bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysregulated thyroid hormones correlate with anxiety and depression risk in patients with autoimmune disease
Authors: Wu Xiaorong , Zhang Kaikai , Xing Yulong , Zhou Wei , Shao Yanqiu , Li Guizheng , Rui Qing
Published: November 2020

Background

Autoimmune disease (AID) patients always present with increased risk of psychiatric disorders, and thyroid function or thyroid hormone may play a critical role in the development of anxiety and depression. Thus, this study aimed to assess the free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and their correlations with anxiety/depression in patients with AID.

Methods

Ninety‐eight AID patients and 100 health controls (HCs) were recruited. Serum samples were obtained from all the participants to detect FT3, FT4, and TSH levels. Anxiety and depression were determined using the HADS assessment.

Results

HADS‐Anxiety score, anxiety subject percentage, HADS‐Depression score, and depression subject proportion were elevated in AID patients compared with HCs. FT3 and FT4 were downregulated while TSH was upregulated in AID patients compared with HCs. In AID patients, FT3 and FT4 negatively correlated with HADS‐Anxiety score, and they were downregulated in patients with anxiety compared to patients without anxiety. Meanwhile, FT3 and FT4 were negatively associated while TSH level positively associated with HADS‐Depression score. Besides, FT3 and FT4 reduced, but TSH level was of no difference in patients with depression compared to patients without depression. Additionally, increased FT4 independently correlated with both reduced anxiety risk and depression risk.

Conclusions

FT3, FT4, and TSH are dysregulated, and FT4 has the potential to serve as an independent biomarker related to anxiety as well as depression in AID patients. These findings may provide some information on the values of thyroid hormones in facilitating the management of AID patients with anxiety/depression.
Characterization of elemental distribution across human dentin‐enamel junction by scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Rong , Zhao Donggao , Wang Yong
Published: November 2020

The human dentin‐enamel junction (DEJ) is a natural junction that unites two dissimilar mineralized tissues in the human tooth: enamel and dentin. DEJ plays a critical role in maintaining structural and functional integrity of the tooth. However, its structure, chemical composition and function remain unclear and controversial. Systematic investigation of elemental distribution across human DEJ is still lacking in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the elemental distributions of Ca, P, O, C, N, Na, and Mg across the DEJ of human teeth using scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy of X‐ray. The results revealed abrupt changes in the distributions of six elements (C, N, Ca, P, Na, and Mg) across the DEJ. Specifically, the four mineral elements showed similar level of change in distribution, with Ca, P, Na decreasing while Mg increasing by 21%–25% from enamel to dentin side of the DEJ. The two organic elements C and N showed much larger changes in distribution, with C increasing by ~150% and N increasing by ~270% from enamel to dentin side of the DEJ. The slope of the distribution curves across the DEJ was estimated to be ~2 μm in width and coincided with the phase intermixing of the micro‐scallop structure of the DEJ.
Quality of Life After Violent Crime: The Impact of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Other Consequences
Authors: Lefebvre Chanelle , Fortin Christophe , Guay Stéphane
Published: November 2020

Victims of violent crime (VVC) are at risk of developing acute stress disorder (ASD) and subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, VVC are more likely to have low social support due to stigmatization and victim‐blaming, and PTSD is frequently associated with depression, anxiety, and impaired quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to determine the impact of ASD, PTSD, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and perceived social support in relation to four domains of QoL among VVC. Individuals were recruited as part of a longitudinal study assessing the efficacy of a brief cognitive behavioral treatment for ASD. Participants (N = 127) were interviewed and completed self‐report measures within 30 days of experiencing a violent crime (T0) and at assessments 2 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) after the event. Depressive symptoms, ASD, and PTSD were found to be associated with lower QoL ratings in all four domains. Anxiety symptoms were found to be associated with lower ratings in the physical health and psychological QoL domains. Perceived social support was found to be associated with higher QoL ratings in all domains. The proportions of QoL variance explained by the combined fixed and random effects combined ranged from 70% to 79%. Future research considerations include an examination of how early interventions for VVC could prevent QoL deterioration by targeting ASD and PTSD development, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and social support.
Development of pathological reconstructed high‐resolution images using artificial intelligence based on whole slide image
Authors: Deng Yang , Feng Min , Jiang Yong , Zhou Yanyan , Qin Hangyu , Xiang Fei , Wang Yizhe , Bu Hong , Bao Ji
Published: November 2020

