bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater in irrigation districts in China*
Authors: Liu Jing , Hu Yaqiong , Chen Haorui
Published: May 2020

In China, irrigation plays a significant role in guaranteeing national food security. However, with the development of society and the economy, water resources have become increasingly short and the conflict between water supply and requirement is worsening in irrigation districts. How to optimize and allocate the limited water resources has become a research focus. Combining groundwater and surface water for agricultural irrigation is an effective approach to solve the problems. It is helpful to regulate and utilize the limited water resources more reasonably by conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater. It is also significant in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development of irrigation districts. In this paper, the definition, principles and advantages of conjunctive use of surface and groundwater are introduced. Then related research is discussed from the perspectives of the research objectives, computing model and methodology. Study of the model on conjunctive use of surface and groundwater in irrigation districts is of great practical significance for the optimal allocation of water, the improvement of water resources utilization efficiency and the economic benefit of irrigated areas. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Industrial Internet of Things: Specificities and challenges
Authors: Papadopoulos Georgios Z. , Theoleyre Fabrice , Vilajosana Xavier
Published: May 2020

With the large adoption of small and smart objects, the Internet of Things (IoT) enables a large and universal access over a very heterogeneous set of devices. More specifically, the Industrial IoT (IIoT) aims to provide a wireless infrastructure for industrial applications, relying on time‐critical flows. However, radio communications are known to be lossy, with time‐variant characteristics. Thus, providing ultra high reliability with very stringent end‐to‐end delay constraints is particularly challenging. This special issue is thus dedicated to the challenges and solutions raised by the specific constraints of the IIoT.
Detecting hemodynamic changes in the foot vessels of diabetic patients by photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Yang Jinge , Zhang Guang , Shang Qiquan , Wu Man , Huang Lin , Jiang Huabei
Published: May 2020

Limb perfusion monitoring is critical for diabetes mellitus (DM) patients as they are vulnerable to vascular complications due to prolonged hyperglycemia. However, current clinical approaches are ineffective in vascular imaging and in assessing vascular function in lower limbs. In this work, a concave ultrasound transducer array‐based photoacoustic tomography (PAT) system was used to image the foot dorsal section of a subject, and a total of seven DM patients and seven healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Hemodynamic changes in foot vessels during vascular occlusion as well as oxygen saturation (SO2) in rest were analyzed for both groups. The results obtained showed that DM patients have a unique peripheral hemodynamic response to occlusion and a lower level SO2, compared to that for healthy subjects. This suggests that PAT has the potential to detect vascular dysfunction in DM patients and to measure the effect of treatment.
Transcranial photobiomodulation attenuates pentylenetetrazole‐induced status epilepticus in peripubertal rats
Authors: Tsai Chung‐Min , Chang Shwu‐Fen , Chang Hsi
Published: May 2020

Convulsive status epilepticus is the most common neurological emergency in children. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) reverses elevated rodent neurotransmitters after status epilepticus (SE) yet whether tPBM can attenuate seizure behaviors remains unknown. Here, we applied near‐infrared laser at wavelength 808 nm transcranially to peripubertal Sprague‐Dawley rats prior to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection. Hematoxylin‐eosin, immunofluorescence (IF) staining with anti‐parvalbumin (PV) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay after IF staining was performed. Behaviorally, tPBM attenuated the mean seizure score and reduced the incidence of SE and mortality. Histochemically, tPBM reduced dark neurons in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and hypothalamus, lessened the apoptotic ratio of parvalbumin‐positive interneurons (PV‐INs) and alleviated the aberrant extent of PV‐positive unstained somata of PCs in the hippocampus. Conclusively, tPBM attenuated PTZ‐induced seizures, SE and mortality in peripubertal rats and reduced PTZ‐induced neuronal injury, apoptosis of PV‐INs and preserved PV positive perisomatic inhibitory network in the hippocampus.
Double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of therapeutic plasma exchanges vs sham exchanges in moderate‐to‐severe relapses of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brochet Bruno , Deloire Mathilde , Germain Christine , Ouallet Jean‐Christophe , Wittkop Linda , Dulau Cécile , Perez Paul , Thevenot Florian , De Sèze Jérome , Zéphir Hélène , Vermersch Patrick , Pittion Sophie , Debouverie Marc , Laplaud David‐Axel , Clavelou Pierre , Ruet Aurélie
Published: May 2020

Introduction

No randomized controlled clinical trial of therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPE) has yet been performed for moderate‐to‐severe relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To compare TPE to sham‐TPE in patients with a recent steroid‐resistant moderate‐to‐severe MS relapse.

