bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation of Peak Particle Velocity Caused by Blasting Vibration in Step Topography
Authors: Yang Xi
Published: February 2019

High ground vibrations not only adversely affect the integrity of the structures in a mine area but also create inconvenience for the nearby population. In order to protect the Sanyou Mine slope in Tangshan, China from blasting vibration, the peak particle velocity in step topography must be accurately calculated. At present, the reflection coefficient of the stress wave at free interface is not considered in the equation for calculating the peak particle velocity in step topography. Therefore the accuracy of the peak particle velocity calculation is decreased in the side direction when the reflection coefficient changes. In this study, a 3D finite element analysis was employed for modeling of the blasting vibration. A series of field-testing experiments was conducted to measure the peak particle velocity. Then the reflection coefficient of the stress wave was calculated. Based on this, the principle of the peak particle velocity in step topography was explained. In addition, the application range of the equation in step topography was determined and a new equation for peak particle velocity calculation in step topography is proposed based on the numerical simulation analysis and field-testing experiment.
Prediction Model of Coal and Gas Outburst Based on Rough Set-Unascertained Measure Theory
Authors: Gong Weidong
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a risk evaluation model based on rough sets (RS) and the unascertained measure theory (UMT) for solving the accuracy problem of coal and gas outburst prediction with the aim to reduce economic losses and casualties in coal mining. The coal and gas outburst prediction problem is constrained by the selection of the prediction indexes, the coupling of a single index, and the weight of each index. The proposed RS-UMT model applies two modified techniques. The first one is a method for index weight determination that was improved by rough set theory. The second one is a method for coupling a single index that was modified by the unascertained measure theory. The RS-UMT model not only well solves the problem of coupling a single index of coal and gas outbursts, but also solves the problem that the weight is susceptible to subjective factors and prior knowledge. The RS-UMT model was used to judge the risk degree of outburst of 10 mining faces in the Pingdingshan No. 8 Mine and No. 10 Mine. The predictive results of the model were basically identical to the actual measured results. The performance of the RS-UMT model was also compared to existing methods. Based on the case study it can be concluded that the RS-UMT model is an accurate and very promising method for solving the coal and gas outburst prediction problem.
Die externe Qualitätssicherung im Krankenhausrecht
Authors: Neumann Laura
Published: February 2019

Quality assurance has recently come to the forefront of German health legislation. The author discusses objectives and methods of quality management in the hospital sector and investigates their implementation in social law and hospital law while also taking into account constitutional law. The focus of this treatise are the quality measures by the G-BA (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss) [Federal Joint Committee] and implementations of quality standards in German hospital planning. The author presents a comprehensive overview with a distinctive consideration of the differing legislative powers of the Federal Government and the federal states, consequences of subjective rights and current problems of the execution of single measures like minimum quantity regulation. Result: the consolidation of the democratic legitimation of the G-BA is required. A clear delimitation of the competences of the Federal Government and the federal states is necessary. The author has been working as a lawyer focusing on German hospital law for several years. The publication is aimed at lawyers and legal practitioners in health law.
Notstandskontrolle
Authors: Weber Felix
Published: February 2019

Between 2015 and 2017, France, Turkey and Ukraine, as member states of the European Convention on Human Rights, declared a state of emergency according to Art. 15 ECHR. The events associated with the suspension of Convention rights show the current significance of the legal standardisation of political and social states of emergency. In the end it is all about the question of who ultimately controls the state of emergency: the sovereign state, the state community with a supranational judicial control, or both in terms of a horizontal overlapping of powers in the European multi-level system?
Art. 15 ECHR still leaves unanswered questions to which the Strasbourg organs have responded over the years with a differentiated jurisprudence and with the granting of a certain margin of discretion. The book deals with these issues in the light of ECtHR case law and case studies on France, Turkey and Ukraine.
Outcomes of a percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting in octogenarians
Authors: Šerpytis Rokas , Puodžiukaitė Lina , Petrauskas Saulius , Misonis Nerijus , Kurminas Mantas , Laucevičius Aleksandras , Šerpytis Pranas
Published: February 2019

Background. The data on long-term outcomes for elderly patients with coronary artery disease who undergo invasive treatment is limited. This study aimed to assess long-term outcomes and risk factors for patients over 80 years of age who underwent revascularisation.
Methods. This single-centre retrospective study included ≥80-year-old patients who underwent coronary angiography between 2012 and 2014. Among 590 study patients, 411 patients had significant angiographic changes and had either a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed. Baseline patient characteristics, including demographics, comorbidities, survival to hospital discharge, and long term mortality were analysed. Three-year mortality was assessed.
Results. Three hundred sixty-nine (89.8%) patients underwent PCI and in 42 (10.2%) CABG was performed. Significant differences between groups were detected in heart failure (PCI – 51.2% vs. CABG – 78.6%; p = 0.001), previous CABG (11.4% vs. 0%; p = 0.014), cardiogenic shock (12.2% vs. 0%; p = 0.008). Hospital mortality rate in the PCI group – 10.6%, CABG – 7.1%; p = 0.787. A median 3-year survival rate in the PCI group – 66.1%, CABG – 66.7%; p = 1.000. Chronic heart failure (OR 2.442; 95% CI: 1.530–3.898, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (OR 0.425; 95% CI: 0.261–0.692, p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (OR 0.120; 95% CI: 0.054–0.270, p = 0.001), and LMCA stenosis (OR 2.104; 95% CI: 1.281–3.456, p = 0.003) were identified as independent 3-year all-cause mortality predictors in multivariate regression analysis.
Conclusions. There was no significant difference in hospital mortality and survival rates between elderly patients who underwent PCI or CAGB. The majority of elderly patients underwent a PCI and these patients appeared to experience cardiogenic shock more frequently.
Acute kidney injury in an extremely low birth weight infant with nephrolithiasis: a case report
Authors: Garunkštienė Rasa , Vaitkevičienė Rimutė , Paulavičienė Ieva , Drazdienė Nijolė , Čerkauskienė Rimantė
Published: February 2019

