bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projected Reductions in Absolute Cancer–Related Deaths from Diagnosing Cancers Before Metastasis, 2006–2015
Authors: Clarke Christina A. , Hubbell Earl , Kurian Allison W. , Colditz Graham A. , Hartman Anne-Renee , Gomez Scarlett Lin
Published: March 2020

Background:

New technologies are being developed for early detection of multiple types of cancer simultaneously. To quantify the potential benefit, we estimated reductions in absolute cancer–related deaths that could occur if cancers diagnosed after metastasis (stage IV) were instead diagnosed at earlier stages.

Methods:

We obtained stage-specific incidence and survival data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program for 17 cancer types for all persons diagnosed ages 50 to 79 years in 18 geographic regions between 2006 and 2015. For a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 persons, we estimated cancer-related deaths under assumptions that cancers diagnosed at stage IV were diagnosed at earlier stages.

Results:

Stage IV cancers represented 18% of all estimated diagnoses but 48% of all estimated cancer-related deaths within 5 years. Assuming all stage IV cancers were diagnosed at stage III, 51 fewer cancer-related deaths would be expected per 100,000, a reduction of 15% of all cancer-related deaths. Assuming one third of metastatic cancers were diagnosed at stage III, one third diagnosed at stage II, and one third diagnosed at stage I, 81 fewer cancer-related deaths would be expected per 100,000, a reduction of 24% of all cancer-related deaths, corresponding to a reduction in all-cause mortality comparable in magnitude to eliminating deaths due to cerebrovascular disease.

Conclusions:

Detection of multiple cancer types earlier than stage IV could reduce at least 15% of cancer-related deaths within 5 years, affecting not only cancer-specific but all-cause mortality.

Impact:

Detecting cancer before stage IV, including modest shifts to stage III, could offer substantial population benefit.
Metastatic Melanoma Patient–Derived Xenografts Respond to MDM2 Inhibition as a Single Agent or in Combination with BRAF/MEK Inhibition
Authors: Shattuck-Brandt Rebecca L. , Chen Sheau-Chiann , Murray Emily , Johnson Christopher Andrew , Crandall Holly , O'Neal Jamye F. , Al-Rohil Rami Nayef , Nebhan Caroline A. , Bharti Vijaya , Dahlman Kimberly B. , Ayers Gregory D. , Yan Chi , Kelley Mark C. , Kauffmann Rondi M. , Hooks Mary , Grau Ana , Johnson Douglas B. , Vilgelm Anna E. , Richmond Ann
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Over 60% of patients with melanoma respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, but many subsequently progress on these therapies. Second-line targeted therapy is based on BRAF mutation status, but no available agents are available for NRAS, NF1, CDKN2A, PTEN, and TP53 mutations. Over 70% of melanoma tumors have activation of the MAPK pathway due to BRAF or NRAS mutations, while loss or mutation of CDKN2A occurs in approximately 40% of melanomas, resulting in unregulated MDM2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53. Here, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of over-riding MDM2-mediated degradation of p53 in melanoma with an MDM2 inhibitor that interrupts MDM2 ubiquitination of p53, treating tumor-bearing mice with the MDM2 inhibitor alone or combined with MAPK-targeted therapy.

Experimental Design:

To characterize the ability of the MDM2 antagonist, KRT-232, to inhibit tumor growth, we established patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from 15 patients with melanoma. Mice were treated with KRT-232 or a combination with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors. Tumor growth, gene mutation status, as well as protein and protein–phosphoprotein changes, were analyzed.

Results:

One-hundred percent of the 15 PDX tumors exhibited significant growth inhibition either in response to KRT-232 alone or in combination with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors. Only BRAFV600WT tumors responded to KRT-232 treatment alone while BRAFV600E/M PDXs exhibited a synergistic response to the combination of KRT-232 and BRAF/MEK inhibitors.

Conclusions:

KRT-232 is an effective therapy for the treatment of either BRAFWT or PANWT (BRAFWT, NRASWT) TP53WT melanomas. In combination with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors, KRT-232 may be an effective treatment strategy for BRAFV600-mutant tumors.
A CpG Methylation Classifier to Predict Relapse in Adults with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Authors: Tian Xiao-Peng , Su Ning , Wang Liang , Huang Wei-Juan , Liu Yan-Hui , Zhang Xi , Huang Hui-Qiang , Lin Tong-Yu , Ma Shu-Yun , Rao Hui-Lan , Li Mei , Liu Fang , Zhang Fen , Zhong Li-Ye , Liang Li , Lan Xiao-Liang , Li Juan , Liao Bing , Li Zhi-Hua , Tang Qiong-Lan , Liang Qiong , Shao Chun-Kui , Zhai Qiong-Li , Cheng Run-Fen , Sun Qi , Ru Kun , Gu Xia , Lin Xi-Na , Yi Kun , Shuang Yue-Rong , Chen Xiao-Dong , Dong Wei , Sun Cai , Sang Wei , Liu Hui , Zhu Zhi-Gang , Rao Jun , Guo Qiao-Nan , Zhou Ying , Meng Xiang-Ling , Zhu Yong , Hu Chang-Lu , Jiang Yi-Rong , Zhang Ying , Gao Hong-Yi , He Wen-Jun , Xia Zhong-Jun , Pan Xue-Yi , Hai Lan , Li Guo-Wei , Song Li-Yan , Kang Tie-Bang , Xie Dan , Cai Qing-Qing
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Adults with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) generally benefit from treatment with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)-like regimens, but approximately 40% will relapse after such treatment. We evaluated the value of CpG methylation in predicting relapse for adults with T-LBL treated with ALL-like regimens.

