bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic potential of circulating cell‐free nuclear and mitochondrial DNA for several cancer types and nonmalignant diseases: A study on suspected cancer patients
Authors: Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Hedelius Anna , Memon Ashfaque A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCirculating cell‐free nuclear DNA (nDNA) has been implicated in individual cancer types with a diagnostic value; however, the role of cell‐free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in cancers is controversial. We aimed to investigate and compare the diagnostic potential of both nDNA and mtDNA for multiple cancers and to investigate their ability to distinguish multiple cancers from healthy controls and from nonmalignant diseases. We also investigated the prognostic value of both nDNA and mtDNA. The absolute copy number of circulating DNAs in suspected cancer patients (n = 286) referred to a cancer diagnostic center and healthy controls (n = 109) was quantified by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. Among the suspected cancer patients, 66 (23%) were diagnosed with various cancers, 193 (67%) with nonmalignant diseases, and 27 (10%) with no active disease. Levels of nDNA were significantly higher in cancers (copies/μl; mean ± SD, 21.0 ± 14.2) as compared with nonmalignant diseases (15.2 ± 10.0) and controls (9.3 ± 4.1). In contrast, levels of mtDNA were significantly lower in cancers (copies/μl; mean ± SD, 68,557 ± 66,663) and nonmalignant diseases (60,174 ± 55,831) as compared with controls (98,714 ± 77,789). Receiver operating curve analysis showed that nDNA not only could distinguish multiple cancers from controls (area under curve [AUC] = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70–0.86) but also from nonmalignant diseases (AUC = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.59–0.76). However, mtDNA could only differentiate cancers from controls (AUC = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.56–0.73). Higher levels of nDNA were also associated with increased mortality in the cancer patients (hazard ratio = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.1–4.7). Circulating cell‐free nDNA, but not the mtDNA, could distinguish multiple cancers from nonmalignant diseases and was associated with poor survival of cancer patients.
Treatment decision‐making among men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A qualitative study of men's experiences with recommendations for patient‐centred practice
Authors: Selman Lucy E. , Clement Clare , Ochieng Cynthia A. , Lewis Amanda L. , Chapple Christopher , Abrams Paul , Drake Marcus J. , Horwood Jeremy 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsTo inform and guide patient‐centred care for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), by providing in‐depth qualitative evidence regarding men's perspectives on treatment decision‐making for LUTS.MethodsAn interview study of men recruited from 26 English urology departments. Purposive sampling captured surgical/nonsurgical treatment decisions, and diversity in demographics and symptom burden, in men who had urodynamics and those who did not. After diagnostic assessments, men were interviewed either pre‐treatment or after LUTS surgery. Thematic analysis was conducted. Participants’ descriptions of how LUTS treatment decisions were made were categorised as patient‐led, doctor‐led, or shared.ResultsA total of 41 men participated (25 pre‐treatment, 16 post‐surgery), ages 52–89. Twenty out of 41 described the treatment decision as shared with their consultant, 14 as doctor‐led, and seven as patient‐led. There was no obvious association between treatment decision‐making style and patients’ satisfaction with either clinicians’ role in their decision or their treatment decision. Incomplete or rushed discussions and misperceptions of LUTS and its treatment were reported, indicating a risk of suboptimal decision‐making support by clinicians. As well as clinician opinion, men's treatment decision‐making was influenced by the results of urological assessments, comparing current symptoms with possible side‐effects of surgery, and others’ experiences and opinions.ConclusionsMen with LUTS report and prefer different kinds of decision‐making support from their clinicians, who must tailor their input to patients’ preferences and needs. Patients’ treatment decision‐making involves multiple factors and can be challenging, and areas of inadequate clinician support were identified. Recommendations for patient‐centred consultations about LUTS treatment are presented.
