bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability and stabilization of (–)‐gallocatechin gallate under various experimental conditions and analyses of its epimerization, auto‐oxidation, and degradation by LC‐MS
Authors: Wu Qian‐Qian , Liang Yan‐Fei , Ma Sheng‐Bo , Li Heng , Gao Wen‐Yun
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

(–)‐Gallocatechin gallate (GCG) shows multi‐bioactivities. Its stability, however, has not been investigated systematically yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the stability of GCG and to find ways to stabilize it in biological assays. Furthermore, the epimerization of the compound, its auto‐oxidation and degradation were also analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS).

RESULTS

The stability of GCG was concentration‐dependent and was sensitive to pH, temperature, bivalent cations, and dissolved oxygen level. The results also showed that GCG was not stable in common buffers (50 mmol L−1, pH 7.4, 37 °C) or in cell culture medium DMEM/F12 under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C). Our experiments indicated that nitrogen‐saturation and the addition of ascorbic acid (VC) could stabilize GCG in biological assays. In addition, LC‐MS determination indicated that GCG was able to be epimerized to its epimer (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Meanwhile it was also able to be auto‐oxidized to theasinensin and compound P2 and degraded to gallocatechin and gallic acid in pure water at 100 °C.

CONCLUSION

The stability of GCG should be seriously considered in research on the bioactivity of it to avoid possible artifacts. Nitrogen‐saturation and use of VC are good ways to make GCG stable in biological assays. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Alcohol‐based deep eutectic solvent as a carrier of SiO2@Fe3O4 for the development of magnetic dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction method: Application for the preconcentration and determination of morin in apple and grape juices, diluted and acidic extract of dried onion and green tea infusion samples
Authors: Majidi Seyedeh Maedeh , Hadjmohammadi Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2019

In this study, a hydrophilic deep eutectic solvent was synthesized as a carrier and disperser of magnetic nanoparticles based on ferrofluid and used to develop the dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction method. Ethylene glycol/tetramethylammonium chloride deep eutectic solvent and SiO2@Fe3O4 were used to provide the highly stable ferrofluid with strong sorbing properties without any additional stabilizer, which was employed to extract and determine morin in apple and grape juices, diluted and acidic extract of dried onion, and green tea infusion samples. The dispersibility of SiO2@Fe3O4 and prevention of its aggregation in the sample solution were improved using the deep eutectic solvent‐based ferrofluid. Also, it facilitated the fast injection of sorbent into the sample solution that led to an increase of the contact surface between the sorbent and analyte, and reduction of the extraction time and consumption of the sorbent. The important experimental parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of morin were examined. Under the optimal conditions, a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range of 3–500 µg/L with a determination coefficient of 0.9994. The limits of detection and quantification were of 0.91 and 2.98 µg/L, respectively. While an extraction recovery of 97.7% with relative standard deviation of 3.8% (interday) was obtained via three replicated measurements on a 30 µg/L of morin standard solution, the enrichment factor was 39.1. Finally, this method was successfully used to extract and preconcentrate morin in various samples, followed with their determination by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.
CiteScore metrics: Creating journal metrics from the Scopus citation index
Authors: James Chris , Colledge Lisa , Meester Wim , Azoulay Norman , Plume Andrew
Published: June 2019

Key points

CiteScore was developed to implement familiar calculations but make them more comprehensive and transparent.

The justification for a new metric was to complement existing information to allow for comparison and evaluation.

CiteScore is available for all newly indexed journals with a publication history of 1 year.

CiteScore Tracker is updated monthly to show progress towards the annual snapshot CiteScore.

Feedback helps CiteScore develop, for example, by improving the management of title changes.

CiteScore provided metrics for 23,350 journals in 2018.
Modulation of Amplified Spontaneous Emissions between Singlet Fluorescence and Triplet Phosphorescence Channels in Organic Dye Lasers
Authors: Li Shuai , Yu Zhenyi , Xiao Xiaoxiao , Geng Hua , Wang Kai , Jin Xue , Liao Qing , Liao Yi , Wu Yishi , Yao Jiannian , Fu Hongbing
Published: June 2019

Organic gain materials (OGMs) currently used in dye lasers and organic thin‐film amplifiers are limited to singlet‐fluorescence molecules. Although heavy‐metal‐containing phosphorescent emitters enable highly efficient organic light‐emitting diodes, phosphorescent OGMs capable of light amplification by stimulated emission from triplet states remain largely unexplored. Demonstrated herein is the first phosphorescent dye laser from a pure organic luminescent rotor (1), composed of electron‐donating sulfide‐substituted difluoroboron (SBF2) and electron‐accepting nitrobenzene (NB) moieties. Furthermore, modulation of amplified spontaneous emissions (ASEs) between singlet fluorescence and triplet phosphorescence channels is achieved by adjusting the relative rotation (dihedral angle θ) of the donor and acceptor moieties. Theoretical calculations and experimental results clarify that free and restricted rotor rotation regulates the T2 state below and above the S1 state, thus switching on and off the intersystem crossing from S1 to the high‐lying T2 for phosphorescence and fluorescence, respectively. Based on this strategy, methyl groups are added on the NB moiety to increase the steric hindrance in 2, leading to tunable phosphorescence and/or fluorescence ASE. The results extend the scope of organic dye lasers and provide a strategy to develop phosphorescence OGMs capable of amplifying light through ASE from the triplet state.
Broad‐leaved forest types affect soil fungal community structure and soil organic carbon contents
Authors: Sheng Yuyu , Cong Jing , Lu Hui , Yang Linsen , Liu Qiang , Li Diqiang , Zhang Yuguang
Published: June 2019

