bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil‐like HL‐60 cells expressing only GFP‐tagged β‐actin exhibit nearly normal motility
Authors: Garner Rikki M. , Skariah Gemini , Hadjitheodorou Amalia , Belliveau Nathan M. , Savinov Andrew , Footer Matthew J. , Theriot Julie A.
Published: February 2020

Observations of actin dynamics in living cells using fluorescence microscopy have been foundational in the exploration of the mechanisms underlying cell migration. We used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to generate neutrophil‐like HL‐60 cell lines expressing GFP‐β‐actin from the endogenous locus (ACTB). In light of many previous reports outlining functional deficiencies of labeled actin, we anticipated that HL‐60 cells would only tolerate a monoallelic edit, as biallelic edited cells would produce no normal β‐actin. Surprisingly, we recovered viable monoallelic GFP‐β‐actin cells as well as biallelic edited GFP‐β‐actin cells, in which one copy of the ACTB gene is silenced and the other contains the GFP tag. Furthermore, the edited cells migrate with similar speeds and persistence as unmodified cells in a variety of motility assays, and have nearly normal cell shapes. These results might partially be explained by our observation that GFP‐β‐actin incorporates into the F‐actin network in biallelic edited cells at similar efficiencies as normal β‐actin in unedited cells. Additionally, the edited cells significantly upregulate γ‐actin, perhaps helping to compensate for the loss of normal β‐actin. Interestingly, biallelic edited cells have only modest changes in global gene expression relative to the monoallelic line, as measured by RNA sequencing. While monoallelic edited cells downregulate expression of the tagged allele and are thus only weakly fluorescent, biallelic edited cells are quite bright and well‐suited for live cell microscopy. The nondisruptive phenotype and direct interpretability of this fluorescent tagging approach make it a promising tool for studying actin dynamics in these rapidly migrating and highly phagocytic cells.
Beyond Beer's Law: Why the Index of Refraction Depends (Almost) Linearly on Concentration
Authors: Mayerhöfer Thomas G. , Dabrowska Alicja , Schwaighofer Andreas , Lendl Bernhard , Popp Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Beer's empiric law states that absorbance is linearly proportional to the concentration. Based on electromagnetic theory, an approximately linear dependence can only be confirmed for comparably weak oscillators. For stronger oscillators the proportionality constant, the molar attenuation coefficient, is modulated by the inverse index of refraction, which is itself a function of concentration. For comparably weak oscillators, the index of refraction function depends, like absorbance, linearly on concentration. For stronger oscillators, this linearity is lost, except at wavenumbers considerably lower than the oscillator position. In these transparency regions, linearity between the change of the index of refraction and concentration is preserved to a high degree. This can be shown with help of the Kramers–Kronig relations which connect the integrated absorbance to the index of refraction change at lower wavenumbers than the corresponding band. This finding builds the foundation not only for refractive index sensing, but also for new interferometric approaches in IR spectroscopy, which allow measuring the complex index of refraction function.
Assessing Neuron–Astrocyte Spatial Interactions Using the Neuron–Astrocyte Proximity Assay
Authors: Badia‐Soteras Aina , Octeau J. Christopher , Verheijen Mark H. G. , Khakh Baljit S.
Published: February 2020

Astrocytes are morphologically complex cells with numerous close contacts with neurons at the level of their somata, branches, and branchlets. The smallest astrocyte processes make discrete contacts with synapses at scales that cannot be observed by standard light microscopy. At such contact points, astrocytes are thought to perform both homeostatic and neuromodulatory roles—functions that are proposed to be determined by their close spatial apposition. To study such spatial interactions, we previously developed a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)–based approach, which enables observation and tracking of the static and dynamic proximity of astrocyte processes with synapses. The approach is compatible with standard imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy and permits assessment of the most proximate contacts between astrocytes and neurons in live tissues. In this protocol article we describe the approach to analyze the contacts between striatal astrocyte processes and corticostriatal neuronal projection terminals onto medium spiny neurons. We report the required protocols in detail, including adeno‐associated virus microinjections, acute brain slice preparation, imaging, and post hoc FRET quantification. The article provides a detailed description that can be used to characterize and study astrocyte process proximity to synapses in living tissue. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Förster resonance energy transfer imaging in cultured cells

Basic Protocol 2: Förster resonance energy transfer imaging with the neuron–astrocyte proximity assay in acute brain slices
Insurance‐funded study finds inadequate monitoring of young patients on SGAs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2020

Despite the clear adverse effects of obesity, diabetes, other metabolic dysfunctions, and future metabolic and heart problems associated with use of antipsychotics by children, most aren't getting tested, according to research.
Binge drinking in 12th grade predicts DWIs and blackouts
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2020

For the study, “Longitudinal Associations of 12th‐Grade Binge Drinking With Risky Driving and High‐Risk Drinking,” researchers used data from all seven waves of the NEXT Generation Health Study, a nationally representative sample of 2,785 10th graders starting in 2009–10.
Rearing condition may alter neonatal development of captive Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis)
Authors: Mulholland Michele M. , Williams Lawrence E. , Abee Christian R.
Published: February 2020

