bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen Vacancies in Reduced Rh/ and Pt/Ceria for Highly Selective and Reactive Reduction of NO into N2 in excess of O2
Authors: Wang Yixiao , Oord Ramon , van den Berg Daniël , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Makkee Michiel
Published: April 2017

Currently commercial NOx removal (DeNOx) abatement systems for lean‐burn engines exceed regulation limits on the road for NOx emissions. Commercial DeNOx catalysts exhibit poor performance in the selective conversion of NO to N2, especially at high temperature and high gas hourly space velocities (GHSV). In this study, oxygen vacancies of reduced ceria and Pt/ or Rh/ceria are found to be the efficient and selective catalytic sites for NO reduction to N2. Even at low concentrations, NO can compete with an excess of O2 at 600 °C and a high GHSV of 170 000 L L−1 h−1, conditions in which SCR and NSR DeNOx system are not able to function well. N2O is not detected over the whole range of conditions, whereas NO2 is only formed upon oxidation of the catalyst, after both NO and O2 start to appear. For consideration of the fuel economy, the working temperature should be between 250 and 600 °C. Above 600 °C, most of the injected fuel was combusted with O2. Below 250 °C, ceria support will not be reduced by fuel and the oxidation rate of the deposited carbon through oxygen from ceria lattice will be too low.
Helical Polyisocyanopeptides as Lyotropic Liquid Crystals for Measuring Residual Dipolar Couplings
Authors: Li Gao‐Wei , Cao Jiang‐Ming , Zong Wen , Hu Li , Hu Mao‐Lin , Lei Xinxiang , Sun Han , Tan Ren Xiang
Published: April 2017

Residual dipolar couplings (RDC) emerged to be an important structural parameter for organic and biomolecules. Herein, a new helical polyisocyanopeptide (l,l‐PIAF‐OBn) that forms lyotropic liquid crystals (LLC) in CDCl3 is proposed as a novel weakly orienting medium for acquiring residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) of organic molecules. We demonstrate its application for the structural elucidation of strychnine and triptolide.
Spirobifluorene Regioisomerism: A Structure–Property Relationship Study
Authors: Sicard Lambert , Quinton Cassandre , Peltier Jean‐David , Tondelier Denis , Geffroy Bernard , Biapo Urelle , Métivier Rémi , Jeannin Olivier , Rault‐Berthelot Joëlle , Poriel Cyril
Published: April 2017

The present works report the first structure–property relationship study of a key class of organic semiconductors, that is, the four spirobifluorene positional isomers possessing a para‐, meta‐ or ortho‐linkage. The remarkable and surprising impact of the ring bridging and of the linkages on the electronic properties of the regioisomers has been particularly highlighted and rationalised. The impact of the ring bridging on the photophysical properties has been stressed with notably the different influence of the linkages and the bridge on the singlet and triplet excited states. The first member of a new family of spirobifluorenes substituted in the 1‐position, which presents better performance in blue phosphorescent OLEDs than those of its regioisomers, is reported. These features highlight not only the great potential of 1‐substituted spirobifluorenes, but also the remarkable impact of regioisomerism on electronic properties.
Molecular Analysis of Genetic Markers for Non‐Hodgkin Lymphomas
Authors: Sholl Lynette M. , Longtine Janina , Kuo Frank C.
Published: April 2017

Molecular analysis complements the clinical and histopathologic tools used to diagnose and subclassify hematologic malignancies. The presence of clonal antigen‐receptor gene rearrangements can help to confirm the diagnosis of a B or T cell lymphoma and can serve as a fingerprint of that neoplasm to be used in identifying concurrent disease at disparate sites or recurrence at future time points. Certain lymphoid malignancies harbor a characteristic chromosomal translocation, a finding that may have significant implications for an individual's prognosis or response to therapy. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is typically used to detect antigen‐receptor gene rearrangements as well as specific translocations that can be supplemented by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and karyotype analysis. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Enhanced carbon storage through management for old‐growth characteristics in northern hardwood‐conifer forests
Authors: Ford Sarah E. , Keeton William S.
Published: April 2017

