bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axially symmetric models for global data: A journey between geostatistics and stochastic generators
Authors: Porcu E. , Castruccio S. , Alegría A. , Crippa P.
Published: January 2019

Decades of research in spatial statistics have prompted the development of a wide variety of models and methods whose primary goal is optimal linear interpolation (kriging), as well as sound assessment of the associated uncertainty (kriging variance). While kriging is of paramount importance for scientific investigations requiring high‐resolution maps, spatial statistics can be used for other classes of applications as well. Indeed, new areas are emerging where the main goal is to simulate from a statistical model whose parameters have been estimated from the data. This paper focuses on two different ways to model global data with axially symmetric Gaussian processes, for which the covariance function is nonstationary over latitudes and stationary over longitudes. Both strategies are illustrated through a global data set on surface temperatures generated by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). On the one hand, we downscale surface temperatures through a classical geostatistical approach. We exploit Gaussianity assumption to focus on the second‐order structure, and we develop a novel class of axially symmetric models inspired from currently available isotropic models. We also propose a new covariance model that is axially symmetric. Covariance‐based approaches are notorious for their computational burden, and a considerable amount of recent literature has been devoted to overcome this problem. We propose a simulation‐based approach that works for processes defined on a lattice only. For such an approach, kriging cannot be performed as there is an underlying continuous process. At the same time, inference can be performed exactly on extremely large data sets.
Flexible Classification of Wisconsin Lakes for Improved Fisheries Conservation and Management
Authors: Rypel Andrew L , Simonson Timothy D , Oele Daniel L , Griffin Joanna D T , Parks Timothy P , Seibel David , Roberts Craig M , Toshner Scott , Tate Lori S , Lyons John
Published: January 2019

Successful fisheries management practices developed for one ecosystem can often be used in similar ecosystems. We developed a flexible lake classification framework in collaboration with ~100 fisheries biologists for improved fisheries conservation management in Wisconsin, USA. In total, 5,950 lakes were classified into 15 lake classes using a two-tiered approach. In tier-one, lakes were clustered into “simple” and “complex” sportfish assemblages. In tier-two, lakes were further clustered using accumulated degree days, water clarity, and special cases. We focus on temperature and clarity because these factors often drive fisheries change over time—thus a lake's class can change over time. Lake class assignments were refined through a vetting process where fisheries biologists with expert knowledge provided feedback. Relative abundance, size-structure, and growth rates of fishes varied significantly across classes. Biologists are encouraged to utilize class interquartile ranges in fisheries metrics to make improved fisheries assessments. We highlight hard-won lessons from our effort including: (1) the importance of co-developing classification frameworks alongside fisheries biologists; and (2) encouraging frameworks where lakes can shift classes and fisheries expectations over time due to factors like climate change and eutrophication.
Multiple convection‐driven Falkner‐Skan flow of Carreau nanofluid along a permeable wedge: An analytical approach
Authors: Chakraborty Tanmoy , Das Kalidas , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: January 2019

The impression of multiple convective conditions on Falkner‐Skan flow along a permeable static/moving wedge is demonstrated here. The Carreau nanofluid model depending on the power law index is incorporated with the effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion. A suitable similarity conversion is consumed to bring out the nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) from the partial differential system. The transformed system is tackled via analytical and numerical procedure by homotopy perturbation method and RK‐5 with shooting technique, respectively. Numerical computations assert that the growth of concentration and temperature boundary layer widths are in an inversely proportional relation to the permeability of the medium, whereas reverse effect is observed for conduction convection and conduction diffusion parameters. Also, with the enhancement of Brownian motion parameter, the rate of heat transport gets reduced for static wedge by 14.25% whereas for moving wedge the reduction is 10.61%. Another significant observation shows that the growth in mass transport with conduction diffusion is 17.65% greater for moving wedge in contrast to static one in accordance with other governing parameters.
Value of global metabolomics in association with diagnosis and clinicopathological factors of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sato Tomonori , Kawasaki Yoshihide , Maekawa Masamitsu , Takasaki Shinya , Saigusa Daisuke , Ota Hideki , Shimada Shuichi , Yamashita Shinichi , Mitsuzuka Koji , Yamaguchi Hiroaki , Ito Akihiro , Kinoshita Kengo , Koshiba Seizo , Mano Nariyasu , Arai Yoichi
Published: January 2019

