bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Studies of Carbon Electrodes With Various Surface Area for Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Wang Fangzhou , Kahol P. K. , Gupta Ram , Li Xianglin 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Li−O2 batteries with carbon electrodes made from three commercial carbons and carbon made from waste tea leaves are investigated in this study. The waste tea leaves are recycled from household tea leaves and activated using KOH. The carbon materials have various specific surface areas, and porous structures are characterized by the N2 adsorption/desorption. Vulcan XC 72 carbon shows a higher specific surface area (264.1 m2/g) than the acetylene black (76.5 m2/g) and Super P (60.9 m2/g). The activated tea leaves have an extremely high specific surface area of 2868.4 m2/g. First, we find that the commercial carbons achieve similar discharge capacities of ∼2.50 Ah/g at 0.5 mA/cm2. The micropores in carbon materials result in a high specific surface area but cannot help to achieve higher discharge capacity because it cannot accommodate the solid discharge product (Li2O2). Mixing the acetylene black and the Vulcan XC 72 improves the discharge capacity due to the optimized porous structure. The discharge capacity increases by 42% (from 2.73 ± 0.46 to 3.88 ± 0.22 Ah/g) at 0.5 mA/cm2 when the mass fraction of Vulcan XC 72 changes from 0 to 0.3. Second, the electrode made from activated tea leaves is demonstrated for the first time in Li−O2 batteries. Mixtures of activated tea leaves and acetylene black confirm that mixtures of carbon material with different specific surface areas can increase the discharge capacity. Moreover, carbon made from recycled tea leaves can reduce the cost of the electrode, making electrodes more economically achievable. This study practically enhances the discharge capacity of Li−O2 batteries using mixed carbons and provides a method for fabricating carbon electrodes with lower cost and better environmental friendliness.
Gain Tuning for High-Speed Vibration Control of a Multilink Flexible Manipulator Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Njeri Waweru , Sasaki Minoru , Matsushita Kojiro 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Flexible manipulators are associated with merits such as low power consumption, use of small actuators, high-speed, and their low cost due to fewer materials’ requirements than their rigid counterparts. However, they suffer from link vibration which hinder the aforementioned merits from being realized. The limitations of link vibrations are time wastage, poor precision, and the possibility of failure due to vibration fatigue. This paper extends the vibration control mathematical foundation from a single link manipulator to a three-dimensional, two links flexible manipulator. The vibration control theory developed earlier feeds back a fraction of the link root strain to increase the system damping, thereby reducing the strain. This extension is supported by experimental results. Further improvements are proposed by tuning the right proportion of root strain to feed back, and the timing using artificial neural networks. The algorithm was implemented online in matlab interfaced with dSPACE for practical experiments. From the practical experiment done in consideration of a variable load, neural network tuned gains exhibited a better performance over those obtained using fixed feedback gains in terms of damping of both torsional and bending vibrations and tracking of joint angles.
Duration of mechanical ventilation and neurodevelopment in preterm infants
Authors: Vliegenthart Roos J S , van Kaam Anton H , Aarnoudse-Moens Cornelieke S H , van Wassenaer Aleid G , Onland Wes 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) duration and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants in an era of restricted IMV.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSingle neonatal intensive care unit in Amsterdam.PatientsAll ventilated patients with a gestational age between 24 and 30 weeks born between 2010 and 2015.Main outcome measuresNeurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 24 months corrected age (CA). Data on patient characteristics, respiratory management, neonatal morbidities, mortality and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were collected. The relationship between IMV duration and NDI was determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsDuring the study period, 368 admitted infants received IMV for a median duration of 2 days. Moderate and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was diagnosed in 33% of the infant. Multivariate regression analysis with adjustment for gestational age, small for gestational age and socioeconomic status showed a significant association between every day of IMV and NDI at 24 months CA (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.08, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.16, p=0.04). This association only reached borderline significance when also adjusting for severe neonatal morbidity (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.17, p=0.05).ConclusionEven in an era of restricted IMV, every additional day of IMV in preterm infants is strongly associated with an increased risk of NDI at 24 months CA. Limiting IMV should be an important focus in the treatment of preterm infants.
