bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stretchable and foldable waveplate based on liquid crystal polymer
Authors: Wu Yan , Yang Yang , Li Ting , Huang Sijia , Huang Huihui , Wen Shuangchun
Published: December 2020

The unrestricted flexibility of flexible photonic devices realizes and adjusts the unique optoelectronic properties of the device, greatly expanding the development mode and application space of optoelectronic devices. Among them, the waveplate is critical for flexible modulation and design of the degree of polarization of light. However, previous reports on waveplates have not addressed the issues of high efficiency, tunable phase delay, and flexibility. Here, we proposed an ultra-thin, flexible, foldable, and stretchable waveplate based on liquid crystal polymer using a water-soluble transfer method. Through Jones Matrix analysis and research on the optical performance of the liquid crystal waveplate, the results show that the overall structure of the prepared liquid crystal flexible waveplate has high fidelity, and its optical performance is in good agreement with the theoretical prediction. The flexible waveplates were used as anti-reflection for foldable organic light-emitting diode displays of smartphones.
Determination of carbon-related trap energy level in (Al)GaN buffers for high electron mobility transistors through a room-temperature approach
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhong Yaozong , Zhou Yu , Gao Hongwei , Zhan Xiaoning , Su Shuai , Guo Xiaolu , Sun Qian , Zhang Zihui , Bi Wengang , Yang Hui
Published: December 2020

A room-temperature method to determine the trap energy levels in the carbon-doped (Al)GaN buffers is developed via a transient current measurement on the AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors under back-gate voltages combined with a measurement of the buffer vertical leakage. Under high back-gate voltages, a linear relationship is obtained between the trap energy levels and the square roots of electric field strength, suggesting that the vertical conduction in the C-doped buffer follows the Poole–Frenkel law. The trap energy level in C-doped Al0.07Ga0.93N is finally determined to be 1.1 eV through the established room-temperature approach, while that in C-doped GaN is extracted to be 0.9 eV, both of which are related to the carbon impurities.
Photoexcitation dynamics in perylene diimide dimers
Authors: Mukazhanova Aliya , Malone Walter , Negrin-Yuvero Hassiel , Fernandez-Alberti Sebastian , Tretiak Sergei , Sharifzadeh Sahar
Published: December 2020

We utilize first-principles theory to investigate photo-induced excited-state dynamics of functionalized perylene diimide. This class of materials is highly suitable for solar energy conversion because of the strong optical absorbance, efficient energy transfer, and chemical tunability. We couple time-dependent density functional theory to a recently developed time-resolved non-adiabatic dynamics approach based on a semi-empirical description. By studying the monomer and dimer, we focus on the role stacking plays on the time-scales associated with excited-state non-radiative relaxation from a high excitonic state to the lowest energy exciton. We predict that the time-scale for energy conversion in the dimer is significantly faster than that in the monomer when equivalent excited states are accounted for. Additionally, for the dimer, the decay from the second to the nearly degenerate lowest energy excited-state involves two time-scales: a rapid decay on the order of ∼10 fs followed by a slower decay of ∼100 fs. Analysis of the spatial localization of the electronic transition density during the internal conversion process points out the existence of localized states on individual monomers, indicating that the strength of thermal fluctuations exceeds electronic couplings between the states such that the exciton hops between localized states throughout the simulation.
Directing excited state dynamics via chemical substitution: A systematic study of π-donors and π-acceptors at a carbon–carbon double bond
Authors: Herperger Katherine R. , Röder Anja , MacDonell Ryan J. , Boguslavskiy Andrey E. , Skov Anders B. , Stolow Albert , Schuurman Michael S.
Published: December 2020

Functional group substituents are a ubiquitous tool in ground-state organic chemistry often employed to fine-tune chemical properties and obtain desired chemical reaction outcomes. Their effect on photoexcited electronic states, however, remains poorly understood. To help build an intuition for these effects, we have studied ethylene, substituted with electron acceptor (cyano) and/or electron donor (methoxy) substituents, both theoretically and experimentally: using ab initio quantum molecular dynamics and time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. Our results show the consistent trend that photo-induced ethylenic dynamics is primarily localized to the carbon with the greater electron density. For doubly substituted ethylenes, the trend is additive when both substituents are located on opposite carbons, whereas the methoxy group (in concert with steric effects) dominates when both substituents are located on a single carbon atom. These results point to the development of rules for structure–dynamics correlations; in this case, a novel mechanistic ultrafast photochemistry for conjugated carbon chains employing long-established chemical concepts.
Efficiency prediction of planar betavoltaic batteries basing on precise modeling of semiconductor units
Authors: Zhao Chen , Lei Lin , Liao Feiyi , Yuan Dengpeng , Zhao Yiying
Published: December 2020

