bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of sensitive benzofurazan‐based spectrometric methods for analysis of spectinomycin in vials and human biological samples
Authors: Hussein Samiha A. , Salman Baher I. , Ali Marwa F. B. , Marzouq Mostafa A.
Published: August 2019

Spectinomycin hydrochloride (SPEC) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that has a broad spectrum against several bacterial strains of humans and veterinary infections. However, SPEC lacks a fluorophore or chromophore and this lack makes its analysis a challenge. Our study provides a simple, sensitive and low‐cost spectrofluorimetric/spectrophotometric method based on the reaction between secondary amine groups and a benzofurazan reagent using borate buffer (pH 9.2). The yielding compound was measured fluorimetrically at 530 nm (excitation at 460 nm) with colorimetry at 410 nm. The calibration curves ranged from 30 to 400 ng ml−1 and from 0.2 to 6 μg ml−1 for spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric analyses, respectively. The limits of detection were calculated to be 4.15 ng ml−1 and 0.05 μg ml−1 for spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric processes, respectively. The ultra‐affectability and high selectivity of the proposed method permitted analysis of SPEC in the dosage form and in human plasma samples, with good recoveries of about 101.19 and 97.11%, respectively, without any matrix interference. The proposed strategy was validated using International Conference on Harmonization standards and validated bioanalytically using USFDA recommendations.
The Distance between the Pylorus and Left Vagus Nerve during Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Parpex Guillaume , Demouron Marion , Arapis Konstantinos , Chosidow Denis , Rebibo Lionel , Msika Simon
Published: August 2019

The sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can be performed with or without antral preservation (distance from the pylorus <50 mm). The objective of this study was to evaluate the distance between the pylorus and the end of the left vagus nerve in order to determine whether it could be used as a constant anatomical landmark to start gastric transection. This was a prospective, nonrandomized study of 120 patients undergoing SG from January to October 2018. The distance measurement between pylorus and vagus nerve was performed at the beginning of the SG. The primary endpoint was the distance between the beginning of the pylorus and the end of the second branch of the vagus nerve on the upper edge of the antrum. The secondary endpoints was the correlation factors between the preoperative data and the position of the end of the vagus nerve. A total of 120 patients, with a mean body mass index of 42.2 kg/m2, underwent primary SG. The mean distance between pylorus and the end of the vagus nerve was 50.4 mm (35–64) on the upper part of the antrum. When considering the inferior part of the antrum, the minimum distance was 50 mm. No correlations were found between preoperative data and distance measurements. The vagus nerve can be considered as a constant and reliable anatomical landmark for performing SG with antral preservation. However, no correlation was found between the preoperative data and the location of the end of the vagus nerve. Clin. Anat. 33:562–566, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
"It's led me astray": How Cognitive Behavioural Therapists experience personal therapy in clinical practice
Authors: Noble Ariele , Rizq Rosemary
Published: August 2019

Personal therapy is considered to be an essential component of most psychotherapeutic training programmes. However, it remains peripheral to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training courses. We present a subsection of results from a qualitative study that examines how CBT therapists use personal therapy in their clinical practice. Seven CBT therapists who have undergone personal therapy were interviewed. Participants were asked about how they used personal therapy in their clinical practice and their accounts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to identify common themes. This article presents the results of the first master theme, “Personal therapy creates conflict”, which explores a paradox that arises between personal therapy and CBT clinical practice; participants suggest that personal therapy equips them with therapeutic tools that paradoxically hinder their capacity to practice a standardised protocol‐led CBT. Results show that participants found personal therapy created considerable internal conflict, where their use of technical evidence‐based treatment protocols as practitioners was experienced in tension with the relationally oriented therapy they had received as clients. We discuss results in the context of Gabriel Marcel's philosophical insights on the dehumanising effects of technology on human relationships. We conclude with a brief consideration of the current political climate that increasingly privileges short‐term technical solutions to psychological distress.
A rare case of obesity. Can it be Bardet‐Biedl Syndrome?
Authors: Shrestha Sandeep , Chaudhary Nagendra
Published: August 2019

Bardet‐Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations like retinal dystrophy, obesity, polydactyly, mental retardation, hypogonadism, and renal dysfunction. We report a case of 14‐year‐old obese boy with poor scholastic performances, hypothyroidism, and poor vision diagnosed as BBS.
Activation of Co−Mo−S Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts Under Refinery Conditions‐A Combined SAXS/XAS Study
Authors: van Haandel Lennart , Longo Alessandro , Bras Wim , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Weber Thomas
Published: August 2019

The activation of heterogeneous catalysts is challenging to follow experimentally and poorly understood in many cases. We combine in situ and time‐resolved X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering to study the activation of Co‐Mo−S hydrotreating catalysts under conditions close to a refinery start‐up, i. e., 20 bar H2pressure and gaseous H2S or liquid sulfiding agents. Formation of MoS2nanoparticles involves three stages, namely aggregation (50–150 °C) and self‐assembly (150–250 °C) of two distinct amorphous MoSxintermediates, followed by a transition into layered structures that closely relate to the MoS2structure. In stage III, these nuclei coalesce into the final MoS2nanoparticles. Their growth distribution and stacking degree can be tailored by controlling the aggregation step, paving the way for the synthesis of better hydrotreating catalysts. Our experimental approach enables studying a broad range of supported amorphous nanomaterials at various length scales and operating conditions relevant to important catalytic processes.
Sustainable Platinum Recycling through Electrochemical Dissolution of Platinum Nanoparticles from Fuel Cell Electrodes
Authors: Sharma Raghunandan , Rode Nielsen Kasper , Brilner Lund Peter , Bredmose Simonsen Søren , Grahl‐Madsen Laila , Ma Andersen Shuang
Published: August 2019

