bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of a nomogram for melanomas with brain metastases at initial diagnosis
Authors: Liu Hong , Xu Yan‐Bo , Guo Cheng‐Cheng , Li Ming‐Xin , Ji Jia‐Li , Dong Rong‐Rong , Zhang Ling‐Ling , He Xue‐Xin
Published: October 2019

Background

Estimation of incidence and prognosis of melanomas with brain metastases (MBM) at initial diagnosis based on a large cohort is lacking in current research. This study aims to construct an effective prognostic nomogram for newly diagnosed MBM.

Materials and Methods

Patients diagnosed with melanomas from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program between 2010 and 2014 were enrolled in our study. Risk factors predicting brain metastases (BM) were identified using logistic regression analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors of overall survival (OS). Nomogram for estimating 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month OS was established based on Cox regression analysis. The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomogram were tested using C statistics, calibration plots, and Kaplan‐Meier curves.

Results

Sixty‐two thousand three hundred and sixty‐nine melanoma patients were enrolled, including 928 with BM. Sex, marital status, insurance status, subsite, surgery of primary sites, radiation, chemotherapy, bone metastases, liver metastases, and lung metastases were associated with MBM at initial diagnosis. On multivariable Cox regression, the following eight variables were incorporated in the prediction of OS: age, unmarried status, absence of surgery to primary sites or unknown, absence of radiation or unknown, absence of chemotherapy or unknown, with bone metastases, with liver metastases, and with lung metastases. The nomogram showed good predictive ability as indicated by discriminative ability and calibration, with the C statistics of 0.716 (95% CI, 0.695‐0.737).

Conclusions

The incidence and prognosis of MBM patients were well estimated in this study based on a large cohort. The nomogram performed well and could be a useful tool to predict prognosis.
Structure‐Activity Relationships Analysis of Monomeric and Polymeric Polyphenols (Quercetin, Rutin and Catechin) Obtained by Various Polymerization Methods
Authors: Latos‐Brozio Malgorzata , Masek Anna
Published: October 2019

Plant polyphenols, especially flavonoids, are active and pro‐health substances found in fruits and vegetables. Quercetin and its glycoside rutin are representatives of flavonoids, commonly found in plant products. Catechins found in large quantities in tea are also a well‐known group of natural polyphenols. These compounds are based on the structure of flavan‐3‐ol, which is why the number, positions and types of substitutions affect the scavenging of radicals and other properties. Despite some inconsistent evidence, several structure−activity relationships of monomeric flavonoids are well established in vitro. However, the relationships between the activity and other properties of the polymeric forms of flavonoids and their structures are poorly understood so far. The aim of this article is to compare the data on polymerization of quercetin, rutin and catechin, as well as to systematize knowledge about the structure−activity relationship of the polymeric forms of these compounds.
Addressing the Reproducibility of Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Marx Maximilian , Mele Andrea , Spannenberg Anke , Steinlechner Christoph , Junge Henrik , Schollhammer Philippe , Beller Matthias
Published: October 2019

Reproducibility of photocatalytic reactions, especially when conducted on small scale for improved turnover numbers with in situ formed catalysts can prove challenging. Herein, we showcase the problematic reproducibility on the example of attractive photocatalytic CO2 reduction utilizing [FeFe] hydrogenase mimics. These Fe complexes, well‐known for their application in proton reduction reactions, were combined with a heteroleptic Cu photosensitizer and produced CO/H2/HCO2H mixtures of variable constitution. However, the reactions indicated a poor reproducibility, even when conducted with well‐defined complexes. Based on our experience, we make suggestions for scientists working in the field of photocatalysis on how to address and report the reproducibility of novel photocatalytic reaction protocols. In addition, we would like to highlight the importance of studying reproducibility of novel reaction protocols, especially in the fields of photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction, where TONs are widely used as the comparable measure for catalytic activity.
A Porous and Interconnected Polypyrrole Film with High Conductivity and Ion Accessibility as Electrode for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Mao Jingwen , Liu Congcong , Cheng Chi , Zhang Weimin , Liao Xiao‐Zhen , Wang Jiulin , Li Linsen , Yang Xiaowei , He Yu‐Shi , Ma Zi‐Feng
Published: October 2019

Nanoporous electrodes with high electrical conductivity and good mechanical properties are attractive for high‐performance flexible supercapacitors. In this work, we report a flexible polypyrrole (PPy) film electrode synthesized by a modified versatile vapor‐phase polymerization (VPP) strategy. Differing from conventional VPP protocols that are likely to form smooth polymer films, it could easily engineer the PPy film with porous and interconnected structure by simply optimizing the concentration of oxidant and the polymerization time. The film electrode showed an exceptionally high electrical conductivity up to 94 S cm−1. The unique porous PPy films constructed by interconnected electronic/ionic conductive networks achieved a specific capacitance of 494 F g−1(corresponding to 836 mF cm−2) at a current density of 1 A g−1. The fabricated all‐solid‐state supercapacitor device with the PPy electrodes exhibited a specific capacitance of 300 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a high energy density of 26.67 kW kg−1. The high electrochemical performance and outstanding mechanical properties present the film electrode promising potential for flexible energy devices in various applications.
Orders of magnitude speed increase in partial least squares feature selection with new simple indexing technique for very tall data sets
Authors: Stefansson Petter , Indahl Ulf G. , Liland Kristian H. , Burud Ingunn
Published: October 2019

