bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Value of Shear Wave Elastography in Predicting the Risk of Endometrial Cancer and Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia
Authors: Ma Hui , Yang Zongli , Wang Yinhong , Song Haibo , Zhang Fengming , Yang Li , Yan Na , Zhang Shuai , Cai Yueru , Li Jiguang
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To evaluate shear wave elastography (SWE) technology diagnosis value of endometrial cancer (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH), and to establish predictive logistic regression models for the diagnosis of EC and AEH.

Methods

Clinical information collection, transvaginal conventional ultrasonography, and SWE check were performed on 122 patients, who were perimenopausal or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding with ≥4.5 mm thick endometrium. The maximal (Emax) and mean (Emean) of Young's modulus for the endometrium were obtained. Using pathology as the gold standard, ROC curves were plotted to evaluate Young's modulus on the diagnostic effectiveness of EC and AEH. Single‐factor analysis and bivariate logistic regression methods were applied to assess the clinical variables, transuaginal conventional ultrasonography variables, and Young's modulus on the identification of EC and AEH.

Results

Out of 122 cases of endometrial lesions, 85 cases were benign lesions, and the remaining 37 cases were EC and AEH. The Emax and Emean for the benign group were 29.80 ± 11.40 and 17.96 ± 8.05 kPa, respectively. The Emax and Emean values for EC and AEH group were 59.49 ± 16.95 and 38.46 ± 17.10 kPa, respectively. Emax and Emean for both groups were statistically significant, with p <.001. In the logistical regression analysis, endometrial thickness, Color score, and Young's modulus were identified as independent risk factors for EC and AEH.

Conclusions

SWE technology plays an important role in the diagnosis of EC and AEH, and the diagnostic effectiveness would be higher when combined with conventional ultrasonography.
Elementary gas‐phase reactions of radical species during chemical vapor deposition of silicon carbide using CH3SiCl3
Authors: Sato Noboru , Funato Yuichi , Shima Kohei , Sugiura Hidetoshi , Fukushima Yasuyuki , Momose Takeshi , Koshi Mitsuo , Shimogaki Yukihiro
Published: January 2021

We established a kinetic model (the UT2017 model) for chemical vapor deposition of silicon carbide (SiC) from methyltrichlorosilane (CH3SiCl3, MTS)/H2, and quantitatively identified CH2SiCl3 as one of the SiC film‐forming species. In a previous study, we established a kinetic model (the UT2014 model), which reproduced the overall decomposition of MTS, but had not validated it in terms of radicals. In the present study, we first validated the UT2014 model by comparing it with the experimental results of radical production from MTS by Lemieux et al, without H2 present. The UT2014 model did not reproduce the production of CH2Cl from MTS at 1247°C. We found that the reactions of CH2SiCl3 isomerization to CH2ClSiCl2 and CH2ClSiCl2 decomposition to CH2Cl and SiCl2 were important for the production of CH2Cl from MTS. We re‐calculated those constants in pressure‐dependent formulas using the Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus method at the CBS‐QB3 level. These chemistries were added to the UT2014 model to yield the UT2017 model, which reproduced the production of radicals, including CH2Cl. Finally, using the UT2017 model, we simulated the gas composition under typical SiC chemical vapor infiltration conditions, which comprised mainly MTS and H2. A comparison of the simulation results with the partial pressure of film‐forming species in our previous report suggested that CH2SiCl3 was the possible film‐forming species of SiC from MTS/H2. For quantitative verification, we estimated the distribution of the partial pressure of CH2SiCl3 in our reactor while considering the consumption of CH2SiCl3 on the SiC surface. The values from this simulation result were almost identical to our experimental results for all positions in the reactor. Thus, we showed quantitatively that CH2SiCl3 is the film‐forming species of SiC.
Longitudinal Assessment of Frailty and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Thomas Carissa M. , Sklar Michael C. , Su Jie , Xu Wei , De Almeida John R. , Alibhai Shabbir M. H. , Goldstein David P.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To understand changes in frailty and quality of life (QOL) in frail versus non‐frail patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

Prospective cohort study of patients (median age 67 (50, 88)) with HNC undergoing surgery from December 2011 to April 2014. Fried's Frailty Index, Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES‐13), and comprehensive QOL assessments (EORTC QLQ‐C30 and HN35) were completed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12‐month post‐operative visits. Change in frailty and QOL over time was compared between frailty groups (non‐frail (score 0), pre‐frail (score 1–2), and frail (score 3–5)) using a mixed effects model. Predictors of long‐term elevated frailty (12 months > baseline) were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

The study had 108 patients classified as non‐frail (47%), 104 pre‐frail (mean (SD) 1.3 (0.4), 45%), and 17 frail (3.4 (0.6); 7%). Frailty score decreased significantly for frail patients 3 months post‐operatively (2.1 (1.0); P = .002) and remained significantly lower than baseline at 6 and 12 months (2.1 (1.4); P = .0008 and 2.2 (1.5); P = .005, respectively) while frailty score increased for non‐frail patients at 3 months (1.1 (1.0); P < .001) and then decreased. Forty‐eight patients (21%) had long‐term elevated frailty, with baseline frailty and marital status identified as predictors on univariate analysis. The frail population had significantly worse QOL scores at baseline, which persisted 12 months post‐operatively.

