bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARA Reading Components Tests, RISE Forms: Technical Adequacy and Test Design, 3rd Edition
Authors: Sabatini John , Weeks Jonathan , O'Reilly Tenaha , Bruce Kelly , Steinberg Jonathan , Chao Szu‐Fu
Published: September 2019

In this research report, we describe the conceptual foundation and measurement properties of the Reading Inventory and Scholastic Evaluation (RISE). The RISE is a 6‐subtest, Web‐administered reading skills components battery. We review the theoretical and empirical foundations of each subtest in the battery, as well as item designs. The results included in this report feature a calibrated item pool based on a national sample of students, an extension of the vertical scale to span Grades 3–12, psychometric analyses of the data for each subtest, an item response theory scaling study for each of the subtests across the entire grade span, an evaluation of multidimensionality, an evaluation of differential item functioning for gender and race/ethnicity, and an expanded review of validity evidence.
Orostachys japonicus exerts antipancreatic cancer activity through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in PANC‐1 cells
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Nam Gi Suk , Kim Sung Hyun , Ryu Deok Seon , Lee Dong Seok
Published: September 2019

Targeted therapy at the molecular level is important for pancreatic cancer treatment. This study looked over the anticancer activity of Orostachys japonicus in a human pancreatic cancer cell line, PANC‐1. An ethyl acetate fraction containing quercetin, kaempferol, and flavonol glycosides from O. japonicus (OJE) exhibited significant anticancer activity against the PANC‐1. OJE activated caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9, leading to the induction of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. It also inhibited cyclin D1, cyclin B1, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 4, representing cell cycle arrest at both G1/S and G2/M phases. In addition, OJE phosphorylated MAPKs such as p38, JNK, and ERK, which are important upstream signaling factors in apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle inducing system. In conclusion, OJE effectively exerted antipancreatic cancer activity via induction of apoptosis directed by both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and arrest of cell cycle regulated at both G1/S and G2/M stages, which is activated by MAPKs, p38, JNK, and ERK.
Multifocal primary neuroblastoma tumor heterogeneity in siblings with co‐occurring PHOX2B and NF1 genetic aberrations
Authors: Rybinski Brad , Wolinsky Tamar , Brohl Andrew , Moerdler Scott , Reed Damon R. , Ewart Michelle , Weiser Daniel
Published: September 2019

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, can present in multiple primary sites, but the extent of genetic heterogeneity among tumor foci, as well as the presence or absence of common oncogenic drivers, remains unknown. Although PHOX2B genetic aberrations can cause familial neuroblastoma, they demonstrate incomplete penetrance with respect to neuroblastoma pathogenesis, suggesting that additional undescribed oncogenic drivers are necessary for tumor development. We performed comprehensive molecular characterization of neuroblastoma tumors from two siblings affected by familial multifocal neuroblastoma, including whole exome sequencing and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays of tumor and matched blood samples. Data were processed and analyzed using established bioinformatics algorithms to evaluate for germline and somatic mutations and copy number variations (CNVs). We confirmed the presence of a PHOX2B deletion and NF1 mutation across all tumor samples and the germline genome. Matched tumor‐blood whole exome sequencing also identified 365 genes that contained nonsilent coding mutations across all tumor samples, with no recurrent mutations across all tumors. SNP arrays also showed significant heterogeneity with respect to CNVs. The only common CNV across all tumors was 17q gain, with differing chromosomal coordinates across samples but a common region of overlap distal to 17q21.31, suggesting this adverse prognostic biomarker may offer insight about additional drivers for multifocal neuroblastoma in patients with germline PHOX2B or NF1 aberrations. Molecular characterization of all tumors from patients with multifocal primary neuroblastoma has potential to yield novel insights on neuroblastoma pathogenesis.
Crustal thickening prior to 43 Ma in the Himalaya: Evidence from lower crust‐derived adakitic magmatism in Dala, eastern Tethyan Himalaya, Tibet
Authors: Dai Zuowen , Dong Lei , Li Guangming , Huizenga Jan Marten , Ding Jun , Zhang Linkui , Huang Yong , Cao Huawen , Lu Liu , Yan Guoqiang
Published: September 2019

The Himalayan–Tibetan orogen is the world's largest active orogen with the thickest continental crust on Earth. However, the timing of crustal thickening of this orogen remains controversial. In recent years, magmatic rocks with adakitic affinities have been widely used to constrain the crustal thickness. Here, we present zircon U–Pb ages, geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic data for the Dala two‐mica granites (eastern Tethyan Himalaya) that may shed light on this issue. Zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Dala two‐mica granites were emplaced at ca. 43 Ma. The granites display adakitic signatures, including high SiO2, Al2O3 and Sr contents, low Y and Yb contents with high Sr/Y (27−67) and La/Yb (35−99) ratios. High K2O and Th contents, low Nb/U, Ce/Pb, Ti/Eu and Nd/Sm ratios and low MgO, Mg#, Cr and Ni contents suggest that the Dala two‐mica granites were derived from partial melting of a thickened lower crust. Low negative zircon εHf(t) values (−10.4 to −0.5) with old two‐stage Hf model ages (1.1–1.8 Ga), high (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.715861–0.717665) with low εNd(t) (−12.5 to −11.3) and high Pb isotopes [(206Pb/204Pb)i=18.783–18.861, (207Pb/204Pb)i=18.783–18.861 and (208Pb/204Pb)i=39.052–39.285], together with previous literature data, indicate that the magma source for the Eocene granites in the Yardoi area was composed of ancient lower crust consisting mainly of garnet‐amphibolite and probably subordinate metapelites of the High Himalayan Crystalline Sequence. The residual mineral assemblage of garnet + rutile + plagioclase ± amphibole in the source region demonstrates that the crust beneath the Himalaya could have been thickened to ﹥50 km in the Eocene. Combining with previous studies, we propose that the Eocene magmatic rocks in the Tethyan Himalaya (e.g. ca. 43 Ma old Dala two‐mica granites) can be best interpreted as the consequence of breakoff of the Neo‐Tethyan oceanic slab.
Geochronology and geochemistry of Mesozoic dykes in the Qingchengzi ore field, Liaoning Province, China: Magmatic evolution and implications for ore genesis
Authors: Sun Guotao , Zeng Qingdong , Wang Yongbin , Li Bin , Chen Peiwen
Published: September 2019

