bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism study of the conversion of esters to high‐octane‐number aromatics over HZSM‐5
Authors: Habibi Navid , Dabbagh Hossein A.
Published: February 2019

A study of the mechanism of the catalytic transformation of mixed ethyl acetate (EA) + methyl acetate (MA) (50:50 v/v) to hydrocarbons over HZSM‐5 (Si/Al ratio of 9) catalyst was conducted. The reaction was carried out in a continuous fixed‐bed reactor under atmospheric pressure and in the temperature range 250–390°C and with weight hourly space velocity of 3.2 and 4.6 h−1. The distribution of products including monoaromatics, fused ring aromatics and oxygenates was determined using GC‐MS. The product distribution was controlled by temperature. The oxygenate components (kinetically controlled products) were transformed into aromatics (thermodynamically controlled products) with an increase in temperature. The effluents were benzene‐free or with low content of benzene and toluene. Two intermediates were proposed for this conversion to hydrocarbons over HZSM‐5: cyclobutane‐1,3‐dione and/or acetic acid (AA) as ketene source. Furthermore, AA and mesityl oxide (MO) were selected as potential intermediates in the transformation of mixed EA + MA into hydrocarbons over HZSM‐5. It is suggested that ketene dimerization, the phenolic pool and the condensation reaction between ketene and MO are the probable mechanism routes for AA conversion. Aldol condensation, Michael addition, cracking, isomerization and ketene formation are the presumable pathways for MO conversion over HZSM‐5.
MAO‐free and extremely active catalytic system for ethylene tetramerization
Authors: Kim Tae Hee , Lee Hyun Mo , Park Hee Soo , Kim Sung Dong , Kwon Su Jin , Tahara Atsushi , Nagashima Hideo , Lee Bun Yeoul
Published: February 2019

The original Sasol catalytic system for ethylene tetramerization is composed of a Cr source, a PNP ligand, and MAO (methylaluminoxane). The use of expensive MAO in excess has been a critical concern in commercial operation. Many efforts have been made to replace MAO with non‐coordinating anions (e.g., [B(C6F5)4]−); however, most of such attempts were unsuccessful. Herein, an extremely active catalytic system that avoids the use of MAO is presented. The successive addition of two equivalent [H(OEt2)2]+[B(C6F5)4]− and one equivalent CrCl3(THF)3 to (acac)AlEt2 and subsequent treatment with a PNP ligand [CH3(CH2)16]2C(H)N(PPh2)2 (1) yielded a complex presumably formulated as [1‐CrAl (acac)Cl3(THF)]2+[B(C6F5)4]−2, which exhibited high activity when combined with iBu3Al (1120 kg/g‐Cr/h; ~4 times that of the original Sasol system composed of Cr (acac)3, iPrN(PPh2)2, and MAO). Via the introduction of bulky trialkylsilyl substituents such as –SiMe3, –Si(nBu)3, or –SiMe2(CH2)7CH3 at the para‐position of phenyl groups in 1 (i.e., by using [CH3(CH2)16]2C(H)N[P(C6H4‐p‐SiR3)2]2 instead of 1), the activities were dramatically improved, i.e., tripled (2960–3340 kg/g‐Cr/h; more than 10 times that of the original Sasol system). The generation of significantly less PE (<0.2 wt%) even at a high temperature is another advantage achieved by the introduction of bulky trialkylsilyl substituents. NMR studies and DFT calculations suggest that increase of the steric bulkiness on the alkyl‐N and P‐aryl moieties restrict the free rotation around (alkyl)N–P (aryl) bonds, which may cause the generation of more robust active species in higher proportion, leading to extremely high activity along with the generation of a smaller amount of PE.
Controlled isoprene polymerization mediated by iminopyridine‐iron (II) acetylacetonate pre‐catalysts
Authors: Zhao Mengmeng , Wang Liang , Mahmood Qaiser , Jing Chuyang , Zhu Guangqian , Zhang Xianhui , Wang Xiaowu , Wang Qinggang
Published: February 2019

A ligand controlled stereoselective polymerization of isoprene has been developed. A series of (aryl/alkyl)‐iminopyridine iron (II) acetylacetonate complexes: (aryl = Ph Fe1; alkyl = CH2Ph Fe2, CH (Ph)2 Fe3, CH (Me)2 Fe4, C (Me)3 Fe5, C (Me)2CH2C(Me)3 Fe6), has been prepared in which steric and electronic substituents systematically modified to investigate their influences for isoprene polymerization. The molecular structure of representative complex Fe2 was confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and, revealed a distorted octahedral geometry at iron center. On treatment with methylaluminoxane (MAO), Fe1–Fe6 displayed low (Fe5 & Fe6) to high activities (Fe1–Fe4) with quantitative monomer conversion (>99%) for isoprene polymerization producing polyisoprene of high molecular weight (up to 2.0 × 105 g/mol) and unimodal molecular weight distribution (1.4–3.3). Specifically, complex Fe2 (alkyl = CH2Ph) displayed the highest activity of 7.0 × 106 g (mol of Fe)−1 h−1 with 85% conversion of monomer over run time of 10 min at 25 °C. While, Fe6 catalyzed polyisoprene possessed high content of trans‐1,4 unit (up to 87%). Furthermore, the influence of the reaction parameters and the nature of the ligands on the catalytic activities and microstructural properties of the polymer were investigated in detail.
Mode hunting through active information
Authors: Díaz‐Pachón Daniel Andrés , Sáenz Juan Pablo , Rao J. Sunil , Dazard Jean‐Eudes
Published: February 2019