Feature selection is a challenging combinatorial optimization problem that tends to require a large number of candidate feature subsets to be evaluated before a satisfying solution is obtained. Because of the computational cost associated with estimating the regression coefficients for each subset, feature selection can be an immensely time‐consuming process and is often left inadequately explored. Here, we propose a simple modification to the conventional sequence of calculations involved when fitting a number of feature subsets to the same response data with partial least squares (PLS) model fitting. The modification consists in establishing the covariance matrix for the full set of features by an initial calculation and then deriving the covariance of all subsequent feature subsets solely by indexing into the original covariance matrix. By choosing this approach, which is primarily suitable for tall design matrices with significantly more rows than columns, we avoid redundant (identical) recalculations in the evaluation of different feature subsets. By benchmarking the time required to solve regression problems of various sizes, we demonstrate that the introduced technique outperforms traditional approaches by several orders of magnitude when used in conjunction with PLS modeling. In the supplementary material, we provide code for implementing the concept with kernel PLS regression.
Application of fault monitoring and diagnosis in process industry based on fourth order moment and singular value decomposition
Authors: Chang Peng , Kang Olivia , Chunhao Ding , Lu Ruiwei
Published: October 2019

Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) have been frequently used for process industry monitoring; however, their application on industrial sites is limited because they cannot be used to process data with non‐Gaussian distribution. Independent component analysis (ICA) has become a powerful modelling method for non‐Gaussian process monitoring. However, the ICA‐based modelling method has been found to contribute to double the amount of data loss in feature extraction. There are two reasons for this. First, when the PCA algorithm is used to whiten the original data, the smaller principal component is discarded. Second, when selecting independent components, some smaller independent components will be discarded according to the evaluation index. The abovementioned two data feature extraction methods may discard useful information for fault monitoring, which will inevitably lead to inaccurate fault monitoring. To solve this problem, a fault monitoring and diagnosis method based on fourth order moment (FOM) analysis and singular value decomposition (SVD) is proposed. First, the fourth order moments of each process variable were constructed separately. Then, the data space of the fourth order moments was decomposed by singular value decomposition to establish the global monitoring statistics. Finally, the contribution diagram was drawn and the fault diagnosis was performed based on the global monitoring results. The proposed method was applied to the Tennessee Eastman (TE) simulation platform, and its effectiveness and feasibility were verified by a comparison with PCA and ICA.
PROX1 is a specific and dynamic marker of sacral neural crest cells in the chicken intestine
Authors: Margarido Andreia S. , Le Guen Ludovic , Falco Amandine , Faure Sandrine , Chauvet Norbert , de Santa Barbara Pascal
Published: October 2019

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex network constituted of neurons and glial cells that ensures the intrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract. ENS cells originate from vagal and sacral neural crest cells that are initially located at the border of the neural tube. In birds, sacral neural crest cells (sNCCs) first give rise to an extramural ganglionated structure (the so‐called Nerve of Remak [NoR]) and to the pelvic plexus. Later, sNCCs enter the colon mesenchyme to colonize and contribute to the intrinsic innervation of the caudal part of the gut. However, no specific sNCC marker has been described. Here, we report the expression pattern of prospero‐related homeobox 1 (PROX1) in the developing chick colon. PROX1 is a homeobox domain transcription factor that plays a role in cell type specification in various tissues. Using in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence techniques, we showed that PROX1 is expressed in sNCCs localized in the NoR and in the pelvic plexus. Then, using real‐time quantitative PCR we found that PROX1 displays a strong and highly dynamic expression pattern during NoR development. Moreover, we demonstrated using in vivo cell tracing, that sNCCs are the source of the PROX1‐positive cells within the NoR. Our results indicate that PROX1 is the first marker that specifically identifies sNCCs. This might help to better identify the role of the different neural crest cell populations in distal gut innervation, and consequently to improve the diagnosis of diseases linked to incomplete ENS formation, such as Hirschsprung's disease.
Not just thinking, but believing: Obsessive beliefs and domains of cognitive fusion in the prediction of OCD symptom dimensions
Authors: Hellberg Samantha N. , Buchholz Jennifer L. , Twohig Michael P. , Abramowitz Jonathan S.
Published: October 2019

