bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nonlinear support vector machine‐based feature selection approach for fault detection and diagnosis: Application to the Tennessee Eastman process
Authors: Onel Melis , Kieslich Chris A. , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N.
Published: December 2018

In this article, we present (1) a feature selection algorithm based on nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) for fault detection and diagnosis in continuous processes and (2) results for the Tennessee Eastman benchmark process. The presented feature selection algorithm is derived from the sensitivity analysis of the dualC‐SVM objective function. This enables simultaneous modeling and feature selection paving the way for simultaneous fault detection and diagnosis, where feature ranking guides fault diagnosis. We train fault‐specific two‐class SVM models to detect faulty operations, while using the feature selection algorithm to improve the accuracy and perform the fault diagnosis. Our results show that the developed SVM models outperform the available ones in the literature both in terms of detection accuracy and latency. Moreover, it is shown that the loss of information is minimized with the use of feature selection techniques compared to feature extraction techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA). This further facilitates a more accurate interpretation of the results. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 65: 992–1005, 2019
A novel arterial Wick for gas–liquid phase separation
Authors: Beheshti Pour Negar , Thiessen David B.
Published: December 2018

Gas–liquid phase separation under microgravity conditions or in small‐scale fluidic systems represents a challenge for two‐phase liquid‐continuous systems. In this study, capillary channels formed by 3‐mm diameter stretched stainless‐steel springs coated with a commercial superhydrophobic coating are used to remove air bubbles from water. A single channel is capable of absorbing a stream of 3.7‐mm diameter bubbles impinging on a small area of the channel at a rate of over 50 bubbles/s. High‐permeability walls lead to fast individual absorption events (4 ms for 2.5‐mm bubbles) where bubble collapse time is limited by the inertia of the surrounding liquid. A horizontal three‐channel array has been shown capable of absorbing impinging bubbles from a sparger at superficial gas velocities of 0.03 m/s. The ultimate capacity of the 3‐mm diameter channel is predicted to be much higher than what could be measured with the existing apparatus. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 1340–1354, 2019
Using multiple coding schemes for classification and coding of agricultural injury
Authors: Murphy Dennis , Gorucu Serap , Weichelt Bryan , Scott Erika , Purschwitz Mark
Published: December 2018

Background

Agricultural safety and health researchers have used a variety of classification and coding schemes to identify and categorize injury, illness, and disease associated with agricultural hazards. This paper demonstrates how the Farm and Agricultural Injury Classification (FAIC) and Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS) coding schemes can be used in tandem for all agricultural injuries.

Methods

Specific cases from the AgInjuryNews.org database were selected to illustrate how the FAIC and OIICS codes can be applied to agricultural injury, and to illustrate limitations that still exist with each coding scheme.

Results

Using the FAIC and OIICS together provided a clearer picture of an injury incident by combining more explicit occupational and non‐occupational exposures with incident type details in a single table.

Conclusions

Both FAIC and OIICS coding schemes depend on sufficient information being available from injury reports. This paper concluded with suggestions for improving coding of agricultural injury.
Finding causation in occupational fatalities: A latent class analysis
Authors: Farina Elena , Bianco Selene , Bena Antonella , Pasqualini Osvaldo
Published: December 2018

Background

The method “Learning by mistakes” was developed in Italy to conduct occupational injury investigations and to collect information on the genesis of injuries. The aim is to analyze data classified with this method in order to identify patterns among the factors contributing to injury dynamics.

Methods

Data regarding 673 factors, corresponding to 354 occupational fatalities that occurred in the Piedmont region (north‐west of Italy) during 2005‐2014 were considered. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was applied to find patterns among these factors.

Results

The eight‐class model was selected. Most of the factors fell in the class “Fall from height or vehicle rollover due to incorrect practice” (40.56%) while the remaining factors where heterogeneously distributed in the other classes.

Conclusions

All the classes found allow for a logical interpretation. Systematic use of LCA could aid in uncovering new, unexpected patterns of factors not otherwise detectable by analysis of the single fatal accident.
One‐Pot Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of 2‐Pyrazolines
Authors: Thomson Connor J. , Barber David M. , Dixon Darren J.
Published: December 2018

A scalable, one‐pot, enantioselective catalytic synthesis of 2‐pyrazolines from beta‐substituted enones and hydrazines is described. Pivoting on a two‐stage catalytic Michael addition/condensation strategy, the use of an aldehyde to generate a suitable hydrazone derivative of the hydrazine was found to be key for curtailing background reactivity and tuning the catalyst‐controlled enantioselectivity. The new synthetic method is easy to perform, uses a new and readily prepared cinchona‐derived bifunctional catalyst, is broad in scope, and tolerates a range of functionalities with high enantioselectivity (up to >99:1 e.r.). The significant scalability of this methodology was demonstrated with the synthesis of more than 80 grams of a pyrazoline product with 89 % catalyst recovery.
Kinetische Studie zu Donor‐Akzeptor‐Cyclopropanen: Strukturelle und elektronische Einflüsse auf die Reaktivität
Authors: Lücht Alexander , Kreft Alexander , Grunenberg Jörg , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: December 2018