Experimental Design:

A total of 549 adults with T-LBL from 27 medical centers were included in the analysis. Using the Illumina Methylation 850K Beadchip, 44 relapse-related CpGs were identified from 49 T-LBL samples by two algorithms: least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO) and support vector machine–recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). We built a four-CpG classifier using LASSO Cox regression based on association between the methylation level of CpGs and relapse-free survival in the training cohort (n = 160). The four-CpG classifier was validated in the internal testing cohort (n = 68) and independent validation cohort (n = 321).

Results:

The four-CpG–based classifier discriminated patients with T-LBL at high risk of relapse in the training cohort from those at low risk (P < 0.001). This classifier also showed good predictive value in the internal testing cohort (P < 0.001) and the independent validation cohort (P < 0.001). A nomogram incorporating five independent prognostic factors including the CpG-based classifier, lactate dehydrogenase levels, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, central nervous system involvement, and NOTCH1/FBXW7 status showed a significantly higher predictive accuracy than each single variable. Stratification into different subgroups by the nomogram helped identify the subset of patients who most benefited from more intensive chemotherapy and/or sequential hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Conclusions:

Our four-CpG–based classifier could predict disease relapse in patients with T-LBL, and could be used to guide treatment decision.
Honing in on PARPi Response in Prostate Cancer: from HR Pathway to Gene-by-Gene Granularity
Authors: Sokolova Alexandra O. , Yu Evan Y. , Cheng Heather H.
Published: March 2020

PARP inhibitors (PARPi) are promising in BRCA2-altered prostate cancer. Data were presented on PARPi efficacy in prostate cancers with alterations in other DNA damage repair genes which suggest low response rates in ATM-, CHEK2-, CDK12-altered tumors and promising results in PALB2-, RAD51B-, FANCA-, and BRIP1-altered tumors.

See related article by Abida et al., p. 2487
Growth-Inhibitory Activity of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 in Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines Is Heterogeneous and Dependent on Reduced SOX2 Expression
Authors: Dalmo Erika , Johansson Patrik , Niklasson Mia , Gustavsson Ida , Nelander Sven , Westermark Bengt
Published: March 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme continues to have a dismal prognosis. Even though detailed information on the genetic aberrations in cell signaling and cell-cycle checkpoint control is available, no effective targeted treatment has been developed. Despite the advanced molecular defects, glioblastoma cells may have remnants of normal growth-inhibitory pathways, such as the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway. We have evaluated the growth-inhibitory effect of BMP4 across a broad spectrum of patient samples, using a panel of 40 human glioblastoma initiating cell (GIC) cultures. A wide range of responsiveness was observed. BMP4 sensitivity was positively correlated with a proneural mRNA expression profile, high SOX2 activity, and BMP4-dependent upregulation of genes associated with inhibition of the MAPK pathway, as demonstrated by gene set enrichment analysis. BMP4 response in sensitive cells was mediated by the canonical BMP receptor pathway involving SMAD1/5/9 phosphorylation and SMAD4 expression. SOX2 was consistently downregulated in BMP4-treated cells. Forced expression of SOX2 attenuated the BMP4 sensitivity including a reduced upregulation of MAPK-inhibitory genes, implying a functional relationship between SOX2 downregulation and sensitivity. The results show an extensive heterogeneity in BMP4 responsiveness among GICs and identify a BMP4-sensitive subgroup, in which SOX2 is a mediator of the response.

Implications:

Development of agonists targeting the BMP signaling pathway in glioblastoma is an attractive avenue toward a better treatment. Our study may help find biomarkers that predict the outcome of such treatment and enable stratification of patients.
Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder Induces Endothelial Cell Activation and Hypercoagulation
Authors: John Axel , Robador José R. , Vidal-y-Sy Sabine , Houdek Pia , Wladykowski Ewa , Günes Cagatay , Bolenz Christian , Schneider Stefan W. , Bauer Alexander T. , Gorzelanny Christian
Published: March 2020

Cancer-related venous thromboembolisms (VTE) are associated with metastasis and reduced survival in patients with urothelial cancer of the bladder. Although previous reports suggest the contribution of tissue factor and podoplanin, the mechanistic linkage between VTE and bladder cancer cell–derived molecules is unknown. Therefore, we compared distinct procoagulant pathways in four different cell lines. In vitro findings were further confirmed by microfluidic experiments mimicking the pathophysiology of tumor blood vessels and in tissue samples of patients with bladder cancer by transcriptome analysis and immunohistology. In vitro and microfluidic experiments identified bladder cancer–derived VEGF-A as highly procoagulant because it promoted the release of von Willebrand factor (VWF) from endothelial cells and thus platelet aggregation. In tissue sections from patients with bladder cancer, we found that VWF-mediated blood vessel occlusions were associated with a poor outcome. Transcriptome data further indicate that elevated expression levels of enzymes modulating VEGF-A availability were significantly connected to a decreased survival in patients with bladder cancer. In comparison with previously postulated molecular players, we identified tumor cell–derived VEGF-A and endothelial VWF as procoagulant mediators in bladder cancer. Therapeutic strategies that prevent the VEGF-A–mediated release of VWF may reduce tumor-associated hypercoagulation and metastasis in patients with bladder cancer.

