bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ green synthesis of highly fluorescent Fe2O3@CQD/graphene oxide using hard pistachio shells via the hydrothermal‐assisted ball milling method
Authors: Abdolrezaei Fatemeh , Sabet Mohammad
Published: January 2020

In this study, highly photoluminescent and photocatalytic Fe2O3@carbon quantum dots/graphene oxide nanostructures were synthesized using ball milling‐assisted hydrothermal synthesis with hard pistachio shells. Different analyses, such as X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to study the product structure. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images were used to study product size and morphology. Optical properties of the as‐synthesized nanomaterials were investigated using ultraviolet–visible light and photoluminescence analyses. To increase photoluminescence intensity, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and acetylacetonate anions were used to modify the product surface. Thermal stability of the product was studied using thermal gravimetric analysis. Finally, photocatalytic activity and surface adsorption of the product were investigated; the produce was found to be highly photoluminescent with high photocatalytic and surface activities.
Operational excellence in a green supply chain for environmental management: A case study
Authors: Kazancoglu Yigit , Sagnak Muhittin , Kayikci Yasanur , Kumar Mangla Sachin
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, organizations have started to become more conscious about the environment in their supply chain operations. The greening process has guided supply chain practices into new ways of thinking according to green standards. The assessment of the performance of green supply chain management (GSCM) requires a holistic view for the whole supply chain. In this context, given that becoming green in the operational side of activities is essential, the performance assessment of operational activities also requires a holistic view to be taken. In this paper, an attempt has been made to improve the performance of GSCM by examining and evaluating the green operational excellence of a hot dip galvanizing company. The framework includes several green operational excellence key criteria, namely, quality management, efficiency management, green production/manufacturing, eco‐packaging, and green design. First, the weights of the criteria and the respective measurements were found by fuzzy analytic network process. Then, the overall operational performance score was found by a weighted scoring method. Finally, both managerial and theoretical implications were suggested according to the outcomes and findings of the case study.
Process capability indices when two sources of variability present, a tolerance interval approach
Authors: Pusztai Éva , Kemény Sándor
Published: January 2020

The sound tolerance interval–based method and two Pp–based approximations are compared on the proportion of nonconforming parts. As output distribution of the process, one possible model is examined here: two sources of variations are in a one‐way structure. It was found that the uncertainty of variance components estimates plays the major role in the goodness of the three calculation methods.

Statistical indices – like process capability (CP) or process performance (PP) index – make the relationship between the width of the specification interval and the extent of the process variability illustrative. The latter is characterized by the tolerance interval, which contains the major part of the population with high confidence. In the original concept this tolerance interval is calculated using oversimplified models. In practice this model is not conform with reality. As improvement two sources of variation is assumed in a one‐way structure.

The proportion of non‐conforming parts of the population is the quantity of interest. Non‐conforming means that the characteristic is beyond the specification limits. According to this, the quantile of the distribution shall be determined that is equal to the specification limits. Thus, the task is to calculate the tolerance interval for the
distribution.

In practical cases the variance components are unknown and are to be estimated. To estimate the ratio of non‐conforming parts, two approximate calculation methods which are coherent with the definition of PP are investigated, as well.

The aim of this work is to compare the results of the two PP based approximate methods with the tolerance interval based (theoretically sound) calculation method. Two situations from the practice are considered – datasets from process validation and process monitoring environment are evaluated during which the effect of the number of experiments is given. Our study indicated that the main difference of the goodness of the approximations is from the uncertainty of parameter estimates.
Highly Efficient Singlet Oxygen Generators Based on Ruthenium Phthalocyanines: Synthesis, Characterization and in vitro Evaluation for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Ferreira Joana T. , Pina João , Ribeiro Carlos A. F. , Fernandes Rosa , Tomé João P. C. , Rodríguez‐Morgade M. Salomé , Torres Tomás
Published: January 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Torres at the University of Madrid. The image of the cover of this issue depicts cancer cells being destroyed by reactive singlet oxygen produced by ruthenium phthalocyanine glycoconjugates under red light. The work, developed at the Universities of Madrid, Aveiro, Lisbon and Coimbra, describes ruthenium phthalocyanines as powerful bladder cancer PDT agents. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201903546.
Silicon Carbide Supported Palladium‐Iridium Bimetallic Catalysts for Efficient Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Li Penghui , Wang Yingyong , Wang Yunwei , Jin Guoqiang , Guo Xiang‐Yun , Tong Xili
Published: January 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Selective hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyls into saturated carbonyls is important to obtain remunerative products. However, it is still a challenge to achieve high activity and selectivity under mild conditions. Herein, Pd, Ir and bimetallic Pd‐Ir nanoparticles were uniformly deposited with high dispersity on the surface of SiC by a facile impregnation method, respectively. The as‐prepared Pd/SiC catalysts efficiently hydrogenate cinnamaldehyde to hydrocinnamaldehyde at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and the activity of Pd/SiC is observed further enhanced by adding Ir component (conversion of 100%). In addition, the dependence of Pd‐Ir catalyst activity on Pd/Ir molar ratio confirms a synergistic effect between Ir and Pd, which originates from the electron transfer between Pd and Ir.
Exponential Decay for the Near‐Critical Scaling Limit of the Planar Ising Model
Authors: Camia Federico , Jiang Jianping , Newman Charles M.
Published: January 2020