Betavoltaic batteries are highly attractive for numerous application scenarios where power sources with super-long lifetime and high energy density are required. However, the reported betavoltaic batteries still suffer from low output power and low efficiency, which are much lower than theoretical predictions and bring uncertainty to the future of betavoltaics. In this work, we started from the fundamental hypothesis of betavoltaics and found that, in practice, betavoltaic batteries work under small injection conditions, where the device behavior deviates from the ideal p–n junction, resulting in the performance gap between theoretical and experimental results. We proposed a precise model on semiconductor units, taking into account the recombination current and realistic parameters, and systematically investigated the conversion efficiencies of common planar betavoltaic batteries. Modeling results suggested that semiconductors with low recombination current and a wide bandgap could be ideal candidates for planar betavoltaic batteries using 63Ni and 3H. The validity of this model is confirmed by the experimental results of a prototype battery consisting of a SiC p+–n junction and a 63Ni source. Our work provides a powerful tool for predicting the output performance and optimizing the device structure of betavoltaic batteries.
A perspective on semiconductor devices based on fluorite-structured ferroelectrics from the materials–device integration perspective
Authors: Park Ju Yong , Yang Kun , Lee Dong Hyun , Kim Se Hyun , Lee Younghwan , Reddy P. R. Sekhar , Jones Jacob L. , Park Min Hyuk
Published: December 2020

Ferroelectric materials are known to be ideal materials for nonvolatile memory devices, owing to their two electrically switchable spontaneous polarization states. However, difficulties in scaling down devices with ferroelectric materials have hindered their practical applications and research. The discovery of ferroelectricity in fluorite-structured ferroelectrics has revived research on semiconductor devices based on ferroelectrics. With their scalability and established fabrication techniques, the performance of nanoscale electronic devices with fluorite-structured ferroelectrics is being rapidly developed. However, the fundamental physics behind the superior ferroelectricity is yet to be elucidated. From this Perspective, the status of research on fluorite-structured ferroelectrics and state-of-the-art semiconductor devices based on them are comprehensively reviewed. In particular, the fundamental physics of fluorite-structured oxides is critically reviewed based on a newly developed theory as well as on the classical theory on ferroelectrics. A perspective on the establishment of emerging semiconductor devices based on fluorite-structured ferroelectrics is provided from the viewpoint of materials science and engineering.
Cellular transduction of mechanical oscillations in plants by the plasma-membrane mechanosensitive channel MSL10
Authors: Tran Daniel , Girault Tiffanie , Guichard Marjorie , Thomine Sébastien , Leblanc-Fournier Nathalie , Moulia Bruno , de Langre Emmanuel , Allain Jean-Marc , Frachisse Jean-Marie
Published: December 2020

Significance

Mechanosensitive (MS) channels embedded in the membrane provide an efficient system to rapidly convert mechanical tension into a biological signal. Here we show that the plasma-membrane mechanosensitive channel MscS-LIKE 10 (MSL10) responds to pulsed membrane stretching with rapid activation and relaxation kinetics allowing fast adjustment of its activity to fluctuations in membrane tension. Under sinusoidal membrane mechanical stimulation, we found that MSL10 amplifies oscillatory signals near 1 Hz which corresponds to the frequencies of plant motions in the wind. Together with its localization in aerial organs, our results indicate that the MSL10 represents a molecular component for the perception of oscillations triggered by the wind in plants.
Ocean melting of the Zachariae Isstrøm and Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden glaciers, northeast Greenland
Authors: An Lu , Rignot Eric , Wood Michael , Willis Josh K. , Mouginot Jérémie , Khan Shfaqat A.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Oceanography and gravity data of northeastern Greenland reveal ocean temperature and bathymetry in front of Zachariae Isstrøm (ZI) and Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden (79N), which hold a 1.1-m sea level rise ice volume equivalent but underwent different evolutions. Subsurface, warm, salty water of Atlantic origin has easier access to ZI than to 79N because of bathymetric barriers. We reconstruct ice removal by the ocean at the grounding line and flotation retreat from thinning to explain the observed grounding line retreat since 1979. The agreement between observed and calculated retreat demonstrates that ocean thermal forcing is a major control on the glacier evolution, and undercutting of grounded ice must be included in numerical ice sheet models to reproduce the high rates of retreat.
Diurnal rhythms across the human dorsal and ventral striatum
Authors: Ketchesin Kyle D. , Zong Wei , Hildebrand Mariah A. , Seney Marianne L. , Cahill Kelly M. , Scott Madeline R. , Shankar Vaishnavi G. , Glausier Jill R. , Lewis David A. , Tseng George C. , McClung Colleen A.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Circadian rhythms are important in nearly all aspects of brain function. We previously identified diurnal rhythms in transcripts in human cortical regions that are impacted in aging and schizophrenia. Here, we identify diurnal rhythms in transcript expression across the human dorsal and ventral striatum in subjects without psychiatric or neurological disorders. We find some transcripts to be rhythmic across regions and some in only select regions. We also find distinct phase relationships across regions suggesting waves of transcript expression in specific cellular processes across the striatum. These studies establish a temporal map of rhythms across the human striatum and help in understanding the normal function of rhythms in these regions and how disruption could lead to pathology.
ROS and hypoxia signaling regulate periodic metabolic arousal during insect dormancy to coordinate glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism
Authors: Chen Chao , Mahar Rohit , Merritt Matthew E. , Denlinger David L. , Hahn Daniel A.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Organisms from bacterial spores, plant seeds, and invertebrate cysts to diapausing insects and mammalian hibernators dramatically suppress metabolism to save energy during dormant periods. Understanding regulatory mechanisms controlling metabolic depression provides insights into fundamental control of energy use during dormancy and offers perspectives that may allow artificial induction and breaking of dormancy. Some insects and mammalian hibernators show periodic arousal from metabolic depression during dormancy. We show that insects follow similar metabolic tactics during torpor and periodic arousal as mammalian hibernators, characterized by anaerobic metabolism during depression and aerobic metabolism during arousal, emphasizing fundamental similarities in metabolic regulation. Physiological levels of ROS regulate the switch from metabolic depression to periodic arousal thereby controlling substrate flow into the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Affinity of small-molecule solutes to hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and chemically patterned interfaces in aqueous solution
Authors: Monroe Jacob I. , Jiao Sally , Davis R. Justin , Robinson Brown Dennis , Katz Lynn E. , Shell M. Scott
Published: December 2020