Die Kinetik einer (3+2)‐Cycloadditionsreaktion von 18 unterschiedlichen Donor‐Akzeptor‐Cyclopropanen mit einem Aldehyd wurde mittels NMR‐Spektroskopie untersucht. Eine höhere Elektronendichte des Donorsubstituenten führt zu einer 50‐fachen Beschleunigung der Reaktion im Vergleich zum nativen System (Donorsubstituent=Phenyl), wohingegen ein elektronenziehender Substituent die Reaktion um den Faktor 660 verlangsamt. Dieses Verhalten korreliert mit dem Hammett‐Parameter σ. Die erhaltenen Geschwindigkeitskonstanten der (3+2)‐Cycloaddition korrelieren ebenfalls gut mit den Daten aus weiteren Untersuchungen von (3+n)‐Cycloadditionen mit einem Nitron (n=3) und einem Isobenzofuran (n=4). Ein Vergleich der kinetischen Daten mit den Bindungslängen in den Cyclopropanen (erhalten durch Röntgenstrukturanalyse und quantenchemische Berechnungen) und den 1H‐ und 13C‐NMR‐Verschiebungen zeigt keinen einheitlichen Trend. Im Gegensatz dazu sind die berechneten relaxierten Kraftkonstanten von D‐A‐Cyclopropanen ein Anhaltspunkt für die Reaktivität derselbigen.
Kinetic Studies of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes: The Influence of Structural and Electronic Properties on the Reactivity
Authors: Kreft Alexander , Lücht Alexander , Grunenberg Jörg , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: December 2018

The kinetics of (3+2) cycloaddition reactions of 18 different donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with the same aldehyde were studied by in situ NMR spectroscopy. Increasing the electron density of the donor residue accelerates the reaction by a factor of up to 50 compared to the standard system (donor group=phenyl), whereas electron‐withdrawing substituents slow down the reaction by a factor up to 660. This behavior is in agreement with the Hammett substituent parameter σ. The obtained rate constants from the (3+2) cycloadditions correlate well with data from additionally studied (3+n) cycloadditions with a nitrone (n=3) and an isobenzofuran (n=4). A comparison of the kinetic data with the bond lengths in the cyclopropane (obtained by X‐ray diffraction and computation), or the 1H and 13C NMR shifts, revealed no correlation. However, the computed relaxed force constants of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes proved to be a good indicator for the reactivity of the three‐membered ring.
Donor Rhodium Carbenes by Retro‐Buchner Reaction
Authors: Mato Mauro , Echavarren Antonio M.
Published: December 2018

Rhodium carbenes are key intermediates in a range of cycloadditions and insertion reactions. Herein, we report the first generation of donor RhII carbenes by decarbenation of 7‐substituted 1,3,5‐cycloheptatrienes. This discovery unlocks an improved retro‐Buchner‐cyclopropanation sequence, a Si−H insertion reaction for a broad‐scope synthesis of allylsilanes, and a new method for the vinylogation of aldehydes. The last strategy led to the development of an iterative synthesis of E‐polyenes, and to the total synthesis of navenones B and C.
Synergized poly(lactic acid)–hydroxyapatite composites: Biocompatibility study
Authors: Akindoyo John O. , Beg Mohammad D. H. , Ghazali Suriati , Alam A. K. M. M. , Heim Hans P. , Feldmann Maik
Published: December 2018

In vitro biocompatibility of impact modified composites produced from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) is reported in this study. Surface modification was previously used to facilitate the dispersion of HA in PLA, whereas impact property of the PLA‐HA composites was deliberately enhanced as it was necessary. Herein, osteoblast cell culture assay was used to assess the possible effects of HA surface modification and impact modification on the cell behavior in physiological media. Furthermore, antimicrobial properties of the HA were assessed. Evidence of HA modification was confirmed through elemental and spectroscopic analysis. Incorporation of HA offered better cell attachment and proliferation to the PLA matrix, with significant increase in the cell viability (%). Also, modification of HA did not present obvious cytotoxicity to the PLA‐HA composite. Conversely, incorporation of impact modifier slowed down the rate of cell proliferation on the composite surface but facilitates increased wettability. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47400.
Effect of polyhydric alcohols on the mechanical and thermal properties, porosities, and air permeabilities of polyurethane‐blended films
Authors: Lee Jeong Hoon , Min Mun Hong , Lee Seung Geol
Published: December 2018

Polyurethane (PU) and polyhydric alcohols composites were successfully prepared to be used as coating materials for fabrics. The effects of various polyhydric alcohols on the PU composites properties have been investigated. The tensile strengths, glass‐transition temperatures, thermal‐mechanical properties, and swelling capacities of the PU/polyhydric‐alcohol‐blended films are described in detail, along with their surface and cross‐sectional morphologies. The tensile strengths and glass‐transition temperatures of the PU/polyhydric‐alcohol‐blended films were found to decrease remarkably with increasing polyhydric‐alcohol concentration. The swelling capacities and porosities of the PU/poly(propylene glycol) (PPG)‐blended and PU/glycerol‐blended films were observed to increase with increasing PPG or glycerol concentration. However, the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) concentration in the PU/PEG‐blended film did not significantly affect its properties. The air and water‐vapor permeability of nonwoven nylon fabrics coated with PU/PPG and PU/glycerol increased with increasing PPG or glycerol contents, while those coated with PU/PEG were unaffected by PEG content. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47429.
AIE Fluorescent Gelators with Thermo‐, Mechano‐, and Vapochromic Properties
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhou Lu , Shi Xiang , Hu Jun , Guo Jia , Albouy Pierre‐Antoine , Li Min‐Hui
Published: December 2018

