bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking the Transformation Process of a Pair of Zn(II) Coordination Clusters: Crystallography and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yang Jian , Zhang Yu‐Yi , Yang Chuang , Zeng Ming‐Hua
Published: December 2018

Two zinc clusters Zn4(H3L)4(NO3)4⋅5H2O (Zn4, H4L=(1,2‐bis(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)ethane‐1,2‐diol) and [Zn5(H2L′)6](NO3)4]⋅8H2O⋅2CH3OH (Zn5, H3L′=(1,2‐bis(benzo[d] imidazol‐2‐yl)‐ethenol) have been obtained by the reaction of Zn(NO3)2⋅6H2O with H4L at 80 °C or 140 °C under solvothermal condition. Powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD) of precipitate and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI‐MS) of reaction solution revealed the existence of transformation behavior from Zn4 to Zn5 by increasing the temperature from 80 °C to 140 °C, or directly heating Zn4 at 140 °C via solvothermal reaction. Here we proposed a possible mechanism involves split process of Zn4 and reassembly to form Zn5. ESI‐MS for single crystals revealed [Zn4(H3L)4−3H]+ splits to [Zn(H3L)]+ via [Zn2(H3L)2−H]+. Time dependent ESI‐MS of reaction solution revealed the [Zn(H2L′)]+→[Zn2(H2L′)2−H]+→[Zn5(H2L′)6−H]3+ stepwise assembly. It also has been captured the in situ reaction mainly occurs in the step of [Zn(H3L)]+ to [Zn(H2L′)]+.
Using arts‐based research to access sense of coherence in marginalised indigenous Bedouin youth
Authors: Huss Ephrat , Braun‐Lewensohn Orna , Ganayiem Hassan
Published: December 2018

The literature describes a mismatch between the core concepts of salutogenesis, or sense of coherence (SOC), meaning manageability and comprehensibility, as these concepts are manifested in research with Western populations, as compared to non‐Western populations. The overall objective of this study is to explore this mismatch and to understand how the core concept of salutogenesis is manifested in youth ages 14–16 from the indigenous Bedouin ethnic minority culture of the Negev, Israel, in their own terms through arts‐based qualitative methods. The research methods revolved 80 drawings and texts by youth who drew "a good day that went bad − and how [I] fixed it" as well as focus groups. All data, both verbal and visual, were analysed by dividing into themes and then socially contextualising the themes with a peer group. The findings reveal and concretize a mismatch in SOC between these youth and the predominant Western understandings of coping in terms of meanings, manageability and comprehensibility of coping methods. This study's theoretical recommendations are the need to take steps in the direction of closing the gap or mismatch between a universal versus culturally specific body of literature about culture and SOC. Its practical recommendations are to suggest such a methodology.
Devising a strategy for IT governance implementation in municipalities. A case study of South Africa
Authors: Sibanda Mbusi , von Solms Rossouw
Published: December 2018

Information technology (IT) has vastly automated business processes in South African municipalities, and the sound design and implementation of IT is key to improved service delivery. The usage of IT is reliant on the implementation of sound IT governance practices, but even with IT frameworks and directives mandated, implementation has proved to be challenging in most municipalities. This research proposes a strategic approach for the effective and viable implementation of IT governance in municipalities in South Africa. The research was carried out by conducting a targeted survey, semistructured interviews with key stakeholders, observations, and analysis of documents. Case studies of different‐sized municipalities were done in order to understand the context in which they operate. Regulatory bodies also participated in the data collection. The data was coded and themes of problems identified and grouped for diagnoses. On the basis of the diagnoses, a strategy was devised to improve the implementation of IT governance in municipalities.
Telesupervision‐of‐supervision across national boundaries: United States and China
Authors: Duan Changming , Falender Carol , Goodyear Rodney , Qian Mingyi , Jia Xiaoming , Jiang Guangrong
Published: December 2018

This article describes technology‐assisted telesupervision‐of‐supervision, which is a component of a 2‐year U.S.–China collaborative program designed to systematically train clinical supervisors in China. Using Zoom conferencing platform, several U.S.‐based supervisors facilitated telesupervision‐of‐supervision groups, with six to ten participants in each group, from different geographic locations in China. This article employs the perspectives of both U.S.‐based supervisors and group participants who are themselves supervision scholars in China, describing their experiences and insights about the rewards and challenges of this telesupervision‐of‐supervision project.
Arterial pseudoaneurysms in acute and chronic pancreatitis: Clinical profile and outcome
Authors: Mallick Bipadabhanjan , Malik Sarthak , Gupta Pankaj , Gorsi Ujjwal , Kochhar Suman , Gupta Vikas , Yadav Thakur Deen , Dhaka Narendra , Sinha Saroj K , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate the clinical profile and outcome of arterial pseudoaneurysms (PSA) associated with acute and chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Methods

Records of all patients of pancreatitis from 2010 to 2016 were analyzed retrospectively for the development PSAs; clinical profile and outcome parameters were compared between PSAs associated with acute and CP.

