bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved survival for extremity soft tissue sarcoma treated in high‐volume facilities
Authors: Abarca Tyler , Gao Yubo , Monga Varun , Tanas Munir R. , Milhem Mohammed M. , Miller Benjamin J.
Published: April 2018

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of hospital volume on treatment decisions, treatment results, and overall patient survival in extremity soft tissue sarcoma.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients ≥18 years of age with non‐metastatic soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity treated with surgery. Patients in high‐ and low‐volume centers were matched by propensity score and placed into two equal comparative groups of 2437 patients each.

Results

Chemotherapy was used at a higher rate in high‐volume centers (22% vs 17%, P < 0.001) and external beam radiation usage was similar (55% vs 52%, P = 0.108). There was a lower incidence of positive margins in high‐volume centers (12% vs 17%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the rates of limb salvage surgery or readmissions at high‐volume hospitals compared to low‐volume. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, low‐volume facilities demonstrated diminished overall survival at all time points (hazard ratio at 5 years = 1.24, 95%CI 1.10‐1.39).

Conclusions

Treatment at high‐volume hospitals was associated with fewer positive margins and increased overall survival at 2, 5, and 10 years. Continued efforts should focus on optimizing the balance between patient access to specialty care and experience of the treating center.
On the Interpretation and Correlation of High‐Temperature Ignition Delays in Reactors with Varying Thermodynamic Conditions
Authors: Tao Mingyuan , Laich Andrew , Lynch Patrick , Zhao Peng
Published: April 2018

Ignition delay time (IDT) is a useful global metric for fuel performance screening and a major target for kinetic modeling. Measurements of IDT are conceptually straightforward; however, interpretation could be complicated, especially for systems with changing temperature and pressure. Some experimental conditions in the high repetition rate miniature shock tube (HRRST) exhibit complex temperature and pressure state histories. To better interpret and correlate IDTs, especially those obtained in reactors with varying thermodynamic conditions, an inverse Livengood–Wu (L‐W) integral technique is applied to deconvolve the constant condition IDTs from measured IDTs in the HRRST using information on the varying state history. In this paper, the approximate problem is demonstrated using only the measured pressure history leading up to ignition, where the temperature history is estimated based on an isentropic assumption. The IDTs of several fuels were first measured in the HRRST including isooctane and acetone to represent those fuels without strong low‐temperature chemistry effects. Based on the measured pressure and approximated temperature history, measurements of IDTs in the HRRST compare very favorably with those measured using more conventional techniques, including conventionally sized shock tubes, via the inverse L‐W correlation with relaxed Newton iteration and genetic algorithm. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a high throughput ignition testing facility, like the HRRST to extract the constant state IDT measured in regular shock tubes, assisted by the inverse L‐W correlation. It is expected with an independent temperature measurement available in the future, IDTs in a broader range of thermodynamic conditions and effects of heat loss could be better resolved.
Identification of genes related to chlamydospore formation in Clonostachys rosea 67‐1
Authors: Sun Zhan‐Bin , Zhang Jun , Sun Man‐Hong , Li Shi‐Dong
Published: April 2018

Chlamydospores are specific structures that are of great significance to the commercialization of fungal biopesticides. To explore the genes associated with chlamydospore formation, a biocontrol fungus Clonostachys rosea 67‐1 that is capable of producing resistant spores under particular conditions was investigated by transcriptome sequencing and analysis. A total of 549,661,174 clean reads were obtained, and a series of differentially expressed genes potentially involved in fungal chlamydospore formation were identified. At 36 hr, 67 and 117 genes were up‐ and downregulated in C. rosea during chlamydospore production, compared with the control for conidiation, and 53 and 24 genes were up‐ and downregulated at 72 hr. GO classification suggested that the differentially expressed genes were related to cellular component, biological process, and molecular function categories. A total of 188 metabolism pathways were linked to chlamydospore production by KEGG analysis. Sixteen differentially expressed genes were verified by reverse transcription quantitative PCR, and the expression profiles were consistent with the transcriptome data. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on the genes associated with chlamydospore formation in C. rosea. The results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying C. rosea sporulation, which will assist the development of fungal biocontrol agents.
Influence of protein properties and protein modification on biodistribution and tumor uptake of anticancer antibodies, antibody derivatives, and non‐Ig scaffolds
Authors: Warnders Frank‐Jan , Lub‐de Hooge Marjolijn N. , de Vries Elisabeth G. E. , Kosterink Jos G. W.
Published: April 2018

Newly developed protein drugs that target tumor‐associated antigens are often modified in order to increase their therapeutic effect, tumor exposure, and safety profile. During the development of protein drugs, molecular imaging is increasingly used to provide additional information on their in vivo behavior. As a result, there are increasing numbers of studies that demonstrate the effect of protein modification on whole body distribution and tumor uptake of protein drugs. However, much still remains unclear about how to interpret obtained biodistribution data correctly. Consequently, there is a need for more insight in the correct way of interpreting preclinical and clinical imaging data. Summarizing the knowledge gained to date may facilitate this interpretation. This review therefore provides an overview of specific protein properties and modifications that can affect biodistribution and tumor uptake of anticancer antibodies, antibody fragments, and nonimmunoglobulin scaffolds. Protein properties that are discussed in this review are molecular size, target interaction, FcRn binding, and charge. Protein modifications that are discussed are radiolabeling, fluorescent labeling drug conjugation, glycosylation, humanization, albumin binding, and polyethylene glycolation.
Equivalence between orbital angular momentum and multiple‐input multiple‐output in uniform circular arrays: Investigation by eigenvalues
Authors: Hirano Takuichi
Published: April 2018