Pathology plays a very important role in cancer diagnosis. The rapid development of digital pathology (DP) based on whole slide image (WSI) has led to many improvements in computer‐assisted diagnosis by artificial intelligence. The common digitization strategy is to scan the pathology slice with 20× or 40× objective, and the 40× objective requires excessive storage space and transmission time, which are significant negative factors in the popularization of DP. In this article, we present a novel reconstructed high‐resolution (HR) process based on deep learning to switch 20 × WSI to 40 × without the loss of whole and local features. Furthermore, we collected the WSI data of 100 uterine leiomyosarcomas and 100 adult granulosa cell tumors to test our reconstructed HR process. We tested the reconstructed HR WSI by the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, structural similarity, and the blind/reject image spatial quality evaluator, which were 42.03, 0.99, and 49.22, respectively. Subsequently, we confirmed the consistency between the actual and our reconstructed HR images. The testing results indicate that the reconstructed HR imaging is a reliable method for the digital slides of a variety of tumors and can be available on a large scale in clinical pathology as an innovative technique.
On Bernoulli series approximation for the matrix cosine
Authors: Defez Emilio , Ibáñez Javier , Alonso José M. , Alonso‐Jordá Pedro
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a new series expansion based on Bernoulli matrix polynomials to approximate the matrix cosine function. An approximation based on this series is not a straightforward exercise since there exist different options to implement such a solution. We dive into these options and include a thorough comparative of performance and accuracy in the experimental results section that shows benefits and downsides of each one. Also, a comparison with the Padé approximation is included. The algorithms have been implemented in MATLAB and in CUDA for NVIDIA GPUs.
Estimation of the smallest eigenvalue of an nth‐order linear boundary value problem
Authors: Almenar Pedro , Jódar Lucas
Published: November 2020

This paper describes a recursive procedure to estimate the smallest eigenvalue of an nth‐order boundary value problem under a wide set of boundary conditions. The procedure yields lower and upper bounds for that eigenvalue as well as an estimation of the associated eigenfunction, both of which are shown to converge to their exact values as the recursion index grows. A simpler version of the procedure is also displayed for the self‐adjoint case.
Video consultation as nursing practice during early in‐home care for premature infants and families viewed from the families' homes'
Authors: Hägi‐Pedersen Mai‐Britt , Kronborg Hanne , Norlyk Annelise
Published: November 2020

Aim

This study examined how communication between nurses and families in video consultations in a neonatal early in‐home care program unfolded in the context of parents' homes.

Design

A qualitative study based on focused observations supported by audio‐recorded video consultations.

Methods

The data were collected through nine video consultations between nurses and families in an early in‐home care program. The transcribed material was examined using inductive content analysis.

Findings

The analyses revealed the following themes: “Setting the scene,” “Weight as a point of reference” and “The pros and cons of technology.” The video consultations unfolded in a relaxed atmosphere, but also as one‐way communication dominated by nurses, with the infant's weight as the focus. The study finds that a focus on training in video communication is needed to take full advantage of video consultations' potential.
A rapid review exploring nurse‐led memory clinics
Authors: Luck Kerrie E. , Doucet Shelley
Published: November 2020

Aims

To systematically explore the structures, functions, outcomes, roles and nursing credentials of memory clinics where nurses autonomously lead diagnosis and postdiagnostic care.

Design

A systematic rapid review was conducted.

Data sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL Full‐Text (EBSCO) and EMBASE were systematically searched in December 2019 with no timeframe limitations imposed.

Review Methods

The modified PRISMA checklist was used as a guide to facilitate the review. Articles identified were screened and assessed for inclusion criteria, and screening of reference lists of included studies was also completed.

Results

Six articles, published between 2011–2019, including two case studies, two descriptive reports, one qualitative study and one programme evaluation were included in the review. Nurse‐led memory clinics were situated in community centres, on university campuses, hospitals and in general practitioners' offices. The services offered included assessment, diagnosis and treatment/postdiagnostic care. Nurse credentials included advanced practice nurses and a community psychiatric nurse who was a non‐medical prescriber. Overall, there was low quantity and quality of evidence to evaluate outcomes.
SARS-CoV-2 Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Cancer in a Large Integrated Health Care System in Northern California
Authors: Anantharaman Archana , Dusendang Jennifer R. , Schmittdiel Julie A. , Harzstark Andrea L.
Published: November 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect many lives globally. Patients with cancer undergoing potentially immunosuppressive therapies appear to be at particular risk for the disease and its complications. Here, we describe the experience of patients with cancer within Kaiser Permanente, a large, integrated health system in Northern California. Between February 25, 2020, and June 8, 2020, 4,627 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, of whom 33 had active cancer treatment within 180 days and 214 had a history of cancer. Patients with active cancer treatment had a statistically higher risk of requiring noninvasive ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 2.57; confidence interval [CI], 1.10–6.01), and there was a nonsignificant trend toward higher risk of death (OR, 2.78; CI, 0.92–8.43). Those with a history of cancer had comparable outcomes to those without cancer. These data demonstrate an increased risk of complications from COVID-19 for patients with active cancer treatment.
Tourism development, natural resource abundance, and environmental sustainability: Another look at the ten most visited destinations
Authors: Nathaniel Solomon Prince , Adedoyin Festus Fatai
Published: November 2020