The Qingchengzi Pb–Zn–Au–Ag–Mo polymetallic ore field located in the Liaodong Peninsula, Liaoning Province, China, is spatially associated with multiple magmatism, which provide a classic example for studying the multiple tectonic and metallogenetic events. In this paper, we report some new geochemical and geochronological data of igneous rocks in the Qingchengzi ore field, including diabase, lamprophyre, microdiorite, granite porphyry, and quartz porphyry. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded the formation ages of these rocks as Triassic, Jurassic, and Early Cretaceous. Low‐Mg adakitic granite porphyries formed at 233 Ma have zircon εHf(t) values of −17.7 to −14.5, suggesting that they were mainly derived from partial melting of thickened lower crust. Mafic dykes formed during 226–203 Ma have zircon εHf(t) values of −28.6 to −12.8, suggesting that they were mainly derived from partial melting of ancient lithospheric mantle. Zircons from the 168Ma Jurassic diabase have high Nb/Ta and low Nb/Th ratios, with zircon εHf(t) values of −25.2 to −18.5. This suggests that ancient lithospheric mantle was influenced by melts/fluids from the subducted Palaeo‐Pacific Plate. The Early Cretaceous microdiorites (126 Ma) are high‐Mg adakite rocks, with zircon εHf(t) values of −27.3 to −19.6. Melting of delaminated eclogitic lower crust might produce these high‐Mg adakitic microdiorites. The upwelling asthenosphere could heat the residual lower crust to form the quartz porphyries. The Early Cretaceous diabase (100 Ma) shows low Nb/Ta and high Nb/Th ratios, with zircon εHf(t) values of −0.7 to 5.8, implying a depleted mantle source. The characteristics of Triassic–Cretaceous intermediate‐mafic intrusions show that the lithospheric mantle evolved from enriched ancient mantle to depleted juvenile mantle. This transformation of the lithospheric mantle might have resulted from the delamination of the lower crust that was caused by subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate. Based on the field observation and geochemical data, Au, Pb–Zn–Ag, Mo mineralization in the Qingchengzi ore field show closely spatial and genetic relationship with intrusive rocks, indicating that the Mo, Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization might be related to the Jurassic magmatic activity, whereas Au mineralization related to the Early Cretaceous magma.
Reconfiguration of dynamic large‐scale brain network functional connectivity in generalized tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Jia Xiaoyan , Xie Yan , Dong Debo , Pei Haonan , Jiang Sisi , Ma Shuai , Huang Yang , Zhang Xingxing , Wang Yuhong , Zhu Qiong , Zhang Yanan , Yao Dezhong , Yu Liang , Luo Cheng
Published: September 2019

An increasing number of studies in patients with generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) have reported the alteration of functional connectivity (FC) in many brain networks. However, little is known about the underlying temporal variability of FC in large‐scale brain functional networks in patients. Recently, dynamic FC could provide novel insight into the physiological mechanisms in the brain. Here, we recruited 63 GTCS and 65 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Dynamic FC approaches were used to evaluate alterations in the temporal variability of FC in patients at the region‐ and network‐levels. In addition, two kinds of brain templates (>102 and > 103 regions) and two kinds of temporal variability FC approaches were adopted to verify the stability of the results. Patients showed increased FC variability in regions of the default mode network (DMN), ventral attention network (VAN) and motor‐related areas. The DAN, VAN, and DMN illustrated enhanced FC variability at the within‐network level. In addition, increased FC variabilities between networks were found between the DMN and cognition‐related networks, including the VAN, dorsal attention network and frontal–parietal network in GTCS. Meanwhile, the alterations in FC variability were relatively consistent across different methods and templates. Therefore, the consistent alteration of FC variability would reflect a dynamic restructuring of the large‐scale brain networks in patients with GTCS. Overly frequent information communication among cognition‐related networks, especially in the DMN, might play a role in the epileptic activity and/or cognitive dysfunction in patients.
Paranasal sinus invasion suggested T4 classification of patients of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A two‐center retrospective investigation
Authors: Wu Liqing , Zhuo Shuiqing , Zeng Weike , Liang Shaobo , Wang Shunxin , Cui Chunyan , Zhou Jian , Ruan Guangyin , Xu Shuoyu , Wang Lifei , Huang Ling , Liu Lizhi , Li Haojiang
Published: September 2019

Background

To investigate the prognostic significance of paranasal sinus invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Methods

Patients with NPC after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy from 2010 to 2013 were identified (n = 1225). Clinical features and magnetic resonance images were analyzed.

