bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ENCePP Code of Conduct: A best practise for scientific independence and transparency in noninterventional postauthorisation studies
Authors: Gini Rosa , Fournie Xavier , Dolk Helen , Kurz Xavier , Verpillat Patrice , Simondon François , Strassmann Valerie , Apostolidis Kathi , Goedecke Thomas
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The ENCePP Code of Conduct provides a framework for scientifically independent and transparent pharmacoepidemiological research. Despite becoming a landmark reference, practical implementation of key provisions was still limited. The fourth revision defines scientific independence and clarifies uncertainties on the applicability to postauthorisation safety studies requested by regulators. To separate the influence of the funder from the investigator's scientific responsibility, the Code now requires that the lead investigator is not employed by the funding institution.

Method

To assess how the revised Code fits the ecosystem of noninterventional pharmacoepidemiology research in Europe, we first mapped key recommendations of the revised Code against ISPE Good Pharmacoepidemiology Practices and the ADVANCE Code of Conduct. We surveyed stakeholders to understand perceptions on its value and practical applicability. Representatives from the different stakeholders' groups described their experience and expectations.

Results

Unmet needs in pharmacoepidemiological research are fulfilled by providing unique guidance on roles and responsibilities to support scientific independence. The principles of scientific independence and transparency are well understood and reinforce trust in study results; however, around 70% of survey respondents still found some provisions difficult to apply. Representatives from stakeholders' groups found the new version promising, although limitations still exist.

Conclusion

By clarifying definitions and roles, the latest revision of the Code sets a new standard in the relationship between investigators and funders to support scientific independence of pharmacoepidemiological research. Disseminating and training on the provisions of the Code would help stakeholders to better understand its advantages and promote its adoption in noninterventional research.
Toward superior applications of thermoplastic elastomer blends: double Tg increase and improved ductility
Authors: Burgoa Aizeti , Hernandez Ricardo , Vilas Jose L
Published: March 2019

With the aim of curbing air pollution and addressing climate change, the use of low density thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in transportation could be a useful way to lighten the vehicle weight. For that, melt blending of high performance rubber and thermoplastics is an attractive way of preparing high performance TPEs. In this work, several TPEs have been prepared by melt blending of hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) with polyamide 6 (PA6), adding different amounts of carboxylated HNBR (XHNBR) as compatibilizer: 40/60/0, 40/42/18, 40/30/30 and 40/18/42 (PA6/HNBR/XHNBR). The resulting blends were investigated using melt rheological measurements, morphological observations (scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical microscopy), dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and mechanical tests. A biphasic morphology was noted for all TPEs. An increase in XHNBR amount changes the morphology from dispersed to co‐continuous. This evolution is explained by the change in the melt rheological properties of the HNBR/XHNBR rubber phase. Moreover, the introduction of 42% XHNBR resulted in an increase in the glass transition temperature of both rubber and PA6 phases. This double Tg increase phenomenon was attributed to the interfacial interactions between the carboxyl groups in XHNBR and the amine end groups in PA6. Additionally, thermal analysis revealed a reduced crystallinity of PA6 in the blend, which corresponds to enhanced interfacial interactions. The interfacial adhesion and the co‐continuous morphology resulted in an improved ductility. This study reveals the possibility of obtaining TPE blends with tunable thermal and mechanical properties by controlling both interfacial interactions and morphology. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Agreement Between Face‐to‐Face and Tele‐assessment of Upper Limb Functioning in Patients with Parkinson Disease
Authors: Cabrera‐Martos Irene , Ortiz‐Rubio Araceli , Torres‐Sánchez Irene , López‐López Laura , Rodríguez‐Torres Janet , Carmen Valenza M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Upper limb disturbances are prevalent in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and can limit their participation in activities of daily living. Tele‐assessment of upper limb motor symptoms using an Internet application may be an alternative for addressing the growing demand for monitoring of disease progression.

Objective

To evaluate the level of agreement between face‐to‐face and tele‐assessment of patients with PD.

Design

Reliability study.

Setting

Parkinson's Disease Association.

Participants

Twenty‐one patients with PD from a local association participated in the study.

Methods

Patients attended a session for clinical face‐to‐face and real‐time online tele‐assessment.

Main Outcome Measurements

Upper limb measures of function (assessed with the Manual Ability Measure 16), dexterity (evaluated using the coin rotation task), motor speed (assessed by the finger tapping test), tremor (evaluated with the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin Tremor Rating Scale), and range of motion (using the Kinovea software) were recorded by two independent researchers.

Results

All the outcome measures evaluated showed a good interrater, intraclass correlation coefficient (ρ > 0.75). In addition, most confidence intervals were narrow and excluded 0.8. The lowest reliability was obtained for elbow flexion of the most affected upper limb (ρ = 0.75; confidence interval 0.49‐0.89) and the highest reliability for finger tapping tests (ρ = 1; 1, 1).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates high interrater reliability of upper limb tele‐assessment in patients with PD compared to a face‐to‐face assessment.

