bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of 1‐Hydroxy‐o‐Carborane with Internal Alkynes: Facile Synthesis of Carborane‐Fused Oxaboroles†
Authors: Cheng Ruofei , Qiu Zaozao , Xie Zuowei
Published: June 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A palladium catalyzed oxidative annulation of 1‐hydroxy‐o‐carborane with internal alkynes via regioselective B(3)—H bond activation has been developed for facile synthesis of a series of C,B‐substituted carborane‐fused oxaboroles. These molecules can undergo intramolecular oxidative dehydrogenative coupling to afford carborane‐fused large π systems for potential applications in organic materials. The reaction mechanism is also proposed, involving hydroxy deprotonation, nucleopalladation of alkyne, regioselective electrophilic B—H substitution and reductive elimination.
An In Vitro Microneutralization Assay for SARS‐CoV‐2 Serology and Drug Screening
Authors: Amanat Fatima , White Kris M. , Miorin Lisa , Strohmeier Shirin , McMahon Meagan , Meade Philip , Liu Wen‐Chun , Albrecht Randy A. , Simon Viviana , Martinez‐Sobrido Luis , Moran Thomas , García‐Sastre Adolfo , Krammer Florian
Published: June 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in late 2019. Since then, the virus has spread globally and caused a pandemic. Assays that can measure the antiviral activity of antibodies or antiviral compounds are needed for SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine and drug development. Here, we describe in detail a microneutralization assay, which can be used to assess in a quantitative manner if antibodies or drugs can block entry and/or replication of SARS‐CoV‐2 in vitro. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Microneutralization assay to test inhibition of virus by antibodies (purified antibodies or serum/plasma)

Basic Protocol 2: Screening of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 compounds in vitro

Support Protocol: SARS‐CoV‐2 propagation
Boosting predictive ability of tropical maize hybrids via genotype‐by‐environment interaction under multivariate GBLUP models
Authors: Dalsente Krause Matheus , Dias Kaio Olímpio das Graças , Pedroso Rigal dos Santos Jhonathan , de Oliveira Amanda Avelar , Guimarães Lauro José Moreira , Pastina Maria Marta , Margarido Gabriel Rodrigues Alves , Garcia Antonio Augusto Franco
Published: June 2020

Genomic selection has been implemented in several plant and animal breeding programs and it has proven to improve efficiency and maximize genetic gains. Phenotypic data of grain yield was measured in 147 maize (Zea mays L.) single‐cross hybrids at 12 environments. Single‐cross hybrids genotypes were inferred based on their parents (inbred lines) via single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained from genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS). Factor analytic multiplicative genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) models, in the framework of multienvironment trials, were used to predict grain yield performance of unobserved tropical maize single‐cross hybrids. Predictions were performed for two situations: untested hybrids (CV1), and hybrids evaluated in some environments but missing in others (CV2). Models that borrowed information across individuals through genomic relationships and within individuals across environments presented higher predictive accuracy than those models that ignored it. For these models, predictive accuracies were up to 0.4 until eight environments were considered as missing for the validation set, which represents 67% of missing data for a given hybrid. These results highlight the importance of including genotype‐by‐environment interactions and genomic relationship information for boosting predictions of tropical maize single‐cross hybrids for grain yield.
Sustainability performance indicators: Definition, interaction, and influence of contextual characteristics
Authors: López‐Arceiz Francisco J. , Del Río Cristina , Bellostas Ana J.
Published: June 2020

Financial markets and investors are pushing modern firms to increase their commitment to sustainable development. Corporate sustainability refers to processes that develop from normative traditions, ethical roots, and stakeholder attitudes in such organizations. These processes require that we define suitable sustainability indicators and other measurement instruments. Therefore, this study analyzes the influence of cultural and legal contextual characteristics on the design and internal workings of such indicators. The results show that sustainability measurements are indeed shaped by cultural and legal factors. However, no unique pattern can be identified. Thus, what emerges is variation under different cultural contexts and legal systems.
J‐divergence‐based Power Allocation in Wireless Sensor Networks with Distributed Detection under Correlated Noises
Authors: Mohajeran Seyed Ali , Abed Hodtani Ghosheh
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the power allocation problem in a wireless sensor network (WSN) with binary distributed detection is considered. It is assumed that the sensors independently transmit their local decisions to a fusion center (FC) through a slow fading orthogonal multiple access channel (OMAC), where, in every channel, the interferences from other devices are considered as correlated noises. In this channel, the associated power allocation optimization problem with equal power constraint is established between statistical distributions under different hypotheses by using the Jeffrey divergence (J‐divergence) as a performance criterion. It is shown that this criterion for the power allocation problem is more efficient compared to other criteria such as mean square error (MSE). Moreover, several numerical simulations and examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
White‐tailed deer neonate survival in the absence of predators
Authors: Dion Justin R. , Haus Jacob M. , Rogerson Joseph E. , Bowman Jacob L.
Published: June 2020