Recycling of the platinum group metals (PGMs) containing industrial wastes obtained from proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), electrolyzers, catalytic convertors and others is of high strategical importance for industrial sustainability. In this work, a highly efficient and environmentally friendly platinum recycling method through potentiodynamic cycling in dilute acidic chloride solutions is demonstrated and optimized to recover platinum from fuel cell electrodes. The process parameters such as upper and lower potential limits are optimized to be 1.6 and 0.4 V vs. RHE. Both the dilute acidic and the acid free Cl− containing electrolytes may be used for the dissolution. Moreover, parameters such as protocol reliability, quantification method and comparison, electrode interface structure, dissolution product and mechanisms etc. are discussed. A study in 1 M HCl shows Pt dissolution rates as high as ∼30 μg/cycle for potential cycling between 0.4 and 1.6 V (scan rate: 100 mV/s) for a PEMFC electrode with initial Pt loading of ∼470 μg. The approach demonstrates a methodology for fast parameter screening on electrocatalyst dissolution and a proof of concept industrial recycling of spent electrocatalysts.
Auf der grünen Insel
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: August 2019

Um Fressfeinde abzuwehren, lassen viele Pflanzen ihre Blätter gezielt verwelken. Diesen Verteidigungsmechanismus können Insekten aushebeln, indem sie selbst Pflanzenhormone bilden und der Pflanze verabreichen. So bleiben die Blätter grün und schmackhaft.
Schnell ein Eis!
Authors: Emden Markus , Engel Simon , Hild Pitt , Kallinna Kirsten , Murer Livia
Published: August 2019

Anliegen der in loser Folge erscheinenden Versuche ist es, Impulse für chemische Experimente zu geben, die sich gefahrlos zu Hause mit haushaltsüblichen Gegenständen durchführen lassen. Sie können damit als Quelle dienen für das gemeinsame Ausprobieren mit Kindern zuhause, in Kindergärten oder an Schulen sowie zur Verwendung bei Tagen der offenen Tür. Ein Stückweit sind sie als Antwort auf den oft gehörten Satz zu verstehen: „Ach, Du bist Chemiker/in!? Dann mach doch mal ein Experiment.“
Real‐world progression, treatment, and survival outcomes during rapid adoption of immunotherapy for advanced non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Khozin Sean , Miksad Rebecca A. , Adami Johan , Boyd Mariel , Brown Nicholas R. , Gossai Anala , Kaganman Irene , Kuk Deborah , Rockland Jillian M. , Pazdur Richard , Torres Aracelis Z. , Zhi Jizu , Abernethy Amy P.
Published: August 2019

Background

Despite the rapid adoption of immunotherapies in advanced non–small cell lung cancer (advNSCLC), knowledge gaps remain about their real‐world (rw) performance.

Methods

This retrospective, observational, multicenter analysis used the Flatiron Health deidentified electronic health record‐derived database of rw patients with advNSCLC who received treatment with PD‐1 and/or PD‐L1 (PD‐[L]1) inhibitors before July 1, 2017 (N = 5257) and had ≥6 months of follow‐up. The authors investigated PD‐(L)1 line of treatment and PD‐L1 testing rates and the relationship between overall survival (OS) and rw intermediate endpoints: progression‐free survival (rwPFS), rw time to progression (rwTTP), rw time to next treatment (rwTTNT), and rw time to discontinuation (rwTTD).

Results

First‐line PD‐(L)1 inhibitor use increased from 0% (in the third quarter of 2014 [Q3 2014]) to 42% (Q2 2017) over the study period. PD‐L1 testing also increased (from 3% in Q3 2015 to 70% in Q2 2017). The estimated median OS was 9.3 months (95% CI, 8.9‐9.8 months), and the estimated rwPFS was 3.2 months (95% CI, 3.1‐3.3 months). Longer OS and rwPFS were associated with ≥50% PD‐L1 percentage staining results. Correlations (⍴) between OS and intermediate endpoints were ⍴ = 0.75 (95% CI, 0.73‐0.76) for rwPFS and ⍴ = 0.60 (95% CI, 0.57‐0.63) for rwTTP, and, for treatment‐based intermediate endpoints, correlations were ⍴ = 0.60 (95% CI, 0.56‐0.64) for rwTTNT (N = 856) and ⍴ = 0.81 (95% CI, 0.80‐0.82) for rwTTD.