It had been shown that array weight vectors using uniform circular arrays (UCAs) in multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) can generate helical phase distribution used in orbital angular momentum (OAM) communication system. In this letter, the MIMO channel, or OAM multiplexing characteristic, was investigated by means of eigenvalues. It was also found that the OAM is not effective as the distance between transmitting and receiving antennas increases because the radiation pattern along the direction of propagation is null with helical phase front. It was found that MIMO and/or OAM performance improve in near‐field region. It was also found that the performance improves when radius of UCAs becomes large.
Varactor‐tunable dual‐band filtering low‐noise amplifier
Authors: Kumar Amarjit , Pathak Nagendra P.
Published: April 2018

Design and development of a tunable dual‐band filtering LNA has been presented in this paper. The center frequency of the lower band is continuously tuning with applied dc voltages. The center frequency of lower band has a tuning range of 2.0–2.5 GHz; while that of upper band is fixed at 5 GHz. Power consumption of our circuit is 28 mW. Overall size of proposed device is 0.96λg × 0.34λg, where λg is the guided wavelength at lower frequency. One ATF36163 GaAs HEMT is used as the active device in our circuit. Measured per stage gain of lower band is varying from 8 to 1.6 dB; while that of upper band is 5.4 dB. Measured noise figure of lower band is 2.4–3.4 dB; while that of upper band is 2.5 dB. Proposed filtering LNA has improved selectivity and spurious harmonic suppression with measured stopband attenuation of 45 dB. To author's knowledge, the investigation of tunable multiband and multifunctional device for highly improving the level of integration of the multiband RF front‐end design is reported for the first time.
Design of transmitting coil for wireless charging system to expand charging area for drone applications
Authors: Kim Sang‐Won , Cho In‐Kui , Hong Sung‐Yong
Published: April 2018

This research proposes a transmitting coil structure for wireless charging which has the constant efficiency regardless of the position of the receiving coil. The proposed transmitting coil is designed to operate at 140 kHz, and to improve the uniformity of the magnetic field intensity using a stepped helical coil and ferrite core. The measured results of the charging system with proposed transmitting coil show that it has low difference in rectifying voltage and efficiency within the charging area. Therefore, it has advantages in terms of wide charging area without the charging shadow area.
Short wave infrared LEDs based on strained GeSn
Authors: Zhang Li‐Feng , Shu Bin , Jiang Ruo‐Hong , Gao Yv‐Long , Zhang He‐Ming , Xuan Rong‐Xi , Hu Hui‐Yong
Published: April 2018

We present results on device fabrication and testing of short wave infrared light emitting diodes based on strained Ge1–xSnx/Ge double heterostructure (DH). Owing to the fact that the component of Sn in Ge1–xSnx is severely limited, evidently insufficient for high performance light emitting devices. The alternative solution is introducing SiN as stressor material, which can reduce the Γ conduction valley, promoting the performance of LEDs. The spectral characteristics of Ge1–xSnx/Ge p‐i‐n DH under different material parameters, such as Sn content, doping concentration are discussed in terms of electroluminescence data. The experimental results revealed the best material parameters and demonstrated the excellent performance of Ge1–xSnx/Ge short wave infrared light emitting diodes.
Constant gain modified antipodal vivaldi antenna with rake‐like wires operating over 3.1–10.6 GHz
Authors: Küçüksarı Öznur , Çimen Sibel , Çakır Gonca
Published: April 2018

The main aim of this study is to design an Ultra‐Wide Band antenna with an almost constant level of gain over 3.1–10.6 GHz. A modified antipodal Vivaldi antenna with rake‐like wires (called MAVARW‐III), is designed for this goal. The MAVARW‐III has two flared metal arms with rake‐like wires printed on a dielectric substrate. Rake‐like wires are primarily associated with balancing the gain over the operating bandwidth of the antenna. The proposed MAVARW‐III has 7.90 dB minimum gain level over the bandwidth in simulations. The difference between the minimum and maximum value of the gain is <1.55 dB over whole frequency range in simulations. The proposed MAVARW‐III is characterized both numerically and experimentally with a good agreement. The given design approach can be extended to relatively larger or smaller MAVARWIIIs to achieve almost constant gain level over desired other frequency bands.
An analysis of a DGS‐inserted stub resonator and its application to an optimum BSF
Authors: Shin Imseob , Oh Sangyeol , Lee Changwon , Kwon Koohyung , Kim Young‐Sik
Published: April 2018