Several factors influence neonate survival rates in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and an emphasis on predation as the primary limiting factor to neonate recruitment may serve to detract researchers from understanding other influential variables. We estimated survival and cause‐specific mortality of white‐tailed deer neonates in the absence of predators with an emphasis on assessing how birth mass, dam maturity, and weather covariates affect neonate survival. Additionally, we examined the influence of capture method (opportunistic searches vs. vaginal implant transmitter; VIT) on survival estimates. We captured 109 neonates using opportunistic capture (n = 55) and VITs (n = 54) in Sussex County, Delaware, USA, during 2016 and 2017. There are no established predator populations (i.e., black bear, bobcat, and coyote) within the study area. We observed greater 90‐d survival rates in opportunistically captured neonates (0.69, 95% CI = 0.55–0.87) compared to VIT‐captured neonates (0.44, 95% CI = 0.34–0.61), a difference driven by inobservance of early‐life mortality events among neonates captured opportunistically. Natural causes excluding predation (e.g., disease, emaciation, and birth defects) accounted for all observed mortality (n = 42). Mortality related to disease, emaciation, and birth defects typically occurred in the first 7 d of life and was underrepresented in the opportunistically captured sample. Birth mass, dam age class, and precipitation influenced neonate mortality risk within the first 7 d of life, but no variables were associated with survival from 8 to 28 d of life. Non‐predation‐related mortality causes in our study area resulted in survival rates comparable to regions with established predator communities. Non‐predation‐related mortality may be the ultimate driving factor controlling neonatal survival in other regions but can be obfuscated by more proximal mortality sources, such as predation.
Elevated N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide among persons living with HIV in a South African peri‐urban township
Authors: Peterson Tess E. , Baker Jason V. , Wong Lye‐Yeng , Rupert Adam , Ntusi Ntobeko A. B. , Esmail Hanif , Wilkinson Robert , Sereti Irini , Meintjes Graeme , Ntsekhe Mpiko , Thienemann Friedrich
Published: June 2020

Aims

Efforts to improve access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) have shifted morbidity and mortality among persons living with HIV (PLWH) from AIDS to non‐communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, contemporary data on CVD among PLWH in sub‐Saharan Africa in the current ART era are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of cardiac stress among PLWH in South Africa via measurement of N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP).

Methods and results

NT‐proBNP was measured at baseline in 224 PLWH enrolled in a sub‐study of a tuberculosis vaccine trial in Khayelitsha township near Cape Town, South Africa. Thresholds were applied at the assay's limit of detection (≥137 pg/mL) and a level indicative of symptomatic heart failure in the acute setting (>300 pg/mL).

Mean (SD) age of participants was 39 (6) years, 86% were female, and 19% were hypertensive. Mean (SD) duration of HIV diagnosis was 8.3 (3.9) years and CD4 + count was 673 (267) with 79% prescribed ART for a duration of 5.6 (2.7) years. Thirty‐one percent of participants had NT‐proBNP > 300 pg/mL. Elevated vs. undetectable NT‐proBNP level was associated with older age (P = 0.04), no ART (P = 0.03), and higher plasma tumour necrosis factor‐α (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Among South African PLWH largely free of known CVD and on ART with high CD4 + counts and few comorbidities, we observed a high proportion with elevated NT‐proBNP levels, suggesting the burden of cardiac stress in this population may be high. This observation underscores the need for more in‐depth research, including the current effect of HIV on heart failure risk among a growing ART‐treated population in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Element‐Ligand Cooperativity with p‐Block Elements
Authors: Greb Lutz , Ebner Fabian , Ginzburg Yael , Sigmund Lukas M.
Published: June 2020

Metal‐ligand cooperativity (MLC) had a tremendous impact on d‐block metal‐mediated bond activation and homogeneous catalysis. Is this concept translatable to the elements of the p‐block? Are there analogies already at hand? In this review, we describe contributions in which a p‐block element (group 13–15) and its ligand (surrounding molecular framework) operate synergistically in a substrate activation or a catalytic cycle. This activity is termed element‐ligand cooperativity (ELC), in correspondence to MLC. After the concepts of p‐block low‐valent states and frustrated Lewis pairs mimicking the ambiphilic reactivity of transition metals, the spatial proximity of nucleophilic and electrophilic reaction sites and a small HOMO‐LUMO gap in a p‐block ELC complex might offer yet another approach. Selected examples shall illustrate common reactivities of ELC, disclose conceptual analogies with d‐block MLC, and outline shortcomings in this field.
Large vs. Small NHC Ligands in Nickel(0) Complexes: The Coordination of Olefins, Ketones and Aldehydes at [Ni(NHC)2]
Authors: Tendera Lukas , Schaub Thomas , Krahfuss Mirjam J. , Kuntze‐Fechner Maximilian W. , Radius Udo
Published: June 2020