We consider the Ising model at its critical temperature with external magnetic field ha15/8 on the square lattice with lattice spacing a. We show that the truncated two‐point function in this model decays exponentially with a rate independent of a as a ↓ 0. As a consequence, we show exponential decay in the near‐critical scaling limit Euclidean magnetization field. For the lattice model with a = 1, the mass (inverse correlation length) is of order h8/15 as h ↓ 0; for the Euclidean field, it equals exactly Ch8/15 for some C. Although there has been much progress in the study of critical scaling limits, results on near‐critical models are far fewer due to the lack of conformal invariance away from the critical point. Our arguments combine lattice and continuum FK representations, including coupled conformal loop and measure ensembles, showing that such ensembles can be useful even in the study of near‐critical scaling limits. Thus we provide the first substantial application of measure ensembles. © 2020 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Validation of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) for Chromosome 5 Monosomy and Deletion
Authors: Zneimer Susan M.
Published: January 2020

In order to comply with regulations set by established local, state, and federal agencies and other regulatory organizations, such as the College of American Pathologists and the International Organization for Standardization, a clinical laboratory needs to develop procedures for the processes of validating laboratory‐developed tests (LDTs) and establishing performance specifications for these assays prior to use in clinical testing. This is applicable to all fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays. Even Food and Drug Administration–approved FISH assays must undergo some form of verification before implementation in the clinical laboratory. The process of validating an assay as an LDT must include a plan, a procedure, and a report. The validation studies described here include metaphase and interphase FISH methodology for identification of the LSI EGR1/D5S23, D5S721 dual‐color probe, which labels distinct biomarkers consistent with myeloid hematologic disorders, including myelodysplasias and acute myeloid leukemia. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Validation plan for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes for chromosome 5 monosomy and deletion

Support Protocol: Normal cut‐off calculation

Basic Protocol 2: Validation procedure for FISH probes for chromosome 5 monosomy and deletion

Basic Protocol 3: Validation report for FISH probes for chromosome 5 monosomy and deletion
Successful futures, successful curriculum: What can Wales learn from international curriculum reforms?
Authors: Sinnema Claire , Nieveen Nienke , Priestley Mark
Published: January 2020

The proposed Curriculum for Wales 2022 presents a bold new vision for curriculum, teaching and learning. Together with its focus on four key purposes, it affords substantially more flexibility and autonomy to teachers and schools, positions learners as central to curriculum decision making, promotes active forms of pedagogy and twenty‐first‐century skills and reduces specification of curriculum content. Like other ‘new curriculum’ examples around the world, it brings with it a complex set of interacting curricular elements, with challenges including curriculum design capability and the agency required of those working with the curriculum. In this article, we discuss challenges and opportunities for this curriculum reform in light of international curriculum experience. In particular, we highlight the need for attention to the accountability, professional learning and social network context necessary for the realization of national curriculum aspirations in Wales.
Fractures in women with eating disorders—Incidence, predictive factors, and the impact of disease remission: Cohort study with background population controls
Authors: Frølich Jacob , Winkler Laura A. , Abrahamsen Bo , Bilenberg Niels , Hermann Anne P. , Støving René K.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Malnutrition and low weight in eating disorders (EDs) are associated with increased fracture risk compared to the general population. In a cohort study, we aimed to determine fracture rates compared to age and gender matched controls (ratio 5:1), assess the impact of disease remission on fracture risk, and establish predictive factors for fractures.

Method

Of note, 803 ED patients referred to specialized ED treatment between 1994 and 2004 were included. In 2016, data on fractures were obtained through the Danish National Registry of Patients.

Results

Fracture risk was increased in anorexia nervosa (AN; IRR 2.2 [CI 99%: 1.6–3.0]) but not in bulimia nervosa (BN; IRR 1.3, ns) or other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED; IRR 1.8, ns). IRR in the AN group were increased for vertebral fractures (IRR 3.8 [CI 99%: 1.4–10.3]), upper arm (IRR 3.0 (CI 99% 1.6–5.5) and hip (IRR 6.6 [CI 99%: 2.6–18.0]). Disease remission in AN is associated to lower fracture risk compared to active disease, but higher fracture risk compared to controls (IRR 1.7 [CI 99%: 1.1–2.7]).

In regression analysis, age at debut of disease, nadir BMI and duration of disease before referral to treatment, independently predicted fracture.

