bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The citation advantage of promoted articles in a cross‐publisher distribution platform: A 12‐month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kudlow Paul , Bissky Dziadyk Devin , Rutledge Alan , Shachak Aviv , Eysenbach Gunther
Published: December 2019

There is currently a paucity of evidence‐based strategies that have been shown to increase citations of peer‐reviewed articles following their publication. We conducted a 12‐month randomized controlled trial to examine whether the promotion of article links in an online cross‐publisher distribution platform (TrendMD) affects citations. In all, 3,200 articles published in 64 peer‐reviewed journals across eight subject areas were block randomized at the subject level to either the TrendMD group (n = 1,600) or the control group (n = 1,600) of the study. Our primary outcome compares the mean citations of articles randomized to TrendMD versus control after 12 months. Articles randomized to TrendMD showed a 50% increase in mean citations relative to control at 12 months. The difference in mean citations at 12 months for articles randomized to TrendMD versus control was 5.06, 95% confidence interval [2.87, 7.25], was statistically significant (p < .001) and found in three of eight subject areas. At 6 months following publication, articles randomized to TrendMD showed a smaller, yet statistically significant (p = .005), 21% increase in mean citations, relative to control. To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate how an intervention can be used to increase citations of peer‐reviewed articles after they have been published.
The Great Hack (documentary film). Produced and directed by Karim Amer and Jehane Noujaim. Netflix, 2019. 1 hour 54 minutes
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: December 2019

The documentary's core argument is that big data and targeted data have been used successfully to influence enough “persuadable” voters to influence the outcome of key elections such as the Brexit referendum and the 2016 US presidential race, and the film pushes this theme by picking just the right facts to make a case. This review will attempt to put The Great Hack in its historical, political, and technical context, and will try to answer the question: How dangerous was Cambridge Analytica? The documentary claims the technology is to some considerable degree dangerous, although perhaps less dangerous than those involved with Cambridge Analytica like to think. The film is certainly worth viewing, as long as the viewer remembers that it is good journalism, but not a scholarly analysis.
HIF‐1 Signaling Pathway Implicated in Phenotypic Instability in a Chinese Hamster Ovary Production Cell Line
Authors: Lieske Paulena L. , Wei Wei , Crowe Kerstin B. , Figueroa Bruno , Zhang Lin
Published: December 2019

Monitoring genotypic and phenotypic stability is crucial during the development of recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. Although genotypic instability is well‐studied, there are few reports on phenotypic instability. Here, a case study of two clonal cell lines derived from Pfizer's site‐specific integration expression platform that expresses the same monoclonal antibody is described. It is shown that both cell lines (herein referred to as “Cell Line A” and “Cell Line B”) are genotypically stable up to 130 generations. However, when both cell lines are run side‐by‐side in a fed‐batch production assay, productivity from Cell Line A later generation cells is much lower when compared to earlier generation cells. Phenotypically, later generation Cell Line A cells display increased lactate production, decreased productivity, and decreased cell viability. Metabolic analysis reveals that Cell Line A exhibits increased glycolysis activity and capacity at higher generational age. Whole transcriptomic sequencing shows significant upregulation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF‐1α) signaling pathway and associated downstream targets. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirms elevated HIF‐1α protein in Cell Line A cells at later generation. These results suggest a novel role for HIF‐1α in the age‐associated metabolic changes that result in the phenotypic instability of a recombinant CHO cell line.
Precision medication: An illustrative case series guiding the clinical application of multi‐drug interactions and pharmacogenomics
Authors: Bain Kevin T. , McGain David , Cicali Emily J. , Knowlton Calvin H. , Michaud Veronique , Turgeon Jacques
Published: December 2019

Precision medication entails selecting the precise medication, dose, and timing of administration. Multi‐drug interactions and genetics significantly affect precision medication. In this article, we present two simulated cases for real‐world applications of precision medication. Clinicians may need to acquire additional skills to apply the principles illustrated by these cases.
Functionalization of Piperidine Derivatives for the Site‐Selective and Stereoselective Synthesis of Positional Analogues of Methylphenidate
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Babl Tobias , Röther Alexander , Reiser Oliver , Davies Huw M. L.
Published: December 2019

Rhodium‐catalyzed C−H insertions and cyclopropanations of donor/acceptor carbenes have been used for the synthesis of positional analogues of methylphenidate. The site selectivity is controlled by the catalyst and the amine protecting group. C−H functionalization of N‐Boc‐piperidine using Rh2(R‐TCPTAD)4, or N‐brosyl‐piperidine using Rh2(R‐TPPTTL)4 generated 2‐substitited analogues. In contrast, when N‐α‐oxoarylacetyl‐piperidines were used in combination with Rh2(S‐2‐Cl‐5‐BrTPCP)4, the C−H functionalization produced 4‐susbstiuted analogues. Finally, the 3‐substituted analogues were prepared indirectly by cyclopropanation of N‐Boc‐tetrahydropyridine followed by reductive regio‐ and stereoselective ring‐opening of the cyclopropanes.
Intensive statin treatment ameliorate the Th17/Treg functional imbalance in patients with non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome underwent percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Ma Xiaojing , Liu Shilei , Li Teng , Yuan Haitao
Published: December 2019

Background

Inflammation plays important roles in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Statins exert positive effects on the plaque stabilization through anti‐inflammation, however, the detailed mechanism is still under investigation.