Evergreen broad‐leaved (EBF) and deciduous broad‐leaved (DBF) forests are two important vegetation types in terrestrial ecosystems that play key roles in sustainable biodiversity and global carbon (C) cycling. However, little is known about their associated soil fungal community and the potential metabolic activities involved in biogeochemical processes. In this study, soil samples were collected from EBF and DBF in Shennongjia Mountain, China, and soil fungal community structure and functional gene diversity analyzed based on combined Illumina MiSeq sequencing with GeoChip technologies. The results showed that soil fungal species richness (p = 0.079) and fungal functional gene diversity (p < 0.01) were higher in DBF than EBF. Zygomycota was the most dominant phylum in both broad‐leaved forests, and the most dominant genera found in each forest varied (Umbelopsis dominated in DBF, whereas Mortierella dominated in EBF). A total of 4, 439 soil fungi associated functional gene probes involved in C and nitrogen (N) cycling were detected. Interestingly, the relative abundance of functional genes related to labile C degradation (e.g., starch, pectin, hemicellulose, and cellulose) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in DBF than EBF, and the functional gene relative abundance involved in C cycling was significantly negatively correlated with soil labile organic C (r = −0.720, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the soil fungal community structure and potential metabolic activity showed marked divergence in different broad‐leaved forest types, and the higher relative abundance of functional genes involved in C cycling in DBF may be caused by release of loss of organic C in the soil.
Physiological Concentrations of Blueberry‐Derived Phenolic Acids Reduce Monocyte Adhesion to Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Tang Jeffry S. , Bozonet Stephanie M. , McKenzie Judith L. , Anderson Robert F. , Melton Laurence D. , Vissers Margreet C. M.
Published: June 2019

Scope

Blueberry polyphenols are thought to confer cardiovascular health benefits, but have limited bioavailability. They undergo extensive metabolism and their phenolic acid metabolites are likely to be the mediators of bioactivity. The effect of blueberry‐derived phenolic acids on one aspect of inflammation, monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelial cells, is investigated.

Methods and results

The major blueberry‐derived phenolic acids in human plasma are identified and quantified. Three test mixtures representing compounds present at 0–4 h (Early), 4–24 h (Late), or 0–24 h (Whole) are used to investigate the effect on adhesion of monocytes to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)–activated endothelial cells. The Late mixture reduces monocyte adhesion, but there is no effect of the Early or Whole mixtures. Exclusion of syringic acid from each mixture results in inhibition of monocyte adhesion. Exposure to the phenolic acid mixtures has no effect on the endothelial surface expression of adhesion molecules intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), or E‐selectin, suggesting that other molecular mechanisms are responsible for the observed effect.

Conclusion

This study shows that physiological concentrations of blueberry polyphenol metabolites can help maintain cardiovascular health by regulating monocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium.
Proteomic analysis of seminal extracellular vesicle proteins involved in asthenozoospermia by iTRAQ
Authors: Lin Yu , Liang Ajuan , He Yue , Li Zhengzheng , Li Zhenhua , Wang Guishuan , Sun Fei
Published: June 2019

Asthenozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, but in most cases its etiology is unknown. The exocytic cell vesicles called seminal extracellular vesicles in the human seminal fluid have been reported to play a pivotal role in promoting the motility of spermatozoa, and functional disorder of seminal extracellular vesicles may cause male infertility. To determine whether abnormal seminal extracellular vesicles are involved in asthenozoospermia, the differential abundance proteins between normozoospermic (NSEV) and asthenozoospermic seminal extracellular vesicles (ASEV) samples were analyzed by iTRAQ coupled with two‐dimensional liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 3,699 proteins were identified in the seminal extracellular vesicles (false discovery rate <0.01). Overall, 11 proteins were significantly upregulated (>1.2) in ASEV and 80 were significantly downregulated (<0.833). Functional bioinformatic analysis showed that these proteins with differential abundance were mainly associated with transport, metabolism, and signal pathways. The changes of OPTN, SMYD2, EIF2B2, TRPV6, ACE, PRSS8, and PPAP2A in ASEV were verified by western blot analysis, and we found that the abundance of TRPV6 markedly reduced in the seminal extracellular vesicles and ejaculated spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic patients, which indicated trpv6 was important in sperm motility. This study provides deeper insight into the involvement of seminal extracellular vesicles in asthenozoospermia and should aid the search for novel biomarkers of male infertility.
To stage or not to stage?—A cost minimization analysis of sacral neuromodulation placement strategies
Authors: Sun Andrew J. , Harris Catherine R. , Comiter Craig V. , Elliott Christopher S.
Published: June 2019

Aims

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a standard therapy for refractory overactive bladder (OAB). Traditionally, SNM placement involves placement of an S3 lead with 1–3 weeks of testing before considering a permanent implant. Given the potential risk of bacterial contamination during testing and high success rates published by some experts, we compared the costs of traditional 2‐stage against single‐stage SNM placement for OAB.