Acute kidney injury is associated with mortality of very low birth weight infants and reduces their survival regardless of other factors. The kidneys in the extremely preterm infants are very immature and susceptible to environmental factors. Clinical conditions and medications are risk factors for acute kidney injury in these patients. Nephrolithiasis in preterm infants is an extremely rare phenomenon that usually manifests as a complication of nephrocalcinosis.
This is a case report that describes several episodes of acute kidney injury in the first two months of age in an extremely low birth weight infant with kidney stones in the background. The main causes that led to acute kidney injury in this patient were persistent ductus arteriosus, sepsis and captopril. At one month of age, ultrasound detected calcinates in the right kidney. Within two weeks a large number of linear stones formed across the collecting duct system. Small calcinates still remained in the right kidney when the girl was half a year of the corrected age.
The evaluation of a neonate who develops acute kidney injury requires a systematic approach. Early identification of the emerging risk factors and prevention of nephrolithiasis along with effective treatment can reduce the risk of developing acute kidney injury in very low birth weight infants.
Masculinidades y feminidades en preadolescentes residentes en contextos rurales de Castilla-La Mancha
Authors: Jiménez Tostón Gema , Aroca Cifuentes Francisco Javier
Published: February 2019

Este artículo presenta los principales resultados obtenidos del análisis cuantitativo exploratorio perteneciente a la investigación Las fronteras de la identidad de género: masculinidades y feminidades en contextos de interacción escolar. Se analizan 236 cuestionarios aplicados a preadolescentes de entornos educativos, de entre 11-16 años, residentes en poblaciones rurales de la provincia de Albacete. El cuestionario indaga en algunos de los diferentes aspectos que contribuyen al proceso de adquisición y expresión de la identidad de género de estos jóvenes, constituyendo agentes socializadores de primer orden. Los resultados del estudio indican que, a pesar de prevalecer discursos igualitarios en la sociedad, sigue predominando en las personas adolescentes de estos entornos una visión y una expresión de género estereotipada de lo que supone ser hombre o mujer. Por otro lado, determinados contenidos audiovisuales que gran parte de los y las adolescentes consumen pueden influir tanto en las relaciones entre distintos géneros como en la carencia de un espíritu crítico, ya que dichos contenidos no son apropiados para estas edades y muestran unos modelos de hombres y mujeres estereotipados.
ПИСМО ДУБРОВЧАНА ЉУБИШИ БОГДАНЧИЋУ И ВУКОСАВУ ПОЗНАНОВИЋУ
Authors: Ивановић Милош
Published: February 2019

Из писма сазнајемо да су требињски властелини ЉубишaБогданчић и Вукосав Познановић нешто раније замолили дубровачке властида им у случају невоље због тадашњих прилика у босанској држави пружеуточиште у граду под Св. Срђем. Њиховој молби Дубровчани су изашли усусрет, истичући да могу доћи и остати колико желе.
Synergy between assortative mating and allopatry favor speciation in endemic Galapagos birds
Authors: Jaffe Klaus , Bosque Carlos
Published: February 2019

Integrating new data with older reports on the behavior of small land-birds in the Galapagos archipelago reveal that geographic isolation of population together with behavioral segregation of populations produce a synergy that is more likely to produce speciation than any of those factors on its own. This result expands our understanding of assortative mating, based on computer experiments of biological evolution, showing that assortation favors speciation in both sympatric and allopatric populations.
Cascade of Care approach to opioid crisis would incentivize MAT: Study
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2019

Adoption of a unified public health framework for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUDs) would encourage more continuity of care and use of evidence‐based medication treatments to combat the crisis, suggest researchers with Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Moreover, they state in a newly published paper, the “Cascade of Care” framework they seek to advance could be used to improve accreditation standards they believe do not sufficiently address providers that do not use methadone, buprenorphine or injectable naltrexone in their treatment of opioid addiction.
Orientation Regulation of Tin‐Based Reduced‐Dimensional Perovskites for Highly Efficient and Stable Photovoltaics
Authors: Xu Hongyu , Jiang Yuanzhi , He Tingwei , Li Saisai , Wang Huanhua , Chen Yu , Yuan Mingjian , Chen Jun
Published: February 2019