NURBS in isogeometric discretization methods: A spectral analysis
Authors: Garoni Carlo , Manni Carla , Serra‐Capizzano Stefano , Speleers Hendrik 
Published: October 2020

SummaryNonuniform rational B‐splines (NURBS) are the most common representation form in isogeometric analysis. In this article, we study the spectral behavior of discretization matrices arising from isogeometric Galerkin and collocation methods based on d‐variate NURBS of degrees (p1,…,pd), and applied to general second‐order partial differential equations defined on a d‐dimensional domain. The spectrum of these matrices can be compactly and accurately described by means of a so‐called symbol. We compute this symbol and show that it is the same as in the case of isogeometric discretization matrices based on d‐variate polynomial B‐splines of degrees (p1,…,pd). The theoretical results are confirmed with a selection of numerical examples.
On the absolute stable difference scheme for the space‐wise dependent source identification problem for elliptic‐telegraph equation
Authors: Ashyralyev Allaberen , Al‐Hammouri Ahmad , Ashyralyyev Charyyar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe present paper is devoted to study the first order of accuracy absolute stable difference scheme for the approximate solution of the space identification problem for the elliptic‐telegraph equation in Hilbert spaces with the self‐adjoint positive definite operator. The main theorem on the stability of the difference scheme is established. In applications, theorems on the stability of difference schemes for two types of the space identification problems for multidimensional elliptic‐telegraph partial differential equations are proved. Numerical analysis is provided.
Synthesis of novel phosphonium bromide‐montmorillonite nanocompound and its performance in flame retardancy and dielectric properties of epoxy resins
Authors: Qin Jianyu , Zhang Wenchao , Yang Rongjie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo enhance the flame retardancy of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) on epoxy resins (EPs), by addition reaction with allyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (ATPB), a novel DOPO‐containing phosphonium bromide (DOPO‐ATPB) was synthesized and its structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). By intercalating DOPO‐ATPB into montmorillonite (MMT) layers and with the help of solvents, the intercalated nanocompound (DPAB‐MMT) was prepared, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a d‐spacing expansion of DPAB‐MMT layers (from ~1.01 to ~2.10 nm). The epoxy composites with DOPO‐ATPB and DPAB‐MMT were prepared, and their effects on the flame retardancy, mechanical and dielectric properties were studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 vertical burning test, cone calorimetry, three‐point bend testing, and the impedance analyzer. The results show that DOPO‐ATPB endows EPs with excellent flame retardancy and dielectric properties, and DPAB‐MMT can be well dispersed in EPs. Compared with pure EP, the EP/8 wt% DOPO‐ATPB increased the LOI values from 23.0% to 32.5%, achieved V‐0 rating and decreased the peak heat release rate (p‐HRR) by approximately 36.6%. With the 8 wt% DPAB‐MMT, the LOI values of epoxy composite was increased from 23.0% to 35.9%, the p‐HRR was decreased by ~25.4%, the mechanical flexural strength was enhanced by approximately 13.4% and the dielectric loss (ε″) was decreased from 0.080 to 0.052 at 100 Hz.
Active layer thickening and controls on interannual variability in the Nordic Arctic compared to the circum‐Arctic
Authors: Strand Sarah M. , Christiansen Hanne H. , Johansson Margareta , Åkerman Jonas , Humlum Ole 
Published: October 2020

AbstractActive layer probing in northern Sweden, northeast Greenland, and central Svalbard indicates active layer thickening has occurred at Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) sites with long‐term, continuous observations, since the sites were established at these locations in 1978, 1996, and 2000, respectively. The study areas exhibit a reverse latitudinal gradient in average active layer thickness (ALT), which is explained by site geomorphology and climate. Specifically, Svalbard has a more maritime climate and thus the thickest active layer of the study areas (average ALT = 99 cm, 2000–2018). The active layer is thinnest at the northern Sweden sites because it is primarily confined to superficial peat. Interannual variability in ALT is not synchronous across this Nordic Arctic region, but study sites in the same area respond similarly to local meteorology. ALT correlates positively with thawing degree days in Sweden and Greenland, as has been observed in other Arctic regions. However, ALT in Svalbard correlates with freezing degree days, where the maritime Arctic climate results in relatively high and variable winter air temperatures. The difference in annual ALT at adjacent sites is attributed to differences in snow cover and geomorphology. From 2000 to 2018, the average rate of active layer thickening at the Nordic Arctic CALM probing sites was 0.5 cm/yr. The average rate was 1 cm/yr for Nordic Arctic CALM database sites with significant trends, which includes a borehole in addition to probing sites. This range is in line with the circum‐Arctic average of 0.8 cm/yr from 2000 to 2018.
