bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of bruise volume propagation of pear during the storage using soft computing methods
Authors: Razavi Mahsa Sadat , Golmohammadi Abdollah , Sedghi Reza , Asghari Ali
Published: December 2019

Bruises occur under both static and dynamic loadings when the imposed stress on fruit goes over the failure stress of the fruit tissue. Bruise damage is the main reason for fruit quality loss. In this study, the potential of artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and multiple regression (MR) techniques to predict bruise volume propagation of pears during the storage time was evaluated. For this purpose, at first, the radius of curvature at loading region was obtained. Samples were divided into five groups and subjected to five force levels. Then, they were kept under storage conditions and at 7‐time intervals after loading tests, bruise volume was calculated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and image processing techniques. Force, storage time, and radius of curvature at loading region were employed as input variables, and bruise volume (BV) was considered as output in the developed models. Multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network with three layers that includes an input layer (three neurons), two hidden layers (two and nine neurons), and one output layer was used. For the evaluation of models, three criteria (RMSE, VAF, and R2) were calculated. ANN and MR gave the highest and lowest correlation between predicted and actual values, respectively. These results indicate that the ANN techniques can be used to predict pear bruising propagation in storage time.
Micromorphological and FTIR analysis of the Upper Paleolithic early pottery site of Yuchanyan cave, Hunan, South China
Authors: Patania Ilaria , Goldberg Paul , Cohen David J. , Yuan Jiarong , Wu Xiaohong , Bar‐Yosef Ofer
Published: December 2019

The site of Yuchanyan cave (Hunan Province, China) contains evidence for some of the earliest‐known (ca. 18,000 cal BP) pottery in the world alongside a typical South China Upper Paleolithic cobble tool (chopper) industry. Here we present the results of a micromorphological study of the deposits with particular attention to site formation processes and recognizable human activities. Our study reveals that the majority of the sediments are anthropogenic and produced by repeated combustion episodes involving the complete expenditure of the fuel and then the refuse being raked out and redistributed across the cave. In relation to the pottery production, clay was also used to line fireplaces. Our results, combined with our Fourier‐transform infrared analysis of the clays and bones, and supported by the zooarchaeological data, suggest that fire and pottery were used here to boil bones and render grease. This behavior must be considered in respect to its associated chopper industry, and the presence of early pottery may be related, suggesting differences in behavioral modernity for hunter‐gatherers in Upper Paleolithic South China. This study demonstrates the advantages of analyzing sediments as a record of past human actions and the value of using micromorphology for the study of Late Pleistocene sites in China.
Major CO2 blowouts from offshore wells are strongly attenuated in water deeper than 50 m
Authors: Oldenburg Curtis M. , Pan Lehua
Published: December 2019

Growing interest in offshore geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) motivates evaluation of the consequences of subsea CO2 well blowouts. We have simulated a hypothetical major CO2 well blowout in shallow water of the Texas Gulf Coast. We use a coupled reservoir‐well model (T2Well) to simulate the subsea blowout flow rate for input to an integral model (TAMOC) for modeling CO2 transport in the water column. Bubble sizes are estimated for the blowout scenario for input to TAMOC. Results suggest that a major CO2 blowout in ≥50 m of water will be almost entirely attenuated by the water column due to CO2 dissolution into seawater during upward rise. In contrast, the same blowout in 10 m of water will hardly be attenuated at all. Results also show that the size of the orifice of the leak strongly controls the CO2 blowout rate. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protocol for the Rare Dementia Support Impact study: RDS Impact
Authors: Brotherhood Emilie V. , Stott Joshua , Windle Gill , Barker Suzie , Culley Siobhan , Harding Emma , Camic Paul M. , Caufield Maria , Ezeofor Victory , Hoare Zoe , McKee‐Jackson Roberta , Roberts Jennifer , Sharp Rebecca , Suarez‐Gonzalez Aida , Sullivan Mary Pat , Tudor Edwards Rhiannon , Walton Jill , Waddington Claire , Winrow Eira , Crutch Sebastian J.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Impact study will be the first major study of the value of multicomponent support groups for people living with or supporting someone with a rare form of dementia. The multicentre study aims to evaluate the impact of multicomponent support offered and delivered to people living with a rare form of dementia, comprising the following five work packages (WPs): (a) longitudinal cohort interviews, (b) theoretical development, (c) developing measures, (d) novel interventions, and (e) economic analysis.

Methods

This is a mixed‐methods design, including a longitudinal cohort study (quantitative and qualitative) and a feasibility randomised control trial (RCT). A cohort of more than 1000 individuals will be invited to participate. The primary and secondary outcomes will be in part determined through a co‐design nominal groups technique prestudy involving caregivers to people living with a diagnosis of a rare dementia. Quantitative analyses of differences and predictors will be based on prespecified hypotheses. A variety of quantitative (eg, analysis of variance [ANOVA] and multiple linear regression techniques), qualitative (eg, thematic analysis [TA]), and innovative analytical methods will also be developed and applied by involving the arts as a research method.

Results

The UCL Research Ethics Committee have approved this study. Data collection commenced in January 2020.

