bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UV/Vis Spectroscopy of Copper Formate Clusters: Insight into Metal‐Ligand Photochemistry
Authors: Pascher Tobias F. , Ončák Milan , van der Linde Christian , Beyer Martin K.
Published: March 2020

The electronic structure and photochemistry of copper formate clusters, CuI2(HCO2)3− and CuIIn(HCO2)2n+1−, n≤8, are investigated in the gas phase by using UV/Vis spectroscopy in combination with quantum chemical calculations. A clear difference in the spectra of clusters with CuI and CuII copper ions is observed. For the CuI species, transitions between copper d and s/p orbitals are recorded. For stoichiometric CuII formate clusters, the spectra are dominated by copper d–d transitions and charge‐transfer excitations from formate to the vacant copper d orbital. Calculations reveal the existence of several energetically low‐lying isomers, and the energetic position of the electronic transitions depends strongly on the specific isomer. The oxidation state of the copper centers governs the photochemistry. In CuII(HCO2)3−, fast internal conversion into the electronic ground state is observed, leading to statistical dissociation; for charge‐transfer excitations, specific excited‐state reaction channels are observed in addition, such as formyloxyl radical loss. In CuI2(HCO2)3−, the system relaxes to a local minimum on an excited‐state potential‐energy surface and might undergo fluorescence or reach a conical intersection to the ground state; in both cases, this provides substantial energy for statistical decomposition. Alternatively, a CuII(HCO2)3Cu0− biradical structure is formed in the excited state, which gives rise to the photochemical loss of a neutral copper atom.
Enhanced Stability of Peptide Nanofibers Coated with a Conformal Layer of Polydopamine
Authors: Ji Mingyang , Parquette Jon R.
Published: March 2020

The susceptibility of self‐assembled materials to changes of environmental conditions and mechanical forces often limits their utility for many applications. In this work, the surface of nanofibers formed by β‐sheet peptide self‐assemblies were coated by polydopamine (PDA) deposition. This conformal coating process rendered the nanofiber dimensions and internal π‐stacking chirality impervious to changes in pH, temperature, and physical processing by spin‐coating onto a silicon wafer. Whereas sonication‐induced shearing of the dopamine/naphthalenediimide–dilysine (DA/NDI–KK) composite irreversibly shortened the nanofibers into 100–200 nm segments, the uncoated nanofibers unraveled into single strands upon similar treatment. Additionally, the PDA‐coated nanofibers could be wrapped by an additional layer comprised of a positively charged polyelectrolyte polymer.
Inverse Produktion für nachhaltige Wertstoffkreisläufe – Aktuelle Entwicklungen zur automatisierten Demontage und Entstückung von Elektronikplatinen
Authors: Noll Reinhard , Bergmann Klaus , Fricke‐Begemann Cord , Schreckenberg Frederik
Published: March 2020

Am Ende der Lebensdauer elektronischer Produkte gehen immer noch viele der darin enthaltenen Wertstoffe verloren. Mithilfe moderner produktionstechnischer Methoden könnten diese Produkte gezielt zerlegt werden, um hochwertige Sortierfraktionen zu gewinnen. Der Beitrag zeigt Ansätze zu diesen Herausforderungen der inversen Produktion auf. Beispielhaft werden aktuelle Entwicklungen zur automatisierten Demontage und Entstückung von Elektronikplatinen vorgestellt. Moderner Sensor‐ und Lasertechnologie kommt dabei eine Schlüsselrolle für Mess‐ und Entstückungsaufgaben zu. Eine Demontage‐ und Sortierlinie für die stückbezogene Verarbeitung von Mobiltelefonen und Elektronikplatinen mit sieben verketteten Maschinen wurde aufgebaut und in einem Recyclingbetrieb erprobt.
Prevalence of decisional regret among patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and associations with quality of life and clinical outcomes
Authors: Cusatis Rachel N. , Tecca Heather R. , D’Souza Anita , Shaw Bronwen E. , Flynn Kathryn E.
Published: March 2020

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT) is potentially curative but with known negative effects on quality of life. In the current study, the authors investigated whether patients expressed regret after undergoing HCT and the relationships between clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Methods

Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research data from 184 adults who completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT‐BMT) before undergoing alloHCT and at day 100 were used. Additional time points were 6 months and 12 months. Regret was measured using a FACT‐BMT item not included in scoring: “I regret having the bone marrow transplant.” The authors evaluated FACT‐BMT scores and regret using Studentt‐tests. Covariance pattern models were used to determine predictors of regret over time, including baseline characteristics and post‐alloHCT outcomes (acute or chronic graft‐versus‐host‐disease, disease recurrence).

Results

At 100 days, 6 months, and 12 months, approximately 6% to 8% of patients expressed regret; a total of 15% expressed regret at any time point. Regret was found to be associated with lower FACT‐BMT scores at 6 months and 12 months (P < .001). Higher baseline FACT‐BMT and social well‐being scores were associated with a reduced risk of expressing regret. The risk of regretting transplantation was 17.5 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 5.5‐29.7 percentage points) greater in patients who developed disease recurrence after HCT compared with patients who did not.