Implications:

We identified the VEGF-A–mediated release of VWF from endothelial cells to be associated with bladder cancer progression.
Is Gonadal Therapy a Promoter of Breast Cancer? Incidence of Breast Cancer in a Cohort of Survivors of Oncological Diseases Treated with Gonadal Steroids
Authors: Dias Daniela , Esteves Susana , Andrade Sónia , Maciel Joana , Cavaco Daniela , Simões-Pereira Joana , Pereira Maria Conceição
Published: March 2020

There is a great controversy about hormonal replacement therapy in women among the members of the scientific community. Cancer survivors have sometimes had their ovary function totally or partially destroyed, thus affecting their development and quality of life. In this study, we were looking for adverse effects caused, eventually, by estroprogestative therapy in a cohort of supplemented survivors. The occurrence of breast cancer was our main concern. Ours is a retrospective study based on the clinical records of 174 survivors of several cancer diseases. Their median ages within each of the following time frames were: diagnosis – 22 years old; start of endocrine treatment – 26 years old, and duration of treatment – 12 years old. Evaluation was composed of breast cancer assessment, osteopenia and osteoporosis incidence, and vascular events. We have found a very low incidence of breast cancer as well as of vascular events. After treatment, a high percentage of our sample displayed bone mass improvement.
Screen Time and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Westby Carol
Published: March 2020

Background: Research is increasingly raising concerns regarding the negative consequences of children’s use of screens. Summary: This article reviews the literature on the benefits and risks of screen time with attention to explaining possible reasons that children with autism are more at risk for the negative effects of screen time. Based on the science of learning literature, a framework for choosing appropriate digital media for children with autism is described. The 3-component framework considers the characteristics of the child, the context in which digital media are used, and the content of the media. Key Message: Using the framework, the speech-language pathologist will be better able to select appropriate digital media content for children with autism that is engaging (while not being distracting), encourages the child to be actively involved with the media, is meaningful in the child’s life, and incorporates social interactions with others.
New Ways of Understanding Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Trujillo Hernando , Alonso Marina , Praga Manuel
Published: March 2020

Background:In the last decade, great advances have been made in the field of membranous nephropathy (MN). The autoimmune nature of the disease has been confirmed with the description of diverse antigens, and few but very important prospective trials regarding treatment alternatives have been published, changing profoundly the way we understand this entity. Nowadays, an individualized therapeutic scheme based on clinical and serologic data appears to be the most appropriate method to manage patients with MN. Although there is still a long way to go, it is expected that future scientific progress will enable a patient-centered medicine based on concept-driven therapies. Summary:MN is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in white adults. Approximately one-third of patients achieve spontaneous remission, one-third remain stable, and one-third have an aggressive course with persistent NS and deterioration of renal function. About 80% of patients have circulating autoantibodies to phospholipase A2 receptor 1. Numerous therapies have been described including alkylating agents, rituximab, and calcineurin inhibitors, but new drugs are currently being explored. Here, we review the most important aspects regarding MN with an emphasis on results of the most recent clinical trials and pathophysiologic advances. Key Messages: 1. Evolving pathophysiologic concepts and recently published clinical trials have deeply changed our view of MN. 2. Most patients with MN present autoantibodies against diverse glomerular antigens. 3. Currently, an individual patient-centered management based on clinical and serologic markers is the most adequate approach to treat patients with MN.
O Centro de Atenção Psicossocial segundo familiares de usuários
Authors: Rodovalho Ana Laura Pires , Pegoraro Renata Fabiana
Published: March 2020

Objetivo: este artigo investigou, a partir do itinerário terapêutico do usuário, a percepção dos familiares sobre o tratamento nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial. Método: foram entrevistados dez familiares de pessoas em tratamento em Centro de Atenção Psicossocial com ao menos uma internação psiquiátrica. Resultados: a internação psiquiátrica foi o primeiro serviço utilizado na rede de atenção psicossocial. O Centro de Atenção Psicossocial foi compreendido como um serviço com equipe acolhedora que, utilizando de diferentes ferramentas de cuidado, auxiliou a estabilização do quadro do usuário. Enfatizou-se o tratamento medicamentoso, visto como capaz de eliminar comportamentos indesejáveis à família. Conclusão: houve satisfação da família ao cuidado prestado pelo serviço. Alguns pontos ainda precisariam ser aprimorados para o oferecimento de cuidado mais efetivo.
Depressão na gravidez
Authors: Silva Mônica Maria de Jesus , Lima Gabriella Santos , Monteiro Juliana Cristina dos Santos , Clapis Maria José
Published: March 2020

Objetivo: identificar fatores de risco associados à ocorrência da depressão na gravidez disponíveis na literatura científica. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de artigos publicados nas bases de dados eletrônicas MEDLINE via Pubmed, SCOPUS, CINAHAL, PsycINFO e LILACS, entre 2012 e 2016. Resultados: foram analisados 37 estudos. Os mesmos identificaram fatores de risco diversos associados à ocorrência da depressão na gravidez. Os fatores de risco mais relevantes foram os fatores socioeconômicos, obstétricos e/ou maternos, psíquicos e psicossociais. Conclusão:a etiologia da depressão na gravidez é multifatorial e complexa. Os fatores de risco associados à ocorrência da depressão na gravidez são heterogêneos e sua identificação é crucial para a promoção da saúde materno-fetal.
Alu-repeat Polymorphism in the Gene Coding for Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) and Risks of Myocardial Infarction Among Middle-aged Men
Authors: Ridker Paul M. , Baker Michael T. , Hennekens Charles H. , Stampfer Meir J. , Vaughan Douglas E.
Published: March 2020

