bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apheresis machines variably overestimate mononuclear cell collection volume
Authors: Deeren Dries , Neyrinck Marleen , Vrielink Hans
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Calculation of the actual number of CD34+ cells in the collection product is based on the volume of the collected product and its concentration of CD34+ cells measured in the lab. The number of CD34+ cells infused correlates closely with the pace of hematopoietic reconstitution following autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Methods

We studied peripheral blood stem cell collections in a single apheresis center with two Spectra Optia devices, using mononuclear cell collection or continuous mononuclear cell collection procedures. The collection volume displayed by the apheresis device was compared with the volume determined by a weight‐based method.

Results

Fifty‐two consecutive CD34 collections in 35 different donors (range 1‐4 daily procedures per donor) were analyzed. The machines reported larger collection volumes (P < .001). The mean collection volume reported by the machine was 274.37 mL (range 162‐396). The mean manually measured collection volume was 261.82 mL (range 155‐371.40). Mean overestimation by machine was 12.53 mL (range −0.95 to 31.24; 95% confidence interval 10.94‐14.11) or 4.88% (range −0.26 to 10.28). Median overestimation of the absolute number of CD34 was 10.29 × 106 (range −2.83 to 141.84 × 106).

Conclusion

Both Spectra Optia machines overestimated the collection volume after peripheral blood stem cell collection. Although the mean variation falls within the expected range, in some cases, this overestimation may be clinically relevant if no other method of measurement is used.
Newly collected data across Alaska reveal remarkable biases in solar radiation products
Authors: Wang Kang , Clow Gary D.
Published: May 2020

Data on surface solar radiation are scarce in high‐latitude regions, and few studies have evaluated the performance of reanalysis products in estimating solar radiation in those regions. Here, an extensive solar radiation dataset is compiled from 98 stations across Alaska to evaluate 11 different surface solar radiation products (seven reanalysis and four observation‐derived). No product can capture all aspects of the ground‐based observations, and there is ample room for improvement; root mean square errors (RMSEs) of daily, monthly, and annual average comparisons of the products against observations are 38–65, 19–39, and 11–17 W⋅m−2, respectively. ERA5, MERRA2, and ERA‐Interim performed the best in Alaska. Daily records from all products show large RMSEs of 60–108 W⋅m−2 during May–July, equivalent to 30–55% of the observed solar radiation during this season. The sparseness of Alaskan observations, cloud cover, and algorithm issues may be potential sources of bias.
New hourly extreme precipitation regions and regional annual probability estimates for the UK
Authors: Darwish Motasem M. , Tye Mari R. , Prein Andreas F. , Fowler Hayley J. , Blenkinsop Stephen , Dale Murray , Faulkner Duncan
Published: May 2020

Recent flooding related to extreme precipitation in the UK has highlighted the importance of better understanding these events. Many studies have quantified annual exceedance probabilities (or return periods) for UK extreme daily precipitation using fixed regions (e.g., HadUKP) and region of interest (ROI) (e.g., Flood Estimation Handbook) approaches, although fewer have evaluated short‐duration events, which are important for flash flooding. Existing UK extreme precipitation regions are based on daily datasets which have different characteristics compared to sub‐daily extremes, and their application to quantify short‐duration extremes may therefore be inappropriate. We use a recently available, quality‐controlled hourly precipitation dataset for the UK from 1992 to 2014 to derive various extreme precipitation indices (e.g., annual maxima, 0.99 quantile) which are combined with additional climatological variables (e.g., temperature), geographical characteristics (e.g., latitude), and weather patterns (WPs) to characterize the UK hourly extreme precipitation climatology and to define five new hourly extreme regions. These regions fulfil regional homogeneity and discordancy statistical measures, and reflect the dynamical processes associated with the weather pattern categorisation defined over the UK and surrounding European area. Thereafter, we use regional frequency analysis (RFA) to fit generalized extreme value (GEV) and generalized Pareto (GP) distributions to 1 hr annual maxima (AMAX) and 0.99 quantile (Q99) precipitation, respectively, to calculate regional annual probability estimates (AEP) for 20%, 10%, and 2% (i.e., 5‐, 10‐, and 50‐year return periods). The new regions capture the spatial variation of hourly precipitation across the UK. Furthermore, the AEP estimates using both distributions are similar for each region. Finally, the WPs associated with the frequency and intensity of the most extreme hourly precipitation accumulations are not identical to results reported by others for daily precipitation.
Patients With Severe Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Disorders Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition Have Similar Survival As Those With Short‐Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Salazar Ennaliza , Clermont‐Dejean Nayima M. , Schwenger Katherine J. P. , Noelting Jessica , Lu Zihang , Lou Wendy , Allard Johane P.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Severe gastrointestinal dysmotility disorder (GID) constitute approximately 20% of patients requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN), whereas short‐bowel syndrome (SBS) remains the most frequent indication for HPN. This study's aim was to characterize GID patients and compare clinical parameters and survival to SBS patients. Similarly, clinical comparisons between sclerodermaand nonscleroderma patients were made.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data for all patients was extracted from the Canadian HPN Registry from January 1, 2003, to November 1, 2018. Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate the unadjusted survival probability, and log‐rank test was used to compare the survival probability between groups.