Conclusions

Frail patients demonstrate a decrease in frailty score following surgical treatment of HNC. Frail patients have significantly worse QOL scores on longitudinal assessment and would benefit from supportive services throughout their care.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2232–E2242, 2021
Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy and Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Huyett Phillip , Kent David T. , D'Agostino Mark A. , Green Katherine K. , Soose Ryan J. , Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Woodson B Tucker , Huntley Colin , Boon Maurits S. , Heiser Clemens , Birk Amelie , Suurna Maria V. , Lin Ho‐Sheng , Waxman Jonathan A. , Kezirian Eric J.
Published: January 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the association between findings of blinded reviews of preoperative drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and outcomes of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Cohort study.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter cohort study of 343 adults who underwent treatment of OSA with HNS from 10 academic medical centers was performed. Preoperative DISE videos were scored by four blinded reviewers using the VOTE Classification and evaluation of a possible primary structure contributing to airway obstruction. Consensus DISE findings were examined for an association with surgical outcomes based on therapy titration polysomnogram (tPSG). Treatment response was defined by a decrease of ≥50% in the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) to <15 events/hour.

Results

Study participants (76% male, 60.4 ± 11.0 years old) had a body mass index of 29.2 ± 3.6 kg/m2. AHI decreased (35.6 ± 15.2 to 11.0 ± 14.1 events/hour; P < .001) on the tPSG, with a 72.6% response rate. Complete palate obstruction (vs. none) was associated with the greatest difference in AHI improvement (−26.8 ± 14.9 vs. −19.2 ± 12.8, P = .02). Complete (vs. partial/none) tongue‐related obstruction was associated with increased odds of treatment response (78% vs. 68%, P = .043). Complete (vs. partial/none) oropharyngeal lateral wall‐related obstruction was associated with lower odds of surgical response (58% vs. 74%, P = .042).

Conclusions

The DISE finding of primary tongue contribution to airway obstruction was associated with better outcomes, whereas the opposite was true for the oropharyngeal lateral walls. This study suggests that the role for DISE in counseling candidates for HNS extends beyond solely for excluding complete concentric collapse related to the velum.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1676–1682, 2021
Dorsal Augmentation Using Crushed Autologous Costal Cartilage in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Lee Ho Jun , Bukhari Sumaiyah , Jang Yong Ju
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

For dorsal augmentation in rhinoplasty, autologous costal cartilage can be used in many different forms, including its crushed form. While only few studies have reported the outcome of dorsal augmentation using the crushed autologous costal cartilage, the current study aims to evaluate the outcome of such usage.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

The records of 38 patients were reviewed retrospectively. The study period was from 2006 to 2016. All enrolled patients underwent rhinoplasty that includes dorsal augmentation using crushed autologous costal cartilage. Three facial plastic surgeons evaluated the outcome using pre‐ and postoperative facial photographs. Patients' satisfaction was also analyzed. Anthropometric measurement was performed, and postoperative complications were investigated.

Results

Our cohort included 19 primary and 19 revision cases. The mean age of the patients was 31.0 years. Mean postoperative follow‐up period was 36.1 months. According to facial plastic surgeons' evaluation, excellent, good, fair, poor aesthetic outcomes were achieved in 15 (39.5%), 18 (47.4%), 5 (13.1%), 0 (0.0%) cases, respectively. Patients were very satisfied, satisfied, moderate, dissatisfied in 16 (42.1%), 15 (39.5%), 6 (15.8%), 1 (2.6%) cases, respectively. Heights of the dorsum and radix were significantly increased after surgery (for each, p < 0.05). There were 11 cases (28.9%) of complications on the dorsum, four surface irregularity, five resorptions, and two cases of short nose deformity.

Conclusions

One can augment the nasal dorsum significantly with crushed autologous costal cartilage. But considering high rate of recipient site complications, this method may better be used as an alternative technique when surgical situations are indicated.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2181–E2187, 2021
Plant community distribution induced by microtopography due to soil cracks developed in overgrazed alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Niu Yujie , Yang Siwei , Zhu Huimin , Zhou Jianwei , Chu Bin , Ma Sujie , Hua Rui , Wang Ting , Hua Limin
Published: January 2021

Microtopographic variation is a common feature of natural ecosystems. On the Tibetan Plateau, this variation includes soil cracking that influences the dynamics of soil nutrients and seed trapping, which further affect species distributions. Despite their importance, cracks in alpine meadows have rarely been reported, and the effects of cracks on soil properties and plant distribution are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of microtopography induced by cracking on the soil properties, seed trapping, and plant community composition of crack mosaics in alpine meadows. The study focused on healed cracks that can recover from winter cracking and have not yet become irreversibly degraded. The results showed that the number of seeds in the healed cracks was significantly greater than that in the raised areas, by 2.37‐times. The soil chemical parameters in the healed cracks were significantly higher than those in the raised areas. There were also significant differences in the soil physical parameters between these two positions of the mosaic. Differences in species richness and importance values, and their dynamics (2013–2018), were correlated with these two spatial positions in the crack mosaics. Soil physical and chemical parameters together explained 71% of the plant community composition on the crack mosaics, and the interaction effect explained 52.4%. To some extent, crack mosaics composed of microtopography units favour the conservation of water and nutrients in the healed‐crack portion of the mosaic. We propose that cutting kobresia lawns will facilitate the repair of ecological processes and initiate a natural recovery in overgrazed alpine meadows.
Effects of land use changes on the nonlinear trends of net primary productivity in arid and semiarid areas, China
Authors: Liu Huiyu , Cao Li , Jia Junhe , Gong Haibo , Qi Xiangzhen , Xu Xiaojuan
Published: January 2021

