bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of children with trisomy 18 referred to pediatric palliative care services on two continents
Authors: Mullin Jonathan , Wolfe Joanne , Bluebond‐Langner Myra , Craig Finella
Published: April 2019

Children with trisomy 18 that survive beyond the neonatal period have multiple congenital anomalies, neurodevelopmental disability, and high mortality rates. The experience of children with trisomy 18 who receive pediatric palliative care services is largely unknown. We conducted a retrospective review of children with trisomy 18 receiving pediatric palliative care services at both Boston Children's Hospital, USA and Great Ormond Street Hospital, UK from January 1, 2004 to January 1, 2015. Fifty‐eight children with trisomy 18 were referred to pediatric palliative care, 38 in the United Kingdom, 20 in the United States. Median age at referral was 19 days (2–89) in the United Kingdom, and 25 days (1–463) in the United States. Median length of time being followed by pediatric palliative care was 32 days (1–1,637) in the United Kingdom and 67 days (3–2,442) in the United States. The only significant difference in the two cohorts (p = .001) was in likelihood of receiving cardiac surgical intervention—37% in the United States, 0% the United Kingdom. Children with trisomy 18 receive pediatric palliative care services, with variable age at referral and for a variable length of time. Further research is needed to understand the experience of children with trisomy 18 and their families receiving pediatric palliative care services.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Sp3/Sp2γ‐ and δ‐C‐H Functionalization of Aryl Amines using 5‐Methylisoxazole‐3‐Carboxamide as Directing Group
Authors: Singh Prabhakar , Dalal Arup , Babu Srinivasarao Arulananda
Published: April 2019

A dual objective‐based study comprising exploration of 5‐methylisoxazole‐3‐carboxamide (MICA) as a directing group (DG) for the Pd(II)‐catalyzed sp3/sp2 γ‐ and δ‐C−H activation/functionalization of aryl amines and assembling of various MICA motifs are reported. The Pd(II)‐catalyzed MICA‐aided γ‐C(sp3)‐H arylation/acetoxylation of ortho‐toluidines gave various 2‐aminodiphenylmethanes and 2‐aminobenzyl acetates, respectively. The Pd(II)‐catalyzed MICA‐aided γ‐C(sp2)‐H arylation/acetoxylation of benzylamines gave the corresponding arylated/acetoxylated products. Furthermore, the Pd(II)‐catalyzed MICA‐aided δ‐C(sp2)‐H amidation/alkenylation of phenethylamines were also explored. Representative control reactions were done to assess the relative effectiveness of MICA for the γ‐C(sp3)‐H arylation and MICA is a removable DG. Apart from the usage of MICA as a DG for the sp2/sp3 C−H functionalization of aryl amines, indirectly this process has led to the construction of a library of MICA motifs. This is an added advantage to note as the MICA‐based motifs are valuable small molecules in medicinal chemistry.
Preparation of dispersible nanosilica surface‐capped by hexamethyl disilazane via anin situsurface‐modification method and investigation of its effects on the mechanical properties of styrene–butadiene/butadiene rubber
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Tang Yuan , Tian Qingfeng , Xie Ximing , Xu Lin , Li Xiaohong , Ding Tao
Published: April 2019

Silica has been established as one of the most promising materials in green tires. The filler–rubber interactions can increase the comprehensive performance of rubber composites. In this study, sodium silicate was used as the silicon source and hexamethyl disilazane (HMDS; molecular formula: C6H19NSi2) was used as a modifier to synthesize dispersible silica (DNS) via anin situsurface‐modification method. The effects of the HMDS‐capped silica on the properties of rubber–matrix composites made of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and high‐cis‐polybutadiene rubber (BR9000 or BR) were investigated with Zeosil 1165MP (Z1165‐MP; a commercial highly dispersible silica produced by Rhodia for the production of green tires in the rubber industry) as a reference. The results show that the SBR–BR–DNS composite was before the SBR–BR–Z1165‐MP composite in increasing the tear strength and elongation at break and reducing the compression heat buildup. On the basis of the resulting properties, the reinforcing behaviors in the rubber–matrix composites were analyzed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47763.
Digging into data management in public‐funded, international research in digital humanities
Authors: Poole Alex H. , Garwood Deborah A.
Published: April 2019

Path‐breaking in theory and practice alike, digital humanities (DH) not only secures a larger public audience for humanities and social sciences research, but also permits researchers to ask novel questions and to revisit familiar ones. Public‐funded, international, and collaborative research in DH furthers institutional research missions and enriches networked knowledge. The Digging into Data 3 challenge (DID3) (2014–2016), an international and interdisciplinary grant initiative embracing big data, included 14 teams sponsored by 10 funders from four nations. A qualitative case study that relies on purposive sampling and grounded analysis, this article centers on the information practices of DID3 participants. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 53 participants on 11 of the 14 DID3 projects. The study explores how Data Management Plan requirements affect work practices in public‐funded DH, how scholars grapple with key data management challenges, and how they plan to reuse and share their data. It concludes with three recommendations and three directions for future research.
Unscented Kalman filter for continuous‐time nonlinear fractional‐order systems with process and measurement noises
Authors: Gao Zhe , Liu Yunting , Yang Chao , Chen Xiaojiao
Published: April 2019