Cognitive fusion (CF) involves the tendency to “buy in” to thoughts and feelings and consists of three empirically established domains: somatic concerns, emotion regulation, and negative evaluation. CF is hypothesized to play a role in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The present study examined how well the CF domains, relative to traditional cognitive–behavioural constructs (i.e., obsessive beliefs such as inflated responsibility), predict OCD symptoms. Fifty‐two treatment‐seeking adults with OCD completed self‐report measures of CF, obsessive beliefs, OCD symptoms, and general distress. Domains of CF were differentially associated with the responsibility for harm, symmetry, and unacceptable thoughts of OCD dimensions; yet after accounting for obsessive beliefs, only the negative evaluation domain of CF significantly predicted symmetry OCD symptoms. Obsessive beliefs significantly predicted all OCD dimensions except for contamination. These findings provide additional support for existing cognitive–behavioural models of OCD across symptom dimensions, with the exception of contamination symptoms, and suggest that the believability of thoughts and feelings about negative evaluation adds to the explanation of symmetry symptoms. Conceptual and treatment implications, study limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Di‐π‐Methane Rearrangement of Dibenzobarrelene Derivatives
Authors: Schlosser Julika , Cibulka Radek , Groß Philipp , Ihmels Heiko , Mohrschladt Christian J.
Published: October 2019

It is demonstrated that the di‐π‐methane (DPM) rearrangement of carbonyl‐substituted dibenzobarrelene (9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐ethenoanthracene) derivatives is induced by visible‐light‐induced triplet photosensitization with Ir(ppy)3, Ir(dFppy)3 or 1‐butyl‐7,8‐dimethoxy‐3‐methylalloxazine as catalysts, whereas derivatives that lack carbonyl substituents are photoinert under these conditions. Notably, the products are formed almost quantitatively.
Pyrazolium Phase‐Change Materials for Solar‐Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Matuszek Karolina , Vijayaraghavan R. , Forsyth Craig M. , Mahadevan Surianarayanan , Kar Mega , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: October 2019

Thermal energy storage technology utilizing phase‐change materials (PCMs) can be a promising solution for the intermittency of renewable energy sources. This work describes a novel family of PCMs based on the pyrazolium cation, that operate in the 100–200 °C temperature range, offering safe, inexpensive capacity and low supercooling. Thermal stability and extensive cycling tests of the most promising PCM candidate, pyrazolium mesylate (Tm=168±1 °C, ΔHf=160 J g−1±5 %, ΔHtotalv=495 MJ m−3±5 %) show potential for its use in thermal storage applications. Additionally, this work discusses the molecular origins of the high thermal energy storage capacity of these ionic materials based on their crystal structures, revealing the importance of hydrogen bonds in PCM performance.
Monitoring presence and abundance of two gyrodactylid ectoparasites and their salmonid hosts using environmental DNA
Authors: Fossøy Frode , Brandsegg Hege , Sivertsgård Rolf , Pettersen Oskar , Sandercock Brett K. , Solem Øyvind , Hindar Kjetil , Mo Tor Atle
Published: October 2019

Background

Invasive species represent a major challenge for the conservation of biodiversity. The invasive ectoparasitic fluke Gyrodactylus salaris is considered one of the major threats to the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and the parasite has so far been detected in 50 rivers in Norway.

Aims

We investigate environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for detecting and assessing relative abundance of G. salaris and Atlantic salmon, upstream and downstream of a recently constructed artificial migration barrier in the River Driva in Norway. In addition, we also use eDNA to assess abundance of the less pathogenic G. derjavinoides and its main host, the brown trout (S. trutta).

Material & Methods

We filtered 1 L and 10 L of water through a 0.45 μm cellulose filter and a 2.0 μm glass fiber filter, respectively, at nine different localities along the river. Concentrations of eDNA were assessed using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and compared to parasite abundance based on conventional methodology using electrofishing and the counting of individual parasites on juvenile salmon.

Results

All four species could successfully be detected from water samples using two different protocols varying in sample volumes, filter types, and DNA‐isolation methods. However, eDNA‐occupancy modeling revealed that the probability of detecting the two gyrodactylid species was higher when filtering 10 L water through a 2.0 μm glass fiber filter (p > .99) than when filtering 1 L water through a 0.45 μm cellulose filter (p = .48–.78). The eDNA concentrations of the two fish species were markedly higher below the migration barrier, reflecting the expected higher biomass of fish. For the two gyrodactylid parasites, eDNA concentrations showed a peak upstream of the migration barrier and decreased below the migration barrier. The observed pattern was consistent with parasite abundance based on conventional methodology.

Discussion

Assessing abundance in rivers using eDNA is challenging and potentially influenced by downstream accumulation and dilution from tributaries, but our results suggest that G. salaris eDNA concentrations were indicative of parasite abundance.

