bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium‐catalysed room‐temperature Suzuki–Miyaura coupling in water extract of pomegranate ash, a bio‐derived sustainable and renewable medium
Authors: Appa Rama Moorhy , Prasad S. Siva , Lakshmidevi Jangam , Naidu Bandameeda Ramesh , Narasimhulu Manchala , Venkateswarlu Katta
Published: July 2019

An agro waste‐derived, ‘water extract of pomegranate ash’ (WEPA), has been utilized for the first time as a renewable medium for Pd(OAc)2‐catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling at room temperature. This method offers a simple and sustainable synthesis of biaryls from aryl halides and arylboronic acids under ligand‐ and external base‐free aerobic and ambient conditions. This method has been found effective for both activated and unactivated aryl halides in the production of biaryls with moderate to nearly quantitative yields. The protocol shows high chemoselectivity over identical/similar reactive sites in aryl halides (i.e. selectivity over identical halogens or different halogens of aryl halides). This method exhibits high regioselectivity, i.e. the selective reactivity of a halogen over other identical halogens at different positions on the aromatic nucleus. Therefore, we disclose here a clean, benign, substantial chemo‐ and regioselective and highly economic alternative method for the palladium‐assisted synthesis of biaryls using an agro waste‐derived medium.
Self‐assembling structure formation in low‐density magnetoactive polymers
Authors: Sindersberger Dirk , Prem Nina , Monkman Gareth J.
Published: July 2019

The formation of microstructures in magnetoactive polymers (MAPs) is a recently discovered phenomenon found only with very low filler particle concentrations (less than 3 wt %). Due to the degassing process, filler particles collect around an ascending bubble, which dissolves at a certain point leaving particulate rings within the matrix. The formation of toroidal microstructures commences as filler concentration approaches 1 wt %. The development of coherent parallel aligned rings with a compact order continues as particle concentrations increase toward 2 wt %. Between 2 and 3 wt % capillary doublets develop, while mass percentages higher than 3% result in increasing entropy as the random order of particle agglomeration found in higher concentration MAP dominates. Self‐structured samples of different filler material and concentrations between 1 and 3 wt % have been investigated using X‐ray tomography, where the emerging structures can be observed and visualized. The ring structures resulting from this research represent microinductivities which can be fabricated in a targeted manner, thus enabling new applications in the high‐frequency radio field. Furthermore, these anisotropic, but well‐organized, structures have magnetic field‐dependent implications for optical, thermal, acoustic, and medical applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48291.
Invasive silver carp may compete with unionid mussels for algae: First experimental evidence
Authors: Tristano Elizabeth P. , Coulter Alison A. , Newton Teresa J. , Garvey James E.
Published: July 2019

Unionid mussels are imperilled throughout the US, where their global diversity is highest. Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1844), an invasive planktivorous fish, has spread throughout Midwestern rivers and currently threatens the Great Lakes. Because silver carp remove plankton and other particles from the water column, they may compete with mussels for food resources. This would be among the first examples of a direct competitive interaction between fish and mussels.

To examine the potential for competition, a 30 day tank experiment was performed with 2 year old fatmucket mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea Barnes, 1823) and age‐1 silver carp in three treatments: fatmucket only, silver carp only and fatmucket + silver carp. All tanks were given a commercial algal‐based diet daily and dry mass of suspended particles (an estimate of available food) and NH4, NO3 and NO2 concentrations were quantified every 5 days to track food availability and changes in nutrients. Initial and final silver carp total length (mm) and mass (g), and fatmucket length (mm), height (mm) and surface area (cm2) were measured.

Survival was 100% over the test duration for both species. Fatmucket grew less in the fatmucket + silver carp treatment, whereas silver carp growth was undetectable regardless of treatment. Fatmucket also exhibited increased movement in the presence of silver carp. Suspended particles did not differ among treatments. Dissolved nitrogen concentrations were higher in the silver carp treatments, suggesting that silver carp increase nutrient availability in aquatic systems.

Overall, the slower growth rates observed in the fatmucket + silver carp treatment compared with the mussel‐only treatment suggest exploitative competition between invasive planktivorous silver carp and fatmucket, and this competition may contribute to additional stress on already imperilled mussels.
Metabolomics‐based pathway changes in testis fragments treated with ethinylestradiol in vitro
Authors: Sun Jinchun , Beger Richard D. , Sloper Daniel T. , Nakamura Noriko
Published: July 2019

Background

There is a need to develop in vitro models to test drugs and chemicals that induce toxicity in the male reproductive system. We have evaluated an in vitro mouse testis organ culture model capable of producing viable, fertilization‐proven sperm as a possible toxicity test model. Although this in vitro model was limited to round spermatid differentiation, histopathology observations could still be performed. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis (LC/MS)‐based metabolomics was used to measure metabolome changes of chemically treated in vitro testis fragments.

Methods

On Postnatal Day 5, C57BL/6J mouse testes were divided into four fragments, which were placed onto a 1.5% agarose gel cube and cultured in α‐MEM including 0.4% AlbuMAX I (Day 0). On Day 1 of culture, testis fragments were treated with 0 (control), 0.01, or 1 nM ethinylestradiol (EE). On Day 20 of culture, the testis fragments were collected for LC/MS and histology analysis.