Nursery rearing has well‐known consequences for primate species. Relative to some other primate species, research has indicated a reduced impact of nursery rearing on squirrel monkeys, particularly in terms of rates, severity, and persistence of abnormal behavior. We administered the Primate Neonatal Neurobehavioral Assessment to 29 dam‐reared and 13 nursery‐reared squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) at 2 and 6 weeks of age. Mixed‐model ANOVAs comparing composite scores and individual assessment items across age, rearing status, and sex revealed a number of developmental differences. Dam‐reared infants scored higher on all four composite measures compared to nursery‐reared infants (p < .05) indicating that nursery‐reared animals had slower motor development, were less active and attentive, and were more passive than their dam‐reared counterparts. Consistent with infant rhesus macaques, nursery‐reared squirrel monkeys showed an increased sensitivity to tactile stimulation (p < .05). Altogether, these results suggest a disruption of species‐typical development when squirrel monkey infants are reared in a nursery setting, with activity, orientation, and state control areas most affected, though experimental research is needed to determine if this is a causal relationship. Contrary to previous behavioral research, there are likely developmental differences between dam‐reared infant squirrel monkeys and those reared in a nursery setting.
Double hybrids and time‐dependent density functional theory: An implementation and benchmark on charge transfer excited states
Authors: Ottochian Alistar , Morgillo Carmela , Ciofini Ilaria , Frisch Michael J. , Scalmani Giovanni , Adamo Carlo
Published: February 2020

In this paper we present the implementation and benchmarking of a Time Dependent Density Functional Theory approach in conjunction with Double Hybrid (DH) functionals. We focused on the analysis of their performance for through space charge‐transfer (CT) excitations which are well known to be very problematic for commonly used functionals, such as global hybrids.Two different families of functionals were compared, each of them containing pure, hybrid and double‐hybrid functionals.The results obtained show that, beside the robustness of the implementation, these functionals provide results with an accuracy comparable to that of adjusted range‐separated functionals, with the relevant difference that for DHs no parameter is tuned on specific compounds thus making them more appealing for a general use. Furthermore, the algorithm described and implemented is characterized by the same computational cost scaling as that of the ground state algorithm employed for MP2 and double hybrids.
Psychotherapy for personal growth? A multicultural and multitheoretical exploration
Authors: Aafjes‐van Doorn Katie , Garay Cristian , Etchebarne Ignacio , Kamsteeg Céline , Roussos Andrés
Published: February 2020

Objective

This paper reports on a focus‐group discussion of four expert psychotherapy researchers facilitated at an international conference from the Society of Psychotherapy Research. A discussion was facilitated to explore their perspectives on psychotherapy practices of personal growth (intentionally working towards a strengthened sense of autonomy, mastery, and self‐acceptance) in different countries (United States, Canada, Argentina, and Chile) and different modalities (psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy).

Methods

Following the conference, the audio recording of this discussion was transcribed and analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods. Results. Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma.

Results

Six domains were identified; definition of personal growth, mental health care systems, psychotherapy practice, psychotherapy research, client and therapist characteristics, and social stigma.

Conclusion

Future research examining the cost‐effectiveness and benefits of psychotherapy for personal growth is warranted. Building on the six domains, specific future research projects on the evidence‐based practice of psychotherapy for personal growth are suggested.
t‐Cores for (Δ+t)‐edge‐coloring
Authors: McDonald Jessica , Puleo Gregory J.
Published: February 2020

We extend the edge‐coloring notion of core (subgraph induced by the vertices of maximum degree) to ‐core (subgraph induced by the vertices with ), and find a sufficient condition for ‐edge‐coloring. In particular, we show that for any , if the ‐core of has multiplicity at most , with its edges of multiplicity inducing a multiforest, then . This extends previous work of Ore, Fournier, and Berge and Fournier. A stronger version of our result (which replaces the multiforest condition with a vertex‐ordering condition) generalizes a theorem of Hoffman and Rodger about cores of ‐edge‐colorable simple graphs. In fact, our bounds hold not only for chromatic index, but for the fan number of a graph, a parameter introduced by Scheide and Stiebitz as an upper bound on chromatic index. We are able to give an exact characterization of the graphs such that whenever has as its ‐core.
Development and validation of a multiplex UHPLC‐MS/MS assay with stable isotopic internal standards for the monitoring of the plasma concentrations of the antiretroviral drugs bictegravir, cabotegravir, doravirine, and rilpivirine in people living with HIV
Authors: Courlet Perrine , Alves Saldanha Susana , Cavassini Matthias , Marzolini Catia , Choong Eva , Csajka Chantal , Günthard Huldrych F. , André Pascal , Buclin Thierry , Desfontaine Vincent , Decosterd Laurent Arthur
Published: February 2020

