bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interaction between institutional and stakeholder pressures: Advancing a framework for categorising carbon disclosure strategies
Authors: Herold David M. , Farr‐Wharton Ben , Lee Ki‐Hoon , Groschopf Wolfram
Published: December 2018

Multiple institutional and stakeholder demands have led to different strategies in the measurement and disclosure of carbon‐related information. Although scholars acknowledge the prevalence of competing institutional logics as being a driver of different outcomes, existing research offers conflicting views on their implications, thus lacking clarity. In response, this paper proposes two frameworks (a) to clarify the institutional and stakeholder influences on carbon disclosure and (b) to depict four different types of carbon disclosure strategies to assess a company's “true” carbon position. We identify various concepts of institutional fields, organisations, and stakeholders that influence disclosure and combine the two critical concepts of logic centrality and stakeholder salience to categorise the multiple institutional and stakeholder pressures on carbon disclosure. Whereas the first framework proposes that institutional theory and stakeholder theory both provide, on different levels, a theoretical foundation to examine the influences on carbon disclosure, the second model categorises carbon disclosure outcomes in terms of logic centrality and stakeholder salience. Both frameworks advance the understanding of the interaction between firm‐level agency and field‐level pressures and synthesise the current literature to offer conceptual clarity regarding the varied implications and outcomes linked to carbon disclosure practices and strategies.
Barriers to sustainability for small and medium enterprises in the framework of sustainable development—Literature review
Authors: Álvarez Jaramillo Juanita , Zartha Sossa Jhon Wilder , Orozco Mendoza Gina Lía
Published: December 2018

The objective of this article is to analyze the barriers faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) when implementing initiatives for sustainable development. For this purpose, a search equation was designed, and the 50 highest cited articles from the search results in Scopus between years 2013 and 2017 were reviewed. The selected criteria for the article analysis were article name, article year, country, continent, journal, Scimago Journal Rank, Scimago Quartiles, Affiliated Universities, abstract, and keywords. Among the main results, 175 barriers to sustainability for SMEs were identified. The barriers that appeared most frequently were lack of resources, the high initial capital cost of implementing sustainability measures, and lack of expertise. At the end of the article, a proposal is included which shows the 175 identified barriers, classified by “sector,” “sustainability tool,” and “internal/external” which can aid in new qualitative and quantitative studies of barriers to sustainability in SMEs.
Covalent vs. Non‐Covalent Inhibition: Tackling Drug Resistance in EGFR – A Thorough Dynamic Perspective
Authors: Akher Farideh Badichi , Farrokhzadeh Abdolkarim , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: December 2018

A persistent challenge in the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR is the emergence of drug‐resistant caused by somatic mutations. The EGFR L858R/T790 M double mutant (EGFRDM) was found to be the most alarming variant. Despite the development of a wide range of inhibitors, none of them could inhibit EGFRDMeffectively. Recently,11hand45a, have been found to be potent inhibitors against EGFRDMthrough two distinctive mechanisms, non‐covalent and covalent binding, respectively. However, the structural and dynamic implications of the two modes of inhibitions remain unexplored. Herein, two molecular dynamics simulation protocols, coupled with free‐energy calculations, were applied to gain insight into the atomistic nature of each binding mode. The comparative analysis confirmed that there is a significant difference in the binding free energy between11hand45a(ΔΔGbind=−21.17 kcal/mol). The main binding force that governs the binding of both inhibitors is vdW, with a higher contribution for45a. Two residues ARG841 and THR854 were found to have curtailed role in the binding of45ato EGFRDMby stabilizing its flexible alcohol chain. The45abinding to EGFRDMinduces structural rearrangement in the active site to allow easier accessibility of45ato target residue CYS797. The findings of this work can substantially shed light on new strategies for developing novel classes of covalent and non‐covalent inhibitors with increased specificity and potency.
Down‐regulation of lncRNA OGFRP1 induces autophagy and growth inhibition by AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCAECs
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Liu Jing , Gu Yufeng , Sun Chengming , Qu Fuzheng
Published: December 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play important roles in nearly all biological processes. However, the functions of the majority of LncRNAs are not fully clear. Here we evaluated the function of lncRNA OGFRP1, which has not been previously annotated, in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). First, we knocked down lncRNA OGFRP1 in HCAECs by using siRNA transfection. qRT‐PCR results indicated that siRNA1 and siRNA3 both had potent interference efficiencies. Next, by using CCK8 assay and clone formation assay, we found that siRNA3 transfection induced growth inhibition in HCAECs. Cell migration and invasion were also found to be inhibited in OGFRP1 silenced cells. Moreover, siRNA1 transfection further verified the inhibitory effects of lncRNA OGFRP1 knockdown on the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCAECs. Flow cytometry detection demonstrated that OGFRP1 knockdown induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Western blot assay indicated that p70S6K and CyclinD1 were down‐regulated by knockdown of OGFRP1. The intrinsic apoptosis pathway was activated in lncRNA OGFRP1 silenced cells, including increased Bax and Active‐caspase 3 and decreased Bcl2. The expression of autophagy markers LC3 and Beclin1 was increased and p62 decreased, all of which indicated that cell autophagy was promoted by down‐regulation of lncRNA OGFRP1. Mechanistic studies showed that lncRNA OGFRP1 inhibited the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, including increasing phosphorylation level of AKT, mTOR and GSK3β. In conclusion, we find that down‐regulation of lncRNA induces autophagy and inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion by AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in HCAECs.
New program in NYC focuses on helping family help loved ones with SUDs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2018