A series of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) fluorescent gelators (TPE‐Cn‐Chol) were synthesized by attaching tetraphenylethylene (TPE) to cholesterol through an alkyl chain. The properties of the gel, nano‐/microaggregate, and condensed phases were studied carefully. TPE‐Cn‐Chol molecules form AIE fluorescent gels in acetone and in DMF. Their fluorescence can be reversibly switched between the “on” and “off” states by a gel–sol phase transition upon thermal treatment. The AIE properties of aggregated nano‐/microstructures in acetone/water mixtures with different water fractions were studied by using fluorescence spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In different acetone/water mixtures, the TPE‐Cn‐Chol molecules formed different nano‐/microaggregates, such as rodlike crystallites and spherical nanoparticles that showed different fluorescence colors. Finally, the condensed phase behavior of TPE‐Cn‐Chol was studied by using polarizing microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence spectrometry, fluorescence optical microscopy, and wide‐angle X ray scattering (WAXS). The clover‐shaped TPE unit introduced into the rodlike cholesterol mesogen inhibits not only the formation of a liquid‐crystal phase but also recrystallization upon cooling from the isotropic liquid phase. Very interestingly, TPE‐Cn‐Chol molecules in the condensed state change their fluorescence color under external stimuli, such as melting, grinding, and solvent fuming. The phase transition is the origin of these thermo‐, mechano‐, and vapochromic properties. These findings offer a simple and interesting platform for the creation of multistimuli‐responsive fluorescent sensors.
The impact of source water quality on the cost of nitrate treatment
Authors: Vedachalam Sridhar , Mandelia Ankita J. , Heath Eric A.
Published: December 2018

Rising nitrate levels in source waters threaten to increase the cost of delivering safe drinking water in many communities. This is especially true in the agriculture‐heavy Mississippi River Basin. This study analyzed water quality and treatment cost data over 10 years at three water utilities in the basin. In each intake watershed, farm fertilizer was the largest contributor of nitrogen loading. Nitrate concentrations generally increased during the study period, resulting in increased intake exceedances above 10 mg/L. The amortized capital cost of the treatment plant typically outweighed annual operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. Furthermore, a scale effect was observed with regard to capital costs—unit cost decreased with an increase in production. Limited data on O&M costs suggest that high‐intake nitrate levels contributed to higher treatment costs. This article discusses the policy implications of the findings and presents recommendations to mitigate ratepayer impacts from high nitrate levels.
Evolving response to smart irrigation controllers in high water‐use central Florida homes
Authors: Morera Maria C. , Monaghan Paul F. , Dukes Michael D.
Published: December 2018

Efforts to improve urban irrigation efficiency through the promotion of smart controllers represent a critical water resource management strategy in Florida. However, targeted initiatives require knowledge of household characteristics and preferences among high irrigators to ensure acceptance and continued use of the devices. This article compares survey data collected in 2014 and 2017 from high‐water‐use homes in Orange County, Florida, with soil moisture sensor and evapotranspiration controllers installed, to evaluate long‐term response to the technologies. Results indicate the perceived water‐saving effectiveness of the controllers and whether challenges were experienced operating them significantly predicted satisfaction with the controllers and the likelihood of continuing to use them, respectively, during both periods. The likelihood of continued use after 2017 was almost 12 times higher if a respondent was satisfied with the controller and 82% lower if any challenge was experienced with it. Increased familiarity and comfort with the controllers would enhance long‐term adoption.
Glutathione compartmentalization and its role in glutathionylation and other regulatory processes of cellular pathways
Authors: Scirè Andrea , Cianfruglia Laura , Minnelli Cristina , Bartolini Desirée , Torquato Pierangelo , Principato Giovanni , Galli Francesco , Armeni Tatiana
Published: December 2018

Glutathione is considered the major non‐protein low molecular weight modulator of redox processes and the most important thiol reducing agent of the cell. The biosynthesis of glutathione occurs in the cytosol from its constituent amino acids, but this tripeptide is also present in the most important cellular districts, such as mitochondria, nucleus, and endoplasmic reticulum, thus playing a central role in several metabolic pathways and cytoprotection mechanisms. Indeed, glutathione is involved in the modulation of various cellular processes and, not by chance, it is a ubiquitous determinant for redox signaling, xenobiotic detoxification, and regulation of cell cycle and death programs. The balance between its concentration and redox state is due to a complex series of interactions between biosynthesis, utilization, degradation, and transport. All these factors are of great importance to understand the significance of cellular redox balance and its relationship with physiological responses and pathological conditions. The purpose of this review is to give an overview on glutathione cellular compartmentalization. Information on its subcellular distribution provides a deeper understanding of glutathione‐dependent processes and reflects the importance of compartmentalization in the regulation of specific cellular pathways. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(2):152–168, 2019
Introducing a Sustainability Evaluation Framework based on the Sustainable Development Goals applied to Four Cases of South African Frugal Innovation
Authors: Dressler Anne , Bucher Julien
Published: December 2018