Conclusions

The use of first‐line PD‐(L)1 inhibitors and PD‐L1 testing has substantially increased, with better outcomes for patients who have ≥50% PD‐L1 percentage staining. Intermediate rw tumor‐dynamics estimates were moderately correlated with OS in patients with advNSCLC who received immunotherapy, highlighting the need for optimizing and standardizing rw endpoints to enhance the understanding of patient outcomes outside clinical trials.
The role of systematic review and meta‐analysis in modern cytopathology
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Treglia Giorgio , Giovanella Luca , Bongiovanni Massimo
Published: August 2019

Systematic reviews (SRs) and meta‐analyses (MAs) report evidence‐based information. Based on their experience, the authors believe that SRs and MAs can play a significant role in modern cytopathology, and can provide support for more robust guideline recommendations with a subsequent impact on clinical practice.
Perceived density, a further attribute of color, revealed by the colors favored in Japan
Authors: Oh Sungmi , Kim Hyunjung
Published: August 2019

Colors can be characterized by three main attributes: hue, value, and saturation. But colors also exhibit other phenomenological qualities. In this study, we identify one such secondary attribute of color: perceived density. We discuss the prevalence of dense colors in Japan starting from the “48 Teas and 100 Mice” colors of the Edo period, and develop the concept of perceived density through this aspect of Japanese color preference. When vivid colors were forbidden to commoners during the Edo period, subtle variations of brownish and grayish colors were created. These colors with base tones were not salient, yet they looked dense. Muted colors with paradoxical richness are still common in Japan today. Japanese commodity design often uses muddy colors with white or gray undertones, and deep colors with black undertones. Together they form distinct groupings of relatively dense color. The perceived density of color corresponds to how dense and filled, or thin and airy a color appears. Colors of higher perceived density appear to be more packed and to have mass. Perceived density of color is unusual in that it does not have a monotonic relationship with one of the primary perceptual attributes. High apparent density is observed in a central region of an equi‐hue plane where value or saturation are at intermediate values. We consider two possible explanations of how high values of density can coincide with middling values of value and saturation: characteristics of the spectral reflectance curves, or the complexity of the neural signals that underlie the emergent property.
A blockchain‐based architecture for securing electronic health record systems
Authors: Yang Guang , Li Chunlei , Marstein Kjell E.
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a blockchain‐based architecture for our current electronic health record (EHR) systems. Being built on top of existing databases maintained by health providers, the architecture implements a blockchain solution to ensure the integrity of data records and improve interoperability of the systems through tracking all events that happen to the data in the databases. In this proposed architecture, we also introduce a new incentive mechanism for the creation of new blocks on the blockchain. The architecture is independent of any specific blockchain platforms and open to further extensions; hence, it potentially fits in with other electronic record systems that require protection against data misuse.
Spontaneous Model of Sjögren's Syndrome in NOD Mice
Authors: Scuron Monika D. , Fay Brittany , Oliver Julian , Smith Paul
Published: August 2019

The non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model is the most widely described and validated method for investigating human primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and represents a useful model for translational studies. However, the systemic disease manifestation in NOD mice is sensitive to the housing environment, as stress modulates the immune system, so it is essential to confirm that readouts are robust, reproducible, and sensitive to known clinical treatments. This protocol describes the establishment of the spontaneous NOD model of SS and underscores the necessity of model validation to ensure that the housing environment is compatible. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Photochemical Study of a Three‐Component Photocyclic Initiating System for Free Radical Photopolymerization: Implementing a Model for Digital Light Processing 3D Printing
Authors: Metral Boris , Bischoff Adrien , Ley Christian , Ibrahim Ahmad , Allonas Xavier
Published: August 2019

Vat photopolymerization technologies are promising 3D printing techniques in the field of additive manufacturing, which requires high performance and affordable photoinitiating systems (PIS). In this paper, we introduce a complex PIS based on safranine as photosensitizer and two redox additives. The photocycling mechanism is explored via laser flash photolysis (LFP) and its reactivity is investigated through real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (RT‐FTIR). A model which predicts with good accuracy the change in conversion with both time and light intensity is proposed. Cure depth experiments are conducted and the critical energy (Ec) and penetration depth (Dp) are established for the resin used. The relationship between these parameters and the corresponding RT‐FTIR results was highlighted through the role of the conversion at the gel point, allowing optimization of the formulation. Finally, high resolution complex pieces are printed with the resin, whose composition was tailored in accordance with our studies, demonstrating the viability of this PIS in digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing.
Preparation of Yolk–Shell‐Structured CoxFe1−xP with Enhanced OER Performance
Authors: Yue Song , Wang Shanshan , Jiao Qingze , Feng Xueting , Zhan Kun , Dai Yiqing , Feng Caihong , Li Hansheng , Feng Tongying , Zhao Yun
Published: August 2019