Conclusions

Among patients who underwent alloHCT and lived to 100 days, the majority did not report regretting their transplantation. Regret was found to be related to disease recurrence. Social connectedness may serve as a protective factor against later regret. Future work should explore regret in other patient groups and use qualitative methods to inform best practices for reducing regret.
Genomic landscape of acquired resistance to third‐generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in EGFR T790M‐mutant non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lee Jiyun , Kim Hong Sook , Lee Boram , Kim Hee Kyung , Sun Jong‐Mu , Ahn Jin Seok , Ahn Myung‐Ju , Park Keunchil , Lee Se‐Hoon
Published: March 2020

Background

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shifted the treatment paradigm in advanced EGFR‐mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients who are treated with TKIs inevitably develop acquired resistance by mechanisms that are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of acquired resistance after treatment with third‐generation EGFR TKIs.

Methods

Advanced EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients treated with olmutinib or osimertinib who underwent a rebiopsy before treatment or after progression were analyzed retrospectively. Targeted sequencing was performed on 113 specimens (77 pretreatment and 36 posttreatment, including 15 paired samples) obtained via tissue biopsy.

Results

A total of 98 patients were included, 53 (54%) of whom were treated with osimertinib and 45 (46%) of whom were treated with olmutinib. Of the 36 patients with posttreatment biopsies, EGFR‐dependent mechanisms, including C797S and L718Q mutations, were observed in 10 (28%) patients: 29% (5/17) in the osimertinib group and 26% (5/19) in the olmutinib group. EGFR‐independent mechanisms were detected in 21 patients (21/36, 58%): 65% (11/17) in the osimertinib group and 53% (10/19) in the olmutinib group. The disappearance of EGFR T790M was detected in 14 patients (39%); of these patients, 59% (10/17) were treated with osimertinib and 21% (4/19) were treated with olmutinib. Patients who lost the T790M mutation were more inclined to show EGFR‐independent pathways as a secondary resistance mechanism.

Conclusion

Resistance acquired after third‐generation EGFR TKIs is associated with diverse pathways; however, treatment with osimertinib is primarily associated with a loss of EGFR T790M and the subsequent emergence of EGFR‐independent resistance mechanisms.
Retinal topography in two species of flamingo (Phoenicopteriformes: Phoenicopteridae)
Authors: Lisney Thomas J. , Potier Simon , Isard Pierre‐François , Mentek Marielle , Mitkus Mindaugas , Collin Shaun P.
Published: March 2020

In this study, we assessed eye morphology and retinal topography in two flamingo species, the Caribbean flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and the Chilean flamingo (P. chilensis). Eye morphology is similar in both species and cornea size relative to eye size (C:A ratio) is intermediate between those previously reported for diurnal and nocturnal birds. Using stereology and retinal whole mounts, we estimate that the total number of Nissl‐stained neurons in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer in the Caribbean and Chilean flamingo is ~1.70 and 1.38 million, respectively. Both species have a well‐defined visual streak with a peak neuron density of between 13,000 and 16,000 cells mm−2 located in a small central area. Neurons in the high‐density regions are smaller and more homogeneous compared to those in medium‐ and low‐density regions. Peak anatomical spatial resolving power in both species is approximately 10–11 cycles/deg. En‐face images of the fundus in live Caribbean flamingos acquired using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) revealed a thin, dark band running nasotemporally just dorsal to the pecten, which aligned with the visual streak in the retinal topography maps. Cross‐sectional images (B‐scans) obtained with SD‐OCT showed that this dark band corresponds with an area of retinal thickening compared to adjacent areas. Neither the retinal whole mounts, nor the SD‐OCT imaging revealed any evidence of a central fovea in either species. Overall, we suggest that eye morphology and retinal topography in flamingos reflects their cathemeral activity pattern and the physical nature of the habitats in which they live.
Controls on microbial and oolitic carbonate sedimentation and stratigraphic cyclicity within a mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic system: Upper Cambrian Wilberns Formation, Llano Uplift, Mason County, Texas, USA
Authors: Lehrmann Daniel J. , Droxler André W. , Harris Paul (Mitch) , Minzoni Marcello , Droxler Dylan A. , Hopson Heath H. , Kelleher Caroline , Khanna Pankaj , Lehrmann Asmara A. , Lhemann Adrien , Mabry Grace , Mercado Lauren , Proctor Jacob M. , Singh Pulkit , Yazbek Lindsey
Published: March 2020

