bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Feeding Rate on the Transient Behavior of a Biomass Combustor
Authors: Pérez-Orozco Raquel , Patiño David , Porteiro Jacobo , Cid Natalia , Regueiro Araceli
Published: August 2019

Monitored variables in biomass combustion devices, such as emissions or temperature, are usually characterized by their averaged values over the entire process, although they tend to present a pulsating behavior. This assumption induces instantaneous errors when experimental data are used in numerical simulation. The interest in obtaining high‐quality experimental information for a proper model validation leads to find an alternative to describe them and to discern which operating variables are the main ones responsible for those fluctuations. The application of frequency‐domain tools, such as coherence, is proposed as a useful solution for determining if the emission and temperature profiles are intrinsically related to any known periodical signal, such as the feeding cycle.
Chemometric approach to estimate kinetic properties of paclitaxel prodrugs and their substructures for solubility prediction through molecular modelling and simulation studies
Authors: Munjal Nupur S. , Shukla Rohit , Singh Tiratha Raj
Published: August 2019

Paclitaxel drug is administered in the treatment of ovarian and breast cancer and also in Kaposi sarcoma. In spite of being nanomolar active, use of this drug is confined because of its low aqueous solubility, hence many prodrugs for increasing paclitaxel's solubility were formed, but the formation process was not rational. In the current study, quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) models were formed for the solubility prediction of paclitaxel prodrugs. Structures of all molecules were optimized at the parameterization method 6 (PM6) and Austin Model 1 (AM1) levels, after which Dragon‐based 5250 descriptors and quasi‐mixture descriptors were calculated. Independent descriptors were selected in multiple steps, and QSPR models having 12 and 10 descriptors with R2 and Q2 values of 0.78 and 0.60 and 0.80 and 0.69 for AM1‐ and PM6‐optimized geometry datasets, respectively, were formed. Also, for substituent group dataset, QSPR models with 8 and 9 descriptors having R2 and Q2 values of 0.82 and 0.76 and 0.93 and 0.83 were determined for AM1‐ and PM6‐optimized geometry datasets, respectively. Quasi‐mixture descriptors, which were calculated for substituent group datasets, gave the QSPR model with R2 and Q2 values of 0.70 and 0.58 and 0.69 and 0.52 respectively for AM1‐ and PM6‐optimized geometries. After the models' development, the substituent group dataset was employed for the formation of docking and molecular dynamics simulation–based models for the metabolic study with CYP1A2 enzyme. It is anticipated that the proposed QSPR models will serve as a base for the designing of new paclitaxel prodrugs with improved aqueous solubility.
Improving chemotherapy consent in underserved patients
Authors: Kilbridge Kerry L.
Published: August 2019

Poor comprehension of chemotherapy terms prevents patients from understanding treatment. Assessment of informed consent for chemotherapy from the patient's viewpoint could be incorporated into quality measures to improve the process, particularly for underserved patients.
Effects of cancer history on functional age and mortality
Authors: Blair Cindy K. , Jacobs David R. , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Cohen Harvey J. , Morey Miriam C. , Robien Kim , Lazovich DeAnn
Published: August 2019

Background

Cancer, its treatment, and associated adverse effects may accelerate the functional aging of cancer survivors. In the current study, the authors used geriatric assessment (GA) to compare the functional age of long‐term cancer survivors with that of similarly aged women without a cancer history, and to examine whether functional age influences all‐cause mortality differently between these 2 groups.

Methods

Participants included 1723 cancer survivors and 11,145 age‐matched, cancer‐free women enrolled in the Iowa Women's Health Study in 1986 who completed the 2004 questionnaire (at ages 73‐88 years). GA domain deficits included ≥2 physical function limitations, ≥2 comorbidities, poor general health, poor mental health, and underweight. The risk of all‐cause mortality was estimated for deficits in each GA domain between 4 groups based on the cross‐classification of the presence and/or absence of cancer history and GA domain deficit (the referent group was cancer‐free women without a GA deficit).

Results

Both cancer history and GA domain deficits significantly predicted 10‐year mortality for all GA domains. Cancer survivors without deficits had a 1.3‐fold to 1.4‐fold risk of mortality, similar to the 1.1‐fold to 1.7‐fold risk noted among cancer‐free women with deficits (all P < .05). Cancer survivors with deficits were found to have the highest mortality risk for 4 of 5 domains (hazard ratio range, 1.6‐2.0). Mortality risk increased with the increasing number of GA deficits, which was greater in cancer survivors compared with cancer‐free women.