The design and development of low‐cost, highly efficient, and stable electrocatalysts to take the place of noble‐metal catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remain a significant challenge. Herein, the synthesis of yolk–shell‐structured binary transition metal phosphide CoxFe1−xP with different Co/Fe ratios by phosphidation of a cobalt ferrite precursor is reported. The as‐synthesized CoxFe1−xP catalysts were used for the OER. All yolk–shell CoxFe1−xP catalysts with different Co/Fe ratios showed much better performance than the corresponding solid catalyst. The formation of Co oxides on the catalyst surface during OER and the optimal Co/Fe ratio were found to be critical to their activity. Among the as‐prepared CoxFe1−xP catalysts, that with a Co/Fe ratio of 0.47/0.53 (Co0.47Fe0.53P) exhibited the best performance. Co0.47Fe0.53P has an overpotential of 277 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 37 mV dec−1, and superior stability in alkaline medium. The outstanding performance is partly ascribed to the transfer of valence electrons from Co to P and Fe. The Co0.47Fe0.53P matrix with excellent conductivity and Fe phosphate that is stable on the surface of the catalyst are also helpful for the OER performance. In addition, the yolk–shell structure of Co0.47Fe0.53P increases the contact area between electrolyte and catalyst. These characteristics of Co0.47Fe0.53P greatly improve its OER performance. This optimized binary transition metal phosphide provides a new approach for the design of nonprecious‐metal electrocatalysts.
A Covalent Triazine‐Based Framework Consisting of Donor–Acceptor Dyads for Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhong Hong , Hong Zixiao , Yang Can , Li Liuyi , Xu Yangsen , Wang Xinchen , Wang Ruihu
Published: August 2019

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into value‐added chemical fuels is a promising approach to address the depletion of fossil energy and environment‐related concerns. Tailor‐making the electronic properties and band structures of photocatalysts is pivotal to improve their efficiency and selectivity in photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Herein, a covalent triazine‐based framework was developed containing electron‐donor triphenylamine and electron‐acceptor triazine components (DA‐CTF). The engineered π‐conjugated electron donor–acceptor dyads in DA‐CTF not only optimized the optical bandgap but also contributed to visible‐light harvesting and migration of photoexcited charge carriers. The activity of photocatalytic CO2 reduction under visible light was significantly improved compared with that of traditional g‐C3N4 and reported covalent triazine‐based frameworks. This study provides molecular‐level insights into the mechanism of photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
An efficient certificateless key exchange protocol for heterogeneous networks in human‐centered IoT systems
Authors: Chen Li , Zhang Ke , Kumari Saru , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Kong Zhiying , Chaudhary Pradeep
Published: August 2019

Human‐centered Internet of things (IoT) systems enable human beings to enjoy the ubiquitous services and play more and more important roles in our life. A common application scenario in human‐centered IoT systems is that two distributed wireless devices from heterogeneous networks want to communicate with each other. However, key generation centers (KGCs) from different networks usually use independent security parameters. It is difficult for two users with different security parameters to establish a common session key. We propose a certificateless key exchange protocol for two different devices managed by different KGCs to address the issue. The security of the proposed protocol is conducted in the random oracle model with the hardness assumption of elliptic curve computational Diffie‐Hellman (ECDH) problem. The main merits of our protocol include the following: (a) it enables users from heterogeneous networks to establish upon a shared session key, (b) it can solve the key escrow problem, (c) it does not use bilinear pairings and obtains computational efficiency, and (d) it achieves stronger security compared with other related protocols.
Cognitive dysfunction: A growing link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jash Kavya , Gondaliya Piyush , Kirave Prathibha , Kulkarni Bhagyashri , Sunkaria Aditya , Kalia Kiran
Published: August 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a gradually rising metabolic disease which is currently affecting millions of people worldwide. Diabetes is associated with various complications like nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, diabetic foot, cognitive impairment, and many more. Evidence suggests that cognitive dysfunction is a rising complication of diabetes which adversely affects the brain of patients suffering from diabetes. Age‐related memory impairment is a complication having its major effect on people suffering from diabetes and Alzheimer's. Patients suffering from diabetes are at two times higher risk of developing cognitive dysfunction as compared with normal individuals. Multiple factors which are involved in diabetes related complications are found to play a role in the development of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's. The problem of insulin deficiency and insulin resistance is well reported in diabetes but there are many studies which suggest dysregulation of insulin levels as a reason behind the development of Alzheimer's. As the link between diabetes and Alzheimer disease (AD) is deepening, there is a need to understand the plausible tie‐ins between the two. Emerging role of major factors like insulin imbalance, advanced glycation end products and micro‐RNA's involved in diabetes and Alzheimer's have been discussed here. This review helps in understanding the plausible mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque formation and tau hyperphosphorylation as well provides information about studies carried out in this area of research. The final thought is to enhance the scientific knowledge on this correlation and develop future therapeutics to treat the same.
Quantifying trends and uncertainty in prehistoric forest composition in the upper Midwestern United States
Authors: Dawson Andria , Paciorek Christopher J. , Goring Simon J. , Jackson Stephen T. , McLachlan Jason S. , Williams John W.
Published: August 2019