Conclusions

The study will capture information through a combination of longitudinal interviews, questionnaires and scales, and novel creative data collection methods. The notion of “impact” in the context of support for rare dementias will involve theoretical development, novel measures and methods of support interventions, and health economic analyses.
Interactive association of baseline and changes in serum uric acid on renal dysfunction among community‐dwelling persons
Authors: Kawamoto Ryuichi , Ninomiya Daisuke , Akase Taichi , Kikuchi Asuka , Kumagi Teru
Published: December 2019

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern. Baseline serum uric acid (SUA) levels were independently associated with incident renal dysfunction, but whether baseline and changes in SUA produce an interactive effect on renal dysfunction remains unclear.

Methods

The subjects comprised 460 men aged 68 ± 10 (mean ± standard deviation) years and 635 women aged 68 ± 9 years from a rural village. We have found participants who underwent a similar examination 3 years later, and analyzed the relationship between baseline SUA, changes in SUA, and a 3‐year follow‐up renal function evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results

A total of 93 (20.2%) men and 76 (12.0%) women had hyperuricemia (men: SUA ≥ 7.0 mg/dL and women: SUA ≥ 6.0 mg/dL) at baseline. Multiple regression analysis using changes in eGFR as objective variable, adjusted for risk factors as explanatory variables, showed that the baseline SUA and changes in SUA were linearly associated with changes in eGFR (β = －0.115, P < .001 and β = －0.431, P < .001, respectively). In both normal SUA group and hyperuricemia group, changes in SUA significantly associated with changes in eGFR (β = －0.473, P < .001 and β = －0.197, P = .009, respectively). Participants with increased SUA from normal to hyperuricemia group had greater eGFR decline over the follow‐up period, and their multivariate‐adjusted 3‐year follow‐up eGFR was significantly lower than in other groups (P < .001).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that baseline and longitudinal changes in SUA were independently and interactively associated with the renal function decline among community‐dwelling persons.
Partitioning a graph into cycles with a specified number of chords
Authors: Chiba Shuya , Jiang Suyun , Yan Jin
Published: December 2019

For a graph , let be the minimum degree sum of two nonadjacent vertices in . A chord of a cycle in a graph is an edge of joining two nonconsecutive vertices of the cycle. In this paper, we prove the following result, which is an extension of a result of Brandt et al for large graphs: For positive integers and , there exists an integer such that if is a graph of order and , then can be partitioned into vertex‐disjoint cycles, each of which has at least chords.
Definition of the objective threshold of pancreatoduodenectomy with nationwide data systems
Authors: Nakata Kohei , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Miyata Hiroaki , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Seto Yasuyuki , Yamaue Hiroki , Yamamoto Masakazu , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: December 2019

Background

This study aimed to define an objective evidence‐based threshold of high‐volume hospitals (HVHs) for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) using nationwide data systems.

Methods

A total of 36,453 patients underwent PD in 1,499 hospitals from 2012 to 2015 were collected from the National Clinical Database in Japan. Restricted cubic spline model with risk adjustment was used for definition of an objective evidence‐based threshold of HVHs.

Results

The restricted cubic spline curve of 30‐day and in‐hospital mortality showed a continuous decrease with an increase in hospital volume and plateau phase of mortality was detected between approximately 30 and 50 PDs/year. On the basis of this curve, we defined hospitals ≥30 PDs/year as HVHs and ≤29 PDs/year as non‐HVHs. We also sub‐classified hospitals <5, 5–29, 30–49, and ≥50 PDs/year as low‐volume, intermediate‐volume, high‐volume, and very high‐volume hospitals using the spline curve. The odds ratio (OR) of risk‐adjusted mortality decreased as hospital volume increased, with an OR of 0.34 for HVHs and 0.26 for very HVHs compared with low‐volume hospitals.

Conclusions

We consider that this concept is applicable to other high‐risk procedures for reducing mortality after these procedures, which could improve medical care and health services.
The synthesis and luminescent properties of bonded Eu(III) polymer phosphors for white light‐emitting diode
Authors: Guo Jiandong , Yang Yamin , Jia Husheng , Zhang Aiqin , Shen Qianqian , Liu Xuguang
Published: December 2019

A coordination and copolymerization strategy was adopted to synthesize bonded Eu(III) polymer phosphor poly(MMA‐co‐Eu(BTZ)2(Phen)(UA)) (PM‐Eu for short) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) as polymer matrix and Eu‐complex monomer Eu (BTZ)2(Phen)(UA) using azodiisobutyronitrile as initiator. The copolymer PM‐Eu exhibits thermal stability up to 266°C. It also exhibits wide and strong excitation bands from 230 to 380 nm monitored at 612 nm, matching well with the 365 nm of ultraviolet (UV) chip. PM‐Eu displays Eu(III) characteristic peaks at 579, 591, 612, 650, and 700 nm under the excitation of 365 nm of UV light. Meanwhile, it has a fluorescence lifetime of 0.582 ms, and it has a higher quantum yield of 0.672. All the results prove that the polymer PM‐Eu can be applied as a red component for fabrication of near UV‐based white light‐emitting diode (LED).
The perspectives of ethanol usage as an internal standard for the quantification of volatile compounds in alcoholic products by GC‐MS
Authors: Korban Anton , Charapitsa Siarhei , Čabala Radomír , Lidia Sobolenko , Sytova Svetlana
Published: December 2019