Investigations concerning the reactivity of Ni(0) complexes [Ni(NHC)2] of NHCs (N‐heterocyclic carbene) of different steric demand, Mes2Im (= 1,3‐dimesitylimidazoline‐2‐ylidene) andiPr2Im (= 1,3‐diisopropyl‐imidazoline‐2‐ylidene), with olefins, ketones and aldehydes are reported. The reaction of [Ni(Mes2Im)2]1with ethylene or methyl acrylate afforded the complexes [Ni(Mes2Im)2(η2‐C2H4)]3and [Ni(Mes2Im)2(η2‐(C,C)‐H2C=CHCOOMe)]4, as it was previously reported for [Ni2(iPr2Im)4(µ‐(η2:η2)‐COD)]2as a source for [Ni(iPr2Im)2]. In contrast to2, complex1does not react with sterically more demanding olefins such as tetramethylethylene, 1,1‐diphenylethylene and cyclohexene. The reaction of [Ni(NHC)2] with moreπ‐acidic ketones or aldehydes led to formation of complexes withside‐onη2‐(C,O)‐coordinating ligands: [Ni(iPr2Im)2(η2‐O=CHtBu)]5, [Ni(iPr2Im)2(η2‐O=CHPh)]6, [Ni(iPr2Im)2(η2‐O=CMePh)]7, [Ni(iPr2Im)2(η2‐O=CPh2)]8, [Ni(iPr2Im)2(η2‐O=C(4‐F‐C6H4)2)]9, [Ni(iPr2Im)2(η2‐O=C(OMe)(CF3))]10and [Ni(Mes2Im)2(η2‐O=CHPh)]11, [Ni(Mes2Im)2(η2‐O=CH(CH(CH3)2))]12, [Ni(Mes2Im)2(η2‐O=CH(4‐NMe2‐C6H4))]13, [Ni(Mes2Im)2(η2‐O=CH(4‐OMe‐C6H4))]14, [Ni(Mes2Im)2(η2‐O=CPh2)]15and [Ni(Mes2Im)2(η2‐O=C(4‐F‐C6H4)2)]16. The reaction of1and2with these simple aldehydes and ketones does not lead to a significantly different outcome, but NHC ligand rotation is hindered for the Mes2Im complexes3,4and11–16according to NMR spectroscopy. The solid‐state structures of3,4,11and12reveal significantly larger CNHC‐Ni‐CNHCangles in the Mes2Im complexes compared to theiPr2Im complexes. As electron transfer in d8‐ (or d10‐) ML2complexes toπ‐acidic ligands depends on the L–M–L bite angle, the different NHCs lead thus to a different degree of electron transfer and activation of the olefin, aldehyde or ketone ligand, i.e., [Ni(iPr2Im)2] is the better donor to theseπ‐acidic ligands. Furthermore, we identified two different side products from the reaction of1with benzaldehyde,trans‐[Ni(Mes2Im)2H(OOCPh)]17and [Ni2(Mes2Im)2(µ2‐CO)(µ2‐η2‐C,O‐PhCOCOPh)]18, which indicate that radical intermediates and electron transfer processes might be of importance in the reaction of1with aldehydes and ketones.
An Alternative Approach to the Hydrated Imidazoline Ring Expansion (HIRE) of Diarene‐Fused [1.4]Oxazepines
Authors: Grintsevich Sergey , Sapegin Alexander , Reutskaya Elena , Peintner Stefan , Erdélyi Máté , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: June 2020

A four‐step approach to the “hydrated imidazoline ring expansion” (HIRE) is presented. In most cases, the ring expansion was the sole process. However, for the first time, an alternative course of the hydrated imidazoline evolution was discovered which gave N‐aminoethyl derivatives. These can, in principle, be converted into the target HIRE products under sufficiently forcing conditions. The approach offers improved flexibility with respect to the peripheral substituents and is also applicable to the synthesis of eleven‐membered lactams. We observed that the latter can exist in two stable isomeric forms due to lactam–amide bond isomerization. The latter finding further demonstrates the value of medium‐sized rings as multiple‐conformer probes for biological target interrogation.
White matter lesions and temporal atrophy are associated with cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with hypertension and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: García‐Alberca José María , Mendoza Silvia , Gris Esther , Royo José Luis , Cruz‐Gamero José Manuel , García‐Casares Natalia
Published: June 2020

Objectives

An increasing evidence suggests hypertension (HTN) could be linked to cognitive impairment and incident Alzheimer's disease (AD). The precise mechanisms linking HTN and AD are not well‐known. The aim of this study was to assess the putative association between HTN and AD.

Methods

We assessed in patients with AD associations between HTN and demographic and clinical data, vascular risk factors, treatments, APOE genotypes, brain white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and medial temporal atrophy (MTA) in multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results

We studied 92 patients with AD (mean ± SD age: 72.12 ± 6.91; women: 66.30%). Patients with HTN had significantly worse cognitive and functional status and higher frequency and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (P = .010). Magnetic resonance imaging analyzes showed significant increases in WMH (P = .018) and in MTA (P = .012) in patients with AD with HTN compared with those without HTN.