An
Alu
-repeat polymorphism in the gene coding for tissue-type plasminogen activator has been described recently, and it has been hypothesized that this polymorphism may predict risk of coronary thrombosis. In a prospective cohort of nearly 15,000 apparently healthy men, presence of an
Alu
-repeat insertion/deletion (
I/D
) polymorphism in the gene coding for tissue-type plasminogen activator was determined among 369 study participants who subsequently suffered a first myocardial infarction (cases) and among a group of 369 ageand smoking-matched study participants who remained free of reported cardiovascular disease during follow-up (controls). The distributions of the
II
,
DI
, and
DD
genotypes of the tissue-type plasminogen activator polymorphism among men who subsequently suffered myocardial infarction (0.30, 0.50, 0.21) were virtually identical to those who remained free of disease (0.29, 0.50, 0.21;
P
=.9). There was no evidence of association between the
Alu
insertion polymorphism and risks of future myocardial infarction in models assuming either allelic recessive (relative risk, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.4,
P
=.8) or allelic dominant (relative risk, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.7 to 1.5,
P
=.8) modes of inheritance, nor were associations found in analyses stratified by age, family history, hypercholesterolemia, or the presence of other risk factors for premature coronary disease. Multivariate analysis had no important effects on these relationships. In this cohort of middle-aged US men, the presence of the insertion allele of the
Alu
-repeat polymorphism of the tissue-type plasminogen activator gene is not associated with future risks of myocardial infarction.

(
Arterioscler Thromb Vase Biology.
1997;17:1687-1690.)
A Knowledge-Enhanced Pretraining Model for Commonsense Story Generation
Authors: Guan Jian , Huang Fei , Zhao Zhihao , Zhu Xiaoyan , Huang Minlie
Published: March 2020

Story generation, namely, generating a reasonable story from a leading context, is an important but challenging task. In spite of the success in modeling fluency and local coherence, existing neural language generation models (e.g., GPT-2) still suffer from repetition, logic conflicts, and lack of long-range coherence in generated stories. We conjecture that this is because of the difficulty of associating relevant commonsense knowledge, understanding the causal relationships, and planning entities and events with proper temporal order. In this paper, we devise a knowledge-enhanced pretraining model for commonsense story generation. We propose to utilize commonsense knowledge from external knowledge bases to generate reasonable stories. To further capture the causal and temporal dependencies between the sentences in a reasonable story, we use multi-task learning, which combines a discriminative objective to distinguish true and fake stories during fine-tuning. Automatic and manual evaluation shows that our model can generate more reasonable stories than state-of-the-art baselines, particularly in terms of logic and global coherence.
Preparing the South Pacific for U.S. Influence: The uss Narragansett in Samoa, 1872
Authors: Blume Kenneth J.
Published: March 2020

This article explores the diplomatic negotiations that U.S. Navy Commander Richard W. Meade conducted in Samoa in 1872. The resulting agreement that came to be known as “the Meade Treaty” was the first the United States negotiated with Samoa, but scholars usually have not explored the details of it and the process that produced it because the U.S. Senate rejected the treaty. Meade’s motivations and actions in Samoa provide a case study in how the interactions of naval officers, business leaders, islanders, and diplomats converged to produce early U.S. diplomacy in the Pacific. The article sketches the situation in Samoa in 1872 when Commander Meade and his ship, the uss
Narragansett, arrived. The role of the United States in the Pacific was changing in the last third of the 19th Century, and Commander Meade’s motivations, influences, and actions illustrate the new wave of U.S. Pacific expansion during the years after the American Civil War.
Hayr ed-Dîn Barberousse : Un pacha qui n’était pas du sérail
Authors: Vatin Nicolas
Published: March 2020

La promotion de Hayr ed-Dîn Barberousse alimenta des polémiques. Pouvait-on se fier à ce pirate au passé douteux qui n’avait pas suivi le cursus honorum normal ? Les Ġazavât-ı
H

ayr ed-Dîn Paşa répondent à ces accusations : corsaire et non pirate, roi d’Alger qui s’était mis au service de la Porte, Hayr ed-Dîn avait une compétence exceptionnelle de marin et de spécialiste de l’Occident. Pourtant, ni les pachas, ni le sultan ne semblent lui avoir fait entièrement confiance. Directeur de l’Arsenal et non amiral de la flotte, il commanda celle-ci à l’occasion, mais apparemment sous contrôle.
Tensions in the Paradigm of Environmental EconomicsAn Analysis Inspired by Dooyeweerd’s Philosophy
Authors: Geesbergen Ad van , Graafland Johan , Hoogland Jan
Published: March 2020

This article critically analyzes the environmental economics paradigm of David Pearce and Robert Kerry Turner. Our analysis is inspired by the philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd, in particular his transcendental criticism and theory of modalities. We describe how Pearce and Turner theorize the concept of sustainable development. On the basis of this description we identify immanent tensions in their approach and analyze to what extent these tensions are caused by implicit normative presuppositions in the key concepts used by Pearce and Turner. Finally, we examine whether Dooyeweerd’s conception of the economic aspect can diminish these tensions.
Albert Camus, Metaphysical Revolt, Gnosticism and Modern Cinema
Authors: Roig Lanzillotta Lautaro
Published: March 2020