Level of Evidence

III.
Quality of life versus length of life considerations in cancer patients: A systematic literature review
Authors: Shrestha Anne , Martin Charlene , Burton Maria , Walters Stephen , Collins Karen , Wyld Lynda
Published: March 2019

Objective

Patients with cancer face difficult decisions regarding treatment and the possibility of trading quality of life (QoL) for length of life (LoL). Little information is available regarding patients' preferences and attitudes toward their cancer treatment and the personal costs they are prepared to exchange to extend their life. The aim of this review is to determine the complex trade‐offs and underpinning factors that make patients with cancer choose quality over quantity of life.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using MeSH terms: cancer, longevity or LoL, QoL, decision making, trade‐off, and health utility. Articles retrieved were published between 1942 and October 2018.

Results

Out of 4393 articles, 30 were included in this review. Older age, which may be linked to declining physical status, was associated with a preference for QoL over LoL. Younger patients were more likely to undergo aggressive treatment to increase survival years. Preference for QoL and LoL was not influenced by gender, education, religion, having children, marital status, or type of cancer. Patients with better health valued LoL and inversely those with poorer physical status preferred QoL.

Conclusion

Baseline QoL and future expectations of life seem to be key determinants of preference for QoL versus LoL in cancer patients. In‐depth studies are required to understand these trade‐offs and the compromises patients are willing to make regarding QoL or LoL, especially in older patients with naturally limited life expectancy.
Tuning Optoelectronic Properties Through In‐Plane Arrangement and Point Defects in ZnO Nanorods as Prepared by Room‐Temperature DC‐Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Purbayanto Muhammad A. K. , Nurfani Eka , Widita Rena , Takase Kouichi , Darma Yudi
Published: March 2019

Electronic and optical properties of ZnO nanorods grown by room temperature dc‐unbalanced magnetron sputtering are studied. As a comparison, ZnO thin film is deposited as well. Surface morphology images and X‐ray diffraction patterns show that ZnO nanorods are successfully grown with hexagonal wurtzite structure and the diameter varies from 50 to 90 nm. Using photoluminescence spectroscopy, the presence of oxygen vacancy (VO) is observed in ZnO nanorods sample. Furthermore, current–voltage measurement shows that ZnO nanorods have a lower dark current due to VO‐induced oxygen adsorption, which confirms the presence of a high potential barrier related to the VO. It is found that ZnO nanorods give photocurrent to dark current ratio almost 20 times higher than that of the thin film at bias voltage of 5 V. Here, the performance of ZnO nanorods with the metal‐semiconductor‐metal (MSM) and p‐n heterojunction configuration is also compared. The photosensitivity of MSM configuration is six times higher than p‐n heterojunction. These results are important to improve the functionality of nanostructured ZnO by controlling the structure and point defects for nano‐scale optoelectronic application.
A Core‐Shell Assembly of Hierarchical Porous Ni@C Nanospheres Synthesized from Metal‐Organic Framework for Electrochemical Energy Application
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Kim Min Seob , Jeong Dong In , Humayoun Usama B. , Yoon Dae Ho
Published: March 2019

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as one of the most outstanding innovated and functional materials for electrochemical application. Here, the structure of novel MOFs‐derived hierarchically porous Nickel@Carbon nanospheres (HP‐Ni@C‐N) synthesized via pyrolysis after the solvothermal reaction is discussed. The method includes the decomposition of the trimesic acid as an organic molecule at a specific temperature of transformation into a carbon matrix wrapping of nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs). Furthermore, HP‐Ni@C‐N supported on nickel foam as an electrochemical energy storage supercapacitor application and obtained 912 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1 is reported. Interestingly, the covalent bridge between the Ni core and carbon shell facilitates the faster ions transportation. Therefore, it is presumed that this work can be informative and elucidative for the construction of MOFs‐derived transition metals hybrid nanostructures.
Improved GaN Quantum Well Microcavities for Robust Room Temperature Polaritonics
Authors: Amargianitakis Emmanouil A. , Miziou Foteini , Androulidaki Maria , Tsagaraki Katerina , Kostopoulos Athanasios , Konstantinidis George , Delamadeleine Eric , Monroy Eva , Pelekanos Nikos T.
Published: March 2019

New experiments on state‐of‐the‐art nitride polariton microcavities are reported which consist of high‐quality 3λ/2‐membranes with 8, 10, or 38 GaN/Al0.07Ga0.93N quantum wells, embedded in all‐dielectric distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs). The optical density of the membranes, extracted from transmittance measurements taking into account standing wave effects, is found proportional to the number of quantum wells. At room temperature, the optical density per quantum well at the exciton wavelength reaches values around 3.5%. It is demonstrated that a top DBR consisting of four alternating pairs of SiO2/Ta2O5 is sufficient to obtain robust polariton features from these membranes at room temperature, with a Rabi splitting of 36 and 71 meV for the 10 and 38 quantum well microcavities, respectively.
Spin‐Glass Irreversibility Temperature and Magnetic Stabilization in Ferromagnet/Spin‐Glass Bilayers
Authors: Li Ruijun , Yu Le , Hu Yong
Published: March 2019

