bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization studies of 3‐formyl chromone Schiff base complexes and their application as antitumor, antioxidant and antimicrobial
Authors: Gaber Mohamed , El‐Baradie Kamal , El‐Wakiel Nadia , Hafez Sara
Published: December 2019

A novel Schiff base namely (E)‐3‐((2,6‐dihydroxypyrimidin‐4‐ylimino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one and its Co (II), N (II)i, Cu (II) and Cd (II) complexes have been synthesized and proved by elemental analysis, molar conductance, thermal analysis (TGA), Inductive Coupled plasma (ICP), magnetic moment measurements, X‐ray powder diffraction, IR, EI‐mass,1H NMR, 13C NMR,UV–Vis. and ESR spectral studies. On the basis of these data, it is evident that the Schiff base acts as bidentate via oxygen atom of carbonyl group and azomethine nitrogen atom for Co (II) complex; monobasic bidentate ligand for Ni (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) complexes via oxygen atom of hydroxyl group and nitrogen atom of pyrimidine ring. The results showed all complexes have octahedral geometry. The average particle size of the ligand and its complexes were found to be 1.010–0.343 nm. The pharmacological action (antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer) of the prepared compounds is studied. The antitumor activity of the ligand and its metal complexes is evaluated against human liver carcinoma (HEPG2) cell. The data displayed the Co (II) complexes strong cytotoxicity where IC50 values of Co (II) complex and 5‐fluorouracil (stander drug) are 9.33 and 7.86 μg/ml respectively. The Co (II) and Cd (II) complexes have antibacterial activity more than ampicillin (stander drug). The interaction of the synthesized compounds with calf‐thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) has been performed via absorption spectra and viscosity technique. The DNA‐ binding constants have been determined.
Superhydrophobic polyimide aerogels via conformal coating strategy with excellent underwater performances
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Jin , Zhao Yibo , Zhang Xuetong
Published: December 2019

The hydrophobilization of aerogels is critical for their long‐term application due to their highly open‐porous structures, while the hydrophobilization strategies for polyimide (PI) aerogels are limited. In the present work, a feasible strategy to synthesize superhydrophobic PI aerogels is proposed via a conformal‐coating process. The resulting PI aerogels (F‐PI) exhibit high contact angles up to 156°. Impressively, the F‐PI aerogels show excellent water‐resistant capacity not only in the ambient condition but also in the high‐pressure water up to 0.5 MPa, where the liquid cannot or only partially permeate into the aerogel's open pores. Besides, the F‐PI aerogels possess high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surfaces areas (185 m2 g−1), high Young's modulus (3 MPa), low thermal conductivity (0.056 W m−1·k−1), and variable densities. All these parameters are found to be well preserved after high pressure (0.1–0.2 MPa) water treatment, further indicating the excellent water‐resistant performance of the F‐PI aerogels. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48849.
Study of Z‐boson production in di‐lepton channel on pPb collisions at
Authors: Ramirez Dario , Rodriguez Dairon , Jung Hannes , Guzman Fernando
Published: December 2019

There is a growing interest in the analysis of the most recent results of the ALICE, ATLAS, and CMS detectors in asymmetric systems (pPb) due to the possibility of establishing some theoretical prescriptions for PbPb collisions and gaining insight this way into the behavior of the medium itself. The analysis of data in both cases can allow the understanding of the parton distribution functions (PDFs) under different regimes. For the study of the initial state in proton‐led collisions at 5.02 TeV, in this contribution, the Drell‐Yan process was chosen once the inclusive lepton production represents a clean process, independent of the color degree of freedoms. For this study, an extension of the Glauber model was considered for the cross section. Under this approach, we can examine the initial vertex of the hard process described by the proton–proton (pp) signal cross section σpp and apply the usual standard calculations through the factorization theorem. We focused on the analysis of the pT (transverse momentum) distribution and compared the role of different factorization schema in the behavior of the distribution at low pT.
Genetics’ Piece of the PI: Inferring the Origin of Complex Traits and Diseases from Proteome‐Wide Protein–Protein Interaction Dynamics
Authors: Gauthier Louis , Stynen Bram , Serohijos Adrian W. R. , Michnick Stephen W.
Published: December 2019

How do common and rare genetic polymorphisms contribute to quantitative traits or disease risk and progression? Multiple human traits have been extensively characterized at the genomic level, revealing their complex genetic architecture. However, it is difficult to resolve the mechanisms by which specific variants contribute to a phenotype. Recently, analyses of variant effects on molecular traits have uncovered intermediate mechanisms that link sequence variation to phenotypic changes. Yet, these methods only capture a fraction of genetic contributions to phenotype. Here, in reviewing the field, it is proposed that complex traits can be understood by characterizing the dynamics of biochemical networks within living cells, and that the effects of genetic variation can be captured on these networks by using protein–protein interaction (PPI) methodologies. This synergy between PPI methodologies and the genetics of complex traits opens new avenues to investigate the molecular etiology of human diseases and to facilitate their prevention or treatment.
Identification of prognostic genes in adrenocortical carcinoma microenvironment based on bioinformatic methods
Authors: Li Xiao , Gao Yang , Xu Zicheng , Zhang Zheng , Zheng Yuxiao , Qi Feng
Published: December 2019

Background

To identify prognostic genes which were associated with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) tumor microenvironment (TME).