Result

270 patients (52 GID and 218 SBS) were included in the analysis. For all patients, higher mortality was associated with age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02 [1.00–1.04]; P = .05), PN dependence (HR, 1.01 [1.00–1.02]; P = .04), hospitalizations (HR, 1.21 [1.10–1.33]; P < .001), and use of immunosuppressant (HR, 1.97 [1.02–3.82]; P = .04). The 5‐ and 10‐year actuarial survival probabilities between GID and SBS were not significantly different (5‐year: 70.0% vs 59.2%; 10‐year: 79.6% vs 66.2% [P = .5], respectively). There was no difference in survival between scleroderma and nonscleroderma patients (P = .67).

Conclusion

T5‐ and 10‐ year survival probabilities were similar between GID and SBS patients. The diagnosis of scleroderma had no effect on survival. Use of immunosuppressant, older age, PN dependence, and number of hospitalizations per PN duration are risk factors for mortality in both the GID and SBS groups.
Early Lipid Intake Improves Cerebellar Growth in Very Low‐Birth‐Weight Preterm Infants
Authors: Ottolini Katherine M. , Andescavage Nickie , Kapse Kushal , Jacobs Marni , Murnick Jonathan , VanderVeer Rebecca , Basu Sudeepta , Said Mariam , Limperopoulos Catherine
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite recent advances in nutrition practice in the neonatal intensive care unit, infants remain at high risk for growth restriction following preterm birth. Additionally, optimal values for macronutrient administration, especially lipid intake, have yet to be established for preterm infants in the extrauterine environment.

Methods

We studied preterm infants born at very low‐birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) and ≤32 weeks’ gestation. Cumulative macronutrient (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, energy) intake in the first 2 and 4 weeks of life was compared with total and regional brain volumes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained at term‐equivalent age. Preterm infants had no structural brain injury on conventional MRI.

Results

In a cohort of 67 VLBW infants, cumulative lipid intake in the first 2 weeks of life was positively associated with significantly greater cerebellar volume (β = 95.8; P = .01) after adjusting for weight gain, gestational age at birth, and postmenstrual age at MRI. Cumulative lipid (β = 36.1, P = .01) and energy (β = 3.1; P = .02) intake in the first 4 weeks of life were both significantly associated with greater cerebellar volume. No relationship was seen between carbohydrate or protein intake in the first month of life and cerebral volume at term‐equivalent age.

Conclusion

Early cumulative lipid intake in the first month of life is associated with significantly greater cerebellar volume by term‐equivalent age in very premature infants. Our findings emphasize the importance of early, aggressive nutrition interventions to optimize cerebellar development in VLBW infants.
Assessing Malnutrition in Systemic Sclerosis With Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition and European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Criteria
Authors: Rosato Edoardo , Gigante Antonietta , Gasperini Maria Ludovica , Proietti Lidia , Muscaritoli Maurizio
Published: May 2020

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement may lead to malnutrition, which can in turn negatively affect morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in SSc patients with both the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and to assess whether it relates with disease activity and severity.

Methods

Adult SSc patients were included in the study. Biochemical analyses, disease activity index (DAI), disease severity scale (DSS), anthropometric data, and body composition parameters for GLIM and ESPEN assessment were recorded at enrollment.

Results

One hundred and two SSc patients were enrolled (86 females, mean age 55 ± 14 years). The prevalence of malnutrition was 8.8% (9 of 102), according to ESPEN, and 16.6% (17 of 102), according to GLIM criteria. GLIM severity grading of malnutrition was moderate in 12.7% (13 of 102) and severe in 3.9% (4 of 102) . In SSc patients with malnutrition according to GLIM criteria, DAI and DSS were significantly higher than in SSc patients without malnutrition (P < .0001), whereas no association was observed between malnutrition and DAI or DSS when using the ESPEN criteria.

Conclusion

Prevalence of malnutrition is higher with GLIM than with ESPEN criteria. Irrespective of the method used, prevalence of malnutrition in SSc is lower than one would expect in a chronic, autoimmune disease with GIT involvement.
Simultaneous characterization of multiple Psoraleae Fructus bioactive compounds in rat plasma by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for application in sex‐related differences in pharmacokinetics
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐xing , Yang Li , Cheng Li‐yuan , Yu Ying‐li , Song Lei , Zhou Kun , Wu Ying‐liang , Zhang Yue
Published: May 2020