Hypothesis

Studies suggest that the Th17/Treg functional imbalance takes key part in the plaque destabilization and the onset of ACS. We hypothesized that intensive statin therapy could ameliorate the Th17/Treg imbalance in patients with ACS.

Methods

Sixty‐six patients with non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) were randomized to conventional group and intensive group. Peripheral blood samples were collected on admission and after atorvastatin treatment. The frequencies of circulating Th17 cells and Treg cells, the levels of cytokines associated with Th17 cells (IL‐17, IL‐6 and IL‐23) and associated with Treg cells (IL‐10 and TGF‐β1) were measured through flow cytometry and ELISA assay respectively.

Results

One week after therapy, the frequencies of circulating Th17 cells of both the groups decreased and the frequencies of circulating Treg cells increased significantly, compared with the basal levels. Furthermore, the decreased frequencies of circulating Th17 cells and the increased frequencies of circulating Treg cells in the intensive group were significantly higher than those in the conventional group. In consistence, the decreased accumulation of IL‐17, IL‐6 and IL‐23 (cytokines relevant to Th17 cells) and the increased accumulation of IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 in peripheral blood were displayed in both groups. The changes are more significant in the intensive group.

Conclusion

Intensive statins therapy could ameliorate the Th17 and Treg functional imbalance in patients with ACS.
Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research cancer prevention guidelines and colorectal cancer incidence among African Americans and whites: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study
Authors: Onyeaghala Guillaume , Lintelmann Anna K. , Joshu Corrine E. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Folsom Aaron R. , Robien Kimberly , Platz Elizabeth A. , Prizment Anna E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) cancer prevention recommendations is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in whites, but only 1 previous study has reported on this link in African Americans. This study assessed the association between the 2018 WCRF/AICR guidelines and CRC incidence in African Americans (26.5%) and whites (73.5%) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities prospective cohort (n = 13,822).

Methods

A total of 368 incident CRC cases (268 among whites and 100 among African Americans) were identified between the baseline (1987) and 2012. A baseline adherence score was created for 7 WCRF/AICR guidelines (each contributing 0, 0.5, or 1 point to the score, with higher scores corresponding to greater adherence). Adherence scores were also categorized as tertiles (0.0‐3.0, 3.5‐4.0, and 4.5‐7.0). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the total cohort and with stratification by race.

Results

After adjustments for age, sex, race, center, smoking, education, intake of aspirin, calcium, total calories, diabetes status, and, in women, hormone replacement therapy, greater adherence was associated with decreased CRC risk. The HRs per 1‐unit increment in score were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80‐0.97) for the whole cohort, 0.89 (95% CI, 0.73‐1.09) for African Americans, and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.77‐0.99) for whites. Similar associations between higher adherence scores and decreased cancer risk were observed for men and women and for colon cancer but not for rectal cancer.

Conclusions

Greater adherence to the cancer prevention recommendations appears to be associated with decreased CRC risk for both African Americans and whites.
Gut dysbiosis during antileukemia chemotherapy versus allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Rashidi Armin , Kaiser Thomas , Graiziger Carolyn , Holtan Shernan G. , Rehman Tauseef Ur , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Dunny Gary M. , Khoruts Alexander , Staley Christopher
Published: December 2019

Background

In the field of malignant hematology, most microbiome studies have focused on recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). As a result, this population has remained the primary target for novel microbiota therapeutics. Because the types of insults to the microbiome are similar during hematopoietic cell transplantation and intensive antileukemia therapy, this study evaluated whether the dysbiosis states are similar in the 2 settings.

Methods

This study compared gut microbiota assemblages and community domination states in 2 cohorts of patients: patients with intensively treated acute leukemia (AL) and allo‐HCT recipients. 16S ribosomal RNA gene profiling of thrice weekly stool samples was performed. Linear discriminant analysis effect size was used to determine differentially abundant taxa in groups of interest, and mixed modes were used to determine the predictors of microbiome states.

Results

Microbiome changes in both cohorts were characterized by a marked loss of diversity and domination of low‐diversity communities by Enterococcus. In the AL cohort, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was also inversely correlated with diversity. Communities dominated by these genera were compositionally different.