Methods and materials

Transcriptome profiles and clinical data of ACC samples were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We use ESTIMATE (estimation of stromal and Immune cells in malignant tumor tissues using expression data) algorithm to calculate immune scores, stromal scores and estimate scores. Heatmap and volcano plots were applied for differential analysis. Venn plots were used for intersect genes selection. We used protein‐protein interaction (PPI) networks and functional analysis to explore underlying pathways. After performing stepwise regression method and multivariate Cox analysis, we finally screened hub genes associated with ACC TME. We calculated risk scores (RS) for ACC cases based on multivariate Cox results and evaluated the prognostic value of RS shown by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). We investigated the association between hub genes with immune infiltrates supported by algorithm from online TIMER database.

Results

Gene expression profiles and clinical data were downloaded from TCGA. Lower immune scores were observed in disease with distant metastasis (DM) and locoregional recurrence (LR) than other cases (P = .0204). Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that lower immune scores were significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (P = .0495). We screened 1649 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1521 DEGs based on immune scores and stromal scores, respectively. Venn plots helped us find 1122 intersect genes. After analysing by cytoHubba from Cytoscape software, 18 hub genes were found. We calculated RS and ROC showed significantly predictive accuracy (area under curve (AUC) = 0.887). ACC patients with higher RS had worse survival outcomes (P < .0001). Results from TIMER (tumor immune estimation resource) database revealed that HLA‐DOA was significantly related with immune cells infiltration.

Conclusion

We screened a list of TME‐related genes which predict poor survival outcomes in ACC patients from TCGA database.
Revascularization and vital pulp therapy in immature molars with necrotic pulp and irreversible pulpitis: A case report with two‐year follow‐up
Authors: Ramezani Masoumeh , Sanaei‐rad Parisa , Hajihassani Neda
Published: December 2019

Management of teeth with inflamed pulp has been always a challenge. Revascularization and vital pulp therapy are suggested as procedures for successful treatment of immature molars diagnosed with pulp necrosis and irreversible pulpitis, respectively.
Optimal design for classification of functional data
Authors: Li Cai , Xiao Luo
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We study the design problem for the optimal classification of functional data. The goal is to select sampling time points so that functional data observed at these time points can be classified accurately. We propose optimal designs that are applicable to either dense or sparse functional data. Using linear discriminant analysis, we formulate our design objectives as explicit functions of the sampling points. We study the theoretical properties of the proposed design objectives and provide a practical implementation. The performance of the proposed design is evaluated through simulations and real data applications.The Canadian Journal of Statistics48: 285–307; 2020 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
The Compensation Effect Mechanism of Fe–Ni Mixed Prussian Blue Analogues in Aqueous Rechargeable Aluminum‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Yaning , Yang Haoyi , Wang Xinran , Bai Ying , Zhu Na , Guo Shuainan , Suo Liumin , Li Hong , Xu Huajie , Wu Chuan
Published: December 2019

An aluminum‐ion battery was assembled with potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate (KNHCF) as a cathode and Al foil as an anode in aqueous electrolyte for the first time, based on Al3+ intercalation and deintercalation. A combination of ex situ XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), and differential capacity analysis was used to unveil the crystal structure changes and the insertion/extraction mechanism of Al3+. Al3+ could reversibly insert/extract into/from KNHCF nanoparticles through a single‐phase reaction with reduction/oxidation of Fe and Ni. Over long‐term cycling, it was Fe rather than Ni that contributed to more capacity owing to the dissolution of Ni from the KNHCF structure, which could be expressed as a compensation effect of mixed redox centers in KNHCF. KNHCF delivered an initial discharge capacity of 46.5 mAh g−1. The capacity decay could be attributed to the unstable interface between Al foil and the aqueous electrolyte owing to the catalytic activity of the Ni transferring from Ni dissolution of KNHCF to the Al foil anode, rather than KNHCF structure collapse; KNHCF maintained its 3 D framework structure for 500 cycles. This work is expected to inspire more exhaustive investigations of the mechanisms that occur in aluminum‐ion batteries.
Comparative phylogeography of mainland and insular species of Neotropical molossid bats (Molossus)
Authors: Loureiro Livia O. , Engstrom Mark D. , Lim Burton K.
Published: December 2019

