bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micronucleus formation in human cancer cells is biased by chromosome size
Authors: Bochtler Tilmann , Kartal‐Kaess Mutlu , Granzow Martin , Hielscher Thomas , Cosenza Marco R. , Herold‐Mende Christel , Jauch Anna , Krämer Alwin
Published: November 2018

Chromosomal instability is one of the hallmarks of cancer and caused by chromosome missegregation during mitosis, a process frequently associated with micronucleus formation. Micronuclei are formed when chromosomes fail to join a daughter nucleus during cell division and are surrounded by their own nuclear membrane. Although it has been commonly assumed that the gain or loss of specific chromosomes is random during compromised cell division, recent data suggest that the size of chromosomes can impact on chromosome segregation fidelity. To test whether chromosome missegregation rates scale with chromosome size in primary human cancer cells, we assessed chromosome sequestration into micronuclei in patient‐derived primary NCH149 glioblastoma cells, which display high‐level numerical chromosome instability (CIN), pronounced spontaneous micronucleus formation but virtually no structural CIN. The cells were analyzed by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization using chromosome‐specific painting probes for all chromosomes. Overall, 33% of early passage NCH149 cells harbored micronuclei. Entrapment within a micronucleus clearly correlated with chromosome size with larger chromosomes being significantly more frequently missegregated into micronuclei than smaller chromosomes in primary glioblastoma cells. These findings extend the concept that chromosome size determines segregation fidelity by implying that size‐specific micronucleus entrapment occurs in primary human cancer cells as well.
Circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D binding protein and risk of advanced and lethal prostate cancer
Authors: Yuan Chen , Shui Irene M. , Wilson Kathryn M. , Stampfer Meir J. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: November 2018

We previously found that higher total 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were associated with lower risk of lethal prostate cancer. However, the relationships of bioavailable 25(OH)D and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) with risk of advanced and lethal prostate cancer are unclear. In a prospective case–control study of 156 pairs of advanced prostate cancer cases and controls, we directly measured prediagnostic circulating 25(OH)D and VDBP and calculated bioavailable 25(OH)D using a validated formula. We examined the association of bioavailable 25(OH)D and VDBP levels with risk of advanced and lethal prostate cancer and whether total 25(OH)D levels interacted with VDBP levels to affect the risk. Conditional logistic models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared to total 25(OH)D (ptrend = 0.02), bioavailable 25(OH)D levels were not more strongly associated with risk of advanced prostate cancer (ptrend = 0.14). Although VDBP levels were not associated with risk of advanced prostate cancer (ptrend = 0.16), we observed an interaction between total 25(OH)D levels and VDBP levels in relation to risk of advanced prostate cancer (pinteraction = 0.03). Compared to those with total 25(OH)D levels below the median and VDBP levels above the median (at highest risk), men with both levels above the median had a multivariable‐adjusted OR of 0.31 (95% CI, 0.15–0.65) for advanced prostate cancer. We observed similar results when we restricted the analyses to 116 lethal prostate cancer cases and their controls. Our data suggest that VDBP levels may modify the association between total 25(OH)D levels and risk of advanced and lethal prostate cancer.
New use for old drugs: The protective effect of atypical antipsychotics on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Vincent Chin‐Hung , Chan Hsiang‐Lin , Hsu Tsai‐Ching , Lu Mong‐Liang , Lee Yi‐Chen , Lee Yena , Siow Jing Yi , McIntyre Roger S. , Zhou Aileen J. , Tzang Bor‐Show , Lee Charles Tzu‐Chi
Published: November 2018

It has been encouraged to use large existing data like insurance claims data to investigate the new indications of old drugs. New strategies of research are warranted to identify feasible drugs. We conducted a dual research model with a population‐based case–control study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and an in vitro study to investigate the association between atypical antipsychotic and Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. The study herein consists of two components. The first is a population‐based case–control study using existing data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The second component was an in vitro study in which HCC cell lines (Huh7 and Hep G2) were treated with risperidone, quetiapine and clozapine. after treatment of the foregoing antipsychotics, the HCC cell lines were assessed for cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis revealed that antipsychotic use was independently and inversely associated with HCC risk (adjusted odds‐ratio [aOR]:0.85, 95% CI: 0.81–0.89). The protective effect was dose‐dependent: compared to the low cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) group (0–29 cDDD), the 30–89 cDDD and ≥90 cDDD groups were associated with significantly reduced risk for HCC (aOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.41–0.76; aOR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27–0.50, respectively). In vitro study results indicated that risperidone, quetiapine and clozapine significantly inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and induced apoptosis in human HCC cell lines. Our results herein suggested that antipsychotic use might reduce the risk of HCC and may provide evidence for new uses of old drugs.
Front Cover: Assessing hyperthermia‐induced vasodilation in human skin in vivo using optoacoustic mesoscopy (J. Biophotonics 11/2018)
Authors: Berezhnoi Andrei , Schwarz Mathias , Buehler Andreas , Ovsepian Saak V. , Aguirre Juan , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: November 2018

Changes in skin microvasculature due to external stimuli such as heating or drugs may help identify and assess vasculature dysfunction arising from a wide range of diseases. For the first time we demonstrate detailed, cross‐sectional visualization of microvascular changes through the whole skin depth in response to local heating at single vessel resolution by means of RSOM, which overcomes the limitations of the purely optical techniques in dermal microvasculature studies.

