bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A machine‐learning approach for extending classical wildlife resource selection analyses
Authors: Shoemaker Kevin T. , Heffelfinger Levi J. , Jackson Nathan J. , Blum Marcus E. , Wasley Tony , Stewart Kelley M.
Published: February 2018

Resource selection functions (RSFs) are tremendously valuable for ecologists and resource managers because they quantify spatial patterns in resource utilization by wildlife, thereby facilitating identification of critical habitat areas and characterizing specific habitat features that are selected or avoided.RSFs discriminate between known‐use resource units (e.g., telemetry locations) and available (or randomly selected) resource units based on an array of environmental features, and in their standard form are performed using logistic regression. As generalized linear models, standardRSFs have some notable limitations, such as difficulties in accommodating nonlinear (e.g., humped or threshold) relationships and complex interactions. Increasingly, ecologists are using flexible machine‐learning methods (e.g., random forests, neural networks) to overcome these limitations. Herein, we investigate the seasonal resource selection patterns of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) by comparing a logistic regression framework with random forest (RF), a popular machine‐learning algorithm. Random forest (RF) models detected nonlinear relationships (e.g., optimal ranges for slope and elevation) and complex interactions which would have been very challenging to discover and characterize using standard model‐based approaches. Compared with standardRSFmodels,RFmodels exhibited improved predictive skill, provided novel insights about resource selection patterns of mule deer, and, when projected across a relevant geographic space, manifested notable differences in predicted habitat suitability. We recommend that wildlife researchers harness the strengths of machine‐learning tools likeRFin addition to “classical” tools (e.g., mixed‐effects logistic regression) for evaluating resource selection, especially in cases where extensive telemetry data sets are available.
Electrochemistry of Azurin H117G in Complex with Molecular Wires on Edge Plane Pyrolytic Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Stan Razvan C. , Appel Jeroen , Sanghamitra Nusrat J.M.
Published: February 2018

Azurin H117G has an engineered cavity that allows for a series of pyridine containing ligands to form a coordination complex with the protein redox center. The assembly, interfacial electron transfer rate and coverage on carbon electrodes of this azurin mutant in complex with a series of molecular wires have been determined. The determining role of favorable coupling to electrodes in obtaining enhanced electrical conductivity has been measured.
Understanding the Factors Affecting the Analytical Performance of Sandwich‐hybridization Genosensors on Gold Electrodes
Authors: Miranda‐Castro Rebeca , Santos‐Álvarez Noemí de‐los‐ , Lobo‐Castañón María Jesús
Published: February 2018

Hybridization‐based electrochemical DNA sensors have become a methodological mainstay in a wide variety of fields. Among the possible assay formats, sandwich hybridization is the most powerful one. It is so called because the target sequence to be measured is hybridized between two complementary sequences. The analytical performance of this class of sensors is influenced by many construction and operational parameters, which need to be optimized. In this work, we comparatively analyze the analytical performance of different sandwich hybridization sensors, constructed on gold surfaces modified by chemisorption. We find that the structures of the designed probes as well as the topography of the gold support and the nature of the monolayer are key parameters affecting the sensitivity and reproducibility of the genosensors. Other important operational parameters are also described. The results of this study could serve as a guide in the design of genosensors for future applications.
Applications of python to evaluate the performance of decision tree‐based boosting algorithms
Authors: Kadiyala Akhil , Kumar Ashok
Published: March 2018

The scope for identifying scalable solutions through the application of machine learning algorithms on diverse datasets has increased manifold with rapid advancements in the field of computer science and technology. This article demonstrates a step‐by‐step approach to the applications of python to evaluate the performance of decision tree‐based gradient boosting machine (gbm), lightgbm, extreme gradient boosting (xgboost), and adaptive boosting (adaboost) algorithms for predicting the in‐bus carbon dioxide concentrations. Among the four boosting algorithms examined in this study, the xgboost algorithm provided better results on the basis of predictive model evaluation with operational performance measures. The readers may adopt the methods (inclusive of the python coding) discussed in this article to successfully address their own data science problems. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 618–623, 2018
The Experts Weigh in: High‐Achieving, Low‐Income Students Reflect on Their Experience in and the Impact of a College Access Program
Authors: Millett Catherine M. , Kevelson Marisol J. C.
Published: February 2018

An evaluation of the Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP), a college access program for low‐income, high‐achieving public high school students, yielded favorable findings regarding the perceptions of program participants. Survey results, which include responses from all 71 participants in the 2015–2016 program, indicated that the participants perceived the program as positively impacting their academic and social–emotional skills, increasing their knowledge of the college application process, broadening their pool of target colleges, and exposing them to new arts and cultural experiences, as the program is intended to do. Scholars' responses also highlight the strength of the PUPP community and social network and confirm that PUPP is helping some scholars to address personal and financial challenges that could prevent them from participating in educational experiences such as PUPP. Findings also highlight the PUPP academic enrichment program as a possible area for growth.
Geochemistry and a metallogenic model for Nb–Ta‐bearing granitic pegmatites from the northern Qaidam Basin
Authors: Shao Tiequan , Jiang Kaituo , Liu Yunhuan , Tang Hanhua , Qin Jiachen , Hu Bo , Wang Qi , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Hu
Published: February 2018

