bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Azulene‐Based Molecules, Polymers, and Frameworks for Optoelectronic and Energy Applications
Authors: Huang Jiaqian , Huang Senhe , Zhao Yazhen , Feng Boxu , Jiang Kaiyue , Sun Sai , Ke Changchun , Kymakis Emmanuel , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: September 2020

Azulene has a considerably larger dipole moment than its isomer naphthalene; it also has unique physicochemical properties, including different reactivities on five‐ and seven‐membered rings, a dark color, a narrow gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, and stimulus response. Although azulene  was discovered more than 100 years ago, the use of azulene‐based derivatives can be traced back to five centuries ago. Due to its unusual structure, azulene‐based molecules and materials are widely used in various fields. However, studies on azulene‐based materials have long been hindered by difficulties in the synthesis. Considerably fewer studies have been conducted on azulene‐based derivatives than on naphthalene‐based derivatives. This perspective paper mainly introduces recent reports on the synthesis of azulene‐based aromatic molecules, conjugated polymers, and coordination polymers, in addition to azulene‐based frameworks. The structure–property relationship, optoelectronic applications, and energy‐related applications of azulene‐based derivatives are reviewed, including their use in near‐infrared absorption, organic field‐effect transistors, organic solar cells, and microsupercapacitors.
Evidence for a Light‐Induced Degradation Mechanism at Elevated Temperatures in Commercial N‐Type Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Wright Brendan , Madumelu Chukwuka , Soeriyadi Anastasia , Wright Matthew , Hallam Brett
Published: August 2020

The response of commercial n‐type silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells to illuminated annealing at temperatures between 75 and 180 °C is reported on. Although a slight increase in efficiency of 0.1% absolute occurs at 75 °C under 1 sun illumination after 20 h, annealing at higher temperatures (85–180 °C) results in significant degradation in cell performance, and only occurs in the presence of illumination. At 160 °C, a loss inηup to 1% absolute is observed under 1 sun light soaking (LS) in as little as 2 min. Further illuminated annealing leads to a subsequent partial or full recovery of cell performance. At 160 °C, after an initialVOCdegradation exceeding 10 mV within 3 min, a complete recovery is obtained after 60 min of illuminated annealing. The results indicate the potential presence of a light‐induced degradation mechanism in n‐type SHJ cells, suggesting care must be taken when using LS to improve efficiency. In addition, significant variability in the maximum extent of degradation indicates a high degree of cell‐to‐cell variation in expression of this degradation mechanism. The exact nature of the underlying defect mechanism(s) governing degradation and recovery dynamics remains uncertain and requires further studies.
Role of ZnS Particles in the Performance of Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Film Solar Cells: A Comparative Study by Active Control of Zinc Deposition in Coevaporated Precursors
Authors: Huang Lan , Wang Shijin , Zhong Lan , Chen Ling , Xiao Xudong
Published: August 2020

Formation of ZnS particles in the Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) light absorber layer of CZTS solar cells may impede the photocarrier collection as well as the open circuit voltage. Coevaporation of Cu, Zn, Sn, and S elements can provide a uniform and well‐mixed Cu–Zn–Sn–S precursor at atomic level, yet the annealing/sulfurization process does not preserve such elemental distribution. The Zn element in the formed CZTS absorber thin films from such a uniform precursor distributes unevenly, especially aggregating near the rear interface, and thus deteriorates the film quality. Herein, the movement pathway of the Zn element in the coevaporated precursor during annealing is investigated through energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) profiling. With the understanding of the segregation behavior of the Zn element, an active manipulation of the initial distribution of Zn in the precursor is accordingly designed to effectively alleviate the accumulation of Zn near the rear Mo/CZTS interface and therefore improve the crystalline quality of the absorber. The results suggest that properly controlling the precursor.
A Critical Review on Efficient Thick‐Film Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Jinhua , Wang Jian , Xu Chunyu , Hu Zhenghao , Ma Xiaoling , Zhang Xiaoli , Niu Lianbin , Zhang Jian , Zhang Fujun
Published: August 2020

To date, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of lab‐scale organic solar cells (OSCs) has exceeded 17%, which heralds the bright future for commercial applications of OSCs. High‐performance OSCs with thick active layers are essential for large‐scale production. First, the relatively thick active layers should be more compatible with the roll‐to‐roll (R2R) large‐area processing, which is conducive to forming uniform and defect‐free active layers in the process of high‐speed, mass production. Second, the thick active layers can absorb more incident light in their spectral range, which helps thick‐film OSCs to obtain relatively high short‐circuit current density (JSC). So far, relatively little attention has been paid to thick‐film OSCs, and the PCE of thick‐film OSCs lags far behind its thin‐film analogues. Herein, the recent development of thick‐film OSCs is highlighted and the critical limit factors on the PCE of thick‐film OSCs are pointed out. Some strategies are highlighted to improve the efficiency of thick‐film OSCs. This review study will be helpful to the researchers engaging in the development of efficient thick‐film OSCs.
Perovskite‐Compatible Carbon Electrode Improving the Efficiency and Stability of CsPbI2Br Solar Cells
Authors: Xie Pengfei , Zhang Guizhi , Yang Zechao , Pan Zhenxiao , Fang Yueping , Rao Huashang , Zhong Xinhua
Published: August 2020