Perspectives on fertility preservation and parenthood among transgender youth and their parents
Authors: Chiniara Lyne Noelle , Viner Christine , Palmert Mark , Bonifacio Herbert 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the views of young people (YP) with gender dysphoria and their parents concerning fertility preservation and reproductive and life priorities.DesignA cross-sectional questionnaire-based study assessed knowledge of potential effects of treatments for gender dysphoria on fertility, current and future life priorities and preferences regarding future fertility/parenting options among YP and parents.ResultsA total of 79 YP (81% assigned female at birth [AFAB], 19% assigned male at birth [AMAB], aged 12–18 years, 68% between ages 16 years and 18 years) and 73 parents participated. The top current life priority for YP among eight options wasbeing in good health; the least important priority washaving children. Anticipated life priorities 10 years from now were ranked similarly. Parents’ rankings paralleled the YP responses; however, parents ranked having children as a significantly higher priority for AFAB compared with AMAB YP in 10 years. The majority of YP (66% AFAB, 67% AMAB) want to be a parent in the future. However, most do not envision having a biological child. A large majority (72% AFAB, 80% AMAB) were open to adoption. None of the YP surveyed pursued fertility preservation.ConclusionFertility is a low current and future life priority for transgender YP. The majority of YP wish to become parents but are open to alternative strategies for building a family. These data may explain in part the reported low rates of fertility preservation among this population. Further studies are needed to assess if life priorities change over time.
Differences in ocular biometrics and aqueous humour dynamics between Chinese and Caucasian adults
Authors: Fan Shan , Guo Tao , Chen Baojiang , Xiong Junqun , Havens Shane , Gulati Vikas , Toris Carol B 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundGlaucoma prevalence and subtype profile vary across different racial and ethnic groups. This study provides a comparative evaluation of differences in aqueous humour dynamics (AHD) and ocular biometrics in healthy Chinese and Caucasian adults of two different age groups.MethodsData from two independent studies with identical designs were compared. Cohorts included young adults (20–30 years old, 32 Chinese and 39 Caucasians) and older adults (>50 years old, 37 Chinese and 46 Caucasians). Parameters of AHD and ocular biometrics were evaluated. Group comparisons were made by generalised estimating equation methods.ResultsDifferences in young adult Caucasians compared with similarly aged Chinese were thinner central cornea (−29.27 µm, p<0.001), lower intraocular pressure (IOP) (−2.33 mm Hg, p<0.001), larger anterior chamber volume (ACV) (28.78 µL, p<0.001) and faster uveoscleral outflow rate (Fu) (0.82 µL/min, p<0.001). Differences in older adult Caucasians compared with similarly aged Chinese were slower aqueous flow rate (Fa) (−0.28 µL/min, p=0.042), lower IOP (−1.97 mm Hg, p<0.001) and larger ACV (33.15 µL, p<0.001). Considering all subjects together by race, Caucasian subjects had slower Fa (−0.22 µL/min, p=0.035), thinner corneas (−0.52 µm, p=0.003), lower IOP (−2.11 mm Hg, p<0.001), higher ACV (30.39 µL, p<0.001) and faster Fu (0.63 µL/min, p<0.001).ConclusionDifferences in AHD and biometrics between Caucasian and Chinese adults include larger ACVs which may contribute to the wider angles reported in Caucasians, and slower Fa rates coupled with faster Fu rates which may contribute to their lower IOP and lower overall risk of glaucoma.
