bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Sensor for Caffeine Based on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with an Attapulgite/Nafion Film
Authors: Tajeu Kevin Yemele , Ymele Ervice , Zambou Jiokeng Sherman Lesly , Tonle Ignas Kenfack
Published: December 2018

In the present work, a simple and economic analytical method based on attapulgite/nafion coated glassy carbon electrode (AT/Naf/GCE) has been developped for the electrochemical determination of caffeine. Prior to its use, the ionic exchange properties and conductivity of AT/Naf/GCE were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Caffeine gave an irreversible oxidation peak around +1.41 V (vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode) in 0.1 M H2SO4 at pH 1.5. The peak current varied linearly with the square root of the scan rate, showing that the transfer process is controlled by diffusion. The heterogeneous rate constant, the transfer coefficient and the number of electrons involved were calculated. Upon optimization of key analytical parameters involved in the electroanalysis of caffeine by DPV, the recorded oxidation peak current varied linearly with caffeine concentration in the range from 0.1 to 4 μm, leading to a detection limit of 4.57×10−8 M (S/N=3). The developed electrode exhibited good stability and was easily regenerated. The effect of some important potential interfering compounds (ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, sulphite ions and glucose) on the signal of caffeine was also examined. The obtained electrode was successfully employed in the determination of caffeine content in a commercial drug.
Economic policy uncertainty, CDS spreads, and CDS liquidity provision
Authors: Wang Xinjie , Xu Weike , Zhong Zhaodong (Ken)
Published: December 2018

Using a news‐based index of economic policy uncertainty (EPU), we find that EPU is positively associated with credit default swap (CDS) spreads and negatively associated with the number of liquidity providers in the CDS market. A 10% increase in EPU leads to an 8.4% increase in CDS spreads and a 4.0% decrease in the number of liquidity providers. Furthermore, the effects of EPU are persistent and robust after controlling for macroeconomic variables. Our results are also robust to different econometric methodologies. Overall, our findings suggest that, when EPU is high, investors find credit protection more costly and difficult to purchase.
Late Ordovician stromatoporoids from the Xiazhen Formation of South China: Paleoecological and paleogeographical implications
Authors: Jeon Juwan , Liang Kun , Park Jino , Choh Suk‐Joo , Lee Dong‐Jin
Published: December 2018

The Upper Ordovician Xiazhen Formation, which crops out in Zhuzhai, near the Jiangshan–Changshan–Yushan region of southeast China, consists of a variety of carbonate–siliciclastic lithofacies representing a shallow‐water platform environment. A total of eleven stromatoporoid genera in two orders, comprising three clathrodictyid genera (Clathrodictyon, Ecclimadictyon, and Labyrinthodictyon) and eight labechiid genera (Cystostroma, Rosenella, Pseudostylodictyon, Aulacera, Stylostroma, Pachystylostroma, Labechia, and Labechiella), are recognized from 18 stratigraphic units representing a wide range of depositional environments in the formation. Clathrodictyon is the most abundant stromatoporoid genus, occupying a long stratigraphic range and a wide range of lithofacies. It also occurs as a major component of patch reefs throughout the formation. The labechiids, in contrast, are highly diverse but most genera have restricted stratigraphic distributions, occurring in a narrow range of depositional environments. The size and growth form of stromatoporoids in the formation are considered to be primarily intrinsic characteristics of each genus but in some cases also seem to be related to lithofacies: clathrodictyids exhibit a wide spectrum of growth forms and have broader ecological plasticity and more flexible growth strategies than do labechiids. The Late Ordovician stromatoporoids of the Xiazhen Formation exhibit close biogeographic affinities to those of central New South Wales and the Tasmanian shelf of Australia. The discovery herein of Labyrinthodictyon and Stylostroma from the Upper Ordovician of South China further supports this close relationship. The stromatoporoids from South China exhibited one of the highest diversities of all paleocontinents during the Late Ordovician, suggesting that South China, together with Australia, was a locus of Late Ordovician stromatoporoid diversification.
MEG imaging of recurrent gliomas reveals functional plasticity of hemispheric language specialization
Authors: Traut Tavish , Sardesh Nina , Bulubas Lucia , Findlay Anne , Honma Susanne M. , Mizuiri Danielle , Berger Mitchel S. , Hinkley Leighton B. , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Tarapore Phiroz E.
Published: December 2018