Conclusions

Similarities in microbiota assemblages between the 2 cohorts support a broader scope for microbiota‐directed therapeutics than previously considered, whereas specific differences suggest a personalized aspect to such therapeutics with the possibility of a differential response.
Geographically distributed data should be analyzed with spatial epidemiologic methods
Authors: Garrett‐Mayer Elizabeth
Published: December 2019

Comparisons of crude incidence and mortality rates for acute myeloid leukemia cannot be used to determine whether cancer clusters exist. Geographic data should be analyzed via spatial modeling with appropriate adjustments for known prognostic factors.
Temperature estimation of inflamed bowel by the photoacoustic inverse approach
Authors: Alaeian Mohsen , Orlande Helcio R. B. , Machado João Carlos
Published: December 2019

Local temperature increase is one of the five classical signs of regions with inflammations. This work is focused on the application of the photoacoustic technique for the estimation of the temperature field in the colon, as the solution of an inverse problem, for the detection of inflamed regions. Two‐dimensional cases are examined here involving a cross section of the bowel, which characterize either the inflammation of the whole mucosa layer, or three small inflamed regions. The inverse problem is solved for a rotating laser inside the intestine lumen, which imposes pulses for the generation of the acoustic waves. One single ultrasound detector, also located at the laser rotating shaft, provides the simulated measurements for the inverse analysis. The inverse problem is solved here with the minimization of the maximum a posteriori objective function. Results show that the proposed technique can be applied for accurate estimations of the temperature distribution in the region of interest, which might be used for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
On the Global Behavior of Weak Null Quasilinear Wave Equations
Authors: Deng Yu , Pusateri Fabio
Published: December 2019

We consider a subclass of those quasilinear wave equations in 3 + 1 space‐time dimensions that satisfy the “weak null condition” as defined by Lindblad and Rodnianski , and study the large‐time behavior of solutions to the Cauchy problem. The prototype for the class of equations considered is . Global solutions for such equations have been constructed by Lindblad and Alinhac. Our main results are the derivation of a precise asymptotic system with good error bounds, and a detailed description of the behavior of solutions close to the light cone, including the blowup at infinity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative Outcomes of Treatment Initiation With Brand vs. Generic Warfarin in Older Patients
Authors: Desai Rishi J. , Gopalakrishnan Chandrasekar , Dejene Sara , Sarpatwari Ameet S. , Levin Raisa , Dutcher Sarah K. , Wang Zhong , Wittayanukorn Sara , Franklin Jessica M. , Gagne Joshua J.
Published: December 2019

The anticoagulant response to warfarin, a narrow therapeutic index drug, increases with age, which may make older patients susceptible to adverse outcomes resulting from small differences in bioavailability between generic and brand products. Using US Medicare claims linked to electronic medical records from two large hospitals in Boston, we designed a cohort study of ≥ 65‐year‐old patients. Patients were followed for a composite effectiveness outcome of ischemic stroke or venous thromboembolism, a composite safety outcome, including major hemorrhage, and a 1‐year all‐cause mortality outcome. After propensity score fine‐stratification and weighting to account for > 90 confounders, hazard ratios comparing brand vs. generic warfarin initiators (95% confidence intervals) for the effectiveness, safety, and all‐cause mortality outcomes, were 0.97 (0.65–1.46), 0.94 (0.65–1.35), and 0.84 (0.62–1.13), respectively. Results from subgroup analyses of patients with atrial fibrillation, CHADS‐VASc score ≥ 3, and HAS‐BLED score ≥ 3 were consistent with the primary analysis.
Neutrality in Irish mediation, one concept, different meanings
Authors: Cheevers Aonghus
Published: December 2019

The Mediation Act 2017 places mediation at the heart of the civil justice system in Ireland and protects some of the key principles of mediation. This article discusses neutrality, one of these principles. The article shows how neutrality is discussed by two sets of mediation stakeholders (clients and mediators). Using two data sets, the article demonstrates that both groups recognize the influence of neutrality on the mediation process. At the same time, the article shows that the manner in which both groups discuss neutrality is different.
Catalytic Production of Glucose–Galactose Syrup from Greek Yogurt Acid Whey in a Continuous‐Flow Reactor
Authors: Lindsay Mark J. , Huang Kefeng , Buchinger Brent A. , Maravelias Cristos T. , Dumesic James A. , Rankin Scott A. , Huber George W.
Published: December 2019

The hydrolysis of lactose in aqueous solutions and dairy waste streams was studied using Amberlyst 70 as a heterogeneous acid catalyst in a continuous‐flow packed‐bed reactor. The catalyst was stable during hydrolysis of an aqueous lactose feed but deactivated owing to mineral poisoning when the dairy waste Greek yogurt acid whey (GAW) was used as the feedstock. A catalyst deactivation model was developed and showed that the deactivation of the Amberlyst 70 catalyst was proportional to the amounts of cations, urea and amino acids flowing through the catalyst bed. The Amberlyst 70 catalyst was regenerable with an aqueous acid regeneration treatment. Based on the experimental data, a rigorous technoeconomic analysis was performed for the production of glucose–galactose syrup (GGS) via lactose hydrolysis of GAW using three different catalysts. This approach shows that the GGS produced from GAW could become a valuable revenue stream for Greek yogurt manufacturers.
An Overview of Engineered Graphene‐Based Cathodes: Boosting Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions in Lithium– and Sodium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Gómez Urbano Juan Luis , Enterría Marina , Monterrubio Iciar , Ruiz de Larramendi Idoia , Carriazo Daniel , Ortiz Vitoriano Nagore , Rojo Teófilo
Published: December 2019

