bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirically Supported Out-of-the-Box Strategies for Science Communication by Environmental Scientists
Authors: Langan Laura M , Cheng Yuanyuan , Hunka Agnieszka D
Published: March 2019

Scientists are expected to communicate their research to a wide audience, while often lacking appreciable training. Environmental science poses many value-laden and ethical questions. This necessitates the identification and use of specific strategies or guidelines, which encourage 2-way communication and enable trust in both the experts and the scientific results. The objective of this paper is to give environmental scientists tools for effective science communication based on sound scientific evidence that does not require further specialization in communication studies. Using common scientific search engines in Europe, scientific communication literature that met specific parameters was identified. The summarized data contextualize the importance of science communication in environmental sciences but also highlight the need of scientists for communication experts to aid in establishing objectives for particularly complex topics and audiences. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:499–504. © 2019 SETAC
Estimating the Mass of Chemicals Associated with Ocean Plastic Pollution to Inform Mitigation Efforts
Authors: De Frond Hannah L , van Sebille Erik , Parnis J Mark , Diamond Miriam L , Mallos Nicholas , Kingsbury Tony , Rochman Chelsea M
Published: March 2019

Plastic pollution in the marine environment is well documented. What remains less recognized and understood are the chemicals associated with it. Plastics enter the ocean with unreacted monomers, oligomers, and additives, which can leach over time. Moreover, plastics sorb organic and inorganic chemicals from surrounding seawater, for example, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals. Thus, interception and cleanup of plastics reduces the amount of chemical contaminants entering or reentering the oceans and removes those already present. Here, we estimate 1) the mass of selected chemical additives entering the global oceans with common plastic debris items, and 2) the mass of sorbed chemicals (using PCBs as a case study) associated with microplastics in selected locations. We estimate the mass of additives that entered the oceans in 2015 as constituents of 7 common plastic debris items (bottles, bottle caps, expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers, cutlery, grocery bags, food wrappers, and straws or stirrers). We calculate that approximately 190 tonnes (t) of 20 chemical additives entered the oceans with these items in 2015. We also estimate the mass of PCBs associated with microplastics in 2 coastal (Hong Kong and Hawaii) and 2 open ocean (North Pacific and South Atlantic gyres) locations, as comparative case studies. We find that the mass of chemicals is related to the mass of plastics in a location, with greater mass of PCBs closer to the source (i.e., land), where there is more plastic per unit area compared to the open ocean. We estimate approximately 85 000 times more PCBs associated with plastics in an average 4.5-km stretch of beach in Hong Kong than from the same size transect in the North Pacific gyre. In conclusion, continuing efforts for plastic interception and cleanup on shorelines effectively reduces the amount of plastic-related chemicals entering and/or reentering the marine environment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:596–606. © 2019 SETAC
“Too big to fail”? The Agrokor case and its impact on West Balkan economies
Authors: Djuric Djuro , Jovanovic Vladimir
Published: March 2019

From about April 2017, Agrokor became the main economic topic in the Balkans. Once the greatest pride of the Croatian economy, it became a serious problem for its government. Its systemic importance for the country and the region required an immediate legislative solution. The Government had Parliament pass a special law intended to save this company. The special law on the procedure of extraordinary administration in companies of systemic importance adopted in April 2017 is an interesting example, because it introduced a new insolvency procedure titled “extraordinary administration” clearly following the example of the Italian Legge Marzano, which was adopted in order to save the Parmalat group in 2003. It also represents an example of a collision of legislation in the case of cross‐border insolvency proceedings inside and outside of the European Union, where different jurisdictions have diverging standpoints on the question of its recognition as a foreign insolvency procedure. However, once the rescue proceedings began, numerous (and some dubious) interests of the different stakeholders came to the light. The government tried not only to rescue the company and its assets throughout the Balkans region but also to acquire control of it. This was especially visible through the prerogatives of the extraordinary commissioner, formally appointed by the court, but in fact a government official. Creditors at risk, mainly Russian and Italian banks, filed lawsuits to prevent the selling of the debtor's assets. At the end, the majority creditors called to vote on the settlement agreement became the new owners of the company. However, Agrokor is still far from the end of the crisis. It has more than 60,000 employees in the region and their destiny depends on the outcome of the crisis. In more recent times, the case also revealed major political scandals.
Preexisting musculoskeletal burden and its development under letrozole treatment in early breast cancer patients
Authors: Nabieva Naiba , Häberle Lothar , Brucker Sara Y. , Janni Wolfgang , Volz Bernhard , Loehberg Christian R. , Hartkopf Andreas D. , Walter Christina‐Barbara , Baake Gerold , Fridman Alexander , Malter Wolfram , Wuerstlein Rachel , Harbeck Nadia , Hoffmann Oliver , Kuemmel Sherko , Martin Bernhard , Thomssen Christoph , Graf Heiko , Wolf Christopher , Lux Michael P. , Bayer Christian M. , Rauh Claudia , Hack Carolin C. , Almstedt Katrin , Gass Paul , Heindl Felix , Brodkorb Tobias , Lindner Christoph , Kolberg Hans‐Christian , Krabisch Petra , Weigel Michael , Steinfeld‐Birg Dieter , Kohls Andreas , Brucker Cosima , Schulz Volker , Fischer Gunnar , Pelzer Volker , Rack Brigitte , Beckmann Matthias W. , Fehm Tanja , Rody Achim , Maass Nicolai , Hein Alexander , Fasching Peter A.
Published: March 2019

