bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic relevance of early radiologic response to induction chemotherapy in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor 95 study
Authors: Vaarwerk Bas , van der Lee Johanna H. , Breunis Willemijn B. , Orbach Daniel , Chisholm Julia C. , Cozic Nathalie , Jenney Meriel , van Rijn Rick R. , McHugh Kieran , Gallego Soledad , Glosli Heidi , Devalck Christine , Gaze Mark N. , Kelsey Anna , Bergeron Christophe , Stevens Michael C. G. , Oberlin Odile , Minard‐Colin Veronique , Merks Johannes H. M.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Early response to induction chemotherapy is used in current European guidelines to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy and subsequently to adapt treatment in pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). However, existing literature on the prognostic value of early radiologic response on survival is contradictory; here the prognostic value is analyzed with data from the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor 95 (MMT‐95) study.

METHODS

This study examined 432 Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Grouping III (macroscopic residue) patients enrolled in the SIOP MMT‐95 study with a response assessment after 3 courses of chemotherapy (a 2‐dimensional assessment). Patients with progressive disease (PD) after 3 courses of chemotherapy were excluded (n = 7). Failure‐free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS), calculated with the Kaplan‐Meier method, were compared for 3 groups (complete response [CR]/partial response [PR], objective response [OR], and no response [NR]). The prognostic impact of early response was assessed through the calculation of Cox proportional hazards.

RESULTS

After 3 courses of chemotherapy, 85.2% of the patients had CR/PR, 8.6% had OR, and 6.3% had NR. For all patients, the 5‐year FFS and OS rates were 60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56%‐65%) and 74% (95% CI, 70%‐78%), respectively. However, a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed no significant difference in FFS or OS between the response groups. The adjusted hazard ratios for an OR and NR were 1.09 (95% CI, 0.63‐1.88) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.39‐1.67), respectively, for FFS and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.47‐1.76) and 1.27 (95% CI, 0.61‐2.64), respectively, for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence was found for the idea that early radiologic response to chemotherapy is prognostic for survival for patients with RMS. Treatment adaptation based on early response (except for patients with PD) should, therefore, no longer be incorporated into future studies. Cancer 2018;124:1016‐24. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Risk of recurrence, prognosis, and follow‐up for Danish women with cervical cancer in 2005‐2013: A national cohort study
Authors: Taarnhøj Gry Assam , Christensen Ib Jarle , Lajer Henrik , Fuglsang Katrine , Jeppesen Mette Moustgaard , Kahr Henriette Strøm , Høgdall Claus
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

In developed countries, women attend follow‐up after treatment for cervical cancer to detect recurrence. The aim of this study was to describe the Danish population of women with early‐stage cervical cancer at risk for recurrence and death due to recurrence.

METHODS

Data were extracted from 3 nationwide databases to find women diagnosed with stage 1A1 to 1B1 cervical cancer in 2005‐2013. Recurrences were determined from data on oncological or surgical treatment more than 3 months after the initial diagnosis and were cross‐checked with patient journals.

RESULTS

In all, 1523 patients were diagnosed with stage 1A1 to 1B1 cervical cancer. Eighty women experienced recurrences: 8 at International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage 1A1, 0 at FIGO stage 1A2, and 72 at FIGO stage 1B1. The 5‐year recurrence rate was 6.4%; 67.5% of the women had symptomatic recurrences, and 28.8% had asymptomatic recurrences. At significantly greater risk for recurrence were women at stage 1B1, regardless of their lymph node (LN) status at diagnosis (hazard ratio with a positive LN, 5.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65‐15.76; P = .0047; hazard ratio with a negative LN, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.25‐7.93; P = .0153; hazard ratio with LN data missing, 6.33; 95% CI, 1.80‐22.26; P = .004), women older than 50 years (hazard ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.12‐2.94; P = .0158), and women with lymphatic and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI; hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.11‐3.30; P = .0188). In a multivariate analysis, significantly inferior survival was found after recurrence for patients with lymphatic LVSI (hazard ratio, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.04‐4.80; P = .0401), a symptomatic diagnosis of recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.08‐5.90; P = .0332), and multiple sites of recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.32‐5.61; P = .0066).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has identified a group of women at FIGO stage 1A1 in no need of specialized, hospital‐based follow‐up. Many of the recurrences at FIGO stage 1B1 are asymptomatic, and this may show a need for follow‐up in this group. Further prospective investigation is needed. Cancer 2018;124:943‐51. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Temporal changes in treatments and outcomes after acute myocardial infarction among cancer survivors and patients without cancer, 1995 to 2013
Authors: Gong Inna Y. , Yan Andrew T. , Ko Dennis T. , Earle Craig C. , Cheung Winson Y. , Peacock Stuart , Hall Marlous , Gale Chris P. , Chan Kelvin K. W.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of information about treatment and mortality trends after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for cancer survivors (CS).