In The Rebel (1951) Albert Camus assigns ancient Gnosticism an important place in the history of human revolt. In his interpretation, Gnostics incarnate the spirit of proud rebellion and protest against a God deemed responsible for human suffering and death. For Camus these are the roots of metaphysical rebellion in Western history that, beginning in the eighteenth century, culminated in the fascist and socialist utopian experiments in the twentieth century. After assessing Camus’s view of Gnosticism, this article claims that modern cinema shows the impact of The Rebel on the way several recent films conceive of their rebellious protagonists. The controlled character of the revolts they promote shows that modern cinema follows Gnosticism in their analysis both the modern sentiments of alienation in contemporary society and the ways to break free in order to attain a life worthy of its name.
A revision of Japanese Torymus Dalman (Hymenoptera: Torymidae)
Authors: MATSUO KAZUNORI
Published: March 2020

The species of Torymus Dalman (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) from Japan are revised, of which the following 14 species are newly described: Torymus achyranthii n. sp., T. aciculatus n. sp., T. acutissimus n. sp., T. angustitemple n. sp., T. brevicaudatus n. sp., T. hirtipennis n. sp., T. macrops n. sp., T. matsunagae n. sp., T. minamii n. sp., T. quernus n. sp., T. rugosus n. sp., T. sasae n. sp., T. sawadai n. sp., and T. wanggyui n. sp. In addition, T. cerri (Mayr), T. fuscicornis (Walker), T. nitidulus (Walker), and T. rosariae Graham and Gijswijt are newly recorded from Japan. A key to species of the Japanese Torymus based on female characteristics is provided.
A new species of Mathania Oberthür, 1890 from Peru (Lepidoptera, Pieridae)
Authors: FARFÁN JACKIE , LAMAS GERARDO , CERDEÑA JOSÉ
Published: March 2020

A new species of the genus Mathania Oberthür, 1890, M. hughesi Lamas, Farfán & Cerdeña, sp. n. is described from the southwestern slopes of the Andes of Peru, associated with xerophytic environments, between 2300 and 3500 m elevation. This new species is distinguishable from its congeners by the following external character: a black band on forewing dorsal surface at the end of the discal cell, extending from the costal margin to the base of cell M3-CuA1. Adults and male and female genitalia are illustrated and compared to other species of Mathania. In addition, we report Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae) as host plant of M. hughesi.
Magnetic and Catalytic Properties of Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 Nanocrystallite Powders
Authors: Rashad M. M. , Khedr M. H. , Abdel-Halim K. S.
Published: March 2020

Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystallite powders (average size 13 nm) were synthesized from Cu–Zn spent catalyst (fertilizers) industries and ferrous sulfate wastes formed during iron and steel making. Cu–Zn catalyst (22.4% Cu and 26.4%
Zn) was chemically treated with sulfuric acid at temperature 80 °C for 1 hr for the complete dissolving of copper and zinc into sulfate solution, then the produced solution was mixed with stoichiometric ratio of ferrous sulfate and the mixture was chemically precipitated as hydroxides
followed by hydrothermal processing. The parameters affecting the magnetic properties and crystallite size of the produced ferrites powder e.g., temperature, time, and pH were systemically studied. X-ray diffraction analysis was used in order to determine the average crystallite size and phase
identifications of the produced powder. The magnetic properties were studied by vibrating sample magnetometry. The results showed that the average crystallite size of the powder decreased for the ferrites powder formed at 150 °C and then increased by increasing the temperature to 200 °C.
Interestingly, the saturation magnetization (Bs), remanent magnetization (Br) and coercive force (Hc) were 25.03 emu/g, 0.71 emu/g, and 4.83 Oe, respectively at hydrothermal temperature 150 °C for 24 hr and changed to 16.38 emu/g, 0.3864 emu/g, and 5.2 Oe at 150 °C and 72 hr. The produced
nanoferrite powders are used for studying the catalytic activity of CO conversion to CO2 at different temperatures, pH and times. The maximum conversion (82%) is obtained at temperature 150 °C for 24 hrs and pH 12.
A New Method to Synthesize Nickel Carbide (Ni3C) Nanoparticles in Solution
Authors: Leng Yonghua , Shao Huaiyu , Wang Yuntao , Suzuki Masaaki , Li Xingguo
Published: March 2020

Pure nickel carbide (Ni3C) nanoparticles with particle diameters of 40 nm have been prepared by thermal decomposition of nickel formate in the presence of oleic acid and oleyl amine. The co-existence of active nickel and active carbon plays an important role in the formation
of metastable Ni3C. Ni3C powder decomposes at 770 K in an N2 atmosphere to yield nickel and carbon. While in an H2 atmosphere, Ni3C powder is converted into Ni at 627 K. In addition, Ni3C nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetism
and are easier to magnetize at room temperature due to their good crystallinity and few defects.
Nanopowders of Metallic Oxides Prepared by the Hydrolytic Route with Starch Stabilization and Biological Abetment
Authors: Callone Emanuela , Carturan Giovanni , Sicurelli Adriana
Published: March 2020