This study proposes the design of unscented Kalman filter for a continuous‐time nonlinear fractional‐order system involving the process noise and the measurement noise. The nonlinear fractional‐order system is discretized to get the difference equation. According to the unscented transformation, the design method of unscented Kalman filter for a continuous‐time nonlinear fractional‐order system is provided. Compared with the extended Kalman filter, the proposed method can obtain a more accurate estimation effect. For fractional‐order systems containing non‐differentiable nonlinear functions, the method proposed in this paper is still effective. The unknown parameters are also discussed by the augmented vector method to achieve the state estimation and parameter identification. Finally, two examples are offered to verify the effectiveness of the proposed unscented Kalman filter for nonlinear fractional‐order systems.
Development of a novel, high‐throughput screening tool for efficient perfusion‐based cell culture process development
Authors: Gagliardi Thomas M. , Chelikani Rahul , Yang Yang , Tuozzolo Gioia , Yuan Hang
Published: April 2019

Perfusion technology has been successfully used for the commercial production of biotherapeutics, in particular unstable recombinant proteins, for more than a decade. However, there has been a general lack of high‐throughput cell culture tools specifically for perfusion‐based cell culture processes. Here, we have developed a high‐throughput cell retention operation for use with the ambr® 15 bioreactor system. Experiments were run in both 24 and 48 reactor configurations for comparing perfusion mimic models, media development, and clone screening. Employing offline centrifugation for cell retention and a variable volume model developed with MATLAB computational software, the established screening model has demonstrated cell culture performance, productivity, and product quality were comparable to bench scale bioreactors. The automated, single use, high‐throughput perfusion mimic is a powerful tool that enables us to have rapid and efficient process development of perfusion‐based cell culture processes.
Using adaptive magnetic resonance image‐guided radiation therapy for treatment of inoperable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Rudra Soumon , Jiang Naomi , Rosenberg Stephen A. , Olsen Jeffrey R. , Roach Michael C. , Wan Leping , Portelance Lorraine , Mellon Eric A. , Bruynzeel Anna , Lagerwaard Frank , Bassetti Michael F. , Parikh Parag J. , Lee Percy P.
Published: April 2019

Background

Adaptive magnetic resonance imaging‐guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) can escalate dose to tumors while minimizing dose to normal tissue. We evaluated outcomes of inoperable pancreatic cancer patients treated using MRgRT with and without dose escalation.

Methods

We reviewed 44 patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer treated with MRgRT. Treatments included conventional fractionation, hypofractionation, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Patients were stratified into high‐dose (biologically effective dose [BED10] >70) and standard‐dose groups (BED10 ≤70). Overall survival (OS), freedom from local failure (FFLF) and freedom from distant failure (FFDF) were evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier method. Cox regression was performed to identify predictors of OS. Acute gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was assessed for 6 weeks after completion of RT.

Results

Median follow‐up was 17 months. High‐dose patients (n = 24, 55%) had statistically significant improvement in 2‐year OS (49% vs 30%, P = 0.03) and trended towards significance for 2‐year FFLF (77% vs 57%, P = 0.15) compared to standard‐dose patients (n = 20, 45%). FFDF at 18 months in high‐dose vs standard‐dose groups was 24% vs 48%, respectively (P = 0.92). High‐dose radiation (HR: 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21‐0.94; P = 0.03) and duration of induction chemotherapy (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72‐0.98; P = 0.03) were significantly correlated with OS on univariate analysis but neither factor was independently predictive on multivariate analysis. Grade 3+ GI toxicity occurred in three patients in the standard‐dose group and did not occur in the high‐dose group.

Conclusions

Patients treated with dose‐escalated MRgRT demonstrated improved OS. Prospective evaluation of high‐dose RT regimens with standardized treatment parameters in inoperable pancreatic cancer patients is warranted.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome induced by nivolumab immunotherapy for non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Kim Dohhyung
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological syndrome characterized by vasogenic cerebral edema with predominantly posterior involvement. Uncontrolled severe hypertension and endothelial dysfunction have been implicated as two main mechanisms. Clinicians should notice the development of PRES in hypertensive patients accompanying neurological changes, such as impaired vision and consciousness.
Phosphorus and Boron Co‐Doped Carbon Coating of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathodes for Advanced Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Gu Tingting , Wang Jin , Tian Jing‐Hua , Zheng Xiangjun , Lu Kewei , Xin Yu , Wang Haibo , Yang Ruizhi
Published: April 2019