Forest management practices emphasizing stand structural complexity are of interest across the northern forest region of the United States because of their potential to enhance carbon storage. Our research is part of a long‐term study evaluating silvicultural treatments that promote late‐successional forest characteristics in northern hardwood‐conifer forests. We are testing the hypothesis that aboveground biomass development (carbon storage) is greater in structural complexity enhancement (SCE) treatments when compared to conventional uneven‐aged treatments. Structural complexity enhancement treatments were compared against selection systems (single‐tree and group) modified to retain elevated structure. Manipulations and controls were replicated across 2‐ha treatment units at two study areas in Vermont, United States. Data on aboveground biomass pools (live trees, standing dead, and downed wood) were collected pre‐ and post‐treatment, then again a decade later. Species group‐specific allometric equations were used to estimate live and standing dead biomass, and downed log biomass was estimated volumetrically. We used the Forest Vegetation Simulator to project “no‐treatment” baselines specific to treatment units, allowing measured carbon responses to be normalized against differences in site characteristics affecting tree growth and pre‐treatment stand structure. Results indicate that biomass development and carbon storage 10 yr post‐treatment were greatest inSCEtreatments compared to conventional treatments, with the greatest increases in coarse woody material (CWM) pools. Structural complexity enhancement treatments contained 12.67 Mg/ha carbon inCWMcompared to 6.62 Mg/ha in conventional treatments and 8.84 Mg/ha in areas with no treatment. Percentage differences between post‐treatment carbon and simulated/projected baseline values indicate that carbon pool values inSCEtreatments returned closest to pre‐harvest or untreated levels over conventional treatments. Total carbon storage inSCEaboveground pools was 15.90% less than that projected for no‐treatment compared to 44.94% less in conventionally treated areas. Results from classification and regression tree models indicated treatment as the strongest predictor of aboveground C storage followed by site‐specific variables, suggesting a strong influence of both on carbon pools. Structural enhancement treatments have the potential to increase carbon storage in managed northern hardwoods. They offer an alternative for sustainable management integrating carbon, associated climate change mitigation benefits, and late‐successional forest structure and habitat.
Implication for second primary cancer from visible oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesions in betel‐nut chewing related oral cancer
Authors: Liu Shyun‐Yu , Feng I‐Jung , Wu Yu‐Wei , Chen Ching‐Yuan , Hsiung Chao‐Nan , Chang Hsueh‐Wei , Lin Che‐Yi , Chang Min‐Te , Yu Hsi‐Chien , Lee Sheng‐Yang , Yen Ching‐Yu
Published: April 2017

Background

Visible oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesions may be used to monitor for a second primary oral cancer. To control for bias, we focused on the visible oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesions of patients with oral cancer with a positive betel‐nut chewing habit. Visible oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesions that can predict second primary oral cancers were studied.

Methods

Nine hundred ninety‐seven patients with positive betel‐nut chewing habits and oral cancer were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. We analyzed the relevance of their visible oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesion incidence and relative clinicopathological variables to the development of a second primary oral cancer.

Results

Second primary oral cancer risk was significantly higher in patients with positive visible oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesions (P < .0001), especially in younger patients (P = .0023; ≤40 years: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.66; 40‐60 years: adjusted OR 2.61). The heterogeneous leukoplakia was (adjusted OR 2.17) higher than homogeneous leukoplakia.

Conclusion

The predictive value and practicality of visible oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesions make it a potentially valuable marker in follow‐ups of patients with a positive betel‐nut chewing habit with oral cancer, especially young patients with heterogeneous leukoplakia.
Effect of the greenhouse design on the thermal behavior and microclimate distribution in greenhouses installed under semi‐arid climate
Authors: Mesmoudi K. , Meguallati KH. , Bournet PE.
Published: April 2017

Greenhouse design and cover material properties may strongly impact greenhouse energy. To study the effect of these parameters, three typical unheated agricultural buildings equipped with rows of canopy were considered, and two‐dimensional simulations were conducted using the discrete ordinate model for simulating radiative transfers. Experiments were conducted to establish the boundary conditions and to validate the model. Two parametric studies were carried out: one for the nocturnal period when the energy performance of each type of greenhouse was investigated, and one for the diurnal period, when the sun path was simulated taking into account the type of the cover, its spectral optical and thermal properties. Results indicate that for the diurnal period, and for both plastic greenhouses equipped with fully opened side vents, the air located between the rows of canopy and ground surfaces remained very slow, not exceeding 0.2 m/s; for the Venlo glasshouse, the recirculation loop situated above the crop improved the air mixing and induced a good homogenization. Results also indicate that the cover material with the highest absorptivity, deteriorated the natural ventilation, increasing the air temperature by convection, enhancing local air temperature favoring the development of a secondary recirculation, and reduced the available photosynthetically active radiation. Concerning the nocturnal period, the ambient air temperature in the tunnel and in the vertical wall of the greenhouse was relatively homogenous and warmer than the temperature in the Venlo greenhouse. During the nocturnal period, the plastic greenhouse (in particular the one with the tunnel) performed better in regard to the homogenization of the climate and thermal energy storage.
New approach to weight-of-evidence assessment of ecotoxicological effects in regulatory decision-making
Authors: Hall A Tilghman , Belanger Scott E , Guiney Pat D , Galay-Burgos Malyka , Maack Gerd , Stubblefield William , Martin Olwenn
Published: April 2017