Further details can be found in the article by Andrei Berezhnoi, Mathias Schwarz, Andreas Buehler, et al. (e201700359)

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Definition and Validation of a Novel Metric of Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agent Response in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Meaney Calvin J. , Karas Spinel , Robinson Ben , Gaesser Jamie , Forrest Alan , Krzyzanski Wojciech , Panesar Mandip , Rao Gauri G.
Published: November 2018

Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (eg, epoetin alfa) are the primary treatment for anemia in patients with end‐stage renal disease. Hemoglobin variability in and out of a narrow target range is common and associated with higher morbidity and mortality risk. More robust erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent response metrics are needed to define optimal dosing and their association with clinical outcomes. In this cross‐sectional, single‐center, retrospective study, 49 patients with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis were followed over 12 months. To quantify hemoglobin deviations outside the target range (10–12 g/dL), the area under the curve of hemoglobin versus time over a 12‐month period (AUC‐HGB) was calculated using the trapezoidal rule. Patients were categorized into 4 responder groups based on AUC‐HGB quartiles. Comparative analyses of demographic and clinical characteristics between responder groups were performed. Correlations between AUC‐HGB, erythropoietin resistance index, and time within therapeutic range were calculated. There were no significant differences in laboratory and dialysis parameters between responder groups except hemoglobin concentration and epoetin alfa dose. There was a negative correlation between AUC‐HGB and time within therapeutic range (r = –.92; P < .001) and hemoglobin concentration (r = –.85; P < .01), indicating internal validity of the metric. There was a positive correlation between AUC‐HGB and erythropoietin resistance index (r = .70; P < .001) indicating external validity. The poor response group received a higher median epoetin alfa dose (160 U/kg/week) compared to the excellent response group (68.8 U/kg/week; P < .001) with a similar number of dose changes between the groups. AUC‐HGB is a valid marker of epoetin alfa response and should be considered in future analyses of larger populations.
Hepatocellular carcinoma after direct‐acting antiviral drug treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Sagawa Takaomi , Kodama Kazuhisa , Taniai Makiko , Katagiri Satoshi , Egawa Hiroto , Yamamoto Masakazu , Tokushige Katsutoshi
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Given the use of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV), their effects on hepatocarcinogenesis should be determined.

Methods

This study enrolled 349 patients with HCV who underwent DAA treatment at our hospital between 2014 and 2018. Their median age was 65 years, and 184 were male; 301 cases were of HCV serotype 1, and 48 were of serotype 2. The DAA treatment was daclatasvir/asunaprevir in 107 cases, sofosbuvir (SOF)/ledipasvir in 147 cases, ritonavir‐boosted ombitasvir/paritaprevir in 28 cases, elbasvir/grazoprevir in 19 cases, and SOF/ribavirin in 48 cases. The patients’ histories included hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 45 cases, liver transplant (LT) in 10 cases, and kidney transplant (KT) in 17 cases.

Results

Sustained virological responses occurred in 335 cases (96%). DAA treatment was initiated a median of 16.3 months after HCC treatment. After DAA treatment, 15 cases (33%) had recurrence of HCC after a median of 11.6 months, and 3 cases (1%) developed de novo HCC. Six LT patients and one KT patient had HCC; however, no HCC was observed after DAA. The incidence of HCC was significantly higher in patients with multiple HCC treatments in the Cox hazard model (hazard ratio 1.664, 95% confidence interval 1.134–2.441, P < 0.01). Surgical resection or LT reduced the risk of HCC.

Conclusions

DAA did not increase the rate of HCC, even in immunosuppressed patients. However, careful follow‐up for HCC recurrence is required in previously treated cases.
Application of stereotactic body radiotherapy in advanced pancreatic cancers in Australia
Authors: Kim Laurence , Nguyen Nam , Singhal Nimit , Phan Vinh‐An , Iankov Ivan , Le Hien
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The majority of pancreatic cancers present locally advanced and carry a high mortality rate. Treatment is challenging, with mixed data suggesting use of chemotherapy alone or in combination with radiotherapy. The use of radiotherapy has previously been limited due to lack of ability to deliver radiation to the tumour mass without causing significant toxicity to surrounding organs. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) allows delivery of higher biologically equivalent dose in a shorter treatment duration. We sought to investigate the safety and application of this technique in our centre.

Method

We enrolled 27 patients from 2015, identified as locally advanced unresectable with histologically confirmed, non‐metastatic, pancreatic adenocarcinoma. All patients had endoscopically inserted fiducial markers and where possible concurrent chemotherapy was administered. Dose schedules ranged from 25 to 42 Gy in 5 or 3 fractions.

Results

With an overall median follow up of 9 months (range, 3–32.7), the median survival was 11.6 months. Of those alive at 1 year, the local control rate was 67%. Six patients had Grade 3 toxicity, and other six had Grade 2 toxicity. None had Grade 4 or above toxicity. The most common symptom recorded was fatigue.