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant tumor that currently lacks clinically useful biomarkers indicative of early diagnosis or disease status. RCC has commonly been diagnosed based on imaging results. Metabolomics offers a potential technology for discovering biomarkers and therapeutic targets by comprehensive screening of metabolites from patients with various cancers. We aimed to identify metabolites associated with early diagnosis and clinicopathological factors in RCC using global metabolomics (G‐Met). Tumor and nontumor tissues were sampled from 20 cases of surgically resected clear cell RCC. G‐Met was performed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and important metabolites specific to RCC were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis for cancer diagnostic ability based on area under the curve (AUC) and clinicopathological factors (tumor volume, pathological T stage, Fuhrman grade, presence of coagulation necrosis and distant metastasis). We identified 58 metabolites showing significantly increased levels in tumor tissues, 34 of which showed potential early diagnostic ability (AUC >0.8), but 24 did not discriminate between tumor and nontumor tissues (AUC ≤0.8). We recognized 6 pathways from 9 metabolites with AUC >0.8 and 7 pathways from 10 metabolites with AUC ≤0.8 about malignant status. Clinicopathological factors involving malignant status correlated significantly with metabolites showing AUC ≤0.8 (p = 0.0279). The tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle, TCA cycle intermediates, nucleotide sugar pathway and inositol pathway were characteristic pathways for the malignant status of RCC. In conclusion, our study found that metabolites and their pathways allowed discrimination between early diagnosis and malignant status in RCC according to our G‐Met protocol.
IL‐17R deletion predicts high‐grade colorectal cancer and poor clinical outcomes
Authors: Yan Chi , Huang Weei‐Yuan , Boudreau Jeanette , Mayavannan Animamalar , Cheng Zhenyu , Wang Jun
Published: January 2019

The IL‐17 receptor (IL‐17R) has a perplexing role in cancer, which may be explained by its yin‐yang signaling pathways. Recently, the critical role of IL‐17R in maintaining basal levels of A20—a key negative regulator of NF‐κB and JNK‐c‐Jun pathways has been demonstrated in cancer cell lines. Cross‐cancer analyses of somatic copy number alterations in IL‐17RA, IL‐17RC and A20 genes reveal that IL‐17RA‐deletion is common in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, representing 24, 26, 37 and 49% of stage I, II, III and IV of patients, respectively, and mutually exclusive with patients displaying microsatellite instability. Importantly, patients with IL‐17R‐deletion or concurrent deletions of A20 show significantly reduced overall survival. Analysis of multiple published microarray studies confirms that IL‐17RA expression is significantly reduced in CRC samples compared to normal counterparts, and its level is closely associated with A20 expression. Analyses of RNAseq data indicate that tumors with IL‐17R‐deletion express strong molecular markers of tumor invasion, growth and metastasis. Notably, approximately 20 genes responsible for protein synthesis and mitochondrial metabolism are inversely correlated with both IL‐17RA and A20. Immunohistochemistry staining in human colorectal tissue arrays further reveals that high‐grade tumors have significantly reduced IL‐17RA staining compared to low‐grade tumors. Thus, collective evidence strongly supports a previously unrecognized CRC‐promoting mechanism triggered by IL‐17RA‐deletion and highlights its utility as a prognostic marker in CRC.
Evaluating motion detection to score sleep disturbance for children: A translational approach to developing a measurement system
Authors: Lesser Aaron D. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Hood Stephanie A.
Published: January 2019

Information obtained via direct observation of children's sleep disturbance throughout the night in their home can guide the assessment and treatment process, but watching live or via recorded video might be impractical in terms of time expenditures. In Experiment 1, we assessed the accuracy and reliability of a motion‐detection camera with human motor movements. In Experiment 2, we tested the system's generality by using it to obtain in‐home measures of sleep disturbance for three children with autism spectrum disorder and compared the accuracy to a continuous measurement system. We also measured scoring efficiency and assessed parents' acceptability of the camera. Results provide preliminary support for motion detection in measuring sleep disturbance, but further evaluation of motion detection to improve accuracy is warranted.
Genome‐wide analysis of ETV1 targets: Insights into the role of ETV1 in tumor progression
Authors: Eid Wassim , Abdel‐Rehim Wafaa
Published: January 2019

ETS variant 1 (ETV1) is a key player in metastatic progression in several types of human cancers, yet the direct target genes of ETV1 and the mechanisms by which ETV1 exerts its deleterious function remain largely elusive. Here, we performed large‐scale mapping and analysis of target loci of ETV1 in the prostate cancer cells LNCaP using the DNA adenine methyltransferase identification technique, we identified close to 800 direct targets for ETV1. Expression analysis using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed a positive regulation by ETV1 in most of the genes examined. Furthermore, gene and pathway analysis unraveled new signaling pathways and biological networks that interact with ETV1. Our findings cast light on genes and networks regulated by ETV1, it also opens new fronts for studying the role of ETV1 and its target genes in tumorigenesis.
Brusatol inhibits amyloid‐β‐induced neurotoxicity in U‐251 cells via regulating the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: Liu Xin , Xu HuaWen , Zhang YueQi , Wang Peng , Gao Wei
Published: January 2019