Methods

We performed a cost minimization analysis using published data on 2‐stage SNM success rates, SNM infection rates, and direct reimbursements from Medicare for 2017. We compared the costs associated with a 2‐stage vs single‐stage approach. We performed sensitivity analyses of the primary variables listed above to assess where threshold values occurred and used separate models for freestanding ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) and outpatient hospital departments (OHD).

Results

Based on published literature, our base case assumed a 69% SNM success rate, a 5% 2‐stage approach infection rate, a 1.7% single‐stage approach infection rate, and removal of 50% of non‐working single‐stage SNMs. In both ASC ($17 613 vs $18 194) and OHD ($19 832 vs $21 181) settings, single‐stage SNM placement was less costly than 2‐stage placement. The minimum SNM success rates to achieve savings with a single‐stage approach occur at 65.4% and 61.3% for ASC and OHD, respectively.

Conclusions

Using Medicare reimbursement, single‐stage SNM placement is likely to be less costly than 2‐stage placement for most practitioners. The savings are tied to SNM success rates and reimbursement rates, with reduced costs up to $5014 per case in centers of excellence (≥ 90% success).
Epithelioid sarcoma in children, adolescents, and young adults: Localized, primary metastatic and relapsed disease. Treatment results of five Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials and one registry
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Koscielniak Ewa , Vokuhl Christian , Seitz Guido , Hallmen Erika , von Kalle Thekla , Scheer Monika , Münter Marc , Bielack Stefan S. , Ladenstein Ruth , Fuchs Joerg , Klingebiel Thomas ,   the CWS Study Group
Published: June 2019

Background

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare malignant soft‐tissue tumor. Little is known about the optimal treatment of primary localized (LD), metastatic (MD), and relapsed disease (RD).

Methods

Characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 67 patients registered within the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe CWS‐81, ‐86, ‐91, ‐96, ‐2002P trials and the registry SoTiSaR were analyzed (1981–2016).

Results

The median age was 14 years (range, 0.7–26.9); 53 patients had localized disease (LD) and 14 metastatic disease (MD). A total of 58 of 67 patients were treated with primary resection. Resection was microscopically complete (R0) in 35, microscopically incomplete (R1) in 12, macroscopically incomplete (R2) in 20 patients. Radiotherapy (RT) was administered to 33 of 67 patients and 49 of 67 patients received chemotherapy (CHT). Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 45 of 53 (85%) patients with LD. Twenty‐seven of 53 patients relapsed after a median time of 0.9 years (range, 0.1–2.3). Relapse therapy consisted of resection (n = 19/27), RT (n = 10/27), CHT (n = 12/27), and limb perfusion (n = 3/27). The five‐year event‐free survival and overall survival of patients with LD, MD, and RD was 35% (± 12, CI 95%) and 58% (± 14, CI 95%), 7% (± 14, CI 95%), and 9% (± 16, CI 95%), 24% (± 17, CI 95%), and 40% (± 20, CI 95%), respectively. Tumor size, IRS group, tumor invasiveness, nodal status, and best resection correlated with a favorable prognosis in patients with LD while best resection was the only significant factor in patients with RD.

Conclusions

Complete tumor resection correlates with long‐term survival in patients with ES.
Synergistic effect of nano‐SiO2 and small‐sized graphene oxide on carbon fiber/epoxy composite
Authors: Chu Caixia , Ge Heyi , Zhang Kaili , Gu Nianliang , Liu Shanshan , Jin Chaosheng
Published: June 2019

The poor interface of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced composites has long been one that researchers want to facilitate. A hierarchical structure of nano‐SiO2 and small‐sized graphene oxide (sGO) on CF was constructed by a layer‐by‐layer method. The electrochemically treated CF was evenly coated with sGO sheets as a medium layer, which made nano‐SiO2 uniformly spread over CF by electrostatic adsorption. The hierarchical structure could provide the synergistic reinforcement on the mechanical properties of CF composite by improving interface adhesion, mechanical interlocking, and chemical bonding. The interlaminar shear strength value of SiO2‐sGO‐CF/epoxy composite reached 71.1 MPa, which was increased by 33.45% compared with the electrochemical etching CF/epoxy composite. The results show that the sizing of sGO and nano‐SiO2 plays a positive synergistic effect by hierarchical reinforcement.
Investigation of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Differentiation by Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Schoor Carmen , Brocke‐Ahmadinejad Nahal , Gieselmann Volkmar , Winter Dominic
Published: June 2019

Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, are essential for correct brain function. They originate from oligodendrocyte precursor cells through a differentiation process which is only incompletely understood and impaired in a variety of demyelinating diseases. Better knowledge of this differentiation holds the promise to develop novel therapies for these disorders. The differentiation of rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells to oligodendrocytes in vitro is investigated. After confirmation of differentiation by immunohistochemical analysis using cell type‐specific marker proteins, a quantitative proteomics study using tandem mass tags (TMT) is conducted. Four time points of differentiation covering early, intermediate, and late stages are investigated. Data analysis by Mascot and MaxQuant identified 5259 protein groups of which 471 are not described in the context of cells of the oligodendroglial lineage before. Quantitative analysis of the dataset revealed distinct regulation patterns for proteins of different functional categories including metabolic processes, regulation of the cell cycle, and transcriptional control of protein expression. The present data confirm a significant number of proteins known to play a role in oligodendrocytes and myelination. Furthermore, novel candidate proteins are identified which may play an important role in this differentiation process providing a valuable resource for oligodendrocyte research.
DFT mechanistic study on tandem sequential [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] addition reaction of cyclooctatetraene with functionalized acetylenes and nitrile imines
Authors: Opoku Ernest , Tia Richard , Adei Evans
Published: June 2019