METHODS

In this population‐based study, the authors compared temporal trends of treatments and outcomes (mortality, nonfatal cardiovascular outcomes), among CS and patients without cancer (the noncancer patient [NCP] group) with AMI in Ontario (Canada) using inverse probability treatment weight (IPTW)‐adjusted modeling.

RESULTS

Of 270,089 patients with AMI (22,907 CS, 247,182 NCP, 1995‐2013; median follow‐up, 10.1 and 11.0 years, respectively), the use of invasive coronary strategies and pharmacotherapies increased and mortality declined for CS and NCP (all Ptrend < .001). At 30 days after AMI, there was no difference between CS and NCP in the receipt of coronary angiography (incidence risk ratio [IRR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96‐1.01; P = .23), percutaneous coronary intervention (IRR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.94‐1.02; P = .29), or bypass (IRR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85‐1.02; P = .11). At 90 days after AMI, there was no difference in the receipt of β‐blockers, clopidogrel, or nitrates; but CS were less often prescribed angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers and statins. CS had higher all‐cause mortality at 30 days (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.17; P < .001), at 1 year (1.16; 95% CI, 1.12‐1.20; P < .001), and long term (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.25; P < .001) and had a greater risk of heart failure (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.14; P = .001), but not myocardial re‐infarction (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95‐1.01; P = .22) or stroke (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.97‐1.16; P = .18).

CONCLUSIONS

Among CS and NCP with AMI in Ontario, similar improvements in mortality and receipt of treatments were observed between 1995 and 2013. However, compared with NCP, CS had a higher risk of mortality and heart failure. Cancer 2018;124:1269‐78. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter alterations across cancer types as detected by next‐generation sequencing: A clinical and molecular analysis of 423 patients
Authors: Schwaederle Maria , Krishnamurthy Nithya , Daniels Gregory A. , Piccioni David E. , Kesari Santosh , Fanta Paul T. , Schwab Richard B. , Patel Sandip P. , Parker Barbara A. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations that may affect telomerase activity have recently been described in human malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical correlates of TERT promoter abnormalities in a large cohort of patients with diverse cancers.

METHODS

This study analyzed TERT promoter alterations and clinical characteristics of 423 consecutive patients for whom molecular testing by next‐generation sequencing was performed between August 2014 and July 2015.

RESULTS

Of the 423 patients, 61 (14.4%) had TERT promoter mutations, and this placed TERT promoter alterations among the most prevalent aberrations after tumor protein 53 (TP53; 39%) and KRAS and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B (CDKN2A/B) alterations (15% each) in this population. TERT promoter alterations were more frequent in men (P = .031) and were associated with brain cancers (P = .001), skin cancers/melanoma (P = .001), and a higher number of aberrations (P = .0001). A co‐alteration analysis found that TERT promoter alterations were significantly correlated with CDKN2A/B (P = .001) and BRAF abnormalities (P = .0003). Patients harboring TERT promoter alterations or TP53 or CDKN2A/B alterations and those with 4 or more alterations demonstrated shorter survival (hazard ratio for normal TERT promoters vs aberrant ones, 0.44; P = .017). However, only a higher number of alterations remained significant in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, TERT promoter alterations were among the most prevalent aberrations in this population, with very high rates in brain cancers (48% of patients) and melanomas (56% of patients). These aberrations frequently coexist with a high number of other aberrations, with the latter feature also significantly associated with poorer overall survival. Therapeutic options for targeting tumors with TERT promoter mutations are currently limited, although a variety of novel approaches are under development. Cancer 2018;124:1288‐96. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Presentation and outcome of frequent and rare sarcoma histologic subtypes: A study of 10,262 patients with localized visceral/soft tissue sarcoma managed in reference centers
Authors: Penel Nicolas , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Giraud Antoine , Terrier Philippe , Ranchere‐Vince Dominique , Collin Françoise , Guellec Sophie L. E. , Bazille Céline , Lae Marick , de Pinieux Gonzague , Ray‐Coquard Isabelle L. , Bonvalot Sylvie , Cesne Axel L. E. , Robin Yves‐Marie , Stoeckle Eberhardt , Toulmonde Maud , Blay Jean‐Yves
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to describe characteristics at diagnosis and outcomes of adults with soft tissue sarcoma.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective multicenter study of 12,262 patients who were treated between January 1980 and 31 December 2013 in French Sarcoma Group centers and enrolled in the “Conticabase.” Diagnoses were systematically reviewed by expert pathologists, and entities were classified according to the 2013 World Health Organization classification. Diagnostic characteristics, treatments, and outcomes are described for the entire cohort, for the subgroup of patients with translocation‐related sarcomas, and for 9 different histologic subtypes.