One of the most common adverse events (AEs) occurring during treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is musculoskeletal pain. The aim of our study was to analyze the influence of preexisting muscle/limb pain and joint pain on the development of AI‐induced musculoskeletal AEs. Women eligible for upfront adjuvant endocrine therapy with letrozole were included in the PreFace study, a multicenter phase IV trial. During the first treatment year, they were asked to record musculoskeletal AEs monthly by answering questions regarding pain symptoms and rating the pain intensity on a numeric rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (very strong pain). Pain values were compared using nonparametric statistical tests. Overall, 1,416 patients were evaluable. The average pain value over all time points in women with preexisting muscle/limb pain was 4.3 (median 4.3); in those without preexisting pain, it was 2.0 (median 1.7). In patients without preexisting muscle/limb pain, pain levels increased relatively strongly within the first 6 months (mean increase +0.9, p < 0.00001) in comparison with those with preexisting pain (mean increase +0.3, p < 0.001), resulting in a statistically significant difference (p < 0.00001) between the two groups. The development of joint pain was similar in the two groups. Women without preexisting muscle/limb pain or joint pain have the greatest increase in pain after the start of adjuvant AI therapy. Women with preexisting pain have significantly higher pain values. The main increase in pain values takes place during the first 6 months of treatment.
Tunable model promoters in DFT simulations of catalysts
Authors: Mahler Andrew , Panno Kassidy , Janesko Benjamin G. , Moncho Salvador , Brothers Edward N.
Published: March 2019

Promoter atoms can tune a catalyst's activity and selectivity by transferring charge to and from the active site. Rational design of promoted catalysts, using density functional theory calculations, is today limited by the need to simulate many catalyst and promoter configurations. We present a simple approximation that rapidly captures some trends in promoter effects, at a cost of complexity comparable with simulating unpromoted catalysts. Negative (positive) noninteger point charges introduced into the catalyst simulate how electropositive (electronegative) promoters might affect each predicted intermediate. Calculations return Sabatier plots, relating promoters' predicted efficacy to readily measured properties such as catalyst work functions. We illustrate our approach for two reactions associated with the Fischer–Tropsch process, hydrogen–deuterium scrambling, and carbon monoxide dissociation over ruthenium. Consistent with experiment, electropositive promoters are predicted to accelerate hydrogen scrambling and unassisted CO dissociation. Simulations also provide a new prediction: electronegative promoters accelerate hydrogen‐assisted CO dissociation over hydrogen‐precovered surfaces by stabilizing the initial CO adsorption. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel Bis(2‐cyanoketene‐S,S‐/S,N‐acetals): Versatile Precursors for Novel Bis(aminopyrazole) Derivatives
Authors: Hebishy Ali M. S. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Elwahy Ahmed H. M.
Published: March 2019

A synthesis of novel bis(aminopyrazoles) by the reaction of hydrazine hydrate with the appropriate bis(2‐cyanoketene‐S,N‐acetals) was reported. The latter compounds were prepared by treatment of bis(cyanoacetamides) with phenyl isothiocyanate in KOH/EtOH and subsequent alkylation with methyl iodide. The utility of bis(2‐cyanoketene‐S,S‐acetals) as building blocks for novel bis(aminopyrazoles) was also investigated.
Impact of nanoencapsulated natural bioactive phenolic metabolites on chitosan nanoparticles as aflatoxins inhibitor
Authors: Mekawey Amal A. I. , El‐Metwally Mohammad M.
Published: March 2019

Aflatoxins are part of fungal secondary metabolites which become serious health, environmental, and economic problems and can cause corruption of many crops and agricultural grains that used as food and feed for human and animal. Aflatoxins mainly produce by Aspergillus spp. especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The present work aimed to study the effect of nanoencapsulation of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles with two phenolic compounds 1‐(2‐ethyl,6‐heptyl)phenol (EHP) extracted from Cuminum cyminum and 5‐ethyl‐2‐(methoxymethyl)phenol (EMMP) extracted from black pepper on growth and aflatoxins production of A. flavus and A. parasiticus. A. flavus growth was completely inhibited by 0.6 mg/ml of EHP and EMMP as well as A. parasiticus which showed the same minimal inhibition concentration with the first compound and 0.8 mg/ml with the second one. CS nanoparticles inhibited the growth of the tested organisms more than CS especially with A. parasiticus and this potency became much better when nanoencapsulated with the two extracted phenolic compounds. In inhibition of aflatoxins production, EHP reduced the production of aflatoxin B1 and B2 of A. flavus by 68.6% and 69.7%, respectively. In the same manner EMMP reduce the production of the two toxins by 87.3% and 82.6%, respectively. The reduction effect of CS nanoparticles is much more than that of CS as it record in most cases about twofold increase. Nanoencapsulation of CS nanoparticles by the extracted phenolic compounds is much more effective with complete inhibition of aflatoxin B1 of both fungi and aflatoxin G1 of A. parasiticus.
Biodegradation of fenpropathrin by Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain PSB07‐21 cultured under three different growth modes
Authors: Luo Xiangwen , Zhang Deyong , Zhou Xuguo , Zhang Songbai , Liu Yong
Published: March 2019