The widespread use of highly active antiretroviral treatments has dramatically changed the prognosis of people living with HIV (PLWH). However, such treatments have to be taken lifelong raising issues regarding the maintenance of both therapeutic effectiveness and long‐term tolerability. Recently approved or investigational antiretroviral drugs present considerable advantages, allowing once daily oral dosage along with activity against resistant variants (eg, bictegravir and doravirine) and also parenteral intramuscular administration that facilitates treatment adherence (eg, long‐acting injectable formulations such as cabotegravir and rilpivirine). Still, there remains a risk of insufficient or exaggerated circulating exposure due to absorption issues, abnormal elimination, drug‐drug interactions, and others. In this context, a multiplex ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) bioassay has been developed for the monitoring of plasma levels of bictegravir, cabotegravir, doravirine, and rilpivirine in PLWH. A simple and convenient protein precipitation was performed followed by direct injection of the supernatant into the UHPLC‐MS/MS system. The four analytes were eluted in less than 3 minutes using a reversed‐phase chromatography method coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry detection. This bioassay was fully validated following international guidelines and achieved good performances in terms of trueness (94.7%‐107.5%), repeatability (2.6%‐11%), and intermediate precision (3.0%‐11.2%) over the clinically relevant concentration ranges (from 30 to 9000 ng/mL for bictegravir, cabotegravir, and doravirine and from 10 to 1800 ng/mL for rilpivirine). This sensitive, accurate, and rapid UHPLC‐MS/MS assay is currently applied in our laboratory for routine therapeutic drug monitoring of the oral drugs bictegravir and doravirine and is also intended to be applied for the monitoring of cabotegravir/rilpivirine levels in plasma from PLWH receiving once monthly or every 2‐month intramuscular injection of these long‐acting antiretroviral drugs.
Measuring team trust: A critical and meta‐analytical review
Authors: Feitosa Jennifer , Grossman Rebecca , Kramer William S. , Salas Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Team trust is gaining attention in research and practice due to its benefits for team performance, yet clarity about the intricacies of its measurement is needed. Therefore, we meta‐analyzed 118 studies (N= 7,738) to untangle the role of measurement features by investigating the degree to which they influence the trust–performance relationship. Results showed that the trust–performance relationship is contingent upon time lag and source of measurement. Specifically, cross‐sectional and single‐source studies produced higher effect sizes than time‐lagged and different‐source studies. In contrast, the moderating roles of conceptualization–operationalization alignment and referent of trust measures were not supported. Post hoc analyses revealed that affective trust is more strongly related to global, versus specific team outcomes, and that mixed‐referent items are particularly effective within intact teams, whereas the trust–performance relationship is constrained when direct consensus items are used within ad hoc teams. Furthermore, we provided a critical review that highlights the importance of composites, multilevel forces, and item content and wording. Finally, we clarified key gaps in the literature, calling for research where needed. This review serves as a bridge between conceptualization and measurement and lays the groundwork for advancing knowledge of team trust.
Three‐dimensional hip joint congruity evaluation of the borderline dysplasia: Zonal‐acetabular radius of curvature
Authors: Irie Tohru , Espinoza Orías Alejandro A. , Irie Tomoyo Y. , Nho Shane J. , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa , Inoue Nozomu
Published: February 2020

In theory, a hemispherical acetabulum provides the ideal hip congruity in any hip position. However, it remains unknown how the three‐dimensional acetabular morphology of borderline dysplastic and frank dysplastic hips compare to normal hips. This study inquires if borderline dysplastic zonal‐acetabular curvatures in the anterior, superior, and posterior zones are different from normal or dysplastic hips three‐dimensionally. One‐hundred and fifteen hips, grouped as control (25°≤ LCEA <40°), 36 hips; borderline (20°≤ LCEA <25°), 32 hips; dysplasia (LCEA ≤20°), 47 hips were analyzed. The radii of acetabular curvature for the anterior, superior, and posterior zones were calculated as the zonal‐acetabular radius of curvature (ZARC). The mean acetabular roof obliquity of the borderline (10.6 ± 4.3 [SD]°) was significantly larger than the control (3.0° ± 5.4°; P < .001) and smaller than the dysplasia (19.3° ± 5.7°; P < .001). Although the mean acetabular anteversion angle of the borderline (21.3° ± 3.7°) was significantly larger than control (17.9 ± 3.5°; P = .001), that of the borderline was not different from the dysplasia (23.3° ± 4.0°; P = .053). The mean anterior ZARC in the borderline (29.8 ± 2.6 mm) was significantly larger than the control (28.0 ± 2.2 mm; P = .011) and smaller than the dysplasia (31.5 ± 2.7 mm; P = .009). The mean superior ZARC in the borderline (25.7 ± 3.0 mm) was not different from the control (25.9 ± 2.2 mm; P = .934) or the dysplasia (25.8 ± 2.5 mm; P = .991). Although the mean posterior ZARC in the borderline (27.2 ± 2.5 mm) was not different from the control (26.4 ± 1.9 mm; P = .455), that of the borderline group was significantly smaller than the dysplasia (30.4 ± 3.3 mm; P < .001); that is, the severity of lateral under‐coverage affects the anterior and/or posterior zonal‐acetabular curvature.
Observation of propagating surface plasmon polaritons by using functionalized tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Awada Chawki , Dab Chahinez , Zhang Jiawei , Ruediger Andreas
Published: February 2020

