bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome associated with a novel DVL3 splice mutation
Authors: Danyel Magdalena , Kortüm Fanny , Dathe Katarina , Kutsche Kerstin , Horn Denise
Published: April 2018

Robinow syndrome is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by mesomelic limb shortening, distinctive facial features, and variable oral, cardiac, vertebral, and urogenital malformations. We identified the novel de novo splice acceptor mutation c.1715‐2A > C in DVL3 in a 15‐year‐old female patient with typical features of Robinow syndrome. By studying DVL3 transcripts in this patient, we confirmed expression of both wild‐type and mutant alleles. Mutant DVL3 mRNAs were found to harbor a deletion of four nucleotides at the beginning of exon 15 and encode a protein product with a distinct −1 reading‐frame C‐terminus. The data demonstrate that mutant DVL3 proteins associated with Robinow syndrome show truncation of the C‐terminus and share 83 novel amino acid residues before the stop codon confirming highly specific DVL3 alterations to be associated with this syndrome. The phenotype of the Robinow syndrome‐affected female reported here is typical as she shows mesomelia and mild hand anomalies as well as characteristic facial anomalies. She also exhibited a supraumbilical midline abdominal raphe which has not been observed in other patients with Robinow syndrome. In contrast to the clinical data of four previously reported individuals with DVL3‐related Robinow syndrome, short stature was not present in this individual at the age of 15 years. These findings expand the clinical spectrum of Robinow syndrome associated with DVL3 mutations. To date, comparison of clinical data of DVL3 mutation‐positive individuals with those of patients with genetically different forms did not allow delineation of gene‐specific phenotypes.
A homozygous TTN gene variant associated with lethal congenital contracture syndrome
Authors: Chervinsky Elena , Khayat Morad , Soltsman Sofia , Habiballa Hatem , Elpeleg Orly , Shalev Stavit
Published: April 2018

Pathogenic variants in the TTN gene have been reported to cause various cardiomyopathies and a range of skeletal muscle diseases, collectively known as titinopathies. We evaluated a consanguineous family multiple members affected with a lethal congenital contracture syndrome. Using exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous c.36122delC (p. P12041Lfs*20) variant in exon 167 in the fetal IC isoform of TTN. The finding expands the phenotypes that can be caused by pathogenic variants TTN, which should be considered in lethal congenital contracture syndromes, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, congenital myopathies, and hydrops fetalis.
Newly described recessive MYH11 disorder with clinical overlap of Multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction and Megacystis microcolon hypoperistalsis syndromes
Authors: Yetman Anji T. , Starr Lois J.
Published: April 2018

We describe a neonatal patient with fixed dilated pupils and pulmonary, bladder, and bowel dysfunction suspicious for the presence of ACTA2 R179 mediated multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome. Whole exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations in MYH11 after ACTA2 specific testing revealed no abnormalities. The child lived until 18 months of age and represents the only reported case of an MYH11 compound heterozygote with widespread smooth muscle dysfunction.
Three novel GJB2 (connexin 26) variants associated with autosomal dominant syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: DeMille Desiree , Carlston Colleen M. , Tam Oliver H. , Palumbos Janice C. , Stalker Heather J. , Mao Rong , Zori Roberto T. , Viskochil David H. , Park Albert H. , Carey John C.
Published: April 2018

Connexin 26 (Cx26), encoded by the GJB2 gene, is a key protein involved in the formation of gap junctions in epithelial organs including the inner ear and palmoplantar epidermis. Pathogenic variants in GJB2 are responsible for approximately 50% of inherited sensorineural deafness. The majority of these variants are associated with autosomal recessive inheritance; however, rare reports of dominantly co‐segregating variants have been published. Since we began offering GJB2 testing in 2003, only about 2% of detected GJB2 variants from our laboratory have been classified as dominant. Here we report three novel dominant GJB2 variants (p.Thr55Ala, p.Gln57_Pro58delinsHisSer, and p.Trp44Gly); two associated with syndromic sensorineural hearing loss and one with nonsyndromic hearing loss. In the kindred with the p.Thr55Ala variant, the proband and his father present with only leukonychia as a cutaneous finding of their syndromic hearing loss. This phenotype has been previously documented in conjunction with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, but isolated leukonychia is a novel finding likely associated with the unique threonine to alanine change at codon 55 (other variants at this codon have been reported in cases of nonsyndromic hearing loss). This report contributes to the short list of GJB2 variants associated with autosomal dominant hearing loss, highlights the variability of skin and nail findings associated with such cases, and illustrates the occurrence of both syndromic and nonsyndromic presentations with changes in the same gene.
A recurrent mutation causing Melnick‐Needles syndrome in females confers a severe, lethal phenotype in males
Authors: Spencer Careni , Lombaard Hendrik , Wise Amy , Krause Amanda , Robertson Stephen P.
Published: April 2018

