bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of insurance type and timing of Medicaid enrollment on survival among adolescents and young adults with cancer
Authors: Parsons Helen M. , Maguire Frances B. , Morris Cyllene R. , Parikh‐Patel Arti , Brunson Ann M. , Wun Ted , Keegan Theresa H.M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAdolescents and young adults (AYAs) with public or no insurance experience later stage at diagnosis and worse overall survival compared with those with private insurance. However, prior studies have not distinguished the survival impact of continuous Medicaid coverage prior to diagnosis compared with gaining Medicaid coverage at diagnosis.MethodsWe linked a cohort of AYAs aged 15‐39 who were diagnosed with 13 common cancers from 2005 to 2014 in the California Cancer Registry with California Medicaid enrollment files to ascertain Medicaid enrollment, with other insurance determined from registry data. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate the impact of insurance on survival, adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics.ResultsAmong 62 218 AYAs, over 65% had private/military insurance, 10% received Medicaid at diagnosis, 13.2% had continuous Medicaid, 4.1% had discontinuous Medicaid, 1.7% had other public insurance, 3% were uninsured, and 2.6% had unknown insurance. Compared with those with private/military insurance, individuals with Medicaid insurance had significantly worse survival regardless of when coverage began (received Medicaid at diagnosis: hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.51 [1.42‐1.61]; continuously Medicaid insured: 1.42 [1.33‐1.52]; discontinuous Medicaid: 1.64 [1.49, 1.80]). Analyses of those with Medicaid insurance only demonstrated slightly worse cancer‐specific survival among those with discontinuous Medicaid or enrollment at diagnosis compared with those with continuous enrollment, but results were not significant stratified by cancer site.Conclusions and relevanceAYAs with Medicaid insurance experience worse cancer‐specific survival compared with those with private/military insurance, yet continuous enrollment demonstrates slight survival improvements, providing potential opportunities for future policy intervention.
Radical cyclopolymerization of dimethacrylates bearing rigid adamantane‐like core derived from naturally occurring myo‐inositol
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Nishiyama Kyohei , Morimoto Mika , Yamamoto Shinichiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDimethacrylates with rigid adamantane‐like cores were synthesized from myo‐inositol orthoester via a sequence of (a) acylation or silylation of the equatorially oriented hydroxyl group, followed by (b) attachment of methacrylate groups on the axially oriented hydroxyl groups. The radical homopolymerization of these compounds proceeded via cyclopolymerization without crosslinking, as the two axially oriented methacrylate groups were fixed in close proximity with each other. The dimethacrylates underwent radical copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA) to afford the corresponding polymethacrylates, exhibiting high glass transition temperatures (Tg), due to the introduction of the rigid orthoester moieties originating from the monomers and the macrocyclic structures formed via intramolecular cyclization of the two methacrylate groups of the monomers. The polymers obtained by polymerization of the dimethacrylate bearing a silylated hydroxyl group served as precursors of hydroxyl‐bearing polymers, which also exhibited high Tg due to the formation of a hydrogen bonding network between the hydroxyl groups.
Survey of patients with cystic fibrosis and caregivers decisions regarding CFTR modulators
Authors: George Ashish , Smith Beth , Sawicki Gregory S. , Goetz Danielle M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators are a novel approach to CF management that has become more readily available chronic CF therapies for certain populations of patients with CF. A cross‐sectional survey of adults with CF and caregivers of pediatric patients with CF was done in two CF Centers to better understand the decision‐making process including the potential influence of social media, CF care‐teams, and family members on their decision whether to begin a CFTR modulator. For the 90 participants, the most common influences in the decision to start modulator therapy were the CF providers/care teams (n = 63), parents (n = 49), and individuals with CF (n = 27). The most impactful influence in the decision‐making process were providers/care team (n = 47) and parents (n = 18). Social media was an influence for only 12 respondents, with an overall positive impact. Information from the CF Foundation was an influence for 12 participants and the main influence for six participants. The most common reasons for stopping lumacaftor‐ivacaftor were having tezacaftor‐ivacaftor as an option (n = 25) and side‐effects (n = 15). Family and CF clinicians were the two main influences on the decision to initiate modulator therapy. CF clinicians were seen to be the most influential source. Social media had less influence on the decision‐making process than expected despite the wide presence of the CF community online.