A treatment program based on harm‐reduction techniques helping family members get their loved ones — especially their children — into treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) is opening up in New York City. Led by Sarah H. Church, Ph.D., executive director of the Division of Substance Abuse at Montefiore Medical Center and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the program is based on the work of Robert Meyers, who developed Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). Called Elevate360, the program “is designed to help loved ones get into treatment,” Church told CABL. “If someone with an addiction has a family member who is concerned, we can treat the family member,” she said. “We help them ignore or allow negative things to happen when their loved one is using, and then we can get that person into care.” This is not “tough love,” stressed Church. “It's the opposite of tough love, because it allows the family to continue to support the person.” Instead of kicking them out of the house, for example, the family member gives positive reinforcement for non‐substance‐using behavior. If the husband comes home drunk and passes out on the couch, for example, the wife doesn't bring him a blanket and a pillow but doesn't kick him out, either. And if he comes home not drunk, he gets a huge amount of praise for it. If a teenager or young adult comes home late at night, instead of being angry, the parent can say “I'm glad you're home. I was worried about you.” This kind of intervention is 70 percent effective at getting the person into care, said Church.
There's an app for that — or is there? The use of mobile applications in childhood behavioral health
Authors: Walters Anne
Published: December 2018

The use of apps in general has been an area of explosive growth over the past 10 years. A simple click on the “app store” reveals an overwhelming number of apps for every topic one could imagine, and it is not surprising that some are being applied to assist users in accessing and supporting mental health treatment and monitoring progress. Essentially, the rationale for use seems to be that apps can give access to mental health treatment of some form, which is better than none and will reduce the problem of lack of access to treatment.
Distal radial access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Corcos Thierry
Published: December 2018

Since its introduction by Lucien Campeau three decades ago, percutaneous radial artery approach at the forearm has been shown to provide advantages over the femoral approach and has become the standard approach for coronary angiography and intervention. Though infrequent, vascular complications still remain, mainly radial artery occlusion.

Therefore, a more distal radial approach at the snuffbox or at the dorsum of hand has been suggested, initially by anethesiologists for perioperative patient monitoring, and more recently by Babunashvili et al. for retrograde radial artery recanalization of radial artery occlusion and then for coronary angiography and intervention. This distal radial approach has been advocated to reduce the risk of radial artery occlusion at the forearm (which precludes reintervention through the same access site) and bleeding and vascular access site complications, as well as to improve operator and patient comfort, especially when using left radial approach. This review describes in detail the anatomy of the radial artery at the wrist and the hand, the history of distal radial access, the rationale underlying use of this technique, the results published by experienced operators, the technique, the limitations, and potential role of this approach. This journey from the very proximal to the very distal part of the radial artery was indeed initiated and conceptualized by Lucien Campeau himself.
Tuning Nitrogen Content in Carbon Nitride by Isonicotinic Acid for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhuge Gui‐Ying , Zhang Wei‐De
Published: December 2018

Graphitic carbon nitride (CN) with various nitrogen contents can be prepared to regulate its electronic structure and energy band levels. The newly‐prepared graphitic carbon nitride manifests high photocatalytic activity. In this work, nitrogen‐rich CN (CN‐NR100) and nitrogen‐deficient CN (CN‐ND500) were prepared by tuning nitrogen contents in CN while using isonicotinic acid (IA) as an additive in the precursors. It is found that IA reacting with urea can introduce its nitrogen to CN, while reacting with CN can take away the amino group of CN, thus reduces its nitrogen content. Interestingly, the gas that comes from the decomposition of IA is essential for the formation of porous morphology in CN. Both CN‐NR100 and CN‐ND500 can provide more photocatalytic sites, narrow bandgaps to enhance the absorption of visible light and significantly improve the charge carrier separation efficiency. Therefore, CN‐NR100 and CN‐ND500 manifest an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 73 μmol h−1 (about 4 times of that of CN) and 120 μmol h−1 (6.7 times of that of CN), respectively. This work provides an efficient strategy to prepare CN with different nitrogen contents by pyrolysis of precursors modified by IA for high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Cause‐specific mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed non‐Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes
Authors: Hester Laura L. , Park Steven I. , Wood William A. , Stürmer Til , Brookhart M. Alan , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: December 2018

Background

As the US population ages and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)–specific mortality declines, deaths from causes other than NHL will become increasingly important in treatment decision making for older patients with NHL. The objective of the current study was to describe how the 5‐year cumulative incidence of NHL‐specific and other‐cause mortality varies by subtype, age, comorbidity level, and time since diagnosis in older patients.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry data linked to Medicare claims, patients aged ≥66 years were identified at the time of diagnosis with a first, primary NHL diagnosis from 2004 through 2013. Death certificate data and Fine‐Gray competing risks models were used to estimate the 5‐year cumulative incidence of NHL‐specific and other‐cause mortality by NHL subtype, age, and comorbidity level. Estimates were displayed over time using stacked cumulative incidence curves.