Conclusions

Neuroimaging burden (MTA and higher degree of severity of WMH) among patients with AD and HTN are associated with the impaired cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
International consensus on quality indicators for comprehensive assessment of dementia in young adults using a modified e‐Delphi approach
Authors: O'Malley Mary , Parkes Jacqueline , Stamou Vasileios , LaFontaine Jenny , Oyebode Jan , Carter Janet
Published: June 2020

Objective

To develop guidance for clinicians about essential elements that can support clinical decision‐making in the diagnostic workup of young onset dementia.

Methods/design

Three iterations of a modified e‐Delphi consensus survey comprising 23 international expert clinicians specialising in diagnosis of young onset dementia.

Outcome measures

A priori consensus was pre‐defined as 80% of experts ranking statements in the upper threshold on a seven‐point Likert scale that ranged from “not important at all” to “absolutely essential” to diagnosis.

Results

80% consensus was reached on 48 statements that were rated as “absolutely essential” or “very important” to a comprehensive assessment of dementia in a younger adult. In order to inform a subsequent audit of clinical records in which compliance with these statements was assessed, the statements were divided into a Minimum Standard, (consisting of the 15 statements voted by all experts as being “absolutely essential” or “very important”) and a Gold Standard where 48 statements were voted by 80% of the experts as being “absolutely essential” or “very important”. The experts’ response rate across the three rounds was 91.3%.

Conclusion

A Minimum Standard and Gold Standard have been created for the diagnostic workup of young onset dementia. The standards provide a clinically useful tool for decision‐making, particularly for generalists and those with less experience in the field. The standards will be used to inform a UK case note audit of recently diagnosed patients with young onset dementia.
Penn Medicine Head and Neck Cancer Service Line COVID‐19 management guidelines
Authors: Weinstein Gregory S. , Cohen Roger , Lin Alexander , O'Malley Bert W. , Lukens John , Swisher‐McClure Samuel , Shanti Rabie M. , Newman Jason G. , Parhar Harman S. , Tasche Kendall , Brody Robert M. , Chalian Ara , Cannady Steven , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D. , Kohanski Michael A. , Bauml Joshua , Aggarwal Charu , Montone Kathleen , Livolsi Virginia , Baloch Zubair W. , Jalaly Jalal B. , Cooper Kumarasen , Rajasekaran Karthik , Loevner Laurie , Rassekh Christopher
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus has altered the health care environment for the management of head and neck cancers. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide direction during the pandemic for rational Head and Neck Cancer management in order to achieve a medically and ethically appropriate balance of risks and benefits.

Methods

Creation of consensus document.

Results

The process yielded a consensus statement among a wide range of practitioners involved in the management of patients with head and neck cancer in a multihospital tertiary care health system.

Conclusions

These guidelines support an ethical approach for the management of head and neck cancers during the COVID‐19 epidemic consistent with both the local standard of care as well as the head and neck oncological literature.
Steady MHD mixed convection flow of a viscoelastic fluid over a magnetized convectively heated vertical surface with Hall current and induced magnetic field effects
Authors: Singh Jitendra K. , Shanker Seth Gauri , Vishwanath S. , Rohidas Pratima
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the steady magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection flow of a viscoelastic fluid over a magnetized vertical surface embedded in a uniform porous material with rotation is considered. The Hall and induced magnetic field effects are also considered in this investigation. The regular perturbation technique is used to find the solutions of flow governing equations. To analyze the consequences of flow‐influencing parameters to the flow variables, numerical computation has been performed and the results are illustrated in graphical and tabular forms. It is interesting to note that magnetic diffusion leads to the increase of the fluid flow. It brings a decrement in the induced magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnetized vertical surface.
Insight of the photoluminescence of atomically precise bimetallic nanoclusters with free electrons
Authors: Yang Sha , Zhu Manzhou
Published: June 2020

Noble‐metal nanoclusters with emission properties are promising candidtes for cell imaging, biosensing, photo‐therapy applications due to their ultra‐small size, good photostability, and high biocompatibility. It is of great importance to realize the atomic precision of such metal nanoclusters (NCs) because they allow us to investigate the origin of fluorescence at the atomic level. However, compared to quantum dots (QDs) and organic dyes, noble metal nanoclusters usually suffered from low quantum yield, which significantly limited their applications. Doping with other metal atoms is an effective strategy to enhance the fluorescent properties of metal NCs. Therefore, bimetallic nanoclusters possess enhanced emission properties relative to their monometallic counterparts. Although a couple of reviews have existed for bimetallic nanocluster, few of them concern their emissive properties. In this context, the emissive properties of atomically precise bimetallic nanoclusters are summarized in this minireview. Synergistic effect, state of aggregation, assembly, and isomerism on the fluorescence of bimetallic clusters and structure‐photoluminescence property correlations are also discussed.
Affine Mendelsohn triple systems and the Eisenstein integers
Authors: Nowak Alex W.
Published: June 2020