Results

Several metabolites involved in glycogen metabolism and glycolysis pathways (uridine diphosphate‐glucose, glucose phosphate, and pyruvate), in the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway (oxaloacetate and aspartate), and in the arginine and proline metabolism (arginine and spermine) were significantly altered in the 1 nM EE treated group compared to the control group. The metabolite changes were associated with an increase in percentage of seminiferous tubules with round spermatids as well as dose‐dependent dead cells.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that EE treatment may cause testicular toxicity by affecting glycogen metabolism and energy pathways. To confirm these findings, further experiments will be necessary using other testicular toxicants.
SIMCAN: A simulator to improve the learning of distributed and high‐performance computing systems in engineering degrees
Authors: Núñez Alberto , Mañoso Carolina , de Madrid Ángel P. , Pickin Simon
Published: July 2019

Distributed systems programming (DSP) is an important subject in the Computer Engineering undergraduate degree. The use of a version of the SIMCAM simulator adapted to the educational context enabled our DSP students to exercise important facets of DSP that are otherwise difficult or impossible to incorporate in student activities. Analyzing and quantifying the assumed benefits of this educational intervention on student learning enables us to better adapt such interventions to student needs. To investigate the impact on student learning of this novel use of a simulator we analyze both the course‐assessment results and the constructors of the technology acceptance model, the latter via an initial survey of student perceptions carried out at the beginning of the course and another carried out after completing the simulator‐based assignment. We observe, in particular, an improvement in the overall grades between the target year and those of the year previous to the simulator introduction. Moreover, other statistical findings are also of interest.
Lay theories and consumer perceptions of dietary supplements
Authors: Homer Pamela Miles , Mukherjee Sayantani
Published: July 2019

Consumers lack awareness and concern of potential adverse reactions, interactions, and inappropriate usage associated with dietary supplements. The lack of strict governmental regulation of supplements accompanied by consumers' lack of knowledge often results in them relying on ordinary lay (naïve) beliefs and theories when making supplement‐based decisions. We use an accessibility–diagnosticity framework to explore the impact of lay theories/beliefs on consumers' perceptions and judgments of dietary supplements. Two experiments prime two lay theories relevant to dietary supplement decision making: “less is more” (LIM: Study 1) and “no‐pain no‐gain” (NPNG: Study 2). Supplement form (single‐ vs. multi‐ingredient) is also manipulated in both studies, and Study 2 includes a Food and Drug Administration disclaimer intervention. Findings show that when a LIM lay theory is primed (Study 1), supplement form is a diagnostic cue. Specifically, consumers perceive that multi‐ingredient supplements possess more severe adverse side effects compared with single‐ingredient supplements. In the presence of an NPNG mindset (Study 2), supplement form was not diagnostic in the decision process, and a disclaimer intervention that draws attention to the lack of government regulation and testing of supplements was ineffective at influencing perceived side effect severity and attitude. The data confirm that lay theories impact dietary supplement decision making and that the observed effects are consistent with an accessibility–diagnosticity framework. Implications for public policy are also discussed.
“Acute onset tetraplegia associated with immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia and suspected secondary intraspinal hemorrhage in a dog”
Authors: Lee Jasmine S. , Bellis Tara Jane , Yoskowitz Adam S. , Levitin Boaz
Published: July 2019

Neurologic manifestations of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia are uncommon, and limited reports exist in human and veterinary medicine. This report documents acute onset of tetraplegia in a dog with immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia and suspected secondary intraspinal hemorrhage with subsequent recovery of neurologic function following treatment.
Binary Pd−Ni Nanoalloy Particles over Carbon Support with Superior Alkaline Formate Fuel Electrooxidation Performance
Authors: Sankar Sasidharan , Anilkumar Gopinathan M. , Tamaki Takanori , Yamaguchi Takeo
Published: July 2019

Formate is the one legitimate carbon‐neutral fuel that has the capability of being considered an alternative to alcohol fuels amidst the growing demand for efficient fuel‐cell systems. In this manuscript, we demonstrate, for the first time, a class of binary Pd−Ni alloy nanoparticles over two different carbon supports showing exceptional enhancement of the formate oxidation reaction (FOR) performance in alkaline medium, compared to Pd/C. The synergistic effects of Pd and oxophilic Ni along with the electronic structure alteration of Pd induced through alloying resulted in an effective change in its catalytic ability, leading to a 5‐time enhancement in the overall current density along with a lower overpotential during formate oxidation compared to Pd/C. The more active Pd catalytic sites of the nanoalloy helped to yield mass activities as high as 4.5 A mg−1Pd and 7.8 A mg−1Pd during FOR. The structural and electrochemical analysis justifies the synergistic effects and alterations in the Pd lattice ensuing a superior enhancement of electrochemically active Pd sites.
Optimizing FeNC Materials as Electrocatalysts for the CO2 Reduction Reaction: Heat‐Treatment Temperature, Structure and Performance Correlations
Authors: González‐Cervantes Eduardo , Crisóstomo Anaí Arellano , Gutiérrez‐Alejandre Aída , Varela Ana Sofía
Published: July 2019