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) has been reported to cause oxidative damage of neurons leading to neurotoxicity in a variety of diseases and cancers. As an anticancer drug, brusatol (BR) has been shown to have potent cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell lines. In this study, the effect and mechanism of BR on Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity was investigated in U‐251 glioma cells. Using the MTT assay, the results suggest that BR ameliorated cell injury induced by Aβ in U‐251 cells. After running Hoechst and Western blot assays, BR prevented cell apoptosis induced by Aβ in U‐251 cells. In addition, BR inhibited the increased reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential levels induced by Aβ in U‐251 cells using the DCFH‐DA and Rh123 method. Furthermore, BR induced the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to inhibit neurotoxicity elicited by Aβ. These results suggest that brustasol is a valuable potential antitumor drug available for chemotherapy.
Rg3 inhibits gemcitabine‐induced lung cancer cell invasiveness through ROS‐dependent, NF‐κB‐ and HIF‐1α‐mediated downregulation of PTX3
Authors: Ahmmed Bulbul , Kampo Sylvanus , Khan Muhammad , Faqeer Abdullah , kumar Seewooruttun Pawan , Yulin Li , Liu Ji Wei , Yan Qiu
Published: January 2019

PTX3, a member of the long pentraxin subfamily, associated with innate immunity is indispensable for resistance to some cancer. Gemcitabine, an analog of cytosine arabinoside, has shown restrained benefits because of profound chemoresistance. The PTX3 expression on GEM in human lung cancer cells have not yet been clarified; the present study aimed to show reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediatory PTX3 expression through distinct mechanisms. Whereas ginsenoside Rg3 is a herbal medicine with strong antitumor activity. Furthermore, we tested the hypothesis; Rg3 abrogates GEM‐induced production of ROS‐mediated activation of Akt and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathways and inhibits nuclear piling‐up of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and HIF‐1α. On the basis of time and dose‐dependent manner, our data demonstrated that GEM‐induced PTX3 expression was dependent on ROS generation as it was abrogated by pretreatment of lung cancer cells with the free radical scavenger N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine. Our data demonstrated that PTX3 upregulation by GEM correlated with the time‐dependent escalation of NF‐κB and HIF‐1α in the nucleus resulted from phosphorylation‐induced degradation of IκBα, whereas HIF‐1α upregulation was NF‐κB‐dependent. Increase in ROS expression in lung cancer cells on GEM treatment preceded the nuclear accumulation of NF‐κB and HIF‐1α and suppression of ROS diminished these effects. ERK1/2 and Akt activation mediated the effect of ROS on NF‐κB and HIF‐1α and their pharmacological inhibition suppressed GEM‐induced PTX3. Our study findings reinforced the role regarding PTX3 signaling in GEM‐induced resistance and pointed toward an unintended and undesired effect of chemotherapy and to get an active regimen; the synergy was associated with NF‐κB downregulation in lung cancer.
The Cardiovascular Effects of a Meal: J‐Tpeak and Tpeak‐Tend Assessment and Further Insights Into the Physiological Effects
Authors: Täubel Jörg , Ferber Georg , Van Langenhoven Leen , del Bianco Teresa , Fernandes Sara , Djumanov Dilshat , Kanters Jørgen K. , Graff Claus , Camm A. John
Published: January 2019

Meal intake leads to a significant and prolonged increase in cardiac output to supply the splanchnic vasculature. A meal is associated with sympathetic activation of the cardiovascular system, and food ingestion is correlated with an increase in heart rate, an increase in cardiac stroke volume, and QTc interval shortening for up to 7 hours. Given the complexity of the system, one or several of many mechanisms could explain this observation. The shortening of the QTc interval was correlated with a rise of C‐peptide following food ingestion, but the mechanisms by which C‐peptide may be involved in the modulation of cardiac repolarization are still unknown. This shortening of the myocardial action potential caused by the ingestion of food was further investigated in the present study by measuring the QRS, J‐Tpeak, and Tpeak‐Tend intervals in search of further clues to better understand the underlying mechanisms. A retrospective analysis was conducted based on data collected in a formal thorough QT/QTc study in which 32 subjects received a carbohydrate‐rich “continental” breakfast, moxifloxacin without food, and moxifloxacin with food. We assessed the effect of food on T‐wave morphology using validated algorithms for measurement of J‐Tpeak and Tpeak‐Tend intervals. Our findings demonstrate that a standardized meal significantly shortened J‐Tpeak for 4 hours after a meal and to a much lesser extent and shorter duration (up to 1 hour) prolonged the Tpeak‐Tend and QRS intervals. This suggests that the QTc shortening occurs mainly during phase 2 of the cardiac action potential. As there was no corresponding effect on Tpeak‐Tend beyond the first hour, we conclude that a meal does not interfere with the outward correcting potassium channels but possibly with Ca2+ currents. An effect on mainly Ca2+ aligns well with our understanding of physiology whereby an increase in stroke volume, as observed after a meal, is associated with changes in Ca2+ cycling in and out of the sarcoplasmic reticulum during cardiac myocyte contraction.
Breast MRI screening for average‐risk women: A monte carlo simulation cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Mango Victoria L. , Goel Akshay , Mema Eralda , Kwak Ellie , Ha Richard
Published: January 2019

Background

Screening high‐risk women for breast cancer with MRI is cost‐effective, with increasing cost‐effectiveness paralleling increasing risk. However, for average‐risk women cost is considered a major limitation to mass screening with MRI.

Purpose

To perform a cost–benefit analysis of a simulated breast cancer screening program for average‐risk women comparing MRI with mammography.

Study Type

Population simulation study.