Ecological risk assessments and risk management decisions are only as sound as the underlying information and processes to integrate them. It is important to develop transparent and reproducible procedures a priori to integrate often-heterogeneous evidence. Current weight-of-evidence (WoE) approaches for effects or hazard assessment tend to conflate aspects of the assessment of the quality of the data with the strength of the body of evidence as a whole. We take forward recent developments in the critical appraisal of the reliability and relevance of individual ecotoxicological studies as part of the effect or hazard assessment of prospective risk assessments and propose a streamlined WoE approach. The aim is to avoid overlap and double accounting of criteria used in reliability and relevance with that used in current WoE methods. The protection goals, problem formulation, and evaluation process need to be clarified at the outset. The data are first integrated according to lines of evidence (LoEs), typically mechanistic insights (e.g., cellular, subcellular, genomic), in vivo experiments, and higher-tiered field or observational studies. Data are then plotted on the basis of both relevance and reliability scores or categories. This graphical approach provides a means to visually assess and communicate the credibility (reliability and relevance of available individual studies), quantity, diversity, and consistency of the evidence. In addition, the external coherence of the body of evidence needs to be considered. The final step in the process is to derive an expression of the confidence in the conclusions of integrating the information considering these 5 aspects in the context of remaining uncertainties. We suggest that this streamlined approach to WoE for the effects or hazard characterization should facilitate reproducible and transparent assessments of data across different regulatory requirements. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:573–579. © 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points

Relevance assessment of ecotoxicity studies is required to ensure appropriate use in hazard and risk assessment of chemicals.
A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEM TESTABILITY AND MODULARITY
Authors: Efatmaneshnik Mahmoud , Ryan Michael
Published: April 2017

Modularity is one approach to design that, amongst other design attributes, facilitates testability. However, the relationship between the type of modularization and system testability is under‐researched. In this paper we present a probabilistic model of testability that enables us to study the relationships between modularity and testability. In particular, we focus on the costs and benefits associated with the particular modularizations selected for the sole purpose of system testability. We show that adopting appropriate testing architecture through careful modularization can greatly enhance efficiency and effectiveness of system testing.
TOWARDS THE AUTOMATION OF MODEL‐BASED DESIGN VERIFICATION
Authors: Schamai Wladimir , Albarello Nicolas , Helle Philipp , Buffoni Lena , Fritzson Peter
Published: April 2017

Modeling and simulation of complex systems is at the heart of any modern engineering activity. Engineers strive to predict the behavior of the system under development in order to get answers to particular questions long before physical prototypes or the actual system are built and today tested in real life. One of the critical questions is whether a particular system design fulfills or violates requirements imposed on the system under development. In this paper, we discuss an approach to model‐based design verification by simulating system dynamic behavior including formalized requirements. We illustrate the approach on a case study – the verification of a new design for flight control surfaces activation against requirements. The contributions of this paper are the evaluation of a new requirements formalization approach using the recently developed Modelica requirements library, and the discussion of solutions for automating the simulation model composition.
Automotive display innovation: 12.3‐inch automotive free‐form curved cluster
Authors: Yuan Feng , Zhang Guowei , Ma Qing , Sun Pai , Yu Yangbing , Zhang Ruichen , Yoon D.K. , Li Zhifu
Published: April 2017

As the market share of automotive display increased, special used displays are required; BOE developed 12.3‐inch automotive free‐form curved cluster. For this product, free‐form and curved design can be matched in vehicle preferably. Meanwhile, it is designed in automotive class, which means that this product will perform excellently in severe environment.
Highly reflective subtractive color filters capitalizing on a silicon metasurface integrated with nanostructured aluminum mirrors
Authors: Yue Wenjing , Gao Song , Lee Sang‐Shin , Kim Eun‐Soo , Choi Duk‐Yong
Published: April 2017

Metasurface‐based color filters have been recently applied for the creation of imaging devices and color printing in a subwavelength scale. In this work, a highly reflective subtractive color filter featuring an excellent color contrast is conceived and demonstrated, by exploiting a crystalline‐silicon nanopillar (NP)‐based dielectric metasurface integrated with an aluminum disk mirror (DM) and holey mirror (HM) at the top and bottom, respectively. A deep suppression in reflection is acquired through a magnetic dipole (MD) resonance that is supported by the constituent NP, and can be effectively tailored via the control of the NP diameter. The cooperation of the nanostructured DM and HM plays a dual role of dramatically boosting the efficiency and reinforcing the confinement of the MD in the NP, which is primarily accountable for the reduction in the spectral bandwidth. For the manufactured filters, both a high reflection efficiency reaching ∼70% and relatively small bandwidth of ∼55 nm are attained, thus leading to a broad palette of vivid and bright colors. The proposed devices are supposed to exhibit a polarization‐insensitive operation and a relaxed angular tolerance, thereby facilitating the implementation of miniaturized display/imaging devices with a high resolution and excellent color fidelity.

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TRASER: An innovative device for the treatment of nasal telangiectasias
Authors: Friedman Paul M. , Tolkachjov Stanislav N. , Geddes Elizabeth R. , Tillman Karl A. , Zachary Christopher B.
Published: April 2017

Background

Destruction of blood vessels by selective photothermolysis has been successfully achieved using a number of different laser and light systems, none of which provide significant independent variation in parameters such as wavelength.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel configurable device in the treatment of nasal telangiectasias.