The Palaeoproterozoic Dakendaba Group and the Cambrian–Ordovician Tanjianshan Group occur on the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin. Their fracture structure is well developed, and intermediate‐acid rocks are widely distributed, providing an ideal setting for pegmatite mineralization. Field investigation has identified 200 pegmatite veins, of which more than 40 have various degrees of Nb and Ta mineralization. These pegmatites can be classified into four types, based on distribution, mineral assemblages, and a genesis sequence of ① microcline, ② microcline–albite, ③ albite, and ④ muscovite–albite. Pegmatite types ③ and ④ are typically mineralized, with Nb and Ta occurring as niobite and columbite–tantalite. These pegmatites have high silica and alkali content and are Al‐rich. The aluminium saturation index (A/CNK) is 1.36–1.60, and (A/NK) is 1.45–1.93. Their ∑REE values are 2.61–23.95 × 10−6. Other REE ratios have values of (La/Yb)N = 2.02–8.04, (La/Sm)N = 0.47–3.20, and (Gd/Yb)N = 1.34–4.93. Their REE distribution pattern is right‐inclined, with slight LREE enrichment. Negative Eu anomalies are apparent in types ① and ④ but not in types ② and ③. High field strength elements, such as Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf, have low contents, with Y depletion. Concentrations of REE are generally low, although Sr and Ba are slightly enriched. Thus, pegmatites of this area have low Ca, K, and Al but high Na and Si and are rich in rare metal elements and poor in REEs. This suggests liquid immiscibility was involved in their metallogenic evolution process.
Garnet zoning in kyanite‐bearing eclogite from Golfo Aranci: New data on the early prograde P–T evolution in NE Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Cruciani Gabriele , Franceschelli Marcello , Scodina Massimo , Puxeddu Mariano
Published: February 2018

Kyanite‐bearing eclogites from the Migmatite Complex of Golfo Aranci area, NE Sardinia, have been investigated using microstructural analyses and thermodynamic modelling in order to define their early metamorphic evolution and P–T path. The eclogites underwent a clockwise P–T path recorded by the different composition of garnet core, mantle, and rim. P–T pseudosection modelling allowed to estimate P–T conditions in the range T = 580–630 °C and P = 1.5–2.00 GPa for the formation of garnet core, between T = 620–690 °C and P = 2.0–2.3 GPa for garnet mantle, and within T = 650–700 °C and P = 1.4–2.1 GPa for garnet rim. The first part of the P–T path is characterized by a prograde increase in P and T in the eclogite facies that occurred between the growth of the garnet core and mantle. After the peak pressure, recorded by the garnet mantle composition, the rocks underwent moderate temperature increase and significant pressure decrease until they reach the peak temperature near to the eclogite/upper granulite‐facies transition, recorded by the garnet rim composition. The P–T trajectory proposed for the early stage of the metamorphic evolution of the kyanite‐bearing eclogites is similar to already existing observations from the Sardinian Low‐ to Medium‐Grade Metamorphic Complex and introduce new constraints on their prograde eclogite‐facies evolution. The role of the new prograde path is then discussed in the light of the Variscan orogen.
Pharmacological inhibition of the Notch pathway enhances the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Cui Jian , Wang Yanqing , Dong Baijun , Qin Lixia , Wang Chao , Zhou Peijie , Wang Xue , Xu Huiming , Xue Wei , Fang Yu‐Xiang , Gao Wei‐Qiang
Published: February 2018

Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, this disease inevitably recurs and progresses to ADT‐resistant stage after this therapy. Accordingly, understanding the mechanism of resistance to ADT and finding new approach to enhance the efficacy of ADT may provide a major benefit to PCa patients. In our study, we found upregulated expression of Notch receptors is positive associated with ADT‐resistance progression. Using fluorescent Notch signaling reporter system, we observed that endogenous Notch signaling could be activated after treatment of androgen deprivation in LNCaP cells via activation of Notch3. In addition, exogenous activation of the Notch signaling though Dox‐induced overexpression of any Notch intracellular domains (NICD1‐4) could enhance the resistance of PCa cells to ADT under ex vivo 3D culture conditions and upregulate expression of ADT resistance‐associated phospho‐p38 and Bcl‐2 in LNCaP cells. As a result, pharmacological inhibition of the Notch pathway using γ‐secretase inhibitor (GSI), DAPT, downregulated both phospho‐p38 and Bcl‐2 expression and significantly enhanced the efficacy of ADT in androgen sensitive PCa cells with impaired proliferation and 3D colony formation, increased apoptosis and remarkable inhibition of tumor growth in murine subcutaneous xenograft model. These results indicate that activated Notch signaling contributes to ADT resistance, and suggest that inhibition of the Notch pathway may be a promising adjuvant therapy of ADT for PCa.
Leading the Way
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