Forest ecosystems in eastern North America have been in flux for the last several thousand years, well before Euro‐American land clearance and the 20th‐century onset of anthropogenic climate change. However, the magnitude and uncertainty of prehistoric vegetation change have been difficult to quantify because of the multiple ecological, dispersal, and sedimentary processes that govern the relationship between forest composition and fossil pollen assemblages. Here we extend STEPPS, a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal pollen–vegetation model, to estimate changes in forest composition in the upper Midwestern United States from about 2,100 to 300 yr ago. Using this approach, we find evidence for large changes in the relative abundance of some species, and significant changes in community composition. However, these changes took place against a regional background of changes that were small in magnitude or not statistically significant, suggesting complexity in the spatiotemporal patterns of forest dynamics. The single largest change is the infilling ofTsuga canadensisin northern Wisconsin over the past 2,000 yr. Despite range infilling, the range limit ofT. canadensiswas largely stable, with modest expansion westward. The regional ecotone between temperate hardwood forests and northern mixed hardwood/conifer forests shifted southwestward by 15–20 km in Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.Fraxinus,Ulmus, and other mesic hardwoods expanded in the Big Woods region of southern Minnesota. The increasing density of paleoecological data networks and advances in statistical modeling approaches now enables the confident detection of subtle but significant changes in forest composition over the last 2,000 yr.
Calcium Amido Complexes Coordinated by Tridentate Amidinate Ligands: Synthesis, Structures and Catalytic Activity in Olefin Hydrophosphination and Polymerization of Cyclic Esters
Authors: Tolpygin Aleksei O. , Cherkasov Anton V. , Fukin Georgy K. , Kovylina Tatyana A. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Trifonov Alexander A.
Published: August 2019

The reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]2Ca(thf)2 with amidines 2‐(Ph2P=NPh)C6H4NHC(tBu)=N(2,6‐R2C6H3) {R = iPr (L1H); R = Me (L2H)} afford heteroleptic calcium amido complexes [2‐(Ph2P=NPh)C6H4NC(tBu)=N(2,6‐R2C6H3)]Ca[N(SiMe3)2](thf) {R = iPr (1); R = Me (2)} featuring tridentate coordination of the amidinate ligands. Complexes 1 and 2 proved to be efficient catalysts for intermolecular hydrophosphination of styrene, α‐methylstyrene, divinylbenzene and phenylacetylene with Ph2PH and PhPH2. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit high catalytic activity in the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and enable quantitative conversion of 500 equiv. of monomer in 5 seconds (22 °C). Polymerization of rac‐lactide initiated by 1 and 2 proceeds much slower: 52–72 % conversion ([M]0/[Ca]0 = 100) was reached in 12 h (20 °C). The obtained polymers are characterized by narrow polydispersities (Mw/Mn = 1.22–1.28). Catalytic activity of complexes 1 and 2 in rac‐lactide polymerization increases significantly in the presence of 1–3 equiv. of iPrOH. Nearly quantitative (86–98 %) conversion of 100 equiv. of monomer was reached in 1 h and the obtained polymer samples were characterized by relatively narrow polydispersity (Mw/Mn = 1.51–1.68).
A matching game for tasks offloading in integrated edge‐fog computing systems
Authors: Chiti Francesco , Fantacci Romano , Picano Benedetta
Published: August 2019

Edge and fog computing paradigms have recently emerged as promising approaches to overcome latency and network congestion drawbacks of the cloud network architecture alternative. In this direction, the paper deals with an integrated edge‐fog computing system to provide computational offloading capabilities to end‐devices by assuming that each task can be alternatively run locally at the end‐device site, offloaded to a nearby device through a direct communication link (ie, device‐to‐device) or to a more far and computational powerful node, ie, a fog node. In particular, the goal of this paper is to identify a suitable tasks allocation strategy in order to minimize both the system energy consumption and the worst overall task completion time. The related optimization problem is formulated here as a matching game with externalities with incomplete preferences lists between tasks and computation sites due to the fact that each end‐device can reach only a subset of the fog nodes of the integrated computing system. Furthermore, this paper pursuits the stability analysis of the outcome matching, and provides a post matching procedure to reach a stable final matching configuration. Finally, the good behavior of the proposed approach is validated by providing performance comparisons with different alternatives, namely a typical cloud approach architecture, potential game and other matching theory based approaches recently proposed in literature.
Dynamic brain network configurations during rest and an attention task with frequent occurrence of mind wandering
Authors: Denkova Ekaterina , Nomi Jason S. , Uddin Lucina Q. , Jha Amishi P.
Published: August 2019

Mind wandering (MW) has become a prominent topic of neuroscientific investigation due to the importance of understanding attentional processes in our day‐to‐day experiences. Emerging evidence suggests a critical role for three large‐scale brain networks in MW: the default network (DN), the central executive network (CEN), and the salience network (SN). Advances in analytical methods for neuroimaging data (i.e., dynamic functional connectivity, DFC) demonstrate that the interactions between these networks are not static but dynamically fluctuate over time (Chang & Glover, 2010, NeuroImage, 50(1), 81–98). While the bulk of the evidence comes from studies involving resting‐state functional MRI, a few studies have investigated DFC during a task. Direct comparison of DFC during rest and task with frequent MW is scarce. The present study applies the DFC method to neuroimaging data collected from 30 participants who completed a resting‐state run followed by two runs of sustained attention to response task (SART) with embedded probes indicating a high prevalence of MW. The analysis identified five DFC states. Differences between rest and task were noted in the frequency of three DFC states. One DFC state characterized by negative DN–CEN/SN connectivity along with positive CEN–SN connectivity was more frequently observed during task vs. rest. Two DFC states, one of which was characterized by weaker connectivity between networks, were more frequently observed during rest than task. These findings suggest that the dynamic relationships between brain networks may vary as a function of whether ongoing cognitive activity unfolds in an “unconstrained” manner during rest or is “constrained” by task demands.
Close yet independent: Dissociation of social from valence and abstract semantic dimensions in the left anterior temporal lobe
Authors: Wang Xiaosha , Wang Bijun , Bi Yanchao
Published: August 2019