A novel defected ground structure (DGS)‐inserted stub (DIS) resonator is proposed. The proposed DIS resonator features a typical dumbbell‐shaped DGS inserted into an conventional open‐circuited stub (OCS) resonator, and it is modeled by a series LC resonator. The inserted DGS can suppress a harmonic and extend an upper passband. Therefore, the proposed DIS resonator to generate a resonance at 2.0 GHz keeps the upper passband up to 8.0 GHz or higher, while the OCS resonator with the same resonance gives rise to the harmonic at 5.78 GHz. These properties are investigated through EM simulation. Moreover, in order to verify the applicability of the proposed DIS resonator to microwave filters, two optimum bandstop filters (BSFs) with the same stopband at 2.0 GHz using the proposed DIS and OCS resonators are fabricated and measured, respectively. Compared to the optimum BSF using the OCS resonator, the optimum BSF using the proposed DIS resonator shows two notable improvements: a 50% increase in the upper passband and a 15% reduction in the size.
Compact quint‐band Bandpass Filter design in a rigorous manner utilizing multimode stub‐loaded taper
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Zhang Yonghong , Zhang Xingyu , Qu Lili , Yong Fan
Published: April 2018

On a basis of 2 multimode resonators (MMRs) using stub‐loaded taper, a compact quint‐band BPF is proposed. Progressively, triple open‐circuited stubs and notch are loaded to taper without introducing extra coupling paths, and both tri‐, quad‐ and quint‐band BPF responses are available. In this way, design procedure is rigorous and reduction of coupling paths minimizes the quint‐band BPF design complexity, simultaneously. Meanwhile, owing to the cancelling effect of notch, independent control on central frequencies of 2 passbands can be achieved. The insertion loss is lower since taper is adopted to the building of MMR. Good agreement between simulated and measured results validates the design method.
A low‐cost microwave sensing platform for water accumulation abnormality detection in lungs
Authors: Bait‐Suwailam Mohammed M. , Al‐Busaidi Omar , Al‐Shahimi Ahmed
Published: April 2018

In this article, water accumulation abnormalities in small‐scale lungs are numerically and experimentally studied at microwave regime. The noninvasive passive microwave sensing platform considered here comprises the use of two low‐profile patch antennas. The sensors, operating at the ISM band, are attached back‐to‐back to the skin surface of the lungs. By monitoring the sudden changes of computed transmission coefficient (both magnitude and phase) between the two sensors, qualitative measures can be developed to estimate whether significant water accumulation in lungs take place or not, which can provide further insights at an early medical diagnosis. Several numerical case studies are developed and studied here that mimic various water accumulation scenarios within the modeled lungs. A practical small‐scale yet low‐cost platform integrated with the microwave sensors was demonstrated and validated. The results correlate reasonably well with numerical results.
Spatial fractionation of the dose in heavy ions therapy: An optimization study
Authors: González W. , Prezado Y.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The alliance of charged particle therapy and the spatial fractionation of the dose, as in minibeam or Grid therapy, is an innovative strategy to improve the therapeutic index in the treatment of radioresistant tumors. The aim of this work was to assess the optimum irradiation configuration in heavy ion spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) in terms of ion species, beam width, center‐to‐center distances, and linear energy transfer (LET), information that could be used to guide the design of the future biological experiments. The nuclear fragmentation leading to peak and valley regions composed of different secondary particles, creates the need for a more complete dosimetric description that the classical one in SFRT.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations (GATE 6.2) were performed to evaluate the dose distributions for different ions, beam widths, and spacings. We have also assessed the 3D‐maps of dose‐averaged LET and proposed a new parameter, the peak‐to‐valley‐LET ratio, to offer a more thorough physical evaluation of the technique.

Results

Our results show that beam widths larger than 400 μm are needed in order to keep a ratio between the dose in the entrance and the dose in the target of the same order as in conventional irradiations. A large ctc distance (3500 μm) would favor tissue sparing since it provides higher PVDR, it leads to a reduced contribution of the heavier nuclear fragments and a LET value in the valleys a factor 2 lower than the LET in the ctc leading to homogeneous distributions in the target.

Conclusions

Heavy ions MBRT provide advantageous dose distributions. Thanks to the reduced lateral scattering, the use of submillimetric beams still allows to keep a ratio between the dose in the entrance and the dose in the target of the same order as in conventional irradiations. Large ctc distances (3500 μm) should be preferred since they lead to valley doses composed of lighter nuclear fragments resulting in a much reduced dose‐averaged LET values in normal tissue, favoring its preservation. Among the different ions species evaluated, Ne stands out as the one leading to the best balance between high PVDR and PVLR in normal tissues and high LET values (close to 100 keV/μm) and a favorable oxygen enhancement ratio in the target region.
Fluorescence‐guided surgery and intervention — An AAPM emerging technology blue paper
Authors: Pogue Brian W. , Zhu Timothy C. , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Paulsen Keith D. , Wilson Brian C. , Pfefer Joshua , Nordstrom Robert J. , Litorja Maritoni , Wabnitz Heidrun , Chen Yu , Gioux Sylvain , Tromberg Bruce J. , Yodh Arjun G.
Published: April 2018

Fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS) and other interventions are rapidly evolving as a class of technologically driven interventional approaches in which many surgical specialties visualize fluorescent molecular tracers or biomarkers through associated cameras or oculars to guide clinical decisions on pathological lesion detection and excision/ablation. The technology has been commercialized for some specific applications, but also presents technical challenges unique to optical imaging that could confound the utility of some interventional procedures where real‐time decisions must be made. Accordingly, the AAPM has initiated the publication of this Blue Paper of The Emerging Technology Working Group (TETAWG) and the creation of a Task Group from the Therapy Physics Committee within the Treatment Delivery Subcommittee. In describing the relevant issues, this document outlines the key parameters, stakeholders, impacts, and outcomes of clinical FGS technology and its applications. The presentation is not intended to be conclusive, but rather to inform the field of medical physics and stimulate the discussions needed in the field with respect to a seemingly low‐risk imaging technology that has high potential for significant therapeutic impact. This AAPM Task Group is working toward consensus around guidelines and standards for advancing the field safely and effectively.
Baseline symptom severity and therapeutic success in a large prospective trial of sacral neuromodulation therapy for overactive bladder patients
Authors: Noblett Karen , Berg Kellie C. , Kan Fangyu , Siegel Steven
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The InSite trial is a prospective, multicenter post‐approval study of subjects receiving sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy with the InterStim® System. Enrolled subjects had bothersome symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). The purpose of this analysis was to determine if severity of baseline symptoms had an impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

For device implant, therapeutic success was defined as a  ≥50% improvement in average leaks/day, or in voids/day or a return to normal voiding frequency. Groups were dichotomized into less versus more severe based on median number of leaks and voids. Subjects were grouped as less severe <2 leaks/day for UI; <11 voids/day for UF and more severe ≥2 leaks/day for UI;  ≥11 voids/day for UF. Therapeutic success at 12 and 24 months were compared between groups.

Results

Three hundred and forty subjects completed test stimulation and 272 (80%) subjects received a full system implant. On average UI subjects had 1.3 leaks/day in the less severe group and 4.5 leaks/day in the more severe group. UI success rates were not statistically different between severity groups at 12 months or 24 months). At baseline, on average UF subjects had 9.4 voids/day for the less severe group and 15.1 voids/day for the more severe group. UF success rates were not statistically different between severity groups at 12 months or 24 months.

Conclusion

Data evaluating efficacy based on symptom severity demonstrates that SNM is effective in treating both less severe and more severely affected groups for both UI and UF at 12 and 24 months.
Psychometric properties of the “parental questionnaire: Enuresis/urinary incontinence” (PQ‐EnU)
Authors: Niemczyk Justine , Schäfer Sarah , Becker Nicolas , Equit Monika , von Gontard Alexander
Published: April 2018

Aims

The “Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence” (PQ‐EnU) is widely‐used in clinical assessment of nocturnal enuresis (NE) and daytime urinary incontinence (DUI). It includes 18 items regarding daytime (DW) and nighttime wetting (NW), 24 items concerning toilet habits (TH), and 14 items regarding behavioral problems (BP). The aim of the study was to evaluate reliability and validity of the PQ‐EnU.

Methods

Parents of 490 children (M = 8.7 years [SD = 2.9], 68.2% male) presented in an outpatient incontinence clinic completed the PQ‐EnU and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Internal consistencies, factorial structure, and convergent validity regarding incontinence diagnoses and psychopathology were examined.

Results

84.1% had NE, 38.8% DUI, and 20.8% fecal incontinence (FI). Internal consistencies were good for TH and BP. A factor analysis of the TH scale revealed three subscales (“Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS),” “Bowel symptoms,” and “Voiding dysfunctions”). The LUTS and “Bowel symptoms” subscales were significantly correlated to clinical diagnoses of DUI and FI, respectively. A factor analysis of the BP scale revealed also three subscales (“attention/school deficits,” “impulsive‐aggressive behavior” and “internalizing problems,” which were all significantly correlated with the CBCL. The questionnaire discriminated significantly between children with and without DUI or FI, and children with and without a clinical CBCL score.

Conclusions

The PQ‐EnU is a valid and reliable parental questionnaire to measure incontinence, bladder/bowel symptoms, and behavioral problems in children. Due to its shortness, the PQ‐EnU is an efficient measurement, which can be used in clinical settings and also as a screening tool for psychological symptoms.
Bowel function, sexual function, and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women with and without urinary incontinence
Authors: Cameron Anne P. , Smith Abigail R. , Lai H. Henry , Bradley Catherine S. , Liu Alice B. , Merion Robert M. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Amundsen Cindy L. , Cella David , Griffith James W. , Wiseman Jonathan B. , Kreder Karl J. , Kenton Kimberly S. , Helmuth Margaret E. , Fraser Matthew O. , Clemens J. Quentin , Kirkali Ziya , Kusek John W. , Siddiqui Nazema Y. ,   the LURN Study Group
Published: April 2018

Aims

Bowel symptoms, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction are common, but their frequency among women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has not been well described. Our aims were to describe pelvic floor symptoms among women with and without urinary incontinence (UI) and among subtypes of UI.