Standardising hospitalist practice in sepsis and COPD care
Authors: Bergmann Steven , Tran Mary , Robison Kathryn , Fanning Christine , Sedani Simran , Ready Janet , Conklin Kelly , Tamondong-Lachica Diana , Paculdo David , Peabody John 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundHospitalist medicine was predicated on the belief that providers dedicated to inpatient care would deliver higher quality and more cost-effective care to acutely hospitalised patients. The literature shows mixed results and has identified care variation as a culprit for suboptimal quality and cost outcomes. Using a scientifically validated engagement and measurement approach such as Clinical Performance and Value (CPV), simulated patient vignettes may provide the impetus to change provider behaviour, improve system cohesion, and improve quality and cost efficiency for hospitalists.MethodsWe engaged 33 hospitalists from four disparate hospitalist groups practising at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. Over 16 months and four engagement rounds, participants cared for two patients per round (with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and sepsis), then received feedback, followed by a group discussion. At project end, we evaluated both simulated and real-world data to measure changes in clinical practice and patient outcomes.ResultsParticipants significantly improved their evidence-based practice (+13.7% points, p<0.001) while simultaneously reducing their variation (−1.4% points, p=0.018), as measured by the overall CPV score. Correct primary diagnosis increased significantly for both sepsis (+19.1% points, p=0.004) and COPD (+22.7% points, p=0.001), as did adherence to the sepsis 3-hour bundle (+33.7% points, p=0.010) and correct admission levels for COPD (+26.0% points, p=0.042). These CPV changes coincided with real-world improvements in length of stay and mortality, along with a calculated $5 million in system-wide savings for both disease conditions.ConclusionThis study shows that an engagement system—using simulated patients, benchmarking and feedback to drive provider behavioural change and group cohesion, using parallel tracking of hospital data—can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes and health system savings for hospitalists.
Inpatient and emergency department costs from sports injuries among youth aged 5–18 years
Authors: Ryan Jessica L , Pracht Etienne E , Orban Barbara Langland 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo analyse the financial costs from sports injuries among inpatients and emergency department (ED) patients aged 5–18 with a focus on Medicaid patients.MethodsFixed-effects linear regression was used to assess the association of patient factors with cost of injury from sports. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration data from 2010 to 2014 were used, which included all inpatient and ED patients aged 5–18 years who had a sports injury.ResultsOver 5 years, sports injuries in Florida youth cost $24 million for inpatient care and $87 million for ED care. Youth averaged $6039 for an inpatient visit and $439 for an ED visit in costs from sports injuries. Sports injuries for Medicaid-insured youth cost $10.8 million for inpatient visits and $44.2 million for ED visits.ConclusionOlder athletes and males consistently have higher healthcare costs from sports. Baseball, basketball, bike riding, American football, roller-skating/skateboarding and soccer are sports with high costs for both ED patients and inpatients and would benefit from prevention programmes. Injuries from non-contact sport participants are few but can have high costs. These athletes could benefit from prevention programmes as well.
Acute Ischaemic Stroke Cooperation Group of Endovascular Treatment (ANGEL) registry: study protocol for a prospective, multicentre registry in China
Authors: Huo Xiaochuan , Ma Ning , Mo Dapeng , Gao Feng , Yang Ming , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun , Miao Zhongrong 
Published: March 2019

Background and purposeEndovascular treatment could improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality in patients with intracranial large artery occlusion. This registry aims to evaluate the endovascular treatment delivery and to improve endovascular treatment algorithm in clinical practice for patients with stroke in China.Methods and analysisThis multicentric, nationwide, prospective registry plans to include 20 stroke centres and recruit 900 consecutive AIS patients with large-artery occlusion under endovascular treatment. This registry will enrol acute large vessel occlusion patients suitable for endovascular treatment and the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In this study, 90 days functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) is the primary efficacy endpoint. The procedural efficacy endpoint of this registry is target artery recanalisation defined by modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b or 3 after endovascular therapy. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage with 24±3 hours after the procedure is the primary safety endpoint of this registry.Ethics and disseminationBeijing Tiantan Hospital’s Ethics committee and all other participating centres approved the protocol and data collection of Acute Ischaemic Stroke Cooperation Group of Endovascular Treatment registry. Each participant or representative had a written informed consent.