Methods

Fifteen subjects aged 42–73 with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II were treated for nasal telangiectasias of various sizes. Efficacy was measured by blinded analysis of pre and post images and self‐assessment by the subjects. The primary endpoint was a 2‐point improvement of telangiectasia based on a 5‐point Telangiectasia Scale comparing the pre‐treatment photograph to the post‐treatment photograph at 30 days post final treatment by an independent reviewer. Treatment completion was defined as >75% vessel clearance. The TRASER (Total Reflection Amplification of Spontaneous Emission Radiation) was configured to produce a narrow spectral output, peaking at 541 ± 5 nm, with 20–40 millisecond pulses over an energy density range of 15–40 J/cm2 utilizing a 12 mm spot size were delivered with contact sapphire cooling tip at approximately 10°C.

Results

All 13 subjects (100%) in the efficacy population achieved procedure success at the end of the final treatment, that is a 2‐point improvement of telangiectasis on the telangiectasia scale (pre‐ vs. post‐treatment). A single treatment was effective in >75% of patients with at least a 75% reduction in blood vessels. Larger vessels responded well to longer pulse durations (40 milliseconds) while smaller vessels responded best to shorter pulse durations (25 milliseconds). No serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded.

Limitation

Short‐term (1 month) follow up.

Conclusion

The TRASER device is a safe and effective option for treatment of nasal telangiectasias with all subjects meeting primary endpoint success at the end of treatment and the majority of subjects demonstrating clearance after only one treatment. These treatments were well tolerated and provided high patient satisfaction. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:625–631, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Flower‐Like Polybutadiene
Authors: Nicol Erwan , Nzé René‐Ponce , Kaewbuddee Suwat , Gaillard Cédric , Carlotti Stéphane
Published: April 2017

Synthesis of complex macromolecular architectures exhibiting no chain ends such as flower‐like polymers is still of interest in the aim of investigating their physicochemical properties. For this purpose, poly(3,4‐dimethyl maleic imidoethyl acrylate)‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐poly(3,4‐dimethyl maleic imidoethyl acrylate) triblock copolymer is synthesized in a convergent manner using a combination of living polymerization (anionic polymerization), reversible deactivation radical polymerization, and click chemistry. This copolymer is self‐assembled in a selective solvent (heptane/THF mixture) of the polybutadiene block leading to the formation of flower‐like micelles in thermodynamic equilibrium in dilute solution. These resulting transient architectures are fixed by covalently crosslinking the micelles core by inducing [2+2] cyclodimerization of the 3,4‐dimethyl maleic imidoethyl groups borne by the short solvophobic blocks under UV irradiation. Single flowers are isolated from residual non‐crosslinked chains by semipreparative size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized by 1H NMR, SEC, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

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Improved dark blood late gadolinium enhancement (DB‐LGE) imaging using an optimized joint inversion preparation and T2 magnetization preparation
Authors: Basha Tamer A. , Tang Maxine C. , Tsao Connie , Tschabrunn Cory M. , Anter Elad , Manning Warren J. , Nezafat Reza
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To develop a dark blood–late gadolinium enhancement (DB‐LGE) sequence that improves scar–blood contrast and delineation of scar region.

Methods

The DB‐LGE sequence uses an inversion pulse followed by T2 magnetization preparation to suppress blood and normal myocardium. Time delays inserted after preparation pulses and T2‐magnetization‐prep duration are used to adjust tissue contrast. Selection of these parameters was optimized using numerical simulations and phantom experiments. We evaluated DB‐LGE in 9 swine and 42 patients (56 ± 14 years, 33 male). Improvement in scar–blood contrast and overall image quality was subjectively evaluated by two independent readers (1 = poor, 4 = excellent). The signal ratios among scar, blood, and myocardium were compared.

Results

Simulations and phantom studies demonstrated that simultaneous nulling of myocardium and blood can be achieved by selecting appropriate timing parameters. The scar–blood contrast score was significantly higher for DB‐LGE (P < 0.001) with no significant difference in overall image quality (P > 0.05). Scar–blood signal ratios for DB‐LGE versus LGE were 5.0 ± 2.8 versus 1.5 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001) for patients, and 2.2 ± 0.7 versus 1.0 ± 0.4 (P = 0.0023) for animals. Scar–myocardium signal ratios were 5.7 ± 2.9 versus 6.3 ± 2.6 (P = 0.35) for patients, and 3.7 ± 1.1 versus 4.1 ± 2.0 (P = 0.60) for swine.