Carbon electrodes are a promising alternative to metal electrodes in the access of high‐stable and low‐cost perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, polar components (including cyclohexanone, terpineol, etc.) in commercial carbon pastes for carbon electrodes usually corrode perovskite materials, thereby deteriorating the photovoltaic performance of the resulting solar cells. Therefore, the development of perovskite‐compatible carbon pastes and carbon electrodes is of great significance in obtaining high‐performance carbon‐based PSCs. Herein, carbon pastes based on low polar alkane solvents are developed for perovskite‐compatible carbon electrode (PCCE) in the construction of carbon‐based CsPbI2Br PSCs. The optimized cells based on PCCE offer a champion efficiency of 13.16% (JSC = 14.33 mA cm−2, VOC = 1.22 V, and fill factor (FF) = 0.75), which is remarkably higher than that of commercial carbon paste‐derived counterparts (11.51%). Even without encapsulation, CsPbI2Br PSCs based on PCCE maintain over 93% of their initial efficiency in an air atmosphere with a humidity of 30–40% for over 1000 h.
Genetic architecture of agronomic and quality traits in a nested association mapping population of spring wheat
Authors: Sallam Ahmad H. , Manan Fazal , Bajgain Prabin , Martin Matthew , Szinyei Tamas , Conley Emily , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Anderson James A. , Steffenson Brian J.
Published: August 2020

Germplasm collections are rich sources of genetic variation to improve crops for many valuable traits. Nested association mapping (NAM) populations can overcome the limitations of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) in germplasm collections by reducing the effect of population structure. We exploited the genetic diversity of the USDA‐ARS wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) core collection by developing the Spring Wheat Multiparent Introgression Population (SWMIP). To develop this population, twenty‐five core parents were crossed and backcrossed to the Minnesota spring wheat cultivar RB07. The NAM population and 26 founder parents were genotyped using genotyping‐by‐sequencing and phenotyped for heading date, height, test weight, and grain protein content. After quality control, 20,312 markers with physical map positions were generated for 2,038 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The number of RILs in each family varied between 58 and 96. Three GWAS models were utilized for quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection and accounted for known family stratification, genetic kinship, and both covariates. GWAS was performed on the whole population and also by bootstrap sampling of an equal number of RILs from each family. Greater power of QTL detection was achieved by treating families equally through bootstrapping. In total 16, 15, 12, and 13 marker‐trait associations (MTAs) were identified for heading date, height, test weight, and grain protein content, respectively. Some of these MTAs were coincident with major genes known to control the traits, but others were novel and contributed by the wheat core parents. The SWMIP will be a valuable source of genetic variation for spring wheat breeding.
Radioactive waste: A review
Authors: Deng Dongyang , Zhang Lifeng , Dong Ming , Samuel Raymond E. , Ofori‐Boadu Andrea , Lamssali Mehdi
Published: August 2020

The reviewed papers presented here provide a general overview of worldwide radioactive waste‐related studies conducted in 2019. The current review includes studies related to safety assessments, decommission and decontamination of nuclear facilities, fusion facilities, and transportation. Further, the review highlights radioactive wastewater decontamination, management solutions for the final disposal of low‐ and high‐level radioactive wastes (LLRW and HLRW), interim storage and final disposal options for spent fuel (SF), and tritiated wastes, with a focus on environmental impacts due to the mobility of radionuclides in the ecosystem, water and soil along with other research progress made in the management of radioactive waste.

Practitioner points

The release of radionuclides and their subsequent fate and transport in the environment poses public health concern and has stimulated recent research on the waste management techniques.

Seeking a safe and environmental‐friendly solution is the current trend for existing and projected inventories of radioactive waste.

Significant progress in the field of geological disposal of radioactive waste has been made in the last two decades.
Impact of increased instream heterogeneity by deflectors on the removal of hydrogen sulfide of regulated urban waterways—A laboratory study
Authors: Gomes Pattiyage I. A. , Samararatne Saneth , Wai Onyx W. H. , Perera Manimeldura. D. D.
Published: August 2020

Laboratory experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that increase in physical heterogeneity by deflectors would improve the water quality of urban regulated (straight and prismatic) waterways. Deflectors changed the near‐uniform flow to a rapidly varied flow, as such the depth, velocity, and Froude number (Fr) variations were four, 10, and 14 times more than the without deflector scenario, respectively. Removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the main focus of the study, was significantly high when deflectors were placed in the laboratory urban waterway. Introduction of a sediment bed further improved H2S removal; however, in this case turbidity and color were significantly high too. These observations endorse the fact that attenuation induced by deflectors and assimilation promoted by the sediment bed aids the H2S removal. These facts were further strengthened by the significant strong negative correlations H2S made with DO and pH for all experiments. Further studies are recommended for different deflector orientations and modified sediment beds (e.g., mixture of sediment and gravel), identification of localized water quality hot spots to capture spatial variation of water quality, and impact of increased heterogeneity on flood safety.

Practitioner points

Increase in physical heterogeneity (by deflectors) on water quality improvement was studied in a laboratory set up.