The mechanistic pathways for the tandem sequential [4 + 2] / [3 + 2] and [3 + 2]/[4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of functionalized‐acetylenes with cyclooctatetraene (COTE) and nitrile imines for the formation of the biologically‐active tricyclic cyclobutane‐condensed pyrazoline systems, and the subsequent cycloreversion/thermolysis of these adducts, have been studied using density functional theory (DFT) at the M06‐2X/6‐31G(d) and 6‐311G(d,p) levels with the aim of providing mechanistic rationale for the regioselectivities and stereoselectivities. Along the [4 + 2] / [3 + 2] addition sequence, it has been found that the initial 6π‐electrocyclic ring‐closure of the COTE is the rate‐determining step irrespective of the type of substituent on the parent acetylene or the nitrile imine. The mechanistic channels along the [4 + 2] / [3 + 2] addition sequence show that the addition of the dipole across the unsubstituted olefinic bond in the cyclohexadiene moiety in the endo fashion is the most favored, which is in agreement with experimentally observed selectivity. The results show that the thermolysis proceeds with relatively high activation barriers toward formation of the monocyclic pyrazolines among other products. The decomposition of the tandem adducts has been found to be controlled solely by kinetic factors. An exploration of a [3 + 2] / [4 + 2] addition sequence as a mechanistic possibility reveals that in contrast to the [4 + 2] / [3 + 2] addition sequence, the Diels‐Alder addition step is the rate‐determining. The [3 + 2] / [4 + 2] addition order is found as an approach with better selectivity as it leads to formation of only tandem adducts where the nitrile imines are attached to the substituted olefinic bond in the cyclohexadiene subunit. The results show that the monocyclic pyrazolines obtained from the thermolysis of the [4 + 2] / [3 + 2] tandem adducts could easily be obtained from a direct 1,3‐dipolar addition of the alkynes with the dipoles which has been found to proceed rapidly with low activation barriers. The results are rationalized with perturbation molecular orbital theory.
Reliability of pain pressure threshold algometry in persons with conservatively managed wrist fractures
Authors: Sæbø Humaira , Naterstad Ingvill Fjell , Stausholm Martin Bjørn , Bjordal Jan Magnus , Joensen Jon
Published: June 2019

Objective

Wrist fracture is a common injury in Norway. Pressure algometry is widely used to quantify patients' pain threshold in various anatomical locations. The aim of this study was to explore the reliability of pain pressure threshold (PPT) algometry in persons with conservatively managed distal radius fractures.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, three raters (A, B, and C) tested the PPT of participants (18–97 years of age) with a unilateral distal radius fracture after removal of the cast. The raters conducted two measurements of both wrists. Intrarater reliability was examined in 75, 50, and 25 participants by Raters A, B, and C, respectively. Interrater reliability was tested in 50 and 25 participants by Rater Pairs A–B and A–C, respectively. Relative reliability was calculated with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC1.1) and absolute reliability using within‐subject standard deviation (Sw).

Results

There was a significant difference in the PPT between the participants' injured and noninjured wrists (p < .0001). The mean PPT was 29% lower in the injured than in the noninjured wrists, 175 kPa (SD ± 62) versus 248 kPa (SD ± 83). Intrarater reliability (A) of PPT algometry was better in injured wrists than in noninjured wrists (ICC1.1 = 0.825 vs. 0.765 and Sw = 27 vs. 43 kPa). Similarly, interrater reliability of PPT algometry was better in injured wrists than in noninjured wrists. In injured wrists, the interrater reliability of PPT algometry between Raters A and B was 0.617 (ICC1.1) and Sw was 51 kPa, and between Raters A and C, the interrater reliability was 0.706 (ICC1.1) and Sw was 48 kPa.

Conclusion

PPT algometry is a useful measurement tool with acceptable reliability and thus suitable for monitoring and quantifying pain in persons with conservatively managed wrist fractures. To be more certain that a change has occurred, the same rater should perform the measurements.
Development of a Parsimonious Design for Optimal Classification of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Authors: Liu Zheng , Diana Aly , Slater Christine , Preston Thomas , Gibson Rosalind S. , Houghton Lisa , Duffull Stephen B.
Published: June 2019

