bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of hypertension in older people
Authors: Wing Lindon M. H. , Gabb Genevieve M.
Published: January 2018

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality, particularly in older people. Effective blood pressure lowering reduces the risk of death and cardiovascular events, including stroke and acute myocardial infarction. The absolute benefits of blood pressure reduction are greater with increasing age. In older people (≥ 65 years), blood pressure lowering should be considered if clinic systolic blood pressure is consistently ≥ 150 mmHg. Reduction of systolic blood pressure initially to < 150 mmHg, and then to < 140 mmHg if tolerated, improves outcomes and is generally safe. Choices of blood pressure lowering medications are similar to those in younger people with the exceptions that beta‐blockers may be relatively ineffective with predominant systolic hypertension and some older people may be intolerant of diuretics. Ongoing monitoring is essential to assess for adequacy of blood pressure control, tolerability of medications and adherence to treatment. Temporary adjustments to therapy may be required with intercurrent illness. Refractory systolic hypertension due to large artery stiffness is a particular problem in older people. Understanding the pathophysiological changes of ageing and their impact on medication efficacy and safety are important. In frail older patients, particularly those with very limited life expectancy, treatment decisions should be individualised and the effects of any treatment carefully monitored.
UNderstanding pain in aged care: the UNPAC study – exploring the nature and treatment of chronic pain in the Australian aged care setting
Authors: Alderman Christopher P. , Soulsby Natalie R. , Ward Trevor S. , Bisiani Leah
Published: January 2018

Objective

To analyse management of chronic pain in the Australian aged care setting.

Methods

In the course of performing medication reviews, details of medications prescribed (including dosage) were collated and stored in a secure database along with information about medical morbidities, demographic data and the results of clinical investigations. Details of analgesic and adjuvant medication used in pain management was subjected to de‐identified analysis.

Results

There were 22 319 reviews analysed. Prescribing of opiate analgesics was widespread, with products containing oxycodone used in 24% of cases. Many residents were concurrently prescribed two or more analgesics. Adjuvant agents were prescribed in 3073 cases, with the most commonly used individual agent being pregabalin (n = 1411). Use of medications for management of adverse effects associated with opioids was common.

Conclusion

Use of analgesics and related medications is widespread in the aged care sector. These agents are associated with significant adverse effects, and older people may not tolerate doses that deliver satisfactory pain control.
Unravelling decomposition products of phosphine under high pressure
Authors: Liu Mingkun , Huang Xiaoli , Wang Xin , Huang Yanping , Li Fangfei , Wu Gang , Li Xin , Liang Yongfu , Zhou Di , Lu Mengya , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: January 2018

Recently, the superconductivity in phosphine (PH3) has been discovered with the superconducting transition temperature Tc up to 203 GPa by using high pressure resistance measurements. However, the structural information of PH3 under high pressure remains elusive. Motivated by this, in this work, the behavior of PH3 under high pressure has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy at 298 K. The Raman spectra varied with pressure increasing, accompanying with the change of the sample color, which first became yellow, then red, and finally opaque. In the pressure range of 8.53–18.36 GPa, the decomposition of PH3 was observed, and the main decomposition products were P2H4 and element hydrogen (H2). Upon compression to higher pressure, the Raman signal of hydrogen vibration was observed to become stronger, indicating that PH3 or P2H4 further decomposed into element phosphorus and hydrogen. The original PH3 did not form again upon decomposition to ambient pressure. P2H4 and other decomposition products of compressed phosphine were considered as main products of the high temperature superconducting phase reported in experiment.
Efficient analysis of phytochemical constituents in the peel of Chinese wild citrus Mangshanju (Citrus reticulata Blanco) by ultra high performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Xi Juan , Xing Tian Tian , Li Yuan Fang , Jiao Bi Ning , Jiang Dong
Published: January 2018

An efficient ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was developed for separation and profiling of phytochemical constituents of Chinese wild mandarin Mangshanju (Citrus reticulata Blanco). All constituents were well separated within 16 min. Based on retention times, accurate mass, MSE fragments, and/or reference standards as well as databases, a total of 81 compounds were unambiguously identified or tentatively assigned including flavonoid glycosides, acylated flavonoid glycosides, flavones, polymethoxylated flavonoids, and limonoids as well as four other compounds. Among them, 22 polymethoxylated flavones and ten polymethoxylated flavanones/chalcones were identified in Mangshanju, more types than other citrus reported before. A basic procedure for identifying flavonoid‐O‐glycosides and the aglycones including polymethoxylated flavonoids was proposed. In addition, this method was successfully used to analyze another four mandarin germplasms, Cenxi suan ju, Xipi gousi gan, Nanfeng miju, and Or, showing that Mangshanju contained two characteristic compounds distinct from the other four citrus species. This study systematically profiled phytochemical constituents of Mangshanju, which was helpful for further utilization of Mangshanju owing to its abundant bioactive compounds.
Analyzing multiple pesticides in tobacco leaf using gas chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Xiuping , Zhang Fang , Yao Heming , Wang Jiawei , Qi Dawei , Guo Yinlong
Published: January 2018