Melnick‐Needles syndrome (MNS; MIM 309350) is an X‐linked skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in FLNA. Females with the condition present with characteristic facial features, short stature, skeletal anomalies, including poorly modeled and sclerotic bones, and structural abnormalities such as cardiac and urological defects. Previously males were thought to present with either a mild phenotype compatible with life or a severe lethal presentation depending on the maternal phenotype. The discovery of a limited number of mutations in FLNA as the cause of the condition has clarified the molecular basis of the disorder, but only a very small number of severely affected males have been reported with MNS. Furthermore, no mildly affected males have been described with a molecular confirmation of the condition. In this report, we describe the clinical and molecular findings of a mildly affected mother with MNS and her severely affected son. They shared a well‐documented disease‐causing variant in FLNA, p.(Ala1188Thr), one of two highly recurrent mutations leading to the disorder. This is only the fourth report of a male with perinatal lethal MNS and a molecular confirmation; it is the first description of this specific mutation in a male.
Using a budget standards approach to assess the adequacy of newstart allowance
Authors: Saunders Peter
Published: April 2018

A budget standard indicates how much a particular family living in a particular place at a particular time needs to achieve a particular standard of living. The budget includes every item that is needed to satisfy the family's individual and collective needs, priced in current retail outlets. The approach has strong intuitive appeal because it reflects how actual families do their budgeting and has been used to assess the adequacy of a wide variety of incomes and costs. This article presents new budget standards for a range of unemployed families derived from the estimates produced in the 1990s, revised to reflect new data, improved research methods and changed circumstances. The new estimates are deliberately conservative and indicate how much is needed to achieve the Minimum Income for Healthy Living standard developed by UK public health researchers. They indicate that the current level of Newstart Allowance – the main form of income support for the unemployed – is woefully inadequate. The methods used to derive the budgets have been chosen so that others can vary some of the key assumptions (e.g., about housing costs) to tailor the budgets to fit specific applications.
Achievement on Unwrapping High Cycle Density of Noisy Phase Maps for Digital Holographic Microscopy
Authors: Wang Mingqing , Li Fang , Zheng Ming , Lu Wei , Zhao Sufen , Yu Qingnan , Jia Yan , Wu Jian
Published: April 2018

Phase unwrapping has been an important way to construct a 3‐dimensional image of the object in digital holographic microscopy. However, there is still a huge challenge currently on this technique at present, as it is still difficult to perfectly retrieve high wrapping density of phase maps which include different types of noise. This is because many details of high wrapping density of phase maps are buried in noise so that it is difficult to reconstruct them in digital holography. In order to solve this problem, a novel solution called I‐PUROR method is presented in this paper. In comparison to previous techniques, not only can the I‐PUROR algorithm effectively overcome the noise influence, but also reconstruct phase details very well in the phase unwrapping process. The experimental evaluation is fully consistent with theoretical analysis. It proves the validity of this new method.
The Future of Data‐Driven Wound Care
Authors: Woods Jon S. , Saxena Mayur , Nagamine Tasha , Howell Raelina S. , Criscitelli Theresa , Gorenstein Scott , M. Gillette Brian
Published: April 2018

Care for patients with chronic wounds can be complex, and the chances of poor outcomes are high if wound care is not optimized through evidence‐based protocols. Tracking and managing every variable and comorbidity in patients with wounds is difficult despite the increasing use of wound‐specific electronic medical records. Harnessing the power of big data analytics to help nurses and physicians provide optimized care based on the care provided to millions of patients can result in better outcomes. Numerous applications of machine learning toward workflow improvements, inpatient monitoring, outpatient communication, and hospital operations can improve overall efficiency and efficacy of care delivery in and out of the hospital, while reducing adverse events and complications. This article provides an overview of the application of big data analytics and machine learning in health care, highlights important recent advances, and discusses how these technologies may revolutionize advanced wound care.
Indian monsoon data assimilation and analysis regional reanalysis: Configuration and performance
Authors: Mahmood Sana , Davie Jemma , Jermey Peter , Renshaw Richard , George John P. , Rajagopal E. N. , Rani S. Indira
Published: April 2018

A high resolution, long‐term regional reanalysis over the Indian subcontinent has been developed and is currently in production. The regional reanalysis has been produced as part of the Indian Monsoon Data Assimilation and Analysis (IMDAA) project and is the outcome of a collaboration between the Met Office (MO), the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The reanalysis will produce a consistent data set of high‐resolution fields for a wide range of atmospheric variables available from 1979 to 2016. Production runs started in 2017, and computations for 10 years have been completed as of May 2017. The entire production will be completed in early 2018. This article introduces the IMDAA regional reanalysis, describes the forecast model, data assimilation method, and input data sets used to produce the reanalysis. The performance of the system from a pilot study run for 2008–2009 are presented indicating that the regional reanalysis is able to capture major monsoon features—a key phenomenon in the Indian subcontinent.
Weigh the legal, PR risks of your role in official versus unofficial speech
Authors: Rooksby Jacob H.
Published: April 2018