The term “utility operations” typically brings to mind ways to streamline processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiencies ‐ and such techniques are definitely addressed in this month's articles.
Creating a Feasible Five‐year Inspection and Capital Improvement Plan for a 26‐mile Aqueduct in Northern Utah
Authors: Fleury Michael , McKnight Adam
Published: February 2018

The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (WBWCD) provides treated municipal water, wholesale irrigation water, retail secondary irrigation water, untreated industrial water, and groundwater replacement water to more than 600,000 people in northern Utah. The Weber and Davis raw water aqueducts can supply an estimated 250 mgd of raw water.
Biological Solutions for Treating Sludge Can Aid Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Pizzino Jeffery E.
Published: February 2018

With the challenges of the current economy and the need to save money, utilities have more incentive than ever to explore alternatives to costly efforts to minimize and control sludge and pay for its treatment and removal. One of the available options that is more budget friendly and a more green solution is biostimulants, which accelerate degradation of organic waste by increasing microbial activity and balancing nutrients in the growth environment.
Water's Best Friend
Authors: Lafrance David
Published: February 2018

Watersheds ‐ nature's infrastructure and a key component in determining a safe water supply ‐ need to be protected and managed. Citing a 2009 report by the Aspen Institute, the author suggests that a watershed's natural environment requires just as much attention from the water industry as it gives to utilities' physical assets. AWWA is working with the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities in the interest of focusing on watershed and forest management.
Water Utility Executive Leadership, Part 3: What CEOs Do
Authors: Teodoro Manuel P. , Whisenant Travis E.
Published: February 2018

This article is the third of three that report on the findings of the Water Research Foundation Report Water Utility Executive Leadership for the 21st Century.
HBV pre‐core mutant in genotype‐D infected children is selected during HBeAg/anti‐HBe seroconversion and leads to HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B in adulthood
Authors: Colombatto Piero , Barbera Cristiana , Bortolotti Flavia , Maina Anna M. , Moriconi Francesco , Cavallone Daniela , Calvo Pierluigi , Oliveri Filippo , Bonino Ferruccio , Brunetto Maurizia R.
Published: February 2018

Selection of HBeAg defective HBV mutants (mt) during childhood might influence infection outcome in adults. Aim of this study was to correlate the dynamics of pre‐core HBV mutant (pre‐C mt) selection with virological/clinical outcomes in children followed‐up until adulthood. Eighty subjects (50‐M/30‐F), 70 HBeAg‐positive (87.5%), and 10 (12.5%) HBeAg‐negative/anti‐HBe‐positive at the admission, mostly genotype D infected (91.2%), with median age of 6.5 (range: 0.2‐17) years, were followed‐up for 14.3 years (range: 1.1‐24.5); 46 (57.5%) received IFN treatment. HBV‐DNA and q‐HBsAg were tested by commercial assays, Pre‐Core 1896 mt by direct‐sequence, oligo‐hybridization‐assay, and allele‐specific‐PCR (sensitivity: 30%, 10%, and 0.1% of total viremia). HBeAg/anti‐HBe seroconversion (SC) occurred in 55/70 (78.6%) children. After SC, 8 (14.6%) developed HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis (CHB), 41 (74.5%) remain with HBeAg‐negative chronic infection, and 6 (10.9%) lost HBsAg. Baseline HBV‐DNA and HBsAg were lower in SC than in no‐SC children (median: 7.35 vs 8.95 Log IU/mL, P = 0.005, and 4.72 vs 5.04 Log IU/mL, P = 0.015). The prevalence of pre‐C mt increased rapidly (10‐40%) around SC. Eventually, pre‐C mt was detected in 100% of CHB, in 33% of chronic infections without disease, and in 16% of subjects who cleared HBsAg (P < 0.001). HBV‐DNA levels remained slightly higher in carriers of HBeAg negative infection with dominant/mixed pre‐C mt populations, than in those with dominant pre‐C wt (mean Log IU/mL: 3.83 and 3.42 vs 2.67, P = 0.007). In conclusion, pre‐C‐mt is selected during HBeAg/anti‐HBe SC in children with poor control of HBV replication, leading to HBeAg‐negative chronic‐active‐hepatitis during adulthood.
In‐vivo patellar tracking in individuals with patellofemoral pain and healthy individuals
Authors: Esfandiarpour Fateme , Lebrun Constance M. , Dhillon Sukhvinder , Boulanger Pierre
Published: February 2018