RESULTS

The results stressed the magnitude of heterogeneity among adult sarcomas. For example, compared with other sarcomas, translocation‐related sarcomas (2143 tumors; 20.8%) were associated with a younger age at presentation (40.6 vs 60.0 years; P < .0001), a low rate of predisposing conditions (0.01% vs 22.3%; P < .0001), a higher rate of lymph node involvement (4.7% vs 1.3%; P < .0001), and a higher rate of synchronous metastasis (11.9% vs 6.7%; P < .001); and complete (R0) resection (41.6% vs 31.9%; P < .0001), receipt of (neo)adjuvant radiation therapy (62.6% vs 42.2%; P < .0001), and receipt of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy (36.6% vs 22.3%; P < .0001) were significantly more frequent. Overall, translocation‐related sarcomas were associated with a lower rate of local relapse (18.1% vs 26.0%; P < .0001) but a higher rate of metastatic relapse (42.0% vs 30.7%; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Collaborative efforts are urgently needed to better assess the natural history and management options for every histologic subtype of sarcoma. Cancer 2018;124:1179‐87. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
The efficacy of prostate‐specific antigen screening: Impact of key components in the ERSPC and PLCO trials
Authors: de Koning Harry J. , Gulati Roman , Moss Sue M. , Hugosson Jonas , Pinsky Paul F. , Berg Christine D. , Auvinen Anssi , Andriole Gerald L. , Roobol Monique J. , Crawford E. David , Nelen Vera , Kwiatkowski Maciej , Zappa Marco , Luján Marcos , Villers Arnauld , de Carvalho Tiago M. , Feuer Eric J. , Tsodikov Alex , Mariotto Angela B. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A. M. , Etzioni Ruth
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) demonstrated that prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening significantly reduced prostate cancer mortality (rate ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.69‐0.91). The US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) trial indicated no such reduction but had a wide 95% CI (rate ratio for prostate cancer mortality, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.87‐1.36). Standard meta‐analyses are unable to account for key differences between the trials that can impact the estimated effects of screening and the trials' point estimates.

METHODS

The authors calibrated 2 microsimulation models to individual‐level incidence and mortality data from 238,936 men participating in the ERSPC and PLCO trials. A cure parameter for the underlying efficacy of screening was estimated by the models separately for each trial. The authors changed step‐by‐step major known differences in trial settings, including enrollment and attendance patterns, screening intervals, PSA thresholds, biopsy receipt, control arm contamination, and primary treatment, to reflect a more ideal protocol situation and differences between the trials.

RESULTS

Using the cure parameter estimated for the ERSPC, the models projected 19% to 21% and 6% to 8%, respectively, prostate cancer mortality reductions in the ERSPC and PLCO settings. Using this cure parameter, the models projected a reduction of 37% to 43% under annual screening with 100% attendance and biopsy compliance and no contamination. The cure parameter estimated for the PLCO trial was 0.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed cancer mortality reduction in screening trials appears to be highly sensitive to trial protocol and practice settings. Accounting for these differences, the efficacy of PSA screening in the PLCO setting is not necessarily inconsistent with ERSPC results. Cancer 2018;124:1197‐206. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Adoption of evidence‐based novel therapies in the treatment of gastric cancer: A national observational study
Authors: Mokdad Ali A. , Ali Amna , Yopp Adam C. , Polanco Patricio M. , Nassour Ibrahim , Mansour John C. , Choti Michael A. , Minter Rebecca M. , Wang Sam C. , Porembka Matthew R.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The adoption of novel and effective gastric cancer therapies into general clinical practice has crucial implications for patient outcomes. The current study explored trends in treatment use and overall survival in patients with gastric cancer in the United States.

METHODS

Patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia and noncardia were identified in the National Cancer Data Base between 2006 and 2014. Tumor stages were divided into early (IA), locally advanced (IB‐IIIC), and metastatic (IV) stage. Treatment use was examined according to tumor stage and location. Time trend analyses of treatment use and overall survival were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 89,098 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were identified. In those with early‐stage cancer, endoscopic treatment increased over time in patients with cardia and noncardia disease. In patients with locally advanced cardia disease, preoperative therapy use increased over time (2013‐2014 [vs 2006‐2008]: odds ratio [OR], 3.09; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.80‐3.41). In patients with locally advanced noncardia disease, the use of preoperative therapy also increased (2013‐2014: OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 2.88‐3.82) as did the use of perioperative therapy (2013‐2014: OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 3.52‐5.03) in lieu of postoperative treatment (2013‐2014: OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.60‐0.71). In patients with metastatic disease, approximately 34% of patients with cardia and 40% of patients with noncardia cancer did not receive treatment. Stage‐specific and location‐specific overall survival was found to improve over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Practice patterns for the treatment of gastric cancer in the United States reflect the increased adoption of evidence‐based therapies, including endoscopic resection of early‐stage cancer and preoperative therapy for patients with locally advanced disease. Treatment for metastatic disease remains markedly underused. Cancer 2018;124:1122‐31. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Trends in botanical dietary supplement use among US adults by cancer status: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999 to 2014
Authors: Li Chao , Hansen Richard A. , Chou Chiahung , Calderón Angela I. , Qian Jingjing
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer may use botanical dietary supplements (BDS) in an attempt to manage the side effects of chemotherapy, yet evidence about BDS use among patients with cancer is limited. The authors examined trends in BDS use among US adults according to cancer status and patient characteristics.