We propose a new method to find modes based on active information. We develop an algorithm called active information mode hunting (AIMH) that, when applied to the whole space, will say whether there are any modes present and where they are. We show AIMH is consistent and, given that information increases where probability decreases, it helps to overcome issues with the curse of dimensionality. The AIMH also reduces the dimensionality with no resource to principal components. We illustrate the method in three ways: with a theoretical example (showing how it performs better than other mode hunting strategies), a real dataset business application, and a simulation.
Impact of visceral pleural invasion on the association of extent of lymphadenectomy and survival in stage I non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wo Yang , Zhao Yandong , Qiu Tong , Li Shicheng , Wang Yuanyong , Lu Tong , Qin Yi , Song Guisong , Miao Shuncheng , Sun Xiao , Liu Ao , Kong Dezhi , Dong Yanting , Leng Xiaoliang , Du Wenxing , Jiao Wenjie
Published: February 2019

Visceral pleural invasion (VPI) has been identified as an adverse prognostic factor for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accurate nodal staging for NSCLC correlates with improved survival, but it is unclear whether tumors with VPI require a more extensive lymph nodes (LNs) dissection to optimize survival. We aimed to evaluate the impact of VPI status on the optimal extent of LNs dissection in stage I NSCLC, using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We identified 9297 surgically treated T1‐2aN0M0 NSCLC patients with at least one examined LNs. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance the baseline clinicopathologic characteristics between the VPI group and non‐VPI group. Log‐rank tests along with Cox proportional hazards regression methods were performed to evaluate the impact of extent of LNs dissection on survival. VPI was correlated with a significant worse survival, but there was no significant difference in survival rate between PL1 and PL2. Patients who underwent sublobectomy had slightly decreased survival than those who underwent lobectomy. Pathologic LNs examination was significantly correlated with survival. Examination of 7‐8 LNs and 14‐16 LNs conferred the lowest hazard ratio for T1‐sized/non‐VPI tumors (stage IA) and T1‐sized/VPI tumors (stage IB), respectively. The optimal extent of LNs dissection varied by VPI status, with T1‐sized/VPI tumors (stage IB) requiring a more extensive LNs dissection than T1‐sized/non‐VPI tumors (stage IA). These results might provide guidelines for surgical procedure in early stage NSCLC.
Crusted (Norwegian) scabies as a strong marker of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma in HTLV‐1 infection
Authors: Bimbi César , Brzezinski Piotr , Sokolowska‐Wojdylo Malgorzata
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

We present a rare case of crusted scabies in an human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) infected woman prior to onset of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). We highlight the importance of this rare form of scabies as a prediagnostic sign of ATL, requiring high suspicion and monitoring of possible symptoms for early detection of ATL.
Ultrasound and Sonochemistry for Radical Polymerization: Sound Synthesis
Authors: McKenzie Thomas G. , Karimi Fatemeh , Ashokkumar Muthupandian , Qiao Greg G.
Published: February 2019

The use of ultrasound as an external stimulus for promoting polymerization reactions has received increasing attention in recent years. In this Review article, the fundamental processes that can lead to either the homolytic cleavage of polymer chains, or the sonolysis of solvent (or other) small molecules, under the application of ultrasound are described. These reactions promote the production of reactive radicals, which can be utilized in chain‐growth radical polymerizations under the right conditions. A full historical overview of the development of ultrasound‐assisted radical polymerization is provided, with special attention given to the recently described systems that are “controlled” by methods of reversible (radical) deactivation. Perspectives are shared on what challenges still remain in polymer sonochemistry, as well as new areas that are yet to be explored.
The rationale, design, and methods of a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an active strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary embolism during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Jiménez David , Agustí Alvar , Monreal Manuel , Otero Remedios , Huisman Menno V. , Lobo José L. , Quezada Andrés , Jara‐Palomares Luis , Hernando Ascensión , Tabernero Eva , Marcos Pedro , Ruiz‐Artacho Pedro , Ballaz Aitor , Bertoletti Laurent , Couturaud Francis , Yusen Roger ,   on behalf of the SLICE investigators
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Some previous studies have suggested a high prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD). The SLICE trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of an active strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of PE (vs usual care) in patients hospitalized because of ECOPD.

Methods

SLICE is a phase III, prospective, international, multicenter, randomized, open‐label, and parallel‐group trial. A total of 746 patients hospitalized because of ECOPD will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive either an active strategy for the diagnosis and anticoagulant treatment of PE or usual care (ie, standard care without any diagnostic test for diagnosing PE). The primary outcome is a composite of all‐cause death, non‐fatal (recurrent) venous thromboembolism (VTE), or readmission for ECOPD within 90 days after enrollment. Secondary outcomes are (a) death from any cause within 90 days after enrollment, (b) non‐fatal (recurrent) VTE within 90 days after enrollment, (c) readmission within 90 days after enrollment, and (d) length of hospital stay.