Historical events, habitat preferences, and geographic barriers might result in distinct genetic patterns in insular versus mainland populations. Comparison between these two biogeographic systems provides an opportunity to investigate the relative role of isolation in phylogeographic patterns and to elucidate the importance of evolution and demographic history in population structure. Herein, we use a genotype‐by‐sequencing approach (GBS) to explore population structure within three species of mastiff bats (Molossus molossus,M. coibensis, andM. milleri), which represent different ecological histories and geographical distributions in the genus. We tested the hypotheses that oceanic straits serve as barriers to dispersal in Caribbean bats and that isolated island populations are more likely to experience genetic drift and bottlenecks in comparison with highly connected ones, thus leading to different phylogeographic patterns. We show that population structures vary according to general habitat preferences, levels of population isolation, and historical fluctuations in climate. In our dataset, mainland geographic barriers played only a small role in isolation of lineages. However, oceanic straits posed a partial barrier to the dispersal for some populations within some species (M. milleri), but do not seem to disrupt gene flow in others (M. molossus). Lineages on distant islands undergo genetic bottlenecks more frequently than island lineages closer to the mainland, which have a greater exchange of haplotypes.
Fabrication of Electrochemical Sensor Based on CeO2−SnO2 Nanocomposite Loaded on Pd Support for Determination of Nitrite at Trace Levels
Authors: Mahmoodi Aram , Ensafi Ali A. , Rezaei Behzad
Published: December 2019

Here, an electrochemical sensor based on CeO2‐SnO2/Pd was prepared and used for highly selective and sensitive determination of nitrite in some real samples. This nanocomposite was characterized by various methods like X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the sensor was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed excellent catalytic property of the nanocomposite as a an electrocatalyst for nitrite oxidation. In the following, the experimental parameters affecting the analytical signal for nitrite were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection and sensitivity of the sensor were calculated as 0.10 μM and 652.95 μA.mM−1.cm−2, respectively. Also, the response of the sensor was linear in the range of 0.36 to 2200 μM of nitrite. Finally, some of the inherent features of the sensor such as repeatability, reproducibility and stability were examined after evaluation of the sensor selectivity in the presence of several interfering species.
Highly Sensitive Circulating MicroRNA Panel for Accurate Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Liver Disease
Authors: Yamamoto Yusuke , Kondo Shunsuke , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Esaki Minoru , Okusaka Takuji , Shimada Kazuaki , Murakami Yoshiki , Enomoto Masaru , Tamori Akihiro , Kato Ken , Aoki Yoshiaki , Takizawa Satoko , Sakamoto Hiromi , Niida Shumpei , Takeshita Fumitaka , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: December 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The high mortality rate in HCC is largely due to the difficulty of early detection. In this study, to improve patient outcomes, serum samples from 345 patients with HCC, 46 patients with chronic hepatitis (CH), 93 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 1,033 healthy individuals were analyzed with microRNA (miRNA) microarrays. We investigated the diagnostic potential of circulating miRNAs in serum and developed a detection model of HCC, including early stage. A diagnostic model was constructed based on the expression levels of a combination of miRNAs in a discovery set. We selected 52 miRNAs that had altered expressions according to disease progression status, established the diagnostic model with a combination of eight miRNAs in the discovery set, and tested the model in a validation set. The diagnostic values for discriminating cancer from HCC at‐risk control samples were as follows: area under the curve, 0.99; sensitivity, 97.7%; specificity, 94.7%. With this model, 98% of stage I HCC cases were detected; these results were much better than those observed from conventional methods. Conclusion: Circulating miRNAs could serve as biomarkers for the accurate detection of HCC. Because the diagnostic accuracy was maintained even in stage I, this may represent an accurate detection method even for early stage HCC.
Groundwater recharge from an oxbow lake‐wetland system in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain
Authors: Gratzer Michael C. , Davidson Gregg R. , O'Reilly Andrew M. , Rigby James R.
Published: December 2019

The Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer ranks among the most overdrafted aquifers in the United States due to intensive irrigation. Concern over declining water levels has increased focus on understanding the sources of recharge. Numerous oxbow lakes overlie the aquifer that are often considered hydraulically disconnected from the groundwater system due to fine‐grained bottom sediments. In the current study, groundwater levels in and around a 445‐ha oxbow lake‐wetland in Mississippi were monitored for a 2‐year period that included an unusually long low‐water condition in the lake (>17 months), followed by a high‐water event lasting over 4 months before returning to earlier low‐water levels. The high‐water pulse (>4 m rise) provided a unique opportunity to track the impact in the underlying alluvial aquifer. During low‐water conditions, groundwater flowed westward beneath the lake. Following the lake rise, groundwater beneath and near the perimeter responded as quickly as the same day, with more delayed responses moving away from the lake. Within 2 months, a groundwater mound formed near the centre of the oxbow (>3 m increase), with a reversal in the local hydraulic gradient towards the east. Flow returned to a westward gradient when the lake level dropped back below 0.3 m. Analysis of precipitation and nearby river stage could not account for the observed behavior. Recharge to the aquifer is attributed to rising water levels spreading over point bar deposits and into the surrounding forested wetlands where preferential flow pathways are likely to exist due to buried and decomposing tree remains. An earlier study in the wetland demonstrated an increasing redox potential in isolated zones, consistent with the existence of preferential flow pathways through the bottom sediments (Lahiri & Davidson, 2020). Retaining high‐water levels in oxbow lakes could be a relatively low‐cost water management practice for enhancing aquifer recharge.
Assessing international commonality in macroeconomic uncertainty and its effects
Authors: Carriero Andrea , Clark Todd E. , Marcellino Massimiliano
Published: December 2019

