bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of anxiety symptoms with health care use and costs in people aged 85 and over
Authors: Hohls Johanna Katharina , König Hans‐Helmut , van den Bussche Hendrik , Eisele Marion , Wiese Birgitt , Oey Anke , Weyerer Siegfried , Werle Jochen , Fuchs Angela , Pentzek Michael , Stein Janine , Röhr Susanne , Mösch Edelgard , Bickel Horst , Heser Kathrin , Miebach Lisa , Scherer Martin , Maier Wolfgang , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. , Hajek André
Published: March 2019

Objective

To analyze the association of anxiety symptoms with health care use and costs in people aged 85 and older.

Methods

Baseline data from AgeQualiDe (N = 856), a multicenter prospective cohort study of primary care patients aged 85 and older, were analyzed. Anxiety symptoms (Geriatric Anxiety Inventory—Short Form) and health care use were assessed via questionnaires. Health care use was monetarily valued using German unit costs to obtain sectoral (inpatient, outpatient, nursing care, medical supplies, and medication) and total costs. Health care use and costs were analyzed in regression models as a function of anxiety symptoms, as well as relevant covariates (predisposing, enabling, and other need characteristics based on the Behavioral Model of Health Care Use).

Results

On a descriptive level, people with increased anxiety symptoms (12% of the sample) incurred on average € 10 909 (SD: 16 023) in the last 6 months, 31% more than those without increased anxiety (€ 8303, SD: 11 175; P = 0.12). Adjusting for predisposing, enabling, and other need characteristics, anxiety symptoms were not significantly associated with health care use or costs. Specifically, need characteristics (morbidity, cognitive decline, and functional impairment) were associated with total or sectoral costs, depending on the cost category analyzed.

Conclusion

In a sample of people of the oldest‐old age group, the severity of anxiety symptoms was not associated with health care use or costs, when adjusting for relevant covariates. A longitudinal analysis could assess whether a change in anxiety symptom severity is associated with health care use or costs in old age.
Arecoline‐regulated ataxia telangiectasia mutated expression level in oral cancer progression
Authors: Tu Hsi‐Feng , Chen Michael Yuanchien , Lai Joseph Chieh‐Yui , Chen Yi‐Ling , Wong Yih‐Wen , Yang Cheng‐Chieh , Chen Hsin‐Yuan , Hsia Shih‐Min , Shih Yin‐Hwa , Shieh Tzong‐Ming
Published: March 2019

Background

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) regulates DNA repair and cell cycle. The present study analyzed arecoline‐induced ATM expression during oral cancer progression.

Methods

In vitro studies were performed using oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines treated with arecoline to analyze cell response and ATM regulation. in vivo studies were performed using immunohistochemistry to detect ATM expression in normal, oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD), and OSCC tissues.

Results

Low‐dose arecoline induced cell proliferation, ATM promoter activity, and DNA repair. High‐dose arecoline induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and DNA damage. ATM was overexpressed in OPMD tissues but was downregulated in OSCC tissues. ATM expression level was associated with the risk of developing dysplasia, buccal‐OSCC, and with OSCC survival rate.

Conclusion

High ATM expression helps DNA repair mechanisms to maintain the cells in the OPMD stage, but low ATM expression causes DNA damage accumulation to increase cell malignancy.
Dual Specificity Phosphatase 12 Regulates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Through Inhibition of the Lipogenesis and Apoptosis Signal–Regulating Kinase 1 Pathways
Authors: Huang Zhen , Wu Lei‐Ming , Zhang Jie‐Lei , Sabri Abdelkarim , Wang Shou‐Jun , Qin Gui‐Jun , Guo Chang‐Qing , Wen Hong‐Tao , Du Bin‐Bin , Zhang Dian‐Hong , Kong Ling‐Yao , Tian Xin‐Yu , Yao Rui , Li Ya‐Peng , Liang Cui , Li Peng‐Cheng , Wang Zheng , Guo Jin‐Yan , Li Ling , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Zhang Yan‐Zhou
Published: March 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Due to the growing economic burden of NAFLD on public health, it has become an emergent target for clinical intervention. DUSP12 is a member of the dual specificity phosphatase (DUSP) family, which plays important roles in brown adipocyte differentiation, microbial infection, and cardiac hypertrophy. However, the role of DUSP12 in NAFLD has yet to be clarified. Here, we reveal that DUSP12 protects against hepatic steatosis and inflammation in L02 cells after palmitic acid/oleic acid treatment. We demonstrate that hepatocyte specific DUSP12‐deficient mice exhibit high‐fat diet (HFD)–induced and high‐fat high‐cholesterol diet–induced hyperinsulinemia and liver steatosis and decreased insulin sensitivity. Consistently, DUSP12 overexpression in hepatocyte could reduce HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and inflammation. At the molecular level, steatosis in the absence of DUSP12 was characterized by elevated apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), which mediates the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and hepatic metabolism. DUSP12 physically binds to ASK1, promotes its dephosphorylation, and inhibits its action on ASK1‐related proteins, JUN N‐terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK in order to inhibit lipogenesis under high‐fat conditions. Conclusion: DUSP12 acts as a positive regulator in hepatic steatosis and offers potential therapeutic opportunities for NAFLD.
Total solar eclipse effects on evapotranspiration captured by groundwater fluctuations in a Southern Appalachian fen
Authors: Wilcox Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2019