Results

Enrollment started in September 2014 and is expected to proceed until 2020. Median age of the first 443 patients was 71 years (interquartile range, 64‐78), and 26% were female.

Conclusions

This multicenter trial will determine the value of detecting PEs in patients with ECOPD. This has implications for COPD patient morbidity and mortality.

Trial registration number: NCT02238639.
A randomized study to improve care for young women with breast cancer at community and academic medical oncology practices in the United States: The Young and Strong study
Authors: Partridge Ann H. , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Barry William T. , Greaney Mary L. , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Sprunck‐Harrild Kim M. , Rosenberg Shoshana M. , Baker Emily L. , Hoverman J. Russell , Emmons Karen M.
Published: February 2019

Background

The authors conducted a cluster randomized study to determine the effect of an exportable educational intervention for young women with breast cancer (YWI) on improving care.

Methods

Sites were randomized 1:1 to the YWI or a contact time control physical activity intervention (PAI) stratified by academic or community site. Up to 15 women aged ≤45 years with newly diagnosed breast cancer were enrolled at each of 14 academic sites and 10 were enrolled at each of 40 community sites. The primary endpoint, attention to fertility, was ascertained by medical record review. Statistical inferences concerning the effect of the intervention used general estimating equations for clustered data.

Results

A total of 467 patients across 54 sites were enrolled between July 2012 and December 2013. The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 40 years (range, 22‐45 years). Attention to fertility by 3 months was observed in 55% of patients in the YWI and 58% of patients in the PAI (P = .88). Rates were found to be strongly correlated with age (P < .0001), and were highest in patients aged <30 years. Attention to genetics was similar (80% in the YWI and 81% in the PAI), whereas attention to emotional health was higher in patients in the YWI (87% vs 76%; estimated odds ratio, 2.63 [95% confidence interval, 1.20‐5.76; P = .016]). Patients rated both interventions as valuable in providing education (64% in the YWI and 63% in the PAI).

Conclusions

The current study failed to demonstrate differences in attention to fertility with an intervention to improve care for women with breast cancer, although attention to fertility was found to be higher than expected in both groups and emotional health was improved in the YWI group. Greater attention to young women with breast cancer in general may promote more comprehensive care for this population.
Use of Population Pharmacokinetic Analyses Among FDA‐Approved Biologics
Authors: Ogasawara Ken , Alexander G. Caleb
Published: February 2019

Biologics, especially monoclonal antibodies, are increasingly important in the pharmaceutical marketplace. Population pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses could be useful to guide the need for dose adjustments among special populations, yet it is unknown how commonly such analyses are performed during biologics development. We summarized the characteristics of population PK models of biologics and examined their role in informing the drug labels. To do so, we extracted relevant characteristics of 86 biologics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research between 2003 and 2017. Ninety‐four percent of monoclonal antibodies (51 of 54 biologics), 75% of fusion proteins with Fc receptor (6 of 8 biologics), and 33% of other proteins (8 of 24 biologics) included population PK analyses. Of these analyses, approximately half (45%) used a 2‐compartment model with linear clearance as the base model structure. Body size was the most frequently included covariate in the final models (included in 94% of the 64 biologics in which covariate analysis was performed), although age (11%), sex (35%), race (26%), and renal function (27%) were also included in some models. In 70% to 90% of cases in which the effect of these covariates was examined, information regarding the effect of these on PK was included in the label. These results suggest that population PK analyses provide important information about the impact of intrinsic factors on the PK in the label of biologics by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Using Xenopus laevis Oocytes to Functionally Characterize Plant Transporters
Authors: Pike Sharon , Matthes Michaela S. , McSteen Paula , Gassmann Walter
Published: February 2019

Functionally characterizing plant membrane transport proteins is challenging. Typically, heterologous systems are used to study them. Immature eggs (oocytes) of the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis are considered an ideal expression system for such studies. These large oocytes have a low number of endogenous transport systems in their plasma membranes and highly express foreign mRNA; the oocyte plasma membrane is the default destination of integral membrane proteins that lack recognized organellar sorting signals. These features facilitate almost background‐free characterization of putative plant membrane transporters. Here we describe how to isolate Xenopus laevis oocytes, prepare capped sense RNA (cRNA) of the maize boron importer TASSEL‐LESS1 (TLS1) as an example, microinject the cRNA into the isolated oocytes, and functionally assess the boron import capabilities of TLS1 in an oocyte swelling assay. These protocols can be easily adapted to study other plant and non‐plant transporters with putative import function. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tandem Affinity Purification and Mass Spectrometry (TAP‐MS) for the Analysis of Protein Complexes
Authors: Adelmant Guillaume , Garg Brijesh K. , Tavares Maria , Card Joseph D. , Marto Jarrod A.
Published: February 2019

Affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry has become the technique of choice to identify binding partners in biochemical complexes isolated from a physiologic cellular context. In this report we detail our protocol for tandem affinity purification (TAP) primarily based on the use of the FLAG and HA peptide epitopes, with a particular emphasis on factors affecting yield and specificity, as well as steps to implement an automated version of the TAP procedure. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Study on the salivation effect of encapsulated food products containing Sichuan pepper oil
Authors: Ryo Koufuchi , Kaneko Mie , Takahashi Kei , Ono Hiroyuki , Ogasawara Tomohiko , Abe Michiro , Saito Ichiro
Published: February 2019