A deuterium oxide dose‐to‐mother (DTM) technique is used to determine if an infant is exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). However, the DTM method is intensive, requiring seven paired mother–infant samples during a 14‐day study period. The purpose of this study was to develop a field‐friendly protocol. Data from 790 mother–infant pairs from nine countries were analyzed using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method with Stan. The data were split into (i) model building (565 pairs) and (ii) design evaluation (225 pairs). EBF classification was based on a previously published cut‐off for nonmilk water intake. Classification based on the full design was the reference (gold standard classification). The receiver operating characteristics of parsimonious designs were used to determine an optimal parsimonious classification method. The best two postdose windows (days 7–9 and 13–14) yielded optimal categorization with similar performance in the design evaluation data. This postdose two‐sample design provided 95% sensitivity and specificity when compared with the full design.
Recommendations for the Design of Clinical Drug–Drug Interaction Studies With Itraconazole Using a Mechanistic Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model
Authors: Chen Yuan , Cabalu Tamara D. , Callegari Ernesto , Einolf Heidi , Liu Lichuan , Parrott Neil , Peters Sheila Annie , Schuck Edgar , Sharma Pradeep , Tracey Helen , Upreti Vijay V. , Zheng Ming , Zhu Andy Z.X. , Hall Stephen D.
Published: June 2019

Regulatory agencies currently recommend itraconazole (ITZ) as a strong cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inhibitor for clinical drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies. This work by an International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development working group (WG) is to develop and verify a mechanistic ITZ physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model and provide recommendations for optimal DDI study design based on model simulations. To support model development and verification, in vitro and clinical PK data for ITZ and its metabolites were collected from WG member companies. The model predictions of ITZ DDIs with seven different CYP3A substrates were within the guest criteria for 92% of area under the concentration‐time curve ratios and 95% of maximum plasma concentration ratios, thus verifying the model for DDI predictions. The verified model was used to simulate various clinical DDI study scenarios considering formulation, duration of dosing, dose regimen, and food status to recommend the optimal design for maximal inhibitory effect by ITZ.
Tunable Electronic Properties and Giant Spontaneous Polarization in Graphene/Monolayer GeS van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Wang Qianjin , Tan Qiuhong , Liu Yingkai , Qing Chen , Feng Xiaobo , Yu Dapeng
Published: June 2019

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures consisting of two‐dimensional‐layered nanomaterials have attracted great attention due to their promising applications in novel electronic and optoelectronic devices. Using density functional theory (DFT) with the vdW correlations (DFT‐D), the electronic properties and spontaneous polarization of graphene/monolayer GeS (G/MGeS) heterostructure have been investigated. It is found that the properties of both graphene and GeS are preserved in the vdW heterostructure, and the electronic structure of the heterostructure is advantageous for improving photocatalytic efficiency. Moreover, it is also found that the position of the band structure of GeS with respect to that of graphene can be tuned by altering the interlayer spacing, which further led to the control of the Schottky barrier height of the vdW heterostructures. Additionally, the vdW heterostructure shows increased spontaneous polarization (186.6 μC cm−2) as well as increased energy barrier heights, which indicate the enhanced ferroelectricity in the heterostructure. Further investigation demonstrates that the compressive strain can have a significant impact on both the spontaneous polarization and the energy barrier height of the vdW heterostructure.
Large‐scale regional model biases in the extratropical North Atlantic storm track and impacts on downstream precipitation
Authors: Pontoppidan Marie , Kolstad Erik W. , Sobolowski Stefan P. , Sorteberg Asgeir , Liu Changhai , Rasmussen Roy
Published: June 2019

Global climate models have circulation biases that the community aims to reduce, for instance through high‐resolution dynamical downscaling. We used the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) to downscale both ERA‐Interim and a bias‐corrected version of the Norwegian climate model NorESM1‐M on a high‐resolution grid. By varying the domain size, we investigated the influence of the driving data and highly resolved topography on the North Atlantic storm track and the precipitation in its exit region. In our largest domains, we found large‐scale circulation and storm track biases similar to those seen in global models and with spatial patterns independent of the driving data. The biases in the smaller domains were more dependent on the quality of the driving data. Nevertheless, the biases had little effect on the simulated precipitation in Norway. Although the added value of downscaling was clear with respect to the global climate models, all the downscaled simulations showed similar precipitation frequencies and intensities. We posit that, because the precipitation is so strongly governed by the local topographic forcing, a correct storm track is less critical for the precipitation distribution.
Modeling group and individual learning: lessons for integrating disciplines and agile research
Authors: Anderson Edward G. , Lewis Kyle
Published: June 2019

We discuss the genesis of the paper for which the 2018 Forrester Award has been given. We then summarize its findings and put it into the context of the research streams in which it is embedded. We also describe the effects of the award paper on subsequent research. We then briefly discuss how laboratory experiment, field, and modeling work can complement each other in social systems research. Finally, we present some thoughts for leveraging the expertise of researchers and audiences from outside domains to the field of system dynamics, based on lessons from our work together as co‐authors and our mutual experience in project management, particularly in agile software development techniques.