A facile approach for the preparation of phosphorus and boron co‐doped carbon coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, which is then applied as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries has been investigated. The effect of carbon coating amounts on the battery performance has been studied systematically. The 5 wt.% carbon coated sample exhibits the most outstanding performance, including an excellent capacity retention of 96.7 % after 200 cycles, superior rate capability (111 mAh g−1 capacity at 5 C), and significantly improved cycle life under 1 C. It is believed that the phosphorus and boron co‐doped carbon coating layer could suppress side‐reactions between the electrolyte and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, and alleviate the dissolution of manganese ions into the electrolyte effectively. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results reveal that the phosphorus and boron co‐doped carbon coating on LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 could reduce the charge transfer resistance significantly. The composite cathode therefore provides good conductivity as well as fast Li‐ion diffusion, then resulting in better rate capability and cycle life, even under a high temperature of 55 °C.
Investigations on the Liquid‐Phase Decomposition of AdBlue Urea for the Selective Catalytic Reduction Process
Authors: Braun Peter , Rabl Hans‐Peter , Matysik Frank‐Michael
Published: April 2019

Difficulties in decomposing AdBlue to ammonia limit the applicability of selective catalytic reduction systems at low exhaust temperatures. Investigations on the decomposition of AdBlue in the liquid phase under elevated pressure at temperatures up to 165 °C were carried out. Besides effects of inorganic catalysts, the impact of pH on urea decomposition was examined. After dissolution in aqueous phase, the compounds ZnO, WO3, and MoO3 were found to be effective in liquid‐phase AdBlue decomposition. However, the efficiency was dropping significantly over few hours. Decomposition of AdBlue urea was also found to be favored for alkaline and acidic conditions.
Association between depth of response and survival in patients with advanced‐stage non–small cell lung cancer treated with first‐line chemotherapy
Authors: Morgensztern Daniel , Ko Amy , O’Brien Mary , Ong Teng Jin , Waqar Saiama N. , Socinski Mark A. , Postmus Pieter E. , Bhore Rafia
Published: April 2019

Background

A partial response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors includes a wide range of changes in tumor size. This study evaluated whether further specification of tumor reduction based on the depth of response (DpR) would provide a more precise association with outcomes for patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed for the randomized phase 3 CA031 trial in patients with NSCLC treated with carboplatin in combination with nab‐paclitaxel or solvent‐based paclitaxel. Quartiles according to the maximum tumor reduction from the baseline were defined (quartile 1 [Q1], >0% to 25%; quartile 2 [Q2], >25% to 50%; quartile 3 [Q3], >50% to 75%; and quartile 4 [Q4], >75%) and were compared with those patients with no tumor reduction (NTR). The primary objective was to evaluate the association between DpR and overall survival (OS).

Results

Of the 1052 patients enrolled in the CA031 trial, 959 (91%) were evaluable, and they included 365 (38.1%) who were classified as Q1, 327 (34.1%) who were classified as Q2, 131 (13.7%) who were classified as Q3, and 34 (3.5%) who were classified as Q4; 102 had NTR (10.6%). The median OS values for patients in the NTR, Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were 4.8, 10.4, 14.5, 19.3, and 23.5 months, respectively. The maximum DpR on treatment was an independent predictor of improved OS in comparison with patients with NTR; the hazard ratio decreased from 0.43 in Q1 to 0.16 in Q4.

Conclusions

DpR was strongly associated with OS in patients with NSCLC receiving first‐line platinum‐based therapy. Additional studies may help to define the role of DpR in solid tumors.
Size‐Dependent Activity of Iron‐Nickel Oxynitride towards Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Xiong Jun , Di Jun , Yan Cheng , Xu Manzhang , Yu Jinli , Zhu Wenshuai , Li Huaming
Published: April 2019

The exploration of efficient nonprecious metal‐based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is of great significance. Herein, both size‐ and component‐tuned FeNi oxynitride are prepared and employed for electrocatalytic water oxidation. Combining the excellent metal‐like feature of induced OER activity of nitrides and oxidation resistance performance of oxides, the obtained FeNi oxynitride delivers an outstanding OER performance. The synergistic interplay between Fe, Ni components creates a favorable local coordination environment for OER and decreased sizes enables more active sites exposure. As a result, under 1 M KOH, the optimized material displays highly efficient electrocatalytic OER performance with low overpotential 295 mV (10 mA cm−2 catalytic current density) and considerable durability. These findings open up opportunities to explore other excellent catalysts through multicomponent strong interactions coupled with size control.
The role of glacial‐interglacial climate change in shaping the genetic structure of eastern subterranean termites in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA
Authors: Hyseni Chaz , Garrick Ryan C.
Published: April 2019

The eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, currently inhabits previously glaciated regions of the northeastern U.S., as well as the unglaciated southern Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. We hypothesized that Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have influenced the distribution of R. flavipes, and thus the evolutionary history of the species. We estimated contemporary and historical geographic distributions of R. flavipes by constructing Species Distribution Models (SDM). We also inferred the evolutionary and demographic history of the species using mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I and II) and nuclear (endo‐beta‐1,4‐glucanase) DNA sequence data. To do this, genetic populations were delineated using Bayesian spatial‐genetic clustering, competing hypotheses about population divergence were assessed using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), and changes in population size were estimated using Bayesian skyline plots. SDMs identified areas in the north with suitable habitat during the transition from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial Maximum, as well as an expanding distribution from the mid‐Holocene to the present. Genetic analyses identified three geographically cohesive populations, corresponding with northern, central, and southern portions of the study region. Based on ABC analyses, divergence between the Northern and Southern populations was the oldest, estimated to have occurred 64.80 thousand years ago (kya), which corresponds with the timing of available habitat in the north. The Central and Northern populations diverged in the mid‐Holocene, 8.63 kya, after which the Central population continued to expand. Accordingly, phylogeographic patterns of R. flavipes in the southern Appalachians appear to have been strongly influenced by glacial‐interglacial climate change.