Deflectors changed the near‐uniform flow to rapidly varied flow with several mesoscale physical habitats.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal was greatest with deflectors and the sediment bed, but was characterized by high turbidity.

H2S removal showed strong negative correlations with dissolved oxygen and pH.
Circuit-based digital adiabatic quantum simulation and pseudoquantum simulation as new approaches to lattice gauge theory
Authors: Cui Xiaopeng , Shi Yu , Yang Ji-Chong
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Gauge theory is the framework of the Standard Model of particle physics and is also important in condensed matter physics. As its major non-perturbative approach, lattice gauge theory is traditionally implemented using Monte Carlo simulation, consequently it usually suffers such problems as the Fermion sign problem and the lack of real-time dynamics. Hopefully they can be avoided by using quantum simulation, which simulates quantum systems by using controllable true quantum processes. The field of quantum simulation is under rapid development. Here we present a circuit-based digital scheme of quantum simulation of quantum ℤ2 lattice gauge theory in 2 + 1 and 3 + 1 dimensions, using quantum adiabatic algorithms implemented in terms of universal quantum gates. Our algorithm generalizes the Trotter and symmetric decompositions to the case that the Hamiltonian varies at each step in the decomposition. Furthermore, we carry through a complete demonstration of this scheme in classical GPU simulator, and obtain key features of quantum ℤ2 lattice gauge theory, including quantum phase transitions, topological properties, gauge invariance and duality. Hereby dubbed pseudoquantum simulation, classical demonstration of quantum simulation in state-of-art fast computers not only facilitates the development of schemes and algorithms of real quantum simulation, but also represents a new approach of practical computation.
Estimation of radiation exposure of children undergoing superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma treatment: assessment of local diagnostic reference levels as a function of age, sex, and interventional success
Authors: Opitz Marcel , Bos Denise , Deuschl Cornelius , Radbruch Alexander , Zensen Sebastian , Sirin Selma , Forsting Michael , Bechrakis Nikolaos , Biewald Eva , Bornfeld Norbert , Ketteler Petra , Timmermann Beate , Stuschke Martin , Guberina Maja , Wetter Axel , Göricke Sophia , Guberina Nika
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to determine local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) procedures of pediatric patients with retinoblastoma (RB) to provide data for establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in pediatric interventional radiology (IR).

Methods

In a retrospective study design, LDRLs and achievable dose (AD) were assessed for children undergoing superselective IAC for RB treatment. All procedures were performed at the flat-panel angiography systems (I) ArtisQ biplane (Siemens Healthineers) and (II) Allura Xper (Philips Healthcare). Patients were differentiated according to age (A1: 1–3 months; A2: 4–12 months; A3: 13–72 months; A4: 73 months–10 years; A5: > 10 years), sex, conducted or not-conducted chemotherapy.

Results

248 neurointerventional procedures of 130 pediatric patients (median age 14.5 months, range 5–127 months) with RB (68 unilateral, 62 bilateral) could be included between January 2010 and March 2020. The following diagnostic reference values, AD, and mean values could be determined: (A2) DRL 3.9 Gy cm2, AD 2.9 Gy cm2, mean 3.5 Gy cm2; (A3) DRL 7.0 Gy cm2, AD 4.3 Gy cm2, mean 6.0 Gy cm2; (A4) DRL 14.5 Gy cm2, AD 10.7 Gy cm2, mean 10.8 Gy cm2; (A5) AD 8.8 Gy cm2, mean 8.8 Gy cm2. Kruskal-Wallis-test confirmed a significant dose difference between the examined age groups (A2–A5) (p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference considering sex (p = 0.076) and conducted or not-conducted chemotherapy (p = 0.627). A successful procedure was achieved in 207/248 cases.

Conclusion

We report on radiation exposure during superselective IAC of a pediatric cohort at the German Retinoblastoma Referral Centre. Although an IAC formally represents a therapeutic procedure, our results confirm that radiation exposure lies within the exposure of a diagnostic interventional procedure. DRLs for superselective IAC are substantially lower compared with DRLs of more complex endovascular interventions.
Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging ultrashort echo-time cones for assessing lung density in pediatric patients
Authors: Zeimpekis Konstantinos G. , Geiger Julia , Wiesinger Florian , Delso Gaspar , Kellenberger Christian J.
Published: August 2020

Background

MRI of lung parenchyma is challenging because of the rapid decay of signal by susceptibility effects of aerated lung on routine fast spin-echo sequences.

Objective

To assess lung signal intensity in children on ultrashort echo-time sequences in comparison to a fast spin-echo technique.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective study of lung MRI obtained in 30 patients (median age 5 years, range 2 months to 18 years) including 15 with normal lungs and 15 with cystic fibrosis. On a fast spin-echo sequence with radial readout and an ultrashort echo-time sequence, both lungs were segmented and signal intensities were extracted. We compared lung-to-background signal ratios and histogram analysis between the two patient cohorts using non-parametric tests and correlation analysis.

Results

On ultrashort echo-time the lung-to-background ratio was age-dependent, ranging from 3.15 to 1.33 with high negative correlation (Rs = −0.86). Signal in posterior dependent portions of the lung was 18% and 11% higher than that of the anterior lung for age groups 0–2 and 2–18 years, respectively. The fast spin-echo sequence showed no variation of signal ratios by age or location, with a median of 0.99 (0.98–1.02). Histograms of ultrashort echo-time slices between controls and children with aggravated cystic fibrosis with mucus plugging and wall thickening exhibited significant discrepancies that differentiated between normal and pathological lungs.