The potential use of ethanol as an internal standard (IS) for GC‐MS analysis was studied. The paper describes the analysis of spirit drinks and other alcoholic products which consist of a mixture of water, ethanol, and volatile compounds. In the suggested method, ethanol was employed as an IS for the common procedure of volatile compounds quantification. A number of standard solutions of nine compounds with different concentrations was prepared in a water‐ethanol matrix and measured with GC‐MS in the SIM mode. Two possible approaches were suggested to avoid detector saturation during ethanol detection. The first one consisted in using less abundant m/z 47 as quantifiers. These ions mainly correspond to unfragmented heavy ethanol molecules containing one 13C isotope. The second method consisted in reduction of the voltage of MS electron multiplier. The experiment also included the preparation and subsequent dilution of the standard solution and ethanol with water, which determined the linearity of the modified MS response relative to the ethanol content. Analysis of the obtained results revealed that volatile compounds can be successfully accurately determined with GC‐MS by employing ethanol as an IS. Application of the suggested method is not limited to the reported volatile compounds and alcoholic products.
Commentary: Moment of (Perceived) Truth: Exploring Accuracy of Aha! Experiences
Authors: Webb Margaret E. , Laukkonen Ruben E. , Cropper Simon J. , Little Daniel R.
Published: December 2019

Danek and Salvi (The Journal of Creative Behavior, 1–3, 2018) provide a sound overview of research on the relationship between feelings of aha and the accuracy of problem‐solving solutions. However, there are reasons to be cautious in concluding that a characteristic of insightful solutions is their superior accuracy. A relationship between correct solutions and aha experiences clearly exists in the literature. However, the strength and frequency of aha experiences seem to be variable across individuals and can be manipulated. We provide a brief overview of some literature that challenges the claim that aha experience indicates accurate solutions, particularly, manipulations of aha experiences, metacognitive misattributions and erroneous insights, and dispositions toward insight.
Lumbar and thoracic kinematics during step‐up: Comparison of three‐dimensional angles between patients with chronic low back pain and asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Christe Guillaume , Rochat Valentin , Jolles Brigitte M. , Favre Julien
Published: December 2019

While alterations in spinal kinematics have been repeatedly observed in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), their exact nature is still unknown. Specifically, there is a need for comprehensive assessments of multisegment spinal angles during daily‐life activities. The purpose of this exploratory study was to characterize three‐dimensional angles at the lower lumbar, upper lumbar, lower thoracic, and upper thoracic joints in CLBP patients and asymptomatic controls during stepping up with three different step heights. Spinal angles of 10 patients with nonspecific CLBP (six males; 38.7 ± 7.2 years old, 22.3 ± 1.6 kg/m2) and 11 asymptomatic individuals (six males; 36.7 ± 5.4 years old, 22.9 ± 3.8 kg/m2) were measured in a laboratory using a camera‐based motion capture system. Seven out of the 12 angle curves had characteristic patterns, leading to the identification of 20 characteristic peaks. Comparing peak amplitudes between groups revealed statistically significantly smaller sagittal‐ and frontal‐plane angles in the patient group at the upper lumbar joint with the two higher steps and at the lower lumbar joint with the higher step. Significantly reduced angles were also observed in sagittal plane at the upper thoracic joint with the two smaller steps. Moreover, a higher number of significant differences between groups was detected with the two higher steps than with the smallest step. In conclusion, this study showed the value of a comprehensive description of spinal angles during step‐up tasks and provided insights into the alterations with CLBP. These preliminary results support prior research suggesting that CLBP rehabilitation should facilitate larger amplitudes of motion during functional activities.
The effect of structural parameters of total hip arthroplasty on polyethylene liner wear behavior: A theoretical model analysis
Authors: Li Guoan , Peng Yun , Zhou Chaochao , Jin Zhongmin , Bedair Hany
Published: December 2019

Using large femoral heads in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been widely advocated to improve the function and longevity of the components. However, increasing the head size has been shown to accelerate polyethylene liner wear. Few studies have investigated the effect of other important structural parameters (such as polyethylene liner thickness, metal cup size, head‐liner conformity, loading conditions, etc.) on the biomechanical functions of the THAs. In this study, an analytical model was used to evaluate the polyethylene liner wear characteristics of the THAs (defined using a biomechanical wear factor) with various structural parameters of the THAs and loading conditions. For all the THA systems examined in this study, under the same loading conditions, a larger head leads to increasing contact areas, lower contact stresses, and higher biomechanical wear factors. When the head size is fixed, a decrease in the polyethylene liner thickness or a decrease in the head‐liner conformity leads to higher peak contact stresses and smaller contact areas and consequently, lower biomechanical wear factors. This study provides a parametric analysis tool for the optimal design/selection of the THA systems and for prediction of early effects of various structural parameters on the biomechanical function (such as contact stresses) and longevity (such as polyethylene liner wear) of the THA systems.
LakeCC: a tool for efficiently identifying lake basins with application to palaeogeographic reconstructions of North America
Authors: Hinck Sebastian , Gowan Evan J. , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: December 2019