Who speaks for the university? This deceptively simple yet complicated question is one with both legal and PR significance. From a legal standpoint, universities speak through their duly appointed officers, such as presidents and vice presidents, as well as governing board members and anyone they deputize to speak on their behalf, such as attorneys and public relations officials. From the standpoint of public perception, however, who speaks for the university may include a broader array of individuals, including faculty and even students.
Find ways to work with faculty on the campus's sexual assault response
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an ideal world, students who survived sexual assault or violence would disclose immediately to a member of your campus security team, but the reality is that students — or staff or faculty — may be more comfortable disclosing to members of your campus they see more regularly. Do your faculty members know the appropriate steps to take in case a student discloses an assault to them? Assuring that faculty and staff know what to do in the face of such revelations can go a long way toward strengthening campus safety.
To arm or not to arm?
Authors: Miles David
Published: April 2018

Northern Illinois University, Oikos University, Santa Monica College, Umpqua Community College, and Virginia Tech. What do these colleges and universities have in common? They were locations that had tragic active shooter situations.
Colleges’ responses are inadequate when students with disabilities are sexually assaulted
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2018

Female students with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be sexually assaulted as their peers without disabilities, but campus officials don't know how to give them specialized support. That finding comes from a study conducted by the National Council on Disability. The study found that students with disabilities are more likely to be sexually assaulted than their peers without a disability, but colleges do not know how to support the different needs these students may have regarding sexual assault.
Spinal extradural T‐cell lymphoma with paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia in a dog: clinicopathological features, treatment, and outcome
Authors: McNaught Katie A. , Morris Joanna , Lazzerini Kali , Millins Caroline , José‐López Roberto
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Spinal lymphoma is a rare manifestation of a common canine hematopoietic neoplasia. Description of treatment, outcome, andMRIfeatures are scarce. The latter can be heterogeneous, stressing the importance of lesion excision and analysis. Clinicians should also be aware of hypereosinophilia as accompanying paraneoplastic syndrome and its potential prognostic implications.
Lithium Recovery by Precipitation from Impure Solutions – Lithium Ion Battery Waste
Authors: Han Bing , Porvali Antti , Lundström Mari , Louhi-Kultanen Marjatta
Published: April 2018

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) leaching solutions were investigated with the aim of recovering the lithium present in industrial battery waste. The lithium‐rich solution after HCl leaching of battery waste contains major impurities such as iron, nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum, and copper. This composition was used as a model system to prepare a synthetic solution for lithium recovery by precipitation. The precipitation results indicated that the feeding rate of carbonate and stirring rate had an effect on particle size distribution. Uniform particles were obtained with a semi‐batch process. A faster carbonate feeding rate can result in a smaller particle size due to the high supersaturation degree and chemical reaction rates.
Design method improvements for buckling of plated structures – cooperation between Stuttgart and Budapest
Authors: Kövesdi B. , Dunai L.
Published: April 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen zur Wechselwirkung zwischen Bauwerk, Dübelbefestigung und angehängter Rohrleitung in Kerntechnischen Anlagen unter Erdbebenbeanspruchung
Authors: Lotze D. , Fröhlich T.
Published: April 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Stabilisierung von Stäben des Holzbaus durch Trapezprofile und Sandwichelemente
Authors: Breinlinger F. , Misiek T. , Käpplein S.
Published: April 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Hygrothermische Langzeitmessung innerhalb einer Brettsperrholzwand im Sockelbereich – erste Ergebnisse
Authors: Ganster K. , Schickhofer G.
Published: April 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Hispidanin A and Related Diterpenoids
Authors: Cao Wei , Deng Heping , Sun Ying , Liu Bo , Qin Song
Published: April 2018