We define a Mendelsohn triple system (MTS) of order coprime with 3, and having multiplication affine over an abelian group, to be affine, nonramified. By exhibiting a one‐to‐one correspondence between isomorphism classes of affine MTS and those of modules over the Eisenstein integers, we solve the isomorphism problem for affine, nonramified MTS and enumerate these isomorphism classes (extending the work of Donovan, Griggs, McCourt, Opršal, and Stanovský). As a consequence, all entropic MTSs of order coprime with 3 and distributive MTS of order coprime with 3 are classified. Partial results on the isomorphism problem for affine MTS with order divisible by 3 are given, and a complete classification is conjectured. We also prove that for any affine MTS, the qualities of being nonramified, pure, and self‐orthogonal are equivalent.
Mechanism behind the paper spray chemical ionization phenomenon and the choice of solvent
Authors: Kim Hyungjun , Lee Hyunwoo , Kum Daesub , Tae Heungsik , Cha Sangwon , Kim Donghwi , Kim Sunghwan
Published: June 2020

Paper spray chemical ionization (PSCI) combined with mass spectrometry has been proposed as a sensitive method for the analysis of nonpolar aromatic compounds; however, the mechanism behind PSCI is not well understood. In the present study, the evidence for the occurrence of corona discharge is provided and its mechanism is proposed. Photographs taken with a highly sensitive camera evidently demonstrate the occurrence of corona discharge at the end of the triangular shape tip when a nonpolar solvent such as hexane was used at an applied potential of 6–7 kV. Nevertheless, corona discharge was not observed in the presence of a polar solvent. The occurrence of the corona discharge was attributed to charge accumulation in the dielectric layer generated by the nonpolar solvent on the fibers of the paper tip. Specifically, corona discharge was generated at the tip end when the charge approached a critical threshold. In the presence of a polar solvent, however, the dielectric layer was not generated and, hence, corona discharge was not observed. Based on this information, three nonpolar solvents were selected and their sensitivity for analyzing the phenanthrene and maltene fractions of crude oil was evaluated. Chlorobenzene provided the highest signal abundance; therefore, it was suggested as the optimum solvent for PSCI. Notably, the fundamental understanding of corona discharge in PSCI acquired in this study provides a basis for further improvement of this technique by way of surface modification.
Partial deletion of p75NTRin large‐diameter DRG neurons exerts no influence upon the survival of peripheral sensory neuronsin vivo
Authors: Qin Zuoheng , Gonsalvez David G. , Wood Rhiannon J. , Daemi Fatemeh , Yoo Sangwon , Ivanusic Jason J. , Coulson Elizabeth J. , Murray Simon S. , Xiao Junhua
Published: June 2020

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is required for maintaining peripheral sensory neuron survival and function; however, the underlying cellular mechanism remains unclear. The general view is that expression of p75NTRby the neuron itself is required for maintaining sensory neuron survival and myelination in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Adopting a neuronal‐specific conditional knockout strategy, we demonstrate the partial depletion of p75NTRin neurons exerts little influence upon maintaining sensory neuron survival and peripheral nerve myelination in health and after demyelinating neuropathy. Our data show that the density and total number of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in 2‐month‐old mice is not affected following the deletion of p75NTRin large‐diameter myelinating neurons, as assessed by stereology. Adopting experimental autoimmune neuritis induced in adult male mice, an animal model of demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, we identify that deleting p75NTRin myelinating neurons exerts no influence upon the disease progression, the total number of DRG neurons, and the extent of myelin damage in the sciatic nerve, indicating that the expression of neuronal p75NTRis not essential for maintaining peripheral neuron survival and myelination after a demyelinating insultin vivo. Together, results of this study suggest that the survival and myelination of peripheral sensory neurons is independent of p75NTRexpressed by a subtype of neuronsin vivo. Thus, our findings provide new insights into the mechanism underpinning p75NTR‐mediated neuronal survival in the PNS.
Cell Type–Specific Expression Analysis of the Inner Ear: A Technical Report
Authors: Hertzano Ronna , Gwilliam Kathleen , Rose Kevin , Milon Beatrice , Matern Maggie S.
Published: June 2020

Objective

The cellular diversity of the inner ear has presented a technical challenge in obtaining molecular insight into its development and function. The application of technological advancements in cell type–specific expression enable clinicians and researchers to leap forward from classic genetics to obtaining mechanistic understanding of congenital and acquired hearing loss. This understanding is essential for development of therapeutics to prevent and reverse diseases of the inner ear, including hearing loss. The objective of this study is to describe and compare the available tools for cell type–specific analysis of the ear, as a means to support decision making in study design.

Study Design

Three major approaches for cell type–specific analysis of the ear including fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), ribosomal and RNA pulldown techniques, and single cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq) are compared and contrasted using both published and original data.