Monitoring the nonlinear trend of net primary productivity (NPP) is essential for assessing the changes of ecosystems quality. Land use change caused by human activities is considered to be a key factor leading to vegetation changes. However, how land use change impacts the nonlinear trend of NPP has not yet been determined. This article analyzed the nonlinear trend of NPP in arid and semiarid areas of China during in the period 1982–2015 based on the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method and elucidated the effects of land use changes on the nonlinear trends of NPP. The results revealed that: (a) With the EEMD method, although monotonic increase was the main type of the trend of NPP (28.40 %), trend reversals from increase to decrease and from decrease to increase accounted for 13.52 and 20.90 % of the study area, respectively. (b) Although vegetation in most types of land use has been improved a lot, it has not been improved significantly in forest areas and changed from improvement to degradation in some forest and urban land areas. (c) Urbanization limited vegetation recovery but other land use changes generally favoured vegetation improvement. Although afforestation improved vegetation, there was a considerable area of the forest converted from nonforest threatened by the changes from improvement to degradation due to water limitation. Overall, nonlinear trend analysis can reveal the hidden trend reversals to prevent the overestimation or underestimation of the risk of vegetation degradation and is conducive to accurate assessment of the effects of land use changes on vegetation trends.
Use of Google Trends to evaluate for environmental variations in search terms for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Sen Josh R. , Tampio Alex J. F. , Cavanaugh Shaelyn M. , Nicholas Brian D.
Published: January 2021

Objective(s)

Climate variables are implied in the pathogenesis of certain otologic diseases, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Using internet search data obtained through Google Trends (GT), we explored the relationship between climate patterns and symptom search frequencies for BPPV. We hypothesized that increased latitude, as a proxy for decreased sunlight exposure, would lead to increase in BPPV symptom searches.

Methods

GT searches for symptoms related to BPPV were obtained for five U.S. cities of different latitudes via the Google Trends online interface. Comparisons were made using SPSS via ANOVA analysis. Figures were made using Microsoft Excel.

Results

Searches for BPPV‐related symptoms increased with increasing latitude. BPPV‐related symptoms did show seasonal variations, but not in predictable manners.

Conclusion(s)

GT may be a viable research tool when comparing geographical differences in searches, but may be less sensitive in detecting time dependent changes. We offer suggestions as to how big data tools may be altered for research purposes.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Trait‐based approach using in situ copepod images reveals contrasting ecological patterns across an Arctic ice melt zone
Authors: Vilgrain Laure , Maps Frédéric , Picheral Marc , Babin Marcel , Aubry Cyril , Irisson Jean‐Olivier , Ayata Sakina‐Dorothée
Published: January 2021

Imaging techniques are increasingly used in ecology studies, producing vast quantities of data. Inferring functional traits from individual images can provide original insights on ecosystem processes. Morphological traits are, as other functional traits, individual characteristics influencing an organism's fitness. We measured them from in situ image data to study an Arctic zooplankton community during sea ice break‐up. Morphological descriptors (e.g., area, lightness, complexity) were automatically measured on ∼ 28,000 individual copepod images from a high‐resolution underwater camera deployed at more than 150 sampling sites across the ice‐edge. A statistically‐defined morphological space allowed synthesizing morphological information into interpretable and continuous traits (size, opacity, and appendages visibility). This novel approach provides theoretical and methodological advantages because it gives access to both inter‐ and intra‐specific variability by automatically analyzing a large dataset of individual images. The spatial distribution of morphological traits revealed that large copepods are associated with ice‐covered waters, while open waters host smaller individuals. In those ice‐free waters, copepods also seem to feed more actively, as suggested by the increased visibility of their appendages. These traits distributions are likely explained by bottom‐up control: high phytoplankton concentrations in the well‐lit open waters encourages individuals to actively feed and stimulates the development of small copepod stages. Furthermore, copepods located at the ice edge were opaquer, presumably because of full guts or an increase in red pigmentation. Our morphological trait‐based approach revealed ecological patterns that would have been inaccessible otherwise, including color and posture variations of copepods associated with ice‐edge environments in Arctic ecosystems.
Autonomous in situ calibration of ion‐sensitive field effect transistor pH sensors
Authors: Bresnahan Philip J. , Takeshita Yuichiro , Wirth Taylor , Martz Todd R. , Cyronak Tyler , Albright Rebecca , Wolfe Kennedy , Warren Joseph K. , Mertz Keaton
Published: January 2021