© 2019 System Dynamics Society
Frequentist operating characteristics of Bayesian optimal designs via simulation
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Trippa Lorenzo , Parmigiani Giovanni
Published: June 2019

Bayesian adaptive designs have become popular because of the possibility of increasing the number of patients treated with more beneficial treatments, while still providing sufficient evidence for treatment efficacy comparisons. It can be essential, for regulatory and other purposes, to conduct frequentist analyses both before and after a Bayesian adaptive trial, and these remain challenging. In this paper, we propose a general simulation‐based approach to compare frequentist designs with Bayesian adaptive designs based on frequentist criteria such as power and to compute valid frequentist p‐values. We illustrate our approach by comparing the power of an equal randomization (ER) design with that of an optimal Bayesian adaptive (OBA) design. The Bayesian design considered here is the dynamic programming solution of the optimization of a specific utility function defined by the number of successes in a patient horizon, including patients whose treatment will be affected by the trial's results after the end of the trial. While the power of an ER design depends on treatment efficacy and the sample size, the power of the OBA design also depends on the patient horizon size. Our results quantify the trade‐off between power and the optimal assignment of patients to treatments within the trial. We show that, for large patient horizons, the two criteria are in agreement, while for small horizons, differences can be substantial. This has implications for precision medicine, where patient horizons are decreasing as a result of increasing stratification of patients into subpopulations defined by molecular markers.
Interface Engineering V2O5 Nanofibers for High‐Energy and Durable Supercapacitors
Authors: Bi Wenchao , Wang Jichao , Jahrman Evan P. , Seidler Gerald T. , Gao Guohua , Wu Guangming , Cao Guozhong
Published: June 2019

A local electric field is induced to engineer the interface of vanadium pentoxide nanofibers (V2O5‐NF) to manipulate the charge transport behavior and obtain high‐energy and durable supercapacitors. The interface of V2O5‐NF is modified with oxygen vacancies (Vö) in a one‐step polymerization process of polyaniline (PANI). In the charge storage process, the local electric field deriving from the lopsided charge distribution around Vö will provide Coulombic forces to promote the charge transport in the resultant Vö‐V2O5/PANI nanocable electrode. Furthermore, an ≈7 nm porous PANI coating serves as the external percolated charge transport pathway. As the charge transfer kinetics are synergistically enhanced by the dual modifications, Vö‐V2O5/PANI‐based supercapacitors exhibit an excellent specific capacitance (523 F g−1) as well as a long cycling lifespan (110% of capacitance remained after 20 000 cycles). This work paves an effective way to promote the charge transfer kinetics of electrode materials for next‐generation energy storage systems.
A Perspective on Fluorescent Nanodiamond Bioimaging
Authors: Torelli Marco D. , Nunn Nicholas A. , Shenderova Olga A.
Published: June 2019

The field of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) has advanced greatly over the past few years. Though historically limited primarily to red fluorescence, the wavelengths available for nanodiamonds have increased due to continuous technical advancement. This Review summarizes the strides made in the synthesis, functionalization, and application of FNDs to bioimaging. Highlights range from super‐resolution microscopy, through cellular and whole animal imaging, up to constantly emerging fields including sensing and hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging.
Native and Modified Digitaria exilis Starch Nanoparticles as a Carrier System for the Controlled Release of Naproxen
Authors: Odeniyi Michael A. , Adepoju Adewale O. , Jaiyeoba Kolawole T.
Published: June 2019

Acha (Digitaria exilis) starches are investigated as nanocrystal carriers for the controlled release of naproxen. Starch nanocrystals (SNC) are prepared by acid hydrolysis using H2SO4 and the modified form (carboxymethylated SNC) is obtained by reaction of the SNC with monochloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide. Physicochemical properties, degree of substitution, SEM and FTIR analyses, loading and release studies including in vitro release kinetics of the drug‐loaded starch nanocrystals are determined. FTIR analysis confirms the introduction of the hydrophilic carboxylate functional group into the starch molecule of the modified starches with strong peaks in the region 1300–1650 cm−1. SEM images reveal the disruption of the granular structure of the starch particles due to hydrolysis conferring crystallinity on the granules. The drug release kinetics of all the starch polymers follow the Korsemeyer–Peppas model indicating that the drug release was by non‐Fickian diffusion. The native starch, starch nanocrystals, and carboxymethylated nanocrystal forms have drug loading content that are above 50% and loading efficiency above 75% and produce a steady and sustained release of naproxen. The release studies of native Acha starch and the modified SNC show that their formulations can function as carriers/polymers that can achieve sustained and/or delayed drug release of poorly soluble drugs.
Continuing search for new physics in b → sμμ decays: two operators at a time
Authors: Alok Ashutosh Kumar , Dighe Amol , Gangal Shireen , Kumar Dinesh
Published: June 2019

Abstract

The anomalies in the measurements of observables involving b → sμμ decays, namely R

K
, R

K*, P
5
′
, and B

s

ϕ

, may be addressed by adding lepton-universality-violating new physics contributions to the effective operators

$$ {\mathcal{O}}_{\mathcal{9}},{\mathcal{O}}_{10},{\mathcal{O}}_9^{\prime },{\mathcal{O}}_{10}^{\prime } $$

O
9

,

O
10

,

O
9
′

,

O
10
′

. We analyze all the scenarios where the new physics contributes to a pair of these operators at a time. We perform a global fit to all relevant data in the b → s sector to estimate the corresponding new Wilson coefficients,

$$ {\mathcal{O}}_9^{\mathrm{NP}},{\mathcal{O}}_{10}^{\mathrm{NP}},{\mathcal{O}}_9^{\prime },{\mathcal{O}}_{10}^{\prime } $$