Methods

Patients presenting with an MS relapse of less than 2 months without improvement and 15 days after a course of steroids were randomized. Specific criteria were used for each relapse type to define moderate‐to‐severe disability. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with at least a moderate improvement based on objective and functional evaluation after 1 month.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were randomized. The intention‐to‐treat analysis included 14 patients in the TPE group and 17 in the Sham‐TPE group. The proportion of patients with at least moderate improvement at 1 month did not differ between the groups (P = .72), although 57.1% of the TPE group had full recovery compared with 17.6% of the sham group. Considering optic neuritis (ON), a significant difference in the proportion of different levels of improvement was observed in favor of the TPE group (P = .04). The combined Kurtzke's functional systems scores were significantly more improved in the TPE group than in the sham‐TPE group at months 1 (P < .01), 3 (P < .05), and 6 (P < .05). No major side effects were observed.

Conclusions

A significant difference between TPE and Sham‐TPE at the primary endpoint was only observed in patients with ON. Neurological function improved significantly more often in the TPE group than in the sham‐TPE group.
Compound heterozygous RPE65 mutations associated with an early onset autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Owczarek‐Lipska Marta , Song Fei , Jakšić Vesna , Neidhardt John
Published: May 2020

Background

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of the most common form of inherited retinal dystrophies. Identification of disease‐causing mutations is a prerequisite for applying targeted therapeutic approaches. The present study aimed to identify disease‐associated mutations in a large Serbian family, in which two brothers have suffered from RP starting in the first decade of their lives.

Methods

The index patient and 12 additional members of a four‐generation family were analyzed. All participants underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations. Genomic DNA was isolated from family members to perform whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing of candidate genes.

Results

An early onset RP phenotype was presented in both ocular fundi of the index patient and his brother: arteriolar attenuation, as well as retinal pigmentary changes in peripheral fundus and waxy disc pallor. Both brothers showed foveal thinning. The index patient showed epiretinal membranes in both eyes and a parafoveal cystic lesion in his right eye, whereas the brother of the index patient showed choroid folds and vitreomacular adhesion in his left eye. We identified compound heterozygous mutations in the RPE65 gene (a novel c.1338+1G>A splice donor site mutation in addition to the frame‐shifting mutation c.1207_1210dup (p.Glu404Alafs*4)) using an in‐house WES pipeline.

Conclusions

Evaluation of all previously described RPE65 mutations showed that the sequence variants identified in the present study located to rarely altered exons and likely effect a highly conserved region of the RPE65 protein. Gene augmentation therapies might be a promising treatment option for the patients described.
A description of medical malpractice claims involving advanced practice providers
Authors: Myers Laura C. , Sawicki Darlene , Heard Lisa , Camargo Carlos A. , Mort Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

Background

The number of physician assistants (PAs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), together known as advanced practice providers (APPs), has risen dramatically. The goal is identifying characteristics of paid medical malpractice claims, in which APPs are defendants.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using Harvard's malpractice insurer's national database. Closed claims (2007‐2016) with PAs, APRNs, or physicians as defendants. The primary analysis compared claims by role group by patient‐, provider‐, and claim‐level characteristics. Supplemental analyses compared claims naming APPs with and without physicians. Multivariable logistic regression identified variables associated with claim payment.

Results

Of 54,772 claims, PAs were defendants without APRNs or physicians in 26 claims; APRNs were defendants without PAs or physicians in 63; physicians were defendants without PAs or APRNs in 37,354. Approximately 75% of claims naming APPs co‐named physicians. More claims naming PAs and APRNs were paid on behalf of the hospital/practice (38% and 32%, respectively) compared with physicians (8%, P < 0.001). Payment was less likely for inpatient care (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85‐0.93, P < 0.001) but higher when APRNs were defendants (1.82, 1.09‐3.03), when procedure‐related (1.31, 1.25‐1.38, P < 0.001) or patients died (1.09, 1.03‐1.16, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

These results can inform patient safety initiatives to prevent future harms. The target is outpatient airway procedures performed by APRNs.
Integrative analysis of microRNA and mRNA expression profiles of monocyte-derived dendritic cells differentiation during experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: Assis Patrícia Aparecida , Durso Danielle Fernandes , Cavalcante Fernanda Chacon , Zaniratto Ricardo , Carvalho-Silva Ana Carolina , Cunha-Neto Edecio , Golenbock Douglas Taylor , Ferreira Ludmila Rodrigues Pinto , Gazzinelli Ricardo Tostes
Published: May 2020

Heterogeneity and high plasticity are common features of cells from the mononuclear phagocyte system: monocytes (MOs), macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs). Upon activation by microbial agents, MO can differentiate into MO-derived DCs (MODCs). In previous work, we have shown that during acute infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA), MODCs become, transiently, the main CD11b+ myeloid population in the spleen (SP) and once recruited to the brain play an important role in the development of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). Here, we isolated 4 cell populations: bone marrow (BM) MOs (BM-MOs) and SP-MOs from uninfected mice; BM inflammatory MOs (BM-iMOs) and SP-MODCs from PbA-infected mice and used a system biology approach to a holistic transcriptomic comparison and provide an interactome analysis by integrating differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and their differentially expressed gene targets (DEGs) data. The Jaccard index (JI) was used for gauging the similarity and diversity among these cell populations. Whereas BM-MOs, BM-iMOs, and SP-MOs presented high similarity of DEGs, SP-MODCs distinguished by showing a greater number of DEGs. Moreover, functional analysis identified an enrichment in canonical pathways, such as DC maturation, neuroinflammation, and IFN signaling. Upstream regulator analysis identified IFNγ as the potential upstream molecule that can explain the observed DEMs–Target DEGs intersections in SP-MODCs. Finally, directed target analysis and in vivo/ex vivo assays indicate that SP-MODCs differentiate in the SP and IFNγ is a main driver of this process.
Identification of a regulatory Vδ1 gamma delta T cell subpopulation expressing CD73 in human breast cancer
Authors: Chabab Ghita , Barjon Clément , Abdellaoui Naoill , Salvador-Prince Lucie , Dejou Cécile , Michaud Henri-Alexandre , Boissière-Michot Florence , Lopez-Crapez Evelyne , Jacot William , Pourquier Didier , Bonnefoy Nathalie , Lafont Virginie
Published: May 2020