METHODS

A serial, cross‐sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 through 2014 (n = 43,644). Self‐reported cancer diagnosis history and any BDS use in the preceding 30 days were determined. The prevalence of BDS use was calculated in each cycle for respondents with and without cancer, both overall and by patient characteristics. Simple linear regression models were applied to test for trends in BDS use at a 2‐sided P value < .05. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to identify the patient factors associated with BDS use. The results were weighted to represent national estimates.

RESULTS

The prevalence of BDS use was greater among participants who had cancer compared with participants who did not have cancer, but trends remained stable during 1999 through 2014 for both groups. Trends in BDS use declined in patients with cancer who were older (Ptrend = .047), had a low annual family income (Ptrend = .028), and had a lower education level (Ptrend = .004). Among the respondents without cancer, trends in BDS use declined in those who were middle‐aged (Ptrend = .025), non‐Hispanic whites (Ptrend = .025), those with a lower education level (Ptrend = .011), and those who were not receiving prescription medication (Ptrend = .036). Patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, education, and health conditions were associated with BDS use.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall use of BDS remained stable during 1999 through 2014 for US adults with and without cancer, but it varied by individual characteristics. Cancer 2018;124:1207‐15. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Optical Techniques for Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Su Hai‐Ching
Published: December 2017

The concept of solid‐state light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), proposed in 1995, opened a new field in display and lighting technologies. The key advantage of this technology derives from a single emissive layer containing an emissive material and an ionic salt. Mobile ions in the emissive layer induce electrochemical doping at electrodes and thus the operation voltage can be reduced even if using air‐stable electrodes. Since the first demonstration of LECs, many materials‐oriented efforts have been made in improving device performance of LECs. However, some difficulties arising from material properties limit further optimizing the device characteristics of LECs. Recently, optical techniques have been shown to achieve better device properties without using new materials. Light extraction techniques recycle the light trapped in layered device structure and thus enhance the light output and efficiency of LECs. Recombination zone probing techniques offer direct evidence of carrier balance in LECs and is helpful in optimizing device performance. Spectral filtering based on microcavity effects and localized surface plasmon resonance from metal nanoparticles have the advantages of easy fabrication and compatibility with device processing of LECs. This Minireview provides an overview of the three categories of recent advances in optical techniques for LECs.
Cobalt Nanoparticles Supported on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon: An Effective Non‐Noble Metal Catalyst for the Upgrade of Biofuels
Authors: Jiang Liang , Zhou Peng , Liao Chanjuan , Zhang Zehui , Jin Shiwei
Published: December 2017

A new method has been developed for the deoxygenation of vanillin to produce 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol (MMP) as a promising liquid fuel over a heterogeneous non‐noble metal catalyst. Cobalt nanoparticles supported on nitrogen‐doped carbon (Co/N‐C‐600) exhibit high activity and stability for the deoxygenation of vanillin into MMP under mild conditions (150 °C, 10 bar H2). Nearly quantitative MMP yield is obtained in isopropanol after 8 h at 150 °C and 10 bar H2 pressure. According to the distribution of products with time, the deoxygenation of vanillin into MMP mainly proceeds through the hydrogenation of vanillin into vanillyl alcohol and the subsequent hydrogenolysis of vanillyl alcohol into MMP, of which the latter is the rate‐determining step, owing to a much higher activation energy. Moreover, after being recycled several times, the loss of catalytic activity is negligible, which demonstrates that the Co/N‐C‐600 catalyst shows good resistance to deactivation.
Advancing breeding phenology does not affect incubation schedules in chestnut‐crowned babblers: Opposing effects of temperature and wind
Authors: Capp Elliot , Liebl Andrea L. , Cones Alexandra G. , Russell Andrew F.
Published: December 2017

Projecting population responses to climate change requires an understanding of climatic impacts on key components of reproduction. Here, we investigate the associations among breeding phenology, climate and incubation schedules in the chestnut‐crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps), a 50 g passerine with female‐only, intermittent incubation that typically breeds from late winter (July) to early summer (November). During daylight hours, breeding females spent an average of 33 min on the nest incubating (hereafter on‐bouts) followed by 24‐min foraging (hereafter off‐bouts), leading to an average daytime nest attentiveness of 60%. Nest attentiveness was 25% shorter than expected from allometric calculations, largely because off‐bout durations were double the expected value for a species with 16 g clutches (4 eggs × 4 g/egg). On‐bout durations and daily attentiveness were both negatively related to ambient temperature, presumably because increasing temperatures allowed more time to be allocated to foraging with reduced detriment to egg cooling. By contrast, on‐bout durations were positively associated with wind speed, in this case because increasing wind speed exacerbated egg cooling during off‐bouts. Despite an average temperature change of 12°C across the breeding season, breeding phenology had no effect on incubation schedules. This surprising result arose because of a positive relationship between temperature and wind speed across the breeding season: Any benefit of increasing temperatures was canceled by apparently detrimental consequences of increasing wind speed on egg cooling. Our results indicate that a greater appreciation for the associations among climatic variables and their independent effects on reproductive investment are necessary to understand the effects of changing climates on breeding phenology.
Rapid song divergence leads to discordance between genetic distance and phenotypic characters important in reproductive isolation
Authors: Nwankwo Emmanuel C. , Pallari Chryso Th. , Hadjioannou Louis , Ioannou Andreas , Mulwa Ronald K. , Kirschel Alexander N. G.
Published: December 2017