Sichuan pepper is a plant belonging to the genus Zanthoxylum and family rue. To evaluate whether Sichuan pepper oil boosts saliva secretion using an encapsulated food product containing the oil in subjects presenting with mouth dryness. We evaluated subjective symptoms that changed with a decrease in salivary secretion in the subjects by evaluating the number of Candida colonies and by conducting interviews. The study results demonstrated that salivary secretion increased by 39.4% ± 37.6% after single ingestion of the product, and an additional 8.7% ± 13.2% and 6.3% ± 31.2% following continuous ingestion over 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. These findings suggested that the product rapidly promotes and maintains salivation. Regarding the proliferation of Candida colonies in subjects with mouth dryness, a negative correlation was observed between Candida colony number and salivary secretion quantity. Additionally, interviews revealed that subjective symptoms, such as mouth dryness, discomfort and pain in the mouth, difficulty swallowing the saliva, and feeling of stickiness in the mouth, improved shortly after single ingestion of the product, and mouth dryness was reduced by continuous consumption of the product. These findings indicated that the product studied promotes rapid salivary secretion, is effective in reducing the number of oral Candida colonies, and improves subjective symptoms such as mouth dryness.
Physical, but not chemical, antiherbivore defense expression is related to the clustered spatial distribution of tropical trees in an Amazonian forest
Authors: Cobo‐Quinche Johanna , Endara María‐José , Valencia Renato , Muñoz‐Upegui Dolly , Cárdenas Rafael E.
Published: February 2019

The conspecific negative density dependence hypothesis states that mortality of young trees (seedlings and saplings) is higher near conspecific adults due to mechanisms such as allelopathy, intraspecific competition, and pest facilitation, explaining why in the tropics, most of plant species tend to be rare and live dispersed. However, there are some tree species that defy this expectation and grow in large clusters of conspecific juveniles and adults. We hypothesize that conspecifics living in clusters show higher and/or more variable defensive profiles than conspecifics with dispersed distributions.

We evaluated our hypothesis by assessing the expression of physical leaf traits (thickness, and the resistance to punch, tear and shear) and leaf chemical defenses for six clustered and six non‐clustered tree species in Yasuní National Park, Ecuadorian Amazon. We ask ourselves whether (a) clustered species have leaves with higher physical resistance to damage and more chemical defenses variability than non‐clustered species; (b) saplings of clustered species may show higher physical resistance to damage and higher variation on chemical leaf defenses than their conspecific adults, and (c) saplings of non‐clustered species show lower resistance to physical damage and lower variation in chemical defenses compared to conspecific adults.

Overall, our study did not support any of our hypotheses. Remarkably, we found that soluble metabolites were significantly species‐specific.

Our study suggests that plants physical but not chemical leaf antiherbivore defenses may be a crucial strategy for explaining survivorship of clustered species. Trees in Yasuní may also fall along a suite of tolerance/escape/defense strategies based on limitations of each species physiological constraints for survival and establishment. We conclude that other mechanisms, such as those related to indirect defenses, soil nutrient exploitation efficiency, volatile organic compounds, delayed leaf‐greening, and seed dispersal mechanisms, shall be evaluated to understand conspecific coexistence in this forest.
Urban colonization through multiple genetic lenses: The city‐fox phenomenon revisited
Authors: DeCandia Alexandra L. , Brzeski Kristin E. , Heppenheimer Elizabeth , Caro Catherine V. , Camenisch Glauco , Wandeler Peter , Driscoll Carlos , vonHoldt Bridgett M.
Published: February 2019

Urbanization is driving environmental change on a global scale, creating novel environments for wildlife to colonize. Through a combination of stochastic and selective processes, urbanization is also driving evolutionary change. For instance, difficulty in traversing human‐modified landscapes may isolate newly established populations from rural sources, while novel selective pressures, such as altered disease risk, toxicant exposure, and light pollution, may further diverge populations through local adaptation. Assessing the evolutionary consequences of urban colonization and the processes underlying them is a principle aim of urban evolutionary ecology. In the present study, we revisited the genetic effects of urbanization on red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) that colonized Zurich, Switzerland. Through use of genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellite markers linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), we expanded upon a previous neutral microsatellite study to assess population structure, characterize patterns of genetic diversity, and detect outliers associated with urbanization. Our results indicated the presence of one large evolutionary cluster, with substructure evident between geographic sampling areas. In urban foxes, we observed patterns of neutral and functional diversity consistent with founder events and reported increased differentiation between populations separated by natural and anthropogenic barriers. We additionally reported evidence of selection acting on MHC‐linked markers and identified outlier loci with putative gene functions related to energy metabolism, behavior, and immunity. We concluded that demographic processes primarily drove patterns of diversity, with outlier tests providing preliminary evidence of possible urban adaptation. This study contributes to our overall understanding of urban colonization ecology and emphasizes the value of combining datasets when examining evolutionary change in an increasingly urban world.
Lipopolysaccharide impacts murine CD103+ DC differentiation, altering the lung DC population balance
Authors: Brassard Julyanne , Maheux Catherine , Langlois Anick , Bernatchez Emilie , Marsolais David , Flamand Nicolas , Blanchet Marie‐Renee
Published: February 2019