Results

Among 30,666 patients with NHL, 32% died of NHL and 13% died of other causes within 5 years of diagnosis. The cumulative incidence of other‐cause mortality increased with age and comorbidity level for all subtypes. Among patients with aggressive NHL subtypes, NHL‐specific mortality exceeded other‐cause mortality across all age groups, comorbidity levels, and number of years after diagnosis. For patients with indolent NHL subtypes, other‐cause mortality was similar to or exceeded NHL‐specific mortality, especially among older patients with severe comorbidity or with the indolent marginal zone, lymphoplasmacytic, and mycosis fungoides subtypes.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study suggest that mortality from causes other than NHL are important for patients of an older age, with a higher comorbidity level, and with indolent disease. Evidence from the current study can guide the development of tools for estimating individual prognosis that inform treatment discussions in patients with NHL.
Bilateral projections to the thalamus from individual neurons in the inferior colliculus
Authors: Mellott Jeffrey G. , Beebe Nichole L. , Schofield Brett R.
Published: December 2018

The medial geniculate body (MG) receives a large input from the ipsilateral inferior colliculus (IC) and a smaller but substantial input from the contralateral IC. Both crossed and uncrossed inputs comprise a large percentage of glutamatergic cells and a smaller percentage of GABAergic cells. We used double labeling with fluorescent retrograde tracers to identify individual IC cells that project bilaterally to the MGs in adult guinea pigs. We also used immunohistochemistry for glutamic acid decarboxylase to distinguish GABAergic from glutamatergic cells that project bilaterally to the MG. We found cells in the IC that contained both retrograde tracers, indicating that they project bilaterally. Across cases, the bilaterally projecting cells constituted up to 37% of the cells that project to the ipsilateral MG and up to 73% of the cells that project to the contralateral MG. GABAergic cells averaged 20% of the bilaterally‐projecting population. We conclude that a population of IC cells sends branching axonal projections to innervate the MG bilaterally. Most of the neurons in this population are glutamatergic, with a minority that are GABAergic. A mixed projection, with glutamatergic cells outnumbering GABAergic cells, originates from each of the major IC subdivisions (central nucleus, dorsal cortex, and lateral cortex). The bilaterally projecting cells are likely to serve functions different from the larger unilateral projections, perhaps synchronizing activity on the two sides of the auditory brain.
Superoxide Decay Pathways in Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Carbon‐Based Catalysts Evidenced by Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Li Yuhang , Qiao Zhiwei , Cao Yonghai , Wang Hongjuan , Liang Hong , Yu Hao , Peng Feng
Published: December 2018

Superoxide decay behavior is evaluated by contrastive potential energy surface analyses from theoretical calculations. The presence of carbon surfaces enhances the superoxide decay through disproportionation instead of electroreduction, which is a non‐electrochemical reaction that impedes the increase in energy efficiency for relevant energy conversion applications. Nitrogen doping of carbon effectively retards the disproportionation by influencing the oxygen stretching vibration and changing the proton‐coupled electron transfer trend.
A Highly Effective Route to Si−O−Si Moieties through O‐Silylation of Silanols and Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Silanols with Disilazanes
Authors: Kuciński Krzysztof , Hreczycho Grzegorz
Published: December 2018

A simple and highly practical catalyst‐free O‐silylation of silanols with commercially available disilazanes has been developed under mild conditions. In the case of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) silanols and some other silanols, it was necessary to use catalytic amounts of inexpensive Bi(OTf)3 as additional catalyst. This efficient chlorine‐free protocol involves the synthesis of a wide range of important organosilicon derivatives such as unsymmetrical disiloxanes and functionalized silsesquioxanes.
Connecting paths between juvenile and adult habitats in the Atlantic green turtle using genetics and satellite tracking
Authors: Chambault Philippine , de Thoisy Benoît , Huguin Maïlis , Martin Jordan , Bonola Marc , Etienne Denis , Gresser Julie , Hiélard Gaëlle , Mailles Julien , Védie Fabien , Barnerias Cyrille , Sutter Emmanuel , Guillemot Blandine , Dumont‐Dayot Émilie , Régis Sidney , Lecerf Nicolas , Lefebvre Fabien , Frouin Cédric , Aubert Nathalie , Guimera Christelle , Bordes Robinson , Thieulle Laurent , Duru Matthieu , Bouaziz Myriam , Pinson Adrien , Flora Frédéric , Queneherve Patrick , Woignier Thierry , Allenou Jean‐Pierre , Cimiterra Nicolas , Benhalilou Abdelwahab , Murgale Céline , Maillet Thomas , Rangon Luc , Chanteux Noémie , Chanteur Bénédicte , Béranger Christelle , Le Maho Yvon , Petit Odile , Chevallier Damien
Published: December 2018