The authors numerically studied the irreversibility temperature (Tirr) of a spin glass (SG) and how to use a SG to stabilize a ferromagnet. The rate of Tirr/SG‐anisotropic‐field increment can reach ≈121 K T−1. In ferromagnet/SG bilayers, exchange bias (EB) may be enhanced fivefold at 10 K with increasing interfacial coupling (JIF), whereas the EB blocking temperature (TBEB) does not change. However, decreases in SG exchange coupling (JSG) can twofold enhance TBEB with maintaining a table‐like EB. On the contrary, small JIF and large JSG are both destructive to coercivity. Nevertheless, EB field and coercivity are switchable, opening an opportunity to design temperature‐controlled write‐to‐read switches.
Antitumour effects of selected plant polyphenols, gallic acid and ellagic acid, on sensitive and multidrug‐resistant leukaemia HL60 cells
Authors: Maruszewska Agnieszka , Tarasiuk Jolanta
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the antitumour effects of plant phenolic acids, gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA), on human promyelocytic leukaemia sensitive HL60 cell line and its resistant sublines exhibiting two MDR phenotypes: HL60/VINC (overexpressing P‐glycoprotein) and HL60/MX2 (characterized by the presence of mutated α isoform of topoisomerase II). Both studied compounds exerted comparable cytotoxic activities towards sensitive HL60 cells and their MDR counterparts. It was also found that GA and EA modulated the cellular level of reactive oxygen species in a dose‐dependent and time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that GA (IC90) and EA (IC50 and IC90) significantly increased the percentage of sub‐G1 subpopulation of all studied leukaemia cells causing oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Both compounds used at IC90 triggered mainly the apoptotic death of these cells. However, GA had no effect on the activity of caspase‐3 as well as caspase‐8 in sensitive HL60 cells and their MDR counterparts. In contrast, EA provoked a significant activation of these caspases in all studied leukaemia cells. It was also found that lysosomes were not involved in triggering programmed death of sensitive HL60 and MDR cells by GA and EA.
Possible anti‐obesity effects of phytosterols and phytostanols supplementation in humans: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ghaedi Ehsan , Varkaneh Hamed Kord , Rahmani Jamal , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Mohammadi Hamed , Fatahi Somaye , Pantovic Ana , Darooghegi Mofrad Manije , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2019

Present meta‐analysis investigates the effects of phytosterols and phytostanol (PS) supplementation on anthropometric indices, using data from randomized controlled trials. We performed a systematic search in the databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochran, and Web of Science. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were presented. Overall, 79 randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of PS on anthropometric indices. Meta‐analysis results did not reveal any significant effect of PS supplementation on weight (66 trials‐WMD: −0.083 kg; CI [−0.233, 0.066]; I2 = 42.5%), percentage fat mass (6 trials‐WMD: −0.090%; CI [−0.789, 0.610]; I2 = 0.0%), and waist circumference (WC; 5 trials‐WMD: −0.039 cm; CI [−0.452, 0.374]; I2 = 0.0%). However, body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased after PS supplementation (39 trials‐WMD: −0.063 kg/m2, p = 0.024, I2 = 25.1%). Subgroup analyses showed that PS supplementation in subjects with baseline BMI ≥25 and hyperlipidemic significantly decreased body weight and BMI. The overall results showed that although PS supplementation did not affect anthropometric indices (except BMI), baseline status regarding BMI and hyperlipidemia and also dose and duration could be contributing factors for favorable effects.
A dual Newton strategy for tree‐sparse quadratic programs and its implementation in the open‐source software treeQP
Authors: Kouzoupis D. , Klintberg E. , Frison G. , Gros S. , Diehl M.
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a dual Newton scheme for tree‐sparse quadratic programs as they may arise in the field of stochastic programming. Previous work suggests to introduce auxiliary variables to decompose the tree into scenarios and use Newton's method to solve a dual problem formulation. Following a different approach, we apply the same principle directly on the tree‐sparse problem, avoiding the increase in dimensionality. In combination with a tailored algorithm for the calculation of the step direction, which is typically the most expensive operation per iteration, the proposed algorithm achieves a linear complexity in the number of nodes and supports parallel processing of the tree branches in a stage‐wise fashion. An open‐source implementation of the presented dual Newton strategy is publicly available in treeQP, a toolbox of open‐source solvers for tree‐sparse quadratic programs.
Using the U‐net convolutional network to map forest types and disturbance in the Atlantic rainforest with very high resolution images
Authors: Wagner Fabien H. , Sanchez Alber , Tarabalka Yuliya , Lotte Rodolfo G. , Ferreira Matheus P. , Aidar Marcos P. M. , Gloor Emanuel , Phillips Oliver L. , Aragão Luiz E. O. C.
Published: March 2019