A method for the simultaneous quantification of 13 bioactive compounds (psoralen, isopsoralen, isobavachin, bakuchalcone, neobabaisoflavone, bavachin, corylin, psoralidin, isobavachalcone, bavachinin, corylifol A, bavachalcone, and bakuchiol) by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry has been developed and validated in rat plasma. Osthol was used as an internal standard and plasma samples were pretreated with one‐step liquid–liquid extraction. These analytes were separated using a gradient mobile phase system of water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min on a reverse‐phase C18 column and analyzed in the selected multiple reactions monitoring mode. All calibration curves were linear (r > 0.9952) over the tested ranges. The intra‐ and interday accuracy and precisions of these analytes at three different concentration levels were within the acceptable limits of <15% at all concentrations. The mean recoveries of these analytes at three concentrations were more than 60.2% and the matrix effects were in the range of 85–115%. Stability studies proved that the analytes were stable under the tested conditions. The developed method was applied to evaluating the pharmacokinetic study of 13 bioactive compounds after oral administration of Psoraleae Fructus in rat of different genders. Some active compounds in Psoraleae Fructus had sex‐related pharmacokinetics.
The mediatory roles of species diversity and tree height diversity: Linking the impact of land‐use intensity to soil erosion
Authors: Wen Zhi , Zheng Hua , Zhao He , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: May 2020

Land‐use intensification has increased soil erosion through biodiversity loss, which affects ecosystem properties and services owing to changes in species compositional and structural diversity. However, information is limited on how land‐use intensity (LUI) affects soil erosion through species compositional diversity, structural diversity and ecosystem properties. In this study we monitored soil erosion in 15 plots over 12 consecutive months on tropical Hainan Island, where land‐use changes and biodiversity loss have been severe. We quantified the direct and indirect effects of LUI, species compositional diversity (plant species diversity and evenness) and structural diversity (tree diameter and height diversity), and ecosystem properties on soil erosion using Bayesian structural equation models (BSEM). The optimal BSEM accounted for 69% of the variation in soil erosion. The LUI did not affect soil erosion directly but showed indirect impacts via species diversity, tree height diversity, and ecosystem properties. Both high species diversity and tree height diversity reduced soil erosion directly and indirectly by promoting root length density (an ecosystem property), but tree height diversity mediated the more important indirect effect of LUI on soil erosion than species diversity and ecosystem properties. We provide evidence for loss of species diversity and tree height diversity as a result of LUI leading to aggravated soil erosion, but the impact of the latter was more serious. Therefore, we emphasize that maintenance of tree height diversity through management practices may be an effective approach to control soil erosion in the context of drastic land‐use changes in tropical areas.
Block Copolymer‐Directed Synthesis of Conjugated Polyimine Nanospheres with Multichambered Mesopores
Authors: Jiang Xiaolin , Ai Yan , Han Zhuolei , You Yuxiu , Luo Hao , Cui Jing , Wei Facai , Fu Jianwei , He Qingguo , Cheng Jiangong , Liu Shaohua
Published: May 2020

Conjugated polyimines constructed from aromatic amines and aromatic aldehydes have attracted enormous attention because of their excellent and fascinating properties. However, the structure of these materials constructed by building blocks or linkers is usually confined to a scope of microporosity and small mesopores (less than 5 nm), which largely impedes their applications in many fields. Here, a facile self‐assembly strategy is developed to controllably fabricate conjugated polyimines nanospheres with multichambered mesoporous architecture by using polystyrene‐b‐poly(acrylic acid) diblock copolymer as a soft template. Given the wide availability of amines and aldehydes, it is expected to open new avenues for designing diverse polyimine‐based materials with controlled mesostructure toward applications.
The in vitro antibacterial effect of permethrin and formaldehyde on Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nikolic Philip , Mudgil Poonam , Whitehall John
Published: May 2020

Antibiotic‐resistant strains of bacteria such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus are a threat to human health, and effective treatment options against them are needed. This study aimed to determine whether the insecticide permethrin was capable of inhibiting the growth of S. aureus or if some other component of a permethrin cream was responsible for a decrease in scabies associated bacterial infection previously observed. Ten S. aureus strains were grown in the presence of permethrin and formaldehyde both alone and in combination with percent inhibition determined by viable counts. Also, a time‐kill assay was conducted on S. aureus exposed to the same conditions. Finally, the morphology of S. aureus grown in the presence of permethrin was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Bacterial inhibition by permethrin ranged from 0% to 41% whereas inhibition by formaldehyde was 100%. The time‐kill curves of permethrin exposed cells were very similar to the positive growth control while the formaldehyde and combination exposure showed complete inhibition even at the 0‐hr time point. The scanning electron micrographs of permethrin grown S. aureus showed healthy cocci cells with no sign of cell damage. Our results show that permethrin is not capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria enough for it to be termed bactericidal. Formaldehyde is a known antiseptic and therefore was responsible for the antibacterial effect observed after the use of permethrin cream.
A novel variant of the IFITM5 gene within the 5′‐UTR causes neonatal transverse clavicular fracture: Expanding the genetic spectrum
Authors: Wu Dong , Wang Yuxin , Huang Huijuan
Published: May 2020

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V is a rare heritable bone disorder caused by pathogenic variants of IFITM5. Only two mutated alleles in IFITM5 have been identified worldwide, the role of which in OI pathology is not fully understood.