Solar eclipses provide opportunities to observe unusual natural phenomena. This paper presents data showing that diurnal groundwater fluctuations were briefly interrupted in a Southern Appalachian fen following a total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. Groundwater levels, which were rapidly declining in the middle of a summer afternoon, nearly stabilized following totality. This anomaly in the water‐level record was caused by reduced evapotranspiration (ET). ET was significantly lower (36% ± 11%, p < 0.02) over a 45‐min time period following the eclipse when compared with other days within the study period, although the effects were short lived and did not have a significant impact on the daily total ET (p > 0.05). These findings may prompt evaluation of existing groundwater records along the path of totality from past eclipses or plan for studies ahead of future eclipses.
Predictive models in ecotoxicology: Bridging the gap between scientific progress and regulatory applicability—Remarks and research needs
Authors: Vighi Marco , Barsi Alpar , Focks Andreas , Grisoni Francesca
Published: March 2019

This paper concludes a special series of 7 articles (4 on toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic [TK–TD] models and 3 on quantitative structure-activity relationship [QSAR] models) published in previous issues of Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM). The present paper summarizes the special series articles and highlights their contribution to the topic of increasing the regulatory applicability of effect models. For both TK–TD and QSAR approaches, we then describe the main research needs. The use of TK–TD models for describing sublethal effects must be better developed, particularly through the improvement of the dynamic energy budget (DEBtox) approach. The potential of TK–TD models for moving from lower (molecular) to higher (population) hierarchical levels is highlighted as a promising research line. Some relevant issues to improve the acceptance of QSAR models at the regulatory level are also described, such as increased transparency of the performance assessment and of the modeling algorithms, model documentation, relevance of the chosen target for regulatory needs, and improved mechanistic interpretability. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:000–000. © 2019 SETAC
Biocompatible HA@Fe3O4@N‐CDs hybrids for detecting and absorbing lead ion
Authors: Zhou Mingchen , Xie Fei , Li Guocang , Wang Qiyang , Tang Longxiang , Yan Manqing , Bi Hong
Published: March 2019

The trinary hydroxyapatite@Fe3O4@N‐doped carbon dots (HA@Fe3O4@N‐CDs) hybrids were prepared by one‐pot hydrothermal approach and utilized to detect and remove lead ion from aqueous solution. The structures and morphologies of as‐obtained nanorod‐like HA@Fe3O4@N‐CDs hybrids were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. These HA@Fe3O4@N‐CDs hybrids possess good magnetism by magnetic hysteresis test and multi‐colored fluorescence by the CLSM measurement. Furthermore, the as‐obtained hybrids display excellent biocompatibility by MTT assay. Importantly, the trinary magnetic HA@Fe3O4@N‐CDs hybrids as a green detector and adsorbent of Pb2+ were investigated. The influence of the different pH, the concentration of heavy metal, and the maximum adsorption capacity on removal efficiency was measured in detail. The maximum Pb2+ adsorption capacity on HA@Fe3O4@N‐CDs hybrids is 450 mg/g. The kinetic mechanism was a pseudo‐second order model, and the isotherm data was fitted well by the Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich model. Hence, the nanorod‐like HA@Fe3O4@N‐CDs hybrids could be a multifunctional material with significant potential applications in heavy metal detection and adsorption, bone tissue regeneration, magnetic therapy, and biomedicine. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2019.
High Postural Sway Is an Independent Risk Factor for Osteoporotic Fractures but Not for Mortality in Elderly Women
Authors: Qazi Sarang Latif , Sirola Joonas , Kröger Heikki , Honkanen Risto , Isanejad Masoud , Airaksinen Olavi , Rikkonen Toni
Published: February 2019

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the independent effect of postural sway on overall fracture and osteoporotic fracture risk after controlling for other established fracture risk factors. As a secondary outcome, mortality was also investigated. The study sample is a stratified random sample of 1568 women born between 1932 and 1941, residing in Kuopio province, eastern Finland. Fracture data were obtained through study questionnaires and verified through hospital records. Mortality data were verified through the National Registry. Using static posturography, postural sway was recorded for 1568 women at the fifth year of follow-up in 1994 through 1997. Mediolateral (ML), anteroposterior (AP), and total sway parameters were used for analysis. Mean follow-up time for any fractures, osteoporotic fractures, and mortality was 10.6, 11.4, and 17.5 years, respectively. After adjustment, subjects in the highest quartile of ML sway (HR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.5 to 2.8) and total sway (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.2) had a higher risk for any fracture. Osteoporotic fracture risk was also higher in the fourth quartile of ML sway (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.0) and total sway (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.8). The models were adjusted for fracture risk assessment tool risk factors and leg-extension strength. Further, women having both lowest bone density and highest postural sway were at 4.9 (95% CI, 2.6 to 9.5) times higher risk of overall fracture and 11.8 (95% CI, 2.7 to 51.3) times higher risk for osteoporotic fracture in comparison with subjects having highest bone density and lowest postural sway. The association between postural sway and mortality was not significant after adjustment. In conclusion, high postural sway is an independent risk factor for any fractures as well as for osteoporotic fractures. A combination of low bone density and high postural sway poses even higher fracture risk than either factor alone. Postural sway does not predict mortality independently. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of Nova StatStrip and FreeStyle Precision Pro blood ketone tests using 3‐hydroxybutyrate doped samples
Authors: Helmersson‐Karlqvist Johanna , Höög Hammarström Kristina , Palmberg Kicki , Backman‐Johansson Carolina
Published: February 2019

Background

The most clinically useful blood ketone in the diagnosis, management, and recovery of diabetes ketoacidosis in both adults and children is 3‐hydroxybutyrate. In the absence of laboratory routine methods, several point‐of‐care methods are in use, but very few clinical evaluations are published.