Conventional DCs are a heterogeneous population that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems. The lung DC population comprises CD103+XCR1+ DC1s and CD11b+ DC2s; their various combined functions cover the whole spectrum of immune responses needed to maintain homeostasis. Here, we report that in vivo exposure to LPS leads to profound alterations in the proportions of CD103+XCR1+ DCs in the lung. Using ex vivo LPS and TNF stimulations of murine lung and spleen‐isolated DCs, we show that this is partly due to a direct downregulation of the GM‐CSF‐induced DC CD103 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that LPS‐induced systemic inflammation alters the transcriptional signature of DC precursors toward a lower capacity to differentiate into XCR1+ DCs. Also, we report that TNF prevents the capacity of pre‐DCs to express CD103 upon maturation. Overall, our results indicate that exposure to LPS directly impacts the capacity of pre‐DCs to differentiate into XCR1+ DCs, in addition to lowering their capacity to express CD103. This leads to decreased proportions of CD103+XCR1+ DCs in the lung, favoring CD11b+ DCs, which likely plays a role in the break in homeostasis following LPS exposure, and in determining the nature of the immune response to LPS.
Multiplexing microelectrodes for dielectrophoretic manipulation and electrical impedance measurement of single particles and cells in a microfluidic device
Authors: Geng Yangye , Zhu Zhen , Wang Yingying , Wang Yiyun , Ouyang Shuiping , Zheng Ke , Ye Wenbo , Fan Yimin , Wang Zixin , Pan Dejing
Published: February 2019

This work presents a microfluidic device, which was patterned with (i) microstructures for hydrodynamic capture of single particles and cells, and (ii) multiplexing microelectrodes for selective release via negative dielectrophoretic (nDEP) forces and electrical impedance measurements of immobilized samples. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to investigate the fluidic profiles within the microchannels during the hydrodynamic capture of particles and evaluate the performance of single‐cell immobilization. Results showed uniform distributions of velocities and pressure differences across all eight trapping sites. The hydrodynamic net force and the nDEP force acting on a 6 μm sphere were calculated in a 3D model. Polystyrene beads with difference diameters (6, 8, and 10 μm) and budding yeast cells were employed to verify multiple functions of the microfluidic device, including reliable capture and selective nDEP‐release of particles or cells and sensitive electrical impedance measurements of immobilized samples. The size of immobilized beads and the number of captured yeast cells can be discriminated by analyzing impedance signals at 1 MHz. Results also demonstrated that yeast cells can be immobilized at single‐cell resolution by combining the hydrodynamic capture with impedance measurements and nDEP‐release of unwanted samples. Therefore, the microfluidic device integrated with multiplexing microelectrodes potentially offers a versatile, reliable, and precise platform for single‐cell analysis.
New Naphthalene‐Based Polyimide as an Environment‐Friendly Organic Cathode Material for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Mumyatov Alexander V. , Shestakov Alexander F. , Dremova Nadezhda N. , Stevenson Keith J. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: February 2019

Organic carbonyl electrode materials have attracted considerable attention as high‐energy density electrode materials for environment‐friendly metal‐ion batteries comprising no heavy metals. The synthesis and investigation of a new electroactive carbonyl‐based polymer compound poly(naphthalene diimide‐alt‐benzoquinone) (NDI‐BQ) derived from 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride and 2,5‐diaminobenzoquinone are reported. The best NDI‐BQ//Li cells deliver practical capacity of 168 mAh g−1, which is higher than the generally achieved capacity for the most common inorganic materials such as LiFePO4 or LiCoO2. Considering the fact that practical capacity represents just ≈50% of the theoretical value for NDI‐BQ, there is a considerable potential for further improvements via multiparametric optimization of the cathode composition, morphology, and deposition technology.
A nonorthogonal cooperative scheme for multiuser CRN using probabilistic interference constraint
Authors: Ahmed Ashfaq , Ali Mudassar , Naeem Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad , Pareek Udit , Khan Adnan Ahmed
Published: February 2019

The predicted exponential increase in data traffic for future 5G networks demands for increased wireless spectrum capacity. The unlicensed spectrum bands are overburdened, whereas the licensed spectrum bands are underutilized. Cognitive radio systems (CRSs) can solve the problem of spectrum scarcity by allowing the reuse of the underutilized licensed spectrum bands. However, efficient resource allocation schemes in CRS are inevitable before we can reap the benefits of CRS. In this article, we have formulated an optimization problem for multiuser cooperative CRS, which considers relay selection and power allocation to maximize the sum capacity of the system. The optimization problem is a mixed‐integer nonlinear program, and deriving its optimal solution is extremely difficult. Therefore, we propose an iterative joint multiple relay selection and power allocation (IJRSPA) algorithm for multiuser CRSs. The proposed IJRSPA has low computational complexity, and simulation results verify its effectiveness.
A nonlinear interval number programming algorithm for CO2 pipeline transportation design under uncertainties
Authors: Tian Qunhong , Zhao Dongya , Wang Jiafeng , Li Zhaomin
Published: February 2019