Conclusions

The DB‐LGE sequence simultaneously reduces normal myocardium and blood signal intensity, thereby enhancing scar–blood contrast while preserving scar–myocardium contrast. Magn Reson Med 79:351–360, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Treatment outcomes of children with Hodgkin lymphoma between 2000 and 2010: First report by the South African Children's Cancer Study Group
Authors: Geel Jennifer A. , Chirwa Tobias C. , Rowe Biance , Eyal Katherine C. , Omar Fareed , Stones David K. , Goga Yasmin , Stefan D. Cristina , van Zyl Anel , Van Emmenes Barry , Wedi Oloko , Vaithilingum Manickavallie , Hendricks Marc G. ,   for the South African Children's Cancer Study Group
Published: April 2017

Background

Children with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have excellent survival rates in high‐income countries, but there are minimal outcome data in South African patients. Differing approaches to treatment are used in centres across South Africa, and the South African Children's Cancer Study Group (SACCSG) embarked on a programme to audit outcomes to improve survival rates.

Patients and Methods

A multicentre study was conducted to analyse outcomes and prognostic factors of children with HL in South Africa. Ten dedicated South African paediatric oncology units participated in a retrospective data review. All patients with HL treated consecutively between January 2000 and December 2010 were included. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression model were employed to determine survival rates and prognostic factors.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐four patients were eligible for inclusion. The median age at presentation was 9.6 years (range 2.9–18.8); 55.4% of the patients presented with Stage III and IV disease and 9.9% were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. First‐line therapy consisted of adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD) in 158 patients, vincristine, procarbazine/etoposide, prednisone and doxorubicin in 97 and adriamycin, bleomycin, vincristine and dacarbazine–chlorambucil, vinblastine, prednisone and procarbazine in 23 patients. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 79% (95% confidence interval 73–84%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that HIV infection (P = 0.018) and Ann Arbor Stage III and IV disease (P = 0.006) conferred a poor prognosis, while treatment with ABVD was associated with higher survival rates (P = 0.028).

Conclusion

OS rates are encouraging for a middle‐income country, although economic disparities continue to impact negatively on outcomes. Study results will form the basis for the development of national protocol and continued advocacy to rectify disparities.
Preparing childhood cancer survivors for transition to adult care: The young adult perspective
Authors: Frederick Natasha N. , Bober Sharon L. , Berwick Lexie , Tower Mary , Kenney Lisa B.
Published: April 2017

Background

Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) remain at risk for developing treatment‐associated health conditions as they age; however, many do not obtain recommended follow‐up, putting them at unnecessary risk for morbidity. Educational interventions targeted at providing survivors with the knowledge and skills necessary for healthcare independence might improve adherence and outcomes as they transition care to the adult medical system.

Objective

To identify informational needs, educational preferences, and support that young adult CCSs perceive as beneficial for transition from pediatric to adult medical care.

Design/Method

Sixteen young adult CCSs (ages 22–39 years) who have transitioned to adult care participated in focus groups led by a trained moderator and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Four major themes emerged: (1) education preferences—pediatric oncology provider as the primary source of information and guidance, enhanced by other formats, and early and ongoing engagement in education; (2) family role in transition—desire for independence and acknowledgement of need for ongoing parental support; (3) expectations for adult providers, such as close relationships, open communication, and care coordination; and (4) knowledge deficits regarding disease/treatment history, risk for long‐term complications, and navigation of the adult medical system.

Conclusion

Transition education as described by young adult CCSs should be a developmentally appropriate process beginning in early adolescents, primarily administered by pediatric oncology providers, and delivered in multiple formats. While healthcare independence is a goal for young adult CCSs, all stakeholders must recognize that families and providers continue to have an important role supporting survivors with transition logistics and medical decision‐making.
Nephrogenic rests in Wilms tumors treated with preoperative chemotherapy: The UK SIOP Wilms Tumor 2001 Trial experience
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M. , Apps John R. , Moroz Veronica , Ceroni Federica , Williams Richard D. , Sebire Neil J. , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy
Published: April 2017

Background

Nephrogenic rests (NRs) are abnormally persistent foci of embryonal cells, thought to be the precursor lesion of Wilms tumors (WTs). To date, their presence has not been systematically examined in WTs treated with preoperative chemotherapy.

Methods

A systematic analysis of the data on NRs in WTs treated with preoperative chemotherapy obtained from the UK cohort of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) WT 2001 Trial. The study was based on central pathology review of full sets of slides from pathological specimens, with a median of 28 slides reviewed per case.

Results

NRs were identified in 40% of unilateral WTs, including 25% perilobar nephrogenic rest (PLNR), 9% intralobar nephrogenic rest (ILNR), 5% both PLNR and ILNR, and 1% nephroblastomatosis, and in 93% of cases with bilateral lesions. ILNRs were associated with stromal histology and a younger age at diagnosis and found frequently in patients with congenital anomalies associated with WT1 mutation. PLNRs were found frequently in patients with overgrowth syndromes.