This study aimed at the biodegradation of fenpropathrin by Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain PSB07‐21 cultured under different growth modes. The biomass production, cell surface hydrophobicity and fenpropathrin biodegradation efficiency of the strain PSB07‐21 cultured under the photoheterotrophic growth mode were better than that shown by the strain PSB07‐21 cultured under the photoautotrophic or the chemotrophic growth mode. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis using cell‐free protein extracts showed several distinct protein bands in the gels representing the strain PSB07‐21 cultured under the photoheterotrophic growth mode. The fenpropathrin enzymatic degradation was clearly affected the bacterial growth mode. Results obtained from this study should improve our knowledge regarding fenpropathrin biodegradation under field conditions. Our findings can also be used to optimize the usage of Rhodopseudomonas sp. PSB07‐21 in field applications.
Morphological variability, molecular phylogeny, and biological characteristics of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans
Authors: Wang Bo‐Bo , Zhang Nan , Gong Peng‐Tao , Li Jian‐Hua , Yang Ju , Zhang Hong‐Bo , Zhang Xi‐Chen , Cai Kui‐Zheng
Published: March 2019

This study aims to investigate the molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphological variability, nematode‐capturing ability, and other biological properties of Chinese Duddingtonia flagrans isolates. We isolated 13 isolates of D. flagrans and found features that have never been reported before, such as two to three septa incluing club‐shaped conidia. Meanwhile, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analysis of the seven isolates and tested the radical growth of the isolates under different pH values, temperatures, and media. The capturing ability against infective larvae (L3) of Cooperia spp. in yak was detected in vitro. Finally, one isolate was selected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the trap formation process. The fungal sequence was obtained and submitted to GenBank (Accession no. KY288614.1, KU881774.1, KP257593.1, KY419119.1, MF488979.1, MF488980.1, and MF488981.1), and the tested isolates were identified as D. flagrans. Except for three isolates, the radial growth of the other isolates on 2% corn meal agar and 2% water agar exhibited faster growth than on other media. The fungus could not grow at 10 and 40°C but grew within 11 to 30°C. Moreover, it did not grow at pH 1–3 and 13–14, but instead at pH 4–12. In the in vitro experimental, L3s were reduced by 94.36%, 88.15%, and 91.04% for SDH035, DH055, and F088, respectively. SEM results showed that at 8 hr post addition of nematodes, some of the latter were captured. In the later stages of the interaction of the fungus with nematodes, a large number of chlamydospores were produced, especially on the predation trap. Results of the present study provided information about the molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphological variability, nematode‐capturing ability, and other biological properties of Chinese Arthrobotrys flagrans isolates before administering them for biocontrol.
Mudflat reclamation causes changes of gene abundance in nitrogen cycle under long‐term rice cultivation
Authors: Zhang Yang , Li Qing , Chen Yinglong , Dai Qigen , Hu Jian
Published: March 2019

Rice cultivation is the main method for mudflat reclamation. However, changes in the community structure of microbes involved in nitrogen (N) cycling in response to mudflat reclamation via rice cultivation remain poorly understood. This study used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to characterize the distribution of various inorganic N‐cycling pathways in response to mudflat reclamation via rice cultivation. The results show that the abundance of functional genes followed an increasing trend, while the relative abundance showed a decreasing trend. The relative richness of functional genes in the inorganic N‐cycling network showed different fluctuation trends and indicated that the nifH, archaea amoA, narG, nirS, nirK, norB, and nosZ genes greatly contribute to inorganic N‐cycling. Redundancy analysis showed that soil properties, in particular, organic matter increased, while electrical conductivity decreased, driving the changes of gene distribution in the inorganic N‐cycling network over the course of reclamation. Mudflat reclamation under long‐term rice cultivation promoted the reproduction of microbes related to the N cycle, and also changed the distribution of functional genes that are involved in the inorganic N cycle due to changes of soil properties.
Responses to copper stress in the metal‐resistant bacterium Cupriavidus gilardii CR3: a whole‐transcriptome analysis
Authors: Huang Ning , Mao Juan , Hu Mingzhong , Wang Xiaoyu , Huo Mingxin
Published: March 2019

