bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type of delivery and reading, writing, and arithmetic learning in twin births
Authors: González‐Valenzuela María‐José , López‐Montiel Dolores , Cazorla‐Granados Olga , González‐Mesa Ernesto
Published: November 2019

This study analyses, in children born in twin births, the relationship between reading, writing and arithmetic learning, on the one hand, and type of delivery, on the other, controlling for the effect of interaction and/or confusion of third variables (maternal age at delivery, gestational age, fetal position, birthweight, 1‐min Apgar score). In the planned retrospective cohort design, the exposed cohort consisted of children born by caesarean section, and the non‐exposed cohort was comprised of children born vaginally. One hundred and twenty‐four children born of twin births were evaluated during their first year of primary school: K‐BIT tests were used to measure intelligence; the Evalúa‐1 battery was used to assess reading, writing, and arithmetic ability; and the children's clinical histories were analysed for obstetric and neonatal variables. After applying binary logistic regressions for each dependent variable, it was found that caesarean delivery in twin births appeared as a possible independent risk factor for specific learning disabilities (LDs) in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Based on these results, further research using larger samples and at more advanced ages is required in order to analyse the influence of obstetric and neonatal variables on the processes underlying specific LDs.
The occurrence of putative cognitive enhancing research peptides in seized pharmaceutical preparations: An incentive for controlling agencies to prepare for future encounters of the kind
Authors: Vanhee Celine , Francotte Antoine , Janvier Steven , Deconinck Eric
Published: October 2019

At the end of 2017 and 2018 two different unknown suspicious preparations were encountered and were subjected to a plethora of different analyses in order to identify, if present, any bioactive compound. It turned out that these samples contained the assumedly cognitive enhancing research peptides Selank and Semax, which, to our knowledge, have not completed any clinical trials. Moreover, an online search, excluding the dark web, demonstrated that these kinds of nootropic research peptides are freely available either as lyophilized powder for injection purposes or are present in nasal sprays. It stands to reason that controlling laboratories need to anticipate the uprising of these types of potentially dangerous molecules and must therefore be able to correctly identify these compounds. Therefore, these findings served as an incentive to develop a novel combined liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC–MS/MS) methodology, applicable to both hydrophilic or more hydrophobic peptides, which was utilized to analyze a total of 10 putative cognitive enhancing polypeptides, with variable biochemical characteristics, that are currently being sold online. The screening rationale, complying to the recommendation paper of the General European Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL) network on the interpretation of screening results for unknown peptides by mass spectrometry, was also validated in different matrices as required by ISO 17025.
Reduced sexual size dimorphism in a pipefish population where males do not prefer larger females
Authors: Cunha Mário , Macedo Nídia , Wilson Jonathan , Rosenqvist Gunilla , Berglund Anders , Monteiro Nuno
Published: November 2019

Within a species' distribution, populations are often exposed to diverse environments and may thus experience different sources of both natural and sexual selection. These differences are likely to impact the balance between costs and benefits to individuals seeking reproduction, thus entailing evolutionary repercussions. Here, we look into an unusual population (Baltic Sea) of the broadnosed pipefish, Syngnathus typhle, where males do not seem to select females based on size and hypothesize that this pattern may derive from a reduction in direct benefits to the male. We further hypothesize that if larger females do not persistently secure a higher reproductive success, either through pre‐ or postcopulatory sexual selection, a decrease in sexual size dimorphism in the Baltic population should be apparent, especially when contrasted with a well‐studied population, inhabiting similar latitudes (Swedish west coast), where males prefer larger females. We found that, in the Baltic population, variation in female quality is low. We were unable to find differences in abortion rates or protein concentration in oocytes produced by females of contrasting sizes. Direct benefits from mating with large partners seem, thus, reduced in the Baltic population. We also found no evidence of any postcopulatory mechanism that could favor larger mothers as embryo development was unrelated to female size. While female size can still be selected through intrasexual competition or fecundity selection, the pressure for large female body size seems to be lower in the Baltic. Accordingly, we found a noticeable decrease in sexual size dimorphism in the Baltic population. We conclude that, although far from negating the significance of other selective processes, sexual selection seems to have a decisive role in supporting pipefish sexual size asymmetries.
The ecology of suburban juvenile European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Denmark
Authors: Rasmussen Sophie L. , Berg Thomas B. , Dabelsteen Torben , Jones Owen R.
Published: October 2019

European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) populations are widespread across diverse habitats but are declining in Western Europe. Drastic declines have been described in the UK, with the most severe declines occurring in rural areas. Hedgehogs are widely distributed in Denmark, but their status remains unknown.

Fieldwork on hedgehogs has tended to focus on rural areas, leaving their ecology in suburban habitats largely unexplored, with clear implications for conservation initiatives. Here, we study the ecology of 35 juvenile hedgehogs using radio tracking during their first year of life in the suburbs of western Copenhagen.

We use radio‐tracking data to estimate (a) home range sizes in autumn and spring/summer, (b) survival during their first year of life, (c) the body mass changes before, during, and after hibernation, and (d) the hibernation behavior of the juvenile hedgehogs.