Evaluating sustainability based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a complex but purposeful approach with a broad field of application. In order to handle the complexity of the SDGs and achieve flexibility at the same time, this paper introduces a three‐step evaluation system based on the SDGs for the assessment of the sustainability of innovations. It was used to assess four cases of South African frugal innovation with the conclusion that all four examined cases were sustainable, indicating an interrelation between the frugality and the sustainability of an innovation. The framework was reviewed and revised several times and tested successfully and so far has proven to be applicable to a wide spectrum of innovations.
Subclinical cerebral edema in diabetic ketoacidosis in children
Authors: Agarwal Hemant S.
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical Message

Subclinical cerebral edema in diabetic ketoacidosis tends to manifest with subtle neurological symptoms including headache, lethargy, or disorientation and a Glasgow Coma Scale of 14‐15. Treatment of subclinical cerebral edema with hyperosmolar therapy for persistent symptoms is associated with good outcomes.
Integration of metallic TaS2 Co‐catalyst on carbon nitride photoharvester for enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Chen Hanxiang , Zhang Xiaoni , Ji Haiyan , Xia Kaixiang , Yi Jianjian , Ke Fusheng , Xu Hui , Chen Mindong , Li Huaming
Published: December 2018

The efficient separation of photogenerated electron‐hole (e−‐h+) pairs is the key point for photocatalytic reactions. The integration of co‐catalysts, especially noble‐metals, can improve the e−‐h+ separation efficiency dramatically. However, the high‐cost would limit their large‐scale application. Therefore, the exploration of noble‐metal‐free co‐catalysts is still important for the development of photocatalysis. In this work, we report a series of metallic TaS2 based catalysts that can effectively boost the photocatalytic performance of a metal‐free semiconductor (2D‐C3N4). The advantages of the as‐prepared catalysts were demonstrated as follows: (i) noble‐metal‐free; (ii) outstanding electrical conductivity; and (iii) superior stability. As demonstrated in a photocatalytic degradation reaction, the optimal removal rate of pollutant Rhodamine B (RhB) reached 92 % after 100 min of irradiation, which is enhanced by almost 25 % more than pure two‐dimensional graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (2D‐C3N4). This work may provide insight into finding new low‐cost metallic materials as co‐catalysts to promote phototcatalytic performance.
Risk factors for metachronous bilateral renal cell carcinoma: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results analysis
Authors: Syed Jamil S. , Nguyen Kevin A. , Holford Theodore R. , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Shuch Brian
Published: December 2018

Background

Patients treated for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may be diagnosed with a metachronous, contralateral tumor. We evaluated the risks of contralateral tumor development using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

Methods

Among RCC patients, we identified those with a metachronous, contralateral RCC diagnosed ≥1 year after primary diagnosis. We performed a competing risks analysis to evaluate associations between clinicopathologic factors and metachronous, bilateral RCC. Cumulative incidence and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated.

Results

There were 80,403 cases of RCC identified, with a median follow‐up of 8.3 years; of these, 1063 (1.3%) developed metachronous, contralateral RCC (median of 6 years after diagnosis). The cumulative incidence at 10, 20, and 30 years of follow‐up was 1.5%, 3.1%, and 4.7%, respectively. An increased risk was observed among men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20‐1.55), blacks (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.71‐2.33), and those with papillary histology (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.41‐2.10). Risk of metachronous disease decreased with increasing age at primary diagnosis (HR per 1‐year increase, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96‐0.97). The SIRs were highest among those diagnosed at a younger age and remained elevated even after extended follow‐up (>10 years).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the cumulative incidence of metachronous, contralateral RCC may be higher than previously reported. Younger age, black race, papillary histology, and male sex increase the risk of metachronous, contralateral RCC development. The high SIRs seen in all demographic groups may support a rationale for lifelong surveillance, especially in high‐risk subgroups with early disease onset.
The identification of patient‐specific mutations reveals dual pathway activation in most patients with melanoma and activated receptor tyrosine kinases in BRAF/NRAS wild‐type melanomas
Authors: Appenzeller Silke , Gesierich Anja , Thiem Alexander , Hufnagel Anita , Jessen Christina , Kneitz Hermann , Regensburger Martina , Schmidt Cornelia , Zirkenbach Vanessa , Bischler Thorsten , Schilling Bastian , Siedel Claudia , Goebeler Maria‐Elisabeth , Houben Roland , Schrama David , Gehrig Andrea , Rost Simone , Maurus Katja , Bargou Ralf , Rosenwald Andreas , Schartl Manfred , Goebeler Matthias , Meierjohann Svenja
Published: December 2018

Background

Increasing knowledge of cancer genomes has triggered the development of specific targeted inhibitors, thus providing a valuable therapeutic pool.

Methods

In this report, the authors analyze the presence of targetable alterations in 136 tumor samples from 92 patients with melanoma using a comprehensive approach based on targeted DNA sequencing and supported by RNA and protein analysis. Three topics of high clinical relevance are addressed: the identification of rare, activating alterations; the detection of patient‐specific, co‐occurring single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in parallel pathways; and the presence of cancer‐relevant germline mutations.