Conclusion

Signal intensity of lung on ultrashort echo-time is higher than that on fast spin-echo sequences, is age-dependent and shows a gravity-dependent anterior to posterior gradient. This signal variation appears similar to lung density described on CT.
Curdlan, zymosan and a yeast-derived β-glucan reshape tumor-associated macrophages into producers of inflammatory chemo-attractants
Authors: de Graaff Priscilla , Berrevoets Cor , Rӧsch Christiane , Schols Henk A. , Verhoef Kees , Wichers Harry J. , Debets Reno , Govers Coen
Published: August 2020

Anti-cancer T-cell responses are often halted due to the immune-suppressive micro-environment, in part related to tumor-associated macrophages. In the current study, we assessed indigestible β-glucans (oatβG, curdlan, grifolan, schizophyllan, lentinan, yeast whole glucan particles (yWGP), zymosan and two additional yeast-derived β-glucans a and b) for their physicochemical properties as well as their effects on the plasticity of human monocyte-derived macrophages that were polarized with IL-4 to immune-suppressive macrophages. Beta-glucans were LPS/LTA free, and tested for solubility, molecular masses, protein and monosaccharide contents. Curdlan, yeast-b and zymosan re-polarized M(IL-4) macrophages towards an M1-like phenotype, in particular showing enhanced gene expression of CCR7, ICAM1 and CD80, and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6. Notably, differential gene expression, pathway analysis as well as protein expressions demonstrated that M(IL-4) macrophages treated with curdlan, yeast-b or zymosan demonstrated enhanced production of chemo-attractants, such as CCL3, CCL4, and CXCL8, which contribute to recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils. The secretion of chemo-attractants was confirmed when using patient-derived melanoma-infiltrating immune cells. Taken together, the bacterial-derived curdlan as well as the yeast-derived β-glucans yeast-b and zymosan have the unique ability to preferentially skew macrophages towards a chemo-attractant-producing phenotype that may aid in anti-cancer immune responses.
A Novel Breast‐Conserving Surgical Technique in the Management of Phyllodes Tumours of the Breast
Authors: Ip Eugenia C. , Ung Owen
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite advances in oncoplastic breast‐conserving techniques, very large phyllodes tumours (PT) may still be recommended for mastectomy.

Methods

We report a novel 2‐staged breast‐conserving technique that enables smaller excisional volumes whilst maintaining safe oncological excision. Stage‐1 is a capsular dissection via a posterior glandular approach without sacrifice of native breast volume. Stage‐2 is a delayed localised resection of the seroma cavity providing a circumferential “margin”. Two cases are presented.

Conclusion

This novel technique preserves the breast, optimises cosmesis and is a safe approach to the surgical management of large PT.
Tropical cyclone formation regions in CMIP5 models: a global performance assessment and projected changes
Authors: Tory K. J. , Ye H. , Brunet G.
Published: August 2020

Tropical Cyclone (TC) formation regions are analysed in twelve CMIP5 models using a recently developed diagnostic that provides a model-performance summary in a single image for the mid-summer TC season. A subjective assessment provides an indication of how well the models perform in each TC basin throughout the globe, and which basins can be used to determine possible changes in TC formation regions in a warmer climate. The analysis is necessarily succinct so that seven basins in twelve models can be examined. Consequently, basin performance was reduced to an assessment of two common problems specific to each basin. Basins that were not too adversely affected were included in the projection exercise. The North Indian basin was excluded because the mid-summer analysis period covers a lull in TC activity. Surprisingly, the North Atlantic basin also had to be excluded, because all twelve models failed the performance assessment. A slight poleward expansion in the western North Pacific and an expansion towards the Hawaiian Islands in the eastern North Pacific is plausible in the future, while a contraction in the TC formation regions in the eastern South Indian and western South Pacific basins would reduce the Australian region TC formation area. More than half the models were too active in the eastern South Pacific and South Atlantic basins. However, projections based on the remaining models suggest these basins will remain hostile for TC formation in the future. These southern hemisphere changes are consistent with existing projections of fewer southern hemisphere TCs in a future warming world
Reconstruction survival of segmental megaendoprostheses: a retrospective analysis of 28 patients treated for intercalary bone defects after musculoskeletal tumor resections
Authors: Streitbürger Arne , Hardes Jendrik , Nottrott Markus , Guder Wiebke K.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Intercalary endoprosthetic reconstructions have been reserved for patients with a limited life expectancy due to reports of high rates of early mechanical and reconstruction failure.

Materials and methods

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 28 patients who underwent intercalary endoprosthetic reconstruction of the femur (n = 17) or tibia (n = 11) regarding reconstruction survival and causes of complications and reconstruction failure.