Results

Of the 980 patients, 46 (all males, age 39.70 ± 11.78 years) developed PSAs, including 19 of 600 of acute pancreatitis (AP) and 27 of 380 of CP. The most common clinical presentation was bleeding (37, 80.4%). The majority of patients was managed nonsurgically, with endovascular embolization in 31 (67.4%) and percutaneous thrombin injection in 9 (19.6%) patients. Pseudoaneurysms in patients with AP were associated more often with fluid collections (94.7% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.004) with more requirement of surgery compared to patients with CP (15.8% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.033). The pattern of arteries involved with PSAs and outcome was similar in AP and CP patients.

Conclusion

Arterial PSAs were more commonly associated with CP compared to AP with similar presentations. Associated fluid collections and requirement of surgical intervention were higher in PSAs in patients with AP compared to patients with CP.
Total synthesis of 13C2,15N‐imidacloprid with three stable isotopes in the pyridine ring
Authors: Belov Vladimir , Käfferlein Heiko U.
Published: December 2018

Imidacloprid (IC) is an important crop‐protecting insecticide worldwide and commonly used for seed treatment. However, only few data are available on human toxicity of IC. Having in view the metabolic studies at low doses in humans and residue analysis of IC in food and consumer products, we elaborated the synthesis and prepared 13C2,15N‐IC with three stable isotopes of the “heavy” atoms in positions 1, 2, and 3 of the pyridine ring. By using readily available and affordable starting materials, 15NH4Cl and 13C4‐acetic anhydride, the target compound has been prepared in eight steps with an overall yield of 13%.
A novel fault diagnosis technique based on model and computational intelligence applied to vehicle active suspension systems
Authors: Shahab Mahdi , Moavenian Majid
Published: December 2018

This paper introduces a novel approach to design fault detection and diagnosis systems by using computational intelligence techniques for industrial plants and processes. According to the increasing development of machine learning algorithms, selecting an appropriate algorithm for identifying and estimating the size of faults in dynamic systems can turn in to a challenge. A notable point in this regard is that although the available intelligent algorithms have considerable advantages and strengths, they are also vitiated by some weaknesses too. Therefore, using a proper and intelligent structure through combining common algorithms can be considered as a new and appropriate strategy to increase the efficiency and accuracy of fault detection and diagnosis systems. Given the importance of improving safety and reliability in vehicles, the proposed approach based on dynamic behavior is implemented on a simulated nonlinear active suspension system model. The results obtained from multiple tests indicate that the proposed method with a novel architecture has managed to increase the accuracy and reduce the announcement of false alarm and computational load, compared with other conventional methods. This achievement leads to improvement of diagnostic systems' performance.
Breast conserving surgery with targeted intraoperative radiotherapy for the management of ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Banks Alexandra , Coronado Gerald , Zimmerman Robert , Iyengar Geeta , Holmes Dennis R.
Published: December 2018

Background

A prospective randomized controlled trial has established the efficacy of targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT) in the management of invasive breast cancer treated with breast‐conserving surgery (BCS). The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of TARGIT in the management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Methods

A prospective nonrandomized trial was designed to evaluate the success of TARGIT in the management of DCIS, as measured by a low risk of requiring additional surgery or radiotherapy and an acceptable local recurrence rate (LRR).

Results

Fifty‐five patients with DCIS received BCS and TARGIT from November 2007 to March 2017. Median patient age was 57 years (range, 42‐83 years) and median histological lesion size was 14.4 mm (range, 2‐51 mm). Four patients required either re‐excision and/or whole breast irradiation, yielding a rate of additional therapy of 7.3% (4 of 55). Among 46 women administered TARGIT at the time of initial BCS, two local recurrences were observed yielding a 4.3% (2 of 46) LRR at 46 months median follow‐up (range, 4‐116 months). There were no clinically significant adverse events.

Conclusions

Preliminary evidence indicates TARGIT can be performed with a low risk of requiring additional therapy (7.3%) and an acceptable LRR (4.3%) when administered at the time of BCS.
Neoadjuvant Treatments for Advanced Resectable Melanoma
Authors: Liu Jessica Y , Lowe Michael
Published: December 2018

Neoadjuvant therapy has demonstrated promise as a treatment modality in resectable advanced‐stage melanoma. Treatment has evolved beyond chemotherapy, with the utilization of biochemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy in the neoadjuvant setting. These therapies have shown better progression‐free survival and melanoma‐specific survival when compared with patients that proceed directly to surgery. Ongoing clinical trials will continue to propel research forward to improve the available options for patients with resectable advanced regional disease.
Performance of Molecular Lymphosonography for Detection and Quantification of Metastatic Involvement in Sentinel Lymph Nodes
Authors: Nam Kibo , Stapp Robert , Liu Ji‐Bin , Stanczak Maria , Forsberg Flemming , O'Kane Patrick L. , Lin Zhou , Zhu Ziyin , Li Jingzhi , Solomides Charalambos C. , Eisenbrey John R. , Lyshchik Andrej
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To assess the performance of molecular lymphosonography with dual‐targeted microbubbles in detecting and quantifying the metastatic involvement in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) using a swine melanoma model.