Significance

Increasing global population, urbanization, and climate change pose tremendous constraints on water availability. While membrane processes offer attractive, energy-efficient options, transformative advances in membrane technology are needed to enable reuse of poor-quality waters from diverse sources. This work brings fundamental understanding of solute–surface interactions to membrane phenomena, including selectivity and fouling. Molecular simulations reveal limitations of traditional predictive measures of solute–surface partitioning, suggesting alternative thermodynamic signatures for solute binding that highlight the contextual nature of hydrophobicity. An inverse design algorithm provides a tool to pattern membrane nanoscale chemistry to optimize solute affinity and selectivity. This work demonstrates how simulations can inform practical materials design for sustainable water treatment and, more broadly, many technologies involving water-mediated solute–surface interactions.
High Systolic Blood Pressure at Hospital Admission Is an Important Risk Factor in Models Predicting Outcome of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Caillon Antoine , Zhao Kaiqiong , Klein Kathleen Oros , Greenwood Celia M T , Lu Zhibing , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The risk that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients develop critical illness that can be fatal depends on their age and immune status and may also be affected by comorbidities like hypertension. The goal of this study was to develop models that predict outcome using parameters collected at admission to the hospital.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a retrospective single-center cohort study of COVID-19 patients at the Seventh Hospital of Wuhan City, China. Forty-three demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters collected at admission plus discharge/death status, days from COVID-19 symptoms onset, and days of hospitalization were analyzed. From 157 patients, 120 were discharged and 37 died. Pearson correlations showed that hypertension and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were associated with death and respiratory distress parameters. A penalized logistic regression model efficiently predicts the probability of death with 13 of 43 variables. A regularized Cox regression model predicts the probability of survival with 7 of above 13 variables. SBP but not hypertension was a covariate in both mortality and survival prediction models. SBP was elevated in deceased compared with discharged COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an unbiased approach, we developed models predicting outcome of COVID-19 patients based on data available at hospital admission. This can contribute to evidence-based risk prediction and appropriate decision-making at hospital triage to provide the most appropriate care and ensure the best patient outcome. High SBP, a cause of end-organ damage and an important comorbid factor, was identified as a covariate in both mortality and survival prediction models.
The Paradox of Apolitical Professionalism: The Bar Association and Political Repression in Chile, 1920s-1950s
Authors: González Le Saux Marianne
Published: December 2020

This article studies how the organized Chilean legal profession responded to political repression between the 1920s and the 1950s. The research shows that, threatened by partisan politics, the Chilean Bar Association came to define itself as an “apolitical” and purely professional organization in order to ensure the cohesion of the guild. The elitist and mostly rightwing leadership of the Bar was reluctant to engage publicly in any politically-tainted action, including the defense of the victims of political persecution. Nevertheless, the pressure of its constituency to uphold the principle of professional solidarity forced the Bar to privately intercede in favor of politically persecuted lawyers, including Communist lawyers targeted during the early Cold War years. Still, in order to justify this intervention, both the Bar leadership and the Communist lawyers seeking the Bar’s protection framed their discourse in the narrow framework of the professional rights of lawyers, discarding a broader action in favor of the civil and political rights of the general citizenry. Therefore, in mid-twentieth-century Chile, the impossible project to transcend partisan politics through the discourse of apolitical legal professionalism curtailed rather buttressed the defense of rights and liberties. By exploring the complex relationship between lawyers and politics through the prism of the Chilean Bar Association, this piece contributes to the social and cultural history of lawyers in Latin America, to the broader sociological and historical debates on the relationship between lawyers and political liberalism, and to the history of human rights.
Survey of Spanish Language Neuropsychological Test Use in the Assessment of Hispanic Americans/Latino/as/x
Authors: Gasquoine Philip Gerard , Weimer Amy A , Estevis Eduardo , Perez Eros
Published: December 2020

Objective

To identify the Spanish language neuropsychological tests most frequently used in the evaluation of Hispanic Americans/Latino/as/x across eight neuropsychological domains. To compare these with previously surveyed most frequently used English language tests in the US/Canada. To describe the norms used with Spanish language tests.