Tin‐based perovskites have exhibited high potential for efficient photovoltaics application due to their outstanding optoelectrical properties. However, the extremely undesired instabilities significantly hinders their development and further commercialization process. A novel tin‐based reduced‐dimensional (quasi‐2D) perovskites is reported here by using 5‐ammoniumvaleric acid (5‐AVA+) as the organic spacer. It is demonstrated that by introducing appropriate amount of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) as additive, highly vertically oriented tin‐based quasi‐2D perovskite films are obtained, which is proved through the grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering characterization. In particular, this approach is confirmed to be a universal method to deliver highly vertically oriented tin‐based quasi‐2D perovskites with various spacers. The highly ordered vertically oriented perovskite films significantly improve the charge collection efficiency between two electrodes. With the optimized NH4Cl concentration, the solar cells employing quasi‐2D perovskite, AVA2FAn−1SnnI3n+1 ( = 5), as light absorbers deliver a power conversion efficiency up to 8.71%. The work paves the way for further employing highly vertically oriented tin‐based quasi‐2D perovskite films for highly efficient and stable photovoltaics.
Motile Piezoelectric Nanoeels for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Mushtaq Fajer , Torlakcik Harun , Hoop Marcus , Jang Bumjin , Carlson Franklin , Grunow Tim , Läubli Nino , Ferreira Antoine , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador
Published: February 2019

The field of small‐scale robotics is undergoing a paradigm shift toward the use of soft smart materials. The integration of soft smart components in micro‐ and nanorobotic platforms not only allows for more sophisticated locomotion mechanisms, but also more closely mimicks the functioning of biological systems. A soft hybrid nanorobot that mimics an electric eel, a knifefish with an elongated cylindrical body that is able to generate electricity during its motion, is presented here. These nanoeels consist of a flexible piezoelectric tail composed of a polyvinylidene fluoride–based copolymer, linked to a polypyrrole nanowire, which is decorated with nickel rings for magnetic actuation. Upon the application of rotating magnetic fields, the piezoelectric soft tail is deformed causing changes in its electric polarization. Capitalizing on this magnetically coupled piezoelectric effect, electrostatically enhanced on‐demand release of therapeutic cargo loaded on the surface of the piezoelectric tail is demonstrated. It is also shown that this approach allows for a pulsatile release of payloads. Interestingly, the driving magnetic parameters can be selected to provide the nanoeel with translational motion or to control the discharge kinetics of the drug.
Iron‐Free Cathode Catalysts for Proton‐Exchange‐Membrane Fuel Cells: Cobalt Catalysts and the Peroxide Mitigation Approach
Authors: Wang Xiao Xia , Prabhakaran Venkateshkumar , He Yanghua , Shao Yuyan , Wu Gang
Published: February 2019

High‐performance and inexpensive platinum‐group‐metal (PGM)‐free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in challenging acidic media are crucial for proton‐exchange‐membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Catalysts based on Fe and N codoped carbon (Fe–N–C) have demonstrated promising activity and stability. However, a serious concern is the Fenton reactions between Fe2+ and H2O2 generating active free radicals, which likely cause degradation of the catalysts, organic ionomers within electrodes, and polymer membranes used in PEMFCs. Alternatively, Co–N–C catalysts with mitigated Fenton reactions have been explored as a promising replacement for Fe and PGM catalysts. Therefore, herein, the focus is on Co–N–C catalysts for the ORR relevant to PEMFC applications. Catalyst synthesis, structure/morphology, activity and stability improvement, and reaction mechanisms are discussed in detail. Combining experimental and theoretical understanding, the aim is to elucidate the structure–property correlations and provide guidance for rational design of advanced Co catalysts with a special emphasis on atomically dispersed single‐metal‐site catalysts. In the meantime, to reduce H2O2 generation during the ORR on the Co catalysts, potential strategies are outlined to minimize the detrimental effect on fuel cell durability.
Bioinspired Stable and Photoluminescent Assemblies for Power Generation
Authors: Tao Kai , Hu Wen , Xue Bin , Chovan Drahomir , Brown Noam , Shimon Linda J. W. , Maraba Oguzhan , Cao Yi , Tofail Syed A. M. , Thompson Damien , Li Junbai , Yang Rusen , Gazit Ehud
Published: February 2019

Peptide assemblies are ideal components for eco‐friendly optoelectronic energy harvesting devices due to their intrinsic biocompatibility, ease of fabrication, and flexible functionalization. However, to date, their practical applications have been limited due to the difficulty in obtaining stable, high‐performance devices. Here, it is shown that the tryptophan‐based simplest peptide cyclo‐glycine‐tryptophan (cyclo‐GW) forms mechanically robust (elastic modulus up to 24.0 GPa) and thermally stable up to 370 °C monoclinic crystals, due to a supramolecular packing combining dense parallel β‐sheet hydrogen bonding and herringbone edge‐to‐face aromatic interactions. The directional and extensive driving forces further confer unique optical properties, including aggregation‐induced blue emission and unusual stable photoluminescence. Moreover, the crystals produce a high and sustained open‐circuit voltage (1.2 V) due to a high piezoelectric coefficient of 14.1 pC N−1. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing self‐assembling peptides for fabrication of biointegrated microdevices that combine high structural stability, tailored optoelectronics, and significant energy harvesting properties.
Electric Field Induced Room Temperature Null to High Spin State Switching: A Computational Prediction
Authors: Amorim Carlos O. , Amaral João S. , Gonçalves João N. , Amaral Vítor S.
Published: February 2019

