bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient factors associated with sperm cryopreservation among at‐risk adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Klosky James L. , Lehmann Vicky , Flynn Jessica S. , Su Yin , Zhang Hui , Russell Kathryn M. , Schenck Lauren A.M. , Schover Leslie R.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Although survivors of adolescent‐onset cancers are at risk of infertility, the majority desire children. Fertility preservation options are available for adolescents, but sperm banking remains underused. To the authors' knowledge, patient factors that influence decisions to bank sperm are poorly understood.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional study of 146 adolescent males who were newly diagnosed with cancer and who completed surveys within 1 week of treatment initiation was performed. Participants, 65% of whom were white, were aged 13 to 21 years (mean, 16.49 years; standard deviation, 2.02 years) and were at risk of infertility secondary to impending gonadotoxic treatment. Participating institutions included 8 leading pediatric oncology centers across the United States and Canada.

RESULTS

Of the patients approached, approximately 80.6% participated. Parent recommendation to bank (odds ratio [OR], 4.88; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.15‐20.71 [P = .03]), higher Tanner stage (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.60‐11.27 [P < .01]), greater perceived benefits (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12‐1.77 [P < .01]), and lower social barriers to banking (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81‐0.96 [P < .01]) were found to be associated with adolescent collection attempts, whereas meeting with a fertility specialist (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.00‐11.83 [P = .05]), parent (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.12‐8.10 [P = .03]) or provider (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.05‐6.77 [P = .04]) recommendation to bank, and greater adolescent self‐efficacy to bank (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.33 [P = .03]) were found to be associated with successful sperm banking.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents' perceived benefits of sperm banking, higher Tanner stage, and parent recommendation were associated with collection attempts, whereas perceived social barriers decreased this likelihood. Successful banking was associated with greater adolescent self‐efficacy, parent and provider recommendation to bank, and consultation with a fertility specialist. Providers should consult with both adolescents and parents regarding fertility preservation, and interventions should be tailored to address barriers to sperm banking while promoting its benefits.
High‐dose glucocorticoids for the treatment of ipilimumab‐induced hypophysitis is associated with reduced survival in patients with melanoma
Authors: Faje Alexander T. , Lawrence Donald , Flaherty Keith , Freedman Christine , Fadden Riley , Rubin Krista , Cohen Justine , Sullivan Ryan J.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether high doses of glucocorticoids have a negative impact on the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. To control for the potential association between immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) and improved survival, this study examined a unique cohort of patients who had the same irAE treated with varying glucocorticoid doses.

METHODS

In total, 98 patients with melanoma who had ipilimumab‐induced hypophysitis were identified retrospectively in the Partners Healthcare system using an automated electronic medical record query tool. Patients with melanoma who received ipilimumab at Massachusetts General Hospital without developing hypophysitis were listed in an actively maintained institutional patient database. Glucocorticoid doses for patients with hypophysitis were categorized as low dose (LD) or high dose (HD). Survival analyses were performed for patients who received ipilimumab monotherapy.

RESULTS

Both overall survival (OS) and the time to treatment failure were significantly longer in the LD group compared with the HD group (hazard ratio, 0.24; P = .002 and 0.28, P = .001, respectively). Median OS and the time to treatment failure were not reached in the LD group and were 23.3 and 14.5 months, respectively, in the HD group. All patients who had hypophysitis had improved OS compared with patients who did not have hypophysitis (median, 28.2 vs 9.5 months; P = .0003). This advantage was maintained in the HD group versus the nonhypophysitis group (P = .02). Radiologic and endocrinologic outcomes and symptom resolution did not differ in the LD group versus the HD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with melanoma who had ipilimumab‐induced hypophysitis, those who received higher doses of glucocorticoids had reduced survival. This is the first study to demonstrate a potential negative effect of high glucocorticoid doses on the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors after an irAE. These findings have potential implications for the management of other irAEs.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Biomass‐Derived Surfactants by Reacting Hydroxymethylfurfural, Glycerol, and Fatty Alcohols on Solid Acid Catalysts
Authors: Garcia‐Ortiz Andrea , Arias Karen S. , Climent Maria J. , Corma Avelino , Iborra Sara
Published: July 2018