Results

Paranasal sinus invasion was identified in 182/1225 patients (14.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that paranasal sinus invasion was an independent factor for overall survival, progression‐free survival, distant metastasis‐free survival, and local recurrence‐free survival (P < .05 for all). T3 NPC patients with paranasal sinus invasion had a poorer prognosis than those without (P < .05), and there was no significant survival difference compared with T4 patients, regardless of involvement of inner structures (P > .05 for all). Upgrading NPC with paranasal sinus invasion to T4 disease achieved better predictive abilities.

Conclusions

Paranasal sinus invasion is an independent prognostic factor for NPC. It may be appropriate to upgrade the T classification.
Happiness and healthiness: A replication study
Authors: Osam Kobena , Shuck Brad , Immekus Jason
Published: September 2019

Research coalescing around psychological climate, engagement, and well‐being has been receiving considerable attention in management and human resource development (HRD) literature. However, research associated with these variables has generally been limited to for‐profit businesses and organizations with little attention within the context of institutions of higher education. In response, this cross‐sectional replication study examined the extent to which psychological climate, engagement, and well‐being were associated with each other in higher educational institutions. Study data included a sample of 259 individuals employed by institutions of higher education in the United States. Using mediation analyses, the study found that psychological climate, engagement, and well‐being were positively associated with each other, and that engagement mediated the relationship between psychological climate and well‐being. Implications for HRD theory and research, as well as specific recommendations for leaders and administrators in higher education are discussed.
A case in which bladder cancer invaded the ureteral orifice and was resected via photodynamic diagnosis‐assisted transurethral resection involving orally administered 5‐aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Watanabe Keitaro , Shirotake Suguru , Umezawa Yuta , Takahashi Takayuki , Yamanaka Takeshi , L Santo Noriaki , Okabe Takashi , Kaneko Gou , Sano Katsuhiro , Yasuda Masanori , Kanao Kent , Oyama Masafumi , Nishimoto Koshiro
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor is widely used in combination with photodynamic diagnosis to treat non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. We experienced an intriguing case, in which bladder cancer infiltrated into the right ureteral orifice and was resected via photodynamic diagnosis‐assisted transurethral resection involving the oral administration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid.

Case presentation

This case was a 71‐year‐old Japanese man. He was diagnosed with bladder carcinoma, which had infiltrated into the right ureter (clinical classification: T1, N0, M0). He underwent transurethral resection involving the oral administration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid. We successfully resected the tumor in the ureteral orifice, which was accomplished by resecting the ureteral orifice until the non‐luminescent lumen was exposed. After the surgery, to prevent recurrence, Bacillus Calmette–Guérin was administered intravesically after right ureteral stent placement.

Conclusion

Photodynamic diagnosis‐assisted transurethral resection involving the oral administration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid has the potential to treat ureteral tumors derived from bladder tumors.
Assessment of the 4‐week repeated‐dose oral toxicity and genotoxicity of GHX02
Authors: Ji Kon‐Young , Kim Ki Mo , Oh Jeong‐Ja , Kim Jung‐Woo , Lee Woo‐Joo , Cho Hyeon , Lee Hyun‐Kul , Lee Joo Young , Chae Sungwook
Published: September 2019

Herbal medicines are widely utilized for disease prevention and health promotion. GHX02 consists of mixtures including Gwaruin (Trichosanthes kirilowii), Haengin (Prunus armeniaca), Hwangryeon (Coptis japonica) and Hwangkeum (Scutellaria baicalensis). It has been purported to have therapeutic effectiveness in cases of severe bronchitis. Non‐clinical safety testing comprised a single‐dose oral toxicity study and a 28‐day repeated‐dose oral toxicity study with a 14‐day recovery period, and genotoxicity was assessed by a bacterial reverse mutation test, in vitro chromosomal aberration test, in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay). In the single‐dose oral toxicity study, the approximate lethal dosage is estimated to be higher than 5000 mg/kg in rats. Thus, the dosage levels were set at 0, 1250, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg/day in the 28‐day repeated‐dose oral toxicity study, and 10 male rats and 10 female rats/dose were administered GHX02. No clinical signs of toxicological significance were recorded in any animal during the dosing and the observation period in the single‐dose study. The no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level of GHX02 was 5000 mg/kg/day when administered orally for 28 days to male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats. Despite increases in the frequencies of cells with numerical chromosomal aberration in the in vitro test, the increases were not considered relevant to the in vivo genetic risk. Except for the increase of in vitro numerical chromosomal aberration, clear negative results were obtained from other genetic toxicity studies.
Acid‐sensitive ROS‐triggered dextran‐based drug delivery system for advanced chemo‐photodynamic synergistic therapy
Authors: Bao Yanli , Yin Liping , Liu Lin , Chen Li
Published: September 2019