Population/Subjects

Five million (M) hypothetical women undergoing breast cancer screening.

Field Strength/Sequence

Simulation based primarily on Kuhl et al8 study utilizing 1.5T MRI with an axial bilateral 2D multisection gradient‐echo dynamic series (repetition time / echo time 250/4.6 msec; flip angle, 90°) with a full 512 × 512 acquisition matrix and a sensitivity encoding factor of two, performed prior to and four times after bolus injection of 0.1 mmol of gadobutrol per kg of body weight (Gadovist; Bayer, Germany). An axial T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo sequence with identical anatomic parameters was also included.

Assessment

A Monte Carlo simulation utilizing Medicare reimbursement rates to calculate input variable costs was developed to compare 5M women undergoing breast cancer screening with either triennial MRI or annual mammography, 2.5M in each group, over 30 years.

Statistical Tests

Expected recall rates, BI‐RADS 3, BI‐RADS 4/5 cases and cancer detection rates were determined from published literature with calculated aggregate costs including resultant diagnostic/follow‐up imaging and biopsies.

Results

Baseline screening of 2.5M women with breast MRI cost $1.6 billion (B), 3× higher than baseline mammography screening ($0.54B). With subsequent screening, MRI screening is more cost‐effective than mammography screening in 24 years ($13.02B vs. $13.03B). MRI screening program costs are largely driven by cost per MRI exam ($549.71). A second simulation model was performed based on MRI Medicare reimbursement trends using a lower MRI cost ($400). This yielded a cost‐effective benefit compared to mammography screening in less than 6 years ($3.41B vs. $3.65B), with over a 22% cost reduction relative to mammography screening in 12 years and reaching a 38% reduction in 30 years.

Data Conclusion

Despite higher initial cost of a breast MRI screening program for average‐risk women, there is ultimately a cost savings over time compared with mammography. This estimate is conservative given cost–benefit of additional/earlier breast cancers detected by breast MRI were not accounted for.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 6

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Reshapable hydrogel tissue expander for ridge augmentation: Results of a series of successive insertions at the same intraoral site
Authors: Garner John , Davidson Darrell D. , Barwinska Daria , Eckert George J. , Tholpady Sunil S. , Park Kinam , Barco Clark T.
Published: January 2019

Background

Oral mucosa expansion before ridge augmentation is a procedure to reduce soft tissue exposure and to improve bone graft density and volume after augmentation. This study explored a novel, shapeable hydrogel tissue expander (HTE) in intraoral sites that had undergone previous expansion and surgery.

Methods

Nine beagle dogs had all premolar teeth extracted and adjacent alveolar bone reduced. After at least 3 months healing hydrogels were placed at 4 sites in each dog: maxilla and mandible, right and left. After 6 weeks of expansion, the hydrogels were removed and measured for volume expansion and physical condition. Punch biopsies were taken of the expanded oral mucosa. After 3 months, a second hydrogel insertion was performed at each of the same sites. After this second expansion cycle, volume and hydrogel condition were recorded. Three dogs received ultrasound imaging of the hydrogels during the second expansion. Necropsy specimens were taken of both expanded and non‐expanded oral mucosa.

Results

Within 2 weeks after HTE insertion in both first and second insertions, blood flow returned to the pre‐insertion level. The first and second insertions resulted in linear oral mucosa gain of 8.13 mm, and 6.44 mm, respectively. First and second insertion hydrogels erupted from 4% of the first expansion sites, and 3% of the second expansion sites. There was no directional migration of the expanding hydrogel at any site. Histology found little inflammatory reaction to any hydrogel implant.

Conclusion

Oral mucosa can be consistently and successfully expanded before bone graft for ridge augmentation even at sites with a history of prior surgeries.
Effects of edible coating containing nano‐emulsion of Aloe vera and eugenol on the physicochemical properties of shrimp during cold storage
Authors: Sharifimehr Shahrzad , Soltanizadeh Nafiseh , Hossein Goli Sayed Amir
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Shrimp is nowadays recognized as a rich source of proteins and omega‐3 fatty acids. Edible nano‐emulsion coatings containing eugenol, as an antioxidant agent, and Aloe vera, as a functional compound, were prepared for the storage of pink shrimp over 7 days at 277 K. Samples of the nano‐emulsion were prepared under ultrasonication using 0, 10 and 20 g L−1 of Aloe vera as well as 0, 15 and 30 mL L−1 of eugenol along with Tween 80.

RESULTS

Results indicated that the low pH of Aloe vera reduced that of the nano‐emulsions while the particle size and turbidity increased with increasing Aloe vera concentration. Moreover, both colour and antioxidant activity of the nano‐emulsions were significantly affected by eugenol and Aloe vera concentrations (p < 0.05). Increasing eugenol concentration led to increased nano‐emulsion pickup but to reduced lightness. Higher concentrations of Aloe vera significantly (p < 0.05) decreased drip loss, cooking loss, pH rise and oxidation rates but enhanced hardness in the shrimp samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The best results were recorded for the nano‐emulsion coating containing 30 mL L−1 of eugenol and 20 g L−1 of Aloe vera. The nano‐emulsion was successfully able to upgrade shrimp quality over 7 days of cold storage. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of pulverized oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on diarrhea incidence, growth performance, immunity, and microbial composition in piglets
Authors: Adams Seidu , Che Dongsheng , Hailong Jiang , Zhao Bao , Rui Han , Danquah Kofi , Qin Guixin
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom (POM) is an edible mushroom with rich nutritional components and vital pharmacological properties. The present study comprised 100 cross‐bred piglets, weaned at 28 days old, who were randomly assigned to four POM diets with five replicates per diet and five piglets per pen.