Conclusions

Even without GA deficits, cancer survivors appear to have an excess risk of death compared with women without cancer, and these deficits add to mortality risk. Interventions are needed to maintain or improve functional/physiological capacity as women age, especially in cancer survivors.
Transgenic Tumor Models for Evaluating CAR T‐Cell Immunotherapies
Authors: Aranda Fernando , Barajas Miguel , Huarte Eduardo
Published: August 2019

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy against tumor antigens involves a recombinant immunoreceptor that combines an antibody‐derived targeting fragment with signaling domains capable of activating T cells and fusion of this receptor domain to a costimulatory domain (typically CD28 or 4‐1BB). Clinical trials of CAR T‐cell therapeutics targeting CD19 antigens for relapsed or refractory B‐cell malignancies have shown unparalleled results and consequently have recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the lack of efficacy beyond B‐cell malignancies, the emergence of resistance to CAR T‐cell therapy due to loss of the antigenic epitope, and severe cases of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity necessitate further preclinical studies. As it is very complicated to develop a single animal model that would replicate the complexity of the clinical scenario, this article focuses on transgenic models used to study human tumor‐associated antigens in an immunocompetent model. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Oral health among children attending an oncology clinic in Trinidad
Authors: Kowlessar Anne , Naidu Rahul , Ramroop Visha , Nurse Janelle , Dookie Kavita , Bodkyn Curt , Lalchandani Sanjay
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Little is known about the oral health of paediatric oncology patients in the Caribbean. Poor oral health can complicate oncology treatment, negatively affecting a child's health. In children undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant, odontogenic infections can progress to life‐threatening sepsis. The aim of this study is to investigate the oral health among children attending an oncology clinic in Trinidad.

Material and Methods

Sample population included paediatric oncology patients attending a children's hospital in Trinidad. Subsequent to obtaining informed consent, a 14‐item questionnaire was administered to parents/caregivers. An intra‐oral examination was undertaken by two dentists to assess soft tissues, gingival health, and dentition status, using visual examination only.

Results

Seventy‐one children and their caregivers participated in the study. The children consisted of both patients warded or attending as outpatients; 53.5% of patients were male and the mean age 6.64 (SD 3.33) years with a range of 1 to 15 years. Gingivitis and mucositis were present among 41.3% and 3% of patients, respectively. The prevalence of visible dental caries was 54.3%. Caries experience (dmft) was 2.28 (SD 3.63), and for those children with some caries experience (dmft > 0), this was 5.59 (SD 3.72). The majority (62.5%) had never visited a dentist. The most common dental treatment needs were dental prophylaxis (98.4%) and restorative treatment (50.8%). Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (39.1%) was the most common malignancy among this sample, and patients were at varying stages of cancer treatment.

Conclusions

Oral health among this sample of paediatric oncology patients was generally poor, with untreated caries being common, and the majority of children not having had any previous dental care. Preventive dental care for these patients should include oral hygiene instruction, dietary advice, topical fluoride application along with management of carious lesions, and odontogenic infections. This preliminary study highlights the need for closer collaboration between general dental practitioners, paediatric dentists, and paediatric oncology physicians, in caring for these patients.
Neutral zone recording in computer‐guided implant prosthesis: A new digital neuromuscular approach
Authors: Frascaria Massimo , Pietropaoli Davide , Casinelli Matteo , Cattaneo Ruggero , Ortu Eleonora , Monaco Annalisa
Published: August 2019

Background

Neutral zone (NZ) is a specific area in the oral cavity where muscular opposite forces are null. NZ represents the ideal zone for prosthesis placement. In this study, we compared digital implant planning using conventional technique and using NZ registration through piezography.

Methods

Sixty‐tree implants were digitally planned. Angular deviation differences between traditional planned and NZ‐planned implants were calculated. In addition, interferences with soft tissues (i.e., tongue and cheeks) were evaluated.

Results

We observed a significant difference between traditional technique and piezographic approach in terms of implants angulation (p = .003), independent of site. A 4.7% of the planned abutments with traditional technique were placed outside the NZ, causing conflict with soft tissues in the digital model.

Conclusions

Compared with traditional technique, piezography allows a significantly different exploitation of the nonconflict area, which potentially translates into better management of soft tissues and improved functionality of the implants.
Secure data transfer aware grouping technique for cloud‐assisted Internet of things applications
Authors: Raheema Alaa Q. , Tarish Hiba A.
Published: August 2019

Task clustering process in distributed systems is used to improve the performance of executing workflow applications. In cloud‐assisted Internet of things (CIoT) framework, performing efficient task clustering is highly challenging because of the dynamic nature of cloud, availability of various billing models, and billing granularity options. This work aims at reducing the security overhead among the dependent tasks by using data transfer aware grouping technique (DTAGT), which takes into consideration the amount of data transferred among dependent tasks to obtain a cluster that reduces the security overhead in the network by optimizing the data transfer rate. Collecting the data in a CIoT environment is difficult, and the redundancy among the data from the sensors tends to decrease the lifetime of the network and also increases the latency has been resolved using proposed DTAGT. The overall objective of the proposed grouping algorithm is to reduce the total completion time and cost of executing workflow application with high reliability in CIoT platform. The proposed system is implemented, and the result analysis shows DTWCT (Dual‐tree complex wavelet transform) outperforms the other related works.
Hash‐balanced binary tree–based public auditing in vehicular edge computing and networks
Authors: Liu Mingxi , Fan Kuan , Kumar Neeraj , He Debiao , Shi Wenbo
Published: August 2019