Microbial metal‐resistance mechanisms are the basis for the application of microorganisms in metal bioremediation. Despite the available studies of bacterial molecular mechanisms to resistance metals ions (particularly copper), the understanding of bacterial metal resistance is very limited from the transcriptome perspective. Here, responses of the transcriptome (RNA‐Seq) was investigated in Cupriavidus gilardii CR3 exposed to 0.5 mM copper, because strain CR3 had a bioremoval capacity of 38.5% for 0.5 mM copper. More than 24 million clean reads were obtained from six libraries and were aligned against the C. gilardii CR3 genome. A total of 310 genes in strain CR3 were significantly differentially expressed under copper stress. Apart from the routine copper resistance operons cus and cop known in previous studies, Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of differentially expressed genes indicated that the adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter, amino acid metabolism, and negative chemotaxis collectively contribute to the copper‐resistant process. More interestingly, we found that the genes associated with the type III secretion system were induced under copper stress. No such results were reordered in bacteria to date. Overall, this comprehensive network of copper responses is useful for further studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying responses to copper stress in bacteria.
So, are early career researchers the harbingers of change?
Authors: Nicholas David , Watkinson Anthony , Boukacem‐Zeghmouri Cherifa , Rodríguez‐Bravo Blanca , Xu Jie , Abrizah Abdullah , Świgoń Marzena , Clark David , Herman Eti
Published: March 2019

This article provides the final results of a 3‐year study that sought to discover whether early career researchers (ECRs) were the harbingers of change with respect to scholarly communications. Over a hundred science and social science ECRs from seven countries, spanning three continents, were depth‐interviewed annually for 3 years (2016–2018) about their attitudes and behaviours with respect to 23 scholarly issues and activities (aspects). In order to provide an accessible overarching assessment of an extremely large and complex dataset, the interview data were categorized according to the strength and direction of change exhibited and the trends and points of interest raised. Results show that all ECRs have changed in one way or another, and a small minority has changed greatly in both attitude and practice and that collaboration and research impact are the scholarly aspects where most changes have occurred, and the greatest cause of change is not so much new technology as a change of jobs.
Development of Biocompatible and Antibacterial Collagen Hydrogels via Dialdehyde Polysaccharide Modification and Tetracycline Hydrochloride Loading
Authors: Yu Xiaoyue , Yuan Qijuan , Yang Mingtao , Liu Ru , Zhu Shichen , Li Jinling , Zhang Wanni , You Juan , Xiong Shanbai , Hu Yang
Published: March 2019

Nowadays, collagen hydrogels with both good physicochemical and antibacterial properties for tissue engineering have drawn broad attention. Herein, a biocompatible and antibacterial collagen hydrogel is developed via alginate dialdehyde (ADA) modification and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) loading based on Schiff's base formation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction spectra suggest the maintenance of collagen structure integrity after ADA modification. The modification significantly contributes to the improved swelling property, resistance against type I collagenase, and strengthens storage modulus of hydrogels with an increase of ADA concentrations. Meanwhile, dynamic release curves of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC)‐loaded hydrogels describe the burst release at the first 15 min then a gradual release, hydrogels act ideally as carriers in antibacterial activity. Furthermore, in vitro biocompatibility and antibacterial properties are successfully confirmed from the fabricated collagen hydrogels. This physicochemical‐ and antibacterial‐property–improved collagen hydrogel would be a potential candidate for wound healing as a scaffold.
Polymorphism of MTHFR 1298A>C in relation to adverse pregnancy outcomes in Chinese populations
Authors: Mo Hui , Rao Meng , Wang Gang , Long Yan‐Xi , Wang Hua‐Wei , Tang Li
Published: March 2019

Background

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are involved in a series of abnormal pregnancies like embryo growth arrest, spontaneous abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, fetal malformation, birth defects and other pathological pregnancy, and childbirth complications. Polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR, 607093) is one of the main genetic causes of APO. However, there is still debate on whether MTHFR 1298A>C, rs1801131, polymorphism is related to APO. For the lack of extensive research in the Chinese population at present, the study aim to investigate the relationship between MTHFR 1298A>C polymorphism with APO through a large number of data.

Methods

A total of 241 samples from patients with APO and 117 healthy controls in Yunnan province were used for MTHFR gene polymorphism analysis, with double fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In consideration of the low frequency of MTHFR 1298C/C genotype, which might affect the statistic results, further datasets of MTHFR 1298A>C polymorphism were collected from literature and analyzed.

Results

No statistical difference was detected in the frequency of MTHFR1298A>C polymorphism between two groups in Yunnan. Our data showed that the frequency of MTHFR 1298A/A genotype had the decreasing tendency among Chinese population from northern to southern, as well as eastern to western of China. The frequency of MTHFR 1298A/C and 1298C/C genotypes had the adverse tendency. The frequency of MTHFR 1298C/C genotype was significantly different between two groups in Chinese populations. The significant difference was also observed in the frequency of MTHFR 1298C/C polymorphism between two groups from central China and southern China.

Conclusion

In summary, our data showed that MTHFR 1298C/C genotype was one of the important genetic factors of APO in China.
Weight management perceptions and clinical practices among gynaecology providers caring for reproductive‐aged patients
Authors: Evans‐Hoeker E. A. , Ramalingam N. S. , Harden S. M.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Research suggests that patient and provider conversations about healthy eating and physical activity behaviours may lead to patients' increased health behaviours, access to dietary and physical activity resources, and weight management. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has a number of weight management intervention options, but it is unclear if providers have conversations about intervention options with their patients who are of reproductive age. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the degree to which gynaecology healthcare providers offer the weight management intervention options as recommended by ACOG.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of gynaecology providers in Southwest Virginia utilizing an electronic survey to identify weight management perceptions and current clinical practices. Responses were measured using quantitative methods, and agreeability and frequency responses were measured using a 5‐point Likert scale.