RESULTS

POM supplementation (P < 0.05) decreased the incidence of diarrhea, and also increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of pigs. Fecal acetate, butyrate and propionate increased with the addition of POM. Interleukin‐2, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor‐α and immunoglobulin A increased (P < 0.05) with the addition of POM. The 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant microbial strains in the fecal samples, irrespective of POM supplementation. Shannon diversity, whole tree phylogenetic diversity, observed species and Chao1 analysis exhibited significant variation in species richness across the treatments. Principal coordinates analysis showed a significant (P < 0.1) increase in the microbial communities amongst all of the treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that the supplementation of POM in the diet of piglets might increase feed consumption, gut microbial composition and diversity, as well as short‐chain fatty acids synthesis, consequently preventing the occurrence of diarrhea and increasing the growth of piglets. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimizing reproductive opportunity for Florida grasshopper sparrows: When to burn?
Authors: Hewett Ragheb Erin L. , Miller Karl E. , Kiltie Richard A.
Published: January 2019

The critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is dependent on dry prairies managed with prescribed fires that are applied every 1–3 years. Timing of prescribed fires shifted from predominantly the dormant season (Jan–Mar) to the transition (Apr–Jun) and growing (Jul–Aug) seasons starting in the early 2000s to better mimic natural fire regimes. Populations have continued to decline, however, and the presumption that natural fire regimes are beneficial to the small extant Florida grasshopper sparrow populations needs to be evaluated. We monitored 167 Florida grasshopper sparrow nests across 6 fire treatments at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, Osceola County, Florida, USA, 2013–2016, and investigated the role of fire season and interval on clutch initiation date, nest site selection, nest survival, productivity, and nestling mass. Clutch initiation was delayed by ≥33 days in prairies burned during the current transition season and we found no nests in prairies burned during the current growing season. Transition season burns also overlapped with the early breeding season, which could result in the destruction of nests. Clutches were larger at the beginning of the breeding season and nestling mass was highest in the middle of the breeding season, indicating that early and mid‐season nests may be more valuable to annual fecundity than late‐season nests. Florida grasshopper sparrows nested in prairies burned in the current dormant season or previous growing season more than expected based on their availability and as expected or less than expected in prairies burned in the current transition season, previous transition season, previous dormant season, or >2 years ago. However, we found no effect of fire treatment on daily nest survival, clutch size, number of fledglings per successful nest, or nestling mass. We recommend dormant season burning in prairies occupied by Florida grasshopper sparrows to increase reproductive potential given the subspecies’ small population and the importance of each nest attempt to population growth. We recommend transition or growing season burns in unoccupied adjacent prairies to maintain high‐quality dry prairie for nesting in future years. Prescribed fire management goals for Florida grasshopper sparrow populations should be guided by demographic responses rather than natural fire regimes. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Employing Heterocyclic Hypervalent Iodine Compounds with ICl Bonds as Initiators and Chain Transfer Agents in the Synthesis of Branched Polymers
Authors: Cao Yakun , Kumar Rajesh , Tsarevsky Nicolay V.
Published: January 2019

Heterocyclic hypervalent (HV) iodine(III) compounds with ICl bonds and various substituents at the N atom are synthesized and found to be very efficient chain transfer agents in the polymerization of styrene with transfer coefficients exceeding that of CCl4 by 2–3 orders of magnitude, depending on the structure. The chain transfer rate coefficients are also determined. Due to the presence of thermally labile HV bonds, the compounds degrade homolytically upon heating and can initiate radical polymerization. For instance, 1‐chloro‐2‐hexyl‐1,2‐benziodazol‐3(2H)‐one, is used in the polymerization of styrene, which yields low molecular weight polymers with alkyl chloride groups at the α‐ (initiation) and the ω‐chain ends (transfer). Chain‐end functionalization reactions with azide and chain extension under low‐catalyst‐concentration atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) conditions of the prepared telechelic polymers are carried out. The same initiator/chain transfer agent is successfully employed in the synthesis of highly branched polymers with multiple alkyl chloride‐type chain ends when added to mixtures of styrene and 1,4‐divinylbenzene containing 10–80 mol% of the divinyl crosslinker, or even pure crosslinker. In all cases, soluble hyperbranched polymers are obtained up to moderate monomer conversions. The effects of crosslinker and HV iodine(III) compound concentrations on the polymerization outcome are studied systematically.
A systematic review with meta‐analysis on functional changes associated with neck pain in adolescents
Authors: Andias Rosa , Silva Anabela G.
Published: January 2019

Background

Neck pain (NP) is highly prevalent in young people, but there has been no systematic review synthetizing the functional changes associated with this in adolescents. The aim of the present study was to identify and assess critically the evidence on the functional changes associated with NP in adolescents, specifically for: (a) posture; (b) postural control; (c) range of motion; (d) proprioception; (e) muscle function; and (f) sensory threshold.