In patients with gliomas, changes in hemispheric specialization for language determined by magnetoencephalography (MEG) were analyzed to elucidate the impact of treatment and tumor recurrence on language networks. Demonstration of reorganization of language networks in these patients has significant implications on the prevention of postoperative functional loss and recovery. Whole‐brain activity during an auditory verb generation task was estimated from MEG recordings in a group of 73 patients with recurrent gliomas. Hemisphere of language dominance was estimated using the language laterality index (LI), a measure derived from the task. The initial scan was performed prior to resection; patients subsequently underwent surgery and adjuvant treatment. A second scan was performed upon recurrence prior to repeat resection. The relationship between the shift in LI between scans and demographics, anatomic location, pathology, and adjuvant treatment was analyzed. Laterality shifts were observed between scans; the median percent change was 29.1% across all patients. Laterality shift magnitude and relative direction were associated with the initial position of language dominance; patients with increased lateralization experienced greater shifts than those presenting more bilateral representation. A change in LI from left or right to bilateral (or vice versa) occurred in 23.3% of patients; complete switch occurred in 5.5% of patients. Patients with tumors within the language‐dominant hemisphere experienced significantly greater shifts than those with contralateral tumors. The majority of patients with glioma experience shifts in language network organization over time which correlate with the relative position of language lateralization and tumor location.
Regional multimodal relationships between tau, hypometabolism, atrophy, and fractional anisotropy in atypical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sintini Irene , Schwarz Christopher G. , Martin Peter R. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Machulda Mary M. , Senjem Matthew L. , Reid Robert I. , Spychalla Anthony J. , Drubach Daniel A. , Lowe Val J. , Jack Clifford R. , Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L.
Published: December 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) can present with atypical clinical forms where the prominent domain of deficit is not memory, that is, atypical AD. Atypical AD patients show cortical atrophy on MRI, hypometabolism on [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET, tau uptake on [18F]AV‐1451 PET, and white matter tract degeneration on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). How these disease processes relate to each other locally and distantly remains unclear. We aimed to examine multimodal neuroimaging relationships in individuals with atypical AD, using univariate and multivariate techniques at region‐ and voxel‐level. Forty atypical AD patients underwent MRI, FDG‐PET, tau‐PET, beta‐amyloid PET, and DTI. Patients were all beta‐amyloid positive. Partial Pearson's correlations were performed between tau and FDG standardized uptake value ratios, gray matter MRI‐volumes and white matter tract fractional anisotropy. Sparse canonical correlation analysis was applied to identify multivariate relationships between the same quantities. Voxel‐level associations across modalities were also assessed. Tau showed strong local negative correlations with FDG metabolism in the occipital and frontal lobes. Tau in frontal and parietal regions was negatively associated with temporoparietal gray matter MRI‐volume. Fractional anisotropy in a set of posterior white matter tracts, including the splenium of the corpus callosum, cingulum, and posterior thalamic radiation, was negatively correlated with parietal and occipital tau, atrophy and, predominantly, with hypometabolism. These results support the view that tau is the driving force behind neurodegeneration in atypical AD, and that a breakdown in structural connectivity is related to cortical neurodegeneration, particularly hypometabolism.
Dishonesty in health care practice: A behavioral experiment on upcoding in neonatology
Authors: Hennig‐Schmidt Heike , Jürges Hendrik , Wiesen Daniel
Published: December 2018

Dishonest behavior significantly increases the cost of medical care provision. Upcoding of patients is a common form of fraud to attract higher reimbursements. Imposing audit mechanisms including fines to curtail upcoding is widely discussed among health care policy‐makers. How audits and fines affect individual health care providers' behavior is empirically not well understood. To provide new evidence on fraudulent behavior in health care, we analyze the effect of a random audit including fines on individuals' honesty by means of a novel controlled behavioral experiment framed in a neonatal care context. Prevalent dishonest behavior declines significantly when audits and fines are introduced. The effect is driven by a reduction in upcoding when being detectable. Yet upcoding increases when not being detectable as fraudulent. We find evidence that individual characteristics (gender, medical background, and integrity) are related to dishonest behavior. Policy implications are discussed.
Randomized phase II/III confirmatory treatment selection design with a change of survival end points: Statistical design of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 1216
Authors: Zhang Qiang (Ed) , Wu Qian , Harari Paul M. , Rosenthal David I.
Published: December 2018

Background

To confirm the treatment effects of concurrent cetuximab plus docetaxel observed in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0234 and single out the effect of cetuximab, we designed RTOG 1216, a randomized phase II/III study, which uses an intermediate end point to select the best regimen for definitive testing of survival benefit.

Methods

In phase II, the best regimen should demonstrate statistically significant efficacy against the control with predefined advantage over the competing arm regarding disease‐free survival (DFS). We evaluate operating characteristics of the randomized II/III group sequential design through simulations and numerical integrations under the null and various alternative hypotheses.

Results

Results show the randomized II/III design yields substantial savings on sample size and time with well‐controlled type I and type II error rates.

Conclusion

Overall, the proposed randomized II/III design has desirable properties that offer cost effectiveness, operational efficiency, and, most importantly, scientific innovation that can be considered for similar clinical research settings.
Contemporary management of primary parapharyngeal space tumors
Authors: López Fernando , Suárez Carlos , Vander Poorten Vincent , Mäkitie Antti , Nixon Iain J. , Strojan Primož , Hanna Ehab Y. , Rodrigo Juan Pablo , de Bree Remco , Quer Miquel , Takes Robert P. , Bradford Carol R. , Shaha Ashok R. , Sanabria Alvaro , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio
Published: December 2018

The parapharyngeal space is a complex anatomical area. Primary parapharyngeal tumors are rare tumors and 80% of them are benign. A variety of tumor types can develop in this location; most common are salivary gland neoplasm and neurogenic tumors. The management of these tumors has improved greatly owing to the developments in imaging techniques, surgery, and radiotherapy. Most tumors can be removed with a low rate of complications and recurrence. The transcervical approach is the most frequently used. In some cases, minimally invasive approaches may be used alone or in combination with a limited transcervical route, allowing large tumors to be removed by reducing morbidity of expanded approaches. An adequate knowledge of the anatomy and a careful surgical plan is essential to tailor management according to the patient and the tumor. The purpose of the present review was to update current aspects of knowledge related to this more challenging area of tumor occurrence.
HLA class II expression on tumor cells and low numbers of tumor‐associated macrophages predict clinical outcome in oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Cioni Bianca , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , Hooijberg Erik , van der Linden Rianne , de Menezes Renee X. , Tan Katherine , Willems Stefan , Elbers Joris B. W. , Broeks Annegien , Bergman Andries M. , Zuur Charlotte L. , de Boer Jan Paul
Published: December 2018

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a highly immunogenic tumor and differences in tumor microenvironment might contribute to the improved survival of HPV‐positive OPSCC patient.