This paper uses a large vector autoregression to measure international macroeconomic uncertainty and its effects on major economies. We provide evidence of significant commonality in macroeconomic volatility, with one common factor driving strong comovement across economies and variables. We measure uncertainty and its effects with a large model in which the error volatilities feature a factor structure containing time‐varying global components and idiosyncratic components. Global uncertainty contemporaneously affects both the levels and volatilities of the included variables. Our new estimates of international macroeconomic uncertainty indicate that surprise increases in uncertainty reduce output and stock prices, adversely affect labor market conditions, and in some economies lead to an easing of monetary policy.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Usage Frequency Considerations in Purchase Decisions
Authors: Mittelman Mauricio , Gonçalves Dilney , Andrade Eduardo B.
Published: December 2019

Decisions are mostly influenced by what is in sight. Because usage frequency (i.e., how frequently the consumer expects to use the product) is generally not in sight in the purchase environment—and it is unlikely to be considered spontaneously—consumers may overlook it even when contemplating purchases of a durable product (for which usage frequency is arguably an important purchase criterion). Four studies tested this hypothesis. In the first study, most customers of a women's everyday‐clothing store failed to report usage frequency considerations right after making a purchase. In the following three studies, involving hypothetical and consequential purchase decisions, manipulations that prompted the consideration of usage frequency prior to decision affected participants' choices as well as purchase intentions and willingness to pay for a product. This suggests that, in the absence of such prompting, usage frequency was overlooked. Further, in line with our theorizing, the effect of these manipulations faded away when usage frequency cues were present in the purchase environment. Future research directions and practical implications from our findings are discussed.
Moderating Loss Aversion: Loss Aversion Has Moderators, But Reports of its Death are Greatly Exaggerated
Authors: Mrkva Kellen , Johnson Eric J. , Gächter Simon , Herrmann Andreas
Published: December 2019

Loss aversion, the principle that losses impact decision making more than equivalent gains, is a fundamental idea in consumer behavior and decision making, though its existence has recently been called into question. Across five unique samples (Ntotal = 17,720), we tested several moderators of loss aversion, which supported a preference construction account. Across studies, more domain knowledge and experience were associated with lower loss aversion, though people of all knowledge and experience levels were loss averse. Among car buyers, those who knew more about a particular car attribute (e.g., fuel economy) were less loss averse for that attribute but not other attributes (e.g., comfort), consistent with the idea that people with less attribute knowledge are more likely to construct preferences, thereby increasing loss aversion. Additionally, older consumers were more loss averse across different loss aversion measures and studies. We discuss implications for several accounts of loss aversion, including accounts rooted in status quo bias, emotion, or ownership. In addition to discovering loss aversion moderators, we cast doubt on recent claims that loss aversion is a fallacy or is fully explained by status quo bias, risk aversion, or the educated laboratory samples often used to study loss aversion.
Comparing students' engineering and science aspirations from age 10 to 16: Investigating the role of gender, ethnicity, cultural capital, and attitudinal factors
Authors: Moote Julie , Archer Louise , DeWitt Jenifer , MacLeod Emily
Published: December 2019

Background

Women (along with minority ethnic and low‐income communities) remain underrepresented in engineering, despite a 30‐year history of research and equality legislation. Compared with the United States and other European Union countries, this underrepresentation is particularly pronounced in the United Kingdom. While existing literature gives insights into factors shaping retention and progression in university engineering students, comparatively less is known about the development of primary and secondary school students' engineering aspirations.

Purpose

This paper contrasts science and engineering analyses to explore how relationships between background and attitudinal factors and aspirations change across primary and secondary schools. We examine the relative influence of gender on aspirations in both science and engineering.

Design/Method

We drew on survey data from more than 20,000 English students from the ASPIRES projects. A multilevel regression approach is implemented to test for the effects of gender, ethnicity, and cultural capital on science and engineering aspirations.

Results

Gender is the main factor related to engineering aspirations, while science aspirations are influenced by a broader range of factors. School‐level factors become increasingly important for engineering aspirations. We also report evidence of the early distinctiveness of young women who aspire to engineering in terms of their relatively high self‐concept and motivations.