We report on surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) observed by functionalized‐tip/surface enhanced Raman scattering. In particular, a short‐range SPPs was detected on a rough gold film with high spatial resolution. The SPPs are launched by large noble metal nanostructures. SPPs interferences patterns with a beating period of around 400 nm are observed. Manipulation of the optical enhancement has been carried out by tuning the tip‐sample distance. An increase of Raman scattering due to the highly directional surface plasmon coupled emission is observed. A finite element simulation has been carried out in order to simulate the SPPs patterns and also the influence of the emission angle and the tip to sample distance on far field intensity. These simulations in particular confirm that the SPPs mode is resulting from the interference between the wave vector of the incident and scattered light and the wave vector of the scattered SPPs. The contribution of surface plasmon coupled emission in increasing the sensitivity of Raman intensity with a tip‐enhanced Raman scattering configuration is observed.
Spinopelvic alignment predicts disc calcification, displacement, and Modic changes: Evidence of an evolutionary etiology for clinically‐relevant spinal phenotypes
Authors: Zehra Uruj , Cheung Jason P. Y. , Bow Cora , Crawford Rebecca J. , Luk Keith D. K. , Lu William , Samartzis Dino
Published: February 2020

Lumbar disc‐displacement, Modic changes (MCs), and UTE Disc Sign (UDS) on MRI are clinically relevant spinal phenotypes that can lead to sciatica/LBP. Not all degenerated discs result in disc‐displacement, MCs and UDS, suggesting varied etiologies. Spinopelvic parameters have been implicated in various spinal disorders. Pelvic incidence (PI) is “fixed parameter” since skeletal maturity. No study has addressed disc‐displacement, MCs and UDS in context of spinopelvic parameters. Therefore, the aim of study was to determine if spinopelvic parameters are associated and predict clinically‐relevant MRI‐phenotypes. One hundred and eight population‐based subjects (mean age: 52.3 years) were recruited. Spondylolisthesis and scoliosis individuals were excluded. Lumbar lordosis (LL), PI, sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT) were assessed on lateral plain radiographs. Disc degeneration was assessed and summated, and presence or not of disc‐displacement and MCs were noted on T2W MRI. UDS was detected on UTE. Following exclusion criteria, 95 subjects were assessed. Disc‐displacement (82.1%), MCs (52.6%), and UDS (37.9%) were associated with lower PI, SS, LL, and LL/PI index. On multivariate analyses, lower PI was significantly related to development of these MRI phenotypes (adjusted OR range:0.95‐0.92; P < .05), with critical PI value of 42° or lower exhibiting fourfold increase risk of combined phenotypes (P = .020). Of UDS discs, 39.3% had adjacent MCs and 83.6% had disc‐displacement. 87.5% of MC had directly adjacent UDS. The first study to note that PI may “predict” the development of disc‐displacement, MCs and UDS, suggesting potential sub‐variants and mechanistic susceptibility that may be grounded in spinopelvic evolution. An “evolutionary etiological pathway” of spinal phenotype development is proposed.
Prediction of Delivery Complications by First‐Trimester Ultrasound Measurement of the Gestational Sac's Distance From a Previous Cesarean Section Scar
Authors: Li Cong , Yang Pan , Luo Hong
Published: February 2020

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the clinical relationship between labor complications in the second and third trimesters and the distance from the gestational sac to a previous cesarean section (CS) scar.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the electronic medical records and included all 7‐ to 9‐week transvaginal ultrasound examination reports from pregnancies with a history of a single cesarean delivery in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2017. Women were divided into 6 groups according to the distance of the gestational sac to the CS scar (groups A–F). A composite of pregnancy outcomes (gestational age at birth, delivery mode, placental abnormality, blood loss, uterine rupture, and hysterectomy) and other maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed.

Results

A total of 699 cases were included in our study. The median gestational age was 39.0 (range, 38.1–39.9) weeks. The median intrapartum blood loss volume was 400 (range, 300–500) mL. The results showed no statistically significant difference in blood loss (P = .297) or birth weight of the neonate (P = .318) among the distance subgroups. Overall, the fetuses were stillborn in 9 of 699 cases (1.29%). There was a statistically significant difference in a morbidly adherent placenta, placenta previa, and preterm labor, and their incidence increased with decreasing distance (P < .001; P for trend < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in uterine rupture (P = .597) or the delivery mode (P = .187) among the subgroups.

Conclusions

The relative positions of a CS scar and the gestational sac in the first trimester are associated with the incidence of placental abnormalities. As the distance decreases, the extent of a morbidly adherent placenta increases.
Assembly and Characterization of Biocompatible Coenzyme Q10‐Enriched Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Moschetti Anthony , Vine Lucas N. , Lethcoe Kyle , Dagda Ruben K. , Ellison Patricia , Ryan Robert O.
Published: February 2020