Results

We demonstrate the strength and weaknesses of these approaches leading to the inevitable conclusion that to maximize the utility of these approaches, it is important to match the experimental approach with the tissue of origin, cell type of interest, and the biological question. Often, a combined approach (eg, cell sorting and scRNA‐seq or expression analysis using 2 separate approaches) is required. Finally, new tools for visualization and analysis of complex expression data, such as the gEAR platform (umgear.org), collate cell type–specific gene expression from the ear field and provide unprecedented access to both clinicians and researchers.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 131:S1–S16, 2021
Indications and outcomes of superselective neck dissection: A review and analysis of the literature
Authors: Verma Avanti , Chen Amy Y.
Published: June 2020

Superselective neck dissection, defined as dissection of two or less contiguous neck levels, has recently been introduced to reduce surgical morbidity of neck dissection while maintaining favorable oncologic outcomes. The purpose of this review is to report the results of superselective neck dissection when applied to specific settings: the management of regional disease after chemoradiation, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with clinical N0 necks, and high risk papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Competition between Physical Cross‐Linking and Phase Transition Temperature in Blends Based on Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐ethylacrylamide) Copolymers and Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Authors: Liang Weijun , García‐Peñas Alberto , Sharma Gaurav , Kumar Amit , Stadler Florian J.
Published: June 2020

The combination of thermoresponsive polymers and biopolymers is growing due to the multiple benefits, owing to their tunable properties. Numerous works focus on the preparation of materials by chemical cross‐linking, but physical cross‐linking (based on hydrogen bonding) has not been deeply studied. In this context, questions around the hydrogen bonding of physical‐crosslinking and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) need to be addressed, especially when a second comonomer is incorporated. This study is based on the preparation of blends of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐ethylacrylamide) copolymers and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by dissolution, where the LCST‐transition and physical‐crosslinking are studied. The results show a strong effect of the comonomer on the properties in comparison with the CMC, especially for solutions of methanol/water. Low contents of N‐ethylacrylamide (NEAM) can promote physical‐crosslinking and the gelation, avoiding cononsolvency observed for homopolymers. On the other hand, NEAM will disrupt the gelation when the comonomer content is high enough.
FecalNet: Automated detection of visible components in human feces using deep learning
Authors: Li Qiaoliang , Li Shiyu , Liu Xinyu , He Zhuoying , Wang Tao , Xu Ying , Guan Huimin , Chen Runmin , Qi Suwen , Wang Feng
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To automate the detection and identification of visible components in feces for early diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, we propose FecalNet, a method using multiple deep neural networks.

Methods

FecalNet uses the ResNet152 residual network to extract and learn the characteristics of visible components in fecal microscopic images, acquire feature maps in combination with the feature pyramid network, apply the full convolutional network to classify and locate the fecal components, and implement the improved focal loss function to reoptimize the classification results. This allowed the complete automation of the detection and identification of the visible components in feces.

Results

We validated this method using a fecal database of 1,122 patients. The results indicated a mean average precision (mAP) of 92.16% and an average recall (AR) of 93.56%. The average precision (AP) and AR of erythrocyte, leukocyte, intestinal mucosal epithelial cells, hookworm eggs, ascarid eggs, and whipworm eggs were 92.82% and 93.38%, 93.99% and 96.11%, 90.71% and 92.41%, 89.95% and 93.88%, 96.90% and 91.21%, and 88.61% and 94.37%, respectively. The average times required by the GPU and the CPU to analyze a fecal microscopic image are approximately 0.14 and 1.02 s, respectively.

Conclusion

FecalNet can automate the detection and identification of visible components in feces. It also provides a detection and identification framework for detecting several other types of cells in clinical practice.
A deep learning framework for prostate localization in cone beam CT‐guided radiotherapy
Authors: Liang Xiaokun , Zhao Wei , Hristov Dimitre H. , Buyyounouski Mark K. , Hancock Steven L. , Bagshaw Hilary , Zhang Qin , Xie Yaoqin , Xing Lei
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To develop a deep learning‐based model for prostate planning target volume (PTV) localization on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to improve the workflow of CBCT‐guided patient setup.

Methods

A two‐step task‐based residual network (T2RN) is proposed to automatically identify inherent landmarks in prostate PTV. The input to the T2RN is the pretreatment CBCT images of the patient, and the output is the deep learning‐identified landmarks in the PTV. To ensure robust PTV localization, the T2RN model is trained by using over thousand sets of CT images with labeled landmarks, each of the CTs corresponds to a different scenario of patient position and/or anatomy distribution generated by synthetically changing the planning CT (pCT) image. The changes, including translation, rotation, and deformation, represent vast possible clinical situations of anatomy variations during a course of radiation therapy (RT). The trained patient‐specific T2RN model is tested by using 240 CBCTs from six patients. The testing CBCTs consists of 120 original CBCTs and 120 synthetic CBCTs. The synthetic CBCTs are generated by applying rotation/translation transformations to each of the original CBCT.

Results

The systematic/random setup errors between the model prediction and the reference are found to be <0.25/2.46 mm and 0.14/1.41° in translation and rotation dimensions, respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficient between model prediction and the reference is higher than 0.94 in translation and rotation dimensions. The Bland–Altman plots show good agreement between the two techniques.