Methods

Targeted microbubbles were labeled with P‐selectin and αVβ3‐integrin antibodies. Control microbubbles were labeled with immunoglobulin G antibodies. First lymphosonography with Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Oslo, Norway) was used to identify SLNs. Then dual‐targeted and control microbubbles were injected intravenously to detect and quantify metastatic disease in the SLNs. Distant non‐SLNs were imaged as benign controls. All evaluated lymph nodes (LNs) were surgically removed, and metastatic involvement was characterized by a histopathologic analysis. Two radiologists blinded to histopathologic results assessed the baseline B‐mode images of LNs, and the results were compared to the histologic reference standard. The mean intensities of targeted and control microbubbles within the examined LNs were measured and compared to the LN histologic results.

Results

Thirty‐five SLNs and 34 non‐SLNs from 13 Sinclair swine were included in this study. Twenty‐one SLNs (62%) were malignant, whereas 100% of non‐SLNs were benign. The sensitivity of B‐mode imaging for metastatic LN diagnosis for both readers was relatively high (90% and 71%), but the specificity was very poor (50% and 58%). The sensitivity and specificity of molecular lymphosonography for metastatic LN detection were 91% and 67%, respectively. The mean intensities from dual‐targeted microbubbles correlated well with the degree of metastatic LN involvement (r = 0.6; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Molecular lymphosonography can increase the specificity of metastatic LN detection and provide a measure to quantify the degree of metastatic involvement.
Stable pack abundance and distribution in a harvested wolf population
Authors: Bassing Sarah B. , Ausband David E. , Mitchell Michael S. , Lukacs Paul , Keever Allison , Hale Greg , Waits Lisette
Published: December 2018

Harvesting gray wolves (Canis lupus) could affect the abundance and distribution of packs, but the frequency of change in pack occurrence (i.e., turnover) and relative effects of harvest compared to environmental factors is unclear. We used noninvasive genetic sampling, hunter surveys, and occupancy models to evaluate the effect of harvest on occurrence and turnover of packs in a population of wolves managed with intensive harvest in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, 2012–2014. We tested 2 alternative hypotheses: the abundance and distribution of wolf packs were dynamic because of harvest or the abundance and distribution of wolf packs were generally stable regardless of harvest. We found the mean annual probability for wolf pack occupancy ranged 0.72–0.74 and the estimated distribution of wolf packs was consistent over time, 2012–2014. Our top model indicated wolf pack occupancy was positively associated with forest cover and the probability of detecting a wolf pack was positively associated with the intensity of harvest for wolves in that area. We observed frequent turnover of individuals within packs that were genetically sampled consecutive years but not of entire packs. Because turnover of packs occurred infrequently during our study, we could not reject our hypothesis that occurrence of packs was generally stable in a harvested population of wolves. Our results suggest environmental factors have a stronger effect than harvest on the abundance and distribution of wolf packs in southwestern Alberta, but harvest appears to strongly influence turnover of individuals within packs. We hypothesize local dispersal from within the study area and neighboring packs on the periphery of the study area helped promote pack stability. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy and Surgical Outcomes: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Green Katherine K. , Kent David T. , D'Agostino Mark A. , Hoff Paul T. , Lin Ho‐Sheng , Soose Ryan J. , Boyd Gillespie M. , Yaremchuk Kathleen L. , Carrasco‐Llatas Marina , Tucker Woodson B. , Jacobowitz Ofer , Thaler Erica R. , Barrera José E. , Capasso Robson , Liu Stanley Yung , Hsia Jennifer , Mann Daljit , Meraj Taha S. , Waxman Jonathan A. , Kezirian Eric J.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate the association between findings of blinded reviews of preoperative drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) examinations using the VOTE Classification and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgical outcomes in a large multicenter, international cohort.

Methods

Retrospective, multi‐center cohort study of adults without tonsillar hypertrophy who underwent pharyngeal surgery for OSA. The study included only participants without enlarged tonsils. Four independent reviewers performed blinded review of preoperative DISE videos using the VOTE Classification system and scoring of a primary structure contributing to airway obstruction. DISE findings were examined for an association with surgical outcomes with univariate analyses and multiple regression.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐five study participants were included from 14 centers. Mean age was 51.4 ± 11.8 years, and body mass index was 30.1 ± 5.2 kg/m2. There was moderate interrater reliability (kappa = 0.40–0.60) for DISE findings. Oropharyngeal lateral wall‐related obstruction was associated with poorer surgical outcomes (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.51; 95% CI 0.27, 0.93). Complete tongue‐related obstruction was associated with a lower odds of surgical response in moderate to severe OSA (AOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.28, 0.98), with findings that were similar but not statistically significant in other analyses. Surgical outcomes were not clearly associated with the degree and configuration of velum‐related obstruction or the degree of epiglottis‐related obstruction. Surgical response was associated with tonsil size and body mass index (inversely).

Conclusion

DISE findings concerning the oropharyngeal lateral walls and tongue may be the most important findings of this evaluation technique.

Level of Evidence

2B Laryngoscope, 129:761–770, 2019
Prolonged antibiotic administration for surgical site infection in pediatric laryngotracheal surgery
Authors: Torre Michele , Paraboschi Irene , Loy Anna , Mesini Alessio , Pistorio Angela , Simonini Alessandro , Mattioli Girolamo , Mazzei Oscar , Piro Liliana , Bandettini Roberto , Castagnola Elio
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after laryngotracheal (LT) surgery is relatively high, especially in children.

Study Design

Retrospective and prospective cohort study.