The direct CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR) into carbon‐based chemicals has attracted tremendous attention as a sustainable process for CO2 utilization. The viability of the process, however, is contingent on finding efficient catalysts based on earth abundant elements. Carbon‐based solid catalyst materials doped with nitrogen and transition metals (M−N−C) have emerged as a cost‐efficient alternative for the direct electrochemical reduction of CO2 into CO. These materials contain different N functionalities and MNx moieties which could be involved in the catalytic process. With the aim of gaining insight into the role of these different active sites and how to control their concentration we have prepared 5 polyaniline derived FeNC catalysts by changing the temperature of the heat treatment (750–1050 °C). We observed that it is possible to tune the ratio of the different N functionalities by changing the pyrolysis temperature. Furthermore, this had a clear impact on the catalytic performance of this family of FeNC materials. In particular, a higher temperature correlated with a larger FeNx concentration resulting in a high selectivity toward the CO2RR. These results indicate that FeNx moieties play a predominant role in the catalytic process and that the incorporation of such sites to the carbon structure is enhanced by the heat‐treatment temperature.
Effect of Carbon Support on the Electrocatalytic Properties of Pt−Ru Catalysts
Authors: Hasa Bjorn , Martino Eftychia , Vakros John , Trakakis George , Galiotis Costas , Katsaounis Alexandros
Published: July 2019

In this study, we explore the effect of carbon support on the performance of anodic electrodes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Pt−Ru catalysts supported on different carbon materials were synthesized by wet impregnation method and characterized by means of Raman, XRD, TEM, and N2 adsorption analysis. The electrocatalytic activity of the prepared catalysts was studied during hydrogen oxidation reaction experiments (HOR) as well as during the operation of a fuel cell using pure H2, and H2‐carbon monoxide anode feeding. The results show that the crystalline phase and the point of zero charge (pzc) of the carbon supports play an important role in the metal particle size and consequently in the catalyst electrocatalytic activity. Carbon supports with amorphous phase and high values of pzc, result in catalysts with large metal particle size leading to low electrocatalytic activity. On the other hand, using graphene derivative or carbon nanotubes (CNT) in different catalysts generates smaller metal particle size which results in higher electrocatalytic activity.
Surface Modification of Tin Dioxide via (Bi, S) Co‐Doping for Photoelectrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Formate
Authors: Li Yupeng , Yang Huimin , Hu Xueyan , Tian Haoyang , Gao Mengting , Zhang Dingding , Li Zhifang , Yang Donghua
Published: July 2019

Photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into useful fuels is a promising approach in terms of climate challenge and energy crisis. In this paper, a novel SnO2‐based catalyst doped with bismuth (Bi) and sulfur (S) was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method for photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2. The as‐prepared catalyst demonstrates higher catalytic capability for CO2, in which the faradaic efficiency of formate reaches 55.6 % at an overpotential as low as ∼360 mV and the maximum current density is close to 9.33 mA.cm−2 at −1.4 vs Ag/AgCl with the doping ratio of 3 %, which is three times higher than pure SnO2. Meanwhile, the catalyst is more easily excited by visible light to reduce CO2 due to the narrowing of band gap. The notable electrocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction may be attributed to the defect caused by doping of Bi3+ and S2− into the lattice structure by replacing, respectively, Sn4+ and O2−. The catalyst may provide a novel strategy to promote the development of electrochemical reduction of CO2.
A High‐Throughput Screening Method to Identify Compounds Displaying Human Vascular Embryonic Toxicity
Authors: Rosa Susana , Pitrez Patrícia , Fernandes Hugo , Ferreira Lino
Published: July 2019

This article describes a screening platform to identify compounds that affect human embryonic vascular development. The procedure comprises the generation of human embryonic‐like endothelial cells (ECs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and subsequent maturation under arterial flow conditions; the use of these cells for the high‐throughput screening of small molecules that specifically inhibit the survival of embryonic‐like ECs; the confirmation of the hits in embryonic‐like ECs cultured under flow shear stress; and final validation in mouse embryonic ECs. The embryonic‐like ECs express embryonic genes including DLL1, EPHB2, LYN, TEK, ID1, NRP2, CAST, FLT1, IGF1, DKK3, NIN, LEF1, and SORBS3. The entire screening procedure (without the validation step) can be completed within 1 month. This platform is an alternative/complement to standard animal protocols for assessing the effects of chemicals on embryonic vascular development. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantum Dot Based Solar Cells: Role of Nanoarchitectures, Perovskite Quantum Dots, and Charge‐Transporting Layers
Authors: Shaikh Jasmin S. , Shaikh Navajsharif S. , Mali Sawanta S. , Patil Jyoti V. , Beknalkar Sonali A. , Patil Akhilesh P. , Tarwal N. L. , Kanjanaboos Pongsakorn , Hong Chang Kook , Patil Pramod S.
Published: July 2019

Quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) are attractive technology for commercialization, owing to various advantages, such as cost effectiveness, and require relatively simple device fabrication processes. The properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), such as band gap energy, optical absorption, and carrier transport, can be effectively tuned by modulating their size and shape. Two types of architectures of QDSCs have been developed: 1) photoelectric cells (PECs) fabricated from QDs sensitized on nanostructured TiO2, and 2) photovoltaic cells fabricated from a Schottky junction and heterojunction. Different types of semiconductor QDs, such as a secondary, ternary, quaternary, and perovskite semiconductors, are used for the advancement of QDSCs. The major challenge in QDSCs is the presence of defects in QDs, which lead to recombination reactions and thereby limit the overall performance of the device. To tackle this problem, several strategies, such as the implementation of a passivation layer over the QD layer and the preparation of core–shell structures, have been developed. This review covers aspects of QDSCs that are essential to understand for further improvement in this field and their commercialization.
Cytological features of breast implant‐associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in pleural effusion
Authors: D'Alessandris Nicoletta , Lucatelli Pierleone , Tripodi Domenico , Amabile Maria Ida , Ascoli Valeria
Published: July 2019

Breast implant‐associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA‐ALCL) is a very rare CD30‐positive ALK‐negative T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma included as a provisional entity in the 2017 WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms. BIA‐ALCL arises as proliferating cells over the surface of the implant. It is generally an indolent disease if confined within the fibrous capsule. In contrast, mass and/or infiltration beyond the capsule is much more aggressive. This report describes a case of infiltrative BIA‐ALCL with massive pleural effusion containing hallmark BIA‐ALCL cells showing the characteristic morphologic appearance of high‐grade anaplastic lymphoma, CD30‐positive but ALK‐negative with variable staining for T‐cell antigens. Detailed cytological features of BIA‐ALCL in pleural fluid are described along with the results of a literature search performed for BIA‐ALCL cases with pleural effusion. This report expands the spectrum of BIA‐ALCL pathology to include chest wall involvement and pleural effusion.
Herbivorous fish rise as a destructive fishing practice falls in an Indonesian marine national park
Authors: Bejarano Sonia , Pardede Shinta , Campbell Stuart J. , Hoey Andrew S. , Ferse Sebastian C. A.
Published: July 2019

Securing ecosystem functions is challenging, yet common priority in conservation efforts. While marine parks aim to meet this challenge by regulating fishing through zoning plans, their effectiveness hinges on compliance levels and may respond to changes in fishing practices. Here we use a speciose assemblage of nominally herbivorous reef fish in Karimunjawa National Park (zoned since 1989) to investigate whether areas subject to a restrictive management regime sustained higher biomass over seven years compared to areas where moderate and permissive regulations apply. Using a trait‐based approach we characterize the functional space of the entire species pool and ask whether changes in biomass translate into changes in functional structure. We track changes in predator biomass, benthic community structure, and fishing practices that could influence herbivore trajectories. Overall herbivore biomass doubled in 2012 compared to 2006–2009 and remained high in 2013 across all management regimes. We found no evidence that this biomass build‐up resulted from predator depletion or increased food availability but suggest it emerged in response to a park‐wide cessation of fishing with large drive nets known as muroami. The biomass increase was accompanied by a modest increase in taxonomic richness and a slight decrease in community‐scale rarity that did not alter functional redundancy levels. Subtle changes in both functional specialization and identity of assemblages emerged as generalist species with low intrinsic vulnerability to fishing recovered sooner than more vulnerable specialists. While this implies a recovery of mechanisms responsible for the grazing of algal turfs and detritus, restoring other facets of herbivory (e.g., macroalgal consumption) may require more time. An increase in the cost‐benefit ratio per journey of muroami fishing facilitated a ban on muroami nets that met minimal resistance. Similar windows of opportunity may emerge elsewhere in which gear‐based regulations can supplement zoning plans, especially when compliance is low. This does not advocate for implementing such regulations once a fishery has become unprofitable. Rather, it underlines their importance for breaking the cycle of resource depletion and low compliance to zoning, thus alleviating the resulting threats to food security and ecosystem integrity.
Persistence and turnover in desert plant communities during a 37‐yr period of land use and climate change
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Guida Ross J. , Roberts Chris L. , Norman Carrie M. , Holland James S.
Published: July 2019