BaTiO3 is a well‐known ferroelectric material, with an electric field‐induced coupled electrical/structural transition from a cubic to a tetragonal lattice above room temperature. Via DFT calculations, the magnetic properties of an Fe monolayer sandwiched between bulk‐like BaTiO3 are explored, showing how the magnetic moment of each Fe atom is switched from a null spin to a high spin (2 μB per Fe) state when the BaTiO3 structure changes from cubic to tetragonal. This effect occurs in an optimized range of interatomic distances at the interface, allowing the design of an above‐room temperature binary, electric field write/magnetic read device.
Embryonic Stem Cells‐Derived Exosomes Endowed with Targeting Properties as Chemotherapeutics Delivery Vehicles for Glioblastoma Therapy
Authors: Zhu Qingwei , Ling Xiaozheng , Yang Yunlong , Zhang Juntao , Li Qing , Niu Xin , Hu Guowen , Chen Bi , Li Haiyan , Wang Yang , Deng Zhifeng
Published: February 2019

Exosomes are nanosized membrane vesicles (30–100 nm) that can easily penetrate the blood–brain barrier, safely deliver therapeutic drugs, and be modified with target ligands. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) provide abundant exosome sources for clinical application due to their almost unlimited self‐renewal. Previous studies show that exosomes secreted by ESCs (ESC‐exos) have antitumor properties. However, it is not known whether ESC‐exos inhibit glioblastoma (GBM) growth. In this study, the anti‐GBM effect of ESC‐exos is confirmed and then c(RGDyK)‐modified and paclitaxel (PTX)‐loaded ESC‐exos, named cRGD‐Exo‐PTX are prepared. It is then investigated whether the engineered exosomes deliver more efficiently to GBM cells versus free drug alone and drug‐loaded ESC‐exos using an in vitro GBM model and in vivo subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts model. The results show that cRGD‐Exo‐PTX significantly improves the curative effects of PTX in GBM via enhanced targeting. These data indicate that ESC‐exos are potentially powerful therapeutic carriers for GBM and could have utility in many other diseases.
When the Techies Go Marching In: An Industry Updates Its Sexual Harassment Dispute Resolution Policy
Authors: Hershenberg Anna M. , O'Casey Molly
Published: February 2019

Social justice movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo have increased awareness of the ubiquity of sexual harassment in the workplace and in society generally. Taking advantage of this momentum, in November 2018, 20,000 Google employees staged a walkout protest of the company's sexual harassment policies, claiming that mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment claims, nondisclosure agreements, and prohibitions on class actions limited victims' access to resources and to the public court system, among other issues.
Simultaneous adsorption of Li(I) and Rb(I) by dual crown ethers modified magnetic ion imprinting polymers
Authors: Xu Jicheng , Pu Zhilong , Xu Xuechao , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Dongya , Zhang Tao , Qiu Fengxian
Published: February 2019

With the gradual exhaustion of land mineral resources, oceans and lakes have attracted world attention because they are abundant in inorganic mineral resources including lithium, potassium, rubidium and cesium. Lithium is becoming the key material in manufacturing of primary and secondary batteries used in various portable devices and hybrid/electric vehicles. Rubidium has been widely applied inglobal positioning satellites, magneto‐optic modulators, solid‐state lasers, phosphors, and glass manufacturing. In this work, a novel dual‐functional magnetic ion imprinting polymer (Fe3O4@SiO2@IIPs) powder was prepared using 12‐crown‐4 (12C4) and 18‐crown‐6 (18C6) as functional monomer, and characterized by FT‐IR, elemental analysis, XRD, TGA, SEM and TEM. The adsorption performance of Fe3O4@SiO2@IIPs for simultaneous adsorption of lithium and rubidium from simulative salt lakes was evaluated by batches of experiments at various pH values, contact time, and initial concentrations. Kinetic experiments show that the adsorption process followed the pseudo second order kinetic model. Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and Freundlich adsorption equilibrium data were fitted; the results show that Langmuir isotherm model is more suitable for the adsorption process. Additionally, Fe3O4@SiO2@IIPs exhibit specificity towards Li(I) and Rb(I) and low competitive behavior with Na(I), K(I) and Mg (II). Additionally, the selectivity properties, reusability and adsorption thermodynamic were also investigated. The obtained results show that the prepared Fe3O4@SiO2@IIPs material remains high adsorption capacities after five cycles, exhibits excellent abilities to simultaneously and selectively recover Li+ and Rb+ and have a promising application in the simultaneous adsorption of lithium and rubidium ions.
The first Charge Coupled Device photometry of the poorly studied clusters Teutsch 126 & Czernik 11
Authors: Tadross Ashraf Latif , Bendary Reda , Hendy Yasser , Bonatto Charles
Published: February 2019