Discussion

We confirm increased fracture risk in AN, and show significant differences in fracture risk between patients in disease remission and patients with active disease. Furthermore, we show that age at debut of disease and duration of disease before referral to treatment is positively correlated to fracture risk, whereas nadir BMI is negatively correlated to fracture risk.
Mesophication in temperate Europe: A dendrochronological reconstruction of tree succession and fires in a mixed deciduous stand in Białowieża Forest
Authors: Spînu Andreea P. , Niklasson Mats , Zin Ewa
Published: January 2020

The shift from shade‐intolerant species to shade‐tolerant mesophytic species in deciduous and mixed forests of the temperate zone is well described in studies from North America. This process has been termedmesophicationand it has been linked to changes in fire regime. Fire suppression results in the cessation of establishment of heliophytic, fire‐dependent tree species such as oak (Quercus) and pine (Pinus). Due to the scarcity of old‐growth forests in Europe, data on long‐term compositional changes in mixed forests are very limited, as is the number of studies exploring whether fire played a role in shaping the dynamics.

The aim of this study was to reconstruct tree succession in a 43‐ha natural mixed deciduous forest stand in Białowieża Forest (BF), Poland using dendrochronological methods. In addition, the presence of aboveground fire legacies (charred and fire‐scarred deadwood) enabled the fire history reconstruction.

Dendrochronological data revealed tree establishment (Quercus) back to the end of the 1500s and fires back to 1659. Under a regime of frequent fires until the end of the 18th century, only oak and pine regenerated, sporadically. A shift in the fire regime in the first half of the 19th century triggered oak and pine cohort regeneration, then gradually spruce (Picea) encroached. Under an increasingly dense canopy and less flammable conditions, regeneration of shade‐tolerantCarpinus,Tilia,andAcerbegan simultaneously with the cessation of oak and pine recruitment.

Synthesis. The study reports the first evidence of mesophication in temperate Europe and proves that fire was involved in shaping the long‐term dynamics of mixed deciduous forest ecosystems. Our data suggest that fire exclusion promoted a gradual recruitment of fire‐sensitive, shade‐tolerant species that inhibited the regeneration of oak and pine in BF.
Left atrial function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Memon Muhammad Mustafa , Murad Mohammad H. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Greene Stephen J. , Hall Michael , Triposkiadis Filippos , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Shah Amil M. , Butler Javed , Shah Sanjiv J.
Published: January 2020

Aims

Left atrial (LA) mechanical function may play a significant role in the development and progression of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate association of impaired LA function with outcomes in HFpEF.

Methods and results

Multiple databases were searched for original studies measuring different phases of LA function in HFpEF patients. Comparative LA function between HFpEF patients and healthy controls was assessed by pooling weighted mean differences (WMD). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals were pooled to evaluate the prognostic utility of LA function. Twenty‐two studies (2 trials, 20 observational) comprising 1974 HFpEF patients and 751 healthy controls were included. HFpEF patients had decreased LA reservoir [WMD = −12.21% (−15.47, −8.95); P < 0.001], LA conduit [WMD = −5.68% (−8.56, −2.79); P < 0.001], and pump [WMD = −11.07% (−14.81, −7.34); P < 0.001] emptying fractions compared with controls. LA reservoir [WMD = −13.38% (−16.07, −10.68); P < 0.001], conduit [WMD = −4.09% (−6.77, −1.42); P = 0.003], and pump [WMD = −3.53% (−4.47, −2.59); P < 0.001] strains were also significantly lower in HFpEF patients. Decreased LA reservoir strain [HR 1.24 (1.02, 1.50); P = 0.03] was significantly associated with risk of composite all‐cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization.

Conclusions

Impaired LA function appears to have diagnostic and prognostic value in HFpEF, but whether indices of LA function truly refine discrimination for diagnosis or prognosis remains to be fully determined. Larger studies are needed to better evaluate associations between LA function and clinical outcomes and the role of LA function as a target for novel HFpEF therapies.
Front Cover Image, Volume 1, Number 5, December 2019
Authors: Farcet Jean‐Baptiste , Kindermann Johanna , Karbiener Michael , Kreil Thomas R.
Published: January 2020

image

The cover image is based on the Research Article Development of a Triton X‐100 replacement for effective virus inactivation in biotechnology processes by Jean‐Baptiste Farcet, Johanna Kindermann et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.12078.
Seismic reliability assessment and the nonergodicity in the modelling parameter uncertainties
Authors: Jalayer Fatemeh , Ebrahimian Hossein
Published: January 2020

Modelling uncertainty can significantly affect the structural seismic reliability assessment. However, the limit state excursion due to this type of uncertainty may not be described by a Poisson process as it lacks renewal properties with the occurrence of each earthquake event. Furthermore, considering uncertainties related to ground motion representation by employing recorded ground motions together with modelling uncertainties is not a trivial task. Robust fragility assessment, proposed previously by the authors, employs the structural response to recorded ground motion as data in order to update prescribed seismic fragility models. Robust fragility can be extremely efficient for considering also the structural modelling uncertainties by creating a dataset of one‐to‐one assignments of structural model realizations and as‐recorded ground motions. This can reduce the computational effort by more than 1 order of magnitude. However, it should be kept in mind that the fragility concept itself is based on the underlying assumption of Poisson‐type renewal. Using the concept of updated robust reliability, considering both the uncertainty in ground motion representation based on as‐recorded ground motion and non ergodic modelling uncertainties, the error introduced through structural reliability assessment by using the robust fragility is quantified. It is shown through specific application to an existing RC frame that this error is quite small when the product of the time interval and the standard deviation of failure rate is small and is on the conservative side.
Evaluation of the going‐concern status for companies: An ensemble framework‐based model
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Feng , Lee Wei‐Po
Published: January 2020