The remaining barriers to normalcy in CF: Advances in assessment of CF lung disease
Authors: Muston Heather N. , Perrem Lucy , Davis Michael D. , Ratjen Felix , Ren Clement L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDespite early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) through newborn screening, a substantial proportion of infants and young children with CF still demonstrate physiologic and structural evidence of lung disease progression, such as obstructive airway disease and bronchiectasis. The growing availability of highly effective CF transmembrane conductance regulatory modulator therapy to the vast majority of people with CF has led to the potential to alter the natural history of CF lung disease, but to assess the full impact of these therapies on CF lung disease and to help guide treatment, sensitive measures of early and mild disease are needed. Chest imaging using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is one approach, but technologic barriers and/or concern about exposure to ionizing radiation may limit its use. However, advances in physiologic measurement techniques and exhaled breath analysis offer another option for assessment of CF lung disease
Novel imaging techniques for cystic fibrosis lung disease
Authors: Goralski Jennifer L. , Stewart Neil J. , Woods Jason C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWith an increasing number of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) receiving highly effective CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein) modulator therapy, particularly at a young age, there is an increasing need to identify imaging tools that can detect and regionally visualize mild CF lung disease and subtle changes in disease state. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in imaging modalities for both structural and functional imaging of the lung available to CF clinicians and researchers, from the widely available, clinically utilized imaging methods for assessing CF lung disease—chest radiography and computed tomography—to newer techniques poised to become the next phase of clinical tools—structural/functional proton and hyperpolarized gas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Finally, we provide a brief discussion of several newer lung imaging techniques that are currently available only in selected research settings, including chest tomosynthesis, and fluorinated gas MRI. We provide an update on the clinical and/or research status of each technique, with a focus on sensitivity, early disease detection, and possibilities for monitoring treatment efficacy.
Potential for a biopesticide bait to control black beetle, Heteronychus arator (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Mansfield Sarah , Wilson Michael J , Gerard Philippa J , Wilson Derrick J , Swaminathan Jayanthi , Wright David A , van Koten Chikako , Hurst Mark RH 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDYersinia entomophaga is an entomopathogenic bacterium that is active against scarab beetles, among other insects. In New Zealand, the African black beetle, Heteronychus arator (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), is a major pest of pastures and arable crops but very few control options exist and no insecticides are registered for use in established pastures.RESULTSIn laboratory bioassays, H. arator adults were susceptible to a bait containing Y. entomophaga at low doses. This bait was more effective against H. arator adults during spring than autumn in small‐scale field plots (320 mm diameter). A large‐scale field trial (40 × 40 m plots) reduced adult numbers substantially: approximately twice as many beetles were captured in pitfall traps from untreated plots compared with plots treated with the Y. entomophaga bait at 70 kg ha−1. This single bait application in spring also reduced subsequent larval populations in summer.CONCLUSIONSHeteronychus arator is a difficult pest to manage using chemical insecticides. This biopesticide with Y. entomophaga as the active ingredient offers a new solution for New Zealand pastures, with potential for application to other crops affected by H. arator and for control of other pests. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Field assessment of a newly‐designed pneumatic spout to contain spray drift in vineyards: evaluation of canopy distribution and off‐target losses
Authors: Grella Marco , Miranda‐Fuentes Antonio , Marucco Paolo , Balsari Paolo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe efficacy and environmental sustainability of pesticide application largely depend on maximizing target coverage, while minimizing off‐target losses. Recently, laboratory‐based measurements were used to develop new cannon‐type spout to increase the droplet size spectra produced by a pneumatic vineyard sprayer. The study described below evaluated the effectiveness of the new device to reduce off‐target losses (both in‐field and off‐field ground losses), and to distribute an adequate canopy spray. Field trials were conducted to measure canopy spray deposition, canopy coverage, and off‐target losses from a multiple‐row pneumatic sprayer equipped with newly‐designed spout under three different positional configurations. The configurations were defined by the variation of liquid release positions from the inner to the outer part of the cannon‐type spout: conventional, alternative, and extreme. Each configuration was tested in a vineyard by applying a solution of water and yellow‐dye tracer.RESULTSIt was confirmed that the increased droplet size corresponding to the alternative and extreme liquid release positions has no effect on total canopy deposition or coverage. The alternative and extreme configurations produced reduced off‐field losses, up to 75% and 83%, respectively, by increasing the droplet size spectra. These reduced off‐field losses imply increased in‐field losses of 13% and 16%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe newly‐designed pneumatic spout offers the first effective option for environmentally‐friendly pneumatic spray pesticide application with the guarantee of canopy spray deposition and coverage levels similar to those obtained with conventional pneumatic application. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of abamectin‐loaded nanoemulsion and its insecticidal activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Feng Jianguo , Chen Wang , Liu Qi , Chen Zhiyang , Yang Jinghan , Yang Wenchao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDOwing to the advantages of high‐efficiency, environmental protection and safety, nanoemulsions have become a highly popular water‐insoluble pesticide delivery system in recent years.RESULTSIn this study, abamectin‐loaded nanoemulsion with remarkable physical stability and application performance was obtained by selecting the type and concentration of surfactant and the emulsification method. The optimal formula was 2% abamectin and 5% castor oil polyoxyethylene (EL‐40) dissolved in 7.5% hydrocarbon solvent (S‐200) made up to 100% with deionized water, which conformed to the quality indicators from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards. Droplets on cabbage leaves showed a small dynamic contact angle, which ensured that the resulting nanoemulsion exhibited excellent wettability and diffusivity. Compared with emulsifiable concentrates (EC) and microemulsions (ME), the abamectin‐loaded nanoemulsion had the lowest LC50 (0.0686 mg L−1) to third‐instar larva of Plutella xylostella, causing the larval body to blacken and shrivel, which improved insecticidal activity. In addition, the abamectin‐loaded nanoemulsion had low cytotoxicity. The viability of dendritic cells with added nanoemulsion reached 100% after 2 h, whereas that of cells with EC and ME was lower. After 24 h, the cell viability of dendritic cells with added ME was 0.CONCLUSIONThis research facilitated the design and fabrication of nanoemulsions for water‐insoluble pesticide to enhance insecticidal activity, lower cytotoxicity and reduce environmental pollution. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The devil in the details: A tutorial review on some undervalued aspects of density functional theory calculations
Authors: Morgante Pierpaolo , Peverati Roberto 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDensity functional theory (DFT) has become ubiquitous for chemical applications in research and in education. The exact functional at the foundation of DFT is unfortunately unknown, and issues arise when choosing an approximation for a specific application. With this tutorial review, we tackle the selection problem and many related ones, such as the choices of a basis set and of an integration grid, that are often overlooked by occasional practitioners and by more experienced users as well. We offer a practical approach in the form of a commented notebook containing 12 experiences that can be run on a simple computer in just a few hours. We propose this review as a primary source for those who are willing to include DFT in their everyday research or teaching activities in a way that reflects the research advances of the field in the last couple of decades.
Particle formation and surface processes on atmospheric aerosols: A review of applied quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Leonardi Angelina , Ricker Heather M. , Gale Ariel G. , Ball Benjamin T. , Odbadrakh Tuguldur T. , Shields George C. , Navea Juan G. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAerosols significantly influence atmospheric processes such as cloud nucleation, heterogeneous chemistry, and heavy‐metal transport in the troposphere. The chemical and physical complexity of atmospheric aerosols results in large uncertainties in their climate and health effects. In this article, we review recent advances in scientific understanding of aerosol processes achieved by the application of quantum chemical calculations. In particular, we emphasize recent work in two areas: new particle formation and heterogeneous processes. Details in quantum chemical methods are provided, elaborating on computational models for prenucleation, secondary organic aerosol formation, and aerosol interface phenomena. Modeling of relative humidity effects, aerosol surfaces, and chemical kinetics of reaction pathways is discussed. Because of their relevance, quantum chemical calculations and field and laboratory experiments are compared. In addition to describing the atmospheric relevance of the computational models, this article also presents future challenges in quantum chemical calculations applied to aerosols.
An improved matrix‐based endovascular guidewire position simulation using fusiform ternary tree
Authors: Qiu Jianpeng , Lyu Tianling , Chen Yang , Zhou Shoujun , Xing Liudong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a new matrix‐based method is proposed to real‐time determine, the guidewire position inside an arterial system. The guidewire path is obtained by the optimal path method, particularly, the fusiform ternary tree method according to the principle of minimum output value of root node. An adaptive sampling strategy, and an optimization strategy based on the proximal end and distal end of the guidewire are proposed to change the guidewire position for obtaining an ideal guidewire path. Compared to the existing methods, the proposed method can achieve 74%, 64%, and 70% improvements in accuracy for phantoms 1, 2, and 3, respectively, investigated in this work.
Genetic disorders and male infertility
Authors: Kuroda Shinnosuke , Usui Kimitsugu , Sanjo Hiroyuki , Takeshima Teppei , Kawahara Takashi , Uemura Hiroji , Yumura Yasushi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAt present, one out of six couples is infertile, and in 50% of cases, infertility is attributed to male infertility factors. Genetic abnormalities are found in 10%‐20% of patients showing severe spermatogenesis disorders, including non‐obstructive azoospermia.MethodsLiteratures covering the relationship between male infertility and genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities were studied and summarized.Main findings (Results)Genetic disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome, balanced reciprocal translocation, Robertsonian translocation, structural abnormalities in Y chromosome, XX male, azoospermic factor (AZF) deletions, and congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens were summarized and discussed from a practical point of view. Among them, understanding on AZF deletions significantly changed owing to advanced elucidation of their pathogenesis. Due to its technical progress, AZF deletion test can reveal their delicate variations and predict the condition of spermatogenesis. Thirty‐nine candidate genes possibly responsible for azoospermia have been identified in the last 10 years owing to the advances in genome sequencing technologies.ConclusionGenetic testing for chromosomes and AZF deletions should be examined in cases of severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Genetic counseling should be offered before and after genetic testing.