Along the margins of continental ice sheets, lakes formed in isostatically depressed basins during glacial retreat. Their shorelines and extent are sensitive to the ice margin and the glacial history of the region. Proglacial lakes, in turn, also impact the glacial isostatic adjustment due to loading, and ice dynamics by posing a marine‐like boundary condition at the ice margin. In this study we present a tool that efficiently identifies lake basins and the corresponding maximum water level for a given ice sheet and topography reconstruction. This algorithm, called the LakeCC model, iteratively checks the whole map for a set of increasing water levels and fills isolated basins until they overflow into the ocean. We apply it to the present‐day Great Lakes and the results show good agreement (∼1−4%) with measured lake volume and depth. We then apply it to two topography reconstructions of North America between the Last Glacial Maximum and the present. The model successfully reconstructs glacial lakes such as Lake Agassiz, Lake McConnell and the predecessors of the Great Lakes. LakeCC can be used to judge the quality of ice sheet reconstructions. © 2019 The Authors Journal of Quaternary Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Structure of Mixed Reverse Microemulsions Based on Sodium Bis (2‐Ethylhexyl) Sulfosuccinate and Sodium Cholate
Authors: Tikanadze Irma , Kurtanidze Manoni , Rukhadze Marina , Nanobashvili Ketevan , Toidze Polina , Bezarashvili George , Sigua Ketevan
Published: December 2019

The microenvironment of water droplets of sodium bis (2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and sodium cholate mixed reverse microemulsions was studied. Structural changes of water pockets in mixed reverse micelles were investigated by IR spectroscopy. The O‐H stretching vibrational absorption spectra in the region of 3000–3800 cm−1 were fit to three subpeaks with the Monte Carlo method. It was revealed that additives of sodium cholate suppress free water fraction in the water droplets of reverse micelles from 31% to 20% and support rising of bound fraction from 53% to 65%. The binding of optical probe ortho‐nitroaniline to the mixed reverse micelles was determined by UV–visible spectroscopy. It was found that introducing of additives of sodium cholate below its critical micelle concentration (CMC) causes increasing of values of binding constant Kb twice compared with reverse micelles modified with pure water. However, values of the binding constant were reduced 4‐fold at concentrations of sodium cholate higher than its CMC. Electrical conductivity of the reverse mixed micellar solutions (AOT + sodium cholate) was measured. Water‐induced percolation in conductance of mixed reverse microemulsions occurs at a lower value of water/surfactant molar ratio (W) under the influence of sodium cholate, viz. electrical percolation threshold decreases from W = 32 to W = 15. The size of water droplets was estimated with the dynamic light scattering method. It was found that additives of sodium cholate below and higher than the CMC results in increasing and decreasing of hydrodynamic diameters of the water droplets, respectively, but sizes of water droplets decrease at concentrations of sodium cholate higher than its CMC.
Staging and clinical correlations of lymphoscintigraphy for unilateral gynecological cancer–related lymphedema
Authors: Pappalardo Marco , Lin Chieh , Ho Olivia A. , Kuo Chang‐Fu , Lin Chia‐Yu , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: December 2019

Background

This study was to investigate the lymphoscintigraphy findings for the diagnosis and severity in unilateral gynecological cancer–related lymphedema (GCRL) and to correlate lymphoscintigraphy stages with the clinical findings.

Methods

Patients with unilateral GCRL who underwent lymphoscintigraphy were staged using the presence of ileo‐inguinal lymph nodes, distal‐lymphatic ducts, and dermal backflow findings. Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging (TLS) was divided into three patterns and seven stages: normal drainage (L‐0); partial obstruction (P‐1, P‐2, and P‐3); and total obstruction (T4, T‐5, and T‐6). Correlations between clinical lymphedema severity and TLS were evaluated using analysis of variance and multivariable linear regression analyses.

Results

A total of 141 patients with unilateral GCRL were divided as follows: 6 (4.3%) in normal drainage, 56 (39.7%) in partial‐obstruction, and 79 (56%) in total obstruction. Cellulitis episodes, circumferential difference, and computed tomography (CT) volumetric difference were shown to be statistically different between TLS stages (P < .001 for all). Total obstruction stages were the most significant factors associated with the severity of circumferential difference (β = 19.72, 25.54, 32.42, respectively; P < .05) and CT volumetric difference (β = 36.04, 45.12, 52.78, respectively; P < .01).

Conclusions

Total lymphatic obstruction was present in 56% of unilateral GCGL. Lymphoscintigraphy stages were statistically correlated with episodes of cellulitis, circumferential difference and CT volumetric difference in unilateral GCRL.
Hepatic Microwave Ablation–Induced Tumor Destruction and Animal End Point Survival Can Be Improved by Suppression of Heat Shock Protein 90
Authors: Zhai Hong‐yan , Zhou Qun‐fang , Dou Jian‐ping , Liu Fang‐yi , Zhu Xin‐yuan , Yu Jie , Liang Ping
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To investigate the effect of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) modulation on tumor necrosis, apoptosis, tumor growth delay, and end point survival by combining microwave ablation (MWA) with an HSP90 inhibitor in a nude mouse model.