Methods

A neonatal case of suspected OI, clinically manifested as a rare clavicle transection fracture with delayed early fracture healing, was studied. Subtle variants of OI‐associated genes were analyzed by whole exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

A de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant of IFITM5 within the 5′‐UTR (c.‐9C > A) was discovered in the proband. Bioinformatics analysis using a combination of various algorithms predicted that the variant would generate a new in‐frame start codon 9 bp upstream of the original and express a mutant IFITM5 protein with three additional amino acids (Met‐Glu‐Pro). After transfection into a eukaryocyte in vitro, the mutant IFITM5 construct produced a longer transcription product than that of wild‐type IFITM5.

Conclusion

This study identified a novel pathogenic variant of IFITM5, which not only manifested the molecular characteristics of IFITM5, but also provided new evidence for the study of the molecular mechanisms of IFITM5 association with OI.
Unilateral autologous breast reconstruction with unipedicled and bipedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap: A review of 168 cases over 3 years
Authors: Lee Yoon Jae , Kim SeongAe , Moon Suk‐Ho , Jun Young Joon , Rhie Jong Won , Oh Deuk Young
Published: May 2020

Background

Harvesting a DIEP flap based on bipedicled perforators can enhance vascular perfusion, which can reduce complication rates, minimize fat necrosis, and flap failure. This study summarizes our experience with using unipedicled and bipedicled DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

A total of 168 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps over a 3‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. Primary microvascular anastomoses were performed to the thoracodorsal vessels in both unipedicled and bipedicled DIEP groups. In bipedicled DIEP flap cases, additional secondary microvascular anastomoses were performed either by extraflap or intraflap options. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were recorded.

Results

Unipedicled (n = 89; 53%) and bipedicled flaps were used. Both groups were comparable for mean age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, and chemotherapy. BMI was 24.9 ± 3.6 in the unipedicled group and 22.8 ± 2.9 in the bipedicled group (p < .001). The surgical duration was longer in bipedicled group (367 ± 86.5 minu vs 403.7 ± 65.6 min, p < .05) but incidence of fat necrosis decreased in the bipedicle group (24 patients [27%] vs. 7 patients [8.9%] p < .05). There was no flap loss or instance of abdominal hernia in any group.

Conclusions

The bipedicled DIEP flaps may be a feasible option for large breast reconstruction in thin patients. However, the additional microsurgical technical complexity and longer operative time must be considered.
Integral transform solution of random coupled parabolic partial differential models
Authors: Consuelo Casabán María , Company Rafael , Egorova Vera N. , Jódar Lucas
Published: May 2020

Random coupled parabolic partial differential models are solved numerically using random cosine Fourier transform together with non‐Gaussian random numerical integration that captures the highly oscillatory behaviour of the involved integrands. Sufficient condition of spectral type imposed on the random matrices of the system is given so that the approximated stochastic process solution and its statistical moments are numerically convergent. Numerical experiments illustrate the results.
Framework for teachers' acceptance of information and communication technology in Pakistan: Application of the extended UTAUT model
Authors: Shah Syed Nadir Ali , Khan Abid Ullah , Khan Barkat Ullah , Khan Tajdar , Xuehe Zhang
Published: May 2020

The motive of this research paper is to investigate the teachers' adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in Pakistan and the application of extended UTAUT model in a new context. A number of factors can cause changes in intention towards the usage of ICT including social, behavioral, and psychological factors, but this study, using the UTAUT model, is limited to examining the behavioral determinants of teachers' acceptance of ICT. To achieve the objective, a quantitative approach was adopted where questionnaire‐based data were obtained for analysis. The analyses were conducted on 341 valid responses that were collected from the teachers of high secondary schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Getting the data analyzed through SPSS and AMOS, our results show that performance expectancy, efforts expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and information technology capabilities play a significant role in shaping teachers' adoption of ICT. Moreover, behavioral intentions mediate the relationship between the predictors and ICT usage. Based on the findings of this paper, administrators and government are recommended to spend additional efforts and money by launching programs for their teachers to increase the usage of ICT in their teaching and schools. The study provides numerous insights for teachers, school administrators, and government ICT‐based smart teaching and learning institutions.
The importance of age as prognostic factor for the outcome of patients with hepatoblastoma: Analysis from the Children's Hepatic tumors International Collaboration (CHIC) database
Authors: Haeberle Beate , Rangaswami Arun , Krailo Mark , Czauderna Piotr , Hiyama Eiso , Maibach Rudolf , Lopez‐Terrada Dolores , Aronson Daniel C. , Alaggio Rita , Ansari Marc , Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Perilongo Giorgio , O'Neill Allison F. , Trobaugh‐Lotrario Angela D. , Watanabe Kenichiro , Schmid Irene , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Ranganathan Sarangarajan , Yoshimura Kenichi , Hishiki Tomoro , Tanaka Yukichi , Piao Jin , Feng Yurong , Rinaldi Eugenia , Saraceno Davide , Derosa Marisa , Meyers Rebecka L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Treatment outcomes for hepatoblastoma have improved markedly in the contemporary treatment era, principally due to therapy intensification, with overall survival increasing from 35% in the 1970s to 90% at present. Unfortunately, these advancements are accompanied by an increased incidence of toxicities. A detailed analysis of age as a prognostic factor may support individualized risk‐based therapy stratification.