In order to improve the treatment efficacy and reduce the side effects, the synergistic therapy has been effectively exploited in cancer treatment. Herein, we fabricated a kind of acid‐sensitive ROS‐triggered dextran‐based drug delivery system (DHTD/Zn‐TPP) for synergistic therapy, in which chemotherapeutics doxorubicin was conjugated to the dextran backbone via ROS cleavable thioketal conjugates while photosensitizer porphyrin (Zn‐TPP) was encapsulated via acid‐responsive metallic coordinated interaction. The structure and acid‐responsive self‐assemble behavior of DHTD/Zn‐TPP were measured by 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic laser scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Further, the in vivo ROS‐triggered DOX release and anticancer efficiency were evaluated toward HeLa cells and MCF‐7 cells. All the data obtained verified that DHTD/Zn‐TPP had a significantly improved cell growth inhibitory effect with light irritation due to the combined application of photodynamic‐chemotherapy.
Short‐term insomnia and common cold: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gomi Simmon
Published: September 2019

Background

The role of insomnia as a symptom of cold has not been fully explored. This study aimed to identify the nature of mild short‐term insomnia (MSTI) as a symptom in common cold and examine the relationship between the diagnosis of common cold and MSTI.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at a clinic in Nagano, Japan. In this study, 32 participants were recruited as common cold patients, and 30 people without common cold were selected as the comparison group who did not have any symptoms of fever, cough, septum, rhinorrhea, or sore throat in this period.

Results

About 75% of patients in the common cold group (CCG; 24 of 32) and 33% of total patients in the not common cold group (NCCG; 10 of 30) showed MSTI. The prevalence of MSTI was significantly more frequent in patients in CC (χ2 = 10.854, df = 1, P < .001). MSTI occurred on an average of 1.0 day (SD = 1.4) before the common cold onset and continued for a mean of 2 days (SD = 1.6). The frequency of fever was related to age, but MSTI appeared regardless of age.

Conclusion

Mild short‐term insomnia is a common symptom in common cold.
Retracted: Studies of proteasome inhibition and antitumor activity by novel amino acid‐polypyridine‐copper complexes
Authors: Yang Zi‐Bo , Li Dong‐Dong , Zhao Xiu‐Mei , Wang Lu‐Yao , Dai Lin‐Lin
Published: September 2019

Five innovative ternary copper (II) complexes [Cu (OH‐PIP)(Phe)Cl](1), [Cu (OH‐PIP)(Gly)(H2O)]NO3·2H2O (2), [Cu (OH‐PIP)(Ala)(Cl)]·H2O (3), [Cu (OH‐PIP)(Met)]PF6·2H2O (4), and [Cu (OH‐PIP)(Gln)(H2O)]Cl·3H2O (5) have been synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. X‐ray crystallography showed that all Cu atoms were five‐coordinated in a square‐pyramidal configuration. They are screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against a panel of human cancer cell lines CAL‐51, MDA‐MB‐231, HeLa, MCF‐7, SGC‐7901, A549, K562, and SMMC‐7721. The most promising results were achieved for complexes 1 to 5, with the IC50 values in the range of 0.082μM to 0.69μM (against CAL‐51 cell lines). The anticancer activities against CAL‐51, MDA‐MB‐231, and MCF‐7 were higher than that of Carboplatin. The mechanism studies showed that complexes 1 to 5 could inhibit proteasome activity, induce apoptosis, and inhibit cell proliferation, indicating their great potential as proteasome inhibitors for triple‐negative breast cancer therapy.
Monitoring viral load for the last mile: what will it cost?
Authors: Nichols Brooke E , Girdwood Sarah J , Crompton Thomas , Stewart‐Isherwood Lynsey , Berrie Leigh , Chimhamhiwa Dorman , Moyo Crispin , Kuehnle John , Stevens Wendy , Rosen Sydney ,   EQUIP Health
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Routine viral load testing is the WHO‐recommended method for monitoring HIV‐infected patients on ART, and many countries are rapidly scaling up testing capacity at centralized laboratories. Providing testing access to the most remote populations and facilities (the “last mile”) is especially challenging. Using a geospatial optimization model, we estimated the incremental costs of accessing the most remote 20% of patients in Zambia by expanding the transportation network required to bring blood samples from ART clinics to centralized laboratories and return results to clinics.

Methods

The model first optimized a sample transportation network (STN) that can transport 80% of anticipated sample volumes to centralized viral load testing laboratories on a daily or weekly basis, in line with Zambia's 2020 targets. Data incorporated into the model included the location and infrastructure of all health facilities providing ART, location of laboratories, measured distances and drive times between the two, expected future viral load demand by health facility, and local cost estimates. We then continued to expand the modelled STN in 5% increments until 100% of all samples could be collected.

Results and Discussion

The cost per viral load test when reaching 80% patient volumes using centralized viral load testing was a median of $18.99. With an expanded STN, the incremental cost per test rose to $20.29 for 80% to 85% and $20.52 for 85% to 90%. Above 90% coverage, the incremental cost per test increased substantially to $31.57 for 90% to 95% and $51.95 for 95% to 100%. The high numbers of kilometres driven per sample transported and large number of vehicles needed increase costs dramatically for reaching the clinics that serve the last 5% of patients.