Methods

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Forty mice with HepG2 subcutaneous xenograft tumors (10 ± 1 mm) were randomized into 4 groups: (1) no treatment, (2) MWA only, (3) the HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib only, and (4) ganetespib combined with MWA. Tumors were harvested 24 hours after treatment, and gross coagulation diameters were measured. The effect of ganetespib on HSP90 and caspase 3 expression in the periablational rim was assessed. Another 40 mice with the same tumors and groupings were observed after treatment. Tumor growth curve and Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses were performed with a tumor diameter of 2.2 cm and 40 days of survival as the defined survival end points.

Results

Combination treatment significantly increased the coagulation size compared to tumors treated with MWA or ganetespib alone (P < 0.05). The combination of MWA and ganetespib decreased HSP90 expression and increased cleaved caspase 3 expression 24 hours after treatment. Compared with MWA or ganetespib only, combination treatment could lengthen the end point survival and reduce the tumor growth rate.

Conclusions

Modulation of HSP production can improve MWA‐induced tumor apoptosis and destruction, reduce residual tumor growth rates, and prolong end point survival.
Does the scholarly communication system satisfy the beliefs and aspirations of new researchers? Summarizing the Harbingers research
Authors: Nicholas David , Watkinson Anthony , Abrizah Abdullah , Rodríguez‐Bravo Blanca , Boukacem‐Zeghmouri Cherifa , Xu Jie , Świgoń Marzena , Herman Eti
Published: December 2019

A study from the Harbingers research project provides a comprehensive assessment of the main features of the scholarly communications system as viewed by early career researchers (ECRs) in the final year of the study (2018). Aspects covered are: discovery and access, authorship practices, peer review, publishing strategies, open access publishing, open data, sharing, collaboration, social media, metrics, impact, reputation, libraries, publishers, and scholarly transformations. Nearly 120 science and social science researchers from seven countries were questioned about these 16 aspects. It was found that some scholarly features work well for ECRs, and in this category can be included: discovery and access, authorship practices, sharing, collaboration, and publishers. Reputation, publishing strategies, and impact are more problematical, and they, in turn, cause tensions regarding some other factors – social media, open access, and open data. Of the rest, libraries are largely invisible, and ECRs have conflicting views concerning ethical behaviour. Few envisage that transformational change will take place in the next 5 years.
Lessons learned from expanded reproductive carrier screening in self‐reported Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jewish patients
Authors: Akler Gidon , Birch Ashley H. , Schreiber‐Agus Nicole , Cai Xiaoqiang , Cai Guiqing , Shi Lisong , Yu Chunli , Larmore Anastasia M. , Mendiratta‐Vij Geetu , Elkhoury Lama , Dillon Mitchell W. , Zhu Jun , Mclellan Andrew S. , Suer Funda E. , Webb Bryn D. , Schadt Eric E. , Kornreich Ruth , Edelmann Lisa
Published: December 2019

Background

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based panels have gained traction as a strategy for reproductive carrier screening. Their value for screening Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) individuals, who have benefited greatly from population‐wide targeted testing, as well as Sephardi/Mizrahi Jewish (SMJ) individuals (an underserved population), has not been fully explored.

Methods

The clinical utilization by 6,805 self‐reported Jewish individuals of an expanded NGS panel, along with several ancillary assays, was assessed retrospectively. Data were extracted for a subset of 96 diseases that, during the panel design phase, were classified as being AJ‐, SMJ‐, or pan‐Jewish/pan‐ethnic‐relevant.

Results

64.6% of individuals were identified as carriers of one or more of these 96 diseases. Over 80% of the reported variants would have been missed by following recommended AJ screening guidelines. 10.7% of variants reported for AJs were in “SMJ‐relevant genes,” and 31.2% reported for SMJs were in “AJ‐relevant genes.” Roughly 2.5% of individuals carried a novel, likely pathogenic variant. One in 16 linked cohort couples was identified as a carrier couple for at least one of these 96 diseases.

Conclusion

For maximal carrier identification, this study supports using expanded NGS panels for individuals of all Jewish backgrounds. This approach can better empower at‐risk couples for reproductive decision making.
Novel VAC14 variants identified in two Chinese siblings with childhood‐onset striatonigral degeneration
Authors: Liao Shuang , Chen Tingting , Dai Ying , Wang Yanqin , Wu Fangrui , Zhong Min
Published: December 2019

Background

VAC14 is a component of a trimolecular complex that tightly regulates the level of phosphatidylinositol 3,5‐bisphosphate [PI (3,5) P2]. VAC14 pathogenic variants cause prominent vacuolation of neurons in basal ganglia of patients with childhood‐onset striatonigral degeneration (SNDC).

Methods

We identified two siblings with SNDC. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed for genetic molecular analysis in these probands.

Results

The patients were compound heterozygotes for two novel variants in the VAC14 gene, p.Ala582Thr and p.Arg681His. The pathogenicity of these variants was indicated by a bioinformatic study and protein three‐dimensional modeling. Eight previously reported SNDC cases and a Yunis–Varón syndrome caused by VAC14 mutations were summarized and compared.