The anterior temporal lobe (ATL) is engaged in various types of semantic dimensions. One consistently reported dimension is social information, with abstract words describing social behaviors inducing stronger activations in the ATL than nonsocial words. One potential factor that has been systematically confounded in this finding is emotional valence, given that abstract social words tend to be associated with emotional feelings. We investigated which factors drove the ATL sensitivity using a 2 (social/nonsocial) × 2 (valenced/neutral) factorial design in an fMRI study with relatively high spatial resolutions. We found that sociality and valence were processed in different ATL regions without significant interactions: The social effect was found in the left anterior superior temporal sulcus (aSTS), whereas the valence effect activated small clusters in the bilateral temporal poles (TP). In the left ATL, the social‐ and valence‐related clusters were distinct from another superior ATL area that exhibited a general “abstractness” effect with little modulation of sociality or valence. These subregions exhibited distinct whole‐brain functional connectivity patterns during the resting state, with the social cluster functionally connected to the default mode network, the valence cluster connected to the adjacent temporal regions and amygdala, and the abstractness cluster connected to a distributed network including a set of language‐related regions. These results of activation profiles and connectivity patterns together indicate that the way in which the left ATL supports semantic processing is highly fine‐grained, with the neural substrate for social semantic effects dissociated from those for emotional valence and abstractness.
Reduced resting‐state functional connectivity and sleep impairment in abstinent male alcohol‐dependent patients
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Cai Wanye , Zhao Meng , Cai Wenlong , Sui Feng , Hou Wenbao , Wang Hongde , Yu Dahua , Yuan Kai
Published: August 2019

Alcohol dependence is associated with poor sleep quality, which has both been implicated with thalamocortical circuits function. To identify the possible roles of these circuits in the alcohol‐sleep association, we investigated the volume of both left and right thalamus and corresponding resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) differences between 15 alcohol‐dependent patients (AD) and 15 healthy controls (HC) male participants. The neuroimaging findings were then correlated with clinical variables, that is, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Additionally, mediation analysis was carried out to test whether the thalamocortical RSFC mediates the relationship between drinking behavior and sleep impairments in AD when applicable. We observed a significant positive correlation between AUDIT score and PSQI score in AD. Compared with HC, AD showed reduced RSFC between the left thalamus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and right caudate. We also observed a negative correlation between RSFC of the left thalamus–mPFC and PSQI score in AD. More importantly, the left thalamus–mPFC RSFC strength mediated the relationship between AUDIT score and PSQI score in AD. No significant difference was detected in the normalized volume of both left and right thalamus, and volumes were not significantly correlated with clinical variables. Our results demonstrate that AD show abnormal interactions within thalamocortical circuits in association with drinking behaviors and sleep impairments. It is hoped that our study focusing on thalamocortical circuits could provide new information on potential novel therapeutic targets for treatment of sleep impairment in alcohol‐dependent patients.
Dual Programmed Death Receptor‐1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor‐2 Blockade Promotes Vascular Normalization and Enhances Antitumor Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shigeta Kohei , Datta Meenal , Hato Tai , Kitahara Shuji , Chen Ivy X. , Matsui Aya , Kikuchi Hiroto , Mamessier Emilie , Aoki Shuichi , Ramjiawan Rakesh R. , Ochiai Hiroki , Bardeesy Nabeel , Huang Peigen , Cobbold Mark , Zhu Andrew X. , Jain Rakesh K. , Duda Dan G.
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

Activation of the antitumor immune response using programmed death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) blockade showed benefit only in a fraction of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combining PD‐1 blockade with antiangiogenesis has shown promise in substantially increasing the fraction of patients with HCC who respond to treatment, but the mechanism of this interaction is unknown.

Approach and Results

We recapitulated these clinical outcomes using orthotopic—grafted or induced—murine models of HCC. Specific blockade of vascular endothelial receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) using a murine antibody significantly delayed primary tumor growth but failed to prolong survival, while anti‐PD‐1 antibody treatment alone conferred a minor survival advantage in one model. However, dual anti‐PD‐1/VEGFR‐2 therapy significantly inhibited primary tumor growth and doubled survival in both models. Combination therapy reprogrammed the immune microenvironment by increasing cluster of differentiation 8–positive (CD8+) cytotoxic T cell infiltration and activation, shifting the M1/M2 ratio of tumor‐associated macrophages and reducing T regulatory cell (Treg) and chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 2–positive monocyte infiltration in HCC tissue. In these models, VEGFR‐2 was selectively expressed in tumor endothelial cells. Using spheroid cultures of HCC tissue, we found that PD‐ligand 1 expression in HCC cells was induced in a paracrine manner upon anti‐VEGFR‐2 blockade in endothelial cells in part through interferon‐gamma expression. Moreover, we found that VEGFR‐2 blockade increased PD‐1 expression in tumor‐infiltrating CD4+ cells. We also found that under anti‐PD‐1 therapy, CD4+ cells promote normalized vessel formation in the face of antiangiogenic therapy with anti‐VEGFR‐2 antibody.