Although it is commonly assumed that female sea turtles always return to the beach they hatched, the pathways they use during the years preceding their first reproduction and their natal origins are most often unknown, as it is the case for juvenile green turtles found in Martinique waters in the Caribbean. Given the oceanic circulation of the Guiana current flowing toward Martinique and the presence of important nesting sites for this species in Suriname and French Guiana, we may assume that a large proportion of the juvenile green turtles found in Martinique are originating from the Suriname–French Guiana beaches. To confirm this hypothesis, we performed mixed stock analysis (MSA) on 40 green turtles sampled in Martinique Island and satellite tracked 31 juvenile green turtles tagged in Martinique to (a) assess their natal origin and (b) identify their destination. Our results from MSA confirm that these juveniles are descendant from females laying on several Caribbean and Atlantic beaches, mostly from Suriname and French Guiana, but also from more southern Brazilian beaches. These results were confirmed by the tracking data as the 10 turtles leaving Martinique headed across the Caribbean–Atlantic region in six different directions and 50% of these turtles reached the Brazilian foraging grounds used by the adult green turtles coming from French Guiana. One turtle left the French Guianan coast to perform the first transatlantic migration ever recorded in juvenile green turtles, swimming toward Guinea‐Bissau, which is the most important nesting site for green turtles along the African coast. The extensive movements of the migrant turtles evidenced the crossing of international waters and more than 25 exclusive economic zones, reinforcing the need for an international cooperative network to ensure the conservation of future breeders in this endangered species.
Functional connectivity and home range inferred at a microgeographic landscape genetics scale in a desert‐dwelling rodent
Authors: Flores‐Manzanero Alejandro , Luna‐Bárcenas Madisson A. , Dyer Rodney J. , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella
Published: December 2018

Gene flow in animals is limited or facilitated by different features within the landscape matrix they inhabit. The landscape representation in landscape genetics (LG) is traditionally modeled as resistance surfaces (RS), where novel optimization approaches are needed for assigning resistance values that adequately avoid subjectivity. Also, desert ecosystems and mammals are scarcely represented in LG studies. We addressed these issues by evaluating, at a microgeographic scale, the effect of landscape features on functional connectivity of the desert‐dwelling Dipodomys merriami. We characterized genetic diversity and structure with microsatellites loci, estimated home ranges and movement of individuals using telemetry—one of the first with rodents, generated a set of individual and composite environmental surfaces based on hypotheses of variables influencing movement, and assessed how these variables relate to individual‐based gene flow. Genetic diversity and structure results evidenced a family‐induced pattern driven by first‐order‐related individuals, notably determining landscape genetic inferences. The vegetation cover and soil resistance optimized surface (NDVI) were the best‐supported model and a significant predictor of individual genetic distance, followed by humidity and NDVI+humidity. Based on an accurate definition of thematic resolution, we also showed that vegetation is better represented as continuously (vs. categorically) distributed. Hence, with a nonsubjective optimization framework for RS and telemetry, we were able to describe that vegetation cover, soil texture, and climatic variables influence D. merriami's functional connectivity at a microgeographic scale, patterns we could further explain based on the home range, habitat use, and activity observed between sexes. We describe the relationship between environmental features and some aspects of D. merriami‘s behavior and physiology.
Temporal stability and assignment power of adaptively divergent genomic regions between herring (Clupea harengus) seasonal spawning aggregations
Authors: Kerr Quentin , Fuentes‐Pardo Angela P. , Kho James , McDermid Jenni L. , Ruzzante Daniel E.
Published: December 2018

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), a vital ecosystem component and target of the largest Northwest Atlantic pelagic fishery, undergo seasonal spawning migrations that result in elusive sympatric population structure. Herring spawn mostly in fall or spring, and genomic differentiation was recently detected between these groups. Here we used a subset of this differentiation, 66 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to analyze the temporal dynamics of this local adaptation and the applicability of SNP subsets in stock assessment. We showed remarkable temporal stability of genomic differentiation corresponding to spawning season, between samples taken a decade apart (2005 N = 90 vs. 2014 N = 71) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and new evidence of limited interbreeding between spawning components. We also examined an understudied and overexploited herring population in Bras d'Or lake (N = 97); using highly reduced SNP panels (NSNPs > 6), we verified little‐known sympatric spawning populations within this unique inland sea. These results describe consistent local adaptation, arising from asynchronous reproduction in a migratory and dynamic marine species. Our research demonstrates the efficiency and precision of SNP‐based assessments of sympatric subpopulations; and indeed, this temporally stable local adaptation underlines the importance of such fine‐scale management practices.
Bottom‐up trait‐mediated indirect effects decrease pathogen transmission in a tritrophic system
Authors: Elderd Bret D.
Published: December 2018