In recent years, cloud storage technology is developed maturely, so data owners could deposit data to relieve the storage pressure. In vehicular communication networks, vehicles tend to use low‐latency networks to transfer the valid road information and vehicle information generated by smart sensors in real time. Vehicular edge computing (VEC) networks satisfy the low‐latency requirements of the vehicular communication networks. However, vehicles have no space to store a copy of the data locally like using a local storage service. Vehicles, as users of cloud storage, pay attention to the integrity of the data especially. Unfortunately, many existing auditing schemes for integrity are not fully applicable to the VEC paradigm, because of significant differences in security assumptions. In this paper, a dynamic public audit protocol is proposed to the VEC paradigm. First, a new threat model is defined to formalize noncollusive and collusive attacks according to VEC servers and cloud server providers. Second, we propose a novel auditing protocol based on hash‐balanced binary tree (HBBT) and describe the auditing process and dynamic operations. Third, security analysis and experimental analysis are completed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Fault diagnosis in wireless sensor network using clonal selection principle and probabilistic neural network approach
Authors: Mohapatra Santoshinee , Khilar Pabitra M. , Swain Rakesh R.
Published: August 2019

The fault diagnosis in wireless sensor networks is one of the most important topics in the recent years of research work. The problem of fault diagnosis in wireless sensor network can be resembled with artificial immune system in many different ways. In this paper, a detection algorithm has been proposed to identify faulty sensor nodes using clonal selection principle of artificial immune system, and then the faults are classified into permanent, intermittent, and transient fault using the probabilistic neural network approach. After the actual fault status is detected, the faulty nodes are isolated in the isolation phase. The performance metrics such as detection accuracy, false alarm rate, false‐positive rate, fault classification accuracy, false classification rate, diagnosis latency, and energy consumption are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm gives superior results as compared with existing algorithms in terms of the performance metrics. The fault classification performance is measured by fault classification accuracy and false classification rate. It has also seen that the proposed algorithm provides less diagnosis latency and consumes less energy than that of the existing algorithms proposed by Mohapatra et al, Panda et al, and Elhadef et al for wireless sensor network.
Rolling window regression of δ13C and δ18O values in carbonate sediments: Implications for source and diagenesis
Authors: Oehlert Amanda M. , Swart Peter K.
Published: August 2019

Diagenetic alteration can produce, modify or erase significant biogeochemical information recorded in carbon and oxygen (δ13C and δ18O) values of marine carbonates throughout geological time. Understanding the type and extent of alteration experienced by a carbonate deposit can improve sedimentological and geochemical interpretations of events in Earth history. In this study, we present a new application of a statistical approach to aid in the identification and interpretation of sedimentological surfaces in a shallow marine carbonate sequence using a rolling window regression (RWR) analysis. RWR analysis evaluates the degree of covariation between two records and how it changes through time. Geological application of this statistical technique permits a new perspective on the fine scale variability in carbon and oxygen isotope records and the processes that generate them and provides a complementary tool for sedimentological interpretations. In this study, we apply RWR to δ13C and δ18O values from the Clino drilled into the western margin of Great Bahama Bank, a core that has been extensively altered by diagenetic processes, within the vadose, phreatic and marine burial zones. This core penetrates ~676 m of shallow marine to deeper slope deposits and contains a variety of both sedimentological and diagenetic events, including facies transitions, subaerial exposure surfaces, marine hardgrounds, firmgrounds and periods of reduced sedimentation rate. Using more than 1,200 analyses of paired δ13C and δ18O values, we have applied a RWR analysis to evaluate how the correlation between these two proxies changes at scales of 10, 30 and 100 m. The results of this study highlight the dynamic evolution of correlations between δ13C and δ18O values within diagenetic zones and in association with diagenetic surfaces and provide context for interpreting covariance in δ13C and δ18O values from the geological record.
Eating disorder recovery in men: A pilot study
Authors: Bardone‐Cone Anna M. , Johnson Shelby , Raney Thomas J. , Zucker Nancy , Watson Hunna J. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: August 2019

Objective

This pilot study examined the validity of a comprehensive definition of recovery (physical, behavioral, and cognitive recovery indices) for the first time in men.

Method

Men with an eating disorder history were recruited from former patients at eating disorder centers, university campuses, and fitness centers/gyms. At baseline and a 12‐month follow‐up, data were collected via online surveys, diagnostic interviews, and measured weight and height from men with an eating disorder history (n = 36) and men with no eating disorder history (n = 27).

Results

Of the men with an eating disorder history, 15 met criteria for an eating disorder, 7 met criteria for partial recovery, and 5 for full recovery. Men who met criteria for full recovery did not differ significantly from men with no eating disorder history and had significantly lower levels of broad eating pathology, thinness and restricting expectancies, body shame, difficulties in stopping thoughts about body, food, or exercise, and male body attitudes related to muscularity and body fat than men with an eating disorder. Men meeting criteria for full recovery had higher levels of body acceptance and intuitive eating than men who met criteria for partial recovery or an eating disorder. In terms of predictive validity, of those fully recovered at baseline, 60% also met full recovery criteria at follow‐up.