Results

A total of 56 stems were implanted in this collective, 67.9% of which were implanted using cementation. Eight different stem designs were implanted. The mean patient age at the time of operation was 42.3 years. The mean bone defect needing reconstruction measured 18.5 cm. Resection margins were clear in 96.4% of patients. Of twenty-six complications, five were not implant-associated. We observed infection in 10.7% (n = 3) and traumatic periprosthetic fracture in 3.6% (n = 1) of cases. The most frequent complication was aseptic stem loosening (ASL) (53.8%; n = 14) occurring in eight patients (28.6%). The metaphyseal and meta-diaphyseal regions of femur and tibia were most susceptible to ASL with a rate of 39.1% and 31.3% respectively. No ASLs occurred in epiphyseal or diaphyseal location. Overall reconstruction survival was 43.9% and 64.3% including patients who died of disease with their implant intact. Overall limb survival was 72.7%.

Conclusions

Proper planning of segmental reconstructions including stem design with regard to unique anatomical and biomechanical properties is mandatory to address the high rates of ASL in metaphyseal and metadiaphyseal stem sites. With continued efforts of improving stem design in these implantation sites and decreasing rates of mechanical failure, indications for segmental megaendoprostheses may also extend to younger patients with the localized disease for their advantages of early weight bearing and a lack of donor-site morbidity.
Intraoperative damage to surgical gloves during various operations on the musculoskeletal system: a multicenter study
Authors: Enz Andreas , Kostuj Tanja , Warnke Philipp , Osmanski-Zenk Katrin , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Klinder Annett
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Various orthopedic surgical procedures cause mechanical stress for gloves. In some cases, sharp-edged objects impact on the glove surfaces. The systematic description of lesions is still missing.

Methods

2289 gloves from 409 surgeries [primary hip and knee arthroplasties (PA), revisions arthroplasties (RA) and arthroscopic shoulder, hip and knee surgery (AY)] from 3 clinics were examined for lesions using water tightening test according to the European norm EN 455-1.

Results

Arthroscopies showed the lowest rate of operations with damaged gloves (6.9%). Depending on clinic, 32.7% and 59.2% of PA surgeries generated damaged gloves, while in RA, these numbers rose to 76.0% and 72.8%, respectively. In PA and RA, the most affected finger was the index finger, whereas in arthroscopies, more damage occurred on the middle finger and the thumb. The size of the lesions was rather small with the vast majority being 1 mm or 2 mm in size.

Conclusion

All investigated interventions led to glove lesions. With increasing mechanical stress, the number of glove defects increased. EN 455 does not account for the intraoperative tear risk. Stricter requirements for gloves should be introduced. Glove change intervals should be defined and implemented, and new materials should be developed.
Accuracy of the preoperative diagnostic workup in patients with head and neck cancers undergoing neck dissection in terms of nodal metastases
Authors: Horváth Angéla , Prekopp Péter , Polony Gábor , Székely Eszter , Tamás László , Dános Kornél
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The presence of cervical lymph node metastases is one of the most influential prognostic factors in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The management of clinically N0 neck in patients with head and neck cancer remains controversial: elective neck dissection has relatively high morbidity, adversely affecting the quality of life, however, abandoning elective neck dissection is known to compromise overall survival in numerous primaries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the conventional imaging modalities (CT, MRI, US) and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the detection of lymph node metastases in the neck.

Methods

Sixty two patients were included in the study, who underwent primary tumor resection and neck dissection. Preoperative nodal status was compared with postoperative histopathology nodal status. In our retrospective study, we reviewed the patient documentation. Statistical analysis of the data—with descriptive statistics and correlation analysis—was performed with Chi-square test.

Results

The sensitivity of conventional imaging modalities and FNAC were 82.8% and 81.8%, respectively, while specificity were 73.9% and 100%, respectively. Positive predictive value calculated for imaging modalities and FNAC were 82.8%, 100%, respectively, while negative predictive values were 73.9% and 66.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

Neither the sensitivity of imaging modalities (CT, MRI, US) nor FNAC reached 100%, none of these methods can definitively exclude the presence of regional tumor metastasis. According to these data, no permissive alteration should be allowed from the current guidelines (e.g. NCCN) based on imaging/FNAC examinations regarding the need for elective neck dissection.
Patient outcomes in idiopathic scoliosis are associated with biological endophenotypes: 2020 SOSORT award winner
Authors: Beauséjour Marie , Vaillancourt François , Akoume Marie-Yvonne , Franco Anita , Parent Stefan , Labelle Hubert , Joncas Julie , Desbiens-Blais Frédérique , Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc , Roy-Beaudry Marjolaine , Aubin Carl-Éric , Moreau Alain
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Bracing is the treatment of choice for idiopathic scoliosis (IS), unfortunately factors underlying brace response remain unknown.
Clinicians are currently unable to identify patients who may benefit from bracing, and therefore, better molecular stratification is critically needed. The aim of this study is to evaluate IS patient outcomes at skeletal maturity in relation to biological endophenotypes, and determine specific endophenotypes associated to differential bracing outcomes. This is a retrospective cohort with secondary cross-sectional comparative studies.

Methods

Clinical and radiological data were collected from 563 IS patients, stratified into biological endophenotypes (FG1, FG2, FG3) based on a cell-based test. Measured outcomes were maximum Cobb angle at skeletal maturity, and if severe, spinal deformity (≥ 45°) or surgery was attained. Treatment success/failure was determined by standard progression thresholds (Cobb ≥ 45° or surgery; Cobb angle progression ≥ 6°). Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate associations between endophenotypes and clinical outcome.