Mapping forest types and tree species at regional scales to provide information for ecologists and forest managers is a new challenge for the remote sensing community. Here, we assess the potential of a U‐net convolutional network, a recent deep learning algorithm, to identify and segment (1) natural forests and eucalyptus plantations, and (2) an indicator of forest disturbance, the tree species Cecropia hololeuca, in very high resolution images (0.3 m) from the WorldView‐3 satellite in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest region. The networks for forest types and Cecropia trees were trained with 7611 and 1568 red‐green‐blue (RGB) images, respectively, and their dense labeled masks. Eighty per cent of the images were used for training and 20% for validation. The U‐net network segmented forest types with an overall accuracy >95% and an intersection over union (IoU) of 0.96. For C. hololeuca, the overall accuracy was 97% and the IoU was 0.86. The predictions were produced over a 1600 km2 region using WorldView‐3 RGB bands pan‐sharpened at 0.3 m. Natural and eucalyptus forests compose 79 and 21% of the region's total forest cover (82 250 ha). Cecropia crowns covered 1% of the natural forest canopy. An index to describe the level of disturbance of the natural forest fragments based on the spatial distribution of Cecropia trees was developed. Our work demonstrates how a deep learning algorithm can support applications such as vegetation, tree species distributions and disturbance mapping on a regional scale.
Including 38 kHz in the standardization protocol for hydroacoustic fish surveys in temperate lakes
Authors: Mouget Anne , Goulon Chloé , Axenrot Thomas , Balk Helge , Lebourges‐Dhaussy Anne , Godlewska Malgorzata , Guillard Jean
Published: March 2019

Hydroacoustics has become a requisite method to assess fish populations and allows to describe the relationships of fish with other elements of the aquatic ecosystem. This nonintrusive method is currently an integral part of the sampling procedures recommended for fish stock assessment by the Water Framework Directive and has been standardized by the European Committee for Standardization [CEN (2014) CSN EN 15910 ‐ Water quality ‐ Guidance on the estimation of fish abundance with mobile hydroacoustic methods, Category: 7577 Water quality. Biological.]. In Europe, hydroacoustic surveys are performed in freshwater using different frequencies. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate if survey results can be compared. This study aimed to carry out in situ comparisons at the 38 kHz frequency (noted f) with two other commonly used frequencies, 70 and 200 kHz. The 38 kHz frequency has seldom been compared with other frequencies in freshwater although it is widely used worldwide, especially in the Great Lakes of North America and in Sweden. In 2016, hydroacoustic data were acquired in Lakes Annecy and Bourget using methods validated in previous studies that compared the frequencies 70, 120 and 200 kHz. This study showed similar density and biomass estimations as a function of frequency, density(f) and biomass(f), between the frequencies studied for low to moderate fish densities. For higher fish densities, the results were more variable and need to be verified. Fish density(f) and biomass(f) estimations sometimes exhibit differences between frequencies, which is not fully in agreement with theoretical calculations. The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency comparisons in practise. However, if the differences on acoustic metrics, density(f) or biomass(f) between frequencies were occasionally statistically significant, the differences were small enough to be considered negligible for fish population management. These analyses led to better knowledge of the responses from fish in temperate lakes for the studied frequencies. Our findings should be considered when revising the CEN standard.
Nano‐Fibrillated Cellulose as a Versatile Carrier of Ru/Cu Nanoparticles for the Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethyfural to 2,5‐Bishydroxymethylfuran
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Xie Wenxing , Liang Qidi , Peng Lincai , He Liang
Published: March 2019

Nano‐fibrillated cellulose (NFC), an abundant natural biomacromolecule, has received much attention in the field of catalyst preparation due to its unique properties. Herein, NFC is used as a versatile carrier of ruthenium and copper nanoparticles to enhance their performance in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF). The obtained RuCu@NFC was first characterized by SEM‐EDX, TEM, FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, and XPS techniques. The results showed that ruthenium and copper nanoparticles were well‐distributed on the surface of NFC, and NFC had a good thermal stability under the temperature of 210 °C. The CTH of HMF into BHMF study showed that a 97.0% of HMF conversion with a satisfactory BHMF selectivity up to 91.5% was obtained at 210 °C in 12 h over RuCu@NFC using isopropanol as the H‐donor. And RuCu@NFC was a robust catalyst that could be continuously used at least third times without significant loss in its catalytic activity.
A High‐Performance Non‐Fullerene Acceptor Compatible with Polymers with Different Bandgaps for Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Tao , Gao Wei , Zhang Guangye , Zhang Lin , Xin Jingming , Ma Wei , Yang Chuluo , Yan He , Zhan Chuanlang , Yao Jiannian
Published: March 2019