Discussion

Preliminary findings suggest that a comprehensive definition of recovery applies to men. Although research with larger samples is needed, this research provides some optimism for the potential of recovery in men.
State‐space modeling reveals habitat perception of a small terrestrial mammal in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Gardiner Riana , Hamer Rowena , Leos‐Barajas Vianey , Peñaherrera‐Palma Cesar , Jones Menna E. , Johnson Chris
Published: August 2019

Habitat loss is a major cause of species loss and is expected to increase. Loss of habitat is often associated with fragmentation of remaining habitat. Whether species can persist in fragmented landscapes may depend on their movement behavior, which determines their capability to respond flexibility to changes in habitat structure and spatial distribution of patches.

Movement is frequently generalized to describe a total area used, or segmented to highlight resource use, often overlooking finer‐scale individual behaviors. We applied hidden Markov models (HMM) to movement data from 26 eastern bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi) in fragmented landscapes. HMMs are able to identify distinct behavior states associated with different movement patterns and discover how these behaviors are associated with habitat features.

Three distinct behavior states were identified and interpreted as denning, foraging, and fast‐traveling. The probability of occurrence of each state, and of transitions between them, was predicted by variation in tree‐canopy cover and understorey vegetation density. Denning was associated with woodland with low canopy cover but high vegetation density, foraging with high canopy cover but low vegetation density, and fast‐traveling with low canopy cover and low vegetation density.

Bettongs did move outside woodland patches, often fast‐traveling through pasture and using smaller stands of trees as stepping stones between neighboring patches. Males were more likely to fast‐travel and venture outside woodlands patches, while females concentrated their movement within woodland patches.

Synthesis and applications: Our work demonstrates the value of using animal movement to understand how animals respond to variation in habitat structure, including fragmentation. Analysis using HMMs was able to characterize distinct habitat types needed for foraging and denning, and identify landscape features that facilitate movement between patches. Future work should extend the use of individual movement analyses to guide management of fragmented habitat in ways that support persistence of species potentially threatened by habitat loss.
Effectiveness of biosurfactant for the removal of trihalomethanes by biotrickling filter
Authors: Mezgebe Bineyam , Sorial George , Wendell David , Sahle‐Demessie E.
Published: August 2019

In this study, the biodegradation of a mixture of two trihalomethane (THM) compounds, chloroform (CF) and dichlorobromomethane (DCBM), was evaluated using two laboratory‐scale biotrickling filters (BTFs). The two BTFs, hereby designated as “BTF‐A” and “BTF‐B,” were run parallel and used ethanol as co‐metabolite at different loading rates (LRs), and a lipopeptide‐type biosurfactant that was generated by the gram‐positive bacteria, Surfactin, respectively. The results using BTF‐A showed that adding ethanol at a higher rate of 4.59 g/(m3 h) resulted in removal efficiencies of 85% and 87% for CF and DCBM, respectively. Conversely, for the same LR, the use of Surfactin without ethanol (BTF‐B) showed comparable removal efficiencies of 85% and 80% for CF and DCBM, respectively. The maximum rate constant for CF and DCBM for the BTF‐A was 0.00203 s−1 and 0.0022 s−1, respectively. For the same THMs LR, similar reaction rate constants resulted for the BTF‐B. Further studies were conducted to investigate and understand the microbial diversity within both BTFs. The result indicated that for BTF with co‐metabolite, Fusarium sp. was the most dominant fungi over 98% followed by F. Solani with less than 2%. F. oxysporum and Fusarium sp. were instead the dominant fungi for the BTF with Surfactin. Before introducing the Surfactin into the BTF, the batch experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of synthetic surfactant as compared to a biosurfactant (Surfactin). In this regard, vials with Surfactin showed better performance than vials with Tomadol 25‐7 (synthetic surfactant).
Comments on Schoenberg et al. (2003)
Authors: Ghorbani Hamid
Published: August 2019

This article comments on the work of Schoenberg FP et al., “On the distribution of wildfire sizes. Environmetrics. 2003;14:e605.https://doi.org/10.1002/env.605.” These comments are mainly about both numerical and visual goodness‐of‐fit criteria, used for comparing the performance of candidate distributions for wildfire sizes. First, the maximum likelihood estimate of the half‐normal distribution and its corresponding goodness‐of‐fit criterions are corrected. Then, the given values of the Akaike information criterion for all fitted models are modified. Furthermore, some comments on the inappropriateness of naming the proposed statistic under the “Cramér–von Mises (C‐vM) statistic” are given. After presenting the C‐vM statistic, its values and the correspondingpvalues, which show the goodness‐of‐fit–proposed distributions for describing the data, are calculated. At the end, the asymptotic confidence bounds for the “fitted comparison line” in quantile–quantile plots of two best‐fitted distributions are given. Comparing these asymptotic bounds with their counterparts in Schoenberg et al., named “Confidence bounds based on Monte Carlo simulation,” bear great similarity in the position of the end points, while creating them cost relatively much cheaper computations.
What animals do not do or fail to find: A novel observational approach for studying cognition in the wild
Authors: Janmaat Karline R. L.
Published: August 2019