Methods

Clinical records of children who underwent open LT surgery at the Istituto Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital from January 2008 to August 2017 were reviewed for development of SSI. Standard antibiotic prophylaxis was administered until February 2015. In March 2015, an antibiotic treatment tailored on pathogens isolated from surveillance cultures and prolonged until extubation was introduced. Incidence and risk factors for SSI before and after the new protocol implementation were analyzed by means of univariate and multivariable analyses.

Results

A total of 57 procedures were analyzed. SSI incidence was 36% in patients receiving standard prophylaxis and 4% in those treated with the new strategy (P = .004), with an absolute benefit increase of 32% (95% confidence interval: 11%–52%), in absence of any difference in clinical conditions between the two groups.

Conclusions

The new management protocol had a highly favorable impact on the development of an SSI.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 129:2634–2639, 2019
The synergistic effects of afforestation and the construction of check‐dams on sediment trapping: Four decades of evolution on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Li Jiaxing , Liu Qinglong , Feng Xiaoming , Shi Weiyue , Fu Bojie , Lü Yihe , Liu Yu
Published: December 2018

Soil erosion represents a major environmental threat to ecosystems. Effective sediment trapping relies on the cooperation of multiple soil erosion control measures. However, findings on the synergistic effects of multiple soil erosion control measures are still lacking, in particular on a large spatial scale. This study provides a first attempt to analyze four decades of data from the 1980s to the 2010s on the Loess Plateau. The analysis combines the spatial investigation of check‐dam construction in gullies, afforestation on hillslopes, and station‐observed sediment yield within the evaluation framework of the Water and Tillage Erosion Model/Sediment Delivery Model. The results indicate two periods of effective sediment trapping on the Loess Plateau in the last four decades: 1980s–1990s and 2000s–2010s. Check‐dam construction was the main driver of reduced sediment yields before the 1990s. Massive afforestation played an increasingly important role beginning in 1999. The synergistic effects of afforestation and the construction of check‐dams in the period from the 2000s to the 2015 include not only the effective trapping of sediment but also the improvements in the resistance of ecosystems to climate change. These results improve our understanding of the synergistic effects of multiple soil erosion control measures on sediment trapping. The findings support a rational collocation of different soil erosion control measures to support comprehensive management in erosion‐prone regions.
Radioactivity in the Marine Environment: Understanding the Basics of Radioactivity
Authors: Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R. , Buesseler Ken , Dai Minhan , Aoyama Michio , Casacuberta Núria , Charmasson Sabine , Johnson Andy , Godoy José Marcus , Maderich Vladimir , Masqué Pere , Moore Willard , Morris Paul J. , Smith John N.
Published: December 2018

Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides are used to study a suite of environmental processes. Yet their applications in aquatic systems are hindered by a general lack of knowledge regarding the underlying concepts of radioactivity, the occurrence of radionuclides in ecosystems, and the equations used to describe their decay mechanisms in environmentally applicable ways. The goal of this lecture is to provide upper level undergraduate and graduate students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of radiochemistry, including the origin and stability of elements, radioactive decay mechanisms, and the fundamental equations that govern radioactive decay. This lecture is the first of a four‐part lecture series on radionuclides in the marine environment.
Cross‐Platform Comparison of Therapeutic Delivery from Multilamellar Lipid‐Coated Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Golan‐Paz Sharon , Frizzell Hannah , Woodrow Kim A.
Published: December 2018

Significant efforts have been invested in finding a delivery system that can encapsulate and deliver therapeutics. Core–shell polymer‐lipid hybrid nanoparticles have been studied as a promising platform because of their mechanical stability, narrow size distribution, biocompatibility, and ability to co‐deliver diverse drugs. Here, novel core–shell nanoparticles based on a poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) core and multilamellar lipid shell are designed, where the lipid bilayers are crosslinked between the two adjacent bilayers (PLGA‐ICMVs). The cross‐platform performance of the nanoparticles to other polymer‐lipid hybrid platforms is examined, including physicochemical characteristics, ability to encapsulate a variety of therapeutics, biocompatibility, and functionality as a vaccine delivery platform. Differential abilities of nanoparticle systems to encapsulate distinct pharmaceutics are observed, which suggest careful consideration of the platform chosen depending on the therapeutic agent and desired function. The novel PLGA‐ICMV platform herein demonstrates great potential in stably encapsulating water‐soluble agents and therefore is an attractive platform for therapeutic delivery.
Investigation on galvanic corrosion behaviors of CFRPs and aluminum alloys systems for automotive applications
Authors: Wu Xiayu , Sun Jiakun , Wang Jiaming , Jiang Yiming , Li Jin
Published: December 2018

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are promising lightweight materials for vehicle applications while there is a concern of galvanic corrosion when carbon fiber composite materials are connected with other metals. The galvanic corrosion behaviors were studied between CFRP and aluminum alloys in this paper. Several techniques were applied including potentiodynamic polarization test (PPT), galvanic corrosion current test (GCT), and immersion test (IT). It yielded that there existed obvious galvanic corrosion between CFRP and aluminum alloys. Additionally, influences of different surface conditions, carbon fiber concentrations, and substrate materials on the galvanic corrosion behavior were compared and discussed. Carbon fiber concentrations determine the conductivity of the CFRPs, that will have an impact on the corrosion behaviors. The exposure of the carbon fiber attributed to the polishing process will increase the corrosion rate, which confirms the importance of the elongation and hydroscopicity of the carbon fibers.
Investigation of the salinization of steel surfaces in marine environment
Authors: Babutzka Martin , Mietz Jürgen , Burkert Andreas
Published: December 2018