Conclusion

We conclude that eDNA is an efficient way of monitoring gyrodactylid parasites and their salmonid hosts, and we suggest that eDNA should be incorporated into future monitoring of G. salaris.
Total Asymmetric Synthesis of (+)‐Paroxetine and (+)‐Femoxetine
Authors: Szcześniak Piotr , Buda Szymon , Lefevre Laura , Staszewska‐Krajewska Olga , Mlynarski Jacek
Published: October 2019

Total, asymmetric synthesis of (+)‐Paroxetine and (+)‐Femoxetine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and panic disorders is reported. The key step is organocatalytic Michael addition of aldehydes to trans‐nitroalkenes realized in bath or continues flow. High efficiency and selectivity in the Michael addition was achieved by application of Wang resin‐supported Hayashi–Jørgensen catalyst.
Event‐scale pebble mobility observed by RFID tracking in a pre‐Alpine stream: a field laboratory
Authors: Ivanov Vladislav , Radice Alessio , Papini Monica , Longoni Laura
Published: October 2019

Understanding coarse sediment transport is crucial for the prediction of sediment migration and the consequent development of fluvial morphologies. In this study, cobble displacements in a pre‐Alpine creek have been recorded by means of radio frequency identification (RFID). Pebble monitoring has been systematically performed after each rainfall event with moderate precipitation, in order to exclude the superimposition of sediment displacements induced by triggering factors acting at different times. The analysis of the collected data was carried out through the application of both a principal component analysis and the Buckingham Π theorem. The experimental trends were interpreted considering the ratio of mobile pebbles, the pebbles' displacement and virtual velocity as the dependent variables. These quantities mostly depend on the event peak discharge, with a nonlinear increase of the travelled distance and a growth of up to two orders of magnitude of the virtual velocity (for an approximately 10× increase in peak discharge). An inverse dependency of the virtual velocity on the event duration was also observed. A comparison of the results obtained with those from laboratory investigations of bedload transport mechanics evidenced the differences in parametric trends associated with sediment mobility in the two environments. This contrast brings forward the combination of multiple drivers of sediment mobility, such as local morphology, sediment dimensions and flow unsteadiness, warranting a further in‐depth investigation. Representation of results in a dimensionless form is suggested as a good practice to analyse data from case studies characterized by different scales. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The moderator effect of age in the association between mood and adiposity in the elderly is specific for the subcutaneous adipose compartment: An MRI study
Authors: Portugal‐Nunes Carlos , Castanho Teresa Costa , Moreira Pedro Silva , Magalhães Ricardo , Marques Paulo , Costa Patrício , Palha Joana Almeida , Sousa Nuno , Santos Nadine Correia , Bessa João Miguel
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The positive association between obesity and depressive mood in young‐ and middle‐age individuals is a phenomenon with major clinical implications in public health. Interestingly, the trend of this association in older individuals is not clear, given the conflicting results of multiple studies. Since aging is accompanied by changes in body fat distribution, we questioned whether age is a modulator of such association. This study explores the role of age in the association between mood and general (body mass index [BMI]) and abdominal adiposity (waist circumference [WC]) in older adults characterizing the different abdominal adipose tissue compartments (subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT] and visceral adipose tissue [VAT]) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.

Methods

One hundred twenty aged community‐dwelling individuals (≥50 y of age) were assessed regarding depressive mood (Geriatric Depression Scale) and adiposity (BMI and WC). From these, 96 were assessed for SAT and VAT using MRI.

Results

Using multiple linear regression models, depressive mood was positively associated with BMI, WC, and VAT. Age was a significant moderator of the association between depressive mood and BMI, WC, and SAT: positive in younger participants and null or negative in older participants. On the other hand, higher VAT was significantly associated with a more depressive mood, independently of age.

Conclusions

This study identifies age as a relevant moderator in the association between depressive mood and adiposity in the elderlies. Furthermore, the body fat compartment analysis revealed that the effect of age is specific for the SAT, suggesting its protective role in depressive mood.
Cost‐consequence analysis of an intervention for the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in young‐onset dementia: Results from the BEYOND‐II study
Authors: van Duinen‐van den IJssel Jeannette C.L. , Bakker Christian , Smalbrugge Martin , Zwijsen Sandra A. , Adang Eddy , Appelhof Britt , Zuidema Sytse U. , de Vugt Marjolein E. , Verhey Frans R.J. , Koopmans Raymond T.C.M.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐consequences of an intervention for the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in nursing home residents with young‐onset dementia.

Methods

A stepped wedge design was used. The intervention consisted of an educational program and a multidisciplinary care program and was implemented in 13 nursing homes from September 2015 to March 2017. Costs' outcomes included the time investment of the elderly care physician and health care psychologists regarding the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms, residents' psychotropic drug use, nursing staff absenteeism, and costs of the educational program. Composite cost measure contained the sum of costs of staff absenteeism, costs on psychotropic drugs, and costs of the educational program. Costs of time investment were investigated by comparing means. Costs of psychotropic drug use were analyzed with mixed models at resident level and as part of the composite cost measure on unit level. Staff absenteeism was also analyzed at unit level.

Results

Compared with care as usual, the mean costs of time invested decreased with €36.79 for the elderly care physician but increased with €46.05 for the health care psychologist in the intervention condition. Mixed model analysis showed no effect of the intervention compared with care as usual on the costs of psychotropic drug use, staff absenteeism, and the composite cost measure. The costs of the educational program were on average €174.13 per resident.