We show that males and females have small home ranges compared with previous studies. The 95% MCP home range sizes in autumn were 1.33 ha (95% CI = 0.88–2.00) for males and 1.40 ha (95% CI = 0.84–2.32) for females; for spring/summer they were 6.54 ha (95% CI = 3.76–11.38) for males and 1.51 ha (95% CI = 0.63–3.63) for females. The juvenile survival probabilities during the study period from September 2014 to July 2015 were .56 for females and .79 for males. All healthy individuals gained body mass during the autumn and survived hibernation with little body mass loss thus demonstrating that the juveniles in the study were capable of gaining sufficient weight in the wild to survive their first hibernation.

The climate is changing, but there is a lack of knowledge on how this affects mammal ecology. The exceptionally mild autumn of 2014 caused the juvenile hedgehogs to delay hibernation for up to a month compared with previous studies in Denmark.
Environmental DNA monitoring for short‐term reproductive migration of endemic anadromous species, Shishamo smelt (Spirinchus lanceolatus)
Authors: Yatsuyanagi Tetsu , Ishida Ryotaro , Sakata Masayuki K. , Kanbe Takashi , Mizumoto Hiroki , Kobayashi Yumi , Kamada Shoko , Namba Satoko , Nii Hisaya , Minamoto Toshifumi , Araki Hitoshi
Published: November 2019

Monitoring reproductive migration is essential for the conservation of anadromous species. Shishamo smelt (Spirinchus lanceolatus) is endemic to Hokkaido, the northernmost large island in Japan. S. lanceolatus is an anadromous species that is known to migrate into rivers for a very short period in early winter. While this species has a special value for local fisheries, the catch amount has drastically declined in the last few decades. Information about S. lanceolatus reproductive migration dynamics is limited, which prevents them from being efficiently managed as a resource. In this study, we used environmental DNA (eDNA) methods as a noninvasive molecular tool for estimating presence/absence and abundance/biomass of S. lanceolatus during their migration into rivers. We developed a species‐specific qPCR system for S. lanceolatus, examining (a) temporal variation in S. lanceolatus eDNA concentrations compared with catch data gathered by traditional methods and (b) variability of migratory patterns among river systems. In a core river for their spawning migration, we consistently detected S. lanceolatus eDNA throughout the spawning season, and the temporal distribution of eDNA concentration was consistent with that of the number of migrating S. lanceolatus estimated by catch survey data. In addition, we were able to detect S. lanceolatus eDNA even from rivers without any official record of their migration. Among rivers with eDNA detection, the relative eDNA concentrations varied, indicating that the population biomass differs largely among the river populations. Our study suggests that eDNA detection systems are useful for tracking reproductive migration of S. lanceolatus at fine spatio‐temporal scales.
Heterometallic Pb–Ag Iodides from 1‐D Chains to 2‐D Layers Induced by Transition Metal Complex Cations: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Zheng Wei , Chen Nian Nian , Gao Yan , Wu Bing , Jia Dingxian
Published: October 2019

Novel heterometallic Pb‐Ag iodides [TM(en)3]PbAgI5 [TM = Mn (1), Fe (2), Zn (3)], [Ni(en)2]PbAg2I6 (4) (en = ethylenediamine), and [Ni(dien)(MeCN)3]Pb3Ag2I10·MeCN (5) (dien = diethylenetriamine) were prepared using TM(II) (TM = Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni) complex cations as structure directing agents under different conditions. In compounds 1–3, one AgI4 tetrahedron and one PbI6 octahedron are connected via edge‐sharing into the ternary heterometallic 1‐D polymeric anion [PbAgI5]n2n–. In 4, two AgI4 tetrahedra share a common edge to form the bimeric Ag2I6 unit. The Ag2I6 unit connected one PbI6 octahedron via iodine atoms to form a 2‐D [PbAg2I6]n2n– layer. In 5, two AgI4 tetrahedra and three PbI6 octahedra are interlinked by sharing common edges to generate a 2‐D [Pb3Ag2I10]n2n– waved layer. Compounds 1–5 exhibit band gaps at 2.67, 2.61, 2.79, 2.76 and 2.42 eV, respectively. Photocatalytic experiments show that compounds 1, 3 and 5 perform catalytic activities in photodegradation of MB in water at room temperature. Compound 5 displays higher catalytic activity than 1 and 3 in the photodegradation of MB. The ·O2– radical is the main reactive species in the photodegradation of MB over compound 3, while all ·O2–, ·OH and h+ reactive species play an important role in the photocatalytic reaction using compound 5 as the catalyst.
Spatial correlations of ground motion for non‐ergodic seismic hazard analysis
Authors: Kuehn Nicolas M. , Abrahamson Norman A.
Published: October 2019

Traditional probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) uses ground‐motion models that are based on the ergodic assumption, which means that the distribution of ground motions over time at a given site is the same as their spatial distribution over different sites. Evaluations of ground‐motion data sets with multiple measurements at a given site and multiple earthquakes in a given region have shown that the ergodic assumption is not appropriate as there are strong systematic region‐specific source terms and site‐specific path and site terms that are spatially correlated. We model these correlations using a spatial Gaussian process model. Different correlations functions are employed, both stationary and non‐stationary, and the results are compared in terms of their predictive power. Spatial correlations of residuals are investigated on a Taiwanese strong‐motion data set, and ground motions are collected at the ANZA, CA array. Source effects are spatially correlated, but provide a much stronger benefit in terms of prediction for the ANZA data set than for the Taiwanese data set. We find that systematic path effects are best modeled by a non‐stationary covariance function that is dependent on source‐to‐site distance and magnitude. The correlation structure estimated from Californian data can be transferred to Taiwan if one carefully accounts for differences in magnitudes. About 50% of aleatory variance can be explained by accounting for spatial correlation.
Efficient multitap equalization for FBMC‐OQAM systems
Authors: Guerra David William Marques , Abrão Taufik
Published: November 2019