Tourism contributes approximately one‐fifth to total global employment. However, growth in tourism can promote an increase in transportation, energy consumption, natural resource exploration, and consequential ecological distortions. This study applies a battery of second‐generation econometric techniques to investigate the influence of tourism development and natural resource on a comprehensive environmental indicator; the ecological footprint (EF), in the ten most visited destinations. The findings show that tourism receipts have an increasing effect on EF, while tourism arrivals have a reducing effect on EF. The country‐wise results reveal that tourism receipts increase the EF in China, Italy, Spain, and the UK, while the reverse holds true for France, Germany, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico, and the US. The influence of natural resource on the EF is mixed. Natural resource increases the EF in China, France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. A feedback causality exists among EF, natural resource, and tourism development. Policy directions are discussed.
Prevalence of pain and its association with symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and distress in 846 cancer patients: A cross sectional study
Authors: Unseld Matthias , Zeilinger Elisabeth L. , Fellinger Matthäus , Lubowitzki Simone , Krammer Katharina , Nader Ingo W. , Hafner Matthias , Kitta Anna , Adamidis Feroniki , Masel Eva K. , Preusser Matthias , Jäger Ulrich , Gaiger Alexander
Published: November 2020

Objective

Pain depicts a severe physical symptom but its relationship to mental health problems is not well studied in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pain and its correlation with symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and psychological distress in a large sample of cancer patients.

Methods

From 2010 to 2019, cancer patients who received outpatient treatment at the Medical University of Vienna were assessed with the Post‐Traumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS‐10) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales. A visual analogue scale was used to assess pain perception. For statistical analysis, linear regression models were applied to log‐transformed data.

Results

Of the 846 cancer patients included in the study, 63.5% experienced pain (mild 43.5%, moderate 13.6%, severe 6.4%). About a third (31.2%) of the total sample presented with significant PTSD symptoms. Significant symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress were present in 13.9%, 15.1% and 25.3%, respectively. Women more often reported symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and distress. Pain scores were significantly related to symptoms of PTSD, depression and psychological distress (all with p < .001), but not to anxiety.

Conclusions

Results show a high prevalence of experienced pain and indicate a clear association of elevated pain levels with psychiatric symptoms in oncological patients in a large Austrian sample. In order to decrease experienced pain and to enable better treatment of mental health problems in cancer patients, diagnostic procedures and interventions based on a biopsychosocial model need to be intensified.
Cystic fibrosis year in review 2019: Section 3 multisystem‐based care and research
Authors: Savant Adrienne P. , McColley Susanna A.
Published: November 2020

During the year 2019, numerous research studies and other reports were published that are interesting and instructive to professionals who care for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their families.  This report is the third of 3 CF year in review articles and focuses on the multisystem manifestations of CF care. Previous articles have addressed cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator modulators and reports on CF pulmonary disease and airway infections. It is an exciting time to be involved in care and research that aims to improve care for people with CF and their families.
A likelihood ratio test on temporal trends in age‐period‐cohort models with applications to the disparities of heart disease mortality among US populations and comparison with Japan
Authors: Fu Wenjiang , Ding Junyu , Gao Kuikui , Ma Shuangge , Tian Lu
Published: November 2020

In this article, we introduce the recently developed intrinsic estimator method in the age‐period‐cohort (APC) models in examining disease incidence and mortality data, further develop a likelihood ratio (L‐R) test for testing differences in temporal trends across populations, and apply the methods to examining temporal trends in the age, period or calendar time, and birth cohort of the US heart disease mortality across racial and sex groups. The temporal trends are estimated with the intrinsic estimator method to address the model identification problem, in which multiple sets of parameter estimates yield the same fitted values for a given dataset, making it difficult to conduct comparison of and hypothesis testing on the temporal trends in the age, period, and cohort across populations. We employ a penalized profile log‐likelihood approach in developing the L‐R test to deal with the issues of multiple estimators and the diverging number of model parameters. The identification problem also induces overparametrization of the APC model, which requires a correction of the degree of freedom of the L‐R test. Monte Carlo simulation studies demonstrate that the L‐R test performs well in the Type I error calculation and is powerful to detect differences in the age or period trends. The L‐R test further reveals disparities of heart disease mortality among the US populations and between the US and Japanese populations.
Survival analysis under the Cox proportional hazards model with pooled covariates
Authors: Saha‐Chaudhuri Paramita , Juwara Lamin
Published: November 2020

For a continuous time‐to‐event outcome and an expensive‐to‐measure exposure, we develop a pooling design and propose a likelihood‐based approach to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of a Cox proportional hazards (PH) model. Our proposed approach fits a PH model based on pooled exposures with individually observed time‐to‐event outcomes. The design and estimation exploits the equivalence of the conditional logistic likelihood functions arising from a matched case‐control study and the partial likelihood function of a riskset‐matched, nested case‐control (NCC) subset of a cohort study. To create the pools, we first focus on an NCC subcohort. Pools are formed at random while keeping the matching intact. Pool‐level exposure and confounders are then evaluated and used in the likelihood to estimate the HR and the standard error of the estimates. The estimators are MLEs, provide consistent estimates of the individual‐level HRs, and are asymptotically normal. Our simulation results indicate that the pooled estimates are comparable to the estimates obtained from the NCC subcohort. The units of analysis for the pooled design are the pools and not the individual participants. Hence the effective sample size is reduced. Therefore, the variance of the HR estimate increases with increasing poolsize. However, this variance inflation in small samples can be offset by including more matched controls per case within the NCC subcohort. An application is demonstrated with the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART) study.
A unified approach to sample size and power determination for testing parameters in generalized linear and time‐to‐event regression models
Authors: Martens Michael J. , Logan Brent R.
Published: November 2020