Issuing a going‐concern opinion is a difficult and complex task for auditors. The auditors have to take into account different critical factors in order to make the right decision based on information obtained from the auditing process. This study adopts the so‐called “random forest” approach (based on the ensemble method) to assist auditors in making such a decision. To investigate the corresponding effect of the proposed approach, we conduct a series of experiments and a performance comparison. The results show that the random forest method outperforms the baseline methods in terms of the accuracy rate, ROC area, kappa value, type II error, precision, and recall rate. The proposed approach is proven to be more accurate and stable than previous methods.
Gastrodin improves preeclampsia‐induced cell apoptosis by regulation of TLR4/NF‐κB in rats
Authors: Mei Zhixiong , Huang Baoqin , Qian Xialiu , Zhang Yuan , Teng Benqi
Published: January 2020

To explain gastrodin improved cell apoptosis induced by preeclampsia in vivo and in vitro study. The PE and normal rats were injected with normal saline (Model), low‐dose gastrodin (Gas‐L), medium‐dose gastrodin (Gas‐M), and high‐dose gastrodin (Gas‐H) groups at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg per day. The rat blood pressure and 24‐hr urine protein level were measured at pregnant days 10, 16, and 20. Evaluating pathology by H&E staining, the cell apoptosis by TUNEL, and MyD88 and NF‐κB (p65) proteins by IHC assay using H/R to simulate PE cell model. Measuring cell proliferation, apoptosis, and MyD88 and NF‐κB (p65) protein expression by MTT, flow cytometry, and WB assay. The SBP, DBP, and 24‐hr urine protein levels were significantly different in PE rats (p < .05). The SBP, DBP, and 24‐hr urine protein levels were significantly improved (p < .05) in vivo and in vitro. The positive apoptosis cells and apoptosis rate were significantly increased with MyD88 and NF‐κB (p65) proteins upregulation (p < .05). The positive apoptosis cells and apoptosis rate were significantly decreased with MyD88 and NF‐κB (p65) proteins depressing in gastrodin‐treated groups with dose‐dependent (p < .05). Gastrodin improves PE‐induced cell apoptosis and pathology changed via MyD88/NF‐κB pathway in vitro and in vivo study.
Effects of corn syrup solids containing maltobionic acid (maltobionic acid calcium salt) on bone resorption in healthy Japanese adult women: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover study
Authors: Suehiro Daiki , Nishio Ayaka , Kawai Junya , Fukami Ken , Ohnishi Motoko
Published: January 2020

Maltobionic acid is known to have an inhibitory effect on the differentiation of osteoclasts, and it has also been reported in an intervention trial that ingestion of corn syrup solids containing maltobionic acid maintained and increased the bone density of postmenopausal women. However, there is no information on whether maltobionic acid improves bone metabolism in humans. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of corn syrup solids containing maltobionic acid (maltobionic acid calcium salt) on bone resorption markers in healthy Japanese women. Forty‐one individuals were selected from 68 participants and assigned to two groups: 21 individuals in the test food antecedent group and 20 individuals in the placebo food antecedent group; individuals in the first group ingested 4 g of corn syrup solids containing maltobionic acid, and subjects in the second group ingested 4 g of placebo (hydrous crystalline maltose and calcium carbonate) for 4 weeks. Bone resorption marker levels (DPD and u‐NTx) were evaluated by urinalysis. Forty subjects completed the study, and no adverse events related to the test food were observed. Fourteen subjects were excluded prior to the efficacy analysis because of conflict with the control criteria; the remaining 33 subjects were analyzed. Consumption of corn syrup solids containing maltobionic acid was maintained; DPD and u‐NTx values were improved (p < .05). These results indicate that corn syrup solids containing maltobionic acid might contribute to suppress bone resorption and improve bone metabolism in postmenstrual women. (UMIN‐CTR ID: UMIN000034257; Foundation: San‐ei Sucrochemical Co., Ltd.).
Intake of dietary advanced glycation end products influences inflammatory markers, immune phenotypes, and antiradical capacity of healthy elderly in a little‐studied population
Authors: Almajwal Ali Madi , Alam Iftikhar , Abulmeaty Mahmoud , Razak Suhail , Pawelec Graham , Alam Wajid
Published: January 2020

Dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGE) have profound negative effects on overall health, and their intake must be assessed. In this cross‐sectional study, we investigated dAGE intake of 337 adult participants (180/157:M/F; age range 50–73 years). Data were collected on anthropometrics, body composition, dietary intake, selected blood biochemistry, immunological parameters, and antiradical capacity (50% hemolysis time; HT50). From the dietary data, dAGEs and phytochemical index (PI) were calculated. Mean BMI, % body fat (%BF), and fasting plasma glucose were all within the accepted normal range. Subjects with high dAGE intake had higher %BF, higher energy intake, and lower PI. They tended to have lower CD4/CD8 ratios and higher proportions of B cells and NK cells, but had significantly higher hs‐CRP levels and lower HT50 values. Results on HT50 suggested that being >60 years of age enhanced dAGE‐associated impairment of defense capacity in both those with low and high HT50 compared with those <60 years of age. Thus, overall dAGE consumption was high, but elderly participants had lower dAGE intake than younger adults. Indicators of nutritional status and immunological parameters of the subjects were found to be associated with dAGE intake, suggesting a potential impact on health.
Perceived value drives use of routine asymptomatic surveillance PET/CT by physicians who treat head and neck cancer
Authors: Roman Benjamin R. , Lohia Shivangi , Mitra Nandita , Wang Marilene B. , Pou Anna M. , Holsinger F. Christopher , Myssiorek David , Goldenberg David , Asch David A. , Shea Judy A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Why physicians use surveillance imaging for asymptomatic cancer survivors despite recommendations against this is not known.

Methods

Physicians surveilling head and neck cancer survivors were surveyed to determine relationships among attitudes, beliefs, guideline familiarity, and self‐reported surveillance positron‐emission‐tomography/computed‐tomography use.

Results

Among 459 responses, 79% reported using PET/CT on some asymptomatic patients; 39% reported using PET/CT on more than half of patients. Among attitudes/beliefs, perceived value of surveillance imaging (O.R. 3.57, C.I. 2.42‐5.27, P = <.0001) was the strongest predictor of high imaging, including beliefs about outcome (improved survival) and psychological benefits (reassurance, better communication). Twenty‐four percent of physicians were unfamiliar with guideline recommendations against routine surveillance imaging. Among physicians with high perceived‐value scores, those less familiar with guidelines imaged more (O.R. 3.55, C.I. 1.08‐11.67, P = .037).

Conclusions

Interventions to decrease routine surveillance PET/CT use for asymptomatic patients must overcome physicians' misperceptions of its value. Education about guidelines may modify the effect of perceived value.
Influence of Hall current on hydromagnetic natural convective flow between two vertical concentric cylinders in presence of heat source/sink
Authors: Dwivedi Naveen , Kumar Singh Ashok
Published: January 2020

The fully developed laminar magnetohydrodynamic free convection between two concentric vertical cylinders with Hall currents and heat source/sink, in the presence of the radial magnetic field, are studied. The governing thermal energy and momentum equations are changed into ordinary differential equations whose solutions are determined in closed‐form expressions of the Bessel and modified Bessel functions of order zero. A parametric investigation illustrating the impacts of the Hall current, magnetic field, heat source, and radii ratio has been accomplished graphically to examine the changes in temperature as well as velocity while the Nusselt number, mass flux, and skin friction values have been presented in tabular forms. The results ensure that the Hall current has a strong and direct impact on the flow character, such that the influence of the Hall parameter enhances the velocity fields in the appearance of heat source and sink. The velocity remains almost constant as the Hall parameter value is greater than four. Moreover, the velocity and temperature fields have an increasing tendency due to the heat source and inversely for the heat sink.
Modifying the Jackson index to quantify the relationship between geology, landscape structure, and water transit time in steep wet headwaters
Authors: Gabrielli Christopher P. , McDonnell Jeff J.
Published: January 2020

The relationship between stream water mean transit time (MTT), catchment geology, and landscape structure is still poorly characterized. Here, we present a new simple index that builds on the Jackson, Bitew, and Du (2014) index that focuses specifically on permeability contrasts at the soil–bedrock interface and digital elevation model‐based physical flow path measurements to identify broad landscape trends of moisture redistribution in the subsurface of steep wet headwater catchments. We use this index to explore the relationship between geology, landscape structure, and water transit time through the lens of landscape anisotropy. We hypothesize that catchments with a greater tendency to shed water laterally will correlate with younger stream water MTT and catchments with a greater tendency to infiltrate water vertically will correlate with older stream water MTT. We tested the new index at eight geologically diverse Pacific Rim catchments in Oregon, Japan, and New Zealand. The new index explained 77% of the variability in measured stream water MTT across these varied sites. These findings suggest that critical zone anisotropy and catchment form are first‐order controls on the time scales over which catchments store and release their water and that a simple index may usefully capture this relationship.
Temperament is associated with the use of communicative gestures in infancy
Authors: Ollas Denise , Rautakoski Pirkko , Nolvi Saara , Karlsson Hasse , Karlsson Linnea
Published: January 2020

Temperament is important to consider when investigating factors influencing communicative development in infancy. Existing research supporting the assumption that temperament and verbal language development are interrelated covers mainly verbal development in toddlerhood onward, but few studies focus on these relations in infancy. The present study of 91 infants from a general population pregnancy cohort in Finland used parent reports to investigate associations between temperament and the development of preverbal gesturing and receptive vocabulary in infancy. We found that infant temperament explained a substantially larger proportion of the variance in expressive communicative gesturing compared to receptive vocabulary. High Duration of orienting and Soothability, indicators of orienting/regulation capacity, and higher positive emotionality were found to be favourable for the use of communicative gestures. These temperament characteristics might promote interaction and thus advance communicative development. Knowledge on associations between infant temperament and communicative development is important in supporting outcomes in children with temperament characteristics possibly less favourable for communication development.