Ion‐sensitive field effect transistor‐based pH sensors have been shown to perform well in high frequency and long‐term ocean sampling regimes. The Honeywell Durafet is widely used due to its stability, fast response, and characterization over a large range of oceanic conditions. However, potentiometric pH monitoring is inherently complicated by the fact that the sensors require careful calibration. Offsets in calibration coefficients have been observed when comparing laboratory to field‐based calibrations and prior work has led to the recommendation that an in situ calibration be performed based on comparison to discrete samples. Here, we describe our work toward a self‐calibration apparatus integrated into a SeapHOx pH, dissolved oxygen, and CTD sensor package. This Self‐Calibrating SeapHOx is capable of autonomously recording calibration values from a high quality, traceable, primary reference standard: equimolar tris buffer. The Self‐Calibrating SeapHOx's functionality was demonstrated in a 6‐d test in a seawater tank at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (La Jolla, California, U.S.A.) and was successfully deployed for 2 weeks on a shallow, coral reef flat (Lizard Island, Australia). During the latter deployment, the tris‐based self‐calibration using 15 on‐board samples exhibited superior reproducibility to the standard spectrophotometric pH‐based calibration using > 100 discrete samples. Standard deviations of calibration pH using tris ranged from 0.002 to 0.005 whereas they ranged from 0.006 to 0.009 for the standard spectrophotometric pH‐based method; the two independent calibration methods resulted in a mean pH difference of 0.008. We anticipate that the Self‐Calibrating SeapHOx will be capable of autonomously providing climate quality pH data, directly linked to a primary seawater pH standard, and with improvements over standard calibration techniques.
Compact Dual‐Band Multi‐Focal Diffractive Lenses
Authors: Britton Wesley A. , Chen Yuyao , Sgrignuoli Fabrizio , Dal Negro Luca
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of dual‐band multi‐focal diffractive microlenses with sub‐wavelength thickness and the capability to simultaneously focus visible and near‐infrared spectral bands at two different focal positions. This technology utilizes high‐index and low‐loss sputtered hydrogenated amorphous Si, enabling a sub‐wavelength thickness of only 235 nm. Moreover, the proposed flat lens concept is polarization insensitive and can be readily designed to operate across any desired wavelength regime. Imaging under unpolarized broadband illumination with independent focal planes for two targeted spectral bands is experimentally demonstrated, enabling the encoding of the depth information of a sample into different spectral images. In addition, with a small footprint of only 100 µm and a minimum feature size of 400 nm, the proposed dual‐band multi‐focal diffractive microlenses can be readily integrated with vertical detector arrays to simultaneously concentrate and spectrally select electromagnetic radiation. This approach provides novel opportunities for spectroscopic and multispectral imaging systems with advanced detector architectures.
Programmable Controls to Scattering Properties of a Radiation Array
Authors: Li Si Jia , Li Yun Bo , Zhang Lei , Luo Zhang Jie , Han Bo Wen , Li Rui Qi , Cao Xiang Yu , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: January 2021

Electromagnetic (EM) waves have been widely applied in wireless communications, radar detection, navigation, and target recognition. Radiation and scattering are two common behaviors in the EM community, but it remains a long‐standing challenge to control them in a dynamical way, especially using a single, low‐cost, and compact hardware. Here, a promising solution is proposed by combining a programmable metasurface with a radiation array, which can manipulate the scattering properties, digitally and in real‐time, and exhibit different radiation modes simultaneously. More advantageous over previous investigations with the fixed radiation‐scattering performance, a field‐programmable gate array is introduced to extend, realize, and verify the multiple functions of the meta‐microstructure (MMS). As a proof‐of‐concept, multiple functions, including polarization conversion, scattering beam manipulation, diffusion scattering, radar cross‐section reduction, EM waves radiation, and vortex beam generation, have been adequately demonstrated by the MMS prototype.
Multifunctional Sutures with Temperature Sensing and Infection Control
Authors: Houshyar Shadi , Bhattacharyya Amitava , Khalid Asma , Rifai Aaqil , Dekiwadia Chaitali , Kumar G. Sathish , Tran Phong A. , Fox Kate
Published: January 2021

The next‐generation sutures should provide in situ monitoring of wound condition such as temperature while reducing surgical site infection during wound closure. In this study, functionalized nanodiamond (FND) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) are incorporated to develop a new multifunctional suture with such capabilities. Incorporation of FND and rGO into PCL enhances its tensile strength by about 43% and toughness by 35%. The sutures show temperature sensing capability in the range of 25–40 °C based on the shift in zero‐splitting frequency of the nitrogen‐vacancy (NV–) centers in FND via optically detected magnetic resonance, paving the way for potential detection of infection or excessive inflammation in healing wounds. The suture surface readily coats with antibiotics to reduce bacterial infection risk to the wounds. The new suture thus is promising in monitoring and supporting wound closure.
Polyimide‐Based Composite Film Synergistically Modulated via a Nano–Micro Multidimensional Filler System toward Insulation Flexible Device Applications
Authors: Zhao He , Yin Jinghua , Liu Xiaoxu , Feng Yu , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Jialong , Li Yanpeng , Yue Dong , Zhu Congcong
Published: January 2021