Conclusion

SBRT for locally advanced pancreatic cancer is technically complex but feasible in a high volume centre. SBRT is unique, allowing safe delivery of high radiation dose resulting in good local control and decreases treatment time making it an attractive option for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Association between Helicobacter pylori gastritis and dental diseases: A cross‐sectional, hospital‐based study in Eastern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alagl A. S. , Abdelsalam M. , El Tantawi M. , Madi M. , Aljindan R. , Alsayyah A. , AlHumaid J. , Hussameddin A. M. , Alsulaiman R. M. , AlQurain A.
Published: November 2018

Background

There is inconsistent evidence about the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and dental diseases with possible effect of environmental factors. The aims of the study were to assess (1) the association between gastric and oral H. pylori colonization and (2) the association between oral colonization of H. pylori and dental diseases.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in King Fahad University hospital in Khobar, Eastern Saudi Arabia in 2017. Patients admitted to the Endoscopy Unit were recruited and clinically examined for plaque, decayed teeth (D), filled teeth (F), missing teeth (M), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), attachment loss (AL), and gingival bleeding in addition to assessing their age, gender, education, tooth brushing, flossing, and tobacco use with a questionnaire. Pooled dental plaque samples were collected and analyzed using nested polymerase chain reaction PCR to detect oral H. pylori. Gastroscopy was used to extract biopsies to assess gastritis and the presence of gastric H. pylori using Giemsa stain. Regression analysis was used to assess differences between patients with and without gastritis, oral H. pylori and gastric H. pylori in the percentage of sites with gingival bleeding, PPD, CAL, D, M, and F with adjustment for confounders.

Results

One hundred twenty patients were included. Most of them brushed daily (82.6%) and had university education (45.7%). Of these, 34.2% had gastric H. pylori and 5% had oral H. pylori. No significant association was observed between the percentage of sites with gingival bleeding, mean PPD, AL, F, and either gastritis, the presence of oral or gastric H. pylori. Patients with gastritis had significantly higher number of D and M than patients without gastritis (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

In this study, the presence of gastric and oral H. pylori in patients with good oral hygiene and moderate socioeconomic status is not significantly associated with periodontal diseases. Patients with gastritis tend to have a higher number of decayed and missing teeth.
New Molecular Descriptors to Identify Surfactants and Solubilizers from Electron Density Distributions
Authors: Gaudin Théophile , Pezron Isabelle , Klamt Andreas
Published: November 2018

In many applications, such as substitution of nonrenewable molecules by renewable ones in formulations or screening of pharmaceutical compounds, knowing whether molecules have associating properties in the liquid phase (i.e., if they are surfactants, hydrotropes, cosolvents, solvosurfactants, or cosurfactants) prior to any experiment may be useful. In this work, two new molecular properties derived from local surface polarity of molecules, denoted as polarity moment and heteropolarity, are proposed. It is shown that when predicted from Density Functional Theory (DFT)‐conductor‐like screening model (COSMO) polarization charge densities, polarity moment, heteropolarity, and polarity can help determine whether molecules are surfactants or solubilizers (hydrotropes, cosolvents, and solvosurfactants) prior to any experimental measurements. Results also indicate that these molecular properties predict cosurfactant behavior, as fatty esters and long‐chain fatty alcohols appear to cluster in a distinct region of the two‐dimensional map built by the two molecular properties. In particular, for complex molecular structures, modeling interfacially relevant conformations appeared as an important step to avoid misclassification in the process of calculating the polarity moment.
Using stable isotope signatures to delineate the geographic point‐of‐origin of Keemun black tea
Authors: Peng Chuan‐yi , Zhang Yan‐ling , Song Wei , Lv Ya‐ning , Xu Qian , Zheng Ping , Zhang Zheng-zhu , Wan Xiao‐chun , Hou Ru‐yan , Cai Hui‐mei
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Confirmation of food labeling that claims production in a small geographic region is critical to traceability, quality control and brand protection. In the current study, isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was used to generate profiles of δ13C and δ15N to determine if the stable isotope signatures of Keemun black tea differ within the three counties that claim production. Other factors (cultivar type, leaf maturity and manufacturing process) were considered for their potential effects.

RESULTS

Both cultivar type and leaf maturity have remarkable impact on the δ15N values of tea leaves, and that the cultivar influenced the δ13C values. Keemun black tea from Qimen county could be easily discriminated from samples from Dongzhi and Guichi counties based on δ15N signatures. The k‐NN model was cross‐validated with an accuracy of 91.6%. Environmental factors and/or genotype seem to be the major reasons for δ15N differences in Keemun black tea from the selected regions.