Results

Twenty‐three of the 31 eligible providers (74.2%) completed the survey. Providers acknowledge that patients need weight management discussions and they feel comfortable and are willing to have these discussions. While physical activity recommendations were consistent among providers, they did not reflect the complete physical activity recommendations for Americans. Consistency in dietary recommendations was lacking. Although providers make recommendations for physical activity and/or diet at least sometimes, they rarely utilize other methods of weight management as outlined in the ACOG recommendations, such as referrals to other providers, programmes or medications.

Conclusions

Areas for improvement in weight management practices include frequency of counselling, consistency in dietary counselling and frequency of utilization of weight loss medications and referrals to ancillary services. These results can be used to aid the development of methods for targeting these deficiencies.
Fire‐safe agent integrated with oyster shell and melamine polyphosphate for thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Chen Xilei , Zhang Xinyuan , Wang Wenduo , Wang Yong , Jiao Chuanmei
Published: March 2019

At present, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is widely used, but there are still many defects in fire safety, such as burning with heavy smoke and dripping. In this article, OS@MP was synthesized by modifying oyster shell (OS) powder with melamine polyphosphate (MP) and then served as fire‐safe agent for TPU. The fire performance of TPU composites were investigated using microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC), cone calorimeter test (CCT), smoke density test (SDT), and thermogravimetric analysis/Fourier transform infrared (TG‐FTIR) spectrum analysis. The MCC and CCT results revealed that OS@MP could reduce the fire hazards of TPU composites. The peak heat release rate (pHRR) of the sample with 10.0 wt% OS@MP decreased to 170.86 kW/m2 from 1772.37 kW/m2 for pure TPU. And, the SDT results showed that OS@MP could significantly reduce the smoke production of TPU composites. The TG‐FTIR also confirmed that the noncombustible gases (including CO2, ammonia, and water vapor) produced by OS@MP have played a reinforcing role in TPU composites as well as a char formed on the surface of composites, which could act as a barrier to prevent the heat and air, reinforce the fire safety of TPU.
Measurable residual disease monitoring using Wilms tumor gene 1 expression in childhood acute myeloid leukemia based on child‐specific reference values
Authors: Løvvik Juul‐Dam Kristian , Guldborg Nyvold Charlotte , Vålerhaugen Helen , Zeller Bernward , Lausen Birgitte , Hasle Henrik , Beier Ommen Hans
Published: March 2019

Background

Measurable/minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring can predict imminent hematological relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The majority of childhood AML patients do not harbor fusion genes or mutations applicable as MRD markers and overexpression of Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) may constitute a useful monitoring target. However, age‐specific reference values in healthy hematopoiesis and standardization of WT1 assessment are prerequisites for clinical utility.

Procedure

We investigated WT1 expression across age in hematologically healthy controls (n = 109), during suspected infection (n = 90) and bone marrow (BM) regeneration (n = 13). WT1 expression in AML at diagnosis (n = 91) and during follow‐up (n = 30) was compared with age‐specific reference values.

Results

WT1 expression correlated with age and showed higher levels in both BM and peripheral blood (PB) in children compared with adults (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01). WT1 expression from healthy hematopoiesis was lower in PB compared with BM (WT1BM/WT1PB = 8.6, 95% CI: 5.3–13.7) and not influenced by infection nor BM regeneration. At AML diagnosis, 66% had more than 20‐fold WT1 overexpression in PB or BM (PB 74%; BM 45%). WT1 was quantified in 279 PB samples during follow‐up. All 11 patients with PB sampling within 4 months of disease recurrence displayed WT1 overexpression by a median of 1.9 months (range, 0.7–9.7) before hematological relapse.

Conclusions

This study defines child‐specific reference values for WT1 expression in healthy hematopoiesis and demonstrates that WT1 expression in PB is a useful post‐treatment monitoring tool in childhood AML. Based on these observations, we propose definitions for childhood AML molecular relapse using WT1 overexpression.
Validation of the school age self‐administered pediatric bleeding questionnaire (Self‐PBQ) in children aged 8–12 years
Authors: Bui Jessica , Martyres David , James Paula D. , Grabell Julie , Wu John , Steele MacGregor , Silva Mariana , Rand Margaret L. , Blanchette Victor S. , Barrowman Nick , Klaassen Robert J.
Published: March 2019

Background

In the pediatric population, pathologic bleeding is often challenging to identify. The pediatric bleeding questionnaire (PBQ) was developed as a screening tool for von Willebrand disease (VWD) but was designed to be self‐completed by children above 12 years of age. The study objective was to determine whether a modified Self‐PBQ could be completed by 8‐ to 12‐year‐old children with adult assistance.

Procedure

The initial phase involved seven children who underwent cognitive debriefing to identify problems in the questionnaire, resulting in modifications to wording and response options. In phase 2, children completed the modified Self‐PBQ independently or with assistance from their parent at five Canadian treatment centers. Parents filled out the Self‐PBQ separately to serve as a comparison. Bleeding scores derived from the child self‐report were compared to those of the parent proxy.