Effects of upstream and downstream slopes and clay content on levee's breaching by overtopping
Authors: Salehi Saeed , Azimi Amir H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe present study investigated the effects of clay content and levee's slopes on the breach formation process for levees constructed by both cohesive and non‐cohesive soils. Twelve experiments were carried out and the breach formation of levees was observed by measuring the breach discharge variations and scour topography with time. The initiation of surface erosion was analysed by comparing the estimated bed shear stress and the critical soil shear stress, and the rate of erosion during breaching was estimated by employing the erosion index. The erosion of levees due to overtopping was classified into three regimes of uniform surface erosion, erosion from the toe, and single scour formation. It was found that the upstream levee's slope had negligible effects on the breach process, whereas the downstream slope significantly increased the erosion index. The peak breach discharge increased with increasing downstream slope and it occurred earlier. Experimental results also showed that the peak breach discharge was higher in non‐cohesive levees than the cohesive embankments and it occurred much earlier. Based on dimensional analysis, empirical equations were proposed to predict the breach discharge and the topography of erosion during the breach.
Analysing the potential to restore the multi‐functionality of floodplain systems by considering ecosystem service quality, quantity and trade‐offs
Authors: Funk Andrea , Tschikof Martin , Grüner Barbara , Böck Kerstin , Hein Thomas , Bondar‐Kunze Elisabeth 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRiver floodplains are hotspots of productivity and biodiversity and recognized to fulfil vital ecosystem functions and services. Restoration measures of the decoupled Danube floodplains east of Vienna aim to re‐establish multi‐functionality, that is, ensure navigation, preserve and restore unique fluvial and riparian habitats and re‐establish natural processes and service provisioning. Side‐channels are proposed for reconnection combined with the removal of embankments and groins. We evaluated how a programme of measures influences the diversity and quantity of specific ecosystem services (ES) and therefore, the overall multi‐functionality of the floodplain compared to the current situation. Therefore, regulating ecosystem services (RES), such as nutrient retention and habitat provisioning, were modelled and predicted using multivariate regression models. Also, the potential of cultural ecosystem services (CES) was assessed based on mapping of recreational activities. The impact of proposed measures on ES quantity, that is, quantitative spatial representation, and quality, that is, biodiversity and nature experience, as well as potential synergies and trade‐offs were analysed. Our results show clear synergies especially for RES (habitat for the rheotopic community and nutrient retention) and the CES of nature experience. Those services have a weak and local trade‐off with the quantitative availability of opportunities for recreation. This pattern could only be detected by considering both, quantitative as well as qualitative aspects of ES. Overall, our results show that the restoration measures have a high potential to increase the multi‐functionality of the floodplain system by supporting the provisioning of RES including habitat for endangered species and selected CES.
Implementation of a geographical routing scheme for low Earth orbiting satellite constellations using intersatellite links
Authors: Roth Manuel , Brandt Hartmut , Bischl Hermann 
Published: June 2020

SummaryA major problem for low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations with intersatellite links is the efficient routing of the data packets through such a highly dynamic network. In order to achieve a worldwide coverage even in remote areas and Internet access with a limited amount of gateway stations, intersatellite links are a promising approach. Since LEO constellations represent a distinct, highly dynamic routing environment, specific strategies are needed. To this end, a suitable geographical routing scheme is proposed and investigated in two Walker Star constellations. The proposed scheme targets reliable transmissions with low latency and high data rates. The approach is based on a geographical address identifier in Layer 2 of the communication stack. The globe is thus divided into geographical areas that determine this identifier in the MAC address of the terminals. As mobile terminals are considered, the MAC addressing scheme is flexible, whereas the IP addresses of the terminals remain static. This decoupling allows for flexibility in the choice of the address resolution scheme. Moreover, the geographical identifier in the MAC address enables fast routing table lookups and switching. The proposed routing scheme also takes possible overloads of the satellites due to traffic into account and applies a rerouting procedure. When a packet arrives in the geographical area of the destination terminal, a local rerouting scheme is applied if needed. The proposed approaches take handover events that possibly occur during a transmission into account. Furthermore, the scan angles of the satellites have been adapted to the constellations to provide full coverage and high elevation angles. So a robust and adaptable routing scheme is provided for a dynamic environment where satellites and terminals are constantly moving. The proposed definitions and procedures have been implemented in a system level simulator, which allows for comparisons with adjustable parameters in various scenarios. In this work, an Iridium‐like constellation and a megaconstellation are investigated and compared regarding the address resolution procedures, the average end‐to‐end transmission delay, and the dropping and rerouting rates. Additionally, the signaling overhead is compared with other approaches. The simulator and results of the simulations provide grounds for further research w.r.t. the routing in satellite constellations using intersatellite links.