Methods

Women with LUTS seeking care at six U.S. tertiary care centers enrolled in prospective cohort study were studied. At baseline, participants completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI‐20), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ‐IR), and PROMIS GI Diarrhea, Constipation, and Fecal Incontinence Scales.

Results

Mean age among the 510 women was 56.4 ± 14.4 years. Women who reported UI (n = 420) had more diarrhea and constipation symptoms (mean scores 49.5 vs 46.2 [P = 0.01] and 51.9 vs 48.4 [P < 0.01], respectively) at baseline. Among sexually active women, mean PISQ‐IR subscale scores were lower among those with UI (condition specific: 89.8 vs 96.7, P < 0.01; condition impact: 79.8 vs 92.5, P < 0.01). Women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) (n = 240) reported more prolapse symptoms, fecal incontinence, and worse sexual function compared to those with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI).

Conclusions

Women presenting with LUTS with UI reported significantly worse constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and sexual function compared to women without UI. In women with UI, sexual function and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms were worse in those with MUI compared to SUI and UUI.
Biological explanations for discordant noninvasive prenatal test results: Preliminary data and lessons learned
Authors: Wilkins‐Haug Louise , Zhang Chengsheng , Cerveira Eliza , Ryan Mallory , Mil‐homens Adam , Zhu Qihui , Reddi Honey , Lee Charles , Bianchi Diana W
Published: April 2018

Objective

Maternal plasma cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) analysis is a powerful screening tool for Down syndrome. In a pilot series, we examined biologic causes of discordance between the cfDNA test results and the fetal karyotype. We also explored the feasibility of obtaining trio biospecimens by using parental engagement.

Methods

A convenience sample of women with discordant cfDNA results were recruited by their care providers. We provided shipping materials and instructions for biospecimen collection. Maternal, newborn, and placental samples were examined with droplet digital PCR.

Results

Thirteen of 15 women successfully had biospecimens obtained remotely. High‐quality DNA was extracted in 12 of 13 women. Presumed biologic etiologies for discordance were identified in 7 of 12 women: 3 cases from additional clinical review (male renal transplant, vanishing twin, and colon cancer) and 4 cases from additional laboratory investigation using droplet digital PCR (3 with confined placental mosaicism and 1 with true fetal mosaicism).

Conclusions

Understanding the biology behind cfDNA‐fetal karyotype discordancy is useful for follow‐up clinical care. Our study suggests that most cases could be resolved by using a trio biospecimen protocol and parental involvement. To improve accuracy, additional sequencing of biospecimens will be required.
Measurement of fetal atrioventricular time intervals: A comparison of 3 spectral Doppler techniques
Authors: Anuwutnavin Sanitra , Kolakarnprasert Kamonwan , Chanprapaph Pharuhas , Sklansky Mark , Mongkolchat Nadda
Published: April 2018

Objective

To establish nomograms for fetal atrioventricular (AV) time intervals assessed by 3 different pulsed‐wave Doppler techniques: left ventricular inflow and outflow tracts (LV in/out), superior vena cava and ascending aorta (SVC/AA), and pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein (PA/PV).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed in 311 normal fetuses divided into 5 groups between 16 and 38 weeks. Pulsed‐wave Doppler‐derived AV intervals were measured by interrogation of flow in LV in/out, SVC/AA, and PA/PV. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine correlations with gestational age (GA) and fetal heart rate (FHR). Intraclass correlation coefficients for reproducibility of each method were compared.

Results

Pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein revealed the longest mean AV time intervals (P < .001). The AV intervals in all methods were positively correlated with GA (R2 = 0.20‐0.36; P < .001) and negatively correlated with FHR (R2 = 0.09‐0.19; P < .001). The SCV/AA time intervals demonstrated the weakest influence of FHR. For LV in/out, SVC/AA, and PA/PV, intraobserver and interobserver reliability coefficients showed excellent agreements (all intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.80).

Conclusion

All pulsed‐wave Doppler‐derived AV time intervals increased with advancing GA and decreased with increasing FHR. Fetal AV interval measurements can be obtained in a clinically viable fashion with excellent reproducibility.
Residual strength and damage mechanisms of laminated carbon fiber reinforced polymer under thermal environments and laser irradiations
Authors: Zhao Weina , Huang Yihui , Song Hongwei , Huang Chenguang
Published: April 2018

It is interesting to compare the residual strength of laminated carbon fiber reinforced polymer under thermal environments with finite heating rate, and laser irradiation with rapid heating rate. In these two conditions, heating rates are varied in two orders of magnitude, and thermally‐induced damage mechanisms are quite different, which may influence the performance of residual strength. Systematic experiments are performed to obtain the tensile failure behavior of laminated carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites at different temperatures with a heating rate of about 102°C/min. In comparison, composite samples are subjected to laser irradiations of different power densities and then tested for residual strengths, the laser induced heating rate is above 104°C/min. Experimental results indicate that the residual strength decreases with the increase of heating temperatures and laser power densities, however the damage mechanisms for conventional heating are thermal pyrolysis, oxidation and delamination, whereas the main damage mechanisms for laser irradiation are thermal pyrolysis and fiber ablation. The experimentally obtained residual strength and modulus are also compared with those predicted by theoretical model. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2311–2319, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Life stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression in women after cancer: The mediating effect of stress appraisal and coping
Authors: Seib Charrlotte , Porter‐Steele Janine , Ng Shu‐Kay , Turner Jane , McGuire Amanda , McDonald Nicole , Balaam Sarah , Yates Patsy , McCarthy Alexandra , Anderson Debra
Published: April 2018

Objective

This paper examines the direct and intermediary relationships between life stress, stress appraisal, and resilience, and increased anxiety and depressive symptoms in Australian women after cancer treatment.