A plant's induction of secondary defenses helps to decrease herbivore damage by changing resource quality. While these chemical or physical defenses may directly decrease herbivory, they can also have indirect consequences. In a tritrophic system consisting of a plant, an insect herbivore, and an insect pathogen, plant based trait‐mediated indirect effects (TMIEs) can alter host–pathogen interactions and, thereby, indirectly affect disease transmission. In a series of field experiments, individual soybean plants (Glycine max) were sprayed with either a jasmonic acid (JA) solution to trigger induction of plant defenses or a similar control compound. Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae along with varying amounts of a lethal baculovirus were placed on the plants to measure transmission. Induction of plant defenses decreased viral transmission due to increased population heterogeneity arising from changes in individual susceptibility. The change in susceptibility via TMIEs was driven by a decrease in feeding rates and an increase viral dose needed to infect larvae. While the induction against herbivore attack may decrease herbivory, it can also decrease the efficacy of the herbivore's pathogen potentially to the plant's detriment. While TMIEs have been well‐recognized for being driven by top‐down forces, bottom‐up interactions can dictate community dynamics and, here, epizootic severity.
Unravelling the Spin Dynamics of Molecular Nanomagnets with Four‐Dimensional Inelastic Neutron Scattering
Authors: Garlatti Elena , Chiesa Alessandro , Guidi Tatiana , Amoretti Giuseppe , Santini Paolo , Carretta Stefano
Published: December 2018

Molecular nanomagnets (MNMs) have attracted the attention of the scientific community as the rich physics behind their magnetic behavior make them ideal test‐beds for fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics. Sophisticated experiments and targeted research activities have also unveiled their potential for several technological applications. Inelastic neutron scattering is a powerful and widely used technique to investigate the properties of these systems. The new generation of spectrometers, equipped with arrays of position‐sensitive detectors, enable to efficiently measure the neutron cross‐sections as a function of energy and of the three components of the momentum transfer vector Q, in vast portions of the reciprocal space. Exploiting these capabilities together with the availability of sufficiently large single‐crystal samples of MNMs, it is now possible to obtain an unprecedented insight into the coherent spin dynamics of these molecular clusters. This is witnessed by several recent results that we present in this review. By using the benchmark system Cr8, it has been demonstrated that the richness of the four‐dimensional inelastic neutron scattering technique enables to extract dynamical correlation functions directly from the data. This technique has also been applied to the archetypical single‐molecule magnet Mn12 to unambiguously characterize its Spin Hamiltonian as well as to portray the entanglement between molecular qubits in (Cr7Ni)2.
Isopoly and Heteropoly Compounds of Molybdenum, Tungsten, and Vanadium
Authors: Yamase Toshihiro
Published: December 2018

Migration from early photochemical and photoelectrochemical studies to pharmacochemotherapy and magnetochemistry very often involves Keggin structures –deficient ones as well. Their significance is presented in this recollection of my career.
Photophysical Investigation of Silver/Gold Dicyanometallates and Tetramethylammonium Networks: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Nicholas Aaron D. , Bullard Rebeka M. , Pike Robert D. , Patterson Howard H.
Published: December 2018

We report on the structural and luminescence properties of a series of d10 dicyanometallate compounds of formula K3(Me4N)2[M(CN)2]5 (M = Au and Ag). These double salts form isostructural 3D networks in which metallophilic bonding is observed between [M(CN)2]– subunits. Despite their similar structural features, stark differences in luminescence behavior between these crystals are observed. At room temperature Au‐containing crystals are bright emitters at 405 nm while the Ag analog is a weak emitter at 470 nm. At low temperatures the emission of both complexes becomes intense under UV light at a wavelength of 416 nm. Using lifetime measurements, X‐ray crystallography, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations we have been able to assign these emission bands as a transition from a metal‐metal to ligand charge transfer.
Progress Towards Direct Liquid‐Fed Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Ha Su , Wachsman Eric D.
Published: December 2018

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) appear to be among the most promising solutions to our looming energy challenges as the inherently high efficiency and fuel flexibility offered by SOFCs would enable us to use our dwindling fossil fuels more efficiently. Unfortunately, despite their inherent advantages, the conventional SOFCs operating at high temperatures (> 700 °C) are limited largely to stationary applications. However, low‐temperature SOFCs (LT‐SOFCs) operating at temperatures < 600 °C can offer a cost‐effective fuel cell system with rapid start‐up and shut‐down characteristics, which can expand the applications of SOFCs into the transportation sector. Especially promising is the direct operation of LT‐SOFCs with liquid fuels, which can allow direct utilization of either conventional “drop‐in” fuels that adapt the existing fuel distribution infrastructure or other liquid fuels (e.g., methanol and ethanol) produced from various biomass sources.
A probabilistic, biologically informed model of desert shrub population dynamics with the granularity appropriate for geomorphic simulations
Authors: Worman Stacey L. , Furbish David J.
Published: December 2018