Method

An anonymous, uncompensated, 12-min survey was emailed to 169 members of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, Hispanic Neuropsychological Society, and National Academy of Neuropsychology who self-identified as providing neuropsychological evaluations in Spanish via organizational websites.

Results

The response rate was 36%. Respondents were all licensed U.S. psychologists with the majority fluent in Spanish, conducting less than half their evaluations in Spanish. There was an overlap between the versions of the three most frequently used Spanish versus English neuropsychological tests, but it varied by domain with 3/3 similar for visual–spatial/visuoconstructional skills and sensory/motor functioning domains and 2/3 similar for all other domains except memory (0/3). English language norm use predominated within the mood/personality and sensory/motor functioning domains. In all other domains, Spanish language norms collected in the continental US were preferred to those from foreign Spanish-speaking countries. The most frequently used foreign norms were from Mexico.

Conclusion

Except for the memory domain, there was a sizeable overlap between the three most frequently used Spanish and English language neuropsychological tests in the US. Spanish language tests are primarily interpreted with Spanish norms collected in the continental US except within the mood/personality and sensory/motor functioning domains where English language norms predominate.
Altered white matter microstructure is related to cognition in adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ehrler Melanie , Schlosser Ladina , Brugger Peter , Greutmann Matthias , Oxenius Angela , Kottke Raimund , O’Gorman Tuura Ruth , Latal Beatrice
Published: December 2020

Adults with congenital heart disease are at risk for persisting executive function deficits, which are known to affect academic achievement and quality of life. Alterations in white -matter microstructure are associated with cognitive impairments in adolescents with congenital heart disease. This study aimed to identify microstructural alterations potentially associated with executive function deficits in adults with congenital heart disease. Diffusion tensor imaging and tract-based spatial statistics were conducted in 45 patients (18 females) and 54 healthy controls (26 females) aged 18–32 years. Fractional anisotropy of white matter diffusion was compared between groups and correlated with an executive function score, derived from an extensive neuropsychological test battery. Patients showed widespread bilateral reduction in fractional anisotropy (P < 0.05, multiple comparison corrected) compared to controls. Lower fractional anisotropy was driven by patients with moderate and severe defect complexity (compared to controls: P < 0.001). Executive function scores were lower in patients (P < 0.05) and associated with lower fractional anisotropy in the left superior corona radiata and the corticospinal tract (corrected P < 0.05). Our findings confirm alterations of white matter microstructure in adults with congenital heart disease, mainly in those patients of moderate to severe complexity. These alterations are associated with impairments in executive functioning. A better understanding of the neurocognitive deficits may help counselling and care of patients with congenital heart disease across their lifespan and have the potential to improve their outcome and quality of life.
Longitudinal Testing for Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Shedding of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Day Care Centers in Hesse, Germany
Authors: Hoehl Sebastian , Kreutzer Emilie , Schenk Barbara , Westhaus Sandra , Foppa Ivo , Herrmann Eva , Ettrich India , Leondaraki Maria , Schaible Alexander , Rudych Olga , Rabenau Holger , Berger Annemarie , Ciesek Sandra
Published: December 2020

Background

With the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ongoing in Europe in June 2020, day care centers were reopened in the state of Hesse, Germany, after the lockdown. The role young children play in the dynamics of the transmission was unknown.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study over 12 weeks and 2 days (18 June 2020–10 September 2020) to screen attendees and staff from day care centers in the state of Hesse, Germany, for both respiratory and gastrointestinal shedding of SARS-CoV-2. A total of 859 children (age range, 3 months-8 years) and 376 staff members from 50 day care centers, which were chosen representatively from throughout the state, participated in the study. Parents were asked to collect both a buccal mucosa and an anal swab from their children once a week. Staff were asked to self-administer the swabs. Reverse transcriptas polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 was performed in a multiple-swab pooling protocol.

Results

A total of 7366 buccal mucosa swabs and 5907 anal swabs were analyzed. No respiratory or gastrointestinal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in any of the children. Shedding of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 2 staff members from distinct day care centers. One was asymptomatic at the time of testing, and one was symptomatic and did not attend the facility on that day.

Conclusion

Detection of either respiratory or gastrointestinal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in children and staff members attending day care centers was rare in the context of limited community activity and with infection prevention measures in the facilities in place.
The ‘Cauliflower Heart’: a case report of congenital bi-atrial aneurysms causing non-controllable arrhythmia
Authors: Stoller Fabienne , Glöckler Martin , Kadner Alexander , Widenka Hannah
Published: December 2020

Background

Congenital aneurysms of the atrium are very rare malformations. Known complications are therapy-resistant arrhythmias. Different treatments such as medical therapy, electrophysiological ablation, and surgery have been proposed. However, there are no guidelines on treatment.