Unilateral neonatal pulmonary interstitial emphysema managed conservatively: A case report
Authors: Al‐Mudares Faeq , Fernandes Caraciolo J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) is a pathological state when air escapes from ruptured alveoli and is trapped along the sheaths surrounding the bronchovascular bundle. PIE is not uncommon in infants who require mechanical ventilation and even less common in infants on noninvasive ventilatory support; however, it is extremely unusual in infants in room air.Case PresentationA 2‐week‐old male infant developed worsening tachypnea in the special‐care nursery. The patient was born at 33 weeks' gestation by induced vaginal delivery due to pre‐eclampsia. He required positive pressure ventilation at birth and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit on nasal continuous positive airway pressure. On the second day of life, exogenous surfactant was administered via endotracheal tube due to increased oxygen requirement, and, soon after, he was weaned off all respiratory support. After 10 days of stability, he developed tachypnea with diminished air entry on the left side of the chest. Chest radiograph and chest computerized tomography confirmed left‐sided unilateral PIE. The patient was treated conservatively with positional therapy alone. Significant clinical and radiographic improvement was noticed within 4 days; almost complete resolution by 10 days and the infant was discharged 23 days later. At follow‐up at 7 months, the infant was found to be symptom‐free with a normal chest radiograph.ConclusionsTraditional management of unilateral PIE generally involves a combination of invasive ventilatory support and positional therapy to break the vicious cycle pathophysiology of PIE. This report focuses on the insidious progression of PIE in nonventilated neonates and describes a nontraditional conservative management strategy for the management of unilateral PIE.
Thermal Hazards for Autocatalysis and Stability in CSTR: Decomposition of Solution from Nitrolysis of Hexamethylenetetramine
Authors: Xie Qiang , Zhang Luyao , Yu Xianhan , Liu Wei , Jiang Fei , He Jie , Zhang Yaoxuan , Chen Houhe 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNitrolysis solution is a kind of spent acid, obtained after the nitration and ripening of hexamethylenetetramine (HA). Its decomposition is generally spontaneous and hazardous. Therefore, the thermal hazards of a real nitrolysis solution were studied here. The prepared nitrolysis solution was analysed by isoperibolic experiments, differential thermal analysis (DTA), accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC), and a bursting point test. We employed non‐linear regression and ordinary differential equation (ODE) fitting methods to obtain kinetic parameters, such as 120.73 kJ mol−1 of the activation energy (E), 36.388 s−1 of the natural logarithm of the pre‐exponential factor (lnA), 1.155 of the reaction order, and 0.6615 of the catalytic index. Based on these kinetic parameters, thermal safety parameters were obtained to evaluate the hazards of a real nitrolysis solution from four aspects: severity, thermal stability, process hazards, and thermal sensitivity. The results indicate critical severity, high process hazards and thermal sensitivity, and very low thermal stability. The hazards due to real nitrolysis solution are higher than those of nitric ester explosives and azos. Further, the value of the initial mass ratio between the concentrated nitric acid and HA could severely pose safety risks during the nitration process. Additionally, the sensitivity analyses of the four process parameters (space‐time of CSTR, τCSTR; feeding temperature, T0; ambient temperature, Ta; specific cooling capacity, hS/V) were performed under the critical conditions for thermal stability in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The suited margin of Ta could be 333.15–342.81 K with other determined process parameters.