CONCLUSION

This article provides a potential effective method to delineate the geographic point‐of‐origin of Keemun black tea based on δ15N signatures. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Emission of dispersed‐type inorganic EL devices with frequency‐variable high‐voltage oscillation circuit
Authors: Sato Shuichi , Shimizu Tomohisa , Ohuchi Mikio
Published: November 2018

Dispersed‐type inorganic electroluminescent (EL) devices composed of a transparent electrode, a phosphor, a dielectric, and a back electrode were prepared under various conditions using a zinc sulfide (ZnS)‐based phosphor. Additionally, a voltage/frequency variable circuit was designed. A compact high‐voltage/frequency variable circuit including three modules for boosting, frequency conversion, and voltage conversion was designed. A 140 Vpp voltage and a frequency in the range of 270 Hz to 2.4 kHz can be controlled by this circuit. The emission has begun to be observed at a voltage about 60 Vpp and a frequency of 400 Hz, at a voltage about 40 Vpp and a frequency of 1.4 kHz, 2.4 kHz, respectively. The emission intensity increased with an increase in frequency; emission with a wavelength of 450 nm was strongly influenced by the frequency. The luminescence and the electrical properties were affected by the preparation conditions including device structures, dispersion of ZnS:Cu, and Cl particles because of the current path generated by defects in the EL cell.
A Simplified Gas Chromatographic Fatty‐Acid Analysis by the Direct Saponification/Methylation Procedure and Its Application on Wild Tuna Larvae
Authors: Matsumoto Yuko , Ando Yasuhiro , Hiraoka Yuko , Tawa Atsushi , Ohshimo Seiji
Published: November 2018

A method for the direct preparation of fatty‐acid methyl esters (FAME) was simplified for fatty‐acid analysis of a single fish larva using gas chromatography (GC). The method included the isolation of a larval trunk and drying in a glass vial, followed by saponification of all the contents without prior lipid extraction. Thereafter, the fatty acids released were methylated by trimethylsilyldiazomethane. This method has advantages over another method, direct acid‐catalyzed transesterification, because both the saponification and methylation at room temperature can reduce loss of unsaturated fatty acids and formation of artifacts unavoidable in acidic reaction at high temperature. GC of the products showed that the simplified method can yield methyl esters without artifacts interfering analysis. More than 50 fatty acids were determined, which are twice as many as those previously analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Observation of consistent small impurities in GC of blank tests allowed the accurate determination of fatty acids by correcting the peak areas. Dry matter weights (<3 mg) and the total fatty‐acid contents displayed a linear relationship. Fatty‐acid analysis of wild larvae of bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and skipjack tuna collected from the waters around Japan (n = 100) revealed that the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) level in bluefin tuna collected from the Japan Sea was significantly higher than that in the three species collected from Nansei Islands. The simplified direct saponification/methylation method will be a powerful tool for investigating growth and survival of individual larval tuna and other fish species.
Mutation profile of FLNC gene and its prognostic relevance in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cui Hao , Wang Jizheng , Zhang Ce , Wu Guixin , Zhu Changsheng , Tang Bing , Zou Yubao , Huang Xiaohong , Hui Rutai , Song Lei , Wang Shuiyun
Published: November 2018

Background

Filamin C (FLNC) mutation was reported as a cause of HCM, with a high probability of sudden cardiac death. However, the mutation profile of FLNC, and its relationship with phenotypic expression in HCM, remains to be elucidated.

Methods

In this study, FLNC gene was sequenced in 540 HCM patients and 307 healthy controls.

Results

We found that 39 (7.2%) patients carried FLNC mutations, with a similar frequency to that of controls (4.2%, p = 0.101). Pedigree analysis showed that mutations were not well segregated with HCM. The baseline characteristics between HCM patients, with and without mutations, were comparable. FLNC mutations did not increase the risk for either all‐cause mortality (HR 0.746, 95% CI 0.222–2.295, p = 0.575) or cardiac mortality (HR 0.615, 95% CI 0.153–1.947, p = 0.354) in HCM patients during a follow‐up of 4.7 ± 3.2 years. Moreover, there was no significant difference in survival free from sudden cardiac arrest (HR 0.721, 95% CI 0.128–3.667, p = 0.660) and heart failure (HR 0.757, 95% CI 0.318–1.642, p = 0.447).

Conclusions

FLNC mutations were common in both HCM patients and healthy population. The pathogenicity of FLNC mutations detected in HCM patients and its association with the clinical outcomes should be cautiously interpreted.
Whole‐exome sequencing of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome families and review of Human Gene Mutation Database PTCH1 mutation data
Authors: Gianferante D. Matthew , Rotunno Melissa , Dean Michael , Zhou Weiyin , Hicks Belynda D. , Wyatt Kathleen , Jones Kristine , Wang Mingyi , Zhu Bin , Goldstein Alisa M. , Mirabello Lisa
Published: November 2018

Background

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable expression and nearly complete penetrance. PTCH1 is the major susceptibility locus and has no known hot spots or genotype–phenotype relationships.

Methods

We evaluated 18 NBCCS National Cancer Institute (NCI) families plus PTCH1 data on 333 NBCCS disease‐causing mutations (DM) reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). National Cancer Institute families underwent comprehensive genomic evaluation, and clinical data were extracted from NCI and HGMD cases. Genotype–phenotype relationships were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests focusing on mutation type and PTCH1 domains.

Results

PTCH1 pathogenic mutations were identified in 16 of 18 NCI families, including three previously mutation‐negative families. PTCH1 mutations were spread across the gene with no hot spot. After adjustment for multiple tests, a statistically significant genotype–phenotype association was observed for developmental delay and gross deletion–insertions (p = 9.0 × 10−6), and suggestive associations between falx cerebri calcification and all transmembrane domains (p = 0.002) and severe outcomes and gross deletion–insertions (p = 4.0 × 10−4).