Methods

A comprehensive multivariate analysis with clinical and immune variables (human leukocyte antigen [HLA] I/II, programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), programmed death receptor 1 (PD1), T cells, and macrophages) was performed in 142 OPSCC patients.

Results

We found an inverse correlation between the expression of HLA class II molecules on tumor cells and CD68+ CD163+ tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). High HLA‐DP/DQ/DR expression and low number of TAMs were associated with longer disease‐specific survival and disease‐free survival (DFS). Furthermore, a new population of CD8+ FoxP3+ T cells was correlated with shorter DFS in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

\We identified new prognostic markers for patients with oropharyngeal cancer, which can be used for selecting patients that can benefit from immunotherapy.
LAIR‐1 overexpression and correlation with advanced pathological grade and immune suppressive status in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Lei‐Lei , Zhang Meng‐Jie , Wu Lei , Mao Liang , Chen Lei , Yu Guang‐Tao , Deng Wei‐Wei , Zhang Wen‐Feng , Liu Bing , Sun Wei‐Ke , Sun Zhi‐Jun
Published: December 2018

Background

This study aims to investigate the characteristic role of inhibitory receptor leukocyte‐associated immunoglobulin‐like receptor 1 (LAIR‐1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

The expressions of LAIR‐1 and other immune‐related molecules were detected in a human OSCC tissue microarray. LAIR‐1 expression difference among different clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. The correlations of LAIR‐1 with several immune‐related markers were assessed.

Results

Compared with dysplasia and oral mucosa, the expression of LAIR‐1 was significantly upregulated in the stroma of OSCC, and its overexpression was correlated with advanced pathological grade. Overexpression of LAIR‐1 was significantly associated with tumor‐associated macrophage and myeloid‐derived suppressor cell markers (CD68, CD163; CD33, CD11b), indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) and two immune checkpoints (B7‐H3 and VISTA).

Conclusions

Overexpression of LAIR‐1 was associated with advanced pathological grade and correlated with immune suppressive features in OSCC. Further studies are required to identify the specific immunological role of LAIR‐1.
Does the agglomeration effect occur in the hospital sector? The impact of agglomeration economies on the financial performance of hospitals—An evidence from Poland
Authors: Krzeczewski Bartłomiej , Krzeczewska Olga , Pluskota Anna , Pastusiak Radosław
Published: December 2018

The main aim of the article is to analyze the occurrence of agglomeration effect in the hospital sector on the basis of financial performance. The considerations are made on the example of hospitals in Poland—the country that survived the latest economic crisis relatively well, usually generating positive values of GDP, but where still there is an ongoing discussion on the final shape of healthcare financing model. The article is based on the assumption that there occur significant differences in financial performance between hospitals according to their location. The research hypothesis is as follows: Hospitals operating in big cities are featured by better financial condition than their counterparts operating in smaller towns. To verify the hypothesis, the methods of financial analysis and statistical hypothesis testing are used. As it is emphasized in the article, the assumption is true and the hypothesis can be verified positively.
Evaluating small‐scale simulation for training firearm safety skills
Authors: Maxfield Trevor C. , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Novotny Marissa A.
Published: December 2018

There is limited research using small‐scale simulation in applied behavior analysis. We used small‐scale simulation to train firearm safety skills to 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children and assessed whether the skills generalized to the natural environment through in situ assessment. Three participants completed the training, and all participants learned the safety skills from simulation training. Two of the participants acquired the safety skills after the first simulation training, and the third participant required one booster training before demonstrating the safety skills in the natural environment.
Timing of pharmacist‐clinician collaborative visits after hospital discharge and their effect on readmission risk
Authors: Herges Joseph R. , Herges Lori B. , Dierkhising Ross A. , Mara Kristin C. , Angstman Kurt B.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether pharmacist‐clinician collaborative (PCC) visits within 7 days after hospital discharge (early‐visit cohort) would reduce the risk of 30‐day hospital readmission compared with PCC visits eight or more days after hospital discharge (late‐visit cohort).

Methods

This retrospective study of adult primary care patients was conducted from July 26, 2013 to April 1, 2016. Patients who were included were receiving at least one medication that put them at high risk for emergent hospital admission and at least 10 total medications. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess 30‐day readmission risk between the two groups.

Results

The early‐visit cohort included 393 patients; the late‐visit cohort included 109 patients. After adjusting for statistically different baseline characteristics and the LACE index score (which predicts the risk of death or unplanned readmission within 30 days after hospital discharge), 30‐day readmission risk was not significantly different between the late‐visit cohort and the early‐visit cohort (hazard ratio, 0.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34‐1.88; P = 0.61). Similarly, the difference was not significant 60 and 180 days after the PCC visit.