Methods

We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PEdro, Scielo, Scopus and Academic Search Premier databases for relevant studies. Two reviewers screened studies for inclusion and assessed the quality of the included studies. One reviewer extracted relevant data from the included studies. A meta‐analysis was performed for studies that measured forward head posture (FHP).

Results

Ten studies were included and a total of 15 comparisons for different variables were made. When compared with adolescents without NP, those with NP showed no differences in cervicothoracic posture or FHP. However, statistically significant differences were found for range of motion: weighted mean difference (WMD) from –14.0° (–21.1° to –1.1°) to 9.4° (2.8° to 16.0°); flexor muscle endurance: WMD –11.4 (–21.8 to –0.9) s; extensor muscle endurance: WMD –42.0 (–77.8 to –6.3) s; joint repositioning error for right and left rotation: WMD 1.9° (0.8° to 2.9°) and 2.4° (1.3° to 3.5°), respectively; and pressure pain threshold: WMD from –15.6 (–18.5 to –12.8) to –9.3 (–11.3 to 7.2) N/ cm².

Conclusion

There is very limited to limited evidence that there is no difference in posture between adolescents with and without NP, and that there is a difference for range of motion, muscle function, proprioception and pressure pain threshold.
The immunological consequences of radiation‐induced DNA damage
Authors: Wilkins Anna C , Patin Emmanuel C , Harrington Kevin J , Melcher Alan A
Published: January 2019

Historically, our understanding of the cytotoxicity of radiation has centred on tumour cell‐autonomous mechanisms of cell death. Here, tumour cell death occurs when a threshold number of radiation‐induced non‐reparable double‐stranded DNA breaks is exceeded. However, in recent years, the importance of immune mechanisms of cell death has been increasingly recognised, as well as the impact of radiotherapy on non‐malignant cellular components of the tumour microenvironment. Conserved antiviral pathways that detect foreign nucleic acid in the cytosol and drive downstream interferon (IFN) responses via the cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase/stimulator of IFN genes (cGAS/STING) pathway are key components of the immune response to radiation‐induced DNA damage. In preclinical models, acute induction of a type 1 IFN response is important for both direct and abscopal tumour responses to radiation. Inhibitors of the DNA damage response show promise in augmenting this inflammatory IFN response. However, a substantial proportion of tumours show chronic IFN signalling prior to radiotherapy, which paradoxically drives immunosuppression. This chronic IFN signalling leads to treatment resistance, and heterotypic interactions between stromal fibroblasts and tumour cells contribute to an aggressive tumour phenotype. The effect of radiotherapy on myeloid cell populations, particularly tumour‐associated macrophages, has an additional impact on the immune tumour microenvironment. It is not yet clear how the above preclinical findings translate into a human context. Human tumours show greater intratumoural genomic heterogeneity and more variable levels of chromosomal instability than experimental murine models. High‐quality translational studies of immunological changes occurring during radiotherapy that incorporate intrinsic tumour biology will enable a better understanding of the immunological consequences of radiation‐induced DNA damage in patients. Copyright © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro Grating Deposition on Non‐Planar Surfaces by Polymer‐Assisted Transfer Printing
Authors: Balogun Olufemi , Pekkarinen Markku , Saarinen Jyrki , Kaplas Tommi
Published: January 2019

By spin‐coating a few hundred of nanometer thick poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film on a micron or a sub‐micron scale structure, the structure can be transferred on an arbitrary substrate. More precisely, by using a thin PMMA support layer and releasing the structure from the transient substrate into water, the PMMA with the structure can be collected on a desired substrate. Here, this technique is demonstrated to be suitable for transferring metallic binary grating and few‐layer Bragg gratings from flat substrates onto 3D‐printed convex lenses. Moreover, the thin PMMA film is sufficiently strong to support centimeter size free‐standing areas. This enables fabrication of 1.5 μm thick, free‐standing structure of a Bragg‐grating with PMMA. Thus, the presented technique provides a powerful tool for transfer printing of micron scale structures.
How enhancing information and communication technology has affected inequality in Africa for sustainable development: An empirical investigation
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: January 2019

This study examines if enhancing information and communication technology reduces inequality in 48 countries in Africa for the periods 2004–2014. Three inequality indictors are used, namely, the Gini coefficient, Atkinson index, and Palma ratio. The adopted information and communication technology indicators include mobile phone penetration, internet penetration, and fixed broadband subscriptions. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments. Enhancing internet penetration and fixed broadband subscriptions has a net effect on reducing the Gini coefficient and the Atkinson index, whereas increasing mobile phone penetration and internet penetration reduces the Palma ratio. Policy implications are discussed in the light of challenges to Sustainable Development Goals.
Shackling the Identification Police?
Authors: Ruhm Christopher J.
Published: January 2019