Conclusions

The association of engineering with masculinity is evident in aspirations from age 10, and students aspiring to engineering are distinctive in several respects. Efforts aimed at improving participation in engineering might more usefully focus on challenging the elitist culture and practices, which may influence student perceptions, rather than focusing on changing student aspirations directly.
Discordance between self‐perceived and actual risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand: a cross‐sectional assessment
Authors: Seekaew Pich , Pengnonyang Supabhorn , Jantarapakde Jureeporn , Meksena Ratchadaporn , Sungsing Thanthip , Lujintanon Sita , Mingkwanrungruangkit Pravit , Sirisakyot Waraporn , Tongmuang Sumitr , Panpet Phubet , Sumalu Saman , Potasin Phonpiphat , Kantasaw Supapun , Patpeerapong Pongpeera , Mills Stephen , Avery Matthew , Chareonying Sutinee , Phanuphak Praphan , Vannaki Ravipa , Phanuphak Nittaya
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Low uptake of HIV testing and services, including pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), in Thai men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) may be due to the inaccuracy in self‐risk assessment. This study investigated the discordance between self‐perceived HIV risk and actual risk.

Methods

Data were obtained between May 2015 and October 2016 from MSM and TGW enrolled in key population‐led Test and Treat study in six community health centres in Thailand. Eligible participants were at least 18 years old, Thai national, had sex with men, had unprotected sex with a man in the past six months or had at least three male sex partners in the past six months, and were not known to be HIV positive. Baseline demographic behavioural characteristics questionnaires, including self‐perceived HIV risk, were self‐administered. Participants received HIV/STI (syphilis/gonorrhoea/chlamydia) testing at baseline. Participants who self‐perceived to have low risk, but engaged in HIV‐susceptible practices were categorized as having risk discordance (RD). Regression was conducted to assess factors associated with RD among MSM and TGW separately.

Results

Of the 882 MSM and 406 TGW participants who perceived themselves as having low HIV risk, over 80% reported at least one of the following: tested HIV positive, engaged in condomless sex, tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection sexually transmitted infection (STI; or used amphetamine‐type stimulants. Logistic regression found that living with a male partner (p = 0.005), having never tested for HIV (p = 0.045), and living in Bangkok (p = 0.01) and Chiang Mai (p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk discordance among MSM. Living with a male partner (p = 0.002), being less than 17 years old at sexual debut (p = 0.001), and having a low knowledge score about HIV transmission (p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk discordance among TGW. However, for TGW, being a sex worker decreased the chance of risk discordance (p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Future HIV prevention messages need to fill in the gap between self‐perceived risk and actual risk in order to help HIV‐vulnerable populations understand their risk better and proactively seek HIV prevention services.
Shift in the Raman symmetric stretching band of N2, CO2, and CH4 as a function of temperature, pressure, and density
Authors: Sublett D. Matthew , Sendula Eszter , Lamadrid Hector , Steele‐MacInnis Matthew , Spiekermann Georg , Burruss Robert C. , Bodnar Robert J.
Published: December 2019

The Raman spectra of pure N2, CO2, and CH4 were analyzed over the range 10 to 500 bars and from −160°C to 200°C (N2), 22°C to 350°C (CO2), and −100°C to 450°C (CH4). At constant temperature, Raman peak position, including the more intense CO2 peak (ν+), decreases (shifts to lower wave number) with increasing pressure for all three gases over the entire pressure and temperature (PT) range studied. At constant pressure, the peak position for CO2 and CH4 increases (shifts to higher wave number) with increasing temperature over the entire PT range studied. In contrast, N2 first shows an increase in peak position with increasing temperature at constant pressure, followed by a decrease in peak position with increasing temperature. The inflection temperature at which the trend reverses for N2 is located between 0°C and 50°C at pressures above ~50 bars and is pressure dependent. Below ~50 bars, the inflection temperature was observed as low as −120°C. The shifts in Raman peak positions with PT are related to relative density changes, which reflect changes in intermolecular attraction and repulsion. A conceptual model relating the Raman spectral properties of N2, CO2, and CH4 to relative density (volume) changes and attractive and repulsive forces is presented here. Additionally, reduced temperature‐dependent densimeters and barometers are presented for each pure component over the respective PT ranges. The Raman spectral behavior of the pure gases as a function of temperature and pressure is assessed to provide a framework for understanding the behavior of each component in multicomponent N2‐CO2‐CH4 gas systems in a future study.
Positive circumferential resection margins following locally advanced colon cancer surgery: Risk factors and survival impact
Authors: Goffredo Paolo , Zhou Peige , Ginader Timothy , Hrabe Jennifer , Gribovskaja‐Rupp Irena , Kapadia Muneera , You Y. Nancy , Hassan Imran
Published: December 2019

Background

While the prognostic implications of positive circumferential resection margins (CRM) have been established for rectal cancer, its significance in colon cancer has not been well defined. The aim of the current study was to determine national rates for positive CRM in locally advanced colon cancer, associated factors, and survival impact.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried to identify patients with stage II‐III adenocarcinoma of the colon (2004‐2015).