Understanding of the exact cause of patellofemoral pain has been limited by methodological challenges to evaluate in‐vivo joint motion. This study compared six degree‐of‐freedom patellar motion during a dynamic lunge task between individuals with patellofemoral pain and healthy individuals. Knee joints of eight females with patellofemoral pain and ten healthy females were imaged using a CT scanner in supine lying position, then by a dual‐orthogonal fluoroscope while they performed a lunge. To quantify patellar motion, the three‐dimensional models of the knee bones, reconstructed from CT scans, were registered on the fluoroscopy images using the Fluomotion registration software. At full knee extension, the patella was in a significantly laterally tilted (PFP: 11.77° ± 7.58° vs. healthy: 0.86° ± 4.90°; p = 0.002) and superiorly shifted (PFP: 17.49 ± 8.44 mm vs. healthy: 9.47 ± 6.16 mm, p = 0. 033) position in the patellofemoral pain group compared with the healthy group. There were also significant differences between the groups for patellar tilt at 45°, 60°, and 75° of knee flexion, and for superior‐inferior shift of the patella at 30° flexion (p ≤ 0.031). In the non‐weight‐bearing knee extended position, the patella was in a significantly laterally tilted position in the patellofemoral pain group (7.44° ± 6.53°) compared with the healthy group (0.71° ± 4.99°). These findings suggest the critical role of passive and active patellar stabilizers as potential causative factors for patellar malalignment/maltracking. Future studies should investigate the associations between patellar kinematics with joint morphology, muscle activity, and tendon function in a same sample for a thorough understanding of the causes of patellofemoral pain. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2193–2201, 2018.
Effect of Surface Dilatational Modulus on Bubble Generation in Visualized Pore‐Throat Models
Authors: Wang Yang , Ge Jijiang
Published: February 2018

In order to illustrate the effect of surface dilatational modulus on bubble break‐up, different pore‐throat visualized models were constructed using oil–wet poly(methyl methacrylate). Bubble generation was studied by comparing the snap‐off between lauroamide propyl betaine (LAB) with low surface dilatational modulus and LAB‐myristic acid with high surface dilatational modulus. In the homogeneous pore‐throat model, when bubbles of LAB flowed through the throat, only deformation occurred and no snap‐off was observed, while for bubbles of LAB‐myristic acid, repeated snap‐offs occurred. Experiments with isolated bubbles showed that a high surface dilatational modulus facilitates liquid flowing into the throat, which causes the snap‐off. Besides, the generated small bubbles contributed to the snap‐off of other following bubbles. In the pore‐throat model with large pores, the pores supplied enough space for bubbles passing through throat side by side, which facilitated the snap‐off.
Hepatic artery occlusion in liver transplantation: What counts more, the type of reconstruction or the severity of the recipient's disease?
Authors: Oberkofler Christian E. , Reese Tim , Raptis Dimitri A. , Kuemmerli Christoph , de Rougemont Olivier , De Oliveira Michelle L. , Schlegel Andrea , Dutkowski Philipp , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Petrowsky Henrik
Published: March 2018

Although the type of hepatic artery revascularization technique is known to have an impact on patency rates, independent perioperative risk factors on patient outcomes are poorly defined. All consecutive adult patients undergoing cadaveric liver transplantation (n = 361) from July 2007 to June 2016 in a single institution were analyzed. Primary outcomes were early (<30 days) hepatic artery occlusion and primary hepatic artery patency rate. A multivariate model was used to identify independent risk factors for occlusion and the need of arterial conduit, as well as their impact on graft and patient survival. Arterial revascularization without additional reconstruction (end‐to‐end arterial anastomosis [AA]) was performed in 77% (n = 279), arterial reconstruction (AR) in 15% (n = 53), and aortohepatic conduit (AHC) in 8% (n = 29) of patients. AHC had the highest mean intraoperative flow (275 mL/minute; P = 0.02) compared with AA (250 mL/minute) and AR (200 mL/minute; P = 0.02). There were 43 recipients (12%) who had an occlusive event with successful revascularization in 20 (47%) recipients. One‐year primary patency rates of AA, AR, and AHC were 97%, 88%, and 74%, respectively. Aortic calcification had an impact on early occlusion. AR (odds ratio [OR], 3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26‐10.75; P = 0.02) and AHC (OR, 6.21; 95% CI, 2.02‐18.87; P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for early occlusion. Dyslipidemia additionally independently contributed to early occlusion (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 0.96‐7.87; P = 0.06). The 1‐ and 5‐year graft survival rates were 83% and 70% for AA, 75% and 69% for AR, and 59% and 50% for AHC (P = 0.004), respectively. In conclusion, arterial patency is primarily determined by the type of vascular reconstruction rather than patient or disease characteristics. The preoperative lipid status is an independent risk factor for early occlusion, whereas overall occlusion is only based on the performed vascular reconstruction, which is also associated with reduced graft and patient survival. Liver Transplantation 24 790–802 2018 AASLD.
Selective measurement of 1H–1H scalar couplings from crowded chemical shift regions: Combined pure shift and spin‐echo modulation approach
Authors: Kakita Veera Mohana Rao , Jerripothula Kanaka Mahalakshmi , Vemulapalli Sahithya Phani Babu , Bharatam Jagadeesh
Published: February 2018

JHH scalar couplings carry rich structural information and their measurements are fundamental in the 1H NMR based elucidation of small and medium molecules, which, however, are hampered in the presence of large J‐coupling network. Further, enhanced spectral resolution is often essential for precise determination of a specific set of 1H–1H J‐couplings among the complex J‐multiplets. In the light of the recent advancements in homodecoupling pure shift strategies, here, we report absorption mode, band‐selective refocused pure shift spin‐echo method, which helps in determining 1H–1H J‐couplings from crowded spectral regions. The importance of the present band‐selective refocused pure shift spin‐echo experiment is exemplified for 2 steroid molecules, estradiol and testosterone.
Analysis of cost of component replacement versus entire device replacement during artificial urinary sphincter revision surgery
Authors: Yarlagadda Vidhush K. , Kilgore Meredith L. , Selph John P.
Published: February 2018

Aim

To identify the costs of replacing an entire malfunctioning AUS device versus an individual component at the time of device malfunction.