The salinization and contamination of metal surfaces by chloride‐containing aerosols is of great importance with regard to corrosion phenomena of damaged coated metal surfaces and stainless steels in the maritime sector and in offshore applications. Detailed questions have to be answered to clarify whether and to what extent salinization of the surface has an influence on the adhesion and durability of coatings in repairing applications and on pitting occurrence on stainless steels under atmospheric conditions. The questions arise which degree of salinization is reached after which period of time and how a defined and reproducible salinization can be simulated in the laboratory for further systematic investigations. The article is dedicated to these questions. Results of a field trial on the Island of Heligoland are presented and a simple procedure for a defined loading of metal surfaces with chlorides at a laboratory scale using a design of experiments (DoE) approach is introduced.
Effect of Using Biodegradable Gill Nets on the Catch Efficiency of Greenland Halibut
Authors: Grimaldo Eduardo , Herrmann Bent , Tveit Guro Møen , Vollstad Jørgen , Schei Marte
Published: December 2018

The effect of using biodegradable polybutylene succinate co-adipate-co-terephthalate (PBSAT) gill nets on the relative catch efficiency was assessed in a commercial gill-net fishery targeting Greenland Halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides in northern Norway. Compared with conventional polyamide gill nets, the PBSAT gill nets caught fewer fish, and the relative catch efficiency decreased with increasing fish size. For fish larger than 65 cm, the reduction in catch efficiency was significant, as the PBSAT gill nets caught 30% fewer Greenland Halibut in this size range than the conventional polyamide gill nets. Differences in mesh size, breaking strength, and elasticity could contribute to the difference in size-dependent catch efficiency between the two types of gill nets.
Information technologies and entrepreneurship
Authors: Hanoteau Julien , Rosa Jean‐Jacques
Published: December 2018

This article shows how the increase of information availability due to new technologies positively affects aggregate entrepreneurship in national economies. We rely on an “occupational choice” model of managerial production, extended to include the managerial use of information, to explain variations in the number of entrepreneurs, and thus of firms, as measured by the aggregate new business creation data. We present evidence that supports such a theory of industrial organization dynamics for a sample of 78 economies over the period 2004–2012 using panel data instrumental variable regressions.
The long‐term direct and indirect economic burden among Parkinson's disease caregivers in the United States
Authors: Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Macaulay Dendy , Jalundhwala Yash J. , Mu Fan , Ohashi Erika , Marshall Thomas , Sail Kavita
Published: December 2018

Background

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, disabling neurodegenerative disorder associated with significant economic burden for patients and caregivers. The objective of this study was to compare the direct and indirect economic burden of Parkinson's patients’ caregivers with demographically matched controls in the United States, in the 5 years after first diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Methods

Policyholders (18‐64 years old) linked to a Parkinson's disease patient (≥2 diagnoses of Parkinson's disease; first diagnosis is the index date) from January 1, 1998 to March 31, 2014, were selected from a private‐insurer claims database and categorized as Parkinson's caregivers. Eligible Parkinson's caregivers were matched 1:5 to policyholders with a non‐Parkinson's dependent (controls). Multivariable regression adjusted for baseline characteristics estimated direct costs (all‐cause insurer cost [medical and prescription] and comorbidity‐related medical costs; patient out‐of‐pocket costs) and indirect costs (disability and medically related absenteeism costs). Income progression was also compared between cohorts.

Results

A total of 1211 eligible Parkinson's caregivers (mean age, 56 years; 54% female) were matched to 6055 controls. In adjusted analyses, Parkinson's caregivers incurred significantly higher year 1 total all‐cause insurer costs ($8999 vs $7117) and medical costs ($7081 vs $5568) (both P < 0.01) and higher prescription costs (range for years 1‐5, $2506‐2573 vs $1405‐$1687) and total out‐of‐pocket costs ($1259‐1585 vs $902‐$1192) in years 1‐5 (all P < 0.01). Parkinson's caregivers had significantly higher adjusted indirect costs in years 1‐3 (range for years 1‐3, $2054‐$2464 vs $1681‐$1857; all P < 0.05) and higher cumulative income loss over 5 years ($5967 vs $2634 by year 5; P for interaction = 0.03).

Conclusions

Parkinson's caregivers exhibited higher direct and indirect costs and greater income loss compared with matched controls. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Numerical calculation of the discrete spectra of one‐dimensional Schrödinger operators with point interactions
Authors: Barrera‐Figueroa Víctor , Rabinovich Vladimir S.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we consider one‐dimensional Schrödinger operators Sq on
with a bounded potential q supported on the segment
and a singular potential supported at the ends h0, h1. We consider an extension of the operator Sq in
defined by the Schrödinger operator
and matrix point conditions at the ends h0, h1. By using the spectral parameter power series method, we derive the characteristic equation for calculating the discrete spectra of operator
. Moreover, we provide closed‐form expressions for the eigenfunctions and associate functions in the Jordan chain given in the form of power series of the spectral parameter. The validity of our approach is proven in several numerical examples including self‐adjoint and nonself‐adjoint problems involving general point interactions described in terms of δ‐ and δ′‐distributions.
Technical Note: Reconstruction of physical and biological dose distributions of carbon‐ion beam through deconvolution of longitudinal dosimeter responses
Authors: Kanematsu Nobuyuki , Inaniwa Taku , Yonai Shunsuke , Mizuno Hideyuki
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This is a theoretical simulation study for proof of concept of radiochromic film dosimetry to measure physical and biological doses without plan‐based quenching correction for patient‐specific quality assurance of carbon‐ion radiotherapy.