To ensure that a study can properly address its research aims, the sample size and power must be determined appropriately. Covariate adjustment via regression modeling permits more precise estimation of the effect of a primary variable of interest at the expense of increased complexity in sample size/power calculation. The presence of correlation between the main variable and other covariates, commonly seen in observational studies and non‐randomized clinical trials, further complicates this process. Though sample size and power specification methods have been obtained to accommodate specific covariate distributions and models, most existing approaches rely on either simple approximations lacking theoretical support or complex procedures that are difficult to apply at the design stage. The current literature lacks a general, coherent theory applicable to a broader class of regression models and covariate distributions. We introduce succinct formulas for sample size and power determination with the generalized linear, Cox, and Fine‐Gray models that account for correlation between a main effect and other covariates. Extensive simulations demonstrate that this method produces studies that are appropriately sized to meet their type I error rate and power specifications, particularly offering accurate sample size/power estimation in the presence of correlated covariates.
NaCl‐Promoted Hierarchically Porous Carbon Self‐Co‐Doped with Iron and Nitrogen for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Chen Guodong , Wang Xilong , Yang Chen , Liang Han‐Pu , Wang Zonghua
Published: November 2020

Exploring low‐cost, highly effective and durable nonprecious electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the key issue for large‐scale applications of fuel cell technology. However, preparation of Fe−N−C ORR catalysts using biomass without any external sources containing nitrogen and iron elements has rarely been reported. In this paper, hierarchically porous carbon self‐co‐doped with Fe and N promoted by NaCl has been successfully synthesized through a facile one‐step pyrolysis method using pig blood curds (PBCs) without any external Fe and N. Besides, Fe and N are uniformly dispersed within the as‐synthesized electrocatalysts. Electrochemical tests showed that the best performing Fe−N−C electrocatalyst exhibited superior ORR catalytic activity with a positive half‐wave potential of 0.834 V vs. RHE and a high limiting current density of 5.6 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the as‐synthesized electrocatalyst also showed remarkable long‐term stability as well as superior methanol tolerance, outperforming commercial Pt/C. The facile synthesis of high‐performance Fe−N−C electrocatalysts derived from PBCs using NaCl as the pore former provides fundamental insight and offers important guidelines for the future design of biomass‐derived carbons in specific energy applications.
Anion effects on the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 on ZrO2(s) in aqueous systems
Authors: Toijer Elin , Jonsson Mats
Published: November 2020

Various oxide surfaces have been shown to catalyze H2O2 decomposition, resulting in the intermediate formation of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals. In this work, the impact of bromide, chloride, and perchlorate separately and in combination with bicarbonate on the reaction between H2O2 and ZrO2 was investigated. The reaction was studied by monitoring the concentration of H2O2 as a function of time, and by probing the hydroxyl radical production using tris as a scavenger and monitoring the product formaldehyde. The most significant impact was seen in the presence of Br− and Br−/HCO3−. Br− significantly increases the H2O2 decomposition rate and the yield of formaldehyde, whereas the combination of Br−/HCO3− was shown to decrease the H2O2 decomposition rate as well as the yield of formaldehyde. The increased formaldehyde yield is explained by its formation in reaction with Br2•−. This contrasts the previous assumption that formaldehyde is only formed upon hydrogen abstraction from tris.
Preparation of Al/Ni Nano‐composite Particles via Replacement Reaction and Their Characterization
Authors: Li Yaning , Chen Yu , Cui Wenhao , Tang Wenjie , Wang Boliang , Han Zhiwei
Published: November 2020

To improve the ignition and combustion properties of n‐Al powders, n‐Al/Ni composite particles were prepared by replacement reaction under alkaline environment. In the anhydrous ethanol system, the effect of solution parameters on sample preparation was studied, and the preparation technology of n‐Al/Ni was accordingly optimized. The chemical constituents, phase, morphology and combustion performances of n‐Al/Ni were characterized by chemical titration, XRD, SEM, EDS and combustion duration test, respectively. The results showed that the optimized replacement reaction method can modify the n‐Al powders by nickel well, and it was appropriate to use OH−1 corresponding to consume 60 % alumina in the n‐Al powders and Ni2+ equal to 12.35 % mass fraction of n‐Al powders. It can be seen from the SEM images that the samples have a dispersive spherical morphology with a uniform distribution of nickel overall the samples. And the XRD results confirmed that nickel exists in the samples as a metallic substance. The results of chemical titration indicated that the content of active aluminum in the optimal sample was slightly higher than that of raw n‐Al, but considering Ni, the content of reactive substance in the sample was greatly increased. The combustion duration test also proved that the combustion performance of n‐Al/Ni was significantly improved. In conclusion, the improved properties promise a further enhanced prospect of n‐Al in energetic materials.
Research Progress of Porous Liquids
Authors: Li Ying
Published: November 2020