Methods

This study evaluates linearity and reproducibility of two handheld point‐of‐care meters for blood 3‐hydroxybutyrate measurement for hospital use, Nova StatStrip, and FreeStyle Precision Pro. Whole blood from healthy volunteers was spiked with different concentrations of a 3‐hydroxybutyrate solution and tested on the point‐of‐care instruments. The results were compared with plasma 3‐hydroxybutyrate that was analyzed with a laboratory enzymatic end point spectrophotometric reference method.

Results

Blood 3‐hydroxybutyrate on StatStrip was linear with the reference method up to approximately 4 mmol/L, and FreeStyle was linear up to 6 mmol/L. At higher concentrations, the point‐of‐care instruments gave falsely too low results, especially the StatStrip meter. The FreeStyle meter had better precision and less bias than StatStrip.

Conclusion

In the acute setting of diabetes ketoacidosis, blood 3‐hydroxybutyrate in the higher ranges should be interpreted with caution as the point‐of‐care meters are less accurate there.
IDUA, NDST1, SAP30L, CRYBA4, and SI as novel prognostic signatures clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Ming‐Hui , Qiu Jian‐Guo , Xu Yong , Zhang Xue‐Hua
Published: March 2019

Carcinoma of the kidney is one of the most prevalent carcinoma worldwide. The majority types of carcinoma are clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC), which consist more than 80% of the cases. As a genetically diverse disease, identification of prognosis‐related genes has utmost importance in the early diagnosis and prognosis of the CCRCC. In this study, we performed gene expression profiling to identify prognosis‐related genes for CCRCC. In addition, we developed and validated a gene signature‐based risk score to comprehensively assess the prognostic function of differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, we performed a ROC analysis to identify the optimal cut‐off point for classification risk level of the patients. Univariate Cox regression models were used to assess the association between differentially expressed genes in relation to the prognosis of patients with different stages of CCRCC. Five genes were identified significantly differentially expressed in CCRCC and associated with their survival time, namely: IDUA, NDST1, SAP30L, CRYBA4, and SI. A 5‐gene signature‐based risk score was developed based on the Cox coefficient of the individual genes. The prognostic value of this risk score was validated in an internal testing data set. In summary, a gene‐based risk score was identified and validated, which can predict CCRCC patient survival. The potential functions of this gene expression signature and individual differentially expressed gene as prognostic targets of CCRCC were revealed by this study. Furthermore, these findings may have important implications in the understanding of the potential therapeutic method for the CCRCC patients.
AZGP1 is androgen responsive and involved in AR‐induced prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis
Authors: Cao Runyi , Ke Min , Wu Qingxin , Tian Qian , Liu Li , Dai Zao , Lu Shan , Liu Ping
Published: March 2019

Alpha‐2‐glycoprotein 1, zinc‐binding (AZGP1), known as zinc‐alpha‐2‐glycoprotein (ZAG), is a multifunctional secretory glycoprotein and relevant to cancer metastasis. Little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms of AZGP1 in prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study, we report that AZGP1 is an androgen‐responsive gene, which is involved in AR‐induced PCa cell proliferation and metastasis. In clinical specimens, the expression of AZGP1 in PCa tissues is markedly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues. In cultures, expression of AZGP1 is upregulated by the androgen‐AR axis at both messenger RNA and protein levels. Furthermore, Chip‐Seq assay identifies canonical androgen‐responsive elements (AREs) at AZGP1 enhancer; and dual‐luciferase reporter assays reveal that the AREs is highly responsive to androgen whereas mutations of the AREs abolish the reporter activity. In addition, AZGP1 promotes G1/S phase transition and cell cycle progress by increasing cyclin D1 levels in PCa cells. Functional studies demonstrate that knocking down endogenous AZGP1 expression in LNCaP and CWR22Rv1 cells largely weaken androgen/AR axis‐induced cell migration and invasion. In vivo xenotransplantation tumor experiments also show that AZGP1 involves in androgen/AR axis‐mediated PCa cell proliferation. Taken together, our study implicates for the first time that
AZGP1 is an AR target gene and is involved in androgen/AR axis‐mediated cell proliferation and metastasis in primary PCa.
The Illusion of Double‐Discount: Using Reference Points in Promotion Framing
Authors: Gong Han , Huang Jianxiong , Goh Kim Huat
Published: March 2019