The upper Cambrian Wilberns Formation in central Texas records deposition on a low‐gradient shelf within a mixed carbonate–siliciclastic tidal‐flat system that changes offshore to subtidal shelf and open‐marine oolitic skeletal shoals with large microbial mounds. Siliciclastic sediment is interpreted to have been delivered to the tidal flat by aeolian processes because of the narrow range in grain size and paucity of clay. Tidal influence is dominant as evidenced by reversing currents and desiccation on the tidal flat, and megaripples with reversing current indicators in offshore shoals. Intraclastic conglomerates were deposited in broad channels on the tidal flats during storm surges. Microbialite deposition is interpreted to be controlled by accommodation favouring amalgamated thin biostromes developed in the tidal flat vs. larger mounds with greater synoptic relief in the offshore, and current energy resulting in preferential elongation of offshore mounds in a NE–SW orientation. Intertidal mounds and biostromes grew in the presence of significant siliciclastic flux and trapped it within their structure, whereas offshore large buildups incorporated little siliciclastic component. Oolite and skeletal grainstone formed in tide agitated shoals associated with large subtidal microbial mounds. Storms extensively recycled and redistributed skeletal and oolitic sands from the offshore shoals across the shelf as thin sand sheets. Spatial mixing of siliciclastic and carbonate sediment occurred across the tidal flat and shelf. Low‐frequency and intermediate‐frequency stratigraphic cycles were driven by shifts in the shoreline and changes in rate of siliciclastic flux in response to relative sea‐level fluctuation. Random facies stacking and the lack of metre‐scale cyclicity are interpreted to reflect stratigraphic incompleteness and an episodic signal introduced by storms.
Green Shades in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Vaccaro Luigi
Published: March 2020

With Chemistry playing a pivotal role in defining sustainable development, organic chemistry is a key area in which new solvents can be developed and applied to improve known transformations or to discover new ones. Recoverable catalysts are instrumental for accessing effective green synthetic processes and also are a vital tool for modern organic chemistry. Finally, technologies such as flow chemistry can efficiently maximize the efforts towards energy‐ and waste‐minimized synthetic procedures. In this minireview, which is a personal account on the chemistry developed by my group in the last decade, the use of safer/recoverable solvents, heterogeneous catalysis, and flow reactors are presented as interlocked tools for accessing a green organic chemistry.
Regioselective Monohalogenation and Homo/Hetero Dihalogenation of Benzothioxanthene Monoimide
Authors: Dalinot Clément , Simón Marqués Pablo , Andrés Castán José M. , Josse Pierre , Allain Magali , Abad Galán Laura , Monnereau Cyrille , Maury Olivier , Blanchard Philippe , Cabanetos Clément
Published: March 2020

Through the preparation and characterization of five new derivatives, the regioselective mono and di, homo and hetero, halogenation of the benzothioxanthene (BTXI) core is demonstrated herein. All structurally solved by X‐ray crystallography, these complementary functionalized building blocks open doors to the design of new symmetrical and asymmetrical π‐conjugated systems based on this promising but still under‐explored rylene
Food addiction and symptoms of depression among inhabitants of the European North of Russia: Associations with sleep characteristics and photoperiod
Authors: Borisenkov Mikhail F. , Popov Sergey V. , Tserne Tatyana A. , Bakutova Larisa A. , Pecherkina Anna A. , Dorogina Olga I. , Martinson Ekaterina A. , Vetosheva Valentina I. , Gubin Denis G. , Solovieva Svetlana V. , Turovinina Elena F. , Symanyuk Elvira E.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this investigation was to study the sleep‐wake rhythm characteristics of young persons with food addiction (FA) and symptoms of depression. A total of 2,360 young persons living in northern European Russia were included in the study. The average age of the respondents (± standard deviation [SD]) was 17.9 [4.6] years (66.6% female). Each participant provided personal data and filled in three questionnaires: the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale, and the Yale Food Addiction Scale. FA was detected in 8.9% of respondents, and moderate‐to‐severe symptoms of depression were detected in 16.7% of respondents. FA and depressive symptoms were more often detected in females. Age and body mass index were shown to be significantly associated with FA. There were positive associations between the time of sunrise and FA and depressive symptoms. Persons who had symptoms of depression also tended to have a later chronotype, lower sleep efficiency, later sleep onset, higher sleep inertia, and greater sleep latency on school days. A positive relationship between FA and the time of sleep onset on school days was also revealed. Thus, the results indicate that prolonged wakefulness in the evening after sunset was associated with FA.
Damage caused by freeze‐thaw treatment with liquid nitrogen on pore and fracture structures in a water‐bearing coal mass
Authors: Lin Haifei , Li Jinliang , Yan Min , Li Shugang , Qin Lei , Zhang Yizhen
Published: March 2020

The purpose of the study was to explore the microscopic and mesoscopic damage mechanisms of water‐bearing coal mass in the freeze‐thaw process with liquid nitrogen. For this purpose, by using a Zeiss microscope, a nonmetal ultrasonic velocity detector and a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, the changes in the structures of surface fractures and pores before and after coal masses with different moisture contents when subjected to freeze‐thaw treatment with liquid nitrogen (FTTLN) were tested. The result showed that under the freeze‐thaw effect of liquid nitrogen, the structures of surface fractures and internal pores of coal mass were both changed. Upon increasing the moisture content of the coal, the width of surface fractures increased; the surface fractures showed significant fractal characteristics: The higher the moisture content of the coal, the greater the rate of change of fractal dimension after FTTLN; the ultrasonic wave velocity in the coal mass gradually decreased after FTTLN, and the greater the moisture content, the more significant the decrease in ultrasonic wave velocity; under the freeze‐thaw effect of liquid nitrogen, the pore structure in the coal mass was transformed from micropores and small pores to mesopores and macropores and certain new micropores and small pores were generated. Upon increasing the moisture content of the coal mass, the peak area of micropores and small pores and their proportion decreased at first and then increased (reaching the minimum at 9.12% of moisture content); the peak area, peak area proportion, and porosity of mesopores and macropores always increased. The damage factor attained based on the width of fractures, longitudinal wave velocity, fractal dimension of surface fractures, and porosity was favorably correlated with the moisture content: With increasing moisture content, the coal mass became more severely damaged.
A theoretical and experimental study of passive computational radio frequency identification tags
Authors: Muralter Florian , Arjona Laura , Landaluce Hugo , Perallos Asier
Published: March 2020