Owing to their good polymer compatibility, fullerene derivatives, such as PC61BM and PC71BM, have been the dominant electron acceptors to pair with various polymer donors in polymer solar cells (PSCs). The recent surge of non‐fullerene materials leads to several high‐performance molecular acceptors. Despite their high performance in a given polymer/acceptor system, the generality of these acceptors, i.e., their compatibility with different donor polymers remains uncertain. Here, a high‐performance small molecule acceptor (SMA), BTTIC, is designed and synthesized to combine with three polymers with different bandgaps, namely J71 (1.92 eV), PBDB‐T (1.80 eV), and PTB7‐Th (1.58 eV). Complementary absorption, compatible energy levels, and particularly the favorable morphologies between BTTIC and the three polymers enable high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), which are 12.8%, 13.2%, and 10.4% for J71:BTTIC‐, PBDB‐T:BTTIC‐, and PTB7‐Th:BTTIC‐based PSCs, respectively, significantly higher than the PCEs of the fullerene‐ or other non‐fullerene‐based counterparts. Moreover, another famous p‐type polymer donor PffBT4T‐2OD, which shows poor solubility in chloroform and has not yet been studied in non‐fullerene PSCs, is also investigated. Processing by dissolving PffBT4T‐2OD and BTTIC in boiling chloroform enables PffBT4T‐2OD:BTTIC‐based PSCs with a PCE of 10.18%, which is significantly higher than that of PSCs (4.78%) before using boiling chloroform processing. The good compatibility of BTTIC with polymers that have either large, moderate, or small bandgaps makes it a promising non‐fullerene acceptor for next‐generation non‐fullerene PSCs.
Effect of Normalizing Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 11Cr–3Co–2.3W Steel
Authors: Cui Chenshuo , Gao Xiuhua , Zhu Chenglin , Hu Deyong , Gao Cairu , Liu Zhenguang , Misra Raja Devesh Kumar , Su Guanqiao
Published: March 2019

Mechanical properties of 11Cr–3Co–2.3W steel are affected by various parameters, and normalizing temperature is an important parameter. OM, FESEM, EBSD, and TEM are carried out to study the microstructure evolution of 11Cr–3Co–2.3W steel normalized at different temperature ranging from 900 °C to 1150 °C and tempered at 780 °C. The tensile and impact properties are evaluated from the tempered specimens. The results show that an obvious grain coarsening occurs and the tempered strength of 11Cr–3Co–2.3W steel increases with increasing normalizing temperature. The specific strengthening mechanisms are discussed. The fracture morphology shows mainly dimples and cleavage facets, implying mixed‐mode of fracture mechanism when the normalizing temperature is up to 1050 °C. Normalizing at 1150 °C, the mixed‐mode of fracture mechanism is transformed to brittle fracture.
Imaging histamine H3 receptors with [18F]FMH3: Test–retest and occupancy studies in the non‐human primate
Authors: Sandiego Christine M. , Barret Olivier , Lee Hsiaoju , Alagille David , Amenta Amy , Fowles Krista , Holden Daniel , Seibyl John P. , Tamagnan Gilles
Published: March 2019

A positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand, [18F]FMH3, has been developed to interrogate histamine receptor subtype 3 (H3R), where dysfunction at this site is linked with obesity, sleep abnormality, and cognitive disorders. [18F]FMH3 was evaluated for imaging central H3R sites in non‐human primates through test–retest (TRT) and dose‐receptor occupancy studies with two selective H3R antagonists in order to support clinical investigations. Two adult female baboons underwent [18F]FMH3 PET brain scans in the HR+, at repeated baseline (n = 7) and following administration of escalating doses of ABT‐239 (0.003–0.1m/kg, n = 4) and ciproxifan (0.5–2.1 mg/kg, n = 7). Volume of distribution (VT) in brain regions was estimated using the 2‐tissue compartment model. TRT variability of VT across repeated baseline scans was reported as % coefficient of variation (COV). ABT‐239 and ciproxifan occupancy at H3R was estimated using the occupancy plot, and the relationship of occupancy with dose and plasma levels was determined. In baboons, distribution of [18F]FMH3 was high in the striatum, intermediate in cortical regions, and low in the brain stem. COV of baseline VT was 7.0 ± 3.5%, averaged across regions and animals. Dose‐dependent effects of ABT‐239 and ciproxifan measured the brain. ED50 and EC50, respectively, were 0.011 mg/kg and 0.942 ng/ml for ABT‐239 and 0.73 mg/kg and 208.3 ng/ml for ciproxifan. [18F]FMH3 demonstrated high TRT reliability and can be used to measure occupancy of H3R‐targeted drugs. Validation in non‐human primates support [18F]FMH3 PET studies toward clinical investigations of H3R.
Analysis of heavy metals and aromatics compounds in soil layers of a sanitary landfill
Authors: Forti Juliane C. , Lima Paula G. , Reis André R. , dos Santos Felipe A. , Braga Sérgio S.
Published: March 2019