The depletion of fossil fuels, the rapid evolution of the global economy, and high living standards require the development of new energy‐storage systems that can meet the needs of the world's population. Metal–oxygen batteries (M=Li, Na) arise, therefore, as promising alternatives to widely used lithium‐ion batteries, due to their high theoretical energy density, which approaches that of gasoline. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, there are still several challenges to overcome to reach the final commercialization of this technology. One of the most limiting and challenging factors is the development of bifunctional cathodes towards oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. In this sense, graphene, which is very promising and tunable, has been widely explored by the research community as a key material for this technology. Herein, a wide literature overview is presented and analyzed with the aim of guiding future research in this field.
2 D Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage: Design, Preparation, and Application
Authors: Cui Huijuan , Guo Yibo , Ma Wei , Zhou Zhen
Published: December 2019

Electrochemical energy storage is a promising route to relieve the increasing energy and environment crises, owing to its high efficiency and environmentally friendly nature. However, it is still challenging to realize its widespread application because of unsatisfactory electrode materials, with either high cost or poor activity and new electrode materials are urgently needed. Two‐dimensional (2 D) materials are possible candidates, owing to their unique geometry and physicochemical properties. This Review summarizes the latest advances in the development of 2 D materials for electrochemical energy storage. Computational investigation and design of 2 D materials are first introduced, and then preparation methods are presented in detail. Next, the application of such materials in supercapacitors, alkali metal‐ion batteries, and metal–air batteries are summarized comprehensively. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are discussed to offer a guideline for future exploration of high‐efficiency 2 D materials for electrochemical energy storage.
A new generalized switched diode multilevel inverter topology with reduced switch count and voltage on switches
Authors: Jagabar Sathik M. , Prabaharan N. , Ibrahim S.A.A. , Vijaykumar K. , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: December 2019

This article presents a new multilevel inverter topology with reduced power switches. The proposed topology composes of several series connection of basic unit for obtaining a required output voltage level. The proposed topology can operate in symmetric condition. The proposed topology is connected in a cascaded structure to produce a higher number of output voltage levels. The proposed cascaded structure is optimized with the minimum number of components for the maximum number of levels. To prove the superiority of the proposed multilevel inverter topology, different technical parameter comparisons are carried out with recently developed multilevel inverter topologies from the literature. The calculation of total standing voltage is examined for the proposed topology. The operation of the proposed topology is tested and verified for nine‐level output voltage. The simulated results are carried out, and it is strengthened by the real‐time prototype results.
PySpacell: A Python Package for Spatial Analysis of Cell Images
Authors: Rose France , Rappez Luca , Triana Sergio H. , Alexandrov Theodore , Genovesio Auguste
Published: December 2019

Technologies such as microscopy, sequential hybridization, and mass spectrometry enable quantitative single‐cell phenotypic and molecular measurements in situ. Deciphering spatial phenotypic and molecular effects on the single‐cell level is one of the grand challenges and a key to understanding the effects of cell–cell interactions and microenvironment. However, spatial information is usually overlooked by downstream data analyses, which usually consider single‐cell read‐out values as independent measurements for further averaging or clustering, thus disregarding spatial locations. With this work, we attempt to fill this gap. We developed a toolbox that allows one to test for the presence of a spatial effect in microscopy images of adherent cells and estimate the spatial scale of this effect. The proposed Python module can be used for any light microscopy images of cells as well as other types of single‐cell data such as in situ transcriptomics or metabolomics. The input format of our package matches standard output formats from image analysis tools such as CellProfiler, Fiji, or Icy and thus makes our toolbox easy and straightforward to use, yet offering a powerful statistical approach for a wide range of applications. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
In Situ Monitoring of Lipid Phase State Make Target Lipid Mixtures Similar to Intercellular Lipid in the Stratum Corneum
Authors: Fujii Mika Yoshimura , Gato Katsuhiko , Ozawa Yosuke , Hisada Hiroshi , Koide Tatsuo , Inoue Motoki , Fukami Toshiro
Published: December 2019

In this study, lipid structural change is monitored using Raman spectroscopy during heat treatment, along with the impact of lipid states on the structural and physical properties during the preparation process of the dried and hydrated lipid mixture (LM) similar to intercellular lipid in stratum corneum. The microstructures and thermal behavior of these LMs change depending on the melting of lipid ingredients in the preparation process. It is recognized that variable temperature Raman spectroscopy (VT‐Raman) is a useful and attractive tool for the sensitive in situ monitoring of lipid state changes and lipid melting. The LMs can incorporate D2O into their structures regardless of preparation temperature due to increasing lattice distance by hydration. These results suggest that monitoring lipid structural changes during the heating step is important to precisely prepare target LMs.