Case summary

We describe the case of a neonate with bi-atrial aneurysms causing atrial arrhythmia. Arrhythmia was first observed in the 28th week of gestation. Maternal digoxin treatment did not show any effect. After birth, bi-atrial aneurysms were diagnosed and determined as the probable cause of the atrial tachycardia and later of atrial flutter. Antiarrhythmic drug treatment was initiated. However, only frequency control could be achieved. At the age of 7 months, the patient underwent surgical resection. Since surgery, sinus rhythm is present.

Conclusion

Atrial aneurysms are rare malformations, known complications are atrial arrhythmia. If medical treatment fails, surgery correction appears to be indicated going along with low operative risk and a high probability of successful termination of arrhythmia.
Patient-tailored antithrombotic therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: van der Sangen Niels M R , Rozemeijer Rik , Chan Pin Yin Dean R P P , Valgimigli Marco , Windecker Stephan , James Stefan K , Buccheri Sergio , ten Berg Jurriën M , Henriques José P S , Voskuil Michiel , Kikkert Wouter J
Published: December 2020

Dual antiplatelet therapy has long been the standard of care in preventing coronary and cerebrovascular thrombotic events in patients with chronic coronary syndrome and acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, but choosing the optimal treatment duration and composition has become a major challenge. Numerous studies have shown that certain patients benefit from either shortened or extended treatment duration. Furthermore, trials evaluating novel antithrombotic strategies, such as P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy, low-dose factor Xa inhibitors on top of antiplatelet therapy, and platelet function- or genotype-guided (de-)escalation of treatment, have shown promising results. Current guidelines recommend risk stratification for tailoring treatment duration and composition. Although several risk stratification methods evaluating ischaemic and bleeding risk are available to clinicians, such as the use of risk scores, platelet function testing , and genotyping, risk stratification has not been broadly adopted in clinical practice. Multiple risk scores have been developed to determine the optimal treatment duration, but external validation studies have yielded conflicting results in terms of calibration and discrimination and there is limited evidence that their adoption improves clinical outcomes. Likewise, platelet function testing and genotyping can provide useful prognostic insights, but trials evaluating treatment strategies guided by these stratification methods have produced mixed results. This review critically appraises the currently available antithrombotic strategies and provides a viewpoint on the use of different risk stratification methods alongside clinical judgement in current clinical practice.
Higher Parity Is Associated With Lower Mortality in a European Population of Women With High Fertility: Results From Ireland
Authors: Orr Joanna , Kenny Rose Anne , McGarrigle Christine A
Published: December 2020

Research has often found a U- or J-shaped association between parity and mortality. Many researchers have suggested repeated pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation taxes the body beyond a certain parity level. Available research has concentrated on populations with controlled fertility or historic populations. Ireland presents an opportunity to explore these associations in a modern sample with high fertility. We use data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) to test whether parity is associated with mortality in women aged 50 years or over (n = 4177). We use Cox proportional hazards models to model survival and adjust for demographics and early life circumstances. We test whether a number of health characteristics mediate these effects. Models were also stratified by birth cohort to test possible cohort effects. Higher parity was associated with lower risk of mortality, even after adjustment for early life and socioeconomic circumstances. This effect was not mediated by current health characteristics. The effects were largely driven by those born between 1931 and 1950. Increasing parity is associated with decreasing mortality risk in this sample. The effects of parity could not be explained through any of the observed health characteristics. These findings are in contrast to much of the literature on this question in similar populations. Lack of fertility control in Ireland may have “selected” healthier women into high parity. Social explanations for these associations should be further explored.
Elevated Plasma Growth and Differentiation Factor 15 Predicts Incident Anemia in Older Adults Aged 60 Years and Older
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuko , Zampino Marta , Tanaka Toshiko , Bandinelli Stefania , Osawa Yusuke , Ferrucci Luigi , Semba Richard D
Published: December 2020

Anemia is common in older adults and associated with greater morbidity and mortality. The causes of anemia in older adults have not been completely characterized. Although elevated circulating growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been associated with anemia in older adults, it is not known whether elevated GDF-15 predicts the development of anemia. We examined the relationship between plasma GDF-15 concentrations at baseline in 708 nonanemic adults, aged 60 years and older, with incident anemia during 15 years of follow-up among participants in the Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) Study. During follow-up, 179 (25.3%) participants developed anemia. The proportion of participants who developed anemia from the lowest to highest quartile of plasma GDF-15 was 12.9%, 20.1%, 21.2%, and 45.8%, respectively. Adults in the highest quartile of plasma GDF-15 had an increased the risk of developing anemia (hazards ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.09, 1.21, p < .0001) compared to those in the lower 3 quartiles in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for age, sex, serum iron, soluble transferrin receptor, ferritin, vitamin B12, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Circulating GDF-15 is an independent predictor for the development of anemia in older adults.
Rumination and Sleep Quality Among Older Adults: Examining the Role of Social Support
Authors: Marini Christina M , Wilson Stephanie J , Nah Suyoung , Martire Lynn M , Sliwinski Martin J
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Although the adverse link between rumination and sleep quality is well established, much of the literature neglects the role of social factors. This study examined the role of older adults’ perceived social support from spouses and from family/friends in modifying the association between trait rumination and sleep quality. Existing hypotheses suggest that social support may play 3 unique roles, each tested within the current study: (H1) support may act as a protective factor that buffers negative effects of rumination on sleep quality, (H2) support may curtail rumination and, in turn, promote sleep quality, and (H3) rumination may erode support and, in turn, undermine sleep quality.