Methods

Decision analysis was performed by analyzing the costs associated with revising a malfunctioning artificial urinary sphincter using one of two techniques: either individual or entire device replacement. Costs were determined by including actual institutional costs. Model assumptions were based on a summary of published literature and were created based on a time horizon of 0‐5 years since the original, primary AUS was placed, and models were created for malfunction of each individual component. Sensitivity analysis was done adjusting for costs of the device and failure rates.

Results

Total costs to replace an individual component were $8330 for the pump, $7611 for the cuff, and $5599 for the balloon, while entire device replacement cost $15 069. Over a 5‐year time horizon the cost per patient for replacement of a balloon, pump, or cuff were $14 407, $17 491, and $15 212, respectively, versus $18 001 if the entire device was replaced. To be less costly to replace the entire device, balloon, pump, and cuff failure rates would need to be >55%, >25%, or >37.5% during the first 2 years after placement.

Conclusion

In the event of failure of the artificial urinary sphincter, cost analysis demonstrates that removal and replacement of the entire device is more expensive than replacement of a malfunctioning component at any point up to 5 years after initial AUS placement.
Clinical outcomes of non‐surgical management of detrusor leak point pressures above 40 cm water in adults with congenital neurogenic bladder
Authors: Lane Giulia I. , Gor Ronak A. , Katorski Jenna , Elliott Sean P.
Published: February 2018

Aims

Neurogenic bladders (NGB) with detrusor leak point pressures >40 cm H2O (dLPP > 40) have been associated with deterioration of renal function in children with myelomeningocele. For these children, careful pressure management preserves renal function. However, similar evidence is lacking in adult congenital urology (ACU) patients with NGB. We describe renal functional outcomes of non‐surgical management of adults with dLPP > 40 or premicturition detrusor pressure (PMDP) >40 cm H2O, consisting of close follow‐up with urodynamic studies (UDS) and renal ultrasound (RUS), paired with adjustments to clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) frequency, anticholinergics, and addition of onabotulinumtoxinA toxin (BTX) injection.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the UDS of all patients at an ACU clinic from 2011 to 2016. Patients with dLPP/PMDP > 40 cm who elected for non‐surgical management were included. We describe their management and renal functional outcomes.

Results

A total of 33/42 patients with dLPP/PMDP > 40 elected for non‐surgical management. 28/33 (85%) were successfully managed without bladder augmentation or urinary diversion at follow‐up of nearly 3 years. The median index dLPP/PMDP was 49 cm H2O (IQR 44, 63) and final dLPP/PMDP was 28 (IQR 18, 43). There was a significant decrease in dLPP/PMDP and increase in bladder compliance between index and final UDS (P < 0.001). No patients advanced their CKD stage and 6/10 with baseline hydronephrosis had improvement or resolution of hydronephrosis with non‐surgical management.

Conclusions

A non‐surgical protocol for ACU patients with NGB and dLPP/PMDP > 40, utilizing CIC, anticholinergics, and BTX is safe and effective when coupled with coordinated care and close follow‐up.
Satellite constellation design for forest fire monitoring via a stochastic programing approach
Authors: Hoskins Aaron B. , Medal Hugh R. , Rashidi Eghbal
Published: February 2018

There is significant value in the data collected by satellites during and after a natural disaster. The current operating paradigm in practice is for satellites to passively collect data when they happen to fly over a disaster location. Conversely, this article considers the alternative approach of actively maneuvering satellites to fly directly overhead of the disaster site on a routine basis. Toward this end, we seek to compute a satellite constellation design that minimizes the expected maneuver costs for monitoring an unknown forest fire. In this article, we present a 2‐stage stochastic programing model for this problem as well as a accelerated L‐shaped decomposition approach. A comparison between our approach and the current operating paradigm indicates that our solution provides longer duration data collections and a greater number of data collections. Analysis also shows that our proposed solution is robust over a wide array of scenarios.
Methyl Perillate as a Highly Functionalized Natural Starting Material for Terephthalic Acid
Authors: Jongedijk Esmer , van der Klis Frits , de Zwart Rozemarijn , van Es Daan S. , Beekwilder Jules
Published: February 2018

Renewable commodity chemicals can be generated from plant materials. Often abundant materials such as sugars are used for this purpose. However, these lack appropriate functionalities and, therefore, they require extensive chemical modifications before they can be used as commodity chemicals. The plant kingdom is capable of producing an almost endless variety of compounds, including compounds with highly appropriate functionalities, but these are often not available in high quantities. It has been demonstrated that it is possible to produce functionalized plant compounds on a large scale by fermentation in microorganisms. This opens up the potential to exploit plant compounds that are less abundant, but functionally resemble commodity chemicals more closely. To elaborate this concept, we demonstrate the suitability of a highly functionalized plant compound, methyl perillate, as a precursor for the commodity chemical terephthalic acid.
Impact of Florida's prescription drug monitoring program and pill mill law on high‐risk patients: A comparative interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Chang Hsien‐Yen , Murimi Irene , Faul Mark , Rutkow Lainie , Alexander G. Caleb
Published: February 2018

Purpose

We quantified the effects of Florida's prescription drug monitoring program and pill mill law on high‐risk patients.