Methods

We evaluated 1605 patients with hepatoblastoma included in the CHIC database to assess the relationship between event‐free survival (EFS) and age at diagnosis. Further analysis included the age distribution of additional risk factors and the interaction of age with other known prognostic factors.

Results

Risk for an event increases progressively with increasing age at diagnosis. This pattern could not be attributed to the differential distribution of other known risk factors across age. Newborns and infants are not at increased risk of treatment failure. The interaction between age and other adverse risk factors demonstrates an attenuation of prognostic relevance with increasing age in the following categories: metastatic disease, AFP < 100 ng/mL, and tumor rupture.

Conclusion

Risk for an event increased with advancing age at diagnosis. Increased age attenuates the prognostic influence of metastatic disease, low AFP, and tumor rupture. Age could be used to modify recommended chemotherapy intensity.
Polylactic acid/Lignocellulosic residue composites compatibilized through a starch coating
Authors: Rocha Daniel Belchior , de Souza Alana Gabrieli , Szostak Marek , Rosa Derval dos Santos
Published: May 2020

The use of natural fiber residues as reinforcement in biodegradable composites has been performed; however, the incompatible interface limits the applications. In this work, the use of starch coating as a natural coupling agent was studied in three different natural residues: sugarcane bagasse, maçaranduba, and pinus wastes, aiming biodegradable composites. The coating in bagasse showed low efficiency, with low thickness and failures, due to residue intrinsic higher surface area; while the wood residues showed shorter fibers with uniform starch deposition. These results affected the compatibility between filler and matrix; while the bagasse composite showed voids and decrease in the mechanical properties; however, the maçaranduba and pinus showed an increase in the stiffness and strength. All the coated fiber composites showed stable thermal properties and an increase in the crystallinity in the coated samples. The addition of the natural filler resulted in a high water absorption with coated samples absorbing six times more water than neat PLA and without stabilization in a short time. This characteristic may favor the initial abiotic hydrolysis in the biodegradation, showing that the material could be an option to produce short‐life packaging in dry environments.
Patients with Symptomatic Hip Osteoarthritis Have Altered Kinematics during Stair Ambulation
Authors: Popovic Tijana , Samaan Michael A. , Link Thomas M. , Majumdar Sharmila , Souza Richard B.
Published: May 2020

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. Understanding contributing factors to slowing or stopping disease progression is crucial. There has been no research describing lower extremity kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle during stair ambulation in individuals with hip OA.

Objective

To explore the differences in lower extremity kinematics between participants with clinical and morphological findings of hip OA and controls.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Clinical research laboratory.

Participants

Participants with radiographic and symptomatic signs of hip OA (n = 42) and healthy controls (n = 30) were enrolled.

Interventions

Participants underwent hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI) method was used to assess cartilage abnormalities. Self‐reported measures of hip pain and function were obtained using the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Participants were assigned into a symptomatic hip osteoarthritis group (HOA) with SHOMRI>0 and HOOS≤80, and a control group (CG) with SHOMRI = 0 and HOOS>90. Patients underwent 3D motion analysis during stair ascent/descent at self‐selected speed.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measurements were peak hip, knee, and ankle kinematics. General Estimation Equations were used to compare kinematics between groups (P ≤ .05).

Results

The HOA group ascended stairs with a more internally rotated hip (CG = 1.77 ± 6.3; HOA = 4.97 ± 4.2; P = .02), more abducted hip (CG = ‐5 ± 2.7, HOA = ‐3.5 ± 3; P = .02), and a more externally rotated knee (CG = ‐8.02 ± 3; HOA = ‐10.63 ± 6.3; P = .02) and ankle (CG = ‐11.8 ± 6.1; HOA = ‐16.3 ± 5.6; P = .01). Similarly, HOA participants descended stairs with a more extended knee (CG = ‐15.5 ± 4.9; HOA = ‐12 ± 4.9; P = .01), and more externally rotated knee (CG = ‐10.1 ± 4.4; HOA = ‐13.1 ± 6.6; P = .04) and ankle (CG = ‐13.5 ± 5.3; HOA = ‐17.9 ± 5.5; P = .002).