4E-BP1 Is a Tumor Suppressor Protein Reactivated by mTOR Inhibition in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Feng Xiaodong , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Martin Daniel , Vitale-Cross Lynn , Nohata Nijiro , Ando Mizuo , Wahba Amy , Amornphimoltham Panomwat , Wu Xingyu , Gilardi Mara , Allevato Michael , Wu Victoria , Steffen Dana J. , Tofilon Philip , Sonenberg Nahum , Califano Joseph , Chen Qianming , Lippman Scott M. , Gutkind J. Silvio 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Aberrant activation of the PI3K–mTOR signaling pathway occurs in &gt;80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), and overreliance on this signaling circuit may in turn represent a cancer-specific vulnerability that can be exploited therapeutically. mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) promote tumor regression in genetically defined and chemically induced HNSCC animal models, and encouraging results have been recently reported. However, the mTOR-regulated targets contributing to the clinical response have not yet been identified. Here, we focused on EIF4E-BP1 (4E-BP1), a direct target of mTOR that serves as key effector for protein synthesis. A systematic analysis of genomic alterations in the PIK3CA–mTOR pathway in HNSCC revealed that 4E-BP1 is rarely mutated, but at least one 4E-BP1 gene copy is lost in over 35% of the patients with HNSCC, correlating with decreased 4E-BP1 protein expression. 4E-BP1 gene copy number loss correlated with poor disease-free and overall survival. Aligned with a tumor-suppressive role, 4e-bp1/2 knockout mice formed larger and more lesions in models of HNSCC carcinogenesis. mTORi treatment or conditional expression of a mutant 4E-BP1 that cannot be phosphorylated by mTOR was sufficient to disrupt the translation–initiation complex and prevent tumor growth. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9–targeted 4E-BP1 HNSCC cells resulted in reduced sensitivity to mTORi in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these findings indicate that in HNSCC, mTOR persistently restrains 4E-BP1 via phosphorylation and that mTORi can restore the tumor-suppressive function of 4E-BP1. Our findings also support 4E-BP1 expression and phosphorylation status as a mechanistic biomarker of mTORi sensitivity in patients with HNSCC.

Significance:
These findings suggest that EIF4E-BP1 acts as a tumor suppressor in HNSCC and that 4E-BP1 dephosphorylation mediates the therapeutic response to mTORi, providing a mechanistic biomarker for future precision oncology trials.
Citrullination in Cancer
Authors: Yuzhalin Arseniy E. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Posttranslational modifications of proteins have been implicated in pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Arginine deimination (also known as citrullination) has a principal role in progression of rheumatoid arthritis through generation of autoantibodies and exacerbation of the inflammatory response. Recently, multiple research groups provided solid evidence of citrullination being in control of cancer progression; however, there is no comprehensive overview of these findings. This article summarizes and critically reviews the influence of citrullination on different aspects of tumor biology, including (i) regulation of apoptosis and differentiation, (ii) promoting EMT and metastasis, and (iii) potential use of citrullinated antigens for immunotherapy. In addition, (iv) the role of citrullination as a cancer biomarker and (v) implication of neutrophil extracellular traps in tumorigenesis are discussed. In summary, current findings testify to the significance of arginine deimination in tumor biology and thus more basic and translational studies are needed to further explore this topic.
Cross-Cancer Pleiotropic Associations with Lung Cancer Risk in African Americans
Authors: Jones Carissa C. , Bradford Yuki , Amos Christopher I. , Blot William J. , Chanock Stephen J. , Harris Curtis C. , Schwartz Ann G. , Spitz Margaret R. , Wiencke John K. , Wrensch Margaret R. , Wu Xifeng , Aldrich Melinda C. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background:
Identifying genetic variants with pleiotropic associations across multiple cancers can reveal shared biologic pathways. Prior pleiotropic studies have primarily focused on European-descent individuals. Yet population-specific genetic variation can occur, and potential pleiotropic associations among diverse racial/ethnic populations could be missed. We examined cross-cancer pleiotropic associations with lung cancer risk in African Americans.

Methods:
We conducted a pleiotropic analysis among 1,410 African American lung cancer cases and 2,843 controls. We examined 36,958 variants previously associated (or in linkage disequilibrium) with cancer in prior genome-wide association studies. Logistic regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for age, sex, global ancestry, study site, and smoking status.