Results

The analysis of patient‐matched blood and tumor samples was done with a custom‐designed gene panel that was enriched for genes from clinically targetable pathways. To detect alterations with high therapeutic relevance for patients with unknown driver mutations, genes that are untypical for melanoma also were included. Among all patients, CNVs were identified in one‐third of samples and contained amplifications of druggable kinases, such as CDK4, ERBB2, and KIT. Considering SNVs and CNVs, 60% of patients with metastases exhibited co‐occurring activations of at least 2 pathways, thus providing a rationale for individualized combination therapies. Unexpectedly, 9% of patients carry potentially protumorigenic germline mutations frequently affecting receptor tyrosine kinases. Remarkably two‐thirds of BRAF/NRAS wild‐type melanomas harbor activating mutations or CNVs in receptor tyrosine kinases.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the integrated analysis of SNVs, CNVs, and germline mutations reveals new druggable targets for combination tumor therapy.
A clinical trial of intraoperative near‐infrared imaging to assess tumor extent and identify residual disease during anterior mediastinal tumor resection
Authors: Predina Jarrod D. , Keating Jane , Newton Andrew , Corbett Christopher , Xia Leilei , Shin Michael , Frenzel Sulyok Lydia , Deshpande Charuhas , Litzky Leslie , Nie Shuming , Kucharczuk John C. , Singhal Sunil
Published: December 2018

Background

The management of most solid tumors of the anterior mediastinum involves complete resection. Because of their location near mediastinal structures, wide resection is not possible; therefore, surgeons must use subjective visual and tactile cues to determine disease extent. This clinical trial explored intraoperative near‐infrared (NIR) imaging as an approach to improving tumor delineation during mediastinal tumor resection.

Methods

Twenty‐five subjects with anterior mediastinal lesions suspicious for malignancy were enrolled in an open‐label feasibility trial. Subjects were administered indocyanine green (ICG) at a dose of 5 mg/kg, 24 hours before resection (via a technique called TumorGlow). The NIR imaging systems included Artemis (Quest, Middenmeer, the Netherlands) and Iridium (VisionSense Corp, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Intratumoral ICG uptake was evaluated. The clinical value was determined via an assessment of the ability of NIR imaging to detect phrenic nerve involvement or incomplete resection. Clinical and histopathologic variables were analyzed to determine predictors of tumor fluorescence.

Results

No drug‐related toxicity was observed. Optical imaging added a mean of 10 minutes to case duration. Among the subjects with solid tumors, 19 of 20 accumulated ICG. Fluorescent tumors included thymomas (n = 13), thymic carcinomas (n = 4), and liposarcomas (n = 2). NIR feedback improved phrenic nerve dissection (n = 4) and identified residual disease (n = 2). There were no false‐positives or false‐negatives. ICG preferentially accumulated in solid tumors; this was independent of clinical and pathologic variables.

Conclusions

NIR imaging for anterior mediastinal neoplasms is safe and feasible. This technology may provide a real‐time tool capable of determining tumor extent and specifically identify phrenic nerve involvement and residual disease.
Mismatch repair in endometrioid endometrial cancer: Increasing our therapeutic proficiency by capitalizing on molecular deficiency
Authors: Eskander Ramez N.
Published: December 2018

Understanding the prognostic implications of mismatch repair deficiency in endometrial cancer may inform future therapy. Opportunity remains to expand on the effective treatment of patients with high‐intermediate–risk disease.
Adequacy criteria for voided urine cytology using cytospin preparations
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Gould Edwin W.
Published: December 2018

Background

Previous studies have suggested that urine cytology adequacy may be related to both specimen volume and cellularity.

Methods

The authors reviewed cytospin preparations from 314 urine specimens (162 voided and 152 instrumented specimens) found to have high‐grade urothelial carcinoma on biopsy.

Results

The sensitivity of instrumented urine cytology was significantly higher than that of voided cytology (82% vs 25%; P < .001). The cellularity (at least 30 urothelial cells/10 high‐power fields [HPF]) of instrumented urine specimens also was significantly higher than that of voided specimens (57% vs 9%; P < .001). The sensitivity of voided urine cytology with a cellularity of 20 to 39 cells per 10 HPF was significantly higher than that of cases with <20 cells per 10 HPF (77% vs 19%; P < .001). The sensitivity decreased with higher cellularity for both types of specimens. The sensitivity of voided cases with a volume of at least 30 mL was higher than that of cases with a volume <30 mL, but this was not statistically significant (31% vs 17%; P = .07).

Conclusions

The sensitivity of voided urine cytology for high‐grade urothelial carcinoma is significantly associated with urothelial cellularity but not specimen volume. Both the cellularity and sensitivity of voided urine specimens are less than that of instrumented specimens.
Facile and Scalable Fabrication of Surface‐Modified Sponge for Efficient Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Mu Peng , He Jingxian , Zhu Zhaoqi , Sun Hanxue , Wei Huijuan , Liang Weidong , Li An
Published: December 2018