O
9

N
P

,

O
10

N
P

,

O
9
′

,

O
10
′

. In the light of the new data on R

K
, and R

K*, presented in Moriond 2019, we find that the scenarios with new physics contributions to the

$$ \left({\mathcal{O}}_9^{\mathrm{NP}},{\mathcal{O}}_9^{\prime}\right) $$

O
9

N
P

O
9
′

or

$$ \left({\mathcal{O}}_9^{\mathrm{NP}},{\mathcal{O}}_{10}^{\prime}\right) $$

O
9

N
P

O
10
′

pair remain the most favored ones. On the other hand, though the competing scenario

$$ \left({\mathcal{O}}_9^{\mathrm{NP}},{\mathcal{O}}_{10}^{\mathrm{NP}}\right) $$

O
9

N
P

O
10

N
P

remains attractive, its advantage above the SM reduces significantly due to the tension that emerges between the R

K
and R

K* measurements with the new data. The movement of the R

K
measurement towards unity would also result in the re-emergence of the one-parameter scenario C
9
NP
 = − C
9
′
.
Extended Antibiotic Prophylaxis May Be Linked to Lower Peri-prosthetic Joint Infection Rates in High-Risk Patients: An Evidence-Based Review
Authors: DeFrancesco Christopher J. , Fu Michael C. , Kahlenberg Cynthia A. , Miller Andy O. , Bostrom Mathias P.
Published: June 2019

In 2018, Inabathula et al. published the results of a historical control study examining 90-day peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) rates at a single center before and after the institution of an extended post-operative oral antibiotic protocol for high-risk total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. In the study, “Extended Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis in High-Risk Patients Substantially Reduces Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty 90-Day Infection Rate” ( J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2018;100[24]:2103–2109), the authors considered any one of several patient-related criteria—including diabetes, a body mass index of 35 kg/m2 or higher, or active smoking—as sufficient to designate a patient “high risk” for PJI. Before the extended antibiotic therapy protocol was instituted, PJI rates for primary THA and TKA in the high-risk subgroup were 4.3% and 2.1%, respectively. After it was instituted, the respective rates dropped to 1.1% and 0.4%, comparable to those seen in the non-high-risk patients treated using standard peri-operative prophylaxis. After adjusting for patient factors, regression analysis showed that high-risk patients receiving only peri-operative antibiotics were more likely to develop PJI than high-risk patients receiving the extended antibiotic protocol. Although these results suggest possible benefits of extended antibiotic prophylaxis in arthroplasty, methodologic limitations and inadequate discussion of potential drawbacks of widespread adoption of such protocols limit the impact of the findings. Future research is warranted to more narrowly define risk factors for PJI and to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of extended antibiotics in reducing the long-term burden of PJI.
A Review of Phase Space Topology Methods for Vibration-Based Fault Diagnostics in Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Mohamad T. Haj , Nazari Foad , Nataraj C.
Published: June 2019

Background

In general, diagnostics can be defined as the procedure of mapping the information obtained in the measurement space to the presence and magnitude of faults in the fault space. These measurements, and especially their nonlinear features, have the potential to be exploited to detect changes in dynamics due to the faults.

Purpose

We have been developing some interesting techniques for fault diagnostics with gratifying results.

Methods

These techniques are fundamentally based on extracting appropriate features of nonlinear dynamical behavior of dynamic systems. In particular, this paper provides an overview of a technique we have developed called Phase Space Topology (PST), which has so far displayed remarkable effectiveness in unearthing faults in machinery. Applications to bearing, gear and crack diagnostics are briefly discussed.
Spontaneous bilateral corneal perforation in a neonate
Authors: Alallah Jubara , Mohtisham Farzeen , Khan Zia
Published: June 2019

Spontaneous corneal perforation is very rare in neonates and children. Peters anomaly is associated with spontaneous corneal perforation. Herein, we describe a case of spontaneous corneal perforation in a 13- day-old Saudi infant who was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit since birth. This report is important to gain more information about corneal perforation clinical presentation in neonates, investigation, and management.
Disaster Medicine: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature From 2016
Authors: Sarin Ritu R. , Hick John L. , Livinski Alicia A. , Nieratko Jennifer , Treber Meghan , Mazurek Audrey , Brannman Shayne , Biddinger Paul , Burstein Jonathan , Ciottone Gregory , Goldberg Scott , Milsten Andrew , Nemeth Ira , Goralnick Eric
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The Society of Academic Emergency Medicine Disaster Medicine Interest Group, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response – Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (ASPR TRACIE) team, and the National Institutes of Health Library searched disaster medicine peer-reviewed and gray literature to identify, review, and disseminate the most important new research in this field for academics and practitioners.

Methods:

MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases were searched with key words. Additional gray literature and focused hand search were performed. A Level I review of titles and abstracts with inclusion criteria of disaster medicine, health care system, and disaster type concepts was performed. Eight reviewers performed Level II full-text review and formal scoring for overall quality, impact, clarity, and importance, with scoring ranging from 0 to 20. Reviewers summarized and critiqued articles scoring 16.5 and above.

Results:

Articles totaling 1176 were identified, and 347 were screened in a Level II review. Of these, 193 (56%) were Original Research, 117 (34%) Case Report or other, and 37 (11%) were Review/Meta-Analysis. The average final score after a Level II review was 11.34. Eighteen articles scored 16.5 or higher. Of the 18 articles, 9 (50%) were Case Report or other, 7 (39%) were Original Research, and 2 (11%) were Review/Meta-Analysis.