Practical Applications: This study reveals that VT‐Raman is a useful and attractive tool in in situ monitoring of lipid state change and lipid melting. The monitoring of the preparation process by VT‐Raman is necessary to precisely prepare the target LM similar to intercellular lipid of stratum corneum because the microstructures and thermal properties of these LMs change depending on the melting of lipid ingredients during the preparation process.
Scope, Kinetics, and Mechanism of “On Water” Cu Catalysis in the C–N Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Indole Derivatives
Authors: Malavade Vrunda , Patil Manish , Patil Mahendra
Published: December 2019

A simple and cost‐effective protocol for the C–N cross coupling of indole derivatives with aryl iodides using CuI/phenanthroline catalytic system in aqueous and DME/H2O solvent mixture is described. The reactions were performed in the absence of phase‐transfer catalyst, and afforded N‐arylated products in moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. A systematic tuning of reaction conditions using DME as a co‐solvent enables to improve product yields of N‐arylation reactions. The broad substrate scope, easy performance, and low loading of catalyst as well as ligand render this approach appropriate for large scale processes. The mechanism of “on water” Cu‐catalyzed N‐arylation reaction is investigated using kinetic and computational studies, which reveal interesting mechanistic aspects of the reaction. A series of kinetic experiments showed significant rate enhancement for “on water” Cu‐catalyzed N‐arylation over the reaction performed in the organic solvent (DME). Computational studies corroborated “on water” rate acceleration by delineating the role of water in the reaction. The water induces rate acceleration by stabilizing the transition state of oxidative addition through hydrogen bonding interactions, presumably at the oil‐water interface, and thus helps to reduce the free energy of activation of oxidative addition of iodobenzene to the Cu complex, which is identified as the rate‐limiting step of reaction.
Experimental Study on Fast Pyrolysis of Raw and Torrefied Woody Biomass
Authors: Louwes Alexander C. , Halfwerk Ruben B. , Bramer Eddy A. , Brem Gerrit
Published: December 2019

Herein, the conversion times of biomass pyrolysis are measured at temperatures between 450 and 550 °C and particle size fractions between 0 and 400 μm using a cyclonic thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) device. Beech, spruce, and ash wood are investigated, as well as torrefied samples. The conversion time decreases with the increasing temperature from 7 to less than 1 s. The influence of the type of biomass on the conversion time is limited and only significant for low temperatures, when kinetics dominates the conversion process. A clear influence of the torrefaction process on the pyrolysis conversion time is noted and can be explained by the modified porosity of the biomass particles during the torrefaction process. Kinetic data are extracted from the conversion times, and a model is developed for a better interpretation of the measured results. The model shows good comparison with the experimental data and may also be used for design purposes of fast pyrolysis reactors.
Sparse linear array in the estimation of AoA and AoD with high resolution and low complexity
Authors: Angeline Beulah V , Venkateswaran N
Published: December 2019

High resolution with low complexity angle of arrival and departure estimation in real‐time radar and wireless communication has been a topic of intensive research. In this paper, two novel algorithms are proposed, namely, minimum redundancy and minimum redundancy–reduced correlation algorithms, for finding the angles of arrival and departure with high resolution and low complexity. The first of the two proposed algorithms is meant for the reduction in the active number of antennas (minimum redundancy) without generating virtual angles. The second involves a reduction in subspace leakage to enable improvement of the peak power of the estimated true angles. The authors have assumed the users as coherent and the channel following Saleh‐Valenzuela model. This has been done for the validation of the performance of the proposed algorithms. Numerical simulations demonstrate the out performance of the existing sparse array subspace‐based methods in the estimation of angles by the proposed methods.
Survival benefit in patients with peripheral T‐cell lymphomas after treatments with novel therapies and clinical trials
Authors: Ma Helen , Cheng Bin , Falchi Lorenzo , Marchi Enrica , Sawas Ahmed , Bhagat Govind , O'Connor Owen A.
Published: December 2019

The peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) are rare and heterogeneous diseases characterized by an unfavorable prognosis. Chemotherapy is standard upfront treatment in most patients, but responses are short‐lived with few FDA‐approved “novel” agents available. We sought to define the impact of these novel agents as single agents or in clinical trials on the outcomes of patients with PTCL. From January 1994 to May 2019, adult patients with PTCL who were managed at our institution were included in this analysis. In addition to patients with incomplete data, those diagnosed with large granular lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) except for transformed mycosis fungoides were excluded. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4. There were 219 patients included in the analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 56 years (range, 18‐90 years). First line therapies mostly consisted of combination chemotherapy (75%). There was a statistical difference among patients who received chemotherapy, novel agents alone and in chemotherapy‐free combinations, other, and no treatment (P < .0001). In patients who were treated with second line chemotherapy, novel agents alone and in combination without chemotherapy, or other, there was a still a survival benefit favoring novel agents (P = .0417). In the third line, there was no statistical difference among the three groups (P = .569). All patients who received novel therapies and underwent autologous stem cell transplant (autoSCT) achieved a complete response (CR) and had a better survival compared with patients who underwent chemotherapy who had a 70% CR rate prior to autoSCT (P = .046). Exposure to FDA‐approved novel agents, immunoepigenetic trials, and clinical trials in general was associated with an overall survival (OS) benefit (P = .003, P = .04, and P = .006, respectively). These data suggest that patients who receive novel agents have superior outcomes compared with patients without exposure to novel therapies who receive chemotherapy‐predicated treatments.
6LoWPAN fragmentation in the context of IoT based media real time communication
Authors: Herrero Rolando
Published: December 2019