A method combining gas chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of multiple pesticide residues in tobacco leaf. The retention index and high accurate masses of ions from the first‐stage and the second‐stage mass spectra of each pesticide were collected for qualitation and quantification. A total of 115 pesticides were evaluated. The extract from organic tobacco leaf was used as a model matrix. The limit of detection was <10 ng/mL, and the limit of quantification was in the range of 1–20 ng/mL for 95% of the tested pesticides. The correlation coefficients were >0.9900 for all tested pesticides. At three concentrations (10, 50, and 100 ng/mL), most compounds presented satisfactory recoveries ranging from 70 to 120% and good precision <20%. Finally, three tobacco leaf samples collected from a local market were analyzed. A total of three pesticides were found, including dimethachlon, triadimenol, and flumetralin. Each pesticide was confirmed by the presence of three ions at the expected retention index and mass. In conclusion, gas chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry appears to be one of the most efficient tools for the analysis of pesticide residues in tobacco leaf.
Preparation of iron‐based MIL‐101 functionalized polydopamine@Fe3O4 magnetic composites for extracting sulfonylurea herbicides from environmental water and vegetable samples
Authors: Deng Yulan , Zhang Ruiqi , Li Di , Sun Peng , Su Ping , Yang Yi
Published: January 2018

Here, we describe a simple one‐pot solvothermal method for synthesizing MIL‐101(Fe)@polydopamine@Fe3O4 composites from polydopamine‐modified Fe3O4 particles. The composite was used as a magnetic adsorbent to rapidly extract sulfonylurea herbicides. The herbicides were then analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The best possible extraction efficiencies were achieved by optimizing the most important extraction parameters, including desorption conditions, extraction time, adsorbent dose, salt concentration, and the pH of the solution. Good linearity was found (correlation coefficients >0.9991) over the herbicide concentration range 1–150 μg/L using the optimal conditions. The limits of detection (the concentrations giving signal/noise ratios of 3) were low, at 0.12–0.34 μg/L, and repeatability was good (the relative standard deviations were <4.8%, n = 6). The method was used successfully to determine four sulfonylurea herbicides in environmental water and vegetable samples, giving satisfactory recoveries of 87.1–108.9%. The extraction efficiency achieved using MIL‐101(Fe)@polydopamine@Fe3O4 was compared with the extraction efficiencies achieved using other magnetic composites (polydopamine@Fe3O4, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)‐1@polydopamine@Fe3O4, and MIL‐100(Fe)@polydopamine@Fe3O4). The results showed that the magnetic MIL‐101(Fe)@polydopamine@Fe3O4 composites have great potential for the extraction of trace sulfonylurea herbicides from various sample types.
Carrier ampholyte‐free isoelectric focusing on a paper‐based analytical device for the fractionation of proteins
Authors: Xie Song‐Fang , Gao Han , Niu Li‐Li , Xie Zhen‐Sheng , Fang Fang , Wu Zhi‐Yong , Yang Fu‐Quan
Published: January 2018

Isoelectric focusing plays a critical role in the analysis of complex protein samples. Conventionally, isoelectric focusing is implemented with carrier ampholytes in capillary or immobilized pH gradient gel. In this study, we successfully exhibited a carrier ampholyte‐free isoelectric focusing on paper‐based analytical device. Proof of the concept was visually demonstrated with color model proteins. Experimental results showed that not only a pH gradient was well established along the open paper fluidic channel as confirmed by pH indicator strip, the pH gradient range could also be tuned by the catholyte or anolyte. Furthermore, the isoelectric focusing fractions from the paper channel can be directly cut and recovered into solutions for post analysis with sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. This paper‐based isoelectric focusing method is fast, cheap, simple and easy to operate, and could potentially be used as a cost‐effective protein sample clean‐up method for target protein analysis with mass spectrometry.
Modular inequalities in martingale Orlicz–Karamata spaces
Authors: Wu Lian , Zhou Dejian , Jiao Yong
Published: January 2018

In this paper, some new martingale inequalities in the framework of Orlicz‐Karamata spaces are provided. More precisely, we establish modular martingale inequalities associated with concave functions and slowly varying functions.
Genetic assessment wait time indicators in the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program
Authors: Eisen Andrea , Blackmore Kristina M. , Meschino Wendy S. , Muradali Derek , Carroll June C. , Majpruz Vicky , Warner Ellen , Rabeneck Linda , Chiarelli Anna M.
Published: January 2018

Background

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) expanded in July 2011 to screen high‐risk women aged 30–69 with annual MRI and mammography. This study evaluated wait time (WT) indicators along the genetic assessment (GA) pathway for women referred to the High Risk OBSP.

Methods

Information was collected for 27,170 women referred to the High Risk OBSP from July 2011 to June 2015 and followed for GA until June 2016. Median duration (days), interquartile range (IQR) were measured for each WT indicator by program year, age, prior breast cancer, and risk criteria.