Understanding long‐term changes in ecological communities during global change is a priority for 21st‐century ecology. Deserts, already at climatic extremes, are of unique interest because they are projected to be ecosystems most responsive to global change. Within a 500‐km2 landscape in the Mojave Desert, USA, we measured perennial plant communities at 100 sites three times (1979, 2008, and 2016) during 37 yr to evaluate six hypotheses of community change. These hypotheses encompassed shifts in community measures (e.g., diversity, cover) and species elevational distributions, biotic homogenization, disproportionately large change at the highest elevations, relationships between turnover and species’ responses to disturbance and drought, and that environmental refugia (e.g., moist topographic positions) would receive species during climatic warming and drying. Most community measures changed temporally, such as species density (species/600 m2) increasing 23% and plant cover doubling between 1979 and 2016. There was no increase in nonnative species and minimal evidence for biotic homogenization. High‐elevation communities did not display greater change than low‐elevation communities. Moreover, environmental refugia factored little in species shifts. While species distributional changes were unrelated to affinity for disturbance, the six most persistent species (persisting on >80% of sites) were long‐lived shrubs not associated with disturbance. Overall, seemingly paradoxically, climatic warming and drying was associated with increasing plant abundance. Comparing the 1970s to 2007–2016, precipitation in the study area declined 16% from 17 to 14 cm/yr and average daily minimum temperature rose 13% (1.2°C). The current climate with fewer freezes, together with reduced grazing, could be among the most optimal for desert perennials in the past century, although potential response lags to continuing warming and drying are uncertain. This study of long‐term elevational shifts in communities during global change is among few in deserts, and the average upward elevational shift of 6 m/decade for species in our study is within the range reported for temperate biomes. However, the 41% of species moving downslope is unusually high. We propose that dynamics within desert perennial communities follow a core‐transient species model where a site's species are either highly persistent or transient in approximately equal proportions.
Predicting individualized mortality probabilities for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla: Novel models with clinical and histopathological predictors
Authors: Slieker Fons J. B. , de Bree Remco , Van Cann Ellen M.
Published: July 2019

Background

The aim of this article was to develop prediction models that calculate postoperative 2‐ and 5‐year mortality probabilities of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla (MSCC).

Methods

Data were collected from the medical records of patients who had been operated between 2000 and 2015 for MSCC. Potential clinical and histopathological predictors were identified. Confounding‐(un)adjusted multivariate Cox and logistic regression models were computed with stepwise backward selection. Internal validation was performed to assess calibration and discriminatory ability.

Results

Ninety‐five patients with MSCC were included. Two‐year follow‐up was complete, and 85 patients had 5‐year follow‐up. Age, neck treatment, surgical margins, bone invasion, spindle growth, and vasoinvasive growth were associated with mortality. Models were adjusted for confounding with Charlson's comorbidities index. C‐indexes were .841 and .770 respectively, and .838 and .749 after bootstrapping.

Conclusion

The MSCC‐specific mortality probability can be calculated with new prediction models.
Recalling the firedog: Individual differences in associative memory for unitized and nonunitized associations among older adults
Authors: Sadeh Talya , Dang Christa , Gat‐Lazer Sigal , Moscovitch Morris
Published: July 2019

Memory deficits in aging are characterized by impaired hippocampus‐mediated relational binding—the formation of links between items in memory. By reducing reliance on relational binding, unitization of two items into one concept enhances associative recognition among older adults. Can a similar enhancement be obtained when probing memory with recall? This question has yet to be examined, because recall has been assumed to rely predominantly on relational binding. Inspired by recent evidence challenging this assumption, we investigated individual differences in older adults' recall of unitized and nonunitized associations. Compared with successfully aging individuals, older adults with mild memory deficits, typically mediated by the hippocampus, were impaired in recall of paired‐associates in a task which relies on relational binding (study: “PLAY–TUNNEL”; test: PLAY–T?). In stark contrast, the two groups showed similar performance when items were unitized into a novel compound word (study: “LOVEGIGGLE”; test: LOVEG?). Thus, boosting nonrelational aspects of recall enhances associative memory among aging individuals with subtle memory impairments to comparable levels as successfully aging older adults.
Genetic alteration patterns and clinical outcomes of elderly and secondary acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wang Shi‐Yang , Cheng Wen‐Yan , Mao Yuan‐Fei , Zhu Yong‐Mei , Liu Fu‐Jia , Ma Ting‐Ting , Shen Yang
Published: July 2019

To illustrate the clinical and genetic features of elderly and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, we compared 145 elderly AML (e‐AML) and 55 secondary AML (s‐AML) patients with 451 young de novo AML patients. Both e‐AML and s‐AML patients showed lower white blood cell (WBC) and bone marrow (BM) blasts at diagnosis. NPM1, DNMT3A, and IDH2 mutations were more common while biallelic CEBPA and IDH1 mutations were less seen in e‐AML patients. s‐AML patients carried a higher frequency of KMT2A‐AF9. In treatment response and survival, e/s‐AML conferred a lower complete remission (CR) rate and shorter duration of event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with young patients. In multivariate analysis, s‐AML was an independent risk factor for OS but not EFS in the whole cohort. Importantly, intensive therapy tended to improve the survival of e/s‐AML patients without increasing the risk of early death, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) could rescue the prognosis of s‐AML, which should be recommended for the treatment of fit patients.
Improving mental healthcare for the elderly in Belgium
Authors: Adriaenssens Jef , Benahmed Nadia , Ricour Céline
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The organisation of mental healthcare for the elderly (MHCE) remains suboptimal.

Objective

To identify specific organisational models that could address the mental healthcare needs of the elderly in community and primary care.

Method

A multi‐modal approach, consisting of a literature review, an online survey of Belgian professional stakeholders, and an international comparison. The outcomes of this three‐step study process were aggregated.