Method

Data came from 86 partnered older adults in independent-living or retirement communities (Mage = 75.70 years). We utilized 3 waves of interview data collected annually between 2017 and 2019. The first hypothesis was tested using moderation in multilevel models; the second 2 hypotheses were evaluated with prospective associations using multilevel mediation.

Results

Negative effects of high-trait rumination on time-varying sleep quality were attenuated among those who reported high, stable levels of support from their spouses. Perceived family/friend support did not yield the same protective effect. There was no evidence that support preempted, or was eroded by, rumination.

Discussion

Perceived spousal support may act as a psychosocial resource that mitigates negative effects of trait rumination on older adults’ sleep quality. Interventions aimed at mitigating maladaptive outcomes of rumination on sleep quality for older adults should consider spousal support as a key target.
Connecting the Dots: Digital Integrity as a Human Right
Authors: Rochel Johan
Published: December 2020

This contribution argues for the recognition of digital integrity as a human right, either as a right on its own or as an interpretative principle for related rights. The right to digital integrity represents a legal norm that crystallizes a certain vision of the individual, as well as the protections that he/she ought to be afforded in a world where digital technologies are omnipresent and pervasive. The main function which digital integrity would fulfil as a human right is a consistency-providing function between the protection of human dignity, the protection of freedom and the protection of privacy. Digital integrity is a concretization of the protection of human dignity in terms of the specific threats that are posed by digital technologies. It serves to promote a substantial definition of what freedom should be about and how this freedom relates to the protection of privacy in informational matters. This contribution illustrates this claim by outlining a republican view of digital integrity and exemplifying its impact on related rights.
Modelling selection response in plant-breeding programs using crop models as mechanistic gene-to-phenotype (CGM-G2P) multi-trait link functions
Authors: Cooper M , Powell O , Voss-Fels K P , Messina C D , Gho C , Podlich D W , Technow F , Chapman S C , Beveridge C A , Ortiz-Barrientos D , Hammer G L
Published: December 2020

Plant-breeding programs are designed and operated over multiple cycles to systematically change the genetic makeup of plants to achieve improved trait performance for a Target Population of Environments (TPE). Within each cycle, selection applied to the standing genetic variation within a structured reference population of genotypes (RPG) is the primary mechanism by which breeding programs make the desired genetic changes. Selection operates to change the frequencies of the alleles of the genes controlling trait variation within the RPG. The structure of the RPG and the TPE has important implications for the design of optimal breeding strategies. The breeder’s equation, together with the quantitative genetic theory behind the equation, informs many of the principles for design of breeding programs. The breeder’s equation can take many forms depending on the details of the breeding strategy. Through the genetic changes achieved by selection, the cultivated varieties of crops (cultivars) are improved for use in agriculture. From a breeding perspective, selection for specific trait combinations requires a quantitative link between the effects of the alleles of the genes impacted by selection and the trait phenotypes of plants and their breeding value. This gene-to-phenotype link function provides the G2P map for one to many traits. For complex traits controlled by many genes, the infinitesimal model for trait genetic variation is the dominant G2P model of quantitative genetics. Here we consider motivations and potential benefits of using the hierarchical structure of crop models as CGM-G2P trait link functions in combination with the infinitesimal model for the design and optimization of selection in breeding programs.
Palpable Breast Findings in High-risk Patients: Are Self- and Clinical Breast Exams Worthwhile?
Authors: Portnow Leah H , D’Alessio Donna , Morris Elizabeth A , Bernard-Davila Blanca , Mango Victoria L
Published: December 2020

Objective

To assess breast imaging findings, biopsy rates, and malignancy rates in areas of palpable concern in women at high risk for breast cancer.

Methods

An IRB–approved retrospective review of a tertiary cancer center’s breast imaging database was performed. Breast imaging and electronic medical records of high-risk women with palpable findings detected on self- or clinical breast examination from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2016, were reviewed. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted.