Methods

We took a layer‐stacking carbon‐ion beam comprised of range‐shifted beamlets. The dosimeter response was simulated according to an experimental quenching model. The beam model followed a treatment planning system. The beam was decomposed into finely arranged beamlets with weights estimated by deconvolution of longitudinal dosimeter responses. The distributions of physical and biological doses were reconstructed from the estimated weights and were compared with the plan. We also evaluated the sensitivity to measurement errors and to erratic delivery with an undelivered beamlet.

Results

The reconstructed physical and biological doses accurately reproduced the simulated delivery with errors approximately corresponding to the measurement errors. The erratic beam delivery was easily detectable by comparison of biological dose distribution to the plan.

Conclusions

We have developed a method to measure physical and biological doses by longitudinal dosimetry of quenched response without using plan data. The method only involves a general optimization algorithm, a radiobiology model, and experimental beamlet data, and requires no extra corrections. Theoretically, this approach is applicable to various dosimeters and to proton and ion beams of any delivery method, regardless of quenching or biological effectiveness.
Part I: Out‐of‐field dose mapping for 6X and 6X‐flattening‐filter‐free beams on the TrueBeam for extended distances
Authors: Wijesooriya Krishni
Published: December 2018

Purpose

With increasing cancer treatment success rates, many patients go on to live long, productive lives following recovery. Therefore, minimizing potential side effects due to dose outside the treated field is becoming a significant consideration in radiation therapy. With many potential treatment configurations available, it is important to quantify how out‐of‐field dose varies with common variables such as distance from isocenter, couch angle, jaw size, and flattening‐filter setting. The accurate quantification of out‐of‐field dose at extended distances could also benefit researchers and detector developers. While data exist for out‐of‐field dose from older linear accelerator (Linac) models, the phenomenon has not been described for the latest generation of machines, such as the Varian TrueBeam. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively quantify out‐of‐field dose for the Varian TrueBeam Linac low energy photons in a wide range of positions and treatment geometries.

Method and Materials

Out‐of‐field doses were measured using two phantom setups: (a) A large volume ion chamber with a buildup sleeve to quantify head leakage and collimator scatter background dose; and (b) A farmer ion chamber in solid water to incorporate phantom scatter in addition to collimator scatter, and head leakage background dose. In both cases, the ion chamber was positioned with its length along the slowly varying transverse direction (perpendicular to the radial from isocenter). Doses were measured for four symmetric jaw settings (2 × 2 cm2, 4 × 4 cm2, 10 × 10 cm2, and 20 × 20 cm2) for a range of distances from the isocenter (0–100 cm). The angular dependence of the out‐of‐field dose was measured using four different angles: 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° with respect to the in‐plane direction. All measurements were performed for both 6X and 6X‐flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) beams.

Results

The lowest out‐of‐field doses were observed at 60 cm away from isocenter in both in‐plane and cross‐plane directions for fields smaller than 10 × 10 cm2. Out‐of‐field dose decreased with decreasing jaw size (a factor of 4.7 for 6X‐FFF and a factor of 3.1 for 6X going from 20 × 20 cm2 to 2 × 2 cm2 at 60 cm from isocenter in the in‐plane direction). The 6X‐FFF beam produced out‐of‐field doses as low as 64% of the 6X beam.

Conclusion

This study presents a comprehensive description of 6X and 6X‐FFF out‐of‐field doses on a Varian TrueBeam Linac including measurements at a range of positions, angles, and jaw settings and with and without phantom scatter.
A general framework for optimizing arterial spin labeling MRI experiments
Authors: Woods Joseph G. , Chappell Michael A. , Okell Thomas W.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI is a non‐invasive perfusion imaging technique that is inherently SNR limited, so scan protocols ideally need to be rigorously optimized to provide the most accurate measurements. A general framework is presented for optimizing ASL experiments to achieve optimal accuracy for perfusion estimates and, if required, other hemodynamic parameters, within a fixed scan time. The effectiveness of this framework is then demonstrated by optimizing the post‐labeling delays (PLDs) of a multi‐PLD pseudo‐continuous ASL experiment and validating the improvement using simulations and in vivo data.

Theory and Methods

A simple framework is proposed based on the use of the Cramér‐Rao lower bound to find the protocol design which minimizes the predicted parameter estimation errors. Protocols were optimized for cerebral blood flow (CBF) accuracy or both CBF and arterial transit time (ATT) accuracy and compared to a conventional multi‐PLD protocol, with evenly spaced PLDs, and a single‐PLD protocol, using simulations and in vivo experiments in healthy volunteers.