Results

Two general and four operational strategies for organising MHCE were identified as well as barriers and incentives to MHCE in the community and primary care. About half of survey respondents perceived the current MHCE in Belgium not to meet quality criteria as described in the literature and proposed points of improvement. The transversal international comparison revealed interesting approaches for MHCE. Recommendations for the future were formulated.

Conclusion

MHCE requires a specific, low‐threshold, holistic, and transdisciplinary approach. Specific strategies with emphasis on collaborative care should be applied to meet the needs of older adults with mental problems. General practitioners (GPs) can play a central role in community‐oriented MHCE but should be supported by specialised healthcare providers (including old‐age psychiatrists and geriatricians). Stigma and wrong beliefs, regarding the elderly population, should be tackled by means of campaigns.
A randomized clinical trial of three prompting systems to teach tact relations
Authors: Cihon Joseph H. , Ferguson Julia L. , Leaf Justin B. , Milne Christine M. , Leaf Ron , McEachin John
Published: July 2019

Prompts are commonly used during discrete trial teaching for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three commonly used prompting systems include constant time delay, most‐to‐least prompting, and flexible prompt fading. Most of the research demonstrating the effectiveness of these three prompting strategies have been completed through the use of single subject experimental designs. Some within the field of behaviorally based approaches to ASD interventions have called for more randomized clinical trials of these approaches. The purpose of the present study was to compare these 3 prompting systems to teach tact relations for 27 individuals diagnosed with ASD through a randomized clinical trial without a control group with respect to pre–post responding, generalization, sessions to mastery, and responding during teaching. Overall, minimal differences were observed across the 3 systems. The results are discussed with respect to future research and clinical application of the methods evaluated.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in acute liver failure
Authors: Stahl Klaus , Hadem Johannes , Schneider Andrea , Manns Michael P. , Wiesner Olaf , Schmidt Bernhard M. W. , Hoeper Marius M. , Busch Markus , David Sascha
Published: July 2019

Background

Multi‐organ dysfunction in acute liver failure (ALF) has been attributed to a systemic inflammatory response directly triggered by the injured liver. High‐volume therapeutic plasma exchange (HV‐TPE) has been demonstrated in a large randomized controlled trial to improve survival. Here, we investigated if a more cost‐/ resource effective low‐volume (LV) TPE strategy might have comparable beneficial effects.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated the effect of LV‐TPE on remote organ failure, hemodynamical and biochemical parameters as well as on survival in patients with ALF. Twenty patients treated with LV‐TPE in addition to standard medical therapy (SMT) were identified and 1:1 matched to a historical ALF cohort treated with SMT only. Clinical and biochemical parameters were recorded at admission to the intensive care unit and the following 7 days after LV‐TPE.

Results

Mean arterial pressure increased following first LV‐TPE treatments (d0: 68 [61‐75] mm Hg vs d7: 88 [79‐98] mm Hg, P = .003) and norepinephrine dose was reduced (d0: 0.264 [0.051‐0.906] μg/kg/min vs d3: 0 [0‐0.024] μg/kg/min, P = .016). Multi‐organ dysfunction was significantly diminished following LV‐TPE (CLIF‐SOFA d0: 17 [13‐20] vs d7: 7 [3‐11], P = .001). Thirty‐day in‐hospital survival was 65% in the LV‐TPE cohort and 50% in the SMT cohort (Hazard‐ratio for TPE: 0.637; 95% CI: 0.238‐1.706, P = .369).

Conclusions

Patients treated with LV‐TPE showed improved surrogate parameters comparable with the effects reported with HV‐TPE. These data need to be interpreted with caution due to their retrospective character. Future controlled studies are highly desirable.
On the number of linear hypergraphs of large girth
Authors: Balogh József , Li Lina
Published: July 2019

An ‐uniform linear cycle of length , denoted by , is an ‐graph with edges such that for every , and for all other pairs . For every and , we show that there exists a constant depending on and such that the number of linear ‐graphs of girth is at most . Furthermore, we extend the result for , proving that there exists a constant depending on such that the number of linear ‐graphs without is at most . The idea of the proof is to reduce the hypergraph enumeration problems to some graph enumeration problems, and then apply a variant of the graph container method, which may be of independent interest. We extend a breakthrough result of Kleitman and Winston on the number of ‐free graphs, proving that the number of graphs containing at most 's is at most , for sufficiently large . We further show that for every and , the number of graphs such that each of its edges is contained in only cycles of length at most , is bounded by asymptotically.
Clustering patterns of type‐type combination in multiple genotypes infections of human papillomavirus in cervical adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dong Li , Li Tingyuan , Li Li , Wang Margaret Z. , Wu Zeni , Cui Jianfeng , Liu Bin , Zhang Xun , Qiao Youlin , Chen Wen
Published: July 2019