Conclusion

The intervention did not result in increased costs compared with care as usual. Other aspects, such as the lack of a structured working method, should be taken into account when considering implementation of the intervention.
Inter‐annual simulation of global carbon cycle variations in a terrestrial–aquatic continuum
Authors: Nakayama Tadanobu
Published: October 2019

The advanced process‐based model, National Integrated Catchment‐based Eco‐hydrology (NICE)‐BGC, which incorporates the whole process of carbon cycling in land, was modified to include the feedback between soil organic content and overland carbon fluxes. It is a crucial and difficult task to evaluate the balance of the terrestrial carbon budget including the effect of inland water robustly. To accomplish this purpose, NICE‐BGC was applied to quantify the global biogeochemical carbon cycle closely associated with the complex hydrological cycle during the 36 years between 1980 and 2015. The model demonstrated that the inter‐annual variations of carbon cycle have been greatly affected by the extreme weather patterns. In particular, spatial distribution of temporal trends in riverine carbon fluxes and their relation to soil organic carbon (SOC) were analysed between different biomes and major river basins. Although there was a positive relationship between SOC and riverine flux of dissolved organic carbon and particulate organic carbon in the northern boreal region, it is difficult to see this relation in other regions. Further, the evaluation of potential controlling factors of temporal trends in SOC and fluvial carbon exports was also helpful to quantify the inter‐annual variation or temporal trend caused by the various effects. SOC was more influenced by temperature variations, whereas riverine carbon exports were mainly determined by precipitation variations. Finally, net land flux including inland water (−1.49 ± 0.50 PgC/year) showed a slight decrease in the carbon sink in comparison with previous values (−2.33 ± 0.50 PgC/year). These results help to distinguish the carbon cycle in different river basins and to re‐evaluate carbon cycle change explicitly including the effect of inland water because this effect has been so far implicitly included within the range of uncertainty in the Earth's global carbon cycle comprising land, oceans, and atmosphere.
Predictors of postoperative overall and severe complications after surgical treatment for endometrial cancer: The role of the fragility index
Authors: Giannini Andrea , Di Donato Violante , Schiavi Michele C. , May James , Panici Pierluigi Benedetti , Congiu Mario A.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the predictive value of obesity, comorbidities, and fragility on overall and severe complication rate and survival among patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer.

Methods

Consecutive patients with endometrial cancer treated at the Royal Infirmary Hospital of Edinburgh from June 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017, were retrospectively enrolled in an observational study. Considering pre‐existing medical conditions, comorbidities, and complications, modified fragility index (mFI) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predicting variables of overall (G1–G4) and severe (G3–G4) complication rate.

Results

One hundred patients were surgically treated for endometrial cancer. Elevated mFI >3 was related to a statistically higher access rate to the high dependency unit (HDU) or intensive care unit (ITU) (33.3% vs 6.6%, P=0.013). Overall, 31 women had postoperative complications. Using multivariate analysis, it was shown that undergoing laparotomy (odds ratio [OR] 7.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.52–19.71; P<0.001) and having an mFI >3 (OR 7.19, 95% CI 1.43–36.25; P=0.021) were independent predictors of overall complications (G1–G4). Moreover, only smoking (OR 5.01, 95% CI 1.15–21.75; P=0.031) and mFI >3 (OR 5.16, 95% CI 1.07–24.94; P=0.047) were independent factors for severe complications (G3–G4).

Conclusion

Modified fragility index was an important predictor of complications among patients treated for endometrial cancer and could be a useful tool for assisting clinicians in perioperative management.
A benefits framework for public access ICT4D programmes
Authors: Uys Corrie , Pather Shaun
Published: October 2019

There have been expectations across the developing world that information and communications technologies (ICTs) will deliver benefits to marginalised people. Despite many programmes related to the promotion of Internet uptake and usage amongst poorer communities, evidence regarding such benefit is lacking, and there is little agreement in respect of frameworks and metrics to evaluate the benefits thereof. This paper reports on a case study that investigated the nature of a public access information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) programme and presents a framework for assessing the associated benefits in the South African context. The capability approach is used as a lens to assess the process of providing opportunities to ordinary citizens through ICT access and use. By operationalising agency and conversion factors, the study identified inhibitors and enhancers of opportunities and choices in realising benefits. Through the application of a critical realism paradigm and a mixed method analytical approach, perceptions of a changed life, aspirations for a better life, and “hope” emerged as key intangible benefits. The paper presents an ICT benefits framework, which serves as an important contribution to the ICT4D evaluation field. A novel outcome of the study is that it provides evidence of constructs that to date have been considered as intangible benefits in the literature.
Photobiomodulation therapy for repeated closed head injury in rats
Authors: Yang Baocheng , Xu Juanyong , Li Yong , Dong Yan , Li Yuyu , Tucker Lorelei , Yang Luodan , Zong Xuemei , Wu Chongyun , Xu Tie , Hu Shuqun , Zhang Quanguang , Yan Xianliang
Published: October 2019