The criteria for species delimitation in birds have long been debated, and several recent studies have proposed new methods for such delimitation. On one side, there is a large consensus of investigators who believe that the only evidence that can be used to delimit species is molecular phylogenetics, and with increasing numbers of markers to gain better support, whereas on the other, there are investigators adopting alternative approaches based largely on phenotypic differences, including in morphology and communication signals. Yet, these methods have little to say about rapid differentiation in specific traits shown to be important in reproductive isolation. Here, we examine variation in phenotypic (morphology, plumage, and song) and genotypic (mitochondrial and nuclear DNA) traits among populations of yellow‐rumped tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus in East Africa. Strikingly, song divergence between the P. b. fischeri subspecies from Kenya and Zanzibar and P. b. bilineatus from Tanzania is discordant with genetic distance, having occurred over a short time frame, and playback experiments show that adjacent populations of P. b. bilineatus and P. b. fischeri do not recognize one another's songs. While such rapid divergence might suggest a founder effect following invasion of Zanzibar, molecular evidence suggests otherwise, with insular P. b. fischeri nested within mainland P. b. fischeri. Populations from the Eastern Arc Mountains are genetically more distant, yet share the same song with P. b. bilineatus from Coastal Tanzania and Southern Africa, suggesting they would interbreed. We believe investigators ought to examine potentially rapid divergence in traits important in species recognition and sexual selection when delimiting species, rather than relying entirely on arbitrary quantitative characters or molecular markers.
Low genetic variation of invasive Fallopia spp. in their northernmost European distribution range
Authors: Holm Anne‐Kari , Elameen Abdelhameed , Oliver Benedikte W. , Brandsæter Lars O. , Fløistad Inger S. , Brurberg May B.
Published: December 2017

Knowledge about the reproduction strategies of invasive species is fundamental for effective control. The invasive Fallopia taxa (Japanese knotweed s.l.) reproduce mainly clonally in Europe, and preventing spread of vegetative fragments is the most important control measure. However, high levels of genetic variation within the hybrid F. × bohemica indicate that hybridization and seed dispersal could be important. In Norway in northern Europe, it is assumed that these taxa do not reproduce sexually due to low temperatures in the autumn when the plants are flowering. The main objective of this study was to examine the genetic variation of invasive Fallopia taxa in selected areas in Norway in order to evaluate whether the taxa may reproduce by seeds in their most northerly distribution range in Europe. Fallopia stands from different localities in Norway were analyzed with respect to prevalence of taxa, and genetic variation within and between taxa was studied using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Taxonomic identification based on morphology corresponded with identification based on simple sequence repeats (SSR) and DNA ploidy levels (8× F. japonica, 6× F. × bohemica and 4× F. sachalinensis). No genetic variation within F. japonica was detected. All F. × bohemica samples belonged to a single AFLP genotype, but one sample had a different SSR genotype. Two SSR genotypes of F. sachalinensis were also detected. Extremely low genetic variation within the invasive Fallopia taxa indicates that these taxa do not reproduce sexually in the region, suggesting that control efforts can be focused on preventing clonal spread. Climate warming may increase sexual reproduction of invasive Fallopia taxa in northern regions. The hermaphrodite F. × bohemica is a potential pollen source for the male‐sterile parental species. Targeted eradication of the hybrid can therefore reduce the risk of increased sexual reproduction under future warmer climate.
Computational Studies on the Mechanism of Rh‐Catalyzed Decarbonylative [5+2–1] Reaction between Isatins and Alkynes: High Selectivity by Directing Group
Authors: Ni Shao‐Fei , Zhang Pan , Chu Chang‐qing , Qin Peng , Dang Li
Published: December 2017

DFT calculations are used to investigate the mechanism and regioselectivity of Rh‐catalyzed decarbonylative [5+2–1] cycloaddition reaction between isatins and alkynes. Computational calculations provide mechanistic insights into C–C and C–H bond cleavage pathways leading to the two products observed experimentally: (1) the C–C bond cleavage pathway involves four steps including decarbonylation, alkyne insertion, and reductive elimination to complete the C–C bond activation cycle. Alkyne insertion is the rate‐determining step for the favorable C–C bond‐activation pathway. (2) Three steps, namely C–H bond cleavage, alkyne insertion, and reductive elimination, are essential for the C–H bond‐cleavage pathway and the alkyne insertion process is also the rate‐determining step. The results of our calculations are consistent with the experimentally observed major product from C–C bond activation for both 3‐methyl‐2‐pyridyl and 2‐pyridyl as directing groups in the reactants, with the former directing group leading to higher product selectivity than obtained with the latter. The origin of the regioselectivity of alkyne insertion is revealed by a distortion/interaction model. The results reveal that the regioselectivity is mainly controlled by the interaction energies.
Electrophilic Oxidation of Stereodefined Polysubstituted Silyl Ketone Aminals
Authors: Huang Jian Qiang , Nairoukh Zackaria , Marek Ilan
Published: December 2017