A new type of biomass‐derived non‐ionic surfactants has been obtained by reacting hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), glycerol, and fatty alcohols. For instance, 5‐(octyloxymethyl)furfural glyceryl acetal can be obtained in a one‐pot process by etherification of HMF with fatty alcohols followed by acetalization with glycerol. For a successful solid catalyst, acidity and polarity have to be optimized to improve conversion, selectivity, and catalyst deactivation owing to the different adsorption characteristics of the reactant molecules. Accordingly, Beta zeolite with a high Si/Al ratio and practically free of connectivity defects showed good results when dealing with these biomass derivatives, which include a highly polar reactant such as glycerol. The scope of the reaction is good and a variety of new stable surfactant molecules can be obtained that present hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB ) values in the range 4.9 to 6.6, which are of interest for water in oil emulsions.
A novel OTA compensation approach suitable for CT‐ΔΣ modulators
Authors: Hasanzadeh Mohammad Reza , Abrishamifar Adib
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a frequency‐compensation approach to improve the phase margin of CMOS operational‐transconductance‐amplifiers (OTAs) is discussed particularly for use in continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulators (CT‐ΔΣMs). The proposed method benefits a simple RC compensation network to provide one‐dominant pole amplifier while its linearity is improved, too. Analytical and mathematical calculations are developed at macromodel and circuit level to prove the advantage of proposed method to conventional compensation topologies. Using TSMC‐0.18 μm CMOS process, the behaviors of some OTAs are analyzed in a case study, 20‐MHz bandwidth third‐order CT‐ΔΣ modulator. Simulations show that using proposed OTA, significant improvement is achieved in the signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion‐ratio compared with the same modulator that employs other types of frequency compensation for its amplifiers.
In vitro metabolism of selected bioactive compounds of Eurycoma longifolia root extract to identify suitable markers in doping control
Authors: Bräuer Pia , Anielski Patricia , Schwaiger Stefan , Stuppner Hermann , Tran Thi Van Anh , Vollmer Günter , Zierau Oliver , Thieme Detlef , Keiler Annekathrin Martina
Published: July 2018

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali, Simaroubaceae) is a medicinal plant endemic to South‐East Asia. For centuries, different parts of the plant have been used as a natural remedy to treat fever, hypertension, or sexual insufficiency. Today, Eurycoma longifolia preparations are commercially available and advertised to enhance athletic performance and muscle strength. Several studies have demonstrated a testosterone‐boosting effect that might be caused by the release of free testosterone from the sex‐hormone‐binding globulin. To date, many phytochemical constituents of Eurycoma longifolia root extracts have been identified and physiological effects have been examined, while studies on their biotransformation and monitoring are still lacking. Within this study, eurycomalide C, eurycomalactone, 5,6‐dehydro‐eurycomalactone, longilactone, 14,15β‐dihydroklaieanone, 11‐dehydroklaieanone, 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one, and 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one isolated from E. longifolia root were incubated with liver microsomes. Respective metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem (high‐resolution) mass spectrometry. The compounds were chosen based on their potential androgenic effects (estimated by in vitro assays), their concentrations in plant extracts, and presumptive metabolic pathways. Hydroxylated phase I metabolites were only observed for 5,6‐dehydro‐eurycomalactone, 11‐dehydroklaieanone, 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one, and 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one. Moreover, an O‐demethylated metabolite of 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one was found. Besides, the glucuronide of 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one was detected after in vitro glucuronidation using liver microsomes. The in vitro generated metabolites were comparable to that detected in urine and serum after a single ingestion of either 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one or an Eurycoma longifolia root extract. Hence, 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one, its glucuronide, and the glucuronide of its O‐demethylated biotransformation product are proposed to be the most suitable targets for detection of 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one or Tongkat Ali application in urine and serum.
Topography and neighborhood crowding can interact to shape species growth and distribution in a diverse Amazonian forest
Authors: Fortunel Claire , Lasky Jesse R. , Uriarte María , Valencia Renato , Wright S. Joseph , Garwood Nancy C. , Kraft Nathan J. B.
Published: July 2018

Abiotic constraints and biotic interactions act simultaneously to shape communities. However, these community assembly mechanisms are often studied independently, which can limit understanding of how they interact to affect species dynamics and distributions. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian neighborhood modeling approach to quantify the simultaneous effects of topography and crowding by neighbors on the growth of 124,704 individual stems ≥1 cm DBH for 1,047 tropical tree species in a 25‐ha mapped rainforest plot in Amazonian Ecuador. We build multi‐level regression models to evaluate how four key functional traits (specific leaf area, maximum tree size, wood specific gravity and seed mass) mediate tree growth response to topography and neighborhood crowding. Tree growth is faster in valleys than on ridges and is reduced by neighborhood crowding. Topography and crowding interact to influence tree growth in ~10% of the species. Specific leaf area, maximum tree size and seed mass are associated with growth responses to topography, but not with responses to neighborhood crowding or with the interaction between topography and crowding. In sum, our study reveals that topography and neighborhood crowding each influence tree growth in tropical forests, but act largely independently in shaping species distributions. While traits were associated with species response to topography, their role in species response to neighborhood crowding was less clear, which suggests that trait effects on neighborhood dynamics may depend on the direction (negative/positive) and degree of symmetry of biotic interactions. Our study emphasizes the importance of simultaneously assessing the individual and interactive role of multiple mechanisms in shaping species dynamics in high diversity tropical systems.
Mouse models for the study of fate and function of innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Cording Sascha , Medvedovic Jasna , Lécuyer Emelyne , Aychek Tegest , Déjardin François , Eberl Gérard
Published: July 2018