γδ T cells contribute to the immune response against many cancers, notably through their powerful effector functions that lead to the elimination of tumor cells and the recruitment of other immune cells. However, their presence in the tumor microenvironment has been associated with poor prognosis in breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer, suggesting that γδ T cells may also display pro-tumor activities. Here, we identified in blood from healthy donors a subpopulation of Vδ1T cells that represents around 20% of the whole Vδ1 population, expresses CD73, and displays immunosuppressive phenotype and functions (i.e., production of immunosuppressive molecules, such as IL-10, adenosine, and the chemotactic factor IL-8, and inhibition of αβ T cell proliferation). We then found that in human breast tumors, γδ T cells were present particularly in late stage breast cancer samples, and that ∼20% of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells expressed CD73. Taken together, these results suggest that regulatory γδ T cells are present in the breast cancer microenvironment and may display immunosuppressive functions through the production of immunosuppressive molecules, such as IL-10, IL-8, and adenosine, thus promoting tumor growth.
COQ6 mutation in patients with nephrotic syndrome, sensorineural deafness, and optic atrophy
Authors: Justine Perrin R. , Rousset‐Rouvière Caroline , Garaix Florentine , Cano Aline , Conrath John , Boyer Olivia , Tsimaratos Michel
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Primary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiencies are a group of mitochondrial disorders that has proven responsiveness to replacement therapy. Mutations in enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of CoQ10 genes are associated with these deficits. The clinical presentation of this rare autosomal recessive disorder is heterogeneous and depends on the gene involved. Mutations in the COQ2, COQ6, PDSS2, and ADCK4 genes are responsible for steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), which is associated with extra‐renal symptoms. Previous studies have reported COQ6 mutations in 11 patients from five different families presenting with SRNS and sensorineural deafness.

Case reports

Our study reports the cases of two brothers of Turkish origin with renal failure and sensorineural deafness associated with COQ6 mutations responsible of CoQ10 deficiency. Optical symptoms were present in the eldest, that improved with Idebenone.

Conclusion/Discussion

For the first time, COQ6 mutation with optical involvement is associated with renal and hearing impairment. Although the response to replacement CoQ10 therapy was difficult to evaluate, we think that this treatment was able to stop the disease progression in both patients, and even to prevent the occurrence/development of optical and neurological impairment in the younger brother. Mitochondrial dysfunction secondary to CoQ10 deficiency should always be suspected in patients with SRNS and extra‐renal symptoms. Early recognition of this genetic SRNS is mandatory since SRNS can be avoided by adequate treatment based on CoQ10 supplement or an analogue. All cases of primary CoQ10 deficiency should be treated at an early stage to limit the progression of lesions and prevent the emergence of new symptoms.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma viride cooperative effect on biochemical, mineral content, and protein pattern of onion plants
Authors: Metwally Rabab A.
Published: May 2020