Repeated traumatic brain injury, leads to cumulative neuronal injury and neurological impairments. There are currently no effective treatments to prevent these consequences. Growing interest is building in the use of transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy to treat traumatic brain injury. Here, we examined PBM in a repeated closed head injury (rCHI) rat model. Rats were administered a total of three closed head injuries, with each injury separated by 5 days. PBM treatment was initiated 2 hours after the first injury and administered daily for a total of 15 days. We found that PBM‐treated rCHI rats had a significant reduction in motor ability, anxiety and cognitive deficits compared to CHI group. PBM group showed an increase of synaptic proteins and surviving neurons, along with a reduction in reactive gliosis and neuronal injury. These findings highlight the complexity of gliosis and neuronal injury following rCHI and suggest that PBM may be a viable treatment option to mitigate these effects and their detrimental consequences.
A Facile and Effective Procedure for Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Bis (imidazolyl) Pyrrole/Imidazolyl Indole from Pyrrole/Indole with Arylglyoxals and N‐aryl amidines
Authors: Masoudi Mozhgan , Shahbazi‐Manshadi Mohammad Reza , Anary‐Abbasinejad Mohammad
Published: October 2019

Heterocyclic systems containing bis (imidazolyl) pyrrole or imidazolyl indole moieties were synthesized by heterocyclization of pyrrole or indole with arylglyoxal monohydrates and N‐aryl amidines in ethanol catalyzed by FeCl3 at room temperature. The paper reports a facile, efficient, and environmentally friendly protocol for the synthesis of new products. Products were isolated by simple filtration, and their structures were established from their spectroscopic data.
Practical one‐pot, two‐step protocol for the ultrasound‐assisted synthesis of new mono‐ and bis‐pyrrolidine‐2,5‐diones containing sulfonamide moiety
Authors: Alioua Sabrina , Bougheloum Chafika , Benali Nesma , Messalhi Abdelrani
Published: October 2019

A simple and efficient preparation of novel series of mono‐ and bis‐pyrrolidine‐2,5‐diones containing sulfonamide moiety was described. The strategy involved sequential one‐pot sulfonylation‐nucleophilic substitution procedure and was found effective under ultrasound activation and used for the first time. This approach allows the synthesis of products in good to excellent yields in short reaction time.
Grazing pressure interacts with aridity to determine the development and diversity of biological soil crusts in Patagonian rangelands
Authors: Velasco Ayuso Sergio , Oñatibia Gastón R. , Maestre Fernando T. , Yahdjian Laura
Published: October 2019

Grazing is directly related to land degradation and desertification in global drylands. Grazing impacts on vascular plants, reasonably well‐known, depend on its intensity and are modulated by local aridity conditions. However, we do not know how the interplay of grazing intensity and aridity affect biocrusts, topsoil assemblages dominated by cyanobacteria, lichens, and mosses that provide key ecosystem services in drylands. Here, we determined how grazing affects biomass, total cover, and richness of biocrust structural types across a regional aridity gradient in the Patagonian steppe. On average, grazing by sheep reduced biocrust biomass, total cover and richness of structural types by 55, 90, and 59%, respectively. In general, high grazing pressures had a larger impact on biocrusts than moderate or light grazing pressures. For example, biocrust cover was reduced by 85, 89, and 98% by light, moderate, and high grazing pressures, respectively. Although a slightly different response to grazing was observed under low aridity conditions, these more benign climatic conditions did not compensate for the negative effects of trampling by domestic animals on biocrusts. Nonetheless, estimated biocrust recovery rates under medium aridity conditions were faster than previously thought: it took 24, 18, and 58 years to double biocrust biomass, total cover, and richness of structural types. Sheep cannot be just removed in Patagonian rangelands because the production of meat and wool represents the main local economic activity. But landowners must consider our results to protect the ecosystem functions and services provided by biocrusts for future generations to come.
Development of Polymer Coacersome Structure with Enhanced Colloidal Stability for Therapeutic Protein Delivery
Authors: Jo Heejung , Gajendiran Mani , Kim Kyobum
Published: October 2019

Poly(ethylene arginyl aspartate diglyceride) (PEAD) polycation is widely used to prepare coacervate particles by electrostatic complexation with an anionic heparin (HEP) in aqueous environments, for controlled release of therapeutic proteins. However, coacervate complexes aggregate randomly due to particle–particle charge interactions. Herein, a new term “coacersome” is introduced to represent a stable polyplex formed by complexation of mPEGylated PEAD and HEP. Methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG)‐b‐cationic PEAD diblock copolymers are synthesized and complexed with HEP to create a stable “coacersome” structure. Water‐soluble mPEG moiety assembles on the surface of coacersomes in aqueous conditions and creates a steric barrier to avoid aggregation of coacersomes. The coacersomes are able to maintain their initial spherical morphology and size for longer durations in the presence of competing ions, such as 0.3 m NaCl. Additionally, the coacersomes exhibit biocompatibility toward human dermal fibroblasts, a high loading efficiency (>96%) for encapsulation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2), and a sustained release profile up to 28 days. The BMP‐2‐loaded coacersomes further exhibit increased osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The developed coacersome structures have the potential to be utilized as effective carriers for therapeutic protein delivery.
Do mergers and acquisitions improve firms' financial performance? The case of the U.S. generic drug industry
Authors: Trujillo Antonio J. , Garcia‐Morales Emmanuel E. , Kabarriti Gabriel , Anderson Gerard
Published: October 2019