In this study, we determined the astrophysical parameters of the poorly studied clusters Teutsch 126 and Czernik 11. We used the Visual Red Charge Coupled Device pass‐bands that were carried down to a limiting magnitude of V = 20 mag. The stars of the clusters were observed utilizing the Newtonian focus of a 74‐inch telescope at the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory in Egypt. Cross‐matched data from the new global database Gaia DR2 were used in the present study. The radial density distributions, core and tidal radii, color‐magnitude diagrams, geometrical distances, and ages and color excesses were presented for Teutsch 126 and Czernik 11. The luminosity and mass functions, the total mass and the relaxation time of the two clusters were estimated as well.
Advances in optical assays for detecting telomerase activity
Authors: Yang Bing , Shi Lu , Lei Jing , Li Baoxin , Jin Yan
Published: February 2019

Telomerase uses its RNA as template and its protein unit as reverse transcriptase to synthesize TTAGGG repeats at the ends of the eukaryotic chromosome to maintain the lengths of telomeres. Telomerase activity up‐regulates in about 85% of human tumors compared with somatic cells, which indicates that telomerase is a tumor biomarker. Reliable assay of telomerase activity is thus essential in diagnosis and management of malignant tumors. In this review, recent developed optical assays are summarized based on the readout signal, including chemiluminescence assay, colorimetric assay, and fluorescence assay.
Functional outcomes from a randomized trial of early closure of temporary ileostomy after rectal excision for cancer
Authors: Keane C , Park J , Öberg S , Wedin A , Bock D , O'Grady G , Bissett I , Rosenberg J , Angenete E
Published: February 2019

Background

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) has a significant impact on postoperative quality of life. Although early closure of an ileostomy is safe in selected patients, functional outcomes have not been investigated. The aim was to compare bowel function and the prevalence of LARS in patients who underwent early or late closure of an ileostomy after rectal resection for cancer.

Methods

Early closure (8–13 days) was compared with late closure (after 12 weeks) of the ileostomy following rectal cancer surgery in a multicentre RCT. Exclusion criteria were: signs of anastomotic leakage, diabetes mellitus, steroid treatment and postoperative complications. Bowel function was evaluated using the LARS score and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument (BFI).

Results

Following index surgery, 112 participants were randomized (55 early closure, 57 late closure). Bowel function was evaluated at a median of 49 months after stoma closure. Eighty-two of 93 eligible participants responded (12 had died and 7 had a permanent stoma). Rates of bowel dysfunction were higher in the late closure group, but this did not reach statistical significance (major LARS in 29 of 40 participants in late group and 25 of 42 in early group, P = 0·250; median BFI score 63 versus 71 respectively, P = 0·207). Participants in the late closure group had worse scores on the urgency/soiling subscale of the BFI (14 versus 17; P = 0·017). One participant in the early group and six in the late group had a permanent stoma (P = 0·054).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing early stoma closure had fewer problems with soiling and fewer had a permanent stoma, although reduced LARS was not demonstrated in this cohort. Dedicated prospective studies are required to evaluate definitively the association between temporary ileostomy, LARS and timing of closure.
Random topology organization and decreased visual processing of internet addiction: Evidence from a minimum spanning tree analysis
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Sun Yan , Lv Jiaojiao , Bo Siyu
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Internet addiction (IA) has been associated with widespread brain alterations. Functional connectivity (FC) and network analysis results related to IA are inconsistent between studies, and how network hubs change is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional and topological networks using an unbiased minimum spanning tree (MST) analysis on electroencephalography (EEG) data in IA and healthy control (HC) college students.

Methods

In this study, Young's internet addiction test was used as an IA severity measure. EEG recordings were obtained in IA (n = 30) and HC participants (n = 30), matched for age and sex, during rest. The phase lag index (PLI) and MST were applied to analyze FC and network topology. We expected to obtain evidence of underlying alterations in functional and topological networks related to IA.

Results

IA participants showed higher delta FC between left‐side frontal and parieto‐occipital areas compared to the HC group (p < 0.001), global MST measures revealed a more star‐like network in IA participants in the upper alpha and beta bands, and the occipital brain region was relatively less important in the IA relative to the HC group in the lower band. The correlation results were consistent with the MST results: higher IA severity correlated with higher Max degree and kappa, and lower eccentricity and diameter.