Methods

We used QuintilesIMS LRx Lifelink data to identify patients receiving prescription opioids in Florida (intervention state, N: 1.13 million) and Georgia (control state, N: 0.54 million). The preintervention, intervention, and postintervention periods were July 2010 to June 2011, July 2011 to September 2011, and October 2011 to September 2012. We identified 3 types of high‐risk patients: (1) concomitant users: patients with concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids; (2) chronic users: long‐term, high‐dose, opioid users; and (3) opioid shoppers: patients receiving opioids from multiple sources. We compared changes in opioid prescriptions between Florida and Georgia before and after policy implementation among high‐risk/low‐risk patients. Our monthly measures included (1) average morphine milligram equivalent per transaction, (2) total opioid volume across all prescriptions, (3) average days supplied per transaction, and (4) total number of opioid prescriptions dispensed.

Results

Among opioid‐receiving individuals in Florida, 6.62% were concomitant users, 1.96% were chronic users, and 0.46% were opioid shoppers. Following policy implementation, Florida's high‐risk patients experienced relative reductions in morphine milligram equivalent (opioid shoppers: −1.08 mg/month, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.62 to −0.54), total opioid volume (chronic users: −4.58 kg/month, CI −5.41 to −3.76), and number of dispensed opioid prescriptions (concomitant users: −640 prescriptions/month, CI −950 to −340). Low‐risk patients generally did not experience statistically significantly relative reductions.

Conclusions

Compared with Georgia, Florida's prescription drug monitoring program and pill mill law were associated with large relative reductions in prescription opioid utilization among high‐risk patients.
Patterns of prednisone use during pregnancy in women with rheumatoid arthritis: Daily and cumulative dose
Authors: Palmsten Kristin , Rolland Matthieu , Hebert Mary F. , Clowse Megan E.B. , Schatz Michael , Xu Ronghui , Chambers Christina D.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To characterize prednisone use in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis using individual‐level heat‐maps and clustering individual trajectories of prednisone dose, and to evaluate the association between prednisone dose trajectory groups and gestational length.

Methods

This study included pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis who enrolled in the MotherToBaby Autoimmune Diseases in Pregnancy Study (2003–2014) before gestational week 20 and reported prednisone use without another oral glucocorticoid during pregnancy (n = 254). Information on medication use and pregnancy outcomes was collected by telephone interview plus by medical record review. Prednisone daily dose and cumulative dose were plotted by gestational day using a heat map for each individual. K‐means clustering was used to cluster individual trajectories of prednisone dose into groups. The associations between trajectory group and demographics, disease severity measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire at enrollment, and gestational length were evaluated.

Results

Women used prednisone 3 to 292 days during pregnancy, with daily doses ranging from <1 to 60 mg. Total cumulative dose ranged from 8 to 6225 mg. Disease severity, non‐biologic disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drug use, and gestational length varied significantly by trajectory group. After adjusting for disease severity, non‐biologic disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drug use, and other covariates, the highest vs lowest daily dose trajectory group was associated with reduced gestational age at delivery (β: −2.3 weeks (95%: −3.4, −1.3)), as was the highest vs lowest cumulative dose trajectory group (β: −2.6 weeks (95%: −3.6, −1.5)).

Conclusions

In pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis, patterns of higher prednisone dose were associated with shorter gestational length compared with lower dose.
Agreement between paternal self‐reported medication use and records from a national prescription database
Authors: Cohen Jacqueline M. , Wood Mollie E. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Father's medication use is of interest in fertility studies and as negative control exposures in pregnancy medication safety studies. We sought to compare self‐report to prescription records to understand how reliably each of these sources of information may be used.

Methods

We compared self‐reported medication use in the 6 months prior to pregnancy from fathers participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study to records of dispensed prescriptions from the Norwegian Prescription Database that overlapped in time. Medications from 3 main categories were assessed: prescription medications used chronically, prescription medications used episodically, and over‐the‐counter/prescription medications (predominantly obtained without prescription). We calculated agreement between self‐report and dispensing records using Cohen's kappa statistic.

Results

We included 42 848 pregnancies with the father's prescription data available for the 9 months before pregnancy. Prescription medications used chronically including antiepileptics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants showed substantial agreement between self‐report and prescription records: kappa statistics 0.87, 0.63, and 0.74, respectively. Prescription medications used episodically like anti‐infectives, opioids, anxiolytics, and hypnotics and sedatives showed worse agreement: kappa 0.19, 0.32, 0.40, 0.32. Over‐the‐counter/prescription medications like paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs had slight agreement: kappa 0.02 and 0.20.