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology includes three sub‐systems of CO2 capture: transportation, utilization, and storage. Pipeline transportation is the middle link of CCUS, and its optimization is closely connected with the other two sub‐systems. However, technical and economic parameter uncertainties strongly affect the optimal pipeline cost, which creates a need for flexibility in pipeline design. To solve the flexible optimization design problem in CO2 pipeline transportation, this paper proposes an interval number optimization algorithm. Average levelized cost and system robustness are given as the optimization objectives. A two‐objective, two‐level, two‐step optimization problem is established and solved using a quantum genetic algorithm (QGA). The proposed interval number optimization algorithm makes the optimization process with good decision space, the decision makers can flexibly make decisions based on experimental analysis and subjective preference, and the designed pipeline transportation is flexible and can be combined with the optimization of the other sub‐systems. It can also attain the goal of coordination and unification of CCUS optimization. Numerical studies show that the proposed method can solve the flexible optimization problem effectively in the presence of uncertainties. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cenozoic subsidence history of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, northern South China Sea
Authors: Ma Ming , Liu Chiyang , Qi Jiafu , Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Shaohua , Wang Jianqiang , Miao Quanyun
Published: February 2019

In order to study the subsidence characteristics, temporal–spatial variation, and their controlling factors of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, we have calculated and mapped 34 wells' subsidence via 1‐D backstripping method, from which 12 typical wells have been selected as a sample to compare. Three typical profiles also have been chosen to compile subsidence evolution profiles by 2‐D backstripping method. All wells were synthesized as the holistic subsidence of the whole basin. The results indicate that the holistic subsidence of the basin can be divided into three episodes: The first one was Eocene with the mean total subsidence rate of 85 m/Ma; the second episode was from Oligocene to Middle Miocene with the mean total subsidence rate of 146 m/Ma; and the third episode was from Late Miocene up to present, and its mean total subsidence rate was 104 m/Ma. It is a common phenomenon that variation of subsidence and evolution existing in different units during the same period as well as different periods in the same unit. According to the distribution of subsidence rate in the plane, the basin can be divided into three zones from east to west and several belts in the same zone from north to south for each period. The variant change of subsidence evolution is related to the phase of basin evolution and structural characteristics. The holistic subsidence of the whole basin is controlled by basin dynamics, and the temporal–spatial variation of subsidence is affected by both basin dynamics and structural framework.
Psychosis symptoms in nursing home residents with and without dementia—Cross‐sectional analyses from the COSMOS study
Authors: Habiger Torstein F. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Flo Elisabeth , Husebo Bettina S.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate the characteristics of nursing home residents with psychosis and the association with potential underlying factors, such as pain, sleep disturbances, and antipsychotic medication.

Method

Five hundred forty‐five residents with and without dementia from 67 Norwegian nursing home units were included in the cross‐sectional analyses. Psychosis was the main outcome measure in our study; other outcome measures include quality of life (QoL), activities of daily living (ADL) function, cognitive function, pain, and antipsychotic medication.

Results

One hundred twelve residents had one or more symptoms of psychosis, and compared with residents without psychosis, they had lower QoL (p < 0.001), ADL function (p = 0.003), and cognitive functioning (p = 0.001). Adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that psychosis was associated with the prevalence of pain (OR: 3.19; 95% CI, 1.94‐5.24), sleep disturbances (OR: 4.51; 95% CI, 2.91‐6.99), and total number of medication (OR: 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.17). Residents with psychosis but without antipsychotic medication had better QoL (p = 0.005) compared with residents receiving any antipsychotics.

Conclusion

Psychosis in NH residents is associated with pain, sleep disturbances, and number of medications. Residents with psychosis have poor QoL, although better QoL was observed among those who did not use antipsychotic medication.
A candidate gene study of risk for dementia in older, postmenopausal women: Results from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study
Authors: Driscoll Ira , Snively Beverly M. , Espeland Mark A. , Shumaker Sally A. , Rapp Stephen R. , Goveas Joseph S. , Casanova Ramon L. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Manson JoAnn E. , Rossom Rebecca , Brooks Janet , Hernandez Dena G. , Singleton Andrew B. , Resnick Susan M.
Published: February 2019

Objective

While a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or cognitive impairment have been identified, independent replications remain the only way to validate proposed signals. We investigated SNPs in candidate genes associated with either cognitive impairment or AD pathogenesis and their relationships with probable dementia (PD) in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS).

Methods

We analyzed 96 SNPs across five genes (APOE/TOMM40, BDNF, COMT, SORL1, and KIBRA) in 2857 women (ages ≥65) from the WHIMS randomized trials of hormone therapy using a custom Illumina GoldenGate assay; 19% of the sample were MCI (N = 165) or PD (N = 387), and the remaining 81% were free of cognitive impairment. SNP associations were evaluated for PD in non‐Hispanic whites adjusting for age and HT using logistic regression under an additive genetic model.