The investigation and optimization of the RF frontend of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags represents a crucial topic when looking for an increased tag performance. This work studies the RF frontend of three state‐of‐the‐art passive computational RFID tags: AMS SL900a Dev Kit, Farsens Spider Eval, and WISP 5.1. Given a module‐based approach, the antenna, the matching network, the RF energy harvesting, and the load modulation are reviewed both theoretically and experimentally. The influence of a set of properties, corresponding to these modules, on the overall RFID tag performance is evaluated using a tag read range measurement.
Uptake prediction of ten heavy metals by Corchorus olitorius L. cultivated in soil mixed with sewage sludge
Authors: Eid Ebrahem M. , Shaltout Kamal H. , Alamri Saad A. M. , Sewelam Nasser A. , Galal Tarek M.
Published: March 2020

This study was carried out to develop mathematical regression equations for predicting the uptake of selected heavy metals (HMs: Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn) by Corchorus olitorius L. cultivated in soil mixed with sewage sludge based on the concentration of these HMs in the soil–sludge mixture, soil organic matter (OM), and soil pH. The resultant regression equations reflected that the three soil factors were significant predictors for the uptake of the ten HMs in the plant tissues. Applying the t test, there are no significant differences between the actual and predicted values of the ten HMs in C. olitorius root and shoot (p > .05), which reflect the best‐fitting of these equations for predicting the uptake of these HMs. Such types of equations may be helpful for evaluating the risk of cultivation due to precise prediction of C. olitorius (leafy vegetable) uptake of HMs, in soil mixed with sewage sludge.
Systemic chemotherapy and sequential locoregional radiotherapy in initially metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Retrospective analysis with 821 cases
Authors: Huang Tianying , Su Ning , Zhang Xuanye , Ma Shuyun , Zhong Guangzheng , Tian Xiaopeng , Chen Qiuyan , Tang Linglong , Lu Lixia , Fang Yu , Cai Jun , Cai Qingqing
Published: March 2020

Background

We designed this retrospective study to explore the best treatment modality for patients with initially metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

From 2008 to 2017, 821 patients were enrolled. Treatment modalities and prognostic factors were analyzed.

Results

Compared with chemotherapy alone and radiotherapy‐based treatment, systemic chemotherapy‐sequential locoregional radiotherapy to the nasopharyngeal primary tumor site were associated with a significantly increased 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate (40.3%, 11.7%, and 22.9%, P < .001). The overall response rate of the paclitaxel combined with platinum and fluorouracil (TPF) regimen as first‐line chemotherapy was higher than that of the paclitaxel plus platinum (TP) regimen (78.2% vs 70.0%, P = .038). A better OS was achieved in the TPF group compared to doublet drug regimens (3‐year OS, 35.7% vs 25.3%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Systemic chemotherapy‐sequential locoregional radiotherapy may prolong OS and progression‐free survival for selected patients with initially metastatic NPC.
SIRT1 Regulates N6‐Methyladenosine RNA Modification in Hepatocarcinogenesis by Inducing RANBP2‐Dependent FTO SUMOylation
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Liu Jianye , Xiao Wen , Zeng Qinghai , Bo Hao , Zhu Yuxing , Gong Lian , He Dong , Xing Xiaowei , Li Ruhong , Zhou Ming , Xiong Wei , Zhou Yanhong , Zhou Jianda , Li Xiaohui , Guo Fei , Xu Canxia , Chen Xiong , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Fen , Wang Qiang , Cao Ke
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with high malignancy rates. Recently, a known deacetylase silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) was discovered in HCC, and its presence is positively correlated with malignancy and metastasis. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prominent modification, but the exact mechanisms on how SIRT1 regulates m6A modification to induce hepatocarcinogenesis remain unclear.

Approach and Results

Here we demonstrate that SIRT1 exerts an oncogenic role by down‐regulating fat mass and obesity‐associated protein (FTO), which is an m6A demethylase. A crucial component of small ubiquitin‐related modifiers (SUMOs) E3 ligase, RANBP2, is activated by SIRT1, and it is indispensable for FTO SUMOylation at Lysine (K)‐216 site that promotes FTO degradation. Moreover, Guanine nucleotide‐binding protein G (o) subunit alpha (GNAO1) is identified as m6A downstream targets of FTO and tumor suppressor in HCC, and depletion of FTO by SIRT1 improves m6A+ GNAO1 and down‐regulates its mRNA expression.