Across arid landscapes, desert shrubs affect where and how sediment is transported by various physical processes such as overland flow, wind, and rain splash. Simplistic biological models such as logistic growth curves offer important first steps towards representing and linking life to landscape dynamics. More sophisticated descriptions of desert shrub dynamics on scales commensurate with downslope sediment transport, however, are essential for more rigorously understanding how complex shrub‐sediment interactions may be affecting hillslope geomorphology. Here we present such a model that features a strong biophysical foundation by including, for example, basic aspects of desert soil‐water hydrology and population ecology such as recruitment, growth, and mortality. Model input parameters can also be modified to account for the influence of different environmental conditions and stressors (e.g. precipitation, soil types, droughts, grazing, fires, and climate change). Model behaviors mimic well documented aspects of how desert shrub populations respond to changes in precipitation, for example, productivity decreases with increasingly arid conditions and density declines during prolonged periods of drought. Model output (position and size of shrubs occupying a hillslope in a given year) represents the basic biological input variables necessary for calculating, for example, how rain‐splash induced mound building by individual shrubs may be affecting downslope sediment fluxes. Future research aimed at coupling this biological model with existing sediment transport models can therefore help advance our understanding for how desert shrub populations affect hillslope erosion across a broad range of scenarios. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different outcomes in sporadic versus familial medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Saltiki Katerina , Simeakis George , Anagnostou Elli , Zapanti Evangelia , Anastasiou Eleni , Alevizaki Maria
Published: December 2018

Background

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has varying clinical course with familial cases (fMTC) diagnosed earlier than sporadic MTC (spMTC).

Methods

A total of 273 MTCs (familial: n = 110 [40.3%], males: 38.5%) were followed for 1‐35 years (median 5.0 years). Fifty one of the familial cases were operated because of positive findings at genetic screening. Disease extent at diagnosis and follow‐up was recorded.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was: fMTC = 33.85 ± 16.5 years (range 4‐74) and spMTC = 52.6 ± 14.0 years (range 16‐81, P < .001). This difference remained when genetic screening cases were excluded. fMTCs had more frequently multifocality, smaller size, and more favorable stage at diagnosis (stages I and II: 60.9% vs 47.9%, stage III: 30.0% vs 23.9%, stage IV: 9.1% vs 28.9%, P = .01). fMTC had lower preoperative and postoperative calcitonin, more frequently remission (59.1% vs 47.2%) and less frequently progressive disease (8.2% vs 35.0%, P < .001). After excluding genetic screening cases, no difference in stage at diagnosis was observed. Outcome was more favorable in fMTC compared to sporadic (P = .002); the 10‐year probability of lack of progression of disease differed significantly between fMTCs and spMTCs (86.4% vs 65.0%, P < .001).

Conclusion

After excluding genetic screening cases, although stage at diagnosis is similar, disease outcome remains worse in sporadic compared to fMTCs.
Compartmental surgery for oral tongue and floor of the mouth cancer: Oncologic outcomes
Authors: Piazza Cesare , Grammatica Alberto , Montalto Nausica , Paderno Alberto , Del Bon Francesca , Nicolai Piero
Published: December 2018

Background

Oral tongue/floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma (OTFMSCC) with a depth of invasion (DOI) > 10 mm involves extrinsic muscles and lingual neurovascular/lymphatic bundles. “Compartmental” hemiglossopelvectomy (CHGP) was developed to improve loco‐regional control by “en bloc” removal of tumor and its pathways of spread.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study on 45 CHGPs performed at a single institution for OTFMSCC with a DOI > 10 mm at CT/MR. Group A (n = 35) included naïve patients, and group B (n = 10) recurrent cancers. We evaluated 2‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), local control (LC), and loco‐regional control (LRC).

Results

Two‐year OS, DFS, LC, and LRC were 80%, 91%, 100%, and 94% for group A, and 27%, 26%, 67%, and 36% for group B, respectively. Salvage surgery and positive margins were significantly associated with worse prognosis.

Conclusion

CHGP is a reliable oncologic approach in primary surgery for advanced OTFMSCC. In recurrent cancers, survival remains poor.
Post‐diagnosis aspirin use and survival in veterans with head and neck cancer
Authors: Lumley Catherine J. , Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Desale Sameer , Tefera Eshetu , Han Chihun Jim , Rafei Hind , Maxwell Jessica H.
Published: December 2018

Background

Our objective was to determine the effect of post‐diagnosis aspirin use on survival in veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 584 veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated at the Washington DC VA Medical Center between 1995 and 2015. Charts were queried for clinical‐pathologic data, aspirin prescriptions, and outcome. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) among aspirin users and nonusers.

Results

A total of 329 patients met inclusion criteria. Primary subsites included oropharynx (n = 143), larynx (n = 105), oral cavity (n = 62), and hypopharynx (n = 19). Eighty‐four patients were aspirin users (25.5%). Aspirin users demonstrated significantly better 3‐year OS and DSS (78.6% and 88.1%) compared to nonaspirin users (OS: 55.9% and DSS: 70.2%; P = .0003 and P = .0019, respectively). On multivariate analysis, aspirin use remained independently associated with improved survival.

Conclusion

Aspirin use following diagnosis and curative treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is associated with improved OS and DSS.
Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and its tumor markers: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rintala Mirjami , Vahlberg Tero , Salo Tuula , Rautava Jaana
Published: December 2018

Background

The aim was to update information on oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL), a disease of verrucous‐like lesions with high risk of malignancy, and its biomarkers.

Methods

A systematic search of literature on PVL and its biomarkers showed 22 biomarkers that were investigated in 19 papers. A meta‐analysis was possible for human papillomavirus (HPV), aneuploidy, Ki‐67, and p53.