Results

Twenty‐nine out of 31 patient/parent pairs successfully completed the Self‐PBQ. Child and parent scores demonstrated a high level of agreement with an intraclass correlation (ICC) of 0.825. In the age subgroup analysis, the ICC was 0.834 and 0.824 for the 8‐ to 9‐year‐old and 10‐ to 12‐year‐old groups, respectively. The ICC was also determined in children with type 1 VWD (ICC = 0.829) versus those with more severe bleeding disorders (ICC = 0.802). Thus, age and disease severity had no significant effect on degree of agreement.

Conclusions

Our study shows that agreement was maintained even in younger children aged 8–9 years and in children with varying bleeding phenotypes. This supports the administration of the modified Self‐PBQ to 8‐ to 12‐year‐old children.
Holistic support coupled with prospective tracking reduces abandonment in childhood cancers: A report from India
Authors: Jatia Shalini , Prasad Maya , Paradkar Amey , Bhatia Ameeta , Narula Gaurav , Chinnaswamy Girish , Vora Tushar , Gomle Sanjay , Sankaran Hari , Banavali Shripad
Published: March 2019

Background

High cure rates of over 80% in childhood cancers reported from high‐income countries (HICs) are not replicated in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Treatment abandonment (TxA) is an important reason for this poorer outcome. We assessed the effect of a holistic support group approach coupled with prospective tracking on TxA in children with cancer in a limited‐resources environment.

Methods

In 2010, all existing nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working with childhood cancer at our hospital were brought together to form a pediatric cancer foundation with the aim of providing holistic support to the patient and family, including financial, psychosocial, lodging, educational, and bereavement support. Simultaneously, prospective tracking of all children with a Time‐Responsive Electronic Abandonment Tracking (TREAT) system was also established. The impact of these measures on TxA over the 2009–2016 period was compared using the log‐rank test.

Results

The annual rate of abandonment reduced from 20% in 2009 to 10.4% in 2010 and 5.2% in 2011. It has been consistently between 3% and 6% from 2012 to 2016 (P −0.04). TxA after the initiation of treatment dropped from 9% in 2009 to 1% in 2016 (P −0.02), while refusal to initiate treatment dropped from 11% to 2.7% (P −0.23) over the same period.

Conclusions

A holistic support group consisting of the hospital team, as well as existing NGOs and governmental organizations, along with a systematic and prospective tracking system significantly reduced abandonment in a resource‐constrained setting. This cost‐effective holistic support group may be applicable in other LMICs with similar healthcare systems.
Invasive fusariosis masquerading as extramedullary disease in rapidly progressive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ligon John A. , Natarajan Mukil , Shalabi Haneen , Yates Bonnie , Bishop Rachel , Bianchi David , Alencar Alvaro , Lionakis Michail S. , Shah Nirali N.
Published: March 2019

Invasive fusariosis (IF) most commonly occurs in patients with hematologic malignancies and severe neutropenia, particularly during concomitant corticosteroid use. Breakthrough infections can occur in high‐risk patients despite Aspergillus‐active antifungal prophylaxis. We describe a patient with rapid acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) progression who presented with multifocal skin nodules thought to be choloromatous disease. These lesions were ultimately diagnosed as IF and the patient had two simultaneously active disease processes. This case highlights the importance of pathologic diagnosis of new skin lesions in ALL patients, even during leukemia progression, and demonstrates that IF can occur despite normal neutrophil counts and Aspergillus‐active prophylaxis.
The solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) syndrome: Associations, prenatal diagnosis, and outcomes
Authors: Garcia Rodriguez Raquel , Garcia Cruz Loida , Novoa Medina Yeray , Garcia Delgado Raquel , Perez Gonzalez Julio , Palma Milla Carmen , Lopez Siles Juan , Medina Castellano Margarita , Garcia Hernandez Jose Angel , Santana Rodriguez Alfredo
Published: March 2019

Solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) syndrome is a complex disorder consisting of multiple, developmental defects involving midline structures of the head, which includes the cranial bones, the maxilla, and its container dentition (specifically the central incisor tooth germ), together with other midline structures of the body. SMMCI may appear as an isolated trait or in association with other midline developmental anomalies. We describe the case of a patient with SMMCI. He presented with a solitary median maxillary incisor, short stature, corpus callosum anomalies and a microform of holoprosencephaly (HPE), diabetes insipidus, and neurodevelopmental delay. The diagnosis was performed postnatally based on clinical features, radiological imaging, and a comprehensive genetic study. SMMCI can be diagnosed during the prenatal or neonatal periods or during infancy. Evaluation of the superior maxillary bone is important for prenatal diagnosis. Direct evaluation through bidimensional ultrasound or the use of multiplanar ultrasound or tridimensional reconstruction should be performed in cases of brain or face malformations. Early diagnosis can contribute to improved prenatal assessment and postnatal management.
Using Clinical Balance Tests to Assess Fall Risk among Established Unilateral Lower Limb Prosthesis Users: Cutoff Scores and Associated Validity Indices
Authors: Sawers Andrew , Hafner Brian J.
Published: March 2019

Background

Clinicians are routinely required to make decisions about fall risk among lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users. These decisions can be guided by standardized clinical balance tests but require population‐ and test‐specific cutoff scores and validity indices to categorize individuals as probable fallers or nonfallers on the basis of test performance. Despite the importance of cutoff scores and validity indices to clinical interpretation of clinical balance test scores, they are rarely reported for LLP users. In their absence, clinicians cannot use results from clinical balance tests to assess the likelihood of a fall by any one patient.