Microtiter plate test using liquid medium is an alternative method for monitoring metyltetraprole sensitivity in Cercospora beticola
Authors: Matsuzaki Yuichi , Uda Yukie , Kurahashi Makoto , Iwahashi Fukumatsu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMetyltetraprole is a new quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicide showing potent activity against QoI‐resistant fungi that possess the G143A cytochrome b mutation, which confers resistance to existing QoIs such as trifloxystrobin. For its sustainable use, monitoring of metyltetraprole sensitivity is necessary and the establishment of appropriate methodology is important in each pathogen species.RESULTSIn Cercospora beticola, the causal agent of sugar beet leaf spot, some isolates were less sensitive to metyltetraprole (EC50 > 1 mg L–1, higher than the saturated concentration) using the common agar plate method, even with 100 mg L−1 salicylhydroxamic acid, an alternative oxidase inhibitor. However, microtiter tests (EC50 < 0.01 mg L−1), conidial germination tests (EC50 < 0.01 mg L−1) and in planta tests (>80% control at 75 mg L−1 run‐off spraying) confirmed that all tested isolates were highly sensitive to metyltetraprole. For trifloxystrobin, G143A mutants were clearly resistant upon microtiter plate tests (median EC50 > 2 mg L−1) and distinct from wild‐type isolates (median EC50 < 0.01 mg L−1). Notably, mycelium fragments were usable for the microtiter plate tests and the test was applicable for isolates that do not form sufficient conidia. Our monitoring study by microtiter plate tests did not indicate the presence of metyltetraprole‐resistant C. beticola isolates in populations in Hokkaido, Japan.CONCLUSIONThe microtiter tests were revealed to be useful for monitoring the sensitivity of C. beticola to metyltetraprole and trifloxystrobin. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Challenges in the interpretation of anticoagulant rodenticide residues and toxicity in predatory and scavenging birds
Authors: Rattner Barnett A , Harvey Joel J 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAnticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are part of the near billion‐dollar rodenticide industry. Numerous studies have documented the presence of ARs in nontarget wildlife, with evidence of repeated exposure to second‐generation ARs. While birds are generally less sensitive to ARs than target rodent species, in some locations predatory and scavenging birds are exposed by consumption of such poisoned prey and, depending on dose and frequency of exposure, exhibit effects of intoxication that can result in death. Evidence of hemorrhage in conjunction with summed hepatic AR residues >0.1–0.2 mg kg−1 liver wet weight are often used as criteria to diagnose ARs as the likely cause of death. In this review focusing on birds of prey and scavengers, we discuss AR potency, coagulopathy, toxicokinetics and long‐lasting effects of residues, and the role of nutrition and vitamin K status on toxicity, and identify some research needs. A more complete understanding of the factors affecting AR toxicity in nontarget wildlife could enable regulators and natural resource managers to better predict and even mitigate risk. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Improving Shewhart control chart performance for monitoring the Weibull mean
Authors: Ho Linda Lee , Fernandes Fidel Henrique , Quinino Roberto C. , Bourguignon Marcelo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we are interested in monitoring the stability of a Weibull process mean. We introduce a simplified variable sample size (SVSS) procedure, which consists of using alternately sample sizes and with , to improve the performance of the traditional control chart (a fixed sample size n). Operationally, the proposal is relatively simple and its adoption yields a faster signal of an abnormal situation compared with the traditional chart in a variety of shifts. We present instructions for practitioners on how to design a control chart using the SVSS procedure. We also illustrate the proposed scheme through a numerical example.
An approach for calibrating laser‐based N2O isotopic analyzers for soil biogeochemistry research
Authors: Stuchiner Emily R. , Weller Zachary D. , von Fischer Joseph C. 
Published: October 2020

RationaleTechnological advances have motivated researchers to transition from traditional gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry to rapid, high‐throughput, laser‐based instrumentation for N2O isotopic research. However, calibrating laser‐based instruments to yield accurate and precise isotope ratios has been an ongoing challenge. To streamline the N2O isotope research pipeline, we developed the calibration protocol for laser‐based analyzers described here. While our approach is targeted at laboratory soil incubations, we anticipate that it will be broadly applicable for diverse types of stable isotope research.MethodsWe prepared standards diluted from USGS52 and from a commercial cylinder to develop a calibration curve spanning from 0.3 to 300 ppm N2O. To calibrate over this broad range, we binned each isotopocule (N2O, N15NO, 15NNO, and NN18O) into low, medium, and high concentration ranges and then used mathematically similar polynomial functions to calibrate the isotopocules within each concentration range. We also assessed the temporal stability of the instrument and the capacity for our calibration approach to work with isotopically enriched gas samples.ResultsOur calibration approach yielded generally accurate and precise data when isotopocules were calibrated in concentration ranges, and the measurements appeared to be temporally stable. For all isotopocules at natural abundance, the residual percentage error was smallest in the medium N2O range. There was more noise in the corrected isotopomers and isotopologue at natural abundance in samples with the lowest and highest N2O concentrations. Corrected isotopomer results from isotopically enriched samples were very precise.ConclusionsDeveloping our calibration strategy involved learning several key lessons: (1) calibrate isotopocules in distinct concentration ranges, (2) use mathematically similar models to calibrate the isotopocules in each range, (3) calibrated N2O concentrations and δ values tend to be most accurate and precise in the medium N2O range, and (4) we encourage users to take advantage of isotopic enrichment to capitalize on laser‐based instrument strengths.