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a strongly hydrophobic lipid that functions in the electron transport chain and as an antioxidant. CoQ10 was conferred with aqueous solubility by incorporation into nanoparticles containing phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I. These particles, termed CoQ10 nanodisks (ND), contain 1.0 mg CoQ10/5 mg PtdCho/2 mg apoA‐I (97% CoQ10 solubilization efficiency). UV/Vis absorbance spectroscopy of CoQ10 ND revealed a characteristic absorbance peak centered at 275 nm. Incorporation of CoQ10 into ND resulted in quenching of apoA‐I tryptophan fluorescence emission. Gel filtration chromatography of CoQ10 ND gave rise to a single major absorbance peak and HPLC of material extracted from this peak confirmed the presence of CoQ10. Incubation of cultured cells with CoQ10 ND, but not empty ND, resulted in a significant increase in the CoQ10 content of mitochondria as well as enhanced oxidative phosphorylation, as observed by a ~24% increase in maximal oxygen consumption rate. Collectively, a facile method to solubilize significant quantities of CoQ10 in lipid nanoparticles has been developed. The availability of CoQ10 ND provides a novel means to investigate biochemical aspects of CoQ10 uptake by cells and/or administer it to subjects deficient in this key lipid as a result of inborn errors of metabolism, statin therapy, or otherwise.
Value of Full‐Field Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging for the Histological Assessment of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: De Leeuw Frederic , Abbaci Muriel , Casiraghi Odile , Ben Lakhdar Aïcha , Alfaro Alexia , Breuskin Ingrid , Laplace‐Builhé Corinne
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

In head and neck surgery, intraoperative and postoperative evaluation of tumor margins is achieved by histopathological assessment, which is a multistep process. Intraoperative analysis of tumor margins to obtain a preliminary diagnosis is usually carried out on frozen sections. Analysis of frozen sections is challenging due to technical difficulties in processing. Full‐field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT) provides ex vivo images of fresh tissue samples at a microscopic scale without tissue processing. The objectives of our study were to define the diagnostic criteria required to interpret head and neck FFOCT images and to evaluate the reliability of a histological diagnosis made on an “optical biopsy” produced by head and neck FFOCT imaging compared with conventional histology.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

First, we established an atlas of comparative images (FFOCT/standard histology) and defined the diagnostic criteria based on FFOCT images. Two pathologists subsequently performed a blinded review on 57 FFOCT images (32 patients). Specificity and sensitivity were measured by comparison with the standard histological diagnosis. The primary endpoint was major concordance, defined as two classifications leading to the same therapeutic decision (treatment/no treatment).

Results

Pathologists identified four main criteria for tissue diagnosis on FFOCT images: heterogeneous cell distribution, stromal reaction, coiling, and keratinization abnormalities. The correlation study showed good results, with sensitivity from 88% to 90% and specificity from 81% to 87%, regardless of whether the FFOCT image review was performed by a pathologist with or without previous experience in optical imaging.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that FFOCT images can be used by pathologists for differential diagnosis, and that high‐resolution FFOCT imaging can provide an assessment of microscopic architecture in head and neck tissues without tissue processing requirements. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization and thermodynamic study of nanostructured Cu‐26Zn‐4Al (wt.%) shape memory alloy through mechanical alloying
Authors: Mayahi R. , Shokuhfar A. , Vaezi M.R.
Published: February 2020

In the current study, nanostructured Cu−Zn−Al ternary alloy was synthesized via mechanical alloying. The structural evolutions were also measured using x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The results showed an increase in lattice strain while the crystallite size decreased. Afterwards, thermodynamic analysis was carried out on Cu−Zn, Cu−Al and Zn−Al binary systems through Miedema's semi‐empirical model. It was found that in all binary systems, there is a driving force for solid solution formation over all compositions due to its negative Gibbs free energy changes in those compositions, whilst, this value is positive for the formation of amorphous phase over some compositions which can be attributed to the absence of driving force. Finally, the extended version of Miedema's semi‐empirical model was used and discussed in detail to determine the thermodynamic desirability of solid solution and amorphous phase formation for Cu−Zn−Al ternary system. It was concluded that in this ternary system, the minimum thermodynamic driving force for solid solution formation occurred for those compositions which were located in the corners of ternary diagram.
The effect of micro alloying elements (vanadium, titanium) additions on the austenite grain growth behavior in medium carbon steel containing nitrogen
Authors: Fang W. , Zhang C. , Gou F. , Jiang B. , Zhang C. , Liu Y.
Published: February 2020

The austenite grain growth behavior of microalloying elements free steel (nitrogen steel) and micro alloyed steel (V−N steel and V−Ti−N steel) was investigated. The equilibrium dissolving behavior of precipitates was calculated by thermodynamic software and the morphology was observed by tunneling electron microscope. Moreover, grain growth kinetics was analyzed through theoretical calculation. Results show that the austenite grain size of V−N steel and V−Ti−N steel are significantly refined by the undissolved precipitates compared to nitrogen steel. Due to higher dissolving temperature of (vanadium, titanium)(carbon, nitrogen), the austenite grain of V−Ti−N steel keeps fine and increases slowly from 900 °C to 1250 °C. The difference of activation energy between V−N steel and V−Ti−N steel was supposed to come from the effect of different kinds of precipitates on the austenite grain growth. Compared to the vanadium rich (vanadium, titanium)(carbon, nitrogen), the titanium rich (vanadium, titanium)(carbon, nitrogen) is larger and more stable in view of its existence at higher temperature. The decrease of pinning forces can be attributed to the decrease of volume fraction and increase of radius of (vanadium, titanium)(carbon, nitrogen). Compared with critical grain sizes, the larger experimental grain sizes lead to grain growth from 900 °C to 1250 °C.
Well‐posedness and scattering of solutions to the sixth‐order Boussinesq type equation in the framework of modulation spaces
Authors: Wang Yu‐Zhu , Li Weijia
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigate the initial value problem for the sixth order Boussinesq type equation in the framework of modulation spaces. Under suitable conditions, we first prove that the problem has a unique local solutions and global solutions. Then scattering and stability of solutions are also discussed. The proof is mainly based on the decay properties of the solutions operator in modulation spaces and the contraction mapping principle.
Finding characteristically rich nonlinear solution space: a statistical mechanics approach
Authors: Kim Taehyoun
Published: February 2020