This work provides a simple yet efficient multitap equalization structure for filter bank multicarrier systems, which is a candidate waveform for the next generation (5G) of mobile communication systems. More specifically, we analyze the system performance under medium‐ to high‐frequency selective channels. In this scenario, the single‐tap equalizer is not enough to compensate the channel effects, and then, a multitap equalizer need to be deployed. In the literature, the available equalization structures that are more efficient in aggressive scenarios are generally quite complex, whereas the less complex alternatives do not perform satisfactorily in such conditions. In this context, we propose a new multitap equalization approach in the frequency domain, aiming at reducing the computational complexity while improving the system robustness against high‐frequency selectivity conditions. For a wide range of number of taps and antennas, the proposed minimum mean square error–based frequency domain equalizer presents a much reduced computational complexity, ie, less than 1% of the conventional minimum mean square error–based time domain complexity. The operation, advantages, performance, and the main differences between multitap equalization schemes against the simple one‐tap equalizer for filter bank multicarrier systems are comprehensively discussed.
Occupational variation in the relationship between child health and family size
Authors: Sarkar Jayanta
Published: November 2019

Empirical evidence for quantity‐quality trade‐off is hardly ubiquitous, especially when quality is measured by child health outcomes. The paper offers a new explanation to this puzzle. It shows that the quantity–quality relationships are subject to occupational variation when quality is given by nutritional status, and occupations differ in their physical labor intensity. It embeds, in a simple household optimization model, a minimum consumption requirement that rises with physical work intensity of occupation. The occupational differences in subsistence consumption requirement generate variation in child nutritional status, and hence, in the shadow price of children. The nature of the quantity–quality relationship, therefore, varies with work intensity of occupations. The model yields an equilibrium relationship between the number and nutritional status of children that is positive for households in strenuous occupations and ambiguous for other households. These results help reconcile some inconsistent findings on quantity–quality trade‐off, which may partly be explained by the omission of occupational variation in nutritional status.
Dysregulated Lipid Transport Proteins Correlate With Pathogenesis and Outcome in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Maras Jaswinder Singh , Das Sukanta , Bhat Adil , Kumar Vyas Ashish , Yadav Gaurav , Chaudhary Sudrishti , Sukriti Sukriti , Gupta Abhishak C. , Bihari Chagan , Mahiwall Rakhi , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: October 2019

Severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) has high mortality. Dysregulated lipid transport and metabolism in liver/macrophages contributes to disease pathophysiology. Paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 (PON1), a liver‐specific enzyme, inhibits oxidation of phospholipids and prevents lipid‐mediated oxidative damage. However, its functional contribution in macrophage‐mediated hepatic injury warrants elucidation. Plasma proteome of patients with SAH (n = 20), alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 20), and healthy controls was analyzed. Dysregulated pathways were identified, validated, and correlated with severity and outcomes in 200 patients with SAH. Tohoku‐Hospital‐Pediatrics‐1 (THP1)‐derived macrophages were treated with plasma from study groups in the presence/absence of recombinant PON1 and the phenotype; intracellular lipid bodies and linked functions were evaluated. In patients with SAH, 208 proteins were >1.5 fold differentially regulated (32 up‐regulated and 176 down‐regulated; P < 0.01).Validation studies confirmed lower levels of lipid transporter proteins (Pon1, apolipoprotein [Apo]B, ApoA1, ApoA2, and ApoC3; P < 0.01). Low PON1 levels inversely correlated with severity and mortality (r2 > 0.3; hazard ratio, 0.91; P < 0.01) and predicted nonsurvivors (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.86; cut‐off, <18 μg/mL; log rank, <0.01). Low PON1 levels corroborated with increased oxidized low‐density lipoprotein levels, intracellular lipid bodies, lipid uptake, lipid metabolism, biosynthesis, and alternative macrophage activation genes in nonsurvivors (P < 0.01). Importantly, in vitro recombinant PON1 treatment on THP1 macrophages reversed these changes (P < 0.01), specifically by alteration in expression of clusters of differentiation 36 (CD36) and adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette subfamily A1 (ABCA1) receptor on macrophages. Conclusion: Lipid transport proteins contribute to the pathogenesis of SAH, and low PON1 levels inversely correlate with the severity of alcoholic hepatitis and 28‐day mortality. Restitution of circulating PON1 may be beneficial and needs therapeutic evaluation in patients with SAH.
Slip boundary condition effect on double‐diffusive convection in a porous medium: Brinkman Model
Authors: Challoob Huda A. , Mathkhor Asmaa J. , Harfash Akil J.
Published: October 2019