The benefits of growth‐stimulating microbes in crop production represent great opportunities for recent agricultural practices. Thus, the present investigation deals with examining whether arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi or Trichoderma viride application or their dual inoculation could improve the biochemical parameters and mineral and nutrient contents of onion plants (Allium cepa) under glasshouse conditions. The results evidenced that both AM fungi and T. viride are compatible with each other, and their combined use is effective, not only in improving the biochemical parameters, such as total soluble carbohydrates, protein contents, total free amino acids, acid, and alkaline phosphatases, but also in increasing mineral and nutrient contents (N, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn) in onion plants, in which an increase of 67%, 49%, and 112% was observed in shoot onion P content with AM, T. viride, and with their dual inoculation, respectively, as compared with the controlled ones. Also, AM fungal colonization percentage augmented greatly with T. viride inoculation. Moreover, the protein profile of onion leaves revealed the appearance of newly protein bands with AM and T. viride applications. Therefore, their applications improved onion plant development, which could be used to replace the expensive chemical fertilizers, thus increasing onion quality.
Funnel plots may show asymmetry in the absence of publication bias with continuous outcomes dependent on baseline risk: presentation of a new publication bias test
Authors: Doleman Brett , Freeman Suzanne C , Lund Jonathan N , Williams John P , Sutton Alex J
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to determine for continuous outcomes dependent on baseline risk, whether funnel plot asymmetry may be due to statistical artefact rather than publication bias and evaluate a novel test to resolve this. Firstly, we conducted assessment for publication bias in nine meta‐analyses of postoperative analgesics (344 trials with 25 348 participants). Secondly, we attempted to resolve the observed asymmetry by considering meta‐regression residuals as outcome (rather than mean difference) and (inverse) sample size as the exploratory variable (rather than SE). Since the approach resolved the asymmetry, we evaluated it, and related approaches, using a simulation study considering four scenarios comprised of every combination of baseline interactions and absolute selective publication bias being present or not (10 000 simulated meta‐analyses per scenario with no residual between‐study heterogeneity). The test based on meta‐regression residuals and inverse sample size performed as well as conventional tests (Egger's test) when no baseline risk was present and reduced type I errors when baseline risk was present. It also had modest power to detect publication bias in the presence of baseline risk. We demonstrated that correlation between effect estimates and SEs produces funnel plot asymmetry in the presence of no publication bias for continuous outcomes dependent on baseline risk. Our novel approach of assessing funnel plot asymmetry using a modified funnel plot and test based on residuals and inverse sample size may have improved performance when carrying out publication bias assessments for unstandardized mean differences where treatment effects are dependent on baseline risk.
Preparation of boronate‐functionalized surface molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres with polydopamine coating for specific recognition and separation of glycoside template
Authors: Pan Ting , Lin Yali , Wu Quanzhou , Huang Kaiwen , He Jianfeng
Published: May 2020

A facile strategy based on the boronate affinity and polydopamine coating was proposed for the preparation of surface molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres using naringin as the glycoside template. The poly(methacrylic acid‐co‐methyl methacrylate‐co‐ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) microspheres were firstly synthesized as inner cores by suspension polymerization method, and then functionalized with 3‐aminophenylboronic acid. The imprinted shell layer was obtained by self‐polymerization of dopamine on the surface of boronic acid‐functionalized polymer microspheres after reversible immobilization of naringin. The resultant surface molecularly imprinted microspheres showed good imprinting efficiency and recognition specificity toward the template molecule in aqueous environment. The isothermal and kinetic adsorption behaviors of the polymers were investigated. The results showed that the covalent surface imprinted microspheres possessed homogeneous recognition sites, strong adsorption affinity, and rapid rebinding kinetics. In addition, the surface imprinted microspheres were utilized as the sorbents of solid phase extraction to successfully separate and enrich naringin from Citri Grandis extract, and the recovery of naringin in eluting solution reached 84.4%.
Otolaryngology Resident Practices and Perceptions in the Initial Phase of the U.S. COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Cai Yi , Jiam Nicole T. , Wai Katherine C. , Shuman Elizabeth A. , Roland Lauren T. , Chang Jolie L.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has had widespread implications on clinical practice at U.S. hospitals. These changes are particularly relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS) residents because reports suggest an increased risk of contracting COVID‐19 for otolaryngologists. The objectives of this study were to evaluate OHNS residency program practice changes and characterize resident perceptions during the initial phase of the pandemic.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional survey of U.S. OHNS residents at 81 programs was conducted between March 23, 2020, and March 29, 2020.

Results

Eighty‐two residents from 51 institutions (63% of invited programs) responded. At the time of survey, 98% of programs had enacted policy changes to minimize COVID‐19 spread. These included filtered respirator use for aerosol‐generating procedures even in COVID‐19‐negative patients (85%), decreased resident staffing of surgeries (70%), and reduced frequency of tracheotomy care (61%). The majority of residents (66%) perceived that residents were at higher risk of contracting COVID‐19 compared to attendings. Residents were most concerned about protective equipment shortage (93%) and transmitting COVID‐19 to patients (90%). The majority of residents (73%) were satisfied with their department's COVID‐19 response. Resident satisfaction correlated with comfort level in discussing concerns with attendings (r = 0.72, P < .00001) and inversely correlated with perceptions of increased risk compared to attendings (r = −0.52, P < .00001).

Conclusion

U.S. OHNS residency programs implemented policy changes quickly in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Sources of resident anxieties demonstrate the importance of open communication and an integrated team approach to facilitate optimal patient and provider care during this unprecedented crisis.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 130:2550–2557, 2020
Analyzing soil nutrient balances on small‐scale farms in the mid‐hills of Nepal: Do socio‐economic factors matter for sustainable land use?
Authors: Karna Romy Das , Bauer Siegfried
Published: May 2020