Conclusions

Functional networks of the IA group were characterized by increased FC, a more random organization, and a decrease of relative functional importance of the visual processing area. Taken together, these alterations can help us understand the influence of IA to brain mechanism.
“Hey, let me hold your guns for a while”: A qualitative study of messaging for firearm suicide prevention
Authors: Pallin Rocco , Siry Bonnie , Azrael Deborah , Knoepke Christopher E. , Matlock Daniel D. , Clement Ashley , Ranney Megan L. , Wintemute Garen J. , Betz Marian E.
Published: February 2019

A recommended component of suicide prevention is encouraging at‐risk individuals to voluntarily and temporarily reduce access to firearms and other lethal methods. Yet delivering counseling on the topic can be difficult, given the political sensitivity of firearm discussions. To support such counseling, we sought to identify recommended framing and content of messages about reducing firearm access for suicide prevention. Through qualitative interviews with firearm owners and enthusiasts, we identified key points for use in framing (identity as a gun owner, trust, voluntary and temporary storage, and context and motivation) and specific content (preference for “firearm” over “gun,” and legal issues such as background checks for transfers). These findings build on prior work and should enhance efforts to develop and deliver effective, acceptable counseling and—ultimately—prevent firearm suicide.
Case study: The characterization and implementation of dielectric spectroscopy (biocapacitance) for process control in a commercial GMP CHO manufacturing process
Authors: Moore Brandon , Sanford Ryan , Zhang An
Published: February 2019

Dielectric spectroscopy (biocapacitance) is an up‐and‐coming technology for real time monitoring of biomass in cell culture processes and has opened the door for next‐generation cell culture process control techniques such as automated on‐demand nutrient feeding. In this case study we empirically demonstrate the lower limit of quantitation (LOQ), probe‐to‐probe consistency, and scalability of in situ biocapacitance probes using data generated from small‐ and large‐scale Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) bioreactor cultures. The process understanding experiments culminated in the use of biocapacitance for process control in the current good manufacturing practices (GMP) manufacturing environment, first to automate the dilution of seed train cultures during scale‐up stages and later as a method of predicting future glucose demand. The automated biomass‐probe‐based inoculation strategy yielded consistent results in six consecutive seed trains in the GMP manufacturing suite. In the process of improving our understanding of the technology we determined that biocapacitance could additionally be used as an indicator of a shift in the salt balance of a cell culture, and that collecting real time biomass data via biocapacitance has the potential to reduce the total timeline for feed strategy development by providing additional insights into culture performance which are not otherwise apparent using conventional optical cell counting methods.
Design, Synthesis, and Cytotoxic Activity of 3‐Aryl‐N‐hydroxy‐2‐(sulfonamido)propanamides in HepG2, HT‐1080, KB, and MCF‐7 Cells
Authors: Shao Duanyang , Zhang Guo‐Ning , Niu Weixiao , Li Ziqiang , Zhu Mei , Wang Juxian , Li Donghui , Wang Yucheng
Published: February 2019

A new series of (sulfonamido)propanamides (6a1–6a13, 6b1–6b15, 7c1–7c5, 6d1–6d5, 6e1–6e6) was designed and synthesized. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by NMR and mass spectrometry. The target compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), fibrosarcoma (HT‐1080), mouth epidermal carcinoma (KB), and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) cell lines with the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, with gemcitabine and mitomycin C as positive controls. Most of these compounds exhibit a more potent cytotoxic effect than the positive control group on various cancer cell lines and the most potent compound, 6a7, shows the IC50 values of 29.78±0.516 μm, 30.70±0.61 μm, and 64.89±3.09 μm in HepG2, HT‐1080, KB, and MCF‐7 cell lines, respectively. Thus, these compounds with potent cytotoxic activity have potential for development as new chemotherapy agents.
Essential Elements as a Distinguishing Factor between Mycorrhizal Potentials of Two Cohabiting Truffle Species in Riparian Forest Habitat in Serbia
Authors: Popović‐Djordjević Jelena , Marjanović Žaklina S. , Gršić Nemanja , Adžić Tamara , Popović Blaženka , Bogosavljević Jelena , Brčeski Ilija
Published: February 2019

True truffles (Tuber sp.) that establish ectomycorrhizal symbiosis (ECM) with trees in the Mediterranean and temporal regions have species specific abilities to assimilate soil born elements. Suitable habitats are usually inhabited by few truffle species, while distinguishing their symbiotic potentials appeared very difficult. Two species that commonly inhabit riparian forests in Serbia are the most prized one, Tuber magnatum Pico (Piedmont white truffle) and not so highly valued Tuber brumale Vitt. In order to assess potential differences between their assimilation and accumulation abilities, the differences between contents of elements that may be the subjects of the symbiotic trade between the host plant and fungi were evaluated in accumulation target (ascocarps) and their source (the soil). Essential (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, S, and Zn) and essential trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Se) in truffles and soil samples were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). Their concentrations (mg/kg) in ascocarps were in the range from 1.364±0.591 (Cr) to 10760.862±16.058 (K), while in soil ranged from 23.035±0.010 (Cr) to 20809.300±122.934 (Fe). Element accumulation potential (bioaccumulation factor) was calculated in the system truffle/soil. The statistical approaches were used for establishing the differences, while the possible differentiation between symbiotic potentials of two mycelia in the defined soil conditions was discussed.
Functional connectivity changes in core resting state networks are associated with cognitive performance in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nystedt Jessika , Mannfolk Peter , Jönsen Andreas , Nilsson Petra , Strandberg Tor O. , Sundgren Pia C.
Published: February 2019