Results

Imaging correlates for 322 palpable findings in 238 high-risk women included 55/203 (27.1%) on mammography, 183/302 (60.6%) on US, and 20/47 (42.6%) on MRI. Biopsies were performed for 104/322 (32.3%) palpable findings: 95/104 (91.3%) under imaging guidance and 9/104 (8.7%) under palpation after negative imaging. Of 322 palpable findings, 16 (5.0%) were malignant in 16/238 (6.7%) women, yielding a positive predictive value of biopsy of 16.8% (95% CI: 9.2%–24%). Women diagnosed with cancer had 16/16 (100%) sonographic, 9/14 (64.3%) mammographic, and 7/7 (100%) MRI correlates. Cancer histopathology included 12 invasive ductal carcinomas, 1 ductal carcinoma in situ, 1 invasive lobular carcinoma, 1 malignant phyllodes tumor, and 1 metastatic carcinoid tumor. Over two years of follow-up imaging in 183/238 (76.9%) women were reviewed; 7/183 (3.8%) were diagnosed with breast cancer at least one year after presenting with a palpable concern in a different location.

Conclusion

High-risk women with palpable findings exhibit a 6.7% malignancy rate, indicating the value of imaging workup in this population. In our cohort, imaging demonstrated a high negative predictive value.
A Pattern Recognition Receptor C-type Lectin-S6 (CTL-S6) is Involved in the Immune Response in the Silkworm (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)
Authors: Shen Dongxu , Tong Meijin , Guo Jiyun , Mei Xianghan , Xia Dingguo , Qiu Zhiyong , Zhao Qiaoling
Published: December 2020

Insect innate immunity is initiated by the special recognition and binding of the foreign pathogens, which is accomplished by the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). As an important type of PRRs, C-type lectins (CTLs) play various roles in insect innate immunity, including pathogen recognition, stimulation of prophenoloxidase, regulation of cellular immunity and so on. In this study, we have cloned the full-length cDNA of a CTL gene named CTL-S6 from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The open reading frame (ORF) of B. mori CTL-S6 encodes 378 amino acids, which contain a secretion signal peptide. The mRNA of CTL-S6 exhibited the highest transcriptional level in the midgut. Its transcriptional level increased dramatically in fat body and hemocytes upon Escherichia coli or Micrococcus luteus challenge. Purified recombinant CTL-S6 could bind to bacterial cell wall components, including peptidoglycan (PGN, from Bacillus subtilis) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, from E. coli 0111:B4), and recombinant CTL-S6 was involved in the encapsulation and melanization of hemocytes. Furthermore, the addition of recombinant CTL-S6 to the hemolymph of silkworm resulted in a significant increase in phenoloxidase activity. Overall, our results indicated that B. mori CTL-S6 may serve as a PRR for the recognition of foreign pathogens, prophenoloxidase pathway stimulation and involvement in the innate immunity.
Tissue localization of selenium of parental or dietary origin in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry using LA-ICP MS bioimaging
Authors: Wischhusen Pauline , Arnaudguilhem Carine , Bueno Maïté , Vallverdu Germain , Bouyssiere Brice , Briens Mickael , Antony Jesu Prabhu Philip , Geraert Pierre-André , Kaushik Sadasivam J , Fauconneau Benoit , Fontagné-Dicharry Stéphanie , Mounicou Sandra
Published: December 2020

In relation to the decrease of selenium (Se) content in aquafeeds, the impact of level and form of parental and dietary Se supplementation was investigated in rainbow trout fry using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP MS) bioimaging. The offspring of rainbow trout broodstock, fed either a control diet without any Se supplementation (0.3 mg Se/kg diet) or a diet supplemented with Se (0.6 mg Se/kg diet) either as sodium selenite or hydroxy-selenomethionine, were sampled at swim-up fry stage or after 11 weeks of cross-feeding. Total body Se levels were influenced by parental Se nutrition in swim-up fry and by direct Se feeding in 11-week fry with higher levels in the Se-supplemented groups compared with the control and the highest levels in the hydroxy-selenomethionine treatment. The Se retention was lower for dietary sodium selenite. Selenomethionine levels increased when Se was provided as hydroxy-selenomethionine. LA-ICP MS maps revealed yolk in swim-up fry and intestine, liver, and kidney in 11-week fed fry as tissues with high Se abundance. In swim-up fry, muscle Se was the highest abundant when parents were fed hydroxy-selenomethionine. In 11-week fed fry, muscle Se abundance was higher in the head part of fry fed both Se-supplemented diets, but only in the tail part of fry fed hydroxy-selenomethionine. Liver Se abundance was higher in fry fed sodium selenite compared with the control diet supporting the hypothesis that tissue Se distribution can be influenced by parental and dietary Se forms and levels.
Smoking Is an Independent Risk Factor for 90-Day Readmission and Reoperation Following Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
Authors: Badiee Ryan K , Chan Andrew K , Rivera Joshua , Molinaro Annette , Chou Dean , Mummaneni Praveen V , Tan Lee A
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCF) is a common procedure used to treat various cervical spine pathologies, but the 90-d outcomes following PCF surgery continue to be incompletely defined.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors associated with 90-d readmission and reoperation following PCF surgery.