Results

Simulations and in vivo data agreed extremely well with the predicted performance of all protocols. For the in vivo experiments, optimizing for just CBF resulted in a 48% and 15% decrease in CBF errors, relative to the reference multi‐PLD and single‐PLD protocols, respectively. Optimizing for both CBF and ATT reduced CBF errors by 37%, without a reduction in ATT accuracy, relative to the reference multi‐PLD protocol.

Conclusion

The presented framework can effectively design ASL experiments to minimize measurement errors based on the requirements of the scan.
Acute Kidney Injury Masked by Malnutrition: A Case Report and the Problem of Protein
Authors: Schwartz Emily , Hillyer Robert , Foley Jessica , Willcutts Kate , Ziegler Jane
Published: December 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among critically ill patients. There are a number of nutrition considerations in the management of AKI, including fluid balance, electrolyte and acid‐base disturbances, protein provision, and management of comorbid conditions. The optimal amount of protein provision for patients with AKI who are not on renal replacement therapy (RRT) has been a topic of debate for years. Excessive protein provision may contribute to azotemia in these patients, but inadequate protein intake may harm nutrition status and result in poorer clinical outcomes. This review discusses a patient case of AKI masked by malnutrition and muscle loss and reviews the current literature on optimal protein intake in AKI (not on RRT). Based on a structured search strategy, 4 articles were reviewed. We conclude that the available evidence suggests that significant restrictions in protein intake are not necessary for those critically ill patients with AKI. However, the studies reviewed here showed significant heterogeneity in protein dose and delivery, estimation of protein needs, patient population, and definition of AKI, and thus further research is needed to systematically determine the optimal dose of protein for critically ill adults with AKI.
A systems thinking approach to the integration of food insecurity policy
Authors: Roggio April M.
Published: December 2018

Food insecurity represents a growing problem in the United States, with levels of household insecurity hovering around 12.5% of national population. Policy leaders and advocates have long struggled to define adequate solutions, mired in concerns about food access and affordability, as well as overlays of equity and social justice, in part because of the numerous many ways we have measured the problem and defined and evaluated solutions. Most food security programs are designed as temporary assistance and few policy leaders or advocates are well‐placed to address leverage points for durable policy change, both because they are focused on short term solutions and because they are unable to collaborate to identify leverage points within the food policy system that would enable long term solutions. This paper offers a systems thinking assessment of a recent food policy symposium, illuminating the problem and causes as perceived by those practitioners involved in addressing household food insecurity, highlighting the lack of coherence among current stakeholders and an inability to collaboratively address the problem of food insecurity. It concludes with suggestions for future research.
Extraction of nanofibers from polymer blends: A brief review
Authors: Rabiei Navid , Haghighat Kish Mohammad
Published: December 2018

This review is about the naturally formed and intentionally produced nanofibrils or nanofibers (NFs) that have been extracted and utilized or expected to be used for special applications. The diameter of NFs ranges between a few to a few hundred nanometers. Methods to arrange synthetic NFs assembly in yarns or pads forms have been examined. High throughput productions, versatility of various thermoplastics, and less environmental pollution are the advantages of the methods of extraction, which seems to make it as an economical process. It can also be used for the polymers that are difficult to be converted to NFs by electrospinning. The process is challenging and scientifically fascinating to attract the investigators. There are many more polymers to be considered, and there are many more envisioned applications that have to be practiced in the future. A theoretical base is needed for the evaluation of the effects of polymer flow parameters on the extracted NFs properties.
Sideroblastic anemia associated with multisystem mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Tesarova Marketa , Vondrackova Alzbeta , Stufkova Hana , Veprekova Lenka , Stranecky Viktor , Berankova Kamila , Hansikova Hana , Magner Martin , Galoova Natalia , Honzik Tomas , Vodickova Elena , Stary Jan , Zeman Jiri
Published: December 2018

Background

Sideroblastic anemia represents a heterogeneous group of inherited or acquired diseases with disrupted erythroblast iron utilization, ineffective erythropoiesis, and variable systemic iron overload. In a cohort of 421 patients with multisystem mitochondrial diseases, refractory anemia was found in 8 children.

Results

Five children had sideroblastic anemia with increased numbers of ring sideroblasts >15%. Two of the children had a fatal course of MLASA1 syndrome (mitochondrial myopathy, lactic acidosis, and sideroblastic anemia [SA]) due to a homozygous, 6‐kb deletion in the PUS1 gene, part of the six‐member family of pseudouridine synthases (pseudouridylases). Large homozygous deletions represent a novel cause of presumed PUS1‐loss‐of‐function phenotype. The other three children with SA had Pearson syndrome (PS) due to mtDNA deletions of 4 to 8 kb; two of these children showed early onset of PS and died due to repeated sepsis; the other child had later onset of PS and survived as the hematological parameters normalized and the disease transitioned to Kearns–Sayre syndrome. In addition, anemia without ring sideroblasts was found in three other patients with mitochondrial disorders, including two children with later onset of PS and one child with failure to thrive, microcephaly, developmental delay, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and renal tubular acidosis due to the heterozygous mutations c.610A>G (p.Asn204Asp) and c.674C>T (p.Pro225Leu) in the COX10 gene encoding the cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor.