Soil nutrient balance studies have become increasingly influential in policy discussions about soil fertility management and sustainable agriculture in developing countries. However, such studies, particularly in the context of Nepal, have often overlooked socio‐economic characteristics of farm households that may have a significant influence upon soil nutrient balances. This study, therefore, estimates the balances of three macronutrients—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—and analyzes the impact of socio‐economic factors on each of them applying a Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model. The results indicate that farm households in the study area had an average annual surplus of 31 ± 73 kg ha−1 N but an annual deficit of 20 ± 53 kg ha−1 P and 45 ± 64 kg ha−1 K. Socio‐economic variables, such as distance to the market center, distance to plot from the homestead, possession of sloping farming plots, and having received training on nutrient management showed a negative impact on the nutrient balances. In contrast, male‐headed households, family size, and the use of improved composting methods showed a positive impact on nutrient balances. The study suggests that increased supply of organic sources of P and K via improved composting, better accessibility to inorganic P and K fertilizer through improved marketing infrastructure, and site‐specific fertilizer recommendations more accountable to the changing pattern of cultivation in mid‐hill region may contribute to reducing the trend of nutrient mining. Further, gender‐sensitive extension services are needed to provide female‐headed households with better knowledge and skills to manage their soil nutrients.
Identifying potential vegetation establishment areas on the dried Aral Sea floor using satellite images
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Song Cholho , Lee Sujong , Jo Hyun‐Woo , Park Eunbeen , Yu Hangnan , Cha Sungeun , An Jiae , Son Yowhan , Khamzina Asia , Lee Woo‐Kyun
Published: May 2020

The Aral Sea was one of the largest lakes in the world, but almost 60,000 km2 of the waterbody has dried up due to water withdrawal for irrigation. Afforestation on the desiccated seafloor could be important in preventing soil flation, dust storms, and negative impact on human health. In this study, we aimed to delineate potential vegetation establishment areas on the dried Aral Sea bed using remote‐sensed data in support of the decision‐making related to afforestation. Various indices such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), topsoil grain size index (TGSI), soil salinity index (SSI), and normalized multiband drought index (NMDI) were calculated from the LANDSAT‐8 OLI satellite imagery. As an indicator of vegetation existence, NDVI was classified into three groups and set as a base for classifying other indices by performing statistical analyses. Based on the decision tree method, indices were combined and the potential vegetation establishment area was detected. Higher NDVI was identified in the southeast than the west of the study area. The results of statistical analyses showed that TGSI had a positive correlation with NDVI, while SSI and NMDI had a negative correlation. Overall, the potential vegetation area comprised 7,295.21 km2 (61.34%) of the 'unsuitable' area, 2,818.64 km2 (23.7%) of the 'intermediate' area, 1,612.15 km2 (13.56%) of the 'suitable' area, and 166.42 km2 (1.4%) of the 'very suitable' area. The developed map enables to identify dried seafloor area suitable for vegetation establishment thus contributing to planning the land rehabilitation efforts and preventing further land degradation.
Land‐use conversion changes deep soil organic carbon stock in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Li Bin‐Bin , Li Pan‐Pan , Yang Xiao‐Mei , Xiao Hai‐Bing , Xu Ming‐Xiang , Liu Guo‐Bin
Published: May 2020

Land‐use change is a key factor driving changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration worldwide. However, the changes in deep (>100 cm depth) SOC stock following land‐use conversion have not been fully elucidated. In this study, to determine the changes in deep SOC stock (to a depth of 400 cm) resulting from conversion of cropland to woodland, shrubland and grassland on the Chinese Loess Plateau, 469 observations from peer‐reviewed publications and original measured data were synthesised. The results were as follows: (a) SOC stock increased significantly at 0–100 and 100–200 cm layers regardless of land‐use conversion types. (b) Carbon loss occurred in the 200–400 cm layers due to land‐use conversion. (c) Changes in SOC stock varied with restoration age, except for conversion of cropland to grassland. Specifically, SOC stock increased with restoration age in the upper 200 cm layers, whereas that in the 200–400 cm layers first increased and then decreased in the middle to later stages under conversion to woodland and shrubland. (d) Initial SOC stock and rainfall zones had significant effects on the changes of deep SOC stock. (e) Furthermore, an accumulation of 1 Mg ha−1in the upper 100 cm was associated with an approximately 0.45 Mg ha−1increase in the 100–400 cm soil layers. These results indicate that land‐use conversion, particularly conversion of cropland to woodland, changes deep (>100 cm) SOC stock, and restoration age should be taken into consideration when assessing deep carbon sequestration.
Stochastic equations and ergodicity for two‐type continuous‐state branching processes with immigration in Lévy random environments
Authors: Qin Yuming , Zheng Xiangqi
Published: May 2020

This paper establishes a stochastic differential equation system with both positive and negative jumps and proves the existence and uniqueness of the strong solution and presents an equivalent condition for ergodicity of the solution. The strong solution is called two‐type continuous‐state branching processes with immigration in Lévy random environments. The model can be extended to any finite dimensional case.
Designing and analyzing a modern MIMO‐UWB antenna with a novel stub for stop band characteristics and reduced mutual coupling
Authors: Khan Muhammad Irshad , Khattak Muhammad Irfan
Published: May 2020