To understand how our brain evolved and what it is for, we are in urgent need of knowledge about the cognitive skills of a large variety of animal species and individuals, and their relationships to rapidly disappearing social and ecological conditions. But how do we obtain this knowledge? Studying cognition in the wild is a challenge. Field researchers (and their study subjects) face many factors that can easily interfere with their variables of interest. Although field studies of cognition present unique challenges, they are still invaluable for understanding the evolutionary drivers of cognition. In this review, I discuss the advantages and urgency of field‐based studies on animal cognition and introduce a novel observational approach for field research that is guided by three questions: (a)what do animals fail to find?, (b)what do they not do?, and (c)what do they only do when certain conditions are met?My goal is to provide guidance to future field researchers examining primate cognition.
Roles of glial ion transporters in brain diseases
Authors: Song Shanshan , Luo Lanxin , Sun Baoshan , Sun Dandan
Published: August 2019

Glial ion transporters are important in regulation of ionic homeostasis, cell volume, and cellular signal transduction under physiological conditions of the central nervous system (CNS). In response to acute or chronic brain injuries, these ion transporters can be activated and differentially regulate glial functions, which has subsequent impact on brain injury or tissue repair and functional recovery. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about major glial ion transporters, including Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE), Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCX), Na+–K+–Cl− cotransporters (NKCC), and Na+–HCO3− cotransporters (NBC). In acute neurological diseases, such as ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), these ion transporters are rapidly activated and play significant roles in regulation of the intra‐ and extracellular pH, Na+, K+, and Ca2+ homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and myelin formation. However, overstimulation of these ion transporters can contribute to glial apoptosis, demyelination, inflammation, and excitotoxicity. In chronic brain diseases, such as glioma, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), glial ion transporters are involved in the glioma Warburg effect, glial activation, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damages. These findings suggest that glial ion transporters are involved in tissue structural and functional restoration, or brain injury and neurological disease development and progression. A better understanding of these ion transporters in acute and chronic neurological diseases will provide insights for their potential as therapeutic targets.
Association of brain white matter lesions and atrophy with cognitive function in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yeh Yi‐Chun , Kuo Yu‐Ting , Huang Mei‐Feng , Hwang Shang‐Jyh , Tsai Jer‐Chia , Kuo Mei‐Chuan , Chen Cheng‐Sheng
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), possibly leading to poor outcomes. However, the correlation between brain structural abnormalities and cognitive impairment remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impairment of specific cognitive domains and their association with brain structural abnormalities.

Methods

Patients with CKD of at least stage 3 who were not on hemodialysis were enrolled. All participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing in five cognitive domains. Ventricular atrophy, sulcal atrophy, medial temporal atrophy, and white matter changes were assessed using brain magnetic resonance imaging according to standard protocols.

Results

Eighty‐seven patients and 50 controls were enrolled. Patients with CKD exhibited decreased cognitive function relative to controls. Compared with patients with stage 3 CKD, those with advanced stage (stages 4 or 5) had poorer cognitive performance, more pronounced white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and more severe ventricular atrophy. Among CKD patients, executive function (β = −.23, P = .043) and attention (β = −.29, P = .004) were associated with WMH in controlled analyses. However, no cognitive impairment was associated with ventricular atrophy.

Conclusion

Patients with CKD exhibited cognitive impairment and brain structural abnormalities including WMH and general brain atrophy. Impairment of attention and executive dysfunction were associated with WMH.
Is the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen (QMCI) more accurate at detecting mild cognitive impairment than existing short cognitive screening tests? A systematic review of the current literature
Authors: Glynn Kevin , Coen Robert , Lawlor Brian A.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Differentiating normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia is important, as these conditions differ in terms of their prognosis and treatment. Existing short cognitive screening tests vary widely in their accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity at detecting MCI and dementia. The Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen (QMCI) was developed in 2012 as a fast and accurate “MCI specific” screening test. The aim of the current study was to conduct a literature review to compare the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the QMCI at differentiating normal cognition, MCI, and dementia to existing short cognitive screening tests at their optimal cut‐off scores.

Methods

A search of the electronic journal databases EBSCO, Psych info, and Science Direct was undertaken using the keywords “Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen,” “QMCI,” “accuracy,” “sensitivity,” and “specificity.” Results of individual studies were examined, and 2 × 2 tables were drawn up to obtain the overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of each test across the studies included.