Sn, Sn–Sb, Ti, Zr, Fe, Ce and In oxides are prepared as nanometric powders by the hydrolytic route, starting from their ordinary salts or alkoxides, in the presence of 5% w/v starch as a non-ionic stabilizer of crystallization nuclei versus coalescence and flocculation. The starch
can be degraded by α-amylase to soluble glucosidic oligomers, which may further be degraded by yeast to CO2 and ethanol. The nanoparticle features of prepared oxides result from experimental evidence based on X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, differential
thermal analysis/thermogravimetry coupled to mass spectrometry, specific surface area and porosity of samples obtained by curing in the 80–600 °C interval.
High Energy Density Processing of a Free Form Nickel–Alumina Nanocomposite
Authors: Viswanathan V. , Agarwal A. , Ocelik V. , De Hosson J. T. M. , Sobczak N. , Seal S.
Published: March 2020

The development of a free form bulk Nickel reinforced Alumina matrix nano composites using Air Plasma Spray and laser processing has been presented. The process consumes less time and requires further minimal machining and therefore is cost effective. The relative differences in using
APS over laser processing in development of bulk metal-ceramic nanocomposites have been discussed. The process intricacies involved during processing such as material specific mandrel selection, plasma-particle interaction are highlighted. Electroless coating has been used to uniformly disperse
Nickel in alumina matrix as a source material. The electroless Ni coated alumina particles are subjected to both laser processing and Air Plasma Spraying with optimized parameters. Consolidation by laser processing could not be achieved as the laser beam was reflective to Nickel. On the other
hand, APS Ni–alumina nanocomposite with a cylindrical shape of 1.2″ OD × 1″ ID × 1.5″ length has been fabricated with minimum or no surface defects. HRTEM pictures revealed the nanostructure retention thereby corroborating the fact that bulk nanostructures
can be made using Air Plasma Spray. XRD analysis confirmed the phase transformation from alpha alumina to gamma alumina and oxidation of Ni to NiO. Subsequent reduction of NiO to metallic nickel using hydrogen atmosphere has also been demonstrated. Mechanical properties such as, hardness (1025
HV) and fracture toughness (5 MPa m1/2) for the nanocomposite are presented herein.
Fabrication of Mg2Si Thermoelectric Materials by Mechanical Alloying and Spark-Plasma Sintering Process
Authors: Lee Chung-Hyo , Lee Seong-Hee , Chun Sung-Yong , Lee Sang-Jin
Published: March 2020

A mixture of pure Mg and Si powders with an atomic ratio 2:1 has been subjected to mechanical alloying (MA) at room temperature to prepare the Mg2Si thermoelectric material. Mg2Si intermetallic compound with a grain size of 50 nm can be obtained by MA of Mg66.7Si33.3
powders for 60 hours and subsequently annealed at 620 °C. Consolidation of the MA powders was performed in a spark plasma sintering (SPS) machine using graphite dies up to 800–900 °C under 50 MPa. The shrinkage of consolidated samples during SPS was significant at about 250 °C
and 620 °C. X-ray diffraction data shows that the SPS compact from 60 h MA powders consolidated up to 800 °C consists of only nanocrystalline Mg2Si compound with a grain size of 100 nm.
Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Using Mesoporous Fe-MCM-41 Catalysts
Authors: Ko Jeong-Rae , Ahn Wha-Seung
Published: March 2020

MWNTs (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) were made by catalytic CVD process using iron-containing mesoporous silica, Fe-MCM-41, with 4 mol% Fe loading prepared by direct synthesis route. Uniform 5 nm size Fe2O3 nano-particles impregnated onto a mesoporous silica support,
SBA-15 were also prepared for CNTs synthesis. The catalysts were characterized using XRD, SEM/TEM, N2 physisorption, UV-vis diffuse reflectance and FT-IR spectroscopies. Acetylene gas was introduced as a carbon source, and the gas mixture of Ar:H2:C2H2
= 14:5:1 pyrolyzed at 750 °C for 60 min was found to be the optimum synthesis condition. Fe-MCM-41 due to higher dispersion of nano-sized Fe-species was efficient as catalyst for MWNTs with more uniform size distribution. Cobalt-impregnated Fe-MCM-41 (Co/Fe = 1) produced a small fraction
of SWNTs of ca. 2 nm diameter mixed with MWNTs.
Synthesis of a Nanostructured Star Block Copolymer with a Cyclotriphosphazene Core
Authors: Han Jae Kook , Kim Sung Tae , Kim Hyun Jung , Kwon Yong Ku
Published: March 2020

An amphiphilic star block copolymer of poly(L-lactic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLLA-b-PEG) was synthesized using a hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene ring (N3P3Cl6) as a core. N3P3(OC6H4-p-CHO)6
was prepared by the reaction between the hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene core and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde sodium salt. N3P3(OC6H4-p-CH2OH)6 was then obtained by reduction of N3P3(OC6H4-p-CHO)6.
N3P3(OC6H4-p-CH2OH)6 was used as an initiator to obtain a PLLA-grafted star branched polymer by polymerizing lactide, which was then treated with succinic acid to produce a carboxylated PLLA-grafted star polymer. PEG
blocks were attached to a carboxylated PLLA-grafted star polymer to produce an amphiphilic PLLA-b-PEG-grafted star block polymer by additional esterification with poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether).
Measuring the Interaction Force Between a Tip and a Substrate Using a Quartz Tuning Fork Under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Qin Yexian , Reifenberger R.
Published: March 2020