Coinfections with multiple types of human papillomavirus (HPV) occur in cervical adenocarcinoma (ADC). However, it remains unclear the clustering patterns of multiple types in HPV coinfections and relevant factors in ADC. A total of 718 paraffin‐embedded ADC specimens were collected in China and tested for HPV genotypes using SPF10‐INNO‐LIPA. The prevalence of HPV coinfections and clustering patterns by geographical regions, histological subtypes and ages were assessed. Type‐specific attribution of HPV to ADC adjusted by HPV coinfections were calculated. The prevalence of HPV coinfections was found to be 8.4% in ADC cases with slight variation by geographic regions between 2.2% and 12.5%. The 88.3% of all HPV multiple infections in ADC were two types of HPV coinfections with predominant combination of HPV 16 and HPV 18. The attribution to ADC was 88.0% for HPV 16/18 targeted by bivalent and quadrivalent vaccine and 96.8% for HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58 targeted by nonavalent vaccine. Clustering patterns of multiple types were related with histological categories and age at diagnosis. In conclusion, HPV coinfections are uncommonly prevalent in ADC cases with slight variation by geographic regions and distinct clustering patterns of multiple types by histological subtypes and ages at diagnosis. The high attribution of carcinogenic HPV types to ADC predicts potential protection of HPV vaccine against ADC.
Political Efficacy as a Buffer of the Heightened Risk of Posttraumatic Stress in Disadvantaged Communities
Authors: Vashdi Dana R. , Navot Doron , Lavi Iris , Hobfoll Stevan E. , Canetti Daphna
Published: July 2019

External collective political efficacy (PE) is an individual's perception of the extent to which the government is responsive to the needs of his or her group or community or to its collective actions. Does PE play a role in the association between exposure to political violence and posttraumatic stress? The current study aimed to examine whether such PE may help explain why exposure to political violence results in posttraumatic stress for some people but not others. Based on the conservation of resource theory, research has found that residents of some types of communities are less likely to suffer from posttraumatic stress when exposed to political violence, due to the economic and psychological resources these communities provide. Political efficacy, as an individual‐level factor that relates to the community, may help predict who will suffer more or less posttraumatic stress from exposure to political violence within a given community. Based on a panel study conducted immediately before and after the 2008–2009 Gaza conflict (N = 650) and hierarchical linear modeling analyses, we found that type of community indeed moderated the association between exposure to political violence and posttraumatic stress, Δ‐2 log likelihood = 30.4, p < .001. In addition, we found that PE mitigated the psychological distress resulting from exposure to political conflict in disadvantaged communities, Δ‐2 log likelihood = 22.8, p < .001. This study not only further untangled the association between exposure and distress during times of war but also identified the role that governments can play in preventing conflict‐induced distress beyond offering physical protection.
A Millimeter‐Scale Snail Robot Based on a Light‐Powered Liquid Crystal Elastomer Continuous Actuator
Authors: Rogóż Mikołaj , Dradrach Klaudia , Xuan Chen , Wasylczyk Piotr
Published: July 2019

Crawling by means of the traveling deformation of a soft body is a widespread mode of locomotion in nature—animals across scales, from microscopic nematodes to earthworms to gastropods, use it to move around challenging terrestrial environments. Snails, in particular, use mucus—a slippery, aqueous secretion—to enhance the interaction between their ventral foot and the contact surface. In this study, a millimeter‐scale soft crawling robot is demonstrated that uses a similar mechanism to move efficiently in a variety of configurations: on horizontal, vertical, as well as upside‐down surfaces; on smooth and rough surfaces; and through obstacles comparable in size to its dimensions. The traveling deformation of the robot soft body is generated via a local light‐induced phase transition in a liquid crystal elastomer and resembles the pedal waves of terrestrial gastropods. This work offers a new approach to micro‐engineering with smart materials as well as a tool to better understand this mode of locomotion in nature.
Electroresponsive Ionic Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Feng Chenrun , Rajapaksha Chathuranga P. Hemantha , Cedillo Jesus M. , Piedrahita Camilo , Cao Jinwei , Kaphle Vikash , Lüssem Björn , Kyu Thein , Jákli Antal
Published: July 2019

This paper describes the preparation, physical properties, and electric bending actuation of a new class of active materials—ionic liquid crystal elastomers (iLCEs). It is demonstrated that iLCEs can be actuated by low‐frequency AC or DC voltages of less than 1 V. The bending strains of the unoptimized first iLCEs are already comparable to the well‐developed ionic electroactive polymers. Additionally, iLCEs exhibit several novel and superior features, such as the alignment that increases the performance of actuation, the possibility of preprogrammed actuation patterns at the level of the cross‐linking process, and dual (thermal and electric) actuations in hybrid samples. Since liquid crystal elastomers are also sensitive to magnetic fields and can also be light sensitive, iLCEs have far‐reaching potentials toward multiresponsive actuations that may have so far unmatched properties in soft robotics, sensing, and biomedical applications.
Family still matters: Counseling patients with complex family histories of colon and endometrial cancers
Authors: Gemmell Amber P. , Mauer Caitlin B. , Reys Brian D. , Pirzadeh‐Miller Sara , Ross Theodora S.
Published: July 2019

Background

There are no national guidelines for the management of patients with a family history consistent with Lynch syndrome (LS) but a negative genetic test. To determine current management practices, genetic counselors’ (GCs) recommendations were assessed.