Results

Aneuploidy was found consistently (I2 = 0%, P = 0.61) in 92% (95% CI 80%‐99%) of the PVL cases. P53 positivity prevalence was 27% (95% CI 15%‐40%) in two available studies (I2 = 0%, P = 0.64). With HPV and Ki‐67, the most outlying studies needed to be removed and after that the pooled HPV positivity prevalence (I2 = 24%, P = 0.27) was 5% (95% CI 0%‐14%) and for Ki‐67 (I2 = 9%, P = 0.33) 14% (95% CI 6%‐26%).

Conclusions

With the evidence of the current literature, aneuploidy could value as a biomarker of PVL but should be further validated.
Hedgehog Signaling Modulates Interleukin‐33‐Dependent Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cell Proliferation in Mice
Authors: Razumilava Nataliya , Shiota Junya , Mohamad Zaki Nureen H. , Ocadiz‐Ruiz Ramon , Cieslak Christine M. , Zakharia Kais , Allen Benjamin L. , Gores Gregory J. , Samuelson Linda C. , Merchant Juanita L.
Published: December 2018

Hedgehog (HH) signaling participates in hepatobiliary repair after injury and is activated in patients with cholangiopathies. Cholangiopathies are associated with bile duct (BD) hyperplasia, including expansion of peribiliary glands, the niche for biliary progenitor cells. The inflammation‐associated cytokine interleukin (IL)‐33 is also up‐regulated in cholangiopathies, including cholangiocarcinoma. We hypothesized that HH signaling synergizes with IL‐33 in acute inflammation‐induced BD hyperplasia. We measured extrahepatic BD (EHBD) thickness and cell proliferation with and without an IL‐33 challenge in wild‐type mice, mice overexpressing Sonic HH (pCMV‐Shh), and mice with loss of the HH pathway effector glioma‐associated oncogene 1 (Gli1lacZ/lacZ
). LacZ reporter mice were used to map the expression of HH effector genes in mouse EHBDs. An EHBD organoid (BDO) system was developed to study biliary progenitor cells in vitro. EHBDs from the HH overexpressing pCMV‐Shh mice showed increased epithelial cell proliferation and hyperplasia when challenged with IL‐33. In Gli1lacZ/lacZ
mice, we observed a decreased proliferative response to IL‐33 and decreased expression of Il6. The HH ligands Shh and Indian HH (Ihh) were expressed in epithelial cells, whereas the transcriptional effectors Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 and the HH receptor Patched1 (Ptch1) were expressed in stromal cells, as assessed by in situ hybridization and lacZ reporter mice. Although BDO cells lacked canonical HH signaling, they expressed the IL‐33 receptor suppression of tumorigenicity 2. Accordingly, IL‐33 treatment directly induced BDO cell proliferation in a nuclear factor κB‐dependent manner. Conclusion: HH ligand overexpression enhances EHBD epithelial cell proliferation induced by IL‐33. This proproliferative synergism of HH and IL‐33 involves crosstalk between HH ligand‐producing epithelial cells and HH‐responding stromal cells.
Characterizing hydrological processes in a semiarid rangeland watershed: A hydrogeophysical approach
Authors: Carey Austin M. , Paige Ginger B. , Carr Bradley J. , Holbrook W. Steven , Miller Scott N.
Published: December 2018

The complex ecohydrological processes of rangelands can be studied through the framework of ecological sites (ESs) or hillslope‐scale soil–vegetation complexes. High‐quality hydrologic field investigations are needed to quantitatively link ES characteristics to hydrologic function. Geophysical tools are useful in this context because they provide valuable information about the subsurface at appropriate spatial scales. We conducted 20 field experiments in which we deployed time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), variable intensity rainfall simulation, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), and seismic refraction, on hillslope plots at five different ESs within the Upper Crow Creek Watershed in south‐east Wyoming. Surface runoff was measured using a precalibrated flume. Infiltration data from the rainfall simulations, coupled with site‐specific resistivity–water content relationships and ERT datasets, were used to spatially and temporally track the progression of the wetting front. First‐order constraints on subsurface structure were made at each ES using the geophysical methods. Sites ranged from infiltrating 100% of applied rainfall to infiltrating less than 60%. Analysis of covariance results indicated significant differences in the rate of wetting front progression, ranging from 0.346 m min−1/2 for sites with a subsurface dominated by saprolitic material to 0.156 m min−1/2 for sites with a well‐developed soil profile. There was broad agreement in subsurface structure between the geophysical methods with GPR typically providing the most detail. Joint interpretation of the geophysics showed that subsurface features such as soil layer thickness and the location of subsurface obstructions such as granite corestones and material boundaries had a large effect on the rate of infiltration and subsurface flow processes. These features identified through the geophysics varied significantly by ES. By linking surface hydrologic information from the rainfall simulations with subsurface information provided by the geophysics, we can characterize the ES‐specific hydrologic response. Both surface and subsurface flow processes differed among sites and are directly linked to measured characteristics.
Independent and joint associations of blood lipids and lipoproteins with lung cancer risk in Chinese males: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lyu Zhangyan , Li Ni , Wang Gang , Feng Xiaoshuang , Chen Shuohua , Su Kai , Li Fang , Wei Luopei , Li Xin , Xie Shuanghua , Guo Lanwei , Chen Yuheng , Tan Fengwei , Yin Jian , Cui Hong , Chen Hongda , Li Jiang , Ren Jiansong , Shi Jufang , Wu Shouling , Dai Min , He Jie
Published: December 2018