Solid waste presents the potential for contamination of the soil when it is improperly managed. One of the great challenges of today's society is to promote the proper disposal of municipal solid waste in order to guarantee the safety of public health and to avoid risks to the environment. In this context, the objective of this study is to analyze the concentration profiles of heavy metals and aromatic hydrocarbons of risk that human health in landfill soil. Such works provides an important tool to evaluate the possible presence of contaminants from inappropriate waste disposal, as well as to assist in the management of waste and to prevent environmental contamination. In order to analyze cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), which are toxic elements, and aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o‐xylene, m‐xylene, and p‐xylene, soil samples were collected at different sites and depths. Neither Cd nor As was detected in any of the samples that were analyzed. Pb levels ranged from 5.34 milligrams per kilograms (mg/kg) to 7.40 mg/kg, Ni levels ranged from 2.17 mg/kg to 3.00 mg/kg, and Hg levels ranged from 75.4 micrograms per kilograms (μg/kg) to 88.3 μg/kg. The aromatic hydrocarbon compounds of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o‐xylene were below 5.5 μg/kg, and m‐, p‐xylene was below 11 μg/kg. The analysis of heavy metals and aromatic hydrocarbons present in the landfill soil showed concentrations below the soil quality guideline values of the Brazilian National Environment Council (CONAMA) Resolution 420, which has criteria for the presence of chemical substances in soil for Brazil. Therefore, the low levels of chemicals may be related to the operational time of the landfill or to the population profile of the municipality, which is predominantly composed of persons involved in family‐based agriculture.
Impact of decision to delivery time of fetal mortality in canine caesarean section in a referral population
Authors: Proctor‐Brown Lauren A. , Cheong Soon Hon , Diel de Amorim Mariana
Published: March 2019

In human medicine, there is a recommended decision to delivery interval (DDI), which allows for the optimization of protocols and systematic review of hospital success. In veterinary medicine, no such guideline has been established or investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the interval from the decision to perform a caesarean section and the delivery of the neonates and fetal mortality at the time of surgery. One hundred and fifty canine caesarean sections were evaluated retrospectively. Caesarean cases were dichotomized to those that had at least one perinatal death and cases where all puppies survived. Factors that increased the likelihood of at least one perinatal death at caesarean section were: cases that presented as an emergency caesarean section, the dam presenting with a fetus in the vaginal canal, the dam not having a history of previous caesareans sections, and being multiparous. Even though there was no association of DDI with likelihood of having perinatal death, timing related factors that increased the likelihood of having at least one perinatal death at caesarean section were: cases where total anaesthesia time was longer than 2 h; time from induction to start of surgery was longer than 45 min and surgical time longer than 75 min. In conclusion, time is a factor in the success of canine caesarean sections and further research is needed to better define the optimal decision to delivery time in canine caesarean sections in order to optimize fetal survival and hospital protocol success rates.
Modified anaerobic digestion model No.1 (ADM1) for modeling anaerobic digestion process at different ammonium concentrations
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Yang Ziyi , Liu Guangqing , Ma Zonghu , Wang Wen
Published: March 2019

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an established method for sustainable energy production. Anaerobic digestion model No.1 (ADM1) was used to simulate methane production (MP) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations at different ammonium concentrations. In accordance with the incomplete description of several biochemical reactions and the omission of several reaction processes, ADM1 was modified with the consideration of acetic acid inhibition and valeric acid existence. ADM1_ac (ADM1 added acetic acid inhibition) could obtain better simulation accuracy of MP (goodness‐of‐fit value = 0.945), and VFA concentrations (goodness‐of‐fit values > 0.39) were all higher than ADM1_original, but cannot explain the valeric acid production. ADM1_va (ADM1 added valeric acid existence) could achieve better simulation of valeric acid (achieving a breakthrough of zero), nevertheless the accuracy of propionic and butyric acids was poorer than ADM1_ac with differences between experimental and simulation values were 5%–10% lower. With both factors coordinated, MP and VFA concentrations could be simulated accurately by ADM1_ac_va (ADM1 added acetic acid inhibition and valeric acid existence), with the highest goodness‐of‐fit values (>0.85). The results of a verification experiment with ADM1_ac_va simulation further indicated that acetic acid inhibition and valeric acid as new component were both important in ADM1.

Practitioner points

ADM1_ac could simulate MP and acetate, propionate and butyrate concentrations better.

ADM1_va could explain the valerate production during AD of glucose.

ADM1_ac_va could simulate AD process quite accurately, with the highest goodness‐of‐fit values (>0.85).

Acetate inhibition and valerate existence were both important and should be considered in ADM1.
XRF analysis of strontium: Exploring cellulose as a soft tissue equivalent
Authors: Gevaert Julia , Chettle David R.
Published: March 2019