Conclusions

The prevalence of NRs in WTs after preoperative chemotherapy observed in SIOP UK WT 2001 Trial is similar to the previously published data on NRs not treated with preoperative chemotherapy. Their epidemiology supports at least two pathways to Wilms tumorigenesis.
Unleashing the immune response against childhood solid cancers
Authors: Anderson John
Published: April 2017

Tumor immunotherapy has come to the fore fuelled by impressive clinical responses to checkpoint inhibitor antibodies in a range of adult malignancies and by the success of chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting adult and pediatric B‐cell malignancies. Clearly, if appropriately fine‐tuned, the immune system has the capability to seek out and destroy cancer. Studies in pediatric solid cancers so far have not shown the therapeutic potential checkpoint inhibitors described in adult cancers and this may reflect fewer tumor‐associated antigens or different immune evasion mechanisms. One potential approach to overcome these limitations will be to combine interventions to undermine immune evasion mechanisms with engineered T‐cell adoptive transfer.
Electrical transport through array of electrochemically etched silicon nanorods
Authors: Ghanta Ujjwal , Singh Sujay , Ray Mallar , Bandyopadhyay Nil Ratan , Ganapathy Sambandamurthy , Hossain Syed Minhaz
Published: April 2017

Random arrays of oxide‐passivated silicon nanorods have been obtained by natural oxidation of electrochemically etched porous silicon in air. The charge transport through these nanorods exhibits intriguing characteristics. The I–V characteristics are non‐linear, asymmetric, hysteretic, and exhibit resistive switching. Three different charge transport mechanisms dominate in three different ranges of bias and temperature. At high bias, the Fowler–Nordheim tunneling through the oxide barrier is the dominant conduction mechanism. The Pool–Frenkel emission takes over at moderate bias, while at low bias, trap controlled space‐charge‐limited conduction is the governing mode of charge transport. The bias voltage for cross‐over from one transport mechanism to another is sensitively dependent on temperature – the increase of temperature lowers the cross‐over voltage. The observed phenomena can be explained in the framework of lateral transport through a disordered assembly of interconnected semiconducting nanorods. Such multiple transport mechanisms along with tunable cross‐over from one mechanism to another simply by changing the bias or temperature, render these nanostructures amenable for a variety of applications. Additionally, the observed resistive switching makes them extremely promising candidates for low power‐consuming resistive random access memory devices.
High cubic phase purity of ELOG cubic GaN on [110] mask‐stripe‐patterned GaAs (001) substrates by MOVPE
Authors: Suwanyangyaun Pattana , Thanachayanont Chanchana , Sanorpim Sakuntam , Onabe Kentaro
Published: April 2017

Epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELOG) of c‐GaN films was attempted on the mask‐stripe‐patterned GaAs substrates by MOVPE. Growth features, crystal quality, and generation of hexagonal phase inclusion were investigated as a function of growth time as well as thickness. At a growth temperature of 900 °C and a fill factor of 0.8, smooth sidewalls and top surfaces continued for a longer growth time. This resulted in a large reduction of hexagonal phase inclusion, which was confirmed by X‐ray reciprocal space mapping. To quantify the amount of hexagonal phase inclusion in the ELOG c‐GaN films with large variation in thickness, the effects of GaN X‐ray absorption and of the diffraction geometry were investigated. An amount of hexagonal phase inclusion as low as 3.1% was achieved at a growth time of 30 min (3.5 μm). The amount was found to decrease from 55.5 to 3.1% and 21.1%, when the film thickness increased from 1.4 to 3.5 μm and 12.0 μm, respectively.
Biscuit Conditionals and Prohibited ‘Then’
Authors: Zakkou Julia ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2017

It is generally agreed that there are two kinds of indicative conditionals that do not contain conditional ‘then.’ There are hypothetical conditionals such as ‘If Mary has done the groceries, there is beer in the fridge’ and there are biscuit conditionals such as ‘If you are thirsty, there is beer in the fridge.’ There is also broad consensus that we cannot find an analogous distinction between hypothetical and biscuit conditionals within indicative conditionals that do feature ‘then.’ Conditionals containing ‘then,’ it is assumed, are uniformly read as hypothetical conditionals. In this article, I shall argue that there are biscuit conditionals featuring ‘then.’ This result, I take it, is not only interesting on its own. It also puts pressure on the popular view that conditional ‘then’ triggers the presupposition that in some situations in which the conditional’s antecedent is not true, its consequent is not true either.
Insights into RNA structure and dynamics from recent NMR and X‐ray studies of the Neurospora Varkud satellite ribozyme
Authors: Dagenais Pierre , Girard Nicolas , Bonneau Eric , Legault Pascale
Published: April 2017

Despite the large number of noncoding RNAs and their importance in several biological processes, our understanding of RNA structure and dynamics at atomic resolution is still very limited. Like many other RNAs, the Neurospora Varkud satellite (VS) ribozyme performs its functions through dynamic exchange of multiple conformational states. More specifically, the VS ribozyme recognizes and cleaves its stem‐loop substrate via a mechanism that involves several structural transitions within its stem‐loop substrate. The recent publications of high‐resolution structures of the VS ribozyme, obtained by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography, offer an opportunity to integrate the data and closely examine the structural and dynamic properties of this model RNA system. Notably, these investigations provide a valuable example of the divide‐and‐conquer strategy for structural and dynamic characterization of a large RNA, based on NMR structures of several individual subdomains. The success of this divide‐and‐conquer approach reflects the modularity of RNA architecture and the great care taken in identifying the independently‐folding modules. Together with previous biochemical and biophysical characterizations, the recent NMR and X‐ray studies provide a coherent picture into how the VS ribozyme recognizes its stem‐loop substrate. Such in‐depth characterization of this RNA enzyme will serve as a model for future structural and engineering studies of dynamic RNAs and may be particularly useful in planning divide‐and‐conquer investigations. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1421. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1421