Highlights

The aim is to investigate how temperament traits relate to gesture use and receptive vocabulary in infants.

Temperament was assessed at 6 and 12 months and receptive vocabulary and gesture use at 12 months using parental reports.

Temperament was found to relate to communicative development in infancy, and to use of communicative gestures in particular.
Gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct cancers in the Americas: Incidence and mortality patterns and trends
Authors: Miranda‐Filho Adalberto , Piñeros Marion , Ferreccio Catterina , Adsay Volkan , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Bray Freddie , Koshiol Jill
Published: January 2020

Trends in gallbladder cancer incidence and mortality in populations across the Americas can provide insight into shifting epidemiologic patterns and the current and potential impact of preventative and curative programs. Estimates of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct cancer incidence and mortality for the year 2018 were extracted from International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) GLOBOCAN database for 185 countries. Recorded registry‐based incidence from 13 countries was extracted from IARCs Cancer Incidence in Five Continents series and corresponding national deaths from the WHO mortality database. Among females, the highest estimated incidence for gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct cancer in the Americas were found in Bolivia (21.0 per 100,000), Chile (11.7) and Peru (6.0). In the US, the highest incidence rates were observed among Hispanics (1.8). In the Chilean population, gallbladder cancer rates declined in both females and males between 1998 and 2012. Rates dropped slightly in Canada, Costa Rica, US Whites and Hispanics in Los Angeles. Gallbladder cancer mortality rates also decreased across the studied countries, although rising trends were observed in Colombia and Canada after 2010. Countries within Southern and Central America tended to have a higher proportion of unspecified biliary tract cancers. In public health terms, the decline in gallbladder cancer incidence and mortality rates is encouraging. However, the slight increase in mortality rates during recent years in Colombia and Canada warrant further attention. Higher proportions of unspecified biliary tract cancers (with correspondingly higher mortality rates) suggest more rigorous pathology procedures may be needed after surgery.
Spindle cell renal cell carcinoma diagnosed after sunitinib treatment for chromophobe renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Honda‐Takinami Ruriko , Ishibashi Kei , Onagi Akifumi , Tanji Ryo , Matsuoka Kanako , Hoshi Seiji , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Hata Junya , Yabe Michihiro , Sato Yuichi , Akaihata Hidenori , Kataoka Masao , Ogawa Soichiro , Haga Nobuhiro , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma presents in early pathological stages with a lower risk of metastasis. However, aggressive features and metastasis can occur. A rare case of rapidly progressive disease with histological changes is presented.

Case presentation

A 56‐year‐old woman had a right renal tumor with multiple lymph node metastases, and the pathological diagnosis of the biopsy specimens from the primary tumor was chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. After sunitinib treatment, the metastatic lymph node had decreased in size and the numbers of circulating tumor cells were decreased, consequently, cytoreductive nephrectomy was performed. However, rapid progression of lymph node metastases was observed. Histopathological examination showed that the renal tumor was diagnosed as spindle cell renal carcinoma.

Conclusion

It appears that the primary tumor underwent epithelial‐mesenchymal transition; further tissue specimen collection and analysis might be needed.
Pollen morphology of Chinese Pseudostellaria (Caryophyllaceae) and its systematic significance
Authors: Cui Xinci , Hu Ziming , Ren Simin , Liu Jiaxi
Published: January 2020

Using light and scanning electron microscopy, we studied the pollen morphology of six species (one of which are endemic) of Chinese Pseudostellaria. All species were studied for the first time. Results of this study indicated that pollen grains of Pseudostellaria are spheroidal or spheroidal‐polyhedral in shape and small or medium in size and pantoporate. Each pollen grain has 12–16 round pores. These pores are apart from each other by 5.77–7.73 μm and each has 7–13 granules in the operculum region. These features have important taxonomic significance. In addition, their pollen grains have thin exine with microechinate‐punctate‐perforate surface ornamentation. Pollen features do not support the traditional infrageneric classification of Pseudostellaria into two sections, but support that Pseudostellaria is closely related to other species of the Odontostemma clade.
High‐Grade Soft‐Tissue Sarcomas: Can Optimizing Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI Postprocessing Improve Prognostic Radiomics Models?
Authors: Crombé Amandine , Fadli David , Buy Xavier , Italiano Antoine , Saut Olivier , Kind Michèle
Published: January 2020

Background

Heterogeneity on pretreatment dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI of sarcomas may be prognostic, but the best technique to capture this characteristic remains unknown.

Purpose

To investigate the best method to extract prognostic data from baseline DCE‐MRI.

Study Type

Retrospective, single‐center.

Population

Fifty consecutive uniformly‐treated adults with nonmetastatic high‐grade sarcomas.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T; T2‐weighted‐imaging, fat‐suppressed fast spoiled gradient echo DCE‐MRI.