Conclusions

We demonstrate an important mechanism whereby SIRT1 destabilizes FTO, steering the m6A+ of downstream molecules and subsequent mRNA expression in HCC tumorigenesis. Our findings uncover a target of SIRT1 for therapeutic agents to treat HCC.
A wearable noncontact free‐rotating hybrid nanogenerator for self‐powered electronics
Authors: Jiang Dongjie , Ouyang Han , Shi Bojing , Zou Yang , Tan Puchuan , Qu Xuecheng , Chao Shengyu , Xi Yuan , Zhao Chaochao , Fan Yubo , Li Zhou
Published: March 2020

Self‐powerability is a new trend in the development of portable devices. Harvesting biomechanical energy to power personal information electronics is of great significance. In this work, we report a wearable noncontact free‐rotating hybrid nanogenerator (WRG), which is constituted by a triboelectric nanogenerator and an electromagnetic generator. A continuous output over 2 seconds can be achieved during one instantaneous incentive by external force, which is improved by two orders of magnitude compared to other wearable nanogenerators due to its unique mechanical energy storage design. The WRG can be integrated into shoes to generate an output energy of 14.68 mJ in each stepping, which meets the power requirements of most personal information electronics. The wireless sensor, GPS, and smartphone can be powered by the WRG continuously. The WRG is expected to be applied in self‐powered information electronics extensively in the future.

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How Does Obesity Influence the Risk of Vertebral Fracture? Findings From the UK Biobank Participants
Authors: Luo Jin , Lee Raymond YW
Published: March 2020

Obesity and osteoporotic‐related fractures are two common public health problems, although it is unclear how obesity affects the risk of vertebral fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between different measures of obesity and the risk of vertebral fracture, and to establish the various clinical factors that can predict such risk. We analyzed data obtained from 502,543 participants in the UK Biobank (229,138 men and 273,405 women), aged 40 to 69 years. Imaging information was available in a subset of this cohort (5189 participants: 2473 men and 2716 women). We further examined how BMD and geometry of the vertebrae were related to body fat measures. It was shown that a larger waist circumference (WC), but not BMI, was associated with an increase in fracture risk in men, but in women, neither BMI nor WC affected the risk. Trunk fat mass, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass, and limb fat mass were negatively associated with vertebral body BMD and geometry in men and women. BMD and geometry are related to vertebral strength, but may not be directly related to the risk of fractures, which is also influenced by other factors. The binary logistic regression equation established in this study may be useful to clinicians for the prediction of vertebral fracture risks, and may provide further information to supplement the fracture risk assessment tool, which assesses general fracture risks. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Systemic Parathyroid Hormone Enhances Fracture Healing in Multiple Murine Models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Alder Kareme D , White Andrew HA , Chung Yeon‐Ho , Lee Inkyu , Back JungHo , Kwon Hyuk‐Kwon , Cahill Sean V , Hao Zichen , Li Lu , Chen Fancheng , Lee Saelim , Riedel Matthew D , Lee Francis Y
Published: March 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multisystemic disease that afflicts more than 415 million people globally—the incidence and prevalence of T2DM continues to rise. It is well‐known that T2DM has detrimental effects on bone quality that increase skeletal fragility, which predisposes subjects to an increased risk of fracture and fracture healing that results in non‐ or malunion. Diabetics have been found to have perturbations in metabolism, hormone production, and calcium homeostasis—particularly PTH expression—that contribute to the increased risk of fracture and decreased fracture healing. Given the perturbations in PTH expression and the establishment of hPTH (1–34) for use in age‐related osteoporosis, it was determined logical to attempt to ameliorate the bone phenotype found in T2DM using hPTH (1–34). Therefore, the present study had two aims: (i) to establish a suitable murine model of the skeletal fragility present in T2DM because no current consensus model exists; and (ii) to determine the effects of hPTH (1–34) on bone fractures in T2DM. The results of the present study suggest that the polygenic mouse of T2DM, TALLYHO/JngJ, most accurately recapitulates the diabetic osteoporotic phenotype seen in humans and that the intermittent systemic administration of hPTH (1–34) increases fracture healing in T2DM murine models by increasing the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evidence of sociodemographic heterogeneity across the HIV treatment cascade and progress towards 90‐90‐90 in sub‐Saharan Africa – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Green Dylan , Tordoff Diana M , Kharono Brenda , Akullian Adam , Bershteyn Anna , Morrison Michelle , Garnett Geoff , Duerr Ann , Drain Paul K
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Heterogeneity of sociodemographics and risk behaviours across the HIV treatment cascade could influence the public health impact of universal ART in sub‐Saharan Africa if those not virologically suppressed are more likely to be part of a risk group contributing to onward infections. Sociodemographic and risk heterogeneity across the treatment cascade has not yet been comprehensively described or quantified and we seek to systematically review and synthesize research on this topic among adults in Africa.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature in Embase and MEDLINE databases as well as grey literature sources published in English between 2014 and 2018. We included studies that included people living with HIV (PLHIV) aged ≥15 years, and reported a 90‐90‐90 outcome: awareness of HIV‐positive status, ART use among those diagnosed or viral suppression among those on ART. We summarized measures of association between sociodemographics, within each outcome, and as a composite measure of population‐wide viral suppression.