Methods

Data examined from 278 women aged 18 years and older previously treated for breast, gynaecological, or blood cancer, participating in the Australian Women's Wellness after Cancer Program. Serial mediation models interrogated the effect of stressful life events (List of Threatening Experiences—Modified) mediated by appraisal and coping (Perceived Stress Scale and Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale), on symptoms of anxiety and depression (Zung Self‐rating Anxiety Scale and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale).

Results

Over one‐quarter (30.2%) of participants reported 1 or more stressful life events, other than their cancer, in the previous 6 months. Results indicate that perceived stress fully mediated the relationships between life stress, anxiety (indirect effect = 0.09, Bias‐corrected bootstrap 95% CI 0.02‐0.18, Percent mediation = 0.51), and depressive symptoms (indirect effect = 0.11, Bias‐corrected bootstrap 95% CI 0.02‐0.23, Percent mediation = 0.71) and accounted for more than half of the relationship between predictor and outcome.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that stress appraisal mediated the relationship between past life stressors and anxiety and depressive symptoms. This analysis also highlights the need to consider wellness within a broader care context to identify potentially vulnerable patients to possibly avert future health concerns.
Stimulating effect of palmitate and insulin on cell migration and proliferation in PNT1A and PC3 prostate cells: Counteracting role of metformin
Authors: Landim Breno C. , de Jesus Mariana M. , Bosque Beatriz P. , Zanon Renata G. , da Silva Claudio V. , Góes Rejane M. , Ribeiro Daniele L.
Published: April 2018

Background

A potential association between obesity and prostate cancer has been proposed. Metformin, an antidiabetes drug, has antiproliferative effects being proposed for cancer treatment. However, under intense proliferative stimulation conditions such as those found in obesity, its efficacy is still uncertain. Thus, we analyzed the effects of saturated fatty acid and/or insulin under high concentrations, with or without metformin, on the proliferation and migration of prostate cells.

Methods

Human prostate epithelial cell lines non‐tumor (PNT1A) and tumor (PC3) were treated with control media (DMEM, C), palmitate (100 µM, HF), and/or insulin (50 µU, HI) with or without metformin (100 µM) for 24 or 48 h.

Results

Both PNT1A and PC3 cells had greater proliferation when treated with HF, while HI treatment stimulated only PNT1A. Metformin inhibited cell proliferation caused by HF in both cell lines, but it did not block the proliferative action of HI in PNT1A cells. PNT1A increased cell migration after all treatments, while only HF influenced PC3; metformin inhibited the migration stimulated by all obese microenvironments. Both HF and HI treatments in PNT1A and HF treatment in PC3 augmented vimentin expression, resulting in a higher epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (which, in turn, could influence cell migration). Metformin inhibited vimentin expression in both normal and tumor cells. Although HF treatment had increased AMPK activation, it also increased the levels of activated ERK1/2, which could be responsible for high cell proliferation in both cell lines. In contrast, HI decreased AMPK activation in both cell lines, whereas it increased ERK1/2 levels in PNT1A and decreased them in PC3 (reflecting greater cell proliferation only in non‐tumor cells). Metformin maintained high activation of AMPK and decreased ERK1/2 levels after HF in both cell lines and only after HI in PNT1A, which was able to decrease the cell proliferation triggered by these treatments.

Conclusions

Higher concentrations of palmitate on PC3 cells and palmitate and insulin on PNT1A cells stimulate cellular activities that could favor cancer progression. Metformin inhibited most of these stimuli, showing the efficacy of this drug for cancer adjuvant therapy in obese patients (a group at increased risk for the development of prostrate cancer).
Organic carbon storage in floodplain soils of the U.S. prairies
Authors: Wohl E. , Pfeiffer A.
Published: April 2018