Conclusion

Participants with hip OA‐related morphology and symptoms ambulate stairs utilizing abnormal lower extremity mechanics.
SlARG2 contributes to MeJA‐induced defense responses to Botrytis cinerea in tomato fruit
Authors: Min Dedong , Ai Wen , Zhou Jingxiang , Li Jiaozhuo , Zhang Xinhua , Li Zilong , Shi Zedong , Li Fujun , Li Xiaoan , Guo Yanyin
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Arginase plays key roles in methyl jasmonate (MeJA)‐mediated quality maintenance in vegetables and fruits. MeJA treatment induced the Arginase 2 (SlARG2) expression, which is one of the most important encoding genes of arginase. In addition, the treatment with MeJA induced resistance to pathogenic infection in many plants. However, the functions of SlARG2 in MeJA‐induced defense to Botrytis cinerea are unclear. In our work, control and SlARG2‐silenced tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum) were treated with 0.05 mmoL L−1 MeJA before storage to assay the roles of SlARG2 in MeJA‐induced defense responses to Botrytis cinerea.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that MeJA treatment induced both pathogenesis‐related gene expression (PR1, PR2a, PR2b and PR3b), and the activity of defense‐related enzymes, as well as upregulated arginine metabolism. Compared to control fruits, the treatment with MeJA also induced the activity of arginase, arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), and expression of SlARG2, SlADC, ornithine decarboxylase (SlODC) and SlOAT, and consequently increased the accumulation of arginine, proline, glutamate, putrescine and spermine. However, the induction effects by MeJA were significantly reduced in fruits in which SlARG2 was silenced and severe disease symptoms were observed.

CONCLUSION

MeJA fumigation could inhibit disease development by inducing pathogenesis‐related gene expression (PR1, PR2a, PR2b and PR3b) and defense‐related enzymes activity, as well as upregulated arginine metabolism. In addition, SlARG2 silencing could inhibit the functions of MeJA in inducing the accumulation of the above substances. Overall, our study provided strong evidence that SlARG2 was essential for MeJA‐induced tomato fruit defense responses to Botrytis cinerea. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Computational study on the Rh‐catalyzed chemodivergent oxidative annulation of benzamides and enynes
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Qingli , Zhu Zhenyuan , Wang Bingkai
Published: May 2020

The mechanisms of Cp*Rh(OAc)2‐catalyzed coupling reaction of N‐methoxybenzamide with alkyl‐terminated enyne have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. With the addition of NaOAc, the product transforms from lactam P1 in reaction A to iminolactone P2 in reaction B due to the formed stable OAc− coordinated intermediate. The electronic effect accounts for the observed chemooselectivity in reaction B.
MGMS2: Membrane glycolipid mass spectrum simulator for polymicrobial samples
Authors: Ryu So Young , Wendt George A. , Ernst Robert K. , Goodlett David R.
Published: May 2020

Rationale

Polymicrobial samples present unique challenges for mass spectrometric identification. A recently developed glycolipid technology has the potential to accurately identify individual bacterial species from polymicrobial samples. In order to develop and validate bacterial identification algorithms (e.g. machine learning) using this glycolipid technology, generating a large number of various polymicrobial samples can be beneficial, but it is costly and labor‐intensive. Here, we propose an alternative cost‐effective approach that generates realistic in silico polymicrobial glycolipid mass spectra.

Methods

We introduce MGMS2 (membrane glycolipid mass spectrum simulator) as a simulation software package that generates in silico polymicrobial membrane glycolipid matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectra. Unlike currently available simulation algorithms for polymicrobial mass spectra, the proposed algorithm considers errors in m/z values and variances of intensity values, occasions of missing signature ions, and noise peaks. To our knowledge, this is the first stand‐alone bacterial membrane glycolipid mass spectral simulator. MGMS2 software and its manual are freely available as an R package. An interactive MGSM2 app that helps users explore various simulation parameter options is also available.

Results

We demonstrated the performance of MGSM2 using six microbes. The software generated in silico glycolipid mass spectra that are similar to real polymicrobial glycolipid mass spectra. The maximum correlation between in silico mass spectra generated by MGMS2 and the real polymicrobial mass spectrum was about 87%.

Conclusions

We anticipate that MGMS2, which considers spectrum‐to‐spectrum variation, will advance the bacterial algorithm development for polymicrobial samples.
Observer‐based cooperative distributed fault‐tolerant model predictive control with imperfect network communication and asynchronous measurements
Authors: Xiao Guannan , Liu Fei
Published: May 2020

Intermittent actuator and sensor faults tolerant are simultaneously considered in a distributed control system with imperfect communication network. The asynchronous measurements of different output variables in one sampling period are synchronized through a novel two‐stage model‐based projection method. Different from centralized control network, in both layer‐to‐layer and in‐layer communication, the packet delay, loss and disordering are corrected by the predicted data from model predictive control. Moreover, a completely distributed state observer is established for both system states and sensor faults problem with bounded noise uncertainties. For the intermittent actuator faults, actuator plug‐and‐play design methods based on model predictive control has been introduced, making the actuator faults estimation omitted. The distributed stability conditions are derived for the proposed fault‐tolerant controller, and the online feasibility is explained in detail. Numerical simulation is given to verify the design procedure.
Experiences, activities, and personal characteristics as predictors of engagement in STEM‐focused summer programs
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer A. , Beymer Patrick N. , Rosenberg Joshua M. , Naftzger Neil N. , Shumow Lee
Published: May 2020