In this work, the modally equivalent perturbed system (MEPS) which was originally developed for finding the parametrically rich solution space of linear time‐invariant systems is modified for time‐varying cases and applied to find the characteristically rich nonlinear solution space given arbitrary initial or boundary conditions, or system inputs. An integral form of the non‐Hamiltonian Liouville equation is derived such that a rich ensemble average of its solutions covers a broad range of the modal space when a maximum uncertainty is present in the solutions. The MEPS degenerates the integrated Liouville equation into a linear differential equation with the Gauge Modal Invariance, a newly found field property that allows extending the application beyond the initial conditions or impulse inputs, making it possible to calculate the rich set of basis modes by taking snapshots of the linear responses at a considerably low computational cost. The proposed theory and algorithm are demonstrated using a computational model of a two‐dimensional incompressible, viscous flow at low Reynolds numbers. It is shown that the basis modes obtained herein, when used in conjunction with a low dimensional modeling, reproduce time simulation results very accurately for a wide range of Reynolds numbers and boundary conditions.
The role of psychological insulin resistance in diabetes self‐care management
Authors: Lim Ancho , Song Youngshin
Published: February 2020

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify the role of psychological insulin resistance in the relationship between diabetes self‐efficacy and diabetes self‐care management in people with diabetes over 65 years of age.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods

Participants included 326 patients with type 2 diabetes who were over 65 years of age. Structural equation modelling was performed to estimate the direct and indirect effects of diabetes self‐efficacy on diabetes self‐care management when psychological insulin resistance was entered as a mediator. Data were collected from May 2015 to January 2017.

Results

Diabetes self‐efficacy (r = .53, p < .001) and psychological insulin resistance (r = .33, p < .001) were significantly associated with diabetes self‐care management, whereas a negative association was found between diabetes self‐efficacy and psychological insulin resistance (r = −.16, p < .001). When psychological insulin resistance was entered as a mediator, the association between diabetes self‐efficacy and diabetes self‐care management was attenuated. Therefore, psychological insulin resistance served as a mediator of diabetes self‐care management.
Self‐induced pneumoparotid: Case report of a rare cause
Authors: Al Ohali Sama , Al‐Qahtani Mubarak , Al Shahrani Mohammed , Islam Tahera , Al‐Qahtani Khalid
Published: February 2020

Pneumoparotid is a rare, difficult to diagnose cause of parotid gland swelling resulting from air insufflation inside the parotid gland or duct. We report a case of self‐induced pneumoparotid in a 14‐year‐old boy, presented with intermittent painless left parotid swelling for 7 months. Foamy saliva was expressed from the left Stenson's duct with manual compression of the crepitant mass. CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of pneumoparotid. The patient admitted the habit of blowing his cheeks against a closed mouth and was educated to abstain from the triggering habit. There was no recurrence in 2 years.
Characteristics, dynamic changes, and prognostic significance of TCR repertoire profiling in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Liping , Bi Xingang , Li Yajian , Wen Li , Zhang Wen , Jiang Weixing , Ma JianHui , Feng Lin , Zhang Kaitai , Shou Jianzhong
Published: February 2020

The co‐evolving tumour cells and the systemic immune environment are mutually dysregulated. Tumours affect the immune response in a complex manner. For example, although lymphocytes are mobilized in response to tumours, their function is impaired by tumour progression. This study aimed to explore how the baseline and dynamic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumour burdens affect the T‐cell repertoire, and whether the baseline T‐cell receptor β‐chain (TCRB) diversity predicts prognosis. To characterise the TCRB repertoire, the baseline and follow‐up peripheral TCRB repertoires of 45 patients with RCC and 2 patients with benign renal disease patients were examined using high‐throughput TCRB sequencing. To explain the significance of TCRB diversity, 56 peripheral leukocyte samples from 28 patients before and after surgery were subjected to transcriptome sequencing. To validate the results, an advanced RCC patient's sample was subjected to single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA, 10x Genomics). Higher TCRB diversity was found to be correlated with a higher lymphocyte‐to‐neutrophil ratio, especially indicating more naïve T cells. High‐baseline TCRB diversity predicted a better prognosis for stage IV patients, and different tumour burdens exerted distinct effects on the immune status. The pre‐operative TCRB diversity was significantly higher in benign and stage I (low tumour burden) RCC patients than in stage IV (high tumour burden) patients. After the tumour burden of advanced patients was mostly relieved, we observed that the TCRB diversity was restored, T‐cell exhaustion was reduced, and naïve T‐cells were mobilized. It was demonstrated that the circulating TCRB repertoire could reflect the immune status and predict prognosis, and to some extent that cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) reduces the burden of the immune system in advanced patients, which might provide a good opportunity for immunotherapy. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A Comparison of Negative Compressibility between 3D Cellular Models Constructed by 2D Hinging Wine‐Rack and Hexagonal Honeycomb Mechanisms
Authors: Ma Meng , Li Jinrui , Yang Lu , Zhou Xiaoqin
Published: February 2020