Excellent overall performance, including high breakdown strength, brilliant flexibility, and fine mechanical properties, are hard to achieve simultaneously in polymer‐based composites. It is a challenge to improve the electrical properties of the polyimide (PI)‐based composites and to restrain the degradation of mechanical properties even at high doping content. Herein, PI/boron nitride nanosheets (BNNs)‐titanate nanotubes (TNs) ternary composite films are designed via interfacial construction of BNNs‐induced partial orientation TNs with uniform dispersion process, achieving high breakdown strength (175.3 kV mm–1), excellent tensile strength (163 MPa), large elongation at break (67%), and outstanding storage modulus (3023 MPa). Micro‐sized one‐dimensional TNs and nano‐sized two‐dimensional BNNs form a spatial network structure through hydrogen bonding, which can significantly inhibit the degradation of the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites. The orientation of TNs induced by BNNs and interface behavior between nanofillers and PI matrix are investigated and theoretical analysis using the finite element simulation is carried out to demonstrate the influence of BNNs on the electrical performance of the composites. This work can shed light for designing of high insulation and superior mechanical strength functional materials.
Fabrication and Properties of Modified Poly(butylene terephthalate) with Two‐Step Chain Extension
Authors: Li Xun , Xia Min , Qiu Di , Long Ren , Huang Zihan , Li Jie , Long Shijun , Li Xuefeng
Published: January 2021

High‐viscosity, low‐crosslinked poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) from organic chain extenders and inorganic particles are prepared. PBT modification adopted from multifunctional, commercially available chain extension containing nine epoxy groups (ADR9) occurs in the first‐step chain extension; hydroxyl addition modified dioxazoline (BOZ) serves as the second step. Anion stratiform inorganic hydrotalcite (HT) is used to adjust the crystallization behavior and damp‐heat aging properties of PBT. The reaction between the chain extender and PBT end‐groups such as carboxyl (–COOH) and hydroxyl (–OH) enhances the interfacial bonding between the PBT matrix and dispersed HT phases. With a fraction of chain extenders in the PBT matrix, the chain‐extended PBT exhibits higher mechanical properties, intrinsic viscosity, average molecular weight, and melt viscosity than those of unmodified PBT. Damp‐heat aging resistance measurements show correlation with initial carboxyl content in the resin. Reducing the concentration of carboxyl end‐groups in the resin is shown to increase hydrolytic stability. The modified PBT resin can be used in optical fiber communication cable industry for its high level of damp‐heat aging resistance as well as good mechanic properties.
Light‐Associated Surface Wrinkling‐Based Metrology for the Photosoftening Characterization in Azobenzene‐Polymer Supramolecular Complexes
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Han Xue , Ji Haipeng , Lu Conghua
Published: January 2021

As an intriguing characteristic of azobenzene‐containing materials (azo‐materials), photoinduced changes in mechanical properties (e.g., photosoftening) have stimulated many efforts both theoretically and experimentally. Here a simple yet powerful tool (i.e., a light‐associated surface wrinkling‐based method) to study the photosoftening effect in azobenzene‐polymer (azo‐polymer) supramolecular complexes is reported. The photo‐induced modulus decrease of supramolecular complex films is deduced by analyzing the change of critical wrinkle wavelength of strain‐induced surface wrinkling, in the case of varying experiment parameters. In particular, thanks to the facile modular tunability of the supramolecular system, the photosoftening effect has been systematically investigated as a function of azo‐moiety content and the molecular weight of the host polymer. Notably, a photosoftening coefficient that is related to the chemical composition/structure of azo‐polymers is introduced, and a simple formula that can quantify the connection of the photosoftening with external irradiation conditions and internal chemical factors of azo‐polymers is derived for the first time. The obtained results are of great importance not only to enhance understanding of the photosoftening mechanism, but also to thoroughly apply it in diverse smart fields.
Multidimensional Apathy: The Utility of the Dimensional Apathy Scale in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Atkins Kelly J. , Andrews Sophie C. , Chong Trevor T.‐J. , Stout Julie C.
Published: January 2021

Background

Apathy is a disorder of motivation common to Huntington's disease (HD). Recent conceptual frameworks suggest that apathy is not unitary but consists of discrete subtypes (“dimensions”). Which of the proposed dimensions are preferentially affected in HD, and how these dimensions evolve with disease progression is unknown.

Objectives

The Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS) separates apathy into Executive, Initiation and Emotional subscales. Using the DAS, we aimed to: 1) Determine the apathy subtypes prevalent in HD; 2) Compare the DAS against a unitary measure of apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale, AES); 3) Assess the reliability of self‐ and observer‐ratings; and 4) Determine the relationship between the DAS, and disease burden, total functional capacity (TFC) and the AES.

Method

Fifty pre‐manifest, 51 manifest‐HD, 87 controls, and 50 HD‐observers completed the DAS, AES, and TFC.

Results

Manifest‐HD participants had the highest levels of apathy across all dimensions (30.4% on Executive subscale, 34.8% on Initiation subscale, and 15.2% on Emotional subscale), relative to pre‐manifest and control participants. Self‐ and observer‐ratings on the DAS did not differ. Hierarchical regressions across the entire gene‐expanded sample showed that scores on the Initiation subscale correlated with AES scores; higher Executive subscale scores were related to higher disease burden; and Emotional subscale scores with lower total functional capacity.