METHODS

Adults undergoing PCF from 2012 to 2020 were identified. Demographic and radiographic data, surgical characteristics, and 90-d outcomes were collected. Univariate analysis was performed using Student's t-test, chi square, and Fisher exact tests as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression models with lasso penalty were used to analyze various risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients were included. The 90-d readmission and reoperation rates were 9.3% and 4.6%, respectively. The most common reason for readmission was surgical site infection (SSI) (33.3%) followed by new neurological deficits (16.7%). Patients who smoked tobacco had 3-fold greater odds of readmission compared to nonsmokers (odds ratio [OR]: 3.48; 95% CI 1.87-6.67; P = .0001). Likewise, the most common reason for reoperation was SSI (33.3%) followed by seroma and implant failure (25.0% each). Smoking was also an independent risk factor for reoperation, associated with nearly 4-fold greater odds of return to the operating room (OR: 3.53; 95% CI 1.53-8.57; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Smoking is a significant predictor of 90-d readmission and reoperation in patients undergoing PCF surgery. Smoking cessation should be strongly considered preoperatively in elective PCF cases to minimize the risk of 90-d readmission and reoperation.
Case of an unusual diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome with multiple clinical complications
Authors: Tsiakas Stathis , Skalioti Chrysanthi , Kotsi Paraskevi , Boletis Ioannis , Marinaki Smaragdi
Published: December 2020

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in association with thrombotic events and/or obstetric complications. Renal involvement is not infrequent in both primary and secondary APS. Kidney manifestations comprise a wide range of clinical features, including hypertension, major renal vessel thrombosis or microvascular endothelial injury, also described as APS nephropathy. In the absence of a thrombotic event, clinical manifestations of APS are often non-specific. We recently encountered a case of primary APS in a young male with newly diagnosed hypertension and renal impairment. The diagnosis of APS was initially suspected by his kidney biopsy findings, when electron microscopy examination showed the features of chronic microangiopathy, and was later confirmed by a triple positive antiphospholipid antibody profile and multiple organ involvement.
Sodium dichloroacetate attenuates the growth of B16-F10 melanoma in vitro and in vivo: an opportunity for drug repurposing
Authors: do Nascimento Rodrigo S. , Nagamine Marcia K. , De Toledo Gabriela F. , Chaible Lucas M. , Tedardi Marcello V. , del-Grande Murilo P. , da Fonseca Ivone I.M. , Dagli. Maria L.Z.
Published: December 2020

Sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) is a metabolic regulator used to treat diabetes. Since DCA inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, decreasing lactic acid formation, it can reverse the Warburg effect in cancer cells, promoting apoptosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of DCA as a drug repurposing candidate for the treatment of melanoma. For the in-vitro assay, murine B16-F10 melanoma cells were treated with 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20 or 50 mM DCA for 3 days, analyzed with the crystal violet method. The in-vivo effect of DCA was evaluated in B16-F10 tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice treated with different doses of DCA (0, 25, 75 or 150 mg/kg) by gavage for 10 days, followed by measurement of tumor volume. Upon necropsy, representative slices of lung, liver, kidney, spleen and intestine were collected, processed and submitted for histopathological examination. The DCA concentrations of 10, 20 and 50 mM reduced B16-F10 cell viability after 48 and 72 h of treatment, whereas 20 and 50 mM were effective after 24 h of treatment. A significant reduction in tumor growth was observed in B16-F10 melanoma bearing mice at all doses, with no change in body weight or histology. DCA attenuates the growth of B16-F10 melanoma in vitro and in vivo, without systemic toxic effects. Therefore, DCA is a candidate for drug repurposing against melanomas.
Competency-Based Interprofessional Continuing Education Focusing on Systems Thinking and Health Care Delivery for Health Care Professionals
Authors: Will Kristen K. , Essary Alison
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Comprehensive, high-value patient-centered care incorporates many facets of the health care system that are beyond the realm of traditional medical knowledge and/or clinical skills.

Methods:

We describe a novel, learning program integrating systems-based practice curricula into competency-based interprofessional continuing education curriculum for health care professionals. The program incorporated experiential, team-based learning through the development of quality improvement projects. Presurveys and postsurveys assessed participant knowledge and skills. Mixed-level modeling analysis was used to examine the differences across all participants and each cohort.

Results:

Across all individuals in all cohorts, postsurvey scores significantly improved (pretest score 2.65) (P ≤ .001). Controlling for cohort year, postsurvey scores increased between cohorts 1 and 2 (B = 0.52; P = .01) and between cohorts 2 and 3 (B = 0.24; P = .15), although increased were nonsignificant. Cohort participants also participated in health systems improvement projects and leveraged improved patient outcomes.

Discussion:

This project signifies a unique approach to delivering systems-based curricula to interprofessional learners in the health care system. Participants became more engaged in systems change, influenced network-level QI initiatives and improvement projects, and positively influenced patient-centered outcomes. Health systems can model this program by partnering with academic organizations to scale and disseminate best practices.