The model of double‐diffusive convection in a porous medium layer was analyzed using the Brinkman model and concentration based on an internal heat source. Linear instability analysis of the model was performed. Particularly, we analyzed the effect of slip boundary conditions on the instability of the system. We analyzed when the instability started and computed the critical Rayleigh number as a function of the slip coefficient.
Monetary policy trilemma, inflation targeting and global financial crisis
Authors: Gülşen Eda , Özmen Erdal
Published: October 2019

We empirically investigate the validity of the monetary policy trilemma postulation for emerging market (EME) and advanced (AE) economies under different exchange rate and monetary policy regimes before and after the recent global financial crisis (GFC). Consistent with the dilemma proposition, domestic interest rates are determined by global financial conditions and the FED rate even under floating exchange rate regimes (ERR) in the long‐run. The impact of the FED rates is higher in EME than AE and EME are much more sensitive to global financial cycle under managed than floating ERR. The spillover from the FED rate substantially increases after the GFC in EME with floating ERR and AE. The results from the monetary policy reaction functions based on equilibrium correction mechanism specifications suggest that domestic interest rates respond to inflation and output gaps especially under inflation targeting (IT) in the short‐run. The response to inflation gap tends to be smaller in IT AE after the GFC.
Extreme nonassociativity in order nine and beyond
Authors: Drápal Aleš , Valent Viliam
Published: October 2019

The main concern of this paper are quasigroups of order nine that possess at most associative triples. The order nine is the least order for which there exists a quasigroup such that holds if and only if . Up to isomorphism there is only one such quasigroup of this order. It has remarkable properties that bind it to a nearfield, to a PMD and to a Sudoku division square.
The biological mechanisms of butanol tolerance and the application of solvent‐tolerant bacteria for environmental protection
Authors: Gao Yue , Zhang Miao‐miao , Guo Xiao‐peng , Li Wen‐jian , Lu Dong
Published: October 2019

Toxicity caused by the accumulation of butanol in fermentation media is an important factor limiting the concentration of butanol. There is currently no systematic research in place investigating the butanol tolerance mechanism of bacteria such as Clostridium acetobutylicum, which adapts to butanol stress and regulates its growth and metabolism. Here, research results related to the butanol tolerance of C. acetobutylicum are reviewed to understand the molecular basis of changes in butanol‐tolerant strains. Organic solvent‐tolerant bacteria play an important role in the fields of biofuel production, enzyme preparation and bioremediation. An analysis of limitations of the application of organic solvent‐tolerant bacteria has revealed that future research should focus on combining the microbial tolerance phenotype with specific utilization to achieve an optimal balance between organic solvent tolerance and production. This review serves as a reference for the improvement and engineering of strains that tolerate organic solvents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of substituted quinolines via B(C6F5)3‐catalyzed aniline‐aldehyde‐pyruvate oxidative annulation
Authors: Ling Fei , Chen Jiachen , Xie Zhen , Hou Huacui , Pan Zhentao , Feng Cong , Shen Haiwei , Zhong Weihui
Published: October 2019

A metal‐free method to construct quinoline derivatives via B(C6F5)3‐catalyzed cyclization of anilines with aldehyde derivatives and pyruvates is described. This three‐component cascade reaction provides an efficient approach for the easy access to various substituted quinoline‐4‐carboxylic esters with 71% to 92% yield. The utility of this methodology was further demonstrated by gram‐scale formal synthesis of the antimalarial drug DDD107498.
Parthanatos‐associated proteins are stimulated intraocularly during development of experimental murine cytomegalovirus retinitis in mice with retrovirus‐induced immunosuppression
Authors: Oh Jay J. , Carter Jessica J. , Nemeno Judee Grace E. , Dix Richard D.
Published: October 2019

The mechanisms that contribute to retinal tissue destruction during the onset and progression of AIDS‐related human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) retinitis remain unclear. Evidence for the stimulation of multiple cell death pathways including apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis during the pathogenesis of experimental murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) retinitis in mice with retrovirus‐induced immunosuppression (MAIDS) has been reported. Parthanatos is a caspase‐independent cell death pathway mediated by rapid overactivation of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) and distinct from other cell death pathways. Using the MAIDS model of MCMV retinitis, studies were performed to test the hypothesis that intraocular MCMV infection of mice with MAIDS stimulates parthanatos‐associated messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and proteins within the eye during the development of retinal necrosis that takes place by 10 days after MCMV infection. MCMV‐infected eyes of MAIDS mice exhibited significant stimulation of PARP‐1 mRNA and proteins at 3 days after infection but declined thereafter at 6 and 10 days after infection. Additional studies showed the intraocular stimulation of mRNAs or proteins before MCMV retinitis development for two additional participants in parthanatos, polymer of ADP‐ribose and poly (ADP‐ribose) glycohydrolase. These results provide new evidence for a role for parthanatos during MAIDS‐related MCMV retinitis that may also extend to AIDS‐related HCMV retinitis.
Using microbial seed coating for improving cowpea productivity under a low‐input agricultural system
Authors: Rocha Inês , Souza‐Alonso Pablo , Pereira Graça , Ma Ying , Vosátka Miroslav , Freitas Helena , Oliveira Rui S.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have the ability to enhance the growth, fitness, and quality of various agricultural crops, including cowpea. However, field trials confirming the benefits of microbes in large‐scale applications using economically viable and efficient inoculation methods are still scarce. Microbial seed coating has a great potential for large‐scale agriculture through the application of reduced amounts of PGPR and AM fungi inocula. Thus, in this study, the impact of seed coating with PGPR, Pseudomonas libanensis TR1 and AM fungus, Rhizophagus irregularis (single or multiple isolates) on grain yield and nutrient content of cowpea under low‐input field conditions was evaluated.