We report on our accomplishment of the asymmetric synthesis of hispidanin A and its natural precursor, a labdane diterpenoid. In the first generation of synthesis, a semi‐synthesis strategy was employed to construct a labdane‐type diterpenoid, a natural precursor of hispidanin A, in which Barton's photolytic remote functionalization was employed as a key transformation. In addition, the totarane‐type dienophile counterpart was derived from commercially available (−)‐scalareol. In the second generation of synthesis, key elements included an iron‐catalyzed radical cascade to access the labdane‐type diene on the basis of hydrogen atom transfer, and an enantioselective cationic polyene cyclization furnished the totarane‐type dienophile. Reaction optimization and mechanistic analysis of the radical cascade reaction was conducted. Furthermore, the [4+2] cycloaddition reaction was achieved in excellent yield and selectivity under thermal conditions, which has been rationalized by using DFT transition‐state analysis and paved the way for final accomplishment of the total synthesis of hispidanin A.
Characterization of the liquid fractions from textile sludge pyrolysis and their application as defoamers
Authors: Scheibe Ana Silvia , Leal Tarcísio Wolff , Brandão Heloísa Lima , Valle José Alexandre Borges , de Souza Selene M. A. Guelli Ulson , de Souza Antônio Augusto Ulson
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and the defoamer capacity of bio‐oils obtained from textile sludge pyrolysis. The pyrolysis was carried out at two temperatures: 310 and 500 °C, and the bio‐oils were analyzed after 7 days and after 2 months of storage under refrigeration. The structure of the bio‐oils was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the extraction of polar compounds by solid phase micro extraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. According to the chromatography and FTIR results, aromatic hydrocarbons, amines, silicone, and organic sulphur compounds were present in the pyrolysis oils. The Bikerman test showed that 1 mL of bio‐oil obtained from pyrolysis at 500 °C can break down a column of foam in less than 1 min, which is comparable to the results of commercial antifoams. According to these results, these oils can be used as defoamers, even at the textile plant itself.
Wilm's Tumor: An Update
Authors: D'ANGIO G. J. , BECKWITH J. B. , BRESLOW N. E. , BISHOP H. C. , EVANS A. E. , FAREWELL V. , FERNBACH D. , GOODWIN W. E. , JONES B. , LEAPE L. L. , PALMER N. F. , TEFFT M. , WOLFF J. A.
Published: April 2018

Major advances have been made against Wilms' tumor as a result of treatment methods developed by single institutions that then have been confirmed and extended by national cooperating groups. Better survival rates have been achieved, and therapy has been refined so that treatment can be reduced in early stage disease without jeopardizing tumor control. This results in fewer short‐ and long‐term complications, an especially important consideration in children. Their organs and tissues are vulnerable to anti‐mitotic treatments such as chemo‐ and radiotherapy, that can produce disabling if not lethal dysfunctions.

This progress has been the result of the cooperative efforts by multiple specialists, and provides evidence of the value of such integrated studies. They have changed the outlook from a 90% death rate in the early years of this century to the 90% survival rate now possible with modern management.
Carcinoma of the Bladder: Predictors
Authors: CUMMINGS KENNETH B.
Published: April 2018

The natural history of carcinoma of the bladder is unpredictable. In some patients, invasive (potentially lethal) carcinomas represent their initial clinical presentation, whereas in others, a protracted clinical course characterized by multiple recurrent tumors is witnessed. This latter population of patients is the most vexing to the urologist. The prediction of the patient's “state of risk” from the tumor has historically been based on clinical pathologic staging employing grade and stage. Predictive clinical evidence for the development of invasive (potentially lethal) carcinoma has been gleaned from observations of the rapidity and pattern of tumor recurrence (single vs. multiple), tumor characteristics (grade, shape, and presence of lymphatic or venous invasion) and the presence of carcinoma in situ at preselected endoscopically normal biopsy sites. Currently available “objective” predictors such as blood group isoantigen deletion from bladder urothelium of patients with invasive bladder carcinoma are provocative. Presently, this technique cannot pinpoint when tumor invasion will occur in a particular patient. However, the application of this methodology in a prospective study (including examination of preselected endoscopically normal mucosal biopsies) is well as resected tumor tissue may prove valuable. At the ultrastructure level as studied with the electron microscope and immunofluorescent probes, alterations in the plasma membrane have been defined that are associated with malignant transformation and abnormal growth patterns (potentially predictive of tumor invasion). Certain Of these techniques appropriately applied to a population at high risk may ultimately assist the surgeon in timing extirpative surgery.
Current Status of Classification and Staging of Prostate Cancer
Authors: MURPHY GERALD P. , GAETA J. F. , PICKREN J. , WAJSMAN Z.
Published: April 2018

The international TNM classification system for prostatic cancer has been recently revised and is most helpful for comparisons between various groups of patients. Today in the United States, the evaluation of certain factors related to clinical and pathologic staging are being further altered. These include primary grade of tumor and the extent and techniques of tumor staging. New tests for acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase isozymes are being concurrently evaluated. Advances in the past six years have contributed to further redefinition and subgrouping of previous conventional staging or prognostic assessment of prostatic cancer. Localized (Stage B, C), occult (Stage A), or generalized (Stage D) tumors are being subdivided. Although grade of the primary tumor has been thought to be important only recently has a consensus been achieved by the National Prostatic Cancer Project for a system of assessment that uses cellular patterns and nuclear changes. Aspiration cytology may be a useful adjuvant. The role and type of pelvic lymph node assessment, whether operative, radiographic, or by thin needle percutaneous aspiration, is undergoing additional study.