OPEN RESEARCH BADGES

This article has been awarded Open Materials, Open Data Badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.5hr7f31.
Infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is common in tropical lowland habitats: Implications for amphibian conservation
Authors: Zumbado‐Ulate Héctor , García‐Rodríguez Adrián , Vredenburg Vance T. , Searle Catherine
Published: April 2019

Numerous species of amphibians declined in Central America during the 1980s and 1990s. These declines mostly affected highland stream amphibians and have been primarily linked to chytridiomycosis, a deadly disease caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Since then, the majority of field studies on Bd in the Tropics have been conducted in midland and highland environments (>800 m) mainly because the environmental conditions of mountain ranges match the range of ideal abiotic conditions for Bd in the laboratory. This unbalanced sampling has led researchers to largely overlook host–pathogen dynamics in lowlands, where other amphibian species declined during the same period. We conducted a survey testing for Bd in 47 species (n = 348) in four lowland sites in Costa Rica to identify local host–pathogen dynamics and to describe the abiotic environment of these sites. We detected Bd in three sampling sites and 70% of the surveyed species. We found evidence that lowland study sites exhibit enzootic dynamics with low infection intensity and moderate to high prevalence (55% overall prevalence). Additionally, we found evidence that every study site represents an independent climatic zone, where local climatic differences may explain variations in Bd disease dynamics. We recommend more detection surveys across lowlands and other sites that have been historically considered unsuitable for Bd occurrence. These data can be used to identify sites for potential disease outbreaks and amphibian rediscoveries.
Spatial capture–recapture for categorically marked populations with an application to genetic capture–recapture
Authors: Augustine Ben C. , Royle J. Andrew , Murphy Sean M. , Chandler Richard B. , Cox John J. , Kelly Marcella J.
Published: April 2019

Recently introduced unmarked spatial capture–recapture (SCR), spatial mark–resight (SMR), and 2‐flank spatial partial identity models (SPIMs) extend the domain of SCR to populations or observation systems that do not always allow for individual identity to be determined with certainty. For example, some species do not have natural marks that can reliably produce individual identities from photographs, and some methods of observation produce partial identity samples as is the case with remote cameras that sometimes produce single‐flank photographs. Unmarked SCR, SMR, and SPIM share the feature that they probabilistically resolve the uncertainty in individual identity using the spatial location where samples were collected. Spatial location is informative of individual identity in spatially structured populations because a sample is more likely to have been produced by an individual living near the trap where it was recorded than an individual living further away from the trap. Further, the level of information about individual identity that a spatial location contains is related to two key ecological concepts, population density and home range size, which we quantify using a proposed Identity Diversity Index (IDI). We show that latent and partial identity SCR models produce imprecise and biased density estimates in many high IDI scenarios when data are sparse. We then extend the unmarked SCR model to incorporate categorical, partially identifying covariates, which reduce the level of uncertainty in individual identity, increasing the reliability and precision of density estimates, and allowing reliable density estimation in scenarios with higher IDI values and with more sparse data. We illustrate the performance of this “categorical SPIM” via simulations and by applying it to a black bear data set using microsatellite loci as categorical covariates, where we reproduce the full data set estimates with only slightly less precision using fewer loci than necessary for confident individual identification. We then discuss how the categorical SPIM can be applied to other wildlife sampling scenarios such as remote camera surveys, where natural or researcher‐applied partial marks can be observed in photographs. Finally, we discuss how the categorical SPIM can be added to SMR, 2‐flank SPIM, or other latent identity SCR models.
Meta‐ecosystem processes alter ecosystem function and can promote herbivore‐mediated coexistence
Authors: Marleau Justin N. , Guichard Frederic
Published: April 2019

Herbivory and dispersal play roles in the coexistence of primary producers with shared resource limitation by imposing trade–offs either through apparent competition or dispersal limitation. These mechanisms of coexistence can further interact with meta‐ecosystem effects, which results in spatial heterogeneity through the movement of herbivores and nutrients. Here, we investigate how herbivores influence autotroph coexistence through a meta‐ecosystem effect, and how this effect couples mechanisms of coexistence to ecosystem structure and functioning. We articulate this framework through a parameterized one resource‐k producer–one herbivore meta‐ecosystem model. The results show that herbivore movement with nutrient recycling can generate spatial heterogeneity to allow coexistence where the well‐mixed system predicts competitive exclusion. Furthermore, the presence of movement alters local and regional ecosystem functioning even when coexistence would occur without movement. These results highlight how meta‐ecosystem theory can provide a mechanistic context for the observed complexity of biodiversity‐ecosystem function relationships.
Multi‐objective PMU placement optimization considering the placement cost including the current channel allocation and state estimation accuracy
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshiaki , Watanabe Masayuki , Mitani Yasunori , Othman Mohammad Lutfi
Published: April 2019