Many Internet of Things (IoT) applications, like presence detection, rely on wireless sensors transmitting Real Time Communication (RTC) media that is processed at remote servers. The use of IEEE 802.15.4 physical and data‐link layers is pretty widespread as they provide enough throughput to transmit compressed media. In this context, however, the most important issue is that IEEE 802.15.4 limits the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size to 127 bytes. The Low power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN) IPv6 adaptation protocol provides a mechanism that adds fragmentation capabilities to traditional IPv6 and allows the transmission of typically large media frames. Because it is not always possible to configure codec based fragmentation, alternatively relying on 6LoWPAN fragmentation can severely affect Quality of Service (QoS) when the wireless channel exhibits high packet loss. In this paper we focus on analyzing this problem including its implications and proposing possible solutions.
Does adoption of an evidence‐based practice lead to job turnover? Results from a randomized trial
Authors: Whitaker Daniel J. , Lyons Matthew , Weeks Erin A. , Hayat Matthew J. , Self‐Brown Shannon , Zahidi Rabab
Published: December 2019

It is important to understand the impact of implementation of evidence‐based practices (EBPs) on the workforce. EBP implementation can increase job demands, stress, and burnout, and may thereby exacerbate turnover. This study examined the effects of implementation of an EBP on turnover among staff at nine child welfare agencies. A total of 102 providers were randomized to either adopt an EBP, SafeCare©, or continue providing services as usual. Participants completed a baseline survey assessing demographics, attitudes toward EBPs, and organizational functioning, and provider turnover was recorded for up to 18 months following implementation. The overall turnover rate was 35%, but did not differ by EBP assignment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27; 95% confidence interval [0.66, 2.45]). Variables associated with turnover included age (OR = 0.92), years since degree completion (OR = 0.94), prior exposure to EBP (OR = 3.91), believing that adopting an EBP was burdensome (OR = 0.52), and motivation for change (OR = 0.89). EBP assignment moderated two aspects of negative attitudes toward EBP (divergence and monitoring) to predict turnover; those attitudes were only positively related to turnover for individuals assigned to the EBP (OR = 1.46, 1.16). Implications of the findings for implementation are discussed.
Validation of Automated Perfusion‐Weighted Phase‐Resolved Functional Lung (PREFUL)‐MRI in Patients With Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Behrendt Lea , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Klimeš Filip , Gutberlet Marcel , Winther Hinrich B. , Kaireit Till F. , Alsady Tawfik Moher , Pöhler Gesa H. , Derlin Thorsten , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: December 2019

Background

Perfusion‐weighted (Qw) noncontrast‐enhanced proton lung MRI is a promising technique for assessment of pulmonary perfusion, but still requires validation.

Purpose

To improve perfusion‐weighted phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL)‐MRI, to validate PREFUL with perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as a gold standard, and to compare PREFUL with dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI as a reference.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Twenty patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 14 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and 21 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

For PREFUL‐MRI, a spoiled gradient echo sequence and for DCE‐MRI a 3D time‐resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories sequence were used at 1.5T.

Assessment

PREFUL‐MRI coronal slices were acquired in free‐breathing. DCE‐MRI was performed in breath‐hold with injection of 0.03 mmol/kg bodyweight of gadoteric acid at a rate of 4 cc/s. Perfusion SPECT images were obtained for six CTEPH patients. Images were coregistered. An algorithm to define the appropriate PREFUL perfusion phase was developed using perfusion SPECT data. Perfusion defect percentages (QDP) and Qw‐values were calculated for all methods. For PREFUL quantitative perfusion values (PREFULQ) and for DCE pulmonary blood flow (PBF) was calculated.

Statistical Tests

Obtained parameters were assessed using Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Qw‐SPECT correlated with Qw‐DCE (r = 0.50, P < 0.01) and Qw‐PREFUL (r = 0.47, P < 0.01). Spatial overlap of QDP maps showed an agreement ≥67.7% comparing SPECT and DCE, ≥64.1% for SPECT and PREFUL, and ≥60.2% comparing DCE and PREFUL. Significant correlations of Qw‐PREFUL and Qw‐DCE were found (COPD: r = 0.79, P < 0.01; CF: r = 0.77, P < 0.01; CTEPH: r = 0.73, P < 0.01). PREFULQ/PBF correlations were similar/lower (CF, CTEPH: P > 0.12; COPD: P < 0.01) compared to Qw‐PREFUL/DCE correlations. PREFULQ‐values were higher/similar compared to PBF‐values (COPD, CF: P < 0.01; CTEPH: P = 0.026).

Data Conclusion

The automated PREFUL algorithm may allow for noncontrast‐enhanced pulmonary perfusion assessment in COPD, CF, and CTEPH patients comparable to DCE‐MRI.