This paper examines the financial performance of all mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving publicly traded companies that occurred in the U.S. generic drug industry from 1996 to 2017. The control group was chosen using a nearest neighbor matching procedure. Our empirical strategy controls for unobservable firm‐specific fixed effects as well M&A fixed effects. Our findings suggest that profit levels do not change significantly following M&As, but total revenues decline after M&As. Firms undergoing an M&A cut operating expenses but not through reduction in labor expenses or number of employees.
Parameter optimization framework on wave gradients of Wave‐CAIPI imaging
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Qiu Zhilang , Su Shi , Jia Sen , Li Ye , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To propose a parameter optimization framework on wave gradients of Wave‐CAIPI imaging for decreasing g‐factor penalty and reducing reconstruction artifacts.

Theory and Methods

The influences of parameters on g‐factor are theoretically analyzed. The average g‐factor is chosen as a metric for parameter optimization, and then a fast calculation method is proposed to approximately and ultra‐fast calculate the average g‐factor. Based on this, a set of points in the function of the average g‐factor with respect to the wave gradient parameters is calculated, and the optimal wave gradient parameters are found according to these points.

Results

In vivo human brain experiments were performed on 3T MR scanners for the comparison experiments. The results show that the proposed parameter optimization framework is able to efficiently obtain optimal wave gradient parameters, which can achieve decreased g‐factor penalty and less artifacts of reconstructions than the empirical parameters.

Conclusion

The proposed parameter optimization framework is computationally efficient and can optimize the wave gradient parameters of Wave‐CAIPI imaging for better image quality than before.
MEGA‐PRESS of GABA+: Influences of acquisition parameters
Authors: Deelchand Dinesh K. , Marjańska Małgorzata , Henry Pierre‐Gilles , Terpstra Melissa
Published: October 2019

γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) was the first molecule that was edited with MEGA‐PRESS. GABA edited spectroscopy is challenged by limited selectivity of editing pulses. Coediting of resonances from macromolecules (MM) is the greatest single limitation of GABA edited spectroscopy. In this contribution, relative signal contributions from GABA, MM and homocarnosine to the total MEGA‐PRESS edited signal at ~3 ppm, i.e., GABA+, are simulated at 3 tesla using several acquisition schemes. The base scheme is modeled after those currently supplied by vendors: it uses typical pulse shapes and lengths, it minimizes the first echo time (TE), and the delay between the editing pulses is kept at TE/2. Edited spectra are simulated for imperfect acquisition parameters such as incorrect frequency, larger chemical shift displacement, incorrect transmit B1‐field calibration for localization and editing pulses, and longer TE. An alternative timing scheme and longer editing pulses are also considered. Additional simulations are performed for symmetric editing around the MM frequency to suppress the MM signal. The relative influences of these acquisition parameters on the constituents of GABA+ are examined from the perspective of modern experimental designs for investigating brain GABA concentration differences in healthy and diseased humans. Other factors that influence signal contributions, such as T1 and T2 relaxation times are also considered.
Possible neurogenic disorder in a female buried in the monastic cemetery at Ghazali (ca. 670–1270 CE), northern Sudan
Authors: Ciesielska Joanna A. , Stark Robert J.
Published: October 2019

During the archaeological excavations of a Christian monastic cemetery in northern Sudan, a double‐vaulted tomb was discovered housing the remains of three individuals, among them a 50+‐year‐old female. The skeletal remains of this individual displayed significant asymmetry of the lower limbs, with apparent muscle atrophy and shortening of the left extremity, in combination with other symptoms suggestive of a neurogenic background of the condition. This paper presents a differential assessment, considering various possible etiologies of the observed lesions, including poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, and Rasmussen's encephalitis. The morphology and patterning of the observed lesions suggest the first known occurrence of poliomyelitis from medieval Sudanese contexts.
Anesthetic management of children with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis
Authors: Qiu Yongsheng , Zhao Liyuan , Yao Dongdong , Jia Yingping
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Congenital analgesia is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease. The primary damage of congenital analgesia is central structure damage of comprehensive pain perception.

Case presentation

A 1‐year‐old Han Chinese boy was admitted to hospital because of a tongue bite. He had no response to noxious stimulation of the body surface and was diagnosed with congenital analgesia. A small dose of remifentanil was intravenously injected during anesthetic induction to reduce the stress response caused by endotracheal intubation. A certain depth of anesthesia should be guaranteed during anesthetic induction and surgery to alleviate the stress response induced by endotracheal intubation and the operation.