The optimal phasor measurement unit (PMU) placement problem in power systems has been considered and investigated by many researchers for accurate and fast state estimation by PMUs. However, the current channel cost of the PMU affects the total placement cost. This paper proposes a novel formulation in the multi‐objective optimal PMU placement, which minimizes the PMU placement cost with the current channel selection and the state estimation error. The current channel selection is represented as a decision variable in the optimization. For trade‐off objective functions, the Pareto approach by nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) is applied in the optimization. The result of the numerical experiment in this paper demonstrates the advantage of considering the appropriate PMU current channel allocation, compared with the conventional method that ignores it, in the modified IEEE New England 39‐bus test system. As a result, the proposed method obtained a better Pareto solution compared with the conventional one because of the consideration for the current channel selection. An advantage of the proposed PMU placement is that it is able to reduce the total PMU placement cost while maintaining the state estimation accuracy.
Measurement Method Has a Larger Impact Than Spatial Scale For Plot‐Scale Field‐Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Kfs) After Wildfire and Prescribed Fire in Forests
Authors: Ebel Brian A.
Published: April 2019

Wildfires raise risks of floods, debris flows, major geomorphologic and sedimentologic change, and water quality and quantity shifts. A principal control on the magnitude of these changes is field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs), which dictates surface runoff generation and is a key input into numerical models. This work synthesizes 73 Kfs datasets from the literature in the first year following fire at the plot scale (≤ 10 m2). A meta‐analysis using a random effects analysis showed significant differences between burned and unburned Kfs. The reductions in Kfs after fire, expressed by the ratio of Kfs Burned/Kfs Unburned, were 0.46 (95% confidence interval of 0.31‐0.70) combining wildfire and prescribed fire and 0.3 (95% confidence interval of 0.13‐0.71) for wildfire. No significant differences for Kfs were observed between wildfire and prescribed fire or moderate and high fire severity. Both Kfs magnitude and variability depended more on measurement method than measurement support area at the plot scale, with methods applying head ≥0.5 cm producing larger estimates of Kfs. It is recommended that post‐fire efforts to characterize Kfs for modeling or process‐based interpretations use methods that reflect the dominant infiltration processes: tension infiltrometers and simulated rainfall methods when soil matrix flow dominates and ponded head methods when macropore flow is critical. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Selenium and Mercury in Freshwater Fish Muscle Tissue and Otoliths: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Reash Robin J. , Friedrich Lisa A. , Bock Michael J. , Halden Norman M. , Palace Vince P.
Published: April 2019

Evaluating potential ecological and human health risks of exposure to bioaccumulative trace elements is typically implemented using analysis of tissue samples. Increasingly, the microchemistry of fish calcified structures is used to elucidate the lifetime exposure to trace elements. In the present study, we measured total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and selenium (Se) in muscle tissue and otolith samples from 12 species of fish collected at reference sites and locations influenced by power plant wastewater. Muscle tissue concentrations of Se were sensitive to recent wastewater exposure magnitude, stream type, trophic level, and species (p < 0.001). For Hg, concentrations in muscle tissue and otoliths were affected only by trophic level and species. Levels of THg and Se in muscle tissue and otolith samples were positively correlated for those species with a robust sample size. Some individual fish from 3 species (channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, and freshwater drum) showed significantly increasing or decreasing lifetime concentrations of either THg or Se in otolith samples. Multiple regression analysis indicated that for bluegill muscle tissue Se concentrations could be best explained utilizing water concentrations of selenium, sulfate, and molybdenum (r2 = 0.87; p < 0.001). Because of the increased cost and specialized sample processing requirements of analyzing trace elements in otolith structures, it may be prudent to limit these analyses to those species where insights into temporal trends are sought or where evidence indicates that fish move into or out of contaminated water bodies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1467–1475. © 2019 SETAC
Arginine improves the color stability of hemoglobin powder during freeze‐drying and storage
Authors: Hou Chengli , Song Xuan , Li Zheng , Wang Wenting , Shen Qingwu , Zhang Dequan
Published: April 2019

To increase the color stability of hemoglobin (Hb) powder, the technological conditions for arginine–hemoglobin (Arg‐Hb) powder preparation were optimized by response surface methodology and the influence of arginine (Arg) on the color stability of Hb powder was evaluated. Results showed that: (a) Arg‐Hb powder had better colors (less MetHb% and higher a* value) than Hb powder (p < 0.05); (b) using MetHb% as an indicator, the optimal conditions to prepare Arg stabilized Hb were Arg concentration of 10.5 mg/ml Hb extract, reaction pH of 10.75, and reaction temperature of 18°C; (c) pH and NaCl had a significant influence on the color stability of Hb (p < 0.05). At various NaCl concentrations and pH conditions, Arg‐Hb solution showed better color than Hb (p < 0.05); (d) Arg‐Hb powder had higher a* values and higher percentages of deoxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin but lower MetHb% than Hb powder during storage (p < 0.05).
Differential regional decline in dopamine receptor availability across adulthood: Linear and nonlinear effects of age
Authors: Seaman Kendra L. , Smith Christopher T. , Juarez Eric J. , Dang Linh C. , Castrellon Jaime J. , Burgess Leah L. , San Juan M. Danica , Kundzicz Paul M. , Cowan Ronald L. , Zald David H. , Samanez‐Larkin Gregory R.
Published: April 2019