RESULTS

Seed coating with P. libanensis + multiple isolates of R. irregularis (coatPMR) resulted in significant increases in shoot dry weight (76%), and in the number of pods and seeds per plant (52% and 56%, respectively) and grain yield (56%), when compared with non‐inoculated control plants. However, seed coating with P. libanensis + R. irregularis single‐isolate (coatPR) did not influence cowpea grain yield. Grain lipid content was significantly higher (25%) in coatPMR plants in comparison with control. Higher soil organic matter and lower pH were observed in the coatPMR treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that cowpea field productivity can be improved by seed coating with PGPR and multiple AM fungal isolates under low‐input agricultural systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Multicenter clinical trial on sentinel lymph node biopsy using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and a novel handheld magnetic probe
Authors: Taruno Kanae , Kurita Tomoko , Kuwahata Akihiko , Yanagihara Keiko , Enokido Katsutoshi , Katayose Yoshihisa , Nakamura Seigo , Takei Hiroyuki , Sekino Masaki , Kusakabe Moriaki
Published: October 2019

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a standard staging procedure for early axillary lymph node‐negative breast cancer. As an alternative to the currently used radioactive tracers for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection during the surgical procedure, a number of studies have shown promising results using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles. Here, we developed a new handheld, cordless, and lightweight magnetic probe for SPIO detection.

Methods

Resovist (SPIO nanoparticles) were detected by the newly developed handheld probe, and the SLN detection rate was compared to that of the standard radioisotope (RI) method using radioactive colloids (99mTc) and a blue dye (indigo carmine). This was a multicenter prospective clinical trial that included 220 patients with breast cancer scheduled for sentinel node biopsy after a clinical diagnosis of negative axillary lymph node from three facilities in Japan.

Results

Of the 210 patients analyzed, SLN was detected in 94.8% (199/210 cases, 90% confidence interval [CI]) with our magnetic method and in 98.1% (206/210 cases, 90% CI) with the RI method. The magnetic method exceeded the threshold identification rate of 90%.

Conclusion

This was the first clinical study to use a novel handheld magnetometer to detect SLN, which we demonstrate to be not inferior to the RI method.
A Comparison of Four Digital Otoscopes in a Teleconsultation Setting
Authors: Tötterman Magnus , Jukarainen Sakari , Sinkkonen Saku T. , Klockars Tuomas
Published: October 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study compares image quality and appropriateness for teleconsultations for three different otological conditions.

Study Design

Web‐based survey.

Methods

We compared four digital otoscopes via a Web‐based questionnaire distributed to all Finnish ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists and residents. The survey consisted of three fictional patient cases, each of which was presented with images taken using the otoscopes studied. Respondents assessed the image quality on a visual analog scale (VAS), assessing its appropriateness for teleconsultations and comparing images taken using different otoscopes to one another.

Results

In total, 98 individuals responded, consisting of 81 ENT specialists and 17 ENT residents. The CellScope Oto and Digital MacroView received higher VAS scores for image quality and appropriateness for teleconsultations than the FireFly and Delfino otoscopes (P < .001 for all comparisons). Respondents considered the CellScope Oto more appropriate for teleconsultations for exostoses than the three other otoscopes. The CellScope Oto and Digital MacroView were equally appropriate in the two other cases (normal ear and perforated tympanic membrane).

Conclusions

Both digital otoscopes and the underlying otological conditions affect the appropriateness of teleconsultations. Moreover, both factors should be considered when evaluating the suitability of otologic teleconsultations. Among the otoscopes evaluated, images taken using the CellScope Oto received the best overall assessments.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:1572–1576, 2020
Darboux transformations for a matrix long‐wave–short‐wave equation and higher‐order rational rogue‐wave solutions
Authors: Li Ruomeng , Geng Xianguo , Xue Bo
Published: October 2019

A new matrix long‐wave–short‐wave equation is proposed with the of help of the zero‐curvature equation. Based on the gauge transformation between Lax pairs, both onefold and multifold classical Darboux transformations are constructed for the matrix long‐wave–short‐wave equation. Resorting to the classical Darboux transformation, a multifold generalized Darboux transformation of the matrix long‐wave–short‐wave equation is derived by utilizing the limit technique, from which rogue wave solutions, in particular, can be obtained by employing the generalized Darboux transformation. As applications, we obtain rogue‐wave solutions of the long‐wave–short‐wave equation and some explicit solutions of the three‐component long‐wave–short‐wave model, including soliton solutions, breather solutions, the first‐order and higher‐order rogue‐wave solutions, and others by using the generalized Darboux transformation.
Trendbericht Theoretische Chemie: Molekulare Mechanismen der biologischen Energieumwandlung
Authors: Kaila Ville
Published: November 2019