Out‐of‐school‐time programs for youth that are focused on STEM content are often seen as affording opportunities to increase youth engagement, interest, and knowledge in STEM domains, yet we know relatively little about how youth actually experience such programs. In this article, we explore how experiences and activities employed in the delivery of summer STEM programs are associated with youth engagement during programming, and whether youth characteristics moderate these relationships. Data were collected from 203 youth (ages 10–16) in nine summer programs using multiple methods including video, experience sampling, and surveys. Through the use of cross‐classified, multi‐level models, we found that youth reported higher engagement in program activities they perceived to be more challenging and relevant, and in activities, they perceived to have more affordances for learning or developing skills. Gender moderated these relationships such that the positive relationships observed among males were muted or nonexistent for girls. We further identify that program activities are differently associated with fostering challenge, relevance, and learning. Findings have implications for out‐of‐school STEM programming for youth.
Syntheses, Structures, and Luminescent Properties of Two Isostructural 3D CdII Frameworks based on Rigid‐flexible Hybrid Ligands
Authors: Zhao Bing , Bu Jia‐Hui , Zhang Ran , Shao Mei‐Ling , Wu Dong‐Qing , Li Zhong‐Yi
Published: May 2020

Two isostructural CdII frameworks, [Cd2(MMA)2(bpy)(H2O)2]n (1) and [Cd2(MMA)2(bpe)(H2O)2]n (2), were synthesized solvothermally with hybrid flexible methylmalonic acid (H2MMA) and rigid 4,4'‐bipyridine (bpy) or trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) as coligands. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that complexes 1 and 2 display a three‐dimensional (3D) framework structure composed of 2D [Cd(MMA)] layer unit and bpy/bpe linker, and exhibit a (3,4)‐connected topological network with Schläfli symbol of {63}{65.8}. The solid‐state luminescent properties were studied, and 1 and 2 show a distinct emission centered at 465 and 531 nm, respectively.
Global bounds on the Type-III Seesaw
Authors: Biggio Carla , Fernandez-Martinez Enrique , Filaci Manuele , Hernandez-Garcia Josu , Lopez-Pavon Jacobo
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We derive general bounds on the Type-III Seesaw parameters from a global fit to flavor and electroweak precision data. We explore and compare three Type-III Seesaw realizations: a general scenario, where an arbitrary number of heavy triplets is integrated out without any further assumption, and the more constrained cases in which only 3 or 2 (minimal scenario) additional heavy states are included. The latter assumption implies rather non-trivial correlations in the Yukawa flavor structure of the model so as to reproduce the neutrino masses and mixings as measured in neutrino oscillations experiments and thus qualitative differences can be found with the more general scenario. In particular, we find that, while the bounds on most elements of the dimension 6 operator coefficients are of order 10−4 for the general and 3-triplet cases, the 2-triplet scenario is more strongly constrained with bounds between 10−5 and 10−7 for the different flavours. We also discuss how these correlations affect the present CMS constraints on the Type-III Seesaw in the minimal 2-triplet scenario.
Prior therapies as prognostic factors of overall survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. A WARMTH multicenter study (the 617 trial)
Authors: Ahmadzadehfar Hojjat , Rahbar Kambiz , Baum Richard P. , Seifert Robert , Kessel Katharina , Bögemann Martin , Kulkarni Harshad R , Zhang Jingjing , Gerke Carolin , Fimmers Rolf , Kratochwil Clemens , Rathke Hendrik , Ilhan Harun , Maffey-Steffan Johanna , Sathekge Mike , Kabasakal Levent , Garcia-Perez Francisco Osvaldo , Kairemo Kalevi , Maharaj Masha , Paez Diana , Virgolini Irene
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The impact of prior therapies, especially chemotherapy, on overall survival (OS) in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) receiving [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy has been the subject of controversy. Therefore, WARMTH decided to plan a multicenter retrospective analysis (the “617 trial”) to evaluate response rate and OS as well as the impact of prior therapies on OS in more than 300 patients treated with 177Lu-PSMA-617.

Materials and methods

The data of 631 metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) patients from 11 different clinics were evaluated. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all patients had to have received at least abiraterone or enzalutamide prior to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. The patients were divided into three groups: patients who had received prior chemotherapy, patients who avoided chemotherapy, and patients for whom a chemotherapy was contraindicated.