In dealing with the so‐called occult (Stage A) lesions, a further subdivision, Stage A,/A2has been employed. Similar changes in so‐called B1/B2, C1/C2, and D1/D2 also exist. These are valid attempts to further define extent of disease and overall true tumor burden. Nevertheless, it is still the privilege of the physician to determine the necessity and extent of the use of such classification. Today, the decision to provide therapeutic care based only on a clinical stage must be made with the knowledge of these variations of classification and staging as well as of other developments.
Detection of Carcinoma of the Prostate Utilizing Biochemical Observations
Authors: GRAYHACK JOHN T. , LEE CHUNG , KOLBUSZ WILLIAM , OLIVER LYDA
Published: April 2018

This review presents the current status of attempts to identify individuals with a high risk of carcinoma of the prostate by using biochemical, immunochemical, and immunologic studies of body fluids. Blood, urine, and prostatic fluid have been subjected to a variety of analyses in attempts to find alterations that are sufficiently specific and sensitive enough to be useful in the early recognition of patients with a high probability of localized or disseminated carcinoma of the prostate. A variety of immunologic and immunochemical techniques to identify and quantify acid phosphatase of prostatic origin in the serum are currently being explored for this purpose; as yet, none has achieved the specificity‐sensitivity relationship necessary for widespread clinical application. Biochemical studies of prostatic fluid have disclosed a reversal of the lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme pattern with a predominance of LDH‐V and increased levels of transferrin, complement C3 and possibly complement C4 in association with carcinoma of the prostate. The value of these non‐specific changes is increased by the probable direct relationship between prostatic epithelial cell metabolism and changes in prostatic fluid composition. These approaches to identify individuals with a high risk of carcinoma of the prostate hold promise; they should be continued and expanded.
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: DeKERNION JEAN B. , BERRY DAVID
Published: April 2018

Surgical excision remains the only method of curing renal cell carcinoma. Early ligation of the renal artery and vein, followed by radical nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy, seems to offer the best method of cure for patients with localized disease. Results of more extensive surgery have been encouraging, and surgical extirpation should be attempted even when the tumor involves the vena cava, adjacent organs, or a solitary kidney. Radiotherapy as a post‐operative adjuvant has not been effective, and when used pre‐operatively, may decrease local recurrence but does not appear to improve five‐year survival.

A chemotherapeutic agent capable of significantly altering the course of metastastic renal cell carcinoma has not been identified. Vinblastine, the most effective currently available drug, rarely produces tumor regression. Progestational agents seldom, if ever, cause tumor regression, though newer hormonal agents may be more promising.

Data continue to accumulate documenting altered immune mechanisms in renal cancer patients. These studies have provided impetus for continued trials of immunotherapy, and several agents are being studied.

The management of patients with metastases at the time of diagnosis remains controversial. A better understanding of the natural history of these patients suggests that palliative nephrectomy may be inappropriate except for severe symptoms and patients with resectable metastases. Intraarterial infarction, fellowed by palliative nephrectomy, may improve survival, perhaps by stimulating a general immune response.
Urethral Cancer
Authors: LEVINE RICHARD L.
Published: April 2018

Primary cancer of the urethra is an uncommon lesion with only slightly more than 400 cases in men, and slightly less than 1,100 cases in females reported in the literature. Review of these cases allows some generalizations. The most common tumor type in both sexes is squamous cell carcinoma. Signs and symptoms are varied and nonpathognomonic. Anterior or distal lesions in both sexes, in general, drain into inguinal lymph nodes, while posterior or proximal lesions drain into pelvic nodes; obviously some overlapping can occur. Anterior lesions are discovered earlier, are usually of lower stage, and can be controlled by less radical means than posterior tumors. They have a much better prognosis than posterior lesions. Although these cancers are rare, the diagnosis should always be considered in any patient with urethral complaints.
Social–cultural, traditional beliefs, and health system barriers of hepatitis B screening among Hmong Americans: A case study
Authors: Fang Dao M. , Stewart Susan L.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The incidence of liver cancer in Hmong Americans is 5 times higher than that of non‐Hispanic whites, and there is a low hepatitis B screening rate (24%) among Hmong adults compared with other Asian American populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the Hmong's perceptions on social–cultural determinants, traditional health beliefs, and health care system barriers that influenced community‐based hepatitis B screening interventions.

METHODS

A qualitative method was used, integrating a collective case study research design. In‐depth interviews were used to collect data from 20 Hmong adults from the greater Sacramento area. A pattern matching analytic technique was used to analyze the data. The main core elements of Culture Care Theory were used to capture the key themes presented by the participants.