Conclusion

Patients in the early‐visit cohort had no greater risk of readmission 30 days after the visit than patients in the late‐visit cohort. Although previous research indicates that PCC visits may have significant benefits for decreasing readmission risk, delaying them may not increase the patient's risk. This finding may allow more flexibility in scheduling a pharmacist and a primary care clinician to meet with the patient.
The interaction of chitosan and BMP‐2 tuned by deacetylation degree and pH value
Authors: Wang Qun , Wang Menghao , Li Pengfei , Wang Kefeng , Fang Liming , Ren Fuzeng , Lu Guoming , Lu Xiong
Published: December 2018

Integrating proteins with chitosan (CS) can not only improve the biocompatibility of CS, but also enable the sustained release of proteins. The deacetylation degree (DD) and pH conditions are considered as the two most important factors affecting the interaction between CS and proteins. In this study, the effects of CS with different DDs and pH conditions on bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) adsorption were evaluated using the molecular dynamics (MD) method. The results showed that the interaction energy first increased and then decreased, with the increase of the DD in the range of 0–100%; the strongest interaction was found between BMP‐2 and 75% DD‐CS surface. Furthermore, decreasing pH values favor the interaction between BMP‐2 and CS surfaces. These results are useful to gain a better understanding of the interaction mechanism between polysaccharides and proteins and provide a meaningful reference for the application of CS with different DDs and pH conditions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 769–779, 2019.
Singlet/triplet exciton dissociation and charge recombination in donor‐acceptor ThQs‐C60/PDIxCN2 complexes
Authors: Zhu ZhiYe , Zhao Yi , Liang WanZhen
Published: December 2018

The donor‐acceptor interface plays a critically important role in determining the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells via controlling charge separation (CS) and recombination (CR) processes. Here, we combine the electronic structure calculations with electron transfer rate theory to clarify the CS and CR processes in ThQs‐C60/PDIxCN2 donor‐acceptor complexes. The results reveal that in ThQs‐PDIxCN2 the CS comes from both the dissociations of photo‐induced singlet exciton and singlet fission‐induced triplet exciton with a high efficiency, whereas in ThQs‐C60 only the singlet exciton dissociation can take place because the triplet exciton lies below the charge‐transfer exciton. However, very high CR rates in ThQs‐PDIxCN2 obliterate the benefit of fast CS, inversely leading to the ThQ‐C60 complex with a better cell efficiency. The present results are consistent with experimental observation and may furnish a possible patten to improve the overall conversion efficiency. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Big data analysis of ab Initio molecular integrals in the neglect of diatomic differential overlap approximation
Authors: Wu Xin , Dral Pavlo O. , Koslowski Axel , Thiel Walter
Published: December 2018

Most modern semiempirical quantum‐chemical (SQC) methods are based on the neglect of diatomic differential overlap (NDDO) approximation to ab initio molecular integrals. Here, we check the validity of this approximation by computing all relevant integrals for 32 typical organic molecules using Gaussian‐type orbitals and various basis sets (from valence‐only minimal to all‐electron triple‐ζ basis sets) covering in total more than 15.6 million one‐electron (1‐e) and 10.3 billion two‐electron (2‐e) integrals. The integrals are calculated in the nonorthogonal atomic basis and then transformed by symmetric orthogonalization to the Löwdin basis. In the case of the 1‐e integrals, we find strong orthogonalization effects that need to be included in SQC models, for example, by strategies such as those adopted in the available OMx methods. For the valence‐only minimal basis, we confirm that the 2‐e Coulomb integrals in the Löwdin basis are quantitatively close to their counterparts in the atomic basis and that the 2‐e exchange integrals can be safely neglected in line with the NDDO approximation. For larger all‐electron basis sets, there are strong multishell orthogonalization effects that lead to more irregular patterns in the transformed 2‐e integrals and thus cast doubt on the validity of the NDDO approximation for extended basis sets. Focusing on the valence‐only minimal basis, we find that some of the NDDO‐neglected integrals are reduced but remain sizable after the transformation to the Löwdin basis; this is true for the two‐center 2‐e hybrid integrals, the three‐center 1‐e nuclear attraction integrals, and the corresponding three‐center 2‐e hybrid integrals. We consider a scheme with a valence‐only minimal basis that includes such terms as a possible strategy to go beyond the NDDO integral approximation in attempts to improve SQC methods. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The synergistic effect of lignin peroxidase and cellulase in Aspergillus oryzae solid‐state fermentation substrate on enzyme‐catalyzed oxidative degradation of lignin
Authors: Zhang Zhicai , Wang Jia , Fan Yajuan , Liu Lu , Shun Quanshan , Shi Wenjing , Liu Xiaocui , Wang Feng
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

We have reported the oxidative degradation of lignin catalyzed by lignin peroxidase (LiP) from Aspergillus oxyzae broth in previous studies. The aim of the present paper is to obtain the maximal yield of total reducing sugar (Ytrs) by synergistic effect analysis between LiP and three components of cellulase (endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase, exo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase and β‐glucosidase).