Evaluation of image quality and assessability of a new flat‐panel 3D C‐arm compared to mobile and fixed computed tomography in posterior spinal fixation
Authors: Keil Holger , Luxenhofer Miriam , Vetter Sven Y. , Beisemann Nils , Grützner Paul A. , Franke Jochen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluates image quality of a new flat‐panel three‐dimensional (3D) C‐arm to the current generation and to intraoperative and stationary computed tomography (CT) in spinal surgery.MethodsThree‐dimensional‐imaging of 44 posterior screws acquired with two generations of 3D C‐arms (Arcadis Orbic, AO and Cios Spin, CS, Siemens, Germany) and CT scans (mobile intraoperative CT Airo, iCT, Brainlab, Germany and stationary CT Aquilion 32, sCT, Toshiba, Japan) were performed. Evaluation regarded assessability and measurements of implant position.ResultsAssessability score was 0.11 in AO, 0.56 in sCT, 0.91 in iCT and 1.46 in CS (p < 0.0005). AO and CS showed a significant difference in accuracy (p = 0.001) as well as CS and iCT (p < 0.001). Measurements of protrusion over the anterior edge did not show a significant difference (p = 0.341).ConclusionsImage quality of the new generation of flat‐panel 3D C‐arms competes with CT imaging and offers significant advantages compared to the former generation.
Global consensus of multi‐agent systems with intermittent directed communication in the presence of actuator saturation
Authors: Xie Yijing , Lin Zongli 
Published: October 2020

SummaryWe consider the problem of global leader‐following consensus of a multi‐agent system with intermittent directed communication in the presence of actuator saturation. The dynamics of the follower agents are represented by a chain of integrators of an arbitrary length. The leader agent possesses the same internal dynamics of the follower agents. For each follower agent, a bounded consensus algorithm utilizing the information obtained intermittently through the communication network is constructed. It is shown that these consensus algorithms achieve global leader‐following consensus as long as the communication topology among all agents, when the communication is active, contains a spanning tree rooted at the leader agent. Numerical examples are given to show the theoretical results.
How facilitating K–12 professional development shapes science faculty's instructional change
Authors: Hayes Kathryn N. , Inouye Caron , Bae Christine L. , Toven‐Lindsey Brit 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlthough the use of active learning pedagogies in college science courses has been demonstrated to improve student learning and engagement, lecture‐based methods still feature predominantly across university courses. Often lacking meaningful opportunities to learn about and test out new pedagogies, faculty have been slow to adopt and enact new teaching practices. Partnerships in which faculty facilitate teacher professional development may provide an important space for faculty learning and innovation related to college instruction. There is a large body of research examining the impact of such partnerships on teacher instructional change; however, few studies consider the impact of these programs on the instructional practices of science faculty. Moreover, existing studies lack theoretical frames to elucidate the various processes that shape faculty adoption of new teaching practices. This qualitative study examines the processes by which science faculty reshape their pedagogical practices through facilitating professional development for K–12 teachers, and how individual characteristics, social interactions, and organizational contexts influence their choices. We use a theoretical framework that affords an understanding of the iterative process and multiple factors that influence shifts in instructional practice. Implications of findings for grant‐writing and professional development that foster opportunities for relationship building and learning among faculty and teachers are discussed.