Results

One SNP (rs157582), located in the TOMM40 gene nearby APOE, was associated with the PD phenotype based on a P value accounting for multiple comparisons. An additional 12 SNPs were associated with the PD phenotype at P ≤ 0.05 (APOE: rs405509, rs439401; TOMM40: rs8106922, and KIBRA: rs4320284, rs11740112, rs10040267, rs13171394, rs6555802, rs2241368, rs244904, rs6555805, and rs10475878). Results of the sensitivity analyes excluding MCI were similar, with addition of COMT rs737865 and BDNF rs1491850 (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results in older women provide supporting evidence that the APOE/TOMM40 genes confer dementia risk and extend these findings to COMT, BDNF, and KIBRA. Our findings may lead to a better understanding of the role these genes play in cognition and cognitive impairment.
Marked responses to pemetrexed chemotherapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland: Case series
Authors: Viscuse Paul V. , Price Katharine
Published: February 2019

Background

There are no proven systemic therapies for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands. Pemetrexed use in adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands has not been previously described.

Methods

Retrospective case reports and literature review.

Results

Two patients with metastatic salivary gland adenocarcinoma were treated with single‐agent pemetrexed with marked response and clinical benefit. Case 1 describes a sustained clinical response for 8 months after failing several lines of chemotherapy. Case 2 describes a marked interval response of diffuse metastatic disease at 2 months with resolution of bone pain and sustained response at 8 months.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of efficacy of single‐agent pemetrexed for metastatic salivary gland adenocarcinoma. Given the significant and sustained responses in heavily pretreated patients, further investigation of pemetrexed for salivary cancer may be warranted.
Developing case‐finding algorithms for second events of oropharyngeal cancer using administrative data: A population‐based validation study
Authors: Xu Yuan , Kong Shiying , Cheung Winson Y. , Quan May Lynn , Nakoneshny Steven C. , Dort Joseph C.
Published: February 2019

Background

Second event (recurrence or second primary cancer)‐free survival is an important indicator for assessing treatment efficacy. However, second events are not explicitly documented in administrative data such as cancer registries. Thus, validated algorithms using administrative data are needed to identify second events of oropharyngeal cancers.

Methods

The algorithms were developed using classification and regression tree models. Data from chart review served as the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated.

Results

The high‐sensitivity algorithm achieved 87.9% (95% confidence interval: 82.2%‐93.6%) sensitivity, 84.5% (81.1%‐87.8%) specificity, 61.2% (54.1%‐68.4%) PPV, 96.2% (94.2%‐98.1%) NPV, and 85.2% (82.3%‐88.1%) accuracy. The high‐PPV algorithm obtained 52.4% (43.6%‐61.2%) sensitivity, 99.1% (98.2%‐100.0%) specificity, 94.2% (88.7%‐99.7%) PPV, 88.2% (85.3%‐91.0%) NPV, and 88.9% (86.3%‐91.5%) accuracy.

Conclusion

The validity of the algorithms for identifying second events following primary treatment of oropharyngeal cancers was acceptable.
Invisible partners in care: Snapshot of well‐being among caregivers receiving comprehensive support from Veterans Affairs
Authors: Miller Katherine E. M. , Lindquist Jennifer H. , Olsen Maren K. , Smith Valerie , Voils Corrine I. , Oddone Eugene Z. , Sperber Nina R. , Shepherd‐Banigan Megan , Wieland G. Darryl , Henius Jennifer , Kabat Margaret , Van Houtven Courtney Harold
Published: February 2019

Background and aims

Since May 2011, over 23 000 caregivers of Veterans seriously injured on or after September 11, 2001 have enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). PCAFC provides caregivers training, a stipend, and access to health care. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of caregivers in PCAFC and examine associations between caregiver characteristics and caregiver well‐being outcomes.

Methods

We sent a web survey invitation to 10 000 PCAFC caregivers enrolled as of September 2015. Using linear and logistic regressions, we examine associations between PCAFC caregiver characteristics and caregiver outcomes: perceived financial strain, depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CESD‐10]), perceived quality of Veteran's Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care, and self‐reported caregiver health.

Results

We had complete survey data for 899 respondents. Since becoming a caregiver, approximately 50% of respondents reported reducing or stopping work. Mean time spent providing care was 3.8 years (median 3, IQR 1‐5) with an average of 4.9 weekdays (median 5, IQR 5‐5) and 1.9 weekend days (median 2, IQR 2‐2). The mean CESD‐10 score was 8.2 (median 7, 4‐12), at the cutoff for screening positive for depressive symptoms. A longer duration of caregiving was associated with having 0.08 increase in rating of financial strain (95% CI, 0.02‐0.14). Caregiver rating of the Veteran's health status as “fair” or better was a strong predictor of better caregiver outcomes, ie, self‐reported caregiver health. However, higher levels of education were associated with worse caregiver outcomes, ie, lower global satisfaction with VHA care, higher CESD‐10 score, and higher rating of financial strain.

Conclusions

Higher depressive symptoms among longer duration caregivers, coupled with high rates of reductions in hours worked, suggest interventions are needed to address the long‐term emotional and financial needs of these caregivers of post‐9/11 Veterans and identify subpopulations at risk for worse outcomes.
A retrospective cohort study of fetal assessment following preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Tepper Jared , Corelli Kathryn , Navathe Reshama , Smith Stephen , Baxter Jason K.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes following management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) by two fetal assessment strategies.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study performed at two hospitals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between July 2010 and June 2015, data were reviewed from 180 singleton pregnancies with PPROM at 230–336 weeks of gestation that underwent expectant management. Outcomes were compared between continuous electronic fetal heart monitoring (EFM) with daily biophysical profile (BPP) (“continuous monitoring”) and non‐stress test (NST) three times per day (“periodic monitoring”) using Mann‐Whitney U and Fisher exact tests.