Conclusions

In this first study of the DAS in HD, manifest‐HD participants were more apathetic than pre‐manifest and control participants across all apathy subtypes. The DAS may be a useful tool for measuring different aspects of apathy in people with HD.
Startup cash flows and venture capital investments: A real options approach
Authors: Trabelsi Donia , Siyahhan Baran
Published: January 2021

This paper studies venture capitalists' (VCs') sequential investment decisions in a real options model. We account for VCs' risk aversion, agency costs, and VC activism. We identify two separate investment policies: when startups have positive cash flows, more risk averse and more active VCs expedite their investments while higher agency costs delay staged investments. The opposite is true for negative‐cash‐flow startups. The model predicts a negative relation between risk aversion and stage length in line with the idea that VCs use stage length as a monitoring tool. We also show that higher growth rates and lower volatility encourage earlier investments.
The association of lncRNA SNPs and SNPs‐environment interactions based on GWAS with HBV‐related HCC risk and progression
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Guiyan , Lin Zhifeng , Lin Ziqiang , Tian NaNa , Lin Xinqi , Tan Jianyi , Huang Baoying , Ji Xiaohui , Pi Lucheng , Yu Xinfa , Liu Li , Gao Yanhui
Published: January 2021

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an essential role in hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV‐related HCC) occurrence and development. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may affect HBV‐related HCC susceptibility by altering the function of lncRNA. However, the relationship between lncRNA SNPs and HBV‐related HCC occurrence and development is still unclear.

Methods

In the present study, based on HBV‐related HCC genome‐wide association studies, eight potentially functional SNPs from two lncRNAs were predicted using a set of bioinformatics strategies. In 643 HBV‐related HCC patients, 549 CHB carriers, and 553 HBV natural clearance subjects from Southern Chinese, we evaluated associations between SNPs and HBV‐related HCC occurrence or development with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) under credible genetic models.

Results

In HBV‐related HCC patients, rs9908998 was found to significantly increase the risk of lymphatic metastasis under recessive model (Adjusted OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.20–3.17). Lnc‐RP11‐150O12.3 rs2275959, rs1008547, and rs11776545 with cancer family history may show significant multiplicative and additive interactions on HBV‐related HCC susceptibility (all pAdjusted < .05). The associations of rs2275959, rs1008547, and rs11776545 with distant metastasis of HBV‐related HCC patients were observed in additive model (Adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06–1.97 for rs2275959; Adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06–1.98 for rs1008547; Adjusted OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.03–1.91 for rs11776545).

Conclusion

Taken together, lnc‐ACACA‐1 rs9908998, lnc‐RP11‐150O12.3 rs2275959, rs1008547, and rs11776545 might be predictors for HBV‐related HCC risk or prognosis.
Vanishing white matter: Eukaryotic initiation factor 2B model and the impact of missense mutations
Authors: Slynko Inna , Nguyen Stephanie , Hamilton Eline M. C. , Wisse Lisanne E. , de Esch Iwan J. P. , de Graaf Chris , Bruning John B. , Proud Christopher G. , Abbink Truus E. M. , van der Knaap Marjo S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a leukodystrophy, caused by recessive mutations in eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B)‐subunit genes (EIF2B1–EIF2B5); 80% are missense mutations. Clinical severity is highly variable, with a strong, unexplained genotype–phenotype correlation.

Materials and Methods

With information from a recent natural history study, we severity‐graded 97 missense mutations. Using in silico modeling, we created a new human eIF2B model structure, onto which we mapped the missense mutations. Mutated residues were assessed for location in subunits, eIF2B complex, and functional domains, and for information on biochemical activity.

Results

Over 50% of mutations have (ultra‐)severe phenotypic effects. About 60% affect the ε‐subunit, containing the catalytic domain, mostly with (ultra‐)severe effects. About 55% affect subunit cores, with variable clinical severity. About 36% affect subunit interfaces, mostly with severe effects. Very few mutations occur on the external eIf2B surface, perhaps because they have minor functional effects and are tolerated. One external surface mutation affects eIF2B‐substrate interaction and is associated with ultra‐severe phenotype.

Conclusion

Mutations that lead to (ultra‐)severe disease mostly affect amino acids with pivotal roles in complex formation and function of eIF2B. Therapies for VWM are emerging and reliable mutation‐based phenotype prediction is required for propensity score matching for trials and in the future for individualized therapy decisions.
Isobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency associated with autism in a girl without an alternative genetic diagnosis by trio whole exome sequencing: A case report
Authors: Eleftheriadou Maria , Medici‐ van den Herik Evita , Stuurman Kyra , van Bever Yolande , Hellebrekers Debby M. E. I. , van Slegtenhorst Marjon , Ruijter George , Barakat Tahsin Stefan
Published: January 2021

Background

Isobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (IBD) is a mitochondrial enzyme catalysing the third step in the degradation of the essential branched‐chain amino acid valine and is encoded by ACAD8. ACAD8 mutations lead to isobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (IBDD), which is identified by increased C4‐acylcarnitine levels. Affected individuals are either asymptomatic or display a variety of symptoms during infancy, including speech delay, cognitive impairment, failure to thrive, hypotonia, and emesis.