Double‐discount is an effective format for promoting purchase decisions. However, extant literature has overlooked how temporal order of discounts applied affects consumers’ purchase decisions. In this paper, we show that the sequence of discount magnitude (e.g., 10% followed by 40% vs. 40% followed by 10%) leads to biases in consumer judgment and influences the perceived appeal and purchase intention of the deal. We term this the double‐discount sequence effect. Using four experiments, we showed that double‐discount in an ascending sequence (e.g., taking 10% off, then an additional 40% off) is preferable over that in a descending sequence. We also found that discount application sequence—but not the presentation order—matters to consumers. Consumers anchor on the first discount they encounter and evaluate the second discount with respect to this first one.
A diagnosis reconsidered: the symptomatic gallbladder remnant
Authors: Grossman Julie G. , Johnston William R. , Fowler Kathryn J. , Williams Gregory A. , Hammill Chet W. , Hawkins William G.
Published: March 2019

Background

Patients can present with symptomatic gallbladder disease after cholecystectomy due to a remnant gallbladder. This is a rare problem and challenging diagnosis with limited prior characterization; thus, we present a large series of patients with a gallbladder remnant.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting with symptomatic gallbladder remnant at a tertiary care center from 2002 to 2016. Data on presenting symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and follow‐up were collected.

Results

Thirty‐one patients diagnosed and treated for a symptomatic gallbladder remnant were identified. The most common presenting symptoms included right upper quadrant pain (87%) and nausea (55%). The median time from symptom presentation to definitive diagnosis was 60 days. Diagnostic modalities utilized in the evaluation of these patients demonstrated that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were effective with sensitivities of 85% and 90%, respectively. Twenty‐three (76.2%) patients underwent completion cholecystectomy, which proved to be definitive treatment. Additionally, eight (25.8%) patients were non‐operative candidates and underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and sphincterotomy, three of whom developed recurrent symptoms.

Conclusion

A symptomatic gallbladder remnant after cholecystectomy is infrequently seen; however, the diagnosis should be considered in patients with recurrent biliary symptoms after cholecystectomy. Completion cholecystectomy can be challenging but is highly effective for definitive treatment.
New strategies for treatment of infectious sepsis
Authors: Ward Peter A , Fattahi Fatemeh
Published: March 2019

In this mini review, we describe the molecular mechanisms in polymicrobial sepsis that lead to a series of adverse events including activation of inflammatory and prothrombotic pathways, a faulty innate immune system, and multiorgan dysfunction. Complement activation is a well-established feature of sepsis, especially involving generation of C5a and C5b-9, along with engagement of relevant receptors for C5a. Activation of neutrophils by C5a leads to extrusion of DNA, forming neutrophil extracellular traps that contain myeloperoxidase and oxidases, along with extracellular histones. Generation of the distal complement activation product, C5b-9 (known as the membrane attack complex, MAC), also occurs in sepsis. C5b-9 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, which damages mitochondria, together with appearance in plasma of IL-1β and IL-18. Histones are strongly proinflammatory as well as being prothrombotic, leading to activation of platelets and development of venous thrombosis. Multiorgan dysfunction is also a feature of sepsis. It is well known that septic cardiomyopathy, which if severe, can lead to death. This complication in sepsis is linked to reduced levels in cardiomyocytes of three critical proteins (SERCA2, NCX, Na+/K+-ATPase). The reductions in these three key proteins are complement- and histone-dependent. Dysfunction of these ATPases is linked to the cardiomyopathy of sepsis. These data suggest novel targets in the setting of sepsis in humans.
“Playing by the Book”: Determinants of Children's Preference for Replicating and Originating Play
Authors: Van de Sompel Dieneke , Vermeir Iris
Published: March 2019

Play is children's most important daily behavior and when children play, they do so in multiple ways. With two studies, this paper explores how children perceive a continuum of two play types, namely replicating play (in which models, guidelines, and examples are used to reach an intended result) and originating play (in which children create something from the mind, think freely about how they will play, are less restricted by given models, etc.). Study 1 (N = 56,Mage = 9) quantitatively shows that both play types occur and tests if children also describe the play types as we define them. Results show that children who play originating (vs. replicating) believe they follow less (vs. more) rules and do their own thing more (vs. less), which verifies the definitions of both types of play. Study 2 includes 16 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews (Mage = 10) and shows which determinants children identify as triggers for engaging in play that has more replicating or more originating elements.
Dexmedetomidine versus propofol at different sedation depths during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy: A randomized trial
Authors: Padiyara Tonsy V. , Bansal Sandeep , Jain Divya , Arora Suman , Gandhi Komal
Published: March 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and propofol on airway dynamics, cardiorespiratory system, and emergence following drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, single‐blinded study.

Methods

Sixty patients age 18 to 65 years in American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status groups 1 and 2 scheduled to undergo DISE were randomly allocated to either Group P (N = 30; receiving propofol infusion at 50–150 μg/kg/min) or Group D (N = 30; receiving dexmedetomidine bolus of 1 μg/kg followed by infusion at 0.5–1.0 μg/kg/hr). DISE was done at light sleep and deep sleep. Airway obstruction at tongue base was recorded as primary outcome. Airway obstruction at velum, oropharyngeal lateral wall, and epiglottis level during light and deep sedation, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, time to attain sufficient sedation, time for emergence from sedation, and any adverse events during DISE with the two study drugs were recorded as secondary outcomes.