RESULTS

The Michaelis–Menten analogous model was applied to fit experimental data of lignin oxidative degradation. The apparent Michaelis constant of purified LiP product (3.02 mg mL–1) was lower than that of the crude LiP solution (4.74 mg mL−1), and the apparent maximum reaction rate of the purified LiP product (1.15 mg mL−1 h−1) was higher than that of the crude LiP solution (0.86 mg mL−1 h−1). The maximum Ytrs (49.794%) was obtained when the β‐glucosidase activity was 0; the activities of LiP, endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase and exo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase were 10.77, 3.360 and 3.427 U mL−1 (3:1:1), respectively. The components and structure of the substrate was extremely different before and after synergistic action under optimal conditions.

CONCLUSION

A synergistic effect exists between LiP and cellulase. β‐glucosidase is the key enzyme that inhibits the oxidative degradation of lignin. The results lay the foundation for screening and optimizing fermentation process conditions of the LiP strain, and improving the efficiency of enzyme‐catalyzed oxidative degradation of lignin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Efﬁcacy and safety of sofosbuvir‐based therapy in hepatitis C virus recurrence post living donor liver transplant: A real life egyptian experience
Authors: Yosry Ayman , Gamal Eldeen Hadeel , Medhat Eman , Mehrez Mai , Zayed Naglaa , Elakel Wafaa , Abdelmoniem Reham , Kaddah Mona , Abdelaziz Ashraf , Esmat Gamal , EL‐Serafy Magdy , Doss Wahid
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

Direct acting antiviral has offered treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence post liver transplantation (LT) with an all‐oral regimen for short duration, excellent safety profile, and high sustained virological response (SVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir (SOF)‐based regimens in the real world among a cohort of Egyptian patients with recurrent HCV post living donor LT (LDLT).

Methods

Patients with HCV‐G4 recurrence post‐LDLT were recruited from National Committee of Control of Viral Hepatitis, Egypt, from November 2014 to May 2017. They received different SOF‐based regimens according to the treatment protocols available during this period. Patients’ outcome and Adverse effects (AE) were evaluated.

Results

One hundred ninety patients (170 males, mean age 56.8 ± 7.9 years) were included. Calcineurin inhibitors were the main immunosuppression used (173 patients). Out of 190, 119 (62.6%) received SOF/ribavirin (RBV), 38 (20%) SOF/simeprevir (SMV), 22 (11.6%) SOF/daclatasvir (DSV)/ ± RBV, and 11 (5.8%) received SOF/LDV/ ± RBV. Overall SVR12 was 89.5%, 84.9% in SOF/RBV group, 94.7% in SOF/SMV, 100% in SOF/DCV, and 100% in SOF/LDV with no statistically significant difference (
P = 0.104). The AE reported were as follows: anemia (n = 65, 34.4%) mainly in SOF/RBV group, transient hyperbilirubinemia during SOF/SMV in 13 patients (34%), mild Acute cellular rejection in eight patients (4.2%), and hepatocellular carcinoma in two patients (1%) mainly driven by underlying liver condition. Two deaths were unlikely related to HCV therapy.

Conclusion

Different SOF‐based regimens were effective with high SVR12 rates in a difficult‐to‐treat population, recurrent HCV post LDLT.
Late Quaternary glaciations in the Cogarbu valley, Bhutanese Himalaya
Authors: Peng Xu , Chen Yixin , Liu Gengnian , Liu Beibei , Li Yingkui , Liu Qing , Han Yesong , Yang Weilin , Cui Zhijiu
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the late Quaternary glacial history of the Cogarbu valley on the northern slopes of the Bhutanese Himalaya using 10Be surface exposure dating. Five major glacial events were constrained based on 28 10Be exposure ages. The equilibrium line altitude (ELA) of the oldest and most extensive glacial event (M5–M9) is ∼489 m lower than the present, followed by four other events (M4, M3, M2 and M1) with ELA depressions of ∼452, ∼200, ∼76 and ∼42 m, respectively. The exposure ages of the oldest glacial event (M5–M9) are ∼23.4–19.1 ka, corresponding to the global Last Glacial Maximum (gLGM). The second (M4, ∼15.8 ka) and the third oldest events (M3, ∼11.5 ka) coincide with the Heinrich‐1 and Younger Dryas event, respectively. The fourth oldest glacial event (∼1.2–0.82 ka) occurred during the Late Holocene. The latest glacial event (∼0.77–0.53 ka) represents the Little Ice Age glacial advances. These glacial events are broadly synchronous with those from other regions across the monsoon‐influenced Himalaya. All these events occurred during the cold periods, despite relatively dry conditions. It appears that temperature is the major factor driving glacial fluctuations since the gLGM in the Bhutanese Himalaya.
Synthesis, structural and optical‐vibration properties of Ba3Sc4O9 and Sr3Sc4O9 ceramics
Authors: Dias Anderson , Moreira Roberto Luiz
Published: December 2018