Conclusions

Providing sample transport services to the most remote clinics in low‐ and middle‐income countries is likely to be cost‐prohibitive. Other strategies are needed to reduce the cost and increase the feasibility of making viral load monitoring available to the last 10% of patients. The cost of alternative methods, such as optimal point‐of‐care viral load equipment placement and usage, dried blood/plasma spot specimen utilization, or use of drones in geographically remote facilities, should be evaluated.
Viperin inhibits classical swine fever virus replication by interacting with viral nonstructural 5A protein
Authors: Xu Chunmei , Feng Luping , Chen Peige , Li Anqi , Guo Shuang , Jiao Xianqin , Zhang Chengyu , Zhao Yunze , Jin Xiangyang , Zhong Kai , Guo Yujie , Zhu Heshui , Han Liqiang , Yang Guoyu , Li Heping , Wang Yueying
Published: September 2019

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a single‐stranded RNA flavivirus that can cause serious diseases in porcine species, including symptoms of infarction, systemic hemorrhage, high fever, or depression. Viperin is an important interferon‐inducible antiviral gene that has been shown to inhibit CSFV, but the exact mechanisms by which it is able to do so remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we determined that CSFV infection led to viperin upregulation in PK‐15 cells (porcine kidney cell). When viperin was overexpressed in these cells, this markedly attenuated CSFV replication, with clear reductions in viral copy number after 12 to 48 hours postinfection. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the viral NS5A protein colocalized with viperin in infected cells, and this was confirmed via confocal laser scanning microscopy using labeled versions of these proteins, and by co‐immunoprecipitation which confirmed that NS5A directly interacts with viperin. When NS5A was overexpressed, this inhibited the replication of CSFV, and we determined that the radical SAM domain and N‐terminal domain of viperin was critical for its ability to bind to NS5A, with the latter being most important for this interaction. Together, our in vitro results highlight a potential mechanism whereby viperin is able to inhibit CSFV replication. These results have the potential to assist future efforts to prevent or treat systemic CSFV‐induced disease, and may also offer more general insights into the antiviral role of viperin in innate immunity.
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic application of ecofriendly Ca‐bridged aminoclay
Authors: Antony Samy Amala Jeya Ranchani , Vellaichamy Parthasarathy , Sehar Mahalakshmi , Kuo‐Lun Tung , Ramasamy Anbarasan
Published: September 2019

A novel ecofriendly Ca nanoparticle bridged aminoclay (AC) catalyst was prepared for the reduction of hazardous pollutants to treat the industrial wastewater. It was characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectrum (EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry (TG) techniques. Water contact angle (WCA) measurement was used to confirm the hydrophobicity of AC after the structural modification reaction. Disappearance of free N−H stretching in the FT‐IR spectrum confirmed the chemical modification of AC by Ca nanoparticle. The above‐synthesized Ca nanoparticle bridged AC was used as a catalyst for the reduction of p‐nitrophenol (NP), chromium (VI) and fluorescein (fluor) dye and also for oxidative Schiff base formation. The UV‐visible spectrum confirmed the complex formation between chromium (VI) and NP by noting a peak at 390 nm. The kapp value was computed to assess the efficiency of the catalyst toward the reduction of hazardous pollutants in the industrial effluents. The catalytic reduction of a tricomponent system is disturbed due to the change in pH and complex formation between the pollutants, etc. The present catalyst system reduced the two‐step reaction into a single‐step reaction for the Schiff base formation.
Effect of different aging processes on the corrosion behavior of new Al–Cu–Li–Zr–Sc alloys
Authors: Peng Zhuowei , Pan Qinglin , Cai Shan , Li Jinfeng , Liang Wenjie
Published: September 2019

The intergranular corrosion and exfoliation corrosion behaviors of Al–Cu–Li–Zr–Sc alloys under different aging effects, such as single‐stage aging, strain aging, and double‐stage aging, were studied. Among the three aging treatments, single‐stage aging resulted in the best resistance to corrosion, followed by double‐stage aging; strain aging resulted in the worst corrosion resistance. A 3.5% precooling strain could increase the dislocation density, which promoted the precipitation of corrosion‐prone T1 phase and increased the corrosion driving force of the alloy. Double‐stage aging made the precipitated T1 phases finer and more uniform and reduced the number of equilibrium phases at grain boundaries, thus improving the corrosion properties of the alloy. The corrosion susceptibility of the alloy was attributed to the T1 phase and precipitate‐free zone (PFZ), and the underlying corrosion mechanism was revealed as preferential dissolution of the equilibrium phase at grain boundaries and its surrounding distortion zone, followed by expansion of the PFZ along the grain boundaries, resulting in the development of corrosion from the grain boundaries to the intragranular regions.
Modification of Starch via the Biginelli Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Esen Eren , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: September 2019

An efficient and straightforward modification of starch using renewable and commercially available aromatic aldehydes (benzaldehyde, vanillin, and p‐anisaldehyde) and urea via the Biginelli multicomponent reaction is reported in this work. First, starch acetoacetate (SAA) with a degree of substitution ranging from 1.4 to 2.5, depending on the reaction time or the molar ratio of reactants, is prepared. SAA is then modified with different aromatic aldehydes and urea via the Biginelli reaction. The modified products are characterized by ATR‐IR, NMR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The processability of the products is also investigated using a hot press instrument, revealing that glycerol is a suitable and renewable plasticizer for the Biginelli products.
On the analysis of vibration equation involving a fractional derivative with Mittag‐Leffler law
Authors: Kumar Devendra , Singh Jagdev , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2019