A dual notched band MIMO‐UWB antenna is presented in this article. High isolation between radiating elements is achieved with novel elliptical T‐shape stub and dual bands are notched with the help of a novel G‐shape stub; extended from ground plan. The proposed antenna is resonates between 3 and 11 GHz. The size of antenna is 18 × 36 × 1.6 mm3. The antenna is evaluated in term of isolation, envelope correlation coefficient, gain, efficiency, current distribution, and radiation pattern.
Correction of motion‐induced susceptibility artifacts and B0 drift during proton resonance frequency shift‐based MR thermometry in the pelvis with background field removal methods
Authors: Wu Mingming , Mulder Hendrik T. , Baron Paul , Coello Eduardo , Menzel Marion I. , van Rhoon Gerard C. , Haase Axel
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The linear change of the water proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) with temperature is used to monitor temperature change based on the temporal difference of image phase. Here, the effect of motion‐induced susceptibility artifacts on the phase difference was studied in the context of mild radio frequency hyperthermia in the pelvis.

Methods

First, the respiratory‐induced field variations were disentangled from digestive gas motion in the pelvis. The projection onto dipole fields (PDF) as well as the Laplacian boundary value (LBV) algorithm were applied on the phase difference data to eliminate motion‐induced susceptibility artifacts. Both background field removal (BFR) algorithms were studied using simulations of susceptibility artifacts, a phantom heating experiment, and volunteer and patient heating data.

Results

Respiratory‐induced field variations were negligible in the presence of the filled water bolus. Even though LBV and PDF showed comparable results for most data, LBV seemed more robust in our data sets. Some data sets suggested that PDF tends to overestimate the background field, thus removing phase attributed to temperature. The BFR methods even corrected for susceptibility variations induced by a subvoxel displacement of the phantom. The method yielded successful artifact correction in 2 out of 4 patient treatment data sets during the entire treatment duration of mild RF heating of cervical cancer. The heating pattern corresponded well with temperature probe data.

Conclusion

The application of background field removal methods in PRFS‐based MR thermometry has great potential in various heating applications and body regions to reduce motion‐induced susceptibility artifacts that originate outside the region of interest, while conserving temperature‐induced PRFS. In addition, BFR automatically removes up to a first‐order spatial B0 drift.
Risk factors for mechanical ventilation in children with Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Luo Hanyu , Hong Siqi , Li Mei , Wang Li , Jiang Li
Published: May 2020

Background

We assessed clinical predictors of mechanical ventilation in children with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) to help identify patients who require mechanical ventilation.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical, laboratory, and electrophysiological data of 103 children with GBS. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the requirement for mechanical ventilation. Variables that were significantly different between the two groups in univariate analysis were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Time from symptom onset to admission (P = .002), facial or bulbar weakness (P = .001), and axonal type (P = .005) were associated with mechanical ventilation in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, facial or bulbar weakness (odds ratio [OR], 7.936; P = .013) and axonal type (OR, 4.582; P = .022) were independent predictors for mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions

Facial or bulbar weakness and axonal type were associated with increased risk for mechanical ventilation in children with GBS.
Reference values for distal motor conduction of the tibial nerve: Effects of demographic and anthropometric measures
Authors: Ginanneschi Federica , Curti Stefania , Marinelli Francesco , NFT Alessandro Aretini , Cioncoloni David , Mattioli Stefano , Mondelli Mauro
Published: May 2020

Introduction

In this study we collected reference values for the across‐tarsal‐tunnel conduction of the motor tibial nerve (mTN).

Methods

The mTN compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) from the abductor hallucis muscle were obtained by stimulating below/above the malleolus and the popliteal fossa. The effect of weight, height, body mass index (BMI), foot and leg length, sex, and age were evaluated using univariate and multivariate correlation analyses, and predictive equations for each mTN conduction parameter were developed.

Results

On the basis of data from 185 subjects, there were differences between women and men in all anthropometric parameters and for some nerve conduction values. Through multivariate analysis, age, but not sex, was found to have a significant impact. Height affected both distal and proximal conduction velocity. BMI affected CMAP amplitude.

Discussion

mTN conduction is influenced by various demographic and anthropometric factors. For all intrinsic factors, height demonstrated the greatest effect on mTN conduction across the tarsal tunnel.
Blenderized Tube Feeding: Health Outcomes and Review of Homemade and Commercially Prepared Products
Authors: Bennett Katherine , Hjelmgren Betsy , Piazza Jennifer
Published: May 2020

The popularity of homemade blenderized tube feeding (HBTF) continues to increase among enteral nutrition (EN) consumers and healthcare providers alike, citing improved feeding tolerance over standard commercial enteral formulas, among other health outcomes. Within the past 5–10 years, there has been a surge in the development of commercial blenderized tube feeding (CBTF) products. CBTF products promote similar benefits from whole foods like those used in HBTF while being a nutritionally‐consistent, easy to use, and shelf‐stable option for EN consumers. Research is improving but is still limited for HBTF and virtually nonexistent for CBTF products. This review aims to summarize current health outcomes of HBTF, compare HBTF with CBTF, evaluate CBTF products, and provide considerations for future research and practices.
Using grant funding to enhance school psychology training
Authors: Washington Michelle L. , Truscott Stephen , Franklin Artesia
Published: May 2020