Results and discussion

From 3533 screened titles, we extracted data from 92 studies (50 peer‐reviewed, 42 grey sources). Of included studies, 32 reported on awareness, 53 on ART use, 32 on viral suppression and 23 on population‐wide viral suppression. The majority of studies were conducted in South Africa, Uganda, and Malawi and reported data for age and gender. When stratified, PLHIV ages 15 to 24 years had lower median achievement of the treatment cascade (60‐49‐81), as compared to PLHIV ≥25 years (70‐63‐91). Men also had lower median achievement of the treatment cascade (66‐72‐85), compared to women (79‐76‐89). For population‐wide viral suppression, women aged ≥45 years had achieved the 73% target, while the lowest medians were among 15‐ to 24‐year‐old men (37%) and women (49%).

Conclusions

Considerable heterogeneity exists by age and gender for achieving the HIV 90‐90‐90 treatment goals. These results may inform delivery of HIV testing and treatment in sub‐Saharan Africa, as targeting youth and men could be a strategic way to maximize the population‐level impact of ART.
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation changes after dabigatran availability in China: The GLORIA‐AF registry
Authors: Ma Changsheng , Riou França Lionel , Lu Shihai , Diener Hans‐Christoph , Dubner Sergio J. , Halperin Jonathan L. , Li Qiang , Paquette Miney , Teutsch Christine , Huisman Menno V. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Rothman Kenneth J. ,   the GLORIA‐AF Investigators
Published: March 2020

Background

Until the approval of dabigatran etexilate, treatment choices for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or antiplatelet drugs. This analysis explored whether availability of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants post‐dabigatran approval was associated with changing treatment patterns in China.

Methods

Global Registry on Long‐Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (GLORIA‐AF) collected data on antithrombotic therapy choices for patients with newly diagnosed nonvalvular AF at risk for stroke. In China, enrollment in phase 1 (before dabigatran approval) and phase 2 (after dabigatran approval) occurred from 2011 to 2013 and 2013 to 2014, respectively. Analyses were restricted to sites within China that contributed patients to both phases. The weighted average of the site‐specific results was estimated for standardization. Sensitivity analyses used multiple regression.

Results

Thirteen sites participated in both phase 1 (419 patients) and phase 2 (276 patients), 76.1% and 16.0% were known to be at high risk for stroke (CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥2) and bleeding (HAS‐BLED ≥3); 55.5% were male. In phase 1, 16.7%, 61.6%, and 21.7% of patients were prescribed oral anticoagulants (OACs), antiplatelet agents, and no treatment, respectively. Respective proportions were 26.4%, 40.6%, and 33.0% in phase 2. The absolute increase in the site‐standardized proportion of patients prescribed OACs after dabigatran availability was 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7%‐16.0%). There was a standardized 17.3% (95% CI: −24.3% to −10.4%) absolute decrease in antiplatelet agent use.

Conclusions

There was an increase in OAC and decrease in antiplatelet agent prescription since dabigatran availability in China. However, a large proportion of AF patients at risk for stroke remained untreated.
Does age influence disease‐specific survival in patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck?
Authors: Lop Joan , Valero Cristina , García Jacinto , Quer Miquel , Ganly Ian , Shah Jatin P. , Patel Snehal G. , León Xavier
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

The number of patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) at an advanced age has increased. The aim of this study is to evaluate the age at which disease‐specific survival (DSS) significantly decreases in HNSCC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 5469 patients with HNSCC treated at our center (1985‐2016). External validation with 2082 oral squamous cell carcinomas from a collaborative institution from another continent was performed.

Results

We observed an orderly decrease in overall survival as age at diagnosis increased. There were no differences in DSS based on age for patients <80 years old (P = .623), while older patients had a significant decrease in DSS. These results were validated in the independent dataset. In a multivariable analysis performed in the test set, compared to patients <80 years old, patients between 80 to 85 had a 1.50 times higher risk of disease‐specific death (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19‐1.89; P = .001), and patients >85 had a 2.19 times higher risk (95% CI: 1.68‐2.87; P < .001).

Conclusions

DSS started to significantly decrease in HNSCC at 80 years old. These findings, validated in an independent cohort, indicate that chronological age on its own should not withhold curative treatment in the majority of patients with HNSCC.
Design of pH‐Degradable Polymer‐Lipid Amphiphiles Using a Ketal‐Functionalized RAFT Chain Transfer Agent
Authors: De Vrieze Jana , Van Herck Simon , Nuhn Lutz , De Geest Bruno G.
Published: March 2020

Conjugation of small molecule drug to lipid‐polymer amphiphiles is a powerful strategy to alter the pharmacokinetic profile of these molecules by promoting binding to albumin or other serum molecules. Incorporation of a responsive linker between the lipid anchor and the polymer chain can be of interest to avoid indefinite binding of the conjugates to hydrophobic pockets of serum proteins or phospholipid membranes when reaching a target cell or tissue. Here, the synthesis of pH‐sensitive lipid‐polymer conjugates by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a RAFT chain transfer agent that is equipped with a pH‐sensitive ketal bond between a cholesterol moiety and the trithiocarbonate RAFT chain transfer group is reported. It is demonstrated that in native form these conjugates exhibit a high affinity to albumin and cell membranes but loose this ability in response to a mild acidic trigger in aqueous medium.
Bycatch in a Commercial Lobster Fishery: Effects on Two Benthic Predators, Sea Raven and Longhorn Sculpin
Authors: Anderson Brooke N. , Weissman Amelia M. , Sweezey Brett , Mandelman John , Rudders David B. , Sulikowski James A.
Published: March 2020