Ba3Sc4O9 and Sr3Sc4O9 ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid‐state reactions at 1200°C, being further sintered at 1300°C in order to produce ceramic bodies suitable for exploring their structural and optical vibration properties. Optimized experimental conditions were employed to unveil the complex vibrational spectra of these ceramics by polarized Raman scattering. A reliable and comprehensive set of phonon features was obtained from these experiments: The 30 theoretically expected optically active lattice modes for each material were in fact observed, from which 15 could be assigned as totally symmetric A‐polar modes and 15 attributed as degenerate (and asymmetric) E‐polar ones. Differences between experimental data of Ba‐containing and Sr‐containing samples are discussed in terms of their ionic radii and molar masses. The knowledge of the optical phonon features reported here can help to understand the exceptional luminescence properties of Ba3Sc4O9 and Sr3Sc4O9 rhombohedral phases when doped with trivalent ions, as recently reported by the literature.
Raman spectroscopy analysis of new copper‐cysteamine photosensitizer
Authors: Akafzade Hussein , Sharma Suresh C. , Hozhabri Nader , Chen Wei , Ma Lun
Published: December 2018

Raman spectroscopy and several microstructure analysis techniques have been used to better characterize recently synthesized copper‐cysteamine Cu3Cl(SR)2, where R = CH2CH2NH2. Nanoparticles of this new copper‐cysteamine have been identified as having potential applications in radiation detection and cancer treatment because of the fact that they can be activated by light, X‐rays, ultrasound, and microwave radiation to produce reactive oxygen species. Three samples were grown under different conditions, and their microstructure was examined by using Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray scattering, and X‐ray diffraction. The Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared measurements identify numerous Raman active and infrared absorption bonds with wavenumbers ranging from 200 to 3,500 cm−1. Scanning electron microscopy scans show well‐faceted crystals varying in size from approximately 10 nm to 4 μm, energy dispersive X‐ray scattering measurements identify relative elemental composition (C = 48%, N = 37.5%, S = 5%, Cl = 2.6%, Cu = 7%), X‐ray diffraction data show the crystal plane spacing varies from 0.8454 to 0.8616 nm. The microstructure observed for the three samples is consistent with variations in the growth conditions.
Methods for reproducible shipboard SFA nutrient measurement using RMNS and automated data processing
Authors: Rees Christine , Pender Lindsay , Sherrin Kendall , Schwanger Cassie , Hughes Peter , Tibben Stephen , Marouchos Andreas , Rayner Mark
Published: December 2018

Ocean observations are critical in developing our understanding of the interaction between the ocean and climate. Detailed information about the nutrient composition of the ocean is achieved using in situ sensing and the collection and analysis of physical samples from research vessels. The analysis of nutrients underpins work in understanding both the carbon cycle and biological productivity in oceans. Although in situ sensors are becoming more common for some nutrients, the best and most reliable method for making these measurements is to conduct analysis of physical samples at sea. This article discusses the analysis and data processing methods developed by the hydrochemistry team at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to provide repeatable and accurate analysis of nutrient samples at sea. Nutrients are measured by segmented flow analysis and data are processed using in‐house software (Hydrology Processor [HyPro]). These methods were used during the Global Ocean Ship‐based Hydrographic Investigations Program (GO‐SHIP) P15S voyage in 2016. Accuracy and precision of the analyses during the voyage was determined from measurement of the certified reference material for nutrients in seawater (RMNS) for silicate, phosphate, nitrate, and nitrite and is presented and discussed here. The accuracy of the silicate and phosphate RMNS measurements was within 1–3% of the certified values, and nitrate + nitrite within 1–2%. The precision for silicate, nitrate + nitrite, and phosphate was greater than 0.2%. The hydrochemistry team has established a standard operating procedure which assures the quality of nutrient data obtained is accurate and precise.
Material Design of Azo‐Carbazole Copolymers for Preservation Stability with Rewritable Holographic Stereograms
Authors: Kinashi Kenji , Nakanishi Ikumi , Sakai Wataru , Tsutsumi Naoto
Published: December 2018

In the practical use of rewritable holographic stereograms, azobenzene‐functionalized polymers with high diffraction efficiency, fast response time, preservation stability, rewritability, and optical transparency capabilities are of extreme importance. Two novel azobenzene‐functionalized copolymers consisting of a 3‐[(4‐cyanophenyl)azo]‐9H‐carbazole‐9‐ethyl acrylate (acrylate monomer with CACzE) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) (poly(CACzE‐MMA)) and an ethyl methacrylate, EMA (poly(CACzE‐EMA)) are synthesized. Their holographic properties are evaluated through Raman–Nath diffraction characteristics, angular dependence of absorbance, and polarized Raman spectra. Between them, a material with the most excellent characteristics is a poly(CACzE‐MMA)/CACzE (50/15 wt%) composite. As a result, a first‐order diffraction efficiency (η1
), grating formation speed (response time) (τ ), and retention ratios (R300s% and R50day%) in the poly(CACzE‐MMA)/CACzE (50/15 wt%) composite show 31.2%, 2.0 s, 100%, and 80%, respectively, in which a dichroism degree of 64.2° and refractive index modulation Δn of 0.00801 are achieved. Additionally, the holographic stereogram obtained with the poly(CACzE‐MMA)/CACzE (50/15 wt%) composite can be refreshed to its original state by heat treatment. The holographic properties of the poly(CACzE‐MMA)/CACzE (50/15 wt%) composite will be a contribution to the application of updatable holographic stereograms.
Some maximal inequalities on Triebel–Lizorkin spaces for
Authors: Park Bae Jun
Published: December 2018