Conclusion

Overall, 89% of our NCI families had a pathogenic PTCH1 mutation. The identification of PTCH1 mutations in previously mutation‐negative families underscores the importance of repeated testing when new technologies become available. Additional clinical information linked to mutation databases would enhance follow‐up and future studies of genotype–phenotype relationships.
A shape blending based design of printed slot antennas for various wideband applications
Authors: Wu Aiting , Zhang Zhonghai , Guan Boran
Published: November 2018

A novel design for printed wide‐slot antennas based on shape blending is proposed for various wideband applications. The geometric form of the radiating patch is an essential wide‐slot antenna factor that determines antenna performance, particularly the impedance bandwidth. The basic form of the proposed antenna is a CPW‐fed wide‐slot antenna with a radiating patch constructed by blending circles and squares to form a hybrid shape. The resulting structures will have various bandwidths (BWs). The effects of key geometric parameters on the antenna BW have been investigated and discussed in detail. Antenna prototypes, of varying radiating patch shapes, were simulated, manufactured and measured to validate the inherent properties of the proposed designs. The measured results correspond with the simulation results. By appropriately selecting the shape of the radiating patch, a BW of 30.5%‐80.1% can be achieved for VSWRs less than 2.
Preferential groundwater seepage in karst terrane inferred from geoelectric measurements
Authors: Ikard Scott , Pease Emily
Published: November 2018

The Ellenburger–San Saba aquifer discharges spring flows into the overlying Hamilton Creek bed in Burnet County, central Texas. The aquifer is susceptible to contamination from surface‐water reservoirs because of the presence of dissolution cavities that are hydraulically connected to the reservoirs in some locations. There is concern that preferential groundwater seepage from reservoirs into the aquifer in these locations might ultimately degrade the quality of the springwater that enters Hamilton Creek. To investigate preferential groundwater seepage patterns and hydraulic connectivity between surface‐water reservoirs and the Ellenburger–San Saba aquifer, geophysical reconnaissance surveys were completed between July 2017 and January 2018 to map dissolution cavities and locate preferential groundwater seepage within a specific region of the aquifer. Two‐dimensional electric resistivity tomography and self‐potential profiling were utilized, and a simplified, three‐dimensional finite‐element model of the field site was constructed to provide an interpretive aid. The self‐potential data indicated the occurrence of preferential groundwater seepage through a porous seepage conduit that was imaged by the electric resistivity tomography data but did not indicate the occurrence of groundwater seepage through two fluid‐filled dissolution cavities that were imaged by electric resistivity tomography data. Collectively, the surveying and modelling results demonstrate the efficacy of geoelectric methods for mapping the locations of dissolution cavities and preferential groundwater seepage in the electrically resistive karst terrane of the Ellenburger–San Saba aquifer.
The Returns of Recognition: Ngarinyin Experiences of Native Title, Encounter and Indeterminacy in the Kimberley Region of Northern Australia
Authors: Dalley Cameo
Published: November 2018

This article explores a contemporary politics of recognition as it relates to Ngarinyin Aboriginal people of the Northern Kimberley region of Western Australia. I focus on the reflections and experiences of a Ngarinyin man, ‘the Alchemist’, who was involved in a native title claim across the region during the 2000s. Through ethnographic examples drawn from along the Gibb River Road, I show that time on country is animated by unexpected encounters imbued with interpersonal recognition and indeterminacy. These encounters involve non‐Aboriginal people (including tourists) and non‐human animals: allies who are co‐opted at a time when people's intimate knowledge of country is becoming further attenuated. This article contributes to a growing literature on Aboriginal people's perceptions of and experiences in country in post‐native title contexts.
Effects of grab bars and backrests on independent wheelchair transfer performance and technique
Authors: Koontz Alicia M. , Bass Sarah , Kulich Hailee , Cooper Rory A.
Published: November 2018

Objective

For individuals who rely on wheeled mobility devices for primary mobility, the ability to transfer independently greatly enhances participation in activities within and outside of the home. Nonlevel transfers are challenging and inevitable as not all surfaces in all settings can be made level with an individual's seat to floor height. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two transfer aids, grab bars, and backrests, on the performance and quality of nonlevel transfers.

Methods

This study employed a repeated‐measures design with transfer setup as the independent variable. Sixty‐eight (53 men and 15 women) wheeled mobility device users performed level and nonlevel transfers to a bare surface, a surface with grab bars present, a surface with grab bars, and a backrest present. For each condition, participants were asked to transfer as high and as low as they could go while still performing an independent and safe transfer. The transfer assessment instrument was used to evaluate the quality of their transfer technique.

Results

Participants were able to transfer an absolute height up to 2.5 cm (1″) higher and lower when grab bars or grab bars and a backrest were present on the surface (p < 0.042) and 2.3 cm (~1″) higher relative to their wheelchair level seat high when grab bars were present on the surface (p < .001). Transfer technique significantly improved for both uphill and downhill transfers with the presence of grab bars and a backrest as shown by the transfer assessment instrument scores (p < 0.046).