Studying the species-specific responses to fishing capture is critical for effective management and conservation of bycatch species given that acute stress incurred from capture and handling may ultimately lead to mortality. While species of low commercial value are often overlooked, having accurate information on the effects of capture on all species is necessary for ecosystem-based management. Sea Raven (SR) Hemitripterus americanus and Longhorn Sculpin (LHS) Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus are routinely captured in the commercial American lobster Homarus americanus fishery in the Gulf of Maine, and they are discarded due to low commercial value. Despite a lack of economic value, these predatory species play important roles in shaping the benthic communities that they inhabit, highlighting the need to study their stress and mortality due to capture and handling. To help understand the effects of the lobster fishery on these species, the current study evaluated the physical, behavioral, and physiological stress responses of SR and LHS to capture in the state of Maine Zone G commercial lobster fishery. Collectively, our results suggest that although these species appeared to be resilient to capture based on an overt injury assessment, stress responses occurred based on reflex impairment and physiological perturbations, and these responses were species-specific. Given the prevalence of behavioral and physiological stress in this study, further research into the survival outcomes of SR and LHS following release in the commercial lobster fishery is warranted.
Influence of varying time scale flows on tropical cyclone track changes
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Li Chao , Duan Jingjing , Cao Lu
Published: March 2020

It is often difficult to predict tropical cyclone (TC) tracks for the case of binary or even multiple TCs. To investigate this issue, two TCs over the western North Pacific basin in September 2016, Meranti and Malakas, were explored in this study. The two TCs formed close to each other, and their tracks were similar at an early stage but then deflected northward over different regions. The results indicate that the Meranti track change may be due to the asymmetric high‐frequency flows induced by topography, while the Malakas track change is attributed to the formation and strengthening of low‐frequency southerlies. It was found that the formation and evolution of low‐frequency monsoon circulation is the main cause for the emergence of the low‐frequency flows, and the process is accompanied by the enhancement and movement of low‐frequency positive vorticity. Therefore, based on the diagnostic results using the low‐frequency vorticity budget equation, it is shown that the low‐frequency vorticity advection and convergence induced by the low‐frequency flows play varying roles in the development of low‐frequency positive vorticity. More noteworthy is that the high‐frequency positive vorticity of TCs can trigger the enhancement of low‐frequency positive vorticity through nonlinear interactions, which have rarely been discussed in previous studies. It can be concluded that the interactions between high‐ and low‐frequency flows and vorticity may affect the development and evolution of the TCs at different time scales, finally leading to TC track deflection.
Technical Note: Integrating an open source Monte Carlo code “MCsquare” for clinical use in intensity‐modulated proton therapy
Authors: Deng Wei , Younkin James E. , Souris Kevin , Huang Sheng , Augustine Kurt , Fatyga Mirek , Ding Xiaoning , Cohilis Marie , Bues Martin , Shan Jie , Stoker Joshua , Lin Liyong , Shen Jiajian , Liu Wei
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To commission an open source Monte Carlo (MC) dose engine, “MCsquare” for a synchrotron‐based proton machine, integrate it into our in‐house C++‐based I/O user interface and our web‐based software platform, expand its functionalities, and improve calculation efficiency for intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT).

Methods

We commissioned MCsquare using a double Gaussian beam model based on in‐air lateral profiles, integrated depth dose of 97 beam energies, and measurements of various spread‐out Bragg peaks (SOBPs). Then we integrated MCsquare into our C++‐based dose calculation code and web‐based second check platform “DOSeCHECK.” We validated the commissioned MCsquare based on 12 different patient geometries and compared the dose calculation with a well‐benchmarked GPU‐accelerated MC (gMC) dose engine. We further improved the MCsquare efficiency by employing the computed tomography (CT) resampling approach. We also expanded its functionality by adding a linear energy transfer (LET)‐related model‐dependent biological dose calculation.

Results

Differences between MCsquare calculations and SOBP measurements were <2.5% (<1.5% for ~85% of measurements) in water. The dose distributions calculated using MCsquare agreed well with the results calculated using gMC in patient geometries. The average 3D gamma analysis (2%/2 mm) passing rates comparing MCsquare and gMC calculations in the 12 patient geometries were 98.0 ± 1.0%. The computation time to calculate one IMPT plan in patients’ geometries using an inexpensive CPU workstation (Intel Xeon E5‐2680 2.50 GHz) was 2.3 ± 1.8 min after the variable resolution technique was adopted. All calculations except for one craniospinal patient were finished within 3.5 min.