In this work we give some maximal inequalities in Triebel–Lizorkin spaces, which are “‐variants” of Fefferman–Stein vector‐valued maximal inequality and Peetre's maximal inequality. We will give some applications of the new maximal inequalities and discuss sharpness of some results.
Global dynamics of an epidemic model with relapse and nonlinear incidence
Authors: Chen Yuming , Li Jianquan , Zou Shaofen
Published: December 2018

On the basis of a basic SIR epidemic model, we propose and study an epidemic model with nonlinear incidence. The model also incorporates many features of the recovered such as relapse and with/without immunity. A threshold dynamics is established, which is completely determined by the basic reproduction number. The global stability of the disease‐free equilibrium is proved by means of the fluctuation lemma. To prove the global stability of the endemic equilibrium, we need some novel techniques including the transformation of variables, the construction of a new type of Lyapunov functions, and the seeking of an appropriate positively invariant set of the model.
Measurement and correction of the bulk magnetic susceptibility effects of fat: application in venous oxygen saturation imaging
Authors: Yang Esther , Kirkham Amy A. , Grenier Justin , Thompson Richard B.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To develop a correction method for the effects of the magnetic susceptibility of fat (χFat) on the calculation of venous oxygen saturation (SvO2).

Theory

The magnetic field shifts associated with the magnetic susceptibility of deoxyhemoglobin can be used to estimate SvO2, a measure of oxygen extraction and metabolism. However, the distinct magnetic susceptibility of fat surrounding targeted veins will give rise to magnetic field perturbations that will extend into the vein and surrounding tissues, potentially confounding the calculation of SvO2.

Methods

Multi‐echo modified Dixon fat–water separated imaging was used to quantify fat–water distributions around the superficial femoral vein (venous return from the lower leg). Fat fraction images were used to generate χFat images, to calculate and remove the associated fat‐susceptibility‐induced magnetic field shifts before the estimation of SvO2. This approach was evaluated at rest and with plantar flexion exercise to evaluate calf muscle oxygen extraction in 10 healthy subjects.

Results

The presence of fat around the vein resulted in complex magnetic field shifts and errors in estimated SvO2. Corrected resting SvO2 values were significantly larger than those measured with conventional methods, at rest (72.6 ± 11.0% vs. 65.2 ± 12.2%, P < 0.05) and post‐exercise (37.4 ± 12.3% vs. 31.7 ± 12.7%, P < 0.05), with larger errors in individuals and/or regions with increased fat volumes. Estimation and removal of the field‐effects from χFat enabled the use of fat tissues for the measurement and removal of the background magnetic field.

Conclusions

The magnetic susceptibility effects of fat can confound SvO2 estimation, but the susceptibility field effects can estimated and removed with the use of modified Dixon fat–water separated imaging.
Clinical features related to statin‐associated muscle symptoms
Authors: Ochs‐Balcom Heather M. , Nguyen Ly Minh , Ma Changxing , Isackson Paul J. , Luzum Jasmine A. , Kitzmiller Joseph P. , Tarnopolsky Mark , Weisman Michael , Christopher‐Stine Lisa , Peltier Wendy , Wortmann Robert L. , Vladutiu Georgirene D.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Statins reduce cardiovascular disease risk and are generally well tolerated, yet up to 0.5% of statin‐treated patients develop incapacitating muscle symptoms including rhabdomyolysis. Our objective was to identify clinical factors related to statin‐associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Methods: Clinical and laboratory characteristics were evaluated in 748 statin‐treated Caucasians (634 with SAMS and 114 statin‐tolerant controls). Information was collected on statin type, concomitant drug therapies, muscle symptom history, comorbidities, and family history. Logistic regression was used to identify associations. Results: Individuals with SAMS were 3.6 times (odds ratio [OR] 3.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08‐6.22) more likely than statin‐tolerant controls to have a family history of heart disease. Additional associations included obesity (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.18, 8.05), hypertension (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.33, 3.77), smoking (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.16, 3.74), and statin type. Discussion: Careful medical monitoring of statin‐treated patients with the associated coexisting conditions may ultimately reduce muscle symptoms and lead to improved compliance. Muscle Nerve 59:537–537, 2019
Validation of diagnostic methods for traumatic sensory neuropathy and neuropathic pain
Authors: Teerijoki‐Oksa Tuija , Forssell Heli , Jääskeläinen Satu K.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: We evaluated diagnostic value of sensory tests during recovery from iatrogenic sensory neuropathy using intraoperatively verified nerve injury with subjective symptoms as gold standard. Methods: Inferior alveolar nerves were monitored neurophysiologically throughout mandibular osteotomy in 19 patients. Sensory disturbance was registered and sensation tested using clinical and quantitative sensory (QST) and neurophysiologic tests postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for all tests. Results: The sensitivity of clinical tests was at best 37%, with 100% specificity, but they lost diagnostic value at chronic stages. Best diagnostic accuracy (highest combination of sensitivity and specificity) at different time points was achieved by combining neurophysiologic and thermal QST or tactile and thermal QST. The single most accurate test was sensory neurography. Conclusions: Neurography or combinations of neurophysiologic and quantitative tests enables most reliable early and late diagnosis. Clinical sensory examination is inadequate for accurate diagnosis. Muscle Nerve 59:342–347, 2019
The content of meta‐supervision in a nursing educational context
Authors: Kisthinios Marianne , Carlson Elisabeth
Published: December 2018

Aim

The aim of this article was to illuminate the content of meta‐supervision of clinical supervisors active in a nursing programme delivering clinical supervision to nursing students in southern Sweden. The purpose of clinical supervision is to strengthen and develop the professional role through increased self‐awareness.