Conclusions

The presence of grab bars and a backrest on transfer surfaces may help mobility device users to achieve higher and lower absolute transfer heights and facilitate better transfer technique.
Context and Implications Document for: Toward narrowing the gap between science communication and science education disciplines
Authors: Kohen Zehavit , Dori Yehudit Judy
Published: November 2018

This guide accompanies the following article: Kohen, Z. & Dori, Y. J., Toward narrowing the gap between science communication and science education disciplines, Review of Education, 10.1002/rev3.3136
Medium earth orbit optical satellite communication networks: Ground terminals selection optimization based on the cloud‐free line‐of‐sight statistics
Authors: Lyras Nikolaos K. , Efrem Christos N. , Kourogiorgas Charilaos I. , Panagopoulos Athanasios D.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a methodology for the generation of cloud coverage time series correlated on both temporal and spatial domains and the estimation of cloud‐free line‐of‐sight (CFLOS) probability for a single optical ground station (OGS) and a network of OGSs (multiple OGS) for medium earth orbit (MEO) constellation satellite communication systems is presented. Spatial diversity is employed as a mitigation technique against cloud blockage to increase the availability of an OGS network (OGSN). In the second part of the paper, an effective algorithm based on the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is proposed for the optimum selection of OGSs forming an OGSN. The proposed algorithm takes into consideration the spatial correlation between the OGSs. In the simulation results section, a MEO constellation system with 12 MEO satellites has been assumed. The integrated liquid water content (ILWC) statistical parameters that are necessary for the CFLOS time series are taken from ECMWF Re‐Analysis (ERA)‐Interim database, European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Finally, numerical results for the optimum selection of OGSs using the proposed methodology are exhibited and commented. Interesting conclusions are drawn, and future work with technical challenges is briefly described.
Low‐Crystalline NiS Hybridized with BiOCl Nanosheet as Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Panpan , Tian Liangyu , Zuo Zhuang , Chen Ziyu , Huang Niu , Sun Yihua , Sun Xiaohua
Published: November 2018

Low‐crystalline nickel sulfide (NiS) nanoparticles are firstly hybridized with single‐crystalline bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanosheets (denoted as NiS/BiOCl) via in‐situ pyrolysis of a NiCl2‐BiCl3‐thiourea precursor at low temperature (250 °C). The idea involved is to combine the functions of low‐crystalline NiS for catalyzing I3− to I− and BiOCl nanosheets for offering fluent charge transport pathway. Especially, in‐situ hybridization leads to close assembly and strong interaction between NiS nanoparticles and BiOCl nanosheets, further enabling the synergetic electronic coupling between the two phases. As a result, the hybrid NiS/BiOCl film can catalyze the reduction of I3− at an extremely low charge transfer resistance of 0.21 Ω cm2, versus 1.63 Ω cm2 for Pt. When used as counter electrode for dye‐sensitized solar cells, device using NiS/BiOCl film as counter electrode produces a high power conversion efficiency of 7.88%, versus 7.35% for Pt under the same conditions. Furthermore, low‐crystalline NiS/BiOCl film can also catalyze oxygen evolution reaction with a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 1.61 V vs. RHE and a Tafel slope of 113 mV dec−1, which is potentially useful for many operational clean energy devices. Our study thus provides new opportunities for the development of highly efficient hybrid electrocatalyst in a facile and energy‐saving strategy.
Synthesis, Structure and Catalytic Oxidation of Ruthenium(III) Complexes Containing 1‐(Arylazo)naphthol Ligands Derived from β−Naphthol and Sterically Bulky Amines
Authors: Thirumal Muniyappan , Ramesh Madhan , Kaleeswaran Dhananjayan , Venkatachalam Galmari speac
Published: November 2018

A new class of ruthenium(III) complexes containing O, N donor functionalized azo derivatives were designed and synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized by fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV‐vis) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectral studies. The X−ray crystal structure of one of the complexes [Ru(L1)3] 1 has been determined. The catalytic activity of the complex [Ru(L1)3] 1 has been studied for the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to corresponding carbonyl compounds in the presence of N‐ Methylmorpholine‐N‐Oxide as co‐oxidant.
Hetero‐Diels‐Alder Reactions of α‐Nitrosoalkenes with Ferrocenyl, Hetaryl and Cycloaliphatic Thioketones
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Urbaniak Katarzyna , Zimmer Reinhold , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: November 2018

The in situ generated α‐nitrosoalkenes react with ferrocenyl, hetaryl and cycloaliphatic thioketones yielding 4H‐1,5,2‐oxathiazines as products of the hetero‐Diels‐Alder reaction. These products are formed in a perfect regioselective manner. A similar reactivity is displayed by a thiochalcone (1,3‐diphenylprop‐2‐ene‐1‐thione), and in that case, the [4+2]‐cycloaddition occurs also chemoselectively and regioselectively along the C=S bond acting as a heterodienophile. The stability of the 4H‐1,5,2‐oxathiazines depends on the type of substituents, and in the case of ferrocenylthioketones, the diferrocenyl representative is the reagent of choice. The replacement of one ferrocenyl group by an ethyl group leads to a dramatic decrease of the product stability. Sterically crowded cycloaliphatic thioketones derived from 2,2,4,4‐tetramethylcyclobutane‐1,3‐dione are exceptional dienophiles in reactions with trifluoromethyl‐substituted nitrosoalkenes, and in these cases, a remarkably stable 3‐trifluoromethyl‐4H‐1,5,2‐oxathiazine derivative was obtained. For the first time, perfectly stable and non‐odorous 2,2,4,4‐tetramethylcyclobutane‐1,3‐dithione was explored as an active heterodienophile for a two‐fold hetero‐Diels‐Alder reaction.
Piacenzian–Gelasian non‐marine ostracods from the Dunarobba Fossil Forest (Tiberino Basin, Umbria, central Italy)
Authors: Spadi Marco , Gliozzi Elsa , Medici Maria Chiara
Published: November 2018