The present article deals with a fractional extension of the vibration equation for very large membranes with distinct special cases. The fractional derivative is considered in Atangana‐Baleanu sense. A numerical algorithm based on homotopic technique is employed to examine the fractional vibration equation. The stability analysis is conducted for the suggested scheme. The maple software package is utilized for numerical simulation. In order to illustrate the effects of space, time, and order of Atangana‐Baleanu derivative on the displacement, the outcomes of this study are demonstrated graphically. The results revel that the Atangana‐Baleanu fractional derivative is very efficient in describing vibrations in large membranes.
Development and prospective in‐patient proof‐of‐concept validation of a surface photogrammetry + CT‐based volumetric motion model for lung radiotherapy
Authors: Ranjbar M. , Sabouri P. , Mossahebi S. , Leiser D. , Foote M. , Zhang J. , Lasio G. , Joshi S. , Sawant A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

We develop and validate a motion model that uses real‐time surface photogrammetry acquired concurrently with four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) to estimate respiration‐induced changes within the entire irradiated volume, over arbitrarily many respiratory cycles.

Methods

A research, couch‐mounted, VisionRT (VRT) system was used to acquire optical surface data (15 Hz, ROI = 15 × 20 cm2) from the thoraco‐abdominal surface of a consented lung SBRT patient, concurrently with their standard‐of‐care 4DCT. The end‐exhalation phase from the 4DCT was regarded as reference and for each remaining phase, deformation vector fields (DVFs) with respect to the reference phase were computed. To reduce dimensionality, the first two principal components (PCs) of the matrix of nine DVFs were calculated. In parallel, ten phase‐averaged VRT surfaces were created. Surface DVFs and corresponding PCs were computed. A principal least squares regression was used to relate the PCs of surface DVF to those of volume DVFs, establishing a relationship between time‐varying surface and the underlying time‐varying volume. Proof‐of‐concept validation was performed during each treatment fraction by concurrently acquiring 30 s time series of real‐time surface data and “ground truth” kV fluoroscopic data (FL). A ray‐tracing algorithm was used to create a digitally reconstructed fluorograph (DRF), and motion trajectories of high‐contrast, soft‐tissue, anatomical features in the DRF were compared with those from kV FL.

Results

For five of the six fluoroscopic acquisition sessions, the model out‐performed 4DCT in predicting contour Dice coefficient with respect to fluoroscopy‐derived contours. Similarly, the model exhibited a marked improvement over 4DCT for patch positions on the diaphragm. Model patch position errors varied from 5 to −15 mm while 4DCT errors ranged between 5 and −22.4 mm. For one fluoroscopic acquisition, a marked change in the a priori internal–external correlation resulted in model errors comparable to those of 4DCT.

Conclusions

We described the development and a proof‐of‐concept validation for a volumetric motion model that uses surface photogrammetry to correlate the time‐varying thoraco‐abdominal surface to the time‐varying internal thoraco‐abdominal volume. These early results indicate that the proposed approach can result in a marked improvement over 4DCT. While limited by the duration of the fluoroscopic acquisitions as well as the resolution of the acquired images, the DRF‐based proof‐of‐concept technique developed here is model‐agnostic, and therefore, has the potential to be used as an in‐patient validation tool for other volumetric motion models.
Tensor‐valued diffusion MRI in under 3 minutes: an initial survey of microscopic anisotropy and tissue heterogeneity in intracranial tumors
Authors: Nilsson Markus , Szczepankiewicz Filip , Brabec Jan , Taylor Marie , Westin Carl‐Fredrik , Golby Alexandra , van Westen Danielle , Sundgren Pia C.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of a 3‐minutes protocol for assessment of the microscopic anisotropy and tissue heterogeneity based on tensor‐valued diffusion MRI in a wide range of intracranial tumors.

Methods

B‐tensor encoding was performed in 42 patients with intracranial tumors (gliomas, meningiomas, adenomas, and metastases). Microscopic anisotropy and tissue heterogeneity were evaluated by estimating the anisotropic kurtosis (MKA) and isotropic kurtosis (MKI), respectively. An extensive imaging protocol was compared with a 3‐minutes protocol.

Results

The fast imaging protocol yielded parameters with characteristics in terms of bias and precision similar to the full protocol. Glioblastomas had lower microscopic anisotropy than meningiomas (MKA = 0.29 ± 0.06 vs. 0.45 ± 0.08, P = 0.003). Metastases had higher tissue heterogeneity (MKI = 0.57 ± 0.07) than both the glioblastomas (0.44 ± 0.06, P < 0.001) and meningiomas (0.46 ± 0.06, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Evaluation of the microscopic anisotropy and tissue heterogeneity in intracranial tumor patients is feasible in clinically relevant times frames.
PRESS timings for resolving 13C4‐glutamate 1H signal at 9.4 T: Demonstration in rat with uniformly labelled 13C‐glucose
Authors: Dobberthien Brennen J. , Tessier Anthony G. , Stanislaus Avalyn E. , Sawyer Michael B. , Fallone B. Gino , Yahya Atiyah
Published: September 2019