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) offers competitive grants to institutions to provide training to prepare education personnel to work with children with disabilities. These grants have been found to improve the recruitment, training, and retention of special education personnel. This study explored the use of OSEP–personnel preparation (OSEP–PP) grants in school psychology programs from the perspective of school psychology university trainers with current active OSEP grant funding. Findings suggest that OSEP–PP grants enhance school psychology program recruitment efforts and improve the training of school psychologists. Study participants highlighted the importance of diversity within both training and recruitment. On the basis of these findings, authors discuss ways in which OSEP–PP funding can improve field shortages and school psychology training, and subsequently enhance school psychology practices towards more comprehensive service delivery.
Inherited periglacial geomorphology of a basalt hill in the Sudetes, Central Europe: Insights from LiDAR‐aided landform mapping
Authors: Migoń Piotr , Jancewicz Kacper , Kasprzak Marek
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the results of mapping inherited cold‐climate landforms and deposits at the Muchów Hills site in the Sudetes, Central Europe (51°N). Bedrock supporting the upper slopes is basalt, with well‐developed columnar jointing, and local relief is of the order of 100 m, whereas the middle and lower slopes are underlain by glacigenic deposits. Characteristic cold‐climate landforms include rock cliffs, talus aprons, mid‐slope benches, solifluction sheets and lobes, and are integrated into sediment transport systems linking bedrock elevations with the adjacent plain. Ground identification of these features may be ambiguous, but the interpretation of high‐resolution LiDAR Digital Terrain Modeling data helped to provide a comprehensive spatial picture. Reasons for partial remodeling of inherited periglacial landforms in the Muchów Hills include biogeomorphological activity throughout the Holocene, mainly tree uprooting and resultant regolith mixing.
Structural and chemical trapping of flavin‐oxide intermediates reveals substrate‐directed reaction multiplicity
Authors: Lin Kuan‐Hung , Lyu Syue‐Yi , Yeh Hsien‐Wei , Li Yi‐Shan , Hsu Ning‐Shian , Huang Chun‐Man , Wang Yung‐Lin , Shih Hao‐Wei , Wang Zhe‐Chong , Wu Chang‐Jer , Li Tsung‐Lin
Published: May 2020

Though reactive flavin‐N5/C4α‐oxide intermediates can be spectroscopically profiled for some flavin‐assisted enzymatic reactions, their exact chemical configurations are hardly visualized. Structural systems biology and stable isotopic labelling techniques were exploited to correct this stereotypical view. Three transition‐like complexes, the α‐ketoacid…N5‐FMNox complex (I), the FMNox‐N5‐aloxyl‐C′α−‐C4α+ zwitterion (II), and the FMN‐N5‐ethenol‐N5‐C4α‐epoxide (III), were determined from mandelate oxidase (Hmo) or its mutant Y128F (monooxygenase) crystals soaked with monofluoropyruvate (a product mimic), establishing that N5 of FMNox an alternative reaction center can polarize to an ylide‐like mesomer in the active site. In contrast, four distinct flavin‐C4α‐oxide adducts (IV–VII) from Y128F crystals soaked with selected substrates materialize C4α of FMN an intrinsic reaction center, witnessing oxidation, Baeyer–Villiger/peroxide‐assisted decarboxylation, and epoxidation reactions. In conjunction with stopped‐flow kinetics, the multifaceted flavin‐dependent reaction continuum is physically dissected at molecular level for the first time.
Acute kidney injury and its impact on renal prognosis after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sato Hiromi , Narita Shintaro , Saito Mitsuru , Yamamoto Ryohei , Koizumi Atsushi , Nara Taketoshi , Kanda Sohei , Numakura Kazuyuki , Inoue Takamitsu , Satoh Shigeru , Abe Kyoko , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: May 2020

Background

This study assessed the incidence and impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) on renal prognosis in patients who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

Medical records of 305 patients treated with RARP were retrospectively reviewed. The patients with postoperative AKIs were dichotomized into early AKI (immediately after surgery) and late AKI (1‐7 days after surgery). The impact of AKIs and their risk factors were statistically assessed.

Results

Early and late AKI were observed in 143 (46.9%) and 12 (3.9%) patients, respectively. Hypertension and console time were independent risk factors for early AKI. Among the patients with preoperative eGFR ≥60 mL/min, the eGFR decline 12 months after surgery was significantly greater in patients with early AKI than that without early AKI (−6.8 vs −3.2 mL/min, P = .02).