Results

The analysis included the data of 416 patients, with a median age of 71.9 years. At the time of analysis, 87 patients (20,9%) were still alive. A total of 53.6% of patients had received both abiraterone and enzalutamide; 75.5% and 26.4% had a history of chemotherapy with docetaxel and cabazitaxel, respectively. A total of 20.4% had had Ra-223. The median OS was 11.1 months. Prior chemotherapy, the existence of bone and liver metastases, as well as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, were significant prognosticators of worse overall survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients without any prior chemotherapy showed a significantly longer OS (14.6 months). The median OS in patients who received one or two lines of chemotherapy with docetaxel or docetaxel followed by cabazitaxel, respectively, was 10.9 months and 8.9 months. There was no difference in OS between patients who had not received chemotherapy and patients for whom chemotherapy was contraindicated. The other prior therapies did not have any significant impact on OS.

Conclusion

In the present multicenter analysis, chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC patients receiving [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy had a significantly longer OS than patients with a history of chemotherapy. This remained independent in the multivariate analysis besides presence of bone and liver metastases as negative prognosticators for survival, whereas an ECOG of 0–1 is associated with a longer OS.
Evolution of mutualistic behaviour between Chlorella sorokiniana and Saccharomyces cerevisiae within a synthetic environment
Authors: Oosthuizen J R , Naidoo R K , Rossouw D , Bauer F F
Published: May 2020

Yeast and microalgae are microorganisms with widely diverging physiological and biotechnological properties. Accordingly, their fields of applications diverge: yeasts are primarily applied in processes related to fermentation, while microalgae are used for the production of high-value metabolites and green technologies such as carbon capture. Heterotrophic–autotrophic systems and synthetic ecology approaches have been proposed as tools to achieve stable combinations of such evolutionarily unrelated species. We describe an entirely novel synthetic ecology-based approach to evolve co-operative behaviour between winery wastewater isolates of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. The data show that biomass production and mutualistic growth improved when co-evolved yeast and microalgae strains were paired together. Combinations of co-evolved strains displayed a range of phenotypes, including differences in amino acid profiles. Taken together, the results demonstrate that biotic selection pressures can lead to improved mutualistic growth phenotypes over relatively short time periods.
Impact Damage Characteristics of Carbon Fibre Metal Laminates: Experiments and Simulation
Authors: Shi Y. , Pinna C. , Soutis C.
Published: May 2020

In this work, the impact response of carbon fibre metal laminates (FMLs) was experimentally and numerically studied with an improved design of the fibre composite lay-up for optimal mechanical properties and damage resistance. Two different stacking sequences (Carall 3–3/2–0.5 and Carall 5–3/2–0.5) were designed and characterised. Damage at relatively low energy impact energies (≤30 J) was investigated using Ultrasonic C-scanning and X–ray Computed Tomography (X-RCT). A 3D finite element model was developed to simulate the impact induced damage in both metal and composite layers using Abaqus/Explicit. Cohesive zone elements were introduced to capture delamination occurring between carbon fibre/epoxy plies and debonding at the interfaces between aluminium and the composite layers. Carall 5–3/2–0.5 was found to absorb more energy elastically, which indicates better resistance to damage. A good agreement is obtained between the numerically predicted results and experimental measurements in terms of force and absorbed energy during impact where the damage modes such as delamination was well simulated when compared to non-destructive techniques (NDT).
Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation as first line treatment for typical atrial flutter (CRAFT): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ding Wern Yew , Williams Emmanuel , Das Moloy , Tovmassian Lilith , Tayebjee Muzahir , Haywood Guy , Martin Claire , Rajappan Kim , Bates Matthew , Temple Ian Peter , Reichlin Tobias , Chen Zhong , Balasubramaniam Richard , Ronayne Christina , Clarkson Nichola , Mahida Saagar , Sticherling Christian , Gupta Dhiraj
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Treatment of typical atrial flutter (AFL) with cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation is associated with a high occurrence rate of new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) during follow-up. There are data to support the addition of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) to CTI ablation in patients with both AF and AFL, but the role of cryoballoon PVI only, with no CTI ablation, in AFL patients with no prior documentation of AF has not been studied.

Methods

CRAFT is an international, prospective, randomised, open with blinded assessment, multicentre superiority study comparing radiofrequency CTI ablation and cryoballoon PVI in patients with typical AFL. Participants with typical AFL are randomised in a 1:1 ratio to either treatment arm, with patients randomised to PVI not receiving CTI ablation. Post-procedural cardiac monitoring is performed using an implantable loop recorder. The primary endpoint is time to first recurrence of sustained symptomatic atrial arrhythmia. Key secondary endpoints include (1) total arrhythmia burden at 12 months, (2) time to first episode of AF lasting ≥ 2 min, (3) time to recurrence of AFL or AT and (4) procedural and fluoroscopy times. The primary safety endpoint is the composite of death, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, cardiac tamponade requiring drainage, atrio-oesophageal fistula, requirement for a permanent pacemaker, serious vascular complications requiring intervention or delaying discharge and persistent phrenic nerve palsy lasting > 24 h.

Conclusion

This study compares the outcomes of 2 different approaches to typical AFL—the conventional ‘substrate’-based strategy of radiofrequency CTI ablation versus a novel ‘trigger’-based strategy of cryoballoon PVI.

Trial registration

(ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03401099)