Multiskalenansatz für molekulare Mechanismen energieumwandelnder Enzyme; relativistische quantenchemische Berechnungen: effizient durch lokale und nichtlokale zwei‐ und vierkomponentige Vielteilchen‐Hamiltonoperatoren; Schwingungsspektroskopie mit Ab‐initio‐Molekulardynamik.
Young Investigator Workshop 2019
Authors: Rudroff Florian , Hall Melanie
Published: November 2019

The 11th edition of the Young Investigator Workshop, organized by the Organic Division of EuChemS, was hosted at the University of Vienna. This format is solely dedicated to young researchers involved in various branches of organic chemistry.
Österreichische Lebensmittelchemiker‐Tage 2020
Authors: Murkovic Michael
Published: November 2019

Food Chemistry and Cosmetics in the Alpe Adria Region
Diversity, scheduling options add appeal to graduate program
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: October 2019

Pheng (Max) Xiong, M.Ed., has worked systematically to advance his career since he took his first job in a registrar's office in 2010. Now Associate Registrar for Catalog and Scheduling at George Mason University, Xiong is enrolled in a doctoral program to provide him with the knowledge and credentials to continue to advance.
Development and Characterization of Grain Husks Derived Lignocellulose Filler Containing Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Merijs‐Meri Remo , Zicans Janis , Ivanova Tatjana , Bochkov Ivan , Varkale Madara , Franciszczak Piotr , Bledzki Andrzej K. , Danilovas Paulius Pavelas , Gravitis Janis , Rubenis Kristaps , Stepanova Valentina , Locs Janis
Published: October 2019

Oat and spelt husks (OH and SH, respectively) lignocellulosic biomass derived fillers have been compared with commercial wood flour (WF) in respects to their morphology, chemical composition, bulk density, aspect ratio, and thermal stability. OH and SH have been obtained by both mechanical milling and steam explosion auto‐hydrolysis treatment at various processing conditions. Reinforcement efficiency of OH and SH derived lignocellulosic biomass fillers on the flexural properties of maleic acid‐grafted polypropylene (PPgMA) compatibilized polypropylene (PP) composites is compared with that of WF. The compatibilized PP composites have been manufactured by melt compounding. Flexural test specimens of the compatibilized PP composites have been manufactured by injection molding. It has been demonstrated that both the husks derived lignocellulose fillers can be used to improve flexural modulus and maximal flexural strength of PP, although its modifying effect is somewhat smaller in comparison to WF reinforcement, most probably due to higher cellulose content of the latter. Husks derived lignocellulose filler‐reinforced PP composites, however, demonstrate increased flexibility in comparison to WF‐filled systems. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2467–2473, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly(ethylene glycol)‐based poly(urethane isocyanurate) hydrogels for contact lens applications
Authors: Driest Piet J , Allijn Iris E , Dijkstra Dick J , Stamatialis Dimitrios , Grijpma Dirk W
Published: October 2019

Over the past few decades, the global use and market of contact lenses have expanded steadily. Due to the many demands on material properties (e.g. mechanical, optical and biological), the development of novel contact lens materials is challenging. Specifically, the ideal combination of high equilibrium water content, high toughness in the hydrated state and low protein adsorption is difficult to realize. In this work, poly(ethylene glycol)‐based poly(urethane isocyanurate) (PEG PUI) type hydrogels that combine the above important properties are presented as a new class of materials for contact lens applications. It is shown that these PEG PUI hydrogels demonstrate high toughness values in the hydrated state ranging from 98 to 226 kJ m−3 and elastic moduli ranging from 0.8 to 17.2 MPa for networks with equilibrium water contents ranging from 76.3 to 16.1 wt%. These hydrogels also demonstrate transmittance values >90% across the visible spectrum, clarities close to 100% in most cases and refractive indices ranging from 1.48 to 1.36. Importantly, these hydrogels are non‐cytotoxic and demonstrate lower bovine serum albumin adsorption values than several commercial contact lenses of 0.24 to 0.65 mg g−1 compared to 0.55 to 1.38 mg g−1 after 24 h, respectively. This combination of high equilibrium water content, high toughness in the hydrated state and low protein adsorption is exceptional. These properties can be attributed to the PEG PUI network structure: the use of a PEG polymeric backbone provides hydrophilicity and chemical inertness while the PUI‐type crosslinking units provide high toughness in the hydrated state. © 2019 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimal Elbow Positions for Identification of the Radial Collateral Ligament Using Ultrasonography
Authors: Park Chul‐Hyun , Kim Beom Suk , Lee Jae Hyun , Chung Sun Gun
Published: October 2019

Background

The standard position for examining the lateral elbow with ultrasonography is an “extended” or “slightly flexed” position. However, because the radial collateral ligament (RCL) is more deeply attached on the lateral epicondyle than the common extensor tendon, an anisotropic artifact of the RCL could be observed in the conventional positions, making it difficult to fully visualize the RCL.

Objectives

To determine optimal elbow positions for accurate identification of the RCL and to explore the relevant landmarks in ultrasonography.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital.

Participants

Forty healthy elbows of 20 participants.

Methods

The RCL was evaluated using ultrasonography in six elbow flexion positions (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 140°). The relative depth, defined as the depth of the capitellum subtracted by the depth of the radial head under ultrasonography, was measured at each angle. The rates of successful identification of ultrasonographic landmarks for localizing the RCL were calculated. After ultrasonography, the optimal elbow position for identifying the RCL was determined by group consensus.

Main Outcome Measurements

Relative depth between radial head and capitellum, rates of successful identification of ultrasonographic landmarks, and consensus‐based determination of the optimal angle.

Results

The relative depth significantly decreased with an increase in the flexion angle (P for trend <.001), approaching zero at the angles of 90° and 120°. The rates of successful identification of the superior tubercle, hyperechogenic line, and anterior and posterior tubercles were 100%, 100%, 90%, and 80%, respectively. In the group consensus, the 90° and 120° flexion angles were selected with the highest frequency (90%; 36/40).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that elbow flexion at 90° or 120° is optimal for visualization of the RCL with the least possibility of anisotropy under ultrasonography, suggesting that the elbow should be flexed considerably beyond the conventional extended or slightly flexed position.
Sense of coherence and health‐related quality of life in patients with neurotoxicity after cancer chemotherapy: Assessment from a real‐time mobile phone–based system
Authors: Drott Jenny , Fomichov Victoria , Börjeson Sussanne , Berterö Carina
Published: October 2019

Objective

In the present study, we aimed to assess sense of coherence (SOC) and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) during and after adjuvant chemotherapy by mobile phone‐based reporting in patients with colorectal cancer experiencing neurotoxicity.

Methods

In this prospective descriptive cohort study, a mobile phone‐based system was used to receive a series of real‐time longitudinal patient‐reported assessments of SOC (13‐item), HRQOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General (FACT‐G) 27‐item), and neurotoxicity (OANQ 29‐item) from 43 patients with colorectal cancer after being treated with chemotherapy including oxaliplatin. Measurements were conducted during the whole treatment period (mean 5 cycles) and up to 12 months after completing chemotherapy.

Results

In total, 817 questionnaire responses (226 SOC, 221 FACT‐G, 370 OANQ) answered during and after chemotherapy treatment were available for analysis. Even though all patients experienced neurotoxicity during the treatment period, HRQOL was stable over time. Over time, the ratings of physical wellbeing tended to increase, while the subscale of social wellbeing tended to decrease. Overall SOC, including the three components comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness was stable during the entire study period. No internal data was missing due to the mobile phone‐based system.

Conclusions

All patients had neurotoxicity during the treatment period that seemed to affect the social wellbeing component of HRQOL, but SOC seemed unaffected. Real‐time patient‐reported assessment using mobile phone technology could be valuable in the clinical setting to provide continuous individualised monitoring to help identify patients who need further evaluation to maintain or improve their psychosocial health.
Bayesian Forecasting Utilizing Bleeding Information to Support Dose Individualization of Factor VIII
Authors: Abrantes João A. , Solms Alexander , Garmann Dirk , Nielsen Elisabet I. , Jönsson Siv , Karlsson Mats O.
Published: October 2019

Bayesian forecasting for dose individualization of prophylactic factor VIII replacement therapy using pharmacokinetic samples is challenged by large interindividual variability in the bleeding risk. A pharmacokinetic‐repeated time‐to‐event model‐based forecasting approach was developed to contrast the ability to predict the future occurrence of bleeds based on individual (i) pharmacokinetic, (ii) bleeding, and (iii) pharmacokinetic, bleeding and covariate information using observed data from the Long‐Term Efficacy Open‐Label Program in Severe Hemophilia A Disease (LEOPOLD) clinical trials (172 severe hemophilia A patients taking prophylactic treatment). The predictive performance assessed by the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was 0.67 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.65–0.69), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.76–0.80), and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.77–0.81) for patients ≥ 12 years when using pharmacokinetics, bleeds, and all data, respectively, suggesting that individual bleed information adds value to the optimization of prophylactic dosing regimens in severe hemophilia A. Further steps to optimize the proposed tool for factor VIII dose adaptation in the clinic are required.
Novel Fabrication Technique of Suspended Nanowire Devices for Nanomechanical Applications
Authors: Tomita Wataru , Sasaki Satoshi , Tateno Kouta , Okamoto Hajime , Yamaguchi Hiroshi
Published: October 2019

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are one of the most promising nanoscale materials for use in nanoelectromechanical systems. However, the accurate control of their position and alignment during fabrication has been a persistent challenge. Herein, inkjet‐printing and trenches filled with PMGI are used for the precise assembly of suspended NWs. The method allows us to accurately control the positioning processes, and a fabricated InAs NW mechanical resonator shows electrically excited and detected resonance at 15.7 MHz with the quality factor of 10 000 at 2.2 K. The resonance frequency can be tuned by applying a voltage to an air‐gap bottom gate, and Duffing nonlinearity is confirmed with high‐amplitude actuation. This accurate and flexible fabrication method is applicable to highly integrated device designs, such as those for nanoelectromechanical networks and acoustic metamaterials.
Photoluminescence Line‐Shape Analysis of Highly n‐Type Doped Zincblende GaN
Authors: Baron Elias , Goldhahn Rüdiger , Deppe Michael , As Donat J. , Feneberg Martin
Published: October 2019