Natural killer (NK) cells and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells were discovered more than 40 and 20 years ago, respectively. These two cell types were initially studied for their unique functions in the elimination of infected or transformed cells, and in the development of lymphoid tissues. It took an additional 10 years to realize that NK cells and LTi cells were members of a larger family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), whose phenotypes and functions mirror those of T cells. Many mouse models have since been developed to identify and isolate ILCs, map their developmental pathways and characterize their functions. Because of the similarity between ILCs and T cells, this exploration remains a challenge. In spite of this, a broad range of mouse models available to researchers has lead to significant progress in untangling the unique roles of ILCs early in defense, regulation of adaptive immunity and homeostasis. Here, we review these mouse models, and discuss their strengths and limitations.
Functionalized Inorganic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Separation and SERS Detection of Water Pollutants
Authors: Pinheiro Paula C. , Daniel‐da‐Silva Ana L. , Nogueira Helena I. S. , Trindade Tito
Published: July 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Tito Trindade from the University of Aveiro, Portugal. The cover image shows a magneto‐plasmonic nanostructure comprising magnetite and gold particles being used to capture and detect pollutants dissolved in water.
Ligand‐Enabled γ‐C(sp3)–H Acetoxylation of Triflyl‐Protected Amines
Authors: Jia Wen‐Liang , Fernández‐Ibáñez M. Ángeles
Published: July 2018

A palladium‐catalyzed γ‐C(sp3)–H acetoxylation of triflyl‐protected amines has been achieved. The use of pyridine or 2‐alkoxyquinoline‐type ligands is key to the success of this transformation. The reaction is highly diastereoselective and easily scalable, and constitutes a direct approach for the synthesis of γ‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acids and β,γ‐dihydroxy amines, which are not readily accessible by other routes.
Shape morphing and topology optimization of fluid channels by explicit boundary tracking
Authors: Zhou Mingdong , Lian Haojie , Sigmund Ole , Aage Niels
Published: July 2018

An integrated shape morphing and topology optimization approach based on the deformable simplicial complex methodology is developed to address Stokes and Navier‐Stokes flow problems. The optimized geometry is interpreted by a set of piecewise linear curves embedded in a well‐formed triangular mesh, resulting in a physically well‐defined interface between fluid and impermeable regions. The shape evolution is realized by deforming the curves while maintaining a high‐quality mesh through adaption of the mesh near the structural boundary, rather than performing global remeshing. Topological changes are allowed through hole merging or splitting of islands. The finite element discretization used provides smooth and stable optimized boundaries for simple energy dissipation objectives. However, for more advanced problems, boundary oscillations are observed due to conflicts between the objective function and the minimum length scale imposed by the meshing algorithm. A surface regularization scheme is introduced to circumvent this issue, which is specifically tailored for the deformable simplicial complex approach. In contrast to other filter‐based regularization techniques, the scheme does not introduce additional control variables, and at the same time, it is based on a rigorous sensitivity analysis. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the approach.
Model specification and collateralized debt obligation (mis)pricing
Authors: Luo Dan , Tang Dragon Yongjun , Wang Sarah Qian
Published: July 2018

Complex structured products, especially collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), were at the center of the 2008 credit crisis. This paper explores the impact of modeling difficulties on CDO mispricing. Comparing pricing outputs among models with different specifications, we show that the use of a model with advanced default correlation assumptions could have reduced the amount of model‐implied AAA‐rated CDO securities. This pricing difference also has predictive power for the subsequent downgrading of AAA‐rated CDO tranches. However, the model specification is only qualitatively important for CDO mispricing, as it has a modest quantitative effect in explaining the overall pricing errors.
The neural underpinnings of cross‐cultural differences in creativity
Authors: Ivancovsky Tal , Kleinmintz Oded , Lee Joo , Kurman Jenny , Shamay‐Tsoory Simone G.
Published: July 2018

Whereas Western individualistic cultures emphasize uniqueness, collectivistic East‐Asian cultures discourage it. Here we examined whether cross‐cultural differences in creativity as measured by a task of divergent thinking (DT) are explained by enhanced activity in brain regions that mediate inhibitory control (e.g., the left inferior frontal gyrus [L‐IFG]). We therefore predicted that the L‐IFG would be “hyperactive” among individuals from East‐Asian cultures compared to Western ones. In Study 1, Israeli and South Korean participants were compared on a classic DT task (AUT; “Alternate uses: Manual of instructions and interpretation”). Israelis generated more original ideas compared to South Koreans. In Study 2, Israeli participants and South Korean participants currently living in Israel were scanned while performing the AUT. In line with previous studies, the results indicate that generation of original ideas across cultures is associated with activation of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), which is part of the default mode network (DMN). As hypothesized, South Koreans showed enhanced activation of the L‐IFG compared to Israelis. This enhanced activation was associated with lower originality scores. The cultural dimension of traditionalism, being higher in the South Korean sample than in the Israeli Sample, was related to enhance L‐IFG activity, further supporting our hypothesis regarding cultural influences on inhibitory control. Furthermore, functional connectivity analysis indicated that activation of the L‐IFG was positively coupled with PCC activity among Israelis and with preSMA activity among South Koreans. The results suggest that cross‐cultural differences in creativity might be explained by variations in inhibitory control.
MiR‐5702 suppresses proliferation and invasion in non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells via posttranscriptional suppression of ZEB1
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Xue Qidi , Xu Zhongling , Lu Cuilian
Published: July 2018

