‐type and GAMT‐/‐ mice indicated that, contrary to brain, there was no visible protein guanidinium peak in the skeletal‐muscle Z‐spectrum, which allowed us to extract clean PCr and Cr CEST signals. High‐resolution PCr and Cr concentration maps of mouse skeletal muscle were obtained by the PLOF CEST method after calibration with in vivo MRS.

Conclusions

The PLOF method provides an efficient way to map Cr and PCr concentrations simultaneously in the skeletal muscle at high MRI field.
Interphase Engineering of a Cellulose‐Based Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite by Applying Click Chemistry
Authors: Szabó László , Imanishi Sari , Kawashima Naohiro , Hoshino Rina , Hirose Daisuke , Tsukegi Takayuki , Ninomiya Kazuaki , Takahashi Kenji
Published: September 2018

Given our possible future dependence on carbon fiber reinforced composites, the introduction of a renewable matrix might be advantageous for the vision of a sustainable world. Cellulose is a superior green candidate and provides exceptional freedom in composite design as the free OH groups can be conveniently functionalized to give tailor‐made materials. To obtain a high‐performing carbon fiber reinforced cellulose propionate composite, we accurately tailored the interfacial adhesion by invoking click chemistry. The synthetic strategy involved grafting of a phenylacetylene structure onto the carbon fiber surface, onto which O‐acylated 6‐azido‐6‐deoxycellulose and a number of aromatic azides could be covalently attached. Single‐fiber fragmentation tests indicated that the lipophilicity and size of the substituent on the deposited structure played a crucial role in determining molecular entanglement and mechanical interlocking effects, as penetration into the cellulose propionate matrix was of utmost importance. Enhanced interfacial shear strength was obtained for the carbon fiber covalently functionalized with the cellulose derivative. Nevertheless, the greatest increase was observed for the derivative substituted with a compact and highly lipophilic CF3 substituent. In a broader sense, our study provides a synthetic platform to bind cellulose derivatives to graphitic surfaces and paves the ways towards the preparation of innovative cellulose‐based carbonaceous materials.
Somatic cell evolution: how to improve with age
Authors: Shibata Darryl
Published: September 2018

A recent article published in this journal illuminates a rare example of somatic evolution where cells improve rather than deteriorate with age. In mitotic intestinal crypts, stem cells with higher levels of a deleterious heteroplasmic germline mitochondrial mutation are purged through time, leading to crypts without the mutation. Similar somatic mitochondrial mutations are not purged from crypts, indicating that special conditions are needed to improve with age. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is Within–Individual Variation in Personality Traits Associated with Changes in Health Behaviours? Analysis of Seven Longitudinal Cohort Studies
Authors: Jokela Markus , Airaksinen Jaakko , Kivimäki Mika , Hakulinen Christian
Published: September 2018

Personality traits are related to health behaviours, but it is unknown whether changes in personality would lead to changes in health behaviours. We examined whether naturally occurring, within–individual variation in personality traits over time is associated with corresponding changes in smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and body mass index. Data were from seven longitudinal cohort studies with a total sample of 56 786 participants with two or three repeated measurements of the Five Factor Model personality traits assessed over 4 to 19 years. Repeated measurements were used to tease apart between–individual and within–individual associations. In the within–individual analysis, all the personality traits were associated with physical activity, and extraversion was associated with risky alcohol consumption. There were no other within–individual associations. In the between–individual analysis, lower conscientiousness, emotional stability, agreeableness, and openness to experience, and higher extraversion, were associated with many risky health behaviours. Our findings suggest that health behaviours are related mostly to stable, between–individual differences in personality traits, but changes in adult personality may have only limited association with changes in health behaviours. © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology
Efficacy and Safety of Lesinurad in Patients with Hyperuricemia Associated with Gout: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wu Jie‐Ying , Chang Ya‐Ting , Lin Ying‐Chin , Lee Chia‐Hwa , Loh El‐Wui , Wu Mei‐Yi , Chang Yu‐Sheng , Tam Ka‐Wai
Published: September 2018

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lesinurad for the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with gout.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Patients or Participants

Five RCTs, which included 1959 patients, compared the efficacy and safety of lesinurad in patients with hyperuricemia associated with gout.

Measurements and Results

Relevant studies were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Two reviewers independently assessed the studies. Individual effect sizes were standardized, and a meta‐analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled effect size by using a random‐effect model. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients achieving target serum uric acid (sUA) levels by month 6 and the mean sUA levels at month 6 and month 12. Gout‐related outcomes were also assessed. The secondary outcome was the number of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Compared with xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI) monotherapy, lesinurad 200 mg or 400 mg in combination with allopurinol or febuxostat exhibited a higher proportion of patients achieving target sUA levels of < 6.0 mg/dl or < 5.0 mg/dl, respectively, by month 6. Lesinurad‐plus‐XOI groups also significantly sustained lower mean sUA levels at month 6 and month 12 compared to XOI alone group. In gout‐related outcomes, no significant treatment group differences favored lesinurad. The number of TEAEs was comparable between the lesinurad 200 mg‐plus‐XOI group and the XOI‐monotherapy group. Although lesinurad 400 mg monotherapy demonstrated superior efficacy compared with placebo, significantly more TEAEs occurred.

Conclusions

Although the combination of lesinurad 200 mg and XOI is effective and well tolerated for treating patients with gout who have not achieved an adequate response to XOI monotherapy, clinical gout‐related outcomes were not improved. Therefore, additional studies investigating the long‐term clinical implication of lesinurad are warranted.
Integrate campus police officers with students
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2018

Columbus State Community College is one of the largest public higher education institutions in Ohio, serving more than 26,000 full‐time students annually. “With part‐time students, students pursuing certification, and other types of training, we typically have about 47,000 students on campus regularly,” said Sean Asbury, chief of police at CSCC. In addition, CSCC has two campuses: one in downtown Columbus and the other in the suburbs. Although the campus in the suburbs is staffed only during the hours the campus is open, the Columbus campus employs security staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Room‐Temperature Phototransistor with Negative Photoresponsivity of 108 A W−1 Using Fullerene‐Sensitized Aligned Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Bergemann Kevin , Léonard François
Published: September 2018

Detection of low intensity light down to a few photons requires photodetectors with high gain. A new photodetector is reported based on C60‐sensitized aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors with an extremely high responsivity of 108 A W−1 (gain > 108) in the ultraviolet and visible range, and 720 A W−1 (gain = 940) in the infrared range. In contrast to most sensitized phototransistors that operate on the photogating effect, the new photodetector operates on the modulation of the electrons scattering in the CNTs, leading to negative photoconductivity. Comparison with similar photodetectors using random CNT networks shows the benefit of using aligned CNTs. At room temperature, the aligned CNT photodetectors are demonstrated to detect a few tens of photons per CNT.