RESULTS

Protecting a family's reputation; fear of doctors, medical procedures, and test results; lack of trust in medical doctors and medical care services; and using Hmong herbal medicines and practicing spiritual healing were identified as social–cultural and traditional health belief barriers to obtaining HBV screening. Health care costs, perceived discrimination, lack of transportation, linguistic discordance, and poor quality of care were identified as barriers to accessing high‐quality health care services and obtaining hepatitis B screening.

CONCLUSION

Providers, health policy makers, researchers, and community‐based organizations will need to work together to develop intervention strategies to address the social–cultural factors, traditional health beliefs, and health care challenges that influence obtaining hepatitis B screening in the Hmong community. Cancer 2018;124:1576‐82. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Knowledge of colorectal cancer screening guidelines and intention to obtain screening among nonadherent Filipino, Hmong, and Korean Americans
Authors: Tsoh Janice Y. , Tong Elisa K. , Sy Angela U. , Stewart Susan L. , Gildengorin Ginny L. , Nguyen Tung T.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Nonadherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Asian Americans is high but not well understood. This study examined correlates of screening intention among Filipino, Hmong, and Korean Americans who were nonadherent to CRC screening.

METHODS

Using cross‐sectional, preintervention survey data from 504 Asian Americans (115 Filipinos, 185 Hmong, and 204 Koreans) aged 50‐75 years who were enrolled in a multisite cluster randomized controlled trial of lay health educator intervention, we analyzed correlates of self‐reported CRC screening nonadherence, which was defined as not being up‐to‐date for fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.

RESULTS

Only 26.8% of participants indicated intention to obtain screening within 6 months (Hmong: 12.4%; Korean: 30.8%; and Filipino: 42.6%; P < .001). Only one third of participants had undergone a prior screening, and a majority did not know that screening is a method of CRC prevention method (61.3%) or had any knowledge of CRC screening guidelines (53.4%). Multivariable analyses revealed that patient–provider ethnicity concordance, provider's recommendation of screening, participants’ prior CRC screening, perceived severity and susceptibility of CRC, and knowledge of guidelines were positively associated with screening intention. Specifically, knowing one or more screening guidelines doubled the odds of screening intention (adjusted odds ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.32‐4.28). Hmong were less likely to have screening intention than Filipinos, which was unexplained by socio‐demographics, health care factors, perceived needs for CRC screening, or knowledge of screening guidelines.

CONCLUSION

CRC screening intention among nonadherent Filipino, Hmong, and Korean Americans was low. Targeting knowledge of CRC screening guidelines may be effective strategies for increasing CRC screening intention among nonadherent Asian Americans. Cancer 2018;124:1560‐7. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Impact of a cancer education seminar on knowledge and screening intent among Chinese Americans: Results from a randomized, controlled, community‐based trial
Authors: Fung Lei‐Chun , Nguyen Kim H. , Stewart Susan L. , Chen Moon S. , Tong Elisa K.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the leading cause of death for Asian Americans. The authors evaluated the status of cancer prevention for Chinese Americans in San Francisco, which has had years of cancer prevention efforts.

METHODS

Through a community‐based clinic serving Chinese Americans, a randomized, controlled trial (n = 395) was conducted among participants who attended either a cancer prevention seminar or biospecimen education seminar. Changes in knowledge, attitudes, and screening completion/intent were measured across and between seminar groups.

RESULTS

Participants were mostly women who had low acculturation and education levels. Over two‐thirds to almost all participants knew about modifiable risk factors for cancer and that screening tests were available, including for lung cancer. The majority of women had already completed mammography and Papanicolaou (Pap) tests. Approximately one‐half reported having completed colorectal cancer screening, prostate screening, or hepatitis B screening. Most were nonsmokers, but about one‐half “strongly agreed” that they would want a test for tobacco smoke exposure. After the cancer prevention seminar, significant increases within group were noted for knowledge (eating healthy foods, from 93.1% to 97.7% [P = .0002]; secondhand smoke causes cancer, from 66.3% to 74.8% [P = .04]) and for screening completion/intent (colorectal cancer, from 58.1% to 64.5% [P = .002] cervical cancer, from 72.9% to 75.5% [P = .04]) and there was a trend toward an increase for prostate cancer (from 50.0% to 61.1%; P = .10). There was a significant change between groups for eating healthy foods (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

The current reports documents the gains in cancer prevention among Cantonese‐speaking Chinese Americans, fostered by academic, community, and public health efforts. A community‐based seminar demonstrated improvement in some cancer knowledge or screening intent and opportunities for continued efforts. Cancer 2018;124:1622‐30. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Time, trust, and transparency: Lessons learned from collecting blood biospecimens for cancer research from the Asian American community
Authors: Dang Julie H. T. , Chen Moon S.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Biospecimens from racially diverse groups are needed to advance cancer research. The Asian American Cancer Education Study was developed to increase the number and proportion of blood biospecimen donations from Asian Americans for cancer research.