Results

Higher Cobb angles at maturity for FG1 and FG2 patients were observed (p = 0.056 and p = 0.05), with increased likelihood of ≥ 45° and/or surgery for FG1 (OR = 2.181 [1.002–4.749] and FG2 (OR = 2.141 [1.038–4.413]) compared to FG3. FG3 was 9.31 [2.58–33.61] and 5.63 [2.11–15.05] times more likely for bracing success at treatment termination and based on the < 6° progression criterion, respectively, compared to FG1.

Conclusion

Associations between biological endophenotypes and outcomes suggest differences in progression and/or bracing response among IS patients. Outcomes were most favorable in FG3 patients. The results pave the way for establishing personalized treatments, distinguishing who may benefit or not from treatment.
Alveolar iodine tampon packing after impacted third molar surgery improves oral health–related quality of life and postoperative sequela: a randomized study
Authors: Lindeboom Jerome A. , Tuk Jacco G. , Möllenkamp Patrick , van Wijk Arjen J.
Published: August 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an iodine tampon on postoperative discomfort after surgical removal of a mandibular third molar.

Material and methods

Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received an alveolar iodine-containing tampon in the extraction socket (N = 44), and the other group used a disposable syringe (Monoject®) to rinse the wound (N = 43). Postoperative discomfort was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire, Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (PI-NRS), and questions about self-care and discomfort.

Results

This study included 87 patients (52 women and 35 men) with an average age of 26.47 years (SD, 6.36). The mean OHIP-14 sum scores were significantly lower in the iodine tampon group compared with the Monoject® syringe group. Mean PI-NRS scores significantly differed between the iodine tampon group (3.33; SE, 0.27) and Monoject® syringe group (4.46; SE, 0.27) (F (1, 85) = 8.16,p < 0.01), with no interaction effect between time and PI-NRS (F(6, 510) = 1.26,p = 0.28). Patients in the iodine tampon group reported less postoperative discomfort.

Conclusions

Insertion of an iodine-containing tampon in the postoperative socket reduced the pain and impact on oral health-related quality of life during the first postoperative week and positively influenced postoperative sequelae.
Effusion attenuates the effect of synovitis on radiographic progression in patients with hand osteoarthritis: a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Damman W. , Liu R. , Reijnierse M. , Rosendaal F. R. , Bloem J. L. , Kloppenburg M.
Published: August 2020

An exploratory study to determine the role of effusion, i.e., fluid in the joint, in pain, and radiographic progression in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Distal and proximal interphalangeal joints (87 patients, 82% women, mean age 59 years) were assessed for pain. T2-weighted and Gd-chelate contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were scored for enhanced synovial thickening (EST, i.e., synovitis), effusion (EST and T2-high signal intensity [hsi]) and bone marrow lesions (BMLs). Effusion was defined as follows: (1) T2-hsi > 0 and EST = 0; or 2) T2-hsi = EST but in different joint locations. Baseline and 2-year follow-up radiographs were scored following Kellgren-Lawrence, increase ≥ 1 defined progression. Associations between the presence of effusion and pain and radiographic progression, taking into account EST and BML presence, were explored on the joint level. Effusion was present in 17% (120/691) of joints, with (63/120) and without (57/120) EST. Effusion on itself was not associated with pain or progression. The association with pain and progression, taking in account other known risk factors, was stronger in the absence of effusion (OR [95% CI] 1.7 [1.0–2.9] and 3.2 [1.7–5.8]) than in its presence (1.6 [0.8–3.0] and 1.3 [0.5–3.1]). Effusion can be assessed on MR images and seems not to be associated with pain or radiographic progression but attenuates the association between synovitis and progression.

Key Points• Effusion is present apart from synovitis in interphalangeal joints in patients with hand OA.• Effusion in finger joints can be assessed as a separate feature on MR images.• Effusion seems to be of importance for its attenuating effect on the association between synovitis and radiographic progression.
Understanding the effects of dietary components on the gut microbiome and human health
Authors: Rackerby Bryna , Kim Hyun Jung , Dallas David C. , Park Si Hong
Published: August 2020

The gut microbiome is the complex microbial ecosystem found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. It plays a vital role in host development, physiology and metabolism, and has been implicated as a factor in brain function, behavior, mental health, and many disease states. While many factors, including host genetics and environmental factors, contribute to the composition of the gut microbiome, diet plays a large role. Microorganisms differ in their nutrient requirements, and alterations in host dietary composition can have strong impacts on the microbial inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract. The health implications of these dietary and microbial changes are relevant as various global populations consume diets comprised of different macronutrient ratios, and many diets promote alterations to recommended macronutrient ratios to promote health. This review will outline the ways in which specific macro- and micronutrients impact the gut microbiome and host health.
Enhancing production and flow of freshwater ecosystem services in a managed Himalayan river system under uncertain future climate
Authors: Momblanch Andrea , Beevers Lindsay , Srinivasalu Pradeep , Kulkarni Anil , Holman Ian P.
Published: August 2020