X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) is a widely used method for in vivo elemental analysis. Particularly for bone, it is a non‐invasive technique that provides information on composition without significant risk to the patient. XRF contributes a capability for measuring elements beneficial to human health, such as strontium. This is a proposed supplement that has been shown in clinical trials to reduce fracture risk in people diagnosed with osteoporosis. Although XRF is a viable method for quantifying bone strontium, there are still factors that constrain its effectiveness. X‐ray attenuation through overlying soft tissue decreases the signal, consequently requiring correction before estimating the true concentration of strontium in bone. A correction factor can be applied to account for the reduced signal, but an accurate measurement of overlying soft tissue thickness is required. It has been shown that using the correlation between Compton peak count rate and overlying thickness can be used as an estimation of overlying tissue. Lucite is commonly used as a soft tissue substitute; however, its mean atomic number is appreciably lower than soft tissue, somewhat limiting its applicability. This study tests the feasibility of using cellulose filter papers as a substitute for overlying soft tissue to perform XRF analysis of strontium‐doped hydroxyapatite bone phantoms. Mass attenuation coefficients are shown to be closer to those of soft tissue (International Commission on Radiation Units' four‐component) than Lucite, and the Compton correlation is used to estimate thickness as a correction factor to quantify true strontium concentration.
A light complex scalar for the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments
Authors: Liu Jia , Wagner Carlos E. M. , Wang Xiao-Ping
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The anomalous magnetic moments of the electron and the muon are interesting observables, since they can be measured with great precision and their values can be computed with excellent accuracy within the Standard Model (SM). The current experimental measurement of this quantities show a deviation of a few standard deviations with respect to the SM prediction, which may be a hint of new physics. The fact that the electron and the muon masses differ by two orders of magnitude and the deviations have opposite signs makes it difficult to find a common origin of these anomalies. In this work we introduce a complex singlet scalar charged under a Peccei-Quinn-like (PQ) global symmetry together with the electron transforming chirally under the same symmetry. In this realization, the CP-odd scalar couples to electron only, while the CP-even part can couple to muons and electrons simultaneously. In addition, the CP-odd scalar can naturally be much lighter than the CP-even scalar, as a pseudo-Goldstone boson of the PQ-like symmetry, leading to an explanation of the suppression of the electron anomalous magnetic moment with respect to the SM prediction due to the CP-odd Higgs effect dominance, as well as an enhancement of the muon one induced by the CP-even component.
The Impact of the Homicide Decline on Life Expectancy of African American Males
Authors: Sharkey Patrick , Friedson Michael
Published: March 2019

Homicide is a leading cause of death for young people in the United States aged 15–34, but it has a disproportionate impact on one subset of the population: African American males. The national decline in homicide mortality that occurred from 1991 to 2014 thus provides an opportunity to generate evidence on a unique question—How do population health and health inequality change when the prevalence of one of the leading causes of death is cut in half? In this article, we estimate the impact of the decline in homicide mortality on life expectancy at birth as well as years of potential life lost for African American and white males and females, respectively. Estimates are generated using national mortality data by age, gender, race, and education level. Counterfactual estimates are constructed under the assumption of no change in mortality due to homicide from 1991 (the year when the national homicide rate reached its latest peak) to 2014 (the year when the homicide rate reached its trough). We estimate that the decline in homicides led to a 0.80-year increase in life expectancy at birth for African American males, and reduced years of potential life lost by 1,156 years for every 100,000 African American males. Results suggest that the drop in homicide represents a public health breakthrough for African American males, accounting for 17 % of the reduction in the life expectancy gap between white and African American males.
Understanding New Products’ Market Performance Using Google Trends
Authors: Chumnumpan Pattarin , Shi Xiaohui
Published: March 2019

This paper seeks to empirically examine diffusion models and Google Trends’ ability to explain and nowcast the new product growth phenomenon. In addition to the selected diffusion models and Google Trends, this study proposes a new model that incorporates the two. The empirical analysis is based on the cases of the iPhone and the iPad. The results show that the new model exhibits a better curve fit among all the studied ones. In terms of nowcasting, although the performance of the new model differs from that of Google Trends in the two cases, they both produce more accurate results than the selected diffusion models.
Cost-Benefit Analysis Theory versus Practice at the World Bank 1960 to 2015
Authors: Ward William A.
Published: March 2019

Two cost-benefit analysis methods developed from differing economic situations and analytical objectives in the 1960s and 1970s. The Trade Policy Approach of Ian Little and James Mirrlees analyzed international competitiveness of projects producing private goods and physical infrastructure in markets severely distorted by trade protectionism; it was adopted in 1975 by the World Bank; the multilateral regional development banks followed suit. The Public Finance Approach of Arnold Harberger developed from comparative statics analyses of public projects and policies in the United States and was adopted at the US Agency for International Development and in several Latin American countries. The original Trade Policy Approach included social analysis too tedious for everyday application, leading an efficiency-only version to emerge and be popularized by teaching materials from Price Gittinger and colleagues in the World Bank’s Economic Development Institute. It proved the right method for World Bank use until Washington Consensus reforms, the GATT and WTO reduced price distortions, and slowly restored private international financial flows gave private industry access to international private investment capital. Official Development Assistance (ODA) portfolios responded by refocusing on public goods and market failures, leading to decreased utility of the Trade Policy Approach and decreased use of cost-benefit analysis at the World Bank. A 1990s drive in the World Bank to switch from the Trade Policy Approach to the increasingly relevant Public Finance Approach resulted in an internal manual and operational guidelines, but not a book from a distinguished university press, commonly presumed to signal official Bank policy. It is time for that long-overdue book to be published.
Standardized Sensitivity Analysis in BCA: An Education Case Study
Authors: Pradhan Elina , Jamison Dean T.
Published: March 2019