Results

Positive CRM was identified in 9% of stage II and 12% of stage III patients. Factors associated with negative CRM included surgery in a high‐volume facility, adequate lymph‐node harvest, and negative distal/proximal margins. No difference in CRM rates was observed between surgical approaches, although having a positive CRM was significantly associated with higher conversion rates. Positive CRM was associated with significantly lower overall survival on both univariate and multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Positive CRM rates exceeded 10% nationally and have an adverse impact on survival. While several tumor characteristics were identified as independent risk factors, oncologic resections and surgery at high‐volume centers were associated with lower rates of positive CRM. These findings emphasize the need for process improvement initiatives targeting modifiable factors, including adoption of appropriate oncologic techniques, standardized pathology reporting, and potential neoadjuvant strategies.
Caribou Use of Habitat Near Energy Development in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Johnson Heather E. , Golden Trevor S. , Adams Layne G. , Gustine David D. , Lenart Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2019

Increasing demands for energy have generated interest in expanding oil and gas production on the North Slope of Alaska, USA, raising questions about the resilience of barren‐ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus) populations to new development. Although the amount of habitat lost directly to energy development in the Arctic will likely be relatively small, there are significant concerns about habitat that may be indirectly affected because of caribou avoidance behaviors. Behavioral responses to energy development for wildlife have been documented, but such responses are often assumed to dissipate over time, despite scant information on the ability of animals to habituate. To understand the long‐term effects of energy development on barren‐ground caribou, we investigated the behavior of the Central Arctic Herd in northern Alaska, which has been exposed to oil development on its summer range for approximately 40 years. Using recent (2015–2017) location data from global positioning system (GPS)‐collared females, we conducted a zone of influence analysis to assess whether caribou reduced their use of habitat near energy development, and if so, the distance the effects attenuated. We conducted this analysis for the calving, post‐calving, and mosquito harassment periods when caribou exhibit distinct resource selection patterns, and contrasted our results to past research that investigated the responses of the Central Arctic Herd immediately following the construction of the oil fields. Despite the long‐term presence of energy development within the Central Arctic Herd summer range, we found that female caribou exhibited avoidance responses to infrastructure during all time periods, although the effects waned across the summer. Caribou reduced their use of habitat within 5 km of development during the calving period, within 2 km during the post‐calving period, and within 1 km during the mosquito harassment period; these areas were predicted to overlap 12%, 15%, and 17% of important calving, post‐calving, and mosquito period habitat, respectively. During the calving period, the indirect effects we observed were similar to those observed in past research, whereas during the post‐calving and mosquito periods, we detected avoidance responses that had not been previously reported. These findings corroborate a growing body of evidence suggesting that habituation to industrial development in caribou in the Arctic is likely to be weak or absent, and emphasizes the value of minimizing the footprint of infrastructure within important seasonal habitat to reduce behavioral effects to barren‐ground caribou. © 2019 The Authors. TheJournal of Wildlife Managementpublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Application of a simple analytical model to severe winds produced by a bow echo like storm in northeast Italy
Authors: Pucillo Arturo , Miglietta Mario M. , Lombardo Kelly , Manzato Agostino
Published: December 2019

A strong mesoscale convective system affected northeastern Italy on August 8, 2008. Notable damage and two casualties resulted, mainly due to the strong wind gusts. The event is analysed using observations, including surface data from a meso‐network of meteorological stations, radar reflectivity and velocity data from a C‐band Doppler radar, polar satellite images, lightning measurements from a lightning detection network and the ambient thermodynamic conditions derived from local radiosoundings. The role of the cold front is investigated; in particular, the associated strong wind descending from the Alps, which interacted with the preexisting convection in the plain, is analysed to understand the way it affected the storm development. A simple density current model is applied to describe the flow characteristics and to identify the mechanisms that could support the development of such a high wind speed. Lastly, observed wind speeds are compared with the theoretical estimates from the proposed model. The results show that different factors contribute to the very strong wind gusts registered by surface stations. The main contributor to the windstorm is a density current (a) driven by the cold front, (b) maintained by the interaction between the cold air impinging on the Friuli Venezia Giulia plain from the north and the strong regional density gradient and (c) eventually enhanced by the storm cold pool. This study highlights the complex evolution of severe storms in a region on the lee side of the Alpine chain, and emphasizes the role of the orography in the enhancement of storm.
Can we improve our diagnosis of impaired detrusor contractility in women? An ICI‐RS 2019 proposal
Authors: Smith Phillip P. , Valentini Francoise , Mytilekas Konstantinos‐Vaios , Apostolidis Apostolos , Rademakers Kevin , Cardozo Linda , Gammie Andrew
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Widely accepted consensus terminology and calculations of detrusor contractility in females do not exist but may be useful. We report the output of a proposal session at the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society meeting 2019, addressing the title topic.