To investigate the independent and joint associations of blood lipids and lipoproteins with lung cancer risk in Chinese males, a prospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 109,798 males with baseline information on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and non‐HDL were prospectively observed from 2006 to 2015 for cancer incidence. Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During a 9‐year follow‐up, a total of 986 lung cancer cases were identified. Multivariable analyses showed that both males with low TC (HRQ1vs.Q2 = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.02–1.60) and males with high TC (HRQ5vs.Q2 = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.04–1.63) had an increased lung cancer risk, and the U‐shaped association was also revealed in the RCS analysis (poverall = 0.013, pnonlinear = 0.006). Furthermore, both low TG (HRQ1vs.Q2 = 1.24, 95%CI: 0.99–1.54) and high TG (HRQ5vs.Q2 = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.01–1.59) were associated with increased lung cancer risk, while low LDL‐C (HRQ1vs.Q2 = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.11–1.72) was associated with increased lung cancer risk. When TC, TG and LDL‐C were considered jointly, the number of abnormal indicators was linearly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (ptrend < 0.001), as subjects with three abnormal indicators had a twofold higher risk of developing lung cancer (HR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.62–2.54). Notably, these associations were statistically significant among never smokers, never drinkers and overweight/obese males. These findings suggest that dyslipidemia may potentially be a modifiable risk factor that has key scientific and clinical significance for lung cancer prevention.
Single tube liquid biopsy for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: de Wit Sanne , Rossi Elisabetta , Weber Sabrina , Tamminga Menno , Manicone Mariangela , Swennenhuis Joost F. , Groothuis‐Oudshoorn Catharina G.M. , Vidotto Riccardo , Facchinetti Antonella , Zeune Leonie L. , Schuuring Ed , Zamarchi Rita , Hiltermann T. Jeroen N. , Speicher Michael R. , Heitzer Ellen , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. , Groen Harry J.M.
Published: December 2018

The need for a liquid biopsy in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is rapidly increasing. We studied the relation between overall survival (OS) and the presence of four cancer biomarkers from a single blood draw in advanced NSCLC patients: EpCAMhighcirculating tumor cells (CTC), EpCAMlowCTC, tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles (tdEV) and cell‐free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). EpCAMhighCTC were detected with CellSearch, tdEV in the CellSearch images and EpCAMlowCTC with filtration after CellSearch. ctDNA was isolated from plasma and mutations present in the primary tumor were tracked with deep sequencing methods. In 97 patients, 21% had ≥2 EpCAMhighCTC, 15% had ≥2 EpCAMlowCTC, 27% had ≥18 tdEV and 19% had ctDNA with ≥10% mutant allele frequency. Either one of these four biomarkers could be detected in 45% of the patients and all biomarkers were present in 2%. In 11 out of 16 patients (69%) mutations were detected in the ctDNA. Two or more unfavorable biomarkers were associated with poor OS. The presence of EpCAMhighCTC and elevated levels of tdEV and ctDNA was associated with a poor OS; however, the presence of EpCAMlowCTC was not. This single tube approach enables simultaneous analysis of multiple biomarkers to explore their potential as a liquid biopsy.
Preclinical evaluation of the first intravenous small molecule MDM2 antagonist alone and in combination with temozolomide in neuroblastoma
Authors: Chen Lindi , Pastorino Fabio , Berry Philip , Bonner Jennifer , Kirk Calum , Wood Katrina M. , Thomas Huw D. , Zhao Yan , Daga Antonio , Veal Gareth J. , Lunec John , Newell David R. , Ponzoni Mirco , Tweddle Deborah A.
Published: December 2018

High‐risk neuroblastoma, a predominantly TP53 wild‐type (wt) tumour, is incurable in >50% patients supporting the use of MDM2 antagonists as novel therapeutics. Idasanutlin (RG7388) shows in vitro synergy with chemotherapies used to treat neuroblastoma. This is the first study to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of the intravenous idasanutlin prodrug, RO6839921 (RG7775), both alone and in combination with temozolomide in TP53 wt orthotopic neuroblastoma models. Detection of active idasanutlin using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and p53 pathway activation by ELISA assays and Western analysis showed peak plasma levels 1 h post‐treatment with maximal p53 pathway activation 3–6 h post‐treatment. RO6839921 and temozolomide, alone or in combination in mice implanted with TP53 wt SHSY5Y‐Luc and NB1691‐Luc cells showed that combined RO6839921 and temozolomide led to greater tumour growth inhibition and increase in survival compared to vehicle control. Overall, RO6839921 had a favourable pharmacokinetic profile consistent with intermittent dosing and was well tolerated alone and in combination. These preclinical studies support the further development of idasanutlin in combination with temozolomide in neuroblastoma in early phase clinical trials.