Results

Among 24,811 women who completed GA, 16,367 (66.0%) had genetic counseling only, 8,444 (34.0%) had counseling and testing and 8,027 (32.4%) met the high risk criteria. Median WT from physician visit to first screen was longer for women having genetic counseling only compared to those having counseling and testing (244 vs. 197 days). Women having counseling only also experienced the longest WT from physician visit to genetic counseling (88 days; IQR = 10–174), which increased by year from 71 to 100 days (p < .0001). Among women having counseling and testing, WT from physician visit to counseling was shortest for mutation carriers (39 days; IQR = 4–100). Median WT from testing to laboratory report issue was 41 days (IQR = 22–70) and 17 days to disclosure of test results (IQR = 7–33). Both WTs decreased with year and were shorter for mutation carriers (33 days, IQR = 19–58; 15 days, IQR = 7–28, respectively).

Conclusions

After implementation of the High Risk OBSP, women received timely genetic counseling, in particular those having counseling and testing. Effective triage models for physicians could reduce WT to GA after physician referral.
Characterization of D‐maltose as a T2‐exchange contrast agent for dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Goldenberg Joshua M. , Pagel Mark D. , Cárdenas‐Rodríguez Julio
Published: January 2018

Purpose

We sought to investigate the potential of D‐maltose, D‐sorbitol, and D‐mannitol as T2 exchange magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. We also sought to compare the in vivo pharmacokinetics of D‐maltose with D‐glucose with dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) MRI.

Methods

T1 and T2 relaxation time constants of the saccharides were measured using eight pH values and nine concentrations. The effect of echo spacing in a multiecho acquisition sequence used for the T2 measurement was evaluated for all samples. Finally, performances of D‐maltose and D‐glucose during T2‐weighted DCE‐MRI were compared in vivo.

Results

Estimated T2 relaxivities (r2) of D‐glucose and D‐maltose were highly and nonlinearly dependent on pH and echo spacing, reaching their maximum at pH = 7.0 (∼0.08 mM−1 s−1). The r2 values of D‐sorbitol and D‐mannitol were estimated to be ∼0.02 mM−1 s−1 and were invariant to pH and echo spacing for pH ≤7.0. The change in T2 in tumor and muscle tissues remained constant after administration of D‐maltose, whereas the change in T2 decreased in tumor and muscle after administration of D‐glucose. Therefore, D‐maltose has a longer time window for T2‐weighted DCE‐MRI in tumors.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that D‐maltose can be used as a T2 exchange MRI contrast agent. The larger, sustained T2‐weighted contrast from D‐maltose relative to D‐glucose has practical advantages for tumor diagnoses during T2‐weighted DCE‐MRI. Magn Reson Med 80:1158–1164, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Feasibility of single‐shot multi‐level multi‐angle diffusion tensor imaging of the human cervical spinal cord at 7T
Authors: Massire Aurélien , Rasoanandrianina Henitsoa , Taso Manuel , Guye Maxime , Ranjeva Jean‐Philippe , Feiweier Thorsten , Callot Virginie
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which is frequently used to characterize microstructure impairments in many spinal cord diseases at clinical fields, may benefit from 7T investigations. Yet, it presents specific technical challenges, such as increased magnetic susceptibility‐induced image distortions.

Methods

Eight healthy volunteers were scanned at 7T using a prototype diffusion multi‐slice multi‐angle (MSMA) single‐shot spin‐echo echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence developed to explore the whole cervical spinal cord while limiting the partial volume effects related to the cord curvature. To mitigate the increased susceptibility‐induced distortions encountered at 7T, a reverse phase‐encoding strategy was also used. Images acquired from C1‐to‐C7 were registered to the AMU40 template to automatically extract DTI metrics in gray matter/white matter regions of interest. Effects of
inhomogeneities on the DTI metrics and repeatability of the measurements were also investigated. Lastly, a DTI acquisition with a 400‐µm in‐plane resolution was acquired on one volunteer to push forward 7T potentialities.

Results

The MSMA sequence allowed accessing to high‐resolution axial diffusion images sampling the whole cord within a single acquisition. DTI metrics were found in agreement with literature at lower field, stable along a 50–120% relative
variation range, with a mean inter‐scan coefficient of variation of 8%. The two‐‐fold spatial‐resolution increase of the additional DTI acquisition enabled main white matter tracts visualization on a single‐subject basis.

Conclusion

Although C7‐level imaging needs some improvement, this preliminary study shows that transverse 7T DTI of the whole cervical spinal cord is feasible, laying the groundwork for improved multi‐parametric MR investigations and microstructure characterization of the spinal cord. Magn Reson Med 80:947–957, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Cardiac‐triggered pseudo‐continuous arterial‐spin‐labeling: A cost‐effective scheme to further enhance the reliability of arterial‐spin‐labeling MRI
Authors: Li Yang , Mao Deng , Li Zhiqiang , Schär Michael , Pillai Jay J. , Pipe James G. , Lu Hanzhang
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Arterial‐spin‐labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is intrinsically a low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) technique. This study aims to enhance its sensitivity by quantifying physiological noise attributed to cardiac pulsation and devising an improved sequence, cardiac‐triggered ASL, to minimize this noise.

Methods

A total of 16 healthy subjects were studied on a 3 Tesla MRI system. The influence of cardiac pulsation on pseudo‐continuous ASL (pCASL) signal was first investigated by performing a regular pCASL sequence while the cardiac phase of the image acquisition was recorded by a pulse oximeter. We then designed a new sequence, cardiac‐triggered pCASL, to align the cardiac phases of the control and labeled scans. The performance of the new sequence was evaluated in the context of single‐shot 3D gradient‐and‐spin‐echo acquisition, multishot 3D spiral acquisition, and hypercapnia‐induced cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes.

Results

In regular pCASL, the signal intensities of both control and labeled images were strongly modulated by the cardiac phase. In single‐shot acquisitions, this results in signal instability in regions near large vessels. In segmented acquisitions, it results in ghosting artifacts in the image and, furthermore, the signal fluctuation is smeared along the segmentation direction to affect more brain regions. Cardiac‐triggered pCASL enhanced the temporal SNR by 94% and 28% in single‐shot and segmented 3D acquisition, respectively. When applied to detect CBF changes, the triggered sequence revealed a greater statistical power in terms of both the number of significant voxels and t‐score histograms.

Conclusion

Cardiac‐triggered pCASL represents a potential scheme to enhance the reliability of ASL signal. Magn Reson Med 80:969–975, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Magnetic resonance elastography of liver and spleen: Methods and applications
Authors: Garteiser Philippe , Doblas Sabrina , Van Beers Bernard E.
Published: January 2018

The viscoelastic properties of the liver and spleen can be assessed with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). Several actuators, MRI acquisition sequences and reconstruction algorithms have been proposed for this purpose. Reproducible results are obtained, especially when the examination is performed in standard conditions with the patient fasting. Accurate staging of liver fibrosis can be obtained by measuring liver stiffness or elasticity with MRE. Moreover, emerging evidence shows that assessing the tissue viscous parameters with MRE is useful for characterizing liver inflammation, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatic congestion, portal hypertension, and hepatic tumors. Further advances such as multifrequency acquisitions and compression‐sensitive MRE may provide novel quantitative markers of hepatic and splenic mechanical properties that may improve the diagnosis of hepatic and splenic diseases.
An unseen lens: The relationship between philanthropists’ developmental meaning making and philanthropic activity
Authors: Jones Jennifer A.
Published: January 2018

To solve complex problems such as poverty, nonprofit leaders must think in increasingly complex ways. Research on philanthropy has not yet explored the complexity of philanthropists’ thinking while making philanthropy‐related decisions. Developmental psychology indicates that adults develop an increasingly complex mental map over the course of a lifetime and that this map emerges as a series of successive stages. This study asked: How, if at all, does this mental map inform philanthropy? This four‐phase mixed‐methods multi‐case study (n = 11) used constructive developmental theory to empirically assess philanthropists’ developmental levels and, then, compare identified levels with data about the donor's philanthropic activities such as donations and board memberships. The contributions of the study are twofold: (a) the findings suggest philanthropists’ developmental levels are related to their thinking processes about charitable giving and the rationales they employ to make decisions about their philanthropic activities (specifically, how they form ideas about the problem and how they engage in empathy), and (b) this study makes a methodological contribution by demonstrating a novel (and apparently useful) approach to researching philanthropic giving. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Retaining adult learners: What academic leaders and faculty need to know
Authors: Rogers Katrina S.
Published: January 2018

Bottom line: Academic leaders and faculty colleagues need to be prepared to consider how the trends toward more enrolling students who are older, diverse, first‐generation, low‐income, and in need of additional preparation converge in the classroom.
Community college completion report finds success initiatives on the rise
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2018

More than half of community colleges have at least one college completion initiative in place already, according to a report issued by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. The report focuses on how the completion agenda impacts student success and the institution, as measured by an increase in the number or percentage of certificates or degrees awarded at community colleges nationwide.
Thermo‐mechanical and shape memory behavior of TPU/ABS/MWCNTs nanocomposites compatibilized with ABS‐g‐MAH
Authors: Memarian Farzaneh , Fereidoon Abdolhossein , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2018

Thermo‐mechanical and shape memory behavior of melt processed TPU/ABS (80/20 w/w) blends compatibilized with varying amounts of ABS‐g‐MAH loaded with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were discussed. The morphological observations by SEM and TEM techniques confirmed that introduction of ABS‐g‐MAH leads to a significant reduction in the size of ABS domain size due to improvement of interfacial adhesion between the blend components. Incorporation of MWCNTs to the compatibilized blend resulted in further reduction of the ABS droplet size. Mechanical properties investigations revealed that tensile strength of the TPU/ABS blend being about 26.4 MPa increases to 44.6 MPa, that is, about 70% improvement, on incorporation of 6 wt% ABS‐g‐MAH to the noncompatibilized blend. In the same direction, Young's modulus increases ca. 13%. A significant enhancement of about 70% in Young's modulus of the compatibilized blend was observed by inclusion of 2 wt% MWNCNTs. The shape memory results showed that interfacial compatibilization process has a strong positive impact on the shape recovery and shape fixity ratio of the blends. Moreover, loading MWCNTs into the compatibilized blend further improved these features. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:789–800, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Use of superheroes social skills with middle school‐age students with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Murphy Ashley N. , Radley Keith C. , Helbig Kate A.
Published: January 2018

The current study evaluated use of the Superheroes Social Skills program as a means of increasing social skill accuracy in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Participants included four Caucasian male students that were eligible for special education services within the autism category. Social skills training was presented twice weekly for 9 weeks. The results demonstrated that implementation of the intervention improved social skill accuracy within the training setting as indicated by visual analysis and nonoverlap of all pairs. Additionally, improvements in social skill accuracy during probes conducted within the classroom with typically developing peers was observed. Despite improvements in social skill accuracy in both settings, sociometric status of participants demonstrated little change from baseline to postintervention.
Addressing trauma in schools: Multitiered service delivery options for practitioners
Authors: Reinbergs Erik J. , Fefer Sarah A.
Published: January 2018

Hundreds of thousands of children are confronted with traumatic experiences each year in the United States. As trauma‐informed care begins to take hold in schools, school mental health providers (e.g., school psychologists, counselors, and social workers) desire concrete service‐delivery options for students affected by trauma. This article provides examples from the literature via a narrative review of assessment, intervention, and practitioner support options related to childhood trauma. Specific attention is paid to framing concrete school‐based trauma service‐delivery options within a multitiered systems of support model to align with existing school practices. Given the large amount of literature on this topic, this article aims to reduce the barriers practitioners face when looking to implement trauma services in their schools by organizing example practices from the literature in a commonly used service‐delivery framework.
The self‐assembly over nano‐ to submicro‐length scales in water of a fluorescent julolidine‐labeled amphiphilic random terpolymer
Authors: Guazzelli Elisa , Masotti Elena , Biver Tarita , Pucci Andrea , Martinelli Elisa , Galli Giancarlo
Published: January 2018

A novel fluorescent‐labeled amphiphilic random terpolymer is synthesized by controlled radical polymerization of a fluorescent molecular rotor monomer, 2‐cyano‐2‐[4‐vinyl(1,1′‐biphenyl)‐4′‐yl]vinyljulolidine, a hydrophilic monomer, poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, and a hydrophobic monomer, perfluorohexylethyl acrylate. Combined dynamic light scattering and fluorescence emission spectroscopy measurements are used to investigate its self‐assembly in water solution. Self‐assembled nanostructures with a hydrodynamic diameter size Dh of 4 ± 1 nm are detected due to the single‐chain folding of the terpolymer in unimer micelles. The fluorescence emission intensity of the terpolymer in water solution is found to be one order of magnitude higher than that in organic solvents, as a result of the preferential encapsulation of the julolidine co‐units in hydrophobic compartments of the unimer micelles. The temperature dependence of the self‐associative behavior of the amphiphilic terpolymer is also investigated and a critical temperature is identified at which a transition between single‐chain unimer micelles and multi‐chain aggregates (Dh = 400 ± 40 nm) reversibly takes place on heating–cooling cycles. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 797–804
Health care professionals' perspective on return to work in cancer survivors
Authors: Yagil Dana , Eshed‐Lavi Nofar , Carel Rafi , Cohen Miri
Published: January 2018

Objective

Health care professionals play a significant role in cancer survivors' decisions regarding return to work (RTW). While there is ample research about cancer survivors' views on RTW, little is known about the views of the professionals who accompany them from diagnosis to recovery. The study explores professionals' perceptions of cancer survivors in the RTW context, as well as their views about their own role in the process.

Methods

In‐depth interviews (N = 26) with professionals specializing in physical or mental health working with working‐age cancer survivors: occupational physicians, oncologists, oncology nurses, social workers, and psychologists specializing in oncology.

Results

An analysis of the interviews revealed 2 prominent perceptual dimensions among professionals: the cancer survivor's motivation to RTW and understanding illness‐related implications upon returning to work. The 2 dimensions imply the following 4 groups of cancer survivors in the RTW context, as viewed by health professionals: the “realist,” the “enthusiast,” the “switcher,” and the “worrier.” The results also indicate that social workers and psychologists view their role in terms of jointly discussing options and implications with the cancer survivor, while physicians and nurses view their role more in terms of providing information and suggestions.

Conclusions

The training of professionals should increase awareness of the assumptions they make about cancer survivors in regard to RTW. Additionally, training might elaborate professionals' view of their role in the interaction with cancer survivors regarding RTW.
Discussion of Entanglement Entropy in Quantum Gravity
Authors: Ma Chen‐Te
Published: January 2018

We study entanglement entropy in gravity theory with quantum effects. A simplest model is a two dimensional Einstein gravity theory. We use an n‐sheet manifold to obtain an area term of entanglement entropy by summing over all background fields. Based on AdS/CFT correspondence, strongly coupled conformal field theory is expected to describe perturbative quantum gravity theory. An ultraviolet complete quantum gravity theory should not depend on a choice of an entangling surface. To analysis the problem explicitly, we analyze two dimensional conformal field theory. We find that a coefficient of a universal term of entanglement entropy is independent of a choice of an entangling surface in two dimensional conformal field theory for one interval to show a tentative evidence. Finally, we discuss that translational invariance in a quantum system at zero temperature, size goes to infinity and no mass scales, except for cut‐off, possibly be a necessary condition in quantum gravity theory by ruing out a volume law of entanglement entropy.
Anatomical localization and clinical impact of sentinel lymph nodes based on patterns of pelvic lymphatic drainage in clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Miki Jun , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Mori Keiichiro , Urabe Fumihiko , Kayano Sotaro , Yorozu Takashi , Sato Shun , Kimura Takahiro , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Kishimoto Koichi , Egawa Shin
Published: January 2018

Background

Although sentinel lymph node in prostate has been generating renewed interest, its significance remains controversial due to inadequate evidence.

Methods

We reviewed a prospective cohort of 50 consecutive patients with intermediate‐ to high‐risk localized prostate cancer who had undergone laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy by fluorescence detection using intraoperative imaging with indocyanine green and backup extended pelvic lymph node dissection were conducted prior to prostatectomy. Intraoperative and pathological findings were elaborated and compared for confirmation.

Results

Sentinel lymph nodes were successfully identified in 47 patients (94%). A median of four sentinel lymph nodes was detected per patient. Lymph node metastasis was confirmed in six patients (12%), all of whom had positive sentinel lymph nodes. Three typical pathways of lymphatic drainage related to sentinel lymph nodes from the prostate were recognized. Ninety‐one percent of the positive sentinel lymph nodes (10/11) were located at two predominant sites along these characteristic lymphatic pathways. One site was the junctional nodes, located at the junction between internal and external iliac vessels. The other was the distal internal iliac nodes, located along the inferior vesical artery.

Conclusions

Over 90% of positive sentinel lymph nodes were identified at two predominant sites. Priority should be given to the removal of these sentinel lymph nodes, which are located closer to the prostate, in pelvic lymph node dissection. Particular attention should be paid to identifying these nodes to reduce the possibility of overlooking lymph node metastasis.
The Virtual Anemia Trial: An Assessment of Model‐Based In Silico Clinical Trials of Anemia Treatment Algorithms in Patients With Hemodialysis
Authors: Fuertinger Doris H. , Topping Alice , Kappel Franz , Thijssen Stephan , Kotanko Peter
Published: January 2018

In silico approaches have been proposed as a novel strategy to increase the repertoire of clinical trial designs. Realistic simulations of clinical trials can provide valuable information regarding safety and limitations of treatment protocols and have been shown to assist in the cost‐effective planning of clinical studies. In this report, we present a blueprint for the stepwise integration of internal, external, and ecological validity considerations in virtual clinical trials (VCTs). We exemplify this approach in the context of a model‐based in silico clinical trial aimed at anemia treatment in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Hemoglobin levels and subsequent anemia treatment were simulated on a per patient level over the course of a year and compared to real‐life clinical data of 79,426 patients undergoing HD. The novel strategies presented here, aimed to improve external and ecological validity of a VCT, significantly increased the predictive power of the discussed in silico trial.
Puerarin inhibits TRPM3/miR‐204 to promote MC3T3‐E1 cells proliferation, differentiation and mineralization
Authors: Zeng Xiangwei , Feng Qian , Zhao Fengming , Sun Chao , Zhou Tao , Yang Jing , Zhan Xiuqin
Published: January 2018

Puerarin is an isoflavonoid phytoestrogen extracted from the root of Radix Pueraria, has attracted increasing attention because of its beneficial effects on anti‐osteoporosis, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its actions on osteoblasts are not fully understood. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of puerarin on MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells proliferation, differentiation and mineralization, in vitro and its underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that puerarin significantly promoted the osteoblasts proliferation, enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and increased the formation of mineralized nodules. Following treatment with puerarin, the expression levels of transient receptor potential Melastatin 3 (TRPM3) and microRNA‐204 (miR‐204) were decreased, whereas that of Runt‐related transcription Factor 2 (Runx2) increased. TRPM3‐small interfering RNA and 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB, inhibitor of TRPM3) promoted the expression of Runx2 and thus improved the development of osteoblasts, but pregnenolone sulfate, which is the agonist of TRPM3, inhibited the effects. In addition, puerarin induced the changes of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]0) through TRPM3 might be involved in the biological process of MC3T3‐E1 cells. These results suggested that puerarin may promote MC3T3‐E1 cell proliferation, differentiation and mineralization, which may be related to the downregulation of TRPM3/miR‐204 and following regulating [Ca2+]i and [Ca2+]0, and activation of Runx2.
Superior anticancer activity is demonstrated by total extract of Curcuma longa L. as opposed to individual curcuminoids separated by centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Kukula‐Koch Wirginia , Grabarska Aneta , Łuszczki Jarogniew , Czernicka Lidia , Nowosadzka Ewa , Gumbarewicz Ewelina , Jarząb Agata , Audo Gregoire , Upadhyay Shakti , Głowniak Kazimierz , Stepulak Andrzej
Published: January 2018

Three curcuminoids: bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin from turmeric were successfully separated by a high capacity solvent system composed of heptane: chloroform: methanol: water mixture (5: 6: 3: 2 v/v/v/v) tailored for centrifugal partition chromatographs at K‐values of 0.504, 1.057, 1.644, respectively. These three ferulic acid derivatives obtained at a purity rate exceeding 95% were analysed by an HPLC‐MS spectrometer. Turmeric extract inhibited the proliferation/viability of A549 human lung cancer, HT29 colon cancer, and T98G glioblastoma cell lines in (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium reduction assay (MTT). Single curcuminoids significantly decreased the viability/proliferation of lung cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner. However, total extract displayed the superior anticancer activity in the investigated cell lines. Crude extract in combination with cisplatin augmented the decrease in the viability of cancer cells compared with single compound treatment in A549 lung cancer cells. Total extract of Curcuma longa could be regarded as being more effective against lung cancer cells in vitro than its separated compounds.
Passivity‐based state synchronization of homogeneous multiagent systems via static protocol in the presence of input saturation
Authors: Liu Zhenwei , Saberi Ali , Stoorvogel Anton A. , Zhang Meirong
Published: January 2018

This paper studies semiglobal and global state synchronization of homogeneous multiagent systems with partial‐state coupling (ie, agents are coupled through part of their states) via a static protocol. We consider 2 classes of agents, ie, G‐passive and G‐passifiable via input feedforward, which are subjected to input saturation. The proposed static protocol is purely decentralized, ie, without an additional channel for the exchange of controller states. For semiglobal synchronization, a static protocol is designed for an a priori given set of network graphs with a directed spanning tree. In other words, the static protocol only needs rough information on the network graph, ie, a lower bound for the real part and an upper bound for the modulus, of the nonzero eigenvalues of the corresponding Laplacian matrix. Whereas for global synchronization, only strongly connected and detailed balanced network graphs are considered. In this case, for G‐passive agents, the static protocol does not need any network information, whereas for G‐passifiable agents via input feedforward, the static protocol only needs an upper bound for the modulus of the eigenvalues of the corresponding Laplacian matrix.
Guaranteed‐cost consensus for multiagent networks with Lipschitz nonlinear dynamics and switching topologies
Authors: Xi Jianxiang , Fan Zhiliang , Liu Hao , Zheng Tang
Published: January 2018

Guaranteed‐cost consensus for high‐order nonlinear multiagent networks with switching topologies is investigated. By constructing a time‐varying nonsingular matrix with a specific structure, the whole dynamics of multiagent networks is decomposed into the consensus and disagreement parts with nonlinear terms, which is the key challenge to be dealt with. An explicit expression of the consensus dynamics, which contains the nonlinear term, is given and its initial state is determined. Furthermore, by the structure property of the time‐varying nonsingular transformation matrix and the Lipschitz condition, the impacts of the nonlinear term on the disagreement dynamics are linearized, and the gain matrix of the consensus protocol is determined on the basis of the Riccati equation. Moreover, an approach to minimize the guaranteed cost is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the numerical simulation is shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Discontinuities, competition, and cooperation: Coopetitive dynamics between incumbents and entrants
Authors: Cozzolino Alessio , Rothaermel Frank T.
Published: January 2018

Research Summary: We advance an integrative model in which distinct types of technological discontinuities (core‐knowledge vs. complementary‐asset) are combined with different appropriability regimes (strong vs. weak) to predict competitive and cooperative dynamics between incumbents and entrants. We posit that incumbents ally with entrants following a core‐knowledge discontinuity when the appropriability regime is strong. When the appropriability regime is weak, incumbents are more likely to acquire entrants. We submit that the additional consideration of complementary‐asset discontinuities reveals a more integrated theoretical model of competition and cooperation between incumbents and entrants. In particular, incumbents tend to cooperate among themselves following complementary‐asset discontinuities, although we highlight theoretical nuances due to different appropriability regimes. We provide falsifiable propositions, and introduce contingencies such as firm‐level heterogeneity and time dynamics.

Managerial Summary: Interfirm cooperation is one possible avenue for existing firms to address the challenge of responding to discontinuous technological changes. What is not clear, however, is who should the incumbent ally with: other incumbents or new entrants? We provide an integrative framework to help managers to decide when to cooperate with competitors and when to cooperate with new entrants. When the core knowledge of incumbent firms is made obsolete by technological advances and intellectual property is fairly well protected, managers of existing firms should search out collaboration with new entrants. If intellectual property protection is weak, managers of incumbents firms are better off acquiring new entrants. When the downstream complementary resources such manufacturing, distribution, and sales are replaced by radically new technologies, then incumbents best option is cooperate with other incumbents in order to compete against new entrants.
Ultrasmall Transition Metal Carbide Nanoparticles Encapsulated in N, S‐Doped Graphene for All‐pH Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Liping , Yang Hongbin , Wanigarathna Darshika K. J. A. , Liu Bin
Published: January 2018

Noble metal free catalysts with high catalytic activity and excellent durability have long been pursued as alternatives of noble metal catalysts for renewable energy technologies. Herein, a facile one‐step method is reported to prepare ultrasmall transition metal carbide nanoparticles encapsulated in N, S‐doped graphene as noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for all‐pH hydrogen evolution, in which, high‐density MoCx (≈2.8 nm) or WCx (≈2.0 nm) nanoparticles are encapsulated in porous N, S‐doped graphene matrix. Both catalysts exhibit excellent hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activity and durability in a wide range of pH from 0 to 14.
Systems biology of embryonic development: Prospects for a complete understanding of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo
Authors: Murray John Isaac
Published: January 2018

The convergence of developmental biology and modern genomics tools brings the potential for a comprehensive understanding of developmental systems. This is especially true for the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo because its small size, invariant developmental lineage, and powerful genetic and genomic tools provide the prospect of a cellular resolution understanding of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and regulation across the organism. We describe here how a systems biology framework might allow large‐scale determination of the embryonic regulatory relationships encoded in the C. elegans genome. This framework consists of two broad steps: (a) defining the “parts list”—all genes expressed in all cells at each time during development and (b) iterative steps of computational modeling and refinement of these models by experimental perturbation. Substantial progress has been made towards defining the parts list through imaging methods such as large‐scale green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter analysis. Imaging results are now being augmented by high‐resolution transcriptome methods such as single‐cell RNA sequencing, and it is likely the complete expression patterns of all genes across the embryo will be known within the next few years. In contrast, the modeling and perturbation experiments performed so far have focused largely on individual cell types or genes, and improved methods will be needed to expand them to the full genome and organism. This emerging comprehensive map of embryonic expression and regulatory function will provide a powerful resource for developmental biologists, and would also allow scientists to ask questions not accessible without a comprehensive picture.

This article is categorized under:

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms

Technologies > Analysis of the Transcriptome

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics
Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy (E‐Vac): A Treatment Option in Oesophagogastric Surgery
Authors: Pournaras D. J. , Hardwick R. H. , Safranek P. M. , Sujendran V. , Bennett J. , Macaulay G. D. , Hindmarsh A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Leaks from the upper gastrointestinal tract often pose a management challenge, particularly when surgical treatment has failed or is impossible. Vacuum therapy has revolutionised the treatment of wounds, and its role in enabling and accelerating healing is now explored in oesophagogastric surgery.

Methods

A piece of open cell foam is sutured around the distal end of a nasogastric tube using a silk suture. Under general anaesthetic, the foam covered tip is placed endoscopically through the perforation and into any extra‐luminal cavity. Continuous negative pressure (125 mmHg) is then applied. Re‐evaluation with change of the negative pressure system is performed every 48–72 h depending on the clinical condition. Patients are fed enterally and treated with broad‐spectrum antibiotics and anti‐fungal medication until healing, assessed endoscopically and/or radiologically, is complete.

Results

Since April 2011, twenty one patients have been treated. The cause of the leak was postoperative/iatrogenic complications (14 patients) and ischaemic/spontaneous perforation (seven patients). Twenty patients (95%) completed treatment successfully with healing of the defect and/or resolution of the cavity and were subsequently discharged from our care. One patient died from sepsis related to an oesophageal leak after withdrawing consent for further intervention following a single endoluminal vacuum (E‐Vac) treatment. In addition, two patients who were successfully treated with E‐Vac for their leak subsequently died within 90 days of E‐Vac treatment from complications that were not associated with the E‐Vac procedure. In two patients, E‐Vac treatment was complicated by bleeding. The median number of E‐Vac changes was 7 (range 3–12), and the median length of hospital stay was 35 days (range 23–152).

Conclusions

E‐Vac therapy is a safe and effective treatment for upper gastrointestinal leaks and should be considered alongside more established therapies. Further research is now needed to understand the mechanism of action and to improve the ease with which E‐Vac therapy can be delivered.
A note on variable selection in functional regression via random subspace method
Authors: Smaga Łukasz , Matsui Hidetoshi
Published: January 2018

Variable selection problem is one of the most important tasks in regression analysis, especially in a high-dimensional setting. In this paper, we study this problem in the context of scalar response functional regression model, which is a linear model with scalar response and functional regressors. The functional model can be represented by certain multiple linear regression model via basis expansions of functional variables. Based on this model and random subspace method of Mielniczuk and Teisseyre (Comput Stat Data Anal 71:725–742, 2014), two simple variable selection procedures for scalar response functional regression model are proposed. The final functional model is selected by using generalized information criteria. Monte Carlo simulation studies conducted and a real data example show very satisfactory performance of new variable selection methods under finite samples. Moreover, they suggest that considered procedures outperform solutions found in the literature in terms of correctly selected model, false discovery rate control and prediction error.