We reported herein a practical approach to acyclic tertiary α‐hydroxy carbonyl compounds in only two chemical steps from alkynes with excellent diastereoselectivity through the oxidation of stereodefined polysubstituted silyl ketone aminals. The products could be smoothly converted to synthetically useful enantiomerically enriched 1,2‐diol derivatives.
Electrochemically Co‐deposited Teeth‐like Virus‐Platinum Nanohybrids as an Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Manivannan Shanmugam , Jeong Juwon , Kim Kyuwon
Published: December 2017

M13 virus (M13) as scaffolds has a major appeal, owing to their mono‐dispersed, fibrillar morphology and engineerable surface reactive sites. Herein we had developed a facile electrocatalyst for energy application. Platinum nanostructures are directly co‐deposited from a wild‐type M13 (or) two different engineered M13 mixed electrolytes onto the ITO electrodes. The engineered M13 with 4E peptides could specifically nucleate Pt precursor thereby enables the efficient growth of teeth‐like structures at the ITO electrode. The electrocatalytic activity of the resulting electrocatalyst toward methanol oxidation in alkaline medium was investigated and found enhanced mass activity (0.321 A/mgPt) relative to the catalyst prepared from wild‐type M13, Y3E peptides engineered M13 and without M13. Our novel electrocatalyst fabrication can be extended to other metal and metal oxides and its application might be useful to develop novel clean and green energy generating and storage materials.
Preparation of upgraded bio‐oil using two‐step catalytic pyrolysis of fresh, putrefied, and microbe‐treated biomass
Authors: Hussain Z. , Hussain K. , Sulaiman S. A. , Naz M. Y. , Ibrahim K. A. , Abdel‐Salam N. M.
Published: December 2017

In this study, water hyacinth was converted into highly flammable bio‐oil via two‐step catalytic pyrolysis. The upgradation of bio‐oil was based on the pretreatment of biomass, second‐step pyrolysis and use of clinkered material as a catalyst. This three‐prong approach was found effective for improving the nature and yield of the oil by lowering the water and oxygen content in the product. The yield of oil was investigated as a function of pyrolysis temperature and weight of the catalyst in addition to pretreatment of biomass. Optimum time for the reaction was also investigated for all three types of biomass. In the preliminary pyrolysis, each of the sample was pyrolyzed into an aqueous liquid, gas, and solid residue fractions. The liquid fraction of each of the sample was separated into combustible and non‐combustible liquids in addition to residue using fractional distillation. The residue of the fractional distillation for each of the fresh, putrefied, and microbe‐treated biomass was re‐pyrolyzed and the gas produced during 1st and 2nd steps of the pyrolysis was analyzed using chemical analysis. The upgraded oils were analyzed for their composition with GC‐MS technique. The oil products of the tested samples were significantly differing from each other in terms of nature and number of the compounds. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1836–1844, 2018
Health disparities across education: The role of differential reporting error
Authors: Choi Anna , Cawley John
Published: December 2017

One of the most robust findings in health economics is that higher educated individuals tend to be in better health. This paper tests whether health disparities across education are to some extent due to differences in reporting error across education. We test this hypothesis using data from the pooled National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 1999–2012, which include both self‐reports and objective verification for an extensive set of health behaviors and conditions, including smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

We find that college graduates are more likely to give false negative reports of obesity and high total cholesterol; one possible explanation for this is social desirability bias. However, college graduates are also significantly less likely to give false positive reports of smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol. Because there are far more truly negative people (who are less likely to give a false positive report) than more truly positive people (who are more likely to give a false negative report), we find that college graduates report their health significantly more accurately overall.
Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary of the head and neck: Favorable prognostic factors comparable to those in oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Zhou Margaret J. , van Zante Annemieke , Lazar Ann A. , Groppo Eli R. , Garsa Adam A. , Ryan William R. , El‐Sayed Ivan H. , Eisele David W. , Yom Sue S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of unknown primary consists of radiotherapy (RT) +/‐ chemotherapy or neck dissection +/‐ adjuvant RT/chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We compared these strategies and identified prognostic factors.

Methods

From 1993 to 2015, 75 patients with SCC of unknown primary had RT‐based or surgery‐based treatment. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Event‐time distributions were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

Five‐year OS and DFS for RT‐based and surgery‐based treatments were similar (OS 73% vs 68%, respectively; DFS 65% vs 64%, respectively). Among 38 patients with p16 data, 76% were p16 positive and showed improved 5‐year DFS (90% vs 33%; P = .001) and OS (96% vs 33%; P < .001). Smoking history ≤10 pack‐years conferred better 5‐year DFS (88% vs 49%; P < .001) and OS (91% vs 59%; P < .001).