Results

Overall, 119 (66.1%) pregnancies were assessed by continuous monitoring and 61 (33.9%) by periodic monitoring. There was no difference in frequency of intrauterine death between the continuous monitoring (1, 0.8%) and periodic monitoring (3, 4.9%) groups (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02–1.61). The continuous monitoring group was more likely to have an interventional (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.06–4.44) or cesarean (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.70–6.38) delivery.

Conclusion

Continuous EFM with daily BPP was associated with higher rates of intervention and cesarean delivery compared with periodic NST, but there was no difference in intrauterine or perinatal mortality.
Influence of Field Water Management by Land Consolidation in Paddy Field Zone in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Koshiyama Naoko
Published: February 2019

The decrease in food supply capability due to the ageing and the reduction of numbers of farmers has been a concern all over Japan in recent years. As a countermeasure by the government, improvement of the agricultural infrastructure has been carried out to concentrate farmland for core farmers and to realize highly profitable agriculture. Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and one of the country's major agricultural zones. Hokkaido's groundwater level control system has been developed in conjunction with land consolidation. Transplanting culture, whereby seedlings are transplanted in a paddy field, is the mainstream technique in Japan. On the other hand, the rate of direct seeding culture, which is advantageous for labour saving as it makes the work of raising seedlings unnecessary, has been increasing. However, variation of paddy rice culture methods will cause changes in water demand. In order to allocate a stable and equitable water use, it is necessary to grasp the basic characteristics of the irrigation plan in the region in the future. This paper introduces an outline of land consolidation in the paddy rice zone in Hokkaido and sets out the factors that have caused the change in field water management. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diarrhea With HER2‐Targeted Agents in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Jing
Published: February 2019

To fully investigate the diarrhea of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐targeted agents in cancer patients. The relevant studies of the randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) in cancer patients treated with HER2‐targeted agents were retrieved, and the systematic evaluation was conducted. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched for articles published until August 2018. Forty‐two RCTs and 21 633 patients were included. The current meta‐analysis suggested that the use of HER2‐targeted agents significantly increases the risk of developing all‐grade diarrhea (RR, 2.78; 95%CI, 2.37‐3.25; P < .00001) and high‐grade diarrhea (RR, 4.89; 95%CI, 3.09‐7.75; P < .00001). The RRs of all‐grade diarrhea and high‐grade diarrhea varied significantly according to drug type, control group, and treatment regimen. The RR of all‐grade diarrhea varied significantly according to tumor type. Afatinib and neratinib tended to associate with the highest risk of all‐grade diarrhea and high‐grade diarrhea, respectively. Trastuzumab was associated with the lowest risk of diarrhea. Breast cancer patients tended to have a higher risk of all‐grade diarrhea than patients with nonbreast cancer when receiving a HER2‐targeted agent. The available data suggested that the use of HER2‐targeted agents is associated with a significantly increased risk of diarrhea in cancer patients.
An examination of the factors contributing to the expansion of subspecialty genetic counseling
Authors: Haverbusch Victoria C. E. , Heise Elizabeth M. , Foreman Ann Katherine M. , Callanan Nancy P.
Published: February 2019

In recent years, genetic counselors have moved into increasingly varied areas of patient care. Yet limited information is known about how these genetic counselors transitioned from more general clinical practice to subspecialized practice. This study was designed to answer three research questions: (1) What common factors establish a need for a genetic counselor in a subspecialty setting? (2) How do genetic counselors in subspecialties establish their positions? (3) Once established, how do the positions of these genetic counselors evolve as the subspecialty expands? Phone interviews with subspecialized genetic counselors led to the development of an online survey distributed through the National Society of Genetic Counselors ListServ. Sixty‐eight of the 144 initial participants met eligibility criteria for participation as subspecialty genetic counselors in a clinical role. Physician interest in hiring a genetic counselor, clinical need, genetic counselor interest in subspecialty area, and available genetic testing were commonly reported as contributing factors to position creation. Most subspecialty genetic counseling positions were created as new positions, rather than evolved from a previous position. Over time, subspecialty positions drew more departmental funding and included increased clinical coordination or administrative responsibilities. The results of this study can encourage genetic counselors to collaborate with their medical institutions to utilize their skill‐set in diverse areas of patient care.
An Efficient One‐Pot, Multicomponent, and Green Solvent Protocol for the Synthesis of Dihydropyridine Derivatives
Authors: Reddy Guda Mallikarjuna , Raul Garcia Jarem , Reddy Nemallapudi Bakthavatchala , V. Zyryanov Grigoriy , Yuvaraja Gutha
Published: February 2019

Highly prominent dihydropyridine analogs have been developed and screened for their yields by using different catalysts under eco‐friendly ethanol solvent condition. Triethylamine catalyst was identified as ro bust catalyst for this synthetic path. The key benefits of this procedure are environmentally benign procedure, mild reaction conditions, simplicity of operation, high yields, mild reaction period, and decent substrate generality.