MiRNAs have emerged as important players in tumorigenesis and progression. MiR‐5702 is a newly identified miRNA; the exact role of which has not been reported. Here, we found that miR‐5702 was significantly decreased in the carcinoma tissues of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and NSCLC cell lines. Then, our results showed that the miR‐5702 mimic induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation and invasion in A549 cells. In contrast, the miR‐5702 inhibitor reduced apoptosis and increased proliferation and invasion in A549 cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics and 3′‐UTR luciferase reporter assays identified that oncogene zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a target gene of miR‐5702. Western blotting analysis showed that miR‐5702 overexpression suppressed, and miR‐5702 knockdown promoted the expression of ZEB1 protein. Finally, the ZEB1 siRNA exhibited a similar effect to the miR‐5702 mimic on expression of ZEB1 and its downstream genes, cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell invasion, and it could antagonize the alternations in ZEB1 expression and cell behaviors by the miR‐5702 inhibitor. In conclusion, miR‐5702 may function as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC, which suppresses proliferation and invasion NSCLC cells via posttranscriptional suppression of ZEB1.
Diversity of piRNA expression patterns during the ontogeny of the German cockroach
Authors: Llonga Natalia , Ylla Guillem , Bau Josep , Belles Xavier , Piulachs Maria‐Dolors
Published: July 2018

The Piwi‐interacting RNA (piRNA) system is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism involved in the control of transposable elements and maintenance of genomic stability, especially in germ line cells and in early embryo stages. However, relevant particularities, both in mechanism and function, exist across species among metazoans and even within the insect class. As a member of the scarcely studied hemimetabolan group, Blattella germanica can be a suitable reference model to study insect evolution. We present the results of a stringent process of identification and study of expressed piRNAs for B. germanica across 11 developmental stages, ranging from unfertilized egg to nymphs and adult female. Our results confirm the dual origin of piRNA in this species, with a majority of them being generated from the primary pathway, and a smaller but highly expressed set of sequences participating in the secondary (“ping‐pong”) reamplification pathway. An intriguing partial complementarity in expression is observed between the piRNA of the two biogenesis pathways, with those generated in the secondary pathway being quite restricted to early embryo stages. In addition, many piRNAs are exclusively expressed in late embryo and nymphal stages. These observations point at piRNA functions beyond the role of transposon control in early embryogenesis. Our work supports the view of a more complex scenario, with different sets of piRNAs acting in different times and having a range of functions wider than previously thought.
Enhanced lubricity of zinc phosphate coating by stearic acid
Authors: Zhao Hongjin , Cao Lei , Wan Yong , Yang Shuyan , Gao Jianguo , Pu Jibin
Published: July 2018

There is a need to reduce the friction and to prevent the galling between the galvanised steel and the shaping tools during the metal working process. Zinc phosphate (ZP) coatings are limitedly used as solid lubricant due to intrinsic high‐friction properties. This investigation explores the use of stearic acid overcoat on ZP coatings to produce surface coatings with low friction and high durability. A simple hydrothermal process was developed to fabricate ZP coatings on zinc. A stearic acid overcoat was then deposited on ZP coatings. Infrared microscopy and water contact angle measurements were used to analyse the chemical composition and the hydrophobicity of modified ZP coatings. The tribological behaviour of modified ZP coatings was evaluated by sliding against a steel ball by using a reciprocating ball‐on‐plate tribotester. Tribological results show that stearic acid overcoat on ZP coatings led to a decreased friction with greatly extended life.
Enhanced Adhesion of Polydimethylsiloxane Using an Interlocked Finger Structure
Authors: An Suyeong , Kim Hyun Jin , Chi Sangwon , Lee Jonghwi
Published: July 2018

Silicone‐based polymers have been widely used for many applications, but their extremely low surface energies and the resulting poor adhesion have been the cause for continuous problems. Herein, a novel adhesion improvement technique using an interlocked finger structure is demonstrated, which enables up to 24.8 and 7.3‐fold increases in adhesion compared to the untreated and conventional plasma‐treated cases, respectively. The interlocked finger structure is fabricated by surface‐confined dissolution and subsequent directional melt crystallization of a solvent. After removing the solvent crystals, porous surfaces are prepared from polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol, and polystyrene, and these are used to fabricate interfaces of interlocked finger structures with polydimethylsiloxane. The improvement in adhesion strength linearly depends on the pore depth of the prepared surfaces. This novel technique of surface adhesion could improve the performance of polymers with intrinsically poor adhesion in future applications.
Evolution of Morphology of POEGMA‐b‐PBzMA Nano‐Objects Formed by PISA
Authors: Zhang Yaoming , Wang Zongyu , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Pietrasik Joanna
Published: July 2018