Conclusion

We present novel compound heterozygous variants (c.1744G>A/c.2042G>A) in our proband, and these novel variants were predicted to be likely pathogenic. The affected siblings were clinically severe and lethal; their phenotypes were similar to the majority of previously reported SNDC cases, with the exception of two cases that showed mild clinical manifestations. VAC14 pathogenic variants may be associated with various phenotypes. Herein, we report the Chinese siblings with SNDC, they are the first Asian cases. Our results expanded the spectrum of VAC14 pathogenic variants and the ethnic backgrounds of the affected cases.
An analytical formalism for the assessment of dose uncertainties due to positioning uncertainties
Authors: Lechner Wolfgang , Georg Dietmar , Palmans Hugo
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To present an analytical formalism for the in depth assessment of uncertainties of field output factors in small fields related to detector positioning based on dose profile measurements. Additionally, a procedure for the propagation of these uncertainties was developed.

Methods

Based on the assumption that one dimensional and two dimensional second‐order polynomial functions can be fitted to dose profiles of small photon beams, equations for the calculation of the expectation value, the variance, and the standard deviation were developed. The following fitting procedures of the dose profiles were considered: A one‐dimensional case (1D), a quasi two‐dimensional case (2Dq) based on independently measured line profiles and a full 2D case (2Df) which also considers cross‐correlations in a two‐dimensional dose distribution. A rectangular and a Gaussian probability density function (PDF) characterizing the probability of possible positions of the detector relative to the maximum dose were used. Uncertainty components such as the finite resolution of the scanning water phantom, the reproducibility of the determination of the position of the maximum dose, and the reproducibility of the collimator system were investigated. This formalism was tested in a 0.5 x 0.5 cm2 photon field where dose profiles were measured using a radiochromic film, a synthetic diamond detector, and an unshielded diode detector. Additionally, the dose distribution measured with the radiochromic film was convoluted with a convolution kernel mimicking the active volume of the unshielded diode.

Results

Analytic expressions for the calculation of uncertainties on field output factors were found for the 1D, the 2Dq, and the 2Df case. The uncertainty of the field output factor related to the relative position of the detector to the maximum dose increased quadratically with increasing limits of possible detector positions. Analysis of the radiochromic film showed that the 2Dq case gave a more conservative assessment of the uncertainty compared to the 2Df case with a difference of < 0.1%. The 2Dq case applied to the film measurements agreed well with the same approach as was applied to the unshielded diode. The investigated uncertainty components propagated to an uncertainty of the field output factors of 0.5% and 0.4% for the synthetic diamond and the unshielded diode, respectively. Additionally, the expectation value was lower than the maximum dose. The difference was 0.4% and 0.3% for the synthetic diamond and the unshielded diode, respectively.

Conclusions

The assessment of uncertainties of field output factors related to detector positioning is feasible using the proposed formalism. The 2Dq case is applicable when using online detectors. Accurate positioning in small fields is essential for accurate dosimetry as its related uncertainty increases quadratically. The observed drop of the expectation value needs to be considered in small field dosimetry.
Nursing research priorities based on CINAHL database: A scoping review
Authors: Hopia Hanna , Heikkilä Johanna
Published: December 2019

Aim

To analyse nursing research based on the CINAHL database to identify research priorities for nursing.

Design

A scoping literature review was conducted. The CINAHL Plus (EBSCO) Full Text was searched between 2012–2018.

Methods

Out of 1522 original publications, 91 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were applied. Data were analysed by a thematic analysis method.

Results

A strong emphasis should be put on development and evaluation of nursing theories and, in addition, randomized controlled trial studies, meta‐synthesis, experimental and intervention studies are needed in nursing research. Development of competencies and skills in the nursing profession ought to be studied more extensively and research should be focused on variety fields of nursing practice.
Surgical tracheostomy in children with malignancy receiving intensive chemotherapy: A case series and review of literature
Authors: Manna Soumendu S. , Malik Rubina , Douthwaite Amy , Vaidya Sucheta
Published: December 2019

We retrospectively reviewed a paediatric intensive care unit database that supports a tertiary oncology service to explore safety and outcome of tracheostomy in oncology patients over a 12‐year period and reviewed literature. A total of 895 patients were admitted with a haematological or a solid tumour malignancy of which 222 were ventilated. Six of 222 (2.7%) ventilated children were tracheostomised. Four of six children tracheostomised for ventilatory support received intensive chemotherapy complicated by neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. There was no significant tracheostomy‐related complication. Tracheostomy improved patient comfort, reduced sedative requirement, and may have helped recovery. Tracheostomy should be considered early in selected children with haemato‐oncological diagnoses requiring prolonged ventilation.
Optimization of a clofarabine‐based drug combination regimen for the preclinical evaluation of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Xie Jinhan , Span Miriam , van Maarseveen Erik , Langenhorst Jurgen , Boddy Alan V. , Sia Keith C.S. , Sutton Rosemary , Venn Nicola , Punt Arjen M. , Tyrrell Vanessa , Haber Michelle , Trahair Toby , Lau Loretta , Marshall Glenn M. , Lock Richard B.
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to improve the predictive power of patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs, also known as mouse avatars) to more accurately reflect outcomes of clofarabine‐based treatment in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.

Procedure

Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were conducted using clofarabine at 3.5 to 15 mg/kg in mice. PDXs were established from relapsed/refractory ALL patients who exhibited good or poor responses to clofarabine. PDX engraftment and response to clofarabine (either as a single agent or in combinations) were assessed based on stringent objective response measures modeled after the clinical setting.