Assessment

Ninety‐two radiomics features (RFs) were extracted at each DCE‐MRI phase (11, from t = 0–88 sec). Relative changes in RFs (rRFs) since the acquisition baseline were calculated (11 × 92 rRFs). Curves of rRF as function of time postinjection were integrated (92 integrated‐rRFs [irRFs]). Ktrans and area under the time–intensity curve at 88‐sec parametric maps were computed and 2 × 92 parametric‐RFs (pRFs) were extracted. Five DCE‐MRI‐based radiomics models were built on: an RFs subset (32 sec, 64 sec, 88 sec); all rRFs; all irRFs; and all pRFs. Two models were elaborated as reference, on: conventional radiological features; and T2‐WI RFs.

Statistical Tests

A common machine‐learning approach was applied to radiomics models. Features with P < 0.05 at univariate analysis were entered in a LASSO‐penalized Cox regression including bootstrapped 10‐fold cross‐validation. The resulting radiomics scores (RScores) were dichotomized per their median and entered in multivariate Cox models for predicting metastatic relapse‐free survival. Models were compared with integrative area under the curve (AUC) and concordance index.

Results

Only dichotomized RScores from models based on rRFs subset, all rRFS and irRFS correlated with prognostic (P = 0.0107–0.0377). The models including all rRFs and irRFs had the highest c‐index (0.83), followed by the radiological model. The radiological model had the highest integrative AUC (0.87), followed by models including all rRFs and irRFs. The radiological and full rRFs models were significantly better than the T2‐based radiomics model (P = 0.02).

Data Conclusion

The initial DCE‐MRI of STS contains prognostic information. It seems more relevant to make predictions on rRFs instead of pRFs.

Evidence Level: 3

Technical Efficacy: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:282–297.
On the devil's tracks: unexpected news from the Foresta ichnosite (Roccamonfina volcano, central Italy)
Authors: Panarello Adolfo , Palombo Maria Rita , Biddittu Italo , Di Vito Mauro Antonio , Farinaro Gennaro , Mietto Paolo
Published: January 2020

The Foresta ichnosite is well known for preserving some of the oldest human fossil footprints recorded in Europe so far. This research aims to: i) describe new footprints that are larger than those already reported, some of which form a new trackway that moves in the opposite direction to all the others; ii) announce the discovery of some stone tools also in the surroundings of the Foresta ichnosite. The new results increase the total number of human fossil footprints to at least 81, specify the direction and the number of footprints of Trackway C, and identify three new directions of walking at the site. More compelling and complete estimates of the dimensional range of all ichnological evidence enables us, furthermore, to estimate the number of trackmakers walking on the trampled surface as a minimum of five, one of them likely being an adult male. The general shape of all the recorded footprints suggests that the Foresta trackmakers share some similarities with those at Sima de los Huesos, and belong to the same taxonomical group as the Ceprano skull. All the new evidence enables us to better understand the presence of hominin populations in the Roccamonfina volcano area during the Middle Pleistocene. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emerging Trends in Nasal Surgery: What Is the Impact of a Bioabsorbable Nasal Implant?
Authors: Ge Marshall , Kim Jee‐hong , Wrobel Bozena , Smith Stephanie Shintani , Kochhar Amit , Ference Elisabeth H.
Published: January 2020

Background

A bioabsorbable nasal valve implant (NVI) was introduced in 2016 as a minimally invasive solution to nasal valve collapse. Historically the introduction of less invasive procedures performable in‐office has resulted in an increase in volume. Our objective is to evaluate this trend as it relates to nasal vestibular repair, and its impact on healthcare utilization.

Methods

We interrogated the Medicare Part B national database for nasal vestibular repair (CPT code: 30465), Unlisted nasal procedure (30999) and septoplasty (30520) from 2010 to 2017. Septoplasty was used as a surrogate for overall nasal procedural rate. Linear regression modeling was used to examine the changes in reported vestibular repair rate adjusting for septoplasty rate.

Results

In the Medicare population, the rate of septoplasty was stable from 2010 to 2017, increasing from 26,962 to 30,194 at an annual rate of 1.5%. Coding for unlisted nasal procedure increased from 272 to 333 at an adjusted annual rate of 1.1% over this time period. Coding for nasal vestibular repair increased from 2026 to 5331 over this interval at an adjusted annual rate of 0.9% from 2010 to 2016 but significantly increased to 5% between 2016 to 2017 (P < .0001).

Conclusion

The reported volume of nasal vestibular repair increased significantly in the year following Food and Drug Administration approval of NVIs. In the absence of a corresponding increase in septoplasty, this temporal relationship suggests that the introduction of NVIs impacted the utilization of this procedural code.

Level of Evidence

N/A

Laryngoscope, 2020
Efficacy and Influence Factors of 308‐nm Excimer Lamp with Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
Authors: Li Anqi , Meng Xianfu , Xing Xiaojing , Tan Hong , Liu Junlian , Li Chengxin
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by T cell‐mediated attack on the hair follicle. Although there are a wide range of therapies, the majority of them are not satisfactory due to side effects or limited efficacy. In this study, we sought to evaluate the efficacy, influence factors, and safety of 308‐nm excimer lamp with minoxidil in the treatment of AA.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, single‐blinded, self‐control study, using 308‐nm excimer lamp with minoxidil for the treatment of AA. One selected alopecia lesion was divided into the control and treated side. Topical minoxidil (2% solution) was used on both sides, but 308‐nm excimer lamp was only added to the treated side. The primary endpoint was the discrepancy of hair growth on each side.