The taxonomy of some non‐marine ostracod assemblages from the Dunarobba Fossil Forest area (south Tiberino Basin, Umbria, Italy) is discussed, adding to the scientific understanding of Piacenzian–Gelasian non‐marine ostracods in central Italy and providing a palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the shallow coastal lacustrine environments of the Palaeolake Tiberino. The ostracod assemblages includeDarwinula stevensoni,Vestalenula cylindrica,Candona(Candona)improvisa,Candona(Neglecandona)neglecta,Candona(Neglecandona)angulata,Candona(Neglecandona)paludinica,Caspiocypris basilicii,Caspiocypris tiberina,Candonopsis kingsleii,Cyclocypris ovum,Ilyocypris bradyi,Ilyocypris decipiens,Cypris mandelstami,Zonocypris membranae quadricella,Potamocypris fulva,Cyprideis crotonensis,Cyprideis rectangularisand two new species:Hemicypris lomastroisp. nov. andParalimnocythere turgidasp. nov. In addition to widespread European species, the ostracod assemblages contain some rare species that were previously known from the Pliocene Paludinian Beds of Serbia. A cluster analysis applied to the ostracod frequency matrix has lead to the identification of four separate assemblages that can be attributed to several ecological niches, including emerged hydrosols, ephemeral coastal pools and a littoral lacustrine margin, which suggest a complex coastal environment.
Nucleation barriers for the cubic‐to‐tetragonal phase transformation in the absence of self‐accommodation
Authors: Knüpfer Hans , Otto Felix
Published: November 2018

The austenite‐to‐martensite phase transformation is characterized by the creation and growth of small nuclei of the new martensitic phase. Within a geometrically linear description and including an interfacial energy, we show that the minimal energy scales likein the volumeVof the nucleus forwhen primarily only two martensite variants are present. This complements the findings in [Knüpfer, Kohn, Otto, CPAM 2012] where it has been shown that the minimal energy of the transient nuclei has the lower scalingif all three martensite variants are present. The higher scaling of the minimal energy is related to a failure of self‐accommodation. The proof requires new analytical ideas and tools.
Practitioners’ conceptions of ethical practice in social networking in career services
Authors: Kettunen Jaana , Makela Julia Panke
Published: November 2018

This article reports on a phenomenographic investigation into practitioners’ conceptions of ethical practice in social networking in career services. The results show that ethical practice was conceived as stemming from: (1) an information orientation, (2) a networking orientation, (3) an educational orientation, and (4) a collaborative orientation. Differences appeared along six dimensions including: approach, activities, level of usage, perception, strategy and ethical principles. The findings give us a more profound understanding of critical aspects that may have an important role in relation to further developments and the successful implementation of existing and emerging technologies in the career service sector.
Ixekizumab Improved Patient-Reported Genital Psoriasis Symptoms and Impact of Symptoms on Sexual Activity vs Placebo in a Randomized, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Yosipovitch Gil , Foley Peter , Ryan Caitriona , Cather Jennifer C. , Meeuwis Kim A. , Burge Russel , Bleakman Alison Potts , Lin Chen-Yen , Malatestinic William , Gottlieb Alice
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Genital psoriasis (GenPs) is common and distressing for patients, but is often not discussed with physicians, and no previous clinical trials have assessed the effects of biologics specifically on GenPs and its associated symptoms.

Aim

To report results for novel patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for the assessment of symptoms and the sexual impact of GenPs before and after treatment in the IXORA-Q study.

Methods

IXORA-Q (NCT02718898) was a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ixekizumab (80 mg/2 weeks after 160-mg initial dose) vs placebo for GenPs. Men and women ≥18 years old with moderate-to-severe GenPs and body surface area (BSA) ≥1% were assessed through 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measure

GenPs symptoms were assessed using the 8-item Genital Psoriasis Symptoms Scale (GPSS), Genital Psoriasis Sexual Frequency Questionnaire (GenPs-SFQ), and Genital Psoriasis Sexual Impact Scale (GPSIS) (validation data presented in the supplemental materials), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) item 9.

Results

For patients receiving ixekizumab (N = 75) vs placebo (N = 74), statistically significant improvement in GenPs symptoms were seen from week 1 onward (GPSS total and individual items, all P < .005). Sexual activity avoidance owing to GenPs symptoms (GPSIS) decreased significantly with ixekizumab from week 4 onward (all P <.005), whereas impact of sexual activity on GenPs improved significantly with ixekizumab at weeks 2–8 (all P < 0.05). Ixekizumab resulted in significant improvement vs placebo by week 1 onward in limitations on frequency of sexual activity owing to GenPs (GenPs-SFQ item 2). Sexual difficulties caused by skin (DLQI item 9) decreased significantly with ixekizumab from week 2 onward (all P < .001).