Objective

Derive cutoff scores, and associated validity indices, for clinical balance tests administered to established unilateral LLP users.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Outpatient clinic and research laboratory.

Participants

Established ambulatory unilateral transtibial and transfemoral prosthesis users (n = 40).

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Optimal cutoff scores and related validity indices (ie, area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios) were computed for five balance tests, the activities‐specific balance confidence scale (ABC), timed up and go (TUG), four square step test (FSST), Berg balance scale (BBS), and narrowing‐beam walking test (NBWT).

Results

Cutoff scores were identified for the NBWT (≤.43/1.0), TUG (≥8.17 seconds], FSST (≥8.49 seconds), BBS (≤50.5/56), and ABC (≤80.2/100). Validity indices (ie, area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios) for the NBWT, TUG, and FSST had greater diagnostic accuracy and provided more information about the probability of a fall than those for the BBS or ABC.

Conclusion

Performance above or below identified cutoff scores for the NBWT, FSST, and TUG provides information about potentially important shifts in the probability of falling among established unilateral LLP users. These results can serve as initial benchmarks to reduce uncertainty surrounding fall risk assessment in established unilateral LLP users but require future prospective evaluation.

Level of Evidence

III
Thermal Characterization of Naturally Aged Propellants
Authors: Heil Moritz , Hickmann Jürgen , Müller Christian
Published: March 2019

In this work, seven different, naturally aged gun propellants and four rocket propellants have been investigated by heat flow calorimetry, ARC, mass loss and stabilizer consumption. The investigated gun propellants are A 5020, K 503, GK 5030, Feldgeschütz Rottweil 1909 (FG 1909), K 6210, US M5 and US M26, the rocket propellants are D 714, HV 5, DBE 40, DBE 470 each with ageing time ranging up to several decades of natural ageing. From heat flow calorimetry data, activation energies for stabilizer consumption, NC decomposition and autocatalytic reaction are determined as well as time of reaction change depending on temperature of 70 °C, 80 °C and 90 °C. Conversion‐dependent activation energy is calculated using an iso‐conversional method for the three temperatures. The results are compared to the mass loss results obtained at 90 °C. Based on these results, the overall stability of the propellants is assessed.
piRNA‐DQ722010 contributes to prostate hyperplasia of the male offspring mice after the maternal exposed to microcystin‐leucine arginine
Authors: Han Ruitong , Zhang Ling , Gan Weidong , Fu Kai , Jiang Ke , Ding Jie , Wu Jiang , Han Xiaodong , Li Dongmei
Published: March 2019

Background

Microcystin‐leucine arginine (MC‐LR) could disrupt prostate development and cause prostate hyperplasia. But whether and how maternal and before‐weaning MC‐LR exposure causes prostate hyperplasia in male offspring by changing expression profile of P‐element‐induced wimpy (PIWI)–interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have not yet been reported.

Methods

From the 12th day in the embryonic period to the 21st day after offspring birth, three groups of pregnant mice that were randomly assigned were exposed to 0, 10, and 50 μg/L of MC‐LR through drinking water followed by the analyses of their male offspring. Abortion rate and litter size of maternal mice were recorded. The prostate histopathology was observed. Differential expressed piRNAs of prostate were screened by piRNA microarray analysis. Murine prostate cancer cell line (RM‐1) was used for further mechanism study. Luciferase report assay was used to determine the relationship between piRNA‐DQ722010 and polypeptide 3 (Pik3r3).

Results

The downregulated expression of piRNA‐DQ722010 was the most significant in piRNA microarray analysis in 10 μg/L MC‐LR treated group, while Pik3r3 was significantly upregulated, consistent with the results that a distinct prostatic epithelial hyperplasia was observed and phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/protien kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway was activated. Pik3r3 was verified as the target gene of piRNA‐DQ722010. In addition, we found MC‐LR decreased the expression of PIWI‐like RNA‐mediated gene silencing 2 (Piwil2) and 4 (Piwil4) both in vivo and in vitro, and both Piwil4 and Piwil2 could regulate the expression of DQ722010.