Solar steam generation is a highly promising technology for harvesting solar energy and desalination. Here, a new solar steam generation system is introduced based on a surface‐modified polyurethane sponge with bilayered structures for efficient solar steam generation. The top layer, coated with polydimethylsiloxane‐modified graphite powder, serves as light‐to‐heat conversion layer with a broad optical absorption, whereas the lower part of the sponge acts as a thermal insulator with a low thermal conductivity in the wet state (0.13882 W m−1 K−1). In addition, the strong hydrophobic wettability of the top layer (water contact angle: 148°) enables self‐floating behavior on water, which is beneficial for practical applications. The results show that compared with a silver‐nanoparticle‐doped sponge and an acid‐etched sponge doped with silver nanoparticles the graphite‐modified sponge (GS) exhibits the highest evaporation efficiency of 73.3 % under 1 kW m2 irradiation, which is 2.6 times that of pure water and far higher than that of untreated polyurethane sponge (36.0 %). The GS shows excellent stability, and its evaporation efficiency remains unchanged even after immersion in water for one month. Based on its cost‐efficient, simple, and scalable manufacturing process, excellent mechanical stability, and high recyclability, the GS shows great potential as an efficient photothermal material for a wide range of large‐scale applications such as solar steam generation, light absorption, heat localization, and seawater desalination.
Structural Biology of Iron‐Binding Proteins by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Ciambellotti Silvia , Turano Paola
Published: December 2018

Herein we provide an overview of the NMR strategies that have been designed in our lab to contribute answering some basic questions in inorganic structural biology, spanning from the initial exploitation of paramagnetic NMR constraints for the determination of the structural and dynamic properties of small isolated metalloproteins, to the study of ultra‐weak protein–protein interaction up to the study of heme and iron trafficking. The reviewed examples address the role of some metalloproteins or metal‐binding proteins in fundamental biological processes. The examples deal with macromolecular assemblies that are particularly challenging for NMR applications with respect to their complexity.
Recent Synthetic and Catalytic Applications of Group 4 Metallocene Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene Complexes
Authors: Rosenthal Uwe
Published: December 2018

With the 30 years old first example of a stable group 4 metallocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene (btmsa) complex Cp2Ti(η2‐btmsa) a series of similar complexes like Cp′2M(η2‐btmsa) (M = Ti, Zr; Cp′ = Cp, Cp* as η5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and Cp′2 = rac‐(ebthi) as rac‐1,2‐ethylene‐1,1′‐bis(η5‐tetrahydroindenyl) ) represent excellent sources for the generation of the very reactive coordinatively and electronically unsaturated complex fragments [Cp'2M], which were used in many synthetic and catalytic reactions. Examples for this were oresented in several papers and summarized in some reviews. In this update new reactions of group 4 metallocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complexes towards symmetrically and unsymmetrically α‐dihetero‐substituted alkynes, reactions with other alkynes, di‐ and polyynes to metallacyclopentadienes as well as the conversions of the formed products are summarized. Additionally, novel synthetic applications of the formed metallacyclopentadienes on the basis of the zirconocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complex Cp2Zr(py)(η2‐btmsa) are highlighted. Reactions with imines, neutral N‐donor ligands, E‐H compounds (E = N, O, P), molecular hydrogen, water, phosphino‐ and aminoboranes, E‐Cl compounds (E = C, P), disilylated germylenes and aryloxy ketones were described. Different self‐assembly reactions to multinuclear complexes by using group 4 metallocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complexes in C‐C coupling reactions with or without C‐H bond activation to tri‐ or tetranuclear complexes are considered, too. These examples are discussed following the general L‐M‐S principle for stoichiometric and catalytic reactions, whereby different ligands L (L = Cp′ = Cp, Cp*, rac‐ebthi), metals M (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) and substrate substituents S influence the reactivity and the obtained products.
Photoelectric and Thermoelectric Dual Modulation Via a Ternary Composite
Authors: Sun Sam‐Shajing , Lee Harold Odell
Published: December 2018

Materials for simultaneous photoelectric and thermo‐electric dual conversions and modulations, where photon can modulate the thermoelectric conversion, and temperature can modulate the photoelectric conversion, may find potential applications where light (including a laser) can remotely turn on, turn off, or modulate a thermoelectric generator, a cooler, or a temperature sensor, and vice versa, temperature (heating/cooling) can turn on, turn off, or modulate a photoelectric device such as a photo detector or a solar cell. Here, it is demonstrated that such simultaneous dual conversion or modulation can be achieved via a ternary composite, e.g., a poly‐3‐hexyl‐thiophene thin‐film doped with both phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester and iodine. This finding may result in the development of lightweight, flexible shape, cost‐effective, renewable, environmentally friendly, biocompatible, and scalable materials, devices, and systems for clean energy harvestings (such as solar and waste heat dual energy harvesting) as well as light/heat dual‐sensing sensors, modulators, and controllers.
Proton versus photon radiation–induced cell death in head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Wang Li , Han Shichao , Zhu Jinming , Wang Xiaochun , Li Yuting , Wang Zeming , Lin Eric , Wang Xiaofang , Molkentine David P. , Blanchard Pierre , Yang Yining , Zhang Ruiping , Sahoo Narayan , Gillin Michael , Zhu Xiaorong Ronald , Zhang Xiaodong , Myers Jeffrey N. , Frank Steven J.
Published: December 2018

Background

Photon (X‐ray) radiotherapy (XRT) kills cells via DNA damage, however, how proton radiotherapy (PRT) causes cell death in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unclear. We investigated mechanisms of HNSCC cell death after XRT versus PRT.