Compared with porous solids, porous liquids have attracted more and more attention due to their unique physical‐chemical properties such as permanent porosity, fluidity, rapid heat and mass transfer. They have broad application prospects in the fields of gas adsorption and separation, homogeneous catalysis, and others. Porous liquids are generally divided into three categories that include type I, type II and type III according to the composition of the host system in porous liquids. In this paper, the research progress of porous liquids is briefly reviewed, the examples of synthesis, characterization and application of three types of porous liquids are illustrated in detail. Finally, the main issues and challenges faced by the development of porous liquids are summarized and prospected.
Molecular Insight into the Discrepancy of Antitubercular Activity between 8‐Nitro and 8‐Cyano Benzothiazinones
Authors: Zhang Gang , Chen Daoxing , Wang Sufang , Chen Hualong , Wei Ning , Chen Guirong
Published: November 2020

Benzothiazinones with 8‐NO2 group is a novel class of compounds with potent antitubercular activity, especially BTZ043 and PBTZ169, which covalently inhibit DprE1. 8‐CN benzothiazinones is reported as another type of benzothiazinones with potent antitubercular activity. Taking this as the starting point, a series of 8‐CN benzothiazinones are synthesized and evaluated for their antitubercular activity. To better understand the antitubercular activity of this series of benzothiazinones, the difference between the molecular structures of CN01 and PBTZ169 in crystal are analyzed. CN01 and PBTZ169 show completely different conformations of the piperazine ring. Density functional theory analysis (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation are performed to provide more details to explain the different antitubercular activity. All the analysis based on crystallography, quantum chemistry, and molecular modeling lay a foundation for the subsequent structural optimization of 8‐CN benzothiazinones.
Towards the statistical construction of hybrid development methods
Authors: Tell Paolo , Klünder Jil , Küpper Steffen , Raffo David , MacDonell Stephen , Münch Jürgen , Pfahl Dietmar , Linssen Oliver , Kuhrmann Marco
Published: November 2020

Hardly any software development process is used as prescribed by authors or standards. Regardless of company size or industry sector, a majority of project teams and companies use hybrid development methods (short: hybrid methods) that combine different development methods and practices. Even though such hybrid methods are highly individualized, a common understanding of how to systematically construct synergetic practices is missing. In this article, we make a first step towards a statistical construction procedure for hybrid methods. Grounded in 1467 data points from a large‐scale practitioner survey, we study the question: What are hybrid methods made of and how can they be systematically constructed? Our findings show that only eight methods and few practices build the core of modern software development. Using an 85% agreement level in the participants' selections, we provide examples illustrating how hybrid methods can be characterized by the practices they are made of. Furthermore, using this characterization, we develop an initial construction procedure, which allows for defining a method frame and enriching it incrementally to devise a hybrid method using ranked sets of practice.
Evolutionary study of COVID‐19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) as an emerging coronavirus: Phylogenetic analysis and literature review
Authors: Tabibzadeh Alireza , Esghaei Maryam , Soltani Saber , Yousefi Parastoo , Taherizadeh Mahsa , Safarnezhad Tameshkel Fahimeh , Golahdooz Mahsa , Panahi Mahshid , Ajdarkosh Hossein , Zamani Farhad , Karbalaie Niya Mohammad Hadi
Published: November 2020

Since emerging coronaviruses have always become a human health concern globally especially severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and a novel coronavirus was introduced in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 (called SARS‐CoV‐2), many researchers focused on its epidemics, virological and clinical features. SARS‐CoV‐2 is classified as Betacoronaviruses genus and Sarbecovirus subgenus (lineage B). The virus shows a great similarity with SARS‐CoV and bat SARS‐like coronaviruses. In this study, we evaluate SARS‐CoV‐2 virus phylogeny and evolution by using current virus and related sequences.
Functional analysis of CD44 variants and xCT in canine tumours
Authors: Tanabe Atsushi , Kimura Kento , Tazawa Hana , Maruo Takuya , Taguchi Masayuki , Sahara Hiroeki
Published: November 2020