Theories of adult brain development, based on neuropsychological test results and structural neuroimaging, suggest differential rates of age‐related change in function across cortical and subcortical sub‐regions. However, it remains unclear if these trends also extend to the aging dopamine system. Here we examined cross‐sectional adult age differences in estimates of D2‐like receptor binding potential across several cortical and subcortical brain regions using PET imaging and the radiotracer [18F]Fallypride in two samples of healthy human adults (combined N = 132). After accounting for regional differences in overall radioligand binding, estimated percent difference in receptor binding potential by decade (linear effects) were highest in most temporal and frontal cortical regions (~6–16% per decade), moderate in parahippocampal gyrus, pregenual frontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, caudate, putamen, thalamus, and amygdala (~3–5%), and weakest in subcallosal frontal cortex, ventral striatum, pallidum, and hippocampus (~0–2%). Some regions showed linear effects of age while many showed curvilinear effects such that binding potential declined from young adulthood to middle age and then was relatively stable until old age. Overall, these data indicate that the rate and pattern of decline in D2 receptor availability is regionally heterogeneous. However, the differences across regions were challenging to organize within existing theories of brain development and did not show the same pattern of regional change that has been observed in gray matter volume, white matter integrity, or cognitive performance. This variation suggests that existing theories of adult brain development may need to be modified to better account for the spatial dynamics of dopaminergic system aging.
A Positive Feedback Loop Between Cancer Stem‐Like Cells and Tumor‐Associated Neutrophils Controls Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Zhou Shao‐Lai , Yin Dan , Hu Zhi‐Qiang , Luo Chu‐Bin , Zhou Zheng‐Jun , Xin Hao‐Yang , Yang Xin‐Rong , Shi Ying‐Hong , Wang Zheng , Huang Xiao‐Wu , Cao Ya , Fan Jia , Zhou Jian
Published: April 2019

Tumor‐associated neutrophils (TANs) play a crucial role in tumor development and progression in the cancer microenvironment. Despite increased understanding of TAN contributions to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and prognosis, the direct interaction between TANs and HCC cells is not fully understood. In this study, we tested the effect of TANs on HCC cells in vitro and in vivo and investigated the mechanism of interaction between them. Our results showed that TANs secreted bone morphogenetic protein 2 and transforming growth factor beta 2 and triggered microRNA 301b‐3p (miR‐301‐3p) expression in HCC cells, subsequently suppressed gene expression of limbic system–associated membrane protein (LSAMP) and CYLD lysine 63 deubiquitinase (CYLD), and increased stem cell characteristics in HCC cells. These TAN‐induced HCC stem‐like cells were hyperactive in nuclear factor kappa B signaling, secreted higher levels of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 5 (CXCL5), and recruited more TAN infiltration, suggesting a positive feedback loop. In clinical HCC samples, increased TANs correlated with elevated miR‐301b‐3p, decreased LSAMP and CYLD expression, and increased nuclear p65 accumulation and CXCL5 expression, all of which predicted patient outcome. Conclusion: Our work identified a positive feedback loop governing cancer stem‐like cells and TANs in HCC that controls tumor progression and patient outcome.
Awareness of cancer risk factors and protective factors among Australian adults
Authors: Lizama Natalia , Jongenelis Michelle , Slevin Terry
Published: April 2019

Issue addressed

Up to one‐third of incident cancers in Australia are attributable to modifiable factors. Understanding the general public's awareness of cancer risk and protective factors is important for identifying knowledge gaps and informing the development of effective and targeted health promotion strategies.

Methods

In a telephonic survey of 355 Western Australian adults aged 18‐54 years (48% male), with a sample skewed towards low‐socio‐economic status areas, respondents rated the effect on cancer risk of 11 established cancer risk factors and seven established cancer protective factors.

Results

Most respondents correctly recognised the increased cancer risk from sun tanning (94%), asbestos (92%), pesticide use (92%) and being overweight or obese (86%), and the protective effect of being physically active (82%). Half (52%) of respondents incorrectly believed that red wine decreased or had no effect on cancer risk. One in five respondents (19%) incorrectly believed that sunscreen use increased cancer risk. Only 18% of respondents were aware that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination confers a protective effect, while 17% believed it increases risk.

Conclusions

Although the majority of respondents were aware of certain established cancer risk and protective factors, a sizeable proportion held misconceptions about the cancer risk associated with red wine consumption, sunscreen use and HPV vaccination.