An investigation of different n‐type doped zincblende gallium nitride thin films measured by photoluminescence from 7 K to room temperature is presented. The spectra change with increasing free‐carrier concentration due to many‐body effects such as the Burstein–Moss shift and band‐gap renormalization. The samples are grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a 3C‐SiC/Si (001) substrate, and a free‐carrier concentration above 1020 cm−3 is achieved by introducing germanium as a donor. The analysis of the measured spectra by a line‐shape fit yields different transition processes for different doping concentrations and temperatures, such as a band–band transition and a band–acceptor transition. The conduction band dispersion of Kane's model is perfectly suited to explain the experimental data quantitatively.
The win ratio: Impact of censoring and follow‐up time and use with nonproportional hazards
Authors: Dong Gaohong , Huang Bo , Chang Yu‐Wei , Seifu Yodit , Song James , Hoaglin David C.
Published: October 2019

The win ratio has been studied methodologically and applied in data analysis and in designing clinical trials. Researchers have pointed out that the results depend on follow‐up time and censoring time, which are sometimes used interchangeably. In this article, we distinguish between follow‐up time and censoring time, show theoretically the impact of censoring on the win ratio, and illustrate the impact of follow‐up time. We then point out that, if the treatment has long‐term benefit from a more important but less frequent endpoint (eg, death), the win ratio can show that benefit by following patients longer, avoiding masking by more frequent but less important outcomes, which occurs in conventional time‐to‐first‐event analyses. For the situation of nonproportional hazards, we demonstrate that the win ratio can be a good alternative to methods such as landmark survival rate, restricted mean survival time, and weighted log‐rank tests.
Moment expansion approach to the time dynamics of genetic evolution
Authors: Rastegar‐Sedehi Hamid‐Reza , Byrnes Tim , Khordad Reza
Published: October 2019

We use moment expansion methods to analyze the time dynamics for genetic evolution under selection, mutation, and reproduction. We consider a N‐allele diploid genotype reproducing randomly in a fitness landscape with either one or two maxima, and mutation is assumed to occur such that any allele can mutate into any other type. We find that the moment expansion works well, where a small number of moments can capture the general behavior toward equilibrium. Our methods allow a systematic way to capture the time dynamics of the evolutionary process efficiently using a small number of coupled equations.
A rapid ammonium fluoride method to determine the oxygen isotope ratio of available phosphorus in tropical soils
Authors: Pfahler Verena , Bielnicka Aleksandra , Smith Andrew C. , Granger Steven J. , Blackwell Martin S.A. , Turner Benjamin L.
Published: October 2019

Rationale

The isotopic composition of oxygen bound to phosphorus (δ18OP value) offers an opportunity to gain insight into P cycling mechanisms. However, there is little information for tropical forest soils, which presents a challenge for δ18OP measurements due to low available P concentrations. Here we report the use of a rapid ammonium fluoride extraction method (Bray‐1) as an alternative to the widely used anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) method for quantification of δ18OP values of available P in tropical forest soils.

Methods

We compared P concentrations and δ18OP values of available and microbial P determined by AEM and Bray‐1 extraction for a series of tropical forest soils from Panama spanning a steep P gradient. This involved an assessment of the influence of extraction conditions, including temperature, extraction time, fumigation time and solution‐to‐soil ratio, on P concentrations and isotope ratios.

Results

Depending on the extraction conditions, Bray‐1 P concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 66.3 mg P kg−1 across the soils. Extraction time and temperature had only minor effects on Bray‐1 P, but concentrations increased markedly as the solution‐to‐soil ratio increased. In contrast, extraction conditions did not affect Bray‐1 δ18OP values, indicating that Bray‐1 provides a robust measure of the isotopic composition of available soil P. For a relatively high P soil, available and fumigation‐released (microbial) δ18OP values determined by Bray‐1 extraction (20‰ and 16‰, respectively) were higher than those determined by the AEM method (18‰ and 12‰, respectively), which we attribute to slightly different P pools extracted by the two methods and/or differences resulting from the longer extraction time needed for the AEM method.

Conclusions

The short extraction time, insensitivity to extraction conditions and smaller mass of soil required to extract sufficient P for isotopic analysis make Bray‐1extraction a suitable alternative to the AEM method for the determination of δ18OP values of available P in tropical soils.
MRI‐guided targeted needle placement during motion using hydrostatic actuators
Authors: Mikaiel Samantha , Simonelli James , Li Xinzhou , Lee Yu‐Hsiu , Lee Yong Seok , Sung Kyunghyun , Lu David S. , Tsao Tsu‐Chin , Wu Holden H.
Published: November 2019

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has unique advantages for guiding interventions, but the narrow space is a major challenge. This study evaluates the feasibility of a remote‐controlled hydrostatic actuator system for MRI‐guided targeted needle placement.

Methods

The effects of the hydrostatic actuator system on MR image quality were evaluated. Using a reference step‐and‐shoot method (SS) and the proposed actuator‐assisted method (AA), two operators performed MRI‐guided needle placement in targets (n = 12) in a motion phantom.

Results

The hydrostatic actuator system exhibited negligible impact on MR image quality. In dynamic targets, AA was significantly more accurate and precise than SS, with mean ± SD needle‐to‐target error of 1.8 ± 1.0 mm (operator 1) and 1.3 ± 0.5 mm (operator 2). AA reduced the insertion time by 50% to 80% and total procedure time by 25%, compared to SS.

Conclusions

The proposed hydrostatic actuator system may improve accuracy and reduce procedure time for MRI‐guided targeted needle placement during motion.