Level of Evidence 3

Technical Efficacy Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:103–114.
Bridging the gap: Using 3D printed polycaprolactone implants to reconstruct circumferential tracheal defects in rabbits
Authors: Chan David S. , Gabra Nathalie , Baig Ayesha , Manoukian John J. , Daniel Sam J.
Published: December 2019

Objective

1) To assess the feasibility of reconstructing 2‐cm‐long circumferential tracheal defects with a 3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) implant in rabbits. 2) To evaluate endoscopic, histologic, and functional characteristics of a PCL tracheal implant over time.

Methods

Ten New Zealand rabbits were included in this study. A 2‐cm‐long 3D printed PCL tracheal implant was created. All rabbits underwent surgical excision of a 2‐cm‐long cm segment of cervical trachea, which was reconstructed with the implant. Rabbits were sacrificed at the following time points: 0, 4, 5, 6, and 7 weeks postoperatively. At these time points, a rigid bronchoscopy was performed, and blinded evaluators calculated the percentage of airway stenosis. The tracheas were then harvested and prepared for histologic analysis.

Results

All rabbits survived to their date of sacrifice except for one. Rabbits were euthanized between 0 to 54 days postoperatively with a median of 30 days. All rabbits developed significant granulation tissue with an average percentage stenosis of 92.3% ± 6.1%. On histology, granulation was present with extensive neovascularization and mixed inflammatory cells. There was re‐epithelialization present on the luminal surface of the PCL implant near the anastomoses but absent at the center of the implant.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that our 2‐cm‐long 3D printed PCL tracheal implant can be used to reconstruct a tracheal defect of equivalent size in a New Zealand rabbit model in the short term. However, significant granulation tissue formation limits long‐term survival. Further research is warranted to limit the granulation tissue overgrowth.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 2019
Legacy nitrate in the deep loess deposits after conversion of arable farmland to non‐fertilized land uses for degraded land restoration
Authors: Ji Wangjia , Huang Yanan , Li Bingbing , Hopkins David W , Liu Wenzhao , Li Zhi
Published: December 2019

The legacy nitrate–nitrogen (NO3−−N) in the soils is a long‐term threat to groundwater in regions with thick unsaturated zones, and it is thus important to investigate the amounts and sources of NO3−−N for effective environmental management. Given the substantial conversions of arable farmlands to non‐fertilizer land uses for the restoration of degraded land, the legacy effects of NO3−−N in thick loessial unsaturated zones in China remain uncertain. We collected soil samples from loess profiles >13‐m deep under arable farmland and grassland, apricot, pine, peashrub, willow, and poplar converted from arable farmland over 15–35 years. We determined their nitrate content and isotope compositions to quantify the accumulation and sources of the former and its potential threat to groundwater. The seven NO3−−N profiles exhibited a parabolic shape with peak depths at 2.6–9.2 m. Greater peak depths corresponded to greater NO3−−N values, and the peak nitrate level varied from 0 to 10 m. The total NO3−−N accumulation ranged 3,181–9,018 kg N ha−1, and the non‐fertilizer profiles accounted for 35–73% of the arable farmland. The nitrate sources varied with depths. According to the isotope mass balance, the nitrate above, near, and below the peak depths mainly originated from atmospheric NO3− (25–34%), synthetic N fertilizer (49–68%), and soil organic N and manure (50–73%). The estimated residence time of nitrate in the soil ranged from 270 to 620 years. As such, the nitrate legacy effects should be given considerable attention for the protection of the soil and groundwater environment.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation When Deceased Donor Is Not Possible or Timely: Case Examples and Ethical Perspectives
Authors: Levitsky Josh , Gordon Elisa J.
Published: December 2019

This article analyzes the ethical soundness of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in situations where the transplant team does not consider deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) a clinical or timely option. Given that patients with end‐stage liver disease have a high risk of death without DDLT, the option of LDLT becomes compelling and may save lives. We present 3 representative cases from our center that raise concerns over social behavior, limited time constraints for decision making, and high potential for disease recurrence that render DDLT an unlikely option. Thereafter, we discuss ethical issues for each patient, which predominantly pertain to compromises to the living donor informed consent process and the feasibility of LDLT. We conclude with recommendations regarding whether LDLT is an acceptable ethical option for those patients, which may inform clinical practice in the broader transplant community.
Metabolic Network Abnormalities in Drug‐Naïve Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Schindlbeck Katharina A. , Lucas‐Jiménez Olaia , Tang Chris C. , Morbelli Silvia , Arnaldi Dario , Pardini Matteo , Pagani Marco , Ibarretxe‐Bilbao Naroa , Ojeda Natalia , Nobili Flavio , Eidelberg David
Published: December 2019

Background

An ideal imaging biomarker for a neurodegenerative disorder should be able to measure abnormalities in the earliest stages of the disease.

Objective

We investigated metabolic network changes in two independent cohorts of drug‐naïve Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who have not been exposed to dopaminergic medication.