Conclusions

Approximately half of patients developed early AKI after RARP. The patients with early AKI had reduced renal function 12 months after surgery.
Exponential stability of switched positive systems with all modes being unstable
Authors: Zhou Zi‐Yu , Wang Yan‐Wu , Yang Wu , Hu Meng‐Jie
Published: May 2020

This article studies the exponential stability of continuous‐time switched positive systems consisting of unstable subsystems. Different from the existing results, both stabilizing and destabilizing switching behaviors act in the switching sequences. By employing multiple composite copositive Lyapunov functions, sufficient condition is derived to ensure the exponential stability of the system, which evaluates the ratio of stabilizing switching behaviors to compensate the state divergence caused by either unstable subsystems or destabilizing switching behaviors. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the result.
Husbands' and wives' stressful work, couple BMI dynamics, and later‐life physical health
Authors: Wickrama Kandauda A. S. , Klopack Eric T. , O'Neal Catherine W.
Published: May 2020

Previous research has not adequately investigated the persistent influence of stressful work experiences, particularly person‐work mismatch (PWM), on later‐life physical health outcomes of working husbands and wives. Using prospective data collected from 235 working husbands and wives over a period of 27 years (1991–2017), this study examined PWM in early middle years (40–50 years of age) and body mass index (BMI) trajectories in mid‐later years (50–65 years of age) in a dyadic actor‐partner interdependence modelling framework. Results showed PWM in early middle years was related to BMI trajectories in mid‐later years, which contributed to multiple physical health outcomes in later life. Spouses' PWM influenced not only their BMI trajectories but also their partners' BMI trajectories, providing evidence for partner effects. This couple‐level BMI process over the mid‐later years was related to spouses' physical health in later years. Husbands' elevated BMI level resulted in adverse physical health outcomes. In contrast, for wives, it was the change in BMI over time that resulted in adverse physical health outcomes in their later years. These findings are particularly important for couple‐focused family interventions as they highlight the need to consider couple‐level lifestyle and behavioural factors that can safeguard spouses from the negative health consequences of PWM.
Associations between stressful life events, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and depressive symptoms among Chinese rural‐to‐urban children: A three‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Gao Yemiao , Wang Hui , Liu Xia , Xiong Yuke , Wei Ming
Published: May 2020

Migrant children experience more stressful life events than their urban counterparts. Despite the growing evidence that stressful life events are associated with non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI), few studies have investigated this relationship using longitudinal designs. Besides, potential mediating factors have been rarely examined. This study tested the temporal relationship between stressful life events and NSSI among Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrant children, with depressive symptoms as the potential mediator, as well as the potential sex differences in these associations. In the present study, 279 Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrant children (57.3% females; Mage = 11.95, SD = 1.22) reported their stressful life events, depressive symptoms and NSSI a total of three times at 6‐month intervals. Depressive symptoms only longitudinally mediated the relationship between stressful life events and NSSI among females. These findings provide evidence that supports the longitudinal effect of stressful life events on NSSI and the mediating role of depressive symptoms among migrant children. Moreover, there are sex differences in these longitudinal relationships.
Economic freedom and migration: A metro area‐level analysis
Authors: Arif Imran , Hoffer Adam , Stansel Dean , Lacombe Donald
Published: May 2020

We examine the determinants of intra‐U.S. population migration at the metropolitan area level (MSA), with an emphasis on the presence of policies that are consistent with economic freedom. We are the first to produce a multivariate regression analysis of migration and economic freedom at the local level. Combining a 1993–2014 unbalanced panel of MSA‐to‐MSA migration data from the Internal Revenue Service with a new economic freedom index for U.S. metropolitan areas, we find that a 10% increase in economic freedom of a destination MSA, relative to the economic freedom of an origin MSA, was associated with a 27.4% increase in net migration from the origin MSA to the destination MSA. If we use mean net migration flows as a benchmark, we would expect a 10% increase in relative economic freedom to increase net migration to the destination MSA by 22 workers per year from each other MSA.
The Coordination Behavior of Oxygen‐depleted Calixarenes towards d10 Noble Metal Ions
Authors: Keck Matthias , Hoof Santina , Rawat Varun , Vigalok Arkadi , Limberg Christian
Published: May 2020

A calix[4]arene, in which two of the phenol functions are replaced by pyrazole units, [H2(bpzCal)], was investigated as a ligand for Cu+, Ag+ and Au+ ions. Using [Cu(MeCN)4]BF4 and AgSbF6 as the precursors, complexes [MH2(bpzCal)]X (M = Cu, X = BF4; M = Ag, X = SbF6) were formed, where the calixarene ligands adopt a 1,3‐alternate structure and the metal ions are coordinated linearly by the two pyrazolyl donors. [CuH2(bpzCal)]BF4 displayed a – for copper(I) complexes – unusual stability towards O2, which is due to the steric protection of the CuI center. By contrast a dinuclear copper(I) complex [Cu2(bpzCal)] that was obtained through treatment of [H2(bpzCal)] with two equivalents of Cu(HMDS) is rather sensitive towards O2. The preparation of a gold complex required the employment of a gold precursor, which contains one labile and one stabilizing neutral ligand, namely [(PPh3)Au(NCMe)]SbF6, which led to the formation of [(PPh3)AuH2(bpzCal)]SbF6. In this complex [H2(bpzCal)] acts only as a monodentate ligand for the gold center. Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of [H2(bpzCal)] in providing rather different coordination spheres for metal ions.