Results

There was a greater degree of obstruction at the tongue base level (P = 0.001) and Oropharynx level (P = 0.017) in Group P compared with Group D during deep sedation. Increase in airway obstruction from light to deep sleep was seen with propofol at the oropharynx (P = 0.0185) and tongue base (P = 0.0108) levels. Two patients (6.6%) in Group D and 10 patients (33.3%) in Group P showed oxygen saturation below the minimum oxygen saturation recorded during polysomnography. Time to open eyes to call after stopping sedation was significantly less in Group P (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine shows a lesser degree of airway collapse and higher oxygen saturation levels at greater sedation depth during DISE. Propofol has a faster onset and emergence from sedation.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 130:257–262, 2020
The Cross‐Linking Effect on the Thermoelectric Properties of Conjugated Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films
Authors: Liu Tongchao , Shinohara Akira , Tan Guiping , Pan Chengjun , Wang Lei
Published: March 2019

Composite insulating organic material with conducting inorganic nanomaterial is a promising way to compensate the electrical conductivity, which is a prerequisite for the practical realization of the organic thermoelectrics. It is demonstrated that organic–inorganic interfacial interactions play critical rules for composites' thermoelectric performance. Here, an alternative interfacial engineering approach is proposed; that is, post‐blending cross‐linking of conjugated polymers (CPs). CPs substituted by exo‐olefin side chains that can form covalent cross‐linking via ruthenium‐catalyzed olefin metathesis are newly designed and synthesized. Pre‐cross‐link CP/single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites exhibit relatively high power factor that reach up to 70.3 µW m−1 K−2. It is found that the cross‐linking process, using second generation Grubbs reagent, is detrimental to the thermoelectric performance. Cross‐linked composites exhibit much lower power factor (0.77–19.7 µW m−1 K−2) mainly due to the low electric conductivity of the samples, while there is no significant change in Seebeck coefficient. It may be because the formation of tightly cross‐linked network hinders the transport of carriers in CP/SWCNT, resulting in a significant decrease in the electric conductivity. These structure–property relationship studies provide useful guidelines for designing organic thermoelectric materials with performance improvement and applied green processing.
Dual mode modified double square ring resonator structure at 76 GHz
Authors: Esmail Bashar Ali , Majid Huda Bin , Abidin Zuhairiah Binti Zainal , Dahlan Samsul Haimi Bin , Himdi Mohamed , Kamarudin Muhammad Ramlee , Rahim Mohamad Kamal
Published: February 2019

Dual mode modified double square ring resonator (MDSRR) operating at 76 GHz millimeter‐wave has been simulated, and experimentally verified. MDSRR structure operates in two modes, metamaterial (MTM) mode and frequency selective surface (FSS) mode, depending on the direction of the electric field. The MDSRR in the MTM mode performs well at the desired frequency region by providing the highest insertion loss, S21, as reported in the literature with a loss of −0.5 dB. The electromagnetically induced transparency principle is applied to explain the loss reduction mechanism. The low losses MTM structure has the potential to enhance the performance of the radiating elements of the automotive radar systems. Conversely, in the FSS mode, the FSS characteristics of the proposed structure are numerically simulated and verified experimentally by changing the direction of the electric field along the x‐direction, in which the structure shows opposite behavior compared to the MTM performance. To demonstrate the validity of the FSS characteristics, the MDSRRs structure was tested using a waveguide measurement facility. The experiment results match well with that of the simulation, and wideband‐stop characteristics are introduced in the range of 74 GHz to 80.3 GHz.
A unique analytical solution of the white matter standard model using linear and planar encodings
Authors: Reisert Marco , Kiselev Valerij G. , Dhital Bibek
Published: February 2019

Purpose

It is known that white matter modeling based on commonly used linear diffusion encoding is an ill‐posed problem. We analyze the additional information gained from a double pulsed diffusion encoding.

Methods

Zeroth (spherical means) and second‐order (harmonic powers) rotation invariant signal features are used to factor micro‐ and mesoscopic contributions. The b‐value dependency up to second‐order of the features form 6 nonlinear equations, which are analyzed.

Results

The 6 derived equations can be uniquely solved for all relevant biophysical parameters. No assumptions about the form of the mesoscopic contribution (fiber dispersion) is necessary. Under certain conditions the solution still shows a certain degeneracy which is inherent to model. It is further shown that a combination of second‐order information from single and spherical diffusion encoding is not enough to solve the problem.

Conclusions

A combination of single and double pulsed diffusion encodings is sufficient to solve the full 3 compartment white matter model uniquely.
Markerless high‐frequency prospective motion correction for neuroanatomical MRI
Authors: Frost Robert , Wighton Paul , Karahanoğlu F. Işık , Robertson Richard L. , Grant P. Ellen , Fischl Bruce , Tisdall M. Dylan , van der Kouwe André
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To integrate markerless head motion tracking with prospectively corrected neuroanatomical MRI sequences and to investigate high‐frequency motion correction during imaging echo trains.

Methods

A commercial 3D surface tracking system, which estimates head motion by registering point cloud reconstructions of the face, was used to adapt the imaging FOV based on head movement during MPRAGE and T2 SPACE (3D variable flip‐angle turbo spin‐echo) sequences. The FOV position and orientation were updated every 6 lines of k‐space (< 50 ms) to enable “within‐echo‐train” prospective motion correction (PMC). Comparisons were made with scans using “before‐echo‐train” PMC, in which the FOV was updated only once per TR, before the start of each echo train (ET). Continuous‐motion experiments with phantoms and in vivo were used to compare these high‐frequency and low‐frequency correction strategies. MPRAGE images were processed with FreeSurfer to compare estimates of brain structure volumes and cortical thickness in scans with different PMC.