Results

Results from individual studies show that the QMCI has higher accuracy at detecting MCI and dementia than these cognitive screens. Pooled analysis shows that it also has greater sensitivity and specificity at optimal cut‐off points for each test.

Conclusions

Based in the current review, the QMCI represents a more accurate, sensitive, and specific screening test for MCI and dementia than the SMMSE or the MoCA. This has important implications in screening for cognitive impairment.
Gender disparities are present in academic rank and leadership positions despite overall equivalence in research productivity indices among senior members of American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) Fellowship Faculty
Authors: Garstka Meghan E. , Randolph Gregory W. , Haddad Antoine B. , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O. , Ibraheem Kareem , Farag Mahmoud , Deot Neal , Adib Hania , Hoof Marcus , French Kaley , Killackey Mary T. , Kandil Emad
Published: August 2019

Background

This study aims to examine potential disparities in scholarly performance based on sex, academic rank, leadership positions, and regional distribution of faculty in accredited Head and Neck Surgery fellowships in the United States.

Methods

Online faculty listings for 37 accredited fellowships were organized according to academic rank, leadership position, sex, and institutional location. Academic productivity was measured with three bibliometric indices: h‐index, m‐index, and the weighted relative citation ratio.

Results

A total of 732 faculty members were included, of which 153 (21%) were female. Fifty‐eight males (89.2%) held leadership positions, compared to seven females (10.8%). There was no significant difference in overall productivity between male and female senior faculty. There were regional differences in productivity by sex.

Conclusions

Females are underrepresented in senior faculty and within three common leadership positions, although scholarly productivity for male and female senior faculty and for those in leadership positions is similar.
Modeling Progress Toward Elimination of Hepatitis B in Australia
Authors: McCulloch Karen , Romero Nicole , MacLachlan Jennifer , Allard Nicole , Cowie Benjamin
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global health concern, and the most prevalent blood‐borne virus in Australia. World Health Organization (WHO) member states have committed to global elimination, with targets to diagnose 90% of people living with CHB, treat 80% of those eligible, and reduce attributable deaths by 65% by the year 2030. Australia has committed to national targets of 80% diagnosed, 20% on treatment, and a 30% reduction in deaths by 2022.

Approach and Results

We constructed and implemented a mathematical model to estimate the burden of CHB incorporating vaccination, phases of infection, cirrhosis progression, and mortality attributed to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and examined the population‐level impact of antiviral therapy. Diversity was integrated according to migration patterns, CHB prevalence by country of birth, Indigenous status, and age. Modelled outcomes were subjected to multivariate uncertainty analysis. Of the estimated 221,420 people living with CHB in Australia in 2017, 68% were diagnosed and 8.7% were receiving treatment (less than one‐third of those estimated to be eligible). Based on current trends, the proportion of people living with CHB who have been diagnosed will reach 71% by 2022 and 81% by 2030, and treatment uptake will rise to 11.2% by 2022 and 12.9% by 2030, resulting in a 5.7% reduction in CHB‐attributable deaths from 2015 to 2030. CHB treatment has prevented approximately 2,300 deaths in Australia between 2000 and 2017.

Conclusions

Australia is not on track to meet local and global targets regarding CHB. Comprehensive and regularly updated modelling approaches accounting for diversity within the population are a useful tool to measure progress and impact of interventions, and quantify further improvements required to meet elimination goals.
A randomized placebo‐controlled trial examining the effects of escitalopram on neuroticism and state anxiety in a nonclinical sample
Authors: Peters Evyn M. , Knorr Ulla , Vinberg Maj , Kessing Lars Vedel , Bowen Rudy
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study reanalyzed data from a randomized placebo‐controlled trial that failed to find an effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram on neuroticism and state anxiety in a nonclinical sample. The purpose was to test for unique effects on two neuroticism factors, trait anxiety and mood instability, and to explore whether neuroticism moderated the effect of escitalopram on state anxiety.

Methods

The sample included 80 adults who had a first‐degree relative with major depression but without any psychiatric disorders themselves. Participants were randomized to escitalopram 10 mg/day or placebo for 4 weeks. Neuroticism was assessed with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and state anxiety with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‐A).

Results

The main effects on the neuroticism factors were not statistically significant, although there was a significant interaction such that the effect of escitalopram compared with placebo on HAM‐A scores was statistically significant in participants with higher levels of EPQ trait anxiety, even after controlling for baseline HAM‐A scores. A similar interaction with EPQ mood instability was nonsignificant.

Conclusion

A potential beneficial effect of escitalopram on neuroticism may be driven by reductions in anxiety.
Executive function in the school context: The role of peer relationships
Authors: Lecce Serena , Bianco Federica , Ronchi Luca
Published: August 2019

Theoretical accounts and experimental data on young children have shown that executive functions (EFs) are predicted by experiential factors. However, studies on school‐aged children are rare. The present study has addressed this gap using a short‐term cross‐lagged longitudinal design focusing on the relationship between working memory (WM), conflict inhibition (CI), and peer acceptance (PA) and rejection (PR) in middle childhood. 245 children, aged 8 to 12 years at Time 1 (M = 10.03 years, SD = 1.21 years), were tested three times over 1 year. SEM showed that (a) PA at Times 1 and 2 positively predicted WM at Times 2 and 3 and (b) PR at Time 1 negatively predicted CI at Time 2. Our findings are in line with the view that EFs are significantly affected by children's social life at school and are interpreted in light of the regulatory depletion model and of the socio‐constructivist models.