Design

A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted analysing the documentation of 117 meta‐supervisory situations.

Methods

Over 100 handwritten documented sessions, during 10 years of meta‐supervision, were analysed using content analysis.

Results

The content of meta‐supervision consisted of three theoretical aspects: psychological aspects, pedagogical aspects and nursing aspects. To employ competent meta‐supervisors, the meta‐supervisor should have documented in‐depth knowledge of psychology, pedagogy and a good knowledge of the nursing context.
Onboard online students to set them up for success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2018

ORLANDO — When students are accepted to Indiana University, they receive a big welcome packet in the mail with #IUsaidYes printed on the outside. For traditional‐aged students planning to attend in person, an on‐campus orientation follows in the summer, said Mitchell Farmer, assistant director of campus partner programs in the Office of Online Education at IU. He spoke at the Online Learning Consortium Accelerate Conference, along with Julia Sanders, principal instructional designer.
Acrylonitrile butadiene nanocomposites containing different clays by latex compounding method
Authors: Cova Mariajose , Fernández Mariela , Fernández Alejandra , García Daniela , Bacigalupe Alejando , Torres Sánchez Rosa María , Escobar Mariano
Published: December 2018

Considering elastomers nanocomposites, most of the works are focused on natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber and rubber blends, while few of them deal with nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). This article presents the reinforcing effect of two raw sodic montmorillonites (Mts) and one organoclay on NBR matrix prepared by the latex compounding method. Raw Mts increase the mechanical properties of neat matrices. A pseudoplastic behavior is observed with the incorporation of clays into the NBR latex, indicating interactions between polymer chains and clay sheets, in agreement with the results of zeta potential analysis. X‐ray diffraction evaluates changes in the interlayer distance of the clay, indicating the NBR intercalation phenomenon in all cases. Matrices with different clay proportions present variations in the mechanical properties, depending if the aggregation phenomenon is promoted. Morphological analysis of clays and nanocomposites as well as thermal analysis were performed. The variation in mechanical properties after an aging process was studied, evaluating the effects on the tensile strength, ultimate strain and 300% modulus. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:736–744, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
CB1 cannabinoid receptor‐phosphorylated fourth intracellular loop structure‐function relationships
Authors: Eldeeb Khalil , Ganjiwale Anjali D. , Chandrashekaran Indu R. , Padgett Lea W. , Burgess Jason P. , Howlett Allyn C. , Cowsik Sudha M.
Published: December 2018

A peptide comprising the juxtamembrane C‐terminal intracellular loop 4 (IL4) of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor possesses three serine residues (Ser402, Ser411, and Ser415). We report the effect of Ser phosphorylation on the CB1 IL4 peptide conformation and cellular signaling functions using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), G protein activation, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. Phosphorylation at Ser residues induced helical structure in different environments. Helical content varies in the order of IL4p‐Ser411 > IL4pSer415 > IL4 > IL4pSer402. The efficacy of phosphorylated IL4 peptides in activating Go and Gi3 ([35S]GTPγS binding) and inhibiting cAMP accumulation in N18TG2 cells was correlated with helicity changes. Bradykinin treatment, which activates protein kinase C (PKC), augmented CB1‐mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation, and this was reversed by a PKC inhibitor. We conclude that phosphorylation‐dependent alterations of helicity of CB1 IL4 peptides can augment G protein signaling.
Cardiopulmonary phenotypic discordance is common in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Jin Justin B. , Carter John C. , Sheehan Daniel W. , Birnkrant David J.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the prevalence of discordant cardiopulmonary function among patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in our clinic.

Methods

Retrospective chart review from 1999 to 2017. Inclusion criteria: DMD patients age ≥ 18 years, alive, with discordant cardiopulmonary function. No patients received glucocorticoid therapy. Discordant cardiopulmonary function was defined as either: good heart function (EF ≥ 40%) and bad lung function (FVC < 1 L) (Group A); or, bad heart function (EF < 40%) and good lung function (FVC ≥ 1 L) (Group B).

Results

Among 74 eligible patients, 25 patients (34%) had discordant cardiopulmonary function (21 patients in Group A and 4 patients in Group B). Three dystrophin mutations were shared by >2 patients (nine patients with deletion of exon 44; three patients with deletion of exon 51; three patients with duplication of exon 2). Among the 15 patients with a shared genotype, eight patients (53%) had discordant cardiopulmonary function (five patients in group A, three patients in group B). Twenty‐six patients had a deletion involving or distal to exon 45. Ten of these patients (38%) had discordant cardiopulmonary function (eight patients in Group A, two patients in Group B).

Conclusion

In our cohort of DMD patients, discordant cardiopulmonary function was common (present in one‐third of our patients), and the dystrophin genotype did not reliably predict a patient's cardiopulmonary phenotype. If confirmed by larger, multi‐center studies, our findings have significant implications for predicting patient prognosis, evaluating DMD therapies, and designing new DMD therapies.