Future climate change will likely impact the multiple freshwater ecosystem services (fES) provided by catchments through their landscapes and river systems. However, there is high spatio-temporal uncertainty on those impacts linked to climate change uncertainty and the natural and anthropogenic interdependencies of water management systems. This study identifies current and future spatial patterns of fES production in a highly managed water resource system in northern India to inform the design and assessment of plausible adaptation measures to enhance fES production in the catchment under uncertain climate change. A water resource systems modelling approach is used to evaluate fES across the full range of plausible future scenarios, to identify the (worst-case) climate change scenarios triggering the greatest impacts and assess the capacity of adaptation to enhance fES. Results indicate that the current and future states of the fES depend on the spatial patterns of climate change and the impacts of infrastructure management on river flows. Natural zones deliver more regulating and cultural services than anthropized areas, although they are more climate-sensitive. The implementation of a plausible adaptation strategy only manages to slightly enhance fES in the system with respect to no adaptation. These results demonstrate that water resource systems models are powerful tools to capture complex system dependencies and inform the design of robust catchment management measures. They also highlight that mitigation and more ambitious adaptation strategies are needed to offset climate change impacts in highly climate-sensitive catchments.
The effects of incidental findings from whole-body MRI on the frequency of biopsies and detected malignancies or benign conditions in a general population cohort study
Authors: Richter Adrian , Sierocinski Elizabeth , Singer Stephan , Bülow Robin , Hackmann Carolin , Chenot Jean-François , Schmidt Carsten Oliver
Published: August 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) yields numerous tumor-related incidental findings (IFs) which may trigger diagnostics such as biopsies. To clarify these effects, we studied how whole-body MRI IF disclosure in a population-based cohort affected biopsy frequency and the detection of malignancies. Laboratory disclosures were also assessed. Data from 6753 participants in the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) examined between 2008 and 2012 were utilized. All underwent laboratory examinations and 3371 (49.9%) a whole-body MRI. Electronic biopsy reports from 2002 to 2017 were linked to participants and assigned to outcome categories. Biopsy frequency 2 years pre- and post-SHIP was investigated using generalized estimating equations with a negative-binomial distribution. Overall 8208 IFs (laboratory findings outside reference limits: 6839; MRI: 1369) were disclosed to 4707 participants; 2271 biopsy reports belonged to 1200 participants (17.8%). Of these, 938 biopsies occurred pre-SHIP; 1333 post-SHIP (event rate/100 observation years = 6.9 [95% CI 6.5; 7.4]; 9.9 [9.3; 10.4]). Age, cancer history, recent hospitalization, female sex, and IF disclosure were associated with higher biopsy rates. Nonmalignant biopsy results increased more in participants with disclosures (post-/pre-SHIP rate ratio 1.39 [95% CI 1.22; 1.58]) than without (1.09 [95% CI 0.85; 1.38]). Malignant biopsy results were more frequent post-SHIP (rate ratio 1.74 [95% CI 1.27; 2.42]). Biopsies increased after participation in a population-based cohort study with MRI and laboratory IF disclosure. Most biopsies resulted in no findings and few malignancies were diagnosed, indicating potential overtesting and overdiagnosis. A more restrictive policy regarding IF disclosure from research findings is required.
Trajectories of Early Adolescent Loneliness: Implications for Physical Health and Sleep
Authors: Eccles Alice M. , Qualter Pamela , Panayiotou Margarita , Hurley Ruth , Boivin Michel , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: August 2020

The current study examines the relationship between prolonged loneliness, physical health, and sleep among young adolescents (10–13 years;N = 1214; 53% girls). Loneliness was measured at 10, 12 and 13 years of age along with parent-reported health and sleep outcomes. Using growth mixture modelling, 6 distinct trajectories were identified: ‘low increasing to high loneliness’ (n = 23, 2%), ‘high reducing loneliness’ (n = 28, 3%), ‘medium stable loneliness’ (n = 60, 5%), ‘medium reducing loneliness’ (n = 185, 15%), ‘low increasing to medium loneliness’ (n = 165, 14%), and ‘low stable loneliness’ (n = 743, 61%). Further analyses found non-significant differences between the loneliness trajectories and parent-report health and sleep outcomes including visits to health professionals, perceived general health, and sleep quality. The current study offers an important contribution to the literature on loneliness and health. Results show that the relationship may not be evident in early adolescence when parent reports of children’s health are used. The current study highlights the importance of informant choice when reporting health. The implications of the findings for future empirical work are discussed.
Supporting Expectant and Parenting Teens: New Evidence to Inform Future Programming and Research
Authors: Harding Jessica F. , Zief Susan , Farb Amy , Margolis Amy
Published: August 2020