Conclusions:

This first review highlighted the breadth of disaster medicine, including emerging infectious disease outbreaks, terror attacks, and natural disasters. We hope this review becomes an annual source of actionable, pertinent literature for the emerging field of disaster medicine.
Oviposition preferences of the mosquito Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762 (Culicidae): an urban environment bioassay
Authors: Kroth N. , Cozzer G.D. , de Carvalho G. , Cassol A.S. , Breaux J. , Lutinski J.A. , Busato M.A. , Roman Junior W.A. , dos Santos José Junior , Albeny-Simões D.
Published: June 2019

The establishment of an invasive species depends on reproductive success and dispersion capability in the new environment. One of the striking examples of invasion in urban environments is the mosquito Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762 (Culicidae). The success of this species is primarily attributed to its ability to colonize urban environments, and some of the important adaptive strategies associated with this ability is the preference for humans as a blood source and intense occupation of residential (indoor) environments. This study evaluated the effects of location (indoor vs. outdoor) and water nutrient level (% organic matter) on the oviposition preference of A. aegypti in an urban environment. We used oviposition choice experiments to evaluate mosquito oviposition in containers holding 1:1 vs 1:0 ratios of water: organic matter placed indoors and outdoors. Eggs were sampled once per week for nine weeks. Our results revealed a strong oviposition preference for outdoor containers, with a significant preference for containers with higher concentrations of organic matter during the fifth to ninth weeks. However, mosquitoes occupying indoor environments did not prefer to lay eggs in containers with lower levels of organic matter. A better understanding of the preferences of A. aegypti regarding the nutrient level and location of oviposition containers can increase our understanding of the behavioral factors allowing mosquitoes to utilize anthropogenic environments.
Learner autonomy versus guided reflection: How different methodologies affect intercultural development in online intercultural exchange
Authors: Flowers Simeon , Kelsen Brent , Cvitkovic Bob
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the results of a study exploring the intercultural development of first-year Japanese university students engaged in online intercultural exchange (OIE) using two variations: one implementing guided reflection, and the other relying on the learner autonomy model. Intercultural development was quantitatively measured using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (Chen & Starosta, 2000) and qualitatively investigated through participants’ written reflections. Results of the OIE using guided reflection showed significant gains in respect for the target culture, whereas the OIE that followed the autonomous learning model yielded significant gains in self-efficacy in relation to intercultural contact. Qualitative analysis of student reflections confirmed these findings and provided insight into the processes involved in achieving these results.
Toward specific ways to combine ketamine and psychotherapy in treating depression
Authors: Hasler Gregor
Published: June 2019

In major depression, remission rate in response to monoaminergic antidepressant is around 50%. The lack of strong synergies between classical antidepressants and psychotherapy may be due to the molecular effects of classical antidepressants. They modulate synapses but they do not substantially influence synaptogenesis. They also increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, for activity-dependent plasticity, BDNF release has to work in concert with activation of synaptogenesis. There has been considerable excitement about ketamine’s antidepressant effect. Ketamine leads to fast changes in synaptic function and plasticity that go well beyond effects of classical antidepressants. As a result, ketamine may turn out to have the capacity to considerably enhance the effects of psychotherapy. Such enhancing effects may become an important clinical indication for ketamine since its purely pharmacological effect is transient. This editorial outlines some mechanistic hypotheses, how Behavioral Activation, Trauma-Focused Psychotherapies and Humanistic Psychotherapy may specifically prolong ketamine’s antidepressant effects.
Long-term care reform in Germany – at long last
Authors: Link S.
Published: June 2019

Demographic and societal changes make it more and more indispensable to protect against the risk of care costs surpassing a person’s financial means. Nevertheless, only few governments have acted to create public funding systems that, if existent at all, usually only cover part of the expenses for elder care. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is designed to fund basic care needs in later life, such as washing and dressing. Regardless of where individuals receive this support in old age, how it is funded is a growing issue. In many countries, people may augment their compulsory state system with private policies available from insurance companies.

In Germany, a well-established public system that underwent major reforms exists. From 2017 onwards, a completely new care definition and assessment process replaced the former ones. Two major changes constitute the reform: First, when evaluating the need for care, the former focus on estimating the length of time required for care was replaced by the determination of the degree of independence. Second, cognitive impairments will be acknowledged more adequately than in the past, where the focus was on physical abilities. Furthermore, the contribution to be paid by the care recipient in a nursing home will no longer be dependent on the severity of the care need.

In Germany, private LTC products used a combination of the social security definition, an ADL-based trigger and a dementia trigger until the end of 2016. Thus, the reform has repercussions for the local private insurance industry. What would happen to in-force business, how a new benefit trigger should look like, how old and new definition compare and how pricing rates can be derived were only some of the questions that had to be answered in advance.

The reform could point the way for future public schemes and private policies elsewhere. Which questions had to be answered and what issues had to be solved in advance, together with lessons learned during and shortly after the reform was undertaken, can serve as an accompaniment for the introduction or reform of public LTC schemes and for the local insurance industry in other countries.