Herein, two kinds of 3D hexagonal honeycomb equivalent models are proposed, enlightened by the octahedron model constructed by the wine‐rack mechanism. They differ in their unit‐cell arrangement forms, which are array and homogeneous arrangements, respectively. Referring to the analysis of the octahedron model, the expressions of compressibility properties of the two new models are given and the conditions for obtaining negative compressibility are analyzed. Comparing these two models with the octahedron model, it is found that although the three models are quite different in externality, they have similar mechanical properties (Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and compressibility), and all have image symmetry in both horizontal directions. Further analysis shows that these three models are so unified that they can be expressed by a more general model, from which another model with negative compressibility can be deduced. Finally, a new method to improve negative compressibility property is concluded from comparing the three models, that is, increasing the number or length of rods without deformation in vertical direction can effectively improve negative compressibility property in this direction and weaken negative compressibility property in the other two directions.
The role of observed cloud‐radiative anomalies for the dynamics of the North Atlantic Oscillation on synoptic time‐scales
Authors: Papavasileiou Georgios , Voigt Aiko , Knippertz Peter
Published: February 2020

Clouds shape weather and climate by regulating the latent and radiative heating in the atmosphere. Recent work has demonstrated the importance of cloud‐radiative effects (CRE) for the mean circulation of the extratropical atmosphere and its response to global warming. In contrast, little research has been done regarding the impact of CRE on internal variability. Here, we study how clouds and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) couple on synoptic time‐scales during Northern Hemisphere winter via CRE within the atmosphere (ACRE). A regression analysis based on 5‐day mean data from CloudSat/CALIPSO, CERES and GERB satellite observations and ERA‐Interim short‐term forecast data reveals a robust dipole of high‐level and low‐level cloud‐incidence anomalies during a positive NAO, with increased high‐level cloud incidence along the storm track (near 45°N) and the subpolar Atlantic, and decreased high‐level cloud incidence poleward and equatorward of this track. Opposite changes occur for low‐level cloud incidence. The cloud anomalies lead to an anomalous column‐mean heating from ACRE over the region of the Iceland low, and to a cooling over the region of the Azores high. To quantify the impact of the ACRE anomalies on the NAO, and to thereby test the hypothesis of a cloud‐radiative feedback on the NAO persistence, we apply the surface pressure tendency equation for ERA‐Interim short‐term forecast data. The NAO‐generated ACRE anomalies amplify the NAO‐related surface pressure anomalies over the Azores high but have no area‐averaged impact on the Iceland low. In contrast, diabatic processes as a whole, including latent heating and clear‐sky radiation, strongly amplify the NAO‐related surface pressure anomalies over both the Azores high and the Iceland low, and their impact is much more spatially coherent. This suggests that, while atmospheric cloud‐radiative effects lead to an increase in NAO persistence on synoptic time‐scales, their impact is relatively minor and much smaller than other diabatic processes.
Almost all trees are almost graceful
Authors: Adamaszek Anna , Allen Peter , Grosu Codruţ , Hladký Jan
Published: February 2020

The Graceful Tree Conjecture of Rosa from 1967 asserts that the vertices of each tree T of order n can be injectively labeled by using the numbers {1,2,…,n} in such a way that the absolute differences induced on the edges are pairwise distinct. We prove the following relaxation of the conjecture for each γ>0 and for all n>n0(γ). Suppose that (i) the maximum degree of T is bounded by ), and (ii) the vertex labels are chosen from the set {1,2,…,⌈(1+γ)n⌉}. Then there is an injective labeling of V(T) such that the absolute differences on the edges are pairwise distinct. In particular, asymptotically almost all trees on n vertices admit such a labeling. The proof proceeds by showing that a certain very natural randomized algorithm produces a desired labeling with high probability.
A mediation analysis for a nonrare dichotomous outcome with sequentially ordered multiple mediators
Authors: Lai En‐Yu , Shih Stephannie , Huang Yen‐Tsung , Wang Shunping
Published: February 2020