Conclusions

A novel T2RN deep learning technique is established to localize the prostate PTV for RT patient setup. Our results show that highly accurate marker‐less prostate setup is achievable by leveraging the state‐of‐the‐art deep learning strategy.
Study of out‐of‐field dose in photon radiotherapy: A commercial treatment planning system versus measurements and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Sánchez‐Nieto B. , Medina‐Ascanio K. N. , Rodríguez‐Mongua J. L. , Doerner E. , Espinoza I.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

An accurate assessment of out‐of‐field dose is necessary to estimate the risk of second cancer after radiotherapy and the damage to the organs at risk surrounding the planning target volume. Although treatment planning systems (TPSs) calculate dose distributions outside the treatment field, little is known about the accuracy of these calculations. The aim of this work is to thoroughly compare the out‐of‐field dose distributions given by two algorithms implemented in the Monaco TPS, with measurements and full Monte Carlo simulations.

Methods

Out‐of‐field dose distributions predicted by the collapsed cone convolution (CCC) and Monte Carlo (MCMonaco) algorithms, built into the commercially available Monaco version 5.11 TPS, are compared with measurements carried out on an Elekta Axesse linear accelerator. For the measurements, ion chambers, thermoluminescent dosimeters, and EBT3 film are used. The BEAMnrc code, built on the EGSnrc system, is used to create a model of the Elekta Axesse with the Agility collimation system, and the space phase file generated is scored by DOSXYZnrc to generate the dose distributions (MCEGSnrc). Three different irradiation scenarios are considered: (a) a 10 × 10 cm2 field, (b) an IMRT prostate plan, and (c) a three‐field lung plan. Monaco's calculations, experimental measurements, and Monte Carlo simulations are carried out in water and/or in an ICRP110 phantom.

Results

For the 10 × 10 cm2 field case, CCC underestimated the dose, compared to ion chamber measurements, by 13% (differences relative to the algorithm) on average between the 5% and the ≈2% isodoses. MCMonaco underestimated the dose only from approximately the 2% isodose for this case. Qualitatively similar results were observed for the studied IMRT case when compared to film dosimetry. For the three‐field lung plan, dose underestimations of up to ≈90% for MCMonaco and ≈60% for CCC, relative to MCEGSnrc simulations, were observed in mean dose to organs located beyond the 2% isodose.

Conclusions

This work shows that Monaco underestimates out‐of‐field doses in almost all the cases considered. Thus, it does not describe dose distribution beyond the border of the field accurately. This is in agreement with previously published works reporting similar results for other TPSs. Analytical models for out‐of‐field dose assessment, MC simulations or experimental measurements may be an adequate alternative for this purpose.
Clustering method in protocol reverse engineering for industrial protocols
Authors: Shim Kyu‐Seok , Goo Young‐Hoon , Lee Min‐Seob , Kim Myung‐Sup
Published: June 2020

Automation in all aspects of industrial activity is currently needed in today's industries. Networks, which are the most essential elements of automation, have been widely used in industrial sites to realize such needs. However, network security threats and malfunctions at industrial sites can cause considerable physical damage. Damage can be prevented, and threats can be detected through network traffic monitoring. However, industrial protocols use self‐developed protocols to ensure rapid and efficient data transfer, and most self‐developed protocols are private networking protocols. Efficient network traffic monitoring requires a detailed understanding of the structure of industrial protocols. Studies on existing protocol reverse engineering methods for commercial protocols have indicated that there are many limitations in applying these methods to industrial protocols. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a method of analyzing the structure of private protocols that can be employed as industrial protocols. This methodology consists of six modules: traffic collection, message extraction, message clustering by size, message clustering by similarity, field extraction, and session analysis. We collect traffic using the Schneider Modicon M580 and demonstrate the validity of the proposed methodology by comparing collected traffic with existing protocol reverse engineering methods.
Effects of a stepwise handovers ISBARQ programme among nursing college students
Authors: Noh Yoon Goo , Lee Insook
Published: June 2020

Background

Due to a lack of standardized guidelines, it is necessary to verify the effectiveness of educational programmes for nursing students' systematic handover training.

Aims

This study aimed to develop a stepwise nursing handover programme and to examine its effects on awareness of handover Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, communication self‐efficacy and satisfaction with handover education.

Design

This was a single‐group repeated measures ANOVA study.

Methods

This study was conducted in a nursing department, using a convenience sample of 25 senior nursing students from April 2 to June 22, 2018. The programme was divided into lectures, scenario role‐playing and nursing case role‐playing. The research questions were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

Awareness of handover Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, communication self‐efficacy and satisfaction with handover education gradually increased after each step of the programme. The stepwise nursing handover programme, progressing from low to high levels of learning, can be used to improve the nursing handover system and handover communication ability.
Nurses' knowledge, perception and practice toward discharge planning in acute care settings: A systematic review
Authors: Hayajneh Audai A. , Hweidi Issa M. , Abu Dieh Milian W.
Published: June 2020

Aim

Discharge planning (DP) guides patients' transition to out‐hospital services. This systematic review investigates nurses' knowledge, perception and practices of discharge planning.