Results

A total of 38 patients (24 males and 14 females) with AA were enrolled in this study, and 34 of them (21 males and 13 females) completed the whole treatment. Thirty‐two (94.2%) patients achieved clinical response, and 21 (44.1%) patients achieved with >50% hair regrowth on the treated side after a 12‐week treatment. The hair number and diameter on the treated side had significantly increased compared with the control side with statistical differences. Hyperpigmentation and erythema occurred on the treated side of all the patients but they were considered tolerable. Patients of younger age or with smaller area of lesion had better effect.

Conclusions

The 308‐nm excimer lamp with minoxidil therapy can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for single or multiple AA. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Children's system‐of‐care initiative will seek to fill gaps in services
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2020

A $2.1 million foundation grant will allow nonprofit behavioral health provider Centerstone to seek to fill a chasm between standard outpatient care and the highest‐intensity services for children in southern Illinois. The project's grant director told MHW that this system‐of‐care initiative for children and families will emphasize the establishment of evidence‐based services for which provider reimbursement rates have traditionally fallen short.
The discontinuous Galerkin method for discretely observed Asian options
Authors: Hozman Jiří , Tichý Tomáš
Published: January 2020

Asian options represent an important subclass of the path‐dependent contracts that are identified by payoff depending on the average of the underlying asset prices over the prespecified period of option lifetime. Commonly, this average is observed at discrete dates, and also, early exercise features can be admitted. As a result, analytical pricing formulae are not always available. Therefore, some form of a numerical approximation is essential for efficient option valuation. In this paper, we study a PDE model for pricing discretely observed arithmetic Asian options with fixed as well as floating strike for both European and American exercise features. The pricing equation for such options is similar to the Black‐Scholes equation with 1 underlying asset, and the corresponding average appears only in the jump conditions across the sampling dates. The objective of the paper is to present the comprehensive methodological concept that forms and improves the valuation process. We employ a robust numerical procedure based on the discontinuous Galerkin approach arising from the piecewise polynomial generally discontinuous approximations. This technique enables a simple treatment of discrete sampling by incorporation of jump conditions at each monitoring date. Moreover, an American early exercise constraint is directly handled as an additional nonlinear source term in the pricing equation. The proposed solving procedure is accompanied by an empirical study with practical results compared to reference values.
The value of electrodiagnostic studies in patients with suspected polyneuropathy
Authors: Geiger Christopher D. , Preston David C.
Published: January 2020

See article on pages 288–292 in this issue.
Mechanical and thermal properties of Carpinas betulus fiber filled polypropylene composites
Authors: Atagur Metehan , Seki Yasemin , Pasaoglu Yigit , Sever Kutlay , Seki Yoldas , Sarikanat Mehmet , Altay Lutfiye
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study is to demonstrate whether Carpinus betulus L. (CB) powder can be used as an alternative filler/reinforcement material for polypropylene (PP). About 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% CB loaded PP composites were prepared by a high‐speed thermokinetic mixer. In this article, the effects of weight fraction of CB within PP on thermal, viscoelastic, chemical, mechanical, crystallographic, and morphological properties of PP composites were investigated by tensile and three‐point bending test, dynamic mechanic analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Melting temperature of the composites decreased with the increase of CB content. The crystallization temperature of PP increased with the addition of CB into PP. When 10 wt% CB filler was loaded into PP, the tensile of PP increased by about 29 wt%. The storage modulus of PP were remarkably enhanced with increasing CB weight fraction. About 5 wt% CB addition into PP increased the flexural strength of PP by about 32%.
Microbial carbon and nitrogen processes in high‐Arctic riparian soils
Authors: Pastor Ada , Poblador Sílvia , Skovsholt Louis J. , Riis Tenna
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work was to assess the biogeochemical role of riparian soils in the High Arctic to determine to what extent these soils may act as sources or sinks of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). To do so, we compared two riparian areas that varied in riparian vegetation coverage and soil physical perturbation (i.e., thermo‐erosion gully) in NE Greenland (74°N) during late summer. Microbial soil respiration (0.4–3.2 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) was similar to values previously found across vegetation types in the same area and increased with higher temperatures, soil column depth and soil organic C degradation. Riparian soils had low nitrate concentrations (0.02–0.64 μg N‐NO3− g−1), negligible net nitrification rates and negative net N mineralization rates (−0.58 to 0.33 μg N g−1 day−1), thus indicating efficient microbial N uptake due to low N availability. We did not find any effects of physical perturbation on soil respiration or on N processing, but the dissolved fraction of organic matter in the soil was one order of magnitude lower on the disturbed site. Overall, our results suggest that riparian soils are small N sources to high‐Arctic streams and that a depleted dissolved organic C pool in disturbed soils may decrease exports to the adjacent streams under climate change projection.