Mediation analyses can help us to understand the biological mechanism in which an exposure or treatment affects an outcome. Single mediator analyses have been used in various applications, but may not be appropriate for analyzing intricate mechanisms involving multiple mediators that affect each other. Thus, in this article, we studied multiple sequentially ordered mediators for a dichotomous outcome and presented the identifiability assumptions for the path‐specific effects on the outcome, that is, the effect of an exposure on the outcome mediated by a specific set of mediators. We proposed a closed‐form estimator for the path‐specific effects by modeling the dichotomous outcome using a probit model. Asymptotic variance of the proposed estimator is derived and can be approximated via delta method or bootstrapping. Simulations under a finite sample showed the validity of our method in capturing the path‐specific effects when the probability of each potential counterfactual outcome is not small and demonstrated the utility of a computationally efficient alternative to bootstrapping for calculating variance. The method is applied to investigate the effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome on live birth rates mediated by estradiol levels and the number of oocytes retrieved in a large electronic in vitro fertilization database. We implemented the method into an R package SOMM, which is available at https://github.com/roqe/SOMM.
Cover Image, Volume 7, Issue 2
Authors: Chen Zuyu , Zhang Qiang , Chen Shujing , Wang Lin , Zhou Xingbo
Published: February 2020

The cover image is based on the Focus Article Evaluation of barrier lake breach floods: Insights from recent case studies in China, by Zuyu Chen, Qiang Zhang, Shujing Chen, Lin Wang, and Xingbo Zhou. https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1408

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Degradation of azo dye Acid Red 14 (AR14) from aqueous solution using H2O2/nZVI and S2O82–/nZVI processes in the presence of UV irradiation
Authors: Samarghandi Mohammad Reza , Dargahi Abdollah , Zolghadr Nasab Hasan , Ghahramani Esmail , Salehi Sohrab
Published: February 2020

Azo dyes are mostly toxic and carcinogenic and cause harm to humans and the environment. This study was conducted to investigate the degradation of azo dye acid red 14 (AR14) from aqueous solution using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) and persulfate (S2O82–)/nZVI processes in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This experimental study was carried out in a laboratory‐scale batch photoreactor with a useful volume of 1 L. The nZVI was synthesized by the sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction method. In these processes, the effects of parameters including initial pH, H2O2 concentration, S2O82– concentration, nZVI dose, concentration of AR14 dye, and reaction time were studied. The results showed that decolorization increased by increasing the nZVI dosage, H2O2 and S2O42‐ concentrations, and reaction time, or decreasing dye concentration and pH. However, a too high oxidant concentration (H2O2 and S2O42‐) could inhibit the degradation. The experimental conditions for degradation of AR14 by UV/S2O82‐/nZVI and UV/H2O2/nZVI processes were as follows: [H2O2] = 10 mM, [S2O82–] = 8 mM, AB14 dye = 100 mg/L, pH = 3, and nZVI dose = 0.05 g. Under these conditions, the highest removal efficiencies of AR14, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total organic carbon (TOC) for the UV/S2O82–/nZVI process were 93.94%, 86.5%, and 81.6%, respectively, while these values were 89.3%, 79.57%, and 72.9% for the UV/H2O2/nZVI, respectively. Also, the average oxidation state (AOS) was decreased from 2.93 to 2.14 in the effluent of the UV/S2O82–/nZVI process and from 2.93 to 2.2 for the UV/H2O2/nZVI process. The results showed that the ratio of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) to COD in the effluents of the UV/S2O82/nZVI and UV/H2O2/nZVI processes after 90 min was 0.63 and 0.74, respectively. These findings suggest biodegradability improvement.

Practitioner points

Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye Acid Red 14 (AR14) was achieved using H2O2/nZVI and S2O82–/nZVI processes in the presence of UV irradiation.

Effects of operating parameters on photocatalytic degradation AR14 dye were evaluated in the UV/H2O2/nZVI and UV/S2O82–/nZVI processes.

Biodegradability and mineralization studies of AR14 dye photocatalytic degradation were performed for the UV/H2O2/nZVI and UV/S2O82–/nZVI processes.
Why and how to investigate the role of protein phosphorylation in ZIP and ZnT zinc transporter activity and regulation
Authors: Thingholm T. E. , Rönnstrand L. , Rosenberg P. A.
Published: February 2020

Zinc is required for the regulation of proliferation, metabolism, and cell signaling. It is an intracellular second messenger, and the cellular level of ionic, mobile zinc is strictly controlled by zinc transporters. In mammals, zinc homeostasis is primarily regulated by ZIP and ZnT zinc transporters. The importance of these transporters is underscored by the list of diseases resulting from changes in transporter expression and activity. However, despite numerous structural studies of the transporters revealing both zinc binding sites and motifs important for transporter function, the exact molecular mechanisms regulating ZIP and ZnT activities are still not clear. For example, protein phosphorylation was found to regulate ZIP7 activity resulting in the release of Zn2+ from intracellular stores leading to phosphorylation of tyrosine kinases and activation of signaling pathways. In addition, sequence analyses predict all 24 human zinc transporters to be phosphorylated suggesting that protein phosphorylation is important for regulation of transporter function. This review describes how zinc transporters are implicated in a number of important human diseases. It summarizes the current knowledge regarding ZIP and ZnT transporter structures and points to how protein phosphorylation seems to be important for the regulation of zinc transporter activity. The review addresses the need to investigate the role of protein phosphorylation in zinc transporter function and regulation, and argues for a pressing need to introduce quantitative phosphoproteomics to specifically target zinc transporters and proteins involved in zinc signaling. Finally, different quantitative phosphoproteomic strategies are suggested.