Two data sources, field‐collected samples and values in the NRCS SSURGO database, were used to estimate organic carbon concentration (%) and stock (Mg C/ha) in floodplain soils along rivers of the tallgrass and shortgrass prairie within the United States. Field sampling of 6 sites in the tallgrass prairie and 6 sites in the shortgrass prairie (total sample size of 370 vertical cores) indicates that percent organic carbon within a planar cross section through floodplain sediment at a site is spatially heterogeneous and does not decline systematically with depth, but statistical analyses indicate that soil organic carbon is randomly distributed. The median values of organic carbon concentration at both field‐sampled and sites remotely sampled based on soil maps in the tallgrass prairie are significantly higher than those of the shortgrass prairie. Median values of organic carbon stock are not significantly different between those obtained from forested sites for comparison and either shortgrass or tallgrass prairie sites but are significantly higher at tallgrass than at shortgrass prairie sites. These results are surprising because upland net primary productivity in prairies is lower than in forested sites. We infer that the historical abundance of floodplain wetlands in river corridors of the tallgrass prairie results in high organic carbon stocks in tallgrass prairie river corridors. This implies that management designed to enhance carbon sequestration should focus on floodplain soils, especially in the tallgrass prairie region, as well as on upland forests.
Active Sites Engineering toward Superior Carbon‐Based Oxygen Reduction Catalysts via Confinement Pyrolysis
Authors: Wang Sidi , He Qun , Wang Changda , Jiang Hongliang , Wu Chuanqiang , Chen Shuangming , Zhang Guobin , Song Li
Published: April 2018

Developing efficient and low‐cost defective carbon‐based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential to metal–air batteries and fuel cells. Active sites engineering toward these catalysts is highly desirable but challenging to realize boosted catalytic performance. Herein, a sandwich‐like confinement route to achieve the controllable regulation of active sites for carbon‐based catalysts is reported. In particular, three distinct catalysts including metal‐free N‐doped carbon (NC), single Co atoms dispersed NC (Co–N–C), and Co nanoparticles‐contained Co–N–C (Co/Co–N–C) are controllably realized and clearly identified by synchrotron radiation‐based X‐ray spectroscopy. Electrochemical measurements suggest that the Co/Co–N–C catalyst delivers optimized ORR performance due to the rich Co–Nx active sites and their synergistic effect with metallic Co nanoparticles. This work provides deep insight for rationally designing efficient ORR catalyst based on active sites engineering.
Adaptive PID control system with assigned robust stability
Authors: Sato Takao , Tajika Hiroshi , Vilanova Ramon , Konishi Yasuo
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) control system design method for discrete‐time first‐order plus dead‐time plants. Because the relation between the tracking performance and the robust stability is the trade‐off, the PID parameters of the PID control system are decided such that the tracking performance is optimized subject to the assigned robust stability, where the reference or disturbance response is selected as the tracking performance. In the proposed method, the PID parameters decision method is designed using a neural network with an extreme learning machine. Hence, the optimal PID parameters are obtained based on the trade‐off between the tracking performance and the robust stability. Furthermore, the proposed design method is extended as the adaptive control, and hence an unknown or time‐varying plant, is well controlled using the proposed method. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Integrated design of high‐speed permanent‐magnet machines considering sensorless operation
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Lufeng
Published: April 2018

Sensorless operation can significantly improve the reliability of the high‐speed permanent‐magnet (HSPM) machines. Thus, from the point of view of the whole system, it is necessary to consider sensorless control at the design stage for the HSPM brushless DC machines. In this paper, an integrated design is presented for sensorless control using the third‐harmonic back‐Electromagnetive force (EMF). Finite element (FE) method is used to integrally design the machine considering electromagnetism, temperature, and rotor structure strength, and the optimum rotor and stator structures are determined to obtain sufficient third‐harmonic back‐EMF for sensorless control. Simultaneously, the temperature distribution and rotor structure strength are predicted by the FE method. Finally, a prototype is fabricated and the experimental system is built to verify the machine structure, design method, and sensorless control strategy. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Unusually Strong Dipole–Dipole and Dipole–Quadrupole Interactions in a Nanoporous Solid. Crystal Structure and Related Properties of (VO)3[M(CN)6]2·nH2O (M = Fe, Co)
Authors: Torres Neil , Osiry Hernández , Rodríguez Alejandro , Martínez‐dlCruz Lorena , Lemus‐Santana Ana A. , Reguera Edilso
Published: April 2018

In porous Prussian blue (PB) analogues, the partially naked central metal atoms found at the cavities surface are responsible for many of their physical properties, among them the adsorption potentials. In the as‐synthesized PB analogues, such metal sites stabilize water molecules inside the cavity through coordination bond formation. The filling of the cavity volume is completed with water molecules linked to the coordinated ones through hydrogen bonds formation. Vanadyl‐based PB analogue shows quite different features. The metal(V) at the cavities surface has saturated its coordination sphere with the O atom of the vanadyl ion (V=O). In this material, the V=O group preserves enough strong dipole moment to stabilize adsorbed species at the cavity through dipole–dipole and dipole–quadrupole interactions. This contribution reports the preparation, crystal structure and properties for (VO)3[M(CN)6]2·nH2O (M = Fe, Co). According to the refined crystal structure, IR spectra and TG data, six water molecules remain stabilized inside the cavities through a strong dipole–dipole coupling with the vanadyl group. The cavity contains additional water molecules interacting through hydrogen bond bridges with the water molecules coupled to the V=O group. The vanadyl ion is free of hydrogen bonding interactions with the water molecules. The recorded adsorption isotherms for N2, CO2 and H2, three molecules with only quadrupole moment, reveal presence of relative strong adsorption forces due to dipole‐quadrupole interactions.
Non-invasive Prenatal Testing: A Unique Approach with Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
Authors: Dhamankar Rupin , Valenti Elizabeth , Hedriana Herman L.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the unique properties of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based approach in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). The identification of cell free fetal DNA in the plasma of pregnant women led to the development of NIPT. This can be performed with either a quantitative approach (massively parallel shotgun sequencing, chromosome selective sequencing) or a qualitative approach (SNP-based). NIPT tests have been shown to have superior performance as a screen for common fetal chromosome abnormalities compared with maternal serum screening. At low fetal fractions, NIPT sensitivity falls, particularly when quantitative methods are used. A SNP-based approach allows both accurate assessment of fetal fraction, and a robust test performance at lower fetal fractions. The ability of the SNP-based approach to screen for vanishing twins and maternal copy number variants reduces false positives; and the ability to make high confidence calls at lower fetal fraction, minimizes discordance between the NIPT result and the true fetal status.
Selective decline in the prevalence of slowly adapting type I mechanoreceptors during development
Authors: Cahusac Peter M.B. , Senok Solomon
Published: April 2018