Conclusion

RT‐based and surgery‐based treatments produced similar outcomes. Patients with p16‐positive disease with ≤10 pack‐years of smoking history and limited nodal stage constitute a “low‐risk” group in SCC of unknown primary similar to that in oropharyngeal cancer.
Decellularized human placenta supports hepatic tissue and allows rescue in acute liver failure
Authors: Kakabadze Zurab , Kakabadze Ann , Chakhunashvili David , Karalashvili Lia , Berishvili Ekaterine , Sharma Yogeshwar , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: December 2017

Tissue engineering with scaffolds to form transplantable organs is of wide interest. Decellularized tissues have been tested for this purpose, although supplies of healthy donor tissues, vascular recellularization for perfusion, and tissue homeostasis in engineered organs pose challenges. We hypothesized that decellularized human placenta will be suitable for tissue engineering. The universal availability and unique structures of placenta for accommodating tissue, including presence of embedded vessels, were major attractions. We found decellularized placental vessels were reendothelialized by adjacent native cells and bridged vessel defects in rats. In addition, implantation of liver fragments containing all cell types successfully hepatized placenta with maintenance of albumin and urea synthesis, as well as hepatobiliary transport of 99mTc‐mebrofenin, up to 3 days in vitro. After hepatized placenta containing autologous liver was transplanted into sheep, tissue units were well‐perfused and self‐assembled. Histological examination indicated transplanted tissue retained hepatic cord structures with characteristic hepatic organelles, such as gap junctions, and hepatic sinusoids lined by endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and other cell types. Hepatocytes in this neo‐organ expressed albumin and contained glycogen. Moreover, transplantation of hepatized placenta containing autologous tissue rescued sheep in extended partial hepatectomy‐induced acute liver failure. This rescue concerned amelioration of injury and induction of regeneration in native liver. The grafted hepatized placenta was intact with healthy tissue that neither proliferated nor was otherwise altered. Conclusion: The unique anatomic structure and matrix of human placenta were effective for hepatic tissue engineering. This will advance applications ranging from biological studies, drug development, and toxicology to patient therapies. (Hepatology 2018;67:1956‐1969).
Lone star or team player? The interrelationship of different identification foci and the role of self‐presentation concerns
Authors: Searle Rosalind , Nienaber Ann‐Marie , Price Deborah , Holtgrave Maximilian
Published: December 2017

Work identity is important in the attraction and retention of staff, yet how the facets of such identity relate remains convoluted and unclear despite this being of interest to both scholars and practitioners. We use structural equation modeling to analyze empirical data from 144 employees in the United Kingdom's oil and gas industry, analyzing the nature and interrelationship of identification as individual‐level (career advancement) and social‐level (work group and organization) foci, as well as considering the two psychological self‐presentation factors (value expression and social adjustment) that direct and drive identification processes. A dichotomy between individual and social components of work identity is found, revealing a strong association between both social‐level foci of identification. Moreover, both components of work identity are found to be premised on different psychological factors, furthering our knowledge of the enmeshed nature of identity at work.
Co‐production with “vulnerable” groups: Balancing protection and participation
Authors: Liabo Kristin , Ingold Anne , Roberts Helen
Published: December 2017

Background and aim

This paper explores the tension between participation and protection at a time when professionals are encouraged to engage patients and citizens in both the “R” (research) and the “D” (development) of services. Concerns to protect groups perceived as “vulnerable” can mean that not everyone is afforded the same opportunity to participate.

Methods

Our data draw on the literature and secondary analysis of a study designed to explore the experiences of young peoples' transitions from health and social care to adult services. In seeking ethics approval, tensions between protection and participation were evident, and once the study was concluded, we reviewed group and individual interview transcripts, team email correspondence, and research notes. We considered aspects of participation, co‐production, involvement, and research design in relation to the ethics concerns raised.

Findings

In terms of privacy and confidentiality, young people were skilled at setting their own boundaries. Whilst young people leaving foster and residential care are frequently perceived as vulnerable, those in our study asserted their agency and desire to be “visible.” Some experienced conditions aimed at protecting their confidentiality or safety as oppressive.