Methods

We scanned 85 de novo, drug‐naïve PD patients and 85 age‐matched healthy control subjects from Italy (n = 96) and the United States (n = 74) with [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET. All patients had clinical follow‐ups to verify the diagnosis of idiopathic PD. Spatial covariance analysis was used to identify and validate de novo PD‐related metabolic patterns in the Italian and U.S. cohorts. We compared the de novo PD‐related metabolic patterns to the original PD‐related pattern that was identified in more advanced patients who had been on chronic dopaminergic treatment.

Results

De novo PD‐related metabolic patterns were identified in each of the two independent cohorts of drug‐naïve PD patients, and each differentiated PD patients from healthy control subjects. Expression values for these disease patterns were elevated in drug‐naïve PD patients relative to healthy controls in the identification as well as in each of the validation subgroups. The two de novo PD‐related metabolic patterns were topographically very similar to each other and to the original PD‐related pattern.

Conclusions

Reproducible PD‐related patterns are expressed in de novo, drug‐naïve PD patients. In PD, disease‐related metabolic patterns have stereotyped topographies that develop independently of chronic levodopa treatment. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Transformer matched gilbert mixer with active balun for D band transmitter
Authors: Yu Jiayang , Chen Jixin , Li Huanbo , Zhou Peigen , Hou Debin , Hong Wei , Yan Pinpin
Published: December 2019

A Gilbert mixer for the application of a D band transmitter is presented. In the work, the differential pair below the mixing quad is replaced by an active balun. A source resistor is introduced to improve balance performance of the active balun. Owing to the resistor, the LO‐to RF isolation of the mixer is also improved. At the output end, a transformer‐based balun is used to transform differential signal to single‐end signal and realize wideband output match. The circuit is designed on a 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology with fT/fmax of 300/500 GHz. The compact mixer covers 5 GHz intermediate frequency (IF) tuning range (1 to 6 GHz) with LO frequency fixed at 150 GHz. The measured RF 3‐dB bandwidth varying from 128 to 160 GHz with maximum −6 dB conversion gain, when the LO frequency is tuned. And the output referred 1‐dB compression point (OP1dB) is nearly −15 dBm. The mixer except test circuit consumes 14 mW DC power.
Low‐cost and miniaturized metamaterial absorber using 3D printed swastika symbol
Authors: Kim Minseok , Jeong Heijun , Lim Daecheon , Ghosh Saptarshi , Lim Sungjoon
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a low‐cost metamaterial (MM) absorber is proposed using 3‐dimensional (3D) printing technology. The unit cell of the proposed MM absorber is motivated from a swastika symbol to minimize the footprint size. For further miniaturization, the unit cell is 3D printed by stacking two blocks. The conductive top patterns are realized by painting with a silver ink. The proposed MM absorber consists of 2 × 4 unit cell array which is loaded in the rectangular waveguide. Its absorptivity is simulated and measured to demonstrate the performance. The simulated and measured absorptivity at 1.91 GHz are 99% and 92%, respectively.
Is high sensitivity always desirable for a grating‐based differential phase contrast imaging system?
Authors: Ji Xu , Zhang Ran , Li Ke , Chen Guang‐Hong
Published: December 2019

Purpose

In grating‐based x‐ray differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging, the measured signal amplitude of the phase shift induced by an image object is proportional to the so‐called system sensitivity. Therefore, to achieve a better signal‐to‐noise (SNR) for improved imaging performance, it is generally believed that one should increase the system sensitivity by reducing the period of the analyzer grating or increasing the distance between the phase grating and analyzer grating. The purpose of this work is to theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that there is an optimal system sensitivity to attain the highest SNR for a given task provided that the standard phase‐stepping acquisition and phase retrieval methods are used. When system sensitivity goes beyond this optimal value, SNR decreases and the imaging performance deteriorates.

Methods

Due to the fundamental fact that the measured phase signal is a cyclic variable, the phase wrapping effect is inevitable in DPC imaging when the system sensitivity increases. The phase wrapping effect appears in both signal and noise measurements. The effect in the signal measurement is manifested in the so‐called signal statistical bias and such effect often impacts the accuracy of the measurement. The phase wrapping effect also appears in the noise variance measurement and impacts the precision of the measurement. A thorough theoretical analysis was performed in this work to demonstrate the quantitative impacts of phase wrapping on both signal bias and noise variance and thus on the actual system SNR. The joint effect of phase wrapping in both the signal bias and noise variance yields an optimal system sensitivity to achieve the highest SNR. Both extensive numerical simulation studies and experimental studies were performed to validate the theoretical analysis.

Results

Both theoretical analysis and experimental studies show that the SNR of the DPC signal is not always proportional to the sensitivity due to the cyclic nature of the signal and the phase wrapping effect. For a given refraction angle and exposure level, there exists an optimal sensitivity factor that maximizes the SNR, beyond which, increasing the sensitivity will decrease the SNR.

Conclusions

Increase of system sensitivity does not always improve x‐ray DPC imaging performance provided that the standard phase‐stepping acquisition and phase retrieval methods are used.