Conclusions

We show that dual anti‐PD‐1/VEGFR‐2 therapy has a durable vessel fortification effect in HCC and can overcome treatment resistance to either treatment alone and increase overall survival in both anti‐PD‐1 therapy–resistant and anti‐PD‐1 therapy–responsive HCC models.
Mother–child verbal communication and preschoolers' inhibitory control
Authors: Yu Dian , Hsu Hui‐Chin
Published: August 2019

Despite growing research on parental influences on preschoolers' inhibitory control (IC), relatively little is known about the role of parental speech. This study explored the association between the pragmatic function (e.g., message or meaning) of maternal verbal communication and IC among preschoolers. Eighty‐three 4‐year‐olds (45 boys) and their mothers participated in this study. Observed during a game, conversations between children and their mothers were transcribed verbatim and classified as collaborative (e.g., support and guide) and noncollaborative (e.g., direct and negate) communication acts. Children's IC was assessed using lab tasks. Results showed that greater maternal noncollaborative communication acts were associated with poorer IC. Furthermore, the negative relationship between maternal noncollaborative communication acts and IC was significant for children who engaged in low and moderate, but not high, levels of noncollaborative communication acts. Finally, the relationship between maternal communication acts and IC did not vary according to child sex or collaborative communication acts when covariates were considered.

Highlights

Centering on the pragmatic function (i.e., message) of verbal communication between mothers and their 4‐year‐olds, we examined its relationship to children's inhibitory control (IC).

Conversations between children and their mothers were transcribed and classified as collaborative (e.g., support and guide) and non‐collaborative (e.g., direct and negate) communication acts, and child IC was assessed using lab tasks. Higher levels of maternal non‐collaborative acts were significantly related to poorer IC. This negative association was further moderated by child non‐collaborative acts, which was significant only when children engaged in low or moderate, but not high, levels of non‐collaborative acts.

Negative pragmatic messages conveyed in maternal speech are likely to be detrimental to early IC development. The way mothers and their 4‐year‐olds co‐construct their conversation also matters.
Final results from GCIG/ENGOT/AGO‐OVAR 12, a randomised placebo‐controlled phase III trial of nintedanib combined with chemotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Ray‐Coquard Isabelle , Cibula David , Mirza Mansoor R. , Reuss Alexander , Ricci Caterina , Colombo Nicoletta , Koch Horst , Goffin Frédéric , González‐Martin Antonio , Ottevanger Petronella B. , Baumann Klaus , Bjørge Line , Lesoin Anne , Burges Alexander , Rosenberg Per , Gropp‐Meier Martina , Harrela Maija , Harter Philipp , Frenel Jean‐Sébastien , Minarik Tomas , Pisano Carmela , Hasenburg Annette , Merger Michael , du Bois Andreas ,   on behalf of the AGO Study Group‐led GCIG/ENGOT Intergroup Consortium
Published: August 2019

AGO‐OVAR 12 investigated the effect of adding the oral triple angiokinase inhibitor nintedanib to standard front‐line chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer. At the primary analysis, nintedanib demonstrated significantly improved progression‐free survival (PFS; primary endpoint) compared with placebo. We report final results, including overall survival (OS). Patients with primary debulked International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB–IV newly diagnosed ovarian cancer were randomised 2:1 to receive carboplatin (area under the curve 5 or 6) plus paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) on day 1 every 3 weeks for six cycles combined with either nintedanib 200 mg or placebo twice daily on days 2–21 every 3 weeks for up to 120 weeks. Between December 2009 and July 2011, 1,366 patients were randomised (911 to nintedanib, 455 to placebo). Disease was considered as high risk (FIGO stage III with >1 cm residuum, or any stage IV) in 39%. At the final analysis, 605 patients (44%) had died. There was no difference in OS (hazard ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–1.17, p = 0.86; median 62.0 months with nintedanib vs. 62.8 months with placebo). Subgroup analyses according to stratification factors, clinical characteristics and risk status showed no OS difference between treatments. The previously reported PFS improvement seen with nintedanib did not translate into an OS benefit in the nonhigh‐risk subgroup. Updated PFS results were consistent with the primary analysis (hazard ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.98; p = 0.029) favouring nintedanib. The safety profile was consistent with previous reports.
The functional interlink between AR and MMP9/VEGF signaling axis is mediated through PIP5K1α/pAKT in prostate cancer
Authors: Larsson Per , Syed Khaja Azharuddin Sajid , Semenas Julius , Wang Tianyan , Sarwar Martuza , Dizeyi Nishtman , Simoulis Athanasios , Hedblom Andreas , Wai Sun Nyunt , Ødum Niels , Persson Jenny L.
Published: August 2019