Methods

Three formal presentations and a lively discussion addressed several questions including: which is the optimal cutoff value of female bladder voiding efficiency during uroflow to suspect obstruction or detrusor underactivity? Is there a definition of pure underactive and pure obstructed voiding in females? Is there a place to distinguish those relatively obstructed from those relatively underactive females especially in those cases of equivocal obstruction? Current measures of contractility were reviewed for their usefulness in women.

Results

No recommendation for a specific index or calculation can be made based on current knowledge. “Contractility” may be context‐dependent regarding clinical care, clinical prognostication, and physiologic research.

Conclusions

This group proposes that context‐sensitive definitions of “Contractility” deserve attention by international leadership. Cooperative clinical and physiologic expertise will be needed to achieve this goal. Following initial recommendations based on expert opinion, the development of final definitions and measures of contractility should be iterative, based upon validation studies to be considered as part of the definitional process.
Dynamic hyperpolarized 13C MR spectroscopic imaging using SPICE in mouse kidney at 9.4 T
Authors: Song Jae Eun , Shin Jaewook , Lee Hansol , Choi Young‐Suk , Song Ho‐Taek , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: December 2019

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of dynamic hyperpolarized 13C MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) using the SPectroscopic Imaging by exploiting spatiospectral CorrElation (SPICE) technique and an estimation of the spatially resolved conversion constant rate (kpl). An acquisition scheme comprising a single training dataset and several imaging datasets was proposed considering hyperpolarized 13C circumstances. The feasibility and advantage of the scheme were investigated in two parts: (a) consistency of spectral basis over time and (b) accuracy of the estimated kpl. The simulations and in vivo experiments support accurate kpl estimation with consistent spectral bases. The proposed method was implemented in an enzyme phantom and via in vivo experiments. In the enzyme phantom experiments, spatially resolved homogeneous kpl maps were observed. In the in vivo experiments, normal diet (ND) mice and high‐fat diet (HFD) mice had kpl (s−1) values of medullar (ND: 0.0119 ± 0.0022, HFD: 0.0195 ± 0.0005) and cortical (ND: 0.0148 ±0.0023, HFD: 0.0224 ±0.0054) regions which were higher than vascular (ND: 0.0087 ±0.0013, HFD: 0.0132 ±0.0050) regions. In particular, the kpl value in the medullar region exhibited a significant difference between the two diet groups. In summary, the feasibility of using modified SPICE for dynamic hyperpolarized 13C MRSI was demonstrated via simulations and in vivo experiments. The consistency of spectral bases over time and the accuracy of the estimated kpl values validate the proposed acquisition scheme, which comprises only a single training dataset. The proposed method improved the spatial resolution of dynamic hyperpolarized 13C MRSI, which could be used for kpl estimation using high signal‐to‐noise ratio spectral bases.
Hierarchical surrogate model with dimensionality reduction technique for high‐dimensional uncertainty propagation
Authors: Cheng Kai , Lu Zhenzhou
Published: December 2019

In this article, hierarchical surrogate model combined with dimensionality reduction technique is investigated for uncertainty propagation of high‐dimensional problems. In the proposed method, a low‐fidelity sparse polynomial chaos expansion model is first constructed to capture the global trend of model response and exploit a low‐dimensional active subspace (AS). Then a high‐fidelity (HF) stochastic Kriging model is built on the reduced space by mapping the original high‐dimensional input onto the identified AS. The effective dimensionality of the AS is estimated by maximum likelihood estimation technique. Finally, an accurate HF surrogate model is obtained for uncertainty propagation of high‐dimensional stochastic problems. The proposed method is validated by two challenging high‐dimensional stochastic examples, and the results demonstrate that our method is effective for high‐dimensional uncertainty propagation.
Different drug incorporation routes in ethylene oxide based copolymers
Authors: Carrero M José , Borreguero Ana M , Rodríguez Juan F , Ramos María J
Published: December 2019

Coumarin is successfully incorporated in poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(propylene oxide) block copolymers functionalized with terminal alkynes, PEO‐b‐PPO‐b‐GPE, by click reactions at atmospheric pressure and in CO2 supercritical conditions (scCO2). The presence of glycidyl propargyl ether (GPE), an alkynyl‐terminated monomer, in the copolymer chain allows the covalent attachment of the coumarin by click chemistry, obtaining polymer–drug conjugates. First, the most suitable synthesis procedure for the above‐mentioned copolymers was established. Then, the click reactions were carried out confirming the coumarin attachment by Fourier transform IR and 1H NMR analyses, achieving good yields in both cases with a coumarin content of about 9.3 wt% and avoiding the use of toxic solvents in the case of scCO2. In addition, thanks to the amphiphilic character of the copolymer due to the presence of hydrophilic (PEO) and hydrophobic (PPO) segments, micelle formation is also possible and was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and high resolution SEM. Finally, coumarin incorporation was achieved by micelle formation using the direct dissolution method in order to compare the polymer–drug system properties. This second route allows a drug entrapment efficiency of 14 wt% to be reached. In both cases, the size of the polymeric micelles obtained is in a suitable range to enable permeability. However, an interesting point is the reduction in the size of the micelles with increase in the GPE percentage and with the covalent attachment of the coumarin to the copolymer, which is supposed to improve their permeability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling and design for low‐cost multijunction solar cell via light‐trapping rear texture technique: Applied in InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs triple junction
Authors: Zhu Lin , Hazama Yuji , Reddy Anurag , Watanabe Kentaroh , Nakano Yoshiaki , Sugiyama Masakazu , Akiyama Hidefumi
Published: December 2019