Conclusions

There is good agreement between paternal self‐report and prescription data for prescribed medications used chronically and substantially less for medications used episodically. Suboptimal agreement for episodic medications suggests poor recall (for questionnaires) or false positives due to noncompliance (prescription data). Not surprisingly, use of medications available both with and without a prescription is not well captured using prescription databases alone.
Changes in consumption of opioid analgesics in Israel 2009 to 2016: An update focusing on oxycodone and fentanyl formulations
Authors: Ponizovsky Alexander M. , Marom Eli , Weizman Abraham , Schwartzberg Eyal
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess opioid (morphine, methadone, oxycodone, pethidine, and fentanyl) consumption in Israel during 2009 to 2016 and identify recent trends.

Methods

Data for all treatment settings, private and public, for the years 2009 to 2016, were extracted from the Israel Ministry of Health's Pharmaceutical Administration database. The data were used to calculate defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day, of the various drugs.

Results

Consumption of the 5 opioids increased by 68%, from 3.40 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2009 to 5.72 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2016. This trend resulted mostly from increases in oxycodone consumption from 0.50 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day to 2.03 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day (namely, 4‐fold) and in fentanyl consumption, from 1.09 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day to 2.33 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day (about 2‐fold). The use of the 3 remaining opioids decreased substantially as follows: pethidine from 0.03 DDD/1000/day in 2009 to 0.007 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2016 (−67%), methadone from 1.61 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day to 1.20 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day (−25%), and morphine from 0.17 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day to 0.15 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day (−12%). An increasing trend was also observed in the use of oxycodone/naloxone (Targin) and oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet) combinations, while a decrease was observed in the use of pure oxycodone formulations.

Conclusions

The increase in opioid consumption persisted throughout the years 2009 to 2016. This has been associated with substantial changes in the patterns of prescribing opioids, characterized by increases in oxycodone and fentanyl prescriptions and decreases in morphine, methadone, and pethidine prescriptions. A national program aiming to ensure safe use of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain is warranted.
Synthesis and characterization of petroleum and biobased epoxy resins: a review
Authors: Kumar Sudheer , Krishnan Sukhila , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay Kumar
Published: February 2018

Petroleum based epoxy resins exhibit various excellent properties such as adhesion, mechanical performance, electrical insulation and chemical resistance. There is wide concern towards depletion of non‐renewable resources, climate change and finding renewable alternatives for petroleum based materials to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. This review mainly draws attention towards the utilization of renewable resource based epoxy resin derived from lignocellulosic biomass, furan, tannins, itaconic acid, rosin acid and bio‐oil etc. Without altering the mechanical and thermal properties much, epoxy resins derived from renewable materials have been widely investigated. The last two decades have witnessed an exponential growth in using bio‐derived products, which has been driven by the need to replace petroleum based materials, reduce fuel consumption and lower the overall environmental impact. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Gelating abilities of metal salts of ricinelaidic acid. Structural and rheological considerations
Authors: Zhang Mohan , Weiss Richard G.
Published: February 2018

The gelating abilities of metal salts of ricinelaidic acid (D‐REA), the trans isomer of the naturally occurring cis isomer, D‐ricinoleic acid, have been examined in a wide range of liquids. D‐REA is not a good gelator due to its bent shape and low melting temperature. Although upon the formation of metal salts aids aggregation of D‐REA, their gelating ability differs dramatically depending on the nature of the metal cation. The salts with nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) are inefficient gelators, while the calcium salt can gelate various organic liquids and the sodium salt is an ambidextrous gelator. Also, gels of calcium and sodium salts in nitrobenzene and/or in water are among the few known examples with crystalline gelator networks that exhibit thixotropic behavior. Structural insights from FT‐IR and powder X‐ray diffraction indicate that the specific nature of interactions of the salts at their head groups leads to different packing arrangements and changes the strength of the driving forces for 1D growth from secondary interactions. A short comparison between the gelating abilities of the D‐REA and the corresponding salts from 9,10‐dioxooctadecanoic acid, an acid of related structure, is included as well. Insights into the relationships among the interactions at the metal carboxylate centers, their ability to form molecular gels, and the properties of their aggregated structures are provided.
Assessment of the wish to hasten death in patients with advanced cancer: A comparison of 2 different approaches
Authors: Bellido‐Pérez Mercedes , Crespo Iris , Wilson Keith G. , Porta‐Sales Josep , Balaguer Albert , Monforte‐Royo Cristina
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The Desire for Death Rating Scale (DDRS) and the short form of the Schedule of Attitudes toward Hastened Death (SAHD‐5) are different approaches to assessing the wish to hasten death (WTHD). Both have clinical threshold scores for identifying individuals with a meaningfully elevated WTHD. However, the agreement between the 2 measures and patient opinions about assessment of the WTHD are unknown.

Objectives

To compare the DDRS and SAHD‐5 and to analyze patient opinions about assessment of the WTHD.