Conclusions

MCsquare was successfully commissioned for a synchrotron‐based proton beam therapy delivery system and integrated into our web‐based second check platform. After adopting CT resampling and implementing LET model‐dependent biological dose calculation capabilities, MCsquare will be sufficiently efficient and powerful to achieve Monte Carlo‐based and LET‐guided robust optimization in IMPT, which will be done in the future studies.
Estimation of Reactivity Ratios in the Copolymerization of Styrene and VeoVa‐10
Authors: Santos Murilo P. , Torraga Maria G. F. , Barbosa Natália B. , Tavares Denise T. , Giudici Reinaldo
Published: March 2020

The styrene and vinyl neodecanoate copolymerization system shows a strong tendency to form two separate homopolymers. In order to improve the feeding strategies and hence the copolymer uniformity, it is necessary to know the reactivity ratios between these monomers. The error‐in‐variables‐method (EVM) is the most recommended mathematical procedure for estimating these parameters. Experiments on free‐radical copolymerization in solution in sealed ampoules are carried out to provide data for the conversion (via gravimetry) and fractional monomer compositions (via Fourier transform mid‐infrared (mid‐FT‐IR) spectroscopy). These data allow estimation of the reactivity ratios. EVM appropriately takes into account the experimental errors in the data and allows determination of the reactivity ratio values by the Mayo–Lewis model (r1 = 28.60 and r2 = 1.23). The convergence and robustness of the method decrease considerably with a larger discrepancy between the reactivity values.
Dual assessment of kidney perfusion and pH by exploiting a dynamic CEST‐MRI approach in an acute kidney ischemia–reperfusion injury murine model
Authors: Irrera Pietro , Consolino Lorena , Cutrin Juan Carlos , Zöllner Frank G. , Longo Dario Livio
Published: March 2020

Several factors can lead to acute kidney injury, but damage following ischemia and reperfusion injuries is the main risk factor and usually develops into chronic disease. MRI has often been proposed as a method with which to assess renal function. It does so by measuring the renal perfusion of an injected Gd‐based contrast agent. The use of pH‐responsive agents as part of the CEST (chemical exchange saturation transfer)‐MRI technique has recently shown that pH homeostasis is also an important indicator of kidney functionality. However, there is still a need for methods that can provide more than one type of information following the injection of a single contrast agent for the characterization of renal function. Herein we propose, for the first time, dynamic CEST acquisition following iopamidol injection to quantify renal function by assessing both perfusion and pH homeostasis. The aim of this study is to assess renal functionality in a murine unilateral ischemia–reperfusion injury model at two time points (3 and 7 days) after acute kidney injury. The renal‐perfusion estimates measured with iopamidol were compared with those obtained with a gadolinium‐based agent, via a dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)‐MRI approach, to validate the proposed method. Compared with the contralateral kidneys, the clamped ones showed a significant decrease in renal perfusion, as measured using the DCE‐MRI approach, which is consistent with reduced filtration capability. Dynamic CEST‐MRI findings provided similar results, indicating that the clamped kidneys displayed significantly reduced renal filtration that persisted up to 7 days after the damage. In addition, CEST‐MRI pH imaging showed that the clamped kidneys displayed significantly increased pH values, reflecting the disturbance to pH homeostasis. Our results demonstrate that a single CEST‐MRI contrast agent can provide multiple types of information related to renal function and can discern healthy kidneys from pathological ones by combining perfusion measurements with renal pH mapping.
Public health financing, environmental quality, and the quality of life in Nigeria
Authors: Nathaniel Solomon , Khan Syed
Published: March 2020

This study explores the relationship between health financing, environmental quality, and the quality of life in Nigeria. The Bayer and Hanck cointegration test affirms cointegration. Findings further reveal that CO2 emissions have no meaningful impact on life expectancy in the short run. In the long run, urbanization significantly deteriorates the quality of life. Also, public health expenditure has not contributed meaningfully to the quality of life. The study discovers no evidence of a feedback causality, but a one‐way causality flowing from urbanization to CO2 emissions. Policies that can enhance a sustainable environment and improve the quality of life are discussed.
From nouns to verbs: How process ontologies enhance our understanding of social‐ecological systems understood as complex adaptive systems
Authors: Hertz Tilman , Mancilla Garcia Maria , Schlüter Maja
Published: March 2020

Research on social‐ecological systems (SES) has highlighted their complex and adaptive character and pointed to the importance of recognizing their intertwined nature.

Yet, we often base our analysis and governance of SES on static and independent objects, such as actors and resources which are not well suited to address complexity and intertwinedness. This bias, which is largely implicit, has its roots in substance ontologies that have influenced most of contemporary science.

This paper argues that it is useful to critically reflect on this ontological grounding and develop SES research from a process ontological perspective.

Key insights are that process ontological concepts such as process, event and possibility space are able to overcome the dichotomy between the social and the ecological and allow for a conceptualization of continuous change (dynamism) that enhances our understanding of SES as truly intertwined and complex systems.

This will enable SES researchers to conceptualize problems as well as corresponding solutions in novel ways which will ultimately support the development of novel governance approaches, from rethinking the aims of policies from managing people towards managing relations between and among people and the natural system.

To fully tap the potential which comes with a change in worldview towards a process ontology, changing research approaches and ways of abstracting are required.