This article examines potential tradeoffs between research methods in answering important questions versus providing more cleanly identified estimates on problems that are potentially of lesser interest. The strengths and limitations of experimental and quasi‐experimental methods are discussed and it is postulated that confidence in the results obtained may sometimes be overvalued compared to the importance of the topics addressed. The consequences of this are modeled and several suggestions are provided regarding possible steps to encourage greater focus on questions of fundamental importance.
The overlooked role of discourse in breaking carbon lock‐in: The case of the German energy transition
Authors: Buschmann Pia , Oels Angela
Published: January 2019

Over the last 15 years, research on carbon lock‐in has investigated why decarbonization evolves so slowly in Western industrialized countries. In this paper, we argue that the role of discourses has been overlooked in the literature on carbon lock‐in. We argue that discourses are both part of lock‐in mechanisms and, using the concept of discursive turning points, important factors in explaining change. This implies that we need to carefully investigate the dominant discourses that constitute and justify the very technologies, institutions and behaviors of the status quo. For the case of the German energy transition, we demonstrate the importance of discursive turning points for overcoming carbon lock‐in, based on a literature review. Germany's long‐standing lock‐in of fossil fuels and nuclear power was undermined by the rise of the energy transition discourse. This discourse transitioned from a very marginal position to dominance through a number of factors, winning against the energy mix discourse. Over time the energy transition discourse became de‐radicalized. Coal has been able to defend its role in the German energy mix in the name of affordability and energy security. While renewables continue to grow, this happens alongside a remaining carbon lock‐in. We conclude that discursive lock‐in and discursive turning points are useful analytical tools that help to explain how the transition to renewable energies unfolds. In future research, the interaction between discursive lock‐ins and other types of lock‐in should be investigated.

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Decarbonizing Energy and/or Reducing Demand

Policy and Governance > Governing Climate Change in Communities, Cities, and Regions
Time‐accurate blade surface static pressure behaviour on a rotating H‐Darrieus wind turbine
Authors: Du Longhuan , Ingram Grant , Dominy Robert G.
Published: January 2019

Time‐accurate blade pressure distributions on a rotating H‐Darrieus wind turbine at representative tip speed ratios during start‐up are presented here, which allow blade dynamic stall and laminar separation bubbles to be observed clearly and which provide a rare experimental demonstration of the flow curvature effect inherent in H‐Darrieus turbine operation. The convection of a dynamic stall vortex along the blade surface at high reduced frequency has also been clearly identified. This study provides new information of the complex aerodynamics of the vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) and provides unique experimental data to validate the transient blade static surface pressure distribution predicted by CFD models. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that the instantaneous pressure variation around the blade has been measured and recorded directly for an H‐Darrieus wind turbine.
New Light on an Old Story: The Crystal Structure of Boron Tetrathiophosphate Revisited
Authors: Pielnhofer Florian , Schoop Leslie M. , Kuhn Alexander , Eger Roland , Nuss Jürgen , Nuss Hanne , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: January 2019

The crystal structure of boron tetrathiophosphate BPS4 was reinvestigated using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structure shows unidimensional chains similar to SiS2 as structural motifs. BPS4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam (no. 72), with a = 5.6173(3), b = 8.9929(4), c = 5.2433(3) Å and V = 264.87(2) Å3 and is closely related to the orthorhombic high‐temperature modification of AlPS4 (ht‐AlPS4). The SiS2‐like chains are all oriented parallel to the c axis, which explains the needle‐like morphology and that the crystals easily cleave to thinner needles under mechanical stress. While ht‐AlPS4 shows an ordered Al‐P sublattice, the B‐P sublattice in BPS4 is substantially disordered. The thermal properties of BPS4 were investigated by DTA measurements and a detailed analysis of the Raman spectrum assisted by quantum mechanical calculations is presented. The crystallographic disorder in BPS4 is the result of inter‐chain disorder, whereas local intra‐chain ordering of B and P can be concluded from Raman spectroscopy.
Advancing the science behind animal program sustainability: An overview of the special issue
Authors: Powell David M. , Dorsey Candice L. , Faust Lisa J.
Published: January 2019