Clinical Implications

Both GenPs symptoms and impact on sexual activity improved rapidly and significantly with ixekizumab vs placebo through 12 weeks in patients with moderate-to-severe GenPs and BSA ≥1%.

Strength & Limitations

To our knowledge, this is the first phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial to evaluate the effect of any treatment on the symptoms and sexual impact related to GenPs. The study did not include an active comparator owing to the lack of any well-established treatment for moderate-to-severe GenPs, and the period assessed herein was of relatively short duration.

Conclusion

These validated PRO measures may aid in future clinical studies of GenPs and in facilitating discussions of GenPs symptoms and their impact between patients and clinicians.
Implementing the Australian Curriculum for Students With Disabilities in Specialist Settings: Teachers’ Professional Learning Experiences and Preferences
Authors: McMillan Julie M. , Carson Karyn L. , Walker Peter M. , Noble Anna G. , Jarvis Jane M. , Bissaker Kerry A.
Published: November 2018

Commentary on the introduction of the Australian Curriculum (AC) has reflected a tension for educators of students with disabilities (SWD) between in-principle support for a curriculum that is inclusive of all students and the challenge of translating a general framework into relevant, individualised learning experiences appropriate for all SWD. In this paper, we report on findings from the second part of a national online survey in which we explored the perceptions and practices of 151 educators of SWD in specialist settings (special schools, disability units co-located at mainstream schools, special classes within mainstream schools) in relation to the AC. Specifically, these findings relate to the professional learning (PL) experiences and perceived needs of educators of SWD related to the AC and their advice to policymakers about the AC for SWD. Consistent with previous research, participants expressed a preference for PL experiences delivered on site, facilitated by content experts over extended periods, with opportunities for demonstration and targeted feedback, and in the context of collegial learning communities. In addition, participants raised concerns about the extent to which the AC is fully inclusive of all SWD. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.
Operating Leverage, Profitability, and Capital Structure
Authors: Chen Zhiyao , Harford Jarrad , Kamara Avraham
Published: November 2018

Operating leverage increases profitability and reduces optimal financial leverage. Thus, operating leverage generates a negative relation between profitability and financial leverage that is thought to be inconsistent with the trade-off theory but is commonly observed in the data. We demonstrate the effect of operating leverage on firms’ profitability and financial leverage, as well as on the empirical relation between profitability and financial leverage, by using China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001 and its effect on the capital–labor ratio of U.S. firms.
Gurindji nasal cluster dissimilation as trigger deletion
Authors: STANTON JULIET
Published: November 2018

Processes of unbounded spreading are often claimed to be myopic (e.g. Wilson 2003, McCarthy 2009): the ability of some feature [F] to spread from some segmentzto some segmentydoes not depend on its ability to spread fromytox. Recent work (e.g. Walker 2010, 2014; Jardine 2016) has however cast doubt on the universality of this claim. This paper contributes to the discussion on (non-)myopia on by suggesting that a kind of non-myopic process, trigger deletion, is attested in Gurindji (Pama–Nyungan, McConvell 1988): when the spreading domain contains a certain kind of blocking segment, the spreading trigger deletes. In order to capture this pattern, as well as the extant typology of non-myopic processes, I argue that any successful analysis of unbounded spreading must allow surface candidates to be globally evaluated.
Field Expedient Vasopressors During Aeromedical Evacuation: A Case Series from the Puerto Rico Disaster Response
Authors: Hardwick Jason M. , Murnan Sean D. , Morrison-Ponce Daphne P. , Devlin John J.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Emergency physicians are using bolus-dose vasopressors to temporize hypotensive patients until more definitive blood pressure support can be established. Despite a paucity of clinical outcome data, emergency department applications are expanding into the prehospital setting. This series presents two cases of field expedient vasopressor use by emergency medicine providers for preflight stabilization during aeromedical evacuation to a hospital ship as part of the United States Navy disaster response in Puerto Rico. A critical approach and review of the literature are discussed.

Case Report

Two critically ill patients were managed in an austere environment as a result of the devastation from Hurricane Maria (Yabucoa, Puerto Rico; 2017). They both exhibited signs of respiratory distress, hemodynamic instability, and distributive shock requiring definitive airway management and hemodynamic support prior to aeromedical evacuation.

Discussion

The novel use of field expedient vasopressors prior to induction for rapid sequence intubation was successfully and safely employed in both cases. Both patients had multiple risk factors for peri-induction cardiac arrest given their presenting hemodynamics. Despite their illness severity, both patients were induced, transported, and ultimately admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in stable condition following administration of the field expedient vasopressors.

Conclusion:

Field expedient vasopressors were safely and effectively employed in an austere field environment during a disaster response. This case series contributes to the growing body of literature of safe bolus-dose vasopressor use by emergency physicians to temporize hypotensive patients in resource-constrained situations.

HardwickJM, MurnanSD, Morrison-PonceDP, DevlinJJ. Field expedient vasopressors during aeromedical evacuation: a case series from the Puerto Rico disaster response. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):668–672.