Methods

We assessed type of death in 2 human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive and two HPV‐negative cell lines: necrosis and apoptosis (Annexin‐V fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]); senescence (β‐galactosidase); and mitotic catastrophe (γ‐tubulin and diamidino‐phenylindole [DAPI]).

Results

The XRT‐induced or PRT‐induced cellular senescence and mitotic catastrophe in all cell lines studied suggested that PRT caused cell death to a greater extent than XRT. After PRT, mitotic catastrophe peaked in HPV‐negative and HPV‐positive cells at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. No obvious differences were noted in the extent of cell necrosis or apoptosis after XRT versus PRT.

Conclusion

Under the conditions and in the cell lines reported here, mitotic catastrophe and senescence were the major types of cell death induced by XRT and PRT, and PRT may be more effective.
Prevalence and prediction of trismus in patients with head and neck cancer: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: van der Geer Sarah J. , van Rijn Phillip V. , Kamstra Jolanda I. , Langendijk Johannes A. , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , Roodenburg Jan L. N. , Dijkstra Pieter U.
Published: December 2018

Background

Trismus occurs frequently in patients with head and neck cancer. Determining the prevalence and associated factors of trismus would enable prediction of the risk of trismus for future patients.

Methods

Based on maximal mouth opening measurements, we determined the prevalence of trismus in 730 patients with head and neck cancer. Associated factors for trismus were analyzed using univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Based on the regression model, a calculation tool to predict trismus was made.

Results

Prevalence of trismus was 23.6%. Factors associated with trismus were: advanced age; partial or full dentition; tumors located at the maxilla; mandible; cheek; major salivary glands; oropharynx; an unknown primary; a free soft tissue transfer after surgery; reirradiation; and chemotherapy.

Conclusion

About one‐fourth of patients with head and neck cancer develop trismus. Based on prevalence and associated factors of trismus, a simple calculation tool predicts the risk of trismus in these patients.
The Role of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Nucleos(t)ide Analogues Cessation Among Asian Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Jiaye , Li Tao , Zhang Li , Xu Aiqiang
Published: December 2018

In actual clinical practice, infinite nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is unrealistic. The most commonly used endpoint is suppression of HBV DNA to undetectable levels with normalization of alanine aminotransferase. However, this criterion for cessation of treatment is associated with various incidences of virological and clinical relapse. Recent studies suggest that decreasing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level at the end of treatment (EOT) to an appropriate cut‐off value appears to be a practicable and attainable cessation criterion. We performed a systematic review to explore the optimal cut‐off value of HBsAg at EOT for the cessation of NAs treatment. Eleven studies with 1,716 patients were included in this review. When the HBsAg levels at EOT were <100 IU/mL and >100 IU/mL, the respective off‐therapy virological relapse rates were 9.1%‐19.6% (range) and 31.4%‐86.8% (range) at ≥12 months off therapy, regardless of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status; the respective off‐therapy clinical relapse rates were 15.4%‐29.4% (range) and 48.1%‐63.6% (range) at ≥12 months off therapy, regardless of HBeAg status; and the respective off‐therapy HBsAg loss rates were 21.1%‐58.8% (range) and 3.3%‐7.4% (range) for HBeAg‐negative patients at ≥39 months off therapy. Conclusion: Cessation of long‐term NAs therapy before HBsAg seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B is a feasible alternative to indefinite treatment. An HBsAg level <100 IU/mL at EOT seems to be a useful marker for deciding when to discontinue NAs therapy. However, regular monitoring is required after the cessation of NAs treatment, and long‐term outcomes must be further evaluated.
Who promotes a value‐in‐diversity perspective? A fuzzy set analysis of executives’ individual and organizational characteristics
Authors: Bader Anna Katharina , Kemper Lena Elisabeth , Froese Fabian Jintae
Published: December 2018

Diversity perspectives are philosophies of or approaches to diversity held by organizations, groups, or executives. They are important for organizations because they can determine the success or failure of diversity in the workforce. However, little is known about the predictors of diversity perspectives among executives. Using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, we analyzed 50 interviews with top executives in Germany to identify individual and organizational characteristics that predict executives' adoption of a diversity perspective, in particular of a value‐in‐diversity perspective. Specifically, we analyzed gender, age, education level, vocational background, and tenure (individual characteristics), as well as size, sector of organization, and competitive environment (organizational characteristics), as potential predictors. We found single characteristics did not predict adoption, but configurations of characteristics did. Drawing on the person‐situation‐interactionist perspective, we developed specific profiles of executives likely to foster a value‐in‐diversity perspective and identified characteristics of their work environments that support such an approach. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Hydrologic and water isotope characterization of a regulated Canadian Shield river basin
Authors: England Nancy , James April L. , Chutko Krystopher J. , Pyrce Richard S. , Yao Huaxia
Published: December 2018