Results:
We identified three novel genomic regions significantly associated (FDR-corrected P &lt;0.10) with lung cancer risk (rs336958 on 5q14.3, rs7186207 on 16q22.2, and rs11658063 on 17q12). On chromosome16q22.2, rs7186207 was significantly associated with reduced risk [OR = 0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73–0.89], and functional annotation using GTEx showed rs7186207 modifies DHODH gene expression. The minor allele at rs336958 on 5q14.3 was associated with increased lung cancer risk (OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.22–1.78), whereas the minor allele at rs11658063 on 17q12 was associated with reduced risk (OR = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72–0.90).

Conclusions:
We identified novel associations on chromosomes 5q14.3, 16q22.2, and 17q12, which contain HNF1B, DHODH, and HAPLN1 genes, respectively. SNPs within these regions have been previously associated with multiple cancers. This is the first study to examine cross-cancer pleiotropic associations for lung cancer in African Americans.

Impact:
Our findings demonstrate novel cross-cancer pleiotropic associations with lung cancer risk in African Americans.
CD96 Is an Immune Checkpoint That Regulates CD8+ T-cell Antitumor Function
Authors: Mittal Deepak , Lepletier Ailin , Madore Jason , Aguilera Amelia Roman , Stannard Kimberley , Blake Stephen J. , Whitehall Vicki L.J. , Liu Cheng , Bettington Mark L. , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Long Georgina V. , Scolyer Richard A. , Lan Ruth , Siemers Nathan , Korman Alan , Teng Michele W.L. , Johnston Robert J. , Dougall William C. , Smyth Mark J. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
CD96 is a novel target for cancer immunotherapy shown to regulate NK cell effector function and metastasis. Here, we demonstrated that blocking CD96 suppressed primary tumor growth in a number of experimental mouse tumor models in a CD8+ T cell–dependent manner. DNAM-1/CD226, Batf3, IL12p35, and IFNγ were also critical, and CD96-deficient CD8+ T cells promoted greater tumor control than CD96-sufficient CD8+ T cells. The antitumor activity of anti-CD96 therapy was independent of Fc-mediated effector function and was more effective in dual combination with blockade of a number of immune checkpoints, including PD-1, PD-L1, TIGIT, and CTLA-4. We consistently observed coexpression of PD-1 with CD96 on CD8+ T lymphocytes in tumor-infiltrating leukocytes both in mouse and human cancers using mRNA analysis, flow cytometry, and multiplex IHF. The combination of anti-CD96 with anti–PD-1 increased the percentage of IFNγ-expressing CD8+ T lymphocytes. Addition of anti-CD96 to anti–PD-1 and anti-TIGIT resulted in superior antitumor responses, regardless of the ability of the anti-TIGIT isotype to engage FcR. The optimal triple combination was also dependent upon CD8+ T cells and IFNγ. Overall, these data demonstrate that CD96 is an immune checkpoint on CD8+ T cells and that blocking CD96 in combination with other immune-checkpoint inhibitors is a strategy to enhance T-cell activity and suppress tumor growth.
Orchid bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini) are seasonal in Seasonal Semideciduous Forest fragments, southern Brazil
Authors: Margatto Cleiton , Berno Vinicius Ortega , Gonçalves Rodrigo Barbosa , Faria Jr. Luiz Roberto Ribeiro 
Published: March 2019

Seasonal fluctuations in the abundance of orchid bees have already been reported. The variations in population dynamics may be expected to occur in more predictable and pronounced manners in environments with a clear distinction between rainy and dry seasons, where climatic variables are regarded to be good predictors of populational patterns. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the seasonality of males of orchid bees in fragments of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest in southern Brazil. Data comprise bait samples from five one-year periods on four forest fragments. The seasonality of species abundance was tested with circular statistics. Results suggest two phenological patterns, one for Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard), Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier and Euglossa cordata (Linnaeus), whose abundances are concentrated in late spring and early-middle summer and another for Euglossa fimbriata Moure with a tendency to be collected in middle-late summer and early autumn. These patterns are discussed, as well the possible driven factors, (i) the species life cycle and nesting behavior, (ii) synchrony with resource, and (iii) climate. We can postulate an important impact of climate change in local euglossine assemblage due to the small populations and marked seasonality.