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

RNA-Based Catalysis > RNA-Mediated Cleavage
Motivation, Perception, and Treatment Beliefs in the Myocardial Infarction Genes (MI‐GENES) Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kattel Sharma , Onyekwelu Tochukwu , Brown Sherry‐Ann , Jouni Hayan , Austin Erin , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: April 2017

Little is known about individuals’ motivation, perception, and treatment beliefs towards the use of genetic information in risk estimates for coronary heart disease (CHD). In this study, participants at intermediate 10‐year risk of CHD were randomized to receive either their estimated conventional risk score (CRS) alone, or a CRS and a genetic risk score (GRS), by a genetic counselor. Surveys on motivation to participate in and perception of genetic testing for CHD were administered at 3 months and treatment beliefs at 6 months following risk disclosure. Survey responses used Likert scales. Linear and logistic regression were used for analysis. Overall, motivation to participate in genomic clinical trials was favorable and did not differ between the CRS and GRS groups (16.95 ± 0.82 vs. 17.58 ± 0.83, p = 0.091), but participants who initially received their GRS indicated a greater desire to find ways to improve health as a reason for participation (OR: 0.53 (95%CI: 0.29, 0.94), p = 0.028). Perception of genetic testing was also favorable in both groups (15.29 ± 0.39 vs. 15.12 ± 0.40, p = 0.835). Participants who initially received their GRS were more inclined to recommend genetic testing to family and friends (9.95 ± 1.88 vs. 10.52 ± 2.17, p = 0.023). In the MI‐GENES study, motivation to participate in and perception of genetic testing among study participants were overall favorable. Genetic risk disclosure was associated with increased motivation to recommend genetic testing to family and friends.
Exploring patients’ reasons for participation in a medical education home visit program: a qualitative study in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Chai-Eng , Jaffar Aida , Tohit Noorlaili , Hamzah Zuhra , Hashim Syahnaz Mohd
Published: April 2017

Introduction Direct contact with patients for medical education is essential in healthcare professional training. Patients who were recruited for a medical education home visit program in Malaysia did so on a voluntary basis without remuneration. This paper aims to explore their reasons for participation in this program.
Methods An exploratory qualitative study was conducted on patients who had been visited during the 2012/2013 academic session. Purposive sampling was done to select adult participants from varying ethnicities and ages from the list of patients. In-depth interviews were conducted at the participants’ homes and were audio recorded. The transcripts of these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results A total of nine in-depth interviews were conducted. Four main themes were identified from thematic analysis: 1) Perceived meaning of the visit; 2) Perceived benefits and risks; 3) Past healthcare experiences; 4) Availability for visits. The home visits meant different things to different participants, including a teaching-learning encounter, a social visit, a charitable deed or a healthcare check-up. The benefits and risks of accepting unknown students to their homes and sharing their health issues with them had been weighed prior to participation. Prior experience with healthcare services such as gratitude to healthcare providers or having a relative in the healthcare profession increased their receptivity for involvement. Lastly, enabling factors such as availability of time would determine their acceptance for home visits.
Psychiatric disorders in a cohort of individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Shriki-Tal L. , Avrahamy H. , Pollak Y. , Gross-Tsur V. , Genstil L. , Hirsch H.J. , Benarroch F.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Psychiatric manifestations in Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) are common and often are the most debilitating problem in these individuals. We present an epidemiological nation-wide survey of psychiatric diagnoses in the PWS population, based on full-range psychiatric interviews.

Methods:

We studied the distribution of psychiatric diagnoses (as opposed to a symptom-based approach) in the Israel national cohort of adolescents and adults with PWS. There was a total of 53 (32 males) ages 12 years and older. All individuals and their caretakers were interviewed using standardized psychiatric questionnaires. Demographic and clinical variables, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score, IQ, severity of hyperphagia and quality of life (QOL) were also assessed and correlations with NPD (number of psychiatric diagnoses) calculated.

Results:

An overwhelming majority (89%) of the study participants had at least one psychiatric diagnosis. The most common were disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) (68%), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (45%) and skin picking (35%). Individuals with DBD were at increased risk for OCD and skin picking. Psychotic disorders were found in 11%. NPD had a significant negative influence on QOL. There was no correlation between NPD and BMI, IQ, hyperphagia severity, hormonal profile or genetic subtypes.