MRS of 13C4‐labelled glutamate (13C4‐Glu) during an infusion of a carbon‐13 (13C)‐labelled substrate, such as uniformly labelled glucose ([U‐13C6]‐Glc), provides a measure of Glc metabolism. The presented work provides a single‐shot indirect 13C detection technique to quantify the approximately 2.51 ppm 13C4‐Glu satellite proton (1H) peak at 9.4 T. The methodology is an optimized point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence that minimizes signal contamination from the strongly coupled protons of N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), which resonate at approximately 2.49 ppm. J‐coupling evolution of protons was characterized numerically and verified experimentally. A (TE1, TE2) combination of (20 ms, 106 ms) was found to be suitable for minimizing NAA signal in the 2.51 ppm 1H 13C4‐Glu spectral region, while retaining the 13C4‐Glu 1H satellite peak. The efficacy of the technique was verified on phantom solutions and on two rat brains in vivo during an infusion of [U‐13C6]‐Glc. LCModel was employed for analysis of the in vivo spectra to quantify the 2.51 ppm 1H 13C4‐Glu signal to obtain Glu C4 fractional enrichment time courses during the infusions. Cramér‐Rao lower bounds of about 8% were obtained for the 2.51 ppm 13C4‐Glu 1H satellite peak with the optimal TE combination.
A complex systems framework for the sustainability doughnut
Authors: Capmourteres Virginia , Shaw Stephanie , Miedema Liane , Anand Madhur
Published: September 2019

Achieving sustainability is challenging as an environmental and socio‐economic objective, and as a complex concept whose multiple components and their interactions need to be considered.

We develop a statistical model to investigate relationships among and between the planetary boundaries and social foundations of the sustainability ‘doughnut’ model. We find over 35 direct and indirect, positive and negative, influences of varying magnitude among seven boundaries (biodiversity loss, climate change, ocean acidification, land use, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, atmospheric aerosol loading and freshwater use) and eleven foundations (energy, income, health, education, food, water, gender equality, resilience, jobs, voice and social equity).

We observe that biodiversity loss is driven by other planetary boundaries (land‐use change and freshwater use), but also a social foundation (jobs, measured as vulnerable employment). The planetary boundaries of freshwater use and land use are also related: freshwater use is higher in urban centres than in rural areas. The planetary boundary of climate change is also related to land use (the extent of agricultural lands), and the social foundation of income per capita (greater income, higher carbon dioxide emissions).

We also find that several social foundations are themselves interrelated. For example gender equality (measured as female participation in the work force) is mainly predicted by vulnerable employment. Also, food deficit increases with poverty level, but is alleviated by access to clean water. Education (literacy rate) and social equity (social insurance) can both lift people out of poverty. These inter‐relations suggest that both synergies and trade‐offs exist between and within boundaries and foundations.

We provide a new conceptual framework that moves us away from the doughnut approach towards one that can begin to address the complex interactions that sustainability scientists and policy makers face when trying to maintain multiple social foundations while not compromising any of the planetary boundaries. We illustrate several hypothesis‐based relationships here, to suggest that everything is not related to everything else. It is possible to work out significant pathways within this complex system, which is necessary to implement policies.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Prescription of antiepileptic medicines including valproate in pregnant women: A study in three European countries
Authors: Hurault‐Delarue Caroline , Morris Joan K. , Charlton Rachel , Gini Rosa , Loane Maria , Pierini Anna , Puccini Aurora , Neville Amanda , Snowball Julia , Damase‐Michel Christine ,   on behalf of the EUROmediSAFE consortium
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To study patterns of antiepileptic drugs (AED) prescribing, particularly valproate, during pregnancy over a 10‐year period in the UK, Italy, and France.

Methods

Data on pregnancies conceived after 1 January 2007 with outcomes before 31 December 2016 were extracted from four European electronic health care databases (380 499 in the United Kingdom (UK), 66 681 in France, and 649 918 in Italy [355 767 in Emilia Romagna and 294 151 in Tuscany]). Prevalence of AEDs with an ATC code starting N03A and clobazam (N05BA09) were stratified by country and calendar year.

Results

AED prescribing during pregnancy varied from 3.0 (2.8‐3.1) per 1000 pregnancies in Emilia Romagna to 7.8 (7.5‐8.0) in the UK, 5.9 (5.6‐6.1) in Tuscany, and 6.3 (5.7‐6.9) in France. Lamotrigine was commonly prescribed in all regions with a third of women exposed to an AED during pregnancy taking lamotrigine in the UK and France. Valproate was prescribed to 28.6% of AED exposed pregnant women in Tuscany, 21.6% in France, 16.7% in Emilia Romagna, and 11.9% in the UK. Over the study period, the prevalence of AED prescribing increased in the UK mainly due to increases in pregabalin and gabapentin, declined in France mainly related to decreases in clonazepam, and remained constant in Italy. Valproate prescriptions declined to a prevalence <1 per 1000 pregnancies in 2015 to 2016 in the UK, France, and Emilia Romagna.