METHODS

The authors' targeted approach included 2 types of community engagement, in‐reach (within institution to Asian American patients with cancer) and outreach (external to institution to the general Asian American community). Participants received in‐language biospecimen education followed by the opportunity to donate blood biospecimens. Outreach participants donated through our community biospecimen blood drives, and in‐reach participants consented to donating an extra tube of blood during their routine blood draws as a patient. Donated blood biospecimens were spun down to serum and plasma to be stored in a biorepository or were sent to the laboratory to test for cancer‐related risk factors.

RESULTS

Three hundred eighty‐eight Asian Americans donated 1127 blood biospecimens for cancer research. Four hundred twenty tubes of plasma and serum are currently being stored at the cancer center's biorepository, 39 tubes have been used for cancer genomic research, and 668 tubes were used to characterize cancer‐related risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Building upon the past decade of the National Cancer Institute‐funded Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training's foundation of trust and service among Asian Americans, researchers were able to leverage relationships not only to introduce the idea of biospecimen contribution to the community but to also exceed expectations with regard to the quantity of blood biospecimens collected from Asian Americans. Cancer 2018;124:1614‐21. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Symptoms of anxiety and depression among colorectal cancer survivors from the population‐based, longitudinal PROFILES Registry: Prevalence, predictors, and impact on quality of life
Authors: Mols Floortje , Schoormans Dounya , de Hingh Ignace , Oerlemans Simone , Husson Olga
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to prospectively assess symptoms of anxiety and depression among survivors of colorectal cancer (CRC), to compare these survivors with a normative population, and to identify subgroups at risk for experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression across a 4‐year time period. Also, the impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) was studied.

METHODS

The population‐based Eindhoven Cancer Registry was used to select patients diagnosed with CRC between 2000 and 2009. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (HRQOL) were completed by patients in 2010 (n = 2625 [73% response rate]), 2011, 2012, and 2013 and by an age‐ and sex‐matched normative sample (n = 315) in 2011.

RESULTS

Patients reported a significantly higher prevalence of depression (19.0% vs 12.8%) and anxiety (20.9% vs 11.8%) in comparison with the norm. Anxiety was stable, whereas depression scores changed over time, although this was not clinically relevant. A longer time since diagnosis was associated with fewer depressive symptoms over time, whereas older age and being male were associated with less anxiety and more depression. Being married was associated with less anxiety and depression, and a low education level and comorbid conditions were associated with more anxiety and depression. Higher levels of symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with a lower global quality of life and lower physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the increased prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with CRC and their negative effect on HRQOL, screening and referral are of the utmost importance, especially among those who are single, have a low educational level, and have comorbid conditions, even years after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer 2018;124:2621‐8. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
A mirroring architecture for sophisticated mobile games using computation‐offloading
Authors: Jiang M. H. , Visser Otto W. , Prasetya I. S. W. B. , Iosup Alexandru
Published: April 2018

Mobile gaming is already a popular and lucrative market. However, the low performance and reduced power capacity of mobile devices severely limit the complexity of mobile games and the duration of their game sessions. To mitigate these issues, in this article, we explore using computation‐offloading, that is, allowing the compute‐intensive parts of mobile games to execute on remote infrastructure. Computation‐offloading raises the combined challenge of addressing the trade‐offs between performance and power‐consumption while also keeping the game playable. We propose Mirror, a system for computation‐offloading that supports the demanding performance requirements of sophisticated mobile games. Mirror proposes several conceptual contributions: support for fine‐grained partitioning, both offline (set by developers) and dynamic (policy‐based), and real‐time asynchronous offloading and user‐input synchronization protocols that enable Mirror‐based systems to bound the delays introduced by offloading and thus to achieve adequate performance. Mirror is compatible with all games that are tick‐based and user‐input deterministic. We implement a real‐world prototype of Mirror and apply it to the real‐world, complex, popular game OpenTTD. The experimental results show that, in comparison with the non‐offloaded OpenTTD, Mirror‐ed OpenTTD can significantly improve performance and power consumption while also delivering smooth gameplay. As a trade‐off, Mirror introduces acceptable delay on user inputs.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Function of an RNA‐Based Transfection Reagent
Authors: Jain Harsh V. , Boehler Jessica F. , Nagaraju Kanneboyina , Beaucage Serge L.
Published: April 2018