Highlights

We examine cross‐lagged associations between children's peer relationships and executive functions in the school context.

Peer acceptance predicts working memory development and peer rejection predicts inhibition development in middle childhood.

Executive functioning development is sensitive to children's social experiences with peers at school.
Open challenges in vetting the internet‐of‐things
Authors: Maamar Zakaria , Kajan Ejub , Asim Muhammad , Baker Shamsa Thar
Published: August 2019

Internet‐of‐Thing (IoT) is a rapid‐emerging technology that exploits the concept of internetwork to connect things such as physical devices and objects together. A huge number of things (6.4 billion are in use in 2016) are already acting without direct human control raising a lot of concerns about the readiness and appropriateness of existing security practices, techniques, and tools to secure the data collected and protect people's private lives. As a first step, this paper presses the importance of having a dedicated process for vetting IoT (by analogy to vetting mobile apps) with focus on exposing things' vulnerabilities that could be the primary source of attacks. These vulnerabilities are identified according to things' duties decomposed into sensing, actuating, and communicating. A set of questions shed light on things' vulnerabilities per type of duty.
Long noncoding RNA XIST enhances ethanol‐induced hepatic stellate cells autophagy and activation via miR‐29b/HMGB1 axis
Authors: Xie Zheng‐Yuan , Wang Fen‐Fen , Xiao Zhi‐Hua , Liu Si‐Fu , Lai Yue‐Liang , Tang Sheng‐Lan
Published: August 2019

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a prominent driver of liver fibrogenesis, including alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF). Furthermore, autophagy contributes to HSCs activation. This study aims to investigate the role and the mechanisms of long noncoding RNA XIST in regulating HSCs autophagy and activation. Human HSC cells (LX‐2) were treated with 100 mmol/L ethanol to mimic HSCs activation. The HSCs activation was evaluated by determining cell viability and protein levels of fibrosis markers α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen type 1 α1 (CoL1A1). The autophagy was evaluated by measuring autophagy markers Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II. The interaction among XIST, miR‐29b, and high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) were analyzed using luciferase reporter assay, qRT‐PCR, and western blot. Lentiviruses targeting sh‐XIST (LV‐sh‐XIST) were injected into ALF model mice via tail vein to elucidate the in vivo role of XIST in ALF injury. XIST was upregulated in ethanol‐activated LX‐2 cells. Furthermore, XIST served as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR‐29b to facilitate HMGB1 expression, and thus enhanced ethanol‐induced HSCs autophagy and activation. Further in vivo assay showed that downregulation of XIST by LV‐sh‐XIST alleviated ALF injury in ALF model mice. Collectively, XIST enhances ethanol‐induced HSCs autophagy and activation via miR‐29b/HMGB1 axis.
Targeting GATA4 for cardiac repair
Authors: Välimäki Mika J. , Ruskoaho Heikki J.
Published: August 2019

Various strategies have been applied to replace the loss of cardiomyocytes in order to restore reduced cardiac function and prevent the progression of heart disease. Intensive research efforts in the field of cellular reprogramming and cell transplantation may eventually lead to efficient in vivo applications for the treatment of cardiac injuries, representing a novel treatment strategy for regenerative medicine. Modulation of cardiac transcription factor (TF) networks by chemical entities represents another viable option for therapeutic interventions. Comprehensive screening projects have revealed a number of molecular entities acting on molecular pathways highly critical for cellular lineage commitment and differentiation, including compounds targeting Wnt‐ and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)‐signaling. Furthermore, previous studies have demonstrated that GATA4 and NKX2‐5 are essential TFs in gene regulation of cardiac development and hypertrophy. For example, both of these TFs are required to fully activate mechanical stretch‐responsive genes such as atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). We have previously reported that the compound 3i‐1000 efficiently inhibited the synergy of the GATA4–NKX2‐5 interaction. Cellular effects of 3i‐1000 have been further characterized in a number of confirmatory in vitro bioassays, including rat cardiac myocytes and animal models of ischemic injury and angiotensin II‐induced pressure overload, suggesting the potential for small molecule‐induced cardioprotection.
Standard Versus Cyclic Teriparatide and Denosumab Treatment for Osteoporosis: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Cosman Felicia , McMahon Donald , Dempster David , Nieves Jeri W
Published: August 2019