Design

We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

Search terms were used to identify research studies published between 1990–2020 across six databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Complete Academic search, Science Direct and Google Scholar. A total of nine studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Nine articles revealed nurses' knowledge, perspectives and practices of discharge planning. Obstacles included low‐level knowledge of patients' activities and discharge; inability to define DP; debates over the timing of beginning, implementing and preparing discharge; patients and their family members' negative attitudes towards DP; and perceiving DP as excessive, time‐consuming paperwork for which the physician is responsible. Better time management during work improves DP in acute care settings.
Self‐knotting of distal end of nasogastric tube—Not an uncommon possibility
Authors: Kumar Sinha Amit , Ahmad Sohail , Rashi Rashi , Kumar Amit , Kumar Bindey
Published: June 2020

Importance

A nasogastric tube is used commonly to decompress the stomach and provide enteral feeding in surgical and medical practice. Sometimes this safe and innocent‐looking tube may lead to unexpected complications. We focus here on the possibility of spontaneous ‘lariat loop’ knotting of the nasogastric tube when some resistance is felt on tube retrieval and describe a method of safe tube removal.

Case presentation

We present a case of self‐knotting of a nasogastric tube that was placed to decompress the stomach during the postoperative period after surgical repair of anorectal malformation in a 4‐month‐old boy.

Conclusion

Self‐knotting of the distal end of nasogastric tube is an unusual complication with catastrophic sequelae if not addressed properly. If any resistance is felt during nasogastric tube retrieval, self‐knotting of the tube must be suspected.
Effects of parental empathy and emotion regulation on social competence and emotional/behavioral problems of school‐age children
Authors: Meng Kun , Yuan Yizhe , Wang Yali , Liang Jianning , Wang Lijun , Shen Jianfei , Wang Yanyu
Published: June 2020

Importance

Parents take the lead in parent–child interactions and their emotion regulation ability and empathy during parenting may be associated with children’s emotional/behavioral problems. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear.

Objective

The present study aimed to explore the effect of parental empathy and emotional regulation on social competence and emotional/behavioral problems in school‐age children.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted with 274 parents of 8–11‐year‐old children using Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy.

Results

Children with emotional/behavioral problems (n = 37) had relatively lower social competence than children in a matched control group (n = 37). Compared with the parents of children in the control group, parents of children with emotional/behavioral problems had significantly lower cognitive empathy scores, mainly manifested by low perspective‐taking and online simulation abilities. Mediation analysis showed that parental cognitive empathy had an indirect effect on children’s emotional/behavioral problems through children’s social competence.

Interpretation

Parental empathy may have a subtle influence on the social competence of school‐aged children, which further affects the severity of children’s emotional/behavioral problems.
Prospects for improving future mental health of children through prenatal maternal micronutrient supplementation in China
Authors: Li Ying , Freedman Robert
Published: June 2020

Prenatal micronutrients in pregnant women’s diets, including supplements, have an essential role in fetal brain development and may reduce the risk of mental disorders in offspring. Folic acid, vitamin D, omega‐3 fatty acids, and choline have been investigated for this purpose. Folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy has well‐established positive effects. Vitamin D, administered to the mother before birth or to the newborn, has also been shown to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Omega‐3 fatty acids during pregnancy have a more uncertain role, with recent trials questioning a beneficial effect on cognition and attention deficit disorder, despite positive effects on prematurity and neonatal wheezing prevention. Choline supplementation is associated with positive effects on cognition and behavior, including early behaviors associated with the development of autism and schizophrenia. There is no experience yet with COVID‐19, but adverse effects on fetal brain development of most common coronaviruses are mitigated by higher choline levels. Maternal dietary supplementation of nutrients is a benign and inexpensive intervention in pregnancy to prevent life‐long disability from mental illness. Use of dietary supplements in poorer, rural areas of China is below recommendations. Physicians, midwives, and public health officials in China can promote prenatal nutrient supplementation to reduce the future burden of mental illnesses that might be prevented before birth.
Regulating the European Data‐Driven Economy: A Case Study on the General Data Protection Regulation
Authors: Laurer Moritz , Seidl Timo
Published: June 2020

In recent years, data have become part and parcel of contemporary capitalism. This has created tensions between the growing demand for personal data and the fundamental right to data protection. Against this background, the EU's adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2016 is puzzling. Why did the EU adopt a regulation that strengthens data protection despite intensive lobbying by powerful business groups and the EU's supposed neoliberal bias? We make two arguments to explain this outcome. First, we use process tracing to show how issue‐specific institutions played a crucial role during the agenda‐setting stage (1990s–2009) and policy formulation stage (2009–2012). They triggered and structured the drafting process by strengthening the position of data protection advocates within the European Commission. Second, we use discourse network analysis to show that the Snowden revelations of 2013 fundamentally changed the discursive and coalitional dynamics during the decision‐making stage (2012–2016). The salience shock it produced “saved” the GDPR from being watered down, by incentivizing policymakers to distance themselves from business interests and by exposing the geo‐economic dimension of data protection. This article thus offers a comprehensive explanation of the GDPR, while contributing to the literature on the political economy of data protection.