Methods

The WTHD was assessed in 107 patients with advanced cancer using both the DDRS and SAHD‐5. Patients were subsequently asked their opinion about this assessment.

Results

Correlation between scores on the SAHD‐5 and the DDRS was moderate, Spearman rho = 0.67 (P < .01). The SAHD‐5 identified 13 patients (12.1%) at risk of the WTHD, and the DDRS identified 6 patients (5.6%) with a moderate‐high WTHD (P > .05). Concordance between the DDRS and SAHD‐5 in identifying individuals with an elevated WTHD was poor when using recommended cut‐off scores, κ = 0.37 (P < 0.01) but could be improved by using different thresholds. Only 4 patients (3.8%) regarded the assessment questions as bothersome, and 90.6% considered it important that health‐care professionals inquire about the WTHD.

Conclusions

The SAHD‐5 and DDRS appear to be appropriate methods for assessing the WTHD and could provide complementary information in clinical practice: the SAHD‐5 to screen for risk of the WTHD and the DDRS as a clinical interview to explore it in greater detail. Assessment of the WTHD is well accepted by palliative care cancer patients.
Social network, autonomy, and adherence correlates of future time perspective in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Baldensperger Linda , Wiedemann Amelie U. , Wessel Lauri , Keilholz Ulrich , Knoll Nina
Published: February 2018

Objective

Socioemotional selectivity theory proposes that, with more limited future time perspective (FTP), the meaning of individual life goals shifts from instrumental and long‐term goals, such as autonomy, to emotionally meaningful and short‐term life goals, especially concerning meaningful social relationships. Adverse side effects of cancer therapy may conflict with the realization of emotionally meaningful goals leading to nonadherence. In line with the theoretical assumptions, this study aimed to investigate (a) associations among disease symptoms, physical and cognitive limitations, and FTP and (b) among FTP, family network size, striving for autonomy, and treatment adherence.

Method

One hundred fifty‐seven patients (43‐90 years; 75% male) with head and/or neck cancer of a German University Medical Centre completed a questionnaire measuring FTP, age, disease symptoms, physical and cognitive functioning, family network size, and treatment adherence. Autonomy was assessed with a card sort task.

Results

A structural equation model yielded an acceptable fit χ2 (28) = 44.41, P = .025, χ2/df = 1.59, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06 (90% CI = 0.02, 0.09), Tucker‐Lewis Index = 0.92, and Comparative Fit Index = 0.96. An increased level of disease symptoms and physical and cognitive limitations was related to a shorter subjective FTP. Furthermore, individuals with a limited FTP reported a smaller family network, a lowered quest for autonomy, and lower treatment adherence.

Conclusions

Hypotheses derived from socioemotional selectivity theory were supported by the data. Longitudinal investigations should follow to corroborate findings and to focus on underlying mechanisms as improving patients FTP may play a crucial role in future disease management programs.
Discrete Scale Invariance in Holography Revisited
Authors: Flory Mario
Published: February 2018

In 2013, Balasubramanian presented a 5 + 1 dimensional holographic toy model that allows for an exact solution to Einstein's equations in the bulk in which the isometries of appear to be broken to an isometry group describing a discretely scale invariant and Poincaré invariant setup. In this paper, we investigate this solution in more detail. By analytically solving the Killing equations, we prove that the full isometry group is still present, although in a somewhat hidden way. We will also comment on the prospects of finding other holographic bottom up toy models which allow for solutions with discrete scale invariance or scale invariance without conformal invariance in the future.
Molecular identification of four novel cytochrome P450 genes related to the development of resistance of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to chlorantraniliprole
Authors: Wang Xuegui , Chen Yiqu , Gong Changwei , Yao Xinge , Jiang Chunxian , Yang Qunfang
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, is an omnivorous insect that damages a variety of crops worldwide. Chlorantraniliprole is a new diamide insecticide that acts on the ryanodine receptors in insects. The aim of this study was to explore key genes related to the development of chlorantraniliprole resistance in S. exigua.

RESULTS

Transcriptomes were compared between beet armyworms from a susceptible laboratory strain (Sus‐Lab) and Sus‐Lab screened with LC25 sublethal doses of chlorantraniliprole for six generations (SE‐Sel). Ten of 11 cytochrome P450 genes with upregulated expression verified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in SE‐Sel strains were detected in SE‐PZ16 and SE‐ZY16, two extremely resistant field populations. In addition, expression of four new cytochrome P450 genes, CYP9A21v1, CYP9A21v2, CYP9A21v3 and CYP9A21v4, was shown in the two field populations and was significantly higher in the SE‐Sel strain than in the Sus‐Lab strain (P < 0.05). Their full‐length and protein tertiary structures were also cloned and predicted. The function of CYP9A21v3 was analysed by RNA interference, and the relative expression of CYP9A21v3 in the SE‐ZY16 population after feeding on dsRNA was lower than in the control group. Moreover, mortality rates in insects treated at the LC50 of chlorantraniliprole after dsRNA feeding were significantly higher than in the control group 24 h after treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of CYP9A21v3 may be a primary factor in the development of chlorantraniliprole resistance in beet armyworms. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry