bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two‐stage searching method for continuous time‐delay systems identification
Authors: Bai Meng , Li Minhua
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a novel method to estimate the unknown parameters of continuous‐time systems with time delay. In the proposed method, the time delay and plant parameters are estimated separately. To estimate the time delay, a one‐dimensional searching method with variable step size is proposed to improve computational efficiency. The searching method consists of two stages: the coarse stage and the refined searching stage. To analyze the convergence of the searching method, the concept of significant interval is proposed. By defining the significant interval, a sufficient condition for global convergence of the searching method is provided. Based on the two‐stage searching method, a novel identification algorithm is developed in which the simplified refined instrumental variable for continuous‐time models algorithm is used to estimate the plant parameters. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed identification method can estimate the unknown parameters of continuous‐time system with time delay efficiently. The estimation results under different noisy conditions verify the reliability and robustness of the proposed method. The applicability of the developed identification method is demonstrated by a practical example.
Numerical methods for the minimal non‐negative solution of the non‐symmetric coupled algebraic Riccati equation
Authors: Zhang Juan , Tan Fangyuan
Published: August 2019

In this paper, base on the theory of the non‐symmetric algebraic Riccati equation and the coupled Riccati equation, we give the general form of the non‐symmetric coupled algebraic Riccati equation (NCARE). In order to effectively solve the minimal non‐negative solution of the NCARE, two numerical iteration methods are improved: inexact Newton method (INewton) and alternate linear implicit method (ALI). Further, we give the convergence theory of the two iteration methods. Finally, we offer numerical examples to show the effectiveness of the derived methods.
Sympathetic‐Parasympathetic Interaction and Externalizing Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Fenning Rachel M. , Erath Stephen A. , Baker Jason K. , Messinger Daniel S. , Moffitt Jacquelyn , Baucom Brian R. , Kaeppler Alexander K.
Published: August 2019

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit significant difficulties with emotion regulation and reactivity, which may be linked to underlying psychophysiology. The present study examined associations between autonomic nervous system activity and individual differences in externalizing behavior problems in children with ASD. A multisystem approach was adopted to consider the interplay between markers of sympathetic (electrodermal reactivity—EDA‐R) and parasympathetic reactivity (respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity—RSA‐R) in relation to behavioral challenges. Fifty‐two children with ASD ages 6–10 years contributed complete psychophysiological data. Measures of EDA‐R and RSA‐R (RSA withdrawal) were obtained in response to a laboratory challenge task and parents reported on child externalizing behavior problems using a standardized questionnaire and a structured clinical interview. An equifinality model was supported, with two distinct psychophysiological pathways linked to heightened externalizing behavior problems. Greater RSA‐R was associated with more externalizing problems in the context of higher levels of EDA‐R, and lower EDA‐R was associated with increased externalizing problems at lower levels of RSA‐R. Findings underscore the importance of considering the role of psychophysiology in the unfolding of comorbid externalizing problems in children with ASD. Potential implications for tailoring coregulatory supports are discussed. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1805–1816. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit elevated rates of challenging behavior. This study identified specific psychophysiological profiles (low sympathetic‐low parasympathetic reactivity, and high sympathetic‐high parasympathetic reactivity) that may place these children at greater risk for behavior problems. Findings have implications for better understanding behavioral challenges in children with ASD, and for tailoring supports to address underlying psychophysiology.
Stress and support: The dual role of the migrant community in the acculturation of Korean migrant families in Australia
Authors: Kim Hyo‐Jung , Khawaja Nigar G. , Eivers Areana
Published: August 2019

Despite recent exploration of diverse acculturation experiences, there is still limited understanding of the specific acculturation features of the migrant experience. To address this gap, the current study aimed to explore subjective acculturation experiences of Korean migrant families by focusing on the contexts of home country, migrant community, and marital relationship. Twenty‐three married South Korean migrants with young children participated in four focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes from the discussion. Participants reported that, contrary to a stressful life in Korea, they developed premigration expectations regarding a relaxed life in Australia. However, once the participants became involved in the Korean migrant community in Australia, their expectations were mismatched by recreating their previous stressful lives in the new country. The Korean migrant community was helpful in participants' adaptation but also unhelpful in handling acculturation issues of mismatched expectations and parental stress. The study also found that although some postmigration marital conflicts arose, marital communication in the relationship may have a protective role in solving migrants' difficulties. These findings highlight the need for enhancing the traditional acculturation framework with other theoretical frameworks to capture both general and specific acculturation features of the migrant experience.
Highly Selective Anaerobic Oxidation of Alcohols Over Fe‐doped SrTiO3 Under Visible Light
Authors: Hu Yezi , Zhao Guixia , Pan Qiushi , Wang Huihui , Shen Zewen , Peng Baoxiang , Busser G. Wilma , Wang Xiangke , Muhler Martin
Published: August 2019

Photocatalytic oxidation of alcohols with high selectivity is a promising approach for the synthesis of organic compounds under mild conditions and for solar energy conversion. In this work, we report on the highly selective anaerobic photooxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds with coupled H2 production over Pt‐loaded Fe‐doped SrTiO3 under visible light. Representatively, an optimized apparent quantum efficiency of 13.2 % at 420 nm was obtained for benzyl alcohol oxidation. X‐ray absorption fine structure and in situ diffuse reflectance IR spectroscopy revealed that the surface oxygen vacancies and the fine‐tuned valence band edge position induced by Fe doping not only contributed to the activation of α‐C−H bonds in alcohols, but also avoided the over‐oxidation of the obtained carbonyl compounds.
Dual recombinase fate mapping reveals a transient cholinergic phenotype in multiple populations of developing glutamatergic neurons
Authors: Nasirova Nailyam , Quina Lely A. , Agosto‐Marlin Ibis M. , Ramirez Jan‐Marino , Lambe Evelyn K. , Turner Eric E.
Published: August 2019

Cholinergic transmission shapes the maturation of glutamatergic circuits, yet the developmental sources of acetylcholine have not been systematically explored. Here, we have used Cre‐recombinase‐mediated genetic labeling to identify and map both mature and developing CNS neurons that express choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Correction of a significant problem with a widely used ChatCre transgenic line ensures that this map does not contain expression artifacts. ChatCre marks all known cholinergic systems in the adult brain, but also identifies several brain areas not usually regarded as cholinergic, including specific thalamic and hypothalamic neurons, the subiculum, the lateral parabrachial nucleus, the cuneate/gracilis nuclei, and the pontocerebellar system. This ChatCre fate map suggests transient developmental expression of a cholinergic phenotype in areas important for cognition, motor control, and respiration. We therefore examined expression of ChAT and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter in the embryonic and early postnatal brain to determine the developmental timing of this transient cholinergic phenotype, and found that it mirrored the establishment of relevant glutamatergic projection pathways. We then used an intersectional genetic strategy combining ChatCre with Vglut2Flp to show that these neurons adopt a glutamatergic fate in the adult brain. The transient cholinergic phenotype of these glutamatergic neurons suggests a homosynaptic source of acetylcholine for the maturation of developing glutamatergic synapses. These findings thus define critical windows during which specific glutamatergic circuits may be vulnerable to disruption by nicotine in utero, and suggest new mechanisms for pediatric disorders associated with maternal smoking, such as sudden infant death syndrome.
Colour and ergonomics: On the selection of a “colour of the year”
Authors: Heidari‐Moghadam Rashid , Mortezapour Alireza , Mosaferchi Saeedeh , Dianat Iman
Published: August 2019

The key role of colour in ergonomics has been emphasized by a number of researchers and design professionals. Although several research studies have been published regarding the use of colour in ergonomics, there are still some areas that need to be considered. The issue of deciding a “colour of the year” is an example, which represents a new challenge for researchers in the field of ergonomics. This is of particular interest considering the fact that the nature of research on the selection of a “colour of the year” is generally based on user experience. This paper argues that ergonomics should play a more prominent role in this field to ensure better user experience and performance. This paper highlights specific areas that need further study and development.
Benchmarking multi‐GPU applications on modern multi‐GPU integrated systems
Authors: Bernaschi Massimo , Agostini Elena , Rossetti Davide
Published: August 2019

GPUs are very powerful computing accelerators that are often employed in single‐device configuration. However, there is a steadily growing interest in using multiple GPUs in a concurrent way both to overcome the memory limitations of the single device and to further reduce execution times. Until recently, communication among GPUs had been carried out mainly by using networking technologies originally devised for standard CPUs with the CPU playing an active role in the communication. However, new alternatives start to be available in which a moderate number of GPUs are directly connected each other by means of proprietary technologies. We present the results of a set of experiments aimed at assessing the performance of some of these hardware/software platforms using a particularly challenging application as a benchmark. We release its source code to facilitate people interested in reproducing or extending our results.
Model‐Informed Approach to Assess the Treatment Effect Conditional to the Level of Placebo Response
Authors: Gomeni Roberto , Rabinowitz Jonathan , Goyal Navin , Bressolle‐Gomeni Françoise Marie Madeleine , Fava Maurizio
Published: August 2019

One of the most important reasons for failure of placebo‐controlled randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) is the lack of appropriate methodologies for detecting treatment effect (TE; difference between placebo and active treatment response) in the presence of excessively low/high levels of placebo response. Although, the higher the level of placebo response in a trial, the lower the apparent detectable TE. TE is usually estimated in a conventional analysis of an RCT as an “apparent” TE value conditional to the level of placebo response in that RCT. A model‐informed methodology is proposed to establish a relationship between level of placebo response and TE. This relationship is used to estimate the “typical” TE associated with a “typical” level of placebo response, irrespective of the level of placebo response observed. The approach can be valuable for providing a reliable estimate of TE, for conducting risk/benefit analysis, and for determining dosage recommendations.
A resource allocation and cell association algorithm for energy efficiency in HetNets
Authors: Zhu Wenxiang , Xu Pingping , Jiang Huilin , He Ying
Published: August 2019

Aiming at further improving the energy efficiency of system while meeting the data rate requirement of the users, in this paper, a network energy efficiency optimization problem by jointly optimizing the resource allocation of macrocells and small cells is formulated and proven to be an NP‐hard problem, which cannot be worked out by direct methods in polynomial time. Considering the effectiveness of the modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm, an MPSO‐based resource allocation and cell association algorithm is employed to solve the proposed joint optimization problem where the frequency resource partitioning of the macrocells, the transmission power, and the cell‐association bias of the small cells are jointly optimized. During the implementation of the optimization algorithm, the cell association alters with the transmission power and cell‐association bias adjustment, and the small cells where there are no active users associating with them will be turned off. The data rate requirement of the users is an indispensable metric in the communication system. Taking no account of the data rate requirement of the users, the frequency resource partitioning and cell association alteration will deteriorate the data rate of a few of users. Under such circumstances, we take the users' data rate requirement as a constraint of the joint optimization problem. The system level simulation results show that, by jointly optimizing the resource allocation of macrocells and small cells while guaranteeing the users' data rate requirement, the energy efficiency and system throughput can be further improved, and energy consumption can be further reduced.
Female‐biased gape and body‐size dimorphism in the New World watersnakes (tribe: Thamnophiini) oppose predictions from Rensch's rule
Authors: Burbrink Frank T. , Futterman India
Published: August 2019

Sexual‐size dimorphism (SSD) is ubiquitous across animals and often biased in the direction of larger females in snakes and other ectothermic organisms. To understand how SSD evolves across species, Rensch's rule predicts that in taxa where males are larger, SSD increases with body size. In contrast, where females are larger, SSD decreases with body size. While this rule holds for many taxa, it may be ambiguous for others, particularly ectothermic vertebrates. Importantly, this rule suggests that the outcomes of SSD over phylogenetic time scales depend on the direction of dimorphism predicated on the difference in reproductive efforts between males and females. Here, we examine SSD in the context of Rensch's rule in Thamnophiini, the gartersnakes and watersnakes, a prominent group that in many areas comprises the majority of the North American snake biota. Using a dated phylogeny, measurements of gape, body, and tail size, we show that these snakes do not follow Rensch's rule, but rather female‐biased SSD increases with body size. We in turn find that this allometry is most pronounced with gape and is correlated with both neonate and litter size, suggesting that acquiring prey of increased size may be directly related to fecundity selection. These changes in SSD are not constrained to any particular clade; we find no evidence of phylogenetic shifts in those traits showing SSD. We suggest several ways forward to better understand the anatomical units of selection for SSD and modularity.

Open Research Badges

This article has been awarded Open Data and Open Materials Badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.3pn57h0.
Vegetation mapping to support greater sage‐grouse habitat monitoring and management: multi‐ or univariate approach?
Authors: Henderson Emilie B. , Bell David M. , Gregory Matthew J.
Published: August 2019

Conservation planning for wildlife species requires mapping and assessment of habitat suitability across broad areas, often relying on a diverse suite, or stack, of geospatial data presenting multidimensional controls on a species. Stacks of univariate, independently developed vegetation layers may not represent relationships between each variable that can be characterized by multivariate modeling techniques, leading to inaccurate inferences on the distribution of suitable habitat. In this paper, we examine the role of variable combining in mapping multiple dimensions of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus, GRSG) habitat as a basis for GRSG conservation in the great basin ecoregion within southeastern Oregon. We compare two modeling approaches: a univariate random forest regression model (RF regression) and a multivariate random forest nearest neighbor (RFNN) imputation model , across an array of variables. These include five GRSG habitat descriptor variables: percent cover of trees, juniper, sagebrush, and GRSG food forbs, and the proportion of grasses that are exotic annuals. We also model species distributions of 51 common species in the sage steppe and combine these predictions to estimate alpha diversity. Our results show that RF regression and RFNN can yield univariate predictions with similar performance, but RF regression predictions tend to contain slightly more bias at broader spatial scales. Stacking univariate predictions from RF regression yields covariance errors that manifest as logical errors (juniper cover > tree cover), biases in estimates of GRSG habitat area, and biases in estimates of alpha diversity. Combining variables from the RFNN model does not introduce covariance errors. We conclude that multivariate modeling approaches are better suited to map multidimensional habitat niches at broader spatial scales, and also better suited to provide information for defining multivariable adaptive management triggers at the population level or above.
DNA metabarcoding in diet studies: Unveiling ecological aspects in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: de Sousa Lara Loureiro , Silva Sofia Marques , Xavier Raquel
Published: August 2019

Effective conservation of species and ecosystems requires the understanding of important ecological traits, such as dietary habits, food webs, and trophic niches. In diet studies, the visual identification of partially digested prey has been enhanced with the recent more powerful and accurate technique, DNA barcoding. Here, we summarize the contribution of this recent methodology to the investigation of both terrestrial and aquatic taxa diet, and compare the level of novelty uncovered through the use of this technique regarding species' ecology. From a total of 150 studies analyzed, focusing on more than 250 vertebrate wild species, seven domesticated taxa, and humans, we suggest that barcoding has led to more significant findings for aquatic taxa and ecosystems, where direct observations of feeding events and consequent trophic niche understanding are typically limited. Finally, we introduce the term dietary DNA (dDNA) to describe environmental approaches that use DNA extracted from gut, stomach, or fecal contents, aiming to assess both species dietary habits and describe local biodiversity. Particularly, we highlight the complementarity of environmental DNA (eDNA) and dDNA as a new tool for biodiversity assessments in remote areas, including most of the aquatic realm.
Lay discourses about Brexit and prejudice: “Ideological creativity” and its limits in Brexit debates
Authors: Andreouli Eleni , Greenland Katy , Figgou Lia
Published: August 2019

Much research on Brexit has studied whether the vote to leave the EU is a marker of growing prejudice. In this article, we study instead how the relationship between support for Brexit and prejudice is constructed, negotiated and contested in lay discourse. Our analysis of focus groups (N = 12) conducted prior to and following the EU referendum shows that support for Brexit was predominantly constructed as based on nationalism and anti‐immigration prejudice, especially in Remain‐supporting accounts. This prompted identity management strategies and counter‐arguments by Leave supporters, such as providing alternative constructions of prejudice and racism; relating Brexit with “progressive” values; and presenting it as rational and economically sound. In our discussion, we draw attention to the “ideological creativity” that underpins these accounts and also reflect on the possibilities and constraints of developing alternative political narratives under conditions of political polarisation.
Investigating flexible feeding effects on the biogas quality in full‐scale anaerobic digestion by high resolution, photoacoustic‐based NDIR sensing
Authors: Bierer Benedikt , Kress Philipp , Nägele Hans‐Joachim , Lemmer Andreas , Palzer Stefan
Published: August 2019

In future energy systems based on renewable energies, biogas plants can make a significant contribution to stabilizing the electricity grids. However, this requires load‐flexible and demand‐oriented electricity production by means of flexible feed management. However, these flexible feeding strategies using greatly oscillating, temporally varying high mass loads may lead to critical process failures of the anaerobic digestion process. Currently there is no online, high resolution gas quality measurement technique to detect and prevent biological process failures available. In this contribution, we present a miniaturized, low‐cost biogas quality measurement system providing data with high precision and high temporal resolution to overcome this technology gap. To highlight the capabilities of the system we have installed it using a bypass to the main biogas duct after hydrogen sulfide removal at a full‐scale research biogas plant. During a three‐month field trial, the effect of flexible feeding on the biogas quality has been monitored. The results demonstrate long‐term stability of the sensor solution and reveal the effects of changing feeding frequency and composition on gas quantity and quality, which cannot be detected with commercially available state‐of‐the‐art sensing systems.
Electrochemical Deposition Enables Freestanding CoNi Layered Double Hydroxide/MnOX Electrode with Enhanced Electrochemical Properties for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Tian Songlin , Zhao Cuimei , Nie Ping , Wang Hairui , Xue Xiangxin , Lin Li , Chang Limin
Published: August 2019

A carbon fiber paper (CFP)‐supported CoNi layered double hydroxide (LDH)/MnOX or MnOX nanomaterial is prepared by a simple and effective two‐step electrochemical deposition process. The binder‐free CoNi LDH/MnOX/CFP exhibits enhanced electrochemical properties than that of MnOX/CFP, with a maximum capacitance of 1460 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and an excellent capacitance retention of 87% at 4 A g−1. Notably, the CoNi LDH/MnOX composite exhibits a remarkable cycling stability with 82% capacitance retention over 20 000 cycles even at a high current density of 32 A g−1. The outstanding electrochemical performance of the CoNi LDH/MnOX/CFP can contribute to the synergistic effects of the freestanding electrode with improved electrical conductivity, electrochemical activity, and material utilization than pure MnOX. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) fabricated with a CoNi LDH/MnOX/CFP positive electrode and active carbon (AC)/CFP negative electrode displays a high energy density of 28.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 400 W kg−1. These encouraging results indicate that the low‐cost CoNi LDH/MnOX/CFP composite shows great potential for high‐performance energy storage applications.
Renewable Energy Systems: Enhanced Resilience, Lower Costs
Authors: Pagliaro Mario
Published: August 2019

The enhanced resilience of today's renewable energy systems, comprising solar photovoltaic and wind electricity generators, coupled with the storage of electricity in Li‐ion batteries and solar hydrogen, is a key attribute of current clean energy technology. Referring to selected recent examples, it is shown how families, companies, and entire regions can now safely rely on renewable energy to meet their energy needs.
Engineering egress data considering pedestrians with reduced mobility
Authors: Geoerg Paul , Berchtold Florian , Gwynne Steven , Boyce Karen , Holl Stefan , Hofmann Anja
Published: August 2019

To quantify the evacuation process, evacuation practitioners use engineering egress data describing the occupant movement characteristics. These data are typically based to young and fit populations. However, the movement abilities of occupants who might be involved in evacuations are becoming more variable—with the building populations of today typically including increasing numbers of individuals: with impairments or who are otherwise elderly or generally less mobile. Thus, there will be an increasing proportion of building occupants with reduced ability to egress. For safe evacuation, there is therefore a need to provide valid engineering egress data considering pedestrians with disabilities. Gwynne and Boyce recently compiled a series of data sets related to the evacuation process to support practitioner activities in the chapter Engineering Data in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering. This paper supplements these data sets by providing information on and presenting data obtained from additional research related to the premovement and horizontal movement of participants with physical‐, cognitive‐, or age‐related disabilities. The aim is to provide an overview of currently available data sets related to, and key factors affecting the egress performance of, mixed ability populations which could be used to guide fire safety engineering decisions in the context of building design.
Menu planning practices in early childhood education and care – factors associated with menu compliance with sector dietary guidelines
Authors: Grady Alice , Stacey Fiona , Seward Kirsty , Finch Meghan , Jones Jannah , Yoong Sze Lin
Published: August 2019

Issue addressed

Despite recommendations, early childhood education and care services do not plan menus in accordance with sector dietary guidelines. This study aimed to examine the following among Australian long day care services: (a) menu planning practices; (b) prevalence of menu compliance with sector dietary guidelines; and (c) menu planning practices associated with higher menu compliance with sector dietary guidelines.

Methods

Long day care services within Hunter New England, NSW participated in a pen and paper survey assessing menu planning practices and socio‐demographic and service characteristics. Two‐week menus were assessed for compliance with sector dietary guidelines, based on the number of servings of food groups and discretionary foods provided per child, per day.

Results

Staff from 72 services completed the survey and 69 provided their menu. Results indicated the service cook was fully responsible for planning the menu in 43% of services, and 57% had received written support to assist with menu planning. Service menus were compliant with an average of 0.68 out of six food groups and discretionary foods. In poisson regression models, a shorter menu cycle length (P = .04) and the receipt of training opportunities to support menu planning (P < .01) were significantly associated with higher menu compliance.

Conclusions

Menu compliance with sector dietary guidelines is low among participating long day care services.

So what?

The implementation of practices such as shortening of the menu cycle and the provision of training opportunities may assist in the planning of menus that are more compliant with dietary guidelines in this setting.
Characterization of differential throughfall drop size distributions beneath European beech and Norway spruce
Authors: Lüpke Marvin , Leuchner Michael , Levia Delphis , Nanko Kazuki , Iida Shin'ichi , Menzel Annette
Published: August 2019

Forest canopies present irregular surfaces that alter both the quantity and spatiotemporal variability of precipitation inputs. The drop size distribution (DSD) of rainfall varies with rainfall event characteristics and is altered substantially by the forest stand properties. Yet, the influence of two major European tree species, European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst), on throughfall DSD is largely unknown. In order to assess the impact of these two species with differing canopy structures on throughfall DSD, two optical disdrometers, one above and one below the canopy of each European beech and Norway spruce, measured DSD of both incident rainfall and throughfall over 2 months at a 10‐s resolution. Fractions of different throughfall categories were analysed for single‐precipitation events of different intensities. While penetrating the canopies, clear shifts in drop size and temporal distributions of incoming rainfall were observed. Beech and spruce, however, had different DSD, behaved differently in their effect on diameter volume percentiles as well as width of drop spectrum. The maximum drop sizes under beech were higher than under spruce. The mean ± standard deviation of the median volume drops size (D50) over all rain events was 2.7 ± 0.28 mm for beech and 0.80 ± 0.04 mm for spruce, respectively. In general, there was a high‐DSD variability within events indicating varying amounts of the different throughfall fractions. These findings help to better understand the effects of different tree species on rainfall partitioning processes and small‐scale variations in subcanopy rainfall inputs, thereby demonstrating the need for further research in high‐resolution spatial and temporal properties of rainfall and throughfall.
CD16‐158‐valine chimeric receptor T cells overcome the resistance of KRAS‐mutated colorectal carcinoma cells to cetuximab
Authors: Arriga Roberto , Caratelli Sara , Lanzilli Giulia , Ottaviani Alessio , Cenciarelli Carlo , Sconocchia Tommaso , Spagnoli Giulio C. , Iezzi Giandomenica , Roselli Mario , Lauro Davide , Coppola Andrea , Dotti Gianpietro , Ferrone Soldano , Sconocchia Giuseppe
Published: August 2019

KRAS mutations hinder therapeutic efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐specific monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab‐based immunotherapy of EGFR+ cancers. Although cetuximab inhibits KRAS‐mutated cancer cell growth in vitro by natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), KRAS‐mutated colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells escape NK cell immunosurveillance in vivo. To overcome this limitation, we used cetuximab and panitumumab to redirect Fcγ chimeric receptor (CR) T cells against KRAS‐mutated HCT116 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We compared four polymorphic Fcγ‐CR constructs including CD16158F‐CR, CD16158V‐CR, CD32131H‐CR, and CD32131R‐CR transduced into T cells by retroviral vectors. Percentages of transduced T cells expressing CD32131H‐CR (83.5 ± 9.5) and CD32131R‐CR (77.7 ± 13.2) were significantly higher than those expressing with CD16158F‐CR (30.3 ± 10.2) and CD16158V‐CR (51.7 ± 13.7) (p < 0.003). CD32131R‐CR T cells specifically bound soluble cetuximab and panitumumab. However, only CD16158V‐CR T cells released high levels of interferon gamma (IFNγ = 1,145.5 pg/ml ±16.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα = 614 pg/ml ± 21 pg/ml, p < 0.001) upon incubation with cetuximab‐opsonized HCT116 cells. Moreover, only CD16158V‐CR T cells combined with cetuximab killed HCT116 cells and A549 KRAS‐mutated cells in vitro. CD16158V‐CR T cells also effectively controlled subcutaneous growth of HCT116 cells in CB17‐SCID mice in vivo. Thus, CD16158V‐CR T cells combined with cetuximab represent useful reagents to develop innovative EGFR+KRAS‐mutated CRC immunotherapies.
CD4 T cells target colorectal cancer antigens upregulated by oxaliplatin
Authors: Galaine Jeanne , Turco Célia , Vauchy Charline , Royer Bernard , Mercier‐Letondal Patricia , Queiroz Lise , Loyon Romain , Mouget Virginie , Boidot Romain , Laheurte Caroline , Lakkis Zaher , Jary Marine , Adotévi Olivier , Borg Christophe , Godet Yann
Published: August 2019

Immune checkpoint blockade has proven its efficacy in hypermutated subtypes of metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC). Immunogenic potential can also be observed with conventional chemotherapies, but this property has never been explored thoroughly in CRC patients. The CRC therapeutic arsenal includes oxaliplatin, a well‐characterized platinum drug already described as immunogenic. Here, we investigated the impact of the oxaliplatin‐based treatment on mCRC immunopeptidome. We demonstrated that oxaliplatin‐resistant CRC cell lines overexpressed telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), colorectal‐associated‐tumor antigen‐1 (COA‐1) and mesothelin tumor‐associated antigens. We identified new HLA class‐II‐restricted and promiscuous peptides derived from COA‐1 and mesothelin. The two naturally processed peptides COA‐1331‐345 and Meso366‐380 appear to be the most immunogenic in mCRC patients. A prospective cohort of 162 mCRC patients enabled us to explore the impact of oxaliplatin exposure on the antitumor‐specific immune response. Interestingly, chemotherapy‐naive mCRC patients present high immune CD4 T‐cell responses directed against TERT, COA‐1 and mesothelin‐derived peptides. These antitumor T‐cell responses were maintained after 3 months of oxaliplatin‐based treatment. Altogether, these findings highlight the interest of immunostimulatory agents to improve the management of chemoresistant mCRC patients. Finally, the high frequency of immune responses targeting the new immunogenic peptides derived from COA‐1 and mesothelin support their use in immunomonitoring strategies.
PRESENT STATUS AND DEVELOPMENTS WITH RESPECT TO ROLES OF STAKEHOLDERS IN RELATION TO THE ICID VISION 2030
Authors: Gany A. Hafied A.
Published: August 2019

This paper discusses the global review on the present status of irrigation development and management in line with stakeholders' understanding and practices on Irrigation Vision 2030. The elucidation has addressed the related issues, with institutional and organizational aspects as the fundamental mechanism of stakeholder coordination. In line with the effort to comprehend the underlying status of irrigation and drainage development and management, five determinant aspects have been scrutinized in the analysis. These are: (i) human resources; (ii) institution and organization; (iii) technology for sustainable operation and maintenance (O&M); (iv) sustainable O&M funding; (v) effective regulatory instruments and enforcement. Particularly in the field of agricultural water management (AWM), it has been evident from a number of previous experiences that the absence or imbalance of an integrated relationship among any of the five aspects would bring about ineffectiveness of infrastructural functions. Therefore, institutional and organizational aspects must be reformed in line with the future direction stated by the ICID Vision 2030, among others for improving the crucial role of stakeholders toward sustainable AWM. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone regeneration response in an experimental long bone defect orthotopically implanted with alginate‐pullulan‐glass‐ceramic composite scaffolds
Authors: Popescu Radu A. , Tăbăran Flaviu A. , Bogdan Sidonia , Fărcăṣanu Alexandru , Purdoiu Robert , Magyari Klara , Vulpoi Adriana , Dreancă Alexandra , Sevastre Bogdan , Simon Simion , Papuc Ionel , Baia Lucian
Published: August 2019

In the present study, scaffolds based on alginate‐pullulan‐bioactive glass‐ceramic with 0.5 and 1.5 mol % copper oxide were orthotopically implanted in experimental rat models to assess their ability to heal an induced bone defect. By implying magnetic resonance and imaging scans together with histological evaluation of the processed samples, a progressive healing of bone was observed within 5 weeks. Furthermore, as the regenerative process continued, new bone tissue was formed, enhancing the growth of irregular bone spicules around the scaffolds. A significantly higher amount of new bone was formed (37%) in the defect that received the composite with 1.5 mol % CuO (in glass‐ceramic matrix) content implant. Nevertheless, the bone regeneration obtained by scaffold with 0.5 mol % CuO implanted is comparable with the alginate‐pullulan‐β‐tricalcium phosphate/hydroxiapatite composite implant. The assessed amount of new bone formed was found to be between 29.75 and 37.15% for all the composition involved in the present study. During this process a regeneration process was shown when the alginate‐pullulan composite materials were involved, fact that indicate the great potential of these materials to be used in tissue engineering.
Hormone-Independent Sexual Dimorphism in the Regulation of Bone Resorption by Krox20
Authors: Sabag Elias , Halperin Elinor , Liron Tamar , Hiram-Bab Sahar , Frenkel Baruch , Gabet Yankel
Published: August 2019

Krox20/EGR2 is a zinc finger transcription factor, implicated in the development of the hindbrain, nerve myelination, and tumor suppression. In skeletal biology, we have demonstrated that Krox20 also regulates adult bone metabolism. We and others have characterized several functions of Krox20 in the osteoclast lineage, namely, preosteoclast proliferation and differentiation, and mature osteoclast apoptosis. We have previously reported that systemically Krox20-haploinsufficient mice have a low bone mass with increased bone resorption. However, new data have now revealed that this phenotype is restricted to females. In addition, we discovered that conditional knockout of Krox20 (cKO) restricted to osteoclast progenitors is sufficient to induce the same female-specific bone loss observed in systemic mutants. To test whether this sexual dimorphism results from an interaction between Krox20 and sex hormones, we examined the sex- and hormone-dependent role of Krox20 deficiency on proliferation and apoptosis in osteoclastic cells. Our results indicate that male and female sex hormones (dihydrotestosterone [DHT] and estradiol [E2], respectively) as well as Krox20 inhibit preosteoclast proliferation and augment osteoclast apoptosis. The observation that Krox20 expression is inhibited by DHT and E2 negates the hypothesis that the effect of sex hormones is mediated by an increase in Krox20 expression. Interestingly, the effect of Krox20 deficiency was observed only with cells derived from female animals, regardless of any sex hormones added in vitro. In addition, we have identified sexual dimorphism in the expression of several Krox20-related genes, including NAB2. This sex-specific epigenetic profile was established at puberty, maintained in the absence of sex hormones, and explains the female-specific skeletal importance of Krox20. The findings described in this study emphasize the medical importance of sex differences, which may be determined at the epigenetic level. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
MRI of the Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) Disorder: Radiomics Analysis Correlates With Surgical and Pathological Outcome
Authors: Do Quyen N. , Lewis Matthew A. , Xi Yin , Madhuranthakam Ananth J. , Happe Sarah K. , Dashe Jodi S. , Lenkinski Robert E. , Khan Ambereen , Twickler Diane M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in women with previous cesarean delivery has become increasingly prevalent. Depending on the severity, patient management may involve cesarean hysterectomy.

Purpose

To investigate textural analyses as the radiomics in MRI of the placenta in predicting the PAS requiring cesarean hysterectomy in a high‐risk population.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Sixty‐two women with prior cesarean delivery referred for MRI because of sonographic suspicion for PAS.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T with T1W, T2W, and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Assessment

Two reviewers independently evaluated MR images based on five established PAS variables. Placental regions of interest (ROIs) were generated on T2W, DWI, and an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, based on definitions of areas of placenta in proximity to and remote from previous surgical incision sites.

Statistical Tests

Reader agreement was assessed by simple kappa and prevalence adjusted bias adjusted kappa (PABAK). T‐tests and chi‐square analyses between the primary outcome (hysterectomy vs. no hysterectomy) were performed. Thirteen Haralick texture features calculated from gray‐level co‐occurrence matrixes were extracted from manually drawn placental ROIs within each of three MR acquisitions. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the association with cesarean hysterectomy.