Methods

Here, we review all previously published IBDD patients and describe a girl diagnosed with IBDD who was presenting with autism as the main disease feature.

Results

To assess whether a phenotype‐genotype correlation exists that could explain the development or absence of clinical symptoms in IBDD, we compared CADD scores, in silico mutation predictions, LoF tolerance scores and C4‐acylcarnitine levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Statistical analysis of these parameters did not establish significant differences amongst both groups.

Conclusion

As in our proband, trio whole exome sequencing did not establish an alternative secondary genetic diagnosis for autism, and reported long‐term follow‐up of IBDD patients is limited, it is possible that autism spectrum disorders could be one of the disease‐associated features. Further long‐term follow‐up is suggested in order to delineate the full clinical spectrum associated with IBDD.
Spatial transmission and risk assessment of West Nile virus on a growing domain
Authors: Pu Liqiong , Lin Zhigui
Published: January 2021

This paper is concerned with a West Nile virus (WNv) model on a growing domain, which accounts for habitat expansion of mosquitoes because of climate warming. We aim to understand the relationship of the growing rate and the transmission risk of WNv. The basic reproduction number, which is related to the growing rate and diffusion rate, is introduced through spectral theory. The conditions to determine whether the virus vanishes or spreads are deduced. The obtained results reveal that domain growth leads to increased risk of infection and is detrimental to the control and prevention of WNv. To verify the feasibility of our analytical results on the long‐time behavior of WNv, some numerical simulations are given.
A numerical method for variable‐order fractional version of the coupled 2D Burgers equations by the 2D Chelyshkov polynomials
Authors: Hosseininia M. , Heydari M. H. , Maalek Ghaini F. M.
Published: January 2021

This paper represents a system of variable‐order (VO) time fractional 2D Burgers equations and expresses a semidiscrete approach by applying the 2D Chelyshkov polynomials (CPs) for solving this system. In this model, the fractional derivative of the Caputo type is considered. To solve this system, we first discretize the VO time fractional derivatives. Next, we obtain a recurrent algorithm by using the weighted finite difference method with parameterθ. Then, utilizing the 2D CPs, we expand the unknown solution and replace it in the main system. In the sequel, we use the differentiation operational matrices and the collocation method to extract an algebraic system of equations which can be easily solved. The validity of the formulated method is investigated through three numerical examples.
Improving efficiency of training a virtual treatment planner network via knowledge‐guided deep reinforcement learning for intelligent automatic treatment planning of radiotherapy
Authors: Shen Chenyang , Chen Liyuan , Gonzalez Yesenia , Jia Xun
Published: January 2021

Purpose

We previously proposed an intelligent automatic treatment planning framework for radiotherapy, in which a virtual treatment planner network (VTPN) is built using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to operate a treatment planning system (TPS) by adjusting treatment planning parameters in it to generate high‐quality plans. We demonstrated the potential feasibility of this idea in prostate cancer intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Despite the success, the process to train a VTPN via the standard DRL approach with an ϵ‐greedy algorithm was time‐consuming. The required training time was expected to grow with the complexity of the treatment planning problem, preventing the development of VTPN for more complicated but clinically relevant scenarios. In this study, we proposed a novel knowledge‐guided DRL (KgDRL) approach that incorporated knowledge from human planners to guide the training process to improve the efficiency of training a VTPN.

Method

Using prostate cancer IMRT as a test bed, we first summarized a number of rules in the actions of adjusting treatment planning parameters of our in‐house TPS. During the training process of VTPN, in addition to randomly navigating the large state‐action space, as in the standard DRL approach using the ϵ‐greedy algorithm, we also sampled actions defined by the rules. The priority of sampling actions from rules decreased over the training process to encourage VTPN to explore new policy on parameter adjustment that were not covered by the rules. To test this idea, we trained a VTPN using KgDRL and compared its performance with another VTPN trained using the standard DRL approach. Both networks were trained using 10 training patient cases and five additional cases for validation, while another 59 cases were employed for the evaluation purpose.

Results

It was found that both VTPNs trained via KgDRL and standard DRL spontaneously learned how to operate the in‐house TPS to generate high‐quality plans, achieving plan quality scores of 8.82 (±0.29) and 8.43 (±0.48), respectively. Both VTPNs outperformed treatment planning purely based on the rules, which had a plan score of 7.81 (±1.59). VTPN trained with eight episodes using KgDRL was able to perform similar to that trained using DRL with 100 epochs. The training time was reduced from more than a week to ~13 hrs.

Conclusion

The proposed KgDRL framework was effective in accelerating the training process of a VTPN by incorporating human knowledge, which will facilitate the development of VTPN for more complicated treatment planning scenarios.
Effect of contrast agent administration on water equivalent diameter in CT
Authors: Viggiano Benjamin , Rose Sean , Szczykutowicz Timothy P.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Water equivalent diameter (WED) is the preferred surrogate for patient size in computed tomography (CT). It is better than geometric size surrogates and patient weight/height/BMI/age because it correlates the best with x‐ray attenuation. The administration of oral/IV contrast agents increases a patient’s attenuation and should therefore increase WED. Here we study the clinically relevant effect of oral and IV contrast agent on WED.