A synthetic 8‐mer, amphipathic, trans‐acting poly‐2′‐O‐methyluridylic thiophosphate triester RNA element (2′‐OMeUtaPS) can be prepared using solid‐phase synthesis protocols. 2′‐OMeUtaPS efficiently mediates the delivery of uncharged polyA‐tailed phosphorodiamidate morpholino (PMO) sequences in HeLa pLuc 705 cells, as evidenced by flow cytometry measurements. In this cell line, 2′‐OMeUtaPS‐mediated transfection of an antisense polyA‐tailed PMO sequence induces alternative splicing of an aberrant luciferase pre‐mRNA splice site, leading to restoration of functional luciferase, as quantitatively measured using a typical luciferase assay. 2′‐OMeUtaPS is also potent at delivering an uncharged antisense polyA‐tailed PMO sequence in muscle cells of the mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy; targeting the polyA‐tailed PMO sequence against a splice site of the pre‐mRNA encoding mutated dystrophin triggers an alternate splicing event that results in excision of the mutated exon (exon 23) from the pre‐mRNA and production of functional dystrophin, as demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Spectrophotometry as a Method for the Determination of Solubility of Sucrose in Water and Metastable Zone Width of its Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Borji Abdelali , Jourani Abdelaziz
Published: April 2018

Using a spectrophotometer solubility of sucrose in aqueous solutions without and with glucose and fructose additives and their metastable zone width have been investigated. Comparison of our results from pure solutions with those published in the literature shows the reliability of the method. In agreement with the literature the experimental data also show that the impurities decrease the solubility of sucrose in water and the metastable zone width of the solutions.
Learn what it takes to become a college president
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2018

Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D., first entertained the idea of becoming a college president midway through his initial VP of student affairs position. The success the college had improving student retention and graduation rates prompted him to begin contemplating the role of college president.
Fine‐needle aspiration of tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Gould Edwin W.
Published: April 2018

We report two cases of tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma, a rare renal tumor the cytology of which has not been previously reported. Both aspirates were cellular and contained large sheets of cells with abundant granular cytoplasm, distinct cell borders and intracellular windows, distinct to prominent nucleoli, rare intracytoplasmic vacuoles, and rare nuclear grooves. Cells with variable amounts of cytoplasm were also arranged in small groups, some of which resembled spherules. The large sheets of cells with windows appeared specific for tubulocystic carcinoma; the spherules could easily be confused with a papillary renal cell carcinoma.
Web accessibility: Not just for tech experts anymore
Authors: Taylor Zachary W.
Published: April 2018

As many disability services providers and others in higher education already know, as of Jan. 18, 2018, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires institutional websites to be Level AA–compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. But practitioners may feel that web accessibility is an overly difficult technological concept to understand, leaving much of the work to the web development and programming teams at their respective institutions.
Flip, don't flop: Ensuring accessibility of the flipped classroom
Authors: Sullivan Linda
Published: April 2018

Health science students need solid foundational knowledge to be successful in their chosen profession. However, knowledge alone does not make a health care professional successful; there is an art to medicine as well. Artistry takes practice. In health science programs, this practice is conducted using the application of knowledge in simulated or clinical settings. In an effort to provide learners with more application time, many health science programs have begun using flipped classrooms.
The response of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) to interannual climate variation changes across its range
Authors: Kleinhesselink Andrew R. , Adler Peter B.
Published: April 2018

Understanding how annual climate variation affects population growth rates across a species' range may help us anticipate the effects of climate change on species distribution and abundance. We predict that populations in warmer or wetter parts of a species' range should respond negatively to periods of above average temperature or precipitation, respectively, whereas populations in colder or drier areas should respond positively to periods of above average temperature or precipitation. To test this, we estimated the population sensitivity of a common shrub species, big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), to annual climate variation across its range. Our analysis includes 8,175 observations of year‐to‐year change in sagebrush cover or production from 131 monitoring sites in western North America. We coupled these observations with seasonal weather data for each site and analyzed the effects of spring through fall temperatures and fall through spring accumulated precipitation on annual changes in sagebrush abundance. Sensitivity to annual temperature variation supported our hypothesis: years with above average temperatures were beneficial to sagebrush in colder locations and detrimental to sagebrush in hotter locations. In contrast, sensitivity to precipitation did not change significantly across the distribution of sagebrush. This pattern of responses suggests that regional abundance of this species may be more limited by temperature than by precipitation. We also found important differences in how the ecologically distinct subspecies of sagebrush responded to the effects of precipitation and temperature. Our model predicts that a short‐term temperature increase could produce an increase in sagebrush cover at the cold edge of its range and a decrease in cover at the warm edge of its range. This prediction is qualitatively consistent with predictions from species distribution models for sagebrush based on spatial occurrence data, but it provides new mechanistic insight and helps estimate how much and how fast sagebrush cover may change within its range.