Tuning forks mounted with sharp tips provide an alternate method to silicon microcantilevers for probing the tip-substrate interaction in scanning probe microscopy. The high quality factor and stable resonant frequency of the tuning fork allow accurate measurements of small shifts in
the resonant frequency as the tip approaches the substrate. To permit an accurate measure of surface interaction forces, the electrical and piezomechanical properties of a tuning fork has been characterized using techniques derived from scanning probe microscopy. After proper calibration,
representative interaction force data for a conventional Si tip and an HOPG substrate are obtained under ambient conditions.
Simulation Study on Heat Conduction of a Nanoscale Phase-Change Random Access Memory Cell
Authors: Kim JunHo , Song Ki-Bong
Published: March 2020

We have investigated heat transfer characteristics of a nano-scale phase-change random access memory (PRAM) cell using finite element method (FEM) simulation. Our PRAM cell is based on ternary chalcogenide alloy, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), which is used as a recording
layer. For contact area of 100 × 100 nm2, simulations of crystallization and amorphization processes were carried out. Physical quantities such as electric conductivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat were treated as temperature-dependent parameters. Through many
simulations, it is concluded that one can reduce set current by decreasing both electric conductivities of amorphous GST and crystalline GST, and in addition to these conditions by decreasing electric conductivity of molten GST one can also reduce reset current significantly.
X-Ray Absorption of Gold Nanoparticles with Thin Silica Shell
Authors: Park Yeon-Su , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , Kasuya Atsuo , Kobayashi Yoshio , Nagao Daisuke , Konno Mikio , Mamykin Sergiy , Dmytruk Andriy , Takeda Motohiro , Ohuchi Noriaki
Published: March 2020

Silica-coated gold (Au) nanoparticles were prepared and their morphological and X-ray absorption properties were investigated. These core–shell type nanoparticles are very stable in aqueous media and may be suitable for an X-ray contrast agent in biological systems. Transmission
electron micrographs confirmed well-separated and relatively homogeneous morphology of the nanoparticles in highly concentrated colloids. Peak position for Au plasmon resonance was red-shifted with increasing shell thickness. X-ray absorption by the colloids of silica-coated Au nanoparticles
was stronger than that by those of silica-coated AgI nanoparticles, a recently investigated X-ray contrast agent, at similar experimental conditions.
Carbon Nanotubes Based Methanol Sensor for Fuel Cells Application
Authors: Kim D. W. , Lee J. S. , Lee G. S. , Overzet L. , Kozlov M. , Aliev A. E. , Park Y. W. , Yang D. J.
Published: March 2020

An electrochemical sensor is built using vertically grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) micro-array to detect methanol concentration in water. This study is done for the potential use of the array as methanol sensor for portable units of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Platinum
(Pt) nanoparticles electro-deposited CNTs (Pt/CNTs) electrode shows high sensitivity in the measurement of methanol concentration in water with cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement at room temperature. Further investigation has also been undertaken to measure the concentration by changing the
amount of the mixture of methanol and formic acid in water. We compared the performance of our micro array sensor built with Pt/CNTs electrodes versus that of Pt wire electrode using CV measurement. We found that our Pt/CNTs array sensor shows high sensitivity and detects methanol concentrations
in the range of 0.04 M to 0.10 M. In addition, we found that co-use of formic acid as electrolyte enables us to measure up to 1.0 M methanol concentration.
Design and Performance Analysis of Application Specific Integrated Circuit for Internet of Things Application
Authors: Pogra Vivek , Vishvakarma Santosh Kumar , Raj Balwinder
Published: March 2020

This paper proposes a novel design of application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which is capable of connecting sensor network and other electronic systems to the Internet. The transfer of data between different networks and internet of things (IoT) platform is controlled by IoT
platform with the help of instruction sent to ASIC. ASIC will act as serial peripheral interface (SPI) master to all connected networks and data will be transferred serially between them. The different ASIC modules are SPI module, control module, memory module and data/instruction decoder
with additional modules built-in self-test (BIST) and direct memory access (DMA). The proposed ASIC will consume less power as compared to conventional microcontroller/microprocessor due to the fact that it is designed for IoT applications. It is described in VHDL at RTL level and simulation
is done on the Vivado 2016.2.
Improvement of the Vibratory Analysis by Enhancement of Accelerometer Characteristics
Authors: Belkhiri Salah , Ghemari Zine , Saad Salah , Boudechiche Ghania
Published: March 2020

In this work, the mathematical model suitable for the operating principle of the piezoelectric accelerometer is extracted then this model which connects the accuracy and the measurement error according of the frequency ration and the damping rate is validated by simulation. The model
developed makes it possible to improve the performances of the accelerometer such as precision, sensitivity and reliability as well as to propose a new conception of the latter. A comparative study is made to show the importance of our results compared to literature, these results have showed
that a suitable and appropriate choice of damping ratio develops the accelerometer parameters and enhances the vibratory analysis technique.
Covariate Extreme Value Analysis Using Wave Spectral Partitioning
Authors: Portilla-Yandún Jesús , Jácome Edwin
Published: March 2020

An important requirement in extreme value analysis (EVA) is for the working variable to be identically distributed. However, this is typically not the case in wind waves, because energy components with different origins belong to separate data populations, with different statistical properties. Although this information is available in the wave spectrum, the working variable in EVA is typically the total significant wave heightHs, a parameter that does not contain information of the spectral energy distribution, and therefore does not fulfill this requirement. To gain insight in this aspect, we develop here a covariate EVA application based on spectral partitioning. We observe that in general the totalHsis inappropriate for EVA, leading to potential over- or underestimation of the projected extremes. This is illustrated with three representative cases under significantly different wave climate conditions. It is shown that the covariate analysis provides a meaningful understanding of the individual behavior of the wave components, in regard to the consequences for projecting extreme values.
Cost‐effectiveness of School Hearing Screening Programs: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yong Michael , Liang Jiahe , Ballreich Jeromie , Lea Jane , Westerberg Brian D. , Emmett Susan D.
Published: March 2020

Objective

School hearing screening is a public health intervention that can improve care for children who experience hearing loss that is not detected on or develops after newborn screening. However, implementation of school hearing screening is sporadic and supported by mixed evidence to its economic benefit. This scoping review provides a summary of all published cost‐effectiveness studies regarding school hearing screening programs globally. At the time of this review, there were no previously published reviews of a similar nature.