So what?

Health promotion programs designed to educate the public about modifiable cancer risk factors may need to increase public awareness of the safety of preventive factors such as HPV vaccination and sunscreen, and the increased cancer risk from consumption of all alcoholic beverage types, including red wine.
The positive psychology of mentoring: A longitudinal analysis of psychological capital development and performance in a formal mentoring program
Authors: Carter Justin W. , Youssef‐Morgan Carolyn M.
Published: April 2019

Although there is substantial support for the relationship between mentoring and work performance, empirical research has yet to fully explore the plausible positive psychological explanatory mechanisms of this relationship. This four‐year study examines the effects of mentoring on protégés' psychological capital (PsyCap; a higher‐order psychological resource that includes hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism) and performance outcomes (formal performance appraisals) over time, in the context of an existing formal organizational mentoring program. PsyCap is examined as a mediator in the relationship between mentoring and performance. Utilizing 115 mentor‐protégé pairs, results support the effectiveness of the mentoring program in developing PsyCap and enhancing performance 1 year later in three cohorts of protégés, even after controlling for preprogram performance. Furthermore, PsyCap is supported as a full mediator between mentoring and performance. This is the first empirical study to explore this relationship, and one of the few mentoring studies to collect data over multiple time periods.
Analysis of delay‐sensitive performance in cognitive wireless sensor networks
Authors: Nazneen Sadia , Chowdhury Md. Monwar J. , Sabuj Saifur R.
Published: April 2019

This paper introduces an analytical uplink modeling for cognitive wireless sensor network (CWSN). For such network, we derive the outage probability, throughput, affected area, and delay‐sensitive area spectral efficiency (DASE). In addition, we investigate the DASE maximization problem and also obtain an optimal solution of transmission power and code rate. Finally, numerical results demonstrate that DASE is maximized for optimal transmission power compared with code rate.
Acceptability, perceived reliability and challenges associated with distributing HIV self‐test kits to young MSM in Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Okoboi Stephen , Twimukye Adelline , Lazarus Oucul , Castelnuovo Barbara , Agaba Collins , Immaculate Muloni , Nanfuka Mastula , Kambugu Andrew , King Rachel
Published: April 2019

Introduction

HIV self‐testing is a flexible, accessible and acceptable emerging technology with a particular potential to identify people living with HIV who are reluctant to interact with conventional HIV testing approaches. We assessed the acceptability, perceived reliability and challenges associated with distributing HIV self‐test (HIVST) to young men who have sex with men (MSM) in Uganda.

Methods

Between February and May, 2018, we enrolled 74 MSM aged ≥18 years purposively sampled and verbally consented to participate in six focus group discussions (FGDs) in The AIDS Support Organization (TASO Masaka and Entebbe). We also conducted two FGDs of 18 health workers. MSM FGD groups included individuals who had; (1) tested greater than one year previously; (2) tested between six months and one year previously; (3) tested three to six months previously; (4) never tested. FGDs examined: (i) the acceptability of HIVST distribution; (iii) preferences for various HIVST distribution channels; (iv) perceptions about the accuracy of HIVST; (v) challenges associated with HIVST distribution. We identified major themes, developed and refined a codebook. We used Nvivo version 11 for data management.

Results

MSM participants age ranged between 19 and 30 years. Participants described HIVST as a mechanism that would facilitate HIV testing uptake in a rapid, efficient, confidential, non‐painful; and non‐stigmatizing manner. Overall, MSM preferred HIVST to the conventional HIV testing approaches. Health workers were in support of distributing HIVST kits through MSM peers. MSM participants were willing to distribute the kits and recommended HIVST to their peers and sexual partners. They suggested HIVST kit distribution model work similarly to the current condom and lubricant peer model being implemented by TASO. Preferred channels were peers, hot spots, drop‐in centres, private pharmacies and MSM friendly health facilities. Key concerns regarding use of HIVST were; unreliable HIVST results, social harm due to a positive result, need for a confirmatory test and linking both HIV positive and negative participants for additional HIV services.

Conclusions

Distribution of HIVST kits by MSM peers is an acceptable strategy that can promote access to testing. HIVST was perceived by participants as beneficial because it would address many barriers that affect their acceptance of testing. However, a combined approach that includes follow‐up, linkage to HIV care and prevention services are needed for effective results.
Challenges in diagnosing and managing adult patients with urea cycle disorders
Authors: Stepien Karolina M. , Geberhiwot Tarekegn , Hendriksz Christian J. , Treacy Eileen P.
Published: April 2019

Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are a group of rare inherited metabolic conditions of amino acid catabolism caused by an enzyme deficiency within the hepatic ammonia detoxification pathway. The presentation of these disorders ranges from life‐threatening intoxication in the neonate to asymptomatic status in adults. Late‐onset UCDs can present for the first time in adulthood and may mimic other causes of acute confusion or psychiatric diseases, and are often associated with neurological symptoms. Late‐onset UCDs may become apparent during periods of metabolic stress such as rapid weight loss, gastric bypass surgery, chronic starvation or the postpartum period. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and to prevent long‐term complications of hyperammonemia. The challenges of management of adults include for example: (a) poor compliance to dietary and medical treatment which can result in recurrent hospital admissions; (b) severe neurological dysfunction; (c) the management of pregnancy and the postpartum period; and (d) access to multidisciplinary care peri‐operatively. In this review, we highlight a number of challenges in the diagnosis and management of adult patient with late‐onset UCDs and suggest a systematic management approach.
Diagnostic performance of a new multicontrast one‐minute full brain exam (EPIMix) in neuroradiology: A prospective study
Authors: Delgado Anna F. , Kits Annika , Bystam Jessica , Kaijser Magnus , Skorpil Mikael , Sprenger Tim , Skare Stefan
Published: April 2019

Background

Clinical MRI protocols are time‐consuming; hence, new faster techniques are needed. One new fast multicontrast MRI technique, called echo planar image mix (EPIMix) (including contrasts T1‐FLAIR, T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted images [DWI], apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], T2*‐weighted, and T2‐FLAIR images) needs to be tested.

Purpose

To assess if EPIMix has comparable diagnostic performance as routine clinical brain MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A consecutive series of 103 patients' brain MRI (January 2018 to May 2018).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T or 3T. EPIMix and routine clinical protocol (clinical MRI included all or some of the contrasts T1‐FLAIR, T2‐weighted, DWI, T2*‐weighted, T2‐FLAIR, 3D‐FSE).

Assessment

Two neuroradiologists assessed EPIMix and clinical scans and categorized the images as abnormal or normal and described diagnosis, artifacts, diagnostic confidence image quality, and comparison of imaging time.

Statistical Tests

Pivot tables with diagnostic performance calculated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and the area under curve (AUC). Disease categorization and image quality measures were evaluated. The study protocol is published at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03338270.

Results

After exclusion of 21 patients, 82 patients had a routine clinical MRI with comparable contrasts to EPIMix and were evaluated. The diagnostic performance to categorize a full brain MRI investigation as abnormal or normal was comparable between EPIMix (AUC 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.97–1.00)) and routine clinical MRI (n = 82). Sensitivity was 95% (95% CI 88–95) and 93% (95% CI 86–98), and specificity 100% (95% CI 97–100) and 100% (95% CI 90–100). Disease categorization was congruent between EPIMix and clinical routine MRI in 90% (reader 2) and 93% (reader 1). Image quality was generally rated lower for EPIMix (P < 0.001). Imaging time was 78 seconds for EPIMix and for the same contrasts 12 minutes 29 seconds for conventional 3T MRI.

Data Conclusion

EPIMix has comparable diagnostic performance (disease identification and categorization) for most patients investigated in clinical routine.

Level of Evidence 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1824–1833.
Economies of collaboration in build‐to‐model operations
Authors: Hedenstierna Carl Philip T. , Disney Stephen M. , Eyers Daniel R. , Holmström Jan , Syntetos Aris A. , Wang Xun
Published: April 2019

The direct‐from‐model and tool‐less manufacturing process of 3D printing (3DP) embodies a general‐purpose technology, facilitating capacity sharing and outsourcing. Starting from a case study of a 3DP company (Shapeways) and a new market entrant (Panalpina), we develop dynamic practices for partial outsourcing in build‐to‐model manufacturing. We propose a new outsourcing scheme, bidirectional partial outsourcing (BPO), where 3D printers share capacity by alternating between the role of outsourcer and subcontractor based on need. Coupled with order book smoothing (OBS), where orders are released gradually to production, this provides 3D printers with two distinct ways to manage demand variability. By combining demand and cost field data with an analytical model, we find that BPO improves 3DP cost efficiency and delivery performance as the number of 3DP firms in the network increases. OBS is sufficient for an established 3D printer when alternatives to in‐house manufacturing are few, or of limited capacity. Nevertheless, OBS comes at the cost of reduced responsiveness, whereas BPO shifts the cost and delivery performance frontier. Our analysis shows how BPO combined with OBS makes 3DP companies more resilient to downward movements in both demand and price levels.
Kinetic study of the OH + ethylene reaction using frequency‐modulated laser absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Lockhart James P. A. , Gross Eisen C. , Sears Trevor J. , Hall Gregory E.
Published: April 2019

The pressure dependence of the OH + C2H4 addition reaction has been investigated using frequency‐modulated laser absorption spectroscopy to monitor OH kinetics. Bimolecular rate coefficients for the title reaction are reported in argon bath gas at room temperature and total pressures ranging from 2 to 361 Torr. The pressure‐dependent rate coefficients measured here agree well with the majority of published kinetic studies under similar conditions. Previous high‐level ab initio calculations have identified a prereaction complex on the OH + C2H4 potential energy surface. The influence of this complex on the OH + C2H4 kinetics has been investigated using one‐dimensional master equation analyses of the current and previous experimental measurements.
Journal development: Why and how?
Authors: Smart Pippa
Published: April 2019

Industry knowledge, a bit of crystal ball gazing, and common sense