The cell surface glycoprotein CD44 has various types of splicing variants, which contribute to its multiple distinct cellular functions. Recently, it was reported that the CD44v8‐10 isoform interacts with the system Xc(‐) transporter‐related protein (xCT), and inhibits the accumulation of reactive oxygen species by promoting the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione in human tumour cells. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of CD44 variants and xCT in canine tumours. From semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, the mRNA expression of the CD44v8‐10 isoform was observed in canine tumour tissues as well as human cases. The overexpression of CD44v8‐10 may promote the synthesis of glutathione and enhance the resistance to radiation of canine breast tumour cells. Furthermore, canine xCT mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in the canine breast tumour tissues as compared to the normal tissues surrounding the tumours. To investigate the function of canine xCT, we treated canine tumour cells with the xCT inhibitor sulfasalazine. Consequently, the sulfasalazine‐treated cells were more sensitive to oxidative stress than the non‐treated cells. Taken together, these results suggested that CD44v8‐10 and xCT play important roles in the therapy resistance of canine tumours as well as human tumours.
The effects of doxapram on haematology, serum biochemical parameters and erythrocyte oxidant/ antioxidant status in dogs anaesthetized with propofol
Authors: Sabiza Soroush , Naddaf Hadi , Jalali Seyedeh Misagh , Baniadam Ali , Mosallanejad Bahman
Published: November 2020

The present prospective randomized experimental study was designed to determine the effects of doxapram on haematological, serum biochemical and antioxidant status in dogs after propofol anaesthesia. Twenty‐four healthy male mixed breed dogs, aged 1–2 years, weighing 20.4 ± 2.6 kg was studied. Each dog was anaesthetized twice, with at least one week for washout. Animals were sedated with acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg) intramuscularly. Forty minutes later, anaesthesia was induced using intravenous (IV) propofol (4 mg/kg) titration and maintained for 30 min by propofol (0.2 mg kg−1 min−1). After propofol was discontinued, doxapram (2 mg/kg) hydrochloride was administrated IV in PD treatment while an equal volume of saline was administrated in PS treatment. Blood parameters were analysed in four times: immediately before sedation (T1), after treatment (T2), after complete recovery (T3) and 24 hr later (T4). Haematological assessments revealed no significant difference between treatments except in haematocrit which was significantly reduced at T4 (24 hr later) in PD. A decreasing trend of all haematological variables was observed after doxapram administration until recovery, except monocyte, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width and platelet count. Serum urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, direct bilirubin concentration and alanine aminotransferase activity were not changed following doxapram administration compared to the PS treatment. After doxapram administration, Creatinine (T3), Albumin (T2) and Protein (T2 & T3) decreased while Glucose (T2 & T3) and BT (T3) increased. Antioxidant parameters measured showed no difference between treatments or time. Doxapram (2 mg/kg) IV did not induce any major negative effects on haematological, serum biochemical variables and oxidant/antioxidant status in dogs after propofol anaesthesia.
AQUADA: Automated quantification of damages in composite wind turbine blades for LCOE reduction
Authors: Chen Xiao , Shihavuddin ASM , Madsen Steen Hjelm , Thomsen Kenneth , Rasmussen Steffen , Branner Kim
Published: November 2020

Reliability and cost are two important driving factors in the development of wind energy. Automation and digitalization of operation and maintenance (O&M) procedures help to increase turbine reliability and reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Here, we demonstrate a novel method, coined as AQUADA, which may change the current labor‐intensive and operation‐interfering blade inspection by using thermography and computer vision. We experimentally show that structural damages below the surfaces can be detected and quantified remotely when wind turbine blades are subject to fatigue loads. The data acquisition and analysis are automatically done in one single step, which may shift the current inspection paradigm through more automated O&M procedures. The cost analysis shows that the AQUADA method has a potential to at least half the total inspection cost and reduce the LCOE by 1%–2% when applied to a baseline land‐based wind farm consisting of twenty 2.45‐MW turbines. All data and source codes are published for researchers to reproduce our results and facilitate further development of AQUADA towards more mature industrial applications.
The Homework of Response-Ability in Science Education
Authors: Higgins Marc
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce response-ability as a concept and practice to (re)open science education’s understanding and enactments of responsibility towards Indigenous ways-of-living-with-nature (IWLN) and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). This is significant as even well-intentioned forms of responsibility are often and inadvertently over-coded by the (neo-)colonial logics that it sets out to refuse and resist: responsibility and the ability to respond are often not one and the same. Within this chapter, I revisit a significant personal pedagogical encounter in which this distinction made itself felt and known. Thinking with the work of Sami scholar Rauna Kuokkanen, this narrative provides a platform to explore practices of epistemic ignorance and its (co-)constitutive relation to knowledge, as well as what she refers to as “the homework of response-ability” required to (re)open the norms of responsiveness towards the possibility of heeding the call of Indigenous science from within the structure of science education. Concluding thoughts underscore the promise of deconstruction (rather than destruction) as a theoretical, methodological, and ethical tool to resist the (fore)closure of responsibility towards hospitably receiving Indigenous science on its own terms.
XcalableMP Programming Model and Language
Authors: Murai Hitoshi , Nakao Masahiro , Sato Mitsuhisa
Published: November 2020

XcalableMP (XMP) is a directive-based language extension of Fortran and C for distributed-memory parallel computers, and can be classified as a partitioned global address space (PGAS) language. One of the remarkable characteristics of XMP is that it supports both global-view and local-view parallel programming. This chapter describes the programming model and language specification of XMP.
Implementation and Performance Evaluation of Omni Compiler
Authors: Nakao Masahiro , Murai Hitoshi
Published: November 2020