Conclusions

Sideroblastic anemia was found in fewer than 1.2% of patients with multisystem mitochondrial disease, and it was usually associated with an unfavorable prognosis.
Effects of chiral center on an all‐hydrocarbon tethered peptide
Authors: Shi Xiaodong , Hu Kuan , Geng Hao , Liu Zhihong , Yin Feng , Li Zigang
Published: December 2018

Recently, our group reported that a precisely positioned chiral center on a thioether tether could dominate the backbone peptides' secondary structures and modulate the peptides' biophysical properties. Helical peptides constructed with this chirality induced helicity (CIH) method were named as CIH peptide. In this work, we examined the effects of substituting the thioether tether with an all hydrocarbon tether for the biophysical property differences. Two peptide epimers were prepared and showed distinct secondary structures and the R epimer is helical. Comparing with its thioether counterpart, the all‐hydrocarbon R epimer showed slightly higher helical content, modest improved binding affinity with mammal double minute 2 (MDM2), while similar cell permeability and slightly higher membrane toxicity.
Diazepam is not a direct allosteric modulator of α1‐adrenoceptors, but modulates receptor signaling by inhibiting phosphodiesterase‐4
Authors: Williams Lisa M. , He Xiaoji , Vaid Tasneem M. , Abdul‐Ridha Alaa , Whitehead Alice R. , Gooley Paul R. , Bathgate Ross A.D. , Williams Spencer J. , Scott Daniel J.
Published: December 2018

α1A‐ and α1B‐adrenoceptors (ARs) are G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by adrenaline and noradrenaline to modulate smooth muscle contraction in the periphery, and neuronal outputs in the central nervous system (CNS). α1A‐ and α1B‐AR are clinically targeted with antagonists for hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia and are emerging CNS targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The benzodiazepines midazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam are proposed to be positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of α1‐ARs. Here, using thermostabilized, purified, α1A‐ and α1B‐ARs, we sought to identify the benzodiazepine binding site and modulatory mechanism to inform the design of selective PAMs. However, using a combination of biophysical approaches no evidence was found for direct binding of several benzodiazepines to purified, stabilized α1A‐ and α1B‐ARs. Similarly, in cell‐based assays expressing unmodified α1A‐ and α1B‐ARs, benzodiazepine treatment had no effect on fluorescent ligand binding, agonist‐stimulated Ca2+ release, or G protein activation. In contrast, several benzodiazepines positively modulated phenylephrine stimulation of a cAMP response element pathway by α1A‐ and α1B‐ARs; however, this was shown to be caused by off‐target inhibition of phosphodiesterases, known targets of diazepam. This study highlights how purified, stabilized GPCRs are useful for validating allosteric ligand binding and that care needs to be taken before assigning new targets to benzodiazepines.
The Structural and Compositional Changes of Graphene Oxide Induced by Irradiation With 500 keV Helium and Gallium Ions
Authors: Malinský Petr , Macková Anna , Florianová Markéta , Cutroneo Mariapompea , Hnatowicz Vladimír , Boháčová Marie , Szőkölová Kateřina , Böttger Roman , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: December 2018

Structural and compositional modification of 2D materials as graphene or graphene oxide (GO) are topical objects of nowadays due to their many technological applications. Ion irradiation of graphene based materials, as a method for improvement of their surface properties started recently. Ion mass, energy, and fluence are crucial for forming of GO electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. In this work, the GO films are irradiated with 500 keV He and Ga ions to different fluences. The ions with different masses and electronic/nuclear stopping power ratios, are chosen with the aim to examine mechanisms of radiation defect creation. The elemental composition of the GO is investigated using Rutherford back‐scattering (RBS) and elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) techniques. The structural and chemical changes are characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy and the electrical properties are determined by two‐point method. The RBS and ERDA analyses indicate deoxygenation and dehydrogenation of the irradiated GO surface. The thickness and the degree of O and H depletion depend on the ion mass. XPS and Raman spectroscopy show removal of oxygen functionalities and structural modifications leading to a decrease in the surface resistivity.
Molecular Functionalization of Planar Nanocrystalline and Porous Nanostructured Diamond to Form an Interface with Newborn and Adult Neurons
Authors: Krůšek Jan , Dittert Ivan , Smejkalová Tereza , Kořínek Miloslav , Gottfriedová Kristýna , Freislebenová Hana , Neuhöferová Eva , Klimša Ladislav , Sedláková Silvia , Taylor Andrew , Mortet Vincent , Petrák Václav , Benson Veronika , Petráková Vladimíra
Published: December 2018

This article examines the ability of newly developed nanostructured porous boron‐doped diamond (BDD) to form an interface with neural cells and the role of molecular functionalization by a polymer on this interface. Due to its high stability, biocompatibility, and electrical properties, BDD is a promising material for construction of neuroelectrodes. Nanostructuring and an increase in the surface specific area can further improve the sensitivity and performance of such electrodes. Here, porous BDD prepared in a multistep diamond deposition on a porous template consisting of a polymer and electrospun SiO2 fibers is examined. This work shows that this new material is biocompatible and does not exhibit any cytotoxicity on fibroblast cell lines. Further, this work shows that porous BDD supports regeneration of newborn and adult neurons when functionalized with poly‐L‐lysine.