The evolution of particle morphology occurring during polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) of a block copolymer poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate)‐b‐poly(benzyl methacrylate) (POEGMA‐b‐PBzMA) is studied. A well‐controlled reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization yields nano‐objects with various morphologies: spheres, aggregates, worm‐like structures, and vesicles. A comparison of the morphology of the nano‐objects formed from two different chain‐length stabilizers established that the unreacted monomer played an important role during the morphology transitions, which is contrary to previous observations. In addition, morphology evolution to higher‐order structures could be attained simply by extending the reaction time, after reaching full monomer conversion.
Bounding surface‐based modeling of compacted silty sand exhibiting suction dependent postpeak strain softening
Authors: Patil Ujwalkumar D. , Hoyos Laureano R. , Morvan Mathilde , Puppala Anand J.
Published: July 2018

This article focuses on modeling the strain hardening‐softening response of statically compacted silty sand as observed from a comprehensive series of suction‐controlled, consolidated‐drained triaxial tests accomplished in a fully automated, double‐walled triaxial test system via the axis‐translation technique. The constitutive model used in this work is based on the theory of Bounding Surface (BS) plasticity and is formulated within a critical state framework. The essential BS model parameters are calibrated using the full set of triaxial test results and then used for predictions of compacted silty sand response at matric suction states varying from 50 to 750 kPa. Complementary simulations using the Barcelona Basic Model have also been included, alongside BS model predictions, in order to get further enlightening insights into some of the main limitations and challenges facing both frameworks within the context of the experimental evidence resulting from the present research effort. In general, irrespective of the value of matric suction applied, the Barcelona Basic Model performs relatively well in predicting response at peak and critical state failure under low net confining pressure while the Bounding Surface Model performs relatively well under high net confining pressures.
White paper on the future of plasma science in environment, for gas conversion and agriculture
Authors: Brandenburg Ronny , Bogaerts Annemie , Bongers Waldo , Fridman Alexander , Fridman Gregory , Locke Bruce R. , Miller Vandana , Reuter Stephan , Schiorlin Milko , Verreycken Tiny , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: July 2018

Climate change, environmental pollution control, and resource utilization efficiency, as well as food security, sustainable agriculture, and water supply are among the main challenges facing society today. Expertise across different academic fields, technologies, and disciplines is needed to generate new ideas to meet these challenges. This “white paper” aims to provide a written summary by describing the main aspects and possibilities of the technology. It shows that plasma science and technology can make significant contributions to address the mentioned issues. The paper also addresses to people in the scientific community (inside and outside plasma science) to give inspiration for further work in these fields.
A liquid sphere‐inspired physicomimetics approach for multiagent formation control
Authors: Wang Xun , Wang Xiangke , Zhang Daibing , Shen Lincheng
Published: July 2018

A liquid sphere‐inspired physicomimetics approach is presented for multiagent formation control. The agents are formulated as a liquid sphere, which is modeled by a virtual spring network. Then, a decentralized controller is obtained for each agent. The stability and convergence are proved. The scalability and flexibility are analyzed. Using the proposed approach, arbitrarily shaped formations can be obtained; and an extra agent can be added to a formation like mixing a drop of liquid into a liquid sphere. By designing extra virtual repulsive forces from obstacles, a formation avoids obstacles like a fluid flowing over obstacles or squeezing through narrow passages. The required number of communication links is N for N agents. The use of physicomimetics makes the approach computationally simple, and the physical meanings of the parameters definite. To illustrate the advantages of the proposed approach, a structural potential function‐based approach is selected as the comparative method. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the liquid sphere‐inspired formation control approach.
Bayesian inference under cluster sampling with probability proportional to size
Authors: Makela Susanna , Si Yajuan , Gelman Andrew
Published: July 2018

Cluster sampling is common in survey practice, and the corresponding inference has been predominantly design based. We develop a Bayesian framework for cluster sampling and account for the design effect in the outcome modeling. We consider a two‐stage cluster sampling design where the clusters are first selected with probability proportional to cluster size, and then units are randomly sampled inside selected clusters. Challenges arise when the sizes of the nonsampled cluster are unknown. We propose nonparametric and parametric Bayesian approaches for predicting the unknown cluster sizes, with this inference performed simultaneously with the model for survey outcome, with computation performed in the open‐source Bayesian inference engine Stan. Simulation studies show that the integrated Bayesian approach outperforms classical methods with efficiency gains, especially under informative cluster sampling design with small number of selected clusters. We apply the method to the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study as an illustration of inference for complex health surveys.
Strategic concepts as micro‐level tools in strategic sensemaking
Authors: Jalonen Kari , Schildt Henri , Vaara Eero
Published: July 2018

Research Summary: The purpose of this article is to illuminate the role of concepts in strategic sensemaking. Based on a longitudinal real‐time study of a city organization, we demonstrate how the concept of “self‐responsibility” played a crucial role in strategic sensemaking. We develop a theoretical model that elucidates how strategic concepts are used in meaning‐making, and how such concepts may be mobilized for the legitimation of strategic change. Our main contribution is to offer strategic concepts as a missing micro‐level component of the language‐based view of strategic processes and practices. By so doing, our analysis also adds to studies on strategic ambiguity and advances research on vocabularies.