To investigate core resting state networks in SLE patients with and without neuropsychiatric symptoms by examining functional connectivity changes correlating with results of cognitive testing. Structural MRI and resting state‐fMRI (rs‐fMRI) were performed in 61 female SLE patients (mean age: 36.8 years, range 18.2–52.0 years) and 20 healthy controls (HC) (mean age 36.2 years, range 23.3–52.2 years) in conjunction with clinical examination and cognitive testing. Alterations in core resting state networks, not found in our healthy controls sample, correlated with cognitive performance gauged by neuropsychological tests in non‐neuropsychiatric SLE (nNP) as well as in neuropsychiatric SLE patients (NP). The observed pattern of increased functional connectivity in core resting state networks correlated with reduced cognitive performance on all cognitive domains tested and with a heavy focus on DM, CE, and DM–CE in the NP subgroup. Furthermore, we found that the observed alterations in memory and psychomotor speed correlated with disease duration. In SLE patients both with and without clinically overt neuropsychiatric manifestations, we found changes in the functional connectivity of core resting state networks essential to cognitive functions. These findings may represent a rewiring of functional architecture in response to neuronal damage and could indicate suboptimal compensatory mechanisms at play.
Biochemical Stimulation of Immune Cells and Measurement of Mechanical Responses Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Hu Kenneth H. , Bruce Marc A. , Liu Jianwei , Butte Manish J.
Published: February 2019

This manuscript details methods to ligate cell‐surface receptors on live cells with precise spatiotemporal control using an atomic force microscope (AFM) to deliver ligands. This approach can be used to image cellular responses upon activating T cell receptors when the AFM is mounted on an optical microscope. Moreover, the AFM measures forces generated by the cell during the contact. Using AFM to trigger cellular responses adds an important capability to the field of mechanobiology. We describe how to incorporate anti‐CD3 antibodies or other molecules onto an AFM cantilever and how to use AFM to activate T cells. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Is bullying and teasing associated with eating disorders? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lie Selma Øverland , Rø Øyvind , Bang Lasse
Published: February 2019

Objective

Involvement in bullying and teasing has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including eating disorders (EDs). The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine the association between bullying/teasing and EDs.

Method

A systematic search was conducted. We included research articles that examined the association between bullying/teasing (victimization and perpetration) and EDs. Studies were required to compare ED cases with a reference group. We performed a qualitative synthesis of included studies. Additionally, a random‐effects meta‐analysis of odds ratios were performed to compare rates of bullying/teasing victimization between cases and healthy controls.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included for review. Compared to healthy controls, those with EDs were significantly more likely to have been bullied and teased. Evidence of this association was particularly strong for bulimia nervosa and binge‐eating disorder, but was more mixed for anorexia nervosa. It was unclear whether such victimization was more common in EDs compared to psychiatric controls. The meta‐analysis showed that compared to healthy controls, those with EDs were twofold to threefold significantly more likely to have been teased about their appearance and bullied prior to onset of their ED. Few studies examined bullying perpetration. A number of methodological shortcomings of studies were noted.

Discussion

Being victimized through bullying and teasing is associated with EDs, and may constitute a risk factor. Our review underscores the need for more studies, and highlights gaps in the literature. As many patients have been victims of bullying and teasing, addressing such experiences in treatment may be valuable.
Could restoration of a landscape to a pre‐European historical vegetation condition reduce burn probability?
Authors: Stockdale Christopher A. , McLoughlin Neal , Flannigan Mike , Macdonald S. Ellen
Published: February 2019

Montane regions throughout western North America have experienced increases in forest canopy closure and forest encroachment into grasslands over the past century; this has been attributed to climate change and fire suppression/exclusion. These changes threaten ecological values and potentially increase probabilities of intense wildfire. Restoration of landscapes to historical conditions has been proposed as a potential solution. We used historical oblique photographs of an area in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada, to determine the vegetation composition in 1909 and then asked whether restoration to a historical vegetation condition would: (1) reduce the overall burn probability of fire; (2) reduce the probability of high‐intensity fires; and (3) change the spatial pattern of burn probabilities, as compared to current conditions. We used the Burn‐P3 model to calculate the overall and high‐intensity burn probabilities in two scenarios: (1) the baseline (current (2014) vegetation composition) and (2) historical restoration (vegetation in the study area as of 1909 with the surrounding landscape in its current condition). In the baseline, the landscape had 50% less grassland and more coniferous forest than 100 yr ago. Except for the fuel grids, we ensured all input parameters (number and locations of ignitions, weather conditions, etc.) were identical between the two scenarios; therefore, any differences in outputs are solely attributable to the changed fuels. The historical restoration scenario reduced the overall burn probability by only 1.3%, but the probability of high‐intensity wildfires was reduced by nearly half (44.2%), as compared to the baseline scenario. There were also differences in the spatial pattern of overall burn probabilities between the two scenarios. While 6.7% of the landscape burned with half (or less) the probability in the restoration scenario (compared to the baseline), other areas (3.2%) had burn probabilities two to five times higher. More than 21.5% had high‐intensity burn probabilities that were 20% or less of those in the baseline scenario. Differences in burn probabilities between the two scenarios were largely attributable to the effects of the vegetation difference on rate of fire spread. Restoration to historical vegetation structure significantly lowered wildfire risk to the landscape.
Geriatric nutritional risk index predicts all‐cause deaths in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Nishi Isao , Seo Yoshihiro , Hamada‐Harimura Yoshie , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Ishizu Tomoko , Sugano Akinori , Sato Kimi , Sai Seika , Obara Kenichi , Suzuki Shoji , Koike Akira , Aonuma Kazutaka , Ieda Masaki ,   Ibaraki Cardiovascular Assessment Study‐Heart Failure Investigators
Published: February 2019

Aims

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) at discharge may be helpful in predicting the long‐term prognosis of patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%), a common HF phenotype in the elderly.