This chapter describes the implementation and performance evaluation of Omni compiler, which is a reference implementation of the compiler for XcalableMP. For performance evaluation, this chapter also presents how to implement the HPC Challenge benchmarks, which is a benchmark suite for an HPC parallel language. The results show that the performance of XMP is comparable to that of MPI in many cases.
Mixed-Language Programming with XcalableMP
Authors: Nakao Masahiro
Published: November 2020

This chapter presents the mixed-language programming with XcalableMP and other programming languages. It is supported by the linkage functions between XcalableMP and MPI library. We also demonstrate how to call XcalableMP program from Python program (M. Nakao et al., Linkage of XcalableMP and Python languages for high productivity on HPC cluster system, Proceedings of Workshops of HPC Asia, No .9, pp.39–47, 2018).
Multi-SPMD Programming Model with YML and XcalableMP
Authors: Tsuji Miwako , Murai Hitoshi , Boku Taisuke , Sato Mitsuhisa , Petiton Serge G. , Emad Nahid , Dufaud Thomas , Protze Joachim , Terboven Christian , Müller Matthias S.
Published: November 2020

This chapter describes a multi-SPMD (mSPMD) programming model and a set of software and libraries to support the mSPMD programming model. The mSPMD programming model has been proposed to realize scalable applications on huge and hierarchical systems. It has been evident that simple SPMD programs such as MPI, XMP, or hybrid programs such as OpenMP/MPI cannot exploit the postpeta- or exascale systems efficiently due to the increasing complexity of applications and systems. The mSPMD programming model has been designed to adopt multiple programming models across different architecture levels. Instead of invoking a single parallel program on millions of processor cores, multiple SPMD programs of moderate sizes can be worked together in the mSPMD programming model. As components of the mSPMD programming model, XMP has been supported. Fault-tolerance features, correctness checks, and some numerical libraries’ implementations in the mSPMD programming model have been presented.
Leptoquarks in oblique corrections and Higgs signal strength: status and prospects
Authors: Crivellin Andreas , Müller Dario , Saturnino Francesco
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Leptoquarks (LQs) are predicted within Grand Unified Theories and are well motivated by the current flavor anomalies. In this article we investigate the impact of scalar LQs on Higgs decays and oblique corrections as complementary observables in the search for them. Taking into account all five LQ representations under the Standard Model gauge group and including the most general mixing among them, we calculate the effects in h → γγ, h → gg, h → Zγ and the Peskin-Takeuchi parameters S, T and U. We find that these observables depend on the same Lagrangian parameters, leading to interesting correlations among them. While the current experimental bounds only yield weak constraints on the model, these correlations can be used to distinguish different LQ representations at future colliders (ILC, CLIC, FCC-ee and FCC-hh), whose discovery potential we are going to discuss.
Safety of conscious sedation in electroanatomical mapping procedures and cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Weinmann Karolina , Heudorfer Regina , Lenz Alexia , Aktolga Deniz , Rattka Manuel , Bothner Carlo , Pott Alexander , Öchsner Wolfgang , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Dahme Tillman
Published: November 2020

Immobilization of patients during electrophysiological procedures, to avoid complications by patients’ unexpected bodily motion, is achieved by moderate to deep conscious sedation using benzodiazepines and propofol for sedation and opioids for analgesia. Our aim was to compare respiratory and hemodynamic safety endpoints of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and electroanatomical mapping (EAM) procedures. Included patients underwent either cryoballoon PVI or EAM procedures. Sedation monitoring included non-invasive blood pressure measurements, transcutaneous oxygen saturation (tSpO2) and transcutaneous carbon-dioxide (tpCO2) measurements. We enrolled 125 consecutive patients, 67 patients underwent cryoballoon atrial fibrillation ablation and 58 patients had an EAM and radiofrequency ablation procedure. Mean procedure duration of EAM procedures was significantly longer (p < 0.001) and propofol doses as well as morphine equivalent doses of administered opioids were significantly higher in EAM patients compared to cryoballoon patients (p < 0.001). Cryoballoon patients display higher tpCO2levels compared to EAM patients at 30 min (cryoballoon: 51.1 ± 7.0 mmHg vs. EAM: 48.6 ± 6.2 mmHg,p = 0.009) and at 60 min (cryoballoon: 51.4 ± 7.3 mmHg vs. EAM: 48.9 ± 6.6 mmHg,p = 0.07) procedure duration. Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher after 60 min (cryoballoon: 84.7 ± 16.7 mmHg vs. EAM: 76.7 ± 13.3 mmHg,p = 0.017) in cryoballoon PVI compared to EAM procedures. Regarding respiratory and hemodynamic safety endpoints, no significant difference was detected regarding hypercapnia, hypoxia and episodes of hypotension. Despite longer procedure duration and deeper sedation requirement, conscious sedation in EAM procedures appears to be as safe as conscious sedation in cryoballoon ablation procedures regarding hemodynamic and respiratory safety endpoints.
Elevated markers of thrombo-inflammatory activation predict outcome in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities and COVID-19 disease: insights from the LEOSS registry
Authors: Cremer Sebastian , Jakob Carolin , Berkowitsch Alexander , Borgmann Stefan , Pilgram Lisa , Tometten Lukas , Classen Annika , Wille Kai , Weidlich Simon , Gruener Beate , Dimmeler Stefanie , Massberg Steffen , Rieg Siegbert , Zeiher Andreas M. ,   the LEOSS study group
Published: November 2020

Aims

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. Here, we analyzed whether specific biomarkers predict the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities.