Methods

A survey of GCs using five hypothetical pedigrees was posted to National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) discussion forums. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

One‐hundred and fifteen surveys were completed. A pedigree with a first‐degree relative (FDR) with early‐onset colorectal cancer (CRC) and a family history of CRC and endometrial cancer (EC) prompted 83% (n = 95) of respondents to recommend early and frequent colonoscopies, based on family history. When the CRCs and ECs occurred in family members removed from the proband, 96% (n = 110) of GCs said they would screen based on family history. However, only 52% (n = 60) suggested CRC screening should begin earlier and occur more often, and 43% (n = 50) suggested CRC screening should follow standard age and frequency guidelines.

Conclusion

Concordance of opinion among GCs for the management of patients with negative genetic test results exists when FDRs are affected. However, when affected relatives are more distant, GCs disagreed on screening recommendations. These data suggest a need for guidelines for patients with a family history of cancer and a negative genetic test.
Neuropsychiatric phenotype in relation to gene variants in the hemizygous allele in 3q29 deletion carriers: A case series
Authors: Malt Eva Albertsen , Juhasz Katalin , Frengen Anna , Wangensteen Teresia , Emilsen Nina Merete , Hansen Borre , Agafonov Oleg , Nilsen Hilde Loge
Published: July 2019

Background

Genetic risk variants in the hemizygous allele may influence neuropsychiatric manifestations and clinical course in 3q29 deletion carriers.

Methods

In‐depth phenotypic assessment in two deletion carriers included medical records, medical, genetic, psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluations, brain MRI scan and EEG. Blood samples were analyzed for copy number variations, and deep sequencing of the affected 3q29 region was performed in patients and seven first‐degree relatives. Risk variants were identified through bioinformatic analysis.

Results

One deletion carrier was diagnosed with learning difficulties and childhood autism, the other with mild intellectual disability and schizophrenia. EEG abnormalities in childhood normalized in adulthood in both. Cognitive abilities improved during adolescence in one deletion carrier. Both had microcytic, hypochromic erythrocytes and suffered from chronic pain and fatigue. Molecular and bioinformatic analyses identified risk variants in the hemizygous allele that were not present in the homozygous state in relatives in genes involved in cilia function and insulin action in the autistic individual and in synaptic function and neurosteroid transport in the subject with schizophrenia.

Conclusion

3q29 deletion carriers may undergo developmental phenotypic transition and need regular medical follow‐up. Identified risk variants in the remaining hemizygous allele should be explored further in autism and schizophrenia research.
A greedy algorithm for partition of unity collocation method in pricing American options
Authors: Fadaei Yasin , Khan Zareen A. , Akgül Ali
Published: July 2019

A greedy algorithm in combination with radial basis functions partition of unity collocation (GRBF‐PUC) scheme is used as a locally meshless method for American option pricing. The radial basis function partition of unity method (RBF‐PUM) is a localization technique. Because of having interpolation matrices with large condition numbers, global approximants and some local ones suffer from instability. To overcome this, a greedy algorithm is added to RBF‐PUM. The greedy algorithm furnishes a subset of best nodes among the points X. Such nodes are then used as points of trial in a locally supported RBF approximant for each partition. Using of greedy selected points leads to decreasing the condition number of interpolation matrices and reducing the burdensome in pricing American options.
Solving two‐phase freezing Stefan problems: Stability and monotonicity
Authors: Piqueras Miguel A. , Company Rafael , Jódar Lucas
Published: July 2019

The two‐phase Stefan problems with phase formation and depletion are special cases of moving boundary problems with interest in science and industry. In this work, we study a solidification problem, introducing a front‐fixing transformation. The resulting non‐linear partial differential system involves singularities, both at the beginning of the freezing process and when the depletion is complete, that are treated with special attention in the numerical modelling. The problem is decomposed in three stages, in which implicit and explicit finite difference schemes are used. Numerical analysis reveals qualitative properties of the numerical solution spatial monotonicity of both solid and liquid temperatures and the evolution of the solidification front. Numerical experiments illustrate the behaviour of the temperatures profiles with time, as well as the dynamics of the solidification front.
On the characteristic Adomian decomposition method for the Riemann problem
Authors: Zeidan Dia , Chau Chi Kin , Lu Tzon‐Tzer
Published: July 2019

The Adomian decomposition method (ADM) is a very powerful technique to solve both linear and nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). It is a purely algebraic manipulation approach to compute solutions without a priori information of the geometry and physical meaning related to such equations. In this paper, we provide a synthesis toward understanding ADM to resolve the Riemann problem, which is a specific piecewise initial value problem. Issues related to the drawback of ADM application to the Riemann problem are examined broadly and brought under the perspective of their mathematical and physical sources. We emphasize on the connection between ADM's weakness and approaches of characteristic curves choice to overcome this limitation. This combination is capable to deal with first‐order PDEs, linear and quasi‐linear, with nonsmooth or piecewise initial and boundary conditions. A validation of this combination is performed numerically. The ability of such combination is verified by investigating different Riemann problems. Results are demonstrated graphically, which reveals the effectiveness and convenience of this new approach.