Results

In naïve immune‐deficient NSG mice, we determined that a clofarabine dose of 3.5 mg/kg resulted in systemic exposures equivalent to those achieved in pediatric ALL patients treated with clofarabine‐based regimens. This dose was markedly lower than the doses of clofarabine used in previously reported preclinical studies (typically 30‐60 mg/kg) and, when scheduled consistent with the clinical regimen (daily × 5), resulted in 34‐fold lower clofarabine exposures. Using a well‐tolerated clofarabine/etoposide/cyclophosphamide combination regimen, we then found that the responses of PDXs better reflected the clinical responses of the patients from whom the PDXs were derived.

Conclusions

This study has identified an in vivo clofarabine treatment regimen that reflects the clinical responses of relapsed/refractory pediatric ALL patients. This regimen could be used prospectively to identify patients who might benefit from clofarabine‐based treatment. Our findings are an important step toward individualizing prospective patient selection for the use of clofarabine in relapsed/refractory pediatric ALL patients and highlight the need for detailed PK evaluation in murine PDX models.
A phase I study of sirolimus in combination with metronomic therapy (CHOAnome) in children with recurrent or refractory solid and brain tumors
Authors: Qayed Muna , Cash Thomas , Tighiouart Mourad , MacDonald Tobey J. , Goldsmith Kelly C. , Tanos Rachel , Kean Leslie , Watkins Benjamin , Suessmuth Yvonne , Wetmore Cynthia , Katzenstein Howard M.
Published: December 2019

Background/purpose

To determine the maximum tolerated dose, toxicities, and response of sirolimus combined with oral metronomic therapy in pediatric patients with recurrent and refractory solid and brain tumors.

Procedure

Patients younger than 30 years of age with recurrent, refractory, or high‐risk solid and brain tumors were eligible. Patients received six‐week cycles of sirolimus with twice daily celecoxib, and alternating etoposide and cyclophosphamide every three weeks, with Bayesian dose escalation over four dose levels (NCT01331135).

Results

Eighteen patients were enrolled: four on dose level (DL) 1, four on DL2, eight on DL3, and two on DL4. Diagnoses included solid tumors (Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, rhabdoid tumor, retinoblastoma) and brain tumors (glioblastoma multiforme [GBM], diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, high‐grade glioma [HGG], medulloblastoma, ependymoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, low‐grade infiltrative astrocytoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, nongerminomatous germ cell tumor]. One dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT; grade 4 neutropenia) was observed on DL2, two DLTs (grade 3 abdominal pain and grade 3 mucositis) on DL3, and two DLTs (grade 3 dehydration and grade 3 mucositis) on DL4. The recommended phase II dose of sirolimus was 2 mg/m2 (DL3). Best response was stable disease (SD) in eight patients, and partial response (PR) in one patient with GBM. A patient with HGG was removed from the study with SD and developed PR without further therapy. Western blot analysis showed inhibition of phospho‐S6 kinase in all patients during the first cycle of therapy.

Conclusion

The combination of sirolimus with metronomic chemotherapy is well tolerated in children. A phase II trial of this combination is ongoing.
BCOR‐CCNB3 fusion‐positive clear cell sarcoma of the kidney
Authors: Han Hyojeong , Bertrand Kelsey C. , Patel Kalyani R. , Fisher Kevin E. , Roy Angshumoy , Muscal Jodi A. , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: December 2019

Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) is the second most common malignant pediatric renal tumor. Two of the recurrent somatic alterations reported in CCSK are BCL‐6 corepressor (BCOR) internal tandem duplication (ITD) and YWHAE‐NUTM2B/E gene fusion. A minority of patients with CCSKs have other rare somatic alterations. We report two patients with CCSK showing BCOR‐CCNB3 (where CCNB3 is cyclin B3) fusion, who had similar clinical presentation of a large renal mass with tumor thrombus extending through the inferior vena cava into the right atrium and a favorable response to chemotherapy. We recommend BCOR‐CCNB3 fusion testing for all patients with CCSK who lack BCOR‐ITD or YWHAE‐NUTM2B/E gene fusions.
Dimensionless numbers to study cell wall deformation of stiff mutants of Phycomyces blakesleeanus
Authors: Munoz Cindy M. , Ortega Joseph K. E.
Published: December 2019

The sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus are large cylindrical aerial cells that elongate vertically at rates between 10 μm/min and 60 μm/min. Wild‐type sporangiophores grow toward light, opposed to gravitational acceleration and away from solid barriers (tropic responses). Sporangiophores of stiff mutants C149 and C216 exhibit diminished tropic (bending) responses. Originally, it was thought that the altered genes affect the “stiffness” (elastic wall deformation) of the cell wall. Subsequent investigations employing the pressure probe demonstrated that the irreversible (plastic) wall deformation was smaller for the stiff mutants compared to wild type and could account for the diminished tropic responses. However, it was not shown whether the elastic wall deformation was altered in these stiff mutants. Recent theoretical studies have identified dimensionless numbers that can be used to quantitate the magnitudes of biophysical processes involved in expansive growth of walled cells. In this study, dimensionless numbers are used to determine the magnitudes of elastic deformation rate, plastic deformation rate, and stress relaxation rate of the cell wall during expansive growth of the stiff mutant sporangiophores. It is found that the altered genes reduce stress relaxation rates and plastic deformation rates of the wall, but do not significantly alter the magnitude of the elastic deformation rates of the wall. These results indicate that the mutant genes reduce wall loosening chemistry in these sporangiophores and the genetic mutation is not expressed in a change in “wall stiffness,” but in “wall viscosity” or “wall extensibility.”
Distress in cancer patients: Who are the main groups at risk?
Authors: Herschbach Peter , Britzelmeir Ingrid , Dinkel Andreas , Giesler Jürgen M. , Herkommer Kathleen , Nest Alexandra , Pichler Theresia , Reichelt Ralf , Tanzer‐Küntzer Sylvia , Weis Joachim , Marten‐Mittag Birgitt
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Psychosocial distress is common in cancer patients and survivors and encompasses a broad range of concerns and psychological symptoms. The aim of the current study was to identify subgroups of respondents who experience a specific constellation of distress symptoms.

Methods

This study uses data from a large data base (n = 21 680) of cancer patients from diverse settings who provided data in the Questionnaire on Distress in Cancer Patients—Short Form (QSC‐R10). Cluster analysis was applied to identify subgroups with a distinct constellation of distress symptoms.

Results

The results showed five distinct clusters: minimally distressed patients (46.6% of the sample), highly distressed patients (12.7%), mainly physically distressed patients (15.2%), mainly psychologically distressed patients (15.6%), and mainly socially distressed patients (9.9%). These groups differed with regard to age, sex, cancer site, treatment setting, and disease progression.

Conclusion

The results revealed large heterogeneity in the experience of distress. Distress clusters were associated with socio‐demographic and clinical variables. These associations might aid a clinician to tailor interventions and to address specific types of distress.
Long‐term efficacy of meaning‐centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors: 2‐Year follow‐up results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Holtmaat Karen , van der Spek Nadia , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit , Breitbart William , Cuijpers Pim , Verdonck‐de Leeuw Irma
Published: December 2019

Objective

Meaning‐centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors (MCGP‐CS) is an effective intervention to improve personal meaning, psychological well‐being, and depressive symptoms until 6 months after the intervention. In this study, the long‐term effects of MCGP‐CS (i.e., at 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up) on meaning, psychological well‐being and posttraumatic growth were assessed, in comparison to supportive group psychotherapy (SGP) and care as usual (CAU).

Methods

Cancer survivors (n = 170) were randomized into MCGP‐CS, SGP, or CAU. Assessments were scheduled at baseline, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postintervention. Outcome measures were the Personal Meaning Profile, Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well‐Being (SPWB), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and their subscales. Linear mixed models (LMM) were used and results were both reported on an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) basis, as well as for intervention completers only.

Results

LMM and post hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction revealed that MCGP‐CS participants reported more improvement on positive relations (subscale of SPWB) than CAU participants of 2‐year postintervention (ITT analysis, Cohen's d = .82). Completers also reported more personal growth (subscale of SPWB) after MCGP‐CS than after SGP 1‐year postintervention (Cohen's d = .94). No long‐term effects were found on the other outcome measures.

Conclusions

In the 2 years after MCGP‐CS, the short‐term significant effects on personal meaning and most positive effects related to psychological well‐being faded. However, MCGP‐CS had a long‐term positive effect on positive relations with others and on survivors' sense of personal growth.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register: NTR3571
Does a regular nurse‐led distress screening and discussion improve quality of life of breast cancer patients treated with curative intent? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ploos van Amstel Floortje K. , Peters Marlies E. W. J. , Donders Rogier , Schlooz‐Vries Margrethe S. , Polman Lenny J. M. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Prins Judith B. , Ottevanger Petronella B.
Published: December 2019

Objective

We performed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate whether regular screening with the distress thermometer (DT) by a nurse improved global quality of life (QOL) of patients with breast cancer (BC) treated with curative intent.

Methods

BC patients were randomized between regular screening for distress with a nurse‐led DT intervention (NDTI) and usual care (UC). Both groups filled out questionnaires at baseline, after each received treatment modality and at follow‐up visits up to 2 years. At these points, the intervention group received also the NDTI. The primary outcome was the global QOL of the EORTC QLQ C30 at 2 years after the end of treatment. Analyses were done on an intention‐to‐treat basis, using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), generalized least squares, and interaction analyses.

Results

Of 194 randomized patients, 153 filled out the questionnaires up to 2 years after treatment. There was no significant difference between NDTI and UC in global QOL 2 years after the end of treatment (mean diff. = –1∙273, P = .610; 95% CI [−6.195; 3.649]). Subgroup analysis of patients who received multimodality treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, n = 66) showed a significant between‐group difference in global QOL over time (mean diff. = –10, P < .001; 95% CI [−14.835; −5.167]) together with other secondary outcome measures in favor of the NDTI.

Conclusion

NDTI did not lead to a significant improvement in global QOL 2 years after the end of treatment for patients with BC. However, the findings indicate that BC patients who received multimodality treatment may benefit from NDTI.