Data Sources

A structured search was applied to 4 databases: PubMed (Medline), Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

The database search was carried out by 2 independent researchers, and results were reported in accordance with the PRISMA‐ScR checklist and the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Studies that included a cost analysis of screening programs for school‐aged children in the school environment were eligible for inclusion. Studies that involved evaluations of only neonatal or preschool programs were excluded.

Results

Four of the 5 studies that conducted a cost‐effectiveness analysis reported that school hearing screening was cost‐effective through the calculation of incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) via either quality‐ or disability‐adjusted life years. One study reported that a new school hearing screening program dominated the existing program; 2 studies reported ICERs ranging from 1079 to 4304 international dollars; and 1 study reported an ICER of £2445. One study reported that school‐entry hearing screening was not cost‐effective versus no screening.

Conclusion

The majority of studies concluded that school hearing screening was cost‐effective. However, significant differences in methodology and region‐specific estimates of model inputs limit the generalizability of these findings.
Direct Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients Aged 80 Years or Older With Atrial Fibrillation in a “Real-world” Nationwide Registry: Insights From the FANTASIIA Study
Authors: Ortiz Martín Ruiz , Muñiz Javier , Esteve-Pastor María Asunción , Marín Francisco , Roldán Inmaculada , Cequier Angel , Martínez-Sellés Manuel , Saldivar Hugo González , Bertomeu Vicente , Anguita Manuel
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To describe major events at follow up in octogenarian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) according to anticoagulant treatment: direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs).

Methods:

A total of 578 anticoagulated patients aged ≥80 years with AF were included in a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Basal features, embolic events (stroke and systemic embolism), severe bleedings, and all-cause mortality at follow up were investigated according to the anticoagulant treatment received.

Results:

Mean age was 84.0 ± 3.4 years, 56% were women. Direct oral anticoagulants were prescribed to 123 (21.3%) patients. Compared with 455 (78.7%) patients treated with VKAs, those treated with DOACs presented a lower frequency of permanent AF (52.9% vs 61.6%, P = .01), cancer history (4.9% vs 10.9%, P = .046), renal failure (21.1% vs 32.2%, P = .02), and left ventricular dysfunction (2.4% vs 8.0%, P = .03); and higher frequency of previous stroke (26.0% vs 16.6%, P = .02) and previous major bleeding (8.1% vs 3.6%, P = .03). There were no significant differences in Charlson, CHA2DS2VASc, nor HAS-BLED scores. At 3-year follow up, rates of embolic events, severe bleedings, and all-cause death (per 100 patients-year) were similar in both groups (DOACs vs VKAs): 0.34 vs 1.35 ( P = .15), 3.45 vs 4.41 ( P = .48), and 8.2 vs 11.0 ( P = .18), respectively, without significant differences after multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-1.93, P = .19; HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.44-1.76, P = .72 and HR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.53-1.33, P = .46, respectively).

Conclusion:

In this “real-world” registry, the differences in major events rates in octogenarians with AF were not statistically significant in those treated with DOACs versus VKAs.
Functional dyspepsia is associated with lower exercise levels: A population‐based study
Authors: Koloski Natasha A , Jones Michael , Walker Marjorie M , Holtmann Gerald , Talley Nicholas J
Published: March 2020

Background

Exercise improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, but few data are available about functional dyspepsia. We compared the prevalence and frequency of different types of exercise between individuals with functional dyspepsia and general population controls.

Methods

A mailed survey was returned by 3160 people randomly obtained from the Australian electoral register. The survey included questions to identify the Rome III diagnosis for functional dyspepsia. Exercise was classified by the presence (yes or no) and the frequency (number of times) spent walking, and engaging in moderate and vigorous exercise, over the last 2 weeks based on the National Health Survey. Controls did not meet criteria for functional dyspepsia. Potential confounders included the presence of irritable bowel syndrome, smoking, body mass index, age and gender.

Results

A total of 14.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.6%, 16.1%) subjects had functional dyspepsia. They reported significantly less walking (57% versus 63%, P = 0.04) and lower frequency of exercising, in terms of walking (P = 0.008) and engaging in moderate (P = 0.03) and vigorous activity (P = 0.02), compared with controls. The association remained significant for moderate exercise, independent of age, gender, body mass index and smoking, and excluding overlap with irritable bowel syndrome (odds ratio (OR) = 0.94 (95% CI 0.88, 0.99), P = 0.02). Postprandial distress syndrome was associated with less‐vigorous exercise adjusting for confounders (OR = 0.65 (95% CI 0.42, 1.0), P = 0.05), but not epigastric pain syndrome.

Conclusion

Functional dyspepsia is associated with lower exercise levels, but the causality still needs to be determined.