Results

The median absolute pose differences between markerless tracking and MR image registration were 0.07/0.26/0.15 mm for x/y/z translation and 0.06º/0.02º/0.12° for rotation about x/y/z. The PMC with markerless tracking substantially reduced motion artifacts. The continuous‐motion experiments showed that within‐ET PMC, which minimizes FOV encoding errors during ETs that last over 1 second, reduces artifacts compared with before‐ET PMC. T2 SPACE was found to be more sensitive to motion during ETs than MPRAGE. FreeSurfer morphometry estimates from within‐ET PMC MPRAGE images were the most accurate.

Conclusion

Markerless head tracking can be used for PMC, and high‐frequency within‐ET PMC can reduce sensitivity to motion during long imaging ETs.
Heftig haftend und lösemittelfrei
Authors: Koch Klaus‐Uwe , Schollmeyer Ingo , Bretz Inna
Published: March 2019

Eine Basis für Bio‐Haftschmelzklebstoffe ist Polymilchsäure. Deren Kristallisationsneigung stört die Klebeigenschaften, lässt sich aber mit Comonomeren und Kettenverlängerern eindämmen. Die Produkte eignen sich für Etiketten und Klebebänder.
Publizieren in ChemPubSoc‐Europe‐Journalen
Authors: König Burkhard , Nijs Anne
Published: March 2019

GDCh‐Mitglieder sind zum Publikationswettbewerb aufgerufen.
Low‐order stabilized finite element for the full Biot formulation in soil mechanics at finite strain
Authors: Monforte Lluís , Navas Pedro , Carbonell Josep Maria , Arroyo Marcos , Gens Antonio
Published: February 2019

This article presents a novel finite element formulation for the Biot equation using low‐order elements. Additionally, an extra degree of freedom is introduced to treat the volumetric locking steaming from the effective response of the medium; its balance equation is also stabilized. The accuracy of the proposed formulation is demonstrated by means of numerical analyses.
Enhanced antifouling and anticoagulant properties of grafted biomolecule polyethersulfone membranes
Authors: Alenazi Noof Ali , Alamry Khalid Ahmad , Hussein Mahmoud Ali , Elfaky Mahmoud Abdelkhalek , Asiri Abdullah Mohamed
Published: February 2019

Polyethersulfone (PES) has been widely used in membrane technology and used to purify water in water treatments application or as a dialyzer to purify blood in hemodialysis. In this work, PES was chemically modified by separately grafting two biomolecules, 4‐aminobenzenesulfonamide (ABS), and 4‐amino‐N‐(5‐methylisoxazol‐3‐yl)benzenesulfonamide (AMBS), on PES backbone, and these modified membranes were blended to unmodified PES, in 1:1 ratio, in order to obtain PES‐b‐PES‐ABS and PES‐b‐PES‐AMBS membranes. The first aim of this study is to measure the anticoagulant properties of the modified membrane by measuring the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT). The second aim of the study is to evaluate the antifouling properties of the modified PES membranes by examining its antimicrobial activity against two Gram‐negative bacteria, which are Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Escherichia coli (E. coli); two Gram‐positive bacteria, which are Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus); and a fungus, which is Candida albicans (C. albicans). The results showed that grafting of ABS and AMBS improved overall the hydrophilicity properties of the modified PES membranes. PES‐b‐PES‐ABS membranes showed better anticoagulant properties with 13 seconds for PT and 38 seconds for APPT, in comparison with the control sample (pure plasma), which showed 12 seconds for PT and 30 seconds for APPT. For antimicrobial tests, both PES‐b‐PES‐ABS and PES‐b‐PES‐AMBS membranes did not show any antibacterial activity, but when zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were added to the modified PES membranes in concentrations between 3% to 5% w/w, PES‐b‐PES‐ABS‐ZnO (M‐4 and M‐5), and PES‐b‐PES‐AMBS‐ZnO (M‐8 and M‐9) nanocomposite membranes showed antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.
Cutaneous reactions to targeted therapies in children with CNS tumors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Song Hannah , Zhong Connie S. , Kieran Mark W. , Chi Susan N. , Wright Karen D. , Huang Jennifer T.
Published: March 2019

Background

MAPK (RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK–MAP) and mTOR inhibitors are novel treatments for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The literature on common cutaneous adverse reactions to these therapies is sparse in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to describe common cutaneous adverse reactions to BRAF, MEK, and mTOR inhibitors in children with CNS tumors.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, patients younger than 21 years of age receiving BRAF, MEK, and mTOR inhibitor monotherapy for a CNS tumor were enrolled over a one‐year period. Full body skin examination, photographs of dermatologic findings, and initial treatment recommendations were included at the initial visit, and follow‐up skin examinations were recommended every three months.

Results

Twenty‐two patients were enrolled in the study. Fifty percent (11/22) received trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, 27.3% (6/22) received dabrafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, and 22.7% (5/22) received everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor. Median age at visit was 11 years (range, 3–19). Median time from treatment initiation to skin examination was 4.5 months (range, 0–43). Ninety‐six percent (21/22) of all patients had at least one skin reaction. The most common reactions across treatment groups included follicular/acneiform eruptions and xerosis. Two patients on MEK inhibitors and one patient on a BRAF inhibitor required therapy cessation due to severe cutaneous reactions.