In the absence of an intervening antiresorptive agent, cyclic administration of teriparatide does not increase bone mineral density (BMD) more than standard daily therapy. Because denosumab is a potent antiresorptive agent with a rapid off-effect, we hypothesized that it might be the optimal agent to help maximize bone gains with cyclic teriparatide. In this 3-year protocol, 70 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were randomized to 18 months of teriparatide followed by 18 months of denosumab (standard) or three separate 12-month cycles of 6 months of teriparatide followed by 6 months of denosumab (cyclic). BMD (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]) measurements of lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), and 1/3 radius (RAD) were performed every 6 months and total body bone mineral (TBBM) at 18 and 36 months. Baseline descriptive characteristics did not differ between groups except for a minimal difference in LS BMD but not T-score (mean age 65 years, mean LS T-score − 2.7). In the standard group, BMD increments at 36 months were: LS 16%, TH 4%, FN 3%, and TBBM 4.8% (all p < 0.001 versus baseline). In the cyclic group, 36-month BMD increments were similar: LS 12%, TH 4%, FN 4%, and TBBM 4.1% (all p < 0.001 versus baseline). At 36 months, the LS BMD increase with standard was slightly larger than with cyclic (p = 0.04), but at 18 months, in the cyclic group, there was no decline in RAD or TBBM (p = 0.007 and < 0.001, respectively, versus standard). Although the cyclic regimen did not improve BMD compared with standard at 36 months, there appeared to be a benefit at 18 months, especially in the highly cortical skeletal sites. This could be clinically relevant in patients at high imminent risk of fracture, particularly at nonvertebral sites. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study: lean mass, strength, power, and physical function in a Danish cohort aged 20–93 years
Authors: Suetta Charlotte , Haddock Bryan , Alcazar Julian , Noerst Tim , Hansen Ole M. , Ludvig Helle , Kamper Rikke Stefan , Schnohr Peter , Prescott Eva , Andersen Lars L. , Frandsen Ulrik , Aagaard Per , Bülow Jens , Hovind Peter , Simonsen Lene
Published: August 2019

Background

Despite no international consensus on the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, low lean mass, muscle strength, and physical function are important risk factors for disability, frailty, and mortality in older individuals, as well as in a wide range of patients with muscle loss. Here, we provide a population‐based reference material of total and regional lean body mass, muscle strength/power parameters, and physical function in a healthy cohort of Danish men and women across the lifespan.

Methods

Volunteers aged 20–93 years from the Copenhagen City Heart Study were invited to establish a Danish reference material (Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study) on lean mass characteristics [appendicular lean mass (ALM), iDXA, GE Lunar], muscle function [handgrip strength (HGS), Jamar dynamometer and leg extension power (LEP), Nottingham Power Rig], and physical function [30 s sit‐to‐stand test (STS), 10‐m maximal and habitual gait speed (GS)].

Results

A total of 1305 participants [729 women (age: 56.4 ± 18.9 years, height: 1.66 ± 0.01 m, body mass index: 24.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2 and 576 men, age: 57.0 ± 17.5 years, height: 1.80 ± 0.07 m, body mass index: 26.0 ± 3.9 kg/m2] completed all measurements and were included in the present analysis. Lean mass characteristics (TLM, ALM, and ALM/h2) decreased with increasing age in both men and women (P < 0.001). Men demonstrated larger absolute and relative total ALM and higher HGS and LEP compared with women at all age intervals (P < 0.001). HGS and LEP decreased progressively with age in both men and women (P < 0.01); 30 s STS performance, habitual GS, and maximal GS decreased at an accellerated rate of decline with increasing age in both men and women (P < 0.001). Habitual GS was reduced in men and women aged ≥70 years, while maximal GS was reduced from the age of ≥60 years compared with young adults (P < 0.001). Regardless of sex, 30 s STS was reduced from the age of ≥50 years compared with the young reference group (P < 0.001)

Conclusions

While the power‐based measurements (LEP and 30 s STS) started to decline already at age +50 years, less power‐based parameters (GS and HGS) and lean mass characteristics (TLM, ALM, and ALM/h2) remained unaltered until after the age of +70 years. Notably, the cut‐off thresholds derived in the present study differed from earlier reference data, which underlines the importance of obtaining updated and local reference materials.
Determination of thermal conductivity using micro‐Raman spectroscopy with a three‐dimensional heating model
Authors: Cao Fangcheng , He Zhen
Published: August 2019

The thermal conductivity of isotropic graphite was investigated using Raman spectroscopy technique. In this method, the Raman laser acted simultaneously as an excitation source and a heating source. The dependences of the Raman peak position on temperature and laser power for the isotropic graphite were analyzed to establish Raman thermometry. Meanwhile, the local temperature rise induced by the laser irradiation was also theoretically described using a three‐dimensional heating model, which can be related to the thermal conductivity. The laser absorptivity, the spot size, and the probing volume of Raman spectra were discussed, respectively. Besides, simulations of the localized temperature distribution were performed. On the basis of the Raman thermometry and the three‐dimensional heating model, the thermal conductivity of 55 W/m K for the isotropic graphite was estimated, which was comparable with the value (60 W/m K) obtained by the laser flash technique.