Results

Of 62 pregnancies at risk for PAS, 40 required cesarean hysterectomy (65%), with excellent correlation between need for hysterectomy and pathology confirmation of PAS in the hysterectomy specimen [κ = 0.82 (0.62, 1)]. Reader agreement was fair to moderate. Of the 13 Haralick variables within each of three acquisition groups, significant differences (P < 0.05) were seen in 22 of 39 parameters comparing placental ROIs in proximity to incision scar(s) to those ROIs remote from scar. A stepwise selection algorithm indicated that the combination of T2W Fcm.sum.var, ADC Fcm.diff.entr, and DWI Fcm.energy gave the highest leave‐one‐out‐AUC of 0.80 (0.68, 0.91).

Data Conclusion

Assessment of PAS severity is subjective and dependent on radiologist expertise. We identified textural features on placental MR images in the region of the prior uterine scar that differentiated pregnancies requiring cesarean hysterectomy based on clinical suspicion of PAS from those that did not, suggesting predictive capabilities of these objective radiomics features.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:936–946.
PI‐RADS: Past, present, and future
Authors: Gupta Rajan T. , Mehta Kurren A. , Turkbey Baris , Verma Sadhna
Published: August 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is extremely prevalent and is the most common noncutaneous malignancy and second‐most common cause of cancer death in men. In the last decade, there has been dramatic growth in the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for diagnosis and characterization of PCa. With the recent and marked surge in popularity in prostate imaging and, specifically, mpMRI, there has been an increased focus on structured reporting as a means by which to provide more actionable information to the referring clinician as well as to improve diagnostic performance with this technique. This work focuses on the evolution of the major structured reporting system in prostate mpMRI, Prostate Imaging Reporting And Data System (PI‐RADS), from its initial proposal and establishment in 2012 as PI‐RADS v. 1 to its most current iteration, PI‐RADS v. 2.1. This will highlight the key elements that have changed between the versions as well as provide context and rationale for these changes. In addition, this work explores what future iterations of PI‐RADS could look like based on current limitations of the system as well as explore areas for future growth of prostate mpMRI, including use of the system in active surveillance populations and in the posttreatment setting.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:33–53.
The extremely north position of the western Pacific subtropical high in summer of 2018: Important role of the convective activities in the western Pacific
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Gao Hui , Ding Ting
Published: August 2019

In July–August (JA) 2018, the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) was stronger than normal. Its ridge line was located the most north in history and the position was above three times of the standard deviation. On the intra‐seasonal timescale, the high ridge was mostly more north than normal from July 5 till the end of August in 2018 and had two significant northward jumps in the first 10 days and last 5 days of July 2018, respectively. The convective activities in the western Pacific should play an important role in the extremely north WPSH in JA 2018. The convection over the western Pacific was the strongest in JA 2018 during the past 38 years. It induced significant subsidence anomalies, an anomalous low‐level anticyclone and positive anomalies of 500‐hPa geopotential height in eastern East Asia. On the daily timescale, the northward movement of the active convection over the western Pacific occurred about 5 days earlier than the northward jump of the WPSH. Additionally, the strong and long‐lasting Madden–Julian oscillation in the western Pacific (Phase 6) also favoured the suppressed convection and positive anomalies of 500‐hPa geopotential height in eastern East Asia. This result could provide a good precursor signal about 5 days advance for the northward jump of the WPSH in summer.
Antibiotic prescribing practices in periodontal surgeries with and without bone grafting
Authors: Hai Justine Hoda , Lee Cliff , Kapila Yvonne L. , Chaffee Benjamin W. , Armitage Gary C.
Published: August 2019

Background

The prevention of postoperative infection is often the basis for antibiotic prescription; however, the risks of unwarranted antibiotics and lack of guidelines for procedures involving bone grafts creates additional difficulty in decision making for practitioners. This study aims to evaluate practices in antibiotics prescribed for periodontal surgeries with and without bone grafting and acceptability of guidelines.

Methods

An anonymous survey was distributed to periodontists via the California Society of Periodontists e‐mail listserv. The survey questioned prescribing practices for periodontal procedures, prescribing rationale, demographic and dental practice information, and acceptability of guidelines. Results were analyzed using McNemar tests and logistic regression.

Results

Practitioners were significantly less likely to prescribe antibiotics for traditional periodontal surgeries without bone grafting compared with socket preservation, guided tissue regeneration, guided bone regeneration, and sinus augmentation (P < 0.0001). Practitioners were significantly more likely to prescribe antibiotics with more complex bone grafting such as guided bone regeneration and sinus augmentation compared with socket preservation (P < 0.0001). The most common rationale for prescribing antibiotics with bone grafting was to decrease the chances of developing an infection. Seventy‐five percent of practitioners reported they would follow guidelines for antibiotic prescription if they were developed by the American Academy of Periodontology.

Conclusions

Practitioners are more likely to prescribe antibiotics with bone grafting and as complexity of the bone grafting procedure increases. Based on these results, the low incidence of infection in periodontal surgery cited in the literature, and willingness of practitioners to adopt guidelines, the establishment of evidence‐based guidelines would be of benefit to the periodontal practicing community.