Methods and results

We enrolled 2147 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection which were included in the Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV‑2 (LEOSS)-registry from March to June 2020. Clinical data and laboratory values were collected and compared between patients with and without cardiovascular comorbidities in different clinical stages of the disease. Predictors for mortality were calculated using multivariate regression analysis. We show that patients with cardiovascular comorbidities display significantly higher markers of myocardial injury and thrombo-inflammatory activation already in the uncomplicated phase of COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, elevated levels of troponin [OR 1.54; (95% CI 1.22–1.96), p < 0.001)], IL-6 [OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.26–2.27), p < 0.013)], and CRP [OR 1.32; (95% CI 1.1–1.58), p < 0.003)] were predictors of mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

Patients with cardiovascular comorbidities show elevated markers of thrombo-inflammatory activation and myocardial injury, which predict mortality, already in the uncomplicated phase of COVID-19. Starting targeted anti-inflammatory therapy and aggressive anticoagulation already in the uncomplicated phase of the disease might improve outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities.

Graphic abstract

Elevated markers of thrombo-inflammatory activation predict outcome in patients with
cardiovascular comorbidities and COVID-19 disease: insights from the LEOSS registry
Droplet vitrification technique for cryopreservation of a large diversity of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars
Authors: Rantala Saija , Kaseva Janne , Nukari Anna , Laamanen Jaana , Tuohimetsä Saara , Karhu Saila , Veteläinen Merja , Häggman Hely
Published: November 2020

The aim of plant gene banks is to preserve genetic resources selected based on their phenotypic, agronomic, historical or other cultural values for future utilization. In the present study the modified PVS2 droplet vitrification technique was tested and optimized for cryopreservation of a large diversity of blackcurrant (R. nigrum L.) accessions propagated in vitro and selected into a national gene bank core collection. Out of four accessions tested to optimize the method, three recovered and regenerated by 89–97% on average, but one recalcitrant in vitro line only by 25%. The tested post-cryopreservation recovery media with different macronutrient and growth regulator levels showed no generalized effect on regenerated shoots, but the effect of recovery media was different between cultivars. When the whole regeneration chain from cryopreservation via micropropagation to greenhouse conditions was tested, shoots at least 1 cm in length were found necessary for successful transfer ex vitro. The long-term cryopreservation of 22 blackcurrant accessions was finally conducted, with practices slightly modified from the tested protocol. The estimated recovery of shoot tips after 9 weeks in vitro was 17–94% with at least 75% recovery in seven accessions and at least 40% recovery in 19 out of 22 accessions. Only one accession had no cryopreservation success. The results demonstrated that the modified droplet vitrification technique is appropriate for a large diversity of blackcurrant accessions. However, cultivar-related differences and recovery procedures are to be considered for success in regeneration and ex vitro adaptation.
Biomarkers and phenotypic expression in Alzheimer’s disease: exploring the contribution of frailty in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Authors:   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Canevelli Marco , Arisi Ivan , Bacigalupo Ilaria , Arighi Andrea , Galimberti Daniela , Vanacore Nicola , D’Onofrio Mara , Cesari Matteo , Bruno Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

The present study aimed at investigating if the main biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology and their association with cognitive disturbances and dementia are modified by the individual’s frailty status. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from participants with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD dementia enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 2 (ADNI2) study. Frailty was operationalized by computing a 40-item Frailty Index (FI). The following AD biomarkers were considered and analyzed according to the participants’ frailty status: CSF Aβ1-42, 181P-tau, and T-tau; MRI-based hippocampus volume; cortical glucose metabolism at the FDG PET imaging; amyloid deposition at the 18F-AV-45 PET imaging. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and education, were performed to explore the association of biomarkers with cognitive status at different FI levels. Subjects with higher FI scores had lower CSF levels of Aβ1-42, hippocampus volumes at the MRI, and glucose metabolism at the FDG PET imaging, and a higher amyloid deposition at the 18F-AV-45 PET. No significant differences were observed among the two frailty groups concerning ApoE genotype, CSF T-tau, and P-tau. Increasing frailty levels were associated with a weakened relationship between dementia and 18F-AV-45 uptake and hippocampus volume and with a stronger relationship of dementia with FDG PET. Frailty contributes to the discrepancies between AD pathology and clinical manifestations and influences the association of AD pathological modifications with cognitive changes. AD and dementia should increasingly be conceived as “complex diseases of aging,” determined by multiple, simultaneous, and interacting pathophysiological processes.