Benefit-cost analyses of education policies in low- and middle-income countries have historically used the effect of education on future wages to estimate benefits. Strong evidence also points to female education reducing both the under-five mortality rates of their children and adult mortality rates. A more complete analysis would thus add the value of mortality risk reduction to wage increases. This paper estimates how net benefits and benefit-cost ratios respond to the values used to estimate education’s mortality-reducing impact including variation in these estimates. We utilize a ‘standardized sensitivity analysis’ to generate a range of valuations of education’s impact on mortality risks. We include alternative ways of adjusting these values for income and age differences. Our analysis is for one additional year of schooling in lower-middle-income countries, incremental to the current mean. Our analysis shows a range of benefit-cost ratios ranging from 3.2 to 6.7, and net benefits ranging from $2,800 to $7,300 per student. Benefits from mortality risk reductions account for 40% to 70% of the overall benefits depending on the scenario. Thus, accounting for changes in mortality risks in addition to wage increases noticeably enhances the value of already attractive education investments.
Invisible inequality leads to punishing the poor and rewarding the rich
Authors: HAUSER OLIVER P. , KRAFT-TODD GORDON T. , RAND DAVID G. , NOWAK MARTIN A. , NORTON MICHAEL I.
Published: March 2019

Four experiments examine how lack of awareness of inequality affect behaviour towards the rich and poor. In Experiment 1, participants who became aware that wealthy individuals donated a smaller percentage of their income switched from rewarding the wealthy to rewarding the poor. In Experiments 2 and 3, participants who played a public goods game – and were assigned incomes reflective of the US income distribution either at random or on merit – punished the poor (for small absolute contributions) and rewarded the rich (for large absolute contributions) when incomes were unknown; when incomes were revealed, participants punished the rich (for their low percentage of income contributed) and rewarded the poor (for their high percentage of income contributed). In Experiment 4, participants provided with public education contributions for five New York school districts levied additional taxes on mostly poorer school districts when incomes were unknown, but targeted wealthier districts when incomes were revealed. These results shed light on how income transparency shapes preferences for equity and redistribution. We discuss implications for policy-makers.
“Lost Generation” in South Sudan: A Broader Approach Toward Peace Urgently Needed
Authors: Wild Hannah , Fallavier Pierre , Patel Ronak
Published: March 2019

What began in 2013 as the eruption of a political struggle between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, a member of the Dinka ethnic group, and then–vice president Riek Machar, a Nuer, has splintered into a multifaction conflict. A dizzying array of armed groups have entered the fray, many unmotivated by political leverage that conventionally brings parties to a conflict to the negotiating table. Two years and tens of thousands of deaths after the 2015 signing of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, with no substantive progress toward meetings its terms, it is unrealistic to think that Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s recently announced High-Level Revitalization Forum will be sufficient to address the drivers of this conflict. Current policy proposals are poorly designed to address escalating intercommunal conflict and cattle raiding, both devastating forms of violence. As measures at the international level continue to be pursued, the conflict resolution strategy should also include a more comprehensive approach incorporating local actors in order to build momentum toward long-term stability. In this article, we highlight gaps in the current dialogue around a political solution in South Sudan, as well as domains that must be part of the next push for peace. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:663–671)
Transmission pathways of multidrug-resistant organisms in the hospital setting: a scoping review
Authors: Blanco Natalia , O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Harris Anthony D.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Prevalence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) continues to increase, while infection control gaps in healthcare settings facilitate their transmission between patients. In this setting, 5 distinct yet interlinked pathways are responsible for transmission. The complete transmission process is still not well understood. Designing and conducting a single research study capable of investigating all 5 complex and multifaceted pathways of hospital transmission would be costly and logistically burdensome. Therefore, this scoping review aims to synthesize the highest-quality published literature describing each of the 5 individual potential transmission pathways of MDROs in the healthcare setting and their overall contribution to patient-to-patient transmission.

Methods:

In 3 databases, we performed 2 separate systematic searches for original research published during the last decade. The first search focused on MDRO transmission via the HCW or the environment to identify publications studying 5 specific transmission pathways: (1) patient to HCW, (2) patient to environment, (3) HCW to patient, (4) environment to patient, and (5) environment to HCW. The second search focused on overall patient-to-patient transmission regardless of the transmission pathway. Both searches were limited to transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. After abstract screening of 5,026 manuscripts, researchers independently reviewed and rated the remaining papers using objective predefined criteria to identify the highest quality and most influential manuscripts.

Results:

High-quality manuscripts were identified for all 5 routes of transmission. Findings from these studies were consistent for all pathways; however, results describing the routes from the environment/HCW to a noncolonized patient were more limited and variable. Additionally, most research focused on MRSA, instead of other MDROs. The second search yielded 10 manuscripts (8 cohort studies) that demonstrated the overall contribution of patient-to-patient transmission in hospitals regardless of the transmission route. For MRSA, the reported cross-transmission was as high as 40%.

Conclusions:

This scoping review brings together evidence supporting all 5 possible transmission pathways and illustrates the complex nature of patient-to-patient transmission of MDROs in hospitals. Our findings also confirm that transmission of MDROs in hospitals occurs frequently, suggesting that ongoing efforts are necessary to strengthen infection prevention and control to prevent the spread of MDROs.