Conclusions

Cutaneous reactions to targeted anticancer therapy in children are common, treatable, and rarely require drug dose reduction or discontinuation. Routine surveillance and early intervention may improve quality of life and facilitate continuation of life‐saving therapy.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Analysis for Quantitative Prediction of Renal Transporter–Mediated Interactions Between Metformin and Cimetidine
Authors: Nishiyama Kotaro , Toshimoto Kota , Lee Wooin , Ishiguro Naoki , Bister Bojan , Sugiyama Yuichi
Published: March 2019

Metformin is an important antidiabetic drug and often used as a probe for drug–drug interactions (DDIs) mediated by renal transporters. Despite evidence supporting the inhibition of multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins as the likely DDI mechanism, the previously reported physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model required the substantial lowering of the inhibition constant values of cimetidine for multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins from those obtained in vitro to capture the clinical DDI data between metformin and cimetidine.1 We constructed new PBPK models in which the transporter‐mediated uptake of metformin is driven by a constant membrane potential. Our models successfully captured the clinical DDI data using in vitro inhibition constant values and supported the inhibition of multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins by cimetidine as the DDI mechanism upon sensitivity analysis and data fitting. Our refined PBPK models may facilitate prediction approaches for DDI involving metformin using in vitro inhibition constant values.
Tracking alterations of alkyl side chains of N1 species in heavy crude oil after anaerobic biodegradation with negative‐ion electrospray ionization coupled with high‐field Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Su Sanbao , Dong Hao , Yu Gaoming , Hou Dujie , Shi Quan , Banat Ibrahim M. , Wang Zhengliang , Gu Yong'an , Zhang Fan , She Yuehui
Published: March 2019

Rationale

Heteroatomic compounds are relatively abundant and believed to be bio‐resistant in heavy crude oils. However, few studies have focused on the biodegradation of these heteroatomic compounds.

Methods

Heteroatoms, especially N1 species, in a blank crude oil and in three treated oils co‐incubated with anaerobic sulfate‐reducing bacteria, nitrate‐reducing bacteria and fermentative consortia cultures were detected using negative‐ion electrospray ionization coupled with high‐field Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Results

The relative abundance of N1 species in the three treated oils decreased, while the relative abundance of O2 species increased. Remarkably, the relative abundances of N1 species with low carbon number increased and those with higher carbon number decreased.

Conclusions

These results revealed that the anaerobic biodegradations of heavy crude oil occurred. With direct evidences, the degradations of alkyl side chains of N1 species by the anaerobic microbes could be deduced.
Debunking myths about sustainable remediation
Authors: Smith Jonathan W. N.
Published: March 2019

Sustainable remediation concepts have evolved during the decade 2007–2017. From the establishment of the first Sustainable Remediation forum (SURF) in 2007, to publication of ASTM and ISO standards by 2017. Guidance has been developed around the world to reflect local regulatory systems, and much has been learned in applying sustainability assessment to contaminated site management projects. In the best examples, significant improvements in project sustainability have been delivered, including concurrent reduction of the environmental footprint of the remediation program, improved social performance, and cost savings and/or value creation. The initial advocates for the concept of sustainable remediation were quickly supported by early adopters who saw its potential to improve the remediation industry's performance, but they also had to overcome some inertia and scepticism from other parties. During the debates and discussions that occurred at numerous international conferences and SURF workshops around the world, various opinions were formed and positions stated. Some proved to be correct, others not so. With the recent publication of ISO Standard 18504 and the benefit of a decade's‐worth of hindsight on sustainable remediation programs implementation and project delivery, this paper summarizes a number of myths and misunderstandings that have been stated regarding sustainable remediation and seeks to debunk them. Sustainable remediation assessment shows us how to manage unacceptable risks to human health and the environment in the best, that is to say the most sustainable, way. It provides the contaminated land management industry a framework to incorporate sustainable development principles into remediation projects and deliver significant value for affected parties and society more broadly. In dispelling some myths about sustainable remediation set out in this paper, it is hoped that consistent application of ISO18504/SuRF‐UK (or equivalently robust guidance) will facilitate even wider use of sustainable remediation around the world.
Robust time‐varying formation control for multiple underwater vehicles subject to nonlinearities and uncertainties
Authors: Liu Hao , Lyu Yafei , Lewis Frank L. , Wan Yan
Published: March 2019

This paper addresses the robust formation control problem for multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to achieve the desired formation trajectory and time‐varying formation pattern and to align the vehicle attitudes. The dynamics of each AUV system involves parameter variations, nonlinear dynamics, and external disturbances. A robust distributed formation control protocol is developed based on the graph theory and the robust compensation theory. It is proven that the tracking errors of the global uncertain system can converge into a given neighborhood of the origin in a finite time. Simulation results substantiate the effectiveness of the developed formation control method for multiple AUVs subject to nonlinearities and uncertainties.
Identities, interests, and preferences matter: Fostering sustainable community development by building assets and agency in western Kenya
Authors: Fuchs Lisa Elena , Peters Brianne , Neufeldt Henry
Published: March 2019