Managerial Summary: Our analysis helps to understand the role of strategic concepts, that is, specific words or phrases with established and at least partly shared meanings, in an organization's strategy process. We show how adopting the concept “self‐responsibility” helped managers in a city organization to make sense of environmental challenges and to promote change. Our analysis highlights how such concepts involve ambiguity that can help managers to establish common ground, but can also hinder implementation of specific decisions and actions if it grows over time. We suggest that under environmental changes, development of new strategic concepts may be crucial in helping managers to collectively deal with environmental changes and to articulate a new strategic direction for the organization.
Intraoperative Raman‐Guided Chemo‐Photothermal Synergistic Therapy of Advanced Disseminated Ovarian Cancers
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Liu Zhiyang , Thackray Benjamin D. , Bao Zhouzhou , Yin Xia , Shi Fenglei , Wu Jianbo , Ye Jian , Di Wen
Published: July 2018

Abdominal miliary spread and metastasis is one of the most aggressive features in advanced ovarian cancer patients. The current standard treatment of advanced ovarian cancer is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, most patients cannot receive optimal CRS outcomes due to the extreme difficulty of completely excising all microtumors during operation. Though HIPEC can improve prognosis, treatment is untargeted and may damage healthy organs and cause complications. New strategies for precise detection and complete elimination of disseminated microtumors without side effects are therefore highly desirable. Here, cisplatin‐loaded gap‐enhanced Raman tags (C‐GERTs) are designed specifically for the intraoperative detection and elimination of unresectable disseminated advanced ovarian tumors. With unique and strong Raman signals, good biocompatibility, decent plasmonic photothermal conversion, and good drug loading capacity, C‐GERTs enable detection and specific elimination of microtumors with a minimum diameter of 1 mm via chemo‐photothermal synergistic therapy, causing minimal side effects and significantly prolonging survival in mice. The results demonstrate that C‐GERTs‐based chemo‐photothermal synergistic therapy can effectively control the spread of disseminated tumors in mice and has potential as a safe and powerful method for treatment of advanced ovarian cancers, to improve survival and life quality of patients.
Biosafe, Eco‐Friendly Levan Polysaccharide toward Transient Electronics
Authors: Kwon Ki Yoon , Lee Ju Seung , Ko Gwan‐Jin , Sunwoo Sung Hyuk , Lee Sori , Jo Young Jin , Choi Chul Hee , Hwang Suk‐Won , Kim Tae‐il
Published: July 2018

New options in the material context of transient electronics are essential to create or expand potential applications and to progress in the face of technological challenges. A soft, transparent, and cost‐effective polymer of levan polysaccharide that is capable of complete, programmable dissolution is described when immersed in water and implanted in an animal model. The results include chemical analysis, the kinetics of hydrolysis, and adjustable dissolution rates of levan, and a simple theoretical model of reactive diffusion governed by temperature. In vivo experiments of the levan represent nontoxicity and biocompatibility without any adverse reactions. On‐demand, selective control of dissolution behaviors with an animal model demonstrates an effective triggering strategy to program the system's lifetime, providing the possibility of potential applications in envisioned areas such as bioresorbable electronic implants and drug release systems.
Optical In‐Coupling in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Park Yoonseok , Vandewal Koen , Leo Karl
Published: July 2018

Organic photovoltaics have many unique properties, such as flexibility, transparency, and low weight, which allows novel applications to be addressed. A remaining challenge is to increase the power conversion efficiencies into the range that is offered by conventional inorganic photovoltaics. Due to the limited transport properties of organic materials, organic solar cells are rather thin, so that it is important to efficiently funnel light into the absorbing layers. Here, methods to improve the optical in‐coupling in organic solar cells are reviewed.
Electromagnetic Conditions in a Tundish with Channel Type Induction Heating
Authors: Yang Bin , Lei Hong , Bi Qian , Jiang Jimin , Zhang Hongwei , Zhao Yan , Zhou Jian‐An
Published: July 2018

Numerical simulation is one of the effective methods to solve the magneto‐hydrodynamic problems in electromagnetic metallurgical reactor. A mathematical statement about magnetic vector potential and electric potential is developed to describe the three‐dimensional magnetic field, induced current field, Joule heating power field, and electromagnetic force field in a tundish with channel type induction heating. The resultant equations are solved numerically, and the predicted magnetic field agrees well with the experimental data from the previous reference. The research results show that the magnetic field, the induced current field, the electromagnetic force field, and the heating power are the strongest in the channels, and these fields are eccentric in the channel. In the channel, the induced current is along the axis of the channel, the magnetic field is along the circumferential direction of the channel, the electromagnetic force is along the radius of the channel, and Joule heat power density on the side facing the other channel is greater than that on the side facing away from the other channel.
Impact of Process Parameters on the Acid Modification of Potato Starch
Authors: Ulbrich Marco , Flöter Eckhard
Published: July 2018