Over the last ten years, zoos and aquariums around the world have been coming to grips with the “sustainability crisis” – the realization that most of our collaboratively managed animal populations are not viable for the long‐term. Many initiatives have been launched at the regional, zoological association, program, and institutional levels to improve the long‐term trajectories of these populations. This Special Issue of Zoo Biology highlights some of the scientific approaches that are aimed at addressing population viability and sustainability challenges. The approaches range from development of new analytical tools, to analysis of large datasets, and re‐examination of population management principles and philosophies. While much progress has been made in the last ten years, it is clear that continued work on population viability and sustainability is critical and difficult management decisions must be made. In this paper, we identify some of the actions that the zoological community can take to fortify our animal programs and prevent the outright extinction of species.
Audible axions
Authors: Machado Camila S. , Ratzinger Wolfram , Schwaller Pedro , Stefanek Ben A.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Conventional approaches to probing axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) typically rely on a coupling to photons. However, if this coupling is extremely weak, ALPs become invisible and are effectively decoupled from the Standard Model. Here we show that such invisible axions, which are viable candidates for dark matter, can produce a stochastic gravitational wave background in the early universe. This signal is generated in models where the invisible axion couples to a dark gauge boson that experiences a tachyonic instability when the axion begins to oscillate. Incidentally, the same mechanism also widens the viable parameter space for axion dark matter. Quantum fluctuations amplified by the exponentially growing gauge boson modes source chiral gravitational waves. For axion decay constants f ≳ 1017 GeV, this signal is detectable by either pulsar timing arrays or space/ground-based gravitational wave detectors for a broad range of axion masses, thus providing a new window to probe invisible axion models.
On the spectrum and string tension of U(1) lattice gauge theory in 2 + 1 dimensions
Authors: Athenodorou Andreas , Teper Michael
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We calculate the low-lying spectra of glueballs and confining flux tubes in the U(1) lattice gauge theory in 2 + 1 dimensions. We see that up to modest lattice spacing corrections, the glueball states are consistent with being multiparticle states composed of non-interacting massive J

PC
= 0− − particles. We observe that the ag
2 → 0 limit is, as expected, unconventional, and follows the well-known saddle-point analysis of Polyakov to a good approximation. The spectrum of closed (winding) flux tubes exhibits the presence of a massive world-sheet excitation whose mass is consistent with that of the bulk screening mass. These U(1) calculations are intended to complement existing lattice calculations of the properties of SU(N ≥ 2) and SO(N ≥ 3) gauge theories in D = 2 + 1.
Problems of problem-based learning: Towards transformative critical pedagogy in medical education
Authors: Cavanagh Alice , Vanstone Meredith , Ritz Stacey
Published: January 2019

Problem-based medical education is based in a biomedical worldview that works to entrench deterministic ways of thinking about socioculturally-influenced health disparities in the minds of medical trainees. This perspective paper considers the utility of Paolo Freire’s critical pedagogy as a means of redressing this issue, as it may enable medical learners to perceive and address the social sources of illness that shape their patients’ lives. With an eye to advancing health equity, and educating health professionals who are responsive to marginalized and vulnerable communities, this paper considers how a problem-posing medical education could redefine physicians’ relationships to knowledge, identity, and to their patients.
Responding to Causal Uncertainty in the Twitterverse: When Abstract Language and Social Prominence Increase Message Engagement
Authors: Namkoong Jae-Eun , Ro Joon H. , Henderson Marlone D.
Published: January 2019

Events that capture the public's attention are saturated with causal uncertainty (i.e., uncertainty about why things happen). Yet, little is known about the type of language that is favored when communicating such events. We study this issue in the context of social media, as social media platforms are powerful tools for communication in politics and business, especially during times of heightened causal uncertainty. When causal uncertainty is high, people should evaluate more favorably messages that help relieve such uncertainty. Germane to our research, previous work has shown that abstract thinking helps reduce causal uncertainty, and that the goal to reduce causal uncertainty increases the desire for abstract thinking. We extend these findings to better understand the role of causal uncertainty in social interactions and message engagement. Using data from natural social media communications and experiments based on high-profile events, we demonstrate that individuals react more positively to abstract (vs. concrete) messages in situations of heightened causal uncertainty. Importantly, this effect is stronger when the message source is socially prominent, and hence, the message carries greater diagnosticity. Our results indicate that increasing the abstractness of a tweet by a standard deviation increases the average number of likes it receives by 10.25% and retweets by 4.07%. When originating from a source with a standard deviation of more followers than the average user, these messages receive 15.80% and 5.98% more likes and retweets, respectively. Beyond the clear managerial implications of our findings, we provide unique insights into why simplified causal explanations for complex problems may win over an audience during times of causal uncertainty.
FDA position statement “Early Alzheimer's disease: Developing drugs for treatment, Guidance for Industry”
Authors: Sabbagh Marwan N. , Hendrix Suzanne , Harrison John E.
Published: January 2019

Despite billions of dollars invested in clinical trials to develop novel therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease, no approved treatments have been developed in the past 15 years. In that span, new classes of drugs have been developed and tested, including monoclonal antibodies, γ‐secretase modulators, γ‐secretase inhibitors, BACE inhibitors, RAGE inhibitors, nicotinic agonists, 5HT6 antagonists, and others. The one constant for all of these clinical trials programs is the use of the ADAS‐cog as the primary scale to determine efficacy. The question that needs to be considered is whether it is the target engagement of the drug or the clinical trial measure testing the efficacy. The FDA put out a new position statement in 2018 informing the field on possible considerations for demonstrating efficacy to open the path for approval. Here, we propose and comment on a variety of approaches that are alternatives to the ADAS for FDA‐specified stage 3 and 4 Alzheimer's disease. These novel outcomes are being validated in current clinical trials and could be used as efficacy measures moving forward.