Conclusions:

Psychiatric diagnoses are very frequent in PWS and strongly influence QOL. Furthermore, characterizing the profile of psychiatric comorbidity in PWS is crucial for planning effective interventions. Precise behavioral phenotyping in PWS in combination with a well-defined genetic etiology may aid biological research linking biological correlates to behavior.
The Promise of Pharmacogenomics in Reducing Toxicity during Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Rudin Shoshana , Marable Marcus , Huang R. Stephanie
Published: April 2017

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) affects a substantial number of children every year and requires a long and rigorous course of chemotherapy treatments in three stages, with the longest phase, the maintenance phase, lasting 2–3 years. While the primary drugs used in the maintenance phase, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and methotrexate (MTX), are necessary for decreasing risk of relapse, they also have potentially serious toxicities, including myelosuppression, which may be life-threatening, and gastrointestinal toxicity. For both drugs, pharmacogenomic factors have been identified that could explain a large amount of the variance in toxicity between patients, and may serve as effective predictors of toxicity during the maintenance phase of ALL treatment. 6-MP toxicity is associated with polymorphisms in the genes encoding thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15), and potentially inosine triphosphatase (ITPA), which vary between ethnic groups. Moreover, MTX toxicity is associated with polymorphisms in genes encoding solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Additional polymorphisms potentially associated with toxicities for MTX have also been identified, including those in the genes encoding solute carrier family 19 member 1 (SLC19A1) and thymidylate synthetase (TYMS), but their contributions have not yet been well quantified. It is clear that pharmacogenomics should be incorporated as a dosage-calibrating tool in pediatric ALL treatment in order to predict and minimize the occurrence of serious toxicities for these patients.
Discrete Dynamic Programming and Viscosity Solutions of the Bellman Equation
Authors: Dolcetta I. Capuzzo , Falcone M.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a technique for approximating the viscosity solution of the Bellman equation in deterministic control problems. This technique, based on discrete dynamic programming, leads to monotonically converging schemes and allows to prove a priori error estimates. Several computational algorithms leading to monotone convergence are reviewed and compared.
Analyse des Problèmes de Forme Par la Dérivation des Minimax
Authors: Delfour M.-C. , Zolésio J.-P.
Published: April 2017

Résumé.
Le calcul du gradient de forme est un élément central dans l’Analyse de Sensitivité par rapport à la forme. C’est un sujet sur lequel existe une littérature riche en Génie, en Mécanique et en Mathématiques Appliquées. L’obiectif de cet article est de présenter un point de vue qui apporte une justification mathématique à de nombreux calculs formels. Il s’agit de l’utilisation de théorèmes sur la dérivabilité d’un MiniMax par rapport à un paramètre.
Intracellular delivery of biologic therapeutics by bacterial secretion systems
Authors: Walker Barnabas James , Stan Guy-Bart V. , Polizzi Karen Marie
Published: April 2017

Biologics are a promising new class of drugs based on complex macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. However, delivery of these macromolecules into the cytoplasm of target cells remains a significant challenge. Here we present one potential solution: bacterial nanomachines that have evolved over millions of years to efficiently deliver proteins and nucleic acids across cell membranes and between cells. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the different bacterial systems capable of direct delivery into the eukaryotic cytoplasm and the medical applications for which they are being investigated, along with a perspective on the future directions of this exciting field.
Longitudinal study of diet quality and change in asthma symptoms in adults, according to smoking status
Authors: Li Zhen , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Dumas Orianne , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Leynaert Bénédicte , Pison Christophe , Le Moual Nicole , Romieu Isabelle , Siroux Valérie , Camargo Carlos A. , Nadif Rachel , Varraso Raphaëlle
Published: April 2017

It has been hypothesised that increased asthma prevalence in westernised countries is associated with changes in lifestyle factors, including a poorer diet. However, little is known regarding the association between diet quality and asthma. In the diet–asthma association, the role of BMI as a potential mediator needs clarification; moreover, potential effect modification by non-diet sources of oxidants, such as smoking, merits investigation. We investigated the association between diet quality and change in asthma symptoms, as well as assessed effect modification by smoking, while accounting for BMI as a potential mediator. Using data from the French prospective Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma study, we assessed diet quality using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010) at baseline and change in asthma symptoms (stable (reference), worsening, improved; mean follow-up time: 7 years). Mediation analysis was used to disentangle total and direct effects and the indirect effect mediated by BMI. The analyses included 969 adults (mean age 43 years; 49 % men; 42 % ever asthma). We observed a significant interaction between smoking and AHEI-2010 on change in asthma symptoms (Pfor interaction=0·04). Among never smokers (n 499), we observed a positive total effect (multivariable OR 1·39; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·80) and a positive direct effect (OR 1·41; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·80) of the AHEI-2010 (per ten-point increment) on improved symptoms. No indirect effect mediated through BMI was observed (OR 0·99; 95 % CI 0·91, 1·07). Among former and current smokers, all effects were statistically non-significant. Better diet quality was associated with improved asthma symptoms over time in never smokers, independently of BMI.