Methods and results

Overall, 110 elderly HFpEF patients (≥65 years) from the Ibaraki Cardiovascular Assessment Study‐HF (n = 838) were enrolled. The mean age was 78.5 ± 7.2 years, and male patients accounted for 53.6% (n = 59). All‐cause mortality was compared between the low GNRI (<92) with moderate or severe nutritional risk group and the high GNRI (≥92) with no or low nutritional risk group. Cox proportional hazard regression models were constructed to evaluate the influence of the GNRI on all‐cause death with the following covariates using forward stepwise selection: age, sex, nutritional status based on the GNRI as a categorical variable, history of HF hospitalization, haemoglobin level, estimated glomerular filtration rate, log brain natriuretic peptide levels (logBNP), history of hypertension, log C‐reactive protein levels, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular mass index, and the New York Heart Association functional classification (I/II or III class). The prognostic value of the GNRI was compared with that of serum albumin using C‐statistics. The GNRI was added to the logBNP, serum albumin or the body mass index was added to the logBNP, and the C‐statistic was compared using DeLong's test. Cox regression analysis revealed that age and a low GNRI were independent predictors of all‐cause death (P < 0.05, n = 103; hazard ratio = 1.095, 95% confidence interval = 1.031–1.163, for age, and hazard ratio = 3.075, 95% confidence interval = 1.244–7.600, for the GNRI). DeLong's test for the two correlated receiver operating characteristic curves [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of serum albumin, 0.71; AUROC of the GNRI, 0.75] demonstrated significant differences between the groups (P = 0.038). Adding the GNRI to the logBNP increased the AUROC for all‐cause death significantly (0.71 and 0.80, respectively; P = 0.040, n = 105). The addition of serum albumin or the body mass index to the logBNP did not significantly increase the AUROC for all‐cause death (P = 0.082 and P = 0.29, respectively).

Conclusions

Nutritional screening using the GNRI at discharge is helpful to predict the long‐term prognosis of elderly HFpEF patients.
Contralateral segmental transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation inhibits nociceptive flexion reflex in healthy participants
Authors: Takiguchi Nobuhiro , Shomoto Koji
Published: February 2019

Background

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non‐invasive treatment to relieve pain. Contralateral TENS (i.e. TENS administered to the contralateral side of a painful body part) is beneficial when TENS cannot be directly applied to pain site, such as in cases of trauma. Although TENS produces segmental analgesia in an ipsilateral limb, it has been unclear whether TENS produces higher analgesic effects in the contralateral segmental area. The aim of the present study was to investigate the analgesic effects of TENS in contralateral segmental or extra‐segmental areas on physiological and subjective pain outcomes, using a nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) method.

Methods

We randomly allocated 60 healthy participants to three groups: contralateral segmental TENS (CS‐TENS); contralateral extra‐segmental TENS (CE‐TENS); and contralateral placebo TENS (CP‐TENS). CS‐TENS was applied to right superficial sural nerve and CE‐TENS was applied to the right superficial femoral nerve, each for 30 minutes. The magnitude of the NFR elicited by electrical stimulation of the left sural nerve was measured at baseline and at three subsequent 10‐minute intervals. Subjective pain intensity was measured simultaneously with a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

At 30 min, the NFR magnitude of CS‐TENS group was significantly lower than that of the CP‐TENS group (p = 0.021). There were no significant differences in VAS scores among the groups at any time point.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CS‐TENS inhibited NFR. Although there was no significant between‐group difference in subjective pain intensity, factors such as a placebo effect probably impacted it.

Significance

Our findings provide support for the contralateral approach at stimulation sites when TENS cannot be directly administered to a pain site (e.g. due to disease or trauma).
Risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Shihao , Huang Zixian , Chen Weiliang , Pan Chaobin , Huang Zhiquan
Published: February 2019

Abstarct

Background

Postoperative hemorrhage is one of the life‐threatening complications of oral cancer surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors in a large cohort.

Patients and methods

Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who had received surgery were enrolled. The variables between patients with and without postoperative hemorrhage were compared using univariate and multivariate models.

Results

Of the 1513 patients (or 1581 cases) enrolled in the study, 34 patients suffered from postoperative hemorrhage. In the univariate analysis, cigarette, and alcohol consumption, floor of mouth tumors, T4 classified tumors, flap reconstruction, surgical site infection, and flap necrosis were risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage. In the multivariate model, flap necrosis and surgical site infection were independent risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage.

Conclusions

The patients with surgical site infection or flap necrosis should be closely monitored in order to avoid postoperative hemorrhage.