Conclusion

Opioid analgesics are not required for general anesthesia in patient with congenital insensitivity to pain. With a heat dissipation barrier in patients with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis, body temperature, end‐tidal carbon dioxide and bispectral index should be monitored.
Epidemiology and treatment of beta thalassemia major in China
Authors: Xu Xiaoxiao , Wu Xuedong
Published: October 2019

Thalassemia, classified as the main types α‐ and β‐thalassemia, is a single gene disorder resulting from globin chain synthesis impairment through the mutation or deletion of globin genes. The incidence of thalassemia is high worldwide, with high associated mortality. Therefore, treatment is important to improve patient outcomes. This paper reviews the current status of β‐thalassemia major in China, including its epidemiology and treatment.
Distribution and risk factor analysis for Clostridium difficile‐associated diarrhea among hospitalized children over one year of age
Authors: Zhao Chunna , Guo Shu , Jia Xiaoyun , Xu Xiwei
Published: October 2019

Importance

Clostridium difficile‐associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a severe type of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea (AAD). However, the risk factors for CDAD in children with AAD have not yet been clarified.

Objective

To investigate the distribution and risk factors for CDAD among hospitalized children in Beijing Children’s Hospital.

Methods

Stool samples from 197 children with AAD were tested for the C. difficile pathogenic genes (tcdA, tcdB, tcdC, tcdD, tcdE, cdtA, and cdtB) using polymerase chain reaction between January 2011 and January 2014. Children who tested positive for tcdA or tcdB were included in the CDAD group, and those remaining comprised the non‐CDAD group.

Results

The rate of CDAD among the 197 children with AAD was 42.6% (84/197). The age distribution was 1–15.6 years, among which the majority of children (54.8%, 46/84) were aged 1–4 years. Differences in the CDAD‐positive rates among AAD children belonging to different age groups were not statistically significant. Univariate analysis revealed that the duration of antibiotic therapy, the length of hospitalization prior to diarrhea, and gastrointestinal tract operations were significant risk factors (P < 0.05). Children with CDAD underwent more antibiotic therapy and had longer periods of hospitalization prior to diarrhea onset than children in the non‐CDAD group. Using multivariate regression analysis, hospitalization for ≥ 10 days prior to diarrhea was found to be an independent risk factor for CDAD.

Interpretation

This study revealed that the length of hospitalization (≥ 10 days) prior to diarrhea was an independent risk factor for CDAD in children with AAD.
Scalable Data Analysis in Proteomics and Metabolomics Using BioContainers and Workflows Engines
Authors: Perez‐Riverol Yasset , Moreno Pablo
Published: October 2019

The recent improvements in mass spectrometry instruments and new analytical methods are increasing the intersection between proteomics and big data science. In addition, bioinformatics analysis is becoming increasingly complex and convoluted, involving multiple algorithms and tools. A wide variety of methods and software tools have been developed for computational proteomics and metabolomics during recent years, and this trend is likely to continue. However, most of the computational proteomics and metabolomics tools are designed as single‐tiered software application where the analytics tasks cannot be distributed, limiting the scalability and reproducibility of the data analysis. In this paper the key steps of metabolomics and proteomics data processing, including the main tools and software used to perform the data analysis, are summarized. The combination of software containers with workflows environments for large‐scale metabolomics and proteomics analysis is discussed. Finally, a new approach for reproducible and large‐scale data analysis based on BioContainers and two of the most popular workflow environments, Galaxy and Nextflow, is introduced to the proteomics and metabolomics communities.
MALDI–MS Profiling to Address Honey Bee Health Status under Bacterial Challenge through Computational Modeling
Authors: Arafah Karim , Voisin Sébastien Nicolas , Masson Victor , Alaux Cédric , Le Conte Yves , Bocquet Michel , Bulet Philippe
Published: October 2019

Honey bees play a critical role in the maintenance of plant biodiversity and sustainability of food webs. In the past few decades, bees have been subjected to biotic and abiotic threats causing various colony disorders. Therefore, monitoring solutions to help beekeepers to improve bee health are necessary. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–mass spectrometry (MALDI–MS) profiling has emerged within this decade as a powerful tool to identify in routine micro‐organisms and is currently used in real‐time clinical diagnosis. MALDI BeeTyping is developed to monitor significant hemolymph molecular changes in honey bees upon infection with a series of entomopathogenic Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria. A Serratia marcescens strain isolated from one naturally infected honey bee collected from the field is also considered. A series of hemolymph molecular mass fingerprints is individually recorded and to the authors' knowledge, the first computational model harboring a predictive score of 97.92% and made of nine molecular signatures that discriminate and classify the honey bees’ systemic response to the bacteria is built. Hence, the model is challenged by classifying a training set of hemolymphs and an overall recognition of 91.93% is obtained. Through this work, a novel, time and cost saving high‐throughput strategy that addresses honey bee health on an individual scale is introduced.