The acid‐modification of a regular potato starch (PS) using the slurry process is systematically investigated. The hydrolysis parameters temperature (30, 40, and 50 °C), acid concentration (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 M HCl), and reaction time (4, 10, and 20 h) are graded, and characteristics regarding the modification process as well as the resulting acid‐thinned samples are analyzed based on size exclusion chromatography‐multi angle laser light scattering‐differential refractive index detection (SEC‐MALS‐DRI) experiments. The data are examined statistically. Significant impacts on the amount and the molecular composition of solubilized starch polymers are identified. Increasing parameter values increased the carbohydrate solubilization and concurrently decreased the weight average molar mass (Mw) of the dissolved starch. Moreover, the Mw of the resulting acid‐thinned starch samples as well as the corresponding amylose fraction (AM) decreased incrementally with enhanced temperature, acid concentration, and hydrolysis time, respectively. The results indicated the simultaneous molecular degradation of both AM and amylopectin (AP) during the acid modification in slurry. The potential for preparing almost identical acid‐thinned samples by applying combinations of different parameter specificities is shown.
Eriobotrya japonica ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblast and in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Chiang Jui‐Ting , Badrealam Khan Farheen , Shibu Marthandam Asokan , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Huang Chih‐Yang , Chen Bih‐Cheng , Lin Yueh‐Min , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: July 2018

Eriobotrya japonica (EJ) is a traditional Chinese plant with high medicinal value. EJ extracts are reported to exhibit antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory biological attributes. The current study aims to evaluate the prospective efficacy of E. japonica leave extract (EJLE) against Angiotensin‐II induced cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblast and in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). For the in vitro studies, Angiotensin‐II pretreated H9c2 cells were treated with EJLE and analyzed through Western blotting and rhodamine phalloidin staining for their cardio‐protective attributes. In the in vivo studies, 12‐week‐old SHRs were randomly divided into groups: SHRs supplemented with EJLE, control SHR group supplemented with PBS; in addition, a control group of Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY) was also employed. All rats were supplemented twice a week for 8 week time interval. Finally, echocardiography, morphological, histology, and Western blot analysis were performed to assess their role against cardiac hypertrophy. Interestingly, we could observe that supplementation of EJLE could rescue Ang‐II induced cardiac hypertrophy as evident through Western blot, rhodamine phalloidin staining, and Hematoxylin‐Eosin staining. Notably, morphological and echocardiography data provided further supports for their ability to ameliorate cardiac characteristics. Cumulatively, the results clearly suggests that supplementation of EJLE promotes cardio‐protective effects through amelioration of cardiac hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo.
A national serosurvey to determine the prevalence of paratuberculosis in cattle in Bhutan following detection of clinical cases
Authors: Gurung Ratna B. , Begg Douglas J. , Whittington Richard J.
Published: July 2018

Johne's disease is an economically important ruminant disease predominantly affecting cattle, sheep and goats. The economic losses are due to early culling, reduced growth rate, progressive weight loss and reduced production. It is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Johne's disease was reported in cattle in Bhutan, based on clinical signs and histopathology; in the late 1990s samples from one mithun that was suspected to have died due to this disease was confirmed by molecular testing at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia. However, no detailed study on prevalence of JD has been attempted in Bhutan. Objective of this study was to conduct serosurveillance to determine the national prevalence of Johne's disease in cattle for the period 2013–2014 to provide the basis for planning a future control strategy. A national serosurvey was conducted wherein a two‐stage sampling procedure was used with 95% confidence and an error level of ±0.05. The sample size required for the survey was calculated using the software‐Survey Toolbox for Livestock Diseases, available as Epitools at http://www.ausvet.com.au. A total of 1123 serum samples were collected from an administrative structure of 52 villages, 40 sub‐districts and 15 districts. Serum samples were tested using commercially available antibody enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 5.0. Illustration such as maps was produced using QGIS version 2.18 ‘Las Palmas. The mean national apparent prevalence of Johne's disease was found to be 2.31 (26/1123) (95% CI: 0.80–4.50) with an estimated true prevalence was found to be 8.00 (95% CI: 2.00–17.00). Trongsa district had the highest prevalence (12.96) followed by Zhemgang (4.34), Lhuntse (4.25), Sarpang (3.89), Bumthang (3.60), Trashigang (2.67) and Haa (2.63). Prevalence for all other districts was 2.00 or below. Seropositive samples were reported from all over the country with varying levels of sero‐positivity. In the recent past many more cattle were imported from India to boost dairy production. Nevertheless, the wide distribution of seroreactive JD cattle all over the country is a concern for future control. Therefore, in future, a detailed study on the impact of cattle import with regard to disease incursion such as Johne's disease and other diseases should be undertaken.
A Biocompatible Zinc(II)‐based Metal‐organic Framework for pH Responsive Drug Delivery and Anti‐Lung Cancer Activity
Authors: Cai Yong , Sheng Zhaoying , Wang Jiying
Published: July 2018