Methods

We pulled 1703 routine adult abdominal/pelvis cases acquired at 100, 120, and 140 kV from our PACS under retrospective IRB approval. One hundred and forty cases cases had no oral or IV contrast (NONCON), 285 had just IV contrast (IV), 107 had just oral contrast (ORAL), and 1171 had both oral and IV contrast (BOTH). For each case, we measured the water equivalent and effective diameter (ED) from axial CT images. We plotted the WED versus the ED for each class of contrast. We used a linear regression model and omnibus F‐test to determine if significant differences between WED distributions existed between the contrast groups for each kV. We then performed a post hoc analysis to determine if any significant differences existed in pairwise comparisons of the different contrast groups. Bonferroni correction was used to account for multiple comparisons.

Results

We found statistically significant changes at 100 and 120 kV with a maximum change of 2.1 mm. We measured a ~25 mm spread (i.e., prediction interval) of WEDs within all four contrast groups.

Conclusions

While our sample size was large enough to detect statistically significant differences between some of the contrast groups, the differences were clinically irrelevant when one considers that the change in size‐specific dose estimate (SSDE) caused by our observations is roughly 1%.
Meiotic synapsis of homeologous chromosomes and mismatch repair protein detection in the parthenogenetic rock lizard Darevskia unisexualis
Authors: Spangenberg Victor , Arakelyan Marine , Galoyan Eduard , Martirosyan Irena , Bogomazova Alexandra , Martynova Elena , de Bello Cioffi Marcelo , Liehr Thomas , Al‐Rikabi Ahmed , Osipov Fedor , Petrosyan Varos , Kolomiets Oxana
Published: January 2021

Parthenogenetic species of Caucasian rock lizards of the genus Darevksia are important evidence for reticulate evolution and speciation by hybridization in vertebrates. Female‐only lineages formed through interspecific hybridization have been discovered in many groups. Nevertheless, critical mechanisms of oogenesis and specifics of meiosis that provide long‐term stability of parthenogenetic species are still unknown. Here we report cytogenetic characteristics of somatic karyotypes and meiotic prophase I nuclei in the diploid parthenogenetic species Darevskia unisexualis from the new population “Keti” in Armenia which contains an odd number of chromosomes 2n = 37, instead of the usual 2n = 38. We revealed 36 acrocentric chromosomes and a single metacentric autosomal chromosome, resulting from Robertsonian translocation. Comparative genomic hybridization revealed that chromosome fusion occurred between two chromosomes inherited from the maternal species, similar to another parthenogenetic species D. rostombekowi. To trace the chromosome behaviour in meiosis, we performed an immunocytochemical study of primary oocytes' spread nuclei and studied chromosome synapsis during meiotic prophase I in D. unisexualis based on analysis of synaptonemal complexes (SCs). We found meiotic SC‐trivalent composed of one metacentric and two acrocentric chromosomes. We confirmed that the SC was assembled between homeologous chromosomes inherited from two parental species. Immunostaining of the pachytene and diplotene nuclei revealed a mismatch repair protein MLH1 loaded to all autosomal SC bivalents. Possible mechanisms of meiotic recombination between homeologous chromosomes are discussed.
Comparison of 13C MRI of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and lactate with the corresponding mass spectrometry images in a murine lymphoma model
Authors: Fala Maria , Somai Vencel , Dannhorn Andreas , Hamm Gregory , Gibson Katherine , Couturier Dominique‐Laurent , Hesketh Richard , Wright Alan J. , Takats Zoltan , Bunch Josephine , Barry Simon T. , Goodwin Richard J. A. , Brindle Kevin M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To compare carbon‐13 (13C) MRSI of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate metabolism in a murine tumor model with mass spectrometric (MS) imaging of the corresponding tumor sections in order to cross validate these metabolic imaging techniques and to investigate the effects of pyruvate delivery and tumor lactate concentration on lactate labeling.

Methods

[1‐13C]lactate images were obtained from tumor‐bearing mice, following injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate, using a single‐shot 3D 13C spectroscopic imaging sequence in vivo and using desorption electrospray ionization MS imaging of the corresponding rapidly frozen tumor sections ex vivo. The images were coregistered, and levels of association were determined by means of Spearman rank correlation and Cohen kappa coefficients as well as linear mixed models. The correlation between [1‐13C]pyruvate and [1‐13C]lactate in the MRS images and between [12C] and [1‐13C]lactate in the MS images were determined by means of Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

[1‐13C]lactate images generated by MS imaging were significantly correlated with the corresponding MRS images. The correlation coefficient between [1‐13C]lactate and [1‐13C]pyruvate in the MRS images was higher than between [1‐13C]lactate and [12C]lactate in the MS images.

Conclusion

The inhomogeneous distribution of labeled lactate observed in the MRS images was confirmed by MS imaging of the corresponding tumor sections. The images acquired using both techniques show that the rate of 13C label exchange between the injected pyruvate and endogenous tumor lactate pool is more correlated with the rate of pyruvate delivery to the tumor cells and is less affected by the endogenous lactate concentration.