Currently, no effective targeted therapeutics exists for treatment of metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Given that matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9) and its associated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are critical for tumor vascularization and invasion under castration‐resistant condition, it is therefore of great importance to define the functional association and interplay between androgen receptor (AR) and MMP9 and their associated key survival and invasion pathways in PCa cells. Here, we found that there was a significant correlation between MMP9 and AR protein expression in primary and metastatic PCa tissues, and a trend that high level of MMP9 expression was associated with poor prognosis. We demonstrated that constitutive activation of AR increased expression of MMP9 and VEGF/VEGF receptors. We further showed that AR exerts its effect on MMP9/VEGF signaling axis through PIP5K1α/AKT. We showed that MMP9 physically interacted with PIP5K1α via formation of protein–protein complexes. Furthermore, elevated expression of MMP9 enhanced ability of AR to activate its target gene cyclin A1. The elevated sequential activation of AR/PIP5K1α/AKT/MMP9/VEGF signaling axis contributed to increased invasiveness and growth of metastatic tumors. Conversely, treatment with PIP5K1α inhibitor significantly suppressed invasiveness of PCa cells expressing constitutively activated AR, this was coincident with its inhibitory effect of this inhibitor on AR/MMP9/VEGF pathways. Our results suggest that AR and MMP9‐associated network proteins may be effectively targeted by blocking PIP5K1α/AKT pathways using PIP5K1α inhibitor in metastatic PCa.
Upregulation of microRNA‐133a and downregulation of connective tissue growth factor suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in human glioma through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Peng , Chen Fang‐Zhou , Jia Qing‐Bin , Hu Dian‐Feng
Published: August 2019

Recently, microRNA‐133a (miR‐133a) has been found to function in many diseases in previous studies, yet few studies have been focused on its role in glioma. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of miR‐133a/CTGF on regulating the malignant phenotypes of glioma cells via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Sixty‐five human glioma specimens were collected and 30 normal brain tissues were selected as controls. The expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and miR‐133a in tissues was detected, and the relationship between their expression and the clinicopathological features as well as prognosis of glioma was analyzed. MiR‐133a and CTGF expression in U87, A172, and HEB cell lines was determined. The expression of CTGF, signaling pathway‐, proliferation‐, migration‐, invasion‐, apoptosis‐ and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)–related factors was detected. A number of assays were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, apoptosis, glioma growth, and the targeting site between CTGF and miR‐133a. MiR‐133a was downregulated and CTGF was upregulated in human glioma tissues and cells. MiR‐133a and CTGF expression was related to glioma's WHO staging and size. Downregulated miR‐133a and upregulated CTGF caused unfavorable prognosis in glioma. Upregulated miR‐133a suppressed CTGF expression and the activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway, thereby constraining cell colony formation, proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoting apoptosis in glioma. Our study reveals that upregulated miR‐133a and downregulated CTGF suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in human glioma through the inhibition of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
The stability of function of automatically reinforced vocal stereotypy over time
Authors: Wunderlich Kara L. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Mehrkam Lindsay R. , Feuerbacher Erica N. , Slocum Sarah K. , Kronfli Faris R. , Pizarro Eliana
Published: August 2019

Although prior research has suggested the function of socially reinforced problem behavior can change across time, the stability of the function of automatically reinforced behavior is largely unknown. Further, some authors have suggested automatically reinforced behavior is likely to enter into socially mediated contingencies. The present study compared 2 functional analyses conducted on the same target behavior at least 1 year apart. Participants were 6 individuals diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability displaying automatically reinforced vocal stereotypy. Results indicated the function of each participant's vocal stereotypy remained stable over time (i.e., no new functions were acquired); however, future research on functional stability for automatically reinforced behavior of other topographies is needed.
Women's perceptions of pharmacist‐prescribed hormonal contraception
Authors: Meredith Ashley H. , Olenik Nicole L. , Farris Karen B. , Hudmon Karen Suchanek
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Unintended pregnancy is a public health issue, with young women in their late teens and early 20s at highest risk. Multiple approaches to increasing contraception access have been implemented, including adoption of statewide pharmacist prescribing legislation in multiple states. Indiana does not currently have such legislation in place. The objective of this study was to identify how women at risk for unintended pregnancy in central Indiana perceive pharmacist prescribing of contraception.

Study Design

Qualitative, one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

Purposive, convenience sampling of eligible women 18 to 29‐years‐old who live in Indiana was used. Recruitment occurred via printed flyers placed in public locations that were not focused on health care, free classified online advertisements, and electronic flyers within Facebook social groups relevant to the study population. Interviews were conducted via telephone until thematic saturation was achieved. Participant demographics, baseline characteristics, current and past barriers to obtaining contraception, and perception of a pharmacist contraception prescribing model were collected. Interview transcripts were coded in an iterative manner with qualitative data analysis software (MAXQDA, Version 12) until consensus was achieved.

Results

Fourteen women completed the study. Four primary themes emerged encompassing accessibility, communication, pharmacist attributes, and payment. Thirteen participants would personally utilize a pharmacist prescribing contraceptive service and all stated that this service would be beneficial for other women. Of those women expressing a preference (n = 7), a female pharmacist would be preferred for service delivery. Participants expressed concerns related to access by minors, skills and training of the pharmacist, and environment within the pharmacy.

Conclusions

Women in Indiana desire broader access to contraception. Efforts should be made at the individual pharmacist‐provider level and statewide to explore strategies to increase access. Resources should be allocated to the creation of protocols for pharmacist prescribing within Indiana and other states.