To realize high efficiency in parallel with low cost, a light‐trapping rear texture was proposed to be implemented in substrate‐free thin‐film multijunction (MJ) cells. A detailed‐balance theory was formulated taking account of the finite light absorption in thin subcells. Such presented absorption model is general and useful to optimize the subcell thickness for MJ solar cells with light‐trapping design. It is applied for InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs triple‐junction solar cells to simulate subcell photocurrents and to obtain the current‐matching (minimum requisite) subcell thicknesses combinations. Furthermore, the detailed‐balance conversion efficiency was estimated for both radiative limit and the cases with below‐unity internal radiative efficiency. For InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs MJ cells with InGaP subcell thickness less than 600 nm, adding a random‐textured rear reflector can enhance light absorption so significantly that over 90% of InGaAs‐cell thickness and even 50% of GaAs‐cell thickness would be cut without any penalty in conversion efficiency, compared with the subcell thicknesses in traditional MJ cells with flat rear reflectors. Additionally, the thickness combination, (InGaP, GaAs, and InGaAs) = (450 nm, 333 nm, and 26 nm), is recommended to achieve both high conversion efficiency and low material cost. This work provides a very important theoretical guidance for the development on low‐cost and high‐efficiency MJ devices.
Using blockchain in the follow‐up of emergency situations related to events
Authors: Rivero‐García Alexandra , Santos‐González Iván , Hernández‐Goya Candelaria , Caballero‐Gil Pino
Published: December 2019

This paper describes a decentralized low‐cost system designed to reinforce personal security in big events in case of emergency. The proposal consists of using smart contracts supported by blockchain in the management of events. An alternative communication channel that does not require any cloud service is also provided with the aim of improving the coordination of emergency services. Peers may use this emergency support tool to interact with each other through a chat when additional support is required. Since information security is mandatory in this scenario, identity‐based signcryption schemes are here used to guarantee communication confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity. Depending on the communication mode (peer‐to‐peer or broadcast), different signcryption methods are used. A first implementation of the proposal has produced promising results.
Prevalence of placental dichotomy, fetal cardiomegaly and starry‐sky liver in twin anemia–polycythemia sequence
Authors: Tollenaar L. S. A. , Lopriore E. , Middeldorp J. M. , Klumper F. J. C. M. , Haak M. C. , Oepkes D. , Slaghekke F.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of three additional ultrasound markers, placental dichotomy, cardiomegaly and ‘starry‐sky’ liver, in monochorionic twin pregnancy with twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS).

Methods

All monochorionic twin pregnancies, diagnosed antenatally with TAPS at our center between 2006 and 2019, were reviewed retrospectively for the presence of placental dichotomy, cardiomegaly in the donor twin and a starry‐sky liver in the recipient twin. TAPS was diagnosed based on delta middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) > 0.5 multiples of the median. The primary outcome was the prevalence of placental dichotomy, cardiomegaly, starry‐sky liver and at least one of these markers in both spontaneous and post‐laser TAPS. The secondary outcome was the prevalence of these ultrasound markers according to the antenatal stage of TAPS.

Results

A total of 91 monochorionic twin pregnancies with TAPS were eligible for analysis. Placental dichotomy was observed in 44% (40/91) of TAPS cases. A total of 70% (64/91) of the TAPS donors developed cardiomegaly and a starry‐sky liver was identified in 66% (53/80) of the TAPS recipients. The prevalence of cardiomegaly and starry‐sky liver was roughly comparable between spontaneous and post‐laser TAPS (69% (33/48) vs 72% (31/43) and 64% (25/39) vs 68% (28/41), respectively). Pregnancies with spontaneous TAPS showed a higher prevalence of placental dichotomy compared with post‐laser TAPS (63% (30/48) vs 23% (10/43)). At least one of the three ultrasound markers was detected in 86% (78/91) of TAPS cases, meaning that 14% (13/91) of cases presented solely with discordant MCA‐PSV values. There was a trend towards increased prevalence of all three ultrasound markers with increasing antenatal TAPS stage.

Conclusions

Placental dichotomy, fetal cardiomegaly and a starry‐sky liver are commonly found in TAPS pregnancy. Investigating the presence of these ultrasound markers can be of additional help in improving antenatal detection of TAPS in monochorionic twin pregnancy. © 2019 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.