Conclusion

The risk reduction strategies that often underpin ethics approval processes can also carry risks. Limiting opportunities to play a part in research for people who may already be excluded on age, health, language, or other grounds reduces the range of lay knowledge on which we can draw, limits generalisability, and potentially adds to damaging social exclusion. Learning how to participate effectively is a life skill.
Standardization of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Method of Water Management in Lowland Rice (ORYZA SativaL.) for Upscaling in Command Outlets
Authors: Mote Kishor , Praveen Rao V. , Ramulu V. , Avil Kumar K. , Uma Devi M.
Published: December 2017

The experiment was conducted in irrigated lowlands and followed alternate wetting and drying (AWD) practices by using field water tubes. The site had sandy clay soil. Grain yield was 6.0–7.2 t ha−1with AWD irrigation and 7.5 t ha−1with continuous submergence irrigation. Non‐significant (P > 0.05) difference was registered in yield attributes and grain yield between continuous submergence of irrigation and I5(AWD irrigation regime of 5 cm submergence depth from 15 DAT (days after transplanting) to physiological maturity when the ponded water level drops to 5 cm below ground level) and I6(AWD irrigation regime of 5 cm submergence depth from 15 DAT to physiological maturity when the ponded water level drops to 10 cm below ground level). There was a decrease in yield attributes and grain yield with the I4(AWD irrigation regime of 3 cm submergence depth from 15 DAT to physiological maturity when the ponded water level drops to 15 cm below ground level). Of various irrigation regimes, AWD irrigation regimes of I5(57 900 ha−1) and I6(56 500 ha−1) registered higher net returns with a B: C ratio of 1.27 and 1.29, respectively, owing to higher grain yield coupled with lower application of water. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Climatic Extremes with Focus on Floods and Droughts in Agriculture
Authors: Watanabe Tsugihiro , Cullmann Johannes , Pathak Chandra S. , Turunen Mika , Emami Kamran , Ghinassi Graziano , Siddiqi Yasmin
Published: December 2017

A changing climate leads to changes in the frequency, intensity, spatial extent, duration and timing of weather and climate extremes, and can result in unprecedented extremes. These climate extremes have significant impacts on human and ecological systems, which are influenced by changes in climate, vulnerability and exposure, resulting in increased fatalities and economic losses especially in developing countries.

To reduce disaster risks, the global and local society or community need to assess weather and climate events with the interaction of these hazards, the exposure of society to these events and the vulnerability of the region and society to these extremes. On the other hand, the future projection of events and their impacts is expected to be more uncertain. Under the given uncertainties in climate change impact projections, improving resilience by reinforcing the capability of societies to cope better with extreme events is one of the most favoured approaches. The adaptation includes practical measures that not only reduce the disaster risk but also reinforce the base system.

This paper aims at summarizing the current practices of managing extreme climate events, assessment of impact under climate change scenarios, and development of adaptation strategies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun nanofibers comprising of silk fibroin/gelatin for drug delivery applications: Thyme essential oil and doxycycline monohydrate release study
Authors: Dadras Chomachayi Masoud , Solouk Atefeh , Akbari Somaye , Sadeghi Davoud , Mirahmadi Fereshteh , Mirzadeh Hamid
Published: December 2017

In this study, a nanofibrous electrospun substrate based on the silk fibroin (SF) and gelatin (GT) polymers were prepared and evaluated. The SF/GT blended solutions were prepared with various ratios of GT in formic acid and electrospun to obtain bead‐free fibers. Results showed that addition of GT to SF increased nanofiber's diameter, bulk hydrophilicity, surface wettability, mass loss percentage, but decreased Young's modulus, tensile strength, and porosity of the SF/GT mats. According to the obtained results, the mat containing 10% of GT was selected as the optimized mat for further studies and loaded with thyme essential oil (TEO) and doxycycline monohydrate (DCMH) as the antibacterial agents. Release studies showed a burst release of TEO from the mat within the first 3 h, while the DCMH had a sustained release during 48 h. In comparison to the TEO‐loaded mat, the DCMH‐loaded one showed larger inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. Meanwhile, cellular studies using mouse fibroblast L929 cells showed excellent cell‐compatibility of TEO‐ and DCMH‐loaded mats. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1092–1103, 2018.
The effects of incubation temperature and experimental design on heart rates of lizard embryos
Authors: Hulbert Austin C. , Mitchell Timothy S. , Hall Joshua M. , Guiffre Cassia M. , Douglas Danielle C. , Warner Daniel A.
Published: December 2017

Many studies of phenotypic plasticity alter environmental conditions during embryonic development, yet only measure phenotypes at the neonatal stage (after embryonic development). However, measuring aspects of embryo physiology enhances our understanding of how environmental factors immediately affect embryos, which aids our understanding of developmental plasticity. While current research on reptile developmental plasticity has demonstrated that fluctuating incubation temperatures affect development differently than constant temperatures, most research on embryo physiology is still performed with constant temperature experiments. In this study, we noninvasively measured embryonic heart rates of the brown anole (Anolis sagrei), across ecologically relevant fluctuating temperatures. We incubated eggs under temperatures measured from potential nests in the field and examined how heart rates change through a diel cycle and throughout embryonic development. We also evaluated how experimental design (e.g., repeated vs. single measures designs, constant vs. fluctuating temperatures) and different protocols (e.g., removing eggs from incubators) might influence heart rate. We found that heart rates were correlated with daily temperature and increased through development. Our findings suggest that experimenters have reasonable flexibility in choosing an experimental design to address their questions; however, some aspects of design and protocol can potentially influence estimations of heart rates. Overall, we present the first ecologically relevant measures of anole embryonic heart rates and provide recommendations for experimental designs for future experiments.