Merkel nerve endings are identified physiologically as slowly adapting type I mechanoreceptor units. They are important for fine acuity tactile perception. We examined the effect of age on the electrophysiological availability of different types of slowly adapting mechanoreceptor units. Using 6–50 week old rats, we observed an obvious decline with age in the probability of recording from St I units of the deep vibrissal nerve. The precipitous decline occurred between ages 6–14 weeks and then stabilized. By contrast, the prevalence of St II units, the other type of slowly adapting mechanoreceptor, remained constant over the age range studied. These observations correlate with anatomical findings reported elsewhere.
The National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association Research Framework for Alzheimer's disease: Perspectives from the Research Roundtable
Authors: Knopman David S. , Haeberlein Samantha Budd , Carrillo Maria C. , Hendrix James A. , Kerchner Geoff , Margolin Richard , Maruff Paul , Miller David S. , Tong Gary , Tome Maria B. , Murray Melissa E. , Nelson Peter T. , Sano Mary , Mattsson Niklas , Sultzer David L. , Montine Thomas J. , Jack Clifford R. , Kolb Hartmuth , Petersen Ronald C. , Vemuri Prashanthi , Canniere Megan Zoschg , Schneider Julie A. , Resnick Susan M. , Romano Gary , van Harten Argonde Corien , Wolk David A. , Bain Lisa J. , Siemers Eric
Published: April 2018

The Alzheimer's Association's Research Roundtable met in November 2017 to explore the new National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association Research Framework for Alzheimer's disease. The meeting allowed experts in the field from academia, industry, and government to provide perspectives on the new National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association Research Framework. This review will summarize the “A, T, N System” (Amyloid, Tau, and Neurodegeneration) using biomarkers and how this may be applied to clinical research and drug development. In addition, challenges and barriers to the potential adoption of this new framework will be discussed. Finally, future directions for research will be proposed.
CRAFTING IDENTITY: ACQUISITION, PRODUCTION, USE, AND RECYCLING OF SOAPSTONE DURING THE MISSION PERIOD IN ALTA CALIFORNIA
Authors: Brown Kaitlin M.
Published: April 2018

This article investigates the daily practices and social processes of indigenous identity negotiation in the Santa Barbara Channel region through an analysis of soapstone ollas, bowls, andcomales. After assessing the source of the raw material and using a typological classification based upon form and function, I discuss the ways in which soapstone cooking wares were used diachronically and across the colonial landscape. These finds show a reorganization of the soapstone industry inside the mission space: soapstone was acquired from new sources, an emphasis was placed on the production of bowls and comales, and more soapstone vessels show evidence of remodification. However, the continued use of traditional soapstone ollas in historically occupied Chumash villages outside the mission indicates persistent practices that linked indigenous peoples to a deep ancestral past. I argue that these changes and continuities illuminate a range of identities that existed between the cultural spaces previously described as “native” and “Spanish.” This study illustrates that indigenous peoples negotiated, redeployed, and expressed their identities in new ways that allowed them to adapt and persist under colonialism.
A Qualitative Study of Paramedic Duty to Treat During Disaster Response
Authors: Smith Erin , Burkle Frederick , Gebbie Kristine , Ford David , Bensimon Cécile
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Disasters place unprecedented demands on emergency medical services and can test paramedics personal commitment as health care professionals. Despite this challenge, guidelines and codes of ethics are largely silent on the issue, providing little to no guidance on what is expected of paramedics or how they ought to approach their duty to treat in the face of risk. The objective of this research is to explore how paramedics view their duty to treat during disasters.

Methods

The authors employed qualitative methods to gather Australian paramedic perspectives.

Results

Our findings suggest that paramedic decisions around duty to treat will largely depend on individual perception of risk and competing obligations. A code of ethics for paramedics would be useful, but ultimately each paramedic will interpret these suggested guidelines based on individual values and the situational context.

Conclusions

Coming to an understanding of the legal issues involved and the ethical-social expectations in advance of a disaster may assist paramedics to respond willingly and appropriately. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:191–196)