Until recently, federal programs had not explicitly focused on improving the outcomes of highly vulnerable teen parents. Established in 2010, the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) aims to improve the health, social, educational, and economic outcomes for expectant and parenting teens and young adults, their children, and their families, through providing grants to states and tribes. This article introduces the Maternal and Child Health Journal supplement “Supporting Expectant and Parenting Teens: The Pregnancy Assistance Fund,” which draws together the perspectives of researchers and practitioners to provide insights into serving expectant and parenting teens through the PAF program. The articles in the supplement include examples of programs that use different intervention strategies to support teen parents, with programs based in high school, college, and community settings in both urban and rural locations. Some of the articles provide rigorous evidence of what works to support teen parents. In addition, the articles demonstrate key lessons learned from implementation, including allowing some flexibility in implementation while clearly outlining core programmatic components, using partnerships to meet the multifaceted needs of young parents, hiring the right staff and providing extensive training, using strategies for engaging and recruiting teen parents, and planning for sustainability early. The studies use a range of qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate programs to support teen parents, and three articles describe how to implement innovative and cost effective methods to evaluate these kinds of programs. By summarizing findings across the supplement, we increase understanding of what is known about serving expectant and parenting teens and point to next steps for future research.
Glioma consensus contouring recommendations from a MR-Linac International Consortium Research Group and evaluation of a CT-MRI and MRI-only workflow
Authors: Tseng Chia-Lin , Stewart James , Whitfield Gillian , Verhoeff Joost J. C. , Bovi Joseph , Soliman Hany , Chung Caroline , Myrehaug Sten , Campbell Mikki , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Heyn Chinthaka , Das Sunit , Perry James , Ruschin Mark , Sahgal Arjun
Published: August 2020

Introduction

This study proposes contouring recommendations for radiation treatment planning target volumes and organs-at-risk (OARs) for both low grade and high grade gliomas.

Methods

Ten cases consisting of 5 glioblastomas and 5 grade II or III gliomas, including their respective gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV), and OARs were each contoured by 6 experienced neuro-radiation oncologists from 5 international institutions. Each case was first contoured using only MRI sequences (MRI-only), and then re-contoured with the addition of a fused planning CT (CT-MRI). The level of agreement among all contours was assessed using simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE) with the kappa statistic and Dice similarity coefficient.

Results

A high level of agreement was observed between the GTV and CTV contours in the MRI-only workflow with a mean kappa of 0.88 and 0.89, respectively, with no statistically significant differences compared to the CT-MRI workflow (p = 0.88 and p = 0.82 for GTV and CTV, respectively). Agreement in cochlea contours improved from a mean kappa of 0.39 to 0.41, to 0.69 to 0.71 with the addition of CT information (p < 0.0001 for both cochleae). Substantial to near perfect level of agreement was observed in all other contoured OARs with a mean kappa range of 0.60 to 0.90 in both MRI-only and CT-MRI workflows.

Conclusions

Consensus contouring recommendations for low grade and high grade gliomas were established using the results from the consensus STAPLE contours, which will serve as a basis for further study and clinical trials by the MR-Linac Consortium.
Wind and seed: a conceptual model of shape-formation in the cushion plant Azorella Selago
Authors: Combrinck Madeleine L. , Harms Thomas M. , McGeoch Melodie A. , Schoombie Janine , le Roux Peter Christiaan
Published: August 2020

Aims

The sub-Antarctic cushion plant, Azorella selago, is usually hemispherical when small but frequently crescent-shaped when larger. Spatial variation in wind speed and in air-borne seed and sediment deposition is examined to determine if wind scouring and deposition patterns could contribute to the development of non-hemispherical shapes in cushion plants.

Methods

Computational fluid dynamic analyses were conducted for hemispherical and crescent-shaped cushion plants parameterizing models with data from A. selago habitats on Marion Island. Numerical data were contextualized with field observations to arrive at a conceptual model for shape development.

Results

Airflow modelling showed that both wind scouring and seed deposition of the commonly co-occurring grass Agrostis magellanica are greater on the windward side of the plant. By contrast, heavier sediment particles are predominantly deposited on the leeward side of plants, leading to burial of lee-side A. selago stems. This sediment accumulation may initiate the development of the crescent-shape in hemispherical plants by increasing stem mortality on the plant’s leeward edge. Once developed, the crescent-shape is probably self-reinforcing because it generates greater air recirculation (and lower air velocities) which enhances further deposition and establishment of A. magellanica grasses in the lee of the crescent. The conceptual model consists therefore of three stages namely, (1) negligible air recirculation, (2) sediment deposition and grass establishment, and (3) differential cushion growth.

Conclusion

This conceptual model of plant shape development may explain the occurrence and orientation of crescent-shaped cushion plants and highlights how predicted changes in wind patterns may affect vegetation patterns.
Google Search Queries, Foreclosures, and House Prices
Authors: Damianov Damian S. , Wang Xiangdong , Yan Cheng
Published: August 2020

We study whether Google search behavior for “mortgage assistance” and “foreclosure help” aggregated in the mortgage default risk indicator (MDRI) of Chauvet et al. (2016) helps predict future house prices and foreclosures in local residential markets. Using a long-run equilibrium model, we disaggregate house prices into their fundamental and bubble components, and we find that MDRI dampens both components of house prices. This negative relationship is robust to various model specifications and time horizons. A higher intensity of search online, however, is associated with lower future foreclosure rates. We also find that foreclosure rates increase after a decline in the fundamental component of home values, but are not sensitive to their transitory (bubble) component. Foreclosure rates are higher in metropolitan areas located in non-recourse states. We interpret these findings as evidence for strategic household behavior. Our paper sheds new light on the predictive power of household sentiment derived from Google searches on prices and foreclosure rates in local housing markets.