By using a mixed ligand approach, a new stable porous metal‐organic framework [Zn3(BTC)2(Me)(H2O)2](MeOH)13 (1) (H3BTC = 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid, Me = melamine) was constructed by using the triangular Zn3 secondary building unit, which reveals a 3D scu‐type topology structure with a 1D channel parallel to the c axis. The stability and porosity of 1 was confirmed via the PXRD measurement and gas sorption studies, and its size could be downsized into nanoscale (nano‐1) with the help of PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone). Due to its high porosity and non‐toxicity nature, this MOF was used for the 5‐Fu storage/delivery, a moderate high 5‐Fu loading capacity and pH‐dependent drug release behavior could be observed. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the 5‐Fu/nano‐1 composite toward the 293 cells and human lung cancer A549 cells was evaluated by MTT assay.
Chaos and relative entropy
Authors: Nakagawa Yuya O. , Sárosi Gábor , Ugajin Tomonori
Published: July 2018

Abstract

One characteristic feature of a chaotic system is the quick delocalization of quantum information (fast scrambling). One therefore expects that in such a system a state quickly becomes locally indistinguishable from its perturbations. In this paper we study the time dependence of the relative entropy between the reduced density matrices of the thermofield double state and its perturbations in two dimensional conformal field theories. We show that in a CFT with a gravity dual, this relative entropy exponentially decays until the scrambling time. This decay is not uniform. We argue that the early time exponent is universal while the late time exponent is sensitive to the butterfly effect. This large c answer breaks down at the scrambling time, therefore we also study the relative entropy in a class of spin chain models numerically. We find a similar universal exponential decay at early times, while at later times we observe that the relative entropy has large revivals in integrable models, whereas there are no revivals in non-integrable models.
Model-independent determinations of the electron EDM and the role of diamagnetic atoms
Authors: Fleig Timo , Jung Martin
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We perform model-independent analyses extracting limits for the electric dipole moment of the electron and the P,T-odd scalar-pseudoscalar (S-PS) nucleon-electron coupling from the most recent measurements with atoms and molecules. The analysis using paramagnetic systems, only, is improved substantially by the inclusion of the recent measurement on HfF+ ions, but complicated by the fact that the corresponding constraints are largely aligned, owing to a general relation between the coefficients for the two contributions. Since this same relation does not hold in diamagnetic systems, it is possible to find atoms that provide essentially orthogonal constraints to those from paramagnetic ones. However, the coefficients are suppressed in closed-shell systems and enhancements of P,T-odd effects are only prevalent in the presence of hyperfine interactions. We formulate the hyperfine-induced time-reversal-symmetry breaking S-PS nucleon-electron interaction in general atoms in a mixed perturbative and variational approach, based on electronic Dirac-wavefunctions including the effects of electron correlations. The method is applied to the Hg atom, yielding the first direct calculation of the coefficient of the S-PS nucleon-electron coupling in a diamagnetic system. This results in additionally improved model-independent limits for both the electron EDM and the nucleon-electron coupling from the global fit. Finally we employ this fit to provide indirect limits for several paramagnetic systems under investigation.
On the viability of regular black holes
Authors: Carballo-Rubio Raúl , Di Filippo Francesco , Liberati Stefano , Pacilio Costantino , Visser Matt
Published: July 2018

Abstract

The evaporation of black holes raises a number of conceptual issues, most of them related to the final stages of evaporation, where the interplay between the central singularity and Hawking radiation cannot be ignored. Regular models of black holes replace the central singularity with a nonsingular spacetime region, in which an effective classical geometric description is available. It has been argued that these models provide an effective, but complete, description of the evaporation of black holes at all times up to their eventual disappearance. However, here we point out that known models fail to be self-consistent: the regular core is exponentially unstable against perturbations with a finite timescale, while the evaporation time is infinite, therefore making the instability impossible to prevent. We also discuss how to overcome these difficulties, highlighting that this can be done only at the price of accepting that these models cannot be fully predictive regarding the final stages of evaporation.
Bayesian Estimation of Age-Specific Mortality and Life Expectancy for Small Areas With Defective Vital Records
Authors: Schmertmann Carl P. , Gonzaga Marcos R.
Published: July 2018

High sampling variability complicates estimation of demographic rates in small areas. In addition, many countries have imperfect vital registration systems, with coverage quality that varies significantly between regions. We develop a Bayesian regression model for small-area mortality schedules that simultaneously addresses the problems of small local samples and underreporting of deaths. We combine a relational model for mortality schedules with probabilistic prior information on death registration coverage derived from demographic estimation techniques, such as Death Distribution Methods, and from field audits by public health experts. We test the model on small-area data from Brazil. Incorporating external estimates of vital registration coverage though priors improves small-area mortality estimates by accounting for underregistration and automatically producing measures of uncertainty. Bayesian estimates show that when mortality levels in small areas are compared, noise often dominates signal. Differences in local point estimates of life expectancy are often small relative to uncertainty, even for relatively large areas in a populous country like Brazil.