Conclusion

MC‐LR caused downregulation of piRNA‐DQ722010 and PIWI proteins, while piRNA‐DQ722010 downregulation promoted activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inducing prostate hyperplasia by upregulating the expression of Pik3r3. In contrast, piRNA‐DQ722010 downregulation may be attributed to PIWI proteins downregulation.
1.0–10.0 THz Radiation from Graphene Nanoribbon Based Avalanche Transit Time Sources
Authors: Acharyya Aritra
Published: March 2019

The possibilities of terahertz frequency generation by using graphene nanoribbon (GNR) based avalanche transit time (ATT) sources are investigated in this paper. The most promising candidate of ATT device family, i.e., the impact avalanche transit time (IMPATT) diode is chosen for the present study. Parallel connected GNR based IMPATT structures with inherent power combining capability are proposed and simulated by using self‐consistent quantum drift‐diffusion model based in‐house simulation codes in order to study the static, high frequency and noise performance of those at different millimeter‐wave and terahertz frequency bands. The detailed study reveals that the in‐build power combined GNR IMPATT sources are capable of performing more efficiently than the IMPATT sources based on some other popular semiconductor materials as well as some state‐of‐the‐art terahertz radiators within the terahertz frequency band from 1 to 10 THz.
Failure mode and effects analysis by integrating Bayesian fuzzy assessment number and extended gray relational analysis‐technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method
Authors: Nie Wenbin , Liu Weidong , Wu Zhongyi , Chen Binsong , Wu Lulu
Published: March 2019

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a prospective risk assessment tool used to identify, assess, and eliminate potential failure modes (FMs) in various industries to improve security and reliability. However, the traditional FMEA method has been criticized for several shortcomings and even the improved FMEA methods based on predefined linguistic terms cannot meet the needs of FMEA team members' diversified opinion expressions. To solve these problems, a novel FMEA method is proposed by integrating Bayesian fuzzy assessment number (BFAN) and extended gray relational analysis‐technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (GRA‐TOPSIS) method. First, the BFANs are used to flexibly describe the risk evaluation results of the identified failure modes. Second, the Hausdorff distance between BFANs is calculated by using the probability density function (PDF). Finally, on the basis of the distance, the extended GRA‐TOPSIS method is applied to prioritize failure modes. A simulation study is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach in dealing with vague concepts and show its advantages over existing FMEA methods. Furthermore, a real case concerning the risk evaluation of aero‐engine turbine and compressor blades is provided to illustrate the practical application of the proposed method and particularly show the potential of using the BFANs in capturing FMEA team members' diverse opinions.
Interval observer versus set‐membership approaches for fault detection in uncertain systems using zonotopes
Authors: Pourasghar Masoud , Puig Vicenç , Ocampo‐Martinez Carlos
Published: March 2019

This paper presents both analysis and comparison of the interval observer–based and set‐membership approaches for the state estimation and fault detection (FD) in uncertain linear systems. The considered approaches assume that both state disturbance and measurement noise are modeled in a deterministic context following the unknown but bounded approach. The propagation of uncertainty in the state estimation is bounded through a zonotopic set representation. Both approaches have been mathematically related and compared when used for state estimation and FD. A case study based on a two‐tanks system is employed for showing the relationship between both approaches while comparing their performance.
A quantitative determination of the polymerization of benzoxazine thin coatings by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Pospisilova Eva , Renaud Alexis , Poorteman Marc , Olivier Marjorie , Dumas Ludovic , Dubois Philippe , Bonnaud Leila , Moshkunov Konstantin , Nysten Bernard , Delcorte Arnaud
Published: March 2019

Phenol‐paraphenylenediamine (P‐pPDA) benzoxazines exhibit excellent barrier properties, adequate to protect aluminum alloys from corrosion, and constitute interesting candidates to replace chromate‐containing coatings in the aeronautical industry. For the successful application of P‐pPDA coatings, it is necessary to decrease the curing temperature to avoid the delamination of the coating while preserving the mechanical properties of the alloy, as well as the barrier properties of the coating. However, decreasing the curing temperature leads to less polymerized films, the extent of which requires a quantitative assessment.

While the conversion rate of the polymerization reaction is commonly evaluated for bulk samples using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a tool for its evaluation in thin films is missing. Therefore, a new approach was developed for that matter using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). The relation between the SIMS data integrated from inside thin films and the DSC results obtained on bulk samples with the same curing cycle allowed to calibrate the SIMS data. With this preliminary calibration of the technique, the polymerization of P‐pPDA coatings can be locally determined, at the surface and along the depth of the coating, using dual‐beam depth profiling with large argon cluster beam sputtering.
App store mining for iterative domain analysis: Combine app descriptions with user reviews
Authors: Liu Yuzhou , Liu Lei , Liu Huaxiao , Yin Xinglong
Published: March 2019

Compared with traditional software, the domain analysis of apps is conducted not only in the early stage of software development to gain knowledge of a particular domain but also runs throughout each iteration of apps to help developers understand evolution trends of the domain for maintaining their competitiveness. In this paper, we propose an approach to analyze app descriptions combined with reviews in App stores automatically and construct a feature‐based domain state model (FDSM) in the form of state machine to support the domain analysis of apps. In FDSM, the domain knowledge up to a certain moment together is defined as a state. Initial state summarizes the high‐level knowledge by gaining topics of app descriptions, whereas each transition is generated based on the information gained within one period of time and describes the change from the current state to the next one. Furthermore, user opinions in reviews are introduced into the model to quantify the value of information for helping developers get key domain knowledge efficiently. To validate the proposed approach, we conducted a series of experiments based on Google Play. The results show that FDSM can provide valuable information for supporting domain analysis, especially in the evolution process of apps.