Stable water isotope surveys have increasingly been integrated into river basins studies, but fewer have used them to evaluate impact of hydropower regulation. This study applies hydrologic and water isotope survey approaches to a Canadian Shield river basin with both regulated and natural flows. Historical streamflow records were used to evaluate the influence of three hydroelectric reservoirs and unregulated portions of the basin on downstream flows and changes in water level management implemented after an extreme flood year (1979). In 2013, water isotope surveys of surface and source waters (e.g., rainfall, groundwater, snowmelt) were conducted to examine spatial and temporal variation in contributions to river flow. Seasonal changes in relative groundwater contribution were assessed using a water‐isotope mass balance approach. Within the basin, two regulated reservoirs exhibited inverted hydrographs with augmented winter flows, whereas a third exhibited a hydrograph dominated by spring snowmelt. In 2013, spatial variation in rain‐on‐snow and air temperatures resulted in a critical lag in snowmelt initiation in the southern and northern portions of the basin resulting in a dispersed, double peak spring hydrograph, contrasting with 1979 when a combination of rain‐on‐snow and coincident snowmelt led to the highest flood on record. Although eastern basin reservoirs become seasonally enriched in δ18O and δ2H values, unregulated western basin flows remain less variable due to groundwater driven baseflow with increasing influence downstream. Combined analysis of historical streamflow (e.g., flood of 1979, drought of 2010) and the 2013 water isotope surveys illustrate extreme meteorological conditions that current management activities are unable to prevent. In this study, the influence of evaporative fractionation on large surface water reservoirs provides important evidence of streamflow partitioning, illustrating the value of stable water isotope tracers for study of larger catchments.
High‐Rate Filtration with a Synthetic Compressible Media
Authors: Caliskaner Onder , Tchobanoglous George , Carolan Adrian
Published: December 2018

An innovative filter that uses a synthetic, porous filter media was tested for more than 2 years at the University of California at Davis. The filter is unusual in a number of ways: (I) the synthetic filter media is highly porous (89%), (2) filter media and bed properties can be modified because the media is compressible, (3) the fluid to be filtered flows both around and through the media instead of only flowing around the filtering media (as in granular media filters), (4) the fluid that is filtered is used to backwash the filter, (5) to backwash the filter, filter bed volume is increased mechanically, and (6) the filter operates at high filtration rates (e.g., 410 to 1230 L/m2·min [10 to 30 gal/min/sq ft]). Performance of the filter, with respect to removal of turbidity and total suspended solids, is similar to the performance of other more conventional filters with the exception that filtration rate is more than 3 to 6 times the rate of other filters. Also, percent backwash water required is significantly less than that used in conventional filtration technologies (typically 2 to 3% versus 6 to 15%).
Influence of Nutrients on Biomass Evolution in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor Degrading Sulfate‐Laden Organics
Authors: Patidar S. K. , Tare Vinod
Published: December 2018

This paper describes the effect of the nutrients iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), and molybdenum (Mo) on biomass evolution in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor metabolizing synthetic sulfate‐laden organics at varying operating conditions during a period of 540 days. A bench‐scale model of a UASB reactor was operated at a temperature of 35 ° C for a chemical oxygen demand‐to‐sulfate (COD/SO42−) ratio of 8.59 to 2.0, a sulfate loading rate of 0.54 to 1.88 kg SO42−/m3˙d, and an organic loading rate of 1.9 to 5.75 kg COD/m3˙d. Biomass was characterized in terms of total methanogenic activity, acetate‐utilizing methanogenic activity, total sulfidogenic activity, acetate‐utilizing sulfidogenic activity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nickel and cobalt limitation appears to affect the activity of hydrogen‐utilizing methane‐producing bacteria (HMPB) significantly without having an appreciable effect on the activity of acetate‐utilizing methane‐producing bacteria (AMPB). Nickel and cobalt supplementation resulted in increased availability and, consequently, restoration of biomass activity and process performance. Iron limitation and sulfidogenic conditions resulted in the growth of low‐density, hollow, fragile granules that washed out, causing process instability and performance deterioration. Iron and cobalt supple‐mentation indicated significant stimulation of AMPB with slight inhibition of HMPB. Examination of biomass through SEM indicated a population shift with dominance of sarcina‐type organisms and the formation of hollow granules. Granule disintegration was observed toward the end of the study.
Accelerating Drug Development in Pediatric Oncology With the Clinical Pharmacology Storehouse
Authors: Shebley Mohamad , Menon Rajeev M. , Gibbs John P. , Dave Nimita , Kim Su Y. , Marroum Patrick J.
Published: December 2018

Pediatric drug development is a challenging process due to the rarity of the population, the need to meet regulatory requirements across the globe, the associated uncertainty in extrapolating data from adults, the paucity of validated biomarkers, and the lack of systematic testing of drugs in pediatric patients. In oncology, pediatric drug development has additional challenges that have historically delayed availability of safe and effective medicines for children. In particular, the traditional approach to pediatric oncology drug development involves conducting phase 1 studies in children once the drug has been characterized and in some cases approved for use in adults. The objective of this article is to describe clinical pharmacology factors that influence pediatric oncology trial design and execution and to highlight efficient approaches for designing and expediting oncology drug development in children. The topics highlighted in this article include (1) study design considerations, (2) updated dosing approaches, (3) ways to overcome the significant biopharmaceutical challenges unique to the oncology pediatric population, and (4) use of data analysis strategies for extrapolating data from adults, with case studies. Finally, suggestions for ways to use clinical pharmacology approaches to accelerate pediatric oncology drug development are provided.