Conclusions

Variations in AED prescribing during pregnancy indicate the potential for further reductions, particularly of valproate. Increases in pregabalin/gabapentin prescribing, for which risks are not well known, are a cause for concern.
A New Wood Surface Flame‐Retardant Based on Poly‐m‐Aramid Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Merighi Stefano , Mazzocchetti Laura , Benelli Tiziana , Maccaferri Emanuele , Zucchelli Andrea , D'Amore Alberto , Giorgini Loris
Published: September 2019

Poly(meta‐phenylene isophtalamide) (PMIA) was processed via electrospinning to provide nanofibrous membranes with randomly and aligned fibers. Mechanical performance of such membranes was evaluated, applying a normalization procedure that takes into account the peculiar morphology of such complex substrate where voids can sum up to almost 80% of the sample volume. Random and aligned fibers membranes are applied onto wood panels to test their fire resistance in cone calorimetry when coated in polyaramidic thin nanofiber mats. Tests highlighted that random fibers provide a better fire protection, increasing Time to Ignition and decreasing the Fire Performance Index. Another important parameter affecting the performance is the adhesive system used to apply the nanofibers onto wood that is able to significantly modify the fire performance of the polyaramidic‐coated wood panels. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2541–2549, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Between empathy and grief: The mediating effect of compassion fatigue among oncologists
Authors: Hayuni Gal , Hasson‐Ohayon Ilanit , Goldzweig Gil , Bar Sela Gil , Braun Michal
Published: September 2019

Objective

Oncologists are exposed to suffering, loss, and death, which can potentially lead to grief reactions. Although grief over patients may be a natural consequence of the close and longstanding oncologist‐patient relationship, the empathy that oncologists feel toward their patients may put them at risk for compassion fatigue (CF). This study examined the mediating role of the two components of CF—secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout—in the relation between empathy and grief among oncologists.

Method

Participants included 71 Israeli oncologists. Measures consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief‐Present, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and the Professional Quality of Life questionnaire.

Results

Oncologists reported moderate levels of grief and relatively high levels of both STS and burnout. In addition, they reported high levels of the three components of empathy: perspective taking, empathic concern, and personal distress. The PROCESS SPSS macro revealed support for the mediation model. The mediators (STS and burnout) fully accounted for the relationship between the following two components of empathy—perspective taking and personal distress—and grief.

Conclusions

Oncologists commonly experience grief over patients. We found that oncologists' grief was related to their empathy, and that this association was explained by their levels of CF. The current research may mark a step toward recognizing oncologists' grief as well as understanding the processes associated with it.
Pixelated Dark Energy
Authors: Heckman Jonathan J. , Lawrie Craig , Lin Ling , Sakstein Jeremy , Zoccarato Gianluca
Published: September 2019

We study the phenomenology of a recent string construction with a quantum mechanically stable dark energy. A mild supersymmetry protects the vacuum energy but also allows TeV scale superpartner masses. The construction is holographic in the sense that the 4D spacetime is generated from “spacetime pixels” originating from five‐branes wrapped over metastable five‐cycles of the compactification. The cosmological constant scales as in the pixel number. An instability in the construction leads to cosmic expansion. This also causes more five‐branes to wind up in the geometry, leading to a slowly decreasing cosmological constant which we interpret as an epoch of inflation followed by (pre‐)heating when a rare event occurs in which the number of pixels increases by an order one fraction. The sudden appearance of radiation triggers an exponential increase in the number of pixels. Dark energy has a time varying equation of state with , which is compatible with current bounds, and could be constrained further by future data releases. The pixelated nature of the Universe also implies a large‐l cutoff on the angular power spectrum of cosmological observables with . We also use this pixel description to study the thermodynamics of de Sitter space, finding rough agreement with effective field theory considerations.
Preclinical disposition of MGS0274 besylate, a prodrug of a potent group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist MGS0008 for the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Kinoshita Kohnosuke , Ochi Motoki , Iwata Katsuya , Fukasawa Misako , Yamaguchi Jun‐ichi
Published: September 2019

MGS0274 besylate is an ester‐based lipophilic prodrug of a metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 2 and mGlu3 receptor agonist MGS0008 and being developed for the treatment of schizophrenia. We investigated the disposition of these compounds in rats and monkeys and in vitro metabolism in humans to evaluate whether MGS0274 besylate could be useful as a prodrug in humans. After the oral administration of MGS0274 besylate to monkeys (2.89 mg/kg), MGS0008 was immediately found in plasma, reached a maximum concentration at 4 hours postdose, and decreased with a terminal half‐life of 16.7 hours; MGS0274 was barely detectable. The oral bioavailability as MGS0008 was 83.7%, which was approximately 20‐fold greater than that after oral dosing of MGS0008 (3.8%). In rats, MGS0008 penetrated the cerebrospinal fluid and was eliminated slower than from plasma. The in vitro metabolism study indicated that MGS0274 was rapidly hydrolyzed to MGS0008, which was not further metabolized. After the intravenous administration of MGS0008 to rats and monkeys, almost all the dose was excreted unchanged in urine. These results suggested that MGS0274 was, as expected, presystemically hydrolyzed to MGS0008 after gastrointestinal absorption and that MGS0008 was distributed throughout the body without further metabolism and ultimately excreted in urine in the animals. Furthermore, the hydrolytic activity against MGS0274 in the human liver S9 fraction was comparable to that in monkeys, suggesting the possibility of the rapid presystemic hydrolysis of MGS0274 to MGS0008 in humans, as it is in monkeys. Consequently, MGS0274 besylate is expected to function as a preferable prodrug in humans.