The efficiency and sustainability of climate change adaptation projects depend on appropriate models and tools to take climate‐smart practices to scale. This paper presents the “Building assets and agency” approach taken by the Accelerating Adoption of Agroforestry project whose objective is to scale the adoption of context‐specific adaptation and mitigation options. Through the approach, communities are encouraged to identify, mobilise, and use their existing assets to define community plans that are responsive to their identities, interests, and preferences. This innovative approach combines conscious selection of project staff and partners, group capacity and agency training, cocreation of skills in self‐selected agricultural practices with an emphasis on business skills, and tools for sustainable scaling through farmer‐to‐farmer extension. The paper addresses challenges and solutions, and case study data justifying proof of concept. While developed in a climate change context, and being sensitive to a number of factors, the approach can support effective, efficient, and socially appropriate action in any sector.
Synergistic Catalysis of Ag(I) and Organo‐N‐heterocyclic Carbenes: One‐Pot Synthesis of New Anticancer Spirooxindole‐1,4‐dihydropyridines
Authors: Balaboina Ramesh , Thirukovela Narasimha Swamy , Kankala Shravankumar , Balasubramanian Sridhar , Bathula Surendar Reddy , Vadde Ravinder , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B , Vasam Chandra Sekhar
Published: March 2019

Ag(I)/organo‐NHC catalyst pair (Lewis acidic/basic) delivered from labile Ag(I)‐NHC complex in ethanol has shown synergistic effect to catalyze the one‐pot four‐component reaction of isatins, malononitrile, cyclic ketones and ammonium acetate to produce new series of spirooxindole‐1,4‐dihydropyridine scaffolds. Carbene trapping from pre‐synthesized Ag(I)‐NHC in the form of zwitterionic CS2‐NHC adduct in ethanol provides evidence for the proposed synergistic catalysis. Besides, preliminary results of anticancer activity of these new spirooxindole‐1,4‐dihydropyridines are also presented.
Initial validation of the dyadic coping inventory for financial stress
Authors: Falconier Mariana K. , Rusu Petruta P. , Bodenmann Guy
Published: March 2019

Financial stress can have a detrimental impact on a couple's relationship but there is no validated instrument to assess the way couples cope with financial stress. This study sought to validate the Dyadic Coping Inventory for Financial Strain (DCIFS), an adaptation of the Dyadic Coping Inventory to financial stressors, with self‐report data collected from 132 heterosexual couples seeking couple and/or family therapy services. Confirmatory Factor Analysis results supported a 23‐item version consisting of the following subscales for both men and women: Stress Communication by Oneself and by Partner; Emotion and Problem‐Focused Supportive Dyadic Coping (DC) by Oneself and by Partner; Negative DC by Oneself and by Partner; Emotion and Problem‐Focused Common DC; and Evaluation of DC (Chi‐square test: Men: χ2(175) = 310.11,p = 0.00; Women: χ2(175) = 242.88,p = 0.00. Results also supported the hypothesized factorial structure for the aggregated subscales of DC by Oneself and by Partner as well as the discriminant, predictive, and convergent validity of the DCIFS. Findings associated with the Stress Communication subscales suggest that this DC dimension may behave differently depending on the type of stressor. Further studies should be conducted to replicate the DCIFS factorial structure with longitudinal data from couples not seeking couple or family therapy.
Lattice Structure and Bandgap Control of 2D GaN Grown on Graphene/Si Heterostructures
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Li Yuan , Zheng Yulin , Li Xiaochan , Huang Liegen , Li Guoqiang
Published: March 2019

2D group‐III nitride materials have shown a great promise for applications in optoelectronic devices thanks to their thickness‐dependent properties. However, the epitaxial growth of 2D group‐III nitrides remains a challenge. In this work, epitaxial growth of 2D GaN with well‐controlled lattice structures and bandgaps is achieved by plasma‐enhanced metal organic chemical vapor deposition via effective regulation of plasma energy and growth temperature. The structure of graphene/2D GaN/Si heterostructures is carefully investigated by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The formation mechanism of the 2D GaN layer is clearly clarified by theoretical calculations. Furthermore, a bandgap for 2D GaN ranging from ≈4.18 to ≈4.65 eV varying with the numbers of layers is theoretically calculated and experimentally confirmed. 2D GaN with well‐controlled lattice structure and bandgap holds great potential for the development of deep ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes, energy conversion devices, etc.
Embedding Pinhole Vertical Gold Nanowire Electronic Skins for Braille Recognition
Authors: Ling Yunzhi , Gong Shu , Zhai Qingfeng , Wang Yan , Zhao Yunmeng , Yang Mingjie , Cheng Wenlong
Published: March 2019

Electronic skins (e‐skins) have the potential to be conformally integrated with human body to revolutionize wearable electronics for a myriad of technical applications including healthcare, soft robotics, and the internet of things, to name a few. One of the challenges preventing the current proof of concept translating to real‐world applications is the device durability, in which the strong adhesion between active materials and elastomeric substrate or human skin is required. Here, a new strategy is reported to embed vertically aligned standing gold nanowires (v‐AuNWs) into polydimethylsiloxane, leading to a robust e‐skin sensor. It is found that v‐AuNWs with pinholes can have an adhesion energy 18‐fold greater than that for pinhole‐free v‐AuNWs. Finite element modeling results show that this is due to friction force from interfacial embedment. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the robust e‐skin sensor can be used for braille recognition.